I normally don't speak badly about Disney, but....God...
Chicken Little
Directed by Mark Dindal
Starring Zach Braff as Chicken Little, Joan Cusack as The Ugly Duckling,
Gary Marshall as Buck Cluck, and Steve Zahn as Runt of The Litter
Once upon a time, in the early 2000's, Disney and Pixar were close to going their separate ways. Disney was abandoning traditional, hand-drawn animation, and was moving into producing their films in CGI animation like Pixar. The first film to come out of this time, was Chicken Little, and my God is it awful.
Taking place years after Chicken Little (Braff) has declared the sky is falling, he is now labeled a loser and a lunatic by the town, and his father (Marshall) shows nothing but resentment. Desperate for his peers' and father's approval, Chicken Little joins the school baseball team. He manages to score the winning home run, and is labeled a local hero. But when he discovers he was right about the sky, he must risk his newfound fame, and his father's approval, in order to save the world.
Somehow I believe, in an alternate universe, that bare-bone story could have worked, if the film took a different direction. But no, it takes about five other different directions, and the result is one mess of a film. This universe of anthropomorphic animals, and the jokes that are crafted from it, are not well developed. To add to that, all the pop culture gags and references come out of nowhere, and just aren't funny. If this film is in a universe dominated by personified by animals, how are they watching Raiders of The Lost Ark or Star Wars? How do they know who Barbara Streisand is?
What's probably less forgiving, is this is film is kind of mean-spirited. The father and how he treats Chicken Little is hard to watch, and makes him a very unlikeable character. A lot of the side characters are very mean-spirited and unlikeable too. On the other side of the coin, Chicken Little's misfit friends, are very annoying, Steve Zahn in particular as Runt of The Litter. His character's sole purpose in this film is to burst out pop culture jokes that miss their mark every turn.
I'm surprised at the famous names they got for this film in addition to the ones already mentioned, such as Patrick Stewart, Don Knotts, Adam West, and Wallace Shawn. To be fair, their roles are small, and they work with what they're given. Zach Braff as Chicken Little is fine. It's not a stellar performance, but it's not problematic either. Joan Cusack as The Ugly Ducking is "okay". Gary Marshall as Chicken Little's father, Buck Cluck, is just not like-able at all.
From a time where computer-animated, comedy films like Shrek were popular, I see Chicken Little as the old guy (Disney) trying to fit in with the "cooler" younger crowd, and it is hard too watch. Thank goodness Disney stuck with Pixar and with what they do best, in films like Tangled, The Princess & The Frog, and to an extent Wreck-It Ralph.
This film is a mess, riddled with annoying pop-culture references that don't belong in it, or in Disney in general. I mean for God's sake, the trailer was a Napoleon Dynamite homage and the DVD cover is a Men In Black homage! I would not recommend it to any Disney fan, animation fan, or even a parent looking to entertain their children for two hours. I remember when I was kid I watched it quite a lot. Rest assured if I could, I would travel back in time, and slap myself for it...
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Film Review- "Kick Ass 2"
Kick Ass 2
Directed by Jeff Wadlow
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Dave Lizewski/Kick Ass, Chloe-Grace Mortez as Mindy McCready/Hit-Girl, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Chris D'Amico/The Mother Fucker, and Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars & Stripes
The general public seems to love the original Kick Ass while I'm just okay with it. The general public doesn't seem to like Kick Ass 2, while I find it better than the original? Am I insane? Maybe, but so is this film.
After the events of the first film, many citizens have become inspired by Kick Ass and decided to become heroes themselves. Dave is drawn back into the world of superheroes, starts training with Hit Girl, and joins a group of heroes called Justice Forever. Meanwhile, Mindy struggles to live a normal life and fit in at high school while leaving Hit-Girl behind, and a vengeful Chris D'Amico becomes the super-villain The Mother Fucker, and forms a league of super-villains to take down Kick Ass and other heroes.
As I've said before, the original Kick Ass is not for the faint of heart. Kick Ass 2 is DEFINITELY not for the faint of heart. While Kick Ass had its problems with an uneven tone, Kick Ass 2 knows what type of film it wants to be. The gloves come off, and it goes for the cringe-worthy, the gore, and the outrageous 110%. There is one scene involving some grotesque toilet humor, which I never go for, but it's just one scene. The action is once again, completely over-the-top and amazing. The jokes are dark and at time uncomfortable, but hilarious. The story is good. It goes to new heights and builds off what the first film set-up.
I got to say, while the Kick Ass character was a big problem for me in the first film, I found him in this film to have improved greatly. The character has matured. He has motivation. Aaron Taylor-Johnson gives a much more compelling performance this time around (Here's hoping he does a good job with Quicksilver, should he choose to be in The Avengers 2). Christopher Mintz-Plasse is better this time around, but I'm still just not a fan.
Chloe-Grace Mortez is again great as Hit-Girl. Jim Carrey gives a subtle but brilliant as Colonel Stars & Stripes. Clark Duke is given more to do in this film as Dave's buddy Marty and the new superhero Battle-Guy, and he works well with the more material he's given.
The rest of the cast is a mixed bag. The Justice Forever crew is to Kick Ass 2 what the Oozma Kappa fraternity is to Monsters University. While one or two of the characters are fun and interesting, the rest just aren't. The Mother Fucker's gang of villains (I can't type their name in good conscience) are insane. John Leguizamo, Morris Chestnut, and Garret M. Brown, as Javier, Marcus, and Dave's Dad all give limited but well-crafted performances.
While we're on the subject of limited performances, I wasn't very pleased with what they did with Lyndsy Fonseca as Dave's girlfriend Katie. Without giving anything away, they really push her aside in the film, and not in a pleasing way at all, considering all that went on with her in the first film. I get the actress is on a television show now, so she might not have been available as much, but it could have been done so much more satisfying to the character and the audience.
Kick Ass 2 knows what type of film it wants to be, and it goes for it. I found it improved in so many areas where Kick Ass came off as a weak film. If you enjoyed the first film in any way, definitely see this sequel.
Directed by Jeff Wadlow
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Dave Lizewski/Kick Ass, Chloe-Grace Mortez as Mindy McCready/Hit-Girl, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Chris D'Amico/The Mother Fucker, and Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars & Stripes
The general public seems to love the original Kick Ass while I'm just okay with it. The general public doesn't seem to like Kick Ass 2, while I find it better than the original? Am I insane? Maybe, but so is this film.
After the events of the first film, many citizens have become inspired by Kick Ass and decided to become heroes themselves. Dave is drawn back into the world of superheroes, starts training with Hit Girl, and joins a group of heroes called Justice Forever. Meanwhile, Mindy struggles to live a normal life and fit in at high school while leaving Hit-Girl behind, and a vengeful Chris D'Amico becomes the super-villain The Mother Fucker, and forms a league of super-villains to take down Kick Ass and other heroes.
As I've said before, the original Kick Ass is not for the faint of heart. Kick Ass 2 is DEFINITELY not for the faint of heart. While Kick Ass had its problems with an uneven tone, Kick Ass 2 knows what type of film it wants to be. The gloves come off, and it goes for the cringe-worthy, the gore, and the outrageous 110%. There is one scene involving some grotesque toilet humor, which I never go for, but it's just one scene. The action is once again, completely over-the-top and amazing. The jokes are dark and at time uncomfortable, but hilarious. The story is good. It goes to new heights and builds off what the first film set-up.
I got to say, while the Kick Ass character was a big problem for me in the first film, I found him in this film to have improved greatly. The character has matured. He has motivation. Aaron Taylor-Johnson gives a much more compelling performance this time around (Here's hoping he does a good job with Quicksilver, should he choose to be in The Avengers 2). Christopher Mintz-Plasse is better this time around, but I'm still just not a fan.
Chloe-Grace Mortez is again great as Hit-Girl. Jim Carrey gives a subtle but brilliant as Colonel Stars & Stripes. Clark Duke is given more to do in this film as Dave's buddy Marty and the new superhero Battle-Guy, and he works well with the more material he's given.
The rest of the cast is a mixed bag. The Justice Forever crew is to Kick Ass 2 what the Oozma Kappa fraternity is to Monsters University. While one or two of the characters are fun and interesting, the rest just aren't. The Mother Fucker's gang of villains (I can't type their name in good conscience) are insane. John Leguizamo, Morris Chestnut, and Garret M. Brown, as Javier, Marcus, and Dave's Dad all give limited but well-crafted performances.
While we're on the subject of limited performances, I wasn't very pleased with what they did with Lyndsy Fonseca as Dave's girlfriend Katie. Without giving anything away, they really push her aside in the film, and not in a pleasing way at all, considering all that went on with her in the first film. I get the actress is on a television show now, so she might not have been available as much, but it could have been done so much more satisfying to the character and the audience.
Kick Ass 2 knows what type of film it wants to be, and it goes for it. I found it improved in so many areas where Kick Ass came off as a weak film. If you enjoyed the first film in any way, definitely see this sequel.
Film Review Throwback- "Kick Ass"
Kick-Ass
Directed By Matthew Vaughn
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass, Chloe-Grace Mortez as Mindy McCready/Hit-Girl, Nicholas Cage as Damon McCready/Nicholas Cage,
and Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Chris D'Amico/Red Mist
Three years later, the sequel's out, and I still don't know how I feel about this film. I don't love it, but I don't hate it. My feelings towards Kick-Ass always seem to flip-flop, but here's my review.
Dave Lizewski (Taylor-Johnson), an average high school student, asks the question "Why has no one ever tried to become a superhero?" With nothing else to do apparently, he decides to become the superhero Kick-Ass. Dave soon finds himself in over his head when he comes across a father/son superhero team, Big Daddy and Hit-Girl (Cage and Mortez), and their fight to bring down crime lord Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong).
The fish out of water story of Kick Ass is fine. It's not incredibly original, but it's harmless. The original comic, which I haven't read, I've heard is pretty dark and cynical. The film is dark and cynical as well. It's not for the faint of heart I can tell you. But on the whole, I find the film to be slightly uneven in tone. At times it seems from scene to scene, the film goes from over-the-top, gore and cringeworthy, to subtle and light-hearted. Kick-Ass is clearly meant to be a gritty, superhero-film parody (Parody might not be the best word), but there are times where it goes to this place where it's trying to be just another superhero film. That being said, there is plenty to enjoy. The action is ridiculous and superb. There's enough jokes to laugh at. The dramatic, intense scenes are compelling.
My biggest problem with the film, is sadly Kick Ass. He's just not that interesting of a character. Aaron-Taylor Johnson, from his performance to his constant narration, annoys me. That and he has no real motivation to do what he does, until the third act of the film. I don't think I'm spoiling this for anyone, but only when in the third act, when Big Daddy dies and he feels compelled to help Hit-Girl finish their fight, does he have any sort of reason to do what he's doing. He says in the beginning "I didn't become a superhero to like revenge a parent's death or anything", he literally just became a superhero because he wanted to. I know this is a riff on superhero films, but giving Kick Ass that almost cliche' superhero motivation would have probably made him a more interesting character!
My second biggest problem, is Red Mist. Another character that's not very interesting. His motivation to become a superhero are not worthwhile, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse I don't enjoy as an actor. He's really just a plot device for Mark Strong's character, who on the other hand, gave a good performance in this film.
Do I even need to say how awesome Nic Cage and Chloe-Grace Mortez are in this film as Big Daddy and Hit Girl? They're over-the-top, they're well written, they're performances draw you in from the beginning. They are the best parts of this film.
So, Kick Ass is an uneven film, but would I ever tell someone to not watch it? Absolutely not. There is plenty to enjoy this film, despite its uneven tone and its unfavorable casting choices.
Kick-Ass 2 on the other hand...
Directed By Matthew Vaughn
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass, Chloe-Grace Mortez as Mindy McCready/Hit-Girl, Nicholas Cage as Damon McCready/Nicholas Cage,
and Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Chris D'Amico/Red Mist
Three years later, the sequel's out, and I still don't know how I feel about this film. I don't love it, but I don't hate it. My feelings towards Kick-Ass always seem to flip-flop, but here's my review.
Dave Lizewski (Taylor-Johnson), an average high school student, asks the question "Why has no one ever tried to become a superhero?" With nothing else to do apparently, he decides to become the superhero Kick-Ass. Dave soon finds himself in over his head when he comes across a father/son superhero team, Big Daddy and Hit-Girl (Cage and Mortez), and their fight to bring down crime lord Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong).
The fish out of water story of Kick Ass is fine. It's not incredibly original, but it's harmless. The original comic, which I haven't read, I've heard is pretty dark and cynical. The film is dark and cynical as well. It's not for the faint of heart I can tell you. But on the whole, I find the film to be slightly uneven in tone. At times it seems from scene to scene, the film goes from over-the-top, gore and cringeworthy, to subtle and light-hearted. Kick-Ass is clearly meant to be a gritty, superhero-film parody (Parody might not be the best word), but there are times where it goes to this place where it's trying to be just another superhero film. That being said, there is plenty to enjoy. The action is ridiculous and superb. There's enough jokes to laugh at. The dramatic, intense scenes are compelling.
My biggest problem with the film, is sadly Kick Ass. He's just not that interesting of a character. Aaron-Taylor Johnson, from his performance to his constant narration, annoys me. That and he has no real motivation to do what he does, until the third act of the film. I don't think I'm spoiling this for anyone, but only when in the third act, when Big Daddy dies and he feels compelled to help Hit-Girl finish their fight, does he have any sort of reason to do what he's doing. He says in the beginning "I didn't become a superhero to like revenge a parent's death or anything", he literally just became a superhero because he wanted to. I know this is a riff on superhero films, but giving Kick Ass that almost cliche' superhero motivation would have probably made him a more interesting character!
My second biggest problem, is Red Mist. Another character that's not very interesting. His motivation to become a superhero are not worthwhile, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse I don't enjoy as an actor. He's really just a plot device for Mark Strong's character, who on the other hand, gave a good performance in this film.
Do I even need to say how awesome Nic Cage and Chloe-Grace Mortez are in this film as Big Daddy and Hit Girl? They're over-the-top, they're well written, they're performances draw you in from the beginning. They are the best parts of this film.
So, Kick Ass is an uneven film, but would I ever tell someone to not watch it? Absolutely not. There is plenty to enjoy this film, despite its uneven tone and its unfavorable casting choices.
Kick-Ass 2 on the other hand...
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Film Review- "Man of Steel"
Man of Steel
Directed by Zack Snyder
Starring Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Kal-El, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as Zod, and Russell Crow as Jor-El
I know this movie came out awhile ago, but frankly when I saw it back in June, I was struggling to decide wether or not I really enjoyed it. Well after letting it sit for a few months, I can honestly say that Man of Steel is the best Superman film to date.
Given the dated cheesiness of the original Christopher Reeves films and the....I don't even know-ness of Superman Returns, I realize that might not be saying too much. Well anyway, as you can imagine, the film chronicles the life of The Last Son of Krypton. As a baby, Kal-El arrives on Earth, is adopted by the Kent's, and takes the name Clark Kent (Cavill). As he grows into a young man, he travels the world, trying to find his place among humans. Meanwhile, Lois Lane (Adams) is trying to track down and identify him, and a threat from Krypton remerges in the form of General Zod (Shannon).
While much of the typical Superman origin story is what makes this film, they do bring some new aspects to it. Namely Clark's early days as a nomad/wandering hero, the element of a new Krypton on Earth, and the government's unease with Superman. They're interesting plot points and do breathe some new life into the script. The script on a whole however, has some problems.
Our time on Krypton and the first act is rushed and underdeveloped. Some viewers, myself included, might not fully understand the Krypton backstory until Jor-El explains it to Clark in Act Two. The same can be said for Zod's mission and what he's after. That, and there are some moments, story-wise and visually, that are just too silly. These moments hark back to the Christopher Reeve days of Superman, and just don't fit in with this gritty, more realistic version of Superman Snyder has crafted.
The performances in the film are fantastic. Henry Cavill is the perfect Superman. Amy Adams is the perfect Lois Lane. Michael Shannon is the ultimate villain as Zod. Russell Crowe shines as Jor-El. Kevin Costner is, decent, as John Kent (I'm sorry but it just always seems to me like Kevin Costner doesn't care). Even the supporting cast like Henry Lennix and Christopher Meloni are great additions.
The visuals are great. Hans Zimmer's score is great. I can't deny this is a well-made film. I can't ignore the fact that at times Snyder goes for style over substance though, and with the upcoming sequel (Where Superman teams up with BATMAN!!!), they need to fix that problem. On a whole though, Man of Steel is another enjoyable superhero film. It may not have the power of The Dark Knight or The Avengers, but it will certainly stay fresh in viewer's minds for a few years to come.
Directed by Zack Snyder
Starring Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Kal-El, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as Zod, and Russell Crow as Jor-El
I know this movie came out awhile ago, but frankly when I saw it back in June, I was struggling to decide wether or not I really enjoyed it. Well after letting it sit for a few months, I can honestly say that Man of Steel is the best Superman film to date.
Given the dated cheesiness of the original Christopher Reeves films and the....I don't even know-ness of Superman Returns, I realize that might not be saying too much. Well anyway, as you can imagine, the film chronicles the life of The Last Son of Krypton. As a baby, Kal-El arrives on Earth, is adopted by the Kent's, and takes the name Clark Kent (Cavill). As he grows into a young man, he travels the world, trying to find his place among humans. Meanwhile, Lois Lane (Adams) is trying to track down and identify him, and a threat from Krypton remerges in the form of General Zod (Shannon).
While much of the typical Superman origin story is what makes this film, they do bring some new aspects to it. Namely Clark's early days as a nomad/wandering hero, the element of a new Krypton on Earth, and the government's unease with Superman. They're interesting plot points and do breathe some new life into the script. The script on a whole however, has some problems.
Our time on Krypton and the first act is rushed and underdeveloped. Some viewers, myself included, might not fully understand the Krypton backstory until Jor-El explains it to Clark in Act Two. The same can be said for Zod's mission and what he's after. That, and there are some moments, story-wise and visually, that are just too silly. These moments hark back to the Christopher Reeve days of Superman, and just don't fit in with this gritty, more realistic version of Superman Snyder has crafted.
The performances in the film are fantastic. Henry Cavill is the perfect Superman. Amy Adams is the perfect Lois Lane. Michael Shannon is the ultimate villain as Zod. Russell Crowe shines as Jor-El. Kevin Costner is, decent, as John Kent (I'm sorry but it just always seems to me like Kevin Costner doesn't care). Even the supporting cast like Henry Lennix and Christopher Meloni are great additions.
The visuals are great. Hans Zimmer's score is great. I can't deny this is a well-made film. I can't ignore the fact that at times Snyder goes for style over substance though, and with the upcoming sequel (Where Superman teams up with BATMAN!!!), they need to fix that problem. On a whole though, Man of Steel is another enjoyable superhero film. It may not have the power of The Dark Knight or The Avengers, but it will certainly stay fresh in viewer's minds for a few years to come.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Film Review & Editorial- "Monsters University"
Film Review & Editorial- "Monsters University"
Monsters University
Directed By Dan Scanlon
Starring Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski, John Goodman as James P. "Sulley" Sullivan, Helen Mirren as Dean Hardscrabble, Steve Buscemi as Randall Boggs
There's been an ongoing debate among the film-viewing community, that Pixar has lost it's touch. Cars 2 ended the studio's spotless record, and Brave, despite winning the Golden Globe and Academy Award, had a lukewarm reception. Now, with Finding Dory set for 2016, and rumors of a Toy Story 4 popping up every now and then, everyone's ready to say that Pixar has run out of originality and finally gotten the sequel bug.
So with all that in everyone's minds, and the fact that it was a prequel to one of Pixar's original classics, Monsters University was released this June. Set years before Monsters Inc, young Mike Wazowski (Crystal) heads off to attend the titular university, with big dreams of becoming a great scarer. He soon finds a rival in classmate (and future best friend) James P. Sullivan, or Sulley (Goodman). While Mike is hard-worker, Sulley is a slacker, and has had everything handed to him in life.
Their rivalry takes a turn for the worse, when it gets them kicked out of the school's scaring program. Then, when the annual greek-life Scare Games comes along, Mike and Sulley attempt to put aside their differences and team up with the misfit fraternity Oozma Kappa to enter the games. The frightening, headstrong Dean Hardscrabble (Mirren) allows them to enter, on the condition of if they lose, they leave Monsters University.
So that's the plot. I'll be honest, it's not that original. It's no different than any other story we've seen in other college films, from Revenge of The Nerds to every college film that has come after it and before Monsters University. The Oozma Kappa members don't offer too much. There were five of them and I enjoyed two of them for the most part. It's not what we've come to expect from Pixar, it's a predictable film, but it's still a very enjoyable film.
Why? Because of the characters. For most of us, these are characters we love and have grown up with, and you enjoy seeing them on screen again, and putting these characters in these scenarios is enjoyable to watch. It's a very funny film too. There are a lot of laughs, with nods to Monsters Inc that can bring a smile to any fan's face.
The voice cast is great. Billy Crystal and John Goodman are again fantastic as Mike and Sulley, and Steve Buscemi return as Randall is fun to watch too. New additions like Helen Mirren as the Dean, Peter Sohn & Charlie Day as Oozma Kappa members in particular are a joy to watch. Nathan Fillion as fraternity present Johnny Worthington is cool to watch, just because he's Nathan Fillion. Even John Krasinski is a joy in the little cameo he makes in the beginning as a Monsters Inc employee.
At the end of the day, I still love Monsters Inc more, it remains not only one of my favorite Pixar films, but one of my favorite films in general. That being said, I still really did enjoy Monsters University. From that, you can probably guess my side of the Pixar debate is no, they haven't lost their touch.
No I did not enjoy Cars 2. As a fan of the films from Disney Animation in the nineties, I thought Brave was a beautiful film. Maybe if it was released back in the nineties it would have been more successful.
Monsters University, it's no Up or Toy Story 3, but it's another solid entry in their filmography.
Perhaps the general audience in recent years has come to expect Pixar to tackle serious issues and make us cry like they have in Up, Toy Story 3, and Wall-E. Perhaps the general audience isn't responding to the last few Pixar films, because they're not what we expect them to do. Here is my counter argument. Pixar isn't a studio that makes films people expect them to make. Pixar is a studio that makes films they want to make.
Pixar is a studio that allows filmmakers to tell the stories they want to tell, which is rare in an industry that constantly demands filmmakers go for "marketable and profitable", and I applaud them for that. It's why I, why most people have fallen in love with them. I mean, let's be honest, do you really think a film like Up, Wall-E, or even Ratatouille could have, would have been made at another studio? Monsters University, sure, has a familiar story but it has the essence of Pixar. The ending in particular, which sends out a very strong yet unconventional moral to audiences young and old, that dreams sometimes don't go like we planned, is a bold and daring choice we expect from Pixar. Monsters University has the Pixar heart at the very center of its script, which is emulated in the friendship between Mike and Sulley.
Thirteen out of fourteen films Pixar has made have been generally well-recieved, and that includes Brave and Monsters University. So while I eagerly await the next Pixar film, I highly recommend Monsters University now. It may not blow your expectations out of the water, but I have no doubt you will leave the theater with a smile on your face.
Monsters University
Directed By Dan Scanlon
Starring Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski, John Goodman as James P. "Sulley" Sullivan, Helen Mirren as Dean Hardscrabble, Steve Buscemi as Randall Boggs
There's been an ongoing debate among the film-viewing community, that Pixar has lost it's touch. Cars 2 ended the studio's spotless record, and Brave, despite winning the Golden Globe and Academy Award, had a lukewarm reception. Now, with Finding Dory set for 2016, and rumors of a Toy Story 4 popping up every now and then, everyone's ready to say that Pixar has run out of originality and finally gotten the sequel bug.
So with all that in everyone's minds, and the fact that it was a prequel to one of Pixar's original classics, Monsters University was released this June. Set years before Monsters Inc, young Mike Wazowski (Crystal) heads off to attend the titular university, with big dreams of becoming a great scarer. He soon finds a rival in classmate (and future best friend) James P. Sullivan, or Sulley (Goodman). While Mike is hard-worker, Sulley is a slacker, and has had everything handed to him in life.
Their rivalry takes a turn for the worse, when it gets them kicked out of the school's scaring program. Then, when the annual greek-life Scare Games comes along, Mike and Sulley attempt to put aside their differences and team up with the misfit fraternity Oozma Kappa to enter the games. The frightening, headstrong Dean Hardscrabble (Mirren) allows them to enter, on the condition of if they lose, they leave Monsters University.
So that's the plot. I'll be honest, it's not that original. It's no different than any other story we've seen in other college films, from Revenge of The Nerds to every college film that has come after it and before Monsters University. The Oozma Kappa members don't offer too much. There were five of them and I enjoyed two of them for the most part. It's not what we've come to expect from Pixar, it's a predictable film, but it's still a very enjoyable film.
Why? Because of the characters. For most of us, these are characters we love and have grown up with, and you enjoy seeing them on screen again, and putting these characters in these scenarios is enjoyable to watch. It's a very funny film too. There are a lot of laughs, with nods to Monsters Inc that can bring a smile to any fan's face.
The voice cast is great. Billy Crystal and John Goodman are again fantastic as Mike and Sulley, and Steve Buscemi return as Randall is fun to watch too. New additions like Helen Mirren as the Dean, Peter Sohn & Charlie Day as Oozma Kappa members in particular are a joy to watch. Nathan Fillion as fraternity present Johnny Worthington is cool to watch, just because he's Nathan Fillion. Even John Krasinski is a joy in the little cameo he makes in the beginning as a Monsters Inc employee.
At the end of the day, I still love Monsters Inc more, it remains not only one of my favorite Pixar films, but one of my favorite films in general. That being said, I still really did enjoy Monsters University. From that, you can probably guess my side of the Pixar debate is no, they haven't lost their touch.
No I did not enjoy Cars 2. As a fan of the films from Disney Animation in the nineties, I thought Brave was a beautiful film. Maybe if it was released back in the nineties it would have been more successful.
Monsters University, it's no Up or Toy Story 3, but it's another solid entry in their filmography.
Perhaps the general audience in recent years has come to expect Pixar to tackle serious issues and make us cry like they have in Up, Toy Story 3, and Wall-E. Perhaps the general audience isn't responding to the last few Pixar films, because they're not what we expect them to do. Here is my counter argument. Pixar isn't a studio that makes films people expect them to make. Pixar is a studio that makes films they want to make.
Pixar is a studio that allows filmmakers to tell the stories they want to tell, which is rare in an industry that constantly demands filmmakers go for "marketable and profitable", and I applaud them for that. It's why I, why most people have fallen in love with them. I mean, let's be honest, do you really think a film like Up, Wall-E, or even Ratatouille could have, would have been made at another studio? Monsters University, sure, has a familiar story but it has the essence of Pixar. The ending in particular, which sends out a very strong yet unconventional moral to audiences young and old, that dreams sometimes don't go like we planned, is a bold and daring choice we expect from Pixar. Monsters University has the Pixar heart at the very center of its script, which is emulated in the friendship between Mike and Sulley.
Thirteen out of fourteen films Pixar has made have been generally well-recieved, and that includes Brave and Monsters University. So while I eagerly await the next Pixar film, I highly recommend Monsters University now. It may not blow your expectations out of the water, but I have no doubt you will leave the theater with a smile on your face.
Film Review- "Despicable Me 2"
Despicable Me 2
Directed By Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud
Starring Steve Carell as Gru, Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde, Benjamin Bratt as El Macho
It's hard to make a good sequel. It seems even harder to make an animated sequel. When I first walked into the theater to see the original Despicable Me, my expectations weren't that high. The story seemed thin, and it didn't seem too funny. But then, you guessed it, I was very surprised at what I saw.
Despicable Me has a simple story, but a big heart. It's well written, it's comical, and has a stellar voice cast. At the time it was a rarity of an animated film. From Illumination Entertainment, a new company entering an industry heavily dominated by Pixar and Dreamworks, Despicable Me ended up becoming something of a surprise hit. So what's the sequel like?
Well I entered Despicable Me 2 with lowered expectations, like I did with its predecessor. The original was such a special film, with a story that seemed like it was wrapped up pretty nicely before the credits rolled, how could the sequel prevail? What else is there to tell, and could an audience respond to it?
Yes, it can...on some levels. As a comedy, this sequel is funnier than the original. As an overall film, the original stands tall. This time around, retired super-villain and super-cool dad Gru (Carell) is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to track down a new villain, along with a new, enthusiastic agent named Lucy Wilde (Wiig). Yeah you know what happens between Gru and Lucy right? I mean. Come on now.
Well it seems pretty simple right? Not so much. The filmmakers seem almost confused as to what story they want to tell. Other elements of the plot include Gru dealing with little Agnes's concerns about a lack of a mother figure in her life, while also dealing with Margo's new boyfriend, and then there's Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) leaving Gru for a new, more evil job. The script's kind of a mess.
It's hard to understand what is moving the plot, and Gru's character forward. Is it his struggle to be a good father? His struggle to date Lucy and fill that void in his life? His struggle to relive or forget his days as a villain? All these are lightly touched on without any real development, and when we reach the ending (We all know what happens with Gru & Lucy right?), it feels forced and unearned, but at the same we as an audience come to expect it so we don't get bothered too much by it.
Clearly the filmmakers knew they struck gold with the Minions, and they dominate the film. They may even get more screen time than Gru. They do still manage to provide plenty of laughs, but they're almost used as a distraction for the flimsy script. Plus, while the Minions take up more screen time, Gru's daughters take up less screen time. They were the heart of the first film, and when we see less of them in this film, the film in turn has less heart.
But what works? Well as I've said, Despicable Me 2 is definitely the funnier of the two films, Minions and all. The voice cast is again great. Kirsten Wiig is perfect as Lucy Wilde. Benjamin Bratt is cool as the villain El Macho, although the character itself isn't that thrilling (Except for one little gag in a flashback).
So, if you're looking for a film with a lot of laughs, then I recommend Despicable Me 2. If you're looking for a sequel that matches the heart and writing of its predecessor, this isn't what you're going to get. As funny and as charming as it can be, the film just doesn't seem to know what story it wants to tell.
Directed By Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud
Starring Steve Carell as Gru, Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde, Benjamin Bratt as El Macho
It's hard to make a good sequel. It seems even harder to make an animated sequel. When I first walked into the theater to see the original Despicable Me, my expectations weren't that high. The story seemed thin, and it didn't seem too funny. But then, you guessed it, I was very surprised at what I saw.
Despicable Me has a simple story, but a big heart. It's well written, it's comical, and has a stellar voice cast. At the time it was a rarity of an animated film. From Illumination Entertainment, a new company entering an industry heavily dominated by Pixar and Dreamworks, Despicable Me ended up becoming something of a surprise hit. So what's the sequel like?
Well I entered Despicable Me 2 with lowered expectations, like I did with its predecessor. The original was such a special film, with a story that seemed like it was wrapped up pretty nicely before the credits rolled, how could the sequel prevail? What else is there to tell, and could an audience respond to it?
Yes, it can...on some levels. As a comedy, this sequel is funnier than the original. As an overall film, the original stands tall. This time around, retired super-villain and super-cool dad Gru (Carell) is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to track down a new villain, along with a new, enthusiastic agent named Lucy Wilde (Wiig). Yeah you know what happens between Gru and Lucy right? I mean. Come on now.
Well it seems pretty simple right? Not so much. The filmmakers seem almost confused as to what story they want to tell. Other elements of the plot include Gru dealing with little Agnes's concerns about a lack of a mother figure in her life, while also dealing with Margo's new boyfriend, and then there's Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) leaving Gru for a new, more evil job. The script's kind of a mess.
It's hard to understand what is moving the plot, and Gru's character forward. Is it his struggle to be a good father? His struggle to date Lucy and fill that void in his life? His struggle to relive or forget his days as a villain? All these are lightly touched on without any real development, and when we reach the ending (We all know what happens with Gru & Lucy right?), it feels forced and unearned, but at the same we as an audience come to expect it so we don't get bothered too much by it.
Clearly the filmmakers knew they struck gold with the Minions, and they dominate the film. They may even get more screen time than Gru. They do still manage to provide plenty of laughs, but they're almost used as a distraction for the flimsy script. Plus, while the Minions take up more screen time, Gru's daughters take up less screen time. They were the heart of the first film, and when we see less of them in this film, the film in turn has less heart.
But what works? Well as I've said, Despicable Me 2 is definitely the funnier of the two films, Minions and all. The voice cast is again great. Kirsten Wiig is perfect as Lucy Wilde. Benjamin Bratt is cool as the villain El Macho, although the character itself isn't that thrilling (Except for one little gag in a flashback).
So, if you're looking for a film with a lot of laughs, then I recommend Despicable Me 2. If you're looking for a sequel that matches the heart and writing of its predecessor, this isn't what you're going to get. As funny and as charming as it can be, the film just doesn't seem to know what story it wants to tell.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Film Review- "The Hangover: Part 3"
A tweet from myself (@ChrisFlaertweet), on May 2nd 2013:
"#Hangover3....All I can say is Ed Helms, I hope it was worth leaving for half of the final season of #TheOffice #Hereshoping"
The Hangover: Part 3
Directed By Todd Phillips
Starring Bradley Cooper as Phil, Ed Helms as Stu, Zach Galifanakis as Alan
....Imagine you just heard Disney announced they were making a film starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Then you saw the trailers for that film, and then you saw the actual film, and what you saw wasn't quite what you expected. Instead of seeing a film where those three beloved cartoon characters are singing, dancing and having up-beat adventures...you saw a film where they were hired to take a hit out on Scrooge McDuck and steal all his money.
That's kind of like what The Hangover Part 3 is. It takes characters from films of one genre, and then puts them in a film of another genre. In this case, comical characters are put into an action/heist film.
Alan (Galifanakis) has been off his meds for awhile. After his father (Jeffery Tambor) dies of a heart attack, his family and The Wolfpack stage an intervention for him. While driving Alan to a rehab center in Arizona, the group is ambushed by a group of thugs led by Marshall (John Goodman). Marshall has some unfinished business with the recently escaped from prison, Mr. Chow (Jeong), and wants him DOA. Seeing is how Alan is the only one Chow's had recent contact with, Marshall demands The Wolfpack track him down, and takes Doug (Justin Bartha) as insurance. Alan, Stu (Helms), and Phil (Cooper) are soon tracking Chow down all over the west coast, on an adventure that takes them from Tijuana and back to Las Vegas.
First off, this film is not as funny as the original. It's not even as funny as the second installment. It completely throws out the formula of the first two. The humor is actually much darker this time around (A giraffe is decapitated within the first five minutes). If that's your type of humor you'll enjoy it like I did, but the laughs aren't as frequent in this Hangover film. As you may have guessed already, this is more like an action movie than a comedy movie.
BUT...it works. It does have its laughs, and its a good watch. You do retain a general interest in the story (Props to Todd Phillips for all the little ties back to the original movie), you do care about these characters, and you want to see them make it out of this. Especially considering this time around, their predicament really isn't the result of their idiocy, but Chow's.
I don't have much to say about the returning cast members. They all do a fine job. Galifanakis is losing his appeal though, in my opinion. Ken Jeong I find annoying 90% of the time. John Goodman as Marshall is a fine addition. Melissa McCarthy has a funny little cameo as a pawnbroker in Vegas. Not to spoil anything, but some characters from the first film make return appearances, and it's fun to see them all again.
The Hangover: Part 3 is not what you would expect from the conclusion of a comedy trilogy. But you can still walk out of the theater a satisfied viewer. With the exception of the first film, this trilogy won't have that much of a lasting impact. But Part 3 will stay with you for at least a little while, either tickling your funny bone, or just making you go "...Huh."
*Probably some of the funniest laughs will come from the post-credits scene.
**If you were by any chance a little curious as to what it would be like if Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck were hit men...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTSWo2y0NIY
"#Hangover3....All I can say is Ed Helms, I hope it was worth leaving for half of the final season of #TheOffice #Hereshoping"
The Hangover: Part 3
Directed By Todd Phillips
Starring Bradley Cooper as Phil, Ed Helms as Stu, Zach Galifanakis as Alan
....Imagine you just heard Disney announced they were making a film starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Then you saw the trailers for that film, and then you saw the actual film, and what you saw wasn't quite what you expected. Instead of seeing a film where those three beloved cartoon characters are singing, dancing and having up-beat adventures...you saw a film where they were hired to take a hit out on Scrooge McDuck and steal all his money.
That's kind of like what The Hangover Part 3 is. It takes characters from films of one genre, and then puts them in a film of another genre. In this case, comical characters are put into an action/heist film.
Alan (Galifanakis) has been off his meds for awhile. After his father (Jeffery Tambor) dies of a heart attack, his family and The Wolfpack stage an intervention for him. While driving Alan to a rehab center in Arizona, the group is ambushed by a group of thugs led by Marshall (John Goodman). Marshall has some unfinished business with the recently escaped from prison, Mr. Chow (Jeong), and wants him DOA. Seeing is how Alan is the only one Chow's had recent contact with, Marshall demands The Wolfpack track him down, and takes Doug (Justin Bartha) as insurance. Alan, Stu (Helms), and Phil (Cooper) are soon tracking Chow down all over the west coast, on an adventure that takes them from Tijuana and back to Las Vegas.
First off, this film is not as funny as the original. It's not even as funny as the second installment. It completely throws out the formula of the first two. The humor is actually much darker this time around (A giraffe is decapitated within the first five minutes). If that's your type of humor you'll enjoy it like I did, but the laughs aren't as frequent in this Hangover film. As you may have guessed already, this is more like an action movie than a comedy movie.
BUT...it works. It does have its laughs, and its a good watch. You do retain a general interest in the story (Props to Todd Phillips for all the little ties back to the original movie), you do care about these characters, and you want to see them make it out of this. Especially considering this time around, their predicament really isn't the result of their idiocy, but Chow's.
I don't have much to say about the returning cast members. They all do a fine job. Galifanakis is losing his appeal though, in my opinion. Ken Jeong I find annoying 90% of the time. John Goodman as Marshall is a fine addition. Melissa McCarthy has a funny little cameo as a pawnbroker in Vegas. Not to spoil anything, but some characters from the first film make return appearances, and it's fun to see them all again.
The Hangover: Part 3 is not what you would expect from the conclusion of a comedy trilogy. But you can still walk out of the theater a satisfied viewer. With the exception of the first film, this trilogy won't have that much of a lasting impact. But Part 3 will stay with you for at least a little while, either tickling your funny bone, or just making you go "...Huh."
*Probably some of the funniest laughs will come from the post-credits scene.
**If you were by any chance a little curious as to what it would be like if Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck were hit men...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTSWo2y0NIY
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