DVD Review: The Nines by Mitch Emerson

I love movies that mess with your mind; that keep you guessing what is real and what is not. I am also a big fan of movies that have twists in them that change everything you thought you understood up until that one moment, that one situation or piece of information that usually comes out of nowhere and either brings realization to you and the characters, or turns their world and your perspective upside down. When they are done well, such as Donnie Darko, Memento, A Beautiful Mind and even the first Matrix film, we love them. When they are done badly – Nic Cage's Next is the first that comes to mind - they are such a let down. Bad “mindfuck” films, as I call them, leave you feeling cheated in the end. The Nines doesn't. It leaves you with questions for sure, but can also start some interesting conversation as it did with my wife and I.

The Nines is one of those that plays things a little different. You don't know what is happening pretty much from the get-go. Ryan Reynolds, Hope Davis and Melissa McCarthy play multiple roles in a film containing three separate, yet connected stories. The first, The Prisoner, is about an actor who is placed under house arrest. The second, Reality Television, follows a creator/showrunner of a television show in the style of it's own reality TV show, and the last, Knowing, is the story of a man trying to get help for him and his family whose car has broken down.

John August brings all of these actors together with a story that goes from cute to creepy, to confusing back to cute again almost effortlessly. There are only a few times that would be considered WTF!? and those moments still keep you interested instead of pulling you out of the movie. There is also an underlying (well not so underlying - it kind of smacks you in the head at one point) spiritual message that can be interpreted many different ways and yet not be preachy. Hell, I'm not even sure if it was meant to be spiritual or sarcastic or just thought provoking.

This is a film that will take multiple viewings to make complete sense of, but is enjoyable enough that I won't mind watching a few times.

9/10

Keep reading,
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Star Wars: Clone Wars by ME

Clone Wars follows Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi's exploits during the period between Episode II and Episode III. The lead off for an animated TV series which will air on the Sci-Fi Channel as well as TNT this fall, Clone Wars holds up in the well established Star Wars universe, with a few grievances. It's not a bad film, there are just a few things that really hurt this ambitious project.

The story goes like this – Darth Sidious and Count Dooku have kidnapped Jabba the Hutt's son in order to fake a rescue so they can get Jabba on the side of the Separatists. Obi-Wan and Anakin, along with Anakin's precocious new padawan, Ahsoka Tano, must actually rescue Jabba's son for the same reason, as well as to expose Dooku and his apprentice Asajj Ventress for what they truly are.

I know it isn't a very strong plot but this is the lead off for a TV show that is aimed at children as well as hardcore fans. And that is where the problem lies. Amidst rather brutal scenes of clone trooper deaths and massive destruction, scenes of over humanized and way, way over the top humorous battle droids have been added for comic relief. If the pendulum didn't swing so fast and far between brutal and humorous, it might have worked. Well, at least Jar Jar Binks doesn't show up. Another point of contention is the lack of John Williams famous score. It's there, but “re-imagined” or “updated” some may say, but it didn't work for me, at least for the beginning and end credits, that is. When I go to a Star Wars film I want that first, familiar, blaring note to blast out at me and make it feel like I am returning to something familiar and well loved.

Most of the voice acting is spot on, however, the voice used for Chancellor Palpatine stands out like a sore thumb among voices who at least try to match their real life counterparts. Which is really too bad as the voice actor who plays him – Ian Abercrombie, does a decent Darth Sidious, but as Palpatine is sorely lacking. Anakin's voice, provided by Matt Lanter is even better for Anakin than Hayden Christensen, less whiny and a tad more serious while still retaining some of the impertinence from Christensen's performance. And James Arnold Taylor's Obi-Wan brings forth a well set tone of authority and wisdom that fits Obi-Wan to a T. Some of the best work was for Yoda and Padme, Tome Kane and Catherine Tabor respectively. I was surprised to find it wasn't Frank Oz and Natalie Portman voicing them since they had gotten Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Daniels and Christoipher Lee to reprise their roles.

As well as as decent voice cast, Clone Wars has some great animation, even if some of the character design is slightly lacking. The battle scenes are gorgeous, continuing what was previously showcased in Episode's II and III. The lightsaber duels were tight and beautifully choreographed except for the fight between Obi-Wan and Asajj Ventress which seemed a little jerky at times. But, ever since the original trilogy, I have always been excited to see what a Jedi in his/her prime can do and I have not been disappointed with the prequels, and Clone Wars continues to wow me with the feats of the Jedi.

All in all. Clone Wars may not be a perfect Star Wars film, but I will be watching every episode that is aired, if only to see how Ahsoka fairs by being trained by the future Darth Vader. I mean, you know it isn't going to end well right? Some have said that giving Anakin a padawan ruins established continuity, but I believe we will just have to see how everything turns out.

7/10

Keep reading,

Mitch Emerson

mitchemerson@hotmail.com

DVD Review: Jumper by ME

In Jumper, David Rice (Hayden Christensen) is a guy who can teleport. Does he use this skill to help the world? No, he uses it to rob banks and get the girl (Rachel Bilson). But does this make him a bad guy? Not really, although it seems to me that he does have some moral issues which make him a questionable “hero” for the film. Anyways, enter Roland (Samuel L Jackson), leader of a group of fanatics called Paladins, who just want to kill all jumpers since they believe no one should wield such power. Jamie Bell pops in as a mentor who is also a lone wolf type.

Now it's established early on that David has had a rough childhood, which explains why he isn't a nice guy, but there could have been more. Also shown is him watching people trapped in a flood on tv and he does nothing to help. Even though Christensen's acting has improved over his stint in the Star Wars prequels, as a character, I still have more sympathy for Anakin. I mean, David is technically a criminal even though the Paladins that are after him seem to be zealots themselves.

It seems to me that Sam Jackson was just collecting a paycheck on this one if we hadn't already known about his big interest in comic books and sci-fi. I mean Unbreakable and the Star Wars prequels should be hint enough. And as much as Hayden's skills as an actor have improved and Sam Jackson is, well, Sam Jackson, the most believable is Rachel Bilson, who is confused for most of the film. But with the story as confusing as it is, she may not actually be acting. Then she decides she doesn't want any part of David's predicament, which hopefully mirrors her feelings for her involvement in the film or any sequels that may or may not happen.

I know the movie is called Jumper, but does it have to jump from scene to scene? At times, Jumper seems hastily put together and edited. And all the jumping to and from public places, not exactly a smart thing to do when the “badder” guys are after you. I say “badder” as we have already established that David isn't a saint himself, even though he is trying to save the girl. He treats her like crap, but hey, it's the thought that counts right? Some missed opportunities include the dynamic between David and his mother, which would help any sequel that gets made. Hell any kind of character development would help.

While the effects are nothing super special, their use is. The choreography of the fight scenes incorporating the jumping technique adds a little oomph to an otherwise lackluster film. After watching the special features, I learned that the effects were toned down on purpose, which makes sense. As well as the fact that it was planned from the get go that there was going to be three movies, if the first did well enough. Most interesting though is a section called Previz: Future Concepts, which were animatics that seems to be from future movies since they didn't look familiar at all. The action in those sequences is gonna be pretty interesting and should bring the action to the next level if future movies are made. Also a few trailers and commentaries, but since this was a rental I didn't get the chance to listen to.

Jumper is, at best, a way to waste some free time, if you don't have anything better to do.

5/10

Keep reading,
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Cloverfield by ME

Title: Cloverfield
Starring: Lizzy Caplan, T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Michael Stahl-David
Directed By: Matt Reeves
Produced By: Sherryl Clark, Guy Riedel, J.J. Abrams
Genre: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Drama and Thriller
Running Time: 1 hr. 24 min.
Release Date: January 18th, 2008 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, terror and disturbing images.
Distributors: Paramount Pictures

9/10

J.J. Abrams intrigued us last year with a teaser trailer that gave no name, just an explosion in downtown Manhattan and the head of the Statue of Liberty rolling down the street and a date, that was all. Genius if you ask me, but the real question is, does it live up to all of the hype and speculation that followed? I can attest that the answer is yes, it does.

Cloverfield is a Godzilla type movie yet both less and more at the same time. Innovative story telling told through the lens of a video camera found in Central Park by the Department of Defense with no narration, explanation or anything. The whole story is told by the videotape recorded by a group of friends in an eight hour period as they try to rescue another friend and escape the city when a creature attacks New York.

On an intellectual level Cloverfield should not work at all. What little character development there is comes from gaps on the tape where what was previously recorded comes through in between the current action, showing bits and pieces of the two main characters past relationship. The ending really shouldn't work either. It's abrupt and doesn't finish the story of the situation, but it does give closure on our character's part in the story. There is no explanation given to where the creature came from, what it wants or where it's going. You never really even get a great shot of what the thing looks like. And, to top it off, Cloverfield had a budget of less than $30 to $50 million. For comparison, Will Smith's I Am Legend had a budget of $150 million and for the record, I enjoyed Cloverfield much more than I Am Legend.

The “acting” is phenomenal when taken in context. No deep conversations or useless dialogue to continue the story. Nope, this is just four young adults scared out of their minds and doing the best that they can. Due to the lack of character development you don't really care who they are, the raw emotion of the situation is enough to make you care what happens to these people who just happen to live in the wrong city at the wrong time.

Only two small problems with the film. One, the movie is shot entirely with a hand held camera and if you are a regular reader of mine you know how much I hate the “shaky-cam”. But, I can forgive it this time as the premise and style make up for it although some people have complained of motion sickness due to the movement. Two, I know Manhattan is a small island, but still, the creature just happens to be everywhere our group is. I find that just a tad unbelievable, but then again, it is a monster movie.

Except for those two minor issues Cloverfield is one hell of an creative movie that delivers the scares and tension in a whole new way.

I'm Mitch Emerson, and I approve of this movie.

Keep reading,

Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: I Am Legend by ME

Title: I Am Legend
Starring: Will Smith, Alice Braga, Dash Mihok, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Charlie Tahan
Directed By: Francis Lawrence
Produced By: Erwin Stoff, Michael Tadross, Dana Goldberg
Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
Release Date: December 14th, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

Disappointed. That is how I Am Legend left me feeling. Kind of like opening the greatest Christmas present ever and finding that the batteries didn't come with it and every single store is closed.

It's 2012, Robert Neville (Will Smith), is the last survivor living in New York after the “cure” for cancer mutated the rest of the population into bloodthirsty, light sensitive monsters. During the day he hunts and hits golf balls with his dog while waiting for other survivors to find him. But at night, he hides in fear of the mutated population that wants to kill him. Why? We don't know. And, Neville just happens to be a scientist trying to find a cure.

I Am Legend starts strong, with sweeping shots of a New York city gone to seed, slowly being reclaimed by nature. We learn what Neville does every day with little spots of Will Smith's trademark humor. Intermittently told through flashbacks and dreams is the story of what happened to the world and Neville's family in particular.

Will Smith does a great job of carrying the film pretty much on his own, being that he is the only actor onscreen during most of the film. By taking mannequins and posing them in a video store, he creates some semblance of the way life used to be. While this could be construed as crazy, you can plainly see that this is just a step in keeping his own sanity. He does have the required crying scene that seems to be in most of his recent films, but it is understandable in this film and I won't penalize Smith for it this time. Not much more can be said about the cast except for a neat little cameo by Emma Thompson as the Dr. who found the “cure”. Also, fans of the Sci-Fi Channel's Eureka may recognize Salli Blake. She plays Smith's wife in the flashbacks and is Allison Blake on Eureka.

Before I get to why the movie was disappointing, I want to say that the first three quarters were really good. It takes a combination of talents to keep a movie with mostly only one cast member interesting. Director Francis Lawrence coupled with Will Smith does this quite well. The effects are top notch. New York looks extremely creepy, reminiscent of the establishing shots of London in 28 Weeks Later but with the style of WETA's work on Peter Jacksons King Kong. The creatures are creepy without looking too dehumanized.

What doesn't work is the end. Feeling truncated and incomplete, I Am Legend could have easily added another twenty minutes to it's running time of an hour and forty minutes to provide a better sense of closure. I can't say any more without giving it away, sorry.

Notice that there was no mention of any of the other versions of this film. There have been two others, Omega Man starring Charleton Heston and The Last Man On Earth, starring Vincent Price. All three films were based on the novel by Richard Matheson, he who has penned What Dreams May Come and The Incredible Shrinking Man, among others. There was no mention because I haven't seen any of the others or read the book. Plan and simple.

All in all, I cared more for the dog than I did Robert Neville. What does that tell you?

Until Will Smith really is the last man on earth,
keep reading

Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Beowulf IMAX 3D by CD

Title: Beowulf in IMAX 3D
Starring: Brendan Gleeson, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, Robin Wright Penn, John Malkovich
Directed By: Robert Zemeckis
Produced By: Martin Shafer, Roger Avary, Neil Gaiman
Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Animation
Release Date: November 16, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sexual material and nudity.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures International, Paramount Pictures


In the age of heroes comes the mightiest warrior of them all, Beowulf. After destroying the overpowering demon Grendel, he incurs the undying wrath of the beast's ruthlessly seductive mother, who will use any means possible to ensure revenge. The ensuing epic battle resonates throughout the ages, immortalizing the name of Beowulf. -Yahoo Movies


First let me start off by saying I popped my 3D cherry with this film. I had been to the IMAX previously to see Transformers, but I had yet to experience the awesome power of 3D. This film was meant to be see in 3D, no doubt in my mind. The whole world comes alive and you really do feel as if your part of the movie.

That being said, on with the movie review! I am sure you have all read the story/poem of Beowulf. So there is no need to go into the story line in this review. It is a classic story that needs no explanation. So, lets delve right into what everyone has been talking about. No, I don't mean Ms. Jolie's enhanced chesticles. I am talking about the graphics.

When watching CGI films there are 4 things that show you whether or not the rendering is top notch or not. 1. Hair: Usually in CGI movie's they try to get the hair as realistic as possible, but still fall short of realism. This is not the case in Beowulf. Every strand of hair can be seen, even in the facial hair of the characters. 2. Grass: This is another tough one to pull off because grass is a chaotic element. The scenery in this film looks so real you almost feel as if your looking out a window into your back yard rather than watching a movie on the big screen. 3. Water: Realistic looking water is a big challenge for programmers. It is another instance of a chaotic element, with the way water flows and how transparent and reflective it is. Finally 4. Fire: In the past what was done to create the fire effect was simple taking video of a fire and then placing it on top of the scene. As far as I know this was not done in the movie. You could tell it was actually rendered yet, at the same time, it still looked real.

The soundtrack was decent. Nothing all that spectacular to report on it. Just your basic dramatic sweeping orchestral fare. It all fit into the world the movie created. I was enjoying the drunken ballads song by both the king's men and Beowulf's men.

Casting wise I think they did a superb job and got a class A list of actors to bring this epic to fruition. Sir Anthony Hopkins as King Hrothgar was a great choice. It was funny to see him playing a drunk. Ray Winstone played Beowulf to perfection. Another perfect casting choice was Cripsin Glover as Grendel, when you need a creepy freaky dude to play a creepy freaky character look no further than Mr.Glover. Finally, Angelina Jolie was the embodiment of the wicked and twisted temptress that was Grendel's Mother.

Now onto what I didn't like about this film. (Insert dramatic twist music) The first thing was the nudity of Beowulf. I didn't mind him being naked, but the lengths they went to in concealing his mini me bordered on hilarious. At one point I had to remind myself that I was watching a classic piece of literature brought to life and not another installment in the Austin Powers series. Another thing was the incessant need to use motion blur. I get it, the friggen camera and object are moving! I mean really, is their intent to give the viewers motion sickness? I dig seeing the action, not seeing something that vaguely resembles action. It kind of reminds me of when I was younger trying to watch scrambled porn.
Lastly this movie should NOT have been rated PG-13. Rating the film as such just goes to show how far out of whack the MPAA is. This movie is laden with sexual content and gruesome deaths. They seem to think that just because it is animated violence that it is less ugly. Newsflash, animated just means they can really get in there a make it look the best/worst.

I do give a word of warning though, 3D is not for everyone. The technology used to bring the film into the eye popping 3D world may have ill effects on some people. I started getting a headache half way through the flick, but put on my big boy pants and dealt with it. I mean come on it's Beowulf.


Final verdict? Go see it, in IMAX 3D.


I AM “NOT” BEOWULF!

Crobertdunham@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Blade Runner: The Final Cut by ME

Title: Blade Runner: The Final Cut
Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh
Directed By: Ridley Scott
Produced By: Brian Kelly, Hampton Fancher, Michael Deeley
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Thriller
Release Date: Various Dates
MPAA Rating: R for violence and brief nudity.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

The lights go down, the projector hums. Up on the big screen is Blade Runner, a movie that has gained an immense following over the last 25 years, myself included. With multiple versions of the film out there, hopefully Blade Runner: The Final Cut will be the (groan) final cut. I own the special edition Director's Cut that was released in 1999 and there are only a few noticeable differences. Gone is the stuntman in a wig for Zhora's death scene, re-shot and edited in with new footage that removes what some say is the worst stunt in history. They even got Joanna Cassidy to play Zhora again. Otherwise it's pretty much the same as the Director's Cut. So why spend your money to see it on the big screen? Because it's all about seeing Blade Runner on the big screen. If you are lucky enough to have a screening near you I would recommend attending. I love when my favorite films come back to the big screen. See, I was too young to catch Blade Runner at the theaters when it was originally released and to see the final version up there, how could I pass that up?

If you have been in a coma for the past 25 years, Blade Runner is a Ridley Scott film based on the novel Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep by Phillip K. Dick. Harrison Ford stars as Deckard, a cop (or Blade Runner) who tracks down life-like androids called replicants. A group escapes and finds it's way back to Earth and Deckard is pulled out of retirement to dispose, or retire as it's called in the film, this group. Also starring Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Daryl Hannah, Edward James Olmos and M. Emmet Walsh, Blade Runner is considered a classic by most moviegoers.

I really don't think that full review of the film is really necessary but for those who want to know a little more I will say that this movie has garnered so much attention over the years for a reason. Extremely thought provoking as it raises questions dealing with racism, discrimination, the inability to change ones future as well as the question of what is humanity in the first place. Excellent acting and directing by Ridley Scott based on a novel by Phillip K. Dick is what keeps Blade Runner relevant even now. Just an all around great sci-fi movie that will be around (and still relevant) for at least another 25 years.

Now if you are lucky enough to live in or near one of the cities that is showing Blade Runner: The Final Cut, I recommend you take advantage of it as it may be the last time you get to see it in theaters. I've included a list of the cities, theaters and the type of print they have. If you are here in Detroit and know the Landmark Main Art Theater in Royal Oak, then you know that the older theater only adds to the time warp effect of seeing Blade Runner on the big screen, with the old school columns in the main theater as well as the lobby that even has couches for you to sit back and discuss the film with your friends. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! It's only going to be at the Main Art for ONE WEEK ONLY starting Nov. 16^th.

Until the final final cut of Blade Runner,
keep reading

Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

10/26 - Seattle (Cinerama, Seattle - 35mm)

10/26 - Washington D.C. (Uptown, D.C. - 35mm)

10/26 - Portland (Cinema 21, Portland - 35mm)

10/26 - Salt Lake (Gateway Megaplex, SLC - Digital)

11/2 - Chicago (Music Box, Chicago - 35mm)

11/2 - Santa Barbara (Arlington, Santa Barbara - Digital)

11/2 - Baltimore (Landmark Harbor East, Baltimore - Digital)

11/9 - Boston (Coolidge Corner, Brookline - 35mm)

11/16 - Detroit (Main Art, Detroit - 35mm)

11/18 - Austin (Paramount, Austin - 35mm)

11/30 - San Francisco (Embarcadero, San Francisco - 35mm)

11/30 - Dallas (The Inwood, Dallas - 35mm)

11/30 - San Diego (Ken, San Diego - 35mm)

11/30 - Minneapolis (Uptown, Minneapolis - 35mm)

12/7 - Denver (The Landmark @ Greenwood Village - Digital)

12/7 - Philadelphia (The Ritz 5, Philadelphia - 35mm)

12/25 - Boston (The Brattle, Cambridge - 35mm)

1/2/08 - Austin (The Paramount, Austin - 35mm)

1/4/08 - Nashville (The Belcourt, Nashville - 35mm)

1/18/08 - Durham (Carolina, Durham - 35mm)

2/1/08 - Columbus (Drexel Gateway, Columbus - 35mm)

2/15/08 - San Francisco (Castro, San Francisco - 35mm)

2/29/08 - Sacramento (Crest, Sacramento - 35mm)

Movie Review: Resident Evil: Extinction by ME

Title: Resident Evil: Extinction
Starring: Milla Jovovich, Oded Fehr, Mike Epps, Iain Glen, Ali Larter
Directed By: Russell Mulcahy
Produced By: Martin Moszkowicz, Victor Hadida, Kelly Van Horn
Genre: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Horror, Adaptation and Sequel
Release Date: September 21st, 2007
MPAA Rating: R for non-stop violence, language and some nudity.
Distributors: Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Releasing

Resident Evil: Extinction is based on the wildly popular video game series and picks up where the last film left off. Alice (Milla Jovovich), now in hiding in the Nevada desert, once again joins forces with Carlos Olivera (Oded Fehr) and L.J. (Mike Epps), along with new survivors Claire Redfield (Ali Larter), K-Mart (Spencer Locke) and Nurse Betty (Ashanti) to try to eliminate the deadly virus that threatens to make every human being undead...and to seek justice. -Official Site

Resident Evil: Extinction is an apt title. With this installment, the entertainment value of the Resident Evil franchise is almost extinct. Veering even farther from the games on which it is based, as well as changing the nature of characters that have been established in previous films, not to mention the ridiculousness of the setup, all lead Resident Evil: Extinction on an unbelievable ride that hopes to squeeze by you with it's failings unnoticed. Example: The world has dried up, literally. No oceans, lakes or rain. Why? Because most of the population is dead. You buy it? If so, I have a bridge or some property on the moon for sale.

Where does it go right? Effects, makeup and some of the fight choreography and the actual acting. Milla Jovovich still kicks ass with much grace and beauty. I must mention the fact that her face looks completely airbrushed on though. Kind of like what they do to every single Playboy model ever. Ali Larter channels Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2 almost perfectly, all the way down to the costume. Baseball cap, sunglasses, etc. I am really disappointed in Mike Epps in this final chapter. His jokes and wisecracks were some of the best things in RE2, but he has been relegated to almost a background character here. Same goes for Oded Fehr, the commanding soldier from RE2 has been reduced to a shock trooper. The biggest problem is that there really isn't anything distinguishably different between any of the characters. They all seem to have the same attitude. Not through the actors fault though, I lay blame on the director. And yes, if you read the synopsis, there really is a character named K-Mart. Just another ridiculous nail in the coffin of the Resident Evil franchise. Even though they left it wide open for a sequel, almost demanding one, I hope they let this dead dog lie in pieces.

I have said enough about this one. I have seen worse, but I have seen much better.

Keep reading,

Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Transformers IMAX by CD

Title: Transformers IMAX
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Bernie Mac, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson
Directed By: Michael Bay
Produced By: Steven Spielberg, Brian Goldner, Michael Bay
Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
Release Date: September, 21st 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor and language.
Distributors: di Bonaventura Pictures, Inc., Paramount Pictures

Ok, so I know we put up a Transformers review already, but now we get to see it in glorious IMAX. Let me tell you, it was glorious. Big @$$ robots on a big @$$ screen. When I had originally seen the movie I had a few complaints about how the “motion blur” effect was overused. At times, the action was hard to see due to the fast pace of the camera work.

All of that is gone in the new IMAX release. The picture was crisper and smoother, and the action was just plain beautiful. Of course I am sure most movies would look great on a 60 by 80 foot screen. Thats at least double the height of a normal screen.

Then you tap into the soundtrack of the movie, even Lincoln Park sounded good to me. 12,000 watts of sound from over forty speakers really helps to put you inside the film. At a couple of points in the movie Ironhide shoots off his EMP cannon and the sound just resonated through my bones and teeth.

Also there was an additional 5 minutes added to the IMAX version. Now I warn you, I dunno how much of it you will notice. Only two scenes stand out profoundly in my head that were added. Plus they slowed down one a bit so it looked a lot better.

If you have the means, go see it in IMAX. It's worth it.

Oh, I almost forgot. I saw a wicked trailer for Beowulf on the IMAX screen.

It is going to be in 3D . Thats right, get your geek on. This movie looked slicker than snot up on the IMAX screen, I can't even begin to imagine it in 3D up there.

Till we meet again,

Bong bah weep granah mini mimi nini

C. Robert Dunham

Movie Review: Sunshine by ME

Title: Sunshine
Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans, Troy Garity, Rose Byrne
Directed By: Danny Boyle
Produced By: Andrew Macdonald, Bernard Bellew
Genre: Action/Adventure, Art/Foreign, Drama, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Thriller
Release Date: July 27th, 2007
MPAA Rating: R
Distributors: 20th Century Fox International, Fox Searchlight Pictures

When the sun begins to die, a team of scientists - Cassie (Rose Byrne), Searle (Cliff Curtis), Mace (Chris Evans), Harvey (Troy Garity), Capa (Cillian Murphy), Kaneda (Hiroyuki Sanada), Trey (Benedict Wong) and Corazon (Michell Yeogh) are sent to reignite the sun in order to save all of mankind. Through unforeseen events, catastrophes, and sabotage, the crew are in a race against time while some one or some thing is determined to stop them.

On the surface Sunshine is your standard Sci-Fi deep space disaster movie, but there is something underlying that speaks volumes. Sunshine is about sacrifices. Plain and simple. Through many mini disasters you see the crews determination to complete the mission at all costs including murder, sacrifice and downright lunacy. Danny Boyle proves once again that he is on the rise. Although the story is slow at times, there is enough action, thrills and suspense to keep you hanging on for the ride. Towards the end things get a little hazy due to some chaotic camera movements and a blurring effect that I believe is supposed to add an element of the unknown but just frustrated me as I wanted to see what the hell was going on! But, in the end, it all comes together to make for a slightly different take on the standard plot of this type while still packing a punch.

Each actor and actress has at least one shining moment on the big screen. Whether it's emotional turmoil due to a decision that needs to be made, determination to follow through, or a reaction to an event. I don't want to break this down as I usually do, but let it suffice to say that there aren't any bad performances in this flick and that while there won't be any awards for Sunshine, the importance of their mission lends a gravity to each performance.

Effects wise there are some beautiful shots of the sun and it's raw power, as well as other displays of energy signatures and things of that sort. Nothing super outstanding, good or bad. And to me that is a sign of well done effects. You just accept them for what they are.

Final thoughts – while this movie will most likely be attacked for it's lack of scientific realism (I have said it before and I will say it again – If you want realism, watch a documentary), I will, at the very least, recommend it for a DVD viewing if you can't catch it while it is in theaters.

Don't forget to vist the official site at www.foxsearchlight.com/sunshine

I wanted to come with a Little Miss Sunshine joke here, but couldn't do it.

So keep reading,

Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Transformers by ME

Title: Transformers
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Bernie Mac, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson
Directed By: Michael Bay
Produced By: Steven Spielberg, Brian Goldner, Michael Bay
Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
Release Date: July 2nd, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor and language.
Distributors: di Bonaventura Pictures, Inc., Paramount Pictures

For centuries, two races of robotic aliens – the Autobots and the Decepticons – have waged a war, with the fate of the universe at stake. When the battle comes to Earth, all that stands between the evil Decepticons and ultimate power is a clue held by young Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf). An average teenager, Sam is consumed with everyday worries about school, friends, cars and girls. Unaware that he alone is mankind's last chance for survival, Sam and his friend Mikaela (Megan Fox) find themselves in a tug of war between the Autobots and Decepticons. With the world hanging in the balance, Sam comes to realize the true meaning behind the Witwicky family motto - “No sacrifice, no victory!” -Official Transformers Site

For those of you who have been under a rock for the last year or two, there has been a lot of controversy about Michael Bay's vision of the Transformers. From voice casting to the makes of the cars to paint jobs, everything has been in question by purists who hate it when people take liberties with their childhood memories. As a kid, between me and my step-brother, we had at least two dozen Transformer toys and we watched the show religiously. So before you go saying that they changed this and they ruined that let me say, I KNOW! I saw the movie, and you know what? It doesn't matter. Bay and company got the spirit right. Which isn't hard considering it's good robots against bad robots with humanity stuck in the middle.

The story is almost irrelevant in movies like this. It just serves as an excuse to get these robots fighting. I'm not saying that the story line is bad, just that I didn't care as long as the action, effects and general feel of the movie kept me riveted. And one thing you have got to give Michael Bay credit for is that the man knows how to do action. With 8 or 9 robots fighting and throwing tanks and cars around, car chases galore, robot free for alls and screaming jets, Bay is in perfect form. I have never seen better effects, ever. Not once did I say FAKE! or anything. While the transformations had a few too many moving parts and weren't consistent as to how long each transformation took, they still looked spectacular. And to hear Peter Cullen's voice come from Optimus Prime was worth the price of admission alone.

Which leads to casting. Shia LaBeouf has been ridiculed and hated by hardcore fans. But you know what, he is fine in this. Sure there are moments where he needs to lay off the Red Bull, but he is a neurotic teenager who has to help save the world. All while looking cool for Megan Fox, who, btw, is way too hot to be in this movie. Besides LaBeouf's Sam, this almost feels like an ensemble cast. You have Josh Duhamel. Tyrese Gibson, Jon Voight, Anthony Anderson and John Turturro. And Turturro takes the cake as the most useless and pointless government employee ever. Played over the top and out of place, I think that he actually hurts the film. Anthony Anderson takes second place as the second most useless character playing a genius computer hacker. I have no complaints about any of the Transformers voices. While not exactly the same as they were in the cartoon, with the exception of Optimus Prime, who is voiced by original cartoon actor Peter Cullen, all voices work well. Many have expressed disdain for Hugo Weaving as Megatron, but you can hardly tell it's him.

Only two things I can complain about. The little CD boombox Decepticon was just plain annoying. He was too much like a monkey crossed with a gremlin and was just too comical and out of place when put in perspective with the rest of the Decepticons. The other is a scene in which Sam must hide the 30 foot tall Autobots from his parents. It almost degrades into something you would see in a Three Stooges short.

I think Transformers just may be the first big blockbuster of the summer and if you have any remote interest, you should see it in theaters at least once.

Visit the official site here - http://www.transformersmovie.com/

Until Transformers vs. the Go-Bots,
keep reading

Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Day Watch by ME

Title: Day Watch
Starring: Konstantin Khabensky, Maria Poroshina (II), Dmitry Martynov, Galina Tyunina, Vladimir Menshov
Directed By: Timur Bekmambetov
Produced By: Vladimir Melikhov, Mikhail Borisovsky, Alexei Kublitsky
Genre: Art/Foreign, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation and Sequel
Release Date: June 1st, 2007 (Limited)
MPAA Rating: R for violence.
Distributors: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Originally I wanted to see Night Watch because of the effects that were shown in the trailer. What I got was an interesting and slightly chaotic tale of two groups of “Others”: Light Others and Dark Others. Beings with powers such as shape shifting, vampirism, and the ability to switch bodies just to name a few. Each group has a police-like outfit that was created to watch the other. Light Others have Night Watch and Dark Others have Day Watch. Day Watch continues the story of the struggle of these two opposing forces. This is just a general outline of what is going on in both films. Night Watch focused on the good guys, while Day Watch focuses on the bad guys. There is a third movie in the making called Dusk Watch which I am still pretty excited to see.

Great effects punctuate the hot mess that is Day Watch. I say hot mess because being a Russian film, there is definitely a different style to these films. There is a lack of character development that hurts it as well as some confusing plot elements such as multiple mini-storylines and some unnecessary scenes. Plus the ending may seem to be a letdown for some but I believe that it opens the doors wide open for the next film, unlike a certain Nic Cage movie that I won't mention (Next). The difference is knowing there will be another film and not just leaving the audience hanging suspended with their cries of “What the f***!”

Just like the first, Day Watch is subtitled so it is kind of hard to get a feeling as to how well the acting is, but nobody looked bad. Costume designs, set pieces, props and such were great. And, an interesting thing continued from the first film, is the subtitles themselves. If two characters are onscreen, the subtitles are on the side closest to the character speaking them. Also, there is a scene where a butcher picks up a hunk of raw meat, calls a woman a bitch, throws it against the wall and as it slides down reveals the word “bitch” in blood. Many other little tricks with the subtitles help make the movie a little more fun to read as I usually don't like subtitles.

I can't really say that it's better than the first or even equal to, but I enjoyed it and most horror/action/fantasy fans will too, if they can get their heads around the different style of film that is Day Watch. A lot of people are saying that this series of films aren't that good because they are branching off from the novels that they are based on. Those are the people who get really upset if films don't follow the books exactly, so keep that in mind when reading other reviews of these films. Me, I say be your own judge.

Visit the films website at http://www.foxsearchlight.com/daywatch/

Until the world ends,
keep reading

Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Next by ME

Title: Next
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Julianne Moore, Jessica Biel, Tory Kittles, Michael Trucco
Directed By: Lee Tamahori
Produced By: Gary Goldman, Jason Koornick (II), Ben Walsbren
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller and Adaptation
Release Date: April 27th, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violent action, and some language.
Distributors: Paramount Pictures

Based on Phillip K. Dicks short story The Golden Man, Next is the story of Cris Johnson, a magician with a talent that allows him to see into the near future. FBI agent Callie Ferris wants his help to find a stolen nuclear bomb but Cris just wants to find his soul mate. Enter Jessica Biel as Liz. For some reason Cris can see farther than two minutes in regards to her. Why, who knows? Liz gets kidnapped by the baddies and used as a decoy to draw attention away from the bomb. Can Chris and Callie save Liz and the world? Who cares?

Next is a perfect example of a good movie ruined by a horrible ending. If I didn't know better, I would say that I had saw a test screening and not a press screening. With some great effects and some that aren't so great, and an ending that just left me feeling cheap and used, Next will not be the next hit for Cage and Co.

***SPOILER ALERT***

I can't go on without telling it as it is. The last 45 minutes or so of the movie never happened. Yep, that's right. Cris was just looking into the future. Which I don't mind so much as they established that when dealing with Liz, he can see further than two minutes. What I can't stand is that after that big reveal, he decides to do things differently and help Ferris from that point and that is the end. We never find out how things actually turn out!

***END SPOILER***

Cage plays the everyman very well. He isn't extremely handsome, doesn't have a radio announcer voice, but he does have a bit of charisma. In Next he is a bit of a schlub (you have to be to be a performer in Vegas don't you?) and is not above using his ability for personal gain. Julianne Moore isn't quite on top of her game here but with a plot as out there as this one it doesn't really harm the overall effect of the film. Biels performance is good but lacking development and I find it kind of absurd that she falls in love for Cris in one day and is willing to wait a week or even a month for him, but that is a standard in movies today.

All in all a very frustrating film because it really tries to be a good movie. It just needs an extra 15 minutes to finish everything up. I cannot recommend this movie whole heartedly but if you do decide to see it be warned that you may find the end extremely disappointing. It actually ruined the film for me.

(Insert something witty here)
Keep reading,
Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: InZerO by ME

At first glance, InZerO is a story about a group of couriers in a desolate future where an as yet unknown event has taken two thirds of the population. Those that are left are unable to have children. Alien refugees have come to Earth and with them they bring a blend of magic and science. But what InZerO is really about is one man bringing hope to a world that really needs it. Many will try to stop him and his friends including street gangs, corrupt governments, and even aliens! Will they succeed? I don't know yet dammit, there is one more episode to go! See, InZerO isn't a movie, it's a series of twelve twenty minute episodes. With eleven finished episodes and one more to be released next month AND a full length feature film in the works, InZerO has left quite a few unanswered questions.



InZerO is an extremely independent project started just over a year ago by Thought Collide Productions as an ongoing learning experience for local filmmakers here in Detroit. And you can definitely see the quality improve with each progressive episode. Jamie Sonderman and Thought Collide has created a series that, while it takes a few episodes to grab you, you will want to know how it turns out. Some episodes are hit and miss, while some are intriguing and can keep you on the edge of your seat, especially episodes 9-11. That's when the story finally starts to gain cohesion and the threads start to come together as a whole.



Casting – There are way too many players in this series to mention them all, so I will comment on the standouts, both good and bad. The good is, of course, the lead Jonny Victor as Thames. Carrying the weight of an ongoing series is no easy task, and you can literally see him and most of the cast learn to carry that burden. Thames's rapport with his navigator Erol provides some of the most entertaining scenes. Some other standouts to my untrained eye are Vincent Rasnick as Maddox, Thames's brother and leader of the street gang known as the Wolves, impressed me when the chance for him to do the right thing comes in later episodes. Other honorable mentions include the rest of the couriers – Mare Costello (Marilee, Thames's closest friend), Caleb Gilbert (Cal, the trustworthy old hat of the group), Sonja Ribicki, (Raimi, the militaristic bad ass), P.J. Jacokes (Chapman, the asshole of the bunch who lightens up eventually) and their Master Courier Quint (Scott Norman), who is way underused in my opinion. Some of the actors seem very wooden, two come to mind but I'll be nice and not say anything. The one I do want to mention is more of a "what the?" type of thing. And that is Jack, played by Art Greenia. In early episodes he was great, tossing lines with feeling and a cadence that eerily reminded me of Alley Hallet from the series Angel. In a later episode there is a pivotal scene where it seems like he is reading lines straight from queue cards, in a monotone and with less feeling than a brick. I know, these independent endeavors must be taken with a grain of salt, but it was really strange to see an actor who had nailed it earlier perform so differently later on.



Even with it's flaws, InZerO is an entertaining and educational series. The only other thing I can really say, which should say it all, is that I will be at the Royal Oak Main Art Theater on May first to see the final episode before the full length feature InZerO: Fragile Wings goes into production. Although it is great to see Detroit used in a series, it saddens me to say that there isn't much set dressing that needs to be done to make Detroit look like a post-apocalyptic city. Utilizing the abundance of dilapidated industrial complexes as sets, InZerO is drawing attention to a side of Detroit that doesn't help the reputation of our city very much. Sure there are a few nice locations used such as the Spirit of Hope Church, a few beautiful private homes, and the closed down Belle Isle Aquarium. But not enough to balance the not-so-pretty locations. Hopefully with Fragile Wings, we get to see a brighter side of the city as the movie is going to deal with events before the current series's timeline.

For more info visit www.myspace.com/inzero or www.thebrokenfuture.com.

Until Detroit is used as Paradise,
keep reading.
Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Ghost Rider by ME

Title: Ghost Rider
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Wes Bentley, Eva Mendes, Matthew Long, Peter Fonda
Directed By: Mark Steven Johnson
Produced By: David S. Goyer, Stan Lee, Gary Foster
Genre: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Horror, Thriller and Adaptation
Release Date: February 16th, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for horror violence and disturbing images
Distributors: Sony Pictures Releasing

In Columbia Pictures' action adventure Ghost Rider superstar motorcycle stunt rider Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) strikes a deal with the vile Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda) for the most precious of commodities, his immortal soul. Now Johnny Blaze is forever destined to ride night after night as the host to the powerful supernatural entity known as the Ghost Rider. -Official Site

The first thing you have to remember about Ghost Rider is that it is based on a comic book. The second thing you have to remember is that it's a movie based on a comic book about a guy with a flaming skull that goes around killing bad guys by staring into their eyes with his Penance Stare. The third thing you have to remember is that this was written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson, the same guy who wrote and directed Daredevil and wrote Elektra. That being said, you can now sit back and enjoy Ghost Rider for what it is. A pretty faithful adaptation of a Marvel comic that is a big improvement over Johnson's previous films. With just enough humor to keep you from thinking to hard about the fact that the main character is a flaming skeleton on a motorcycle without being too over the top or cheesy. With good action, great effects, and a stellar job by the cast, Ghost Rider won't win any academy awards, but you will be in for a wild ride.

Nicolas Cage, a long time Ghost Rider fan, has impressed even me this time around. Now I like Cage, but he is an actor that only shines in certain types of parts. His style was perfect for Raising Arizona and Lord of War, but otherwise he either thinks he is Elvis Presley or is just kind of wooden in his performances. Or at the very least one of those actors who only seems to play himself. He plays Johnny Blaze/ Ghost Rider perfectly. He gets the character and what he is about. The pairing of Nicolas Cage and Donal Logue for the first part of the film brings a feeling of camaraderie and provides some good comedic opportunities that makes the film a little more believable. Eva Mendes, the love interest/damsel in distress is a very beautiful girl, but there isn't much development to her character. Here's how it goes. Boy leaves girl, girl interviews boy 10-15 years later, boy falls for girl, girl finds out boy is a monster, girl doesn't care, girl helps boy save the world, boy leaves girl. So, with Eva, just watch the cleavage. On to the baddies. Mephistopheles, played by Peter Fonda, is appropriately creepy as the Devil for the short amount of screen time he gets. He is really only in the movie at the beginning and the end. The real villain of the story is Blackheart, played by Wes Bentley. I have only seen him in American Beauty and while my wife says he did a good job, I think he only has one expression and that is sullen. But with the makeup and cg effects he does pull off the villain. There are a few other baddies but they get dispatched pretty quickly. And how could I forget Sam Eliott? He plays Caretaker, the wise old guide and narrator who is there to tell Johnny just what in the hell is going on. Gotta love that voice.

I want to touch on the effects here. It goes without saying that they are brilliant but there are a few worth mentioning. The transformations of Johnny and his bike to and from Ghost Rider are just plain awesome. With blisters and patches of bone showing through you really feel his pain. And there is one transformation back to Johnny where you see the brow of the skull through Cages face that makes you realize that this isn't your normal comic book hero. The shots of Blackheart killing people are pretty slick as well. If you are a fan of effects then this movie is worth it for those alone.

As a comic book fan I will admit that I am slightly biased, I like any comic book movie. Ever heard of the movie Faust? No? I didn't think so. So I may overlook some of the problems with Ghost Rider but there are a few I want to point out. The story of the missing contract just barely serves to tie the movie together. I mean, you don't get a real good idea of what will happen if the bad guys win. I already mentioned the lack of some characters development and not to contradict that, but the first half of the movie seemed to go rather slow with background story and character setup, at least as far as Johnny Blaze's story goes. But when Ghost Rider does show, it's off to the races where the story seems to move along a little too fast. I think there could have been a better balance there. And where was Stan Lee?

All in all, you will either “get” what Ghost Rider is about or not. There are many different things this movie does well, but as a whole, it could have been done a little better. For you comic fans out there, let's hope there is a Spirits of Vengeance movie out there somewhere. I mean what would be better than one Ghost Rider? Three or four of 'em, right? Anyways, Ghost Rider will definitely be added to my DVD collection just for the effects.

At least Cage didn't get to be Superman.

Keep reading,
Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Best Lines:

Caretaker: You are alright?
Johnny Blaze: Yeah, I'm good. I feel like my skull is on fire, but I'm good.