"Cool Runnings means "Be the Journey'"
With that, the story of the first Jamaican bobsled team unfolds in this Disney release. This movie can probably be divided into three main parts. The first part takes place in Jamaica as we are introduced to our characters, and they in turn are introduced to the idea of forming the bobsled team. Rather quickly we meet our four main characters, Derise, Yule, Junior and Sanka as well as their coach Irv played by the hilarious John Candy.
Our second portion of the film provides many hilarious antics as the now formed, and partially trained team arrives in Canada. We follow the group as they finally get a chance to start practising with a real sled and on the tracks they will compete upon. During this part, we also get to see our characters grow and become closer to each other over the course of things.
Our final part consists of the men as they compete in the Olympics. However it's hardly the peaceful journey as they are not viewed as equals by the other sled teams. This causes them to have a rigid relationship with the Swiss team in particular. Internal conflicts also arise as Irv's past catches up with him and threatens the teams qualifications in the Olympics.
Cool Runnings is a fun film, and is refreshing in the way that it covers a sport we haven't already seen a hundred times. All of our characters are fairly enjoyable, save for Sanka's voice in my own opinion, however to me John Candy stands out as one of the best things about this film.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Punisher: War Zone
The Punisher, oddly enough a fitting title given how much of a punishment watching this film can be. Not so much a sequel to the original Punisher, for some reason Marvel decided to reboot things instead.
Now, the film can be entertaining but it still lacks a lot of depth. All of the shootouts are so over the top it gets a bit silly. Our lead, Frank Castle, barely shows any emotion. Now while this might be just part of the character, the actor who portrays him still can't seem to really make the man likeable enough. Our villains are so over the top they make Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey from Batman Forever look sinister at times. Another detracting factor is just how overly done the gore can be for a Marvel film.
Through the film we find that the Punisher leaves a crime boss horribly disfigured. Swearing revenge on him the crime boss renames himself "Jigsaw" and proceeds to do whatever it takes to get even with the Punisher. We also find early in that an FBI agent was killed in the crossfire which brings down some added pressure to our hero as a fellow agent does everything he can to bring him in.
Now, the film can be entertaining but it still lacks a lot of depth. All of the shootouts are so over the top it gets a bit silly. Our lead, Frank Castle, barely shows any emotion. Now while this might be just part of the character, the actor who portrays him still can't seem to really make the man likeable enough. Our villains are so over the top they make Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey from Batman Forever look sinister at times. Another detracting factor is just how overly done the gore can be for a Marvel film.
Through the film we find that the Punisher leaves a crime boss horribly disfigured. Swearing revenge on him the crime boss renames himself "Jigsaw" and proceeds to do whatever it takes to get even with the Punisher. We also find early in that an FBI agent was killed in the crossfire which brings down some added pressure to our hero as a fellow agent does everything he can to bring him in.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Shanghai Knights
When Chon Wang learns that his father has been murdered, he leaves his peaceful life in Carson City to reunite with his best friend, Roy O'Bannon. While the general story is about honor and revenge, it also expands into a long series of funny escapades as the two friends soon become tangled in a plot to kill the royal family of England.
Since the story takes place there are tons of gags and references to the country, starting with the usual Royal Guard one we would come to expect but also find a couple that are a bit more fun later on near the end of the film. Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson are back and at their best as their characters, also joining them in the action is Chon's sister played by Fann Wong. Rounding out the cast are our two villains played by Donnie Yen and Aidan Gillen. All of the newcomers do a rather good job in their roles, and easily hold their own with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson.
The story itself is a pretty basic one, though it is still rather enjoyable thanks to the cast. All of the choreography for the fight scenes is well done, though it has nothing on films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. As far as the humor goes, it really depends on what you enjoy. I myself didn't overly care for a lot of that, and didn't have too many laugh out loud moments. It doesn't surpass the first film, but it isn't terrible either and is a well done sequel.
Since the story takes place there are tons of gags and references to the country, starting with the usual Royal Guard one we would come to expect but also find a couple that are a bit more fun later on near the end of the film. Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson are back and at their best as their characters, also joining them in the action is Chon's sister played by Fann Wong. Rounding out the cast are our two villains played by Donnie Yen and Aidan Gillen. All of the newcomers do a rather good job in their roles, and easily hold their own with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson.
The story itself is a pretty basic one, though it is still rather enjoyable thanks to the cast. All of the choreography for the fight scenes is well done, though it has nothing on films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. As far as the humor goes, it really depends on what you enjoy. I myself didn't overly care for a lot of that, and didn't have too many laugh out loud moments. It doesn't surpass the first film, but it isn't terrible either and is a well done sequel.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Garfield's Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, what better holiday for the lovable feline to celebrate than this?
Garfield's holiday specials are much like the Peanuts in a couple ways. The first is that the animation is pretty simplistic, which suits it really well given how it is based off comic strips. It also does not detract from the story and characters by having overly ornate backgrounds. Even if the ornate ones look nice. A second way is how timeless it can feel. I've been watching these specials as long as I can remember, and I know that I will continue to watch these in the years to come. Even if both are a bit plain, they keep straight to the point generally and have a charming quality.
Moving on though to the special at hand, we are given a pretty common bunch of Garfield strips that are pieced together to form this 24 minute short. We find that Garfield is, shockingly, overweight after a trip to see Dr. Liz and is put on a diet. Sadly for Garfield, this is right in time for Thanksgiving. Also taking place at the vet's office is Jon as he attempts to woo the poor doctor, and actually manages to score a date.
What soon follows is a somewhat slow middle part as we watch Garfield suffer through his diet. We also find that Jon isn't all that great of a cook when it comes to Thanksgiving at least, and manages to mess things up greatly no thanks to Garfield who adds a zealous amount of garlic so that everyone else must suffer with him.
After a few more minutes of slow paced comedy, Garfield is finally given the ok by Liz to eat again. Of course, with the food ruined and Jon's culinary skills lacking it's time to call in Grandma! Before you can say Biker Blues, the Grandma is there and ready to help secretly while Jon distracts poor Liz with the history of Thanksgiving.
While it's not quite as well known as Garfield's Halloween or Christmas specials, Garfield's Thanksgiving is still a rather nice addition to the holiday lineup. The characters are fun and enjoyable, and despite a weaker middle bit it still holds up rather well overall for me.
Garfield's holiday specials are much like the Peanuts in a couple ways. The first is that the animation is pretty simplistic, which suits it really well given how it is based off comic strips. It also does not detract from the story and characters by having overly ornate backgrounds. Even if the ornate ones look nice. A second way is how timeless it can feel. I've been watching these specials as long as I can remember, and I know that I will continue to watch these in the years to come. Even if both are a bit plain, they keep straight to the point generally and have a charming quality.
Moving on though to the special at hand, we are given a pretty common bunch of Garfield strips that are pieced together to form this 24 minute short. We find that Garfield is, shockingly, overweight after a trip to see Dr. Liz and is put on a diet. Sadly for Garfield, this is right in time for Thanksgiving. Also taking place at the vet's office is Jon as he attempts to woo the poor doctor, and actually manages to score a date.
What soon follows is a somewhat slow middle part as we watch Garfield suffer through his diet. We also find that Jon isn't all that great of a cook when it comes to Thanksgiving at least, and manages to mess things up greatly no thanks to Garfield who adds a zealous amount of garlic so that everyone else must suffer with him.
After a few more minutes of slow paced comedy, Garfield is finally given the ok by Liz to eat again. Of course, with the food ruined and Jon's culinary skills lacking it's time to call in Grandma! Before you can say Biker Blues, the Grandma is there and ready to help secretly while Jon distracts poor Liz with the history of Thanksgiving.
While it's not quite as well known as Garfield's Halloween or Christmas specials, Garfield's Thanksgiving is still a rather nice addition to the holiday lineup. The characters are fun and enjoyable, and despite a weaker middle bit it still holds up rather well overall for me.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tarzan 2
Put your faith in what you most believe in. Well, I believe this movie is one giant "Big Lipped Alligator Moment." Essentially everything that happens in this movie is never discussed again, as if it had never happened. Usually sequels, or in some cases prequels, don't always interfere with the story from the first film. Movies like this however just screw with things since it happens right in the middle of the first film.
During Tarzan 2 the general theme is finding who you are. Our child sized hero tries to figure out who he is, since he seems to be failing at being a gorilla. Normally it's a rather nice theme to have in a movie, but "Tarzan" already covered this territory and in a better way.
Coming along for the adventure are Tarzan's friends, Terk and Tantor, as well as Kala. Joining in are four newer characters, a trio of evil apes and Zugor. While Zugor can be a somewhat alright character, the evil apes are rather out of place and seem to just be added for attempted comic relief. Most of their antics aren't really laugh out loud funny, and often border on a bit annoying.
The animation is rather iffy for me, on one hand the backgrounds are rather nice to look at - even if it has nothing on the theatrical releases. While the characters are a tad too cartoon show looking for my liking, it doesn't help that the main characters are younger.
Tarzan 2 is a passable film, I wouldn't really list it up in the top of the sequels released but it can still be an alright movie to watch. In the end, watch the first film and stick with that for it's far more entertaining.
During Tarzan 2 the general theme is finding who you are. Our child sized hero tries to figure out who he is, since he seems to be failing at being a gorilla. Normally it's a rather nice theme to have in a movie, but "Tarzan" already covered this territory and in a better way.
Coming along for the adventure are Tarzan's friends, Terk and Tantor, as well as Kala. Joining in are four newer characters, a trio of evil apes and Zugor. While Zugor can be a somewhat alright character, the evil apes are rather out of place and seem to just be added for attempted comic relief. Most of their antics aren't really laugh out loud funny, and often border on a bit annoying.
The animation is rather iffy for me, on one hand the backgrounds are rather nice to look at - even if it has nothing on the theatrical releases. While the characters are a tad too cartoon show looking for my liking, it doesn't help that the main characters are younger.
Tarzan 2 is a passable film, I wouldn't really list it up in the top of the sequels released but it can still be an alright movie to watch. In the end, watch the first film and stick with that for it's far more entertaining.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Richie Rich
Alrighty, Culkin time! *slumps*
This is actually a movie that holds a few memories for me, I remember watching it long ago as a kid many times. Watching it back then I of course fully enjoyed it. But watching it again, I still do enjoy it for what it is, though my love for it is nowhere near as strong now.
The movie follows Richie Rich, the worlds richest child. Despite having more wealth than he knows what to do with, and anything and everything he could ever want (Including a roller coaster in his backyard) he's still quite lonely. It seems being rich doesn't buy you friends, even if his butler does try just that to some success.
One day, Richie finds that he enjoys playing baseball with some average kids in a back lot and after a bit of help from his butler manages to befriend them. Though I do wonder how much they were in it for all the fun stuff he has, more than they were in it for actually trying to be friends.
While all this is going on, the evil Van Dough plots to take over the Rich company. Unaware that Richie is not travelling with his parents, he blows up their plane as they are flying to England. Luckily though, the father's soft spot for sweets helps him discover the bomb before they can be killed and instead land in the ocean on the life raft.
Taking over for his father, Richie soon starts leading the company with a firm hand and helps to improve it in many areas. However, Van Dough soon manages to take the butler out of the way and takes over the parental rights of our hero. Things soon become war as Richie leads his friends in an effort to retake the mansion and oust the man. His parents and butler join in for the final fight on the small mountain behind their home which has their faces in a Mount Rushmore style. The day is soon saved and all is well again as Van Dough is carted off to jail and fired.
This film is probably one of Culkins best, save for the Home Alone's which are just a lot of fun. I think one thing that helps me enjoy this more is the fact that I have a soft spot for films from the 90's or perhaps just a guilty pleasure. A fairly decent film, despite any flaws it may have and regardless of the fact it would never win any awards. In the end it's just a fun film, though younger viewers may get a bigger kick out of it.
This is actually a movie that holds a few memories for me, I remember watching it long ago as a kid many times. Watching it back then I of course fully enjoyed it. But watching it again, I still do enjoy it for what it is, though my love for it is nowhere near as strong now.
The movie follows Richie Rich, the worlds richest child. Despite having more wealth than he knows what to do with, and anything and everything he could ever want (Including a roller coaster in his backyard) he's still quite lonely. It seems being rich doesn't buy you friends, even if his butler does try just that to some success.
One day, Richie finds that he enjoys playing baseball with some average kids in a back lot and after a bit of help from his butler manages to befriend them. Though I do wonder how much they were in it for all the fun stuff he has, more than they were in it for actually trying to be friends.
While all this is going on, the evil Van Dough plots to take over the Rich company. Unaware that Richie is not travelling with his parents, he blows up their plane as they are flying to England. Luckily though, the father's soft spot for sweets helps him discover the bomb before they can be killed and instead land in the ocean on the life raft.
Taking over for his father, Richie soon starts leading the company with a firm hand and helps to improve it in many areas. However, Van Dough soon manages to take the butler out of the way and takes over the parental rights of our hero. Things soon become war as Richie leads his friends in an effort to retake the mansion and oust the man. His parents and butler join in for the final fight on the small mountain behind their home which has their faces in a Mount Rushmore style. The day is soon saved and all is well again as Van Dough is carted off to jail and fired.
This film is probably one of Culkins best, save for the Home Alone's which are just a lot of fun. I think one thing that helps me enjoy this more is the fact that I have a soft spot for films from the 90's or perhaps just a guilty pleasure. A fairly decent film, despite any flaws it may have and regardless of the fact it would never win any awards. In the end it's just a fun film, though younger viewers may get a bigger kick out of it.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Men in Black 2
Men in Black!
Will Smith is back as Agent J in this second installment and is currently lacking a partner. It seems that ever since K (Tommy Lee Jones) retired, J has been going through several partners and gained a rep for neuralyzing them. This soon changes when Zaranna arrives in town, forcing Jay to go and get his old partner and mentor back in action.
Our villain's is quite prepared and takes over the entire MIB headquarters while Agents Jay and Kay are off working to get the latter man's memory back so that he can be of use in finding "The Light". It seems that he has a history with both the Light and the villain that goes back quite a few years.
Once they are able to get the full story, our heroes bust into their own base to take Zaranna on and save the world once again from being ruined.
Men in Black 2 reminds me a lot of the first one, though it doesn't really have the wonder that the first gave me. It also feels a bit....forced on the humor sometimes going into the more silly range that would appeal to kids. Though as far as sequels go, it's not all bad.
Will Smith is back as Agent J in this second installment and is currently lacking a partner. It seems that ever since K (Tommy Lee Jones) retired, J has been going through several partners and gained a rep for neuralyzing them. This soon changes when Zaranna arrives in town, forcing Jay to go and get his old partner and mentor back in action.
Our villain's is quite prepared and takes over the entire MIB headquarters while Agents Jay and Kay are off working to get the latter man's memory back so that he can be of use in finding "The Light". It seems that he has a history with both the Light and the villain that goes back quite a few years.
Once they are able to get the full story, our heroes bust into their own base to take Zaranna on and save the world once again from being ruined.
Men in Black 2 reminds me a lot of the first one, though it doesn't really have the wonder that the first gave me. It also feels a bit....forced on the humor sometimes going into the more silly range that would appeal to kids. Though as far as sequels go, it's not all bad.
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