The Tree of Life (2011)- Brad Pitt (2)

Director: Terrence Malick

Stars: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain

Genre:  Drama

MPAA Rating:  PG-13 (for some thematic material)

Running Time: 139 Mins

Tagline: None

I don’t know where to begin, I honestly don’t; this was NOT the type of movie I was expecting to go see at the cinema. I assumed by the films trailer, that the movie was going to be reminiscent to Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I really thought that because of the photography, and the fact Brad Pitt was the star of the film.   All of this couldn’t be farther from the truth, this is one of the biggest acid trips I have ever had, and I don’t use drugs, which makes it all even weirder.

The movie tries in many ways to be like Kubrick’s 2001, you will see what I mean by that in the following paragraphs.  The cast of this movie is really irrelevant; they have little to no purpose in this movie. The whole thing concentrates more on the photography and I guess...Philosophy, so to speak, of what might happen when we die. After the death of the brother of Sean Penn’s character (who only has 5 min of screen time) we witness a bizarre combination of wild imagery, combining glaziers falling,  spermatozoids entering the ovary, and  a segment involving a dinosaur having mercy on another creature. At times I thought I was watching a Discovery Channel Documentary on Crack. I guess the Director wanted to appeal the audience with an abstract, non cohesive and illogical film.

For those who have read this far and still want to really know what the movie is about, then keep reading. Brad Pitt plays a father of 3 children during the 60’s. We see through some parts of the film (the understandable parts) how he raises his children, with discipline and high morality.  The kids fear the father, and all they really want to do is just be kids, have the opportunity to play and be like any other child.  Around all of this, we also see Sean Penn, who at one point was one of the kids, walking around a city just looking and gazing at nothing. They even show Sean Penn in a desert for no fucking reason, at the end he meets up with his parents who had died many years ago (I assume, they never clarify)

This whole thing was really absurd, I have a hard time talking about it because I still have no clue what its about. It tries too hard to be like 2001 in terms of photography and pace, which reminds me how fucking slow and boring this shit was.  I only give it two stars for the visual effects, that look superb, yet they are pointless. I don’t recommend this movie to anyone, avoid it.

The Change Up (2011)- Ryan Reynolds (4)

Director: David Dobkin

Stars: Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds and Olivia Wilde

Genre: Comedy

MPAA Rating:  R ( pervasive strong crude sexual content and language, some graphic nudity and drug use)

Tagline: "Who says men can't change? "

Synopsis:

{According to IMDB}

"A comedy in which a married father accidentally switches bodies with his best friend, leading to a series of wildly complex difficulties. "

Discussion

I will admit that I am very picky when It comes to comedies. I have seen quite a few comedies in my time. But only a few have actually made me laugh hysterically. (Dumb and Dumber, Kung Pow, Freddy Got Fingered, & Anchorman) To the list I am going to also add "the change up" a movie that made me laugh uncontrollably; reminding me how great it is to relate and laugh at the things in life we sometimes take for granted.

I got the opportunity to see a special screening of this movie thanks to a ticket I got at an Italian pizza restaurant. I took the ticket, but in my mind I was positive that the movie was going to ultimately suck. Even by the time we got to the cinema me and friends where thinking of cues to say if the movie sucked. However that was not the case. The movie surprised me. No lie; it is thus far the funniest movie this year. I am positive now; that by the time it comes out August 5^th it will have a good run at the box office.

The change up is the story of two good friends who have very different lives. One is married, has 3 kids, works for a prestigious law firm and is on his way to a successful future. On the other hand, his friend (Ryan Reynolds) is an incompetent, lazy, and disorganized man who lives day by day. Yet somehow he sparks attraction with women. Now even though both have very different lives, they envy each other. On a crazy night of drinking they both decide to piss in a pond; while in the pond they make a wish to have each other’s life. Ultimately they swap bodies. Thus the horror for them commences, and the comedy for the audience increases. 

 

After swapping bodies they find out that the pond they urinated in has been take from the area it used to be. From here the movie doesn't stop delivering genuine laughs throughout. Both characters eventually must carry each hers opposite lives until they can find a solution. They also find out that they must wait a week or so until they can require the pond, making matters worse than they already were. Personally I recommend this comedy to anyone (above the age of 18). If you are looking to laugh your ass off, than this is definitely it.   Keep in mind that there are some crude and adult moments which can be objectionable for children; other than that, I see no reason why you shouldn’t pay the ticket to see this in cinemas.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)- Chris Evans (3)

Director: Joe Johnston

Stars: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving and Samuel L. Jackson

Genre: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action )

Running Time: 125 Min

Tagline " Discover The Origin Of The First Avenger"

Synopsis:

{According to IMDB}

After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals.

Discussion

So once again the summer brings us another Superhero film. The question is: Does it match up or improve on previous Marvel Comic adaptations? To be sincere, it isn’t better than Thor but it sure is hell of a lot better than the 2^nd Iron Man film. I think many will agree that Iron Man II was a very mediocre and forgettable sequel. Now Captain America on the other hand is a great popcorn action extravaganza for the whole family. It really is a family action adventure; I didn't see anything questionable or objectionable for children. The movie is actually geared towards both audiences: the new and the old. With that mentioned, let’s talk about the film itself and my overall opinion of Captain America: First Avenger.

First, I was really happy with the decision of Joe Johnston helming directorial duties in this film. After directing the marvelous and yet underrated classic “Rocketeer”.  It seemed only natural to choose Johnston as a director. For those who have seen the Rocketeer you will know what I am talking about. Johnston tends to have a good eye for being true to specific eras. By that I refer to the following- While watching Captain America, I actually felt I was in the 40’s, aside the technology and out of this world special effects, the rest of the film felt of the that epoch. One thing that I believe helped set that tone was the sort of sepia tone the movie has through the course of the film.  I will like to add, that even if Chris Evans has played a superhero before (Human Torch: Fantastic 4) he actually does a good job convincing me a man can done the costume with pride.

As I now get into the theme and overall plot, I will try not to give out any important spoilers. Several explorers find what seems to be a frozen man beneath a sheet of ice, intact with a shield, the shield of Captain America. The movie shortly jumps back to 1942 Norway, where we are introduced to Red Skull/Schmidt.  There he invades a castle, to find an artifact that he describes as “the jewel of Odin's treasure room” now I wonder if this is in fact a reference to the movie Thor. Perhaps it might be referenced in The Avengers. Later in New York, we meet Steve Rogers: a scrawny, short yet brave young man who wants to desperately enlist to the military. However, due to his height, weight and incapacites (asthma, lack of energy etc) his requests keep getting declined. But as we know, there is a serum that will turn the young weakling into a full grown/testosterone built hero.  After his transformation, now that he is capable, Rogers seeks out to serve his country, dressed in the red white and blue. But before he gets to get into battle, he is given a cheap costume and placed in parties for children. Impersonating a true American hero, he plays for kids and family a dance to seek out men to enlist in the army. After this scenario we later get to see Captain America fight the old American way, and that way is kicking ass.

When you sit down and watch the trailer for a superhero movie like this you actually expect an action packed film. In the case of Captain America a curious thing occurs. The trailer for Captain America seems extremely action packed, yet the majority of the film is filled with a lot of scenes only involving dialogue. Now don’t get me wrong, I actually liked this movie, it was very entertaining I give it that. But, for those expecting an extremely action packed film; you will have to wait until 1hour into the film. There is some action scenes taking place before, but the pivotal action scenes occur almost towards the end. Personally, I thought the film had a well balance of dialogue and action. My only fuss was that there are some action scenes that are shown in snippets; by this I mean that they jump from dialogue to action sequences at the same time. Think of it as giving a short glimpse at a fight scene, not showing the whole fight. This issue only happens in one scene though.

As for the special effects of the movie, they deliver the goods. But I heard people complaining about Skinny Rogers. The complaint was that it looked fake. I honestly thought it looked real, I couldn't tell that much the cgi they did with his body. They could have however done what they did with Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button. But regardless, the shirking effect worked fine for this movie, there was only 2 scenes when it looked awkward. The scene in which he enlist for the first time and a scene at a hospital. All other scenes involving the thinner Rogers looked up to par.

The movie is worth watching in cinemas. But avoid watching it in 3D, there is no reason to waste the money on the 3D. Again, after already complaining about Transformers not having any real eye popping 3D, I paid the extra bucks for Captain America on Real 3D…what horseshit! There is only one real scene where you see 3D. That scene is almost at the end where you see the shield going towards the screen….and even that isn’t too impressive. I think this is the last movie I will watch in 3D to be frank with you. It really isn’t worth paying 15 bucks, just watch the regular 2D version, you’re better off. Last thoughts: if you are a fan of the comic or not, give Captain America a chance. If you have read my other reviews on the other poor adaptations of Captain America, you will see that this one is a far superior adaptation. In fact it is the first theatrical big budgeted adaptation of the character. And now for last complaints and praises:  The complaints that I haven’t mentioned, I think the movie had less humor than the other marvel films…at least for me. There was some humor here and there, just kept to a minimal. It’s neither a good nor a bad thing. The other thing is the action scenes are a bit forgettable. Like I mentioned, it isn’t that action packed. There is action towards the finale, but it’s not given emotional depth. Regardless of that notion, the movie is still worth the view. The question now is who will win at the box office? Harry Potter or Captain America? What do you guys think? Let me know!

Captain America (1990)- Marc Sallinger (1 ½ )

Director: Albert Pyun

Stars: Matt Salinger, Ronny Cox and Ned Beatty

Genre:  Action | Sci-Fi

MPAA Rating:  PG-13

Running Time: 97Mins

Tagline: None

Synopsis:

{According to IMDB}

Frozen in the ice for decades, Captain America is freed to battle against arch-criminal, The Red Skull.

discussion:

 

After two failed attempts during the 70's to bring captain America to the screen, studios thought it was time to give it one more try in the 90s. But when you see a name like Roger Corman attached to this project, you know they are not giving it their best try. For those who don't know Roger Corman, he is considered, even to this day, the king of B-movies. He has produced films like Death Race 2000, Galaxy of Terror, Humanoids From The Deep and most recently Sharktopus.  Having that type of producer/director aboard this project meant that this movie is going to be pure cheese.

 

Comparing this movie to the other Captain America films from the 70s... I personally think that this one is in fact better. I mean not better in terms if story or style, but better in sense of entertainment. This adaptation has to be taken as comedy honestly. I couldn't watch this without laughing from time to time. It at least entertained me, as a comedy ofcourse.
Now one of the things I enjoyed most from this version was that red skull actually looked menacing. His portrayal was corny, but the makeup was actually well applied and neatly designed. Unlike the newer captain America in which he looks like a rubber red head doll. However, Hugo weaving gives a better performance light-years away from the dude on this film.

Movie begins with men arriving at a village in Italy during the 1930's. Invading later a house and abducting a child. The child who will become later Red Skull. Off the bat, from what I recall the character of Red Skull is not Italian, he is in fact German. I quickly dismissed it, again I was taking the movie for what it was, a comedy. Then after skulls transformation, 7 years pass. Steve Rogers is off to the military to serve his nation. Without much buildup or real explanation, they put him in the chair and place him under the serum. He  transforms into a stronger, more agile man. Yet I see him with the same physique. In the newer adaptation he actually starts off skinny and then is transformed; Here the "transformation" is not noticeable. After the transformation he faces of Red Skull and ultimately fails. The captain is later tied up to a rocket which is launched into destination towers the White House. Somehow, just by kicking the rocket, Captain America manages to divert the rocket. It eventually lands in Alaska, where it stays buried for 46 years.

 

What I liked was that not much was changed  from the comic or cartoon. by that I measn: He wakes up in modern times to find a very different world, His girlfriend is now an old lady, married and with children. The thing that made me laugh was the make up for the girlfriend. The worst make up I have seen to make someone look older. Yet somehow the make up for Red Skull look decent...doesn't make sense. The movie later concludes with Captain America having to find and save the president o the United States. Who is being held prisoner by Red Skull. He has a maniacal scheme under his Sleeves, but we never really understand what it is or his motives. How the Nazis are tied up into this? No clue. They mention more Mussolini and fascism then they do Nazis.

Like I Said before this movie is to be taken as a comedy. It’s just campy fun. Not to say that the 70s version wasn’t campy, it was too. But this 90s version is exceptional at being what it is: an epic cheese fest.  I you want to watch the movie, I am sure they probably have a torrent somewhere online were you can view it.  This movie has never been released officially to the market.  You can find it on DVD in conventions or at flea markets like I did. I got it on VHS and transferred it to DVD. If you need a copy of it, leave me a comment or email me I will gladly make u a copy

Captain America (1979) Reb Brown- (1)

Director: Rod Holcomb

Stars: Reb Brown, Len Birman and Heather Menzies-Urich

Genre: Action | Drama

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Running Time: 120 Mins

Tagline: None

Synopsis:

{According to IMDB}

A recipient of an experimental body enhancement chemical retaliates against his would be killers as a star spangled superhero.

Discussion

So with Captain America opening today, I was surprised to see the Sci-Fi Channel bothering in showing the older adaptations of the Superhero.  Back to back they gave both TV movies along with the Roger Corman 90’s version of Captain America.  Folks, honestly speaking, don’t waste your time on this movie. This adaptation of Captain America was a failed Pilot, for what was intended to be a new superhero series like Wonder Woman.  Due to poor reception, it never made it pass the pilot. Actually, they used some of the remaining episodes to create a “sequel “to this TV movie.  Good thing it didn’t exceed those two TV Movies, because both are honestly atrocious.

Steve Rogers/Captain America is played by Reb Brown, who I can only describe as a big beefed up guy who looks way too nice. I am serious, the guy may have had the physique to play the role, but the guy comes across as not having enough character. Not only that, the guy is the only one in the cast who can’t act. The other actors are also pretty shitty actors too, but this guy really nailed it at being a “blank expression can’t act for beans” guy.  But worse issues come at hand when we find out that this “TV Movie” suffers from far worse things than poor acting skills. 

But before I get into those issues, let’s talk about the plot, or “pretend plot” of this ridiculed mess. The movie’s premise begins with the introduction of Steve Rogers: a man who has served his country in the military. Now of service, he comes back home to relax and visit the country side and the rest of the states.  Shortly in the film he is called by a friend, who eventually ends up murdered over a roll of film (which we later find out what it was for) I tried my best, really I did, to pay full attention to what was going on…but I really couldn’t. Later for some reason Rogers being a gullible idiot accepts to meet with some guys who calls on the phone, in reference about the guy who died over the roll of film. Once he meets up with them, he ends up in a motorcycle accident. It leaves him “medically dead” but we find out that there is a serum that can bring him back. It seems Rogers is the son of what was considered at the time: America’s greatest patriot….can you guess who? Yes Captain America.  As well, he was working on a serum called F.L.A.G.(Full Latent Ability Gain) Aside from the cool name of the serum, it is later used on Rogers to revive him. Obviously it does, and Rogers gains not only his life but super strength, neat huh?

The main issue I had with this movie, aside the acting I mentioned earlier, Is that I didn’t feel entertained at all. Usually I can sustain attention on a cheesy flick, hell I usually love these kinds of movies…but this time, this one was just uninspiring and plain boring.  The only “cool” thing about the movie was the outfit. It does look outdated and somewhat flimsy, but it looks neat in a retro sort of way, if that makes any sense.  I also liked the motorcycle they give Captain America, neatly it carries a silencer and a launcher for when needing to escape baddies. He ends up using it at the end…actually you don’t see Captain America until the very end of the flick. Now I know why I was so bored, because Captain America wouldn’t appear. Anyway, the way he gets his armor is quite laughable. He drew a sketch of Captain America on the beach; the guy who gave him the serum liked the drawing, so he decided it was adequate for his title of Captain America. Curious, how his drawing is so close to the real Captain America, yet he had never met the real one. So concluding this mess, Captain America eventually goes on his first mission. The F.B.I permits him to go on a mission dressed as an all American Flag...Well you can’t get more patriotic. He attacks Oil Company called Andreas Oil Company, why? Again I wasn’t paying attention, but it seems the micro film had information on a renewable and safe alternative to petroleum. For this, they ended up killing Roger’s friend.  But anyway, avoid this TV Movie; you will live a wonderful lengthy life ignoring this ever happened.