"Taken" Review

***Minimal Spoilers - Ending NOT Revealed***

Summary: Don't mess around with daddy's little girl!!!

This was honestly an excellent movie from start to finish. Liam Neeson (a spectacular actor)plays a former government agent whose teenage daughter is abducted by a kidnapping ring in Paris, France. What results is the most one-sided kicking of criminal @$$ that I have ever been proud to see.

Neeson's character is resourceful & he stops at no moral end to gain information towards locating his missing progeny. In this way, the movie is exceptionally believable: no matter how brutal the actions of the protagonist, you always know his behavior brings him productively closer to finding his baby girl. He's a father protecting his child & Heaven have mercy on anyone in his way...

From a martial arts perspective, the film is a complete thrill. There's ZERO over-the-top flippy kicks & stunts. My best guess is he employs Krav Maga (or Commando Krav Maga) in most of his "dealings" with the animals in the kidnapping ring. It's an exceptional style that suits the subject material perfectly & the brutality of the techniques is a mirror into the soul of a fearsome, angered father. At no point can you doubt how the movie will end.

If you want to see a great movie, don't even glance elsewhere. Taken will hold you from start to finish & the conflict resolution, much like the father's morals, is absolute.

Wanted Review

Not bad at all.

I'm not a Jolie fan. She's pretty but even that is more related to her full lips than anything else (kinda skinny for my tastes). Still, she does a good job in this twist & turn action flick.

There's plenty of good humor in the right places & just the right amount of over-the-top stunts to prevent eye-roll strain. Lots of flipping cars, good explosions & some good gunfights round things out nicely.

An obligatory plot twist isn't the biggest surprise but it does fit the movie & sets it up for a clean, fun resolution.

Overall, I'd say it's well worth your time (as most Morgan Freeman movies are), especially for the jerks in the film habitually getting their comeuppance in amusing ways!

Iron Man (no spoilers)

First off: Stay until after the ending credits...you'll be glad you did.

Iron Man - not to be confused with it's literary cousin, Irony Man - was an excellent flick from start to finish. At no point can you possibly be bored with great action & snappy dialogue. I especially enjoyed the departure from Marvel comics' usual life-sucks-no-matter-what storyline.

The actors all fit their characters well & delivered top-notch performances. Downey takes off (sorry) with a tremendous job as Tony Stark & makes for a completely memorable persona among many who are worth a bit of space in our minds. Even the most life-changing of moments never sees him abandon his basest instincts (naughty as some of them are). Always, there's some comedic/dramatic strain between characters that keeps the audience driven into the seats.

To do the great acting & story one better, Iron Man gives us plenty of dead terrorists - which, as we all know, are the only good kind of terrorists. As an aside I fully support his "kill 'em all & let God sort 'em out" diplomacy.

Go see this movie. No, that WASN'T a suggestion.

Madness?

Stardust

**No Spoilers**

This action-drama was an excellent movie (really more of a date flick)! Basically, we have Tristan (Charlie Cox), a decent but awkward shop boy who is hopelessly smitten with a transparently superficial hottie, Victoria (Sienna Miller). To demonstrate his "love" for her, he vows to bring back a shooting star (Yvaine, played by the lovely Claire Danes) they observed that night for Victoria's upcoming birthday.

Also in the chase, for various, mostly vicious, reasons are Septimus (a sinister "gentleman", by Mark Strong) & Lamia (cunningly portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer). Septimus is ambitious & largely a noble man who believes he is important above all others. Lamia is pure evil: calculating, controlling & devoid of any decency. Both want "the star" for their own selfish devices.

You'll enjoy this movie for the most part. There are a couple "slow" parts but these largely serve to keep a sense of tempo in the movie & do not disappoint. Robert DeNiro, playing Captain Shakespeare, gives an...interesting performance. Oh, it's good as expected. Just a different role for him.

If you're a romantic who loves a Princess Bride-type story without so much of the tongue-in-cheek, this movie will sit well with you. There is humor but it's not the focus of the film. The dramatic story is well done, suspense is ever-present & the climactic scene is excellent. Fortunately, the number of cliches are kept to a minimum & the acting is strong for all parts.

The most important lesson? If a ninety year-old man tells you not to do something, DON'T try to trick him! He might hand you a beating you'll never forget! :-)

Harry Potter: OoTP

(No Spoilers)

Very well done movie. MUCH better than that high school drama that was GoF! Check out Roses' review for a great opinion on this movie (no spoilers there, either).


The acting was better than most previous installments & while some enjoyable parts of the book were cut (O.W.L.s, HELLO?) the overall spirit of the work was there. Any scene in which Dumbledore enters is a prelude to some of the best parts of the film and as a plus, Voldemort wasn't nearly as "Broadway" as he was at the end of GoF.


There was a sinister tone to the movie, just as in the book, and the climactic scene at the Ministry will take your breath away. I'd recommend any fan of the books (duh!) or anyone who likes a good action/drama without all the blood & guts check this one out.

Hello? Jar Jar Binks...

George Lucas apparently called Spiderman 3 "silly".


Hey, Georgie, you remember that trilogy you recently chucked at Star Wars fans? Yeah, I seem to remember three mediocre films that - had they been the first - would have guaranteed the next set never had a chance.


We also can't fail to mention Jar Jar Binks. Honestly, if Darth Maul (Sidious, Vader, Jigglypuff) had just lopped off that annoying rastafarian-wannabe's head in Episode I, I would have called the movies completely worth it.


So, Mr. Lucas, before you call anything silly please consider that you are responsible for the single most idiotic character concept in this, or any, galaxy. What are you going to do for an encore? Maybe a Jar Jar Binks "Life & Times" series?


Get a grip!

300

I just saw this & have to say every part of the movie was excellent! Normally, you have a few points that drag - it's just to be expected. Well, not in this flick.


The movie centers around the king-god Xerxes & his Persian army laying waste to all kingdoms in his path. His courier presents a message to Sparta: pay us tribute or suffer the consequences. Obviously, being Spartans & dedicated to warrior ideals, they're not so accommodating.


King Leonidas, portrayed by Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera) decides he must prevent the impending invasion of Xerxes, played by Rodrigo Santoro, by massing his army at the "Hot Gates" (Thermopylae) & preventing an onslaught which will murder the first embers of democracy. The problem? Corrupt bureaucrats & oracles prevent him from sending the whole of the Spartan force to counter the invasion.


Leonidas - being the ever-adaptable (almost Marine-like) ruler - assigns, you guessed it, 300 men to accompany him as his "personal guard". What ensues is some of the most impressive action in a movie to date. The images are enhanced by the acceleration/slowing of certain moments. This, magnificently placed, does wonders to highlight the fervor & brutality with which the doomed men fight.


Throughout the lengthy episodes of battle you're witness to all sorts of excellent encounters - from verbal sparring between kings Xerxes & Leonidas, a betrayal & finally a climactic scene where you can only believe the Spartans were proud to place themselves.


As an additional little finish, Leonidas utters perhaps the harshest insult to an enemy that would be a compliment from anyone other than a Spartan. You can feel the shame in the pathetic creature as he winces.


There is notable violence in the film but I have to say it wasn't overdone or ruthlessly gory. Sure, I wouldn't take any kids to see it as there is some nudity as well.


It's a great work that offers a glimpse into the selfless life of those who serve. At all times the Spartans are the very embodiment of their traditions - never wavering, never fearing. In so many ways, this film seems an homage to the men & women who serve this country everyday. Though they may be against terrible forces, derided by wind-changing relativist politicians & receive all too little appreciation for those they protect, never do they fail to do their sworn duty.

Here Come The "Magic Wand" Jokes

It looks like Daniel Radcliffe, of Harry Potter fame, will be starring in a stage production of Peter Shaffer's Equus. A scene of which will show him in the buff.


Yep, you can bet it won't be long (pardon the pun) before the "magic wand" jokes start making the rounds.


I'm not really sure how or why Radcliffe (aged 17) has gained the approval from his parents but I'd be willing to bet this is one of those moments in his career where he wants to "redefine" his image.


Well, I guess I wish him good luck on that. I sure won't be seeing that play. I just think it's weird to have the embodiment of a new childhood icon presenting himself in his birthday suit.

Crank

Rating: R
(Brief nudity, Drug use, Violence)
Format: Widescreen
Cost: $16.82 - Wal-Mart

An excellent action move, "Crank" stars Jason Statham (of "Transporter" fame) as a high-priced hitman who wakes to discover he's been killed. No, he's not actually dead yet but has been poisoned by a vengeful rival.


Naturally, instead of breaking down into tears, downing a bottle of Jack & slipping off into sweet oblivion he decides he's going to take his frustrations out on the jerk who offed him.


It's kind of like DOA, except no Dennis Quaid & more action.


I'd recommend anyone who likes action flicks see this one. The acting is generally strong & believable. Sure, the plot is far-fetched but you need some of that to make an action movie work - which this does. The whole thing really flies by & comes off as a thrill ride from the first minute of the movie. That, combined with a dash of humor, makes for an excellent adventure at the movies.

Fearless

I bought this one on DVD the other day & yeah, I'm impressed with it.


The movie isn't exactly like you'd think. Jet Li's character, Huo Yuanjia, is mostly a two-bit loser in the younger part of his life: He doesn't obey his father, misunderstands the concept of learning his family's "wushu" & acts as much a child as his young daughter.


Later, a young man whispers in his ear that Hou cannot defeat the man's godfather, Master Chin. Compounding this, one of Huo's students is severely beaten by Chin. Huo takes this as a challenge to fight and, without asking any questions, leaves immediately to confront Chin at Nong Jinsun's restaurant.


The fight between the two has longer lasting repercussions for both families involved & the tragedy that ensues jerks Huo violently into adulthood - in his 30s.


The movie is excellent. Period. If you haven't seen it & appreciate martial arts or even just a great story which finds it's way into patriotic themes, you need to rent/buy this one immediately.

Casino Royale

Where to start? Actually, it doesn't matter. This movie is one of the best Bond films ever produced. This simply isn't an issue to be debated. Not only are the origins for the world's most famous super-spy revealed in stunning, creative fashion, we also see a character who develops into the modern James Bond by the time credits roll.


The basic story is that Bond, newly minted as 007, is trying to defeat Le Chiffre in a high stakes poker game (Baccarat in the novel - if you care to know). The potential prize is $150,000,000 with a $10M buy in. Not only does the director make this an exciting play from start to finish, Daniel Craig takes the Bond role made famous by Sean Connery & runs with it.


There's no doubt in my mind Daniel Craig is the best Bond since Connery. To be honest, none of the others really came all that close. Brosnan wasn't bad, Moore was good though too much on the humor & don't get me started on Dalton. Craig fits the character like he was born to play the spy. He's a myriad of contradictions: Tough, yet human; Well-groomed, yet gets right in the muck; Intelligent, but with an undeniable brutality.


This isn't the humor-filled, one-liner Bond of Brosnan & Moore. If that's what you want, look elsewhere. Craig is unapologetic, unforgiving & undeterred in his methods. The means by which he puts a target down (who stood to get refuge at an embassy) after a long chase demonstrates that this Bond is not a man with whom to trifle.


He is human, let there be no doubt about that. In many ways none of his derring dos are over-the-top & definitely none are physically impossible. Here's a character relying on willpower & skill alone. Actually, this Bond exemplifies my personal credo: "Aut viam inveniam, aut faciam" - If I can't find a way, I will make one.


I wouldn't dare spoil the plot execution of a true classic adaptation. Go see this move. NOW! I guarantee you won't be disappointed in any way. As a matter of fact, I'll bet after the last 3 words in the movie, you're begging for a repeat screening of this excellent movie.

Bond, James Bond (Part 2)

MWAHAHAHAHA!!! I just got the notice in the mail yesterday that they have my 1st 2 collections of James Bond DVDs! hee hee I'm so excited. I can't wait until the 3rd & 4th collections come out. Dr. No isn't in the 1st 2 sets (how lame is that?). I'm no smoker, but that opening scene with Connery smoking a cigarette at the (baccarat?) table probably sold a lot of them when that movie premiered. Still, there are some darn good ones in the 1st collections. My personal favorite, The Man With the Golden Gun, is the 1st DVD of the 1st collection.



I'll be there when the post office opens at 0900 to grab 'em! Woo Hoo!

Bond, James Bond

Nah, I didn't have some magical super-spy moment. I DID just order the 1st two 007 DVD collections from Amazon! Man, I'm really excited about these. Every time they run the James Bond marathon on Spike, or AMC, or...well, you get the point - I really like the 007 movies.

Now, my personal favorite is Man With The Golden Gun, even though I think Connery is a far better Bond than Moore. I just think it's an excellent plot & the fun keeps rolling the whole movie. Pretty much every Bond with Connery is great (We're *not* going to mention Never Say Never Again, uh, again. Got it?). From Russia, With Love just blows me away. Connery just pulls this one off brilliantly.


As far as the "order" of Bond actors, from best to worst, many people disagree on this one. My personal list is:

1. Sean Connery
2. Pierce Brosnan
3. Roger Moore
4. Timothy Dalton
5. George Lazenby

Really, I think it could go either way for the Dalton/Lazenby debate. Dalton was too stiff & "angry" of a Bond for my tastes. Lazenby was just unimpressive to me. The one movie he did hardly gives him a chance to refute this opinion. I don't mind the serious part of the character at all, but Bond shouldn't seem like he can't bend at the waist, either.


The jury's out on Daniel Craig, though based on early information on the movie it does look like his portrayal of Bond could put him ahead of Brosnan. It would take a world class performance to put him even equal Connery. Sean Connery defined the role so well that Ian Fleming even changed Bond's heritage to part Scottish.


I'm really anticipating Casino Royale, out 11/17. Not only do we get to see the pre-007 Bond, we get to see how the character is molded into the Bond we've come to know so well through books & movies.

Legend of 1900

Here's an excellent movie with Tim Roth (who rarely disappoints). He plays an orphaned child on a cruiseliner named the "Virginian". The movie centers around his life during which he never goes ashore (that's Navy for "gets off the ship").

A crewman named Danny discovers T.D. Lemon 1900 as an infant in the first class section of the ship. With a terrifying lack of concern for the child's hearing & undeveloped lungs, Danny raises him in the massive coal furnace space. How the kid doesn't develop black lung before the age of five, I'll never guess.

After Danny is suspiciously killed in a tragic pulley accident - suspicious because I'm almost positive his death was planned by the writer - "1900", who is only about ten years old, discovers a divine talent for playing the piano. Sure, he's never played one before but I'll bet he's just a fast learner when it comes to tickling the ivories.

1900 quickly becomes an adult & fortuitously skips all those awkward teenage years. If I had known this was possible for people born on a ship, I'd have signed up for the Navy at least 10 years earlier. During this time, he's appointed as the ship's piano player for life. This may seem like a good deal to you but ships don't normally last as long as humans & I can only guess things will end badly for him.

During the course of his time-traveling adventures, 1900 is challenged to a piano duel by Jelly Roll Morton (Clarence Williams III) who proceeds to mock the waterborne pianist in a poorly-timed attempt to grant 1900 those teenage years he missed (Yeah, I hated high school...why do you ask?).

Now, don't ask me how they pull this duel off. Pianos are naturally many times heavier than guns & needless to say, the strength required to lift one & bludgeon a guy to death...What's that? Oh! Wait a second. They PLAY them? Yeah, I never saw *THAT* coming!

Sure, you can check this movie out if you want to actually be entertained. I'm guessing most of you would like that considering all the crap Hollywood shovels into theaters.