I've always liked the "End of the World" genre, with the Fallout type being the best. Mad Max comes to mind (but not the later ones in the series). The Book of Eli falls into that short list of good ones. The special effects are first rate, the action scenes excellent, and the story surprisingly good. It's hard to say what makes this movie so entertaining without including spoilers, but it's sort of The Road Warrior meets The King James Bible. It's violent enough to be entertaining to the mainstream, but it has a decidedly religious message.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Plot Summary:
Determined to salvage a sacred text in order to protect humanity, Eli (Denzel Washington) goes on a quest across the country in this action-packed sci-fi adventure. Meanwhile, a blind woman named Claudia (Jennifer Beals) tries to protect her daughter, Solara (Mila Kunis). It seems that tyrannical town bully Carnegie (Gary Oldman) has taken a shine to the girl. Directed by the Hughes brothers, the film co-stars Ray Stevenson.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Gangster No. 1
Gangster No. 1 is a surprising little movie about the British mob in the late sixties. It's a violent movie, but not a gory movie. There's blood and violence, but not the slasher type where you can base your medical mid-terms on watching someone get gutted onscreen.
I had never heard of it. It was just one of the free streaming movies in Netflix. So I gave it a look. Two actors play the main character at different points in his life (one being Malcolm McDowell). And that character is a violent psycho.
If you liked Clockwork Orange, you'll probably like this. It has the same sort of feel. I enjoyed it.
3.8 out of 5 stars
Plot Summary
This story follows the violent rise and fall of the title character, an unnamed East End London thug (played by Paul Bettany and, at a later age, Malcolm McDowell) who gets hired by high-profile gangster Freddie Mays (David Thewlis). The eager young gun -- an irredeemable, inhumane psychopath obsessed with power -- eventually replaces his boss as top gangster by way of lies, manipulation and murder.
I had never heard of it. It was just one of the free streaming movies in Netflix. So I gave it a look. Two actors play the main character at different points in his life (one being Malcolm McDowell). And that character is a violent psycho.
If you liked Clockwork Orange, you'll probably like this. It has the same sort of feel. I enjoyed it.
3.8 out of 5 stars
Plot Summary
This story follows the violent rise and fall of the title character, an unnamed East End London thug (played by Paul Bettany and, at a later age, Malcolm McDowell) who gets hired by high-profile gangster Freddie Mays (David Thewlis). The eager young gun -- an irredeemable, inhumane psychopath obsessed with power -- eventually replaces his boss as top gangster by way of lies, manipulation and murder.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
District 9
District 9 is an interesting movie. It's not really what you're led to believe from the initial release trailers. Obviously someone in management didn't like it that much and tried to make it look like an action-thriller like all the others. It has action, and thrills, but it's certainly not done like all the others. Once you get into it, it's actually very good. There's a strong message about what it really means to be a person, or human, and the value of life. And despite what the movie box might say, it comes down to an average joe trying to survive a horrible situation, and having the scales fall from his eyes in the process.
4 out of 5 stars.
Plot Summary
When aliens land on Earth, global business conglomerate Multi-National United forces them into rigid containment zones where they are compelled to labor, even as MNU commandeers their otherworldly technology for profit. As tensions build between human and non-human races, a rogue agent leads a resistance movement against MNU's ruthless consolidation of power. Neill Blomkamp directs this cinema verité-style sci-fi thriller nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award.
4 out of 5 stars.
Plot Summary
When aliens land on Earth, global business conglomerate Multi-National United forces them into rigid containment zones where they are compelled to labor, even as MNU commandeers their otherworldly technology for profit. As tensions build between human and non-human races, a rogue agent leads a resistance movement against MNU's ruthless consolidation of power. Neill Blomkamp directs this cinema verité-style sci-fi thriller nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Moon
Moon is science fiction the way it used to be done. Less about shooting aliens and more about how technology can hit a person on an emotional level. It's definitely something fans of good science fiction will enjoy. Don't expect a high budget special effects blockbuster, but do expect a good story.
4 out of 5 stars
Plot Summary
As he nears the end of a lonely three-year stint on the moon base Sarang, astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) begins to hear and see strange things. It's not long before Sam suspects that his employer -- the conglomerate LUNAR -- has other plans for him. Featuring Kevin Spacey as the voice of a robot, this sci-fi thriller also stars Matt Berry and Kaya Scodelario. The film was an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival.
4 out of 5 stars
Plot Summary
As he nears the end of a lonely three-year stint on the moon base Sarang, astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) begins to hear and see strange things. It's not long before Sam suspects that his employer -- the conglomerate LUNAR -- has other plans for him. Featuring Kevin Spacey as the voice of a robot, this sci-fi thriller also stars Matt Berry and Kaya Scodelario. The film was an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival.
Mass Effect 2
I don't normally review games on this site, but Mass Effect 2 (and the original Mass Effect
) are as much movie as game. But unlike most "playable movies" out there. Mass Effect 2 is not only a good story, but one where your choices are important and can greatly impact gameplay (and, as hinted in the game, can impact how Mass Effect 3 is played). You can choose the look and gender of your character, Commander Shepard, as well as the characters that make up your team.
The first Mass Effect was a bit buggy and required really high end hardware. Although this one also requires a gaming system, it's not as picky as the first, and not nearly as buggy. For any longtime gamers out there, it's like a 21st century version of Starflight. It has the potential to be a bit rough, thus the mature rating, but overall it's a great deal of fun.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Plot Summary
Two years after Commander Shepard repelled invading Reapers bent on the destruction of organic life, a mysterious new danger has emerged. On the fringes of known space, something is silently abducting entire human colonies. Now Shepard must work with Cerberus, a ruthless organization devoted to human survival at any cost, to stop the most terrifying threat mankind has ever faced. To even attempt this perilous mission, Shepard must assemble the galaxy’s most elite team and command the most powerful ship ever built. Even then, doubters say it would be suicide. Commander Shepard intends to prove them wrong.
) are as much movie as game. But unlike most "playable movies" out there. Mass Effect 2 is not only a good story, but one where your choices are important and can greatly impact gameplay (and, as hinted in the game, can impact how Mass Effect 3 is played). You can choose the look and gender of your character, Commander Shepard, as well as the characters that make up your team.The first Mass Effect was a bit buggy and required really high end hardware. Although this one also requires a gaming system, it's not as picky as the first, and not nearly as buggy. For any longtime gamers out there, it's like a 21st century version of Starflight. It has the potential to be a bit rough, thus the mature rating, but overall it's a great deal of fun.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Plot Summary
Two years after Commander Shepard repelled invading Reapers bent on the destruction of organic life, a mysterious new danger has emerged. On the fringes of known space, something is silently abducting entire human colonies. Now Shepard must work with Cerberus, a ruthless organization devoted to human survival at any cost, to stop the most terrifying threat mankind has ever faced. To even attempt this perilous mission, Shepard must assemble the galaxy’s most elite team and command the most powerful ship ever built. Even then, doubters say it would be suicide. Commander Shepard intends to prove them wrong.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Pandorum
Pandorum was a surprise. I didn't expect much, but it was a very entertaining movie. It combined the science fiction element of a sleeper ship (made famous by the story "Universe
" by Robert A. Heinlein), the horror element of a morlock type enemy, and a twist or two at the end. More than just a typical slasher.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Plot Summary:
Upon rousing themselves from hyper-sleep, Payton (Dennis Quaid) and Bower (Ben Foster), a pair of crewmen assigned to work on a spacecraft, discover startling gaps in their collective memory -- including who they are and what, exactly, their mission was in the first place. The plot thickens when they realize they're not the only ones on board the ship. Cam Gigandet co-stars in this gripping sci-fi thriller.
" by Robert A. Heinlein), the horror element of a morlock type enemy, and a twist or two at the end. More than just a typical slasher. 3.5 out of 5 stars
Plot Summary:
Upon rousing themselves from hyper-sleep, Payton (Dennis Quaid) and Bower (Ben Foster), a pair of crewmen assigned to work on a spacecraft, discover startling gaps in their collective memory -- including who they are and what, exactly, their mission was in the first place. The plot thickens when they realize they're not the only ones on board the ship. Cam Gigandet co-stars in this gripping sci-fi thriller.
Mirrors
Mirrors, with Kiefer Sutherland, was an okay horror movie. Not great, as the idea wasn't new, and Sutherland had some unrealistic moments, but not bad either. Worth renting. And the ending was pretty good, although the fight scene was a bit unrealistic (Sutherland is more durable than I would have expected).
The best "evil mirrors" story ever, in my opinion, is the novella "The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag
" by Robert A. Heinlein.
3 out of 5 stars.
Plot Summary:
This creepy supernatural thriller from director Alexandre Aja stars Kiefer Sutherland as troubled security guard Ben Carson, a man who discovers malevolent spirits living within the mirrors of a fire-ravaged department store. When their murderous nature comes to light, Ben turns to his estranged wife (Paula Patton) to help him save their family -- and himself. The supporting cast includes Amy Smart and Jason Flemyng.
The best "evil mirrors" story ever, in my opinion, is the novella "The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag
" by Robert A. Heinlein.3 out of 5 stars.
Plot Summary:
This creepy supernatural thriller from director Alexandre Aja stars Kiefer Sutherland as troubled security guard Ben Carson, a man who discovers malevolent spirits living within the mirrors of a fire-ravaged department store. When their murderous nature comes to light, Ben turns to his estranged wife (Paula Patton) to help him save their family -- and himself. The supporting cast includes Amy Smart and Jason Flemyng.
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