‘Star Trek’ Download and Reviews

December 20, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

“Star Trek” Movie Details

Star Trek tagline: The future begins.
Star Trek 2009 - DVD Cover

Star Trek DVD Cover

Actors:
Chris Pine Kirk
Zachary Quinto Spock
Eric Bana Nero
Simon Pegg Scotty
Winona Ryder Amanda Grayson
Zoe Saldana Nyota Uhura
Karl Urban Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy
John Cho Hikaru Sulu
Bruce Greenwood Christopher Pike
Ben Cross Sarek
Anton Yelchin Pavel Chekov
Leonard Nimoy Old Spock
Chris Hemsworth George Kirk
Rico E. Anderson Councilmember
John Bartlebaugh Klingon Prison Guard
Directors: J.J. Abrams
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10 out of 102,879 votes

“Star Trek” Movie Review

“Star Trek 2009″ Plot Summary

A chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members. |

Fun

As someone with a longstanding fondness for most things Trek (I’ve seen most of the movies and quite a few of the shows), I have to say that JJ & Co did a fine job with this picture; the character dynamics were broadly satisfying, the action scenes entertaining and the set pieces well put together. Most of all I was impressed with the lightness of touch of the whole venture – it would be very easy to criticise the picture for making what could be considered significant changes to certain parts of Trek lore, but given that the changes were accomplished with such comfort and confidence makes them, in my view, perfectly acceptable.

With regards to the acting characterisation, everyone was pretty much solid, with perhaps the exception of Sulu, who I thought didn’t have much to do. Kudos, though, to Zoe Saldana’s loveliness as Uhura and also, especially, to Chris Pine as Kirk – I had always thought Spock was my favourite character, but it looks like I may have to reassess; Pine lives and breathes that Kirk moxie exquisitely and he’ll be great fun to watch in future instalments.

With regards to plot, it’s pretty good; there is a decent sense of internal logic to it, without it being too overwrought. True, there are a number of points where you might think, ‘Blimey, that’s serendipitous,’ but as I’d already suspended my disbelief to accept the possibility of time travelling green-blooded alien from the planet Vulcan, these things really didn’t bother me at all. Plus there were a number of points in the movie where they were saying, ‘We were pulling this kind of shtick 20+ years ago, and you loved it then; run with us on this one,’ and I was happy to.

Oh, and most importantly of all, the movie is fun; it has the good sense to not take itself too seriously, despite remaining well aware of that sense of pomp and importance that all great character dramas should have, and that isn’t a bad thing at all.

How this movie will bear up to repeat viewings, I’m not certain yet, but at the premiere, it was a blast.

Addendum: It’s a month plus since I originally wrote this and I have seen the film three times in total now – the opening ten minutes remain a manipulative marvel that the remainder of the film struggles to match, the coincidences and conveniences seem even more far fetched than ever and the jokes seem even more silly BUT I still fancy seeing it again, so I guess it must work for me.

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‘Avatar’ Download and Reviews

December 17, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

“Avatar” Movie Details

Avatar tagline: Enter the World
Avatar - DVD Cover

Avatar DVD Cover

Actors:
Sam Worthington Jake Sully
Sigourney Weaver Dr. Grace Augustine
Michelle Rodriguez Trudy Chacon
Zoe Saldana Neytiri
Giovanni Ribisi Selfridge
Joel Moore Norm Spellman
Laz Alonso Tsu’Tey
Andrew Emilio DeCesare Trooper
Christian Di Salvo Dragon Pilot
Leandro Di Salvo Dragon Pilot
Peter Dillon Shuttle Crew Chief
Kevin Dorman Tractor operator
Matt Gerald Lyle Wainfleet
Luke Hawker Med Tech
Kelson Henderson Dragon Gunship Pilot
Directors: James Cameron
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10 out of 183,267 votes

“Avatar” Movie Review

“Avatar” Plot Summary

A paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.

AVATAR has a soul

AVATAR has a soul I saw AVATAR today. It was a boiling 40 degrees Celsius in Australia. I caught a bus and train to get there. I spent months on a forum before that. Incremental stops included a scriptment, stills, a teaser, a foot, AVATAR day and a full trailer. Now released I have had many reviews to read which have been mostly very positive. It is a marvel to watch. The opening scenes are very sci-fi with a glimpse of low gravity aboard a space-craft. Sam Worthington fills us in with a short narration. He is taking over his diseased brother’s role in the AVATAR program. These opening scenes are actually among the most effective 3D in the film, pulling you into this story, tracking shots putting you into the steps of the characters. I jump ahead, like the film, to The world of Pandora which is lush with earthly life as seen through pulp fantasies. The rendering of this world is terrific. The life and activity is in the plants as much as it is the animals. Wonder is generated with this ambitious creation. Cameron has lifted the bar. The CG is the best I have ever seen. Everything you have heard is true. The 3D enhances this with leaves falling and swaying branches life-like in the foreground. The realisation of the Navii is also ambitious. They are CG but there are many moments that make you think they are real and in terms of the story they are more than good enough to propel the narrative with strong emotional content. I went into this film knowing mostly everything within it. Hours of reading, some from the treatment and pages of the recent reviews. It is very much a family film like ‘Nealz’ said in his IMDb review. There is a moment where one of the ferocious animal species that earlier were attacking Jake are seen with a litter, the children in the audience loved the cute pups! The spiritual side of this film is much better than expected. It is in fact a beautiful story. The structure is classical film-making but with amazingly new scope in CGI to express grand images. An epic The journey that Jake takes through Pandora is lovely. He is taken in by the Navii and explores their culture, language and habitat. Natirii, the female Navii he meets while lost, helps him through this journey. This is a love story of both soul mates and with a wider picture. Existential connections with the natural world. Personal destiny. I had tears in this film. I tried to hold them back but by the roll of credits they came. This is a movie that I have anticipated for so long. I think the ingredients of its story and my connection to this films production gave me a very emotional response. I cant imagine this disappointing any of the fans on the board. Keeping in mind that it is a family film but delivered everything I wanted. Expect a special edition. After AVATAR is a hit, a special edition will make its way to the cinema. I can understand why they would cut the earth scenes and it works. The actual film seems pretty brisk and it could also have more padding out. You want more of it and that is a triumph for this type of film running two and a half hours. It is a good balance because at two and a half hours AVATAR is aimed directly at the cinema going audience. Broadly appealing with elements for everyone. My earlier prediction of a billion or more world-wide seems safe. I don’t want to go on about visuals too much but the lovely shots of the natural wonderland of glowing life in still 3D shots is magical. Something to take kids to see. Floating tiny neon life jellyfish their way through the air with grace. The monkey-like extra-limbed creatures with the peeping eyes flock through the forrest quickly. The creature design is done in a clever way with the motion of a living thing. The action is over the top, epic, frenetic and a new take on the battle sequence. James Cameron didn’t stuff this up. He probably pressed the studio way beyond their comfort zone with the time, money and effort that has gone into this. Sam Worthington is excellent casting choice. Sigourney Weaver ads frank reason. Stephen Lang chews the scenery as the ultimate you know what. Zoe Saldana is beautiful as Jakes guide into this world and. I went to the cinema and it was a very hot day. By the time I left the cinema, the streets were wet with rain. A warm humidity was thick in the air. Lightning splashed my walk to the train station with white light. I honestly wondered if It was my time to be struck down with a bolt of electricity from the sky. Watch this film. It is destined to become a childhood classic to many little-ones too young to be on this forum. It will be talked about at high school by male and females as spectacular. It will be watched multiple times by fans. I loved it but beyond my appreciation for the film itself, is the the message of love permeating from this movie that I hope enters the zeitgeist like elements of Cameron’s other stories have. At its heart is a soul. AVATAR is an achievement in many technical departments but I wouldn’t say the story is deficient. It is a beautiful experience and the story is surprisingly what I loved most. Believe the hype.

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‘Vantage Point’ Download and Reviews

November 21, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Crime, Drama

“Vantage Point” Movie Details

Vantage Point tagline: 8 Strangers. 8 Points of View. 1 Truth.
Vantage Point - DVD Cover

Vantage Point DVD Cover

Actors:
  • JosГ© Carlos RodrГ­guez
  • Dennis Quaid Thomas Barnes
    Matthew Fox Kent Taylor
    Forest Whitaker Howard Lewis
    Bruce McGill Phil McCullough
    Edgar Ramirez Javier
    SaГЇd Taghmaoui Suarez
    William Hurt President Ashton
    James LeGros Ted Heinkin
    Eduardo Noriega Enrique
    Richard T. Jones Holden
    Holt McCallany Ron Matthews
    Leonardo Nam Kevin Cross
    Justin Sundquist Parsons
    Sean O’Bryan Cavic
    Mayor De Soto
    Directors: Pete Travis IMDB Rating: 6.7/10 out of 48,930 votes

    “Vantage Point” Movie Review

    “Vantage Point” Plot Summary

    The attempted assassination of the American President is told and re-told from several different perspectives.

    Fun Crime Thriller

    I really liked this movie for what it was. I’m not really sure what other people were expecting to give it what I believe to be unfair and too harsh critiques, but this is a good movie. It is not perfect, nor is it great, nor did it show me something I have never seen before, but it is a nice little crime thriller done in a unique manner

    I have read that a lot of people felt that it was boring to see the same story played out over and over. But wasn’t that the point of this film? We knew that was going to be the case coming into this movie. And the thing of it is is that there is enough different in each perspective where it is not a bore to see the same instance multiple times. I liked how it was up to the viewer to try to piece things together and figure out exactly what happened and who the culprit really is. This is a good movie if you are not looking for anything great or mind blowing. I do enjoy when I see a great, mind blowing film, but I’m not expecting it every time that I sit down to watch a movie. I do not see any reason to dislike this movie. It’s good for what it is and if you’re in the market for an entertaining, ‘who dunnit?’ crime thriller I say ‘Vantage Point’ makes for a fun watch.

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    ‘Terminal’ Download and Reviews

    August 26, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Comedy, Drama, Romance

    “Terminal” Movie Details

    Terminal tagline: Life is waiting.
    Terminal - DVD Cover

    Terminal DVD Cover

    Actors:
    Tom Hanks Viktor Navorski
    Catherine Zeta-Jones Amelia Warren
    Stanley Tucci Frank Dixon
    Chi McBride Mulroy
    Diego Luna Enrique Cruz
    Barry Shabaka Henley Thurman
    Kumar Pallana Gupta Rajan
    Zoe Saldana Torres
    Eddie Jones Salchak
    Jude Ciccolella Karl Iverson
    Corey Reynolds Waylin
    Guillermo Diaz Bobby Alima
    Rini Bell Nadia
    Stephen Mendel First Class Steward
    Valeri Nikolayev Milodragovich
    Directors: Steven Spielberg
    IMDB Rating: 7.1/10 out of 71,536 votes

    “Terminal” Movie Review

    “Terminal” Plot Summary

    An eastern immigrant finds himself stranded in JFK airport, and must take up temporary residence there.

    A charming and fun movie

    The Terminal follows ‘Viktor Navorski, a man from an Eastern European country who flies to New York for a holiday. Upon his arrival, he is told that a war broke out in his country whilst he was in the air, and his government has been overthrown; because of that, Navorski is a man without a country that the U.S. can recognize, thus he is denied entrance to the United States. However, he also can’t be deported until his status can be fixed. Additionally, Navorski barely speaks a word of English, so no one can talk to him and he can’t talk to anyone else.

    ‘But he somehow adapts and sets up residence in the airport, which makes the man who placed him there unhappy – it seems he is line for a promotion but Navroski’s presence might complicate that. So he tries to get Navorski to leave, but instead the stranded passenger remains where he is.’ The film follows Navorski as he tries to survive in the airport and make it is home, as well as documenting all the people he meets along the way.

    Steven Spielberg is doesn’t typically direct films like The Terminal, which closely resembles a romantic-comedy drama – the keyword there being ROMANTIC. Out of his vast and celebrated filmography, there are very little films that pertain to the romance genre. Hence, The Terminal was somewhat of a gamble on the director’s part, and it undoubtedly drew cynicism and scepticism from the public on whether he could pull it off.

    And the result: The Terminal is a success. The film is an enjoyable blend of the three aforesaid genres, and is a delight to watch. Amidst the typical Spielberg epics that have propelled him into the English lexicon (e.g. Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Jaws), The Terminal is a breath of fresh air. Not to say that his other films are bad, it’s just refreshing to experience something new from the experienced director.

    However, I couldn’t help but notice the emptiness of the film; yes, it’s very entertaining and a treat to watch, but overall the film didn’t do much for me. In the end in fact, I found the film to be quite pointless, and not a film that was thought-provoking at all. I realised that Spielberg’s films usually have a profound effect on its viewers, even long after the movie has ended. The Terminal, in all its delight and appeal, failed to do this at all. I was rather annoyed, hence the feeling of emptiness.

    Then I realised that The Terminal is not like the director’s other films, and is a venture into the unknown. Spielberg didn’t want the film to be though-provoking, and just wanted it to be movie to entertain people, and nothing more. After this epiphany, I realised that despite being annoyed by the void of emptiness, it wouldn’t be fair to give this film a negative review. After all, it achieved its goal, am I right? This is probably why the film got mixed reviews from critics and audiences; they were expecting Steven Spielberg to astound us an amazing story of bravery, courage, survival and brotherhood, or a riveting biographical film, or a dystopian, post-apocalyptic thriller to keep us on the edge of our seats. They anticipated the wrong thing, and that’s why they didn’t like it.

    Being a romantic-comedy-drama, The Terminal didn’t want us to experience the brutality of war, nor did it want to educate us on 19th Century history. It simply set out to entertain us, and keep us enthralled for two hours. Did it do that? Yes, and exceptionally well if I may add. Don’t get me wrong – despite being an atypical Spielberg movie, it still shows the traits of a master sitting in the director’s chair. The Terminal is an excellently made film that is one of the smartest, and most enjoyable romantic-comedies I’ve seen, no doubt about it.

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