I am going to file this under "Under-appreciated Movie Themes." Now, there are all those themes that we know and love. Superman, Indiana Jones, Star Wars (pretty much anything John Williams.) And of course those wild cards- James Bond, Magnificent 7.
Those themes everyone knows(or should know). This is not one of them. I was watching good ol' Netflix and decided to watch Robocop. I know what you are thinking... great choice! Verhoven at his best. But as I was watching and pondering how awful at being a cop Robocop actually was I was struck by the theme. It one of those epic horn themes. More forceful than a William's score, and just this side of ridiculous.
Now, no one really remembers that theme. You don't hum it going down the street and it isn't played over and over by High School bands. However, I think it deserves a place in the halls of cinematic glory. So I induct The Robocop Theme into the "Hall of Under-Appreciated Movie Themes"
I am sure I will add more as I think about it. This is the point at which I ask you, the readers, what under-appreciated movie themes should be added to the Hall of Fame. Post them in the comments if you want.
Tyler
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tron: Legacy
So, I finally saw Tron:Legacy. I know, you are probably saying to yourself "But Tyler you call yourself a movie guy. Tron has been out for months you are just now seeing it." Yes, I just saw it. In my defense, I have a job, a wife, a life, and things to do. If I were one of those people who got paid to watch movies, I would GO see more sooner. However, as it stands I don't get paid. Which is probably a good thing, I watch too many as it is, getting paid for it would open up a whole new level of obsessive movie watching.
So, on with the proverbial show. My Tron Review:
Jules (my wife) and I decided to use our Christmas present (Fandango Bucks) from my sisters (READ: enablers) and go big and watch Tron in IMAX 3D. This was the first time we had seen a IMAX in 3D. I was excited, Jules was tolerant. Side note: it is hard to look cool with those 3D glasses on. It would take an act of God to make someone look cool with IMAX 3D glasses on. So there we were, ready for the movie.
So, Tron starts shortly after the first one with Flynn (Jeff Bridges) talking to his son Sam about Tron and all adventures that he has had on "the Grid." Now, it should be noted that the opening of the movie is not in 3D, and watching something in not in 3D while wearing glasses that make the picture 3D can really give you a headache. But moving on....
Of course by now everyone knows that they used a "digital double" to make Jeff Bridges younger. Now, while they are in the computer world that is not that out of place. However, in the real world, the glassy eyes of the digital Flynn are a little creepy.
Flynn then proceeds to disappear leaving Sam to fend for himself, and his company in the hands of those evil people of "the board" who just want to make profit. Remember folks, "the Board" is always evil, money-hungry and stupid. So it is up to a now older Sam Flynn to play Robin Hood and steal from his own company.
Now we all know all of this is just a set up to get Sam into the world of Tron, and because it has been so long since the movie is out I won't go into the plot. I'll just go into the stuff that I thought was really cool.
First, the score! Daft Punk is awesome, Daft Punk did the score, therefore the score is AWESOME! Period.
Second, Micheal Sheen, who is probably one of my favorite character actors working now. He is seeming channeling David Bowie, Chaplin, Sid Viscous, and I think a hint of Pee Wee Herman. He plays one of those excessively flamboyant underworld bosses that are a dime a dozen, but in the world of Tron it works and I think works really well.
The last part that I really kind of liked was the flash backs to the world and the creation of the current version of the "Grid" It was really nice to see a movie that takes its time with a story more so than just the "gee whizz" 3D'ness of Tron. It was refreshing, and I appreciate the fact that story was important.
There of course are the minor quibbles- not showing a character here, talking too long to get to there... etc... but those are minor and don't detract from the movie.
Now, there is the inevitable sequel to think about. Tron:Legacy is a complete story in itself, which is nice. There is, however, the hints of more that could come. And if they take the time, and get the people that love the world as much as it seemed this group did, I'd be up for it. I would probably spend the money and see it earlier too.
Tyler
So, on with the proverbial show. My Tron Review:
Jules (my wife) and I decided to use our Christmas present (Fandango Bucks) from my sisters (READ: enablers) and go big and watch Tron in IMAX 3D. This was the first time we had seen a IMAX in 3D. I was excited, Jules was tolerant. Side note: it is hard to look cool with those 3D glasses on. It would take an act of God to make someone look cool with IMAX 3D glasses on. So there we were, ready for the movie.
So, Tron starts shortly after the first one with Flynn (Jeff Bridges) talking to his son Sam about Tron and all adventures that he has had on "the Grid." Now, it should be noted that the opening of the movie is not in 3D, and watching something in not in 3D while wearing glasses that make the picture 3D can really give you a headache. But moving on....
Of course by now everyone knows that they used a "digital double" to make Jeff Bridges younger. Now, while they are in the computer world that is not that out of place. However, in the real world, the glassy eyes of the digital Flynn are a little creepy.
Flynn then proceeds to disappear leaving Sam to fend for himself, and his company in the hands of those evil people of "the board" who just want to make profit. Remember folks, "the Board" is always evil, money-hungry and stupid. So it is up to a now older Sam Flynn to play Robin Hood and steal from his own company.
Now we all know all of this is just a set up to get Sam into the world of Tron, and because it has been so long since the movie is out I won't go into the plot. I'll just go into the stuff that I thought was really cool.
First, the score! Daft Punk is awesome, Daft Punk did the score, therefore the score is AWESOME! Period.
Second, Micheal Sheen, who is probably one of my favorite character actors working now. He is seeming channeling David Bowie, Chaplin, Sid Viscous, and I think a hint of Pee Wee Herman. He plays one of those excessively flamboyant underworld bosses that are a dime a dozen, but in the world of Tron it works and I think works really well.
The last part that I really kind of liked was the flash backs to the world and the creation of the current version of the "Grid" It was really nice to see a movie that takes its time with a story more so than just the "gee whizz" 3D'ness of Tron. It was refreshing, and I appreciate the fact that story was important.
There of course are the minor quibbles- not showing a character here, talking too long to get to there... etc... but those are minor and don't detract from the movie.
Now, there is the inevitable sequel to think about. Tron:Legacy is a complete story in itself, which is nice. There is, however, the hints of more that could come. And if they take the time, and get the people that love the world as much as it seemed this group did, I'd be up for it. I would probably spend the money and see it earlier too.
Tyler
Friday, January 14, 2011
So being Christian in Norway might be a bad idea,,,,
Day: 1
Okay, off to a good start. I am one for one.
Today I wanted to post something that I already have posted before on my Facebook. I bet more people saw it there, but oh well. This is something that I am really excited about. It is a movie from Norway. Being that I am somewhat Norge, I have a soft spot in my heart for this.
It is a movie directed by Andre Overdal. Since I don't really follow Norwegian film, I don't know if he has done a lot more stuff. The only thing IMDB says that he has done is a movie called Future Murder, which sounds a lot like Minority Report. So, this particular movie has been making the genre festival rounds. I hope it gets a decent wide release. However, I have resigned myself to waiting until I can rent or buy it. So without further ado I give you ....
The Troll Hunter.
I know that the whole psudo-documentary (read: shakycam galore) turns a lot of people off. I am usually not a fan, a big screen with that much movement is a bit of an overload. But, it looks like they took their time and thought about the composition of the shots to make it looks the best even in blurry night vision
I think this could be one of the coolest random movies I have ever seen. If it is half as interesting as the trailer makes it look like I will be a happy little viking.
Tyler
Okay, off to a good start. I am one for one.
Today I wanted to post something that I already have posted before on my Facebook. I bet more people saw it there, but oh well. This is something that I am really excited about. It is a movie from Norway. Being that I am somewhat Norge, I have a soft spot in my heart for this.
It is a movie directed by Andre Overdal. Since I don't really follow Norwegian film, I don't know if he has done a lot more stuff. The only thing IMDB says that he has done is a movie called Future Murder, which sounds a lot like Minority Report. So, this particular movie has been making the genre festival rounds. I hope it gets a decent wide release. However, I have resigned myself to waiting until I can rent or buy it. So without further ado I give you ....
The Troll Hunter.
I know that the whole psudo-documentary (read: shakycam galore) turns a lot of people off. I am usually not a fan, a big screen with that much movement is a bit of an overload. But, it looks like they took their time and thought about the composition of the shots to make it looks the best even in blurry night vision
I think this could be one of the coolest random movies I have ever seen. If it is half as interesting as the trailer makes it look like I will be a happy little viking.
Tyler
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Blog 2.0
Okay, here we go again. This time it is for real. I WILL post something every day for the rest of the year. Starting now.
Let's set some ground rules.
1) Each post has to have some movie content. Info, Trailer, Link, a review in Haiku form. Something more than just saying "Post" and calling it done.
2) Posts must be completed and posted by midnight. No doubling up in a day, one day. one post.
This counts.
Tomorrow, will be something movie related.
Let's set some ground rules.
1) Each post has to have some movie content. Info, Trailer, Link, a review in Haiku form. Something more than just saying "Post" and calling it done.
2) Posts must be completed and posted by midnight. No doubling up in a day, one day. one post.
This counts.
Tomorrow, will be something movie related.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Trailers
So, today I was killing time (read: avoiding actual work) in the way I generally do, I looked around for any new movie trailers. I have a rehab worthy addiction to trailers, especially ones for movies for movies that are not coming out until next year. I'm looking at you Thor comic-con footage. So, in my never ending quest to see new movies I looked around. I found a few and here are my takes on a few... and if possible I will link to them so you can make up your own mind...
The first one is Skyline, it is apparently about aliens, Los Angeles, and spaceship things that look way too much like they are from halo. I have no clue what this movie is about. It is one of those where the trailer pops up on the Internet and there really is nothing other than that. It it hard to say what this movie will be like, it is just a teaser and there is nothing much else. All I know now is, with Battle: Los Angeles and Skyline when the aliens eventually invade Los Angeles is screwed.
Next was Love & other drugs. I am a sucker for SOME romantic comedies. This one might be one of those movies that I have soft spot for. Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal are cute and the movie actually looks fun. SO there is nothing really bad to say. It looks like some October fluff, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Guardians: the Owls of Ga'Hoole, I know this one is older, but the movie interests me for some reason that I can't really explain. What makes the trailer and an aspect of trailers that was overlooked but becoming more and more important is that music. This one happens to have Kings and Queens by 30 Seconds to Mars which fits perfectly. It fits like M.I.A.'s Paper Planes did for Pineapple Express. The movie reminds me of those kids movies that I grew up with, specifically, the Secret of Nimh. It has that very similar feel, animals, danger, and a seriousness that hasn't been in many kids movies lately (PIXAR is exempt from this generalization)
And finally my last one is a trailer that was the topic of much discussion after Comic-con, Sucker Punch, which for those who care is done by Zak Snyder, the guy who did Watchmen, 300 and one of the few remakes that didn't suck beyond imagination Dawn of the Dead. This movie looks like a geeks wet dream. I mean really, did he just put a bunch of suggestions on a wall and throw darts. The trailer has hot girls that are HEAVILY armed, an asylum that doubles as a brothel, giant samurai troll things, Nazis, robots that look like they are rejects from Battlestar Gallatica, mechs, dragons, by-planes, and did I mention hot girls with LOTS of weapons. The trailer is a collection of geek money shots, especially the one with the samurai troll think with a GATLING GUN. Seriously.
HAVE FUN!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Shots in the Dark
Wow, I am really awful at writing daily. So, instead of every day, I will shoot for 3 times a week. I think I can do that.
For today, I have another list. This one is a little more traditional. For your consideration I give you..
The Worst Shots in Movies....guns that is..
M. Emmet Walsh: See: The Jerk. He has a rifle with a scope and he is shooting at an idiot and hits only the cans. However, those cans did have it coming
Carrie Fisher: See: The Blues Brothers. A bazooka, flame thrower, and semi automatic rifle... I don't care if the Brothers were on a “mission from God,” when you are 10 feet away you shout be able to hit something. Ray Charles was a better shot and HE'S BLIND!
Stormtroopers: See: Star Wars. “Too precise to be sand people” my ass. They couldn't hit a man running AT them and screaming and an eight foot “walking carpet” when they out numbered the two 100 to 1. Seriously!
Anyone shooting at Arnold or Sly: See: Rambo, Commando, Red Heat, Cobra, Raw Deal, Running Man, Demolition Man.
These are the cream of the crap. You could stand in front of them put a bullseye on your chest and have a better shot at getting hit by lightening on a clear day then getting hit by these people.
I know there are more out there. Who do you think are the worst shots.
Quote of the day: “He hates these cans. Stay away from the cans.” Navin R. Johnson The Jerk
Friday, July 16, 2010
A short pair of lists to keep you busy.
It was a rather boring day today. For that reason I don't really have much to talk about. There was a new Wind in the Willows trailer up. It was just a teaser, so, nothing REALLY cool. But, it is made by Weta (guys who did Lord of the Rings) so I have faith. That is about it, other then Ryan Reynolds as the Green Lantern but, that is a few days old now.
In the mean time I thought tonight I would give you a list. Well, make that two lists. The first is movies that I think are not appreciated enough. Those movies that I think are good that don't seem to get the respect or admiration that they deserve. The second is those movies that I think get too much acclaim. These are generally movies that aren't bad, just not as awesome as people (not critics) make them out to be.
The Good Ones:(in no particular order)
1. Master and Commander: the Far Side of the World. I love this movie, great cast, action, drama, everything you need in a good movie. It is a great adventure on the high seas. This one has some acclaim but I don't think the people appreciated it as much as they could or should have.
2. Kingdom of Heaven. (note: the extended director's cut is much better then the theatrical version and this is the one that I am referring to) This one also has a great cast, despite Orlando Bloom. The extended cut is one of the few that actually adds story to the movie, holes are filled and characters become more then just inflated extras. The big addition is Eva Green's Sybilla actually has a purpose other than just being a girl in an all guy cast.
3. 13th Warrior. This movie is just a guilty pleasure. It has viking action and there is nothing wrong with that.
The Bad List.
1. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Now, the reason this is on the list is because of the people who love this movie. In my years at the video store this was one of the most requested movies. I won't discount that this movie is good. The problem I have is that people have no idea WHY it is good. They like it because it is the COOL thing to do. Half of the people who asked for the movie don't even know who Hunter S. Thompson was, and that just bugs me.
2. Boondock Saints. I particularly like this movie. But after watching it over the years and watching the documentary(its called Overnight people should check it out) about the making of the movie, I just can't like it that much anymore. That, and I am tired of people naming it their favorite movie. There are much better movies out there.
3.(this one is going to get me in trouble I know it) 2001: a Spade Odyssey. Kubrick is a great director, I will concede that. I have my own personal issues to work out with regards to his films. With this movie, aside from the enormous technical achievement, the problem I have is just HOW the story is told. I get the dawn of man with teh monolith. I get the story with HAL. I even kinda get that last 9 minute acid trip. I just think there are much better ways of telling a story with out being so pretentious. But that is my opinion.
In hindsight "The Bad List" should just be called the "I Have Issues with List." I know there are better reasons to like the movies that I liked and the movies I have issues with well, they aren't really BAD movies. However, I'm writing this and if there are movies to add to either list please add them.
Quote of the Day:
"Personally, I liked the university. They gave us money and facilities, we didn't have to produce anything! You've never been out of college! You don't know what it's like out there! I've worked in the private sector. They expect results." Dr. Ray Stantz Ghostbusters
In the mean time I thought tonight I would give you a list. Well, make that two lists. The first is movies that I think are not appreciated enough. Those movies that I think are good that don't seem to get the respect or admiration that they deserve. The second is those movies that I think get too much acclaim. These are generally movies that aren't bad, just not as awesome as people (not critics) make them out to be.
The Good Ones:(in no particular order)
1. Master and Commander: the Far Side of the World. I love this movie, great cast, action, drama, everything you need in a good movie. It is a great adventure on the high seas. This one has some acclaim but I don't think the people appreciated it as much as they could or should have.
2. Kingdom of Heaven. (note: the extended director's cut is much better then the theatrical version and this is the one that I am referring to) This one also has a great cast, despite Orlando Bloom. The extended cut is one of the few that actually adds story to the movie, holes are filled and characters become more then just inflated extras. The big addition is Eva Green's Sybilla actually has a purpose other than just being a girl in an all guy cast.
3. 13th Warrior. This movie is just a guilty pleasure. It has viking action and there is nothing wrong with that.
The Bad List.
1. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Now, the reason this is on the list is because of the people who love this movie. In my years at the video store this was one of the most requested movies. I won't discount that this movie is good. The problem I have is that people have no idea WHY it is good. They like it because it is the COOL thing to do. Half of the people who asked for the movie don't even know who Hunter S. Thompson was, and that just bugs me.
2. Boondock Saints. I particularly like this movie. But after watching it over the years and watching the documentary(its called Overnight people should check it out) about the making of the movie, I just can't like it that much anymore. That, and I am tired of people naming it their favorite movie. There are much better movies out there.
3.(this one is going to get me in trouble I know it) 2001: a Spade Odyssey. Kubrick is a great director, I will concede that. I have my own personal issues to work out with regards to his films. With this movie, aside from the enormous technical achievement, the problem I have is just HOW the story is told. I get the dawn of man with teh monolith. I get the story with HAL. I even kinda get that last 9 minute acid trip. I just think there are much better ways of telling a story with out being so pretentious. But that is my opinion.
In hindsight "The Bad List" should just be called the "I Have Issues with List." I know there are better reasons to like the movies that I liked and the movies I have issues with well, they aren't really BAD movies. However, I'm writing this and if there are movies to add to either list please add them.
Quote of the Day:
"Personally, I liked the university. They gave us money and facilities, we didn't have to produce anything! You've never been out of college! You don't know what it's like out there! I've worked in the private sector. They expect results." Dr. Ray Stantz Ghostbusters
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