Prometheus

An over hyped, grandiose, and unnecessary addition to the Alien universe, Prometheus delivers its tagline: "The search for our beginning could lead to our end." Way back before the Alien franchise was tarnished by Alien vs. Predator, Ridley Scott and James Cameron had an inkling to make a new Alien film. Unfortunately, the story was shelved for nearly a decade. Without the better half of the franchise, Scott decided to drive solo an idea for a new film: a prequel to Alien. After numerous re-writes which probably led to the philosophy of "less is more", Scott and his writing duo Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof (Lost) created a story that would tease those hopeful fans of the Alien franchise. 


Well congratulations on writing that finalized script, Scott and team. In doing so, an intricate plot with room for precise storytelling and smart writing was sacrificed to create a convoluted, 'ask more questions than answer' story with insulting twists and pointless plot points. This popcorn flick disguised as a philosophical sci-fi thriller should have stayed Alien-free in the clutches of the production company "Scott Free". Instead of going all in, Ridley Scott's desperate attempt to play it safe and reclaim the Alien title failed


The fantastic acting, apart from the disappointing Noomi Rapace, saves this film. Michael Fassbender never ceases to amaze and the subtle creep-factor would make Lance Henriksen (Bishop in Aliens) proud. The scenes that were written with Alien in mind worked for the most part and were the only real memorable scenes in the film, but they were lost in the mush that was needed to pad the weak story . Thankfully the 3-D filming was a success and the post Avatar era of 3-D filming does not seem bleak. Cinematography was not noteworthy except for the mention that it was average and riddled with post-production tricks and special effects. Perhaps expectations were too high. Even though the plot was compiled together like a bunch of darts thrown on a board, it is not complicated and can be easily understood but the viewer is left asking "why?" too many times and a plot can not be honored by assumptions. The latter days of Ridley Scott's career have been absent from his sci-fi roots and it is disappointing to see his experience in that genre have diminished immensely. His hopeful future endeavor with the Blade Runner series is in jeopardy along with any other film he produces/directs/destroys. Some origin stories should be left a mystery; you never know, it could lead to the end of a franchise.


::Bottom Line::
-Overdrawn out story that tried to put too much in too little space
-Cheap "hey that looks like...." gimmicks to save the film's weak plot
-Michael Fassbender.... that is all


::Verdict::

Movie Challenge: Day 23- Movie that You Want to Play at Your Wedding

Annie Hall

I wouldn't play a movie at my wedding. "Annie Hall" is a strange love story in that it really isn't a love story; its a snapshot of a relationship between a man and a woman. Watching Keaton and Allen's romance go from great to disastrous is an original and entertaining ride. Allen breaks the traditional mold of storytelling by actually acknowledging the audience and giving an omniscient narrative from time to time. The characters, settings, and unleashed nature from Keaton's Hall can only be from the mind of Woody Allen. His love for New York is ever present throughout the film. He makes the city not just the setting but a supplement to the characters' personalities and behaviors. Annie Hall is the girl that many men dream of: mysterious, intelligent, original, funny, sarcastic, free-spirited. Annie also represents the girl that many men fear as well. Allen's experiences with her throughout the movie not only show the change in their relationship, but the change in his expectations of what "love" should be. The question, "Do people change for another?" is answered by another question, "Why do people expect change while in a relationship?" The "truthiness" of Annie Hall is that we all will have relationships and we need to endure through them, for better or for worst. Its just inevitable.

Movie Challenge: Day 22- Movie that You Watch When You’re Sad

August Rush

The fairytale story of "August Rush" is pretty straightforward. Through music, an orphaned boy is able to reunite with his mother and father who throughout the film are out to find the ones they love; a mother to her child and a man to a woman. Even though there are scenes that bring August down, mainly by Robin Williams' character, hope and love is ever present in Freddie Highmore's demeanor. The fantastic original score is a character on its own. The theme that August develops and perfects throughout the story is a reflection of his character's emotion in scenes. Listening to the soundtrack alone elicits feelings of happiness, pain, and sadness; sometimes at the same time. Like all fairytales, this one has a heart-filled ending that (yes it still does for me) can bring a tear to one's eyes.

Movie Challenge: Day 21- Movie that You Watch When You’re Happy

Lilo & Stitch

This is my favorite animated (non-Pixar) Disney film. The perfect mix of sci-fi, humor (although kiddie), and heart makes this a smart and original movie. Stitch's tribulation throughout the film of being hunted down just for the simple fact that nobody wanted him is a reflection of how we, humans feel from time to time. The story of learning one's place in the world (in this case the universe) is presented with the revelation that family is home. Even through tragedy and indifference some form of a family exists, either in blood and/or friends. With the wonderful artwork all done through water-color and the interesting yet beautiful Hawaiian soundtrack (with a mix of The King in there), "Lilo & Stitch" broke from the classical Disney-produced musicals AND it succeeded. Spawning multiple sequels and a very well produced television show continuing the story of Stitch's 'ohana, it was no wonder that Disney has accepted this film as one of the classics.

Movie Challenge: Day 20- Movie that You Watch When You’re Angry

Serial Mom

John Water's dark comedy about a stay-at-home mom going a bit on the psycho side represents that darkness we can not enter. This is the perfect movie release when you're angry. Kathleen Turner's semi-innocent reasoning to killing is almost reasonable, yet they are extreme. The right twist of humor and "oh jeez" moments is perfect throughout the film. Listening to 'Tomorrow' from "Annie" will never be the same after watching this. For all the Marylanders out there, this is a must see because of the setting and that she could've been your neighbor!

Movie Challenge: Day 19- Movie from Your Favorite Director

The Royal Tenenbaums (Wes Anderson)

Quirky characters. Extreme closeups. Wacky stories. Simple acoustic music. Fast dialogue with extremely long shots. If you encounter all these elements in a film you are most likely watching a Wes Anderson film. The core cast list for Anderson is a troupe of respected and emotional actors that has grown to an A-list group including Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston, and Luke and Owen Wilson. From character design to sets, Wes' pre-production artwork is as descriptive as his films. "The Royal Tenenbaums" is perhaps the best film that exemplifies all of these elements. The story of redemption, understanding, and coping always moves me. Even though I know what happens in this film, I feel that every time I watch it, my emotions are deeply affected by the outcome. Next to "Rushmore," this movie is my favorite Wes Anderson film and second on my list of most favorite films.

Movie Challenge: Day 18- Your Favorite Indie Film

Following

Nolan's first attempt to confuse an audience by showing an event then jumping back to an earlier event in a story then back and forth and back and forth was perfected in "Following." Mostly known for (before his Batman films) "Memento," "Following" reflected many of the same style elements that made Nolan a household name in Hollywood. From the very first scene, you question EVERYTHING. It takes the first half of the film for your brain to put together the puzzle. Even after the film ends, you'll want to re-watch it to see vital plot twists in scenes that did not seem very important the first time through. The superb acting from virtually an unknown cast makes this film seem so real that the uneasiness caused will want you to watch your back while on the street or move your most personal belongings in your house. Despite the short length and the very minimal soundtrack, the plot and intimate camera work provide a very entertaining, yet creepy film-watching experience. 

Catch this on Netflix instant stream :D

Movie Challenge: Day 17- Movie that You See Often on TV

Die Hard 2- Die Harder

The first was such an amazing action movie that the writers had to think of new ways to put McClane in pain. Enter "Die Hard 2." This was an over the top "balls-to-the-walls" popcorn flick that had twists and turns and great one liners. Unfortunately, the producers made a "Formated for Television" version so all the swearing and the extreme violence were brought down to a PG-13 level. Without seeing the original version first, the edited version of the film would make you hate the franchise. But after watching and KNOWING the lines to the original, the formated version is HILARIOUS! Great lines such as "Yippe Kiyay MISTER FALCO" and "OHHHHHHH...... SHOOOOOOOOOT" are just "HU????" I see this movie on at least once a month on either WGN or some random local channel on a Sunday afternoon. Its packed with commercials and its perfect to have in the background while doing laundry or other chores around the house.

Movie Challenge: Day 16- Movie that You Used to Love but Now Hate

Star Wars- Episode I: The Phantom Menace

This was one of the biggest hypes in movie history... and for kids it rocked! But as we all grow older, we seem to see past our childish fantasies and dreams and tend to be more critical. When it came to the "Phantom Menace," these truths were brought to life in the most disturbing way: Jar Jar Binks, baby Anakin, and a naked C-3PO? WTF! Besides the only two things that kicked ass in the film (Liam Neeson and Darth Maul), the rest of the movie was an unnecessary, over-drawn prequel that was better left to the imagination. We all knew who the F Anakin was, we all knew Obi-Wan could kick Sith ass, we AAAALLL KNEW SIDIOUS WAS PALPATINE!!!! Thanks George, you still hold the saber that killed our childhood love of Star Wars and our intelligence. Only the original films can be respected and remembered for what they really were: perfect. 

AND THE FORCE IS JUST THE FORCE..... PERIOD!!!!!!!

Movie Challenge: Day 15- Movie that Describes You

The Breakfast Club

Next to "Ferris Beuller," this is my favorite Hughes flick. Most if not ALL teenagers who grew up in some pop-cultured environment has seen this movie or knows of its importance in adolescent tolerance. Each character represents an aspect of school life that everyone can relate to (unless you were home-schooled). I personally find myself in each character, yes, even the glamor-princess. The final act of the film is the epitome of the idea: "no matter how different people are, we are all the same." While growing up and going through different phases of my teenage angst, I'd look to this movie to admire the character I could relate to the most at that time. I wouldn't say that Bender's abusive household was something I could relate to, but the concept of being rebellious crosses every teen's mind and actions once in awhile. With a great soundtrack that included the classic hit "Don't You (Forget About Me)," and the terrific dialog within such an intimate setting, the five students at Shermer High School came to life and will forever be remembered in movie history as "The Breakfast Club." 

Btw.... did you know that Hughe's shot the movie (which he wrote the screenplay in two days) entirely in sequence?? Damn!