AVATAR: the last air bender REKALLED....

AVATAR: the last air bender is the latest film from famed director M. Night Shamalan and we can only hope it is his last. Such a terrible movie. This movie has no redeeming qualities, none. I knew a few minutes into this film I was in for a terrible ride. The acting is terrible and the script doesn't help. And for someone like M. Night Shamalan whose reputation for being a competent director with shock endings this movie is a far cry from everything else he has done. The action scenes are poorly done and there are none of the signature framing shots of his early work. He is obviously in way over his head or run out of talent. Some people may want to give this movie a pass because it is supposed to be a children's film but after seeing what pixar can do with a "children's" film I can't accept that as an excuse for a terrible film. This is the worst film I have seen this year and in a long time. I can not explain how much I disliked this film from beginning to end.

The A-TEAM rekalled...

The A-TEAM, the modern re-imagining of the iconic 80's television show, is just as good as the old TV show without the nostalgia. Let me let you in on a little secret, the original TV was terrible and this movie might be worse. The film was disjointed and irritating. It was as if the rammed 3 movies together and only the worst parts rose to the surface. Witty banter that tried too hard and failed, action scenes that didn't work and wasted talent. The film seemed like it wanted to be an Ocean's 11 style film with Die Hard action and failed on both accounts. Bradley Cooper who normally oozes cool and witty banter was really off putting and seemed to try too hard as Face. Liam Neeson just didn't seem right as Hannibal. Other actors were non-factors and wouldn't have saved this mess of a story. The whole film seemed to be based on the line "I love it when a plan comes together" since every step of the film is a part of numerous plans which has ridiculous points of improbable execution and impossible timing to come together. Plans should make things easier.

One part that seemed to upset me most was after a series of actions which involved men jumping from motorcycles onto semi's and tackling people while avoiding bullets with no emotional reaction but then they drive through a gated fence and many hoots and hollars were had by the characters in the film. This after they had completed the most death defying stunts.

Just a terrible terrible film and avoid at all costs.

Toy Story 3 rekalled...

Toy Story 3, the new pixar film and the final chapter of the trilogy of the toy's of Andy is a satisfying end. The film with many voice talents of traditional actors which can be disastrous or unimpressive but not in this case. Tom Hanks gives a great emotional performance and carries the weight of the film. This film seemed to be the most action packed of the series as well and could be a little too intense for the smaller kids but is quite enjoyable for adults. The opening sequence was great and very creative and I was totally into it after that. My expectations were very high and they were met. Once again I found the 3D not necessary, I forget I am watching it but it is not worth the extra money. Pixar is great at disguising grown-up stories as children's entertainment.

Jonah Hex rekalled...

Jonah Hex, another comic book based property from DC that stars the oldest Goonie Josh Brolin was exactly what I feared when I saw the panel at Comic-con last year... a hot mess. Nothing really worked in this movie. The story was not interesting and the action was laughable, like a cross between Wild Wild West and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. 4 times in fight scenes the good guy is getting beat up with a villain on top and the hero reaches over to grab something just out of reach to turn the tide. This film wasted the talent of Josh Brolin and John Malkovich and only had Megan Fox for window dressing and does nothing to add to the film. This films only redeeming quality was that it only clocked in at 72 minutes, I didn't have to put up with the crap too long.

MacGRUBER Rekalled...

MacGRUBER is a perfect example of tempered expectations. I went into this film thinking it could be funny but expecting a failure. Much to my surprise was the funniest film I have seen in a long time.Twice I was laughing so hard I had tears. All in all a nice surprise, I had laughed at some of the trailer but I was afraid that it had shown all the best parts. That wasn't possible since this films was a hard R rating and those funny scenes couldn't be shown in the commercials. Will Forte is a rare actor who is willing to sacrifice any dignity for the humor of a scene and he goes to the extreme in this film, he is the driving force of this film. Amazing that a sometimes funny parody from Saturday Night Live about an 80's TV could be turned into a feature length film that is actually funny. If you are looking for a good comedy and that is definitely for adults then you can't go wrong with this one. Although I am eager to see this film again to see if my lowered expectations helped me appreciate this film more.

Ironman 2 rekalled...

IRONMAN 2, the sequel to the great-out-of-nowhere Ironman from a couple of summers ago, comes at us again, all guns blazing. The key players are back, Jon Favre brings his keen ability to craft and entertaining story and his star is Robert Downey Jr does not disappoint with his interpretation of Tony Stark. Never has a character so arrogant and narcissistic been so fun to root for as the one that Downey has crafted in Ironman 2. There is plenty of action and John Favre shows his growing ability as a director with these action scenes while maintaining the humorous interactions with all the characters. The bit players really tied the film together with an excellent performance from Sam Rockwell as rival industrialist Justin Hammer. Overall I really enjoyed the film from beginning to end and had many little moments for fans of the comic and the universe they are developing but it wasn't overwhelming for the average film goer. A real crowd pleaser. I liked it so much I saw it twice within a week of each viewing and can hardly wait for the Bluray to see more of what went into this movie.

Kick-Ass rekalled....

KICK-ASS, the newest comic-book based film to hit the screens brings a realistic bent for the genre. Or at least attempts to in a genre where people fly and come back to life. I had the pleasure/disservice to see a massive preview of this film at last summers San Diego Comic-Con and I thought it was a can't miss sure fire hit. I was slightly wrong that it was an enjoyable film but not the hit I thought it would be. I noticed the marketing of the film was pretty bad and seem to miss-represent what I had sensed the film to be from the preview. And since I saw a bunch of the best clips from the film and had to marinate on the film for about 8 months it didn't quite live up to what I had built it up to be but it was still good.

I am still amazed at the talent that Matthew Vaughn has in only his 3rd film, he is trying to push genres and bringing something unique. In my opinion he is 2 of 3 with Stardust being terrible. And the kid who plays Kick-Ass; Aaron Johnson does a great job of the nerdy kid with super hero ambitions, I did not know he was Australian until after the movie. His transition from kid to Kick-Ass is a believable secret identity not thinking it is him or him doing a ridiculous voice to cover up. Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy gives another mesmerizing performance where he is just chewing scenery and pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable and absurd with nice comical touches here and there. I am a bit of an Nicolas Cage fan/apologist though. If you haven't heard by now, Hit-Girl played by Chloe Moretz, stole the movie with all the best lines and awesome action. I really enjoyed he banter with Nicolas Cage and wanted to see more of that father/daughter/crime fighting relationship.

Overall I enjoyed the film, whilst not as good as I hoped, my expectations were wildly out of control. This movie does have some ridiculous moments and leaves the realm of reality but if you want reality go outside. If you want to see the super-hero genre pushed or just watch an entertaining spectacle then you can't miss with this.