GWC at the Movies

Television, Movies Games and Books Other Science Fiction
#41

X Men: First Class

Finally an X Men movie that will not cause mental anguish while watching it. I actually enjoyed myself, a first for X Men movies. It was nice to see people cast for their acting ability instead of how nice they look in tights, made a HUGE difference.

It has a very different feel from the earlier films, it is not all about the special effects. It is about the characters, you get to watch them develop, to win, to fail, to have dreams and aspirations. To be betrayed, and to forge alliances. You can understand the motivations of the characters which makes them so much more rounded than the standard comic book movie. The whole period aspect of it was a nice touch too, since I can actually remember back that far, and remember what it was to live under the threat of nuclear war…

The theater erupted in laughter at the Wolverine sequence.

This is the first time I can actually recommend an X Men movie, go see it, you will enjoy yourself.

#42

Jusr saw X-Men First Class. Although I loved the first…this may be the Best X-Men movie … actually, it may even be the best Marvel character movie ever made.

It was exactly as I’d hoped…mutant powers combined with a very strong character based story. And probably the best one line cameo of any movie EVER.

See it. Be part of it.

Jus’ sayin’.

#43

Certainly the most true to comic character cameo so far. :slight_smile: Loved the movie overall.

#44

BTW …Zoe Kravitz…

HAWTNESS

#45

Super 8

Feels like an homage to Spielberg and the wonderful movies of the 80’s with child casts like E.T., Explorers, Goonies and so forth. Everything surrounding the kids is great, they do a wonderful job and they are a delight to watch. The synergy and internal relationships with them are believable and entertaining. The stuff with the adults is not, and the way they portrayed the Air Force offended me.

The train crash is the OSSIM, though some of the latter CG does not work well at all (I would explain but I do not want to reveal any spoilers). There are logic gaps and story holes but, hey it is an Abrams movie so you have to expect that. The scares, what there are, are not creative and mostly BOO moments. The monster all in all is kind of a let down after all the build up, and far too predictable, I had figured out what was going on a mere third of the way through. And what the resolution was going to be as well after the big reveal with the doctors materials. yawn The period piece aspect was quite enjoyable and nostalgic for me, but could not make up for other obvious flaws.

Wait for it on Netflix. You will miss nothing seeing it on a smaller screen, the only loss I can imagine is if you do not have a good sound system. The one really well done aspect of the film is the sound design, the sound work is exceptional. The cinematography is near nonexistent, and the frakking lens flares (and there are a frak-ton) constantly pulled me out of the moment, it was as if they were flashing subtitles on the screen saying “You are watching a movie, you not really there!”

And wait for the end credits, the best part of the movie is during the end credits. You get to see the finished film the kids were working on, and I might have actually enjoyed it more than Super 8 itself.

Of his last three films this one was clearly the least offensive, and had the most promise.

#46

Green Lantern

The reviews have been harsh so I went in with very low expectations, which I believe worked out to the films benefit. Its is visually interesting, well written and if the chemistry had been better between Reynolds and his love interest there would have been a good emotional level to the story.

The pacing was good, and the side characters were well rounded and added to the appeal of the film. Some of the ring use was weak, and if Reynolds were a better actor I think the whole deal with him dealing with his father’s death would have come across better.

I would not mind a sequel. I did not see it in 3D so I cannot comment on it, but I think seeing it on the big screen is justified in this case, the visuals are quite good through most of the film, especially the space scenes.

#47

I did see it in 3D, primarily because I already had the glasses so it was only an extra euro also the time the 3D version was showing suited me better (not showing in my local town alas, had to drive 40km to the other town in order to see it).

I thought it was fun, lightly played with nice pacing and no slow, boring bits. I have almost no knowledge of the Green Lantern comics therefore had no expectations as to whether the (Clearly origin story) approach was true to the character or not.

A typical, discovery/redemption arc, I suppose Hal having to prove himself reminded me of the arc with Thor, although Hal didn’t’ have any power in the first place. I’m trying to be non spoiler here but I have to throw in this one quote which made me (and the depressingly few other people in the Cinema) lol
“I’ve seen you naked, You think I can’t recognise you because I can’t see your cheekbones?”.

So yeah, quite fun from a zero knowledge of the comic books perspective, 3D not worth bothering with though, didn’t really add anything. I’ll agree with omra on the visual effects though, it looked quite well and the action sequences were well handled.
Phaze
on the “watching clare v tipp in the munster hurling semi final, clare 1-4 tipp 0-1” ID

#48

I’m considering going to a movie today, but I can’t decide between X-Men and Green Lantern.

#49

Green Lantern is getting raped by the online community in the comments section of reviews and I just don’t understand the hate. They love to crap all over the CGI, but considering the sheer scale of what they attempted to accomplish I cannot fault them on that. Especially since they attempted so many different species, and I am assuming that cosmic stuff is much harder to do than mimicking everyday items.

And I have no doubt that had they used Nathan Fillion instead of Ryan Reynolds that the acting and love arc would have been much more believable. But hey, they went with a different casting choice, and the director is a strong action director, but not known for drama so apparently he could not squeeze a better performance out of the pretty boy.

But it was a worthy effort and visually fun and entertaining. Just don’t go in expecting Iron Man and you will be entertained. :slight_smile:

#50

Looks like I’ll probably be going to Green Lantern because of timing constraints between Eve Alliance Tournament and Falling Skies

#51

Saw Green Lantern - not really understanding the terrible reviews. Was it X-Men First Class? No. But it was a fun movie. I would’ve liked to have found out more about the overall universe, but that can wait until the sequel. Effects were good. Stiry was pretty standard. I liked Reynolds more than I thot I would as GL.

If youre not a fan of the comic, you dont need to be. And regarding the 3D - I’ve said it here before…3D should be like your familys china, use it for special osscaions, not every meal. It didn’t need to be done here or with Thor to make it better - it stands on it’s own without it.

#52

Yeah, I just got back from it. Thor was better and I’m not really a fan of Hal’s love interest.

The Sinestro tag at the end was nice, but with all the DC stuff I’ve been watching recently, I was more interested by the introduction of “Doctor” Amanda Waller.

Oh, and the guy who voiced Parallax was the voice of Lex Luthor in Justice League.

#53

Clancy Brown is legendary.

#54

Super 8 was really, really good. Just fun all the way through, touching, and exciting. It’s definitely the heir apparent to the likes of The Goonies and ET and such. 80s kids doing thangs genre

#55

I told my friends that I would’ve been perfectly happy watching this movie with all of the sci-fi elements removed. The kid actors were wonderful. If it had just been the story of two children whose fathers hated each other coming together while making a cute little zombie movie with their friends … I probably would have actually liked it more.

#56

We saw this with the kids a few weeks ago. It was really good! I was nervous, what with it being a sequel and all. The animation was stunning- Dreamworks has really upped their game, in my opinion. The landscapes reminded me of How to Train Your Dragon. There were 3 distinct animation styles in the movie, and they were all equally well done. Interestingly enough, I noticed Guillermo Del Toro listed in the credits as a “creative consultant”.

My only two gripes: the story was kind of weak, compared to any Pixar movie. Pixar seems to just be better at crafting good stories, and avoids some of the lowbrow humor that Dreamworks seems to fall back on. And the very last scene of the movie was unnecessary I think. My husband, who happens to be adopted, thought so as well. I’ll leave it at that.

But all in all, a great film for anyone who loves animation. :slight_smile:

#57

X-Men First Class: Excellent overall. Brings back what I loved about the first two x-men films, which was a great ensemble cast, fun action and social commentary. It did not keep 100% continuity with X-Men and X2, but differences were pretty minor. Some very noticeable changes to X-Men 3 and Wolverine however, but no one cares about those movies. :slight_smile: Loved the theme of finding the place between rage and serenity, something I have understood for a long time, but never heard said so eloquently.

Super 8: Good film, falls just short of being great. The kids carried the movie and were by far the best part. The “Sci-fi ish” stuff was still good but much less memorable than the rest. Got me thinking a lot about what it would have been like to be a kid in 1979.

#58

Just got back from Super 8. I thought it was awesome. Just amazing. The kid’s stole the show for sure. Could it have been done without the monster element? Yes, but it would have been a completely different movie. It’s kind of a shame that it’s such an action packed movie, with the swearing and blood. I would have loved to see it adapted slightly so that somewhat younger audience could go to see it. As it is, I’d say 14+. Then again, I remember seeing Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when I was 6 years old, so I’m sure some parents wouldn’t mind their younger viewers tagging along. I was captivated the whole time and it was a switch between a huge grin on my face, and my mouth agape in surprise. Definitely made me feel like a kid again while watching it, and I wish it came out when I was 12 years old so a young me could watch it.

Bonus, it had the Planet of the Apes, Captain America, and Cowboys and Aliens trailers. All of which look groin grabbingly good.

#59

You have emotions that can be touched?

LOVED X-Men First Class. I skipped X3 until GWC’s X-Men arc and have no intention of seeing Wolverine but I was excited about this. James MacEvoy and Michael Fassbender gave fantastic performances as Charles and Erik. I loved Mystique and Beast. Great story, great production values. I did not enjoy January Jones’ “acting” as Emma Frost, but I also really don’t like the Emma Frost character at all. Overall, 4.5 stars. Will be watching again for sure.

#60

Just got back from the special 9pm 3D only screening of Transformers 3…

HOOLLLYY CRAP!!! I’ve never had so much fun in a theater. I saw it in imax which was terrific - great sound lol. Everyone in our theater was pumped to see it, lots of people with transformers shirts, a few costumes. Everyone cheered and screamed throughout the whole thing it was awesome.

In terms of character development and storyline (although this one was more comprehensible), don’t expect more from this Bay flick than his others. But the visuals were beautiful - the 3D was immersive and worth it - and there was tons of serious ass kicking on both sides.

If you’ve had any fun in a transformers movie before, go check this out on the best screen available to you. A great summer popcorn flick.