Hop: Movie Review
Hop
Rating: 4/10
Cast: Russell Brand, James Marsden, Hugh Laurie, Gary Cole,
Kaley Cuoco, Hank Azaria, The Hoff
Director: Tim Hill
As school holidays lurk around the corner, along with Easter, then it's time
to roll out the animated fare at the cinema.
Hop is a part live action, part animated film, starring the vocal talent of
Russell Brand, as EB.
A descendant of the Easter Bunny line from Easter Island, EB has a destiny to
fulfil - he gets to become the Easter Bunny.
But selfish bunny two shoes EB doesn't want that - like any rebellious kid,
he's got his own future marked out - as a drummer.
So running away from Easter Island to Hollywood via a portal, EB runs into
Frank O'Hare (Marsden) a no hoper whose continual disappointment to his family
has led to them intervening in his life to try and get it on track.
The pair accidentally meet - and EB throws himself into Frank's life -
despite Frank's protestations to the contrary.
However, while EB is away, back at the Easter Island factory where the
holiday season becomes real, the number two in charge, The Easter Chick, Carlos
(voiced by Hank Azaria) is plotting a chicken coup d'etat...(That's not a
MasterChef dish or recipe by the way)
Hop is a disappointment.
With a script that hardly packs in many laughs early on, it tries to get by
on the charm and roguish caddish ways of Russell Brand and early jokes about the
Playboy mansion (just think about the inhabitants if you're struggling).
The animation is charming enough (from the creators of Despicable Me, you'd
expect that) but the live action scenes don't really gel. Russell Brand is
typically Russell Brand and you can tell the creators have played to his
strengths; James Marsden seems a little lost and brings only goofiness to the
role.
Don't get me wrong; there are some moments when the comedy comes to the fore
and finally reaps the rewards - including a scene halfway in where EB acts like
a stuffed toy to get a cuddle from Frank's sister (The Big Bang Theory's Kaley
Cuoco).
But with laugh out loud moments few and far between in an average script,
this Easter "funny" will play better to the young.
Even with a cameo from the Hoff (which has more cheese on it than he
likes on his burgers), it's one which the parents may find a little difficult to
sit through. The kids however, will love it.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Rio: Movie Review
Rio: Movie Review
Rio
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Mann, will I am, Jamie Foxx
Director: Carlos Saldanha
The second of this week's animated openings (also out is Hop with Russell Brand) Rio is an altogether different beast.
From the creators of Ice Age, it's the story of the last male macaw in the world Blu (voiced with geeky overtones by The Social Network's Jesse Eisenberg) who's kidnapped when young from his Brazilian habitat.
An accident leads him to be cared for by Linda (Leslie Mann) in Minnesota - and Blu's quite happy in his domesticated lifestyle.
However, when Tulio, from Brazil's department of Conservation shows up on her doorstep, pleading with Linda to let him mate Blu with the last female Macaw Jewel (Anne Hathaway), Blu's life is thrown into disarray.
Dragged to Rio for a romantic liaison, Blu's birdnapped once again - and along with Jewel and a few feathered friends, he's determined to escape back to Linda and the comfort of his normal life.
Colourful, passionate and full of heart, Rio is an animated delight.
From its opening song which soars with birds covering the screen in a wealth of vibrant colours, Rio will get you onside right away.
Even if the sight of most of those birds being kidnapped minutes later will terrify the young (one youngling screamed out during the screening at this point).
With a story which is sweet but not cloying, Rio manages to move and amuse in equal measures.
Throw in a great performance from Jesse Eisenberg (who's really cornering that geeky style) as bird nerd Blu - and a menacing turn from Jemaine Clement's Nigel, a cockatoo who used to be the in thing but who's now bitter and angry, and you've got the mix for a fun time for all the family at the cinema. Which is a rare thing.
But, it's an all family affair too - from the wondrous animated backdrops of Rio itself to the cast of supporting characters, (monkeys, dogs, toucans, birds) there's plenty for everyone to get lost in here.
The script has smarts too - with witty dialogue, great songs (the stand out of which is Jemaine Clement's bird rap) charm and animation that is easy on the eye and not reliant on 3D, you can't go wrong with Rio.
Rio
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Mann, will I am, Jamie Foxx
Director: Carlos Saldanha
The second of this week's animated openings (also out is Hop with Russell Brand) Rio is an altogether different beast.
From the creators of Ice Age, it's the story of the last male macaw in the world Blu (voiced with geeky overtones by The Social Network's Jesse Eisenberg) who's kidnapped when young from his Brazilian habitat.
An accident leads him to be cared for by Linda (Leslie Mann) in Minnesota - and Blu's quite happy in his domesticated lifestyle.
However, when Tulio, from Brazil's department of Conservation shows up on her doorstep, pleading with Linda to let him mate Blu with the last female Macaw Jewel (Anne Hathaway), Blu's life is thrown into disarray.
Dragged to Rio for a romantic liaison, Blu's birdnapped once again - and along with Jewel and a few feathered friends, he's determined to escape back to Linda and the comfort of his normal life.
Colourful, passionate and full of heart, Rio is an animated delight.
From its opening song which soars with birds covering the screen in a wealth of vibrant colours, Rio will get you onside right away.
Even if the sight of most of those birds being kidnapped minutes later will terrify the young (one youngling screamed out during the screening at this point).
With a story which is sweet but not cloying, Rio manages to move and amuse in equal measures.
Throw in a great performance from Jesse Eisenberg (who's really cornering that geeky style) as bird nerd Blu - and a menacing turn from Jemaine Clement's Nigel, a cockatoo who used to be the in thing but who's now bitter and angry, and you've got the mix for a fun time for all the family at the cinema. Which is a rare thing.
But, it's an all family affair too - from the wondrous animated backdrops of Rio itself to the cast of supporting characters, (monkeys, dogs, toucans, birds) there's plenty for everyone to get lost in here.
The script has smarts too - with witty dialogue, great songs (the stand out of which is Jemaine Clement's bird rap) charm and animation that is easy on the eye and not reliant on 3D, you can't go wrong with Rio.
Oceans: Movie Review
Oceans: Movie Review
Oceans
Rating: 8/10
Directors: Jacques Perrin, Jacques Cluzard
Voiceover: Pierce Brosnan
This year's nature doco is an outstandingly shot, relatively non-preachy primarily French piece about the majesty and bounty of the Oceans of our planet.
With laconic and sparse narrative from Pierce Brosnan, the gorgeously shot footage sweeps across and swoops in and out of the waters of the world, as our senses are bombarded with wondrous images.
Images such as sealion, marine iguanas, a sea otter smashing shells on a rock on its belly to feed- to scenes of squid fending off crab who've wandered too close to their territory.
It's an hypnotic and mesmerising snapshot of the world around us.
And a reminder of what brilliance lurks under the waters and far, far away from our eyes.
With the greatest of respect, when Pierce Brosnan's laconic voice over is ditched, then this really is when the film soars because there's nothing to beat the beautiful viciousness of nature at work.
Sometimes in cinema, all you need is what's up on the screen to take your breath away -with just the majesty of nature, Oceans is truly awe inducing as it takes in the life in oceans all over the world - including New Zealand's waterways.
Granted in a film like this, there's bound to be a message about the effect of pollution and the vanishing wildlife but unlike others of their ilk, here the directors show some restraint and don't hammer home the message. By using images from space of the effects of pollution on the waters, the message is got across simply and eloquently - once again, just a simple image paints a greater picture than a thousand words could.
Funny, touching, and amazing, Oceans truly is a majestic piece of cinema, which really needs to be seen on the big screen.
Oceans
Rating: 8/10
Directors: Jacques Perrin, Jacques Cluzard
Voiceover: Pierce Brosnan
This year's nature doco is an outstandingly shot, relatively non-preachy primarily French piece about the majesty and bounty of the Oceans of our planet.
With laconic and sparse narrative from Pierce Brosnan, the gorgeously shot footage sweeps across and swoops in and out of the waters of the world, as our senses are bombarded with wondrous images.
Images such as sealion, marine iguanas, a sea otter smashing shells on a rock on its belly to feed- to scenes of squid fending off crab who've wandered too close to their territory.
It's an hypnotic and mesmerising snapshot of the world around us.
And a reminder of what brilliance lurks under the waters and far, far away from our eyes.
With the greatest of respect, when Pierce Brosnan's laconic voice over is ditched, then this really is when the film soars because there's nothing to beat the beautiful viciousness of nature at work.
Sometimes in cinema, all you need is what's up on the screen to take your breath away -with just the majesty of nature, Oceans is truly awe inducing as it takes in the life in oceans all over the world - including New Zealand's waterways.
Granted in a film like this, there's bound to be a message about the effect of pollution and the vanishing wildlife but unlike others of their ilk, here the directors show some restraint and don't hammer home the message. By using images from space of the effects of pollution on the waters, the message is got across simply and eloquently - once again, just a simple image paints a greater picture than a thousand words could.
Funny, touching, and amazing, Oceans truly is a majestic piece of cinema, which really needs to be seen on the big screen.
Sucker Punch: Movie Review
Sucker Punch: Movie Review
Sucker Punch
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Emily Browning, Jena Malone, Abby Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Carla Gugino, Jamie Chung, Jon Hamm, Scott Glenn
Director: Zack Snyder
With a truckload of hype and expectation screaming the next big geek thing, Sucker Punch is finally here.
Set in the 1960s, it's the story of Babydoll (an innocent Emily Browning) who, framed for the murder of her sister, is committed to a lunatic asylum by her murderous father.
With five days to go before she gets a life-changing lobotomy, Babydoll retreats into a fantasy world to try and plan an escape from a fate worse than death.
Along with Sweetpea (Cornish), Amber (Chung), Blondie (Hudgens) and Rocket (Malone), Babydoll sets her plan in motion - with a little help from the Wise Man (Scott Glenn).
Sucker Punch is an incredible film in many ways.
Incredibly frustrating, incredibly inventive and incredibly visual, it's easy to see why it doesn't quite make it.
It's stylish and astounding in spades (and the opening sequence which shows how Babydoll is committed is one of the best visually impressive scenes I've ever clapped eyes on) but narratively, it's not quite there and instead feels like a series of CGI sequences and some mightily impressive music videos.
Don't get me wrong - there are parts of this film that made my inner geek squeal with delight (impressive slow mo fight scenes, shots of 10 foot samurai warriors with red eyes being cut down by Browning's petite frame, dragons and planes, World War trenches with steampunk Nazis, an awesome OST) but therein lies some of the problem of Sucker Punch.
A film with a series of great moments strung together by some disappointing plot does not alone an outstanding movie make.
Sure, there'll be plenty of discussion of how Snyder's trying to provide strong female role models while dressing them up in provocative clothing - but the main feeling from Sucker Punch is it's a fantastic concept which never really gets past the ideas which may have been story boarded.
Having said that though, the core cast are impressive and you believe instantly in Babydoll's fantasy world and understand exactly why she retreats there to escape the horror; every single male character in this film (with the exception of Scott Glenn's Wise Man) is a slimeball and that gives the women a chance to shine in lead roles.
Ultimately, Sucker Punch will appeal greatly to the core audience it wants - the fanboys and fan girls who'll get their geek on over the utterly amazing action sequences.
But with a little more attention to the script, the visionary Snyder could have created a film which had a broader audience and would have been hailed as something revolutionary.
Sucker Punch
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Emily Browning, Jena Malone, Abby Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Carla Gugino, Jamie Chung, Jon Hamm, Scott Glenn
Director: Zack Snyder
With a truckload of hype and expectation screaming the next big geek thing, Sucker Punch is finally here.
Set in the 1960s, it's the story of Babydoll (an innocent Emily Browning) who, framed for the murder of her sister, is committed to a lunatic asylum by her murderous father.
With five days to go before she gets a life-changing lobotomy, Babydoll retreats into a fantasy world to try and plan an escape from a fate worse than death.
Along with Sweetpea (Cornish), Amber (Chung), Blondie (Hudgens) and Rocket (Malone), Babydoll sets her plan in motion - with a little help from the Wise Man (Scott Glenn).
Sucker Punch is an incredible film in many ways.
Incredibly frustrating, incredibly inventive and incredibly visual, it's easy to see why it doesn't quite make it.
It's stylish and astounding in spades (and the opening sequence which shows how Babydoll is committed is one of the best visually impressive scenes I've ever clapped eyes on) but narratively, it's not quite there and instead feels like a series of CGI sequences and some mightily impressive music videos.
Don't get me wrong - there are parts of this film that made my inner geek squeal with delight (impressive slow mo fight scenes, shots of 10 foot samurai warriors with red eyes being cut down by Browning's petite frame, dragons and planes, World War trenches with steampunk Nazis, an awesome OST) but therein lies some of the problem of Sucker Punch.
A film with a series of great moments strung together by some disappointing plot does not alone an outstanding movie make.
Sure, there'll be plenty of discussion of how Snyder's trying to provide strong female role models while dressing them up in provocative clothing - but the main feeling from Sucker Punch is it's a fantastic concept which never really gets past the ideas which may have been story boarded.
Having said that though, the core cast are impressive and you believe instantly in Babydoll's fantasy world and understand exactly why she retreats there to escape the horror; every single male character in this film (with the exception of Scott Glenn's Wise Man) is a slimeball and that gives the women a chance to shine in lead roles.
Ultimately, Sucker Punch will appeal greatly to the core audience it wants - the fanboys and fan girls who'll get their geek on over the utterly amazing action sequences.
But with a little more attention to the script, the visionary Snyder could have created a film which had a broader audience and would have been hailed as something revolutionary.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Burn Notice Season 2 : DVD Review
Burn Notice Season 2 : DVD Review
Burn Notice Season two
Released by Roadshow
Rating: M
So one of the best spy series on TV (sadly overlooked and plonked into awful late night slots) continues its second season - can you believe we're only on season two when there's six made? Sometimes there's just no accounting for taste.
Anyway, the brilliant Jeffrey Donovan returns as Michael Western, a former CIA Operative who was burned (ie fired) from the agency - but with no idea why or by whom.
This latest season finds him still stuck in Miami trying to find out who did it and why - but brings him a little closer to solving the mystery with the introduction of Tricia "Battlestar Galactica" Helfer's Carla.
But as ever, nothing is quite what it seems.
Why this show isn't a bigger hit is a mystery - but as long as we continue to get season releases, that's the main thing.
Sleek, smart and a little sexy, Donovan is effortlessly cool and this second season compounds the calibre of the show as well as the mythology. But it still remains easy to jump in.
A great ensemble cast is rounded off by Bruce Campbell, Gabrielle Anwar and Sharon Gless - and this year benefits from the appearance of one of Frasier's greats.
Extras: commentary, deleted scenes and behind the scenes - nothing spectacular.
Rating: 7/10
Burn Notice Season two
Released by Roadshow
Rating: M
So one of the best spy series on TV (sadly overlooked and plonked into awful late night slots) continues its second season - can you believe we're only on season two when there's six made? Sometimes there's just no accounting for taste.
Anyway, the brilliant Jeffrey Donovan returns as Michael Western, a former CIA Operative who was burned (ie fired) from the agency - but with no idea why or by whom.
This latest season finds him still stuck in Miami trying to find out who did it and why - but brings him a little closer to solving the mystery with the introduction of Tricia "Battlestar Galactica" Helfer's Carla.
But as ever, nothing is quite what it seems.
Why this show isn't a bigger hit is a mystery - but as long as we continue to get season releases, that's the main thing.
Sleek, smart and a little sexy, Donovan is effortlessly cool and this second season compounds the calibre of the show as well as the mythology. But it still remains easy to jump in.
A great ensemble cast is rounded off by Bruce Campbell, Gabrielle Anwar and Sharon Gless - and this year benefits from the appearance of one of Frasier's greats.
Extras: commentary, deleted scenes and behind the scenes - nothing spectacular.
Rating: 7/10
Dr Who - The Mutants: DVD Review
Dr Who - The Mutants: DVD Review
Dr Who - The Mutants
Released by BBC and Roadshow
Rating: PG
This six part 1972 serial sees Jon Pertwee's Third Doctor and companion Jo thrust into the 30th Century to deliver a message from The Doctor's race, The Time Lords.
But when they arrive they find a world, Solos, torn apart by suspicion, Mutants and a Human Empire looking to flex its final might before leaving the planet it once ruled over.
Can the Doctor bring peace to both sides in these warring factions?
The Mutants is a story which is stretched a little too long - it could have comfortably sat in 4 parts but an extra 2 means the story drags somewhat and sags.
Some of the acting is of the ropiest order as well - but the story idea is An admirable one, dealing as it does with evolution and independence.
Pertwee still stands the test of time - even if those around him fail to measure up; some impressive effects (well, impressive for their time) shine through as well but all in all, The Mutants is a case of slightly missing the mark.
Extras: Commentary, docos - the usual collection - nothing really stands out from the extras. Is it possible the classic series is running out of things to say about each release?
Rating: 5/10
Dr Who - The Mutants
Released by BBC and Roadshow
Rating: PG
This six part 1972 serial sees Jon Pertwee's Third Doctor and companion Jo thrust into the 30th Century to deliver a message from The Doctor's race, The Time Lords.
But when they arrive they find a world, Solos, torn apart by suspicion, Mutants and a Human Empire looking to flex its final might before leaving the planet it once ruled over.
Can the Doctor bring peace to both sides in these warring factions?
The Mutants is a story which is stretched a little too long - it could have comfortably sat in 4 parts but an extra 2 means the story drags somewhat and sags.
Some of the acting is of the ropiest order as well - but the story idea is An admirable one, dealing as it does with evolution and independence.
Pertwee still stands the test of time - even if those around him fail to measure up; some impressive effects (well, impressive for their time) shine through as well but all in all, The Mutants is a case of slightly missing the mark.
Extras: Commentary, docos - the usual collection - nothing really stands out from the extras. Is it possible the classic series is running out of things to say about each release?
Rating: 5/10
Friday, 1 April 2011
Jackass 3D Blu Ray Review
Jackass 3D Blu Ray Review
Jackass 3
Rating: R16
Released by Universal Home Entertainment
3 times the laughs, 3 times the stupid the cover blares.
And it's right.
It follows the same format as before; as Johnny Knoxville and his gang of malicious miscreants inflict various forms of torture on each other for no other reason than it seemed a good idea at the time.
But, my goodness, in places, it's extremely funny.
This film is frequently gross - think bums and air darts, portaloos and bungee ropes and you're starting to form an idea of how it'll all sit together. But yet, as I say in places, I just couldn't help laughing at the cojones (sometimes literally) on display and the minds that would come up with the various situations involved.
It won't break the mould - it will lead to a good night in for the lads and with a 3D copy and extended and uncut versions there's plenty for all fans of the Jackass genre to savour.
Extras: Outtakes, extended versions, making of, deleted scenes - enough to keep the fans happy.
Rating: 6/10
Jackass 3
Rating: R16
Released by Universal Home Entertainment
3 times the laughs, 3 times the stupid the cover blares.
And it's right.
It follows the same format as before; as Johnny Knoxville and his gang of malicious miscreants inflict various forms of torture on each other for no other reason than it seemed a good idea at the time.
But, my goodness, in places, it's extremely funny.
This film is frequently gross - think bums and air darts, portaloos and bungee ropes and you're starting to form an idea of how it'll all sit together. But yet, as I say in places, I just couldn't help laughing at the cojones (sometimes literally) on display and the minds that would come up with the various situations involved.
It won't break the mould - it will lead to a good night in for the lads and with a 3D copy and extended and uncut versions there's plenty for all fans of the Jackass genre to savour.
Extras: Outtakes, extended versions, making of, deleted scenes - enough to keep the fans happy.
Rating: 6/10
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