The Mighty Thor not so mighty

"Thor" is not only a classic Marvel superhero, but he is also a god based on European Mythology.  Marvel  takes great detail in creating a vast mystical universe for Thor to originate from.  There is nothing blatantly wrong with the film.  It has all the elements of a great super hero movie: the lead is well cast, the supporting cast is solid, great action sequences, and good villains.  Where "Thor" falls short is in its character development especially between Thor and  Jane Foster. We as an audience are supposed to believe that they have built this mutual love for each other, but that connection has never been established on screen.                             

It would have been interesting to learn about the mythology of Thor in how he gains his powers, the origins of his hammer, and how long has he lived.  What the film does well is in its action sequences.  There are breath- taking CGI that create realistic mystical beings for Thor to battle with.  One of the best action sequences has no special effects at all.  It is just Thor fighting hand to hand with shield agents.  Marvel has done a very well job of trying to connect all of its superheros together for the Avengers movie. 

"Thor" is a very good movie, just not a great movie.  The problem with the movie is that I was expecting greatness.  If we judge it on our own merits, it is a very entertaining well produced superhero film.  Avoid at all cost the 3D.  It does nothing to enhance the film and is a waste of money.  The 3D was added post production and it was rushed.  The 2D is more than enough for you to enjoy the film. 

All photos by Joel Arnold

Well Adjusted

Do we have free will or do we just have the appearance of free will?  That is one of the questions that is examined in the movie The Adjustment Bureau. Matt Damon plays a young promising politician with a bright future ahead of him.  Greatness seems to be at his footsteps.  Is this because of his hard work, charisma or is it that his destiny has already been planned out by agents known as The Adjustment Bureau?                                                                                              

http://www.theadjustmentbureau.com/index.php

This film is a very clever science-fiction/love story.  There is good chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt.  The more they fight to be together, the more resistance they face from The Adjustment Bureau who have different plans for their lives.                                                                                                                                                     

The Adjustment Bureau works well on many different levels.  There is beautiful set designs coupled with great cinematography.  There is solid direction and a very good supporting cast.  Where the film falls short of being a great movie is in the middle of the film where it seems to drag a bit.  There are some holes in the science of how The Adjustment Bureau works. 

Overall it is a very solid film.  I like the idea that we must fight for our own destiny.  The Adjustment Bureau could have been a better movie, but fell a little short.  If it comes on television or if you decide to rent a movie, it comes highly  recommended.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/adjustment_bureau/                                                                                                                                                                              

Preview for next week:  The Might Thor.

                                             

Public Speaking 101

Every once in awhile we have the pleasure of watching a movie that encompasses all aspects of a great film.  The King's Speech is such a movie.  It is a historical drama that focuses on his stammering speech of King George VI; his inability to speak in front of the public.  The film maker's took great pains to be historically accurate as possible.  Colin Firth delivers a very realistic performance as King George VI.  Equally as brilliant is Jeffrey Rush who plays Lionel Logue, a speech therapist, who comes to the aid of the newly appointed king.  Though unconventional and unorthodox, his treatments begin to help the king overcome his disability. 

The main strengths of The King's Speech is the relationship between King George VI and Lionel Logue.  Jeffrey Rush and Colin Firth have a great chemistry together.  Their friendship and bonding is very believable.  As they work together you feel as if you are watching a growing friendship. 

Helen Bonham Carter is very underrated in her performance as Queen Elizabeth.  She plays a strong woman who helps support her husband during a very challenging time in his life.  Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth is very subtle but conveys the depth of love and compassion that she has for her husband. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1504320/                                                                                                                                                      

The King's Speech is a pleasure to watch.  It is well shot and edited.  It is a historical drama that is heartwarming and inspiring.  It is deserving of its best picture award. 

http://www.kingsspeech.com/

This Hornet has no sting.

Every week I am going to be picking a random movie to review; whatever peaks my interest.  As a child, I grew up loving superhero movies.  One of my first movie experiences was watching "Superman" with my mother.  I remember wishing I was Superman and I even tried jumping off tall buildings thinking I could fly.  Even as an adult, superhero movies bring out the childlike nature within me.  I can recall watching the original "The Green Hornet" with Bruce Lee.  It wasn't a great show, but it had superheroes and Bruce Lee, which was good enough for me.  I thought to myself, "Let's give this movie a chance!"  I paid my hard earned money, so I went to the cheapest theater I could find and payed $2.50.  http://www.cinemark.com/theatre-detail.aspx?node_id=1477 

After watching the movie, I would have paid $2.50 to have not seen it.  What can I say about the movie?  Well, besides the fact it had no story, no plot, zero character development, it was one endless action sequence after another which were pointless.  The  main character played by Seth Rogen was so annoying and unrelatable that about half way through the movie, I was hoping that one of the villains would take him out.  It is pretty sad when watching a superhero movie and I find myself rooting for the bad guys to win.  All in all, avoid "The Green Hornet" at all costs.  It is not even worth a $1.00 rental.  Stick to the original series.  See you next week.  http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/thegreenhornet/site/