Man of Steel did not steal my heart!

I am sorry for my lateness...I guess I have been having a hard time trying to write this current blog post. Mainly because of the fact that this film was nothing like I thought it might be. I am not sure where to start...maybe with the good.

Man of Steel had exceptional special effects. I thought that the picture quality was amazing. However, all movies at this point are able to do this, especially for action films.

And ok.. Henry Cavill did a great job at capturing the look of superman, but maybe not so much the true essence. I am hoping that the second film (if they make one) will capture Superman in a very different light.

....

Now before I begin my rant, I think that it is important to note that I was unaware of the background of Superman. I did not know that he was an 'alien' and that he came from a very different part of the universe. I first learned about Superman watching 'Lois & Clark.' At this point in time Clark was working for the Daily Planet. Therefore, I assumed --much like Batman-- that Clark was born into the role.

Alright.. RANT TIME!

First of all, I did not enjoy Amy Adams as Lois. Unfortunately, she has NO chemistry with Clark. And their relationship was very choppy. They were also very awkward when they were together. Amy Adams, I love you and I think that you are extremely brilliant, however I do not think that this was the role for you. Maybe you might surprise me if this film has a sequel... but I highly doubt it.

Henry Cavill, you were able to capture the look of Superman, but not the personality or essence. I thought that you were very beautiful, but maybe dim. I thought that you would be smart, beautiful and strong.. but the movie only highlighted your strength and beauty. I thought that the actions that Superman took in this film did not correspond with his personality. Like Amy Adams, you were ok.. but not great!

Secondly, it is to my own knowledge that Superman NEVER killed anyone. It was against his beliefs to kill, that is why he left planet earth when he did. In this film, Clark killed off General Zod. I really do not enjoy when writers decide to change the story so drastically. I realize with time there are going to be slight changes. However, the fact that Clark killed was such a dramatic change that it does not go well with his character.

Thirdly, WAY TOO SCI-FI. Having a full understanding of the background of Superman, I realize that it is a bit sci-fi-ish. Unfortunately, this film took it too a whole new level. At one point I wasn't even sure if Superman was going to make it to earth. WAY TOO LONG! Very confusing and very choppy. Let's not do that again.

And lastly, Lois did not know that Clark was Superman in 'Lois and Clark' or the comic books. When he began working for the daily planet, he disguised himself with "glasses" to ensure that nobody knew who he was. At the end of the film, Lois did know. I like the fact that Lois does not seem like an 'air-head,' but at the same time...it kind of takes away from the actual story.

Either way... I give this film a [C-]. It wasn't the worst movie I have ever seen, but it wasn't even close to the best. If you are going to write a Super Hero movie, let's make sure we know the "real" story and tell it right. I hope the next film is better.

See you at the movies.

Safe Haven: The Total Flop

Alright, I am sure that I am not the only one who thought that the new film 'Safe Haven' was a total flop. I mean I guess I should have seen it coming, especially since all Nicholas Sparks film adaptations follow the same narrative structure. Ok... we get it, everyone is going to live happily ever after. That is why I tend not to read Nicholas Sparks. I actually randomly picked up this novel for my plane ride overseas, and to tell you the truth I actually enjoyed it. Why do you ask? Because it was not like the rest.

Although it deals with love and loss, it actually had a thriller aspect attached to it. But unfortunately, no one really would have understood that because the film was soooooo poorly done. Just a tip to those directors that are about to make another film from his novels... DON'T CHANGE THINGS, especially when the audience who hasn't read the book, they won't get it! Just a tip...

Now on to the actual film. Alright, the casting of Josh Duhamel was probably not the best choice. I mean do not get me wrong he is like a Channing Tatum-- really pretty, but maybe not so much a "great actor." But if we are giving points for attractiveness, the director nailed this one on the head. Having read the novel, I wouldn't have casted him. I think that I would have wanted to try someone like Chris Pine or Jensen Ackles. They can actually make the movie look good. Sorry Josh, I guess I just see you as another pretty face, but that does get you somewhere in Hollywood. And now onto Julianne Hough...hmmmm....I mean I get the whole "lets introduce a new up-coming actress to the scene," but really....Hough? Hmm... Ok I get it once again.. she's pretty, but can she actually act? Seriously? Rachel McAdams could play this part better sleeping on the job. It's called TALENT! And she ain't got it. Hopefully she will be able to wow me one day.. unfortunately, I don't see an Oscar Nomination in her future. Thanks for trying. If I was casting for this part, I think that I would want to try someone like Elizabeth Olsen. She wowed me with her performance in 'Silent House.' She is very talented and I feel that she is going to do great things in the acting world. So, I guess my point is... bad choices for the main characters...

Now on to the actual film. There one main reason why I did not like this film and that has to do with the fact that the storyline had changed. And for anyone who actually read the book, you were probably the only ones who actually knew what was going on....

For example,

1. At the beginning of the movie, "Katie" was running to the bus stop. She purchases her ticket and a cop is running after her. She gets away. The audience has NO IDEA what is going on. They don't even know who this guy is. He likes to drink a lot of water.. and he sends out a wanted poster because she is a murderer. And you don't find out much about her background until halfway through the movie. I think you might have lost the audiences attention. This is not a Christopher Nolan film.. where the audience is going to think one thing.. and at the end go "wow, I never saw that coming!" Sooo maybe don't leave the audience in the dark, especially since the novel actually told "Katie's" story at the beginning. As the novel progresses you find out more and more about her background. You know those important details and keep the reader interested.. Yeah, the film sucked at that.

2. Kevin drinks water? Why is he a bad guy? The audience has NO IDEA that he is an alcoholic... Hmmm.. maybe a good idea to tell them, or were you trying to fool them into thinking that he was "a healthy guy?"

3. Kevin did not find out where "Erin" was because of the neighbours answering machine. They didn't even know that "Erin" stole the identity of "Katie" the neighbours daughter. And we, as an audience never find out that that is the actually story.. we get the "is this your pie receipt?" "I know you know where Erin is" ... and then he sneaks into the house and how convenient it was that she left a message on the answering machine.. wow. I think that if I was running away from an abusive husband.. I might not call a friend from that area...I would disappear! WERID!

4. When did she stab him? That didn't happen! Or at least I don't remember it. And how did she get the money to run away. The novel described that, considering he never gave her money and if he did he would ask for the receipt and the change. Just saying...

5. He slept around. The novel made him out to be really bad.. the film.. not so much.

6. Jo. You know that lady that she would talk to. In the novel she actually talked to her a lot and invited her into her home. And the novel talked about letters that Jo left her husband and the new women that would eventually come into her life. In the novel you never expect Jo to be a figment of Katie's imagination, but the film made her look "CRAZY!" Yah.. bad idea.

7. Erin (Katie) did not talk to her husband outside the boyfriends house in such a great manor.. WHAT WAS THAT! And her boyfriend was never lighting fireworks.. what was that? The house was set ablaze with everyone in it.

I guess my whole point is that if you hadn't read the book, a lot of the plot didn't make sense. 1 because it had changed so drastically... and 2. because they rushed through important parts! BAD IDEA! BAD FILM!

On top of the actually plot.. there was no chemistry. Duhamel and Hough didn't have what Gosling and McAdams did. None of the Nicholas Sparks adaptations do, except for 'The Notebook.' So, I guess this is another poorly done film that just wasted my time.

I give this film an [F]. Although, it follows the same narrative structure of all films before it, it left out important information, and changed parts of the story which only confused the audience and made the main character out to be a "crazy-person." So if you want to see a film that is terrible....watch this one. I think it will be worse the more you watch it. Therefore, I am saying.. read the novel...it is so much better.

See you at the movies!

The Hobbit: A Wonderfully Impressive Adventure

Since I am such a big fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it had to be expected that I would run out and see The Hobbit. At the beginning I was nervous to see how this film would turn out. Since the last three films were created much has happened in terms of film-making. However, Peter Jackson did remain the director, so that must count for something.

....Were you waiting for me to tell you that I didn't like it? ha.. Well I am sorry to have fooled you, but unfortunately this film was exactly what I thought it would be. By accident I did end up going to see it in 3D, but to be very honest I thought that it was amazing. So this brings me to the good part.

What do I love about this film to do ask? ... Uhm, everything. I would like to point out that I was very skeptical about the "computer-animated" characters, but it turns out that they are great for this type of genre. You do not see it very often in film that the computer animated characters work. For example, Twilight (but then again, those films were of course BRUTAL!). I had to give an example though. I was also very excited to see Gollum again. I think that he is one of my favourite characters from the series, even though he is a little unhinged and creepy. In a weird way I think that he is cute. Don't you? (Gollum )

Other than Gollum, another character that I love is of course Bilbo Baggins. From the very beginning I thought that Ian Holm was the only actor that could take on the character of Bilbo, but unfortunately I was very wrong. Martin Freeman took the role to a whole new level (of course not taking away from Ian's work). He brought forth a Bilbo that I never expected, which of course was witty, smart, and brave. These are the characteristics that we as an audience only hear about through the Lord of the Rings. So great job Martin!

Of course I do need to praise all the previous actors and actresses that were again present in this new film. I love when you see the same people play the same part. So amazing work. But the actors and actresses are not the only thing that make this film really great, therefore I need to move on.

The second reason why I loved this film is the... wait for it..... COMPUTER EFFECTS! Ok. I said it out loud, and I think that you all heard it. So, yes, the computer effects. Like I have previously stated before, not many films can use computer effects the way they do in this film because it looks "cheesy" and "unrealistic." But for The Hobbit, it was brilliant! There are too many "weird" creatures that it would take the film a decade just to do all the make-up on, let alone pay out for all the performances. And because of that fact that Gollum had worked so well in the past, it is easy to assume that the computer effects would continue to work well for this genre of film.

And finally, the last thing that I loved about this film (or these string of films) is that they follow the novels so well. You do not see that in a lot of film adaptions, they tend to mess with the logistics or the storyline to create this "Hollywood Ending" that does not always make sense or work well. And more than half the time the film flops because of it. So thank you for staying true to the books. I mean that is why audiences love these films so much. It is better to go big or go home.

But of course, like every film, we need to talk about what I did not like. This part is always so hard because of that fact that I throughly enjoy these films, but it needs to be done. If I could be objective, I think the film was a bit longer than it needed to me. It was approximately three hours in length and based on the adventure that took place, this film could have been a bit shorter. If you do tend to read J.R.R Tolken's books you will see that he creates the characters wonderfully, as well as the scenes. Unfortunately, the chapters can be rather lengthy; some are more description then plot. Therefore, I can see why Peter Jackson has created such a lengthy film. However, if that is the worst thing about this film I am not mad. Peter continues to create extraordinary films with award-winning actors.

All and all I give this film a [A]. I given this in regards to the acting abilities on screen, the amazing computer effects that re-create the vision of J.R.R. Tolken, and of course last but not least Peter's excellent film adaption of this wonderfully written novel. So for anyone who has not see this film yet, you must must must go see it. I know you will enjoy yourself from the beginning, to the middle, to the end.

See you at the movies!

ARGO: The Canadian Caper Story Revealed...Well some-what.

I had the pleasure of seeing the film 'ARGO' tonight at the theatre. I have to say that I was very happy about the film--especially with the director Ben Affleck. Unfortunately, I am a unsettled about the actual story that this film told. Of course I think I feel this way because I am very political, as well as I am very patriotic to my country of Canada. But let's begin talking about the things that I loved most about this film.

For one, I loved the actual style of the film. I think one of the ways that films grab audiences is by telling the story in 'actual time.' And what I mean by that is that they do not try to change the era in which the film is being told in. This actual event took place in the 80's and the film showed this not only by the way that characters dressed, but the places that they visited. Additionally, the film itself seemed to have that 80's structure to it. It was not some blu-ray clear as the night sky film, it seemed more 'real' for that time.

Another reason I loved this film is because it linked together Canada and the United States. For the most part we are always trying to compete with each other, but in this film it shows the importance and strength of our partnership together. Together we can do great things. I guess you could say that that statement is a little politically charged, but I feel that we waste a lot of time comparing our strengths and weaknesses against each other. It is nice to know that some of our accomplishments were completed together as a whole instead of apart.

But now back to the film. The actors that were chosen for this film were exactly what I would hope this film would use. When is comes to serious films that are based on actual events, I feel that it is always important to use actors that are not as well known. I feel this way because a lot of the time films use 'popular' actors as a way to sell to audiences. I believe that sometimes popular actors tend to take away from the importance of a film. Therefore by choosing actors that are not in the lime-light Affleck was able to tell the story the way that it should be told.

Now on to the things that I did not like....

To sum up all I would like to say is "COME ON...Canada did nothing and took that responsibility and the glory of this mission?" Yah... some how I do not believe this. Audiences deserve the real story no matter where they live. Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor put himself in extreme danger in order to hide the 6 American diplomats. I will say that they did show this within the film, but at the end before the credits rolled they finished off the story by basically saying the Americans did the work and the Canadians took the credit. I find that really hard to believe, especially since Tony Mendez (the CIA agent that got the 6 out) said in previous interviews that CIA efforts complemented Canadian initiative to make sure the 6 were brought home safely. So come on, tell the story right. I realize it is an American film, but that does not mean that Canadian initiative during this time should be down played. But like I said.. this is a movie that is a little politically charged.. so my statements are somewhat based on that.

Other than the down playing of Canadian initiative, I feel that this film is something that audiences will enjoy. I also feel that it is a film brings both Canadians and American together. We are more alike then most people think and I do not believe this to be a bad thing.

Enjoy the film for what it is, but take it with a grain or salt. I give this film a [A-] for it depiction of a real-life story that changed the lives of 6 American diplomats. I also give it this grade for its amazing depiction of the era. 

See you at the movies!

Scary Movies Are Made For Halloween

On behalf of Halloween, I thought that it would be a good idea to write about the most recent scary movie that I saw, as well as write about some of my all time favourites. The current film that I have seen was "Sinister." And I have to say that it was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Not because of the effects or the actors that were in it, but because the film was about an paranormal man who collected kids and killed their families. It didn't even make sense half of the time. He would use his power to brainwash a child in any family that was living in the same house as a previous victim. I thought it was the dumbest film I have ever seen.

But then again, The Hills Have Eyes used "rape" as a way to scare the audience. If I could give audiences any advice I would tell them that film is awful. Sinister has to be one of the worst films I have seen thus far. It deserves a really big [D+]. Maybe next time directors, producers, and writers will understand that these films do not do well. But I guess they will never learn.

Now on the the films that I have loved my whole life. I have a few favourites (most of them are old).

1. Halloween
Halloween, not the remake, but the actual first film ever made is one of my favourite movies of all time. Why? Well much of it stems from the fact that it is about a psycho killer that only attacks on Halloween. The film is not gross by any means, but it is a thriller. If I want to watch a scary movie I don't want to be scared by the disgusting mess that is someone cutting off their legs (i.e. SAW), I was to be screaming at the character to run. I want my heart to be pounding because I do not know where he is.. and that is exactly the same feeling that character in the film has.
Another reason I like this film is because it is a sequel. Lorie Strode is the sister of the mass murderer Michael Myers and he wants her dead. The second film itself is based on the same night that she gets away from her brother. Not to mention Halloween H20 (even though it was not the best of the three films) brings the audience back to the past with Laurie. It is nostalgic if I do say so myself.
I give this film a [B+] for its original storyline and plot, and more importantly, this grade is for the movie actually taking place on Halloween.

2. Nightmare On Elm Street
Even though this film went on forever with all of the sequels and the new remake which I will never go see, it still remains one of my favourite films. This film story is about a man named Freddy Kruger that kills teenagers in their sleep. The characters do not want to sleep because they are afraid that he will come after them. Now that story is creepy. Everyone has to sleep.
I  also love this film because audiences can "jump" to. And by jump I mean it raises the hair in the back of your neck and keeps you guessing. I could watch this movie every Halloween and it would be like the first time I saw it.
I give this film a [B] for the original plot. No one has ever been this creative when it comes to the spooky story, so it can't get any better than this.

3. The Strangers
One of the scariest films that I have ever seen was of course the most recent film The Strangers. It was a film about actual events that have taken place in the USA, where people would be tormented and murdered by strangers they had never met in their lives.
This film is scary because it is based on "true events." Who knows how much of it is actually true, but the fact that people have been tortured by others they don't even know is enough to make my skin crawl.
The thing that I love most about this film is the fact that the characters are not "stupid" they actually do things that I feel most people would do in the same situation which is .... try to survive by not being stupid.
I give this film a [A-] because of its ability to truly scare the audience on things that have actually happened.

4. Silent House
Another great film was Silent House. It was about a girl and her father who were selling their cottage, but strange things were happening within the house that were unexplainable. I have to say that Elizabeth Olsen is a great actor, having featured this film at TIFF a few years ago. This film has the audience guessing what is going on the whole time. The ending itself is so very important, but I am sure that the average person wouldn't guess what it could be.
If someone wants to be scared this is a great film to great scared with. I give this film a [B+] for its original idea and talented actors.

And last but not least....

5. The Last House On The Left
Even though this film has an awful rape scene that did not need to be shown as badly as it did on the film, the remake of this film is one of the best remakes I have ever seen. The characters had great talent and the effects were even better. When it comes to scary movies things need to look realistic... and in this film they do.
The best part about this film is that fact that "revenge" takes place. In most scary movies the killers get away and they tend to do the same thing all over again. But in this film it is very different. The parents of the child take revenge on the people who hurt their daughter. Throughout this film audiences are raving for the way the parents get these people back. So in the end they are the real survivors and the murderers are gone forever.
I give this film [A-] for its ability to take an old film and not ruin it, as well as its special effects. Not many scary films are able look and sound realistic.

Well I hope that this helps audiences choose a great film for the night of Halloween or any night that they want to sit and get scared. Everyone deserves to see a great film even if they want it to be scary. Like all films there is a lot of crap out there that does not deserve to be seen.

But before I sign off....if scary is not for you.. you can always choose another of my my favourite Halloween movies which is of course the always amazing Hocus Pocus...or maybe even Casper The Friendly Ghost. But that is for you to choose.

See you at the movies.

Cloud Atlas The Remarkably Impressive Film!

 I had the opportunity to go to the Toronto International Film Festival last weekend and the weekend before. The first weekend I decided to take part in the red carpet event for the film Cloud Atlas. And this past weekend I actually saw the film. To tell the complete truth I think that TIFF is a remarkable event that the city of Toronto gets to be part of. Unfortunately, I understand why people like Tom Hanks tend to believe that they are "cows ready for slaughter." At the red carpet event, many of the event employees would push the celebrities through the "rings" so that they could get interviewed within the various venues. Unfortunately, I believe that celebrities, such as Tom Hanks actually want to be part of the festivities and they do not want to be pushed around. So just a tip, maybe let them breathe a little bit. 

Now on to the good stuff....

Going into the film Cloud Atlas I never thought that I would really understand what is going on. The very reason I decided to see this film was because Tom Hanks was in it. Being my favourite actor, I thought....hmmmm I doubt he would disappoint. So, here I am going into a film, that has a very complicated storyline. I would have to say though....it was one of the most ridiculously impressive films I have seen in a long time. 

At the very same time, this film brought together the very idea that everyone is connected. And no matter what decisions we make, they will always effect other people and the lives that they lead. So it is important to fight for the things that others may not. 

Moving on to the actors...Tom Hanks, Halle Barry, Susan Sarandon, and Jim Sturgess played multiple characters within this film. Some you would have known right away and others not so much. But with each character they played each actor or actress was able to show their true talents. I was impressed by everyone within this film, not because of their names, but because of that fact that they had to play different characters that I am sure they have never had to play before. Some funny, some good, and some awful. But each character was connected by a single mark. And this mark connected each story to the other. 

I think that this is a film that everyone should watch and learn from. It is definitely a film that I will even have to watch again to ensure that I saw every thing that I needed to, to understand the story. 

All and all, I give this film a A-. Great film that I think all movie goers would love if they are up for the challenge. This film proves the theory that we are all connected, that no one person is singular. We all are effected by the choices of others, even if we do not believe it. So go and see for yourself. I am pretty sure this film is to be coming out this October. So... I'll see you at the movies. 

Tom Hanks is coming to TIFF!

On behalf of the fact that Mr.Tom Hanks is coming to the Toronto International Film Festival, I felt that it was only appropriate to talk about my five favourite films that he has created over the years. To give you a little background, I have been a fan of Tom Hanks since I was young enough to enjoy "real-people" in a film. I know what you are thing. What does she mean? Obviously, I mean that when I was very young, I would never have thought about watching a movie that was not Disney. But of course, my father presented me with this film A League Of Their Own and told me that it was his favourite movie of all time. So of course I am going to like this film my dad was my idol. But it was at this moment in time that I fell in love with Tom Hanks (and by that I mean his acting)

I was hooked on Tom Hanks and I did not care who knew it. I loved them all! I mean I think that this could be considered a problem (but of course it is not because I think it was at this moment as well that I understood the true passion I had for film. So, as promised...I am going to give you my top 5 favourite Tom Hanks films. 


1. A League Of Their Own
Of course this ranks number one because as my previous blog has told you, I loved that females take on such a powerful role, and are no longer featured as cleaners and or cooks. For once women were looked up to, not only for their ability to play sport, but for their hard work and drive. An all-star cast also promoted this movie. Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Rosie O'Donnell, and Madonna to name a few played breathe-taking roles as their powerhouse baseball players and or star member. Well done everyone! Not to mention Tom Hanks played a character that I would have never expected, a drunk baseball pro that no longer plays baseball. There is something about the way that Tom is able to play the character which really show audiences how transparent he really is. And finally, the last reason that this film deserves its number 1 position is because it is a film about the sport of baseball. This film allows audiences to time-travel back to the World War and see how the world functioned. And because of that, it gave me a great outlook on the world of sports and the world with war. Great film Tom [A] for awesome!

2. That Thing You Do!
Ahhhhh.. another classic from the very extensive Tom Hanks collection. Who didn't like this film? I have to believe that everyone liked it. Having been written and produced by Tom Hanks itself, it is a safe bet to think that this film is going to ROCK! And of course it did. The reason that I loved this film so much is because it focuses on most people's dream of being famous. It shows audiences the trials and tribulations. Young band forms...Young band gets famous....Young band breaks up. Of course this is going to be entertaining. DUH! Another reason that I loved this film is because of the music. I know that everyone has that one song that they tell their friends they hate. Everyone does. Well I am going to be truthful....I LOVE THAT SONG "THAT THING YOU DO!" And lastly, this film shows another side of Tom that nobody would have ever expected. Tom Hanks is creative! [A] for amazing!

3. BIG
Ok, this is a no-brainer! Who would not like BIG? UHM...no one because this film is more amazing than you could ever imagine. Who would love to go back in time and go through their childhood? Come on, this film allows all audiences to bring out their own little child inside. It shows the very differences between adult and child responsibility. But at the same time it also shows older audiences that is ok to be a kid. I loved what Tom really brought to the screen. And based on that youtube video Tom Hanks brought a little of his own children into this film. Having heard a song that his young son learned as camp, Tom was able to use it in his film. Great choice Tom, I think that everyone remembers that song! [B+] for one of the best

4. Forrest Gump
Having won an academy award for this role as Forrest, it is save to say that many people believe that Forrest Gump is one of Tom Hank's best films. He took on a role that he had never taken before. Not only did this film teach us about ourselves, it also taught us about the kind of world that we live it. Not everything is going to be easy and for some everything seemed to be so hard. So live each day like it was your last and never settle for anything less. Thanks Forrest Gump, I do not think that I would be the person I am today without this wonderful live changing film [B+] for brilliant film.

5. Philadelphia
Now when it comes to this film Tom broke down barriers. If being gay isn't hard enough the whole world has to create rules and talk about it in such a horrible way. I have many gay friends and I do not judge them on the life they want to lead, it does not affect me in anyway. And that is how is should be. But unfortunately the world is not like this. This film Philadelphia told a story about AIDS and the pain an suffering that people with this horrible disease face everyday. Tom put a face to this illness and allowed himself to speak for others. This film also focused on the importance of justice. No one should judge anyone who what they have no matter what it is. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. So thank you Tom, another great film to add to my stellar collection. [B+] for tremendous. 

So there you have it...my top 5 Tom Hanks films of all time. keep making great movies Tom and I will continue to watch! You're the best Tom. I can not wait until your new film Cloud Atlas comes out. I already know it is going to be great!

See you at the movies.