The Princess and the Frog

Normally, this is not the type of movie I would be viewing in the theater. However, it was Karianne's(Lynne's daughter) birthday, and she invited Tyler and I to go along. Initially, I went for her. But, as I started watching, I really enjoyed it!
 Not to date myself... I remember as a kid going to see The Jungle Book. It was not just my first movie, but my first Disney movie. For years, Disney has seemed to always have the magic of entertaining children of all ages. The Princess and the Frog falls right into that statement. I haven't laughed that hard in quite a while!
What I enjoyed the most is how the animation resembled Disney's vintage movies like The Lady and the Tramp and 100 Dalmations. Once Beauty and the Beast came out, however, it was obvious that Disney had embraced a new animation generation. I accepted it, because it was still a clever and entertaining movie. However, it's something about the things we enjoyed as a kid that make it that much more enoyable! That's how I felt watching this movie... I wonder why they decided to go back to the old style?

Green Zone

When I heard that this movie was directed by Paul Greengrass, I was excited, because he also directed two of the Bourne movies. I assumed that the flair and storyline that I enoyed in those movies would be present in this one. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time I made a wrong assumption!
I think Greengrass was more interested in creating a documentary rather than an interesting action/adventure, like the Bourne movies, to keep you on the edge of your seat. Sometimes, it seems that directors gain a god-like ego that believes that they can tell any story. It's not that this isn't an interesting story. It's ust told in a boring and pedantic way! There is no character development. The plot is predictable. Matt Damon wasn't convincing as Chief Warrant Officer. It was almost like a feel that they were in a rush to make the movie.
Now, don't get me wrong... The assets they used in filming from the helicopters to all the extras were very powerful and costly. I was struck by the devastation that surrounded the green zone. No utilities, and the violence was overshadowed by the "Club Med" environment within the green zone. Despite this, I would expect for $130,000,000 that it warranted a film that would make that much in the box office or even in DVD. So far, ticket receipts are coming up way short!
From now on, I'm going to do a little more research on the storyline of a movie before I believe the commercial hype. I haven't felt like I wasted my time in a movie for a long time. I did this time...

Avatar

I'm going to start right off and say that I was thoroughly entertained by this movie. I guess that I'm a big sap and still anjoy those movies with a happy ending. Is life always that way? No!!! But, I do like to be reminded that it can go that way!
Unlike other movie critiques or commentaries, I don’t feel the need to give a full synopsis or review of the details. There are plenty of sites out there that do that. They have the luxury of seeing the movie before most people. I’m not one of them… This is just for fun.
There is something special about James Cameron movies. I was watching Aliens yesterday. It still is my favorite out of all the Alien movies. The cinematography and editing seem to be just right on the mark. Same thing with T2. Jim’s vision with Avatar is another fun ride. I love how the sea inspires some of the Pandora’s fauna. The physical connection between the Navi and the Mountain Banshee is really inspired and cool. It was clearly one of my favorite parts of the movie. Avatar is a fun and visually stunning movie. I hope James Cameron continues to amaze and inspire us.
My eyesight is pretty good. I don’t wear glasses. So, having to wear the 3-D glasses the whole movie really bothered my eyes. So much so, that it detracted from the enjoyment of the movie. I couldn’t take them off, though or all I would be seeing is blur, not great for the eyes either. I know this is the latest technology, but it’s not for me. Sore eyes throughout the movie are no fun! You can count on me not being one of the first ones to buy a 3-D TV...

The Wolfman

It's been a long time since I've blogged on this thing. Man, did I have to make changes to my profile...

I can remember being a kid back in the 70's, after the morning cartoons were over, WOR, channel 9, out of New York City played the old black and white horror movies. It could be anything from Earth vs. the Flying Saucers to Them, and so many in between. I guess I was fascinated with all the themes and ideas. Although, I had know more understanding at the time than just being entertained!
On the top of the list had to be all of the Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy and, of course, The Wolfman. Lon Chaney Jr. was great as the tortured soul who needs a major shave and manicure come full moons!!!
Admittedly, this latest release has a very dark and horrific quality about it. I could really feel how cold and dark the family home was. Benicio del Toro and Anthony Hopkins are some of my favorite actors. And yet, this movie really didn't stir that horror bug like the original. It was definitely gory! The nice by-product of our modern technology and film evolution. I guess I miss some stuff being left to the imagination. The story line stayed close to the original with that nice little twist from "Dad"! However, it all seemed pretty predicable. I guess that's because most of us who know the story know what's going to ultimately happen! I will give the director credit, though, for keeping the love story simple and not throwing in a sex scene to spice things up!
I do have to give special nod to Hugo Weaving. Of The Matrix and V for Vendetta fame, he delivers again as the inspector from Scotland Yard. What I look forward to more than seeing this movie again is the possibility of a sequel with Hugo in it! I think that fresh idea would be more entertaining than it's original, if it's done right...
In the end, was I entertained??? Sort of... Admittedly though, I'm one of those who gets more out of seeing it multiple times. I may like it more the second time around, but I'm not planning on holding my breath!