The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn (Steven Spielberg, 2011) Review

Am I the only who was bugged by the opening. It was missing something...something big. The Tintin theme. The one from all the TV shows before this film. So as you may have guessed, it's based on three of the Tintin books...more or less. Now I for one love the Tintin series and was very excited for this film (the projector broke so I had to wait for the DVD) but did it hold up to the hype I created (although no else seemed to care)? Let's find out.

After purchasing a rare model ship, Tintin (Jaime Bell) learns that it's more trouble than it's worth after an American informat is killed on his doorstep after warning Tintin about the ship. He is kidnapped by a man named Sakharine (Daniel Craig) who has an identical model ship and is after a scroll hidden in Tintin's ship. While escaping Sakharine's clutches, Tintin runs into the captain of Sakharine's ship (which is not a model), Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis). The two escape from Sakharine and must now track down Sakharine and stop him from getting the scrolls which lead to Red Rackham's secret treasure.

I was blown away at how amazing this film looks. Okay, it's cheating since it's motion capture but that can't stop it from looking incredible. The characters are an excellent recreation of their classic comic styles and their voices just help amplify how great the characters are. Jaime Bell is perfect as Tintin and, while I was sceptical at first, Andy Serkis is surprisingly good as Haddock. Daniel Craig surprised me as the villain, Sakharine, just because I've never seen him do a villainous role before. Thompson and Thomson (Simon Pegg and Nick Frost) surprised me because I just thought they were signed up for the star appeal but they actually perform the role well and I wish there was more of them.

Was I the only one that was shocked that this was marketed as a kids film? People die, blood is seen, Tintin is seen holding a gun and there is lots of life-threatening peril. I think it's more for fans of the original Tintin stories than for kids. It does throw a few twists in there like how Sherlock puts twists on classic Sherlock Holmes. Also, I was disappointed with John William's score for this film. It was very forgettable and was just crying out for the original Tintin theme.

All in all, The Adventures of Tintin is a great adaptation of the classic stories. If you love the world of Tintin, you will love this film. Sure, there are some moments that I thought were just plain stupid but they're easy to forgive and it comes together as a great adventure. A must see for Tintin fans but it is by no means a kids film. DON'T MAKE THAT MISTAKE. You can enjoy this at any age.

Verdict:
8.5/10
A great adventure film that is a must see for Tintin fans. The acting is good and looks incredible.

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Brad Silberling, 2004) Review

In a world where all films now aren't original (OH SNAP!), a majority of them rely on books in order to make adaptations of them. Film franchises like Harry Potter and James Bond are based on books and they did insanely well. Outside of Sherlock Holmes and James Bond, there's one book series that I enjoy and really wish that one day, thee is a film based on in. In 2004, my prayers were answered in the form of A Series of Unfortunate Events. How was it? Let's find out.

After the death of their parents, Violet (Emily Browning), Klaus (Liam Aiken) and Sunny Baudelaire (Mara and Shelby Hoffman) are left with a legal guardian to take care of them named Count Olaf (Jim Carrey). When they learn that Olaf simply wants to inhert their family fortune, they manage to escape and are taken to other members of their family such as their Uncle Monty (Billy Connolly) and Aunt Josephine  (Meryl Streep). All the while, Olaf is hot on their trails and is determined to take their fortune.

Look at that! A star studded cast. There are the above ones but also featured are Timothy Spall, Catherine O'Hara and Jude Law. Heck, there's even cameos from Dustin Hoffman and Lemony Snicket (the author of the original book who Jude Law portrays..it's confusing). Jim Carrey is a bizzare choice for Count Olaf but then I remembered that Olaf is supposed to be a hammy actor...just like Jim Carrey...just more evil! So, yeah! Good casting in this film...except I have no idea why Klaus never wears his glasses...which he always wore in the books. 

Something interesting the film did was, instead of adapting one book, they adapted the first three books in the series. It actually works well and they manage to tie the three stories together. it becomes one long story and definitely pays off. If it was just the first book, it wouldn't be as good since they cover it in about half an hour...you can't really stretch that for an extra hour.

A Series of Unfortunate Events is a good adaptation of one of my favourite book franchises and does the books justice. The casting is perfect since every character is how I imagined them when reading the books. I love the framing device of having Jude Law as Lemony Snicket. I don't know why but it makes the film that much more...good? It's not for everyone's taste though and only the fans of the books will get the most out of it...still...I wish they did the rest of the books. I would love to see an adaptation of the eleventh book.

Verdict:
6.5/10
I can see the potential and, while there are some great things, is only really for the fans of the books.

Speed (Jan de Bont, 1994) Review

Bit late but did you know Dennis Hopper died...two years ago...I'm efficient okay? Sure, he did some absolute crap (Super Mario Bros. anyone?), I will always look back to one of his best...this film...since I'm talking about it...I got nothing...let's just get this over with.

After a recent bomb scare by a bomb expert, Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) is revealed to be behind it and is presumably killed in a run-in with top cop Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves). This seem to be fine until Payne is revealed to have survived and has now attached a bomb to a bus. The catch? The bus must stay over 50 mph so that it doesn't explode...or Payne is given the money he wants, either way works. Jack manages to get on-board the bus and must now come up with plan to disarm the bomb and keep the bus over 50 mph or else...they die.

I wouldn't consider myself a fan of Keanu Reeves....at all, but he was actually pretty good in this film. I don't recall much development but there are times where I can let it slide considering the character is somewhat cool (just look at him up there....with his police vest). The most memorable character is Howard Payne, though. He's practically a Bond villain. The other characters on the bus are okay as well but you will get annoyed with them...especially the one that dies (whoops! Spoilers). There is a love interest too in the form of Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock) and kudos to the film for having a competent female character. The best character has to be Det. Harold 'Harry' Temple (Jeff Daniels) because...it's Jeff Daniels plus there's one tragic moment that is glanced over yet left an impression on me.

 I won't say it's a unique concept (although it probably is) but it sure is interesting. It's intriguing and you get wrapped into the story because there is a reason to continue! For all you know, the bomb goes off and everyone dies...I mean, you don't know...what's that? You've seen it already...well then...you might agree that the ending reminds me of a Bond film: Epic final battle, peculier villain death, one last problem, explosion, hero and love interest make out. I'm done. I've watched too much James Bond.

Speed is an interesting film with one hell of a hook. The acting is great and contains some of the actors greatest roles and I was always on the edge of my seat. Sure, there were some VERY stupid moments (the bridge jump, 'nuff said) but there is more good than bad in this film. It's an enjoyable action film and should be watched but It's not a must see film that everyone must see. You don't have to...I'd understand if you don't watch it.

Verdict:
7/10
An enjoyable action film with some great acting but there are moments that are just SO stupid, I just can't ignore them.

Brave (Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman and Steve Purcell, 2012) Review

Pixar is back! Done. Set the tone for the rest of the review. After the failure that was Cars 2, Pixar was pretty much beaten by Dreamworks last year so they needed to make a new film that would be up to the standard of their previous films such as Monsters Inc or Finding Nemo. They did. Brave is exactly what I wanted since the great disappointment hat was Cars 2 (I'M NOT LETTING IT GO!). Why? Well, let's find out.

Taking place in ancient Scotland, Princess Merida (Kelly MacDonald) is sick and tired of having her mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), make all her decisions in her life. When she runs out on having to choose a suitor, she encounters a witch in the forest (Julie Walters). She makes a deal and is given a wish...but be careful what you wish for. She asks if her mother could change so that Merida can determine her own fate. Did I say wish? I meant curse. When it affects Elinor, Merida must now rely on her bravery and archery skills to undo the curse and return her life back to the way it was.

Anyone notice the theme of this year for films? Archery! The Hunger Games, Avengers Assemble and now Brave all feature prominent characters who use archery. It's good to see a Disney princess (I guess she counts) who doesn't end up with a man and is still independent. It's a nice change of pace and is one of Pixar's best protagonists. Might I add that her dad, King Fergus (Billy Connoly), is the best character in the film because he's incredibly funny and is the master of changing the mood of a scene. This film has some of Pixar's best characters.

When I started watching this film, one thing went through my head: "Oh man, these accents are going to annoy me". They did not by the end. The voice acting is believable and very well done. unlike with most animated films with celebrity voice actors, it was hard to try and separate the voices from he characters. They are perfect. The casting is perfect. Another great thing is the visuals. The backgrounds are absolulty beautiful and the characters look great and are well designed.

Brave is Brother Bear mixed with How To Train Your Dragon. That's the plot...sort of. Anyway, this is definitely a sign that Pixar is back in the game and Dreamworks better watch out. Yes, the classic Pixar tropes are still here (John Ratzenberger, Luxo Jr, A113, Pizza Planet Truck) and are harder to find then ever (I HAVEN'T EVEN FOUND A113 YET!). Just one thing, DON'T MAKE A SEQUEL FOR THIS. The Toy Story sequels are great but Cars 2 proves that when a sequel isn't needed...don't make it. The Incredibles 2 and Monsters Inc 2 are the only sequels I want...wait a second...the next Pixar film is a prequel to Monsters Inc...YEAH!

Verdict:
7.5/10
A return to what Pixar do best. Visually, it's fantastic and the voice acting is perfect. A much needed improvement over Cars 2.

The Breakfast Club (John Hughes, 1985) Review

It's time for a teen film! One of my first reviews I ever did was of Ferris Bueller's Day Off so I think it's time we take a look at what it would be like if it was really serious. Sure, the late, great John Hughes had done some crap (Flubber for example) but this is one of his best! I can't really think of a good introduction so let's just dive right in!

On a weekend day, five students arrive at high school as they have each earned detention. These students are (from left to right in the picture) John Bender (Judd Nelson), Andrew Clark (Emilio Estevez), Allison Reynolds (Ally Sheedy), Claire Standish (Molly Ringwald) and Brian Johnson (Anthony Michael Hall). The film follows these five students taking place in one day. That's basically the summary. There isn't much else. To be honest, there is development but that would be telling spoilers...which I only do with certain films...if I feel like it.

 Like I just said, the film basically runs on development. The characters go through some character development (naturally) and end up pouring their souls out to each other. They are all likeable and well (sorry for the overused word) developed. The actors work well off each other (all though I believe there was tension on the set, am I right? AM I RIGHT?!) and it works with a great setting...which I think is the same high school as in Ferris Bueller's Day Off...probably. The acting is the main reason this film is actually really good. There is a lot of emotion used and conveyed so acting is top priority...and it didn't disappoint.

You want all your questions answered? Good for you because you aren't getting any answers. The film is filled to the brim with enigma codes which is something that John Hughes seems good at. What happens the next school day isn't even mentioned. I keep having to compare it to Hughes' other film, Ferris Bueller, just because this film is the darker twin of it. Another parallel is that we also see the story of the principal (Paul Gleason) just as we did with Ferris Bueller but it's not played for laughs and is actually quite tragic in a way. This film will tug at your heart strings.

The Breakfast Club is filled with development, enigma codes and emotions. It's a touching film that is actually sort of dark in comparison to other teen films like American Pie and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It is a great film that set the bar for teen films afterwards...that people seemed to ignore. The acting is great, the story, while limited, is great and the characters are very likeable. Well, that's that film done (i've been meaning to do it for a while) but I can tell you Friday's film since I watched it today...hence why this is up late: Pixar's latest film Brave.

Verdict:
9/10
A well written teen film that actually is more serious than it is funny. Great acting helps increase the quality.

The Incredibles (Brad Bird, 2004) Review

So Pixar hasn't exactly been doing as good as they could be recently (Cars 2 being a failure and Brave getting mixed reviews) but let us take a look bad at when Pixar made films every year and yet someone managed to be animated gold every time! I could talk about ones like Monsters Inc. or review the Toy Story trilogy but since I'm in such as super hero-esque mood (as a result of Avengers Assemble, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises all in one year) I thought I should take a look at Pixar's attempt at the super hero genre: The Incredibles.

Several years ago, there was a mishap involving a superhero named Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), a villain named Bomb Voyage (Dominique Louis) and a fan of Mr. Incredible called Buddy Pine (Jason Lee) trying to act as his sidekick. As a result, superheroes were banned and had to give up their super identities. Mr. Incredible goes back to his life as Bob Parr and now lives with his wife Helen/Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and his children Violet (Sarah Vowell), Dash (Spencer Fox) and Jack-Jack (It's a baby). Despite the law that outlaws superheroes, Bob still goes out at night with his friend Lucius/Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) and do good deeds. This catches the attention of an unseen client willing to pay for Bob's services on his secret island. The client is revealed to be a new villain by the name of Syndrome whose real name may sound familar (Buddy Pine...remember him?) who is trying to give special abilities to everyone so there will be no superheroes left. Now the Incredibles must stop Syndrome.

While it seems like it would be a parody of the superhero genre, it actually does well and is more than a parody like Johnny English Reborn. The characters are great and actually would fit in with other comic book characters (no, this isn't based on a comic book, okay?). Syndrome is a memorable villain and easily one of Pixar's best villains (up there with Hopper from A Bug's Life and Losto from Toy Story 3) and the heroes are also great. Mr. Incredible is a very likeable character and Frozone, from what I can tell, is a character that everyone likes. The one character everyone thinks of when they think of this film is Edna Mode (Brad Bird), the person responsible for all the superhero outfits (kind of like Gok Wan).

This film looks fantastic. It is definitely one of Pixar's best look films. The backgrounds are detailed and the character models look fantastic. I distinctly remember the scenes inside Syndrome's base looking especially good probably due to the lighting (my experience with CGI animation is only Source Filmmaker). They definitely put all their effort into this one. The voice acting is also a great part. They really bring life into the characters (everyone loves Edna's voice probably because of her campiness and that Gok Wan quality).

The Incredibles is a film that may surprise those who think it's just a parody. It's not. It clearly has alot of effort put into it and it certainly paid off. If you were disappointed by Cars 2, watch this again to remind of what Pixar can really do! I haven't seen Brave yet so maybe they're back in the game after getting beaten by Dreamworks last year (Cars 2 against Puss in Boots and Kung Fu Panda 2...no contest). Sure, it isn't my favourite Pixar film but it's still a great film and is one of the only Pixar films that really warrants a sequel.

Verdict:
8/10
A fantastic looking animated film that does the genre justice (heh), has great voice acting and is one reason to respect Pixar.

Nowhere Boy (Sam Taylor-Wood, 2009) Review

If anyone reading this watched the Olympics closing ceremony, then you may have noticed that there was a lot of songs by The Beatles playing. I therefore thought I should review a film about The Beatles...or...atleast John Lennon. Yeah, this film has Paul McCartney and George Harrison (Sorry, Ringo) but it mostly focuses on John Lennon's early life and the origin of The Beatles. Let's get straight into Nowhere Boy...OH I get it, like the song Nowhere Man...but he's a boy...okay then.

Set during the early life of a John Lennon (Aaron Johnson), living with his Aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas), John's life begins to take a turn away from a normal life. When he manages to locate his long lost mother (Anne-Marie Duff), he begins to show aspiration for music playing and begins to become a very good guitar player with the help of his mother. Mimi does not approve of his relationship with his mother and John is left having to make a choice between them. Meanwhile, John's guitar player gets peoples attention and is approached by another teenager called Paul (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) who also plays the guitar. They round up a few more people and start a band...not called The Beatles (that came much later).

Now, I'm not to sure on the accuracy of this film (since I heard that John met George Harrison before Paul...although I could be wrong) but my biggest gripe with his film is the casting. Aaron Johnson is great as John Lennon and both Kristin Scott Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff are good but the other characters seem a little off. The worst offender is Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Paul McCartney. He isn't who I would pick...and there was a reason for that. He just doesn't seem right. I don't believe he is playing Paul McCartney. Just a guy with the same name. George Harrison isn't in it for long so I can't really complain but I remember that he was okay.

It sounds like I don't like this film but I do. I love The Beatles (and am listening to them while writing this) and I think this film does them justice. The music is especially good (which is obvious considering they're Beatles songs...) and, as previously mentioned, Aaron Johnson is great as John Lennon. He looks like, sounds like him and does really well acting as him. He works well off of the other actors and really draws you in.

Nowhere Boy is a great adaptation of John Lennon's early life even if isn't accurate (maybe someone can correct me...hmmmm?). If you're a fan of The Beatles, I would definitely recommend you watch this. The casting isn't perfect but the acting compensates for this problem. This is a good film. It's not the best film around but it's still good....the casting still bugs me...also fans of Ringo may not like it for obvious reasons...

Verdict:
8/10
A good adaptation even if it isn't one hundred percent accurate. It features a great lead role and some good music.


Don't expect a review for the next couple of days...okay?