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All reviews by user Date  Helpful Rating 0 out of 0 users found this helpful  Temporal DisplacementPresent day face-lift given to the Series Prequel.
Captain Richard Robau of the U.S.S. Kelvin is summoned to combat the Narada, a massive Romulan vessel causing electrical storms and a rift in time amidst a Black Hole obliterating everything in it's path. Watching the destruction, Robau is surreptitiously summoned to the presence of the renegade Commander Nero under the guise of negotiating a cease fire. But Robau's good faith is betrayed when under interrogation, Nero becomes impatient and murders him leaving the Kelvin in the hands of First Officer George Kirk now faced with trying to save the Command Crew while his own wife lies in Sick Bay about to give birth to their first Son. As Kelvin's Crew evacuates, Kirk draws Romulan fire with the aim of sacrificing the ship in a collision and christening his son James as a last communique. Growing up as a rebellious entity, James T. Kirk is councilled after a barroom brawl by Captain Christopher Pike who reminds him of his Dad's sacrifice in hope of recruiting him into Star Fleet Academy where he continues his unorthodox behavior beating a no-win simulation as programmed by a Vulcan Officer named Spock. When Uhura receives distress transmissions from Vulcan, Good Friend Leonard McCoy spirits Kirk onto Pike's Enterprise where Kirk sees the Narada's calling card and tries to warn Pike. But Pike falls prey to Nero's 'Olive Branch' ploy placing Spock in the Commander's chair where he effects an escape for the ship rescuing the Vulcan High Council and maroons Kirk at a Federation outpost as a punishment for what he perceives to be Mutiny. As all looks hopeless, an entity from the past steps in to guide Kirk and brilliant Engineer Montgomery Scott toward resolving the conflict and stopping Nero's onslaught.
Although the plot line deals with Federation past, the time line variance (now a common staple of the series) is not really clear until about midway through using Nimoy to tie up the loose ends. This would seem to... Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful  The BalloonaticAnimated Fantasy done with the typical PIXAR panache.
As a boy in the 40's, young Carl Fredericksen spent many an hour engrossed in the newsreels of the day centering on the exploits of his Hero Charles Muntz, the Great Geologist and Explorer. Visualizing and Adventurous Career of his own, Carl happens upon a like-minded girl named Elie who shares his goals and visions and the Dreams of a Grand Quest to the Mystical Paradise Falls. But Time moves relentlessly on and with the accruing years Carl falls victim to the fate of Widower becoming holed up in his and Elie's Dream House now threatened by a City's gradual encroachment on the surrounding Real Estate. In a last desperate stab to save their Treasured Memories and with the help of an uwitting Scout Stoaway, an overly Faithful Dog and an Elusive "Snipe" named Kevin, Carl embarks on what will prove to be the Grandest Adventure of a Lifetime.
PIXAR Animation blatantly defies the "thrill-ride" pace of most modern Summer action dreck opting for story and character development which is, has been and shall always be the hallmark of any truly worthwhile cinema, in fact, it's getting to the point where just the mention of PIXAR associated with a Film is enough to make me beat a hasty path to the nearest Box-Office. With such Voice Talent as Ed Asner (Carl), Christopher Plummer (Muntz) and the enjoyable Jordan Nagai as Russell, Director Pete Docter assembles a skillful and warm tale with the whimsy of Dr. Seuss incorporating visual tributes to animated predecessors such as Warner Brothers, the Legendary Willis O'Brien and his landmark Silent Production of "The Lost World". Along with Vocal couterpoint by John Ratzenberger and the Great Bob Petersen as the Lovable "Dug", I can say unequivocally that by category of Animated Feature, 3-D Movie or Wonderful Fantasy, this is the Finest Piece that I've ever seen. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful The Racers EdgePosted: 8/1/2008A review of Speed Racer by lowellv70 Realization of the Japanese cult classic cartoon series by Tatsuo Yoshida
The world of competition auto racing has become something of a gladiator's sport and at the head of the aggressive pack is Rex Racer and his Mach 5. With his little brother Speed in tow, Rex holds the championship in races and obliges Speed's understandable infatuation with the professional racing world sired in part, by Ace mechanic Pops, Father both to the Racer clan and the amazing Mach 5. But Rex becomes embroiled in controversy when an accident during a race puts him under suspicion of foul play causing an ardent stain on the Racer Family Escutcheon. Presumed dead in the melee, Brother Speed deigns to take up the reigns of Mach 5 with designs on modifying the miracle car and clearing his Brother's name hopefully to win back the usurped trophy. But another racing mogul named Royalton enters the picture making the Racers a tempting offer of merger and Speed must now decide who his real enemies are in his quest for justice.
Unless you're somewhat familiar with Yoshida's original series, this piece may seem a little disjointed and somewhat fantastic in its physical logistics, but I found it a true-to-detail representation even more so than Robert Altman's attempt at "Popeye" or the combined Hulk movies. Taking from Warren Beatty's "Dick Tracy", Director Andy Wachowski opts to paint his scenarios in vibrant comic book colors and keeps a pretty swift pace throughout. One of the great highlights of the project is the performance of Roger Allam as Royalton (whom I almost took for Tim Curry), in his subtle villainy. Great also to see John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Talented Emile Hirsch carrying the title role chores with great aplomb, and a grown up Christina Ricci as Trixie. Definitely a CG thrill-ride designed that way from its animation inception and although an acquired taste for some, represents a herculean accomplishment and a great tribute. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful  Much Ado About HypocracyPosted: 2/28/2008A review of The Last Temptation of Christ by lowellv70 "...And he was in all ways, tempted as we are." Heb. 4:15
Probably no less of a hedonistic uproar was caused among the self righteous of this period than by this film attempting
to explore the humanity of the Messiah.
The life of Christ has been profiled cinematicaly by the grandeur of DeMille, the soft and slow visuals of Zefferelli, the inane and nebulous eyes of various well-intentioned "Christian" producers, the views of fictitious soldiers and statesmen of the time and the raucous rock and roll of Andrew Lloyd Weber. Quite possibly; no finer essay on Christ's own personal triumphs over temptations of the Devil will ever again be done. This effort was handled with meticulous attention to tribal customs and personal turmoils as well as the struggling of society between Caesar and the Pharisees or the pious Priests of the day. A question always in my mind was if the crucifixion was as arbitrary as it sounded. This film makes a point of examining some very present human fear that if Christ did NOT succumb to; he had to at least acknowledge in the same way as casting out demons and healing the sick. Jesus genuinely stirred the public toward revolt whether in the eyes of Rome or by many deeds or outright preaching. We are so used to seeing this tale surrounded by pomp and ceremony that I believe we lose sight of Jesus' personal daily struggles with his convictions. Judas is treated as confessor and confidant and guardian of the cause. If the Bible's teachings of Satan are anything to go by, the Devil would probably take any desperate stab, use any unguarded weakness, do WHATEVER it would take to
stay the course of the ultimate.
No disrespect, no denial, no confusion. Scorsese made a masterpiece.
.....and God made it ALL. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 1 users found this helpful  Dustin the WindPosted: 2/27/2008A review of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium by lowellv70 Moralistic Fantasy set in the Modern Day.
Between the towering office buildings of a big City lies a small, rustic shop that frames the last bastion of Magic and Wonder run by a wiezened little Gnome named Magorium who specializes in the mystique of Playtime. As his longtime Manager, Molly Mahoney keeps all functioning smoothly while trying to work through minor turmoil that invades her personal life. But Magorium has a Master Plan designed to bring Molly a great Epiphany about her own destiny and taking a young Accountant and a lonely young boy in unwitting tow.
Perhaps trying to be likened to "The Old Curiosity Shop" this film has the potential to be a nice Fairy Tale but Zach Helm relies too much on gimmickry to try and sell his point. For some reason, he also opts to have Kermit The Frog in a cameo but features no other Fantasy Characters in like mode and the result is a Muppet who looks slightly out of place. The writing is uneven at best and becomes predictable to the point of absurd rather leaving the Actors out in the cold. Hoffman takes on an "Ed Wynn" persona which may have served better if he was more of a featured catalyst. Although I love Natalie Portman, I venture to say that anyone could have been placed in this role and I don't even know why the Eric Applebaum character was needed. The only character having any real believability is Jason Bateman's accountant who can't even be relied on as a Love Interest for Portman's character. To be fair, the ending works the best out of all scenes, but the setup is so belabored and trite that you almost don't care. This may be good fare for young Children but not much else. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Theater BlonskiMusical re-make of the 70's pop-culture show.
In 1962 Baltimore, the teenage musical pulse is tracked on a popular local TV dance show hosted by an emcee with the unlikely name of Corny Collins. By far, Corny and the Gang's biggest devotee is Tracy Turnblad, a slightly corpulent dancin' diva who is permanently colorblind when it comes to societal prejudices. Holding her big wish to be on the show, she copes with school by cavorting with her cronies in the Detention Hall and self-promoting the occasional "Negro Day" on Corny's show. Meantime, Tracy's introvert Mother Edna and slightly tilted but supportive Father Wilbur lend moral support in their own way while Ex-Model and Producer Velma Von Tussle tries shamelessly to promote her own Daughter on Corny's Venue. Sparks eventually ignite when Tracy may be considered for a featured spot OVER Amber Von Tussle as Evil Velma tries to torpedo Tracy using her Father. But Tracy is nothing if not resourceful and sets about resolving her machinations by most interesting methods.
Right out of the gate, Nikki Blonski as Tracy explodes us into the story with "Good Moning, Baltimore" putting me in mind of "Little Shop's" Ellen Greene and "Suddenly Seymour" with a dynamite voice propelling a brisk pace for the ensemble including Queen Latifa and the incredible Taylor Parks as "Little Inez". Comedy counterpoint is provided in bizarre spades by veterans John Travolta as Edna (ala Divine) and Christopher Walken who's dance sequence with Travolta is about as off-the-wall as you get with romance. Along with Michelle Pfeiffer, a trio joins in from the former production headed by Original Director John Waters, Jerry Stiller as Mr. Pinky and Ricki Lake. Director Adam Shankman does great Homage and Tribute at the same time. Probably the Best Musical production of 2007 Cinema. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful I Say, Old Bean...Posted: 10/24/2007A review of Mr. Bean's Holiday by lowellv70 Further misadventures of the Befuddled one.
Attending a church Bazaar, our hero becomes the winner of a raffle granting him a vacation on the beaches of France. From the time he first boards the train and causes a young man to become seperated from his family, to the unwitting invasion of the cinematic escapades of one Carson Clay all the while working his way to Cannes, he leaves a crooked trail in his usual fashion of structured chaos ultimately leading him to upset one of the most revered events in France.
As a celebration of non-verbal comedy, Rowan Atkinson and Director Steve Bendelack encapsulate Bean's zany antics in an effort sticking much closer to the original BBC half-hour blackouts than the initial offering of a few years back. I've seen some pretty scathing internet blab about this piece apparently written by younger folks too saturated by the modern smart-ass hip-hop crap that seems to have flooded the market. Too bad, really. There's no real imagination required and very little inventiveness comparitivly. Mr. Bean illustrates principles that founded the genre using virtually NO CG garbage and depending literally on the range of performance. Willem Da Foe with his great "rubber" face, provides a great foil as Clay without overpowering, again not depending so much on dialog as action while Emma De Caunnes as Sabine provides great counterpoint and a talented Max Baldry supports well as an estranged waif turned Bean accomplice. Great Spoofery and Great Fun. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Lost In TrancriptionPosted: 1/2/2004A review of Lost in Translation by lowellv70 Formulaic piece based on a May-December romance. <br>An aging actor on assignment in Tokyo for a wine promotion struggles through family estrangement and cultural isolation until he inadvertently meets a young newlywed staying at his hotel and going through a similar transition. They form a disjointed alliance trying to struggle through the lonely nights and find a transient solace in each other's company as they ford through emotional confusion.<br><br>I've been tagged with having greater regard for films with a higher budget, but more to the point, films in this genre are by and large an acquired taste and It's my considered opinion that in the wake of such films as "The Apostle", "Stanley's Gig" ,"Stand and Deliver" and "The Swimmer", this piece didn't require a lot of imagination to do. Bill Murray pretty much does the same sort of shtick he's known for and Coppola's Direction is still not as cohesive as her illustrious relative. There is the occasional itinerant shot using the Tokyo backdrop effectively, but the story is bland and uninspired and could have just as easily been done on Hi 8 instead of a film resource. To repeat, it is at best an acquired taste. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Crumbs of BrillianceIn the grand history of the Baby-Boomer, there's probably no one more structurally unique than Robert Crumb and his Family. In this documentary we are given an intimate look at a genius spawned through personal turmoil and disfunctional values. Whether he meant to or not, Robert Crumb takes you on his personal odyssey of surviving extreme introversion in the company of his brothers while being unmercilessly put upon by a straight-laced, narrow-minded Father who was callously insensitive to the needs of a spiritual bond. By way of catharsis and escape Robert inspired by Brother Charles' obsession with comcs, finds his outlet in the fine art of portraiture as well as using blatant cartoon imagery to assault social prejudice and lay bare the cruelty of superficial attitude. By the same token, Crumb had a way of capturing the ravages of time and stress in the subtle nuance of his pen when sketching likenesses. As any fine artist would be, he was subjected to the most heinous of critique and praise, but his work always wrenched out the truth from the most diplomatic and he never went unnoticed in his lifetime, which even the great Masters could only achieve posthumously. Although there is no blood or gore, this film is not for the squeamish. This is a grassroots story of survival pure and simple. Miraculously, Crumb managed to hold on to his own values while holding his audience in check on theirs. He is to all intents and purposes, an American Master. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Animal Magneto-ismPosted: 5/7/2003A review of X2: X-Men United by lowellv70 Equally stylish sequel to the 2000 Blockbuster.After Xavier's council, Logan decides to head North and get some answers about his mysterious past. Meanwhile, another antagonist named Stryker has surfaced advising the White House to adopt a more active position on security against mutants after the President is seemingly attacked by a lone assailant with dazzling abilities. Through pointed interrogation of Magneto, he lays a trap for Xavier while using Military force to infiltrate his School for the Gifted. But Logan is not so easily way-layed, and puts up a stiff defense while Storm and Jeanne try to locate the would-be terrorist who seems to move through the air with lightning agility. It soon becomes apparent that Stryker is after Cerebro and intends using Xavier in his Master Plan forcing the X-Men to ally with Magneto and Mystique to tie up many loose ends in a very checkered past. As before, Hugh Jackman lends a strong presence as Wolverine while a talented Shawn Ashmore as Ice-Man surfaces as a new love interest for Rogue. Halle Berry's hair looks much improved from the weird arrangement of bangs in the first make-up. We even get a glimpse of the new talent ";waiting in the wings";. Still, the exchanges of Stewart and McKellen carry the catalyst of this film's climax and it's great to see Bruce Davison, once again. A real treat is Alan Cumming's ";Nightcrawler";, long one of my personal faves and exquisitely realized especially in contrast to Rebecca Romijn- Stamos (Mystique). The whole ensemble moves like clockwork through a wonderfully written and well-paced adventure. To Bryan Singer's credit, I can't stress enough, how nicely the effects sequences were couterpointed into the flow instead of being bombarded in a stupidly break-neck pace as happened in the over-touted ";Mummy"; films. This is a great kick-off to Box Office Summer and Stan Lee should be very proud. So far, Marvel Films have not disappointed. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful A Pan for All SeasonsStylish realization of the of the J.M. Barrie themes.<br><br>In this first live-action treatment, we see harried businessman Peter Banning as a pre-occupied upper middle class breadwinner who like many before him, has let his career preclude his family to the point of forgetting his focus on the things that really matter to him. But a stern interloper disrupts his castle and threatens almost certain discord forcing him to return to a long forgotten time and place with the help of some old friends in hopes he will re-claim the legacy of a lost boy. <br><br>Robin Williams and Julia Roberts have never been more charming in this beautiful adaption of the popular Children's Hospital tale. It boggles my mind how so many critics in print couldn't latch on to such a simple premise. I can't for the life of me imagine what they were expecting and I fail to see even a modicum of their whining. This film is far and away superior to the Disney version which was'nt even as faithful to the original text. Maggie Smith lends the most sainted charm and veteran character man Arthur Malet gives one of the best performanes of his career. Dustin Hoffman was one of the last people I would've cast in the role but manages a very dignified comedy in his portrayal along with Bob Hoskins plus it's teriffic to see Phil Collins drop in. An articulate and stylish re-telling in every sense. See if you can find a gently camouflaged Glenn Close. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Easter CharadePosted: 11/21/2003A review of Runaway Jury by lowellv70 Intense legal drama pitting ethics against morals.<br>Doing his civic duty, Nick Easter reports to the Louisiana court on a jury summons dealing with a lawsuit against a large firearms manufacturer over <br>a shooting death of a local stockbroker. But during the selection process, the attorneys are each dealing with consultants who are intent on doing more than just guiding and coaching. Rankin Fitch in particular, carries out his research on prospects with militaristic precision. He does not<br>however, reckon with an unseen third party who has stepped in to circumvent a heavy-handed manipulation. Fitch is forced to deal with this interloper all the while being in the back pocket of the Firearms firm. All people involved have been summarily reduced to pawns in a large chess game with the exception of Easter who seems able to remain comfortably detached and devoted toward a singular crusading purpose.<br><br> As I watched this story unfold I was strongly reminded of Sydney Pollack's "Absence of Mailce" and I even pictured a young Jessica Walter in the Rachel Weisz role of "Marlee". This is to take nothing away from this first-rate ensemble including Bruce McGill surprisingly stern as the presiding Judge. It was also great to be see Bruce <br>Davison again although I wanted to see more interaction between Hoffman and Hackman. John Cusack always has this 'young-and-innocent' demeanor about him making him the perfect foil in the piece. So many issues are adressed here, not the least of which was put forth in Michael Moore's "Bowling for Columbine". John Grisham again, has given us a taut drama with such a detailed setting that his work always makes me wonder how much is based in fact. Special notice should also be given to Gary Bamman as the blind juror "Grimes". A gripping and suspenseful piece. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Free Grazin'Posted: 9/12/2003A review of Open Range by lowellv70 Modern adventure story set in the 1880's West. <br>Boss Speerman and his unlikely team of wranglers continue a routine cattle drive out to market. But Boss and his herd are "freegrazers" and pass near the ranch of a disgruntled Land Baron named Baxter who takes great affront letting roaming animals trapse through his claim eating whatever they can get. When Boss sends his helper Mose back to Harmonvile for supplies, Baxter's thugs decide to make their wishes clear leaving Mose near death and locked up in the Jail of a Sheriff in Baxter's pocket. It now falls to Boss and his right hand man Charley Waite to defend their liberty and avenge a vicious and greedy prejudice using the law at the end of a gun barrel. <br><br>One of the most impressive aspects of this film is the absolute killer cinematography thanks to James Muro who sets an impressive array of shots displaying the pure grandeur of the Pacific Northwest. Although the setting is probably geared to the Midwest cattle routes, select countryside in Calgary returns a majesic feel to this proceeding. The plot is one of formula, a healthy cross between Howard Hawks and John Ford, and I could easily see Gary Cooper and Maureen O'Hara in the leads. This is not to detract from the present cast. I almost mistook Michael Gambon for a young Leo McKern in delivery and appearance. You cannot go wrong with Duvall and Costner and, as she always has, Annette Bening provided strength and power to the character of Sue Barlow. This would also have to go down in my book as the career best performance for Michael Jeter as the cantankerous Perry who for my money, causes a terrific catalyst to this ensemble. The obligatory gun battle is treated in a more realistic fashion and I was "rootin' fer the good guys" just like I used to do. All in all, a good effort. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Army BuddiesPosted: 6/20/2003A review of Block-Heads by lowellv70 In a highly screwball fashion the plot of 'Unaccustomed As We Are' gets a facelift and showcases some wonderful bits from the Boys. This time, Stan and Ollie are on the front lines in WWI. Ollie is picked for the assault while Stan is left guarding the trench. 20 years later finds him STILL in the trench. Nobody bothered to come back and tell him that the war ended. Back in the states he enters the soldiers home where Ollie discovers him under a slightly false pretense. Tempers fly when Ollie brings him home to meet the wife and the wife wants no part of it. In steps their neighbor, Mrs. Gilbert to lend a hand which unfortunately lands her in a steamer trunk hiding from her big game hunter husband; who draws a wonderfully funny conclusion. I'm fairly sure that Stan did some major script doctoring to enhance the old plot, which includes a car, a windowshade; and a kid's football to name a few, making the whole experience quite a delight. Lulu: Mary Wickes, Football Kid: Tommy Bond Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful The Legion of Extraordinary GentlemenPosted: 6/20/2003A review of Beau Hunks by lowellv70 Ollie has finally found his one true love. But; ALAS!! a few other guys found her too and she pens him a 'Dear Ollie' letter. After the ordeal of Stan's narrative of same, Ollie takes his devastation, and a reluctant Stan; to join the Foreign Legion ..."To Forget!" But Legion life has greatly accelerated his forgetfulness and after two hours in the barracks, he and Stan decide to go. The Legion Commander has other ideas and they find themselves separated from their Patrol at Fort Arid, and left with a skeleton crew to stand off the Riffians until help arrives. As their spoof of 'Beau Geste' the Boys come up with some unique battle tactics as well as Oliver's beautiful rendition of "You Are The Ideal of My Dreams". Also featured is the erstwhile "director" as the Riffian Chief. One of their best features. Was this review helpful? Sign In |
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