Quicky Review of: Big Hero Six

Hi you guys! Its been awhile, and I am currently procrastinating on homework. So I have been movie watching, but no blogging. Sorry not sorry, but there is two things I would like to say about this film.

First, oh my film deities go see this film right now! Its fantastic, fun and inspiring. It is great for all ages and you will definitely find something lovable about this masterpiece!

Second, there is one message which I interrupted that I keep thinking about. I was reminded a lot of Alfred Nobel, who created dynamite and the Nobel Prizes. His invention was meant for greatest, but used for destruction. And we see that in this film, this deeper meaning. That blows me away, but it can be interrupted in two ways. Number one being that science is not meant for violence and thus only be used to help better people's lives. Number two is, even if an invention is designed to help it will most likely be used in conflict. Which made me think a lot about America. Especially how so often America justifies the development of weapons or what could have been peaceful innovations, but uses them to harm others. To attack supposed terrorists and threats to us and others, but does that truly justify taking an amazing and world changing innovation and degrading it to a weapon. We see that with Baymax and it makes his character so much more complicated and meaningful. This question is provocative and I am glad this it was in this film.

Quicky Review for: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

   

Well, this was one heck of a trip! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was sort of my religion when I was younger. Every Saturday morning I would wake up before seven o'clock so that I could watch the latest episode. So I always am hyped to hear that this fandom is not dead! Since it holds a substantial following over three decades making it so important that this live action revival go well. With making it appeal to the original adult crowd, but still suitable for kids. Which I think that it did do.

     Now throughout this whole film I was either laughing or face-palming/ rolling my eyes. For what I was expecting I was not disappointed. I was expecting a goofy action flick and that is exactly what I payed for. The overall look and design of the Shredder was exquisite and I wish to have seen more close ups on the fine details. Plus the adaptation of cartoon vigilantes to CGI super stars, only seemed to add to the character's personality. Which is lucky since in the script and story the characters didn't hold much substance, but that was combated with the designs that just screamed their arc types. The only character whose design I wasn't so stoked on was Master Splinter who sort of had a tentacle tail which made me oh-so uncomfortable. Aside from the visual effects were definitely on point, which exceptional blasts and booms to spare.

       Overall I have very few complaints. Like how at Sack's mansion its winter, but in New York its summer, but thats only technicality so I will let it slide. Also I found it hilarious when in the beginning were meet Raf and Leo who introduce themselves with, "We have a sibling rivalry" and we actually never see them fight or argue in the interiority of the film. Talk about continuity errors, there is the biggest. What I did like was the music, look and comedy of this film. It was so funny featuring a lot of slapstick, superhero references and poke so much fun at the original idea of having the turtles come from space! It is truly a blast for everyone. Also for any Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon fans, you will be ever so happy to hear and see the easter eggs that are scattered throughout the film.

SPOILERS! For Casey Jones fans, you will be utterly disappointed to find out that he does not exist in this film. I know, heart breaking.      

Quicky Review of: Guardians of The Galaxy

   

  A film which I have been anticipating for several months and FINALLY got the time to watch it. My friend and I were fan grilling the entire show, thankfully the theater wasn't really packed since the movie has been out for a month.
        So it shouldn't be to anyone's surprise that this film was hilarious and just action packed fun! With absolutely glorious usage of 70s and 80s classics. The jokes were excellent and very well delivered by this fantastic cast! Honestly, I am merely repeating all the other blogs and reviews out there so if you still haven't watched this film you are really missing out on this new franchise!
     My favorite scene is the title sequence it is priceless! Also I was very happy to learn that Drax's tattoos were intact tattoo, since in the first stills they appeared to be more like scars.

Trailer Tracking: When Marnie Was There

        So for those of you who are new to my blog and therefore do are not very acquainted with me you may be surprised to learn that I am a huge fan of Studio Ghibli. So I was particularly crestfallen when Miyazaki retired after his final film, The Wind Rises. Yet Studio Ghibli does not exclusively make films by Miyazaki. So we still will be seeing more content by them. Especially with the newly released Japanese Trailer for, "When Marnie Was There."

(You must turn on the captions to read the english translation)

       Now, this is the japanese movie trailer and we american and western fan must wait a bit longer for the movie to come over seas either sub titled or dubbed. Either way I am totally stoked for this new film. Focusing on young love, which is between two girls Anna and Marnie. In the trailer we see how they meet and a few of there shenanigans of terrorizing the adults.  Plus a gorgeous island home, how romantic!
     Everything looks excellent and I am very excited to see this film.

Trailer Tracking: Laggies

         More Keira Knightley movies? Yes please! Especially when it takes place in the modern day and starring alongside Chloe Grace Mortez also known as Hit Girl.

      In this new film we meet Megan (Played by Keira Knightley) who is struggling to figure out her life after getting her college degree. She and her long time boyfriend go to an even where he attempts to propose to her. Megan then walks out of the building and meets Mortez's character who is asking for a pack of cigarettes. Thus begins a beautiful friendship where Megan moves in with Mortez's character and her father. Giving herself a week to figure out where to go with her life so that you can die satisfied. There are hints of romance, but this is mainly a comedy that I can not wait for, but I have to.

Trailer Tracking: The Imitation Game

      I first caught wind of this phenomenal film about a year ago through other movie blogs posting several on set photos. Why The Imitation Game caught my eye is because of the prescience of Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. Who are stunning actors that will be playing husband and wife which seems like a pretty amazing combination that is bound to invoke awe in all audiences. Also World War Two dramas that are not centered around the battle field is a very welcomed setting. 

      So what I can gather from this lengthy teaser trailer is that the major plot will be centered around Alan Turning who the mathematician which Cumberbatch plays. This information isn't new, only a conformation. With the thriller-esque pacing of this trailer I expect it to be modeling after the film itself. Focusing more on the important essence of every single moment as most World War Two and war films really like to exaggerate. Especially with this presure that will surely influence Cumberbatch's character. What I didn't see much reference too that many other followers have been commenting on is an allusion to Turning being gay. Which I don't think will be mentioned flat out, since the focus is much more physiological then sexual. But this is all speculation, so all we can do is wait until the movie comes out later this year.

Quicky Review/ SPOILERS for: Transformers: Age of Extinction

     

  So for as long as I can remember my brother and I have been fans of Transformers. We watched most- if not all- the animated films and religiously followed the TV series. So when the Michael Bay brought us the live action version we had to watch it! We really got a kick out of the first movies, put up with the second and con't even remember the third one. But with this fourth installment in the live actions series, I would quickly sum it up with the script and humor of the first film, but the attempt to make a continuous plot line like in the second film. So overall I enjoyed myself, this was definitely an action sci-fi film. And you know, for as much crap as we give Michael Bay for his films, he has never once disappointed me in terms with the CGI and visual effects. This film was no exception.
         I actually have to hand it to Michael Bay with the improvement in the transformers character designs. He stayed true to the original characters, with only slight adaptations and artistic licensing. But overall they were very similar to the cartoons. Now, in this film several new characters were introduced and were very different to the previous designs from the previous movies. Making in much easier for a viewer to tell who was who. A huge problem within the second film where you didn't really know who to root for since they looked so much a like. They also spruced up and played with Bumblebee and Optimus' designs as well. I also need to give a shout to the Dinobots, since justice was served with them and my brother and I were so relived to see that. So that was good.

      Unlike the characters in this film. This is where the movie always, always falters for me. Especially in this film. Their were so many characters that I just couldn't stand like Tessa, Lucas and Shane. I cringed with how bad they were. Props to Mark Walberg for actually beating out Shia LaBeouf, I did really enjoy your screen time. As for Lucas, lets just say I deposed his character within the first five minutes into his introduction. Shane was annoying and had real promise, but that fell apart. While Tessa was a disgrace. Hollywood has been making such great strides with creating great female characters, especially within action films, but Tessa sort of brought all of the progress down. She was not only poorly acted, but also horribly written. Seriously the majority of her lines was screaming, "Daddy!" acting very pitiful and stupid. There was allusion to redeeming qualities, but none were seen. Tessa's existence really reminded about how much I actually enjoyed Megan Fox in these films. She could at least hold her own.
      Okay, the rant is out of the way now. Sorry, but I just needed to warn you about that.

       Now something that was noticeably different with this film as oppose to its predecessors was that it was setting up for something bigger, another squeal. Unlike in the previous films where there was this daunting new history and magical item that came with some special task that would be ultimately be solved. Ending with Optimus sending out a signal to other autobots a call to arms. In Age of Extinction there is reference to a bigger enemy. So the ending monologue was quite a bit different then the rest. This new take on the story makes this film much more intriguing, since you are left wanting more instead of knowing the inevitable sequel. We are getting an extended story then brief allusions to information in previous films. Which was a great move by the team.
      Sadly I did not stay for the ending credit scene, but all I will say is that their sort of this scene in the very beginning that is shrouded in mystery. Porbably set up for the next film.
        Overall, I had a blast watching this film and highly suggest watching it.

     

Quicky Review for: How To Train Your Dragon 2

      I finally got to see it! It sucked not being able to see it on its opening weekend, but I finally made it and I can't even begin to explain it. There are no words to describe the beauty that is this feature. Dreamworks knows how to make a film and also an equally amazing and heart throbbing sequel. Seriously, this the year of phenomenal sequels and How To Train Your Dragon Two is just the icing on top of the under appreciated vanilla cake.
       Okay, now I have begin to fawn over the movie somewhere. So lets begin with my favorite aspect. The animation. Dreamworks has to be my favorite animation studio in america. They create such flawless films, and the attention that is paid detail such as fine lines and whisping hairs is gorgeous. Definitely rivaling Pixar. With the five year time skip that this movie had it was absolutely required for our established characters to show some aging. Weather it be the slight changes to the males who bulked out and became taller. Even though I call bullcrap with twenty-year-old viking not being able to properly grow facial hair. They also made very subtle changes to their face structures so the y became a bit more angular. Where as the women received more curves, longer hair and breasts (to some extent). Not including the outfit changes each character got to match there personality and maturity. With the twin's costumes not changing to drastically, as compared to Astrid and Hiccup. Now the older characters got more sunken eyes, greying hair and either began to appear less bulky or more hunched over. Even Stoic had fine lines around his eyes, which I thought really added to his more nostalgic moments. Overall, the animation was fluid and awe-inspiring.

     

  On to the characters. Where I only really have one or so gripe. Astrid was not as much of an important character as I would have personally liked. Especially since there was a lot of alluding to a possible marriage between her and Hiccup, so i was a bit disappointed to not see that relationship developed more. But that also made it a bit better when Hiccup was saving his lover, but his people and friends. A bit more nobel, right? Also, I dearly appreciate the decision to make most of the kids from the previous film comic relief character. That fit there personalities greatly and allowed much more emphasis on the new characters and their relationships. Plus this also relieved some of the more climatic moments. Which made this movie much more serious and relatable as a movie. Since there were some rather intense moments, that made several audience members tear up. It also opened up more room for the dynamics between Stoic and Valka who were finally reunited! (Not spoilery its in the trailers!) And the moments between them were utterly adorable and such so lively. It brought up questions, but showed how care free and enchanting love is even after years of strain. If its true and strong, their won't be much animosity and it also sent the message how marriage is a partnership made up of two equals. A very important for today's youth. This leads to another shout out to Gobber who alludes to himself being gay in one scene, which I have to say is pretty daring in a children's movie. But its progress and I much enjoyed that plot twist.

        So the story and script was comical and layered with detail and themes. I couldn't possibly do any justice to the artistic masterpiece that is this film when it comes to explaining the overall plot and script. all I really have to say is that the script was hilarious and well timed, incorporating material from the previous movie and adding in new punchlines that kept running splendidly throughout the film. Now, I went into this film already anticipating what was to come so I didn't experience this film to its greatest extent. although with that said I still enjoyed myself and my expectations we exceed.
       How To Train Your Dragon is good for all ages, so don't make it an excuse!