Avengers Packs a Wallop!
Easily one of this years most anticipated movies, The Avengers has already broken box-office records by earning over $200 million in just the first weekend. It really is not so surprising when you think about it. The film has Thor, The Hulk, Iron Man and Captain America. All four are characters from the last few years of summer box office hits. The most recent being Thor, Captain America and Iron Man 2. Add in highly advanced secret government organization–S.H.E.I.L.D–and a power hungry demigod set on ruling the world, it all amounts to an epic superhero movie.
Summarily, Asgardian Loki (Tom Hiddelston) is in search of the Tesseract also known as the cosmic cube, which has the power to open a bridge between worlds. He intends to use this power to bring an army from another planet in hopes to subjugate the people of Earth. The Tesseract is the same cube that The Red Skull used to power Hydra’s weapon in Captain America. As an act of desperation, Nick Fury decides to put “The Avengers initiative” back into action and recruits Bruce Banner (The Hulk), Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Steve Rogers (Captain America) to join S.H.E.I.L.D agent Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) in an effort to recover the Tesseract from Loki. Thor and Agent Clint Barton (Hawkeye) join of their own volition. Once the team is put together, they find that Loki’s plans are not the only threat the heroes must deal with. Each of the heroes are loners in their own respect and used to doing things in a certain way without having to consult with anyone else, thus they must learn to work together if they are to have any hope of bringing down a fanatical Loki and his insurmountable horde of alien assailants. Oh the incredible things that happen when the heroes finally work as a team! Pack a wallop indeed! Perhaps that is an understatement, but the action is certainly epic.
However, the epic nature of the film is not solely due to the unification of seven of Marvel’s greatest heroes, but the unwavering portrayal of the characters by Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo; Jeremy Renner, Scarlet Johannson and Samuel L. Jackson who fill their shoes and the skilled collaboration of action, humor and drama within the story. It is in the dedication of Director Joss Whedon and the crew behind him to bring the fans a film they will love. They certainly succeeded. The Avengers is entertaining in every way. It has been a while since this movie goer has heard the entire audience cheer and laugh together. With certainty that will be the experience of any who goes to see this film.
John Carter: No Ordinary SciFi
Disney’s new film John Carter (starring Taylor Kitsch) is far from the usual everyday Science Fiction film. Sure, it has many elements of science fiction films that we’ve seen before however, John Carter has one thing nearly every science fiction film ever made doesn’t. The book on which the film is based–A Princess of Mars–was originally published in 1912 under the title:Under The Moons of Mars and later novelized and given the current title in 1917. As a matter of fact, Edgar Rice Burrough’s Barsoom series has been credited as the inspiration for such works as The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. It could be said that Burrough’s Barsoom series became the model of modern science fiction, or science fantasy. At its very core, John Carter could be–in essence–the first science fiction tale. However, the story is more than simply a man gets transported to another planet and sees aliens.
John Carter is a tale of a late 18th century man lost among the human race with no purpose for life other than becoming filthy rich. He intends to do so by finding a cave a gold. In almost an ironic sense, it is that cave of gold that changes his life completely. Just not in the way John Carter had envisioned. Instead he is transported to a world with two moons. A dying world, who
se inhabitants are in turmoil; desperately in need of a savior–Mars. John Carter is that savior. He discovers this as he seeks a way to return to Earth only to find that he must fight for the freedom of Mars if he is ever to get back to Earth.By losing himself in the service of those who call Mars home John Carter finds himself.
John Carter shows us the Mars we all dream of. Complete with green men and ancient civilizations. One can only wonder while watching this film, if the story of John Carter inspired the likes of such films as Dune, Flash Gordon, or even Star Wars. It is well worth watching on an enormous screen as the cinematography provides some gorgeous views. With John Carter, Disney gives us a special tale different from the usual science fiction audiences have become accustomed to. In many ways the film reminds one of those old Sinbad movies from the Golden Era of film, only with 21st century computer graphics. Delve into a story with century old sensibilities that somehow speaks to our modern day ones. Allow yourself to be transported to another world.
This Means War: An Action Packed Comedy
If you are looking for an action comedy that actually has some really good laughs, then This Means War is the movie to see. The film stars Chris Pine (Star Trek 2009) and Tom Hardy (Inception) as two of the CIAs top agents who are also best friends who would do anything for the other. All bets are off however when the two of them begin dating the same woman (played by Reese Witherspoon).
Most of the laughs occur while the two friends are using their resources—something that would most likely get them fired in real life—to one up each other, or in attempts to ruin the others date with Lauren (Reese Witherspoon). FDR (Pine) and Turk (Hardy) find the bounds of their friendship tested and Lauren discovers that she has to choose between the two men. The two spies manage to uncover this truth thus, the stakes become higher.
The action element of the film is achieved at the beginning of the movie where we see FDR and Turk on a mission, when FDR and Turk have a “disagreement” and when the consequences of their earlier mission catch up with them through a man named Heinrich. There is also a great scene during a paintball game that is action filled and funny at the same time.
The action comedy formula seems to be a genre that is growing more popular despite some missteps (Starsky& Hutch) and more memorable successes (Cop Out, Rush Hour, The Other Guys). This Means War is a very welcome addition to a relatively short list. Unless you count Lethal Weapon’s 1-4 as action comedies—which some might. Nevertheless, This Means War is a vastly entertaining film that blends comedy, action and a touch of romance. Well worth the money to see it.
Underworld Awakens With Vengence
Once again Kate Beckinsale dons the now familiar tight leather armor of Death Dealer Selene in the fourth installment of the epic Underworld film series. When last we saw Selene it was at the end of Underworld: Evolution in which she and Michael fight against the two Corvinas brothers. Twelve years after being captured and separated from Michael during the human purge of vampires and lycans, Selene is rescued by a mysterious “subject two” and finds herself searching for this unknown individual. Selene takes out her vengeance on her captors finding that she must once more fight for survival. Soon she finds that the “subject” who freed her is a young girl (played by India Eisley)and makes a discovery that gives her renewed hope in being reunited with her beloved Michael.
Underworld: Awakening is chock full of everything fans of the Underworld films have come to expect. Spectacular fight scenes, displays of supernatural strength and ability and a blessed amount of good old explosions (everyone loves things that go boom right?). Amidst the battles and escapes from certain death, Selene finds that she has more enemies than friends 
especially while protecting the young girl who rescued her. For some reason, the lycans are hunting the girl and the other vampires are loath to harbor her. Sorry, no spoilers here. See the movie to unravel the mystery of the girl and what she represents.
For those unfamiliar with the Underworld films, the first ten minutes or so brings the story up to date, including the events that separate Selene and Michael. That said, it may be a good idea to at least watch Underworld and Underworld: Evolution to understand the relationship between Selene and Michael, because it is that relationship that sets the stage for the events of Awakening and gives the film an emotional connection. Also, fans of the series will also better understand the history that exists within the world that is Underworld. For example: the importance of Michael being a descendant of Alexander Corvinas, and why Selene can walk in the sunlight despite being a vampire. Otherwise, the film can be enjoyed for what it is; a great fantasy action film or just to watch Kate Beckinsale kick werewolf butt.
Hugo Is The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of
There is a certain magic in the air when going to the movies. The smell of popcorn, a feeling of anticipation as the lights dim, then the audience is transported to other worlds, the past, a fictional present or become a silent observer on a journey. When this happens, then the film has accomplished its purpose and the film maker’s theirs.
The film Hugo directed by Martin Scorsese, takes us on an exquisite journey of discovery and wonder. The intrepid adventurer in this story is a boy named Hugo, who winds the clocks at the train station in Paris, France. Hugo is attempting to unlock the secret of an autonomous man made of clockworks and in doing so he becomes friends with Isabelle, the daughter of the toy maker named Papa George.
While uncovering the secrets of the clockwork man, the two children make a discovery so wondrous and delightful that revealing it would only ruin the magic. Suffice it to say that they learn there is more to Papa George than meets the eye. Hugo also finds a strength within himself he did not know he had.
The beauty and majesty of Martin Scorsese’s film is not only in its presentation—the 3D effects are impeccable—but in it endearing story and how that tale is brought to life through the loveable characters of which this film is about. Asa Butterfield plays Hugo so splendidly that he is captivating. Chloe Grace Moretz fills Isabelle with a wonder and curiosity that seems almost tangible, and Ben Kingsley as always, delivers a magnificent performance as Papa George.
Through the inspired direction of Martin Scorsese and the dedication of the films cast (including Sascha Baron Cohen as the Station Inspector) Hugo captures the magic of story-telling through the medium of film and reminds us that it is the “stuff dreams are made of”. Whether you are a child, adult, film enthusiast, or simply a person who enjoys a good story; Hugo is not a film to be missed.
Breaking Dawn: Part 1 Review
Finally, a film many have greatly anticipated has graced the silver screen: Breaking Dawn: Part 1. For some, the concept of Twilight is trivial at best due to the nature of Stephanie Meyer’s vampires—which sparkle in the sunlight instead of bursting into flames—these are not your traditional undead after all. Despite the naysayers, both the series of books and the last three films have done exceptionally well.
Breaking Dawn is another example of just how successful this franchise is. According to the website Rotten Tomatoes; Breaking Dawn: Part 1 has already grossed $139.5 million in its first weekend. The film is also currently number one in the United States remaining consistent with the success rate of the last three films. Once again, fans line up to see Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart play the parts they have made famous. Not for the last time, but close.
The film begins at perhaps the most anticipated moment in recent film history—Edward and Bella’s wedding. From the few scenes leading up to the grand event including the walk down the aisle, we see the reluctance in Bella that has plagued her romance with Edward throughout the series. A feeling that is quickly abated once she lays eyes on the man she loves with all her soul.
After the ceremonies, Edward and Bella go on their honeymoon where they consummate their marriage. After a few weeks they learn that Bella has become pregnant; a thing which was believed to be impossible. From that point on, the film illustrates the dangers of such a pregnancy and also how it affects not only the Cullens, but Jacob and the rest of the wolf pack.
In short, Breaking Dawn: Part 1 is the build-up, the foreshadowing prior to an exciting, if not dramatic climax. There is no doubt that this film heightens the anticipation for the final chapter in the Twilight film franchise, a film well worth seeing. Especially for Twilight fans.
“In Time” Isn’t a Waste of Time
Imagine a world where you stop aging at twenty-five, a literal biological clock counts down your final year, then you die when the clock counts to zero—unless you earn more time and time is the currency. 
Such is the world in which Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) lives day to day, working to add minutes; days to his clock in order to prolong his life. So far, he has managed to live three more years, but in a world where everything is paid for out of the time you have, only the rich can afford to have enough time and live for millennia. For the poor, each day could be their last. While the poor have time to lose and must live minute to minute, day by day and often run; the rich have more than enough time to spare and take life for granted, they have no need to run.
Life takes a turn for the unexpected for Will when he rescues a man with a century on his clock from being robbed. He learns that the man has already lived for more than a hundred years and has become tired of living at the expense of others. The man explains that “For a few to live forever, many must die.” He continues, saying that the rich control the time and regulate how much time everything costs. In short, those with the all the time in the world ensure that the poor will run out and the rich gain more. Will awakens the following morning to find that the man timed out his own clock, giving his century to Will leaving the simple message: “Don’t waste my time.”
After his encounter with the man and an unforeseeable tragedy, Will Silas decides to turn the tides on the rich who he believes have created a world of injustice. Using his newly gained wealth, he enters the time zone where the chronologically abundant reside. He is invited to a party after winning a high stakes poker game and meets Sylvia Weiz—played by Amanda Seyfried—the daughter of mogul Phillip Weiz. Will and Sylvia join together and become a kind of Bonnie and Clyde meets Robin Hood duo, attempting to fix the world’s broken society. All the while they are closely pursued by Raymond Leon ( Cillian Murphy) a time keeper—a type of cop —who is determined to keep them from committing the crime more dangerous than taking time away—that of giving it away.
After seeing the film it is evident that the message In Time seeks to convey is not that the rich get richer while the poor get poorer, but that time is precious to all of us regardless of our 
station in life. Depicting a world in which our time on earth is so absolute that it becomes the most valuable resource, brings to light the deepest of all mankind’s desires; to have eternal life and live forever, reminding us that our time is not to be horded or squandered, but given freely so that we might live forever in the hearts and memories of those we leave behind.
This film is certainly not a waste of time and is worth seeing if only for the interesting premise. The characters are believable and the plot is solid. Others appearing in the film are Olivia Wilde, Johnny Galecki, and Alex Pettyfer. So, take the time to see if Will and Sylvia succeed in their effort to change the world.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes: A Prequel. Not a Remake
In my review of Rise of the Planet of The Apes on Examiner.com I state that the film is “a prequel to the original Planet of the Apes (1968) and tells the story of how the apes became intelligent.” In other words, it is not a remake. Instead, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a coming of age story for Caesar. Before I get ahead of myself, allow me to explain my statement with a bit of film history. Be forewarned, there are spoilers ahead for readers who have not seen the original five films.
Charlton Heston, Kim Hunter and Roddy McDowell in Planet of the Apes (1968)
The original Planet of the Apes (1968) that starred Charlton Heston only mentions Caesar as being an ancient leader of the apes who lead them to enlightenment. Little is said about how that happens. We don’t see anything of Caesar until Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) where Cornelius and Zira end up on twentieth century Earth after escaping the destruction of the planet at the end of Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970). Trapped in a time when humans are still the dominant species, Cornelius and Zira attempt to integrate and Zira gives birth to a male chimpanzee who they name Caesar. Sadly, their son is orphaned after the parents are killed.
Caesar’s story is told in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) and Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973). Conquest depicts Earth twenty years after Escape from the Planet of the Apes; taking place in 1991. In this alternate time line, Apes are kept as either pets or slaves. This troubles Caesar, because he believes their intelligence makes them equal to humans. He eventually leads the apes in a revolt. The ape revolution leads to a war between those who believe apes should be free, and those that believe—like Caesar—that humans and apes can coexist. The story of that war is told in Battle for the Planet of the Apes.
Zira with the baby Caesar in Escape From Planet of the Apes
While some might say that Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a remake of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. It is a fallacy to think so. The Caesar in Conquest is the son of Cornelius and Zira, who are intelligent apes descended from the original Caesar mentioned in Planet of the Apes. In Rise, Caesar inherits his intelligence from a drug developed by Dr. Rodman meant to be a cure for Alzheimer’s allowing the brain to repair itself. The drug had been given to Caesar’s mother whose intelligence increased due to the drug and passed the drug through her DNA to Caesar who surpasses his mother in heightened intelligence. Thus, the difference in origin is what sets the two Caesars apart. Therefore, the Caesar in Rise could only be the original Caesar mentioned in Planet of the Apes.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is an incredible movie both visually and in scope. The premise alludes to the idea that the oppressed will always rise against the oppressors. The cast is superb and Andy Serkis gives the performance of his life as Caesar. James Franco stars as Dr. Will Rodman and John Lithgow stars as Rodman’s father Charles. Also check out the original five movies which are available on DVD and Blu Ray.
Harry Potter 7.2: When Light Stands before Darkness
In just three days Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two has raked in over $162 million dollars, largely in part to enormous amount of people who viewed the midnight release. Once again, the beloved franchise breaks its own records and makes a few new ones, including the worldwide opening weekend record according to Box Office Mojo.
The film begins where Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One ended: Voldemort is in possession of the Elder Wand and our heroes Harry, Ron and Hermione have just buried Dobby, the House Elf who helped them escape the clutches of Bellatrix LeStrange. In many ways the situation is grim and the odds are overwhelming, but Harry and his two friends know that there are only three of the cursed items left. With their goal to stop Voldemort still in sight the trio carry’s on; determined to see it through to the end.
This time the search takes them to Gringott’s bank and Hogwart’s. When the three of them return to the school, they learn that Sevurus Snape is the new Headmaster. Harry does not hesitate to confront the man responsible for Albus Dumbeldore’s death. After a brief altercation between Snape and Professor McGonnagle, the new Headmaster flees the school. By then however, Voldemort has gathered an army and comes knocking at the doorstep of the castle in search of Harry, completely aware of where Harry’s search for the horcruxes will take the young man. Thus, Hogwart’s becomes the final battlefield in this war between good and evil.
With little time to spare, Harry, Ron and Hermione race to destroy the final horcruxes so that they may end Voldemort’s campaign of terror. Amidst the battle, new heroes emerge while others meet their end. Yet even amongst death and destruction, love is reaffirmed and in one case, finally requited.
Harry learns that he will need to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save everyone else. As he bravely goes on alone to face the very man who seeks his destruction, Harry finds that in addition to his love for Ginny, his two best friends and schoolmates and their love of him; the love of his departed family members has always been with him. Armored with the strength he draws from this knowledge, Harry takes a stand against evil though it may cost him his life.
A magnificent end to what has been one of the most popular franchises since Star Wars. Stellar performances by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes and Alan Rickman. Surely the Harry Potter movies will be loved for generations to come. Those generations will learn the message that the rest of the world has been shown these past ten years: Love is the most powerful of all magic and they will also come to know that when light stands before darkness, it is light that prevails.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon Review
According to Box Office Mojo, Transformers: Dark Side of The Moon has already made $97.4 million since its opening day on Tuesday, June 28. As a matter of fact, the film made $35 million in sales just that one day for midnight showings. The movie is also said to be the best of the three Transformers films.
I certainly agree. The quality of this film is superb and it has a great story.
We are reunited with Sam Witwicky and the Autobots about four years after the events of Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen. Sam has graduated from college and the Autobots are functioning as a Spec Ops unit for the American government. All are waiting for the Decepticons to strike. Sam especially feels the need for action as he struggles to cope with feelings of inadequacy that are only exacerbated by the fact that he cannot find a job and his new girlfriend’s boss, Dylan–played by Patrick Dempsey–has a tendency to dote on her, which grates on Sam’s sense of confidence in himself. But, this is a Transformers movie, and the Decepticons waste no time rearing their massive, ugly heads.
After an attack on the Autobots and Colonel Lennox(Josh Duhamel), it is discovered that the Decepticons are searching for an Autobot ship that escaped from Cybertron and crash landed on the moon sometime during the nineteen sixties. Optimus Prime reveals that the precious cargo is none other than an old Autobot leader; Sentinel Prime. After Optimus Prime and Ratchet retrieve Sentinel Prime and revive him, they learn that Sentinel had invented a space bridge which could be used to transport resources through time and space. Sentinel warns the humans and the Autobots that if the space bridge falls into Decepticon possession, they could transport an army of Decepticons to Earth and accomplish their quest for domination.
The film stars Shia LaBeouf as Sam Whitwicky, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as Sam’s girlfriend Carly and Leonard Nimoy as Sentinel. John Malkovich, Ken Jeong also join the cast.
Transformers 3 is ultimately a story about fighting for the things that are good in our lives be it a significant other or the simple ideal of freedom for all mankind. Do yourself a favor and see it on IMAX. You’ll not regret the price. There is plenty of action, near-death escapes and as much heart as the first Transformers movie.
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