One more for you to catch on Netflix...

Just in case you missed it in the theaters Spike Lee's summer joint 'Red Hook Summer' is now streaming on Netflix. Check it out if you can. An intriguing, controversial film.

Snow White and the Huntsman

Check out my fellow blog/website Medium Rare's review on Snow White and the Huntsman....

Fairy tales have a peculiar function in our society. They are some of the earliest stories we hear as children, and the morals bestowed upon us by those stories take hold sooner than whatever our parents may have tried to impart. No wonder Disney filled their early catalog with imaginings of fairy tales, to tremendous success. But it’s a struggle to formulate a clear moral for Snow White, a story that centers on the question “Who is the fairest of them all?”  Snow White and the Huntsman, a live-action film that applies a layer of grit and grim seriousness to the classic story, attempts to deal with the question, but it bails out when it should’ve prodded.

Early on, the evil Ravenna (Young Adult Charlize Theron) pulls off a coup against a king and imprisons his daughter, the young Snow White (Kirsten Stewart). This act is punctuated by a speech about the frailty of womanhood and the currency of beauty. It turns out that Ravenna has been cursed and she needs to stay beautiful to hold on to her powers. 

The film takes this concept to its logical extreme, with Ravenna taking fair young maidens from her realm and literally sucking the beauty and vitality out of them. When it comes time to do the same to the king’s imprisoned daughter, Snow White manages to escape into the Dark Forest. Ravenna orders the Huntsman (Thor’s Chris Hemsworth) to retrieve her, but he reneges on the queen’s request and instead helps Snow White to reclaim her kingdom.

It’s unfortunate that the film does not further expound on Ravenna’s point about beauty. It seemed to hint at making a statement about society’s obsession with beauty, but ultimately it holds back. There are no great revelations; the beauty angle merely allows for copious effects shots of people’s faces rapidly aging or reverse-aging, an effect that becomes tiresome by the fourth time it occurs. Theron gives a commanding performance as the Evil Queen. She yells and booms throughout the film, while also displaying the softness of a woman who’s desperately hanging on to her beauty. To contrast, Stewart (Twilight saga) pales as the emotional core of the film, as she spends much of her screen time with a woebegone expression. It’s far easier to root for Ravenna’s quest for vanity than for Snow White’s retaking of the throne.

Rupert Sanders makes his directorial debut, and he makes a visually appealing film in his first effort. Much of that can be attributed to Colleen Atwood’s superior costume design, which is by turns ornate and grimy. The cinematography by Greig Fraser is also praise-worthy, showcasing the majesty of the Irish countryside and it’s coast. However, the natural beauty of the landscapes is often obscured by excessive CGI. The film is effects-laden to the point of distraction. Some scenes occur solely to show off another visual trick.

Unlike the classic takes on the story, Snow White and the Huntsman is unabashedly an action film. Fight sequences are ably shot, but the lack of danger towards the protagonists takes away from the visceral quality of the action. It all leads up to a conclusion that is more Joan of Arc than Snow White. Stewart is unbelievable in rallying her troops, and the climax suffers because of it. With a finale reminiscent of (yet nowhere near approaching) the Battle of Helms Deep, the film solidifies itself as a lobotomized swords and sorcery flick, never mind how good it looks.

The film benefits from the viewer’s familiarity with the fairy tale. It allows for a possibility of emotional resonance that the film does not earn on its own. As a child, you cared about Snow White’s fate. Here, you can barely muster the slightest concern. For all its attempts at being a darker take on a fairy tale, Snow White and the Huntsman is exceedingly light fare.

Rating: 5.5 out of 10

"The Avengers"...Now that's a Superhero Team!!!

Two words for ya…Epic Proportions!! That is how I would describe the new summer Marvel hit The Avengers. I have been waiting on this movie since the first Iron Man came out in 2008. You just knew it was going to happen… just because!!

The Avengers was a flick that I was excited and nervous about all at the same time. Excited for the obvious reason (comic book nerd) and nervous because not every comic book movie has been successful, especially when there are multiple big name character involved. This is one of THE best adventure movies I've seen in a good while!! I mean the movie is pure AWESOME. To have such comic book giants (in some cases literally) as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and The Hulk in one film and it work speaks volumes. 

Director Joss Whedon, who is most known for the television series Buffy The Vampire Slayer, studies the foundation that was built in the prior films and transports to the big screen “the greatest team of superheroes in film history”…The Avengers: Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk/Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) as "amassed" by Nick Fury. Whedon's whose scripts typically include clever banter, spellbinding action sequences and an “air of mystery” and this is no different with The Avengers. It is quite clear that Whedon has an utter love for comic books, and it is evidently displayed with this movie.

Perfect Chemistry…That’s what each one of these characters brought to the film. One could not ask for a better cast.  Not only did they blend together, but they were essentially working together sweet harmony!! Everyone was able to get his or her fair share without it feeling like it was all about one person. Now I must admit I was not initially on the wagon with Mark Ruffalo playing Bruce Banner/The Hulk, but he convinced me with his performance! The Hulk showed up and showed out in a big way. And to know surprise, Downey plays Stark almost effortlessly, delivering lines with ease allowing his charisma, charm and smugness to gleam through; there is not a doubt in my mind Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark! Chris Evans' congeals himself in the role of Captain America, and further assures us that he is America’s hero. He truly holds his own standing alongside Iron Man and Thor. Then you have Chris Hemsworth's Asgardian god Thor who has some extraordinary battle scenes and indirectly provides one of the film's most hilarious moments. Clearly after being seriously underutilized in Iron Man 2, we get to see full development of Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow, this helps in developing the character and provides an opportunity to prove she is much more than just a pretty face; she's physically dangerous along with being psychologically deadly. Even Hawkeye brings an element to the team as a force to be reckoned with at all times. Don’t let the bow an arrow fool you now. And finally, Nick Fury is more than just a surprise appearance. Fury is finally able to maximize his potential and stretch his legs some, Jackson actually fits the role quite easily.

And I can’t forget Agent Caulson (Clark Gregg) [love this guy…dry wit, humor and all] along with Cobie Smulders who makes her Marvel films debut as Agent Maria Hill, and she is definitely a welcomed addition. Also what’s a comic book hero without a villain…Thor's adopted-brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) brings an excellent dynamic as he is able to hold his own in the midst of some huge heavyweights. Each character may have their egos and big guns, but when it came to saving the world they some how seem to create a diamond mine out of a junkyard. That was what I feared most but they did not disappoint. They held it together with “style and grace”.

If I had any issues with the film it was just the fact that Hawkeye being the character that he is got a little too much “face-time” for my liking, but at least the performance was good though. And my other minor gripe was with the development of Bruce Banner and The Hulk.  Now this may seem like I am nit-picking but it would have been nice to see how Banner was able to control over The Hulk (that seems like a vital piece to the puzzle. And let me make note it was not all serious, but plenty of humor as well. This is what made it a well-balanced film.

I will admit the movie is over 2 hours but its worth every minute. This movie on so many levels brings out the best in everything from the characters, to the plot, the cinematography, the action, it just all works. In a weird and unique kind of way it draws on all of your emotions in one single sitting. To be honest films like Star Trek and Transformers could learn a lesson from a film like The Avengers. How you ask? Pull from every angle and go deeper, you can’t just scratch the surface and it be ok!

***As usual with most if not all Marvel films, make sure to stay around for the post credit sequence, which will provides a surprising reveal.

This was the perfect movie to start out the summer!! Quite impressive!! Now I am hyped and on a super high!! Bring on the next one!!

Rating: 9 out 10

2012 Summer Movie Line-Up

Well it's one of my favorite times of the year...Summer Movies!! Each week this summer is going to be filled with blockbuster hits!! So let me not waste anymore of your time let's get right to it folks....

First on the list....the obvious....

The Avengers (May 4th): It's already been receiving rave reviews and I'm sure it will not disappoint!! At least I hope not :-) 

Dark Shadows (May 11th): It just would not be a summer without a movie from Johnny Depp!

Battleship (May 18th)

MIB3 (May 25th): Not sure how excited I am about this but we shall see...

Snow White and The Huntsman (June 1st)

 Prometheus (June 8th): This is one that I know a lot of folks have been sleeping on, but I gotta funny feeling its going to surprise some folks in a good way!

Rock of Ages (June 15th)

GI Joe: Retaliation (June 29th): ACTION.COM

The Amazing Spider-Man (July 3rd): I'm still tripping that the 3rd installment Spider-Man 3 only came out just five years ago! Hmmmm...This is sure to get the 4th of July popping!! 

The Dark Knight Rises (July 20th): I have been waiting for this movie for a lifetime (exaggeration lol) this and The Avengers are top on my list!

The Bourne Legacy (August 3rd): And no Matt Damon does not make a guest appearance....

Total Recall (August 3rd): Can we say REMAKE...

**And we gotta make sure the kiddies go to the movies too especially since school will be out soon!!

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (June 8th)

Ice Age: Continental Drift (July 13th)

And I have a few on the list that may not be blockbusters, but you definitely do not want to miss out on these gems!!

-Restless City

-Marley

-Sparkle (August 17th)

I am sure there are MANY more, but these are just some that have made it to my list!! So get your popcorn and candy and head to the theater folks!! And don't forget to stay past the credits :-)

First 7 minutes of "The Dark Knight Rises"

Everyone is anxiously awaiting the epic conclusion of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight series and I think he hit the nail on the head with this one...Check out the first 7 minutes of the upcoming Summer 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises...

I don't know about you but it's on my list for the Summer...How about yours?

Sci-Fi/ Action Double Header Trailer Alert

I know it's been a while, but I have a couple of new trailer alerts that you might want to check out...

First up is for all my G.I. Joe fans... G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Hits theaters June 29th, 2012

And next is the third installment to the MIB series, Men in Black 3

 
Hits theaters May 25th, 2012

Looks like next summer is going to be full of action!!