Movie Review: Chronicle (2012)

Director: Josh Trank

Stars: Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. Jordan

Summary

Whilst attending a party, three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery underground. Soon, though, they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides.

What I liked

- the 1st and 3rd acts are really well done. A different take on a “superhero” and “villain” origin story.

- the end fight scene is awesomely choreographed and thrilling. I would put it on par with some of today’s better superhero action sequences. The fight felt more personal as the audience had gotten to know and feel for the characters.

- the characters are kept grounded in reality, which is a nice change of pace

What I didn’t like

- the 2nd act drags. Too much time is given to the whole explore their new powers and becomes tiresome.

- could have done without the found footage method of filming.

Last Word

Chronicle is a movie that has a great build up and ends thrilling but the middle portion becomes a bit repetitive.

                                                            My Rating

Movie Review: I, Frankenstein (2014)

Director: Stuart Beattie

Stars: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto

Summary

Dr. Victor Frankenstein dies frozen to death and the creature buries him at the cemetery of his family. However he is attacked by demons but he kills one of them and Gargoyles save him and take him to a Cathedral where the Gargoyles Order gathers. The Queen of the Gargoyles Leonore keeps Dr. Frankenstein's journal together with the treasures of the Order and gives the name of Adam to the creature. Then she explains to Adam that there is an ancient war between the Gargoyles that are angels and demons under the command of the Prince Naberius. She also invites Adam to join the Gargoyles in the war against demons, but Adam prefers to isolate in a remote place. Two hundred years later, Adam returns and finds a modern society. Soon he learns that Naberius has the intention of creating an army of soulless corpses to be possessed by demons. The scientist Terra is researching a process to create life and Naberius is seeking Dr. Frankenstein's journal to help Terra and raise his army.

What I liked

- total guilty pleasure type of movie

- special effects are decent for the small screen

- gargoyle warriors are awesome

What I didn’t like

- muddled plot. The movie cannot decide what story it wants to tell

- missed opportunities to make an interesting movie. The idea behind the plot, a lone monster against two warring factions, is awesome but the makers stuck to the basics.

- horrible name (Adam) given to Frankenstein’s monster

- no name / Adam’s backstory is highly unoriginal and boring

- use a digital countdown clock

- Aaron Eckhart is way too buff to be Frankenstein; also lazy make up, a few scars does make a monster

Last Word

I, Frankenstein has the glimmer of a decent story but quickly dissolves into a paint by the numbers plot.

                                                           My Rating

Movie Review: Big Hero 6 (2014)

Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams

Stars: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung

Summary

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes "Big Hero 6," an action-packed comedy-adventure about the special bond that develops between Baymax, a plus-sized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and his close friends adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called "Big Hero 6."

What I liked

- This movie is an absolute joy to watch from the very beginning to the very end. It already has me wishing for a sequel and that is a mark of a good movie.

- I admire this movie for way it treats intelligent kids and science. It is something to be celebrated instead of being the butt of every joke.

- Baymax is one of the most awesome characters every created for any super hero movie. He understands the true meaning of being a hero, sacrifice for the greater good.

- The bond that develops between Baymax and Hiro will fill you with happiness and may even cause a tear or two.

- The action sequences are very well done and on par with The Incredibles (one of my favorite movies of all time).

- The humor is subtle but had both my daughter and I laughing at the same time.

Get to movie on time to see the animation short, Feast. It is one of the best I have seen in a long time.

What I didn’t like

- Some minor pacing issues as the movie somewhat stalls in the middle.

Last Word

Big Hero 6 is the best super hero animated movie released since The Incredibles. The movie is a pure joy all the way through, however, it does not shy away from dealing with a serious issue in a realistic manner.

                                                           My Rating

Movie Review: Predestination (2014)

Directors: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig

Stars: Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor

Based on Robert A Heinlein's short story "All You Zombies".

Summary

Chronicles the life of a Temporal Agent sent on an intricate series of time-travel journeys designed to ensure the continuation of his law enforcement career for all eternity. Now, on his final assignment, the Agent must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time.

What I liked

- The movie is fully engaging from start to finish. Definitely a movie that you cannot leave the room for second or you will be lost.

- Both Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snook are outstanding. However, Sarah Snook is absolutely amazing and gives one of the best performances of the year. Her ability to sell the character and totally modify her body language based on the part she is playing is what sells the movie.

- A very complex but fun story that will have you contemplating it for days.

What I didn’t like

- The plot, at times, moves too quickly that you don’t have time to consider what just happened.

- The numerous twists and strange character choices will not apply appeal to certain people.

Last Word

A sci-fi time travel thriller that relies on a mind bending story instead of action and features a stand out performance by Sarah Snook that is worth the price of admission.

                                                           My Rating

Movie Review: Lucy (2014)

Director: Luc Besson

Writer: Luc Besson

Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Min-sik Choi

Summary

A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.

What I liked

- One half of the plot was unique and very interesting

- Scarlett Johansson absolutely holds the movie together

- Morgan Freeman is still the man but not given enough to do in this movie

What I didn’t like

- The other half of the plot drags the movie down and is unnecessary

- Random killings

- Stupid, random nature clips in the beginning of the movie

- Movie never really explores the Lucy’s new found abilities

Last Word

Lucy is a movie with one unique idea that quickly devolves into a bad gangster picture and never fully delivers on its own premise.

                                                           My Rating