Movies

Quantum of Solace

Some days ago I went to see “Quantum of Solace” in the cinema. This is the continuation of the James Bond agent 007 series.

It ended up being a pretty good action film, with car chases, boat and airlane fights, shootings, and explosions, etc. But, on the other hand, it has the least to do with James Bond series from all the episodes that I ever saw. Bond movies always had plenty of style, spy gadgets, sexy ladies, and English accent. In the one, most are either totally absent or overminimized.

However I still enjoyed the action and all the special effects – well suited for the big screen. I’ll give it an overall 6 out of 10.

Death Race

Just came back from watching “Death Race” in the movies. Back when I saw the trailer for this film, I thought to myself that it looks like a very safe recipe. I mean, you have Jason Statham as a driver, lots of cards, some hot girls, plenty of chases and shooting. What are the chances of it going bad? Practically none. But what are the chances of it turning into something interesting and original?

It turned out that whatever were the chances, they weren’t enough. On one hand, we indeed have Jason Statham and lots of cars, shooting, and explosions. The special effects were done nicely, and there was not much screen time without something brutal happening. On the other hand, there is nothing new. In fact, the story and the circumstances were simplified a lot, and in such a way that there is no need to explain anything or to connect the story pieces together with long talks or travels. The plot is simple and uncovers itself in all obviousity (did I just come up with a new word?) at approximately the fifth minute of the movie.

Was it bad? No, it wasn’t. It was worth every penny, and was well worth the time I spent. Chases were nice, characters were not bad, and I liked most of the effects. The whole thing is pretty dynamic and enjoyable. It was also made for the big screen. But seeing it once is enough and I doubt that I’ll buy or rent it on DVD. At least, any time soon.

An overall rating of 6 out of 10 is, I think, appropriate.

Righteous Kill

Either one of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino is enough to attract attention to the movie. When they are both in the same movie – that’s something that needs to be seen, no matter what the critics or ratings say. And that’s why I went to watch “Righteous Kill” today.

Altogether, the film was rather average – not much dynamics and action for a police movie, predictable story with a lot of cliches, dialogs really off sometimes, and so, and so forth. But. There was enough good acting, and there was enough thought provoking. I mean it’s not a philosophical movie by any measure, but it covers a few morals and gives enough time to the audience to poke around the good, the evil, and the fine line between the two.

Overall, maybe not worthy the big screen, but good enough for a DVD rent. 6.5 out of 10.

Max Payne

I just came back from the movies – watched “Max Payne” with a friend of mine. I wanted to see this film since I came across the trailer. I know a few people who were waiting quite a bit for this film, since there is a video game with the same title, and, if I am not mistaken, everything started with a comics. But don’t take my word for it.

The film turned out to be very pleasing visually. Lots and lots of really cool special effects, focal points, perspective changes, and the like. Lots of things are done properly – snow, water, fire, broken glass, flying bullets, explosions, and so on and so forth. And all that comes together with nice soundtrack. Pleasant experience.

As for the rest of it – the film was pretty weak. The story is one of those usual stories that you have seen in a million other stories. Characters aren’t very well developed though. And the best characters never live up to their fame. Nicely looking lady – killed in the beginning. Really evil looking guy – even worse. There is a lack of major battle, and whatever replaces it is a sorry excuse. Disappointing.

Altogether, I’d give it a 6.5 out of 10. If you like good visuals, then go see it on the big screen. You won’t be disappointed no matter how lacking the rest of the film is. But if you need more than just special effects, than wait for the DVD to come out. That’s about all I can say about this one.

Tropic Thunder

I just came back from the movies where I enjoyed an action comedy “Tropic Thunder“. To be honest, initially I didn’t want to see this movie. Silly poster, one of my most unfavourite actors and directos Ben Stiller, and a few other minor factors were all pointing to towards “You can safely ignore this movie” sign. But then I’ve heard a few good reviews and changed my mind.

Gladly, the film turned out to be pretty good. I think that make-up artists, good cast, and participation of one of the Cohen brothers in the screenplay writing saved this flick. Ben Stiller wasn’t as bad as he usually is. Jack Black was pretty good. Especially in that short little scene where he was tied up to the tree. Tom Cruise was a surprise – both acting-wise and make-up-wise. Robert Downey Jr. was really good. He was as good as his make-up. Extra make-up point goes for the Japanese-like looking gangster, shooting automatic weapon in the purple haze. That was aesthetically refreshing.

There is plenty of good action in this film, with gun fights, explosions, helicopters, and so on and so forth. As for the humor – it’s an interesting mix, between the low-level silly Ben Stiller kind of jokes and smart parody and satire Cohen-brothers style. Done really well.

Overall, 7 out of 10 for good entertainment.