TwystedSilver's stats
- Review count11
- Helpfulness votes1
- First reviewJanuary 16, 2009
- Last reviewJanuary 21, 2012
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.7
Overall rating
4
/
5
A Definite Improvement Over The Last Installment
PostedJanuary 21, 2012
Ever since the first Underworld film, I've been hooked on this series. I faithfully saw it in the theaters for each installment, though I admittedly wasn't a huge fan of the prequel that came out prior to this one. Let me start by saying that I am so glad to have the story return to Selene and the original key players!
Underworld Awakening was by all accounts highly entertaining. The action was exceptional and definitely deserves to be a part of this series. Cinematically it was well-done too; from the angles to the filters used to create the appropriate feel of the scenes, this was another win for the Underworld story. That being said, this is not as good as the original 2.
Underworld Awakening is a fun movie to see - make no mistakes. However, the plot was a bit thinner than could've been the case. At only approximately 1.5 hours, this movie could have benefited from some beefing up in some plot elements that would have made it much more engaging. Most of the time the film left me feeling immersed in the story line, but at times it was underdeveloped, which was a little disappointing.
Bottom line - for anyone who is dedicated to this series, this is a good film and well worth the experience, particularly in 3D (some of the effects blew me away - I actually felt dizzy at points because of them - in a good way). However, don't approach this movie thinking that it will fully recapture the magic of the originals. What the producer put into effects he took away from plot development.
Spoiler alert - this film hints at another sequel. Though I didn't leave the theater as hyped up by Awakening as I'd hoped, it definitely still has me avidly awaiting the next installment. And the Vampire/Lycan saga continues!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
An Exciting Journey
PostedDecember 5, 2011
I've long taken pleasure in the mythology of the era that this movie depicts and was hopeful for what this story would deliver. It was, in actuality, far better than I could have hoped for! From the opening sequence until the credits, I sat riveted, anxiously devouring every aspect of this film.
The story was compellingly crafted, with dialogue that suited the genre perfectly. Costumes and set were impeccably rendered, too. I was even impressed by the acting - there was only perhaps 1 bit character that I found unbelievable (a priest at the very beginning who seemed thoroughly disengaged from the emotion of the scene - his time on-screen was extremely short-lived though, so it didn't detract from the film).
There isn't one aspect of this movie that I felt was done with less attention to detail than was deserving. The weapons, tools, torture devices - everything was in keeping with the era. As a whole, the final product gelled like a masterpiece.
This is not a movie you'll go to see and walk out of the theater with a new understanding about life, but that isn't what I wanted or expected of it. It was, however, an exquisite action story with a cohesive plot and succinct delivery. I cringed, I shuddered, I sat on the edge of my seat in eager anticipation, and I grinned like a fool. This was an immensely fulfilling movie-going experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Exceptional Political Film
PostedOctober 16, 2011
I wasn't entirely certain what to expect when I went in to see this movie, but I'm a huge fan of Clooney and Gosling, so decided to take a chance. I'll also note that I am not even remotely interested in politics.
This is a very politically-driven movie. Make no mistake - you'll be seeing more about the political system and back room electoral process than anything else. However, it is exceptionally well-done! Even being so disinterested in politics, I found myself thoroughly engaged. The acting is supreme - nothing less than would've been expected out of such a stellar cast. The sequencing might seem a little slow at times, but it feels true to the movie, rather than poor scripting or ineffective directing. All around I was very impressed by the final product. It also gets you thinking - what are you willing to overlook for what you believe to be the greater good? For a student of philosophy, this is a movie that will have your gears turning.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
I've Seen Worse
PostedSeptember 28, 2011
The idea behind this film is pretty cool and I like that it is based upon a book the recounts true events with the Feather Men society. However, though there were some pretty intense action scenes and some great interactions, the movie felt like it really dragged on. I saw this during a daytime showing (1:55pm) and found myself getting restless and groggy during many points in the story's sequence. I didn't hate the movie - the good parts definitely recovered some lost ground from the painfully drawn out ones. However, it wasn't at all the frenetic action that I'd have expected of such a heavily action-based movie.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
1
/
5
You're Getting Sleepy... Very Sleepy...
PostedSeptember 11, 2011
After having seen apocalyptic movies such as Outbreak, I thought that this was going to be a stellar film, full of exceptional acting, intense timeline, and social panic. What I got... was a deep desire for a nap. And $30 back for the 3 tickets I'd purchased.
Though filled with many notable names, none of the acting was terribly exciting. In fact, everything was delivered in such a muted way that I could hardly believe the names that were associated with it.
Beyond acting, the story's scripting and timeline so blatantly aimed to avoid sensitive subjects, that the terror that should have been pervading every seen turned into nothing more than mild delivery of events. The social unrest was shown only to a minimum, the government involvement was kept comfortably cathartic, and even the deaths were grossly underplayed. As a whole, it was extremely underwhelming.
When delivering a story about massive outbreak and immeasurable death tolls, the panic, fear, and unrest should be through the roof. Instead, the director clearly went for a 'safe zone' story that wouldn't overly excite or offend anyone, not showing much of the worst of what would be expected during such a horrific event and, by turn, making the moments that should have been awe-inspiring selfless acts by the protagonists turn into campy events that more felt contrived than uplifting. Nothing about this movie was worth the time spent watching it - nothing.
When the movie ended, I turned to my family and began laughing. The sad truth, however, is that we weren't the only ones! While exiting the theater, nearly every movie goer from that showing was similarly joking about how bad it was. If anything, the only redeeming aspect of the film was in bringing strangers together (movie goers) in united laughter.
I wouldn't make my worst enemy watch this film and would only recommend for someone I liked to see it if they were feeling particularly sleep-deprived and needed help getting some rest.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Two Slice Hilly
PostedAugust 15, 2011
Having read the book prior to viewing the movie, I have to say that my greatest love goes to the book. There are parts that did not make it to film, whether due to time constraints of artistic direction, that made the book all the more poignant. That being said, this is one exceptional movie!
I went into the theaters hoping for something that at least mimicked the strumming of the heart strings that the book of the same name offered. This movie does not disappoint. It tells an exceptional story that is hilarious, at times gut-wrenching, thoughtful, and, ultimately, enduring. This is not a movie that you can simply walk away from; the message is powerful enough that you will carry it with you long after the credits roll.
The acting was predominantly good. There were some exceptional performances, such as Octavia Spencer's, and others that were good but maybe don't resonate as well as the book's version did (Emma Stone). However, the final product shined brightly.
This is a must see! If you have no yet read the book - do so after the movie. You'll appreciate the movie more on it's own merit and can enjoy the amazing story twice as much that way.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
1
/
5
So Many Other Things I Could've Spent 2 Hours On!
PostedJuly 30, 2011
Let me preface this by saying that I love the superhero film genre in general and have yet to find one single movie that I didn't thoroughly enjoy at least some aspects of... until last night. Captain America was by far the slowest in plot progression, which made the horrible acting and scripting nearly intolerable. Had I not been sitting in the middle of a row, I probably would've just gotten up and left 10 minutes in. This movie had potential to be something special, but wound up making me wonder whether I'll even go to see the Avengers film - it turned me off that much.
I will give it credit for eliciting a few laughs - it does have some rather funny quips in it. However, that would be the only element that made the 2 hours and 5 minutes not question whether I was being punished for some sins in a former life. It. Was. AWFUL!!
Additionally, the 3D was a joke. The times that the film was rendered in 3D were visually impressive, but they were exceedingly few and far between. My eyes were a little agitated in that theater, so I frequently had to remove the glasses. What I found is that 90% of the time, the image was crystal clear WITHOUT 3D glasses - meaning it was in 2D for the majority of the film. Though I understand a production company wanting to save on expenses, it seemed very unfair that I had to pay the enormous amount extra per ticket to see 3D, only to have the vast majority of the film not even presented in 3D.
Bottom line - Captain America would be a great cure for the common case of insomnia, but if you need to sleep that badly... save yourself the extra cash and only pay for 2D.
Very disappointing film - I had really high hopes for this one.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
What A Ride!
PostedJune 18, 2011
I went into this movie expecting very little of it; I assumed that the graphics would be dutifully impressive, but had no personal investment in the story of Green Lantern. I was pleasantly surprised - what a thrill! I can't say whether or not the story is true to the comic, but I can say that it is well-worth seeing. There wasn't an area that disappointed me at all; it is a worthy addition to the ranks of the better superhero films to have come out in recent years.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
A Favorite X-Men Installment
PostedJune 4, 2011
Sequels have the challenge of taking a story and continuing it without losing some of the magic that made the first one good. However, prequels have an even greater responsibility. Reinventing characters from an earlier point in their lives, paying homage to the personalities that were already seen, and rolling back technology in accordance with what would be appropriate to a film based in another time are all opportunities that many films fall short of succeeding in. First Class does not disappoint.
The character background, particularly for Xavier, Magneto, and Mystique, was perfectly attuned to the personalities that are shown in future installments (prior) installments. Each character's history is well-established and believable, with credit in large part owed to the actors for conveying them as effectively, and the screenwriter for delivering scripts that are in keeping with the individual personalities that are being portrayed.
Casting-wise, each person that was selected is well-suited to their roles, both in physical match-up to their future counterparts, and in accordance with the characters. The scenes are also well-crafted, dutifully displaying events in a realistic fashion for that time in America's history, whether in costumes, television broadcasts, or displayed technology.
The story itself was my favorite element. Obviously, X-Men is an adaptation of a long-run comic series, so ample background exists to craft the film around. However, where many directors would diverge heavily and reinvent the story, this film strikes me as unfolding far more accurately around the comics' plot, which I appreciate very much.
As an enthusiast for the X-Men comic series, this film is a must-see. I was exceptionally taken by the product that was delivered; this may even have been my favorite of all X-Men films that have been released to date. I would highly recommend it, whether your intentions are to view it for the entertainment, for the accuracy in adherence to the original storyline, or for the acting/film technique.
Go see it - you won't be disappointed!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
The Most Gruesome Saw Installment
PostedNovember 1, 2010
Saw 3D was absolutely amazing! Every bit of the previous 6 come together in this gut-wrenching (literally) finale. It was suspenseful, relentlessly twisted and exceptionally produced. I wish more had been done with the 3D effects, as they were decidedly lacking. However, this film did not need 3D to carry it through. I absolutely loved it and all of the grizzly displays.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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