Share derek2disk's profile
derek2disk
derek2disk's stats
- Review count6
- Helpfulness votes3
- First reviewJune 15, 2009
- Last reviewApril 7, 2013
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.7
derek2disk's Reviews
Overall rating
4
/
5
Not so great. Not so Powerful.
PostedApril 7, 2013
Dialogue
3
/
5
Special Effects
5
/
5
Art Direction
5
/
5
Acting
2
/
5
Story
4
/
5
Camerawork
5
/
5
Taking on the backstory of one of the most beloved films of all time was so daunting that it's taken more than half a century to reach theaters. So I give the filmmaker and studio points for courage. The script is also smart and earnest enough to set the stage for Dorothy's past/future visit so I give it points for brains as well. But, as you surmised, what the film lacks most is heart. The reason this film was made 54 years later, the reason the original remains the immortal classic it will always be, is because it had SO much heart and so much soul - for an all white cast that is (note: points are also given for the first black Munchkins!). Such Great character actors and such Powerful imagery and memorable music. Why didn't MGM attempt this film? Probably because they didn't want to be the ones to tarnish their own legacy. Who better than to step up than Disney? Yet why on earth or Oz did they cast the powerfully mediocre James Franco. I'm convinced James Franco has an angel, or maybe a Wizard of an agent in Hollywood, because I've yet to see him show anything that would elevate him beyond character actor at best much less the starring role in a project like this. The Wizard in this film needed inexhaustible charm and charisma. Franco has none and reads his lines like they're filming rehearsals. Was there really no one better to carry this film than him? (Leonardo?) If ever a Wizard a wiz there was, it ain't Franco. Beyond that, the film, like the hot air balloon that carries him to Oz, manages to soar despite his dead weight. Just not high enough to see the original Emerald City. But still - worth the trip.
Pros worth the trip to oz
Cons weak lead actor
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
5
/
5
The CANCLLED Lost Beatles Concert
PostedMay 18, 2012
Dialogue
5
/
5
Special Effects
5
/
5
Art Direction
5
/
5
Acting
5
/
5
Story
5
/
5
Camerawork
5
/
5
The BEST film I've never seen!!! Brilliant use of B&W! Incredible hand held camera work! And this band -with their transcendent sound and retro appeal - well all I can say is, I've seen the future of music... and it's name is The Beatles!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
3
/
5
It's Simplistic
PostedJanuary 3, 2010
derek2disk
from NY
A cute, clever and pleasant Hollywood entertainment. I'd rather see this than any 10 explosion films but, at the risk of sounding snobby, I'd rather see a foreign remake of it, which is to say a version that rings more emotionally true - despite being a fan of this film's stars who are all good here. There are a few good laughs but the audience was hysterical over every predictable detail. Bottom line - like the gourmet snacks being wolfed down throughout the film, this is an enjoyable comfort food film. Watch too many like it though and you'll wind up with Alec Baldwin's physique.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
4
/
5
Cheap Thrills
PostedNovember 1, 2009
derek2disk
from NY
For kids addicted to hi-octane FX, it may not cut it. For me it was cool and creepy. Yes it could have been scarier but they went for authenticity and mostly succeeded. I love touches like blurring out refrigerator magnets as if this were totally real and they couldn't legally show some things captured on tape! Judge this as an against the grain thriller - like the no-budget dive films were the counter to Jaws. I'm personally sick of the relentless adrenaline pumping Hollywood. It's like DISCO. All thump and no soul. This film gets under your skin - but only if you accept the premise of unfiltered reality.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Thumbs UP!
PostedJuly 14, 2009
derek2disk
from NY
What a brilliant, creative and thrilling film! How often can you say that about a movie these days? I can honestly say I smiled from the opening frame to the last. A wonderful story, touching characters, breathtaking imagery, well written, beautifully directed and you feel more about animated characters than the overwhelming majority of flesh and blood actors in most contemporary cinema. Joins WALL-E and SHREK as among the best films of the past 10 years.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
1
/
5
Made me want to puke
PostedJune 15, 2009
derek2disk
from NY
What a pathetic commentary on our cultural slide into oblivion. The fact that this predictable, asinine, poorly written, acted and directed film is getting raves and 5-Stars doesn't say much for today's standards. I assumed it would be at least as good or better than Knocked Up which was bad enough but at least had Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Katherine Heigl going for it. This film has NOTHING going for it. I almost feel sorry for Mike Tyson having sunk so low as to appear in it. Almost. But actually, it's fitting. What happened in the movie theatre will stay in the movie theatre....
No, I do not recommend this movie.
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.