There was a lot of testerone captured in this movie. In fact, Zoe Saldana was pretty much the only non-male character of note. I really liked the action and the slick scenery, cars, and wardrobes. Los Angeles gave the story a lot to work with and the story line seemed to give L.A. a sophisticated urban feel. The ensemble cast worked very well together as most seemed to play well off and with each other with the exception of the always bland Hayden Christensen; his cutesy smirk and combing his hard back with his fingers can only carry him so far. It was also cool to see T.I. and Chris Tucker in a new medium.
Scott Pilgrim was a bit like a comic book version of Kick Ass without the extreme violence. It was well acted with a great story. I'd definitely recommend it.
Watching this movie reinforced what they say about quitting while you are at the top... I'm at a loss as to why Mr. Stallone with his Oscar and other accolades feels that it's necessary to try and live up to what he once was. He looks old, his body doesn't move like it once did, and frankly, he's not believable as an action hero. The violence was over the top and some of the weapons and explosions were entertaining, but it pained me to watch Sly in action. I try not to say anything bad about anyone, but he really should move behind the camera if he wants to keep making movies.
Let me preface my opinion by coming clean and admiting that I've read this book... and I'm a guy (shocker!). It was challenging to suspend all the background and rich narrative that Elizabeth Gilbert used to tell her story in her novel and just sit back and watch at 2 hour movie, but I tried. The book was much, much better. While I found the movie to be enjoyable and transformative in parts, it seemed to just skim the surface. Julia Roberts was Julia Roberts once again. She is actress we all love to watch and she was surrounded by a supporting cast that pretty much faded into the background. The scenery even took a second seat to Julia's star power which was a shame. I believe that the story was much too personal to really be adaptable to the silver screen, but Ryan Murphy did the best he could and I am still glad that I saw this film.
I went to see this movie because I'd had a near death experience that left me wondering why did I not pass on when it seemed like it was my time. Zac Efron did an excellent job taking the audience through the anguish and realizations that follow such a life changing experience. I connected with his character and the story.
Angelina delivered and I am so grateful that even if this isn't her passion, she has the natural ability to make the right film choices, to perform, and to deliver. This was an action-packed thrill ride that wasn't too long or too short. It might be a little tough to imagine a woman taking on a "Jason Bourne" or "James Bond" persona, but Angie did it and makes it look effortless. I don't believe that she could have carried off such an impressive feat without an equally impressive supporting cast and script, yet we all know that she was the essential piece of the puzzle that allowed everything to come together and make sense. Bravo Salt!
I've grown weary with the whole 3D trend with it's obvious intent to raise ticket prices. "Despicable Me," however was worth it. The amination was eye-popping and innovative even if the storyline was predictable but engaging with Gru being a modern take on the Grinch. Yet, I fell for it and would even consider going to see this "children's" movie again and again. I absolutely LOVED this film.
It's so important to provide entertainment and content that younger people can enjoy and connect with. This series isn't all hype. There some geniune relationships and messages captured should and are presented. Everyone around me was enthralled (keep in mind that the average age was about 13). So I suspended my adult cynicism and looked at Eclipse through their eyes and I was caught up in the story and excitement too.
Like most people, I've struggled with connecting to Tom Cruise over the last couple of years. Well, I decided to suspend my prejudices and give him a chance. Guess what? I liked Knight and Day. I was very entertaining even if it was predictable. Cameron Diaz was a little annoying but she does have great screen chemistry with Tom so the movie worked.