Do not cheat yourself with this movie. See it in 3-D IMAX. It's immersive, beautiful, exciting, funny, touching, and at times heartwrenching. Cameron took me back to being 6 years old in a dark theater staring in awe and wonder at the strange new world Lucas introduced me to in Star Wars in 1977. Was the basis of the plot new? No, neither was Star Wars or all but a handful of movies in the last 30 years. But the delivery mechanism for the film made everything old new again. This was remarkable. Planning to see it again very soon.
The Boondock Saints II is one of the few movie sequels that is as good, and possibly better, that the original. It's not quite as dark and dismal in overall tone as the first, but it's still pretty dark and gritty. It is also very funny, mostly in part to the character of Romeo and the brothers' interaction with him. A few fun surprises also crop up along the way in the form of unexpected return performances. Fans will adore it, the easily offended will loathe it, and I actually want to see it again. Hooray for the return of the MacManus Brothers and a movie that knows what it is and isn't sorry about that one bit!
This movie was both funny and fun to watch. There was great cast chemistry, and without delving deeply into the lives of the characters they were still interesting and worthy of rooting for. There was surprisingly no nudity for an R-rated horror movie, no sexscenes, and although there was some language, it was not as heavy handed as I'd expect in an R-rated horror film. I'll likely go see it again while it's at the theater, and it will be a definite purchase when it comes out on DVD.
This movie was sci fi enough to interest geeks and fans of summer blockbusters, and serious enough to draw those who come for the apartheid parable. It's a good blend of both genres and, although slow in parts, was enjoyable to watch.
A typical explodey, effects-heavy Bay film. It's fun to watch and a great ride while in the theater, but afterward the plot holes and inconsistencies become painfully obvious. There was also excessive language and crude behavior acted out by robots which made it feel like it was purposely there to be "edgy" and failed miserably. It just made things feel "off" and uncomfortable. Fun, but wouldn't bring anyone under 13.
I have to admit, I was skeptical about whether or not Sandra Bullock (not much of a fan) and Ryan Reynolds (big fan) could have any sort of chemistry. They actually do, and it's wonderful. But even that pales in comparison to the comedic timing of the film, its hysterically funny writing, and the scene stealing amusement of Betty White. I am not a fan of romcoms, but this one had me laughing from start to finish. Loved it.
The bad: With all the hype and the previews for this film, I expected a well-paced, engaging movie. Instead I spent half of it looking at my watch and wondering how much longer it was going to be. Some of the effects were spectacular, but many of the creatures this time around (like the bear and most of the centaurs and minotaurs) looked about the equivalent of a guy in a Godzilla suit instead of the seamless CGI of the first film. The pacing was very slow. Caspian's actor did not have the presence required for the title role. The good: Some of the effects were stellar, like the ice wall barrier keeping the White Witch imprisoned, the lead minotaur, the armor and masks of the Telmarines, and the griffins. There were some really funny lines, almost exclusively delivered by Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin who was a highlight. And Eddie Izzard as Reepicheep and his mouse brigade stole the entire movie. It is worth seeing for the good points but I wouldn't want to sit through it again.