LainEverliving's stats
- Review count9
- Helpfulness votes1
- First reviewAugust 5, 2009
- Last reviewNovember 21, 2012
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating5
LainEverliving's Reviews
Overall rating
5
/
5
Rise of a Classic
PostedNovember 21, 2012
Dialogue
5
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5
Special Effects
5
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5
Art Direction
5
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5
Acting
5
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5
Story
5
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5
Camerawork
5
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5
DreamWorks Animation has had an incredible run of success over the past 5 years. Since 2007's humorous and heartfelt Bee Movie, the studio has consistently improved upon itself in terms of artistic and technical excellence, as well as quality storytelling. This is a studio clearly dissatisfied with being perceived as 'second' to Pixar, and without question, no film company has done more to break the mold and innovate the craft more than DreamWorks has in these past 5 years.
With Rise of the Guardians, these efforts have reached a new peak of excellence. A remarkable, exciting, well-told story is the anchor of this film, the directorial debut of longtime studio artist Peter Ramsey. The film paints in broad strokes surprisingly intimate portraits of its characters, the Guardians of Childhood, near-supernatural beings that protect the hopes and dreams of the children of the world, and in turn derive their powers from the belief of these selfsame children. Anyone who is or has ever been a child will find something to relate to in these characters, iconic legends capable of inspiring wonderment in even adult viewers. Though the appeal to children is obvious, the film may be most meaningful for teens and adults who are capable of looking back on their childhoods and reawakening the light of belief that may have long ago gone out. That's the power of this remarkable film: to bring childlike wonder to those who, for whatever reason, may have lost it in their daily lives.
The near-perfect script by David Lindsay-Abaire provides DreamWorks' crack animation team ample opportunities to show off both character acting and effects, and in neither category do they disappoint. While CG animation has always been an obvious medium for visual spectacle, rarely is it so effectively and boldly used as here. This is, for all intents and purposes, an animated version of The Avengers, the first true American CG animation action/battle movie. Each Guardian, as well as their villainous opponent Pitch (a surprisingly sophisticated character who, like the heroes, is rendered in very human terms), has a unique power with dazzling visual effect. And moreover, each character has a chance to shine and show off, offering a full bounty of unbelievable imagery and animation that boggles the mind at its complexity. Subtle moments are also excellent, with the animation working so effectively that, even without the outstanding soundtrack (with a memorable, moving score by Alexandre Desplat, and fine acting from all involved), one could easily read the complex emotions displayed by the characters. Perhaps most impressive is the sheer creative imagination on display here, collectively contributed by DreamWorks vast international crew. Beautiful environments and tantalizing design make this world feel magical, yet lived-in. Few American animated movies reach this level of sublime imagination, yet when they do, the magic is truly real and very special.
As an outstanding film for older children, and particularly teens and adults, Rise of the Guardians seems destined to be a holiday classic, a film whose stature will only grow with time. However, that's no reason not to rush out and see it now. This very special and moving film has a lot to love, if only you allow yourself to believe and return to the wonderment of childhood.
Pros well paced, great story, great actors, beautiful animation, great holiday film
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Arrietty, Though Small, is a Giant Triumph
PostedMarch 13, 2012
Studio Ghibli (the Oscar-winning company behind Spirited Away and Ponyo) is the most consistent film studio in the world. Every time you see their name on a movie, you know it's going to be good, and possibly a masterpiece. It would be easy to say that The Secret World of Arrietty is just the latest example of Ghibli's greatness, but it's so much more than that, it deserves special attention. As the first Ghibli movie to really reach a wide audience, for many people it's an introduction not only to the studio, but to Japanese animation in general. And there couldn't be a more perfect intro than this. Simply put, The Secret World of Arrietty is a perfect gem of a film for all ages, the kind of instant animated classic that hasn't been made in America in years.
Based on Mary Norton's novel 'The Borrowers,' Arrietty moves the action to Japan and the modern day. The film is set in Koganei, a suburb of Tokyo (and real-life home of Studio Ghibli), and though the city is only briefly shown, it's a testament to how beautiful it is (I'm fortunate to have visited there when in Japan). The English language version Americanizes the names of the full-size characters and minimizes the Japanese setting, but at its heart, this is still a love-letter to Ghibli's hometown.
Everything in the film is beautifully hand-illustrated: unlike computer animation, every background, character, and creature is drawn by hand, and in some cases even painted. The computer is only used to color the characters, meaning that the film has a wonderfully organic feel lacking in today's CG animation. Ghibli is one of the few studios left in the world that does everything by hand, and it really shows. This is classic, hand-drawn animation as it's meant to be, and the result is charming, beautiful, and artistically phenomenal. The animators at Ghibli are some of the best in the world, and perfectly captured the sense of scale of the tiny characters. These aren't regular-sized people shrunk down, but true tiny people who move through their environment exactly as people that size would. The animated 'character acting' of Arrietty's facial expressions is also spot-on. More than any CG animated film, you can exactly get what she is thinking and feeling just from slight changes in her expression. Arrietty is the kind of character that captures your heart from the moment you see her; she's sure to be an idol for young girls for a long time to come.
Also worthy of note is the wonderful musical score, performed by French harpist Cecile Corbel. Corbel's score was selected by chance: as a fan of the studio, she sent in a sample of her music with a fan letter, and Ghibli liked it so much they gave her the job of composing for the film! Her beautiful score is filled with celtic melodies and emotional lyrics and is a big part of the film. It's a shame the soundtrack isn't available in America; I'm sure many people would like to purchase it.
What makes Arrietty all the more amazing is that it's the first film of young director Hiromasa Yonebayashi. Though Yonebayashi is a veteran animator with Ghibli, at age 38 he's the youngest director to ever helm a film for them. Needless to say, his debut is a pretty spectacular first film, one that immediately establishes his position among the best new directors to watch in animation. The screenplay was written by Ghilbi collaborator Keiko Niwa and co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, the Oscar-winning legendary director behind many of the studio's best films. So, while Yonebayashi had a lot of help and guidance, his unique vision comes through very clearly. In a way, Arrietty is (especially in its Japanese language version) a delicate mix of Yonebayashi's joyful optimism of youth, and Miyazaki's world-weary sadness of age. The film has a lot of emotional highs and lows, and is just as likely to inspire laughter as tears. It's a genuine emotional journey, and when the credits roll, you won't want it to end.
My hope is that The Secret World of Arrietty will introduce many more Americans to the world of Japanese animation. There's a wonderful range of amazing movies in this medium, including the rest of Ghibli's work, as well as many other gems for both families and adults. If Arrietty can lead to a broader awareness of anime and enjoyment of its stories, than it will be even more than a great film: it will be a cinematic cultural ambassador for a whole new generation of fans. Don't miss out on seeing this fantastic movie in theaters and being a part of the next revolution in animation.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
An Outstanding Action Anime
PostedJanuary 28, 2012
Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the most beloved action/adventure anime series in recent years, and this new film version shows exactly why. The alchemy/fantasy world allows for plenty of intense battles, unusual creatures, and visual spectacle. Familiarity with the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise is certainly very helpful, but not necessarily required if you're willing to brush up on the basics on Wikipedia first. What the film does best is highlight the appealing aspects of the larger story (the main brother characters Edward and Alphonse, the alchemy, and the questions of political/racial freedom) in a stand-alone story packed with action and spectacular animation. If you're interested in Fullmetal Alchemist and would like a taste of what makes the series great, this is a fine starting point.
The content of the film itself is stellar. Released in Japan in 2011, the screenwriter seemingly anticipated the uprisings of the 'Arab Spring' and created a similar ethnic/political conflict here. Of course, the film's central conflict of an oppressed population (the Milosians) trapped between two rival superpowers could be applied to any number of real-world global hot-spots, and that's what makes Fullmetal Alchemist more than just escapist fantasy fare. Via that fantasy, real-world problems can be engaged in a way that can provoke thought and be entertaining as well. Into this conflict walk main characters Edward and Alphonse, and they quickly become involved in the Milosian struggle for independence. Several new characters are introduced in the film, most notably a determined teenager named Julia Crichton who is intent on winning freedom for her people, and connecting with her long-lost brother Ashley. This parallel story of sibling relationships isn't played up as much as it could, but still remains interesting and provides plenty of conflict.
The other major standout of the film is its animation. Created by the renowned Studio BONES, the visuals crackle with alchemical energy beams, explosions, elemental forces, and of course, stunningly-illustrated battles. Few animation studios can match BONES when it comes to brilliant action scenes, and this film is a great example of why. Favoring a loose and sketchy style, the character designs and animation allow the animators to use the full body of their talents, creating numerous scenes of hand-drawn excitement that quicken the pulse in ways realistic CG and live-action films cannot. For all its interesting politics and world-building fun, when the film comes down to the final twenty minutes of pure animation action spectacle, there's no other place to be than at the edge of your seat. Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos is another outstanding anime film from BONES, and well worth seeing on the big screen.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
An Incredible Achievement
PostedNovember 23, 2009
Easily among the best animated films this year, The Secret of Kells is a must see for any self-respecting fan of the art of movies.
Simply put, you won't find better, more graphically appealing animation anywhere else than in Kells. This is a beautiful moving illuminated manuscript that has the power to take your breath away. Although the story is purely Irish, artists from France, Belgium, Hungary, and Brazil also contributed. Outstanding music, fine acting, and a wonderful story make this as close to animated perfection as you can get.
Kells is a unique experience that will stay with you for days. Support independent animation, and go see it! You'll be glad you did.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
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5
Delicious Acting Makes the Movie
PostedSeptember 1, 2009
If you're looking for a shortlist of likely lady Oscar contenders this year, this is the film for you. Meryl Streep and Amy Adams are both wonderful (I predict a nomination for Streep), as are their male co-stars. Nora Ephron is also in top form, with a script where only individual lines can be nitpicked and effortless direction. All around, it’s a great movie.
As for the cooking content, any food fan will be in heaven, but even though I'm not particularly a culinary expert (and would eat less than half the dishes showcased), I found it very engaging and charming. Creating food is like creating any art: it requires skill, dedication, and a whole lot of emotion. I suspect making this film took the same things. Very recommended.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
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5
History in Action, if Not Always Contemplation
PostedSeptember 1, 2009
I saw this last year in Oscar competition. Now that it's out, I recommend it to anyone interested in German history or a gripping action thriller with political elements.
The acting is very strong, the writing and direction excellent, and all the historical events are dramatized believably. As an action-oriented film, it very much succeeds. My one complaint is that the inner motivations of the characters are never fully developed. These are people who wanted to overthrow society, but there is no attempt to explain what truly makes a terrorist. Perhaps, as in America, such contemplation is too touchy a subject, but it feels like a lost opportunity. Nonetheless, this excellent film deserves its Oscar nomination, as well as your business.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
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5
Evangelion's Triumphant Return
PostedAugust 27, 2009
Based on the legendary anime TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion, this new movie is the first of four to retell the story with new surprises. It is a perfect introduction to the series, with lots to love for existing fans.
Great art, wonderful music, and a terrific Japanese voice cast make Evangelion a must-see for animation fans. The English dub, if not perfect, is still good. Whatever language it is shown in, it's worth seeing on the big screen. The integration of CG and hand-drawn animation is amazing and second to none in recent anime. The animation is beautiful, the backgrounds are stunning, and the battle scenes are excellent. Evangelion is a real treat. I’ve seen it 8 times, and will be back again when it returns to Los Angeles.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
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5
Utterly Fantastic
PostedAugust 25, 2009
Is Ponyo the best animated film of the year? The Academy will have to make that hard choice at Oscar time. But to me, the verdict is in: Ponyo is perfect.
With this film Hayao Miyazaki continues his valiant stand to preserve traditional animation. Ponyo is a love letter to the art form, with some of the most spectacular animation ever drawn. One scene during the typhoon brings tears to my eyes every time thanks to its sheer beauty. It is fantastic artistry of the first order, an incredible 170,000+ drawings by the greatest animators in the world. This is true art, and anyone moved by beauty will certainly be moved by Ponyo.
I've seen it twice already, and will be back for a third time. I can't recommend it enough. Go go Ponyo!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
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5
Outstanding Film (IMAX 3D a Bonus)
PostedAugust 5, 2009
This is a fantastic film, a great movie for the series, and one of the year’s best. It’s everything fans of the film series have wanted, and more. Steve Kloves and David Yates did a great job. The cast is in top form, particularly Michael Gambon as Dumbledore, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin and Frank Dillane as the young Tom Riddle (ages 11 and 16), and Evanna Lynch as Luna. As for the IMAX 3D, it’s not full-length 3D or with sequences shot in IMAX, so seeing it this way just means a giant screen and the first 15 minutes in 3D. It’s worth the money, but you can still enjoy the movie without it. I recommend the IMAX version, but the important thing is seeing it, preferably more than once, so whatever venue suits your taste and budget is appropriate.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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