Wanted (2008)

Eidem's Pick -- LOOKING FOR:

• Beat ‘Em Up Action Flick
• Not A Deep Movie That Makes You Think

WATCH OUT FOR:

• Heavy Violence
• Some Coarse Language

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Die Hard: With A Vengeance
• Equilibrium

EXPECT:

• Schwarzenegger Style Action
• Rumble in the Bronx
  
  

WHY WATCH IT?

• Interesting Take On Physics
• Morgan Freeman

When I first watched Wanted, it was during the 4th of July weekend. When I watch am movie on that particular weekend, I am in no mood for a movie that makes me think, or tries to make a point. I have just finished watching fireworks go off and I am in the mood for non-stop action and stuff that blows up pretty. I was not disappointed in the least when I saw this movie. The plot does not make much sense, the description of how these people get their powers is not explained well at all, and the acting is sub-par. If you are in a mood for a movie with consistency or depth, stay away. If you are in for a movie that gives you an unbelievable premise and you agree to take the ride, this is a movie you will enjoy. Fun action, interesting take on manipulating the laws of physics, and an overall enjoyable movie if in that mood. IN SUM: Stay away if you want depth, watch it if you want a no brain action flick. --EIDEM

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Mason Adds -- 

LOOKING FOR:

• Escapist Fantasy
• A movie to play drinking games with

WATCH OUT FOR:

• Extreme comic-book violence
• F carpet-bombing
• Some sexuality      

DO NOT EXPECT:

• The Matrix
• A good movie

EXPECT:

• Starship Troopers
• The Running Man

WHY WATCH IT?

• Bullets hitting each other in slow-motion
• Angelina Jolie’s tattoos
• A sweet Dodge Viper

This is not a smart film.  At all.  Which is not necessarily a bad thing, in and of itself.  I’m an occasional fan of classic 1980’s-style meathead action flicks.  However, I’m hesitant to ascribe this film to that category, just because the aforementioned action flicks had a certain brawny innocence to them; a balls-to-the-wall savoir-faire that made them a lot of fun.  I felt that this movie took itself way too seriously—making it impossible to enjoy its absurd premise and goofy action.  In addition to that, it had altogether too much plot. The offensively dumb plot took up many tens of precious minutes, minutes that could have been better employed with delightful explosions and more of that sweet red Dodge Viper driving on the sides of buses. 

IN SUM:  I definitely agree with Eidem that this is definitely a no-brains action flick (unless you count the brains continually splattered all over the walls, ceilings, and occasionally the camera).  However, I didn’t particularly enjoy it. I went into the movie wanting either a smart action thriller or a gleeful stuff-smashing, Mac-truck driving romp, and I didn’t feel like the movie delivered on either count. --MASON

Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

Powell's Pick --
LOOKING FOR:

• 80's Adventure
• Good Natured Kung-Fu
• Safe for the Kids

MOM ALERT:

• Some crude language
• Street gang
• Kung-Fu Violence
  

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
• Hero
• Memoirs of a Geisha
  

EXPECT:

• Karate Kid
• Coming of Age Story (Where Kid Learns Responsibility)
• Way Fun Kung-Fu Movie
  

WHY WATCH IT?

• A really fun 80's movie with 2008 production values
  
• Jet Li and Jackie Chan in the same movie
• Badass White-Haired Kung-Fu Chick
  

At last, a return to the tried-and-true motif where the New Kid In Town is having a hard time fitting in, and is befriended by a Wise Man who teaches him the Way of Awesome, that he may Pick Up Chicks. Why this motif was left to die in the '80s, I will never know (but I suspect Karate Kid IV had something to do with it...) In any event, this film speaks out to the misfit youth in all of us, the one who always wanted to go to a fay away land and save the world. In the 90's, they gave us action heroes, but Forbidden Kingdom has once again entrusted the fate of the planet to a youth. And you know what? It's about damn time. -- POWELL

IN SUM: A great movie for the family, or for anyone who loved the child heroes of the '80s. Watch with like-minded friends for maximum enjoyment, or watch alone if your friends are snobs.
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Eidem Adds--
LOOKING FOR:

• Lighthearted Kung-Fu
• Nostalgic Comedy

WATCH OUT FOR:

• Slight Violence

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Once Upon A Time In China
• Legend of Drunken Master

EXPECT:

• The Karate Kid
• 3 Ninjas

WHY WATCH IT?

• Watch a 2008 Movie That Could Have Been Filmed In The 80’s

A movie that is very reminiscent of a time that was. Forbidden Kingdom is a story of a kid who adores kung-fu movies and wants to be like the heroes from those stories, but in reality is a nerd who gets picked on. Through mysterious happenings, he gets thrown into a world like the ones he loves and he must become more to save the day. Alongside him are two characters played by two of the greatest martial artists of our time, Jet Li and Jackie Chan. When I saw those two names attached to a movie, I was deadset on watching it. I was slightly disappointed in the fact that a movie with those two actors was not a martial arts epic. But once I got over that and started letting myself go into the story, I was brought back to a time when I was a kid who loved these types of movies. I would not recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a martial arts masterpiece, but anyone who is in the mood for a kid friendly kung-fu fantasy will not be disappointed. This is a movie that I will watch with my kids and feel safe that they are getting enjoyment and a good moral story. --EIDEM

IN SUM: If you are looking for Jet Li/Jackie Chan martial arts extraordinaire, then this is not your movie. If you are looking for an 80’s style, kid saves the day kung-fu move, you will be entertained.

Stardust (2007)

Powell's Pick --
LOOKING FOR:

• Comedy/Adventure.
• The Princess Bride of our time.

MOM ALERT:

• Some sexual innuendo, including implied sexual encounters.
• Some implied nudity.
• Homosexual content/references.
• Pervasive theme of fratricide.

DO NOT EXPECT:

• The Swan Princess.
• Cinderella.

WHY WATCH IT?

• Old-school swashbuckling fantastic comedy.
• Robert DeNiro.

Not since The Princess Bride have fantasy, comedy, adventure, and romance joined forces to entertain, engage, and excite us. The writing is tight, the cast delivers a solid performance, and nobody takes themselves too seriously. While the film, like any good fantasy, deals with unavoidably dark content, the film is lighthearted. And for those cynics who pride themselves on predicting plots, the film delivers a sharp slap on the wrist, and tells them to sit back, shut up and just enjoy the magic. -- POWELL

IN SUM: It's good fun, and a must see. This is a movie to share with friends, but is worth watching on your own. Be sure to pay attention to catch all the dialogue.

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Mason Adds --
LOOKING FOR:

• Lighthearted fantasy
• A unique twist on an often overwrought genre.

MOM ALERT:

• Female characters in the tub (non-explicit).
• Some mildly rude humor.
• A humorous gay character
• Goofy violence.

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Lord of the Rings.
• The Never-Ending Story.

WHY WATCH IT?

• Unpredictable and sanguine, often hilarious.
• Claire Danes plays a star.

This film has been billed as the next “Princess Bride,” which is somewhat true. A similarly affectionate fairy tale romp, Stardust is a bit meatier and somewhat more epic (made possible in part by its budget and subsequent special effects breakthroughs). Don’t be fooled by the marketing or the critics—if you want a smart and outside-the-box fantasy with reasonably good special effects and some great talent—this is your film. -- MASON

IN SUM: Engaging to the last drop, this movie is great for when you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned yarn.

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Eidem Adds --
LOOKING FOR:

• Fantasy – In A British Comedy Sort of Way

WATCH OUT FOR:

• Mild Innuendo
• Witches Wanting To Eat Someone’s Heart

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Harry Potter

EXPECT:

• Hook

WHY WATCH IT?

• Vey Well Done Fantasy/Comedy
• Robert De Niro Playing A Gay Man

Many reviews for this movie stated it is The Princess Bride for our times. I do not like to say that. That phrase can only build up your expectation too much and leave you disappointed. Yes these two movies are in the same genre, but to lump them together as the same sort of movie does not do either movie justice. Both The Princess Bride and Stardust are stories that set you in a fantasy world that has swashbuckling action and clever humor throughout. But each movie has its own tone and story and if you try to compare one to the other, you will only be setting yourself up for disappointment. Stardust starts you on the premise from the get go and it takes you for the ride throughout. A star falls from the sky, played by Claire Danes, who has extraordinary powers. There are several forces at work that are vying for that power and they want to use it for their own ends. There are a few darker tones and several jokes you have to watch carefully to catch, but overall this is a movie that can be easily enjoyed. And I would not mind having children watch this. The innuendos can only be caught with a clever mind and there is enough low humor that the children will be thoroughly entertained.

IN SUM: If you are in the mood for a fantasy/comedy blend, this is one movie to watch. If you are in the mood only a comedy or only a fantasy, you may be disappointed in the mix. –EIDEM

Tropic Thunder (2008)

Powell's Pick --
LOOKING FOR:

• Undemandingly Accessible Comedy
  
• Awesome Explosions
  

MOM ALERT:

• Visibly Fake Organs/Gore
• Some Sexually Graphic Dialogue
  
• F-Carpet Bombing
• Drug Content (And Smoking!)
  
• Not for the faint of heart or tender of conscience (Somewhat unfeeling towards the mentally-challenged, animals, and studio execs)
  

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Touching War Epic
• Oscar Wilde
  
• Platoon 2

WHY WATCH IT?

• It's really funny.
• Robert Downey Jr.
  

I was expecting the humor to be considerably more crass, but, aside from some notable instances (such as Jack Black graphically offering fellatio to one of his team mates) it was surprisingly intelligent. Tropic Thunder offers some welcome criticism of the film industry, awesome explosions, the best take on the Wilhelm Scream I've come across yet, and some great acting. (Yes, Downey Jr. plays a black guy. And it's awesome.)

IN SUM: Watch with like-minded friends. Beer optional.

-- POWELL

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Eidem Adds --
LOOKING FOR:

• Spoof Comedy
  
• Robert Downey Jr. Playing A Black Man

WATCH OUT FOR:

• Sexual/Coarse Language Throughout
  
• Fake Gore/Violence

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Saving Private Ryan

EXPECT:

• Zoolander
• Airplane!

WHY WATCH IT?

• Robert Downey Jr.’s Portrayal

The main problem with Tropic Thunder for me was my expectations of it (which is why this blog was started). I expected more than the movie offered and I was looking for a little more substance to the comedy. With Ben Stiller and Jack Black headlining this movie, I do not know what I was thinking. I thought maybe Downey’s addition to the movie would bring a different element to the plot. But once the movie got going I realized how well Downey’s character spoofed himself and tied into the point this movie was making. Tropic Thunder did not take itself seriously at all. To the contrary, it was spoofing the whole movie industry (movie studios, actors, producers, agents, etc.) and used the serious tone as part of its gag. So do not make the same mistake as I did. As long as you know what you are getting yourself into (and can stand a little crude humor) you should be able to enjoy this movie.

IN SUM: Be ready for a spoof movie. Watch it with others who can appreciate this type of humor and are in the same mood and that should add to the enjoyment.

-- EIDEM