Thursday, October 31, 2013

The 4400 Season 1 (2004)


Intriguing story. A group of seemingly random people disappear at different times over the course of several decades. One day, 4400 of them, reappear together on a lake. They all look exactly the same as they did when they disappeared. As they attempt to adjust, we start to see that some of them have unique abilities.

The acting takes a little getting used to. It's a tad on the cheesy side, but you get over it fairly quickly. I'm not sure if the actors get better with each episode or if you're just too engrossed in the story to notice it anymore.

There are literally jaw dropping moments in almost every episode. Episode 3 has a particularly scary concept involving a serial killer reappearing, with the 4400, after 20 years.

Episode 4 introduces a new character that looks incredibly similar to the lead 4400 detective, Tom Baldwin. It's confusing because you initially think it's Tom when it's actually Warren Lytell, an investigator from D.C. It's crazy to have two people in the same show who look almost identical to not be related in some way. Tom Baldwin is played by Joel Gretsch and Warren Lytell is played by Mark Valley. Do a google image search on both of them and you will see what I mean.

Season 1 is short; only 5 episodes. If you like mysterious scifi, alien abductions, X-Men type powers, etc. you will find this entertaining.



Saturday, October 19, 2013

Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)


Entertaining and fast. Light years better than the last movie. It is funny, witty, exciting, and visually spectacular!

Many aspects are predictable, even for a first time viewer. It's a great movie for people who are not familiar with anything Star Trek; even though there isn't much explanation on what Starfleet or the Federation is, you can still infer it quite simply.

Kirk and Spock's relationship takes center stage and the whole movie is a bit sappy. Spock's moments with Kirk and Uhura are quick and funny. Chris Pine, as Captain Kirk, really does look like a young William Shatner! Scotty is heartwarming and provides much needed comic relief.

I love me some Sherlock, but Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan is so overpowering; his presence overshadows anyone he is in scene with. That doesn't happen in 'Sherlock' even though Sherlock is eccentric and bold. He either overacted this role or the cast couldn't meet his energy. He has an almost old school Batman villain thing going on. On the flip side, had Cumberbatch toned it down to match the cast, I would probably be complaining that he was too bland.

One blaring disappointment is the lack of aliens. You're not expecting Total Recall volume, but for instance, there is only one Klingon in the entire movie, the rest are covered with masks. Although, the aliens that are shown have amazing make-up and costume. This movie is visually amazing. The visuals alone are worth watching this movie.

On a scale of 1-10 Star Trek: Into Darkness is 8.5

Scene Spotlight: The visuals and make-up on the red planet Nibiru and the Nibirians.


Thursday, October 17, 2013

World War Z (2013)


I was excited to see Brad Pitt in an epic, apocalyptic movie. His character isn't utilized to his optimal abilities but this isn't a Tom Cruise saves everyone and everything role. In fact, Brad Pitt's character, Gerry Lane, not being a superman makes World War Z even that much scarier. Although I do wish he kicked just a little more ass.

Zombie movies and shows are in right now and it's easy to imagine what you would do if you were to ever find yourself facing a zombie apocalypse. You imagine what kind of weapon you would use, what vehicle to drive, how you would generally survive and kill zombies, etc. There is never a fear of zombies outrunning, overpowering, or sneaking up on you. You think to yourself, 'Hell yeah I could kill some zombies!' Then you watch World War Z. These are the scariest zombies ever.

The first half of the movie is fast, exciting, and scary. It's a great buildup for a solid, hefty story. However, the second half of the movie is rushed and disorganized. There are way too many unanswered questions.

There are times when the writing and directing creates a quick and believable bond between characters; like with Tommy and Gerry's family. Then there are times when you wonder if you missed something because all of a sudden there is a strong relationship and you don't know where it came from, (the Israeli soldier and Gerry).

Finally, the ending isn't really a proper ending but it's not a great opening to a sequel either. It leaves you unsatisfied and again with more questions. The pace of the movie is an attempt to distract you from the almost non-existent story. I incorrectly expected substance because Brad Pitt is in it.

On a positive note, World War Z is almost nonstop action and the zombies are incredibly scary.

On a scale of 1-10, World War Z is 6.5

Spoilers: Unanswered questions and curiosities.

If Israel knew, why not warn others? If they wanted to keep it a secret, why didn't any other country notice they were frantically finishing the wall? Then, the explanation for why they finished the wall was incredibly weak and grossly unbelievable; because a letter said "undead." C'mon! Finally, why didn't they know noise attracts the zombies and why didn't they have more defenses outside of the wall? For people that were prepared, they were not.

When Gerry prepares to leave the apartment, he resourcefully protects his arm with duct tape and a magazine. Why doesn't he do the same for his kids and wife? Why did he tape the knife to the end of his gun? Why not tape it to the end of a broom stick and give the gun to his wife? Two weapons better than one, no?

When Terry thought Gerry was dead (by the way, they should have changed one of their names. They're too similar sounding especially in such a fast paced movie), he couldn't stop Gerry's family from being taken off the ship. They do absolutely nothing with that story line. Why bother making such a fuss over their safety? That and the plane crash was a waste of time. On the contrary, there isn't enough time in the research facility. That group of people had great chemistry but there is zero development.

So now everyone is sick. What? Eventually people will either die from whatever bacteria is being injected into them or their bodies will become immune and the zombies will want to eat them again. I suppose the idea is to temporarily distract the zombies so they can kill them all. They will attempt to kill the virus in the sequel I suppose.


Saturday, October 5, 2013

The Perfect Host (2010)


What a delightfully weird and creepy movie. Definitely a bit eclectic and not for the mainstream viewer.

David Hyde Pierce as Warrick Wilson is out of his mold. He's like Buffalo Bill of Silence of the Lambs meets Dr Cavanaugh of Boxing Helena; of course with his own charm and vulnerability tying it together.

The Perfect Host has a low budget feel to it but it truly adds more fullness because of it. It's easy to see this movie being performed as a play. It takes place mostly in one place and the characters are all very individual (ironically).

There are no big bang effects or crafty lines, just a quirky and entertaining story and performances that deliver it well.

On a scale of 1-10, The Perfect Host is 7.5.



The Walking Dead Season 3 (2012-2013)


With the exception of episode 13, Arrow on the Doorpost, season 3 was far and away better than the first 2 seasons!

Let me first start by mentioning one character, Michonne. She is one Samurai katana-wielding bad-ass. Her lack of verbalization is a little frustrating in the beginning. Her minimal dialogue causes her to overact her facial expressions, but she opens up as the season progresses and she becomes a calmer zombie slicing machine. If I had to pick one person in this entire series to latch onto in a real life zombie apocalypse, no question about it, Michonne.

My second pick, someone that you grow to love, Daryl. In this season he solidifies his place as your favorite character, and he's pretty darn good with that crossbow too!

While watching the episodes, it feels like there are two seasons in one. Season 3 could have easily ended half way through, so if you're watching it without breaks, it tends to seem as though the season is stretching and dragging on a bit. It wasn't until I was done with the whole season that I found out that they aired the season in two parts. There was a 2 1/2 month break between the airing of episodes 8 and 9. It makes more sense that way. A brilliant move by the creators and producers to split up the airing in that manner. Unfortunately, there's no break on streaming services. It seems a lack of foresight prevented a simple title insertion, Part 1 & Part 2, to give a better contextual and psychological break.

You'll get a little irritated by the road some of the characters take. Rick and Glenn develop strangely this season. They're whiny and weak, and even while they're on their selfish, dramatic, unstable, and sometimes psychologically disturbed roads, ALL the men STILL make ALL the decisions. The male-female dynamic is still very archaic and illogical. I'm hoping the introduction of Michonne and the development of Maggie and Carol will turn this misogynistic show toward the 21st century.

Mild spoilers...

Beyond gender issues, season 3 kept replacing it's black men. It's as if they can't have more than one at a time, but they have to at least have one. It's odd and blatant. They still, however, make more of an effort to reflect actual american demographics than most shows.

Without giving away too much, I'm surprised at how many of the core group they killed off this season. Honestly, one particular kill-off was a relief (episode 4). Now if only they would get rid of that annoying kid.

In season 3, the action is intense, the effects a lot more gory, and overall has a better energy to it.

On a scale of 1-10, The Walking Dead Season 3 is 8.0

Breaking is down into 2 parts, episode 1-8 ranks a 8.5, while episodes 9-16 ranks 7.5.

P.S. Poor Milton, the goofy Val Kilmer lookalike, he was creepily likable. He would've been an interesting and fun addition to the core group.