People Like Us (2012)

People Like Us (2012)

Directed by: Alex Kurtzman
Screenplay by: Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Jody Lambert

Genre: Drama
Running Time: 115 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Theater

Find your family.

[IMDb]

Comments: Listen, I'm a sap for a good drama, and that's exactly what People Like Us is. I generally enjoy Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci's output (Star Trek, Mission: Impossible III; though there's been dreck like Transformers too), but People Like Us strays a bit from their usual M.O. and that's a good thing. Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks shine in the film (see, she's good when she's not a police negotiator!), and if you can stomach a heart-warming film I strongly recommend this one. Sure, it's a little paint-by-numbers, but it's the good kind... I think.

Win Win (2011)

Win Win (2011)

Directed by: Thomas McCarthy
Screenplay by: Thomas McCarthy

Genre: Comedy | Drama | Sport
Running Time: 106 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Rental DVD - Family Video

In the game of life, you can't lose 'em all.

[IMDb]

Comments: I've really enjoyed Thomas McCarthy's previous directorial efforts, The Station Agent and The Visitor. Win Win follows along the same path, and that's certainly not a bad thing. In fact, outside of an ending that occurred too quickly and wrapped everything up way too neatly, I really enjoyed the shit out of this film. And as much as I love Paul Giamatti, Bobby Cannavale stole the show in this one. I really wish he was in more visible projects. But anyway, you can't go wrong with Win Win. Glad I rented this one.

Porkchop (2010)

Porkchop (2010)

Directed by: Eamon Hardiman
Screenplay by: Eamon Hardiman

Genre: Drama | Horror | Thriller
Running Time: 91 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Viewed: Rental DVD - Family Video

Taste the grease...

[IMDb]

Comments: This was awful... but expected.

Shame (2011)

Shame (2011)

Directed by: Steve McQueen
Screenplay by: Steve McQueen and Abi Morgan

Genre: Drama
Running Time: 101 Minutes
MPAA Rating: NC-17
Viewed: Rental DVD - Family Video

[IMDb]

Comments: Shame is a fantastic piece of filmmaking. To be honest, it's something I would have picked up upon its original release, but I've never seen the fucking thing for anything less than $30. What the hell? I guess you need to pay for the privilege of seeing Michael Fassbender's Fassmember. But as I said, Shame is wonderful. The powerful images combined with the intense score left me in awe watching the horrors of Brandon's life due to his sexual addiction. The result is horrifying but completely enthralling. I also have director Steve McQueen's debut film Hunger (starring the Fassmember as well) in my Netflix queue; I'll definitely be hitting that up soon.

And finally, am I the only one that was reminded of American Psycho at times during Shame?

EDIT: Totally just went to the IMDb page to read some more about the film, and one of the top message board threads is titled "This film reminds me of American Psycho." Guess I'm not the only one then.

The Three Musketeers (2011)

The Three Musketeers (2011)

Directed by: Paul W.S. Anderson
Screenplay by: Alex Litvak and Andrew Davies

Genre: Action | Adventure | Romance
Running Time: 110 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Rental DVD - Family Video

Every legend has a new beginning.

[IMDb]

Comments: Meh.

Parts of The Three Musketeers were really exciting. If I was a teenager, I think I really would've enjoyed the film. But since I'm not, I just can't help but pick out all the little things that aren't executed well, and there are few. As a whole, the movie does a bad job of combining action and comedy, and never really achieves a happy medium between the two. Because of this, many scenes seem silly and over-the-top. Plus, I really felt like they wasted too much screen time on young D'Artagnan; the other three chaps were most enjoyable. I would've loved to have seen them play much more prominent roles. Christoph Waltz is horribly out of place here as well. I honestly wouldn't mine watching the film again down the line, though. The film just feels like something I could warm to over time, given my enjoyment of the things that actually worked well. I suspect a Blu-ray purchase when The Three Musketeers hits the $5 range is a likelihood.

This is the last of the "popcorn" movies that I rented (this and Man on a Ledge were both films I wanted to see but admittedly knew they weren't going to be very good, hence why I didn't buy them). I have two dramas and shitty horror film still on tap, so we'll see how the night goes. Tomorrow looks promising on the theatrical front as well...

Man on a Ledge (2012)

Man on a Ledge (2012)

Directed by: Asger Leth
Screenplay by: Pablo F. Fenjves

Genre: Crime | Thriller
Running Time: 102 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Rental DVD - Family Video

You can only push an innocent man so far.

[IMDb]

Comments: This might have been one of the most ludicrous, over-the-top, and ridiculous movies I've ever seen. The plot (in particular the final thirty minutes or so) is so unrealistic that it's impossible to stay invested in the film. Up until that point, Man on a Ledge was rather engaging. And we'll not even talk about Sam Worthington's inability to speak without an Australian accent or Elizabeth Banks' terrible hostage negotiator (I like her as an actress, she was just horribly unconvincing here). Anyway, I'm glad this was a rental.

I'm off from work today and in my hometown (where we still have rental stores!), so I've rented a bunch of movies for my long weekend. The next day or two should be filled with a variety of movies, as that's how I generally roll. Stay tuned.

Days of Heaven (1978)

Days of Heaven (1978)

Directed by: Terrence Malick
Screenplay by: Terrence Malick

Genre: Drama | Romance
Running Time: 94 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Viewed: Netflix Watch Instantly

Your eyes... Your ears... Your senses... will be overwhelmed.

[IMDb]

Comments: By no means am I a Terrence Malick aficionado (the only other film of his I've seen was 2011's excellent The Tree of Life), but it's impossible not to notice the directorial similarities between the two films, even though they were made 30+ years apart. I liked The Tree of Life better, mainly because I was more attached to the main storyline; the plot is fine in Days of Heaven, but it just didn't emotionally involve me like the former. The real star of Days of Heaven is the gorgeous cinematography. Every shot feels iconic (I've often though of starting another blog to post screenshots of my favorite scenes in movies; I'm just too lazy to go back through a movie on my computer though), and I just loved the overall look of the film (particularly the fire toward the end, it's brilliant). Days of Heaven expires in a few days on Netflix Watch Instantly, so go watch it before it's too late.

Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Screenplay by: Brian Koppelman and David Levien

Genre: Crime | Thriller
Running Time: 122 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Revenge is a funny thing.

[IMDb]

Comments: Ocean's Thirteen is the only film from the trilogy I hadn't seen multiple times. In fact, I haven't watched this since my initial theater viewing back in 2007, where I felt that it was an improvement on Ocean's Twelve. After watching all three today, I feel like this installment is pretty much on par with the prior film. While the con and heist aspect is greatly improved upon, the film loses a lot of the wit and style the first two had. And while the con is pretty decent, it's so dense that there's little for anything else, as it starts pretty much the instant the movie begins. After plowing through the trilogy today, I certainly still enjoy all three films - but the last two are not quite as good as I remember. However, if George and crew ever decide to suit up again, I'll be the first in line.

Ocean's Twelve (2004)

Ocean's Twelve (2004)

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Screenplay by: George Nolfi

Genre: Crime | Thriller
Running Time: 125 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Twelve is the new eleven.

[IMDb]

Comments: I think my initial reaction to Ocean's Twelve back in 2004 aligned with many: what the hell? It's a bizarre and extremely self-indulgent follow-up to the great 2001 heist film. In fact, in took me multiple viewings just to get many in-jokes that run consistently throughout the course of the film. But in those viewings, I came to appreciate Ocean's Twelve. It's not great by any means, but it's a strong and stylish comedy, but never quite a real heist film. Twelve has two huge problems that almost completely derail the film: the scenes where Julia Roberts as Tess pretends to be Julia Roberts (not self-indulgent at all, right?), and the ludicrous scene where Vincent Cassel dances through the lasers. Beyond those, however, I quite like Ocean's Twelve. Sure, it fails as a real thriller, but as a comedy it works out rather nice.

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Screenplay by: Ted Griffin

Genre: Crime | Thriller
Running Time: 116 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Are you in or out?

[IMDb]

Comments: Ocean's Eleven might have been my favorite film during the end of my high school years going into my first year of college (that would be roughly 2002-2004). I loved the comedy, the con, and pretty much everything else about the movie. It was fantastic (and generally still is). I started to get into movies more seriously after that, and began to treat them as more than a rainy day diversion. It was then that I really started to pick out the flaws in Ocean's Eleven (and there's a lot), and soon I no longer held the film as one of my favorites (which really saddened me, because I goddamn loved it). There's so many plot holes in the movie that it's hard to believe chunks of the set didn't start falling through them. Every time I watch it, I tend to notice more. But all of this can't take away the two main things for the film: (a.) the nostalgia I get from watching Ocean's Eleven and thinking back to a great time in my life (the beginning of college), and (b.) that no matter how many issues there are with the film, it's still outstandingly fun and entertaining, and it will draw my attention any time it's onscreen. I can't help it. I fucking love it.

Bikini Girls on Ice (2009)

Bikini Girls on Ice (2009)

Directed by: Geoff Klein
Screenplay by: Geoff Klein and Jeff Ross

Genre: Horror | Thriller
Running Time: 81 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Viewed: Netflix Watch Instantly

These girls are so hot, they need to be put on ice!

[IMDb]

Comments: What a fucking disappointment. Not that I expected this film to be good at all, but when I'm searching around Netflix at 1:30 in the goddamn morning and I pick a film like Bikini Girls on Ice, you can be sure as hell that all I want is two things out of it: boobs and violence. And I got a whole hell of a lot of neither in this movie. Sure, you have a bunch of no-talent-but-can-fill-the-fuck-out-of-a-bathing-suit girls running around the whole movie, but there was a drastically small amount of skin on display, which was a fucking shame. And sans one throat slitting scene, the violence was all off camera with your standard blood spatter flying everywhere. As a veteran shitty horror movie watcher, it's easy to spot when a film isn't going to deliver the goods, and you can usually tell before the halfway point. I could tell with Bikini Girls on Ice, but for whatever reason I kept watching. Yep, glutton for punishment here.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Directed by: Shane Black
Screenplay by: Shane Black

Genre: Action | Comedy | Crime | Mystery | Thriller
Running Time: 103 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned DVD

SeX. MurdEr. MyStery. Welcome to the party.

[IMDb]

Comments: A few thoughts:

- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was really good.

- Shane Black hasn't directed a film since Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (his debut; he's also written films like Lethal Weapon and The Monster Squad). But he has a new one coming out next year: Iron Man 3. Must be good to be Robert Downey Jr.'s friend.

- Val Kilmer was surprisingly on top of his game here. The chemistry between him and RDJ was great.

- The fact that Michelle Monaghan and RDJ were supposed to be the same age threw me off. They're 11 years apart in real life, and I just had trouble suspending my disbelief on this one. One the bright side, Monaghan gets naked so who the fuck cares, amirite?

- And thus concludes an in depth and hard-hitting review of Shane Black's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. You're welcome.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Screenplay by: Michele Mulroney and Kieran Mulroney

Genre: Action | Adventure | Crime | Mystery | Thriller
Running Time: 129 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

[IMDb]

Comments: Original review from when I saw the film in theaters, because I'm lazy:

"Admittedly, if you asked me what to see tonight at the theater, I'd certainly say The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. That would be followed by Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, mainly because I loved Mission: Impossible III. I really had no interest in seeing Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, because two years ago I wasn't all that impressed with the first installment. It was an alright film, but it never quite clicked for me. However, my friends were all about seeing A Game of Shadows tonight, so I tagged along.

And I'm so fucking glad I did. I loved Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. It's a funny, interesting, and most certainly entertaining piece of popcorn. The work between Robert Downey Jr. and Jared Harris (Professor James Moriarty) was enthralling and totally made the film. Guy Ritchie's direction is very stylistic, but it works. To be honest, I don't remember a whole lot from 2009's outing, so I can't really compare the two. I do own the Blu-ray however, so I plan on revisiting it soon.

I'm on vacation this week, so I have a sneaking suspicion both The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol will get their due. But Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows was so damn entertaining that even if I don't get to see the other two films, I'm still satisfied. If you like having a good time at the movies, I strongly recommend checking this shit out."

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Screenplay by: Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham, and
  Simon Kinberg

Genre: Action | Adventure | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Running Time: 128 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Nothing escapes him.

[IMDb]

Comments: I liked Sherlock Holmes considerably more this time around compared to when I first saw it in theaters in 2009. I'm not sure if it has to do with the fact that I love the sequel, A Game of Shadows, or that I was more "in the mood" for it this time around. Whatever the case, Sherlock Holmes is solid film that really entertains. On to the next one...

Exit Humanity (2011)

Exit Humanity (2011)

Directed by: John Geddes
Screenplay by: John Geddes

Genre: Drama | Horror
Running Time: 108 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Viewed: Owned DVD

History has a violent way of repeating itself.

[IMDb]

Comments: Exit Humanity is certainly one of the most well-made low budget horror films I've seen in awhile. Sure, some of the acting isn't the greatest, the dialogue could've used a little work, and it's evidently clear how low budget the film is at times, but the good entirely outweighs the bad.

- Considering the only other film John Geddes directed (well, co-directed) was the awful 2008 film Scarce, Exit Humanity was a huge step forward. The editing, animation, and effects all work really well. With a bigger budget and a few actors, this could have been a devastatingly good film.

- The narration by Brian Cox (yes, that Brian Cox) was awesome, if a bit intrusive. Listening to Cox speak is never a bad thing, and Exit Humanity shows that.

- The score is wonderful as well. Some of the scenes (particularly toward the end) really mesh the score well with what's happening onscreen.

- Like I mentioned, some of the actors aren't the greatest, and the dialogue feels a bit off at times for a historical piece. We do get to see horror movie veterans Dee Wallace, Stephen McHattie, and Bill Moseley, so there's that. But combined with a few scenes where the low budget feels emphasized, Exit Humanity came close to going off the rails at points. But the excellent direction and intriguing story help reel the film back in for a satisfying two hour journey. Definitely recommended.

Intruder (1989)

Intruder (1989)

Directed by: Scott Spiegel
Screenplay by: Scott Spiegel

Genre: Horror | Thriller
Running Time: 88 Minutes (Director's Cut)
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

A new dimension in terror.

[IMDb]

Comments: I completely forgot to write up a quick review after checking out Scott Spiegel's Intruder. I enjoyed parts of the film, but overall I felt it was a rather mediocre '80s slasher. The violence is without a doubt the best aspect of the film. The kills are a step above the norm, and I found myself more drawn to them than the story itself. Regardless, I still think it's worth the watch, though don't be fooled by the fact Bruce Campbell is advertised as starring in the film. He appears at the end for literally one minute and has nothing to do with the main film. It'd be like listing Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright as main characters in Land of the Dead.

All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006)

All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006)

Directed by: Jonathan Levine
Screenplay by: Jacob Forman

Genre: Horror | Mystery | Thriller
Running Time: 90 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Everyone is dying to be with her. Someone is killing for it.

[IMDb]

Comments: I'm not sure why All the Boys Love Mandy Lane has never been released in the US (I watched the UK region free import), but it's an enjoyable film worth a watch. Mandy Lane's solid look and competent direction (by Jonathan Levine, who helmed last year's great 50/50) really helps overlook the minor plot quibbles I had (notably, the twist and ending). I would have loved to see a straight-forward slasher that was all about survival and not consistently wondering who's going to be the twist (though, in all fairness, it was a decent surprise). Anyway, while the film's nothing special, All the Boys Love Mandy Lane is a fun movie that deserves a stateside release.

Prometheus (2012)

Prometheus (2012)

Directed by: Ridley Scott
Screenplay by: Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof

Genre: Adventure | Sci-Fi | Thriller
Running Time: 124 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Theater (2D)

The search for our beginning could lead to our end.

[IMDb]

Comments: I tempered my expectations of Ridley Scott's Prometheus after the film received a solid but not outstanding reception on its opening weekend (I previously mentioned that I was more excited to see it than The Dark Knight Rises; that perception was a little off). This was for the best as I think I would have been disappointed if my expectations were higher than they were. This pseudo-prequel to Alien is a solid if flawed film, but it definitely was worth the watch.

- The film's scope is so fucking grand that it's hard to latch onto one aspect. The reason Alien worked so well is because behind all of the space suits, evil corporations, and questionable-intentioned androids, the film was a horror story at heart. Man versus beast. And people were down with that. Prometheus has so many ideas and themes crammed into the two hour runtime that there's never one aspect to fully get involved in. (The fact that Prometheus was co-written by Lost showrunner Damon Lindelof feels natural, doesn't it?)

- The film looks GORGEOUS. Granted, I saw it in glorious 2D (as 3D is the worst thing to re-happen to movies in years), but this planet that the crew is on feels so alive. The cinematography and landscapes are awesome, and the ship's design is top notch.

- Michael Fassbender owns. That should come as no surprise, but he was above and beyond everyone else in Prometheus. The only character I enjoyed as much was Idris Elba's. I really didn't like Guy Pearce as the elderly Peter Weyland. I like Pearce, but any time a recognizable actor plays an older person by way of prosthetics and make-up I don't buy it. I didn't here.

- I know I make jokes often about actresses that qualify as #motherofgod material, but there are not many higher than Charlize Theron. Jesus fucking Christ. The woman is made of pure gorgeous. And she seems like an awesome person too if you've ever seen any interviews with her.

- Even though I have my share of complaints, I really liked Prometheus. I was hooked for the entire two hours, which surprised me because I'm usually passing out early Friday nights from the work week. It's worth seeing on the big screen as well, even if it's not as good as it should be. At least that didn't try to force Sigourney Weaver's iconic "bitch" line from Aliens (like the "get to the chopper" line in Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem), because nothing ruins a prequel/sequel more than shoving ideas from the other movie down the viewers' throats (see: The Hangover Part II). Wow, I really went off on a fucking tangent there. Anyway, go see Prometheus. It's solid.

Safe House (2012)

Safe House (2012)

Directed by: Daniel Espinosa
Screenplay by: David Guggenheim

Genre: Action | Crime | Mystery | Thriller
Running Time: 115 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

No one is safe.

[IMDb]

Comments: I really enjoyed Safe House. However, it's a goddamn shame that the storyline is about as generic as they come. Anyone that enjoys thrillers like this as much as I do knows EXACTLY where this film is headed after the first ten minutes. Hell, it's even insanely easy to spot the twist about five minutes into Safe House. However, the movie is competently crafted and enjoyable, with well-shot action sequences and solid performances from Reynolds and Washington. It's probably better suited as a rental, but fans of the genre should find something entertaining during the two hour runtime. For you jaded film critics: steer clear.

Megamind (2010)

Megamind (2010)

Directed by: Tom McGrath
Screenplay by: Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons

Genre: Animation | Action | Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi
Running Time: 95 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Viewed: Loaned Blu-ray

It's big for a reason.

[IMDb]

Comments: I've wanted to get into more animation films for awhile now, but I just seem to prefer live action given the choice. I've tried to rectify that at certain points, but it's never really worked out. Anyway, a buddy of mine let me borrow this as a "thanks" for letting him borrow John Carter; I'm notorious for not letting anyone, regardless of affiliation, borrow my movies. For whatever reason, I was in a trusting mood that day. So in return, I checked out Megamind tonight and rather enjoyed it. It's a fun romp that also serves as a good spoof of the superhero genre. I thought Will Ferrell's voice acting was really well done, and the story, while a bit cursory, was still entertaining. Will this lead to more animation diversions? Probably not, but you never know.

Twelve Thirty (2010)

Twelve Thirty (2010)

Directed by: Jeff Lipsky
Screenplay by: Jeff Lipsky

Genre: Drama
Running Time: 120 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Viewed: Netflix Watch Instantly

A sexual sonata about the two men in their lives.

[IMDb]

Comments: Despite having a queue full of better movies, I always seem to find some obscure and bizarre film to watch instead on Netflix. In this case, it was Jeff Lipsky's Twelve Thirty - a film that, despite being full of unrealistic characters spewing unbelievable dialogue, seemed to resonate with me on some level. The story tells of a young man that beds three women in one week, but it just so happens that the women are all related: two daughters and their mother. There's also the father/ex-husband, a gay man that still sleeps with his ex-wife and desperately wants to be more of a father to his kids. There's a lot of talking in the film (it's kind of got that "mumblecore" thing going on); some of it works and really hits home while at other times it just made the movie drag on too long (there's no need for a 120 minute film here). There's also a bit of frank sexuality that feels out of place too (though there's nothing out of place on Portia Reiners' body). To be honest, if I watched this film on another night, I may hate it. But tonight, something about Twelve Thirty worked for me. Reservedly recommended.

John Carter (2012)

John Carter (2012)

Directed by: Andrew Stanton
Screenplay by: Andrew Stanton, Mark Andrews, and Michael Chabon

Genre: Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Sci-Fi
Running Time: 132 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Lost in our world. Found in another.

[IMDb]

Comments: I don't think there's any denying that John Carter is a cheesy film. Conversely, I don't think many would argue that the film isn't entertaining as well. Based on a story that's almost a hundred years old, it's hard to make the film feel "current" when staying true to the source material. Still, I won't lie that I was engrossed for the two-hour duration of the film.

- Taylor Kitsch is a terrible actor. I think everyone who's seen Friday Night Lights loves him (as I do), but it was even evident then how limited his range is. I cringed watching him at times here in John Carter. Look at when he must fight in the Arena to gain his freedom. Compare his speech and mannerisms afterward to that of Russell Crowe in Gladiator, which is of similar tone and style. Crowe owns the screen and makes you believe every word. Kitsch doesn't even come close. Considering this film and Battleship were two of the biggest flops of the year, who knows if we'll see him anytime soon in a big budget blockbuster?

- On the other hand, I couldn't care about Lynn Collins' acting ability at all. That's pure #motherofgod material right there.

- I think I need to watch the other adaptation of this novel, titled Princess of Mars. Antonio Sabato Jr. and ex-porn star Traci Lords? Sign me up.

- Honestly, I think the film could've used another 20-30 minutes to flesh out some of the story. It jumps around a lot in the opening and toward the end of the film. Perhaps there will be a Director's Cut someday?

- Even though it's easy to poke fun at the film, I did enjoy the hell out it, as I mentioned above. I think Andrew Stanton (of Wall-E fame) did a solid job in his live action debut, and the film looks great on Blu-ray. I know many people will find fault in the film, but I'd recommend it to interested parties.

Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Directed by: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Screenplay by: Joss Whedon

Genre: Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller
Running Time: 109 Minutes (Theatrical Cut)
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Witness the resurrection.

[IMDb]

Comments: I'm about all Aliened out about now, but I'm glad to finally get through the series (there will be no AVP sightings tonight). While I don't think Alien: Resurrection was all that great, I did enjoy myself. As a fanboy, I'll credit that to Joss Whedon's writing, because I think that's what held it together at times. One thing that didn't help the film was Winona Ryder, an actress I cannot fucking stand. She makes me cringe in just about every film she's in (and she's invaded some of my recent favorites, including Star Trek and Black Swan). But anyway, for a movie that never needed to be made, Alien: Resurrection ain't half bad. I guess we should be thankful that the (original) franchise ended here.

Alien³ (1992)

Alien³ (1992)

Directed by: David Fincher
Screenplay by: David Giler, Walter Hill, and Larry Ferguson

Genre: Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller
Running Time: 114 Minutes (Theatrical Cut)
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

3 times the suspense. 3 times the danger. 3 times the terror.

[IMDb]

Comments: And some more...

- So I know I've been watching the preferred versions of the Alien films, but given Alien³'s history, I figured shorter may be better. Plus, I don't think David Fincher wants anything to do with this film, so there is likely no preferred cut.

- I've actually never seen Alien³ or Alien: Resurrection before, so it's about goddamn time. I wasn't really missing much though. The film is decent enough, but nowhere near as good as its two predecessors.

- This is also the only David Fincher film I've never seen. I've like everything he's made, and I consider him one of my top five directors working right now. But Alien³ scores near the bottom of his catalog, along with The Game. (I know a lot of people love that film, but it did nothing for me. It's something I haven't seen in years, so it's something I'll have to revisit sometime.)

- The CGI is pretty horrible in the film as well. The practical effects are fine, but when they animate the alien running around it looks rather bad. This is only a year before Jurassic Park came out too, and that move still looks good today.

- And thus ends another shitty review. On to the last one...

Aliens (1986)

Aliens (1986)

Directed by: James Cameron
Screenplay by: James Cameron

Genre: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi | Thriller
Running Time: 154 Minutes (Director's Cut)
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

This time it's war.

[IMDb]

Comments: A couple quick thoughts:

- I like how they sort of replaced Jonesy the Cat with Newt in Aliens. I think I liked Jonesy better. Mostly.

- Again, I'm watching James Cameron's preferred cut of the film. Apparently he wasn't so happy that Fox made him cut down parts of it for the theatrical release.

- I liked Aliens a lot more than the last time I watched it, which was several years ago. It was too "'80s action" for me back then, but I think my tastes have matured some. I really enjoyed this.

- I really don't have much else. It's time to move on to the next installment.