On Sunday, December 6, I watched the movie True Lies, a 1994 action comedy film directed by James Cameron. Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads a double life, performing covert missions for the US government’s counter-terrorism agency, while his family believes he is a boring salesman. Harry is unable to spend time without his family, which causes his wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis) to feel unappreciated by him and his daughter Dana to lose respect.
The movie hilariously balances the troubles at Harry’s work and at home with his ability to use his work’s resources to track down a man Helen potentially having an affair with. The man is a car salesman pretending to be a spy to attract Helen; ironically Harry is a spy pretending to be a salesman.
Tom Arnold plays Albert Gibson, Harry Tasker’s partner at work, and adds a large element of comedy to the film. Gibson takes the job a much less seriously than Harry, as well as the possibility of Helen’s infidelity. The film does a great job at juxtaposing Harry’s intensity and seriousness with Gibson’s silliness. Harry provides the action and exciting scenes to the movie, while Gibson just seems like an Average Joe stuck in ridiculous situations with his brawny, hero partner.
Overall, I would definitely recommend seeing this movie to anyone who enjoys comedies, actions, or a combination of both. Jamie Lee Curtis also adds sex appeal to the movie, which is something that is definitely a factor in True Lies’ ability to please the audience. The plot seemed relatively realistic, which also made it better in my eyes. I would have to say that this is one of the most entertaining films I have ever watched.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Star Trek
On Thursday, December 3, I watched the movie Star Trek, a 2009 science fiction film directed by J.J. Abrams based on the original Star Trek television series. The film follows James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) before they meet aboard the “USS Enterprise” to combat the Romulan race. The story establishes an “alternate reality” through time travel, as the leader of the Romulan army named Nero and the original Spock both travel back through time.
Chris Pine did an excellent job portraying James T. Kirk. I enjoyed how Kirk’s persona was characterized by humor, arrogance and decisiveness, rather than the classic hero type leader. Spock however, was a very interesting character because of his half human, half Vulcan heritage. Since Vulcan’s can show now emotion, Spock grew up in a culture where he did not fit in; the only child who could have these feelings of love, hate, anger, and sadness. Spock is constantly exploring the notion of how to evolve in a responsible and respectful way; he is a genius leader but his lack of expressing his emotions bottles up and gets in his way of his guidance and control. Both of these can definitely apply to the development of society, and certainly the world as a whole, could implement: evolving in a respectful, yet responsibly way by not letting our emotions and wants take priority over other’s needs.
The action and special effects in the movie were fantastic. The actors did a extraordinary job of portraying the original characters of Star Trek, yet they did not impose upon the line of imitation. Each actor added their own spin the characterized, and modernized the humor. However, if I could mention one negative thing about the movie would be that it is confusing at some points. I had to pause and think about the time-traveling factor and the alternate realities of how the same characters were existing at the same time and how this affected the future, etc. Besides that, I would give this movie an A. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys science fiction, comedies, and action films. I cannot say I particularly enjoy the original Star Trek episodes from television, but this moive did a great job explaining the backgrounds of the characters, and the director did a great job at including a whole other audience that had never seen Star Trek because of this.
Chris Pine did an excellent job portraying James T. Kirk. I enjoyed how Kirk’s persona was characterized by humor, arrogance and decisiveness, rather than the classic hero type leader. Spock however, was a very interesting character because of his half human, half Vulcan heritage. Since Vulcan’s can show now emotion, Spock grew up in a culture where he did not fit in; the only child who could have these feelings of love, hate, anger, and sadness. Spock is constantly exploring the notion of how to evolve in a responsible and respectful way; he is a genius leader but his lack of expressing his emotions bottles up and gets in his way of his guidance and control. Both of these can definitely apply to the development of society, and certainly the world as a whole, could implement: evolving in a respectful, yet responsibly way by not letting our emotions and wants take priority over other’s needs.
The action and special effects in the movie were fantastic. The actors did a extraordinary job of portraying the original characters of Star Trek, yet they did not impose upon the line of imitation. Each actor added their own spin the characterized, and modernized the humor. However, if I could mention one negative thing about the movie would be that it is confusing at some points. I had to pause and think about the time-traveling factor and the alternate realities of how the same characters were existing at the same time and how this affected the future, etc. Besides that, I would give this movie an A. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys science fiction, comedies, and action films. I cannot say I particularly enjoy the original Star Trek episodes from television, but this moive did a great job explaining the backgrounds of the characters, and the director did a great job at including a whole other audience that had never seen Star Trek because of this.
Defiance
On Wednesday, December 2, I watched the movie Defiance, written, produced, and directed by Edward Zwick. The film follows the Bielski family, consisting of four Jewish brothers who save and recruit Jews in Poland during World War II. Daniel Craig plays Tuvia Bielski, the leader of the faction of Jews, who must survive the Nazi regime and cold winters in the wild. Tuvia is the hero of the group, who sacrifices his own health and well-being to protect his family and his Jewish partners. Tuvia is unselfish, generous, and courageous, and he defends the rights of the women and children against other selfish men. The group evolves from tens into hundreds of Jews as the Bielski brothers rescue and save more from persecution.
Since the movie is based on a true story, the action and the feelings felt for the characters are even more real. The movie got me thinking about how life could always be worse; I complain about studying for exams all night while these people were trying to survive disease, starvation, and religious persecution. Throughout the struggles, the Jews never lose hope with Tuvia as their leader. The film ended with Tuvia’s brother, Zus, leading a partisan force of Soviets after betraying and leaving the group. As the survivors escape into the forest, the film ends with on-screen text that states that they survived another two years, ultimately growing to 1,200 Jews. Original photographs of the real-life characters are shown, telling their ultimate fates.
The movie did a great job at portraying realistic situations of the actual events and developing sympathy for the characters. An even more touching part of the film was at the end when the text stated that the Bielskis never sought recognition for what they did, and that the descendants of the people they saved now number in the tens of thousands. Although the group they gathered and saved seemed relatively small compared to the total deaths of the Jewish persecution, the selflessness of the Bielski’s is what makes the story so touching. I recommend seeing this movie to anyone who enjoys sad, touching, history or action movies.
Since the movie is based on a true story, the action and the feelings felt for the characters are even more real. The movie got me thinking about how life could always be worse; I complain about studying for exams all night while these people were trying to survive disease, starvation, and religious persecution. Throughout the struggles, the Jews never lose hope with Tuvia as their leader. The film ended with Tuvia’s brother, Zus, leading a partisan force of Soviets after betraying and leaving the group. As the survivors escape into the forest, the film ends with on-screen text that states that they survived another two years, ultimately growing to 1,200 Jews. Original photographs of the real-life characters are shown, telling their ultimate fates.
The movie did a great job at portraying realistic situations of the actual events and developing sympathy for the characters. An even more touching part of the film was at the end when the text stated that the Bielskis never sought recognition for what they did, and that the descendants of the people they saved now number in the tens of thousands. Although the group they gathered and saved seemed relatively small compared to the total deaths of the Jewish persecution, the selflessness of the Bielski’s is what makes the story so touching. I recommend seeing this movie to anyone who enjoys sad, touching, history or action movies.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
On Monday, December 7, I watched the film Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, written and directed by George Lucas and released in 1999. The film follows the story of two Jedi Knights, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, who escape the planet Naboo with Queen Amidala. In hope of finding a trade dispute, the ship must stop for repairs on Tatooine, where the Jedi meet Anakin Skywalker. The Jedi recognize the usually strong force with Anakin, and free him from his slave debt. Meanwhile, they must contend with the mysterious return of the Sith.
Although the special effects are nothing short of incredible for the time, they do not compare to any recent computer-generated scenes in recent films. The story line is so intense; I have only seen the original episodes IV through VI when I was younger. It was interesting viewing the story behind what happened before the original series.
The first half of the movie was rather boring, but it was setting up the storyline for the rest of the movie and series. I think that the main aspect of Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace that made it so great was the music. Soft, melodic music was used during the calm parts of the movie, while epic opera music was used during the exciting scenes. Acting in the movie was lacking however; the characters Anakin and Queen Amidala seemed to be reading out of a book while they spoke.
Overall, this is one fantastically exciting movie that exudes action, great special effects, and a great plot. George Lucas is one genius of a man to not only write the plot of this film, but to direct it. I would definitely recommend viewing this movie if you enjoy science fiction, action, or comedies.
Although the special effects are nothing short of incredible for the time, they do not compare to any recent computer-generated scenes in recent films. The story line is so intense; I have only seen the original episodes IV through VI when I was younger. It was interesting viewing the story behind what happened before the original series.
The first half of the movie was rather boring, but it was setting up the storyline for the rest of the movie and series. I think that the main aspect of Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace that made it so great was the music. Soft, melodic music was used during the calm parts of the movie, while epic opera music was used during the exciting scenes. Acting in the movie was lacking however; the characters Anakin and Queen Amidala seemed to be reading out of a book while they spoke.
Overall, this is one fantastically exciting movie that exudes action, great special effects, and a great plot. George Lucas is one genius of a man to not only write the plot of this film, but to direct it. I would definitely recommend viewing this movie if you enjoy science fiction, action, or comedies.
Bigger, Stronger, Faster*
On Wednesday, December 9, I watched the film, Bigger, Stronger, Faster*, a 2008 documentary film directed by Christopher Bell about the use of anabolic steroids. The film focuses on steroid usage as performance enhancing drugs in the United States and how this practice relates to the American Dream.
Christopher Bell directs the film as narrator and interviewer of many public figures. Bell examines the lack of consistency in how America views drugs, cheating, and the lengths people go the achieve success. Much of America views steroids as a way to cheat, but ignores the fact that it is a extreme health risk that does damage to the human body and has similar effects to many drugs including meth amphetamines and cocaine.
The movie had me thinking about the lengths people go to achieve their goals, but forget about other people’s feelings, respect, and their own health. Christopher Bell incorporates his two brother’s usage of anabolic steroids, and the farm it has done to their bodies and the health of their relationship with their families. In fact, Bell’s brother, Mike, died seven months after the film was released due to effects related to his use of anabolic steroids.
Bell intelligently asked questions to many of the well-renowned public figures in his interviews, including male fitness model Christian Boeving, his brothers, and parents of deceased children due to their addiction to anabolic steroids. Chris’s father brought out a good point, however, when he was trying to defend Arnold Schwarzenegger’s position on steroids by explaining that all men have faults; why should Bell go about cleaning out another man’s closet when he has yet to clean out his own?
Overall, I was very intrigued by Bell’s explanation and story behind the usages of steroids and their relationship to the American Dream. The transformation and development for the obsession of the human body has been steadily increasing since the 1960’s. The film made me hate the cheaters in professional sports, but later would make me feel sympathetic for them and understanding their use. In conclusion, Bigger, Stronger, Faster* presents many interesting ideas on the use of steroids; you should definitely watch this movie if you are interested in the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of steroids.
Christopher Bell directs the film as narrator and interviewer of many public figures. Bell examines the lack of consistency in how America views drugs, cheating, and the lengths people go the achieve success. Much of America views steroids as a way to cheat, but ignores the fact that it is a extreme health risk that does damage to the human body and has similar effects to many drugs including meth amphetamines and cocaine.
The movie had me thinking about the lengths people go to achieve their goals, but forget about other people’s feelings, respect, and their own health. Christopher Bell incorporates his two brother’s usage of anabolic steroids, and the farm it has done to their bodies and the health of their relationship with their families. In fact, Bell’s brother, Mike, died seven months after the film was released due to effects related to his use of anabolic steroids.
Bell intelligently asked questions to many of the well-renowned public figures in his interviews, including male fitness model Christian Boeving, his brothers, and parents of deceased children due to their addiction to anabolic steroids. Chris’s father brought out a good point, however, when he was trying to defend Arnold Schwarzenegger’s position on steroids by explaining that all men have faults; why should Bell go about cleaning out another man’s closet when he has yet to clean out his own?
Overall, I was very intrigued by Bell’s explanation and story behind the usages of steroids and their relationship to the American Dream. The transformation and development for the obsession of the human body has been steadily increasing since the 1960’s. The film made me hate the cheaters in professional sports, but later would make me feel sympathetic for them and understanding their use. In conclusion, Bigger, Stronger, Faster* presents many interesting ideas on the use of steroids; you should definitely watch this movie if you are interested in the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of steroids.
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