Rush Hour 2

True Lies

2009-12-09T22:31:00.001-08:00

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.

Star Trek

2009-12-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

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.

Defiance

2009-12-09T21:41:00.001-08:00

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.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

2009-12-09T17:09:00.001-08:00

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.

Bigger, Stronger, Faster*

2009-12-09T16:35:00.001-08:00

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.

Up

2009-11-28T17:01:00.001-08:00

On November 28, 2009, I rented the Disney Pixar film Up. The film depicts an old man named Carl Frederickson and an over-eager young boy named Russell traveling to “Paradise Falls” in a floating house suspended by helium balloons. The story opens by introducing Carl as a shy young boy who falls in love with an energetic tomboy named Ellie who shares his passion for adventure and obsession with the famed explorer Charles Muntz. Carl is now old and lonely, living in a small house where he grew up, married, and shared his life with Ellie, before she passed away. Large construction companies threaten to demolish his house, and he is forced to move to a retirement community. Refusing to go, Carl devises a plan to go to “Paradise Falls” in South America to fulfill his dream of one day going with Ellie. While leaving, a boyscout named Russell turns out to have been on the front porch and Carl gets stuck with the eager, dorky kid for the whole adventure.
The first half of the movie depicts a dramatic, heart-wrenching story of a lonely old man getting close to his last days of solitude. However, when Russell enters the picture and they arrive in South America, a goofy talking dog named Doug and a hilariously strange, large bird that Russell named Kevin also adds comic relief to the sad story. Action ensues when Charles Muntz turns out to be hunting Kevin to regain his high regard in the public eye. Carl eventually realizes that his happiness is not dependent on reaching “Paradise Falls” or fulfilling his dream of adventure with Ellie, but by finding adventure in the fun and little things in life. Carl decides that Russell and Kevin’s safety is more important than his dream. After he reaches his destination, Carl finds that the adventure is just a dead end and he decides to save Kevin from Charles Muntz and to make sure Russell is safe.
The film excelled at evoking sorrow and pity for Carl and his story was very touching. The background story between Carl and Ellie effectively lays the ground for all the fun stuff to follow. It was arguably one of the funniest animated films I have ever seen. The film balanced the sentimental side of the storyline with a steady pace of ticklish laughs. I would definitely recommend seeing this to anyone who enjoys comedic, animated, or sentimental movies.

Surrogates

2009-11-08T20:09:00.001-08:00

On October 2, 2009, I went to the local movie theatre to view the recently released movie called Surrogates starring Bruce Willis. The story takes place in 2017, in a world where humans can control their own remotely controlled robotic bodies, or ‘surrogates.’ Humans live in isolation, rarely leaving the safety and comfort of their homes as themselves, and interact with each other solely through their surrogates. Since people are safe all the time, and any damage taken by their surrogate does not affect the owner, the world is free from crime, pain, and discrimination.
However, an unknown weapon is discovered when the first murder occurs in years. The victim is killed by this weapon called the ‘overload device,’ through the use of his surrogate. FBI agent Greer, played by Bruce Willis, must investigate this murder and delves into a case much deeper than a simple crime. Greer discovers a plot to kill not only all surrogates, but all of the users as well, leaving behind only those who do not believe in using them. The movie ends with Greer having to ultimately save humankind while destroying the surrogates.
Although the movie was highly unrealistic and fictional, that is besides the purpose of the film. Surrogates presents a unique idea of a new world, free from hatred or discrimination. All humans are better-looking versions of themselves, creating a sort of paradise of equal and beautiful people. Since humans never leave the home as themselves, but only as their surrogate, they lose connection with each other. Agent Greer and his wife grow apart because they only interact through their surrogates and never as their real bodies. Greer eventually resents this once his surrogate is destroyed, and misses the flaws and imperfections that made his wife so beautiful and natural to him. This ultimately leads to his decision to destroy all surrogates, while saving all users when a virus is uploaded to the whole system. The movie presents themes that show the eventual lack of connection between humans that parallels the advancement of technology.
Surrogates is a basic and entertaining movie that has an interesting plot and simple themes. I would recommend seeing this movie if you enjoy science-fiction and action movies that entertain rather than contain depth. The acting and directing in the movie are par, but lack anything special. The effects used to display the surrogates and their world or paradise are average at best, and are definitely unique, but not necessarily in a good way. I would give this movie a C+ solely for its entertainment factor.

Role Models

2009-11-08T17:38:00.001-08:00

On October 14, 2009, I rented the movie Role Models, starring Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd. The film begins by introducing Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Sean William Scott); two salesmen who market energy drinks called Minotaur to schools. Wheeler is an immature hustler who loves the job and loves meeting women. Danny, however, hates the job and has an overall negative attitude towards life. Danny impulsively proposes to his longtime girlfriend who rejects him, and he later gets into misdemeanor trouble with Wheeler by crashing their company car after resisting a tow for illegal parking. The two are assigned to work 150 community service hours as mentors to two misfit kids at a charity organization called Sturdy Wings. Danny and Wheeler do not want to work with the kids, and contemplate going to jail for 30 days instead of working their hours. The movie progresses as Danny and Wheeler develop their relationships with their “littles” and spend valuable time with them, regardless how awkward the situations.
Although the movie is a comedy, it still presents real ideas about developing close relationships with others in situations outside your comfort zone. Danny’s “little” is named Augie, and is obsessed with a fantasy world called LAIRE where people dress up as elves, witches, warriors, trolls, and all other sorts of fantastical characters. Danny originally does not spend time with Augie other than to complete his hours, but eventually learns that it is more important to make Augie feel loved and welcome. Wheeler’s “little” is a loud-mouthed troublemaker named Ronnie who has no friends because he does not fit in. Wheeler connects to Ronnie by learning that both of their dads left them when they were young. Wheeler understands Ronnie because they are essentially one in the same person, and spends time with him by bonding with him and his mother.
The movie is very funny, in my own opinion, and I would recommend seeing it if you enjoy most modern, awkward comedies. The movie pokes fun at fantasy infatuated dorks, presents a satire of young black culture, but still offers a serious message behind a hilarious plot.

Sorority Row

2009-09-27T17:53:00.001-07:00

Sorority Row
On September 17, I went to the local Cinemark Movie Theater to watch the movie Sorority Row with some friends. The movie began by introducing five Theta Pi sorority sisters who throw a wild pajama party at their house. The five girls named Cassidy, Jessica, Ellie, Claire, and Megan are found plotting a prank to get back at a Garrett who cheated on one of their sorority sisters. Megan pretends to have drunk a cup of alcohol that contained a “ruffee” slipped by Garrett, and he plans to hook up with her. Megan starts pretending to have a seizure and fakes her own death. With the help of the sisters, Garrett brings Megan to a steel mill and plans to drop her down a mineshaft. While the girls jokingly mention that the air needs to be released from her lungs or else she will float to the top, Garrett stabs her chest with a tire iron, actually killing her. The sisters panic and decide that the best plan of action is to drop her body down the mineshaft and vow to never mention of the incident again.
The movie progresses by introducing a serial killer who murders each of the sorority sisters soon after the one year anniversary of the death of Megan. All the girls receive a text message with a picture of a hooded figure holding a bloody tire iron the night of another huge sorority party. The night ends tragically as all the sorority sisters except Cassidy are brutally murdered by this hooded figure who hunts each one of them down individually. The stalker turns out to be Cassidy’s boyfriend, Kyle, who murdered the other sisters so she wouldn’t get into trouble if the truth was ever revealed.
Although the movie was entertaining and kept my attention throughout the entire film, it lacked realism. I prefer to enjoy horror movies that can be real or are based on truth because it makes me feel like the events could happen to me. Instead, this movie focuses on ignorant sorority girls running away from a hooded villain who uses a tire iron to kill them. For instance, in one scene, the dead body of Megan is hung in one of the showers in their sorority house. One of the girls responds by panicking and screaming, while the other just states, “Wow, Megan doesn’t look very good anymore.” I understand that the writers were trying to exemplify the attitude of the girl who said that by employing a sarcastic line, but I cannot see any college girl ever replying to a dead body like that. Secondly, in their defense against the murderer, one of the girls runs over a Garrett over and over until he is dead because they thought he was the assassin, and she exits the vehicle un-phased that she just murdered someone, who actually turns out to be innocent. The sorority sisters lack all common sense when it comes to running from villain. They run into dark places by themselves, and seem unaffected by the fact that some of their best friends have been murdered that day.
I would not recommend seeing Sorority Row to anybody, unless they solely wanted to watch a movie for the entertainment of watching good looking college girls run from a mysterious villain.

Rush Hour 2 Critique

2009-09-15T14:59:00.001-07:00

On Monday, September 14, I watched the movie Rush Hour 2 directed by Brett Ratner, starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The movie is a sequel to the original Rush Hour, featuring two mismatched detectives fighting gangs in Hong Kong, China. Detective James Carter (Chris Tucker) heads to Hong Kong to visit his partner Chief Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) to enjoy a relaxing vacation. Inspector Lee is assigned to a case that becomes personal after Lee discovers it involves his father’s murderer and Triad gang leader Ricky Tan. While Carter is interested in partying and meeting exotic ladies in Hong Kong, Lee becomes involved in police work and drags Carter into the drama.
The film effectively balances intense fighting scenes with legend Jackie Chan and comedic situations with the hilarious Chris Tucker. Detective Carter dances, fights, and talks himself into trouble throughout the movie, but never ceased to make me laugh hysterically. In one scene in particular, Inspector Lee enters a night club to find a lead to Triads that may have been involved in a bombing of the U.S. Embassy. However, Carter thinks that the two are out for the night to find women and party. At a club infested with Triad gang members, Carter is ashamed of an awful karaoke performance of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop.” While Lee is searching the club for gang members, he walks back in the club lobby only to find Carter eccentrically dancing and singing the same song. The women in the crowd eventually get on the stage and dance with Carter while all the Triad men just sit there and critically gaze. The irony of the situation combined with Carter’s ignorance and performance results in a masterful comedic scene.
The fact that Carter and Lee have such polar opposite personalities and style of fighting and communicating with each other makes their partnership so hilarious. Jackie Chan adds the action side to the movie, while even Chris Tucker is involved in most of the fights, except his role is a little more comedic. Their interactions with each other seem so real because although sometimes they do not get along, they actually do care about one another.
In conclusion, Rush Hour 2 is one of my favorite movies I have ever watched, and I would recommend for anyone who enjoys watching comedy or action films to view this movie. Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan do an excellent job balancing out each other in the movie, and Brett Ratner worked wonders by creating equilibrium of hilarity and conflict in the film.