It has been a summer of blockbuster movies. The secret in having a successful movie is a secret no more. There's no need for a good plot, great acting nor originality. All you need to is either a re-make, a sequel or copying the original. Tried and tested methods guaranteed to bring success to the studios. Just look at what bagged Martion Scoresse his Oscar after so long... a REMAKE of Infernal Affairs.
Onto the reviews. First up is one of my favourite franchises, John McClane is back in Die Hard 4.0! Now everyone remembers Bruce Willis and his one-liners in the Die Hard franchise. Well, it's all here in the latest installment, sans the cigarette smoking. Apparently censors in the States are considering giving movies which tout chain-smoking characters an R rating so as not to influence young minds. Oh yeah, it's the smoking that influences young minds and nothing to do with the body count that just piles up in the action movies these days... Anyway, get ready for more one-liners like "yipee-ki-yay, motherfucker!" and "that's enough of this kung-fun shit" in this adrenaline-packed film. In my books, it definitely matches up to Die Hard with a Vengenace, and agruably better. Bruce Willis still excels in the type of role most suited for him; the reluctant hero who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The time round the danger is world domination and the weapon of destruction is computers. Thankfully the geek-speak is kept to a minmum and what we appreciate most about the series is hyped up, ie John McClane killing everyone who gets in his way. Special mention to Justin Long, who always seems to play the perenial nerd/geek in every movie that requires one. Fellow geeks might recognise him as the nerd in the Apple commercials. And also Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who plays John McClane's daughter. A fiesty little hotty whom some may have caught as the female lead in Final Destination 3. Needless to say the IT girl of the moment, Maggie Q deserves all the screen time she gets in this movie. The movie wouldn't be as good with this foxy lady. My verdict: This is one not to be missed.
Moving on we have the Micheal Bay summer vehicle, Transformers! Needless to say, everyone and anyone who grew up in the 80's will recall the cartoon who had everyone shouting "Transformers, more than meets the eye!" This re-creation of the timeless classic of the Autobots versus Decepticons tries to stay true to it's form however old-fashion fans may find that the CGI depictions of the Transformers do not look at all like the originals. Optimus Prime retains his original look (minus the red flames on his hood), however the rest of the "robots in disguise" don't look recognisable at all. But bearing in mind that Michael Bay was trying to add in a layer of logic that the original cartoons sometimes missed (haven't you ever wondered where the container that Prime lugs around goes after he transformed?), this is for me a pretty good rendition. The scene is set for the battle between good and evil for the All Sparks, a cube that contains the power to rule the universe. And that pretty much is the whole story line. Lousy plot? Maybe, but the action sequences will leave you wanting more. Another difference I've noticed is that there are considerably more humans than robots in this movie. If I'm not mistaken, there are only like a total of 13 robots in the film whereas the human characters are everywhere. Not that I'm complaining as this must be the break-through film of Megan Fox, who is my summer hottie of the year. For me, this is the must-see show of the summer. Watch this if nothing else! Fans of the original, here's a treat for you.
The latest and final Harry Potter book became the fastest selling book over the weekend with close to 8.6 million copies sold on the first day. And yes, I am one of those 8.6 million that bought the book. And yes I could tell you everyone that dies in this final installment. But I will not, for the sake of those that chance upon this blog who haven't read the book. But it's not the book we're talking about here, it's the fifth installment in the Harry Potter franchise, Order of the Pheonix. Hugely popular among the teens and tweens, all the pre-screening hype had promised a darker and more sinister movie. This the film delivered. However someone must have forgotten to inform the producers that darker doesn't necessary equate better. It was as if David Yates couldn't make up his mind if he wanted to make a serious adult film or a film for kids. The film shuttles between issues of the self-antagonism and internal struggles of Harry and teenage issues of friendship and love. And ends up developing neither. The story line does stay true to the book. Ardent fans may insist that many details were missing, but do note that this is the longest Harry Potter book by far and the director has done justice to the book in my opinion. Whilst I'm impressed by the solid acting of Daniel Radcliffe, the break-out performance must go to Emma Watson. The coming of age of Hermoine has me enthralled in more ways than one. From a young and slightly awkward kid, she has blossomed into a woman that is definitely on her way to great foxiness. Compare:
Conclusion: read the book if you're not a big fan. However if you're a pimple-popping male teen, go watch Emma. Let's end things with a spoof:
This entry took up shit-loads of my time. Everyone please leave a comment saying how awesome my reviews up. I'm thinking of book reviews next. Nominate some books and if I like the title I'll go buy it and review it.
P.S. Did I lend anyone my Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? It appears to be missing from my collection.
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