Spider-man 3

I guess it's a movies month, eh? I went and saw Spider-man 3 the other day and enjoyed it. Not as much as I thought I would, though. It was definitely the weakest of the three as the story seemed to get lost a bit at times with the multiple characters that were fighting with each other for my attention. I feel like I understand why everything was there and needed to be there.... yet it seems like there was just too much going on for not much of a payoff or something. I mean, you have to move Harry Osborne forward with his revenge and need to honor his father, that was a given. They did a great job of introducing Venom (not that I'm a comic book pro or fan) and letting it really get the best of Peter as he also seeks revenge for his uncle's death. But, I don't think that was the point. I mean, it wasn't that we wanted Peter to deal with his need for revenge, it was that he had to let go of his uncle and forgive his uncle's killer (to be a true Hero, that is). Then, to bring Harry and Peter back together before his death, they have to have two villains for Spidey to take on so Harry comes to Spidey's aid. Meh. It was just a bit much.

I really liked the first two flicks as they seemed to focus on the emotional side of a dorky kid coming to grips with his life changing so drastically. This film WANTED to but never seemed to really hold on to it as the chaos around Peter became a bit much. The more I think about the movie, the more I think it was a very hard balancing act. A delicate balancing act and they just barely pulled it off. I'm just left to wonder... Was there any chance of simplifying this story?

Movies I Appreciate: The Illusionist

I will be posting, from time to time, movies that strike my artistic muscle. When it comes to The Illusionist most people confuse it with The Prestige that came out around the same time. The major difference between the two movies (besides the director, actors, etc.,) is that The Illusionist was actually designed and crafted where The Prestige was a "summer project" from the crew from Batman Begins. If you're looking for an artistically inspirational flick, The Illusionist won't fail you. The story is quite simple and somewhat predictable but the neuance, pacing and visual style are not to be missed. And the acting? Edward Norton & Paul Giamatti. Do I really need to say more? Granted, Jessica Biel is also in it but don't worry, she doesn't have too many lines.

Overall: A
Visuals: A+
Story: B
Acting: B+

Ranking
19

Theatrical Release: Hot Fuzz

Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is the finest cop London has to offer, with an arrest record 400% higher than any other officer on the force. He’s so good, he makes everyone else look bad. As a result, Angel’s superiors send him to a place where his talents won’t be quite so embarrassing — the sleepy and seemingly crime-free village of Sandford. Once there, he is partnered with the well-meaning but overeager police officer Danny Butterman (Nick Frost), a huge action movie fan. As a series of grisly accidents rocks the village, Angel is convinced that Sandford is not what it seems and as the intrigue deepens, Danny’s dreams of explosive, high-octane, car-chasing, gunfighting, all-out action seem more and more like a reality.

View the trailer in HD

DVD: 'Star Wars' trilogy coming out on DVD

It's about freakin' time! I can't wait to get my hands on this DVD set. I'm not a fanatic like so many others out there... But these three movies really pulled me into the visual medium of story telling. Escapism at it's best.



Of course, I ordered it from Amazon with THX 1138 hoping it would ship on Monday so I would have it on Tuesday but no. No shipping confirmation email. Nothing. So I'll be waiting an extra day (of course I got overnight deliver! Duh.) and I work a double on Wednesday. So rats.



Oh well. May the force be with all of us.





DVD: 'Star Wars' trilogy coming out on DVD