MOVIE REVIEW PRIOR ISSUES
10/8/05
Today, I would like to look at four different current releases in two different categories. The first is the specialty animated category and both are horror or at least Halloween related. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the subject. The film is done in stop-action and even seems to laugh at it self. Some of the scenes are a bit scary for the very young, but most get the point that it is all in fun. The rest of the film, including the starring characters, are intended to just be silly. It is a pretty harmless film, as long as the children are briefed about the subject before attending it.
On the other hand, I feel that Tim Burton's Corpse Bride was written specifically to scare and could cause many problems, especially for those under the age of adolescence. The characters definitely are not to be taken lightly or considered silly. The subject matter of a young man having to marry a deceased girl is morbid at the least, and can cause nightmares and such. This is what the director seems to want. I know it is done in stop-action animation and not live action, but the voices and characteristics seem to give them the impression of life.
Technically it is a fine movie. But I have my doubts about it morally, and especially as to whether or not it could be considered a 'good' film for the entire family. Yet it will surely be a box office hit.
The other type of film that is getting quite a bit of play, is the sequel, along with its cousin the transfer from television to the big-screen. Transporter 2 follows its brother as a man who will transport anything anywhere as long as the money is large enough. I will not really say much about it, except that when someone is so desperate to get their “package” delivered for that much cash, someone else really wants it. That is the true nature of the movie and a great deal of excitement and violence follows. The two films are not really alike, except for the characters and the chases that ensue.
Serenity is the film version of the television cult series that fans would not let die. It is a good film in two ways, as a tribute to the fans who love it and as a movie on its own. This kind of film goes back to the days of the “Star Trek" films, but it is not limited to the science fiction genre.
All four of theses films are currently showing at the Harkins Prescott Valley 14 Theatres at 7202 Pav Way in Prescott Valley. Be careful though as more films are released, these films may not stay long or are shown only a couple times a day. For showtimes call 775-7444 or go online at www.harkinstheatres.com. Just remember when you are there to tell them I sent you. CINEMA SAM...
9/05
Like the end of summer weather, we are not sure if we are ready for fall temperature or are just sick of the heat. The same goes for the summer movies. We wonder what lies ahead and hope it is better than what we just had. We need to touch on a couple of movies still out there and then look to fall and the holiday films.
First, if you haven't seen March of the Penguins, you just might want to. The film, narrated by Morgan Freeman, is a cross between the old Disney Real-Life Adventures and a trip to the museum. Most is quite interesting, and for the rest just sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The film is one of the few to still receive a G rating and is for all ages. It is the latest independent film to hit the first-run theaters.
Another film to consider looks at the wilder side of life, that the violence of the city in Four Brothers. This film features, Mark Wahlberg as one of four adopted boys whose mother has been violently killed. The four try to find out the truth and ended up becoming embroiled in the politics of the community. Rated R and definitely not for the fainthearted.
Both of these films are still playing at the Harkins Prescott Valley 14 Theatres, located at 7202 Pav Way in Prescott Valley. Call 775-7444 for showtimes.
Now let's take a little look at what we can expect around Halloween until December. The end of October finds Jigsaw back in Saw II, where eight people play horrifying games to determine who, if any shall survive. The Weather Man has Nicholas Cage in the title role trying to deal with life, his father (Michael Caine) and an ex-wife (Hope Davis). Finally in that same month, we find Catherine Zeta-Jones and Antonio Banderas trying to keep us interested in The Legend Of Zorro. Never mind the plot, the chemistry should be explosive.
November will, hopefully, be a shot in the arm the film industry has been looking for. Rent, based on Jonathon Larson's multi-award winning Broadway musical, hits the big screen. We also see the screen adaptation of the lives of Johnny and June Carter Cash, as played by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, in Walk the Line.
The one film that millions of book readers (young and old alike) are waiting for is the fourth film in the Harry Potter series, The Goblet of Fire. The adventures of Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends at Hogwarts hopes to bring movie goers back two and three times to the theater, as the other movies.
These and the other films in the next few months are what Hollywood hopes will bring people back to the big screen in numbers, in anticipation the big month of December and its holiday films. If things keep up the way they have so far this year, it could be a bad film year. We just need to wait, hope for the best and then head out to the Harkins Prescott Valley 14 Theatres. Harkin’s is located at 7202 E Pav Way in the PV Entertain- ment Center. Call 775-7444 for times or go to www.harkinstheatres.com. And remember to tell them, I SENT YOU!! CINEMA SAM
8/5/05
Well, it seems that summer is almost gone and the film industry is upset that people don't see enough movies. Why? Because there aren't enough good ones out there. This month I have two good ones for you to see, but they are definitely far from perfect.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a very good movie from a fine book. Is it a classic like Willy Wonka was? Only time will tell. If you think about it, the offbeat manner in which Johnny Depp portrays candy maker Willy Wonka may just be right on the money. He is a recluse with no one in his factory but look-alike tribesman hidden from public view for years. I am not sure anyone would come out the same as when they went in. Wonka has five children touring his factory of candy who are vying for a special prize. The story is known by most children and parents alike. It is well done and quite beautiful to see. Was it great? I am not sure. Good it was, and probably worth a second viewing. A classic? I doubt it. Again, time will tell.
E.T. is not here, and these aliens do not want to phone home this time. The film remake of The War of the Worlds definitely is not of a friendly nature. Steven Spielberg has done himself proud with the sets and the effects in this story of visitors from another world coming to destroy the earth.
The film starts off with Tom Cruise, as a divorced father of two, who is more of a child than his young daughter. He is very irresponsible, not even having food in the house for their weekend visits. The only redeeming quality of the relationship is that we see he truly loves his children.
There are no real warnings that the aliens are coming except weird electrical storms and earthquakes that happen throughout the world. As these storms worsen, all electrical appliances are shut down. This includes lights, power, wristwatches and even all vehicles. As his neighborhood tries to find out what is wrong, a huge tripod-like device emerges from the earth, shooting out some kind of ray that vaporizes humans, leaving only dust and shredded clothing. Cruise must make it back to his kids, but does not have a clue as to what is really going on. The one thing in the film that may not be right is that he realizes how to fix the cars, but he is the only one in the picture to do so, except for the military.
The rest of the film finds the family trying to reunite with his ex-wife and her second husband, who are staying with her mother in Boston. The pace of this film is great, and the scene of the aliens and their probe searching for humans is nerve-wracking.
The performance of Cruise as a man trying to return his kids and save the world at the same time is great. It reminds me of the performance he had in another Spielberg film, “Minority Report.” He is overshadowed, however, by his daughter, played superbly by the young star of today and tomorrow, Dakota Fanning. She switches flawlessly from petrified girl to loving sister and daughter. She might see an Oscar nomination, as might Cruise and Spielberg for director and/or film.
Can you guess that I LOVED IT? It isn’t perfect, and could have been 10 to 12 minutes longer to stop the rushing at the end, and to fill in several gaps. This is definitely not a “kid-friendly” film. I would not take kids under 10. Besides the potential for nightmares, it isn’t fair to disrupt the film for the rest of the audience, which I’m sure would happen. I have to run back to see this film again.
Both of these films are currently playing at Harkins Prescott Valley 14 Theatres. Call 775-7444 for times or go to www.HarkinsTheatres.com. Whatever you do, when there, be sure to tell them who sent you.... CINEMA SAM
7/11/05
MOVIE REVIEW
E.T. is not here, and these aliens do not want to phone home this time. The film remake of The War of the Worlds definitely is not of a friendly nature. Steven Spielberg has done himself proud with the sets and the effects in this story of visitors from another world coming to destroy the earth.
The film starts off with Tom Cruise, as a divorced father of two, who is more of a child than his young daughter. He is very irresponsible, not even having food in the house for their weekend visits. The only redeeming quality of the relationship is that we see he truly loves his children.
There are no real warnings that the aliens are coming except weird electrical storms and earthquakes are happening throughout the world. As these storms worsen, all electrical appliances are shut down. This includes lights, power, wristwatches and even all vehicles. As his neighborhood tries to find out what is wrong, a huge tripod device emerges from the earth, shooting out some kind of ray that vaporizes humans, leaving only dust and shredded clothing. Cruise must make it back to his kids, but does not have a clue what is really going on. The one thing in the film that may not be right is that he realizes how to fix the cars, but he is the only one in the picture to do so, except for the military.
The rest of the film finds the family trying to re-unite with his ex-wife and her second husband, who are staying with her mother in Boston. The pace of this film is great, and the scene of the aliens and their probe searching for humans is nerve-wracking
The performance of Cruise as a man trying to return his kids and save the world at the same time is great and reminds me of the performance he had in another Spielberg film, “Minority Report.” He is overshadowed, however, by his daughter, played superbly by the young star of today and tomorrow, Dakota Fanning. She switches flawlessly from petrified girl to loving sister and daughter. She might see an Oscar nomination as might Cruise and Spielberg, for director and/or film.
Can you guess that I LOVED IT? It isn’t perfect, and could have been 10 to 12 minutes longer to stop the rushing at the end, and to fill a few gaps.
This is definitely not a “kid-friendly” film. I would not take kids under 10. Besides the potential nightmares, it isn’t fair to disrupt the film for the rest of the audience, which I’m sure would happen. I have to run back to see this film again.
After watching Batman Begins, I was a bit surprised, not that I liked the film, but with the type of film it really was. This film takes a serious look back at the legend of the “Dark Knight.” We follow Bruce Wayne, as played by Christian Bale, as a child dealing with the murder of his parents, and as an adult dealing with the need for vengeance.
Wayne goes through extensive training that allows him to become the symbol that strikes fear in the hearts of men, Batman. He also uses his vast fortune to come up with incredible devices to aid his crime-fighting. He is helped by his confidant and butler, Alfred, played by Michael Caine.
This version of Gotham City has been turned into a living hell for the common citizen by the thugs and mobsters who run it, along with most of its police and government officials.
The story turns from seeking revenge to justice for the city from its villains. The end of the film brings together a network of friends and allies with whom Batman looks to work with to help Gotham in the future. The film definitely ends with a sequel in mind and it is justified.
This film is unlike any of the previous in recent years, in that it looks seriously at the problems of Gotham City that Batman tries to solve. Strong performances and a good storyline make this a must-see for all Batman fans and action fans alike.
Both of these films are currently playing at Harkins Prescott Valley 14 Theatres, 7202 E. Pav Way in Prescott Valley. For current showtimes, call 775-7444 or go to www.HarkinsTheatres.com. Remember to tell them that I sent you.
CINEMA SAM
Click on advertisers in blue to be redirected to their website or email account, right from here. Use these links at your own risk.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
© 2004 Lonesome Valley Newsletter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
DEC 2005
Last update - Dec. 22, 2005. Newsletter comes up around the middle of each month. Please check back for December’s website updates within the next few days. To view things submitted after the current month’s printed version, go to the Updates tab on left. If this page doesn’t display properly, click here as to why.
