The Avengers was a blast. It held up to all of it's hype and anticipation. It surpassed $200 million in the opening weekend and that is what was spent to make the film. It's worth every penny. There's not many poor things I can say for Marvel's Super Superhero film, but I'll try and dissect this gigantic action flick.

Avengers roll-call
Captain America: patriot, underdog, super-soldier altered with high levels of gamma radiation by Howard Stark. Tony Stark: prodigal son of Howard Stark, genius, weapons and energy expert and manufacturer, and vigilante who created a suit or armor that runs off of an arc reactor that can wield dangerous power. Thor: son of Odin, King of Asgard, Nordic God of thunder, and is the only being able to possess the power of Mjolnir; a warhammer of immense legend. Bruce Banner: gamma radiation physicist and meta-particle scientist, host to the alter ego/ Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde HULK. Black Widow: Russian spy turned S.H.I.E.L.D. assassin, and close partner to Hawkeye: S.H.I.E.L.D. assault specialist who wields a bow with skills that can match Legolas.

Bringing together such a massive cast can be a disaster for some films, but The Avengers takes the large credit line with ease. Equal camera time for all the heavy hitters and great editing pulls this film together nicely with pace, screenplay simplicity, and character chemistry. Tie-ins from Iron Man 1 and 2, Thor, Captain America, and The Incredible Hulk are done casually, but if you haven't seen the precursors you can be lost at parts. The easter-eggs, the tie-ins, the hints at future films or the winks at past films bring out the inner geek in all of us that have watched the previous films or read the comics. 

Character progression is a big thing about The Avengers and mainly this film is a strong lead-in to The Avengers 2. Tony Stark shows that he is more than an egomaniac playboy billionaire and he has what it takes to be a leader and can sacrifice everything for the greater good. Opposing Iron Man leadership is Steve Rodgers a.k.a. Capt. America. Nothing much has changed for Mr. America but his costume. Hawkeye actually gets a spot in the credits, unlike in Thor, and you finally get to see what his powers, or lack there of, are. He is a force to be reckoned with and I'm sure if he and Legolas teamed up during the fight against Sauron, Middle-Earth would've been saved sooner. 

Instead of Edward Norton portraying Bruce Banner, Mark Ruffalo carries the character extremely well. Instead of seeing the Hulk as a burden, Banner now uses him as an asset and can change on cue. Samuel Jackson always looks like he's just living out his character from Pulp Fiction and in The Avengers you finally get to see Nick Fury fight...briefly; and he misses quite a bit. Thor shows off his brotherly love and stars in some of the best moments in the film with him and Hulk's chemistry being irreplaceable. Loki has a hard time in The Avengers; no home, no conviction, and fighting a waning war with the Chitauri (who resemble the Locust Horde from Gears of War.)

Acting here is pulled back and subtle. A good choice in a film with so much talent. Downey, Hiddleson, Jackson, Renner, Evans, Johansson, Hemsworth, and Ruffalo all have their significant quirks and distinct characteristics that create a world within itself as Loki and the Chitauri try and destroy the world to decimate man's reign on Earth. The best part of The Avengers is Joss Whedon's ability to level the playing field and use the dialogue and each characters reputation to move the story forward and get the audience attached and entertained. Although a major character dies, and yes it's very saddening, you're with the superhero crew all the way and against Loki and his alien army. 

Visuals and effects are similar to a Michael Bay film; huge adversaries, a lot of destruction, trillions of dollars in damage to buildings and cities, and many many explosions. I viewed the film in 3D; although I don't prefer that version of film, there are many 3D moments and it is definitely one of the better 3D movies out there. 

The Avengers is a great movie and it's just a teaser for what's to come from Marvel. Iron Man 3 and Thor 2 are slated for 2013, Captain America 2 and an unknown release are coming in 2014, and the Avengers 2 is estimated for 2015. I give The Avengers 5 out of 5.
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2012
R
1h:49m

Contraband is a decent heist film. It's not as fast-paced as Fast and the Furious, not as funny and clever as Snatch or Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, doesn't have a huge cast of charismatic and witty characters like Danny Ocean's crew, but the film works...to some degree.

Robert Wahlberg, as he's labeled in the credits, takes on the same type-casted persona but in a different light; a South Boston accent wielding ex-smuggler who has to take on a job to save his family. Sounds a lot like Gone in 60 Seconds; ironically enough, Giovanni Ribisi plays the villain in Contraband whereas he played the victim in Gone in 60 Seconds.

There's not a lot of character progression in this movie. You're not going to get too emotional, even when Kate Beckinsale is being encased into cement, but you do get an urge to root against Ben Foster's character. Action-scenes are spaced out well and the suspense and mystery of whats going on keeps the movie entertaining and satisfying, yet there is a lot of screenplay that is unneeded and Marky Mark reuses many of his mannerisms and quirks.

Like I previously stated, Contraband is a decent heist film, but it lacks in making you care about the lesser characters which dilutes the script in my opinion. I give Contraband a 3/5.
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Haywire Review 05/04/2012
 
Haywire is a straight-forward action film drawing on female-ass kicking power and a great spy vs government story. Gina Carano leads and carries Haywire as Mallory; a privately contracted agent who gets betrayed by her own employers and seeks revenge. Neat thing is, Gina Carano is a world renown Muay Thai kickboxer, StrikeForce middleweight, and has been called the face of women's MMA with a current record of 13-1.

This film is a great example of spy/special agent entertainment and keeps your attention; albeit over used, the "revenge of the betrayed spy" plot works in Haywire's case. There are many familiar faces in this film like Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas, Michael Fassbinder, and Obi-Wan himself; Ewan McGregor. Problem is none of them really grasp your attention like Gina does. Her physical appearance and control on screen shows off her leading lady skills.

Dialogue and sound are cliched, but the action and fight scenes are wonderful. No flashy roundhouse kicks, no Tony Jaa flips and tumbles, and definitely no wires. Simple straight-to-the-point MMA and CQC; Close Quarters Combat. 

Haywire gives you satisfaction in the end and is entertaining to watch. I recommend. 
I give Haywire 4/5.
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Chronicle Review 02/18/2012
 
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Chronicle
(2012)  84 min

Three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery. Soon, though, they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides.


Director: Josh Trank
Writers: Max Landis (screenplay), Max Landis (story), and 1 more credit »
Stars: Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell and Michael B. Jordan
Chronicle came our of nowhere to incite an excitement in the theaters, but to some, this film seems like a recycled version of Akira Kurosawa's cult classic manga "Akira."

Chronicle shows the story of a young man who's life is full of regret, loneliness, abandonment, and the inability to change his life. Our main character, Andrew, has no friends, is socially awkward, has a dying mother, and an abusive father. No matter how you look at it the main protagonist is an underdog, which allows the viewers to easily support him throughout the film.

Stuck at a party with his cousin, toting a camera he bought to record his life and thoughts, Andrew is shanghaied into following his cousin and their school's most popular student into a cave to document the abnormal sight. Within the cave is a glowing foundation of light and rock that gives the three characters telekinetic powers; the ability to move, bend, vibrate, and manipulate matter around you with the will of mind control. After blacking out the three awake to discover their new abilities. 

Watching their friendship grow because of such a bonding and unique experience really centers the viewer inside the minds of each character, allowing for a sense of understanding you usually do not get from most films. The catalyst of the plot is that Andrew has an inner hatred for people, a disregard for moral standards, and a growing intelligence of how to use his new found feats. Watching the "downfall" of Andrew is exciting as it is emotional.

Acting portrayed is perfect for the main characters, the rest of the cast is either ill-placed or not worth the attention. Visuals are attention-grabbing. When something catastrophic happens to one of the friends the other two sense it and have nosebleeds; each time this happens on screen is seamless with the acting and meaning. The scenes in the sky whether it be the flying or passing the football are entertaining and exhilarating. Although the film is meant to be shot from Andrew's perspective most of the time ,getting used to the camera angles can be confusing.

Chronicle is a good film. It shows how power can release the inner evil we all have, but it also shows how friendship can be created and broken. I give Chronicle a 4/5, and I advise to you watch Akira the manga.
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Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)  
85 min  -  Horror   -  21 October 2011 (USA)

In 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi befriend an invisible entity who resides in their home.

Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Writers: Christopher B. Landon, Oren Peli
Stars: Chloe Csengery, Jessica Tyler Brown and Christopher Nicholas Smith

We all know it’s fake. We know the found-footage isn’t real and the movie is just a movie, but it still gets us every time. The Paranormal Activity series has been highly praised and very very profitable. Low-budget production costs create films that make three times the initial cost to make the movie in their opening weekends. PA3 takes the cake.

The series is a bit of a mess to follow; the films start with PA3 and PA2 and PA1 happen almost at the same time. What you saw in Paranormal Activity was better explained in its sequel and what you saw in PA2 is fully explained in PA3. Somewhat confusing but think of a story going backwards. The ending in most movies is the most important part…but for Paranormal Activity it’s all about the beginning.

PA3 follows the young Katie and Kristi in 1988. “Toby” is summoned by an ancient coven of witches to give them power and wealth in exchange for the soul of the first born male in their family. This male was Hunter in Paranormal Activity 2. In PA3 “Toby” terrorized Katie and Kristi’s family, in PA2 “Toby” haunts Kristi’s family, and in PA1 “Toby” is the hoofed monster we see scaring the willies out of Katie and Micah.

In terms of acting and screen presence it’s gotta go to Jessica Tyler Brown as the young Kristi. Her emotions and conversations with “Toby” will make your hair stand straight up. Everyone else is nearly the same and the flashbacks of previous movies just make the setting and scenery all the more comfortable…in a very uncomfortable way. Comic-relief is short lived and the ending is a great way to close this series. I can safely say I see no other way for a fourth movie to be made…but Hollywood can do anything.

The film is entertaining and has a better overall effect on you than the previous two. The scare tactics are more genuine and you are able to see and witness much much more. “Toby” is a great secondary character and the fact that you never see him, never hear him, he’s just an omnipotent entity that wants to scare you, and does. The film doesn’t lose its momentum and ends at a highpoint. Camera work is, as usual, fidgety, fast, and all over the place but it works for the film’s screenplay. P.S.-the pan-camera is horrible and a fantastic idea.
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Do not let the trailer fool you! The movie differs significantly from the full length trailer and many of the tv spots. Scenes that actually make it into the movie include Randy saying you have to record this, Julie hanging at the top of the stairs, scenes from the initial birthday party, and some scenes of Kristi talking to the demon off-screen. Scenes that were cut include the girls playing the Bloody Mary, the girls huddling in the kitchen, the girls knocking on the closet door, the mother being flung onto the bed, the house on fire, any scene with the priest, the scribbles all over the storage space walls, Kristi throwing water on the demon and it flinging furniture around in front of the mother, Kristi walking along the balcony railing, jumping off, then running back up the stairs.

There’s no way I’ll ruin the film for you but you have to watch Paranormal Activity 3 and as much as I dislike it try and see it with a full theatre. Yes this is a full on theatre experience film and the best scares come from all the other people’s reactions. I recommend this film for fans of jump-scares and overall creepiness. 5/5 
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Bunraku (2010)  
118 min  - 
 Action | Drama | Fantasy  - 
 30 September 2011 (USA)

The story of a a young man who has spent his life searching for revenge only to find himself up against a bigger challenge than he originally bargained for.



Director: Guy Moshe
Writer: Guy Moshe (screenplay)
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson
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Bunraku (Boon-rah-koo) stars Josh Hartnett and Gackt as two martial artists seeking revenge on the same person, Nicola (Perlman). That one person is the deadliest man alive who controls the cities and towns and he has an arsenal of 9 killers under him to dispatch any foe in his way.
The setting of this film changes as the atmosphere changes. Bunraku takes alot of its sets, buildings, and story from traditional Japanese culture and it makes the story more enjoyable to see a cowboy without a gun (Hartnett) and a Samurai without a sword (Gackt).
The movie is entertaining but feels like an eternity is passing before the ending is viewed. The cast pulls off the film but most of the better dialogue is saved for Ron Perlman's character. Fight choreography is not topnotch but it is believable. Screenplay is odd at times with lacking emotion and random scenes thrown in for almost no point. Visuals on the other hand make the movie significant and beautiful to watch. It doesn't matter that most of it is green/blue screen, it's still nice to look at.
I give Bunraku 3/5 stars.

+ Unique Story and Atmosphere
+ Good Cast
+ Mike Patton is the Narrator
- Fighting Scenes
- Gackt's Acting 
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Rise of the Planet of the Apes(2011)  
105 min  -  Action | Drama | Sci-Fi   - 
 5 August 2011 (USA)

During experiments to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, a genetically-enhanced chimpanzee uses its greater intelligence to lead other apes to freedom.

Director: Rupert Wyatt
Writers: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, and 1 more credit »
Stars: James Franco, Andy Serkis and Freida Pinto
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Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a revolution film through and through. The story takes the premise of the original "Planet of the Apes" franchise but adds a new modern medicinal background to it. A new drug created to treat many ailments such as Alzheimer's is tested on apes and chimpanzees. this testing drastically increases their brain power and cognitive thought patterns and Caesar, the lead chimp and main protagonist, leads a revolution against Humans.

The film is wonderful, stunning CGI and graphics, and the plot rips and tears at the heart. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a depressing movie if you are an animal activist and you have compassion for other species, especially a species that is so closely matched to our own DNA. Andy Serkis is phenomenal as the motion-capture talent and the movie exceeds that of others to get you into the story, hold your attention, and make you feel something when the credits start rolling.

Almost everything in this motion picture is great; the sound, the graphics, the scenery, the CGI, the story, the emotion, all except for the acting. Andy Serkis does a better job of acting through CGI and motion capture with his body language and sounds than James Franco all together. I can't understand why James Franco can cry over Mary Jane Watson choosing Peter Parker but cant shed a tear for Caesar or his father. I'm not saying the pain and sorrow of his character has to cry or weep, but his character seemed hollow and unresponsive like a shell-shock victim.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a fantastic film that shows the realness of the Ape species, the abuse of Mankind, and the respect we should show other creatures. I give Rise of the Planet of the Apes 4/5.

+ CGI and Motion Capture is Top-Notch
+ Animal Revolutionary Tales are awesome
! Silverbacks and Orangutans are Awesome !
- James Franco's lack of emotion
- Humans are cruel
* I warn those who love animals to tread lightly while thinking about watching this movie. If you change the channel when a commercial for an animal shelter comes on t.v., or you can't bare to watch an animal in pain this may not be your type of movie.
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Blitz (2011)  97 min
Crime | Thriller
6 May 2011 (Turkey)

A tough cop is dispatched to take down a serial killer who has been targeting police officers.

Director: Elliott Lester
Writers: Ken Bruen (novel), Nathan Parker (screenplay)
Stars: Jason Statham, Paddy Considine and Aidan Gillen
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Jason Statham usually plays a hitman or a driver of some sorts on a massive rampage through many peoples faces and with a lot of anger. This movie puts "The Transporter" in the role of a hard-ass cop who's task in the film is to take down a cop-killing serial killer.

This British film flows well and feels good in all the right places but tends to gain a boring momentum towards the end of the film and ends with a classic turn of events that doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth. The cast is filled with distinctive characters and a few actors who have the goods and others who are uncomfortable to watch. Aiden Gillen, who plays Blitz, is a good example of a crazy character being portrayed correctly.

+ British Accents
+ Nice plot and solid delivery
- Lack of enthusiasm in acting and action
? Why is Jason Statham always wearing some sort of Cardigan or wool sweater in his recent movies?
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Noroi: The Curse (2005) 
Noroi (original title)115 min  -  Horror   -  20 August 2005 (Japan)

A documentary filmmaker explores seemingly unrelated paranormal incidents connected by the legend of an ancient demon called the "kagutaba."

Director: Kôji Shiraishi

Stars: Jin Muraki, Rio Kanno and Tomono Kuga
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I began watching this film because it was subtitled as one of the best Asian horror films to date. Being a movie buff and an Asian horror fan I jumped on this film with enthusiasm.
To put it bluntly I was let down and disappointed. 

Long review short the film follows a reported who tries to learn and understand ghost sightings, poltergeists, rare phenomena, and others while the way the movie is shot resembles The Blair Witch Project. The film is dreadfully boring and it's hard to keep your focus. With the film being in another language with subtitles, a lacking story, terrible acting, and a dizzying sense of camera control the movie is a bust. Almost no scary moments, no jump-scares, no Macguffins, no action, no chase scenes, nothing. Just an awkward plot and awkward characters.

I do not like giving bad reviews but a film that is so highly boasted and tagged with “the best ending you’ve ever seen” should make me feel good about watching it, but I feel like I wasted my time and attention.

I give Noroi The Curse a 1/5.
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