Filmerarium

[i_kender]

Beowulf - 

we saw this at the IMAX just before Christmas and I thought it was probably well-served by the giant screen and 3D effects... I thought it was a hilarious reading of the legend, well done for taking so many liberties! Good action flick, although I don't think the FX are quite there yet with motion capture. It worked well for some things (the awesome dragon fight, a young and fit Ray Winstone with bumpy abbs and, um, dangling participle) but not so well in others (I think the motion capture managed to make Angelina Jolie less attractive in some scenes, which should be a crime against humanity, and the faces and some textures still look far too blank and lifeless)

 Overall good solid blockbuster fun.

I Am Legend -

saw this just before New Years. I really enjoyed it. Slow thriller with the kind of empty post-apocalyptic city scenes we've already seen in 28 Days Later... but I don't mind wholesale stealing from previous films as long as it's done well! Will Smith was excellent... I'm not sure if I would have chosen him for the role myself. I think the occasional attempt to lighten the film were, although entirely necessary considering the unremitting gloom of other scenes, somewhat flat. Mind you, that is the reason Will Smith works in this film - he's very human, and it helps that the actor has loads of charisma. He is a good action and comedy star who can occasionally act, and that works for me. The plot? Really impressed. I never liked The Omega Man (I! AM! CHARLTON!) but I found the scientist struggling with his sanity and loneliness while still trying to find a cure under siege a great angle. I haven't read the origional book, but I might on the strength of this film. Having said that, I did have problems with a few very Hollywood plot elements - the usual schmaltzy bits, and the crowbarring-in of God towards the very end. And - yawn - an American flag in one of the very last scenes. I have no problems however with the idea of destiny... specifically characters fulfilling their plot-compelled destinies. It's usually, well, compelling to watch.

Superb film, well worth a watch.

Enchanted

- last night we saw Enchanted and I thought it was brilliant... a real feelgood film that had us in hysterics throughout. It even gently takes the mickey (ahem) out of many Disney conventions, and previous cartoons etc, which is a brave step for a Disney film... too much mockery and the whole souffle collapses... but is helped by a strong comedy script, some absurd song and dance routines, and outstanding performances, especially from the Fairytale characters. James Marsden in particular.

And now I will have to resist the urge to sing Disneyesque ballads, and prance around like a hyperactive Prince, for weeks!

More great films like these three please!

Anyone have anything to recommend?

Comments

[ravurian]

I called dibbs on James Marsden already! I need a Prince Edward icon PDQ...

[nightxade.livejournal.com]

Beowulf: Was going to see this or Legend, but the former was already out of theatres. My brother said he'd seen it in the IMAX and that sounds like a great plan. Must save up to do so.

and the faces and some textures still look far too blank and lifeless

That's my major problem with CG and company. J is certain this is the way of the future and we won't need live action anymore, but until they can truly "capture" emotion, I don't believe it. Even with live action/blue screen, there's a break between the actors trying to relate to something that's not actually there. Only a really good actor could potentially pull it off, but until I see one that can make me cry the way Claudia Black and Lani Tupu did in that Aeryn/Pilot reconciliation scene in Farscape, I'm fighting the power.

I am Legend: What you said.

he's very human, and it helps that the actor has loads of charisma.

I think he's a fantastic actor but get annoyed when he gets too Fresh Prince. I think he managed to keep that toned down fairly well in this film and was very pleased with scenes like Sam's death, saying hello to the mannequin, and dealing with meeting the woman and kid.

but I found the scientist struggling with his sanity and loneliness while still trying to find a cure under siege a great angle

I loved that!

I haven't seen either of the two previous movies, but I think I will have to pick up the book as well.

Enchanted: Haven't seen it, but the preview is on Ivy's Jungle Boox DVD, which played every morning for 2 weeks. Even those short clips were inspiring. Looking forward to it.

[blankbadge.livejournal.com]

Those were some damn good films although the final third of Legend really put me off the film as a whole. But Smith's acting was spot on.

There are some good films coming up too. I'm looking forward to No country for old men and Juno a lot.