Cut to the chase

The movie I'm reviewing is Peter Berg's The Rundown. This film is about a 'retrevial expert' by the name of Beck (The Rock, The Scorpion King), who is sent to retrieve the son of his boss, Travis Walker (Sean William Scott, Bulletproof Monk). He finds himself in Brazil, lost in the jungle on the run from a mob boss of sorts by the name of Hatcher (Christopher Walken, Gigli). Also starring Rosario Dawson (Men in Black II).

This movie starts with a bang and keeps setting off the fireworks for the entire film. Some unique fight scenes, beautiful scenery, and stunning scene changes mixed with a fun script equals a worthwhile film. The Rock was well cast as Beck, forgoing the 'Euro-fu" and using the skills he already has for the fights. Seann William Scott brings his unique brand of comedy to the film. Coupled with long time favorite Walken, the film, that could so easily be bad, is a homerun. I have to say I was very impressed with the fight scenes, and the comic relief was witty and well written. Definately worth watching!


Scott and the Rock

Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Labels: Action

posted by Lisa at 5:06 p.m. |

 
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

The third movie in the Harry Potter series is finally scheduled for release. June 4, 2004 is the date choosen making it a strong contender for the summer blockbuster season. It will be interesting to see how Michael Gambon does with the role of Dumbledore. It has also been announced that Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson will keep their roles for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

posted by Lisa at 2:19 p.m. |

 
An immortal battle for supremacy

Today's movie is Len Wiseman's Underworld. This is a story about a war between vampires and lycans, or werewolves, that has raged for nearly a thousand years. Kate Beckinsale (Serendipity) plays Selene, a vampire warrior, helps a young man named Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman, Dark Blue), who is being hunted by the lycans. Together, the two unearth a conspiracy that has been six centuries in the making. Also starring Shane Brolly (Deadly Swarm), Michael Sheen (The Four Feathers), and Billy Nighy (The Lost Prince).

In all honesty, I am not a fan of either Beckingsale or Speedman, and went to see this film because the trailer looked interesting. I was pleasantly surprised. Luckily, neither Beckingsale or Speedman had a lot of dialoge, which likely contributed to my enjoyment of the movie. The change from human to werewolf was done incredibly well, probably better than I've seen. Scene changes were also something that impressed me, the film flowing flawlessly. There were parts of the movie that were clearly influenced by The Matrix, but that is to be expected because, quite frankly, what action movie of the last few years hasn't been influenced? The story was quite good as well, implementing some new and unique ideas to the old stories of vampires and werewolves. In all, it was well done, entertaining and worth watching.


Speedman, Sheen and Beckingsale

Rating: 3.25 (out of 5)

Labels: Action, Fantasy

posted by Lisa at 2:17 p.m. |

 
The Time Has Come

The time has come for me to finally have the time to catch up on my reviews. Once Upon A Time In Mexico from director Robert Rodriguez. Starring Antonio Banderas (Spy Kids 3-D), Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean), Willem Dafoe (Finding Nemo [voice]), Ruben Blades (All The Pretty Horses), and Salma Hayek (Spy Kids 3-D), this is a film with more twists and turns than one can imagine. Legendary assassin El Mariachi (Banderas) is tracked down by dirty CIA agent Sands to kill his long time enemy. However, it turns out that this isn't the only hit planned in Mexico.

I rather enjoyed the film personally. It had twists, turns, suprises and laughs. It keeps you guessing throughout. Banderas was very good, playing the dark brooding character. In my opinion however, Depp once again stole the show with his bizarre character Sands. In all, I think the film was very well cast although I find myself wondering why the hell Hayek is on the poster when all of her scenes are the ones in the trailer. Definately worth seeing.


Banderas and Hayek

Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

Behind the disguise of good hides the soul of evil

The next review I'm doing today is Brian Helgeland's The Order. Alex Bernier (Heath Ledger, Ned Kelly) is a member of an arcane order of priests known as Carolingians. When the head of the order dies, Alex is sent to Rome to investigate mysterious circumstances surrounding the death. The body bears strange marks on the chest which may or may not be the sign of a 'sin eater', a renegade who offers absolution, last rites and therefore a path to heaven outside the jurisdiction of the church. Alex enlists the aid of his old comrade Father Thomas (Mark Addy, The Time Machine) and of a troubled artist named Mara (Shannyn Sossamon, The Rules of Attraction) upon whom he once performed an exorcism. He soon finds himself plunged into a mystery only to find himself at the heart of it. Also starring Benno Furmann (The Princess and The Warrior), and Peter Weller (Styx).

I admit to a certain amount of skepticism whenever I see another 'religious' movie, not being particularly devout myself. And really, how many films can you make about good vs. evil; God vs. Lucifer? Probably the thing that really stands out about The Order is the fact that they don't spend half the movie giving you a lesson in theology. It is all stated as though fact, and strangely this made it seem more believable. At first I was a little skeptical when it became clear that Ledger was a priest, but as the film moved on, I was impressed despite my reservations. There is a depth to Ledger's talent that I had not seen before. Addy I have always enjoyed, and there was no disappointment here. The same can be said about Furmann, although I have to say there were a number of times were Furmann threatened to steal his scenes. My only major critique would have to be the length. It seemed to be a very long film with a few unnecessary scenes. A good movie, but I would recommend waiting and watch it in the comfort of your home.


Furmann and Ledger

Rating: 3 (out of 5)

Labels: Action

posted by Lisa at 12:27 p.m. |