Monday, April 20, 2009

Movie Review: The Wrestler












(All images copyright of Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Well, here's another movie review and what a movie this is. A gritty, heart wrenching, look at a professional wrestler past his prime, but unwilling to give up the faded glory of the years gone by. Through shear force of will, and stubborn pride, this aged warrior gives new meaning to the term "self-worth". Knowing all too well that what he does will eventually kill him, he continues alone in his quest to hold his head up high in the only way he knows how. A stellar performance by Mickey Rourke that makes you really feel for the guy even up to the end. He should have won the Oscar for his performance.

This movie really moved me in ways I never expected it to do. It's another must see.  It's not a happy movie, but it really is a must see.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Movie Review: Monsters vs Aliens





(All images copyright of DreamWorks Animation)

Normally, I would not be doing a movie review unless I was really impressed by a movie. Well, I was impressed today. As someone who has seen way too many movies in my time, it is difficult to impress me, but impress me this one did. Don't let the cheesy title fool you. Well, on second thought, maybe you should let it give you an idea of exactly what it's about. It's a silly romp of gigantic proportions. Think Shrek, but even funnier.

The movie is a riotous blend of 50's monster movies along with our current aliens and sci-fi technology stuff thrown in for good measure. Taking a newly formed "monster" in the persona of Susan, aka "Ginormica", under their wing, the story essentially revolves around a rag-tag group of misfit monsters, who seem more human than the humans, as they battle to try and save the Earth from an alien bent on taking over the world. Along the way, almost every major reference to every major monster and/or sci-fi movie made is thrown in for good measure. You would have to be quite knowledgeable in these genres to catch them all. But, don't let any lack of knowledge here distract you from all the fun to be had. There is sadness, happiness, and the inevitable bonding of the lovable characters as they get to know each other and save the day.

Oh, and it's also in 3D with the requisite glasses needed for viewing. But, don't let that turn you off. This is the absolute best 3D movie I have ever seen. The 3D glasses are polarized to red and green so they look just like regular sunglasses without any visible colour filter to them at all. They are comfortable enough for you not to even notice them after a few minutes of wear. The only distraction is that they darken the screen ever so slightly. Again, this will be unnoticeable after a few minutes. And, this is a must see at the theatre. The small screen at home will not do it any justice at all.

I loved the characters, I loved the movie. Go see it!