REVIEW: ANT-MAN

 

 

Over the years, comic book publisher Marvel Comics has established itself as one of the powerhouse companies in the motion picture industry. It is quite unusual to see a company succeed financially in areas other than their core business. Under the company’s motion picture division Marvel Studios, they have produced several films based on their huge stable of comic book characters. These films has gone on to become financially successful and some even have received critical acclaim. In order to ensure continuity of interesting storylines and repeat business in ticket sales, they created the Marvel Cinematic Universe where every Marvel content is inter-related to one another. Marvel had great success in bringing both their popular and lesser-known comic book characters to the big screen. In 2015, Marvel is releasing two films; Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 2015) and Ant-Man, which is the movie I will be reviewing.

 Ant-Man is helmed by director Peyton Reed. The film stars Paul Rudd as the title superhero character. He is supported by Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Michael Pena, Bobby Canavale, Anthony Mackie, rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris, Judy Greer, and veteran actor Michael Douglas. Ant-Man is co-written by Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, and Paul Rudd. As with all Marvel’s feature films, Kevin Feige is the producer. Ant-Man is based on characters created by Stan Lee, Larry Leiber, and Jack Kirby.

 

Will Ant-Man be as heroically awesome as the rest of Marvel’s superheroes? Do read on…

Paul Rudd as Scott Lang checking out his Ant-Man suit

SYNOPSIS:
Back in the 1980s, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) is an inventor working for the government protection agency S.H.I.E.L.D. who gets upset when his superiors intend to replicate a technology he developed. The technology Pym conceived, gives the ability for a human being to shrink down from a grown person to the size of an insect and vice versa in a specifically design suit. Pym, knowing that his superiors would use his technology to cause damage, is furious with S.H.I.E.L.D. that he refuses to give up the secret formula of his technology and resigns from the agency. Fast forward to the present time, petty burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is released from prison and rejoins his old crew to score a new burglary job. However, the job was a set-up by Pym who intends to find someone worthy enough to wear his shrinking technology for the good. After choosing Lang to wear the suit as Ant-Man, Pym and his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), set out to stop Pym’s former assistant Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) who has managed to replicate the shrinking technology and intends to use it for evil purposes.

Paul Rudd having a discussion with Michael Douglas who plays Hank Pym

SCRIPT:
Light-hearted and well structured. As far back as the 1960s, Ant-Man is and always has been part of the stable of Marvel comic book superheroes. Therefore, it is no surprise that Marvel has been trying to make a film adaptation for the past few decades. The storyline and plots were well written. Despite all the tech jargon associated with the Ant-Man suit, the dialogue was easy to understand and the audience did not lose interest. Good characterization for all the main characters. Not too much of character backstories but it is kept minimal enough that it doesn’t become too boring. Great mix of comedy amidst all the action. I like the fact that the film is centered around a heist operation when the lead character is a burglar. Smart move. 

(L-R): Hope Van Dyne(Evangeline Lilly), Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hank Pym(Michael Douglas)

ACTING:
A very solid performance from Paul Rudd and I feel it was the perfect casting by Marvel. His performance borderlines charm, wit, and heroism. It is very hard not to like him in this film. Rudd fits the part. Evangeline Lilly and Corey Stoll managed to hold their own with okay performances. I loved the inclusion of Michael Douglas playing Hank Pym. Pym has been an integral part in the Marvel comics and his casting is the most perfect.

Hank Pym (Douglas) faces up to villain Darren Cross (Corey Stoll)

FILMING: 
It was widely publicized last year that writer Edgar Wright was supposed to direct the film. However, he left the project due to creative differences. Peyton Reed did well by stepping into the hot seat. He managed to carve an interesting story which can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Cinematography was alright. Editing was not too sappy but just enough to feel all the drama and excitement. The high points of the film are the visual effects which were really awesome. One can only imagine how cool the visual effects are since the lead character is able to shrink down to the size of an insect. Kudos to industry giants Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).

On set with Paul Rudd and director Peyton Reed

PACING:
Moderate pace. Not too slow, not too draggy, and not too fast either. Just nice to enjoy the movie.

 
DOWNSIDE:
Could be a little difficult to understand if you do not know about the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

UPSIDE:

For comic book fans, and Ant-Man fans in particular, this is a good beginning for the character. Great popcorn film while satisfying all types of fan base for Marvel.

Ant-Man in the shower?

OVERALL: 
Go and watch it!

RATING:
8 out of 10

 

 

REVIEW: TED 2

When major Hollywood movie studios releases a comedy film, they usually take the ‘safer’ route. There is a tendency to produce more family-friendly comedy films compared to foul-mouthed adult restricted films. Movies restricted to adults could dampen ticket sales at the box-office. However, there are several instances when R-rated comedy films were a commercial and critical success. One such instance was the 2012 hit Ted starring Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane. I will be reviewing its sequel titled Ted 2.

Ted 2 sees Seth MacFarlane return as the film’s director. Mark Wahlberg also returns as the lead star. Rounding up the supporting cast are MacFarlane, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, Jessica Barth, and Morgan Freeman. The writers include MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, and Wellesley Wild.

 
How will Ted 2 fair up to its predecessor? Do read on.

John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) and Ted (voice of Seth MacFarlane)

SYNOPSIS:

The film tells the story of a man named John Bennett (Wahlberg) who grew up with a teddy bear named Ted which, through an unexplained miracle wish from the first film, can talk, interact, and do physical activities like a human being. The film begins with Ted (voiced by MacFarlane) who is about to get married with Tami-Lynn, his girlfriend from the first film. Not long into the marriage, Ted and Tami-Lynn decides to have a baby through John as a sperm donour. However, the state of Massachusetts where they reside won’t recognize Ted as a person because he is a toy. John and Ted engages a young lawyer named Samantha Jacksoon (Seyfried) to represent them in the legal battle with many funny consequences along the way.

Ted and his wife Tami-Lynn (Jessica Gerth)

SCRIPT:

Very funny and mildly interesting. It is one of those films where the ending of the story is predictable. The writing style of the script is basically a rehash of the previous film. Title character gets into trouble while his human counterpart helps him. There is no backstory explanation for the characters as it is assumed that the audience has watched the first Ted film. I liked the first Ted film. Not only was it very funny, the film had good emotional drama which audience can feel symphatized. This sequel lacks that emotional connection. However, the comedy moments and jokes are just as funny as the first one and guaranteed to have a lot of laughs. There are a lot of  inside jokes that  references pop culture which was creative. The dialogue is full of profanity and not suitable for children under 17 years old.

Amanda Seyfried  as Samantha L. Jackson

 ACTING:

Wahlberg did well in this film. His performance is not much of a stretch when it comes to comedies. In this sequel, he has less scree time compared to the first film. Seyfried is a welcome addition to the cast but she did little to showcase her performance. Established actor Morgan Freeman was just there to give the film some boost in terms of star-power.

Samantha, John, and Ted in a diner

FILMING: 
Seth MacFarlane is famously known as the creator of Family Guy, an animated TV series on the FOX network in the United States. He did well for the first film, which marked his directorial debut, but I feel he slack a little bit on this sequel. The focus was more on specific funny scenes and moments. Sometimes it felt like there was a lack of emotional connection from scene to scene which is essential in keeping an audience interested. The visual effects for Ted the teddy bear is as usual very good.

Filming Ted with a stuffed teddy bear being used as a visual effects reference marker

PACING:

Moderate pacing. Good start, good middle, and good ending.

DOWNSIDE:
Lots of profanity is used in film and some drug use. Talking foul-mouthed teddy bear on screen is not for kids.

UPSIDE:

A very funny film that will guarantee laughs.

Ted at his job in the supermarket

OVERALL: 
I feel the first film was much better than this sequel. Good laughs and light-hearted storyline. However, please note that you MUST see the first film in order to understand Ted2.

RATING:

7 out of 10

 

REVIEW: JURASSIC WORLD

 

I would like to apologize to my regular blog readers for not updating for so long. I have been busy with working on two projects simultaneously and it has taken a lot of my time. I will try to update more movie reviews from now on. Jurassic Park was released in cinemas June 12^th, 2015.

In 1993, a movie title Jurassic Park made film history by setting a benchmark in standards of how movies are made to this very day. The film was directed by legendary director Steven Spielberg based on a novel written by the late Michael Crichton. Back then, the production value (design, cinematography, visual effects, practical effects, etc.) was ahead of its time. I was awed when I watched it then and still feel the same way when I watch the movie now on satellite TV or DVD. Two sequels have since been made, The Lost World and Jurassic Park 3. Now, there is a third sequel (fourth film) titled Jurassic World which features an extension of the initially story with a whole different vibe to it, at least that’s what I see based on the film’s trailers.

The fourth installment is directed by relative newcomer Colin Trevorrow. The film stars Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, B.D.Wong, and Irrfan Khan. The writers for the film are Trevorrow, Derek Connolly, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver. Spielberg serves as Executive Producer while Patrick Crowley and long-time Spielberg collaborator Frank Marshall produces.

How will the fourth film fare compared to its predecessor? Do read on…

Claire Dearing (Howard) and Owen Grady (Pratt)

SYNOPSIS:

Set a couple of decades into the future, a fully functional theme park attraction based on the previous proposed Jurassic Park is opened to the public on a remote island with a new name Jurassic World. Besides being a theme park attraction, the island also consists of a research facility which monitors the many species of dinosaurs on the island. In order to boost attendance, a new dinosaur species is created by lab scientists. Theme park manager Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) is tasked to oversee this new ‘creation’. When things start to go wrong, she seeks the help of resident dinosaur trainer Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) to investigate.

 

Dearing nephews played by Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins

 

SCRIPT:

Quite organized and enjoyable. The script has a quite a good structure as it follows three separate plots which connects into one major plot. Despite several loopholes in the plots, it is easily understandable and does not lose so much attention. Some plots can be a little far-fetched but it is meant to be that way. The dialogue was a little overblown with scientific jargon but still understandable. There were good comic relief moments but too little of them to even out the mood of the film/ I liked that the film explored a ‘unique’ relationship between humans and dinosaurs.

 

Owen and Clair make a discovery

 

ACTING:

Pretty fair and exciting. The film’s lead actors Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard did very well in their roles. The supporting actors were fairly mediocre was just there to fill in blanks. Most of their performance were based on the element of fear for dangerous situations. After the recent success of Guardians of the Galaxy, Pratt puts in another fine performance to enhance the film.

 

Bryce Dallas Howard as park manager Claire Dearing

 

FILMING: 

Director Colin Trevorrow is relatively new to the Hollywood scene. I think he did an exceptional job in handling a big budget Hollywood studio film. The action was good and exciting. However, he lack the ability of carving a smooth story which eventually became a little messy. The production design was great and the visual effects were top notch.

 

Director Colin Trevorrow directing Chris Pratt

 

PACING:

A little slow at first but picks up pace in the middle which slowly build to an exciting climax.

TONE (MOOD):

Innocent lives are faced with deadly danger and tensions build among the heroes as they aim to stop more destruction from threatening lives.

 

Director Colin Trevorrow using his viewfinder to compose a shot

 

DOWNSIDE:

The plot can seem a little too far-fetched and ridiculous. A bit too ‘kiddy’ for adults to enjoy at times.

UPSIDE:

Great visual effects, sound design, and action.

Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) the Velociraptor trainer

OVERALL: 
It is a summer ‘popcorn’ film. Semi-okay story and full of adventure.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10

 

REVIEW: AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

For the longest time ever, I have been a fan of comic book superheroes and have taken a liking to Hollywood film adaptations of them. Therefore, it is no surprise that I am extremely eager to watch this movie I am about to review. After a tremendous billion dollar box-office success with The Avengers in 2012, comic book publishers Marvel green-lit a sequel for release in 2015.

The sequel in titled The Avengers: Age of Ultron. Joss Whedon returns to the helm to direct and write the film. The sequel reunites the cast from its predecessor; Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johannson, Jeremy Renner, Paul Bettany, Samuel L. Jackson, and Cobie Smulders. Joining the assemble cast are Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olson, and James Spader. As with all Marvel films, Kevin Feige returns as producer.

Will the sequel be better than the first film? Do read on…

Avengers Assemble!

SYNOPSIS:
The assemble of Earth’s mightiest heroes known as The Avengers is on assignment to retrieve Loki’s (villain from previous film) scepter hidden by Hydra in an Eastern European country. After successfully completing their mission, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) decides to use the energy from the scepter to create a robot with artificial intelligence named Ultron. To their surprise, the robot Ultron begins to take a life of its own and is hell-bent on destroying Earth. It is up to our superheroes to stop it.

Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.)

SCRIPT:
Scattered and mildly strong. Following the success of the first film which received raved reviews for its storyline, uncommon for comic book superhero films, this sequel was slightly disappointing. Although the storyline is pretty straight forward, at times it tends to cramp a lot all at once. It seems that Marvel is trying to set-up multiple storylines for future films involving each individual superhero character. In other words, there are too many sub-plots to supplement the main storyline plot. This eventually led to more dialogue scenes to explain a lot of what is going on in the film. On the bright side, the wit and humour is as good, and maybe even better, than the first film. Quite good characterization of roles as we get to see more of the human side of our heroes rather than focus on their special abilities.  

Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth)

ACTING:
With an ensemble cast of established actors in one film, it is expected for each and every actor to bring their best to the screen. I am happy to say that all perform well. I particularly liked the performance of the new cast in Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, and James Spader. Although we only hear Spader’s voice, he sounded menacing as the main villain of the film. Paul Bettany, who in previous Marvel films only provided the voice of Stark’s artificial intelligence software Jarvis, is given a bigger role as a live-action member of the cast. His performance is remarkable and somewhat a scene stealer for the film.

Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson)

FILMING: 
Excellent but can be a little over the top. Director Joss Whedon is known to be true comic book fan. In my opinion, Whedon brought comic book artistry to life in the first film. He does it again with the second film and it is just as exciting. As with blockbuster movie franchises such as this, movie studios tend to provide more budget to produce sequels. Whedon took advantage of this by staging more spectacular action sequences and included more visual effects compared to the first film. Everything is on a bigger scale this time around. The visual effects are top notch and there are some very creative shots.

Director Joss Whedon on set with Clint Barton / Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner)

PACING:
Moderate at best. When there is a lot of dialogue to explain the film’s plot, it feels a little slow. However, it is balanced out with some wit and humour the Joss Whedon ‘style’.

Tony Stark / Iron Man building Ultron

TONE (MOOD):
As the world is faced against an unpredictable force of evil, our Earth’s mightiest superheroes must put aside their ago and petty differences to protect humanity from what could be a global disaster.

Newcomers Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen as twins Quicksilver and Scarlett Witch

DOWNSIDE:
The editing could have been better. Multiple sub-plots can be turn-off for audiences.

Director Joss Whedon giving some pointers to Elizabeth Olsen

UPSIDE:
Great action sequences and visual effects which is complemented by some nifty sound effects design.

Captain Amerca / Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) in action

OVERALL: 
Personally, I feel the first film is better than this second film. However, it is worth a watch because it is highly entertaining. It is not necessary to watch the first film in order to understand the second film but it would be a better experience have seen both.


RATING:
7 out of 10.

REVIEW: FURIOUS 7

 

Back in 2001, a little known film about the world of street car drag racing titled The Fast and the Furious made its debut in cinemas. The film became a surprise hit and to this date has spawned six more sequels for a total of seven film in the movie franchise. Personally, I am a fan to the film series and have watched every movie in the film series. This seventh film in the series is not only anticipated because of its popularity but also due the fact that one of its leading actors did not complete the film. During a hiatus in production, actor Paul Walker was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident.

 
The seventh film in the film series is titled Furious 7. A new director is at the helm in the name of horror master James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring, Insidious). The film reunites the core cast members from the previous films; Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Jordana Brewster, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Joining the star-studded cast is action star Jason Statham and veteran actor Kurt Russell. Asian star from Thailand Tony Jaa also has a small role. The film is written by Chris Morgan and is produced yet again by Neal H. Moritz.

How will the seventh installment fair up this time? Do read on…

Muscle, fast cars, and family.

SYNOPSIS:
Dominic Torretto (Vin Diesel) and his gang return home to Los Angeles in hopes of starting afresh after their previous mission saw them defeating terrorist Owen Shaw (Luke Evans). As they are about to settle down with their families, Owen’s elder brother Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) vows vengeance by threatening the lives of their loved ones. Deckard is revealed to be a very formidable foe. At the same time, a secret government organization led by Kurt Russell is also after Deckard. Together, the organization and Torretto’s gang form an alliance to track down Deckard.

(L-R): Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Paul Walker, and Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges

SCRIPT: 

The storyline is surprisingly good and engaging. It has just the right amount of action and drama to make the film interesting. Despite the plot being a continuation of the previous sixth film, it can actually function as a stand-alone film even if the audience hasn’t watched the previous installments. There are also good comedic scenes to give the film some balance in between the action and drama. The plot is easy to understand and does not feel complicated. Even though there are many characters, each role is given sufficient time to develop. The film also managed to squeeze in a romantic subplot between the lead characters which fan of the film series will understand. There is a pretty moving tribute to Paul Walker in the end.

 

Dominic Torretto (Vin Diesel) getting ready for an action.

 

ACTING:
The characters of the film series is pretty much rooted in toughness and machoism. Since the same actors are reprising their roles, there’s not much stretch of the imagination required by the actors. I am pleased to say that everyone brought their ‘A’ game to the film. The addition of Jason Statham as the villain and Kurt Russell as a sort of ‘elder statesman’ brought freshness to the film. I liked the fact there is more screen time given to Tyrese Gibson and Chris “Ludacris’ Bridges to expand their roles as the film’s comic relief.

Jason Statham plays Deckard Shaw.

FILMING:
To be honest, I had doubts that James Wan would be able to pull it off directing an action film. Wan is known for horror films and I didn’t see how he could fit in enhancing the film series. I am pleased to say that he squashed my doubts and did a fantastic job in directing the film. The shots were creative in particular the action scenes. The fight scenes were choreographed neatly and the intensity was gripping. Some action scenes were quite intense which could make the audience member cringe in fear. The visual effects blended in seamlessly into the film which make it as though they were filmed using practical effects.

Star Vin Diesel and film's director James Wan

PACING:
Good pacing and rarely boring. Although at times when the pacing was slow, it managed pick-up pace with good dialogue and minor action scenes.

TONE (MOOD):
A group of ragtag criminals who intend to turn a new leaf must band together once again to battle an unexpected cunning enemy while risking their lives and loved ones.

The late Paul Walker in an action scene

UPSIDE:
Good story and good action scenes. I dare to say that it is even better than the previous films. Good mix of drama in between the testosterones of the film. Many positive elements of family, brotherhood, and teamwork.

DOWNSIDE:

Some plot lines and character development are related to previous films. If you haven’t seen previous film installments, you might not understand.

Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) battle it out with Deckard (Jason Statham)

OVERALL:
In my opinion, this is the best one of all the seven films. The previous films were bombarded with constant action scenes while this film has a good balance. For fans of fight choreography, seeing Vin Diesel and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson go up against Jason Statham is worth the price of the ticket. I really like it!

For Paul

RATING:
8.5 out of 10