Across the Universe Review

I raved about this movie several times last year. Well, I finally bought the dvd (which came out today), and I have to say it was even better then I expected.

Since I have already expressed my love for the soundtrack in one of my previous posts, I will talk about my favourite scenes and impressions of the movie instead.

The combination of 3-D visual effects, puppetry and dance give it a great theatrical feel. And of course it doesn't hurt that Julie Taymor actually comes from the theatre. The underwater kiss, sliding in the bowling alley, and the army recruitment scene were among my absolute favourites (superb choreography and visual effects).

The fact that all the actors sing the songs live (instead pre-recorded lip-syncing) provided a real emotional depth and really helped to sell the movie and it's characters. Jim Sturge's (Jude) voice makes you believe in everything he's singing.

Joe Anderson (Max), despite not being a singer (like most the cast) does a marvelous job. I've listened to his version of "Hey Jude" over a hundred times now and I still can't get enough. Both these guys voices posses a sort of raw venerability that just draws you in.

As for the women I really liked the contrast between the soft soothing tones of Evan Rachel Wood (Lucy) and the raspy Janis Joplin-like quality of Dana Fuchs (Sadie).

The only scene in the film I wasn't really fond of was the circus bit. Although it looked visually stunning and artistic, it felt unnecessary. I don't know, I didn't really get it.

Before I saw this movie I read a lot of mixed reviews a lot of people said they walked out either at the beginning or middle of the film. And a lot of them apparently walked out during "Dear Prudence". Which I really don't know why since that number was absolutely awesome.

I honestly don't know what's wrong with those people, the singing was superb. I guess some people are real sticklers for originals, (especially when it comes to the Beatles).

There were also a lot of people who complained the movie didn't have much of a plot. It does, but since it's a musical the plot is loosely entwined in the songs.

Actually the focus is more on themes, like love, peace, etc. I think if the movie had a separate plot along with the songs it would have been a completely different animal, not too mention extremely long lol. So I prefer this version.

I honestly can't say enough about this film, simply put it's a mastery of visuals and music. So if you haven't seen it yet (shame on you), go out and rent it!. I guarantee it's one you'll enjoy again and again.

Mini Die Hard 4.0 Review

Just saw the new "Live Free or Die Hard" aka Die Hard 4.o flick and found it highly enjoyable. Lots of witty banter and over the top outlandish stunts and action sequences.

The car crash into the helicopter looked cool unrealistic but way cool. This movie has more techno-babble and gadgets then you can shake a stick at. As a geek I found that to my liking, but it probably made a lot of other people yawn lol.

I liked Justin Long in this movie he has pretty good chemistry with Willis maybe not as good as Sam Jackson, but he's definitely believable as a terrified hacker and injects some nice humor throughout. John McClane's cynical humor is of course a staple of all the Die Hard movies and this one doesn't disappoint. Well some people might say different since it lacks it's quota of the f words, but I digress.

I absolutely loved the actress who played the grown up Lucy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), John McClane's daughter. She had some classic scenes, and definitely knows the Die Hard movies well.

I was a bit disappointed with the bad guy in this one, but that's probably because he relied on all the high tech tricks rather then your standard drag out knuckle fight. Not to say that the film doesn't have any, McClane throws in plenty of punches in this one too.

And I do wish they had done a bit more research on government interiors, instead of having some that looked like sets out of a sci-fi movie. But with all the fast paced action and the wise-cracking you quickly forget about it.

Every Die Hard movie had that one scene or one line that became an instant classic, in this movie that scene occurs towards the very end, I won't say what it is because it'll ruin it. I will say this it certainly makes up for the unsatisfactory bits (at least to all the true Die Hard fans).

I would definitely see this one again, and I'm thinking of getting it on DVD. I can't say whether this one is the best in the franchise, because I haven't seen the first 3 movies in years and this one comes 12 years after the last.

But I can certainly say that after 12 years Bruce Willis is still the man!, at 52 years old he still looks as imposing as ever and still fits his character like a glove. Not having much recollection about the other 3 I was able to enjoy this one more since I wasn't comparing or over-analyzing it.

Out of all the sequels to come out this summer, this one definitely doesn't suck.

The Chronicles of Narnia Review

To cheer myself up a bit I rented The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe that came out on DVD today.

And I gotta say I was definitely not disappointed. I thought it was a wonderful interpretation of the book.

The movie stayed true to the book I think only 2 or 3 things were changed to make the movie flow better but other than that it was exactly like the book.

Since the book was written so well I don't think the Director had too many problems with the dialogue. I guess the thing that took the longest was all the CGI.

Speaking of the Director I thought New Zealander Andrew Adamson (same guy who directed both Shrek movies) did a wonderful job. And kudos to the casting department for choosing the right actors to play the kids, especially the one who played Lucy Pevensie.

Very believable and engaging performances all around. Also absolutely loved the actress who played the White Witch, she was just as chilling in the movie as she was in the book if not more so kudos to her.

The CGI is pretty amazing as well I loved the beavers, cracked me up:D. The wolves and mythological creatures were also well done.

Then of course there was Aslan himself, they did a wonderful job with him although I'm not sure I would have chosen Liam Neeson as the voice of the lion. I guess they chose him 'cause he does have a very deep one.

And as for the scenery, well this was another excuse for me to watch some more of New Zealand's beautiful landscapes.

For those who don't know I have a total obsession with this particular country lol.

All in all it was very enjoyable, since I read the book as a kid I always wanted to see the movie adaptation and who better to do it then Disney?.

Again they did an outstanding job. And from what I have read Disney plans to turn all 7 books into film so I can't wait for the next one. Although it's a long wait next one doesn't come out till 2007. I think if I had kids this would definitely be the movie I would take them to see. Because its one that adults would thoroughly enjoy as well.

If I had to rate this movie I would give it 4/5 stars, the only thing that was lacking was not enough special features. I would have loved to have seen more of the making of Narnia.