Oops, We Missed a Few (2)
Keepin’ up with the tradition of sequels, we’ve decided to offer you a sequel to “Oops, We Missed a Few!”:
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
If you haven’t seen the latest, greatest animated movie yet, you definitely need to. It’s a bold, colorful take on a Dr. Seuss Classic, The Lorax brought straight from the creators of Despicable Me. The Lorax is an environmentally friendly tale that warns the characters and the audience of the ramifications deforestation and global warming could have if they continue at such alarming rates. Fortunately for this story, the little bears are cute, the little fish are cool and what more could you ask for? There’s a Despicable Me short to open the film – all of that and this movie look pretty awesome in IMAX 3-D! The Lorax boasts the vocal talents of Danny DeVito (The Lorax), Zac Efron (Ted), Taylor Swift (Audrey) and America’s Sweetheart (and the totally awesome) Betty White (Grammy Norma). It’s a great film for animation enthusiasts, children or just for anybody looking to have a funny and ironically satisfying escapist journey. And it’s likely you’ll leave the theater thinking, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing’s going to get better. It’s not.” Though, toward the end there’s a reveal (involving the Once-ler) that Dr. Seuss may not have been too happy about. Pay close attention, it’s something that’s not in either the book or the original 1970s TV special presentation and for that, some points need to be deducted.
Grade: A-
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
A sequel to 2008′s Journey to the Center of the Earth, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is pure fun-filled adventure with incredible action sequences, vivid imagination and comedy galore. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Josh Hutcherson (soon to be in the upcoming Hunger Games franchise), Michael Caine, Vanessa Hudgens and Luiz Guzman, Journey 2 touts a cast that surprisingly works well together. Shot in the same 3D technology as AVATAR, Journey 2 has some impressive moments but pales in a side-by-side comparison to the film it received its technology from. But should there be one thing that comes from this movie, it’s that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is right at home with this opportunity to showcase his charismatic and comedic side. Let’s just say, there’s more to Dwayne than just the “pec pop of love” (which is a scene much funnier in its entirety) as him and Michael Caine enjoy some solid, great back and forth humor. It’d be a treat to see those two reunite on the screen again (perhaps in the third film…maybe? Please?). The premise is simple, Sean (Hutcherson) partners with his mom’s husband, Hank (Johnson) to find his grandfather (Caine), who’s though to be lost on the mythical island of Atlantis. (Watch this and it’s a guarantee that almost everyone would love to have one of those mini-elephants!).
Grade: B+
Declaration of War (France)
French independent film Declaration of War tells the dramatic and sometimes comedic story of two parents, Romeo (Jeremie Elkaim) and Juliette (Valerie Donzelli), who must unite in the struggle to save their son’s life after he’s been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Based on the true story of the co-authoring actors Jeremie Elkaim and Valerie Donzelli, the film explores a difficult subject with irony, finesse, happiness and heartbreak, but never loses its exuberance for life, or it’s joie de vivre as the French would say. It’s full of bright colors, a dizzying but dazzling score and a well-written and honest screenplay. This story comes off brilliantly, and rightfully so, considering Valerie Donzelli also directed this feature film that highlights people and their relationships to one another.
Grade: A+
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
The American-made documentary feature title Jiro Dreams of Sushi tells the story of an 85-year old man and sushi master, named Jiro Ono, who owns and operates a world-renowned restaurant from the basement of a Tokyo office building. The film explores the challenges Jiro has overcome to be where he is today and the challenges his sons are set to face when the times comes for them to succeed him in the ”family business.” If you’re a fan of sushi or just a fan of documentaries in general, this exquisitely photographed documentary is for you, it looks like a professional chef’s cookbook in motion.
Grade: B+
Maybe we’ll make this “Oops” a three-peat and bring you yet another installment in the very near future!
-Bobby-james
Trish Stratus sizzles in “Bounty Hunters”
Former WWE wrestler and seven-time Women’s Champion Trish Stratus makes her feature film debut in Bounty Hunters, the official selection of the Actionfest film festival (2011). The low-budget Canadian film makes its worldwide debut this month (official release date February 28, 2012), showcasing and boasting an all Canadian cast and crew. Though it would likely never be in contention for major awards or critical acclaim, Bounty Hunters exists to showcase its strikingly beautiful leading lady Trish Stratus and its intense, kick-ass and awesome action sequences.
Beginning with a nicely stylized voice-over introduction (that could honestly open a Zack Snyder movie), the film tells the story of three down on their luck bounty hunters, Jules (Trish Stratus), Ridley (Frank Zupancic), and Chase (Boomer Phillips). The group rounds up their first criminal, who promises he can make it worth their while if they release him. After considering his proposition, they decide to take on a bounty that could net them $100,000. But mob boss Hal (Joe Rafla) wants their target for himself and increases the reward to $1 million. Their luck has seemingly changed, but this is the mob and nothing is a simple transaction.
Unfortunately, but expectedly, there are shortcomings to this story, including a severe lack of character development (sorry team, five seconds of exposition for each of your three leading characters isn’t enough) and some acting ability, or inability, rather. The profanity-laden script is disjointed and is full of gaping holes and uncertain and unbelievable moments. None of the characters receive full development either, but they’re endearing in each of their own ways, which is why the audience will give a damn, especially about Chase, the most developed character of them all. Worst of all though is the Hal (mob boss) character. Actor Joe Rafla has a less than intimidating presence, which could have been partially remedied with some classic, low-angle, villainous shots? This guy just isn’t a believable mob boss – part of which is his problem, with his on-again-off-again, poor Italian accent and part of this is the fault of the writers for the horrendous dialogue he’s given.
Jules (Stratus) vs. Ruby (Lui) in a final, exciting confrontation.
But never fear, Bounty Hunters isn’t terrible, it’s got many comedic and entertaining moments and Trish Stratus is quite great in her role as Jules (as she should be since it’s been confirmed that the role was fashioned with her in mind), she certainly is a charismatic performer. Despite Stratus’ charisma though, this film would have soared higher had it been purely a comedy rather than a dramatic action film with comedic moments. The amount of clichés and stereotypes on display are quite humorous, making it, at the very least, an entertaining and enjoyable experience. For example, following an amazingly awkward and funny scene at a diner, there’s a fight sequence in a bathroom after Ruby’s (Andrea James Lui) introduced. She is sent to retrieve car keys and a battle ensues with Chase (Phillips), to which he ultimately replies, “What the f—!? Everybody knows Asian’s can’t drive!” It’s these little moments of brilliance partnered with some witty and sharp dialogue, an awesome and fitting score, and amazing action sequences that create the golden lining for this film. A golden lining that’s sure to have it added to several guilty pleasure lists (you know, movies such as The Hot Chick or The Mummy).
Speaking of action, in various interviews promoting Bounty Hunters, the film’s star (Stratus) touted the cast completed all their own stunts and when you see the action you’ll agree it’s worth two thumbs up, especially the fight scene in the back of the ambulance! It’s interesting to think how much better the film could have been with a clearer focus, stronger script and perhaps a more sizable budget. But you know what? Forget-about-it, who doesn’t love a hot blonde in high heels dominating the world around her and leaving a body count behind? Trish Stratus sizzles in this film from start to finish and that at least makes this worth a view. Bounty Hunters runs approximately 80 minutes and is rated R for language, violence, some sexuality and nudity.
Grade: B-
Bobby-james
P.S. – Keep an eye on your company, you wouldn’t want it to turn into a junior hockey game would you? (It’s a hilarious reference you’ll understand after you see this).
As Seen By Awards … the winners are …
First let’s announce our READER OF THE YEAR:
The “Reader of the Year” is someone who consistently followed our site and provided a great deal of feedback that our authors could read, use, learn or grow from. We thank all of our readers for their continued support, but the “Reader of the Year” was actively involved in our site on a regular basis. And that person or those people is/are:
Well, it was a tie, congratulations to Paulie and CMrok93 – thank you both for hangin’ in there and letting your voices be heard!
And now, may we have the envelopes to determine the winners of the first annual As Seen By Awards:
Achievement in Cinematography
The Tree of Life – Emmanuel Lubezki
Achievement in Editing
The Artist – Anne-Sophie Bion, Michael Hazanavicius
Achievement in Special Effects
Real Steel – Lou Carlucci, Ken Cornett
Achievement in Art Direction
Hugo – Alastair Bullock
Best Original Score
The Artist – Ludovic Bource
Best Original Song
“Bridgeof Light” – Happy Feet Two (performed by: Pink)
Best Screenplay – Adapted
The Descendents – Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
Best Screenplay – Original
The Artist – Michael Hazanavicius
Best Performance by an Actor in a Voice-Over Role
Elijah Wood – Happy Feet Two (“Mumble”)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Voice-Over Role
Abigail Breslin – Rango (“Priscilla”)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Christoph Waltz – Water for Elephants
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Jessica Chastain – The Help
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Jean Dujardin – The Artist
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Michelle Williams – My Week With Marilyn
Achievement in Directing
Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist
Animated Feature of the Year
Happy Feet Two
Documentary Feature of the Year
Pink Saris
Feature Film of the Year
The Artist
There they are. The first annual winners of the As Seen By Awards. The Artist wins big, nabbing wins in 6 of the 9 categories we nominated it for. Followed byHappy Feet Two, which had 3 wins, of its 6 nods.
Thoughts? Comments? We want to know.
-Bobby-james
Ooops! We missed a few!
Just in case you were wondering what your favorite film review website thought about some movies that unfortunately didn’t capture reviews here on As Seen By:
Contraband -Released 1/13/2012 – Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale
To protect his brother-in-law from a drug lord Chris Farraday (Mark Wahlberg), a former smuggler, heads to Panama to secure millions of dollars in counterfeit bills. This film was one that was a slow-to-start action fest that was as memorable as the duration of its run-time but still, it boasted some nice acting on part of the players and some pretty kick-ass action sequences. Rated R, runs 109 minutes.
Grade: B-
Big Miracle - Released 2/3/2012 – Starring: Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski
In small town Alaska, a news reporter named Adam (Krasinski) recruits his ex-girlfriend Rachel (Barrymore), a Greenpeace activist, to help on a campaign to save a family of Gray Whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle. Billed as an animal drama, expectations were high. The result was a mediocre, somewhat overwrought emotional roller-coaster that unfortunately, saw the need to include a cameo from Sarah Palin? Still, there’s no denying that the Alaskan scenery and the whales are the stars of this show. Rated PG, runs 107 minutes.
Grade: C
Safe House - Released 2/10/2012 – Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds
A young CIA agent (Reynolds) is tasked with housing Tobin Frost (Washington), a most-wanted, highly dangerous fugitive, at his Safe House. The safe house is compromised and attacked, leading Matt Weston (Reynolds) on the journey and thrill-ride of his life. The actors are outstanding, especially Washington, the mystery and intrigue is intense and the third act twist is one only about half of the audience maybe saw coming. Other than that, there’s just something that isn’t quite right and it’s difficult to identify. All in all, solid action flick! Rated R, runs 115 minutes.
Grade: B+
The Vow – Released 2/10/2012 – Starring: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum
After Leo (Tatum) and Paige (McAdams) are in a rear-end car accident, in the hospital, Leo comes to find Paige has lost her memory and that he must work to gain her trust and earn her love all over again. Tatum gives one of his strongest performances to date and McAdams is charming and as always. Billed as a The Notebook meets Dear John this film will work its way into your heart and be regarded as one of the memorable love stories told on the silver screen. Jessica Lange delivers a stand-out supporting performance in a year that’s seen her career that’s experiencing a resurgence. The Vow is both heartbreaking and endearing. The Vow is rated PG-13 and runs 104 minutes.
Grade: A-
There you have it! Let us know – did we get some scores wrong or were they right on track? Sound off in the comments.
Bobby-james
“The Hunter” takes a tense and stunning trek through the outback
Australian director Daniel Nettheim delivers The Hunter(2011) over the magnificent backdrop of the captivating Australian wilderness. From the start it’s clear that one of the inadvertent stars of this film will be the countryside of “the outback” itself, which includes a beautiful shot of Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) in silhouette. Then again, maybe everything, including the outback as a character is intentional in this film, which is underscored by a prominently environmental agenda.
Mercenary Martin David (Willem Dafoe) is sent from Europe by Red Leaf, a mysterious biotech company, to scour the Tasmanian wilderness (more specifically The Upper Florentine) for the last remaining Tasmanian Tiger. It’s believed that the tiger possessed a natural venom capable of paralyzing its victims – Red Leaf wants to harness that power.
The Tasmanian Tiger (scientific name Thylacinus cynocephalus). Was there such a thing? Is it extinct or has it survived and simply remained elusive? Presently, the Tasmanian Tiger is a fabled creature, like the Bigfoot or Chupacabra of America, with many unconfirmed sightings. Historically, the Tasmanian Tiger was the modern world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, once thriving throughout Australia and Papua New Guinea. Due to excessive hunting by early European settlers in the area, the tigers became extinct on the mainland and survived only on the island state of Tasmania. That is, until the entire species was driven to extinction in the wild in the early 1930s by farmer Wilf Batty (who’s credited with killing the last known of the wild creatures). Finally, the species as a whole was met with extinction when the last surviving captive tiger, “Benjamin,” died in the Hobart Zoo in 1936. Since 1999, cloning efforts have been in place (which is lightly addressed in the film).
Hunter, which seems to be a perfect, natural role for actor Willem Dafoe - he has the gritty and innocent, yet resilient and intelligent look needed to play the part. Particularly interesting is his character’s (Martin David) affinity for the perils of nature, warm baths and opera. Perhaps this is a completely peaceful and tranquil combination but to some viewers, this may seem unrelated and requires a “connect the dots” process. It would also seem that Australian films have a knack for developing or using really outstanding child stars, the case here as well, as Morgana Davies (“Sass Armstrong”) shines again, as she did in 2010′s dramatic feature The Tree. Davies this time is tasked with portraying a bold, foul-mouthed child who runs the home while her mother’s ill. She’s adorable and a completely puzzle-perfect fit for the part.
The most impressive performance, however, comes from Finn Woodlock as “Bike Armstrong.” In the entire film, Bike never says one word but is essential to furthering the story with hand-drawn art and gestures. Even at a moment when he screams and what he’s yelling is obvious from lip-reading the director makes the decision to keep him silent – which is extremely effective in helping this child (not that he needed it) gain empathy from the audience.
It’s difficult not to be completely involved in this film because there are many elements hard at work – other than the acting. For instance, the film’s editing (by Roland Gallois) and score (by Andrew Lancaster, Michael Lira and Matteo Zingales) create an uneasy tension that tends to dominate environmentally driven films – think the 1988 film Gorillas in the Mist starring Sigourney Weaver. The score and editing work the same here, as this film is always full of tension essentially asking if Martin David will share the same fate in Australia as Dian Fossey did in Africa. Additionally, the scenery and landscapes throughout The Hunter are awe-inspiring and captivating (like the shots or rolling clouds, or those of the Tasmanian Snow Gum trees [above], or the overhead shot of the lagoon), it’s easy to see how many filmmakers could become lost in natural beauty – good thing director Daniel Nettheim knew how to use just the right amount.
The Hunter, also starring Sam Neill and Frances O’Connor, runs 104 minutes, is not rated and is not currently scheduled for a U.S. release.
Grade: A
Bobby-james
