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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
Captain America: The First Avenger is a return to form for the Marvel comic-book film universe, and a solid final lead-up to the multi-hero film The Avengers, coming next year.
Chris Evans does a fantastic job of introducing us to the wiry little guy with guts who eventually becomes Captain America. Such unashamed, honest virtue is different from the typical superhero movie we’ve come to see over the last few years, and for good reason: internal conflicts often make for dramatic films. However, I don’t think such unwavering idealism would have worked with any other comic-book character than Captain America. Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones add heart to the movie, but the soul of this movie really is the Captain. Hugo Weaving as The Red Skull plays a satisfying villain here, but his motives aren’t clarified enough to warrant his fervor for evil. Hayley Atwell, playing love interest and British agent Peggy Carter does a more convincing job in her role than Hugo Weaving does in his.
The plot of the film was pretty standard fare. Hero battles villain. The ending was more climactic and earnest than I had expected walking into the theater, and it gracefully sets up the Avengers movie. Like many of the other Marvel movies of recent note, there is a decent amount of self-deprecating comic book humor that helps break up the slower parts between action scenes.
The effects of the film were solid. They were pulpy enough to feel like a Marvel universe, rather than our own, but they still carried the action to an exciting level. The art department and cinematographer did a good job recreating the 40’s asthetic throughout the film, though there was enough exotic comic book elements to bring you back into a world where superheroes really do exist.
Despite its own flaws, this is one of the better Marvel films to come out since Iron Man, and count me in to watch The Avengers next year.
Chris Evans does a fantastic job of introducing us to the wiry little guy with guts who eventually becomes Captain America. Such unashamed, honest virtue is different from the typical superhero movie we’ve come to see over the last few years, and for good reason: internal conflicts often make for dramatic films. However, I don’t think such unwavering idealism would have worked with any other comic-book character than Captain America. Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones add heart to the movie, but the soul of this movie really is the Captain. Hugo Weaving as The Red Skull plays a satisfying villain here, but his motives aren’t clarified enough to warrant his fervor for evil. Hayley Atwell, playing love interest and British agent Peggy Carter does a more convincing job in her role than Hugo Weaving does in his.
The plot of the film was pretty standard fare. Hero battles villain. The ending was more climactic and earnest than I had expected walking into the theater, and it gracefully sets up the Avengers movie. Like many of the other Marvel movies of recent note, there is a decent amount of self-deprecating comic book humor that helps break up the slower parts between action scenes.
The effects of the film were solid. They were pulpy enough to feel like a Marvel universe, rather than our own, but they still carried the action to an exciting level. The art department and cinematographer did a good job recreating the 40’s asthetic throughout the film, though there was enough exotic comic book elements to bring you back into a world where superheroes really do exist.
Despite its own flaws, this is one of the better Marvel films to come out since Iron Man, and count me in to watch The Avengers next year.
Maddie (37 KP) rated The Snowman (Harry Hole #7) (Oslo Sequence #5) in Books
Dec 5, 2017
Interesting Villian (1 more)
Chilling Setting
Token Crazy Chick (1 more)
Awkward Writing
Glad I read this before the film came out
I read this to get ready to see the film - which I did not end up going to due to abysmal ratings. So glad I did, because the case in this novel was incredibly compelling. It wasn't an earth-shattering tale, but stood on its own ground. The cold, Nordic settings lent itself to the isolated Harry Hole. Although predictable, I still felt for Harry and thought he was realistic enough.
The only things I would say were not in favor of the book were (1) There is a moment in the book where a female character kind of goes off the deep end...and (2) There is awkward writing where the author tries to slip in pop culture references that seem to come out of nowhere. Number 1 just didn't lend itself that greatly to the plot, and I really felt like it could have done without the incident altogether. And 2 just needed to be ignored.
Other than that, it was a very entertaining read and I'm glad I picked it up before the film ruined my perceptions!
The only things I would say were not in favor of the book were (1) There is a moment in the book where a female character kind of goes off the deep end...and (2) There is awkward writing where the author tries to slip in pop culture references that seem to come out of nowhere. Number 1 just didn't lend itself that greatly to the plot, and I really felt like it could have done without the incident altogether. And 2 just needed to be ignored.
Other than that, it was a very entertaining read and I'm glad I picked it up before the film ruined my perceptions!
Agnes Varda Between Film, Photography, and Art
Book
Agnes Varda is a prolific film director, photographer, and artist whose cinematic career spans more...
Tilda Swinton recommended Ring of Bright Water in Books (curated)
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Where the Wild Things Are (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
A film adaptation of Maurice Sandak’s beloved childhood tale of the same name, “Where the Wild Things Are” brings to life the worlds of Max a very imaginative child coming to grips with the emotional changes in his life. From his mom’s new boyfriend to his sister’s move into the teen years, Max is feeling very alone and runs away to a place where his needs are the first priority. In his world, Max is crowned king and he begins to deal with the issues of his real life through interaction and play with a variety of wildly imaginative monsters.
Taking a short children’s book and turning it into a compelling full-length film was the job of screenplay writers, David Eggers and Spike Jonzes, who also directed the picture. Among the film’s producers was Sandak and it shows. The film is seamlessly consistent with the original book while providing new and exciting content.
The roles are strongly cast from the lead of Max played by the up and coming Max Records, to that of the monster Carol voiced by James Gandolfini. The visual fantasy presented combines real and digital elements smoothly enough to accurately depict Max’s imagination while remaining realistic to the point of believability. Additionally, the fun yet abstract soundtrack manages to highlight the ups and downs of childhood exploration.
Seeming more like a masterpiece from Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki than an American created live action children’s film, the detailed crafting and imaginatively honest perspective created by “Where the Wild Things Are” takes viewers back into their youth. A delight that is enjoyable, heartfelt and true to the spirit of the book, “Where the Wild Things Are”, is a must see film for any child inside or out.
Taking a short children’s book and turning it into a compelling full-length film was the job of screenplay writers, David Eggers and Spike Jonzes, who also directed the picture. Among the film’s producers was Sandak and it shows. The film is seamlessly consistent with the original book while providing new and exciting content.
The roles are strongly cast from the lead of Max played by the up and coming Max Records, to that of the monster Carol voiced by James Gandolfini. The visual fantasy presented combines real and digital elements smoothly enough to accurately depict Max’s imagination while remaining realistic to the point of believability. Additionally, the fun yet abstract soundtrack manages to highlight the ups and downs of childhood exploration.
Seeming more like a masterpiece from Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki than an American created live action children’s film, the detailed crafting and imaginatively honest perspective created by “Where the Wild Things Are” takes viewers back into their youth. A delight that is enjoyable, heartfelt and true to the spirit of the book, “Where the Wild Things Are”, is a must see film for any child inside or out.
Harry Potter: Page to Screen
10.0
Rate It
Book
From the acquisition of the film rights to the casting of Harry, Ron, and Hermione and the assembly...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2322 KP) rated That Is Not a Good Idea! in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When a Fox invites a Chicken to join him for a walk in the forest, it is not a good idea. And as things continue to unfold, the bad ideas continue to evolve. But who are they bad ideas for?
This is another unique picture book from Mo Willems with pictures on some pages and dialogue on others, kind of like an old silent film. Then there’s a Greek chorus of baby chicks constantly giving the warning in the title. The end of the book contains a great laugh, making this book so much fun.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/09/book-review-that-is-not-good-idea-by-mo.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is another unique picture book from Mo Willems with pictures on some pages and dialogue on others, kind of like an old silent film. Then there’s a Greek chorus of baby chicks constantly giving the warning in the title. The end of the book contains a great laugh, making this book so much fun.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/09/book-review-that-is-not-good-idea-by-mo.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Female Narratives in Nollywood Melodramas
Donald Culverson and Elizabeth Johnson
Book
Female Narratives in Nollywood Melodramas investigates the role of women in nine Nollywood...
We Are the Best! (2013)
Movie
Three girls in 1980s Stockholm decide to form a punk band -- despite not having any instruments and...
Leah Lopez (7 KP) rated My Sister's Keeper in Books
Nov 6, 2019
I have read the majority of Jodi Picoult books. She knows how to write a good controversial book, making you see both sides to the story. The characters, in their own rights, are very likeable. My sister's keeper is a very powerful write, and it makes you realise just how fragile life can be. The film with Cameron Diaz was a bit poor, and there was a lot that was missing, and added that was not in the book.