The Hangover Part II
Viewed: 5/28/2011
The original Hangover was an epic summer comedy that embraced the ridiculous humor of classic films like Ferris Bueller's Day Off--featuring an over-the-top adventure and unforgettable characters. This summer, the trio whose misfortune gave us one the most delightful comedies of the decade, are once again wasted and hungover on disaster...but the high isn't quite as palatable as the first film. This is mainly due to the fact that it is essentially the exact same story, only in Bankok instead of Las Vegas. It's a raunchy summer movie, that is fun for fans of the first, but it doesn't pack the unexpected punch everyone had hoped it would deliver.
Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, and Ed Helms return as Phil, Alan, and Stu who travel to Thailand with their buddy Doug (Justin Bartha) for Stu's wedding. Despite precautions to prevent what happened at the last bachelor party, once again the unmanageable wolf pack uncaps their insanity within and engages in an evening of unspeakable deeds. Unable to remember anything, they wake up, unsure of where they are, how they got there, and where Stu's fiancee's little brother is. So, once again they must search for clues to piece their night back together so that they can once again locate a missing person in time for the groom to say "I do".
The essential formula from the first plot is still present, the same basic time line is followed, and most of the events and plot twists are just mad-libs of the first movie. Even the soundtracks sound exactly the same and utilize the same type of music in the exact same instances. Though there are some great one-liners, hysterical physical comedy, and some surprising moments, the movie was far too predictable since it was barely a new story at all. With all the crazy situations that could have happened, or even with the ones that did, it was unsettling that the redundancy of a wedding, a missing person, animal shticks, mistaken identity, and mobster dealings had to come into play again. Really, this film is probably just as funny as the first one, and if the weddings were switched around this could have been the first one with Las Vegas as the sequel's location. Since the first one was so great, it cannot be said that this one is not an excellent comedy as well, but it fails as a sequel. If it was re-titled: The Hangover... Again, the repetition may have been more acceptable. If any plans exist to get those three trashed one more time, breaking away from the formula and turning them loose could give the series back the shock value that sky-rocketed the original to its blockbuster status. In the meantime, go ahead and enjoy the familiarity and new fun brought by The Hangover Part II as much as you can.
About Me
- Shannon Fox's Movie Blog
- I am obsessed with movies. I love spending the day watching them. I am a Theater Performance major but I've explored the technical side of theater as well. My love for writing and critiquing has led me to create this blog to share my thoughts on films I see. These will mainly be new films I am discovering but I may go back to films I've seen previously as well. As a guide I'm using personal-interest, suggestions, and 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Game
The Game
Viewed: 5/19/2011
It has been over a week since I watched The Game, directed by David Fincher (Fight Club, The Social Network) and I knew as soon as it was over that I wanted to a review of it. However, I found that when I sat down to right it I had no idea what to say. It took me awhile but I eventually realized that if it left me speechless for this long, it must have been an absolutely incredible movie.
The Game stars Michael Douglas; He plays Nicholas Van Orton, a wealthy financier who is surrounded by luxary and driven by routine. On his 48th birthday his brother (Sean Penn) bestows upon him a simple invitation to join a "club" known as C.R.S. (initially standing for Consumer Recreation Services). Membership to the club is shrouded behind a veil of secrecy that inhibits Nicholas from understanding anything except that each member plays a personalized game. Perhaps out of curiosity, or perhaps out of boredom, Nicholas applies and when his game begins it is more than he ever bargained for.
The film's story is intriguing and the pacing and dialogue work together to entice the audiences' inquisitiveness: immediate scoffing of such an absurd organization, peaks in interest, uneasiness, terror, confusion, paranoia, and a desperation to unravel the mystery seize the audience and put them in the same situation as the main character. It's been awhile since a movie has made me jump at my own shadow, but The Game had me crawling out of my skin. It is chilling and maddeningly enslaving as your brain craves an answer to the insane tactics exploited by the cagey company. The film yanks you to the edge of your seat and leaves you dangling perilously until the very end. The actors play their roles very well, but it is the plot and the exceptional composing of the story that make The Game so exhilarating.
The twisted ride of bewilderment and mistrust slams to an end with a closing sequence that is indescribably unexpected. A wave of emotion that included relief, perplexity, disbelief, awe, disappointment, bafflement, and reverence inundates the viewer and leaves them shaken and unsure of exactly how to process the events that have unfolded before them. It is literally either the most awesome or the most awful ending the story could have had. I'm leaning towards the former since I haven't been able to stop thinking about the film for the last week. Regardless of the absurdity of it all, The Game is a non-stop thriller that is engaging and enjoyable and should definitely be added to anyone's 'must-see' list.
Viewed: 5/19/2011
It has been over a week since I watched The Game, directed by David Fincher (Fight Club, The Social Network) and I knew as soon as it was over that I wanted to a review of it. However, I found that when I sat down to right it I had no idea what to say. It took me awhile but I eventually realized that if it left me speechless for this long, it must have been an absolutely incredible movie.
The Game stars Michael Douglas; He plays Nicholas Van Orton, a wealthy financier who is surrounded by luxary and driven by routine. On his 48th birthday his brother (Sean Penn) bestows upon him a simple invitation to join a "club" known as C.R.S. (initially standing for Consumer Recreation Services). Membership to the club is shrouded behind a veil of secrecy that inhibits Nicholas from understanding anything except that each member plays a personalized game. Perhaps out of curiosity, or perhaps out of boredom, Nicholas applies and when his game begins it is more than he ever bargained for.
The film's story is intriguing and the pacing and dialogue work together to entice the audiences' inquisitiveness: immediate scoffing of such an absurd organization, peaks in interest, uneasiness, terror, confusion, paranoia, and a desperation to unravel the mystery seize the audience and put them in the same situation as the main character. It's been awhile since a movie has made me jump at my own shadow, but The Game had me crawling out of my skin. It is chilling and maddeningly enslaving as your brain craves an answer to the insane tactics exploited by the cagey company. The film yanks you to the edge of your seat and leaves you dangling perilously until the very end. The actors play their roles very well, but it is the plot and the exceptional composing of the story that make The Game so exhilarating.
The twisted ride of bewilderment and mistrust slams to an end with a closing sequence that is indescribably unexpected. A wave of emotion that included relief, perplexity, disbelief, awe, disappointment, bafflement, and reverence inundates the viewer and leaves them shaken and unsure of exactly how to process the events that have unfolded before them. It is literally either the most awesome or the most awful ending the story could have had. I'm leaning towards the former since I haven't been able to stop thinking about the film for the last week. Regardless of the absurdity of it all, The Game is a non-stop thriller that is engaging and enjoyable and should definitely be added to anyone's 'must-see' list.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Thor
Thor
Viewed: 5/14/2011 & 5/21/2011
With movie ticket prices growing higher each year, and my status as a poor college student, I rarely choose to see movies multiple times in theaters. I had heard good things about Thor, which was surprising to me as I figured it was just another summer super-hero flick. I got some friends, who were on the same nerd level as me, and we went to see it mainly to do something off campus. We actually even took some funny pictures with the giant cardboard promotional hammer in the lobby...but that hammer wound up striking us right back. The standard set by the original Spiderman and Iron Man films: a super-hero film that delivers both awesome action and a momentous story, was certainly reached by this movie, but Thor also managed to shine as its own individual legend.
Thor tells the story of the prince of a divine realm (the title character), and his brother, Loki. Just as Thor is about to be proclaimed the new king by their father, Odin, a break-in by an ancient enemy occurs. Against his father's commands, Thor damages the agreement of peace previously established with them by launching a counter-attack, and he is banished to Earth for his tumultuous, haughty, and and impudent ways. Once there, the journey really begins as Thor forms relationships with a group of humans, and insidious plots unfold within his home, threatening the bonds between Loki, Thor, and Odin, as well as the safety of life on Earth. The plot itself may be familiar, but the presentation of it is undeniably entertaining and engaging.
First off, the graphics are divine. I absolutely hate it when movies depend on stunning CGI to sell a film, but when a script demands incredible effects, it's necessary to achieve amazing eye candy. This movie absolutely nails the visuals. The interstellar scenes are absolutely breathtaking; the architecture of Asgard (Thor's heavenly home) sports a spectacular look that modernizes Norse designs, creating an absolutely perfect setting for the gods' glorious dwelling; even the fight scenes are mind-blowing. The abilities of Thor's hammer, Mjollnir, are staggering in both execution and final result, taking the battle sequences to a fun and exciting level that is difficult to accomplish with today's audiences, who are used to super-powered sequences.
Deeper than the graphics alone is the strength of the movie that comes from it's incredible consistency. Much of the film goes back and forth between Earth and far away cosmic realms, but director Kenneth Branagh weaves the visuals, acting, costumes, editing, and even dialogue together in brilliant ways that give the movie a cohesive flow that never loses the audience's attention. Branagh has been known for his work in Shakespearean films, and perhaps it is because of that refined work that he is able to make a super-hero movie that is poetic and memorable.
Furthermore, Branagh's casting is absolutely impeccable. Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek) embodies Thor effortlessly. Physically, he seamlessly matched the traits Thor is characterized by, but his personification also appeals to modern ideals. His delivery was endearing as well. Though I doubt he'll be up for any acting awards, he played the ferocity, confusion, defiance, and development of Thor marvelously. He also does very well with the comedic scenes as Thor adjusts to life on Earth. The film didn't need a best actor, it needed the right one, and I don't think anyone could have pulled it off as well as he did. Tom Hiddleston is possibly the most outstanding performance in the movie, however. He plays the mischievous Loki, whose stoic appearance is electrified by his expressive eyes and frightening outbursts. A collected behavior at the beginning of the film cloaks Loki in an aura of mystery and power. But in the moments where Loki reveals secrets (or discovers them) his composure is over taken by the madness within and whether by bewitchingly subtle means or by straightforward eruptions, Hiddleston (who also has a Shakespearean background, and has worked with Branagh before) embraces Loki's despair so well that the audience has trouble discerning whether or not his actions should be revered or despised, making him the perfect antagonist for the film. Anthony Hopkins' Odin, Idris Elba's Heimdall, and Kat Dennings' Darcy Lewis are other standout characters that add interesting dimensions to the film. The only acting I felt fell short was Natalie Portman's--She plays Jane Foster, the scientist who finds Thor. Her role in Black Swan proved that she is very talented, and perhaps that caused me to expect more from her, but for some reason she just didn't connect and enchant as she has in previous roles. Instead she was flat and a bit annoying at times.Though her performance certainly doesn't contribute much, it does not diminish the quality of the others in the film, nor does it distract from the overall charm of the rest of the movie.
Thor is a perfect summer film. It is invigorating and amusing. Background knowledge of the comics is not necessary, and there are fun tie-ins to Iron Man 2--and some connections to the upcoming Avengers movie. Many supers will be rocking the box office this summer, and the mighty God of Thunder has paved the way for them as a supreme opening act.
Viewed: 5/14/2011 & 5/21/2011
With movie ticket prices growing higher each year, and my status as a poor college student, I rarely choose to see movies multiple times in theaters. I had heard good things about Thor, which was surprising to me as I figured it was just another summer super-hero flick. I got some friends, who were on the same nerd level as me, and we went to see it mainly to do something off campus. We actually even took some funny pictures with the giant cardboard promotional hammer in the lobby...but that hammer wound up striking us right back. The standard set by the original Spiderman and Iron Man films: a super-hero film that delivers both awesome action and a momentous story, was certainly reached by this movie, but Thor also managed to shine as its own individual legend.
Thor tells the story of the prince of a divine realm (the title character), and his brother, Loki. Just as Thor is about to be proclaimed the new king by their father, Odin, a break-in by an ancient enemy occurs. Against his father's commands, Thor damages the agreement of peace previously established with them by launching a counter-attack, and he is banished to Earth for his tumultuous, haughty, and and impudent ways. Once there, the journey really begins as Thor forms relationships with a group of humans, and insidious plots unfold within his home, threatening the bonds between Loki, Thor, and Odin, as well as the safety of life on Earth. The plot itself may be familiar, but the presentation of it is undeniably entertaining and engaging.
First off, the graphics are divine. I absolutely hate it when movies depend on stunning CGI to sell a film, but when a script demands incredible effects, it's necessary to achieve amazing eye candy. This movie absolutely nails the visuals. The interstellar scenes are absolutely breathtaking; the architecture of Asgard (Thor's heavenly home) sports a spectacular look that modernizes Norse designs, creating an absolutely perfect setting for the gods' glorious dwelling; even the fight scenes are mind-blowing. The abilities of Thor's hammer, Mjollnir, are staggering in both execution and final result, taking the battle sequences to a fun and exciting level that is difficult to accomplish with today's audiences, who are used to super-powered sequences.
Deeper than the graphics alone is the strength of the movie that comes from it's incredible consistency. Much of the film goes back and forth between Earth and far away cosmic realms, but director Kenneth Branagh weaves the visuals, acting, costumes, editing, and even dialogue together in brilliant ways that give the movie a cohesive flow that never loses the audience's attention. Branagh has been known for his work in Shakespearean films, and perhaps it is because of that refined work that he is able to make a super-hero movie that is poetic and memorable.
Furthermore, Branagh's casting is absolutely impeccable. Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek) embodies Thor effortlessly. Physically, he seamlessly matched the traits Thor is characterized by, but his personification also appeals to modern ideals. His delivery was endearing as well. Though I doubt he'll be up for any acting awards, he played the ferocity, confusion, defiance, and development of Thor marvelously. He also does very well with the comedic scenes as Thor adjusts to life on Earth. The film didn't need a best actor, it needed the right one, and I don't think anyone could have pulled it off as well as he did. Tom Hiddleston is possibly the most outstanding performance in the movie, however. He plays the mischievous Loki, whose stoic appearance is electrified by his expressive eyes and frightening outbursts. A collected behavior at the beginning of the film cloaks Loki in an aura of mystery and power. But in the moments where Loki reveals secrets (or discovers them) his composure is over taken by the madness within and whether by bewitchingly subtle means or by straightforward eruptions, Hiddleston (who also has a Shakespearean background, and has worked with Branagh before) embraces Loki's despair so well that the audience has trouble discerning whether or not his actions should be revered or despised, making him the perfect antagonist for the film. Anthony Hopkins' Odin, Idris Elba's Heimdall, and Kat Dennings' Darcy Lewis are other standout characters that add interesting dimensions to the film. The only acting I felt fell short was Natalie Portman's--She plays Jane Foster, the scientist who finds Thor. Her role in Black Swan proved that she is very talented, and perhaps that caused me to expect more from her, but for some reason she just didn't connect and enchant as she has in previous roles. Instead she was flat and a bit annoying at times.Though her performance certainly doesn't contribute much, it does not diminish the quality of the others in the film, nor does it distract from the overall charm of the rest of the movie.
Thor is a perfect summer film. It is invigorating and amusing. Background knowledge of the comics is not necessary, and there are fun tie-ins to Iron Man 2--and some connections to the upcoming Avengers movie. Many supers will be rocking the box office this summer, and the mighty God of Thunder has paved the way for them as a supreme opening act.
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