While I enjoy all three of the previous "Mission: Impossible" movies, there are two major issues about them that have always bugged me :
1) Tom Cruise. Don't get me wrong, I think that the guy is talented and has great screen presence, but the "Mission: Impossible" television show was all about teams of spies working together to accomplish near-impossible feats of espionage derring-do. These new movies are so Cruise-centric that the coordinated effort of the team is basically shoved into the background so that he can jump around in slow motion like an action hero ("M:I 2" was the worst in this regard). His fellow team members are always underdeveloped, in a character sense.
2) The ultimate enemy in each of the first three movies turns out to be a rogue I.M.F. (Impossible Mission Force) agent which Cruise (as Ethan Hunt) must defeat in the end. The same idea used three times in a row? Come on, people, a little variety would be nice.
Well, kids, I'm happy to report that "Ghost Protocol" does indeed solve both of these issues and emerges as my favorite entry in the series, so far. Tom Cruise is still front and center, and still takes up the majority of the screen time, but team effort is emphasized far more and each of the team members is a fully developed character with a satisfying story arc, played by talented actors. Plus, there are no evil I.M.F. agents in the story. Instead, the main villain is Swedish terrorist known as "Cobalt" who's dead set on sparking a nuclear war between Russia and the United States. After the Kremlin is destroyed while Ethan and his team are attempting to infiltrate it, they (and the U.S.) take the blame, so the President initiates Ghost Protocol, which disavows every single I.M.F. agent in the world. Now, without any backup or support, Hunt and company must do their damnedest to stop Cobalt, who feels that nuclear war is a necessary stop on the road to ultimate peace (don't ask).
The plot is really nothing to write home about, and while the main villain is a welcome change from the villains of the previous "M:I" movies, he's not all that complex, although the motives for his actions are somewhat original. He's boring, but serviceable.
Side Note - Cobalt is played by Michael Nyqvist, who was the male lead in the original Swedish film version of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" trilogy. His female costar in those movies ("The Girl" herself) was Noomi Rapace, who can currently be seen in the rival action movie sequel, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows".
Side Side Note - I feel that "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" is slightly better than the first "Sherlock Holmes". Professor Moriarty is The Shit.
Side Side Side Note - Thank you for your endless patience.
Back to the Tom Cruise movie. Like I said before, the overarching plot is basic action movie stuff, but the individual spy missions and action sequences are expertly done, incredibly complex, and flow like well-choreographed dance numbers. The main man responsible for this is Brad Bird, making his live-action directorial debut with "Ghost Protocol". He previously helmed two of my favorite animated movies of all time, "The Iron Giant" and "The Incredibles" and, with a background at Pixar (he also made "Ratatouille"), the man sure knows how to merge action with deft character development. J.J. Abrams produced this one (he directed "Mission: Impossible 3) and brought some long-time collaborators like composer Michael Giacchino ("Lost", "Star Trek", "Up") and actors Simon Pegg and Josh Holloway.
As I also noted previously, Hunt's team in this film are all three-dimensional characters who could each carry a film on their own. Simon Pegg provides much of the humor (this is a surprisingly funny movie), reprising his (brief) role from "M:I 3". Jeremy Renner is exceptional as the reserved team member with a vital secret (who could easily have been a throwaway character, but gets the most moving emotional resolution out of all of them). And Paula Patton. . . my God. . . I've become an instant fan. She's a confident, talented actress, sexy as hell, with incredible depth behind her eyes, and she can kick ass very, very convincingly. Yeah, she's my new screen crush.
This is the first movie in the "Mission: Impossible" series that I will rush out and see again while it's still in theaters. See it in IMAX, if possible, as the wide-open IMAX format really helps increase the heart rate during certain high-climbing sequences, and the rumbling IMAX speakers really punch you in the gut during key moments. Also, while there are surprise cameo appearances by characters from previous "M:I" films, you really don't have to have seen them to be able to enjoy "Ghost Protocol". It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it does fix the problems of the previous movies and is just downright entertaining. It's one of the best action movies of 2011.
And Tom Cruise ain't bad, either.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Hugo (2011)
With his new film "Hugo", based on Brian Selznick's 2007 novel "The Invention of Hugo Cabret", Martin Scorcese has proven, after making everything from crime dramas to comedies to horror films, that he can also make an excellent kid's film (and an excellent 3-D film to boot).
Fine, Mr. Scorcese. You win. You're the King of All Filmmakers. Happy?
I'm really not bitter at all - "Hugo" is one of my favorite films of 2011. But explaining why I feel this way would delve into spoiler territory, and I just can't do that in this case. So this will be a somewhat short review.
I wasn't familiar with the source novel and I'd seen very few ads beforehand, so I had very little knowledge and very few expectations when going into this movie. But where this movie goes in its second half is, well. . . it's actually a bit personal. It delves into a subject near and dear to my heart, a subject I wrote my thesis on in college. And it also explains why the first half of this movie seemed kind of familiar to me, but I couldn't exactly figure out why. See, it's (largely) based on a true story, although the main character of Hugo Cabret is fictional, as are many of the supporting characters.
The movie takes place in Paris during the '30s. A young orphan boy named Hugo lives in a hidden maintenance room in Montparnasse train station, where he tends to the station clock. He also spends time searching for parts to help him fix a clockwork automaton that his father was obsessed with before he died. After getting caught stealing from a man who runs a toy shop at the station, Hugo embarks on a journey of mystery and wonder that will lead him, and another person, to a point of emotional salvation.
Asa Butterfield, the kid who plays Hugo, gets the thankless job of, like Daniel Radcliffe or Mark Hamill, being the "straight man" to a cast of unique and engaging characters, but manages to hold his own quite nicely. But, like the Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker actors, he still gets outshined by his costars. Ben Kingsley soars as George the toymaker, in what is easily his best role in years. Chloe Grace Moretz, as Hugo's vocabularily affluent friend, is a talented future star in the making, after this, "Kick-Ass" and "Let Me In". Then again, so was Lindsay Lohan, once upon a time. Hopefully Chloe won't go that route. Sacha Baron Cohen, as the orphan-hunting antagonist known only as Station Inspector, is incredibly funny and, like all of his comedic roles, completely unique. He's gonna be great as Freddie Mercury in that upcoming Queen biopic. The rest of the supporting cast is made of of many talented character actors, including Chrisopher Lee (legendary, though very frail-looking) and, probably the most underrated cast member, Helen McCrory as George's wife Mama Jeanne. She may be the most subtly complex character in the whole movie and is a joy to watch.
Scorcese knows what he's doing. He directs with a sure hand and the 3-D is very well utilized and not gimmicky - there's one scene in particular where the Station Inspector is leaning in towards the audience while interrogating a character offscreen, and it's both funny and uncomfortable. This may be my favorite 3-D movie of 2011. It's also a very loving ode to cinema of the 20s and 30s, with many tips of the hat to specific films of that era that, thankfully, are never distracting.
My only issue with this movie is one of preachiness. There is a message here - it's about film preservation, and it's a little obvious and in-your-face. I agree with the message, so it's totally fine with me. But, like I said, too obvious (inevitable, given the plotline).
This was the movie I saw after "The Muppets", and the second film in a row to get rousing applause from the audience I was with (applause at movies is pointless, but I understand the gesture). And the kids in the audience never got restless, which was a relief. I guess they know good stuff when they see it!
I may be leaving things a little vague in regards to what exactly surprised and delighted me about "Hugo", but I just can't spoil it. I fully realize that there are plenty of people out there who wouldn't actually care a great deal about being spoiled on the plot developments that I won't mention, but, dang it, you can only be surprised by a movie or book one time, and I just can't rob anyone of that experience. Or the slight possibility of having that experience. Just go see it, then decide if I was right or not.
Fine, Mr. Scorcese. You win. You're the King of All Filmmakers. Happy?
I'm really not bitter at all - "Hugo" is one of my favorite films of 2011. But explaining why I feel this way would delve into spoiler territory, and I just can't do that in this case. So this will be a somewhat short review.
I wasn't familiar with the source novel and I'd seen very few ads beforehand, so I had very little knowledge and very few expectations when going into this movie. But where this movie goes in its second half is, well. . . it's actually a bit personal. It delves into a subject near and dear to my heart, a subject I wrote my thesis on in college. And it also explains why the first half of this movie seemed kind of familiar to me, but I couldn't exactly figure out why. See, it's (largely) based on a true story, although the main character of Hugo Cabret is fictional, as are many of the supporting characters.
The movie takes place in Paris during the '30s. A young orphan boy named Hugo lives in a hidden maintenance room in Montparnasse train station, where he tends to the station clock. He also spends time searching for parts to help him fix a clockwork automaton that his father was obsessed with before he died. After getting caught stealing from a man who runs a toy shop at the station, Hugo embarks on a journey of mystery and wonder that will lead him, and another person, to a point of emotional salvation.
Asa Butterfield, the kid who plays Hugo, gets the thankless job of, like Daniel Radcliffe or Mark Hamill, being the "straight man" to a cast of unique and engaging characters, but manages to hold his own quite nicely. But, like the Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker actors, he still gets outshined by his costars. Ben Kingsley soars as George the toymaker, in what is easily his best role in years. Chloe Grace Moretz, as Hugo's vocabularily affluent friend, is a talented future star in the making, after this, "Kick-Ass" and "Let Me In". Then again, so was Lindsay Lohan, once upon a time. Hopefully Chloe won't go that route. Sacha Baron Cohen, as the orphan-hunting antagonist known only as Station Inspector, is incredibly funny and, like all of his comedic roles, completely unique. He's gonna be great as Freddie Mercury in that upcoming Queen biopic. The rest of the supporting cast is made of of many talented character actors, including Chrisopher Lee (legendary, though very frail-looking) and, probably the most underrated cast member, Helen McCrory as George's wife Mama Jeanne. She may be the most subtly complex character in the whole movie and is a joy to watch.
Scorcese knows what he's doing. He directs with a sure hand and the 3-D is very well utilized and not gimmicky - there's one scene in particular where the Station Inspector is leaning in towards the audience while interrogating a character offscreen, and it's both funny and uncomfortable. This may be my favorite 3-D movie of 2011. It's also a very loving ode to cinema of the 20s and 30s, with many tips of the hat to specific films of that era that, thankfully, are never distracting.
My only issue with this movie is one of preachiness. There is a message here - it's about film preservation, and it's a little obvious and in-your-face. I agree with the message, so it's totally fine with me. But, like I said, too obvious (inevitable, given the plotline).
This was the movie I saw after "The Muppets", and the second film in a row to get rousing applause from the audience I was with (applause at movies is pointless, but I understand the gesture). And the kids in the audience never got restless, which was a relief. I guess they know good stuff when they see it!
I may be leaving things a little vague in regards to what exactly surprised and delighted me about "Hugo", but I just can't spoil it. I fully realize that there are plenty of people out there who wouldn't actually care a great deal about being spoiled on the plot developments that I won't mention, but, dang it, you can only be surprised by a movie or book one time, and I just can't rob anyone of that experience. Or the slight possibility of having that experience. Just go see it, then decide if I was right or not.
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Muppets (2011)
On the the foxbusiness.com show "Follow the Money", host Eric Bolling and Dan Gainor, of the conservative Media Research Center, criticized "The Muppets" for its portrayal of a successful oil businessman (Tex Richman, played by Chris Cooper) as a villainous, money grubbing evildoer. They singled the movie out as being part of the Hollywood liberal agenda, yet another attempt to brainwash kids with pinko socialist thoughts. Having seen the movie a couple of times, and having heard these arguments, I have come one basic, inescapable conclusion -
Watching movies with Eric Bolling and Dan Gainor is absolutely no fun.
Just shut up and watch the movie, guys. Yes, I'm fully aware that Darth Vader and the evil Galactic Empire can be interpreted as a negative criticism of corporate America. Stuff some popcorn in your pie hole and go blog about it, AFTER the movie. I know that Hollywood is largely liberal, and that artistic types also tend to pour their personal feelings into their art, so I am aware that a bias exists - but I DON'T CARE. I love "The Muppets", it's one of my favorite movies of 2011. I also love the TV show "24", which is about as right-wing as you can get. Teach your kids to think for themselves, stop this needlessly divisive politicmongering (yes it's a real word, because I just made it up). Besides, it's not as if evil oil businessmen have ever existed in real life, right? Go away.
Okay, I'm done. I hate politics, especially these days. So now back to the movie. I've decided to post some of the many trailers for the movie, which are parodies of other movie trailers, all funny. It's my favorite ad campaign of the year, no doubt created by some hippie liberal scumbag marketing whiz over at Disney. Thank you, scumbag!
That first trailer gobsmacked my ass when I first saw it in theaters. Surprised the heck outta me.
Jason Segel and the always adorable Amy Adams play Gary and Mary, a loving couple who decide to celebrate their 10th anniversary (of dating) by going on a trip to Los Angeles. The only problem - Gary's Muppet brother Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) tags along, much to Mary's chagrin. Walter worships the Muppets (he and Gary watched "The Muppet Show" religiously, as kids), so Gary decides to surprise him with a tour of the Muppet Studios. Unfortunately, the lot has become rundown and the Muppets, no longer famous, have all gone their separate ways. To make matters worse, evil businessman Tex Richman has discovered oil beneath the theater and is planning to demolish the entire area. So Gary, Mary and Walter must reunite the Muppets and raise enough money to buy the land back from Tex, or else.
Here's their parody of "The Hangover Part 2" trailer -
So that's the plot. The rest is straightforwardly refreshing humor, Muppets-style. Writers Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller, as well as director James Bobin, are all clearly of the Muppet Generation (as am I), and if you have fond memories of "The Muppet Show" or the original Muppet movie trilogy, then it's a safe bet that you will love this (and get a little bit misty-eyed, as well).
Here's the "Green Lantern" parody trailer -
And, thanks the the new Muppet character of Walter, newbies have their very own gateway into the Muppetverse. In the showings I've been to, the adults in the audience seemed to enjoy the movie more than the kids. Case in point: as soon as four Muppet characters began performing a barbershop quartet version of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit", I knew exactly who this movie was aimed at. The kids also seemed to have fun, for the most part. This is an unconventional film for this modern age - it relies more on witty dialogue and good old fashioned sight gags rather than a constant barrage of fast-paced empty mayhem, like most kid movies these days.
Now for the parody of that excellent "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" trailer -
The musical numbers are well done (my favorite is "Muppet or Man"), and there are celebrity cameos galore (Jack Black gets the most screen time - the Muppets kidnap him and force him to host their fundraiser/variety show). The negatives? The "human" story of Gary and Mary's relationship, so strongly at the forefront in the beginning, kind of slips into the background as the story goes on, with the Muppets taking center stage (as they should). Funny, though - I liked those characters and wanted to see more of them. But that would have meant less Muppet time. And I wish there was more of Beaker and the Swedish Chef. They get their moments, but, you know, I'm just a wishful fan. . .
Here's the climactic trailer -
In conclusion, it's very funny, heartwarmingly nostalgic, and a welcome change from high-tech CG animals. Speaking of CG animation, "The Muppets" is preceded by a hilarious "Toy Story" short from Pixar (God bless D.J. Bluejay). I highly recommend.
Watching movies with Eric Bolling and Dan Gainor is absolutely no fun.
Just shut up and watch the movie, guys. Yes, I'm fully aware that Darth Vader and the evil Galactic Empire can be interpreted as a negative criticism of corporate America. Stuff some popcorn in your pie hole and go blog about it, AFTER the movie. I know that Hollywood is largely liberal, and that artistic types also tend to pour their personal feelings into their art, so I am aware that a bias exists - but I DON'T CARE. I love "The Muppets", it's one of my favorite movies of 2011. I also love the TV show "24", which is about as right-wing as you can get. Teach your kids to think for themselves, stop this needlessly divisive politicmongering (yes it's a real word, because I just made it up). Besides, it's not as if evil oil businessmen have ever existed in real life, right? Go away.
Okay, I'm done. I hate politics, especially these days. So now back to the movie. I've decided to post some of the many trailers for the movie, which are parodies of other movie trailers, all funny. It's my favorite ad campaign of the year, no doubt created by some hippie liberal scumbag marketing whiz over at Disney. Thank you, scumbag!
That first trailer gobsmacked my ass when I first saw it in theaters. Surprised the heck outta me.
Jason Segel and the always adorable Amy Adams play Gary and Mary, a loving couple who decide to celebrate their 10th anniversary (of dating) by going on a trip to Los Angeles. The only problem - Gary's Muppet brother Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) tags along, much to Mary's chagrin. Walter worships the Muppets (he and Gary watched "The Muppet Show" religiously, as kids), so Gary decides to surprise him with a tour of the Muppet Studios. Unfortunately, the lot has become rundown and the Muppets, no longer famous, have all gone their separate ways. To make matters worse, evil businessman Tex Richman has discovered oil beneath the theater and is planning to demolish the entire area. So Gary, Mary and Walter must reunite the Muppets and raise enough money to buy the land back from Tex, or else.
Here's their parody of "The Hangover Part 2" trailer -
So that's the plot. The rest is straightforwardly refreshing humor, Muppets-style. Writers Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller, as well as director James Bobin, are all clearly of the Muppet Generation (as am I), and if you have fond memories of "The Muppet Show" or the original Muppet movie trilogy, then it's a safe bet that you will love this (and get a little bit misty-eyed, as well).
Here's the "Green Lantern" parody trailer -
And, thanks the the new Muppet character of Walter, newbies have their very own gateway into the Muppetverse. In the showings I've been to, the adults in the audience seemed to enjoy the movie more than the kids. Case in point: as soon as four Muppet characters began performing a barbershop quartet version of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit", I knew exactly who this movie was aimed at. The kids also seemed to have fun, for the most part. This is an unconventional film for this modern age - it relies more on witty dialogue and good old fashioned sight gags rather than a constant barrage of fast-paced empty mayhem, like most kid movies these days.
Now for the parody of that excellent "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" trailer -
The musical numbers are well done (my favorite is "Muppet or Man"), and there are celebrity cameos galore (Jack Black gets the most screen time - the Muppets kidnap him and force him to host their fundraiser/variety show). The negatives? The "human" story of Gary and Mary's relationship, so strongly at the forefront in the beginning, kind of slips into the background as the story goes on, with the Muppets taking center stage (as they should). Funny, though - I liked those characters and wanted to see more of them. But that would have meant less Muppet time. And I wish there was more of Beaker and the Swedish Chef. They get their moments, but, you know, I'm just a wishful fan. . .
Here's the climactic trailer -
In conclusion, it's very funny, heartwarmingly nostalgic, and a welcome change from high-tech CG animals. Speaking of CG animation, "The Muppets" is preceded by a hilarious "Toy Story" short from Pixar (God bless D.J. Bluejay). I highly recommend.
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