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E.J. reviewed...
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
Star Trek Into Darkness retains the humour, charm, and eye popping… More
Star Trek Into Darkness retains the humour, charm, and eye popping visuals that made its predecessor such a phenomenal work. I was slightly disappointed with a subplot involving a possible war between the Klingons and the Federation that was suddenly dropped halfway through. The film is also not quite as dark as the trailer would suggest, relying a lot on humour and a sense of tongue in cheek fun. Aside from that, Benedict Cumberbatch is incredible as the narrative's central villain. You aren't likely to see a creepier villain in a summer movie this year. The friendship between Kirk and Spock is the heart of the film, and director JJ Abrams never loses focus in their developing relationship at every turn. A great sequel for fans of the original, die-hard Trekkies, as well as anyone who enjoys watching blockbusters with intelligence.
1 day ago via Flixster
E.J. reviewed...
The Great Gatsby (2013)
Baz Luhrman's The Great Gatsby is gorgeous to look at and is quite… More
Baz Luhrman's The Great Gatsby is gorgeous to look at and is quite possibly the most unique film adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's novel to date. Having said that, it probably will have more of an appeal to those who haven't read the book. It runs about twenty minutes too long and is never quite as enthralling as Fitzgerald's prose. The cast is amazing, but some of the novel's most memorable moments - particularly the TJ Eckleburg billboard, the hit and run, as well as the flashing green light - have lost much of their poetic significance in translation to the screen. All in all, I'm not sure if I can recommend this film as a good adaptation of the book - and because The Great Gatsby is my all time favourite book, I'm exceptionally critical of this film - but I can certainly recommend it as an honest and faithful tribute, one that is certainly a visual feast if nothing else.
4 days ago via Flixster
E.J. reviewed...
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Not as good as the original, but a vast improvement over the second… More
Not as good as the original, but a vast improvement over the second installment, Iron Man 3 is well made and eager to make you laugh at almost every turn.
The film frequently resorts to comedy - and Robert Downey Jr. has some of the best lines in the entire movie - to mostly cover up the dark thematic material that revolves around a ruthless psychotic terrorist known as the Mandarin. The Mandarin is played brilliantly by Ben Kingsley. His army of minions give Tony Stark a real run for his money since they all seem to be made out of fire.
Plot holes aside (ie: how exactly do you kill these minions?), the story is engaging and entertaining. The action scenes are nicely edited together with more than enough explosions that would impress even Michael Bay. The performances, particularly by Guy Pearce and Gwyneth Paltrow, are well done, even if some actors (Rebecca Hall and Don Cheadle) are incredibly underused.
I can't imagine a 4th film in this series, since I can't see any reasonable excuse to continue the Iron Man saga. Hopefully, director Shane Black and Marvel will quit while they're ahead, as this is a sequel that's definitely worthy of concluding the series.
16 days ago via Flixster
E.J. reviewed...
The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)
Schnectady, New York: A town filled with people desperate to get out,… More
Schnectady, New York: A town filled with people desperate to get out, corrupt officials, and kids with troubled pasts. It's the kind of town that you would never visit or even pass through unless you had to. The Place Beyond the Pines is a film about this town over a fifteen year span. It is an emotionally draining experience, but not necessarily a fulfilling one. The story's twists and turns are more predictable than director Derek Cianfrance seems to think they are. And just like Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines moves along with a kind of self-importance that often crosses the line from art to pretentiousness. All in all, a watchable film but not one that really requires more than one viewing.
18 days ago via Flixster
