Brad Pitt went to visit an audience for the movie at the Movie Theatre I used to work at...
I have never wanted to work there again so badly in my life than that day.
Based on the book of the same name by Max Brooks (Mel Brooks' son), "World War Z" tells the story of a man who is asked by the UN to escort a Doctor around the world to find a cure for the virus. From what I've heard, this movie is nothing like the book. But since I haven't read the book, I can not say that is a good or a bad thing. This movie starts off very fast and doesn't slow down much. From within the first five minutes it has you tensing up waiting for the zombies to pop out.
As you can see, I struggle with writing reviews about OK movies, mainly because there is little that stand out. While I did enjoy it, there isn't much to write about it. It was good. Not terrible. Not great, just good. So I apologize for this being such a lack luster review. Please forgive me.
Especially Evan, James, Kristin and Devin. I love you all.
Oh, and surprisingly Matthew Fox has a very small role in the movie. I thought that that was weird.
Sometimes, I feel some people are too hard on some movies. The internet has made everyone and their mother a cynic and has given them a platform to express their cynicisms. Hell, I used to be one and every now and then my cynical side comes back out, like a relapse for a recovering alcoholic. But mostly, I try to find the good in things and try to enjoy them for what they are. M. Night Shyamalan is a big target for the cynics. And apparently, his new film "After Earth" is no exception.
Not even The Fresh Prince can save him.
I feel as though M. Night Shyamalan is the Nickelback of the film industry. Everyone makes fun of him, but only a handful know why they do. The rest are just followers of the pack. Now, I'm not saying all of his movies are amazing. I'm just saying he was dealt a crappy hand. His first two major movies, "The Sixth Sense" and "Unbreakable" were arguably both masterpieces. I tend to agree with that sentiment. But since his two movies were fantastic, everyone expected every movie he made to be fantastic. And that is just statistically impossible. I mean, even Spielberg made "1941" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull".
Although, I mainly blame George Lucas for that one.
P.S. This was the tamest picture of this episode I could find.
Perhaps I just have a soft spot in my heart for M. Night Shyamalan. He's a fellow Philadelphian, and I first decided to do something with film as my career while watching "The Village".
Yes, I like that movie. Deal with it!
I don't think any of his movies are as bad as everyone says. I also believe whoever did his marketing between "The Village" and "The Happening" was the worst marketer in the history of films. If you watch "The Happening" with the minds set that it is an homage to B-movies, it becomes much better.
However, there is no excuse for "The Last Airbender". That's just terrible.
Anyway. Where were we?
Oh, that's right! Thanks Will!
"After Earth" is a coming of age story of Katai, the son of a legendary soldier named Cypher. Katai and his father find themselves left on Earth, now inhabited by wild life and an atmosphere that has evolved to kill humans. Their already strained relationship is tested as Cypher, unable to walk, guides his son through the landscape to the tail of their ship where he must retrieve the beacon that will send a distress signal back to their home planet.
Once again, pre-maturely sabotaged by poor reviews, "After Earth" is yet another one of M. Night Shyamalan's decent films that is attacked by the cynics of the world. I mean, it has a 12% on Rotten Tomatoes as of June 3rd, 2013, while "Oblivion" has a 55%. At least "After Earth" isn't a blatant rip off of a movie that was released less than 5 years ago. This movies got off to a slow start, but once it got going, it became very suspenseful.
This movie won't be the best movie of the year. It probably isn't even the best movie of the week. (I still have yet to see "Now You See Me") But it is far from deserving of the hate it is already receiving, much like most of Shyamalan's previous projects. But I guess people hate you when you make movies you want to make rather than being told by the studio what movies you should make.
An amazing opening scene to begin, followed by your typical revenge flick, "Dead Man Down" is nothing spectacular. But it is also worth the watch, if you're looking for a good action movie.
Set in New York, but also painfully obvious that some scenes were filmed in Philadelphia (1:55, Philadelphia City Hall can be seen through the window) "Dead Man Down" tells the story of a man who works for the mob. He is approached by one of his neighbors who threatens to send the police a video of him killing a man if he doesn't agree to help her kill the man that left her face scarred in a drunk-driving accident. Being a criminal and not particularly caring for human's he agrees.
You mean to tell me, I get off scott-free if I do
the same thing I do everyday? Deal!
But everything becomes complicated when he starts falling in love with the woman. Not really. Just ads spice to his life. What really gets complicated is when she finds out he actually only joined the mob to get close to the same man that killed his family, to keep them from testifying in a trial against him. But for some reason, his boss doesn't know what the man who was going to testify against him looks like. So it makes it quite easy for him to be accepted into the gang.
Like I said, this film is nothing special. It is filled with clichés and half-thought plot-points. The acting, cinematography and writing is good enough to keep the movie flowing, but it's nothing to write home about. Frankly, had it not been filmed in Philadelphia, I might not have seen it. But if you are bored one day, and have nothing to watch, "Dead Man Down" is a good time filler.
WARNING: Being from the Philadelphia Area, I have a small sense of obligation to like anything that has anything to do with Philly. So I may be a bit biased to this movie.
That being said, Silver Linings Playbook is a FANTASTIC movie.
Having just been released from a Mental institution, where he spent some time after an episode where he found his wife cheating on him, Pat (Bradley Cooper, Philly Native, you're welcome) finds himself back at his parents house trying to win the heart of his estranged wife back. He tries to better himself by working out and controlling his temper. Doing so, he meets a woman who also has had some issues since the death of her husband. The two agree to help each other out. She will give a note to his wife, who has a restraining order against him and he will be her partner in a dance competition.
Taking place in 2008, a rare great time for Philly sports, (Phillies 2008 World Series Champions!) Pat also bonds with his family over Philadelphia Eagles games. And the mention stuff about Philadelphia and such. And Cheesesteaks... did I mention Philadelphia? Sorry, it's rare that movies not by M. Night Shyamalan even mention Philly.
In all seriousness, Silve Lining Playbook is a warm hearted comedy that points out the humor in the flaws that make us all human. And really hits on the importance of family and friends, which everyone could appreciate. It is backed up by superb acting by all, including the greatly missed Chris Tucker! I missed him!
The only thing that would have made this movie better is if they mention the Philadelphia Flyers... This NHL lockout is driving me crazy! I NEED MY FIX! ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PHILLIES SUCKED THIS SEASON AND THE EAGLES SUCK RIGHT NOW!!!!!!
Ahem....
My Grade: A-
ATTENTION! I WILL BE RELEASING THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE MIKEY AWARDS JANUARY 10th COINCIDING WITH THE ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS! I WILL POST THE WINNER ON FEBRUARY 24 DURING THE OSCARS!
