The Hobbit, Desolation of Smaug!

The Hobbit 2 Review

I declare myself a true Lord of the Rings fan, book by J.R.R. Tolkien and movie. However, I am not an extremist nor do I dress as an Elf for openings. 

Peter Jackson is Tolkien Plus.

He takes the classic stories and makes them better.

I love the books, but in a visual movie experience some things need some tweaking and although some extreme fans will disagree, for me, the Tolkien experience was made better.

I was a skeptic about the Hobbit being stretched into three movies. But, not to worry, Peter Jackson has it under control and is so talented. He has infused romance where there was none, a climactic battle where there was none, and put us in a visual overload of Middle Earth that I thoroughly loved.

The new character, Tauriel, played by Lost's Evangeline Lily, gave the movie what the book lacked -- romance. I was ready to find her character intrusive to the story, but it was not. Just as Jackson tweaked the females in the LOTR series, he found just enough balance between his own make believe and a vacant whole left by Tolkien. It does make Tolkien more female friendly.

My one complaint of the additions is with the popular Legolas played by handsome Orlando Bloom whose character was adapted into this Hobbit story. Not that he was forced in, because the additional historical references from The Silmarillion give enough data to make it appropriate, but it was that Legolas lacked his usual sensitive and charming playfulness which we love. He seemed more aloof and a bit peeved, modeling his Elfish father, although the quick reference to Gimli made me smile.

Bilbo played by Martin Freeman who is nothing more than Bilbo Bagins. He has become the character. I am completely immersed in his scenes as if reading a page of the novel.

The dwarfs are always fun. Thorin's (played by Richard Armitage) authoritative and brooding character is beginning to show some signs of his faulty inner workings which are more exposed in the final chapters of the Hobbit.

Can you say love triangle? Yes, Kili has become a love interest for Elfish hotties -- Tauriel and Legolas. Let's face it, if you had to date a dwarf, he would be my pick. He is played by Aidan Turner whose dark eyes and sexy brogue accent remind me of a young Sean Connery. Ahh, I can't help me Irish roots.

Kili, the sexy dwarf

Beorn was scarier in the movie and well done. I would not want to make him mad. He is a PETA, tree hugger in the most intense and dangerous way!

Although Gandalf played magnificently by Sir Ian McKellen is in this feature, I miss his inter-playing with Bilbo and the dwarfs more, but that is the way Tolkien wrote it, so we only get a taste of their banter in this movie.

Now, let’s discuss the dragon. Benedict Cumberbatch (KAHN!!!) is perfect. His voice and the special effects created by Jackson's team of the monstrous, slithery dragon are at the top of the craft of making that which is unreal….real. They have given us a believable dragon, one that looks frightening but also one who has human characteristics. He is a villain, not from mere size and brawn, but because of his egotistic and volatile nature.   

Fans of the book will be grumbling about the introduction of characters and a showdown scene between the dwarfs and the dragon that were sorely vacant in the written version. I however, think this is the area where Peter Jackson and the writer's team: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Guillermo del Toro glossed over Tolkien’s plot weaknesses and made the Hobbit better.

In the book version, I did not even realized that I was bothered by the fact the journey story line of dwarfs marching through harsh conditions and trials to reach the Lonely Mountain to defeat Smaug, the dragon and reclaim their kingdom was a bit of a letdown when they never really interacted with the dragon, only Bilbo. They do not kill the dragon. They basically watch the action as it goes on around them.

Jackson brings the shortened heroes face to face in an epic battle, displaying dwarf skills of mining to do battle. This is a more fitting ideal which is why I think Jackson is brilliant.

This is a five bucket of popcorn kind of movie. Visually stunning, fun characters, scary (giant spiders were amazingly horrifying!!) and a great building of tension towards what some found a dissatisfying end when the credits popped up.

That’s because they didn't read the book. I, however found it very satisfying, and my only fear is that once this next movie comes out, where will Peter Jackson find anymore Tolkien adventures?

What will a Hobbit fan do?

Normally, I have a four bucket system but for those movies that I deem great, awesome and will be in my collection of movies to watch over and over til I die….they get 5 Buckets!!!

JOBS, the movie

A bit too sexy for my geek!

"It only takes one person to start a revolution. The extraordinary story of Steve Jobs, the original innovator and ground-breaking entrepreneur who let nothing stand in the way of greatness. The film tells the epic and turbulent story of Jobs as he blazed a trail that changed technology -- and the world - forever. Directed By: Joshua Michael Stern and written By: Matt Whiteley."


I was not motivated to go see this movie, Jobs, but my 12 year old son was and its his enthusiasm about Apple products that must have convinced him this was a must see because there were no aliens, comic book heroes or tiny Minions running around causing havoc.

Maybe he is growing up? Either way, we enjoyed an afternoon together.

Jobs was a well made, intelligent looking film replaying a very historical part of our recent history, the birth of personal computers that would find its technology driven tools into society’s every waking moment and every part of our lives.

Thanks Steve Jobs. Or maybe I should say, why did you do this to us? You be the judge on that one.

www.pophistorydig.com

However, as our society is glued to devices, computers, and plugged in excessively we can appreciate the vision of the man this movie is about.

Ashton Kutcher was brilliantly convincing as the strange and eccentric ultimate Geek -- Steve Jobs in this unauthorized version of the story of the Apple CEO superstar. However, as some of the actual characters in the story are involved in another movie about Steve Jobs, they are pointing out this one is not so authentic. 

Although, I found Kutcher's good looks to be distracting since I never thought of Steve Jobs as a handsome man. He was a bit too sexy for my Geek. Just sayin'.

A bit too sexy for my Geek.
Rotten Tomatoes pic

Steve Wozniak, known as Waz was the only other founder I knew about and only because Waz was on Dancing with the Stars, so I kind of new who he was and thought Josh Gad did a good job. He seemed a genuinely nice guy who was taken advantage of in the movie's version of the history of Apple.

I could tell the 12 year old was bit bored by the talking movie, but I enjoyed a trip back, with transition scenes using great musical clips and scenery. Much of the finer details was glossed over as the director assumed our knowledge was adequate but when a new character was brought in it was if the director went, ta dah! Here is so and so! 

I guess I should have brushed up on my computer history but in my day, we didn't have computer history in school and while this was going on I was raising children.

As a whole, the acting was solid, the history accurate enough to tell the story, and I was entertained. However, I might have rather watched this one at home with my own personal bucket of popcorn.

I was also curious to find my fellow audience members where very grey haired and mostly women? Curious.

I like the movie but am looking forward to a 'really happened version' coming out in the future, so this film gets a two and half bucket for entertaining me.

 

Paranoia

Imdb pic

Paranoid much? 

The new movie Paranoia is directed by Robert Luketic and written by Barry L. Levy and Jason Dean Hall based on a 2004 novel by Joseph Finder. Its advertised as a high stakes thriller where two powerful billionaires duke it out bringing a young tech guy into the the middle.

If you are not extremely techy, then this movie, Paranoia will go right over your head with its high tech gadget war between the titans Gary Oldman and Harrison Ford, however if you skim through the operating system jargon you can find a more entertaining story of a guy stuck between the greedy world and his own backyard.

Liam Hemsworth is a star, nice to look at and draws the audience in with his struggle to be a hotshot in the big city and his real world problems of taking care of an sick parent.

The scenes with Liam and his ailing father played by Richard Dreyfus are too few and could have been more of the driving story. 

That is where much of the meatier story is but who doesn't want to see Indiana Jones slash Han Solo take on Harry Potter’s

Indiana Jones vs Sirius Black

Uncle Sirius Black and Batman’s Commissioner friend? Those scenes are fun as the two scowl each other with pleasantry war.

Of course, my whole purpose for going to see Paranoia wasn't the handsome and rising star, Liam Hemsworth, but to watch another Josh Holloway film moment. His role was minor and trimmed down too much but yet very important to the story. For the brief Holloway 

Josh Holloway (fanpop pic)

glimpses, he is solid in his role as the FBI guy keeping tabs on all the secret espionage of  'Phone Wars'.

If you like spy thrillers packed with action and plot twists, you will be disappointed because this is a more laid back film, not much violence and not any plot surprises. 

What it does have going for it is a satisfying performance by the actors. 

With its film flaws it still makes an entertaining evening at the movies but the casual movie goer. I was not bored and I was not overwhelmed with exploding screens of metal, trying to figure out who was who and the "Did I miss something syndrome?" as the plots of other movies sometimes pass me by and I have to catch up. It was balanced in the action, eye pleasing with the onscreen lovebirds, and satisfying enough to recommend.

My popcorn was exceptionally delicious as well at my Carmike Theater.

I give Paranoia two and half buckets out of four.

IF they had added more Josh Holloway I would have added another half bucket!

The Wolverine

You may think, not another Wolverine movie, the comic book story must be stretched too far to support another full length film, but then I always tell myself, it has Hugh Jackman shirtless -- so who cares!

Buffed, intense and with just enough spotted humor, this previous X-Man hits the spot with his latest sequel and if you stay long enough in the credits, you will discover that Jackman may not be ready to put his adamantium (steel slash titanium metal) back in the closet.

Jackman has proven his acting ability, winning an Oscar nomination this past year for his remarkable portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, so this Aussie does not have anything to prove.

Jean Valjean portrayed by Jackman

We could have excused a softer, less pumped up Jackman especially for this role he has portrayed six times, but the professional actor does not miss a beat, stepping right back into sculptured abs and bulging biceps. Thanks Mr. Jackman.

He takes the role of Wolverine seriously, giving it true emotion that pulls you into his struggle of living as an immortal who cannot let go of the past.

“He realizes everyone he loves dies, and his whole life is full of pain. So its better that he just escapes,” said Jackman about his character’s dilemma.

Director James Mangold who directed Jackman in Kate and Leopold brought to the action flick a balance of drama and talon slicing versus Ninja action. The Japanese story-line is based upon Frank Miller and Chris Claremont’s version of the Marvel Comic book character.

Mangold brilliantly folds the beauty and culture of Japan into his film. Thankfully his leadership does not fall into the trap of other 2013 Summer blockbuster misses by filling up plot and character space with over the top action scenes, followed by more special affects, and then some more unbelievable action scenes. No Overkill in the Wolverine.

I saw this movie with three adolescent males who did not get bored even though every flash of the camera was not focused on an explosion, a fight, or a massive car/train/plane/tank chase. 

They enjoyed the movie and maybe blushed during one scene with a nearly bare-naked bottom of a call girl. As a mother, I did cringe when the Wolverine used a rather foul word in a moment of intense anger. Hence the PG-13 rating, but the violence was not as gory as you would imagine a continuous slicing scene would have incurred, and I am happy to report that only two scenes made me cover my face: one lizardy mutant female, (Viper)  shedding her skin and a surgery scene that would have been more gory on Grey’s Anatomy, but still made me run for cover.

As a mother, I can say what is acceptable for my guys, but as your own parental censor, you may need to check your uncomfortable meter at the door if you cannot tolerate exposing your younglin’s to some adult moments.

The strong female leads were strangers to most of us since they are two Japanese actresses: Tao Okamoto and Rila Fukushima. They both gave solid performances.

Tao Okamoto

Logan, or better known as the Wolverine, opens the film shunning society, still having nightmares from his past and struggling with the overwhelming guilt of killing his love, Gene. It is out of his past that he is given the opportunity to come to terms with his desire to shed his ability to heal and for once have a regular life and death.

Sometimes, our actions, good or bad, can come back to haunt us. 

Adrain Paul, Highlander

As in the lyrics by the rock group Queen, “Who wants to live forever?” also used by the Highlander series, with Adrain Paul, (my TV hunk-a-licious) these superhero guys who can’t die find that life gets old and redundant.

The truth is, what man wants to look 35 and be married to an 85 year old woman? 
They can't handle infinity!

As a summer fun and action movie, this Comic flick has it all, enough slain villains and destruction to entice the menfolk, and plenty of story and good acting, not to mention topless Jackman, for the women. 

On my scale of 4 popcorn buckets, I give it a 3 and ½ bucket! With loads of butter!

Go see the Wolverine. I also rate it 5 steel talons out of 6!

Man of Steel

image from Man of Steel website

 I have been in love with Clark Kent (alias Superman) for decades.

DC Comic image

George Reeves was my first, then those handsome DC Comic book versions were realistic enough to make a young girl swoon.

I can still recall sitting at my local hometown theater in 1978 watching the first Superman theatrical release starring Christopher Reeves and how I was in awe, in love, and so wowed!

That was movie magic!

Then television created a couple of Superman series which were good, but could never replace my first love.

The lukewarm Superman Returns with Brandon Routh was interesting but failed to resurrect the enthusiasm I once had for the red caped hero.

Man of Steel trailers began early last fall and I knew there was another chance.

I was suspicious of a new version, but since it’s the new fad these days, to remake, to sequel-ize, and to redo everything under the sun, I was ready for a Superman reboot.

Man of Steel showed up at my local theater this weekend, and sure enough, I was sitting in my favorite section of my Carmike theater, middle of the row, third high seat from the rails, bucket of popcorn and a large Coca-Cola waiting, and hoping, to be impressed, to be wowed yet again by a Superman movie.

Zach Snyder’s version had many character building scenes, a more detailed back-story, and a good portion of the film devoted to the struggle young Kent experienced dealing with being different. His native self, Kal-El had to cope with growing up human. 

In this movie, the young Kent had more serious inner battles than just showing off for a cute high school girl. 

Lois Lane’s new transformation, Amy Adams was a good match of cute, smart, and the now modern version which is less lady in distress. However, there are traditional moments where Lane's curiosity leads her into perilous situations giving opportunity for Superman to rescue her, making our romantic hearts mush and inner girl sigh.

This was an awesome spectacle of large special effects, IMAX themed scenes, and epic fights to delight all the guys and kids, although, maybe it’s my girl reaction, but those scenes did continue longer than what I deemed necessary. I enjoyed the excitement, but kinda grew less wowed as the fights continued.

It was the same reaction I had to the Transformer sequels, where all I could comprehend was loud noise, a screen full of metal smashing metal with a smidgen of people running around. Confusing.

Yet, Henry Cavill, did awaken my school girl crush, his haunting eyes and large bulging earthly muscles attached to a vulnerable and sensitive hunk were too much for this old chick. I am hooked.

Oh, and he speaks with a British accent! But not in this movie.

image from Man of Steel website

Yet, as a whole, the movie had some flaws that affect my initial reaction to the film. 

The pacing grew slow in parts, the fights too long, and I hate to say it, but it needed more campy, funny moments. We have grown to expect (and actually like) in Superhero movies.

It had heart that I am thrilled about. It had a plot deeper than young alien grows up American and beats up other alien.

The Man of Steel cast was amazing! 

Russell Crowe, Oscar winning actor playing the iconic role of Jor-El did a Gladiator style Super-Dad version perfect for a father’s day opening. (thankfully, he didn't have to sing...just sayin')

Michael Shannon was intense, yet we understood what drove his violence, and you can understand that he was not evil just because he was suppose to be evil.

Diane Lane was intriguing as Momma Kent and somehow I was more upset that she looked so much older than I thought she should. When did that happen? 

The usually comic relief and minor role of Perry White was surprisingly cast as a very serious Laurence Fishburne. It worked for this version to have his character be both wise and heroic, keeping the over achieving Lois Lane in line.

And no Jimmy Olsen!

As for Kevin Costner, he did the Father Kent role justice in his flashback parental guidance sequences, more like a Yoda/Luke relationship as he steered the young boy to grasp his role in society and to make choices. His commitment to keeping Clark’s powers secret until the world and young Clark were ready made for a powerful moment in the movie.

What does a superhero adolescent do when he can save people but at the cost of his own privacy and freedom? It’s a dilemma that is dabbled with all throughout the movie in flashbacks.

Man of Steel has awakened a new generation of Superman followers, and probably sequels will follow as the bucks roll in, so far the opening weekend is boasting 128 million dollars. A very big bang in blockbuster measurement.

If you go to the movies for fun, action, and to escape, then this is one for you.

Out of 4 buckets of popcorn, I give it three and a half.

After Earth

Movie Mom Review

Big, epic, and starring one of the Blockbuster champions, Will Smith, you would think this movie has the ingredients for a summer hit movie. It all depends on who is doing the viewing.

Let's face it, the movie is getting creamed in the critic department.

I was hesitant to take my twin twelve year old boys, but they were so eager to see it that we took an early matinee in the local Carmike Imax theater.

To my surprise, it was a pleasant movie experience worthy of early morning buttery popcorn and coke.

To sum After Earth up, Kitai (Jaden Smith) and his father Cypher (Will Smith) crash land on Earth which has been deserted by mankind for a thousand years. The young man, Kitai has to save them both by traveling through the dangerous terrain filled with predatory animals, an unkind climate, and a alien creature who happened to escape during their crash landing. As the mother of young Kitai wanted, the father and son have to spend some quality time together to reconnect.

On my jump scale, which is what my sons call "Pop-Outs!" Or when the director likes to have a quiet tense moment turn into a loud, make me jump moment with a possible scream! In After Earth, I had a couple twitches and one good jump, but no scream.

It did what movies are suppose to do, take you away from your world, to escape. It made me journey with young Kitai and hope it could meet all the challenges, drawing me into his Man versus Nature theme. 

Yes, there were some plot issues, some scientific questions I had about why tropical plants can bloom lushly during the day and then shrivel up and freeze during the night, only to return the next day. But if you check your quizzical self at the theater door and enjoy the Survival romp then you will take away a pleasant experience without having to exercise any brain cells. Its just a fun adventure.

I recommend this movie for young pre-teens to late teens, both male and female. The parent will not find the time spent wasted and thankfully little Will Smith Junior will boost parental bonding. 

Visually, the movie is really awesome, lush, natural, and beautiful. Family love, trust, and overcoming trials is an inspiring theme for youngin's to have crammed into their heads over and over. No harm there!

I recommend it. My twelve year-old twins thought it was amazing and awesome!!

I rate it three buckets of popcorn!