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Reviews
Stargate Universe (2009)
A Good Show in an Uphill Struggle
SGU is in a similar situation to the new Star Trek film of 2009. Whereas SG1 and SGA had a particular style, and generally speaking where quite inoffensive, light-hearted shows (which, in later years, comedy was an over-used device, especially on SGA), SGU is darker in tone.
Comparisons have been made to both Star Trek: Voyager and the recent Battlestar Galactica series. SGU has superficial similarities to both shows, but if you delve deeper you will see it is a show that stands on it's own merit. It does not rely on the reputation or style of SG1 and SGA, and whilst it may feature a crew stranded far from home (VOY), and it uses 'shakey' cam techniques (BSG), that's where the similarities end. The characters are not a harmonious group like on VOY, they are far from the disciplined and trained professionals like in BSG, and they are not the comedians that graced previous SG shows. The people on Destiny were not prepared to wind up there, certainly not when they did, and have very little resources. The crew is full of contradictory personalities, aggressive alpha males, and manipulative types, not to mention civilians who are totally unprepared for the situations they face. This melting pot has to somehow come together and forge ahead, despite all of those difficulties, and this makes for, in my opinion at least, compelling viewing.
Independence Day (1996)
Entertaining
As a popcorn movie you won't find much better than this- the action, the special effects- all of it first-rate, holding out well even thirteen (yes, thirteen!) years on. From the massive city ships and the destruction of major landmarks, to the heroic fightback, it's all slick and polished, even if it is a little cheesy, with so much sentiment for the 4th of July that it makes you cringe (well, if you're not American at least- but the film IS Independence Day after all).
That said, a little bit more focus on the rest of the world would have been nice, to clearly show this was a global struggle, but it's still a fantastic film.
Avatar (2009)
Awesome
Well the wait is finally over. Avatar promised groundbreaking special effects and whilst I'm sure it delivered in that regard, it's true majesty lies in the story it tells.
It's a simple story in many respects. A native population threatens the operations of the human race, so we seek to 'remove' them by any means necessary. The natives are apparently savages who stand in the way of progress- how many times have we seen that scenario play out in human history? The unique thing here is that thanks to advanced science we can create alien bodies and put our minds into them- hence the title Avatar.
The human cum alien then meets the natives in a bid to learn about them and find a peaceful solution to the crisis. He is also secretly gathering military intel, so that if things turn ugly the natives can be dealt with in the swiftest possible manner.
Of course, no plans ever go smoothly and our hero finds himself becoming attracted to the life the natives lead, and finds himself falling in love with one of them. He 'finds himself' amongst these natives and decides to rebel. Nature triumphs over imperialism and all ends happily. Clichéd. certainly, but executed in breathtaking fashion.
Star Trek (2009)
The Wait is Over
Well, what can I say? After months of waiting, I saw the new Star Trek film last night and I don't know if I can do it justice with words. Whether you're a fan of the franchise or not, this film is incredible.
It's a tour de force that doesn't let up, from the opening scenes to the finale. This is a fast-paced ride packed with action, humour, emotion and strong characters. Star Trek is back, and it means business.
There will be those who complain that this film moves too far from what Star Trek is all about. I disagree. I feel this film moves closer to Star Trek's original intentions. This is a film about finding your place in the world, and overcoming perceived disadvantages, and about accepting that you do not need to prove yourself to anyone other than yourself. This film is much more in keeping with The Original Series, and thankfully sheds the horrible technobabble that would overwhelm the likes of Voyager and Enterprise.
There are some nice touches and nods to the original show, with the characters uttering immortal phrases and the grace and design of the Enterprise bringing the original beautiful design up to date.
As far as direction goes, there were a few moments of glare on the lens that I presume were deliberate and they made a few scenes seem a tad overwhelmed with light, but otherwise it was easy on the eyes. The action sequences are beautiful and you have a sense of the epic when you watch them.
One tiny criticism- the musical score didn't work for me. They were wide of the mark with that- but that is just my opinion and others might find it fits.
As Nero says in the trailer, the wait is over- Star Trek has reclaimed it's place as one of sci-fi's leading lights.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
The Saga should have ended here
Terminator 2 represents what is, for me, the true end of the Terminator franchise and a truly fantastic film that succeeds on several levels. There is amazing action, spectacular special effects and some surprisingly emotional scenes for a film of this nature.
Right from the opening scene, portraying the nuclear wasteland and the fight against the machines, you get the feeling this is going to be an epic. From the Terminators you get a sense of cold mechanical duty (from both Arnold and Patrick), from John you have the innocence and disbelief; in a way, his character re-introduces us to the Terminator story, in the same way Sarah did in the first film. From Sarah you have desperation and frustration- how would it feel to KNOW, beyond all doubt, that the world faces destruction, yet no one believes you and you can't prove it? Unlike a lot of today's blockbusters, the action sequences fit neatly into the story and even serve to move the story forward in a lot of ways, as opposed to explosions for the sake of it. The narrative is strong and everyone performs their parts to the best of their abilities, inhabiting their characters perfectly. There is unrepentant menace from the T-1000, whilst from Sarah, utter determination to protect her son and save mankind.
This film concludes the story from the first film in a very organic and fitting way. In many ways it's a shame they made a third.
Gargoyles (1994)
The Best Animated Show Ever
Gargoyles is, to me, unique- first, it's a Disney show that isn't all cutsey and cuddly, and secondly, it's got continuity, something most animated shows lack.
The strength of the show lies in the characters and the stories. There are many powerful characters, such as Goliath and Demona, as well as characters who are cloaked in mystery, such as Macbeth and Xanatos. You've got good ensemble characters such as Brooklyn, Broadway and Lexington, and depth is added to all the characters over the course of the show. The villains are not just one-dimensional madmen, they too are multi-faceted and they are not evil as such, they just have questionable agendas. Some of the villains change sides, and you have cause to question the wisdom of the heroes of the show too.
The show borrows from a wide variety of mythologies, including Camelot, as well as legends from Ireland, Japan and Africa, to create a tapestry that has yet to be equaled in any other animated show. It has unparalleled creativity and remains a great show, even now, some fourteen years after it was first made. It's a shame the Chronicles (Season Three) wasn't up to the same standard- you can thank Disney for that!
Blackadder Goes Forth (1989)
The Best of British Comedy
There are few shows that keep me coming back for more, or that I would pine for to see a new version of, but Blackadder is one of those shows. You need only look at the great writing and great acting to see a show that will forever stand the test of time.
Blackadder goes Forth is pure genius, tinged with sadness- on this occasion Blackadder is yet again obnoxious, ruthless and selfish, but in the aim of doing something we can understand- escaping the trenches of WWI. Desperation underpins everything he does. The real 'bad guy' is General Melchiot, with his hare-brained schemes, which, as Blackadder puts it, feels like 'pushing Field Marshall Hague's drinks cabinet another few inches closer to Berlin'.
Such lines as 'I'm as British as Queen Victoria' 'So you're father's German, you're brothers are German and you're cousins are German?' are rattled off with accomplished acting skill and timing. Like I said, this show is pure genius.
The ending just serves to highlight the tragic nature of WWI, and the futility faced by all in the trenches. It's a touching moment, that makes you stop and think.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)
Funny and clever
Until I saw Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, I would have rated Kung Fu Panda as my favourite animated film of the year. I still would rate Kung Fu Panda higher, but this runs it close! The penguins are, as ever, brilliant, and they steal the limelight in every scene they appear in. Marty has some interesting adventures and the scenes between Melman and Gloria are a joy to watch. It's hard to find fault with this film, and I implore anyone who enjoyed the first one to go see this one!
The animation is also very slick, better than the first film and very bright. This is a wonderful film to look at, as well as listen to- the music and sound effects are, like the animation, first class.
Disaster Movie (2008)
So bad it's good
Disaster Movie is both a misleading title and a very fitting one. First of all, many of the films involved have little or nothing to do with disasters (Enchanted, Alvin and the Chipmunks and Kung Fu Panda for example). Secondly, the film is very much a disaster, lurching from one film to another without any kind of effort made to link them together. As a result, the film feels thoroughly disjointed, to the point where it becomes entertaining just to see what's going to happen next, regardless of how funny it is.
There are a couple of highlights- the Chipmunks scene made me laugh- but aside from that you're left agog in wonder at how rushed and bad everything feels, which in turn makes it entertaining.
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
Good, not great
I quite enjoyed the original Mummy film when it first came out. It was a good mix of action and comedy. The second film had a weaker plot but the same sense of fun, and now... well, the formula seems tired. It was entertaining, but it just lacked the fun edge that the first two films had. Go see it if you want a visual feast, but if you want a film with a good story, forget it. Another snag with the film is that you expect to see more of Jet Li, but there isn't really enough of him in the movie. A film about the Mummy doesn't actually contain enough of him to convey how dangerous or scary the character is. Best bit: Jonathan shouting 'spank my ass!' Worst bit: Not enough of the Mummy.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Top-notch Tension
It's rare for a film to invoke in me such strong feelings of tension and nerves, so on that count the Dark Knight was on to a winner straight away. There are numerous moments of 'what's going to happen next?!?!' as the surprises and twists keep on coming. Heath Ledger as the Joker is both funny and downright creepy, an insanely malevolent intelligence probing at society's weaknesses and challenging people's perceptions of who is good and who is bad. In many ways, Heath steals the show and it's not hard to see why people are touting his name as a possible Oscar winner, but I hope people also think of Aaron Eckhart's performance, a tragically heroic one in many respects. Christian Bale does a reasonable job as Batman, but he's overshadowed by more powerful performances from the two aforementioned actors, and also by Gary Oldman, who excels as Gordon. I loved this film- it was action and tension all the way.
Transformers (2007)
Fun all round
If you're a child of the 80's and you saw the original (and still best) Transformers cartoon, then the prospect of the Transformers film would have both excited you and given you pause. After all, we're talking about a legend here. Optimus Prime, Megatron et all are names that any kid of the 80's knows and the film had to do them justice.
I'm pleased to say that it did, for the most part, with Prime and the other Autobots being well represented. The storyline was a bit thin, and used mostly as a vehicle to generate action sequences, but the amazing look of the film makes up for it. The Transformers look incredibly realistic, and the human contingent keep the events of the film relevant, preventing the film from descending into an FX-laden slag fest, and after a time you start to like the goofy teenage kid.
What was lacking from the film was any fleshing out of the Decepticons. Megatron barely features in the film until the final act, so gone is the chance to depict the Megatron/Starscream rivalry of the series. In fact, none of the Decepticons are really shown all that much. The action sequences are a bit chaotic sometimes and you can't tell which Transformer is which.
Other than that, the film is a visual treat and the element of wry humour is another appealing factor. An entertaining film!