The Adventures of Tintin (Flick’s Review)
Posted on | December 30, 2011 | Add Comments
3 1/2 stars
After buying a model ship labeled Unicorn at a street market, Tintin, an intrepid reporter and his faithful dog Snowy, are intrigued by a series of clues that include a man being murdered by a passing car, a mysterious drunk sea captain descending from a long line of Haddocks and their grudge against the Rackhams. Tintin and Snowy set off with Captain Haddock who they find, drunk on the boat, Karaboudjan. The Karaboudjan’s crew includes Sakharine, who is trying to solve the mystery and get Red Rackham’s treasure before Tintin, Captain Haddock and Snowy do. The rest of the crew includes gunslinging seamen who want money. Tintin, Captain Haddock and Snowy must race Sakharine and his crew so that they can get the treasure and solve the mystery first.
A French comic book in 3-D? It doesn’t sound like your average blockbuster, but then add names to it like Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson and you’ve got a deal. The humor is the biggest problem that I have with the film. None of the Captain Haddock jokes are funny and most of the other jokes are ridiculous. The beginning and all the other scenes when Snowy and Tintin are alone start to drag, simply because Tintin is telling and Spielberg isn’t showing. For your information I would rather be shown than told. In the books Tintin, at many times tells us how he solved the mystery instead of Herge (the author and illustrator of the books) showing us with his drawings. I think that Herge had no choice than to tell us rather than show us because of the complexity of the mystery. In the film the mystery s toned down. In a movie adaptation, I would think the storytelling would be more visual, which it is at times, except when Snowy and Tintin are alone. I also think Snowy was a complete distraction from the plot. Instead of commenting on key moments in the films, Snowy makes strange sounds. This mainly happens when Snowy and Tintin are alone. This however stops midway through the film. The film isn’t dreadful however; the effects are marvelous and the 3-D makes the film the best film with an added third dimension. The acting is a marvelous. Jamie Bell acts as Tintin as if he’s an english gentleman, Andy Serkis turns Captain Haddock into a drunken wreck and Simon Pegg and Nick Frost give comic relief to Thompson and Thomson. The story is surprisingly good for an action film for kids. It’s just that next time I hope Snowy and Tintin aren’t alone.
My favorite character is Tintin because of his bravery, loyalty, wits, and friendship. I also think that Jamie Bell did a good job acting as Tintin.
My favorite scene is when the plane flies by Tintin, Captain Haddock and Snowy because of the use of 3-D and the way the action plays out.
The Adventures of Tintin is rated PG for adventure action violence, some drunkenness and brief smoking.
It’ll work for younger kids and hardcore Tintin fans, but it won’t work from someone who wants an all around good film. The Adventures of Tintin is out now in 2-D and 3-D in wide release.
The Adventures of Tintin (Flack’s Review)
Posted on | December 30, 2011 | Add Comments
4 stars
The Adventures of Tintin tells the story of a boy reporter named Tintin. He goes on a journey with the drunken Captain Haddock and together they must find a lost ship called the Unicorn. Out to stop them is Sakharine and a gang of criminals. They travel around the globe and go from a massive cargo ship to a burning airplane. But will they unlock the secret of the Unicorn?
Steven Spielberg directs this Indiana Jones-ish animated family film. Compared to War Horse this is nothing. Compared to Alvin and the Chipmunks this is Oscar-worthy. The movie does not have much of a story and one scene involving a pirate battle flashback goes on forever. Even though the scene is essential to the plot it could have been cut shorter. However with the brilliant motion capture animation and some of the funniest scenes of the year, this is a movie you won’t want to miss. The action scenes are dizzingly exciting and the CG is very realistic. Jamie Bell as Tintin isn’t nearly as iconic as Harrison Ford, but he does an O.K. job. Andy Serkis, the master of mo-cap (motion-capture) is memorable as Captain Haddock. Other action movie actors lending their voices to characters include Daniel Craig and Toby Jones.
The animation is some of the best I’ve ever seen and the pace is so relentless that you won’t care that you don’t ever get emotionally attached to any of the characters. The battle scenes are awesome and the mo-cap is miles better than the 2009 Disney A Christmas Carol‘s video game-ish style.
My favorite character is Tintin because he is the classic adventure hero. It’s also cool when he swings into your face in 3-D.
My favorite scene is when Tintin and Captain Haddock battle the bad guys on the boat because it’s one of the most exciting battle scenes of the year. It’s also just very fun to watch in 3-D.
The Adventures of Tintin is exciting and it has great CG mo-cap Animation. It’s a must see in 3-D and there’s a great John Williams score. Sure, it’s nowhere as good as E.T.but it’s still loads of fun. The story’s not great or emotional, but if you think about it Raiders of the Lost Ark’s story wasn’t amazing either. However this movie copies Indiana Jones a little and none of the actors are as iconic as Harrison Ford which means it’s not as great as Indy 1. But if you want an animated movie then this a good one. However early hopes of being nominated for the Best Picture Oscar will soon be diminished. I do think that Spielberg has crafted a movie good enough to definetly win the Best Animated Movie Oscar. Thrilling, hilarious, gorgeous, and with a great opening credits sequence, this a movie that’s fun for the whole family. All those people begging for a Indy sequel that’s as good as the first can watch this movie and have a great time even if this time Spielberg makes the action that’s not gory a bit more important than the story.
The Artist (Flack’s review)
Posted on | December 29, 2011 | Add Comments
4 stars
The Artist tells the story of George Valentin, a silent movie star. One day he literally bumps into a lady named Peppy Miller, and they eventually fall in love. George helps Peppy become a star. She moves from bit parts to title roles. When talkies come Valentin quits making movies because he only likes silent movies. However everyone likes Peppy’s movies, which means the two of them are now at odds with each other. Will they ever love each other again and will George accept the talkies? Find out in The Artist, a black and white new movie that’s mostly silent.
The Artist is a delightful little movie that will make you sad and possibly laugh at the same time. Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo are joyfully charming as George and Peppy, and Uggie, the dog, provides hilarious comic relief. The movie’s mix of serious and funny tones doesn’t always quite work but the love letter to cinema aspect succeeds brilliantly. The scenes in which sound effects are used become heavily distracting and they really take you out of the time era in which the movie is set in. However the last scene uses sound brilliantly helping show the transformation of George. Some parts in the middle also go on a bit too long but that powerhouse of a finale will make you not care.
The movie is filled with funny moments and there’s a surprising twist ending. The black and white cinematography is also nice. There’s also a dazzling dance sequence later on. I was a little disappointed with the movie because of all the hype. It’s enjoyable but not “best picture winning worthy”. Also if you don’t know about movie history you won’t enjoy this film as much. Luckily if you do, you’ll have a delightful time. Even if you don’t know movie history you’ll be moved by the final scene.
My favorite character is George Valentin because he goes through a transformation in the story. Jean Dujardin does a good job using facial expressions to play the character effectively.
My favorite scenes are the last two. It’ll make you happy and even want to dance in the dazzling dance finale.
This movie is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for a crude gesture and a disturbing image. I would rate it PG for tragic scenes and a disturbing image.
The Artist is a more serious version of Singing in the Rain. It might drag a little but overall it’s a delightful love letter to movies. Plus it has a musical score to rival War Horse’s John Williams soundtrack.
War Horse (Flack’s Review)
Posted on | December 26, 2011 | 1 Comment
War Horse (Flack’s Review)
5 Stars
War Horse is about Albert and his beloved horse named Joey. Joey is taken off to World War 1 but sadly,Albert is too young to join. Many lives are touched as the miraculous horse goes through various yet kind owners. Eventually Albert is allowed too enlist but amidst the horrors of war the two wonder if they’ll ever see each other again.
The latest film from Steven Spielberg came out yesterday and it will be a classic that won’t be forgotten. I had high expectations. I’d read the great book by Micheal Morpurgo and I’d seen the Tony- winning Broadway play. However nothing can prepare you for the stunning ride Spielberg takes you on. Both visually dazzling and emotionally powerful, this movie is excellent. This is the first non fantasy or action movie directed by Steven Spielberg I’ve ever seen. And boy, is it just wonderful.
Although it will definitely be remembered as a modern classic it seems as though the movie could have been made in the 50′s. One of the final shots looks just like Lawrence of Arabia and the epic battle scenes seem nicely old fashioned. Jeremy Irvine in his big screen debut is only in about less than half the film yet still delivers an Oscar worthy turn. Everyone else is great especially Tom Hiddelston. He was rather mediocre as Loki, the villain in Thor but makes you really care for him when he plays Captain Nicholls here. The score by John Williams is his best since the Jurrassic Park theme, back in 1993,19 years ago. Januz Kaminski’s cinematography especially captures the war battle scenes nicely.
Many of the scenes are very memorable including a long battle scene involving gas bombs and No Man’s Land. I would however be lying if I didn’t say that the middle was a bit too long but I do disagree with most other critics who thought that the beginning was boring. The scenes in which Albert and Joey must work together to plow the field is exciting,suspenseful, and eventually very cheerful. In fact, the only part of the film that should be cut out is when Joey is pulling the tanks, a sequence that comes two quarters of the way through. Other than that however I couldn’t have wished for a more Spielbergianly emotional movie that has both jump out of your seat and cheer parts as well as sad and gloomy yet epic war sequences.
My favorite scene is at the end of the film(SPOILER-FREE!!!) It involves a hospital and I absolutely love it because it’s one of those times when you want to just scream yay.
My favorite character is Joey because of how compassionate he is. I also think the horses playing him is pretty brave.
This movie is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense sequences of war violence and I definitely agree. It’s good for kids ten and up.
If this movie wins the Best Picture Oscar (which I hope and think it will) it will be the second time in the row that I’ve seen the winner, after The King’s Speech in 2010. This movie is a must-see. You’ll walk out of the movie theater with a smile on your face, a tear in your eye, and the feeling in your heart that Steven Spielberg has created a masterpiece.
War Horse (Flick’s Review)
Posted on | December 26, 2011 | 2 Comments
5 out of 5 stars
Albert, a farm boy lives with his no nonsense mother and drunken father. When his father buys a horse for thirty shillings the family’s farm is at stake. The family really needs a farm horse to plow their fields. Joey, the horse is not trained to plow and it will take time for him to learn. Just after Albert and Joey start bonding and Joey is trained World War I starts. Joey is sold off by Albert’s father. Joey becomes a captain’s horse. After the captain dies Joey is taken by two horse loving brothers. Joey is passed down from owner to owner mainly because his owners are killed.
The story of War Horse is excellent. I have now read or watched the plot unfold three times. I have read the 1982 novel, seen the Broadway play and as of today I saw Steven Spielberg’s film. I’m not quite sure which interpretation is my favorite because they are all so good. Each version tells the story in an entirely different way. The book as all books do lets you imagine the story. The play tells you the story in a very limited amount of space. The film tells the story with effective effects in a very unlimited amount of space. The horse is real and I think Spielberg’s decision of using a real horse is a much better choice than using a CG horse. I can imagine in this world full of computerized characters many directors would have gone with the wind. Wait no not the wind, the CG. If the horses were CG the war scenes would look fake and the idea of aliens attacking would reach your brain pretty soon. In the film the war scenes are very real. In one scene Albert is in a trench with other solders. Bombs are going off all around them. When the solders charge the result is grueling. Although the scene is not extremely bloody or gory it is very intense. The manner in which Spielberg articulates this scene is astounding. The replacement of blood is taken by intensity. Jansuz Kaminski’s cinematography is astounding.
Every actor in the film is great. Yes I mean every one of them. Yes I mean Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Peter Mullan, Tom Hiddelston, Niels Arestup, Bennedict Cumberlatch, Celine Buckens and many, many more. I have not heard a John Williams score that I have disliked yet and this definitely keeps the record going. Williams is known for using brass as the lead instrument. In War Horse he uses flutes and strings as the lead in songs such as Dartmoor 1912 and Seeding, and Horse vs. Car. He also uses the piano as a lead instrument which is rare. Alright those are the reasons I give War Horse five stars. Add them together and a masterpiece is born. And now draw swords and charge to the Oscars.
My favorite character is a tie between Albert and Joey because their friendship is unbreakable. They’re like Han Solo and Chewbacca. They go together. To say which one I like better is impossible.
My favorite scene is when Albert is in the trench with Gunther, David and the other British troops because the cinematography is brilliant and the actors act as if they really are battling in World War I. The bombs that explode all around them are very real.
War Horse is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of war violence. I agree with the rating.
The Holidays of Spielberg
Posted on | December 24, 2011 | Add Comments
Over the years he’s proved his worth and now he’s come back to prove it to us more. Steven Spielberg has currently directed over twenty feature films. He already has two more planned for the next two years (Lincoln, an Abraham Lincoln biopic staring Daniel Day Lewis as the big man himself being released 2012, and Robocalypse, a sci-fi epic based on the novel entitled the same being released 2013). If one word could describe the man it would be unpredictable; he’s directed films ranging from war epics to action manifestos. This month he gives us both.
Let’s start with the action film. Based on on Herge’s French comic book series, The Adventures of Tintin could have been titled Indiana Jones in 3-D, digitally animated and based on a book from another country. Tintin, an intrepid reporter is on the case of a mystery. Red Rackham, a long dead pirate’s ship’s model is found by Tintin in a market. But Tintin is not the only one is interested in the model. The game is afoot. Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig, and Andy Serkis will be playing motion capture characters. In case you haven’t heard of motion capture here is a quick definition: it’s a way of making CG animation look more real. The actors wear suits with little balls that look like golf balls. The animators animate the characters before hand so that they are ready. Special computers read the suits and the characters on the computers move the same way the actors do. When on screen the characters move more realistically. I’ve read a few of the books including the three the film is based on which are The Crab with the Golden Claws, The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackhams Treasure. Although Spielberg has never directed a fully CG film it’s no surprise that the animation looks great because Peter Jackson who directed The Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong is producing and Andy Serkis, the master of Mocap acting is playing Captain Haddock. Serkis has collaborated with Jackson many times before including on The Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong. And then there’s the 3-D. I will definitely be seeing the film in this format. Before you continue reading watch the official Tintin trailer.
Originally I was going to break down the two trailers but that would take the fun out of having your own opinion. My breakdown of the trailer could become persuasive and after all this a news article not persuasive text. The action in the trailer is so intense that you literally forget where you are and are instantly sucked into Tinin’s world. John William’s score sounds like Raiders of the Lost Ark’s and I mean this as a good thing. The score is very orchestral and rhythmic. The last fifteen seconds of the trailer are the most jaw dropping because of the quick editing. There is not much shown here but action however I am expecting quirky characters because the book is full of them.
The war epic, War Horse is certainly epic. According to the news Spielberg has chosen to replace gritty war violence with subtle yet disturbing takes on war. I guess you could say it’s not exactly original: based on the book, which became a Broadway play, but that doesn’t mean Spielberg can’t strike gold. In fact I predict it will be nominated for the Oscar nomination of all Oscar nominations: Best Picture. The book is sad, horrifying and brilliant all at the same time. The play also fits those descriptions. However the best part about the play is the way Joey, the war horse is presented: when he is young , he is made out of fabric and other material and when he is older he is made out of the same materials and is large, actors stood inside it at all times. The plot is simple, yet complex. Albert, a farm boy, lives with his to the point mother (in the play) and drunken father. Not long after they get Joey “the horse”, he is sent off to the war, becoming a war horse. Joey goes from owner to owner. By the end he has seen everything. Before you continue reading watch the official War Horse trailer.
The opening shots of the trailer hint at very sad,somber themes. John William’s score is melancholy, yet by listening to samples of other songs from the film on iTunes there are definitely lighter tunes probably played during scenes with Albert riding Joey. The war scenes showed are very realistic yet as I said before there is no gore. Another notable key feature is the cinematography which is aided by the lighting. Take the last shot for example: Joey looks out onto the sunset. The sky is bright orange and the camera is still. The camera doesn’t do much here but the lighting is extraordinary. If you want mouth watering cinematography look at Joey jumping onto a tank and then jumping onto the muddy ground. If the cinematography wasn’t filmed in this way the shot could easily have become a waste of film.
Now that you’ve read the news go see the movies. Tintin was released on the 21st and War Horse is coming out tomorrow. You can also look forward to my reviews of at least one of these films. Happy Holidays!
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