Review: Big Fish (2003)

Big Fish is one of my favorite movies. And it shows what Tim Burton can do if he tones down his “Burton-ess” a tad. But the combination of Burton and a story that gives your dad’s “one that got away” story to shame is a perfect mix. And proves he can have a movie without Johnny Depp.

The tale is that of a dying man’s life; told just like he described it, embellishments and all. But how much do these stories effect the lives of those close to them? The cutting between his past and present is completely dominated by the flashback as only Burton can do. From birth to death, every moment of Ed Bloom’s (Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney) life is fantastic and exists in a dreamlike world.

Don’t get me wrong Tim Burton’s fingerprints are all over Big Fish, but Helena Bonham Carter is no where to be seen and the goth atmosphere is nonexistent. In fact, I view this film as his best work since Edward Scissorhands. The reason why? It gets back to the modern fairy tale story that is so unique today. The characters exist in a realistic world, but are much more fantastic than we will ever meet. It’s a truly enjoyable movie to watch. In fact, despite all the great actors, the story is the true star of Big Fish, as much as the story was the star in Ed Bloom’s life.

My Rating: A

Review: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

My journey through the Star Wars Prequel trilogy is about done, with only the final chapter left. While the beginning had me very worried I would be wasting a few hours of my life, Episode II redeemed my zest for the franchise and had me pumped for the final entry.

Episode III follows right after the previous film (3 years later), and shows Anakin’s dark side revealed more and more. While he and Obi Wan are out battling General Grevious, Padme’s pregnant, and the Jedi Order and Galactic Senate are at stake. While the plot is much weaker than Attack of the Clones, the payoff is, of course the end. The entire prequel trilogy is capped off by something everyone knew was going to happen: Anakin’s transformation to the dark side and later, Darth Vader.

As an overall film, it doesn’t top Episode II for action or plot, but what Episode III really excels at, is pumping you up for a movie that is a few decades old. I was all prepared to pop in Episode IV right afterwards. The change into Darth Vader, and the future of Luke Skywalker and Leia is so well done, you can’t help but immediately think of the originals. As it’s own movie, Episode III is nothing to write home about, but it does fit into the Star Wars saga quite well.

My Rating: B-

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Review: Star Wars Episode II- Attack of the Clones (2002)

So, Episode I was a big flop in my book, and the loss of Liam Neeson doesn’t help the pre-viewing outlook on Attack of the Clones, but added to the mix are Hayden Christensen, a much more sultry Natalie Portman, and the appearance of a computer generated Yoda.

Episode II takes place around a decade after Episode I, and we see how Anakin’s training under Obi Wan is going, Padme’s reign as Queen has ended and she is now in the Senate, and also the growing sense of fear in Anakin. As a Senator, Padme’s life has been filled with assasination attempts and Obi Wan turns on sleuth mode to find some answers. Meanwhile Padme and Anakin are out frolliking in fields, having a secret romance. Everything leads up to the large scale Clone Wars, later mentioned in Episode IV.

First things first, It was better than Phantom Menace. But quite honestly, watching Princess Diaries would have been more enjoyable than Ep. I again. I actually found this one really entertaining. The downside was again, the acting, this time around focusing on Hayden Christensen and his awkward delivery. But the action was finally somewhere to be found! The Gladiator-esque scene was awesome, and animated Yoda having a light saber battle was easily the most grin worthy moment in the new trilogy. The origin story of Boba Fett, through his father Jengo Fett was also pretty cool. So for all of it’s flaws, Attack of the Clones was still a solid movie; one actually worth the Star Wars name.

My Rating: B

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Review: Star Wars Episode I- The Phantom Menace (1999)

I’ve been a little behind on movie recent movie franchises. I’ve never seen Harry Potter, I’ve only seen the original Matrix, and I just watched Lord Of the Ring last year. So, against some people’s warnings, I’ve delved into the often dissed prequels. I’ve seen plenty of bombs that I still enjoyed (Cough Airbender cough), so why shouldn’t I enjoy this one?

Episode I primarily trails the beginning of Anakin Skywalker (spoiler: IT’S DARTH VADER!), but also includes characters from the original trilogy, like Obi-Wan, CP30, and R2-D2. Some new characters are also put into the spotlight such as Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), and Jar Jar Binks. Plot wise, not a whole lot is going on. The entire movie revolves around a podrace, in order to free Anakin (Jake Llyod) from slavery and the battle to free the people of Naboo. A kind of creepy romance between Anakin and Padme (Natalie Portman) is also foretold.

Honestly, even with my extremely low expectations, I still finished Episode I disappointment. I realize it is more of a “stage-setter” in relation to the rest of the saga, but Fellowship of the Ring had the same thing, but managed to be amazing. The effects are dated, Jar Jar is a complete flop with no redeeming qualities, and a great villain gets underused. I really wanted to, but I just can’t like it. If it didn’t have the Star Wars characters and name behind it, it might have gotten an F.

My Rating: C-

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Review: Trainspotting (1996)

Danny Boyle is one of my favorite directors after only seeing 127 Hours and Slumdog Millionaire. Trainspotting, although it doesn’t quite match the visual style of the latter two it does have a very distinct feel and look, and even sound to it.

The film is a dark, funny look at the druggies from over the pond. Ewan McGregor, in a role I’d never see him in, leads a motley crew of social rejects, losers, and even sadistically angry young adults. The movie follows him getting arrested, coming clean, falling backwards, and some betrayal and large drug deals just for added measure.

Everything works together in Trainspotting. Like his newer films, the acting, music, editing, and even the backdrop all work as one unit to bring you into this environment. The most bizzarre moment in the film, is also my favorite. While McGregor’s character, Renton is detoxing, a steady stream of strange hallucinations play out before him, including dead baby crawling on the ceiling. The scene, is unsettling, disturbing, and just plain freaky. And it shows just how many directions this film can go. There are strange moments, laugh out loud moments, sad moments; it all combines in this esquisite British film.

My Rating: A-

Review: The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

Some compared it to Dr. Strangelove, which, while I can see where they are going, is a gross exaggeration. While many of the scenes are questionable, andhave you wondering, was this real? I would more likely compare it to another of Ewan McGregor’s movies, Big Fish.

The Men Who Stare at Goats is a strange, bizzare trip into the U.S.A’s New World Army. Which was formerley led by Bill Django (Bridges), and enlisted the likes of Larry Hooper (Spacey) and our hero Lyn Cassady (Clooney). Our perspective of the events, and subsequent flashback sequences dealing with the creation of the New World Army, is that of conflicted journalist Bob Wilton (McGregor). All in all, it is a very difficult plot to explain, but not too difficult to watch.

Despite decent acting (especially Kevin Spacey), for some unknown reason, The Men Who Stare falls flat for me. It was, at times, entertaining, but most of the time boring. Which, in my mind, is a deadly sin for a movie. So, now that it is out on DVD, you could try it, but don’t feel bad if you just never get around to it.

My Rating: C-