241 haha!

Not 1 but 2 reviews 4 the price of 1! Somebody stop ME!

Alvin and the Chipmunks

**1/2 out of 5

Having been a true admirer of the cartoon “Alvin and the Chipmunks” I was curious to see how the film version of the TV show would have turned out. By the time I had left the theater I was curious as to why I had thought the movie would be any different from the actual TV show. Oh well here we go. We first meet Alvin, Simon, and Theodore in the forest as they scramble along to store their nuts and acorns. Thanks to a Christmas miracle they are introduced to their “Dad” David Seville, a struggling musician portrayed by an animated Jason Lee. This is where we abbreviate a story in desperate need of abbreviation. Seville needs to find a musical talent to bolster his career, and the Chipmunks need a home. They unite only to disband after fame rears its destructive head. It is simply astonishing the way that the filmmakers cleverly took a story of this magnitude and made a feature length movie out of it. As for the performances of the cast well, what is there to say? Besides Alvin and the Chipmunk's early musical performances, there is very little to look forward to. On a positive note however the soundtrack that accompanies this film is absolutely delightful. Which is why this titanic FKO (For Kids Only) movie seems to stay afloat.

Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

****/5

False Imprisonment. Vengeance. Death. Musical? These elements are meshed together so masterfully in the film “Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” that once you leave the theater you wonder why combining these elements was not thought of earlier. Tim Burton, who instinctively knows that he is perhaps the only filmmaker that could have directed this film, has pulled out all the stops. He efficiently collaborates with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter to tell the story of an innocent barber named Barker, whose life is ruined by an envious judge. Barker returns to London after years of exile as the murderous demon named Sweeny Todd, who will stop at nothing to have his revenge. His assistant Ms. Lovett, or in this case Bonham Carter, convinces her demonic compatriot that murder could also mean profit. Together they spill blood while literally carving out there place in this world. All in all the film is a brilliant anomaly that combines gore with gusto, music with mayhem, and as we watch events unfold, we wonder how did they do it. The cast, especially Bonham Carter and Depp turn in performances that are bursting at the seams with energy. Sacha Baron Cohen gives a cameo performance that leaves the audience wishing that his role could have been expanded. Finally it is important to note that the film is not for the squeamish. But if you have a strong stomach or need a close shave this film is certainly for you.

This weeks offering...

I am back again to offer the masses another film review. Enjoy!

I Am Legend

***

(3out of 5)

I tend to gravitate towards films that tell stories that are well, realistic. However every once awhile a film is made that falls into the realm of science fiction that even I cannot deny. Will Smith’s latest commercial offering “I Am Legend” has science fiction roots but it evolves into a drama with ease, which is why it has earned my admiration. The film tells the story of a man whose immunity to a deadly man made virus, leaves him stranded in a ghost down that used to be the city that never sleeps. The problem is that besides his dog, he has no one to confide in as he searches for a cure. But if he is the only survivor who is there to cure? Apparently some of those who were infected did not die. They have turned into aggressive, cannibalistic vampire type entities that are exceedingly allergic to UV rays. Can he safe them? Or will they get the better of him? That’s for me to know and for you to find out.
What I can tell you is that Will Smith effortlessly portrays a man who is slowly losing his mind as he comes to grip with his harsh realty. I’ll also let you know that the films story does leave the audience scratching their heads. How did this man made virus infect so many? What makes Will Smith’s character immune? How come some of the infected turn into vampire like demons while others perish? The filmmakers especially Smith have done an adequate job of making the film entertaining enough so that the audience is going to push these flaws to the side.

What2Expect?

Now I rarely read blogs so I never thought abut starting one. But I was told by a reliable source (whatup Pino!) that it was a good way to get people to read my writing so I figured, what do I have to lose. Now before I go any further I like to say one thing.

I believe that God created this world and everything in it for a reason. What is the reason? Only he knows. All I can do is give you my reasons. Because giving back feels like the right thing to do. That is the purpose of this blog. To give you a piece of my mind! Your welcome. Having said that we can get down to business. Personally I believe that films are the greatest form of expression that God has ever bestowed on mankind. So I plan on making films to express myself. Until then I have decided to offer you all reviews of films that I watch, old and new. And now without further ado I present to you...

No Country for Old Men
****

(4 out of 5 stars)

The Coen brother’s latest film ‘No Country for Old Men’ is truly a breath of fresh air. What do I mean? Presently filmmakers are desperate to see their names in flashing lights. So they make mediocre commercial movies in order to turn a profit. However the Coen brothers, being the pioneers that they are, make movies that are about passion rather than profit. Having said that let us examine why ‘No Country for Old Men’ helps all film connoisseurs breath a little bit easier. The film introduces us to a simple and earnest hunter who stumbles across a lucrative drug deal gone wrong. This hunter named Llewelyn Moss, depicted in the film by Josh Brolin, finds 2 million dollars along with one surviving drug dealer who is about to die and in desperate need of some water. Moss takes the money and goes about his business. Later on his conscience gets the better of him. He feels as though he is beholden to bring the dying man some water. This act of kindness however comes back to haunt Moss. Throughout the rest of the film we watch as the rightful owners of the money hunt Moss down. Among those hunting Moss, is an emotionless assassin named Anton Chigurh, played by Javier Bardem who should be awarded an Oscar for his work here. He illuminates the screen despite portraying such a dark and despicable character. The film and its tale are superbly constructed. The Coen brothers combine their intrepid filmmaking prowess, an inspired cast, and Cormac McCarthy’s novel to create a cinematic experience that absorbs yet baffles the viewer at the same time.