Summer Movie Blockbusters, Part I

I've got four summer movie blockbusters under my belt thus far and thought I'd start a new article series "Summer Movie Blockbusters" and put my "But Should Be" series on hold until the Fall TV series begins.

Before I begin however with these reviews, I should let you know that I live for the summer movie season - so that definitely flaws my judgment in some people's eyes. I do not view summer movies in the same critical light that one might apply to, say, the Academy Season that begins in the Fall. Therefore, if you don't subscribe to the bombast of the Summer Blockbuster - move on - there is nothing here for you.

So, let the games begin (in order of viewing).

Iron Man: This movie received quite a bit of hype, especially as the vehicle that would revitalize Robert Downey Jr.'s career. And that hype was right on the money. Tony Stark is not your usual comic book hero - he's an arms dealer, he drinks too much, smokes and is a womanizer. Robert Downey himself has lived quite the life and this character was made to order for him. But while Mr. Downey looks every bit his age - he looks fantastic. Lean, fit, tan - what a combination.

The movie itself isn't bad either with a user rating from the IMDb of 8.2 (out of 10). Jon Favreau - whether acting or directing - has consistently been one of my favorites. And, while I felt the movie was a bit long (too much time spent at the beginning after Tony is kidnapped), I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the relationship between the characters and (of course) the special effects.

And, of course, I could not be more proud of the fact that my brother worked on this film. He did some of the camera crane work in the final showdown between Iron Man and Iron Monger.

Speed Racer: Yes - this movie was cheesy - hands down. But unlike every other critic on the planet - I didn't mind the cheese. If you did not enjoy the original 1967 "Speed Racer" cartoon on TV, you are not going to like this movie.

I, however, have very fond memories of this cartoon. I was sick in the second grade and spent quite a number of weeks at home, unable to leave the house. "Speed Racer" and "I Love Lucy" got me through many long afternoons. I believe that the Wachowski Brothers held true to the original premise of the series while bringing it into the 21st century. Once again, the technology created to enhance the sets was phenomenal. And the story line was actually a sly view of corporate greed set among all the bright colors, loud sounds, a kid and a chimp.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: In the tradition of "Indiana Jones", this movie delivers the goods. I watched the three previous films to get into the groove and found that this is a nice companion piece. It is great to see Harrison Ford (who I have not enjoyed watching in years) and Karen Allen rekindle their relationship. And to see Karen Allen at all was a thrill - the one major fault I had with this movie was the absence of some of the original characters. So, this was a nice addition. And, I've been a huge Shia LaBeouf fans since "Holes".

I'm not a *spoiler alert* type of person - so I won't write anything that could give away a major plot point. However, to view this movie - if you don't "believe" in certain phenomenon or can't suspend your disbelief, then this movie is also probably not for you. And while critics and fans alike first balked at the title when it was officially announced - this script has been kicking around for years in one form or another and actually has a basis in real history. (Check it out at Wikipedia).

My bro also worked on this little pic as well. Once again, I could not be more proud. He did some of the camera crane work in the cemetery scene with Indiana and Mutt.

Kung Fu Panda: Following close behind "Iron Man" in user reviews (with an 8.1 on the IMDb) is "Kung Fu Panda". Hands down better than the last animated feature I saw ("Horton Hears a Who!"). This movie was quickly-paced (which I believe is a must in animation) and not incredibly lengthy (also good when viewed in a theatre with lots of children).

What a great story about believing in yourself when the chips are down and protecting the people you love and care about. I'm not sure little kids will get that message -
but they will be entertained by the great moves of the animals featured.

The beginning story and end credits also have a different style of drawing which is quite lovely and the music was great. Check out the Gnarls Barkley video for "Kung Fu Fighting" at Nickelodeon. Oh - and stay 'til the very end for one final scene.

Next up for review "The Happening" (the new M. Night Shyamalan movie that opens this Friday, June 13). I've loved all of his movies (even "Lady in the Water") and can't wait to view his first "R" Rated film. Check out a preview of the movie at the bottom of this page.

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Alpha Dog (2007)

While my favorite entertainment magazine did not give this movie a good review - I couldn't disagree more. There is no doubt that this movie is disturbing - made only more so by the fact that it is based on the true story of Jesse James Hollywood.

The story centers around the kidnapping and murder of a 15 year old boy in 1999 in California over $1,200 in drug money. The circumstances leading up to his death are baffling. It is as if all of these young men were not living in the real world. They were all somehow involved in drug dealing, but (according to the movie) kidnapped this kid on a whim and didn't really think about taking it to the next level in regard to what happens when you add kidnapping to your list of crimes (and then finally murder). The amount of witnesses to the crime are staggering - and nobody knew what they were witnessing.

Other reviewers felt the story was a bit choppy because it jumped (inconsistently) back and forth between an interview-style of storying telling with a documentary feel (as it chronicles the witnesses) to a fictional story-telling style. I really didn't have any problem with this because I was so blown away by the story itself.

While many of Jesse's accomplices have been tried and convicted, Jesse's trial has not started yet. It will be interesting to see what the outcome of his trial is and close the book on this case - to give the victim's family closure.

The acting was great - Emile Hirsch (as Johnny Truelove - aka Jesse) was scary good. You just didn't like the guy. And Justin Timberlake did an excellent job (I was very surprised at his performance). Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone and Harry Dean Stanton were also stand-up.

Check this movie out.

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