What Has Been Watched From the Year So Far

Its not exactly mid-year yet, but I thought since I haven't given reviews for movies in a while; I thought I would give brief reviews of movies I have watched so far from this year. So I hope you can forgive me for not giving reviews in a while, here is a bit of a quickie:

Push:

This movie stars Chris Evans, from Fantastic Four fame (but dare I say, what fame?), Dakota Fanning and Camilla Belle. Its been a while since the last time it was in theaters, I saw it back in February, but remember what it was mostly about. Its basically Heroes (the tv show) as an independent movie with a so-so storyline. Its interesting what they do with the movie; it takes place in mostly Malaysia and people have different powers, some with the same powers. Some government agency tries to control people with power and try to advance their power, only to sometimes kill them in the process. Its vague yes, but thats how I remembered it. The only thing that really bothers me is how they might have implied the Chris Evans character to have multiple powers. I mean seriously how did he become all smart of a sudden. Are we supposed to buy that he planned something so quickly? I think not. This gets 3 out of 5 for creativity.

Friday the 13th:

The old horror classic (well somewhat) is rebooted with producer Michael Bay on board. Although not enough explosions, which disappointed, its still got a slightly modern feel to the old horror genre. The director also rebooted Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which I never saw but its got the same feel to it. Is that bad? Not neccessarily if your into the gritty horror series. I think its becing a bit of a cliche way too fast though, but I digress. Jason is back in a new form and he is just as murderous as ever. After watching I had many problems to begin with. For one thing the teens are just like from the older movies: They are way too dumb. But this time they smoke. Kids like these are ones you see going to the trashy parties. Also these kids are the ones you know are going to end up dead. Palpable? Yes. Scary? Slightly. Going to watch this again? No. Should you watch it? Well I assure you its slightly better than Rob Zombie's Halloween. Better than Push? Yeah... 3.5 out of 5.

You know, I already talked a little about Watchmen, but there's too much to go into before talking about a Watchmen Review than just small talk so I'll skip right to...

X-Men Origins: Wolverine:

Yeah, there was a big gap from here since not alot going on between Friday the 13th and Wolverine. Well anyways this was on my top movies list and because of a little hype and because the trailer was cool it was there. After watching it, I kinda wish I had another movie in place of it now. Yep thats right, this one was a big disappointment to me. Even though I kept my expectations minimal it still wasn't low enough for me to like this one. I liked X-Men: The Last Stand more than this, but I liked The Last Stand anyways so its not much of a comparison. I don't know where to began, but this also felt like another downgrade. Wolverine's claws were CGI'ed, the story line was here and there, too many characters, and just not enough time for anything. I wish it were a bit longer to actually introduce everyone a bit better. I wanted more Deadpool and Gambit than anyone else; and unfortunately both were talked very little about. I wish there was more time for stuff. But sadly it went way too fast and will probably not find a way to my DVD shelf. The introduction of so many characters made it suffer too much for me. It is about Wolverine, but then again its about the Weapon X project too. Yep, 3 out of 5. You will also see some surprises, and if you want something way better; get the video game. Bit gory, but its more accurate.

Well, there it is so far, Star Trek still needs to be watched. And also Terminator Salvation will get its own post since the Timeline has been altered very much in it. Theres probably loads more to talk about Terminator than Watchmen really.

You know after thinking about it, I would probably better enjoy a Terminator Salvation Uncut and/or Directors Cut than a Watchmen one. I was a Terminator fan before Watchmen (yes I am late into that game) and Terminator may be a bigger monster than Watchmen in some ways (some may argue and welcome comments on that).

Upcoming Pixar Movies:

Who doesn't love Pixar these days? With the Up movie coming out soon, I thought I give a list of upcoming projects. Pixar is undoubtably the dominating (probably of the world) animation studios that everyone is hooked to. With great past movies and soon new ones on the horizon. Whats coming soon? It may be surprising. Just take a look:

Toy Story 3 ( 2010) - Most people knew this by now, but rumored a teaser will play in front of Up. That would be awesome. Having seen Toy Story 1 and 2 and has long been a fan I can't wait what they wil do with this one. I have heard of good and sad rumors of the new sequel, but its better not to know anything at all. Another plot that was given out has been thrashed by Pixar: Buzz and other Space toys are recalled back to the factory for an unknown reason. Great plot, too bad its not THE actual plot. Can't wait for the trailer and not read anything else on the movie.

Cars 2 (2011) - Liked the other least favorite (of mine) of the Pixar films? Well most kids and kids with the love of general cars will obviously be back for this one. This is for mainly the fans of the original. Wasn't bad, but I liked the other Pixar films more than this one.

The Bear and the Bow (2011) - Whats this one about you ask? I think it has some Indian Folklore behind it, but it is also said to be a fake title for another Pixar Project called Brave. What is it about? Who knows, but I think its slightly better that way, also two Pixar films on one year? Awesomeness.

Newt (2012) - No, I wouldn't think this would be Newt's perspective of the Aliens film in Pixar form. I don't find Pixar to go that way but here's a small summary from the wiki page: Newt and Brooke live in a community college science lab and don't care for each other, yet as the last remaining blue-footed newts on the planet they are forced to mate and save the species.

Brave (?) - Just whispers and small rumors about this one really. Its supposed to be a super secret Pixar project and is a word no one dare say around the Pixar office either. I have no idea exactly, but I hear its a remake of the Brave Little Toaster in Pixar form. A personal favorite of mine as well, but I Pixar has never done a remake before. But knowing and trusting Pixar; we will know exactly in due time.

Monsters, INC. 2 (?) - In due time.

Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2009

Here are my choices for this year’s Movies that will premiere this year. I certainly wont steal my associates Top 9 choices so I picked 10 this time. I compiled a list before of the movies I would be seeing and came up with 20, which evens out a bit. There was also a movie on there that even though how bad it looks, I still can’t deny my being a fan of the series. Well anyways here’s my Top 10:

10.) 9

No I’m not counting down its an actual movie. Based on the short animation by Shane Acker, its set in a Post-Apocalyptic world were sock puppets are alive and roam freely. I am a fan of Animation movies, but not ones that look incredibly strange. Yet this is an exception. Its also produced by Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov, who directed Wanted. Check out the Trailer:

You can also check out the short here.

9.) Sherlock Holmes

Anything with Robert Downey Jr., now after Iron Man and Tropic Thunder, is probably a must see now like this one. Also hearing the man being knocked unconscious, caught his groin on fire, and other sorts on set; the movie’s gotta be epic now right?

8.) X-Men Origins: Wolverine

After seeing the trailer on this one, I realized, its not only Wolverine’s Origin, but also the Weapon X project origin. It makes the movie more interesting yes, but the execution of the trailer seemed poorly done compared to the comic-con version. Although you do get to see more of Gambit and others in the official version, so it also evens itself out. Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool was interesting, which also paves way for his own movie, which was put in Development Hell years ago (dates back to the 80s).

7.) Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

Only fans, and friends of fans, of comics (or the T.V. series if I believe) know what the title actually means. What it means for the rest of us? More action and lots of it. That’s all what we really need right? The first movie had great execution and if we know Michael Bay for his action movies, this one will be great as well.

6.) Inglourious Basterds

Did I mention I was a fan of Quentin Tarantino? Well if I didn’t mention it enough, what blog would this be if I didn’t mention his new movie coming out later this year? No, I didn’t spell it wrong, the name of the movie is completely intentional. Quentin is known for his movies with are nothing but a bloodbath and great storytelling. This is no exception either. Based on an old war movie, which may be a Grindhouse movie, but I may be mistaken; tells the tale of a unit in World War II which spreads fear towards the Nazi Army. Also stars Brad Pitt (with an amusing mustache) and B.J. Novak (The Office fame). Did I mention this is a Quentin Tarantino movie?

Now on to the Top 5…but first I would like to mention a few worthy mentions, which I will see throughout the year as well: Moon, Avatar, The Road, Astro Boy, and The Hurt Locker. You will probably have to do some research on your own about some of the movies, but I will eventually see them. The reason they didn’t make it is I probably won’t get to see them right away. Or They may be replacments for the ones here. Who knows. Continuing on…

5.) Public Enemies

The Dark Knight vs. Jack Sparrow, eh? Christian Bale and Johnny Depp are great actors and I have been wanting to see what they can do together (Well mostly in a Batman movie), but this will do for now. The other thing is I’m a sucker for cop or detective movies based around the 1930’s era. There seems to be a lot that happened within the era as well.

4.) Star Trek

Just to point out, I’m not a big Star Trek fan, but the trailer sucked me in. Its also directed by J.J. Abrams and he has made some very good things; which include Mission: Impossible III, Alias, Lost, Fringe, and created the idea of Cloverfield. The plot for this movie was revealed and when I heard about it, it was really interesting and new. The trailer itself will make you see it, so just watch it.

3.) Terminator: Salvation

Yes, we all know by now that McG, the director for this movie, has made the Charlie's Angels movie. But that was in the past, this is now a new and improved McG. He saw his mistake and is going to fix it with this movie. The trailer is really mind blowing. I couldn’t really get enough of it. Christian Bale is now on my list twice so that’s gotta be something. This movie is really different because of how many times John Connor has tried to stop Skynet from the future he never wanted. Yet, it ultimately comes, but not the future he was told about which makes things different. So don’t let the McG thing be a turn off and just look at the trailer. Also I’m a huge Terminator fan.

2.) Up

After watching Wall·E yesterday, finally, I was ready for my next Pixar movie to watch. Everything is about trailers these days and it also shows a basic summary or a teaser for the movie. This movie’s trailer was something a little different. It first shows a compilation of Pixar movie’s, which becomes nostalgic, and a bit of a huge clip of Up. What is up about? Some old man who makes a bunch of balloons and goes off in the distance with his house and a boy happens to be along for the ride. I’m sold. Also this happens at some point:

1.) Watchmen

Its not really a surprise to most people, but my question is; Who doesn’t want to watch the Watchmen? After being introduced to the Watchmen graphic novel and reading it, I was an instant fan.I too was skeptical of a movie being made about the novel. But if there was one man who could do it: Zack Snyder the director of 300 and Dawn of the Dead (2004). Unfortunately now with the rights to Watchmen now go to 20th Century Fox the movie may not come out this year as scheduled, right now it is still scheduled and still my number one pick for the year of 2009 (and it better come out). Trailer.

 

Those Writers Are on a Role

• Well I don't think writers had a part in casting positions, its still good to have em' back. Word on the Street Fighter(terrible pun) Chun-Li movie is that it is definitely being made since four official castings have announced. Kristin Kreuk aka. Lana Lang, is set and officially announced to be the main role as Chun-Li. Michael Clarke Duncan will be Balrog (I see it), Chris Klein as Nash(which street fighter was that?), and Rick Yune as Gen. The role of M. Bison is still being researched. There are also three other actors that have been cast, but have yet to have roles, which I forget the names of the actors for. Source: IGN

• Gambit fans rejoice! We now have our Gambit in the new X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie. The movie is also gonna have Deadpool. Who else can't wait? The roles will be played by Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Taylor Kitsch as Gambit. This movie is already sounding awesome and we mostly know absolutely nothing about it.
• Another cool casting news in the new G.I. Joe movie, directed by Stephen Sommers, Jonathan Pryce also known for his role as Governor Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean has been cast as the President in the new movie. Ray Park was also cast as Snake Eyes earlier which I thought was perfect as well as the president casting. Sienna Miller will also be Baroness. Can't wait to see this as well.
• In other semi related news, I'm not really looking forward to the new Mummy 3 movie, which has a Chinese mummy. The teaser trailer is said to premiere soon, but I still miss the good days when a Mummy movie had Rachel Weisz and an Egyptian mummy.
  

New Indiana Jones Movie Trailer!

Enjoy!







And something extra, a teaser pic from the new X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie: