Mannequin - 1987

I decided to go a little old school for my latest review. I recently picked up Mannequin and Mannequin 2 in a movie two pack. Each movie is on its own disc in the case. I haven't watched Mannequin 2 yet and it's been years since I've seen it, so my review is just on the first one.

Strangly enough, Mannequin has been on cable a lot recently. This is a movie I remember fondly from my childhood. It isn't what I consider top notch cinema, but a fun rompy movie.

It stars Kim Cattral as Ema, an Egyptian transported through time eventually being incarnated into the body of a mannequin. The mannequin is created by often out of work artist Jonathan Switcher played by Andrew McCarthy. James Spader has a stand out performance as the geeky double crossing store manager, and Meshach Taylor is a lot of fun as Hollywood, the super gay widow dresser Switcher becomes friends with. Only Switcher can see Emmy outside of the mannequin form which leads to lots of comic moments and what the film excels at.. montages. There are a few montages in this movie and what really stands out is the fun 80s sound track to go with them. In the end, it's your typical romantic comedy with your typical ending, but still fun when you need comedic cheese in your diet.
I award this comedy 3 Popcorns out of 5

The Ark of Truth

Finding the Ark

You can watch Stargate SG1's movie The Ark of Truth without having watched the series; however, it might not make a lot of sense to you if you haven't watched the series. One thing this direct to dvd movie does is include an intro that more or less talks about what was going on in the series up to the movie. The Ark of Truth was created to close out the storyline of the Ori since they ended the series. Such a good series it was. I didn't need to watch it every week, but I really like the stories and the chemistry of the cast.

Plot:

During the series, Merlin, of our the myth, is discovered to have been an Ancient (the good ascended beings in the universe). Merlin was responsible for the creation of weapons that could kill ascended beings. The main villains in the series at this time are ascended beings known as the Ori. They are out to spread a cult like religion called Origin, and the more followers they have, the more powerful they become. In the immoratal words of Star Trek, "Resistance is Futile." You either join Origin or you die.

In the last episodes of the series, SG1 manages to create the weapon to kill ascended beings and they send it into the Ori Galaxy. At the being of The Ark of Truth, they still don't know if the weapon worked or not. They are on a mission for another ancient weapon in the war against the ori because even if the Ori are gone, their followers are still great in number. During their search, they discover it may be in the Ori's own home galaxy. As the Ori prepare to send ships through to the Milky Way to attack Earth, SG-1 travels to the Ori galaxy aboard the Odyssey. The International Oversight committee has their own plans and SG-1 finds themselves in a distant galaxy fighting two powerful enemies.

The movie didn't disappoint. If you enjoy good sci fi, the Stargate universe is a good place to get it. Since I got it through netfilx, I decided to watch the special features. They ended up having some of their panel from Comic-Con in 2007 there. It's only be a little over a month since Erik and I were at Comic-Con and it made me want to be back there. I really enjoyed the 2 panels we got in for and the one for Stargate was hysterical. Ben Browder who used to be on Farscape and took over for Richard Dean Anderson looked like he just woke up, and Christopher Judge who plays Teal'c gave a shout out to Riverside. I wish I'd been there. By hook or by crook, I will be at all 4 days of next years comic-con.

4 Popcorns out of 5

Babylon A.D.

Disjointed Babylon

I recently found out that the move was supposed to be 20 minutes longer and it might have improved it in my eyes if they had kept the original length. This was a pet project for the French filmaker Mathieu Kassovitz. I hope when they bring it to DVD they have a director's cut so I can see how the director envisioned this story.

Going in, I was worried that 90 minutes wouldn't be long enough for this movie and it wasn't. It was an interesting premise. I enjoy a good postnuculear movie. Vin Diesel is a Mercenery exhiled from American. He is hired to escort a young lady who grew up in a convent to America. Sheltered her entire life, Aurora has trouble ajusting to the outside world. Strange things also happen with the girl. She starts having paranormal experiences of preminision. The film work during the action segments were a little to disjointed for me. The way the action segments were filmed reminded me of the Bourne movies, but not as good. If you like a good action movie, wait for this one to go to DVD. It's worth a view but not theatre prices. I'm on the fence on whether I'd own it or not. Bad movies tend to grow on me, so who knows.

2 Popcorns out of 5

Battlestar Galatica: The Miniseries

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE MINISERIES

I'm going to update here more often. And I'm going to start including TV shows that I watch as well. Erik and I recently joined Netfilxs for the first time, so I'll be including reviews of the movies and tv shows I get on here. We're only trying the unlimited 1 at a time, so I'll have to see if we decided to expand our subscription.

The first movie/tv show we received was the Battlestar Galatica Mini Series that started the reincarnation of the classic late 70s early 80s show. I've watched the old show and even gave my dad the entire series for the old show. It was fun.

When the sci fi channel first announced they would be doing a remake, I was hesitent to like the new one. Why can't the entertainment industry think of new stories to tell. However, when they decided on this one, they created a show superior and far more entertaining the first go around.

It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years since this miniseries first came out. I didn't realize the show has been out that long.

This is how the miniseries begins with this (borrowed from Wikipedia):

The Cylons were created by Man.
They were created to make life easier on the Twelve Colonies.
And then the day came when the Cylons decided to kill their masters.
After a long and bloody struggle, an armistice was declared.
The Cylons left for another world to call their own.
A remote space station was built...
...where Cylon and Human could meet and maintain diplomatic relations.
Every year, the Colonials send an officer.
The Cylons send no one.
No one has seen or heard from the Cylons in over forty years.

The Cylons have come back and instead of metal machines there are now 12 models who look just like humans. They attack all 12 colonies at once leaving survivors scattered. The Battlestars were the defense of the 12 colonies. Galatica is about to be retired and turned into a museum, but due to some lack of computer upgrades, they are able to survive the attack, and unite what is left of humanity about 50,000. Edward James Olmos is excellent in role of Admiral Adama. It was weird adjusting to a female Starbuck but but Katee Sackhoff, does a great job of protraying the character. If you like science fiction and a great story, this one is for you.

I give it 5 Popcorns out of 5!

The Seeker: The Dark Force Rising

This movie is supposed to be based off a book. I'm hoping the book is a lot better then the movie. The movie had potential. The story is interesting, but the script, directing, and at times, the acting just were not up to good movie standards.

The movie tells the story of Will Stanton, a young man who learns he is the last of a group of warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of the Dark. He is the seventh son of a seventh son. Traveling back and forth through time, Will discovers a series of clues which lead him into a showdown with forces of unimaginable power. With the Dark once again rising, the future of the world rests in Will's hands.

It reminded me of a movie I'd see on the Family Channel but with better special effects. I haven't read the book, but I'm assuming it's much better then this movie. I borrowed it from a friend and do not plan on owning it, but for kids, it seems like it would be fun if you don't mind light vs. dark themes.

It's rare for me to do this, but I give this movie:

2 Popcorns out of 5.

The Dark Knight

I went to see a 10:20 IMAX viewing of The Dark Knight and all I have to say is Wow! This movie was awesome especially on the huge IMAX screen. We sat in the 4th of 5th row right in the middle so we saw everything. Theater was sold out and I couldn't even tell. They had even added a 1:35AM showing on a Monday that is how popular this movie is right now and for good reason. It is definitely the best movie I have seen all Year!!

Heath Ledger is amazing in his role as the Joker and Christian Bale is stellar as Batman. The action was stellar and the special effects were topnotch. The cast of this movie was just spectacular. Ok I'm running out of Adjectives to say how much I loved this movie. I won't get into any plot here. But if you see one movie this year on the big Screen. See The Dark Knight!!

5+ Popcorns out of 5

Hancock

Here I go reviewing another Comic Book Hero type movie.

This was no where near the caliber of the first two Spiderman movies, and I still like Iron Man better, but it was a fun movie. Better then Daredevil and just as long as Xmen 3 (which was too short for what it was).

The story follows along with a guy who doesn't remember who is or where he comes from. He's been around awhile. I won't tell you how long. You'll have to watch to movie to find out the specifics. He's been living in LA and almost everyone doesn't like him because he causes too much colateral damage when he does his "heroic" deeds. He's drinks all the time. Then one day he saves, Jason Bateman's from getting smashed by a train. Bateman is a PR man and wants to help improve everyone's opinion of Hancock. His wife is played by Charlize Theron and you can tell from the moment she sets her eyes on Hancock something is up. Will Hancock sober up, will he find out who he is, and what is up with Charlize?

I give it 4 popcorns out of 5

The Incredible Hulk

Release Date: June 13, 2008

I'm going to be less formal with my movie reviews so I can just write them and not have to do research on them.

I was drug to see The Incredible Hulk on Opening Night because mine and Erik's friends Heath and Ryan really wanted to see it. The previous incarnation with Eric Bana and Jennifer Connely was very lacking in it's execution by Ang Lee, so I was not looking forward to venturing into another rendition of a story I, honestly, never really cared about. As a kid, I'd seen reruns of the old The Incredible Hulk tv show and it had it's fun moments, but it just wasn't the "superhero" story I was inlove with. It was always too much of a Jeckle and Hyde superhero. So I went in expecting not to like the current movie. I do however love Ed Norton as an actor and there were some other great actors in this movie, so in their regard, I was not disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised by the story and their were some fun contecting twists to another marvel superhero incarnation. If you like the story of the Hulk, this movie is a lot better then the Hulk movie.

4 Popcors out of 5

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Movie: Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Year: 5/16/2008

Opening Weekend: $56,573,000

Theatres: 3,929

Director: Andrew Adamson

Plot: Sequel to Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It has been 1,300 years since Peter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy saved and Ruled Narnia away from the White Witch. Narnia is in turmol and the Narnians have been in hiding after Narnia had been invade by a group known Telmarines. Prince Caspian is the designated heir to the throne. His uncle is the kingdoms regent and rules until Caspian is of age. However, Miraz, his uncle, finally has a son and orders Caspian's death. Warned to run by his tutor and given a horn that can summon help, Caspian heads to the woods where he stumbles across some Narians that he has only heard stories about. The Narians attack him, but he manages to blow the horn and in doing so, Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy and summoned back into Narnia. They meet up with an Elf and leads them to Caspian and from there, the battle to save Narnia from King Miraz begins.

4 popcorns out of 5

Impressions: I enjoyed this movie a lot. The only reason it doesn't get a 5 out of 5 is some story discrepency. I usually keep the movies separate from the books when they do book adaptions because so many are a lot different then their books. This time there were only a few discrepencies and I didn't mind them. They did add to the story some, but I still only give a 4 when they do not follow the story of the book. My favorite book adaptation is the Pride and Prejudice Miniseries from A&E (they did a great job). The story here is great. I love fantasy and action and this movie is full of it. The special effects are great. I really enjoyed the acting of all involved. The young man they have protraying Prince Caspian (although older then he should have been) did a supurb job. He looked familar to me so I looked him up and he had a small part in one of my favorite movies that came out last year which is also a fantasy movie called "StarDust". I can't wait to buy this movie when it comes out on DVD and I would see it again on the big screen if I wanted to spend the money. I anxiously await the arrival of the 3rd movie in the series and one of my favorite of the books. We won't get to see it till May 2010 a week after Iron Man 2 comes out. This Friday, I will be seeing the next Indy movie. I can't wait.

Equilibrium

My cousin posted about this movie on her page so I had to here. I loved this movie.

Move: Equilibrium
Year: 12/6/2002
Box Office: $1,203,794 domestically
Theatres: 301 widest (I wish this movie had been a wide release)
Director: Kurt Wimmer (also wrote it)
Plot: The furture is made of a fascist society where all feeling and any object that can create feelings in people are outlawed. At the same time everyday, the population is required to take dosages of emotion hindering drugs. Christian Bale plays John Preston a high ranking Cleric of the Tetragrammaton. He is a master of the gunkata which is the signature move of the Cleric. The Clerics' single purpose is to prevent the spread of human emotions and any cost. After Preston misses one of his regular dosages, the society will never be the same when he finds himself walking the line of cleric and revolutionary.

I need to come up with a clever rating system.
5 Popcorns out of 5
Impressions: I've always enjoyed a movie that makes you think of the what if. Movies that give us glimpses of what our society would be like when someone in power has decided certain aspects of being human are against the law. The freedom of free thinking, feeling, or just surviving. Similar stories would be The Handsmaid Tale, V for Vendetta, Brave New World, 1984, and even the Matrix. Most of them time, these stories provide hope in the main character and how they refuse to follow the establishment. In Equilibrium, we follow a character who has exceeded the expectations of the establishment but when the controlling device is limited, he awakens to new possiblities. If you have not given this movie a chance, and you enjoy great action, with a good story, give this one a try.

Clueless

Movie: Clueless
Year: 1995
Box Office: $56,631,572 domestically
Theaters: 1,922 widest
Director: Amy Heckerling
If you have not seen this movie, possible spoilers ahead.
Plot: Loosely based on Jane Austin's Emma, Cher is your average wealthy popular girl living in Beverly Hills. Her mother died from a routine liposuction and her Dad makes $500 an hour as an attorney. She has climbed to the social height at her high school. She does not like others to see fault in her, and is always trying to improve others. She plays matchmaker to two lonely teachers so one of them will probably improve her grade if he's happy. Also taking a new student under her wing, Tai, she transforms her into a young lady that hopefully the hottest boy in school, Alton will like. Alton however rebuffs Tai because she is beneath him and wants Cher. Cher rebuffs him and turns her attentions to the returning student of Christian. Christian turns out to be someone different then she thought. Through all this there is Josh. Josh is Cher's step brother from one of her father's many brief marriages. According to Dad "you divorce wives not children". Josh is always there to critize Cher and tell her straight forward what he thinks. After Tai's fallout over Alton, she decides she wants Josh. This revelation open's Cher's eyes to Josh and realizes that she's been in love with Josh for a while and never realized it. She starts volunteering in a lot of worthwhile endeavors with the hope of opening Josh's eyes. What she doesn't realize is Josh has liked her all along. In the end, Josh and Cher end up together. Tai ends up with the stoner she met her first day at school (Cher didn't approve of him, but he sobered up), and the two teachers get married.

Impressions: I so love this movie! It came out when I was 19. The dialog in this move is just genius and Alicia Silverstone really embodies Cher. I also love Paul Rudd as Josh. This is one of those movies I can watch over and over again.

Blade Runner

Movie: Blade Runner
Year: 1982
Box Office: $32,768,670 domestically
Theaters: 1,325 widest
Director: Ridley Scott
Plot: Harrison Ford plays Deckard who is a Blade Runner, a police man of the future who hunts down and terminates replicants, artificially created humans. He wants to get out of the force, but is drawn back in when 4 "skin jobs", a slang term for replicants, hijack a ship back to Earth. The city that Deckard must search for his prey is a huge, sprawling, bleak vision of the future. This film questions what it is to be human, and why life is so precious.

Impressions: I just purchased the ultra special edition box set. It comes with 5 verisons of the movie. This movie was ahead of it's time and is still an aquired taste. I love the visuals of this movie. The pacing is a bit slow and I get a quiet feeling from the movie, but the actors do an excellent job with the material. Ridely Scot has such a vision in this piece that even though it is dark and dreary it really sets the story. It is one of the best sci fi pictures ever made in my opinion. If you have never seen this movie, it is worth a view just to make your own opinion of it.