Ghost In The Shell

seen in theater
March 30, 2017

Surprised at the critical negativity, but I agree it is not a perfect movie. My biggest problem was the bad quality of the 3D (might have been due to theater hardware issues). This film might be more directed to the fans rather than enticing new viewers. I am going to see it again this weekend in 2D. While I am familiar with the anime, I would not classify myself as a knowledgeable fan. However even the way Scarlett Johansson held her body and moved really reminded me of the Major in the anime. Pilou Asbaek as Batou and Takeshi Kitano as Aramaki also felt true to their anime counterparts. I felt that this movie dragged during the corporate scenes (not as bad as Netflix's Iron Fist though). I am a fan of the anime although it has been years since I viewed the films. Even with the opening crawl (not at Star Wars level), this movie probably flows better for those with a basic knowledge of the characters and their world. Not defending the ending, but all the amoral and arrogant scientists along with the CEO appear to be Caucasian, hence the appearance of "the shell", they did not care about the true identities of ghosts within. Perhaps like so many fantasy/science fiction movies Ghost In The Shell used too much time setting up the character and environment forgetting about plot. I was hoping for a better critical reaction to encourage more anime flowing into a wider audience.

Iron Fist

Season 1 - 13 episodes on Netflix March, 2017

I intended to binge this series in one weekend, however I did temporarily stop at episode 6 due to an overload of angst (not mine) and bad character motivation (probably not mine). I am not familiar with the comic character, but Danny Rand seems rather whiney at times. I did finally finish Iron Fist Season 1. While it does improve, it still needs work to have a more successful season 2. I hope that the writers/show-runners take to heart, at least allegorically, that speech that Claire Temple makes in Colleen's dojo towards the end of episode 13. Nice easter egg in episode 13 about 7 1/2 minutes in (upper right corner of screen).

While this series does not match the cohesion and drama of Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, it does contain lots of action, unfortunately it also contains lots of corporate executives being rather stupid, disconnected and 2-dimensional.

The actors who shine in this series are, Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing, Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple, Wai Ching Ho as Madame Gao and Carrie-Anne Moss as Jeri Hogarth. When one or more is on screen, it provides more glow than the eponymous fist the series title.

With the 13 episodes, I would have devoted at least a single (maybe two) episodes to show Danny Rand growing up, being trained and coming to his conclusion to leave K'un-Lun. Or maybe keeping season 1 to 10 episodes or less would have tightened up the dialogue and plot.

I hear that Iron Fist has been renewed for a season 2. I hope that season 2 is more martial arts than corporate malfeasance.

Power Rangers  (2017)

PG-13 2 hours 4 minutes

(Extra scene midway through credits no extras at conclusion of credits)

                        

I enjoyed this movie. It held my attention. The acting from all principal players was surprisingly good. Elizabeth Banks (as Rita Repulsa) was a somewhat over the top, but that was in line with her character in that Rita has no arc just a colorful cartoonish mania. The 5 rangers along with Zordon all were character-driven. Although Alpha 5 was a truly cartoonish robot (well-voiced by Bill Hader) he was not as omnipresent or cloying in a Jar Jar Binks way.

I went into this movie with only a surface knowledge of the Power Rangers-universe. However there is a 5 -8 minute backstory at the beginning of this movie, which gives the viewer some background. For a smoother entry into the lore of this movie, I would advise a quick Wikipedia read through.

I have heard that this movie has been compared to a combination of the films Chronicle and The Breakfast Club.  I would agree with that comparison, with the addition of the fun, exciting and colorful Transformer battle scenes.

There is a certain commercial entity, which has the best (and possibly the largest) product placement that I have ever seen.  Usually product placement annoys me, but each time that this place was mentioned, I laughed.

Like the television series, this is basically a live action cartoon, but with much better acting, CGI effects and character development than the 20^th century series. Those who come looking for robots smacking each other around will not be disappointed. And for the rest of us who like some plot and character development with our CGI that also is available in enough quantity to feel entertained and enlightened.

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

saw at theater 03/20/2017--2D



Just saw this movie today in 2D (I heard that the 3D version wasn't worth the extra $). While I liked this movie and appreciated the fine tuning (Belle's invention/tool skills, LeFou's caretaker job, the sorceress/hag's role was enlarged), I agree with Brad the even with extra scenes, songs and even dialogue, this film felt the same as the 1991 animated version. I am guessing that Disney feels that they want to recreate their classics to appeal to a generation that prefers CGI or live action, to old style animation. I left this movie pleased, but not impressed or surprised.

The actors were uniformly good in their roles. Kevin Kline gave Belle's father dimension and even a wry sense of humor. The cinematography was adequate. While the CGI wolves felt a little "uncanny valley", their slightly alien appearance added to their menace.

Movie wasn't bad. While I did go away satisfied, but I was not amazed or impressed by this remake. I have a theory that Disney is trying to make a new version of its classics library targeted at those that are impressed by live action/CGI not straight animation. Doug and Rob made me realize a basic irony, the underuse of Audra McDonald's singing ability. Also, doesn't Kevin Kline have singing (theatrical-style) talents also?

KONG: Skull Island

PG-13

1 hour 58 minutes

March, 2017 @ theatre

I enjoyed this movie. The helicopter scene was epic. The soundtrack added to the thrill-ride nature of this movie. While I do not think that this movie will win a 2018 Oscar...for best makeup, etc. (talking at you Suicide Squad), for its full run of 1 hour and 58 minutes I had an exciting ride.

The cinematography is lush and beautiful adding a sense of realism to the fantastical monsters, which emerge from various areas of this island.

Admittedly the character development of the Brie Larson (as Mason Weaver) and Tom Hiddleston (as James Conrad) was more 2D, ironic as I saw this movie in 3D. Its soundtrack and the totally “out-there”, in a good way, Samuel L. Jackson character, augmented the pace of this movie. I was never bored.

My favorite character is played by John C. Reilly (as Hank Marlow). Mr. Reilly gave this movie an amount of humanity almost equal to Kong’s size.

There is a stinger (scene when movie concludes), which sets up yet another franchise, but I was expecting this move.

The only real negative that I have is the PG-13 rating; I thought it would be more R rated due to the violence.  I am guessing that current 13 years and up persons have a higher tolerance for violence than I did at that age.

While like the taste of concessions at the theater, which may not linger after 24 hours, this movie is still a fun was spend 2 hours.

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Enjoyed movie. Soundtrack really added to the energy. The characters of Tom Hiddleston (as James Conrad--although I wish they had called him Joseph Conrad) and Brie Larson (as Mason Weaver) were a little under-written but that did not bother me or take me out of the movie. I wonder if there is a Director's Cut with more data? Saw it in 3D with a friend. I felt 3D worth the extra cash, my friend not so much. However we both agreed on this movie as a great thrill ride.