May 25, 2008

• Movies I've Seen Recently...

  
  Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull  (2008)  B-

  The Indiana Jones movies have always been more about the adventure and action that expects you to suspend your disbelief, and "Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" is no different. Well that's not entirely true, because this particular chapter seems to have increased the action and expects a lot more to suspend disbelief more so than the previous installments. The adventure aspect, while still present, doesn't feel as "adventurous" as I expected from an Indiana Jones film. I think part of the problem here is that the movie itself feels more like a two hours homage to the first films, and because it uses a lot of elements from those, it in turn makes this one lose it's opportunity to establish it's own identity in the franchise. It also seems to lack more quieter scenes found in the previous films that help develop the characters more, and there seems to be a lack of truly exciting traps and riddles that are also a staple of the other chapters.

  Although I seem to be a little too obsessed comparing this movie to the previous ones, and point out the flaws a little too much, I have to say that I did enjoy this movie! Despite the unbelievable coincidental moments that happen far too often in the movie, and the silliness of some scenes, it was still fun to watch. From the beginning to the end, you will want to see how it all plays out, and you'll probably enjoy yourself in the process. The movie ofcourse would not have worked if it wasn't for Harrison Ford, as he IS Indiana Jones, and does another great job in the role. Shia LaBeouf is a surprisingly great addition to the cast of characters, and Cate Blanchett plays the tenacious nemesis to great effect. Director Steven Spielberg, and writers George Lucas and David Koepp, may not have made a cinematic classic like "Raiders of the Lost Ark," but they did at least made an entertaining fun movie for the whole family.

  
  Redbelt  (2008)  B-

  Can the traditional philosophy, spirit, code of
  honor, laid out by the martial art Brazilian JiuJitsu, actually apply
  to the real world? Or is it's legacy in it's form of fighting, that can
  be used for non-idealistic reasons like simply making money? "Redbelt"
  deals with those questions, and considering that this is written and
  directed by David Mamet, the movie definitely has more scenes of dialogue
  than actual fighting. That's right, this is mostly a drama, as opposed to a martial arts film. There are some martial arts in this, but I'm afraid the camera work wasn't done really well to properly capture the action. Chiwetel Ejiofor wonderfully plays the lead role,
  trying to live up to the ideals of his martial art, while he struggles
  with money, his personal life, and his friend's well being. Good/Decent
  movie with a compelling story, that kinda cheats plotwise in the end.

  • 8:24 am
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