Monday, 07 July 2008

• Wall-E, Hancock, Wanted: Summer Movie Round-up

  
  by mr. oak

  Summer ain't summer for me unless the big movies start rolling out.  Think about all the big movies that came out in July in the years past - Independence Day, Men in Black, I-Robot, Bad Boys II.....wait a minute.  What the...they all have Will Smith in it....

  Ok - correction, Summer ain't summer for me unless Will Smith is in a big movie.  That being said...I'll keep this review quick:

  Hancock
  Review: DVDable
  The premise of the movie is basically a flawed super hero, played by Will Smith, who has a bit of an image problem.  He then meets a public relations guy, played by Jason Bateman, and his family.  It's the age old predictable story of the heroine seeking their personal redemption.
  FTW: The movie wins in that it attempts to portray that not all heroes are perfect.  Granted the Marvel superheroes do a good job of showing flawed characters, but Hancock deals with alcohol, sloth, and a bunch of other vices. 
  FAIL: The movie fails in that the story is poorly told.  There are so many conditions for this movie to work.  And there are a few fight scenes where you're scratching your head wondering why they're fighting.  No really, why are they fighting?
  Can you take your mother to this?  Yes. Though I can imagine my mom looking at the slovenly Hancock and say "If you don't study, this is how you'll become."
  Can you take your kids to this? Yes...kind of.  Language, language, language.  If your kid has virgin ears, steer away from this.
  The Christian Spin: Deep down a part of us wants to be loved by others.  No matter how much we push people away when we want to be alone, we rarely want to feel lonely.  Hancock embodies this persona and shows how sacrifice and helping others can help discover who you are and what you do.
  Final Thoughts:
  Seriously, why are they fighting?

  Wanted
  Review: RENTable/THEATERable
  Dorky office goon.  Check.  Quarter-life crisis.  Check.  Hot girl.  Check.  Secret group of deadly assassins that existed for centuries and have been saving the world since then and want dorky office goon to join for some reason.  Check.
  FTW: The action scenes are pretty interesting.  And the story's basic offering is very interesting - I mean who hasn't thought about shooting the wings off flies with a gun!  yeah, me neither.  Though this movie is worth renting as a normal movie goer, but if you're really into action then the movie is theaterable.
  FAIL: I think the movie tried to be as gritty and inspiring as matrix and fight club.  But the movie fell way short of that.  It had it's moments but ultimately didn't add up in the end.   If you're not into crazy action then this movie will fail for you.
  Can you take your mother to this? No.  Two words:  Angelina's Badonkadonk.  Along with that - some graphic animated blood is gratuitously spilled here and there.  Just can't imagine this being a great mother bonding experience - though if you do take her to it, she'll probably talk about how if the dork can get a job, so can you.
  Can you take your kids to this? Wouldn't recommend it.  Rated R for a reason - also there's a good chance your kid will try to triple somersault off the wall, spin, grab a toy gun and curve the bullet and shoot you in the knee cap. 
  The Christian Spin: A toughie - but the central protagonist's mundane desk job and then feeling released by a greater purpose is the closest Christian message I can think of in this bloody action packed film. 
  Final Thoughts:
  Yes, I said Badonkadonk.

  Wall-E
  Review: IMAXable
  Wall-E is the last robot on an abandoned landfill garbage earth when he meets Eve. 
  FTW: The movie is surprisingly a love story that is well told, emotionally engaging, and a wonderful addition to the PIXAR line (who now seems to have a perfect track record still.)  You can't but to love Wall-E and actually wish you had one.  He's like an R2-D2 with opposable thumbs. 
  FAIL: not much to say here - but I couldn't help to feel like Wall-E was Johnny-5 (from short circuit)'s illegitimate son.  But nevertheless, the movie was perfect.
  Can you take your mother to this? Yes you definitely can.  Though she'll somehow figure out a way to tell you that if you don't do your school work that you'll be left alone on earth too.
  Can you take your kids to this?  Definitely, in fact - the movie is so good that I bet you can get away with stealing your neighbor's kids and watching it too.
  The Christian Spin: Easily - Love Rules.
  Final Thoughts:
  I want a Wall-E.  And seriously - after watching this movie, don't be surprised if you continuously talk like him for the next few days. 

  What did you think of any of these movies?

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