Gravity

Gravity (2013)
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron.

I know I'm a little late to this party, but I think this deserves to get posted even though I'll probably just be repeating a lot of the same things that others have already said about the film. Most importantly: I loved it.

So it didn't have much of a plot. I didn't care.

So it got some of the science wrong. I'm not a scientist, so it seemed realistic enough for me.

So it pretty much only had one actor. I don't mind spending an hour and a half with one person as long as they give me a reason to want to.

So the whole thing was CG. Well that was kind of the point.

I'm trying to think of anything that I didn't like about the film, but at the moment nothing is coming to mind. I may be able to think of some criticisms after watching it a few more times, but my first viewing of the film was one of those rare near-perfect moviegoing experiences. Huge theater. Dolby Atmos. 3D. Respectful audience. Perfection.

The experience of seeing this film in the most immersive way possible proves just how wrong Spielberg and Lucas are when they predict the impending death of the movie theater. Gravity's $175 million (and growing) domestic gross proves that the general public is still willing to make the journey to the theater to see a film (and even pay the 3D premiums) if you give them a reason to want to; if you provide them with an experience that they can't get from home or mobile viewing.

But back to the point...this film is one of the most visually, aurally, and emotionally beautiful films I've seen in a very long time, and in case you haven't figured this out yet, I loved it.

Five out of five stars.
Viewed October 8, 2013 at LOOK Cinemas Prestenwood in Dallas, TX.

Finding Nemo 3D

Finding Nemo 3D (2012)
Directed by Andrew Stanton.

I don't remember if I saw Nemo in its original theatrical release back in 2003, so it was a no-brainer that I had to see the 3D re-release in its opening weekend. I do however remember watching it on DVD so many times that that it stopped working (or maybe it just got scratched...)

Anyway, I was very excited to see my favorite Pixar film in a theater for the first time. I'm still not a big fan of 3D and probably never will be, but this was worth seeing with the extra dimension. Unlike most conversions, especially on live-action films, the extra dimension didn't feel awkward and annoying. The conversion actually achieved the primary goal of 3D: it gave extra depth that the original lacked, and made the already striking seascapes even more beautiful.

I know you've seen Nemo in at least two of the D's, if not all three, so instead of doing more review-ish stuff, I'd like to hear your opinion. Yes this is for a grade, and it's due on Friday.

How do you feel about 3D? (I know, it's an old question, but it's still valid.)

Should Disney continue converting its vast collection of animated films? If so, which should be next?

Finding Nemo 2?

5 out of 5 Stars
Viewed September 14, 2012 at Cinemark 14 in Denton, TX.

The Dark Knight Rises

Well we finally got around to seeing The Dark Knight Rises, although unfortunately not in IMAX... :(
Since I'm a little late to the discussion party, I'll just list off a few specific reactions and then y'all can let me know if you agree.

First off, I loved TDKR. I definitely think it's a fitting end to one of the greatest trilogies of all time.

TDKR is the fourth fastest film to reach $400 million domestically. It reached that benchmark after 29 days in theaters, eleven days slower than The Dark Knight. I initially predicted that TDKR would track ahead of (or at least pretty close to) TDK and end up with a final domestic gross around $550 million. That was an overly optimistic prediction, but I do still think it should end up close to $500 million.

I motion for TDKR to be renamed Michael Caine Punches the Audience in the Feels. There are very few actors who can make me tear up just by crying themselves, and he just joined that list.

Tom Hardy: aka one scary owl monday to friday.

Twist I didn't see coming: Marion Cotillard revealing herself as Talia al Ghul and the real villain of the film when she stabs Batman in the back.

Twist I did see coming: JGL revealed as Robin/Nightwing. Please please please let this mean we will get to see a Nolan Robin/Nightwing film.

Were you satisfied with Nolan's farewell to Batman? Share your thoughts below!

5 out of 5 stars
Viewed August 17, 2012 at Cinemark 14 in Denton, TX

Super 8

Super 8 (2011)
Directed by J.J. Abrams

I have probably seen Super 8 at least ten times already, in big theaters, small theaters,  in IMAX, and on cable, but I just recently got my own copy of the film on DVD. What better way to spend a lazy saturday than by rewatching great movies?

One of my favorite things about Super 8 is how much I can personally relate to the film.  My mother is alive and the small town I grew up in doesn't have any aliens, but I grew up making films with my friends, admiring Spielberg and Abrams, and I definitely get turned on by girls in zombie makeup.  Although my experiences were much different than Joe Lamb's and Abrams', the film still elicits some great memories from my childhood.

And I think that is the greatest strength of the film.  Yes it tells an intriguing story of a group of kids, a small town, and a lonely alien; yes it tells a painfully beautiful story of loss and acceptance; and yes it has the most amazing special effects ever seen in a $50 million film, but it's greatest strength is its ability to connect people of all backgrounds, generations, nationalities, and socio-economic status through common childhood experiences.

Let's call it a modern Goonies. Amirite?

5 out of 5 stars
Viewed May 19, 2012.

Restrepo

Restrepo (2010)
Directed by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington

Restrepo tells the story of a platoon's fifteen month deployment in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley, which was considered at the time to be the deadliest place on earth.
The film begins with footage shot by one of the soldier's as they were getting ready for deployment.  The soldier is PFC Restrepo, a field medic who is killed in a firefight in the first fifteen minutes of the film.  The platoon later captures a Taliban strategic point and builds an observation post named OP Restrepo in his memory.  The film then expertly shows the dichotomy of the battle against the Taliban.  The platoon would spend days doing nothing, and then insurgents would appear and the would be engaged in deadly firefights.
Aided by regularly interspersed interviews with the soldiers, the film gives a very raw and emotional look into the platoon's daily battle against the Taliban, both militarily and culturally.  Through Junger and Hetherington's skilled filming, the experience of watching the film is transcended into becoming part of the film.

5 out of 5 stars
Viewed May 2, 2012