You are here: Home / Archives for Movies Review Blog

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

May 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This film focuses on another visit to Narnia by the main characters; brother and sister Edmund and Lucy Pevensie. Upon their return, the children meet with Prince Caspian, who requests their presence on a long sea voyage. They embark upon this voyage in a coveted ship known as The Dawn Treader, bravely facing the dangers they know lie ahead. They are met with these dangers in the forms of dwarves, dragons, merpeople, warriors, and a number of other magical obstacles that must be defeated.

In addition to promising family fun and excitement, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader also offers a number of important life lessons and advice to developing viewers. This is one thing that makes this series so popular, because parents know that, in addition to being entertained, their children will be growing from their involvement in this epic fantasy literature.

While this film still holds much appeal for dedicated Narnia fans, many have been disappointed by this film when comparing it to the previous two. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the third installment in the Narnia series, and many complain that it doesn’t provide the impressive graphics and visual effects of the first two. Additionally, it lacks the previous excitement provided by the introduction of multiple new characters. While past films have been full of odd entities and fantastical personalities, the latest plot doesn’t offer a lot of new character development. Though it does have some disadvantages when compared to its previous counterparts, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader still offers a lot of nostalgic value for those who grew up with the series, and a number of adventure sequences that promise good times for all.

Filed Under: Movies Review Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

TRON: Legacy

May 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

TRON: Legacy is a technical adventure, taking place in an imaginative digital world. The plot follows Sam Flynn, played by Hedlund, who is introduced as a technically gifted boy in his late twenties. Flynn’s father, played by Bridges, has been missing for many years, spawning a number of questions that no one has been able to answer. Flynn is consumed by these questions, leading him to look into his father’s disappearance further, which only works to raise more questions.

Flynn’s quest for answers leads him to be sucked into the digital world known as Tron, where his father has been trapped, living there for the last 25 years. Along for the journey is Kevin’s sidekick, Quorra, played by Wilde, who assists Flynn and his father on their incredible escape attempt. The film follows this epic adventure through a cyber universe that is visually incomparable to anything seen in science fiction of the past. This film presents an exciting journey, wrought with danger that will engage young and old viewers, alike.

Dedicated fans of the original film may feel disappointed by the updated world of TRON: Legacy. The newer film presents the obvious opportunities for over the top special effects and exciting action sequences. While these aspects of the film certainly have value to entertainment seekers, those who were intrigued by the initial story present in the Tron adventure will find that it is largely overshadowed by Hollywood spectacle. While dedicated science fiction fans should still feel obliged to view the film, they should recognize that times are different, and some of what made the original so special has been lost to modern technology.

Alternatively, TRON: Legacy receives no complaints as a 3D movie. It is one of the best 3D movies that have come out since the popular inception of this technique, with numerous opportunities for in-your-face action. Audiences of the film were kept at the edge of their seats with the engaging fight sequences and seemingly personal involvement in action scenes. If you have never heard of Tron, the original story or the science fiction following, it is still worth viewing this film. While a 3D experience in the theater offer more excitement than a living room viewing, the DVD offers an equally engaging adventure through cyber space.

Filed Under: Movies Review Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Gulliver’s Travels

May 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This film is based on the classic novel of the same title, written by Jonathan Swift and originally released in the 1700s. The movie, updated into modern times, tells the epic tale of Lemuel Gulliver, played by Black, who works as a mail clerk in a New York office. Craving something more, Gulliver bluffs his way into a job as a travel writer and embarks on his first assignment. During a storm he is thrust through a portal into an unknown land called Lilliput. In Lilliput, Gulliver is a giant because all of the people in the land are the size of a pinky finger.

While the Lilliputians (what the local townspeople are called) are initially frightened by Gulliver’s size and girth, as time goes on he comes to be involved in their affairs and eventually wins their affections. He then must act as a protector of Lilliput, acting as the heroic giant that must defeat incoming invaders and foreign attacks. The film that goes on to find Gulliver living the bigger than life dreams that he always imagined, and more. But can it live up to his expectations?

Gulliver’s Travels has wide appeal to kids and families, because it offers a minimally violent adventure tale involving overcoming adversity, and ends with the audience being taught a very important lesson; that it’s the size of the heart that counts, and not the body. There are many scenes throughout the film to keep the kids giggling, as well as few parts special for the adults.

Some people were disappointed by the film, however, as they were expecting a more accurate adaptation of the original story. Critics claim that too much was lost in trying to make the movie family-friendly, and some of the more serious issues behind the novel were ignored. Perhaps this is a good thing, however, as adventure stories are, at their base, designed to be fun and exciting. Adding too much intensity to the film, which couldn’t possibly accurately display 300 year old ideas, would have confused audiences and lowered the value of the film. As it is, the upcoming Gulliver’s Travels DVD presents an excellent choice for a Friday night family film, but should be avoided as the movie to show at a 21st birthday party.

Filed Under: Movies Review Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

The King’s Speech

May 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The King’s Speech is a timepiece, taking place in the monarchy of England. After the death of King George V, played by Michael Gambon, and the scandalous renunciation of King Edward VIII, played by Pearce, a stuttering man named Bertie is made King George VI of England. Suffering from a speech impediment throughout his entire life, Bertie is faced with the challenge of bringing the country back from the verge of war, and providing them with a reliable leader to look up to.

His wife, played by Bonham Carter, makes arrangements with a speech therapist, played by Rush, who works with Bertie to perfect his speaking abilities. The two get off to an all-but-smooth start, eventually working their way into a strong relationship. With the support of the speech therapist, his wife, and Winston Churchill, played by Spall, Bertie works toward presenting the perfect speech to unify the people and bring the country into a new age of success and progress.

This film is based on the real life struggle of King George VI to find his voice in the monarchy. It is an engaging and intriguing look at a world that many people will never experience, and a challenge that many have never faced, let alone overcome. Because of the unique insight offered by The King’s Speech, it is one of the best films of the year. Presenting a wide range of themes and emotions, the cast fits perfectly together in this all-star ensemble. Each character is presented with such care and dedication that it is impossible not to appreciate the work that went into making this film, and making it as accurate as possible. This is definitely a necessary addition to any “Must See” list for 2011. The DVD will include a number of bonus features designed to give the audience a behind-the-scenes peak at the development of the film. There will also be featured commentary and additional footage not previously available to the public.

Filed Under: Movies Review Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,