I had never seen the Popeye movie until recently. I had wanted to see it after Robin Williams passed away because it was one of his first movies. I have to say that amidst a number of issues, I actually think Popeye has some redeeming qualities.
Popeye is the story of...well...Popeye and his adventures in the town of Sweethaven. As I said before, I actually found this movie quite enjoyable even though it is a relatively slow movie, and is just on the brink of falling apart in the second half. From a cinematography standpoint, I love the way this movie looks. Beautiful sets and miniatures are utilized to perfection. It is also very rare to have a movie that functions so much on gags work so well, but Popeye is a movie that is very funny to watch. The boxing match with Popeye and Bluto's "I'm Mean" musical number are the highlights of the film. That being said, I am still not sure why this movie is a musical. I suppose the producers of the film had to find an excuse for Popeye to sing "Popeye the Sailor Man". I mean, it would not make much sense if he burst into song in the middle of a movie that was NOT a musical, right? Also, Popeye and Olive Oyl recieve Swee'pea in a basket when Olive's luggage is stolen, however Olive is not interested at all in the fact that someone has stolen her belongings!! Also, the entire sequence where Swee'pea gets kidnapped is just pointless. Why doesn't Popeye attempt to track Swee'pea down? Why does Olive Oyl sing to Popeye from a distance instead of teaming up with him to track him down? Why does Popeye write a letter to Swee'pea???? Also, towards the end of the film, Bluto has magically taken Olive Oyl captive, yet we have no idea how this happened. Under all these problems, however, there is a very fun movie to watch thanks to the genius casting that drives the movie.
Robin Williams plays Popeye. Williams perfectly embodies Popeye, right down to the physical movements and his muttering under his breath. It is also a treat to watch him sing "Popeye the Sailor Man" at the end of the movie.
Shelley Duvall plays Olive Oyl. Like Williams, Duvall is perfectly cast as the fast talking Olive. The banter that she and Williams have is top-notch, and she has an attitude to go along with it. It really is a great moment when she realizes Bluto is not the man for her, and then falls for Popeye.
Robert Altman is the director of Popeye. As I said before, I love the way the town of Sweethaven looks cinematically. Altman created a real visual world with great characters. Altman also seems to know the star power he has with both Williams and Duvall, because their performances are what stands out about the movie.
Personally, I think Popeye is a half-decent movie. The performances by the actors are what stand out more than the movie as a whole. I would say that if you are a fan of the late Robin Williams in even the smallest of ways, you will want to at least check this movie out.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
Robin Williams....You're Free!
I did not grow up with the Disney animated movies. There are hundreds of classic animated films, but I have only seen a handful of them. I think that because I was not raised on those movies, the 4 or 5 movies that I have seen are that much more special to me. Aladdin is one of them.
Aladdin is the story of a street urchin who uses a genie's powers to get the girl of his dreams. Obviously, there are many things to love about this movie. Everything from the music to the animation is wonderful. I love the fact that even though Aladdin and Jasmine live completely different lives, they still have something in common. The scene where Aladdin is retrieving the lamp reminds me very much of Raiders of the Lost Ark. I particularly love the way the magic carpet is animated, and how this character's physical movement is used to show emotion. The almost-escape from the Cave of Wonders is spectacular. There is also a nice nod to This is Spinal Tap if you really pay attention. That being said, there are some issues with the movie. Firstly, there is no explanation of how the Sultan's diamond has mystical powers. Next, Princess Jasmine feeds a boy on the street by STEALING FOOD!! You would think a Princess would be smarter than that. Also, how does Jafar not know that Prince Ali is really Aladdin? HELLO! When it comes to recognizing people, Jafar is almost as dumb as Lois Lane from the original Superman movies. Another thing that bothers me is that the Genie can get a new master even if he has not granted the previous master their 3 wishes. Seriously? That makes no sense at all. Also, why doesn't Jafar get a new outfit when he becomes a sorcerer? None of these problems, however, detract from the sheer joy that I get out of watching this movie.
Obviously, what stands out as the bright spot in Aladdin is Robin Williams as the voice of the Genie. If you really think about it, the Genie is the ultimate Robin Williams tribute in many ways. The magical power of the Genie is the perfect outlet for William's insane improvisation. It is the thing I loved most when I saw the movie in theaters when I was boy, and it remains that way today. Also, for the record, I ALWAYS applaud at the end of "Friend Like Me".
Aladdin was one of my first movie-going experiences. While I do not consider Aladdin a classic like Peter Pan or The Jungle Book, I certainly do believe it is an incredibly enjoyable movie. Of course, now that Robin Williams has passed away the ending is incredibly emotional. Everyone loves Aladdin, and there is a reason for it.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Sweaty Nerd Fandom: Part 4
I have fond memories of going to see Daredevil back in 2003. I remember my good friend Mike Shreve and I trudging through the snow in February just so we could get tickets. At that time, comic book movies were just starting to get popular and it such a blast going to see the movie.
Daredevil is the story of a man who gets blinded by toxic waste, and then goes on to fight crime using his remaining four senses. I think the problem most people had with Daredevil is that, in terms of tone, they thought it was going to be like the Spider-Man movie that came out the year before. It turned out to be exactly the opposite. Whereas the Spider-Man movie was exciting, fun and had bright colors, Daredevil was quite dark both visually and tonally. Daredevil does have its problems (like that lame voicemail towards the beginning of the movie), but I must say that I really enjoy the film. There are other issues with the movie that I would like to address. For example, what the heck is that thing that he sleeps in? Is it some sort of superhero waterbed? Does it drown out the noise? He's a superhero, so why does he sleep? There is also a fight scene in the film that takes place in a bar (which is awesome by the way), after which the bad guy is crouched hiding somewhere and Daredevil leaps up and walks across the pool tables to get to him. Why does he do this? I mean, it looks cool but there is no strategic reason for him to do so. Also, during the fight scene in the church there are bats that fly out of the organ. It really is one of those roll-your-eyes, "oh my god, that's so cliche!" moments. However as I said before, despite these issues I find Daredevil to be quite enjoyable.
Ben Affleck plays Matt Murdock/Daredevil. I actually find Affleck to be quite serviceable in the movie. Murdock is a man who knows that he cannot save everybody, and yet he still has trouble coping with that fact. Murdock is tormented by loss his entire life, and I really enjoy watching Affleck play this kind of a role.
Jennifer Garner plays Elektra Natchios. Elektra is a woman who does not need a man to protect her because she can protect herself, and is very adept at doing so. I enjoy Garner in this role, and the fact that she did some of her own stunts makes it all the better. Elektra is a very dark character, and Jennifer Garner is very good at playing that kind of a role.
Despite its problems, Daredevil does have many things going for it. People always ask me, "Nate, name one good thing about Daredevil". I always respond with, "Colin Farrell as Bullseye". Farrell absolutely shines in a role that I consider one my favorite villain portrayals. It is also great to watch the late Michael Clarke Duncan as Wilson Fisk/The Kingpin. Duncan is literally the only actor on the face of the planet who could play the character simply because of his size. While Daredevil is not as entertaining as Spider-Man or Iron Man, if you like The Punisher and the Blade movies you will enjoy Daredevil.
Daredevil is the story of a man who gets blinded by toxic waste, and then goes on to fight crime using his remaining four senses. I think the problem most people had with Daredevil is that, in terms of tone, they thought it was going to be like the Spider-Man movie that came out the year before. It turned out to be exactly the opposite. Whereas the Spider-Man movie was exciting, fun and had bright colors, Daredevil was quite dark both visually and tonally. Daredevil does have its problems (like that lame voicemail towards the beginning of the movie), but I must say that I really enjoy the film. There are other issues with the movie that I would like to address. For example, what the heck is that thing that he sleeps in? Is it some sort of superhero waterbed? Does it drown out the noise? He's a superhero, so why does he sleep? There is also a fight scene in the film that takes place in a bar (which is awesome by the way), after which the bad guy is crouched hiding somewhere and Daredevil leaps up and walks across the pool tables to get to him. Why does he do this? I mean, it looks cool but there is no strategic reason for him to do so. Also, during the fight scene in the church there are bats that fly out of the organ. It really is one of those roll-your-eyes, "oh my god, that's so cliche!" moments. However as I said before, despite these issues I find Daredevil to be quite enjoyable.
Ben Affleck plays Matt Murdock/Daredevil. I actually find Affleck to be quite serviceable in the movie. Murdock is a man who knows that he cannot save everybody, and yet he still has trouble coping with that fact. Murdock is tormented by loss his entire life, and I really enjoy watching Affleck play this kind of a role.
Jennifer Garner plays Elektra Natchios. Elektra is a woman who does not need a man to protect her because she can protect herself, and is very adept at doing so. I enjoy Garner in this role, and the fact that she did some of her own stunts makes it all the better. Elektra is a very dark character, and Jennifer Garner is very good at playing that kind of a role.
Despite its problems, Daredevil does have many things going for it. People always ask me, "Nate, name one good thing about Daredevil". I always respond with, "Colin Farrell as Bullseye". Farrell absolutely shines in a role that I consider one my favorite villain portrayals. It is also great to watch the late Michael Clarke Duncan as Wilson Fisk/The Kingpin. Duncan is literally the only actor on the face of the planet who could play the character simply because of his size. While Daredevil is not as entertaining as Spider-Man or Iron Man, if you like The Punisher and the Blade movies you will enjoy Daredevil.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
A Boring Movie About An Awful Movie
For the past several years, I have heard how incredibly raunchy Zack and Miri Make a Porno is. I have to admit that this is one of the contributing factors that made me want to see the film. Unfortunately, I am sorry to say that I just sat through the 2-hour snooze-fest that is Zack and Miri Make a Porno.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno is the story of two people who decide to solve their financial problems by making a porn flick. I have to admit that even though I am a huge fan of Kevin Smith, I hated this movie. I am not going to beat around the bush with this. This movie is awful. It dragged along for two hours with some of the longest dialog scenes I have ever seen in a movie. The romantic relationship that forms between Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri ( Elizabeth Banks) is so extremely predictable that I saw it coming five minutes into the movie. I would also say that 99% of the funny moments in the movie come from everyone EXCEPT Seth Rogen. With all that out of the way, there are a few minor redeeming qualities about this movie. The crude humor is at an all-time-high, even for a Kevin Smith film. There are also some quite good dramatic moments that actually resonate very well. That is about it, though.
Seth Rogen plays Zack. I am generally not a huge fan of Rogen at all, and this movie is a prime example. Other than a couple of wonderful dramatic moments between him and Elizabeth Banks, Rogen is very weak and just downright boring. The staleness of his acting is so present, it is a miracle I did not turn the movie off.
Elizabeth Banks plays Miri. She is the best thing about this movie, quite honestly. She is funny, but at the same time there is something very heartfelt about her performance. Banks gives off a very "girl next door" quality in this movie, which is something I really enjoyed.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno is written and directed by Kevin Smith. It is, in my opinion, his weakest film. The countless dialog scenes drag on so slowly, and there is nothing about this movie that keeps you invested in the story or the characters. The movie does have raunchy dialog, but that is about it.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. It is a miracle that I did not fall asleep while watching it. If your time and money is precious to you, please do yourself a favor and skip this movie.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno is the story of two people who decide to solve their financial problems by making a porn flick. I have to admit that even though I am a huge fan of Kevin Smith, I hated this movie. I am not going to beat around the bush with this. This movie is awful. It dragged along for two hours with some of the longest dialog scenes I have ever seen in a movie. The romantic relationship that forms between Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri ( Elizabeth Banks) is so extremely predictable that I saw it coming five minutes into the movie. I would also say that 99% of the funny moments in the movie come from everyone EXCEPT Seth Rogen. With all that out of the way, there are a few minor redeeming qualities about this movie. The crude humor is at an all-time-high, even for a Kevin Smith film. There are also some quite good dramatic moments that actually resonate very well. That is about it, though.
Seth Rogen plays Zack. I am generally not a huge fan of Rogen at all, and this movie is a prime example. Other than a couple of wonderful dramatic moments between him and Elizabeth Banks, Rogen is very weak and just downright boring. The staleness of his acting is so present, it is a miracle I did not turn the movie off.
Elizabeth Banks plays Miri. She is the best thing about this movie, quite honestly. She is funny, but at the same time there is something very heartfelt about her performance. Banks gives off a very "girl next door" quality in this movie, which is something I really enjoyed.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno is written and directed by Kevin Smith. It is, in my opinion, his weakest film. The countless dialog scenes drag on so slowly, and there is nothing about this movie that keeps you invested in the story or the characters. The movie does have raunchy dialog, but that is about it.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. It is a miracle that I did not fall asleep while watching it. If your time and money is precious to you, please do yourself a favor and skip this movie.
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