Tank Girl is one of the few movies based on a comic book that I had not seen until now. I have been a fan of the genre for years, but I have to admit that I was skeptical about watching it because it is less mainstream than most of these kinds of films. I always love it when I am proven wrong about a film, and I am pleased to say that I loved almost every single second of this movie.
Tank Girl is the story of a girl who fights against an evil corporation who has control of Earths' water supply in a dystopian future. One of the things I love about this film is that it does not take itself too seriously. I mean, you have two women teaming up with an army of kangaroos!! Every character is so radically different than anything you have seen before, and this makes you cheer for them more than you typically would. The use of technology in the movie is also incredibly inventive, and the vehicles even look like they have built using parts of other vehicles. This film is incredibly entertaining, and it is also one of the more fascinating movies in the genre. However, I do have to address some problems I have with the movie. At the beginning of the film, we hear a bit of narration from Tank Girl (Lori Petty) that describes what is going on and what she is doing. I cannot emphasize enough how much I despise narration. There has to be some other way to bring exposition to a movie without it being told to me by the main character, thus taking me completely out of the film. Also, apparently one of the rules that the Water and Power Corporation is that no one can own animals. Not only is this rule not actually on the list of things you are not allowed to do in the world, but there is no explanation as to why this is a rule. Other than these minor issues, this is a crazy and wild film that will definitely leave a lasting impression.
Lori Petty plays Tank Girl. I have often talked about the fact that there is a severe lack of strong female characters in film. One of the other major reasons I loved this film is because of what Petty brings to the role. The character of Tank Girl epitomizes what a female action star should be. She kicks ass throughout the entire film, has a wonderful sense of humor and is defiant to the end. Petty shines in the role, and brings every ounce of craziness she has to an iconic performance.
Naomi Watts plays Jet Girl. "Jet", as she is called, is yet another example of a strong female character. She is a mechanic for the Water and Power corporation, but she switches sides when she realizes how horrible the people she works for actually are. She is also socially awkward, but really comes into her own at the climax of the film. Watts plays the character beautifully, right down to her physical movements. When Jet gets comfortable in her own skin at the final act of the movie, she talks and even moves differently than she does previously in the film. This is a great moment because she realizes her potential, and kicks ass in the process. Watts is quite good in the film, and displays a wide range of emotions throughout her characters' story arc.
Malcolm McDowell plays Kesslee. I like the way McDowell plays the character because it is a tad over the top which is exactly the way it should be considering the tone of the film. Thanks to his performance, the character of Kesslee is both odd and menacing. McDowell truly gives one of the quirkiest performances I have ever seen.
Rachel Talalay is the director of Tank Girl. First off, let me say that I love the fact that a woman directed this film. The character of Tank Girl is such an alluring character, and it takes a female director to fully realize the characteristics of the character. I love the world that Talalay created with this film. In this movie the Earth of the future is a desolate wasteland, and people have to create their own makeshift devices so that they can perform everyday functions. All of these devices have their own specific and unique look. The action sequences are exciting to watch, especially the sequence where Tank Girl hijacks the Water and Power shipment of weapons. There is also a musical number in the film where Tank Girl sings "Let's Do It". Lori Petty is particularly wonderful to watch in this sequence as it is both quirky and funny. There are also a couple of animated sequences that, even though they are not live-action, are extremely fun to watch. The only thing I did not care for was the use of the comic book source material in the movie. Sometimes there are frames from the comics that are used in the film to show what is happening instead of actual footage shot for the film. This took me completely out of the film. Other than that, Talalay does such a wonderful job of bringing the character of Tank Girl, and the world she inhabits, to life.
Tank Girl is one of the more unique comic book films, and even films in general, that I have ever seen. Everything about it has such an odd sensibility about it, and it is definitely not for everyone. If you are a fan of these kinds of films, and want to know more about the comic book movie genre before it got famous, then I recommend you pick this one up.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Friday, May 19, 2017
Fathers And Sons: Part VI
If you choose to look at Star Wars as two separate trilogies, than Return of the Jedi is one of the rare instances where the third film in a film series wraps up everything perfectly. In fact, it is because of this that Jedi was my favorite of the original three films for a long time. This is one of the few third chapters in a series that actually makes me tear up every time I watch it.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi is the sixth installment in the Star Wars saga, and tells the story of Luke Skywalker attempting to turn his father, Darth Vader, back to the light side of the Force while the rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star. One of the things you notice towards the beginning of the film is that Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has grown since the end of Empire. The duel with Vader at the end of that movie has changed him, and he has become wiser since then. He has even gotten a bit arrogant, just like his father was, in terms of being presumptuous about being a Jedi Knight and even using some powers of the dark side of the Force. We also see the character arcs of Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch) and Yoda (Frank Oz) come full circle. Speaking of Yoda, one of the last things he says is, "Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor, or suffer your fathers' fate, you will." Now, let us go back to Empire when Luke asks Yoda if the dark side is stronger, to which Yoda quickly replies "No". It is my personal belief that the dark side IS stronger, but the reason Yoda says otherwise, and says so abruptly, is to prevent Luke from wanting to discover more about the power that the dark side offers. Later in the film, it is nice to see Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) pilot the Millennium Falcon since we learned that it was his ship before Han Solo (Harrison Ford) won it from him. I am also, apparently, one of the few defenders of the Ewoks. The Ewoks exist to show us that it does not matter how much technology you have. If the will of the people is strong, then they are always going to win. Also, for keen eyes of canon material, Captain Rex appears in the film!!! In the scene where Han Solo taps a stormtrooper on the shoulder and then the trooper chases after him, we see an older man at the front of the group of rebels that capture the trooper. That is Rex.
While Jedi may still be my personal favorite of the series, it does have its problems. I would have liked to see a scene where Luke Skywalker constructs his green lightsaber. No, a deleted scene does not count. I also would have liked to see Han and Lando reconcile after what happened in Empire. It feels like they start being friends again out of nowhere. Also, at one point in the film Han says to Luke, "Now I owe you one". Actually, he does not. Luke still owes him one more. Later in the film, the Emperor says that he cannot feel Lukes' presence. Why not? What exactly is preventing the Emperor from sensing Luke?? Later, towards the climax of the film, Admiral Piett (Kenneth Colley) says that he was given orders from the Emperor to keep the Imperial fleet in attack position. When did this happen??? Also, how does Luke know that Darth Vader will die if his mask is taken off?? It is not as if he has an extensive knowledge of the technology that runs Vaders' suit. Also, how does Luke know about the ancient Jedi ritual of a funeral pyre??? When did Obi-Wan teach him that???
Despite the inconsistencies, Jedi is my personal favorite of the Star Wars series. The character arcs are all wrapped up nicely, the battles are spectacular and the visual effects are second to none. This is a fitting conclusion to the Star Wars saga. Although, this is not really the end....
Joining the returning cast is Ian McDiarmid as The Emperor. The Emperor is deliciously evil in every scene, and is a show-stealing character. McDiarmid shines in the role, especially in the scenes where he is attempting to lure Luke to the dark side. The moment where he is killing Luke with the dark side lightning is especially frightening. This is an iconic role that is made even better because McDiarmid is a classically trained theater actor.
Richard Marquand is the director of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. There are certain revelations that happen in this film that Marquand handles quite well. The moments in the film where Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) reveals to Luke that Leia (Carrie Fisher) is his sister, and subsequently when Luke tells Leia this are drawn out so that the emotion can sink in. Also, the speeder bike chase is one of the most exhilarating sequences in the entire saga. The editing is quickly paced, and the P.O.V. shots make you feel like you are actually there. I also love that we see what the relationship between the Emperor and Darth Vader is like. There is a moment where Vader disobeys his master, and the scolding Vader receives is akin to that which a child would receive. Also, the last twenty-five minutes of the film are edited to perfection. There are three separate battles occurring: the ground battle on Endor, the space battle and the duel between Vader and Luke in the Emperors' throne room. Each battle gets an equal share of screen time, and each is so thrilling to watch that you cannot wait to see what happens next. The climax of the film, where Vader and Luke have a private moment together, has quite the emotional impact. Anakin Skywalker is redeemed by his son only to die in his arms moments later. This moment is handled with care by Marquand, and completes the story arc for Anakin in a beautiful way. It is because of all of these moments and more that Marquand does a fantastic job with this installment of Star Wars.
Return of the Jedi is, for the moment anyway, my favorite Star Wars film. Trilogies rarely end on a high note, but this film is an extraordinary exception. If you have the chance, I highly recommend that you re-visit Jedi and, if you have not seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi is the sixth installment in the Star Wars saga, and tells the story of Luke Skywalker attempting to turn his father, Darth Vader, back to the light side of the Force while the rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star. One of the things you notice towards the beginning of the film is that Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has grown since the end of Empire. The duel with Vader at the end of that movie has changed him, and he has become wiser since then. He has even gotten a bit arrogant, just like his father was, in terms of being presumptuous about being a Jedi Knight and even using some powers of the dark side of the Force. We also see the character arcs of Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch) and Yoda (Frank Oz) come full circle. Speaking of Yoda, one of the last things he says is, "Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor, or suffer your fathers' fate, you will." Now, let us go back to Empire when Luke asks Yoda if the dark side is stronger, to which Yoda quickly replies "No". It is my personal belief that the dark side IS stronger, but the reason Yoda says otherwise, and says so abruptly, is to prevent Luke from wanting to discover more about the power that the dark side offers. Later in the film, it is nice to see Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) pilot the Millennium Falcon since we learned that it was his ship before Han Solo (Harrison Ford) won it from him. I am also, apparently, one of the few defenders of the Ewoks. The Ewoks exist to show us that it does not matter how much technology you have. If the will of the people is strong, then they are always going to win. Also, for keen eyes of canon material, Captain Rex appears in the film!!! In the scene where Han Solo taps a stormtrooper on the shoulder and then the trooper chases after him, we see an older man at the front of the group of rebels that capture the trooper. That is Rex.
While Jedi may still be my personal favorite of the series, it does have its problems. I would have liked to see a scene where Luke Skywalker constructs his green lightsaber. No, a deleted scene does not count. I also would have liked to see Han and Lando reconcile after what happened in Empire. It feels like they start being friends again out of nowhere. Also, at one point in the film Han says to Luke, "Now I owe you one". Actually, he does not. Luke still owes him one more. Later in the film, the Emperor says that he cannot feel Lukes' presence. Why not? What exactly is preventing the Emperor from sensing Luke?? Later, towards the climax of the film, Admiral Piett (Kenneth Colley) says that he was given orders from the Emperor to keep the Imperial fleet in attack position. When did this happen??? Also, how does Luke know that Darth Vader will die if his mask is taken off?? It is not as if he has an extensive knowledge of the technology that runs Vaders' suit. Also, how does Luke know about the ancient Jedi ritual of a funeral pyre??? When did Obi-Wan teach him that???
Despite the inconsistencies, Jedi is my personal favorite of the Star Wars series. The character arcs are all wrapped up nicely, the battles are spectacular and the visual effects are second to none. This is a fitting conclusion to the Star Wars saga. Although, this is not really the end....
Joining the returning cast is Ian McDiarmid as The Emperor. The Emperor is deliciously evil in every scene, and is a show-stealing character. McDiarmid shines in the role, especially in the scenes where he is attempting to lure Luke to the dark side. The moment where he is killing Luke with the dark side lightning is especially frightening. This is an iconic role that is made even better because McDiarmid is a classically trained theater actor.
Richard Marquand is the director of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. There are certain revelations that happen in this film that Marquand handles quite well. The moments in the film where Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) reveals to Luke that Leia (Carrie Fisher) is his sister, and subsequently when Luke tells Leia this are drawn out so that the emotion can sink in. Also, the speeder bike chase is one of the most exhilarating sequences in the entire saga. The editing is quickly paced, and the P.O.V. shots make you feel like you are actually there. I also love that we see what the relationship between the Emperor and Darth Vader is like. There is a moment where Vader disobeys his master, and the scolding Vader receives is akin to that which a child would receive. Also, the last twenty-five minutes of the film are edited to perfection. There are three separate battles occurring: the ground battle on Endor, the space battle and the duel between Vader and Luke in the Emperors' throne room. Each battle gets an equal share of screen time, and each is so thrilling to watch that you cannot wait to see what happens next. The climax of the film, where Vader and Luke have a private moment together, has quite the emotional impact. Anakin Skywalker is redeemed by his son only to die in his arms moments later. This moment is handled with care by Marquand, and completes the story arc for Anakin in a beautiful way. It is because of all of these moments and more that Marquand does a fantastic job with this installment of Star Wars.
Return of the Jedi is, for the moment anyway, my favorite Star Wars film. Trilogies rarely end on a high note, but this film is an extraordinary exception. If you have the chance, I highly recommend that you re-visit Jedi and, if you have not seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it.
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Keeping Up With The Doctor: Part 2
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is the quintessential adventure film of our time. This film birthed one of the greatest characters in the history of cinema, and has become one of American cinemas' greatest classics. It is one of those rare pieces of cinema that you never get tired of watching no matter how many times you have seen it.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is, chronologically speaking, the second film in the Indiana Jones film series, and follows famous archaeologist Indiana Jones as he is hired by the U.S. government to acquire the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis get to it. Right from the beginning, as all great films do, we understand who Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is, and what he does. It is also understood that Jones has competitors within his line of work. This makes this, and the other films, so much more compelling because it adds conflict to the story. If Indy was the only one going on these kinds of quests, the film would feel extremely mundane. I also enjoy the time period in which the film is set. More specifically, I love that the antagonist in the film is a group of people rather than one person. The Nazi Party was the most evil group of people to ever grace the planet, and making Indiana Jones the protagonist automatically sets him up as an American hero. It also helps that one of his competitors, Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman), is actually working with Nazis because this makes you hate Belloq even more than you would if he was just competing with Indy. Raiders has some of the best action sequences ever filmed and has wonderful characters like Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies). This is definitely a film that belongs on your "100 Movies To See Before You Die" list. Sadly though, even Steven Spielberg makes mistakes, and there are a few problems with the film. Firstly, at the end of the action sequence at the beginning of the film, we see Indy escape in a plane with Jock (Fred Sorenson). My question is: how were the men that Indy was with going to get away if Indy hadn't found out they were there to betray him? Were they just going to hang on the outside of the plane?? Also, I personally feel that it is confusing who Abner is. I know that it is common knowledge that he was Marions' father, but they talk about him like he was her lover. Later on, during the sequence where Marion is being kidnapped in the basket, there is a shootout at the end of the sequence. Now, obviously they use blank cartridges in these films, and someone usually cues the actors on when they need to react to getting shot. My problem with this sequence is that, when the driver of the truck gets shot, if you look carefully you can actually see someone in the back seat hit the driver on the head as a cue for the driver to fall over dead!!! You would think that a director like Spielberg would be able to frame the shot better so that we do not see this!!! Also, in that same sequence, it looks as if the truck explodes in a completely different area of the town than it is in the previous shot. I am shocked and disappointed that a movie as excellent as this has such a glaring continuity error. I also would have preferred to see more backstory about Indy and Sallahs' friendship. I feel as though it is a tad forced. Also, how the blazes did Indy get the gasoline pump down into the Well of the Souls so that he could set the snakes on fire??? Fill up those plot holes, Spielberg!!! Even with its' problems, Raiders is one of the most entertaining movies of the past thirty years, and serves as the introduction to one of cinemas' greatest heroes.
Harrison Ford plays Indiana Jones. Ford brings a certain gravitas to the role, and plays Indy with determination and fearlessness. This makes you cheer for the character even more because he knows the Nazis are evil, and he will stop at nothing to prevent them from achieving their goal. The scenes where we see him as "Professor Henry Jones Jr." are quite good as well because we see what Indy does in his professional life, and the dialogue rolls of Fords' tongue with such ease. These scenes add credibility to the character, and make you believe that he knows what he is getting himself into. This is an iconic role that cemented Fords' legacy as one of the biggest movie stars of all time.
Steven Spielberg is the director of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Visually speaking, Spielberg does a masterful job of introducing and setting up the character of Indiana Jones within the first few minutes of the film. Even though we do not see Jones' face until about three minutes into the film, we understand who he is and what he does. I also love that the opening sequence that shows Indy as the adventurer is followed by the sequence that shows him as a professor. The mirroring of these sequences shows the different aspects of Jones' life and the multiple characteristics of the character. The scene with Indy in the map room is also spectacular to witness. The slow cuts help build visual tension, and the moment the sunlight hits the place on the map where the ark is hidden is one of the greatest moments in film history. Spielberg does this again later in the scene in the Well of the Souls. Much like the bug tunnel and spike room in The Temple of Doom, this sequence is exhilarating and tense at the same time. The shot of Indy landing in front of the cobra is another one of those movie moments that will last forever. The truck chase sequence is yet another one of these iconic moments. While this sequence is certainly one of the great action sequences of all time, it also displays Indys' determination to stop the Nazis from opening the ark. The stunt work in this sequence is absolutely breathtaking. This is undoubtedly one of Spielbergs' best films.
Raiders is a prime example of what every adventure film should be. It has a great story, great characters and some of the most iconic moments in cinema history. If you have not seen Raiders, and there should not be any reason why you have not, stop what you are doing right now, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to it. You will not regret it in the slightest.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is, chronologically speaking, the second film in the Indiana Jones film series, and follows famous archaeologist Indiana Jones as he is hired by the U.S. government to acquire the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis get to it. Right from the beginning, as all great films do, we understand who Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is, and what he does. It is also understood that Jones has competitors within his line of work. This makes this, and the other films, so much more compelling because it adds conflict to the story. If Indy was the only one going on these kinds of quests, the film would feel extremely mundane. I also enjoy the time period in which the film is set. More specifically, I love that the antagonist in the film is a group of people rather than one person. The Nazi Party was the most evil group of people to ever grace the planet, and making Indiana Jones the protagonist automatically sets him up as an American hero. It also helps that one of his competitors, Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman), is actually working with Nazis because this makes you hate Belloq even more than you would if he was just competing with Indy. Raiders has some of the best action sequences ever filmed and has wonderful characters like Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies). This is definitely a film that belongs on your "100 Movies To See Before You Die" list. Sadly though, even Steven Spielberg makes mistakes, and there are a few problems with the film. Firstly, at the end of the action sequence at the beginning of the film, we see Indy escape in a plane with Jock (Fred Sorenson). My question is: how were the men that Indy was with going to get away if Indy hadn't found out they were there to betray him? Were they just going to hang on the outside of the plane?? Also, I personally feel that it is confusing who Abner is. I know that it is common knowledge that he was Marions' father, but they talk about him like he was her lover. Later on, during the sequence where Marion is being kidnapped in the basket, there is a shootout at the end of the sequence. Now, obviously they use blank cartridges in these films, and someone usually cues the actors on when they need to react to getting shot. My problem with this sequence is that, when the driver of the truck gets shot, if you look carefully you can actually see someone in the back seat hit the driver on the head as a cue for the driver to fall over dead!!! You would think that a director like Spielberg would be able to frame the shot better so that we do not see this!!! Also, in that same sequence, it looks as if the truck explodes in a completely different area of the town than it is in the previous shot. I am shocked and disappointed that a movie as excellent as this has such a glaring continuity error. I also would have preferred to see more backstory about Indy and Sallahs' friendship. I feel as though it is a tad forced. Also, how the blazes did Indy get the gasoline pump down into the Well of the Souls so that he could set the snakes on fire??? Fill up those plot holes, Spielberg!!! Even with its' problems, Raiders is one of the most entertaining movies of the past thirty years, and serves as the introduction to one of cinemas' greatest heroes.
Harrison Ford plays Indiana Jones. Ford brings a certain gravitas to the role, and plays Indy with determination and fearlessness. This makes you cheer for the character even more because he knows the Nazis are evil, and he will stop at nothing to prevent them from achieving their goal. The scenes where we see him as "Professor Henry Jones Jr." are quite good as well because we see what Indy does in his professional life, and the dialogue rolls of Fords' tongue with such ease. These scenes add credibility to the character, and make you believe that he knows what he is getting himself into. This is an iconic role that cemented Fords' legacy as one of the biggest movie stars of all time.
Steven Spielberg is the director of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Visually speaking, Spielberg does a masterful job of introducing and setting up the character of Indiana Jones within the first few minutes of the film. Even though we do not see Jones' face until about three minutes into the film, we understand who he is and what he does. I also love that the opening sequence that shows Indy as the adventurer is followed by the sequence that shows him as a professor. The mirroring of these sequences shows the different aspects of Jones' life and the multiple characteristics of the character. The scene with Indy in the map room is also spectacular to witness. The slow cuts help build visual tension, and the moment the sunlight hits the place on the map where the ark is hidden is one of the greatest moments in film history. Spielberg does this again later in the scene in the Well of the Souls. Much like the bug tunnel and spike room in The Temple of Doom, this sequence is exhilarating and tense at the same time. The shot of Indy landing in front of the cobra is another one of those movie moments that will last forever. The truck chase sequence is yet another one of these iconic moments. While this sequence is certainly one of the great action sequences of all time, it also displays Indys' determination to stop the Nazis from opening the ark. The stunt work in this sequence is absolutely breathtaking. This is undoubtedly one of Spielbergs' best films.
Raiders is a prime example of what every adventure film should be. It has a great story, great characters and some of the most iconic moments in cinema history. If you have not seen Raiders, and there should not be any reason why you have not, stop what you are doing right now, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to it. You will not regret it in the slightest.
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