Reviews - Film Peek

filmpeek

follow this blog

274 followers

424 daily readers

rank of 844

E-mail Subscription

Receive an e-mail notification of new posts on this site:

Contact filmpeek.net

peekblogs[*AT*]gmail.com

Category Quick Links

Reviews - filmpeek

Previous Page (1-20)

FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER - REVIEW ROUND UP

June 9th 2007 19:56

Fantastc Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

This is just a head start, and hopefully we'll get more sources in this round up.

A reader over at AICN sent them a review of Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. It doesn't look good and frankly I didn't expect anything better than the first one. Here's an excerpt:

The director Tim Story and his band of screenwriters have once again broken the hearts of FF fans all over. They have no respect. They have no understanding on what makes the ‘Fantastic Four’ story work, or any story for that matter. I gave Tim Story a break the first time around, but not this time. He should’ve looked back at the first one, compared it to the comic book films that work and just said, “Damn! I gotta sit this one out before I do it all over again!” However, he didn’t do that. He looked at the numbers from the first one and assumed that money always equals success. Now as for the screenwriters; give them a Cartoon Network show and let them have at it. If they have any talent, it could be realized there.

However, good things are said about the Silver Surfer himself, so there's nothing wrong with the special effects. Then again, they're really overrated.

Watch the trailer here.
See the poster here.
See some pictures here.

//peeker

113

Vote

Comments (8)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: peeker - Category: Reviews

Email this Post to a Friend

OCEAN'S THIRTEEN - REVIEW ROUND UP

June 2nd 2007 18:03

Recovering from an incredibly confusing sequel, the third movie in the Ocean's series is approaching a worldwide release. The film has had a screening during this year's Cannes, and yes, critics aren't always to trust, but this time you should.

Basically Ocean's Thirteen is about Danny Ocean that rounds up the boys for a third heist, after casino owner Willy Bank double-crosses one of the original eleven, Reuben Tishkoff. [IMDB]

First off, let's remind ourselves that this is directed by Steven Soderbergh, a talented man with original style. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. This time? It certainly does, as TimesOnline admires him for the fantastic effort. The old-fashioned but still modern path he has chosen to take, like the one we loved from the first film, is once again executed properly and entertaining.

But of course not only Soderbergh is responsible for the success, since after all, the story works because of the two screenwriters Brian Koppelman & David Levien, who managed to catch the comedic spirit and suspense these movies are supposed to have. The sharp, quick humor that we normally don't see in real life.

As for the performances, TIME praises George Clooney for his star quality and incredible presence on the screen. I'm sure most females would agree. But of course the other actors, like Al Pacino and Brad Pitt also make a superb effort. After all, nothing less is expected by such big names. Sadly some characters, like Mac and Cheadle, aren't featured much at all.

However, there's always points that could be better. Ocean's Thirteen thankfully doesn't have many and the majority of reviews are positive. Mainly the problem is how the story moves too fast, the characters look too made up on a technical level (light, make up, etc) and few jokes are ending up being a bit silly. Still, obviously these are matters that come across differently for each individual.

Variety thinks the outcome is all in all rather positive in its review, stating:

As smooth as a good mojito, as stylish as an Armani suit and as meaningful in the grand scheme of things as yesterday's Las Vegas betting odds, Ocean's Thirteen continues the breezy good times of the first two series entries without missing a beat.

As a conclusion, you could say the crew managed to bring it back to its roots, successfully adding glamor and style to an interesting story. There's no question about this being for the big screen; the 10 bucks are well deserved.

7,5/10

Watch the trailer here.
Watch the featurette here.
See the poster here.

//peeker

Vote

Comments (3)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: peeker - Category: Reviews

Email this Post to a Friend

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END - REVIEW ROUND UP

May 22nd 2007 11:35

With the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End approaching maybe we should prepare our expectations a bit. Not many reviews are available, but we can get started and maybe add with time.

First the plot: Captain Barbossa, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann must sail off the edge of the map, navigate treachery and betrayal, and make their final alliances for one last decisive battle. [IMDB]

Basically, it seems like an improvement from the previous, second, installment. However Cinema Blend don't think it's a huge one.

It seems like Jack Sparrow doesn't have a special purpose other than being dragged around to lighten up the environment. Of course, Sparrow is still a great character and Johny Depp plays him brilliant as always, but unlike the first film the adventure in his own storyline isn't quite visible.

Thankfully we got Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), that shares the real feeling of what a pirate is all about. Keith Richards is also seen during few scenes, being an old experienced pirate, and he does that with great success.

Unfortunately there's a mistake a lot of big movies do (lately Spiderman 3) and that's the multiple storylines. If they're too many we a) loose track and b) we never really get involved with any of them. Urban Cinefile thinks it's what happened, stating in their review:

Clocking in at 168 minutes, Gore Verbinski's third film based on Disney's spectacular Pirates of the Caribbean theme ride is blatantly self-indulgent as a muddle of 15 stories swirl together like an impressive whirlwind whipping up flashes of brilliance amid the chaos. The film is a bit like a journey on a tempestuous ocean with mountainous highs and fathomless lows. I was confused, enthralled, dazzled and bored.

Of course we'll still enjoy the movie, because of it's dazzling visuals, effects and solid performances. Every single actor does a great job keeping the character believable and true to the pirate-theme.

All in all, there's a bit for everyone in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - adventure, action, comedy, romance, drama... Whether you're young or grown it will be a thrilling ride. Recommended cinema viewing.

7/10

UPDATE: Pretty much every other review I read agrees with the above, so there's no need to add something. If you still want to read more, here are few: Variety | LA Times | NY Post

Watch the trailer here.
Watch the featurette here.

//peeker

Vote

Comments (26)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: peeker - Category: Reviews

Email this Post to a Friend

ZODIAC - REVIEWS

May 15th 2007 21:22

Zodiac has had its first screenings recently and we already got several reviews to read and create our own opinion. Though if you don't see it you can't really have a valid opinion...

For you that don't know what this is about, it's based on Robert Graysmith's book about the real life notorious Zodiac, a serial killer who terrorized San Francisco with a string of seemingly random murders during the 1960s and 1970s. Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. are two of the main stars. [IMDB]

Variety finds it pretty attractive, loving the performances and simple technique it provides, like the transitions. Overall pretty mediocre, not mind-blowing but still good.

Pretty similar feelings are those of John Doe, especially pointing out the incredible atmosphere and grip it has to make the viewer present and part of the story. Here's an excerpt:

The film is an atmospheric but deliberately unglamorized recreation that hypnotises with its thoughtful staging, well drawn characters and water dripping pace. Spanning four decades yet somehow still feeling like it is a lot shorter than its 151 minute running time. There is the illusion of constant movement because of the echoing real life, crucial actions arriving with little or no warning.

Unfortunately Rotten Tomatoes feels differently about the time frame. "A long movie with lots of suspects and details but no pay-off" is their conclusion. Stating Fincher did a great job visually, the details and locations made it hard to follow.

Thankfully New York Post gives us a bright hope, giving it almost top rating, 3.5/4. Again, the acting by everyone, as well as Fincher's classic approach and appreciated touch, made it worthy every single minute.

Conclusion, Zodiac gives us stunning visuals, an interesting story and solid performances. Maybe a bit too long for some, but not for most. Go see it when it arrives to your theater cause few movies have such positive reactions each year.

Watch the trailer here.

//peeker

Vote

Comments (4)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: peeker - Category: Reviews

Email this Post to a Friend

THE EX - REVIEW

May 9th 2007 19:10

This is a filmpeeker's review. That means there will be zero spoilers and just enough info. Because I said so.

Since The Ex premieres this week, I thought it would be a good time to review it since I've had the chance to see it before you. Ha.

PLOT
Tom Reilly (Zach Braff) likes justice a bit too much and therefore can't keep a job. Bosses are always hateful. So he moves together with his pregnant wife Sofia Kowalski (Amanda Peet) to her parent's town. That's where the real story and obstacles begin.

It turns out Tom will work where his father-in-law has worked for endless years, in a advertising firm. His mentor, Chip Sanders (Jason Bateman), who is supposed to show him around and make him feel at home, seemingly a crippled innocent man, ultimately is the guy Sofia dated when young.

Chip immediately starts with his plan to make Tom's life hell, through sneaky and ugly ways, and succeeds very well. Until it finally is Tom's turn...

CRITIQUE
The Ex a movie with almost no wide marketing at all, few have heard of it. That's sad, because if you like different comedies, the ones that actually are well done and have solid performances, this is your cup of tee.

Don't expect a laugh-non-stop comedy though. It's pretty silent and enjoyable in a very nice way. It actually feels good watching it. Then again, who don't get happy with Jason Bateman's talent? The two recent films I've seen with him, this and Smokin' Aces, get a lot of bonus-points for his acting.

Then we have Zach Braff. Like I've said before, he knows a good script when he sees one. This is a great script, with small plot-holes and lots of thought behind it. That's not what you'd expect by first-time writers, David Guion and Michael Handelman.

There's also a sequence at the beginning with Paul Rudd in it. Now that was truly hilarious. Just worth mentioning.

The director, Jesse Peretz, also new in the business, does a wonderful job showing us everything the way they are supposed to be shown. Sure, not many artistic surprises, but simple is still good. Daring and bad is worse.

The few things I can find negative are mostly some points with no logical reactions. For instance, Tom looses $1000 in a rather ridiculous way, but doesn't care the least. And then two or three similar instances. Of course stuff like that aren't mortal, just few annoying details.

CONCLUSION
A movie you should watch knowing you won't cry laughing, but surely enjoy. If it had a bigger budget this could become much better, but it already is a nice film to grab in DVD. Or cinema, but you won't gain anything by the big screen.

8/10

See the poster to The Ex.

//peeker

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: peeker - Category: Reviews

Email this Post to a Friend

SPIDERMAN 3 - REVIEW!

May 5th 2007 23:34

Finally I got around to see it and here's the filmpeeker's review. That means there will be zero spoilers and just enough info. Because I said so.

PLOT
Basically Spiderman 3 (or Spider-Man if you're by the book) is a story about Peter Parker's and Mary Jane's relationship. Mary thinks Peter becomes obsessed with all the attention and popularity he gains as Spiderman, which overshadows herself and her carrier.

Then we got the villains. Harry Osborn as the New Goblin, seeking to revenge his father from the previous Spiderman. Sandman, who tries to get money for his sick daughter and gets annoyed when Spiderman intervenes during his robberies. Lastly, but most importantly, we got Venom. Venom is a weird creature, with abilities similar to Spiderman, hungry for evilness.

Imagine all that happening at once in a groovy mix and you get Spiderman 3.

CRITIQUE
Believe it or not, I'm incredibly disappointed. In matter of fact, I wish this didn't exist. It wasn't worse than most comic movies out there, but you expect more from a franchise that has done great so far.

It says action and adventure under "genre", but this was drama and comedy, with only some cool action-sequences. After all, who am I to dislike the effects this film provides?

While attempting to create a movie with "brains", they basically ruined a movie with awesomeness. While attempting to be funny, they ruined its believability. I don't think there will be a need to satirize this because it does that job perfectly by itself.

I'm just going to mention one particular part, where Peter Parker becomes obsessed by the black suit, "the evil side". Suddenly he gets a belly, flirts like Dumb Dumber and dances like Mr. Bean. I mean there's a limit somewhere.

Does the "brainy" part works then? No, unfortunately not. There's no deepness or sympathy built around the characters we're supposed to feel sorry about. Sometimes it's even ridiculously sad at parts, but without reason. There's simply no balance.

Certainly, there were some positives though. Well done effects! The Sandman was well executed and so were pretty much all specials. The performances were pretty solid as well, James Franco and Tobey Maguire had some wonderful moments. And it was fun, but I didn't go to watch a comedy. Too much.

Although the movie was generally weak, I don't think it was all Sam Raimi's fault. The directing looked good and the picture was wonderful. The problem, I think, was mostly the script. Why would Sam let his brother, Ivan Raimi, be in the writing team? The guy has made practically nothing before. Keyword: connections.

CONCLUSION
A sad attempt to create the final, as known so far, Spiderman. I recommend a view if you've seen the first two, since it's certainly not un-watchable, just disappointing and ridiculous. On the other hand, if you don't really care, don't bother to visit the big screen. Wait for the DVD or Transformers.

6,5/10

Watch the trailer of Spiderman 3.
Watch the posters for Spiderman 3.

//filmpeeker

106

Vote

Comments (39)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: peeker - Category: Reviews

Email this Post to a Friend

Previous Page (1-20)

[ filmpeek Home ] [ Create A New Post ]

peeker's Blogs

I have no other blogs :(

Moderated by peeker

[ take over this inactive blog ]