***
Dir. Mike McCoy, Scott Waugh
The nature of war films has changed dramatically over the last twenty years with pictures such as Saving Private Ryan and Courage Under Fire.
In Act of Valor, directors Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh go the extra mile to honor our armed forces by using active U.S. Navy Seals as the stars of the movie. The film tells the story of a special forces unit that fight to prevent a large-scale terrorist plot, after rescuing a federal agent from a band of foreign mercenaries. Screenwriter Kurt Johnstad's script tells a great story of honor, justice, and freedom which we as American citizens too often take for granted.
As far as pacing, it does lack a certain essence most viewers would expect. McCoy and Waugh structure it more like an independent film, an aspect I was quite fond of. While I've seen other war pictures that are more character driven, there were many aspects in this one which I found to be quite compelling.
The way the action scenes are shot make it look almost like a reenactment of U.S. missions. I would compare it with films like The Hurt Locker, which I felt did a great job of capturing the reality and essence of war, something that many million dollar budget Hollywood movies have failed to do.
While the acting is pretty sorry, given that these are military men, not theatre majors, it's a unique film nonetheless. Watching it will help viewers acquire a deeper respect for the men and women serving in our armed forces (and hopefully get all the hippies out there to shut up and show some respect for their country!). God bless America!
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Lorax
****
Dir. Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda
I was able to see an advanced screening of this adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic, and was quite impressed by what I saw. Directors Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda do a fantastic job of bringing this story to the big screen, in a way that captivates a wide variety of audiences. The animation is very reminiscent of "Horton Hears a Who" and other films of that genre, and is just as visually gripping.
Screenwriters Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul compose a great script, which includes a string of original songs that you'll find yourself singing along to. I especially recommend parents to take their kids to this film, as it examines a wide range of ethical issues; such as capitalism, humanity's lust for power, and the nature of ambition. Furthermore, the voice talents of Danny Devito, Zac Efron (this is probably the only time I'll compliment the star of that garbage Disney Channel franchise), Taylor Swift, Ed Helms, and Betty White make the picture all the more intriguing.
Films like these not only provide good family entertainment, but more importantly invoke the imaginative spirit within a person. I did like it in 3-D, but again, it doesn't enhance the cinematic quality of a film, just makes the viewing experience slightly different. Hence, I would definitely recommend this one for viewers of all ages.
Dir. Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda
I was able to see an advanced screening of this adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic, and was quite impressed by what I saw. Directors Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda do a fantastic job of bringing this story to the big screen, in a way that captivates a wide variety of audiences. The animation is very reminiscent of "Horton Hears a Who" and other films of that genre, and is just as visually gripping.
Screenwriters Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul compose a great script, which includes a string of original songs that you'll find yourself singing along to. I especially recommend parents to take their kids to this film, as it examines a wide range of ethical issues; such as capitalism, humanity's lust for power, and the nature of ambition. Furthermore, the voice talents of Danny Devito, Zac Efron (this is probably the only time I'll compliment the star of that garbage Disney Channel franchise), Taylor Swift, Ed Helms, and Betty White make the picture all the more intriguing.
Films like these not only provide good family entertainment, but more importantly invoke the imaginative spirit within a person. I did like it in 3-D, but again, it doesn't enhance the cinematic quality of a film, just makes the viewing experience slightly different. Hence, I would definitely recommend this one for viewers of all ages.
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