The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

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Meticulously crafted as it painstakingly tries to resolve past wounds which may heal but leaves a mark that becomes more overbearing!

Focus Features in association with Electric City Entertainment, Hunting Lane Films, Pines Productions, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and Silverwood Films present…The Place Beyond the Pines

The story of two men and fathers who were at the crossroads of their lives! Director and Writer Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine) with Ben Coccio (Zero Day) and Darius Marder (Loot) tells another tale of heartbreaking proportions! The story asks how do you redeem yourself from your past mistakes and how does your situation in life bear the actual weight of your actions? As the film convey a powerful crime drama that allows three interlocked stories of conscience, morality and obligation to the people you love the most…your family!

I can’t help but to give enough praise on Derek’s works which does not only comply standards but it excels them as well! The delivery of his narrative, the poignancy and surreal atmosphere of different people making it as cohesive as possible to allow a free flowing and yet hand gripped emotion filled performances was commendable at all points! He lifts you up enough above the clouds where the quiet reserved transparency of subtleness in terms of the characters susceptibility in life was being undertaken while below it, you have this storm brewing attributed from the repercussions made by human judgment throwing everything into chaos which actually hides behind what is in store for the premise to take place!

Cinematography by Sean Bobbitt (The Killer Inside Me) collaborates with the Film Score which was produced by Mike Patton (Crank High Voltage) while the former gives his detail centric eyes in capturing the surroundings of Schenectady, New York, making the premise relatable as it conveys the actual back drop without the need for too much technicality involved. On the other hand, Mike releases his take on convulsing sweeping music from highspeed chases to quiet talks, in moments of reflecting dread or simple means of happiness.

THE BIKER WHO RODE THE LIGHTNING…

Broke and riding his “blues” away, Ryan Gosling (The Notebook) is a motorcycle driver / stuntman Luke Glanton. In the past few years Ryan had the same type of character roles that sees him as a struggling lover or father who does not have decent work or a job at all and still provides any way he can for his family whatever it takes…

He has also been classified to play these sober, troubled and cranky eponymous individuals who were hard luck in everything they touches! Speaking of the devil, as Eva Mendes (We Own the Night) who portrays Romina, a past flame who suddenly shows up at the carnival trying to settle unresolved issues that emits a light at Luke brighter than his sordid workplace! Their dynamic was easy to follow, as both carried their performances adjacent to a broken up family.

THE COP WHO CRASHED LIKE THUNDER…

Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe Winner Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook) as a low ranking Police Officer Avery Cross had only a short stint with Luke but was a very significant one! His wife Rose Byrne (I Love You Too) as Jennifer Cross, she had a minor role just enough to get her message across while her husband being a so-called hero was left with more questions with what he was trying to instil in law enforcement. For his intentions was clear until it found a brick wall to slam into!

Avery is a decent cop with high expectation and education to go with it. But he never got the chance to prove his worth due to bad influences and decision making which makes him an easy target for corruption. Bradley after having only a few but box-office worthy films got his official break in the award winning “Silver Linings Playbook”. The actor’s versatility again proved the public how much first impression can go a long way seeing that it can catapult anyone’s career once you know how to allocate your aces!

THE PLACE WHERE IT ALL COLLIDES…

With teenage rebellion and juvenile angst running amok in the later part of the film, bear in mind that with an all star cast, the last pieces of the puzzle were the ones who stole the thunder from their fathers!  With lucrative films under his belt, Dane Dehaan (Lawless) the guy can really execute troubled childhood portrayals; basically he has been typecasted already but still gives out a breakthrough performance each and every single time! While his on-screen friend turned foe newcomer, Emory Cohen (Smash) was not a push over certifying that he can go toe-in-toe with the superstars of cinema to think that he has a very shortlisted credentials.

Playing the game as he always does, manipulative and malevolent! Ray Liotta (Goodfellas) as Senior Officer Peter Deluca, this is like a walk in the park for this guy! He has done these types of films hundreds of times and just thinking about villains who act as good guys, Tinsel Town does know where to get its prospects in their pipeline. While coming off from the recently released “Star Trek: Into Darkness” Bruce Greenwood (Hollywood Homicide) plays District Attorney Bill Killcullen who jumps on the bandwagon to compensate his personal needs providing his other services for the corrupt officers of the Police Department! They both play supporting casts but with clear objectives while making it as “short but sweet” (pun intended) as much as possible to relay to the audience.

I remember earlier young stars like Nick Stahl from the film “Bully” and those who had better luck in their career and job offers with the likes of Johnny Depp, Leonardo Di Caprio, Shia Labeouf, Paul Dano and Jesse Eisenberg who are all very talented actors of theirrespective generation!

They say that when the past catches up with you, all things that you have done will be reflected of who you are and the significant part of it is, we are a part of something bigger and it all begins with a stone’s throw in a pond called life! This is where the irony of intentions and the consequences that  follows permeates on what you do as it ripples out and engulfs through all your daily experiences, it is just up to you on how you make this effect become your legacy!

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:

Puss in Boots (2011)

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You had me with “meow”…well, almost!

Puss in Boots

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation present…

As we grew up following tales of nursery rhymes and creatures from far, far away, here is an animated comedy adventure that branches off from the film franchise which obviously got the best of the ambivalent Ogre! By the way, after all that has been said and done, Shrek who? Directed by Christopher Miller (Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas) A DreamWorks mainstay who actually got into very single project that the studio released! Seeing that most of them were blockbuster certified however, this latest project still had more claws to show besides its undeniable cuteness!

The “Dance to the Death” as if these two weren’t doing the “tango” and the “cha cha” years ago! It was nice to see them back working together again! Salma Hayek (Desperado) she did sound different with a deeper voice just to compensate her alluring charm. She provided the voice for Kitty Softpaws a thief who has the uncanny ability to take away anything without you noticing it and that’s because she has no claws! While the swashbuckler as he is, Antonio Banderas (The Legend of Zorro) as the protagonist of this misdirected adventure, introducing Puss in Boots! His wit and dashing adds already to his fervour antics and you’ll never go wrong with this cat whose “lives” had been lost due to his orphaned life and treacherous origins! His journey will make him the hero that he was meant to be while trying to get away from a former life that he wants to redeem for the longest time! Both of the main performers were easy on the eyes since they have this dynamic chemistry already but anyone can still be buried by a poor script which is not only one dimensional but at the same time has a slow pacing that keeps the story dry.

The story was quite predictable to say the least seeing that “what comes around goes around”! It really had a simple premise leading to the climactic duel, but it was the delivery of Antonio and Salma synchronised with the movements, gestures and expressions of the two leading kitty cats that made it stand out as a film! While both have their attributes since he has a superpower which can make you do whatever he pleases, but all heroes have their weaknesses which is until someone shines a mirror on a wall to easily give in to his playful yearnings!

Here comes the very annoying Zach Galifianakis (Hangover) again he sounded different here just like Salma did! Stereotyped to make any portrayals that he accepts to do to be the same old nuisance as repeatedly done over and over again in his previous films. The cat had me going for the first 30 minutes but when Mr. Egghead came in, all came falling down! The character he portrayed felt like he was just there to insult Puss and not just for the leading characters but also for the whole plot of the film. You don’t get his intentions whether he is bad or good, betrayed or guilt ridden it was his own fault so he does need to let it go of the past!

So from here we introduce Billy Bob Thornton (Eagle Eye) and Amy Sedaris (Jennifer’s Body) as a pig loving couple (literally) who does get the “magic beans” long sought out by the oblong quasi-villain. Their performances were absolutely forgettable, pathetic and there was no actual reason why they were still needed to be on the film. Humpty Dumpty should have been the main villain if weren’t for his conscience kicking him in! They were there just to deliver the package and that’s it!

On the Production end, the animation was partly done in India where DreamWorks the “Mother Goose” company where it cites that outsourcing was cheaper and also to compensate for the lack of people doing a number of films for the year. Not that it’s bad since it does help gain access to the growing sector of animators and seek out still the best in the field.

It doesn’t need to exacerbate the whole storytelling since it was really hilarious watching a cat do his little things and still save the day! It even became more inclined with an action paced setting that had to be dragged for so long just to get the things going. The film does have its moments considering that it was nominated for Best Animated Picture in the Academy Awards while garnering blockbuster receipts with a worldwide total of 554 million! Chris and Executive Producer Guillermo Del Toro (The Hobbit) has already planned drafting scripts for a sequel which can easily be one of the go-getters for the children to be excited about.

Well, the same goes with this types of animation, you have a hero, a woman to love (well not all are damsels in distress), a villain and an epiphany that comes along with his crusade for justice and a half glass of milk…

Now quit staring at me with those puppy eyes…you silly Pussy Catto!

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:

Dredd (2012)

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In Mega City One’s order and chaos, there is only one rule to follow…don’t break the Law!!!

Dredd

Lionsgate in association with DNA Films, IM Global, Reliance Entertainment and Entertainment Film Distributors present…

Judge Dredd was created by Writer John Wagner, Artist Carlos Ezquerra and with Editor Patt Mills. The law enforcer first appeared in “2000 AD” No. 2 on March 5, 1977, where the character was based on the comic strip that was published through IPC Magazine in 1977. The company later merged with Fleetway Publications since 1999 after which, in June 2000 was bought by one of Europe’s leading games maker Rebellion Developments.

The film was directed by Pete Travis (Endgame) who won the British Academy Television Award for “Omagh” and with Writer / Producer Alex Garland (28 Days Later) who had meritorious works with Director Danny Boyle’s films. The two collaborated with the help of production companies left and right seeking enough financial leverage from Reliance Big Pictures and IM Global to get things started while they pick out the cast one at a time.

We could also consider this as a reboot from Sylvester Stallone’s irredeemable film “Judge Dredd” in 1995. In this new take, Alex wrote the script while traversing through different storylines but was actually more inclined to do a shorter one which would focus more on Dredd’s daily routine as a cop doing his job and exercising his duties no holds barred! While the setting is still the same with the Cursed Earth where tall structures of Mega City One rise above its denizens taking into account lives that trudge on their chaotic wasteland!

Anthony Dod Mantle (Just Like Home) as Cinematographer is also given praise seeing how he capitalized on the screen shots  while incorporating filming and for the drug Slo-Mo being used by the film’s antagonists as a channel for escapism and self-destruction at the same time! The sequencing that Alex and 1999′s BAFTA Winner for Best Visual Effects Jon Thum (The Matrix) used with different angles, colorization and shot framing to extensively capture the aestheticity of this hallucinogen which gave the surrealism which suits best the 3D effects.  They shot on location in Johannesburg and Cape Town Studios using RED MX with Multiple and high speed cameras that made the environment looked visceral while injecting VFX animation for the overall layout of the city.

Enter Karl Urban (RED) a rising star at his current standpoint with more lucrative projects coming his way especially with huge success in the box office since the epic “Lord of the Rings” and as part of the new crew of “Star Trek” under JJ Abrams direction! This guy does not actually need mug shots for his perpetrators! As Judge Joseph Dredd, Karl was perfect for the job, seeing that his acting compliments the character completely he was able to instil the needed emotionless angst, decisiveness, tactically adept and be truly mean looking without the need to be bulky as the comic books imply! In order to traverse the Peach Trees, a strong hold for the main antagonist where he needs to survive an 800 m high of a gargantuan building.

It was very well executed on how the Judge with his rookie partner was able to kick start a highway speed chase which lead them into fighting for their own lives. Strategically being able to target specific the thugs while literally crawling up the block as if it was a game going against the “Big Boss” at the end of each level but the only difference is he’s not shooting paint balls nor he has three lives! We also need to introduce the Lawgiver the standard sidearm of a Judge capable of firing different kinds of bullets that will actually lessen body bags at the morgue! It is fingerprint activated and can only be reconfigured by Senior Judges when needed; it also has voice command that allows each projectile used to be specific for the intended situation thus maximizing results and of course corpses…

While speaking of which, Olivia Thirlby (What Goes Up) serves as mutant psychic extraordinaire known as Judge Cassandra Anderson, an “on the job trainee” who must first impress his supervisor plus survive an ordeal on her first assignment. Her film resume has been quite extensive but with poor performances in the box-office and also with only supporting roles. That is why versatility is mandate in terms of acting at least no one is left behind when it comes to signing up for the job and be “voted” by the movie going public as a true talent. Olivia shines here by not just doing her part to clean up trash and get her hands dirty through surveillance, mind interrogation, counter-intelligence and a little ass kicking!

Her majesty Lena Headey (Whore) plays Ma-Ma short for Madeline Madrigal a former prostitute who killed her pimp in order to take over and control the whole Peach Tree Block. Taking down the other gangs, she was able to capitalize on mass producing the drug that really signifies a trip sensation while slowing down your actual perception and experiences.  You won’t know if you’re dead or alive in Ma-Ma’s case, she was sentenced to fly 200 stories high! Lena did well to compensate the needed wickedness in her portrayal as a villain more so as a woman who gets toe-in-toe with a chest thumping cop who would not stop unless everyone who was involved is dead or been brought to justice one way or the other.

The film never lets down when it comes to action! It was finely tuned and paced when it was needed to be coherent and does absolute justice to its adaptation of the comic books. The city was honest and warranted especially coming from a place like Africa where violence was experienced on a daily basis. A flatbed of dry rock stagnates with the people that were destroyed from the previous Atomic Wars of 2070. Fascinating how they were able to survive with a fictionalized setting, where mutants and cult extremists fight for a place literally called hell! Going back to reality, the film could have received better box-office returns with 35 million receipts against its budget of 45 million and if only there was a better marketing involved especially with an R Rating that encompasses fans of the comic book and for those action junkies demographic! While on another aspect, the premise was similar with “The Raid” where a S.W.A.T. Team tries to apprehend a ganglord in a fortress like apartment building!

This was a very unsettling but typical world of the Judges and the producers were able to deliver what kind of person does to be a last resort, it is empirical at best that this is how it is and if there was even the slightest of hope it would have been relayed already and that would end the Judges career which will be anti-climactic. They have one objective, they fight on as they seek and carry out what needs to be done: to Judge, to act as Jury and Execute no questions asked!

10 minutes up, going back to the streets preventing crime!

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)

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I say, retribution for those witches who were burned! There goes the manhunt…

Hansel & Gretel - Witch HuntersParamount Pictures in association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, MTV Films and Gary Sanchez Productions present…

From the book “Children’s and Household Tales” written by The Brothers Grimm comes “Hansel & Gretel”! It was published in 1812 and was included with stories like “Cinderella”, “Snow White”, “The Frog Prince” and “Rapunzel”! The folktale was based on two children who lived in an era that recognizes survival as the primary reason for their parents to leave them in the woods so that they won’t starve or even worse resort to cannibalism in which was the Authors basis from real events of “The Great Famine” in the years 1315 to 1321.

So after, “Red Riding Hood”, “Snow White & the Huntsman” and the recent “Jack the Giant Slayer” comes these siblings who had a really bad childhood! After considerably exhausted mining for properties to be developed on screen from the lucrative space epics, to the ever evolving treasure hunters, fan favourite deranged serial killers, the never can get a break video games, hit and miss novels and today’s hottest money makers the comic book superheroes!  Hollywood now has been finding another genre that can stimulate the masses curiosity and appetite to hand over their dough!

It was fascinating and maybe more interesting to invest on monster movies from Universal Pictures back in the day. Great actors who were primordially responsible to make these creatures born by folklore, legends, myths and even with facts has helped capture the imagination of the movie going public.

Hansel and Gretel was directed and written by Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow) not much credentials in his resume so for those who have not watched this film it may give him a little more benefit of the doubt than what he can actually do. His tempo is fast paced, knows a bit of action and placing his casts in the spotlight when needed. But his screenplay was in a definite quagmire, he could have done better since this was just an adapted screenplay and with the long history of the folklore. Twisting the premise into his own liking, the story would not have suffered that much in terms of mediocrity with petty one liners and self-absorbing characters that hogs their own scenes forcefully just to get enough screentime! In another aspect, placing elements from a fantasy oriented but contemporary setting with a steampunk backdrop was obligatory but useful nonetheless!

Along with Producers Will Ferell (The Other Guys) and Adam Mackay (The Land of the Lost) who operates Gary Sanchez Productions to finance their own brand of mischief (I mean work) and has a profitable films under their belts! But why did they made this type of project without the right intentions to make it directly oriented through action or with comedy and spoof it like “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” since they are into that type of business anyway? The film could have been much better if it was collaborated or was taken over by Guillermo Del Toro or by Tim Burton since they have the kind of mindset and imagination when it comes to these types of projects.

So, Famke Janssen (X-Men) is a Witch named Muriel and by that implication she leads a coven of spellbinders to unleash hell on Earth (well, the village is a start…). The acceptance of her role has probably by chance seeing that there are other new stars that can garner box-office results, although, she can still be considered a crowd pleaser but the rope can only extend so far…

While our leather clad heroes who had an epiphany to hunt down her kind since they were left to die purposely or with a given reason. The bewitching and feisty Gemma Arterton (Tamara Drewe) coming off from another monster mash vampire film “Byzantine”! She plays Gretel a no non-sense femme fatale who lets her brain do the work while the joker Jeremy Renner (28Weeks Later) is her brother Hansel who is also not a stranger in these types of films coming from a zombie infested city as a sniper for the military! Both had extensive training since the Director wanted a no-holds barred in your face bloody action sequences and that was an understatement…

Now, Edward the Troll was a scene stealer, he may not be perfect in terms of using animatronics or puppetry but still made an impression as Derek Mears (Friday the 13th) handling the suit while Robin Atkin Downes (How to train your Dragon) takes care of the voice. Both are reputable performers and have been linked to films and tv series. The latter even had various stints with Warner Bros. and DC Comics in their direct to video animated films!

With bankable stars like Jeremy and Gemma can only do so much for the audience which is one of the reasons why they would flock the cinemas. Although with a limited budget, it was quite profitable even with the critics overwhelming lip service. Considering this was released with mockbusters that rely on box-office trends and piggybacking on their supposed intended profitability.  The aforementioned financing did little work on special effects and wire works which shows especially the embodiment of witches from how they move, the broom aerial maneuvers and how they sound like! At some point they were like jungle cats leaping and running on four legs while snarling like beasts at one point and at other times like aliens!

Well, it was another pop corn flick with whole sense of being dreadful in both dialogue and in its production standpoint which is clearly a high school play has better chance of competing while on the good part, this was way better than Stephen Sommers’ “Van Helsing” and Stephen Norrington’s “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (talk about minds that think alike).            In closing, the talent here was commendable enough to do their work but it does not change my mind in saying: everyone “get your pitchforks and torches we’re going hunting!”

To my dearest Mama, I love you and Happy Mother’s Day to all!

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:

Iron Man: Rise of Technovore (2013)

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If it ain’t (Marvel) broke, don’t (Anime) fix it!Iron Man: Rise of Technovore

Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan in association with Madhouse and Marvel Animation present…

Based on and influenced from Marvel’s direct collaboration with Madhouse anime series of the aforementioned Golden Avenger! The Direct to DVD serves both as catalyst and a curtain raiser for the movie “Iron Man 3” which is already showing internationally and a few days from now in the United States.

Directed by Hiroshi Hamazaki (Highlander: The Search for Vengeance) who started as an animator with great epic anime films like “Ninja Scroll”, “X”, “Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust” and “Metropolis”. Having laid all his cards and had a near perfect run from his last projects, it is clearly shown that he was definitely green in directing! It was bearing enough to just follow the “unfortunate” fugitive on the run while planning a counter offensive to his “invincible” opponent and the Director has no idea on how to give a narrative to be spontaneous and focused.

As we go back to the main protagonist who was exactly on the run from the authorities and from S.H.I.E.L.D., Tony Stark who was voiced by Matthew Mercer (Resident Evil: Damnation) have jump started the space program that will launch his “father” in outer space (pun intended). Matthew had a little resemblance with Robert’s flair while making it grounded when the situation arises. He wanted to ensure people from around the world that there is someone (or something) “watching” over them which has come to a standstill when a megalomaniac attacks and kills everyone on site!

While his overeager opponent’s objective is to make a new world order out of his image and at the same time to make Tony Stark’s technology become obsolete, Eric Bauza (G.I. Joe: Resolute) as insane in the membrane Ezekiel Stane comes steps into the spot light! Created by Writer Matt Fraction and Artist Barry Kitson, he first appeared in “The Order” No. 8 published on April 2008. A genius level intellect who is literally a “ghost in the machine” someone who has no permanent address, no bank account, no loyalty nor respect for any creed or the law. He was the son of Obadiah Stane who worked for Stark Industries and was a former friend of Tony Stark. His penchant for superiority overcomes even his desire to get the attention of Iron Man while babbling his nonsensical, personal ideologies and showing off his “knock-off” ingenuity to the same person he stole it from!

Same grit and less the talk more on the walking away from bullet riddled criminals Norman Reedus (Walking Dead) portrays The Punisher who was actually a sight for sore-eyes seeing that he was less than expected to appear on an “only Avengers” leaned on adventure (okay Civil War junkies don’t get upset he was a member for a short period). I believe the character was only included as if it was necessary to prolong action sequences, dialogue and a little bit of diversity upon stating the obvious premise. Norman has come a long way with his career and “frankly” has the experience already working with these guys way back in 2002’s “Blade II”.

To add, keeping these two agents from the Armored Avenger’s back, Natalia Romanova aka The Black Widow is played by Clare Grant (Black Snake Moan) and her wily partner Hawkeye aka Clint Barton was portrayed by Troy Baker (Avenger’s Assemble) both talents have the same mindset on how their roles are going to played, seek out and capture the perpetrator and make use of the time so as to compensate it’s lack of intuitive and intellectual content.

To be honest I was really not aware with these people yet but James Mathis III (The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes) who also voiced a few characters from the hit recently concluded animated series. He plays best buddy Col. James Rhodes who now wears the War Machine armor and acts as liaison with the United States and Tony’s weapon projects. While Pepper Potts really does need a vacation especially with the kind of boyfriend she has Kate Higgins (Naruto Shippuden: Inheritors of the Will of Fire) sets the tone for the affable assistant turned CEO.

The dialogue written by Brandon Auman (Dead Space: Aftermath) together with Voice Director Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (Ghost on the Shell) was absolutely boring! It was not even enough that delivery was dead pan with all its seriousness but worse was that how it syncs in with the storytelling with all the hyper activity influenced and placed by Madhouse to bring it front and center deteriorates it more. On the good part, some elements on the Marvel Cinematic Universe were injected here and there like the use of his “armor brief case” which was used in “Iron Man 2”. While a short background of Obadiah Stane as the father of the villain who was played by Jeff Bridges in the first live action film “Iron Man” was set to make it relatable to new viewers.

The film became a visually stunning which is taken already, anime has always been a chameleon by nature when needed, flamboyant or serene whatever the case may be.  When east meets west dynamic had ante-up the capacity and potential of animation putting it on balls to the wall. Madhouse’s creativity with imagery has been one of the greats but only into that extent. We take a look further on its plot which was ambitious but never gotten too far in terms of content and direction. First, we always have been asserted that Iron Man has very few foes and to capacitate someone or something that can actually throw him off the ground with enough ingenuity or firepower has been an overstatement.

So it goes without saying, the film was like watching a cockroach whose antennas were cut off and does not know where to go or how will it stand up, well until it dies anyway and gets devoured by ants before its remains are swept off with the wind…or someone with “repulsor technology” passes by!

Iron Man 3 (2013)

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From a “teacher and student” perspective the film fails to comply and pass the intended trimester. Summer classes are required!

Iron Man 3Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in association with DMG Entertainment and Marvel Studios present…

To jumpstart Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Phase 2”, we welcome back the one the only superhero extraordinaire Anthony Edward Stark! Coming straight from the aftermath of “The Avengers” film, Tony finds himself reminiscing time while trying to avoid a nuisance who might deter his New Year celebration with a fling who’s having the same level of intellect that Tony possess and it all goes blurry from there…(drunk or lack of sleep probably).

Now, going on the main points there are hints in the backstory, a very influential businessman, a global and personal threat, a love triangle and a huge epiphany about a “teacher” and his “student” in terms of what is more important, so here’s a pop quiz hot shot do you make the world safe or does your loved ones comes first, what do you do?

Director Shane Black (Lethal Weapon) never compromises a big budget film and its potential to hit (and still miss) the intended mark! Borrowed elements from previous films of the Director was very visible while other platforms from “a decoy villain”, “a destroyed mansion”, “a life without the armor” and “the need in moving on with his life” was already covered by a certain brooding billionaire across the pond. Since the first two films was helmed by Jon Favreau, they now hired a new team to adapt the screenplay which was done by Drew Pearce (No Heroics) together with the Director, they utilized plausible scenarios coming from the storylines of the comic books to make it surreal and grounded as possible. He is currently working on multiple, big budgeted projects which include “Pacific Rim”, the third installment for “Sherlock Holmes” and “Godzilla”!

Now, I do respect the former’s work especially with two police officers who never backs down just to do their jobs crazy or how aged they can be. I do not even question his ability to cover all aspects of film-making but I really did find his “unoriginality” as a scapegoat to mirror even some key moments from his previous films. But hey, I stuck around just to see what makes a man a hero and still wield the “iron” will to save the world!

IRON MAN NO MORE?

“You know who I am…” is he getting a catchphrase similar from James Bond’s opening song in “Casino Royale”? Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder) the ever so flamboyant one man show! Still the best and closest resemblance to the iconic “ironic” hero Iron Man! I cannot totally say he has matured understanding that he will always be that guy who lets his ego do the talking while he saves the world and himself from embarrassment. The truth of the matter is he never fails to act but it doesn’t mean he also needs to “overreact” when it comes to his friends and for Pepper! But still, how can you not commend this guy in protecting first the love of his life than of his own?

Robert never fails to amaze with his spontaneity and flair to captivate audiences but it kinds of growing old on me in the way he delivers his character for the third time. Really can’t blame the guy since this is who he really is. He’s definitely a thinker and although he plans ahead with contingencies seeing that he is a “futurist”, he only counteracts with individuals if it interests him or becomes a threat which makes Iron Man so different from heroes like Captain America.

LIAR, LIAR PANTS ON FIRE!!!

“I am a Teacher…” Sir Ben Kingsley (Prince of Persia) has been one of the least expected to be portraying the Ten Ringed Conqueror but got fans clamoring for more when Marvel started their viral campaigns. Seeing that his actual origins was Chinese but it was changed explicitly since the release of the first film and molded him from Middle-East contingent and concurrent to make it more relatable to the movie going public!

That is why Mandarin has always been criticized and made as a joke and to add insult to injury you lambasted the character’s potential to be influential by just probably conniving with the Director’s way of putting the pun dialogue in his films. I mean Marvel people personally acknowledged that Iron Man has the least foes to fight with! He was even suggested to get toe-in toe with Dr. Doom instead coming from the “comic book” creators. No offense to Sir Kingsley, he was actually spontaneously funny and believable but the point here was how Marvel allowed this plotline to happen and making this the main thought in the film which is “you will never really see him coming…”!

PEPPER TO THE RESCUE?!?

This is the next phase, the next chapter in Tony and Pepper’s relationship and it becomes more personal! While she takes care of the Stark Industries as CEO, Tony plays with his toys (pun intended) seriously they are better as the on-screen couple and it had an underlying purpose to how they were able to go through these tough times when people around them are not being safe and what more can Tony do especially for the woman he has grown to love? Gwyneth Paltrow (Contagion) was another cast that was sublime to portray the character, much being said her contribution to the success of the franchise is beyond doubt absolute. She was given a hefty responsibility which was meant for a bigger scope in order for the premise to have the sense of altruism from her boyfriend in the face of despair and uncertainty.

READY, “A.I.M “, “FIRE”!

I have never taught that they would make Guy Pearce’s (Prometheus) portrayal of Aldrich Killian that gawky and obnoxious and spare me even the make-up people who gave him that awful look! I started to remember two brilliant scientific men in which the first one coming from the same family in Marvel wants to exceed the human potential and make humanity without any weaknesses while a certain villain portrayed by “funny man” who was also obsessed with a genius playboy as well but the only difference was this guy had pointy ears and a cape!

He was the brainchild for the A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics). Created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee and debuted in Strange Tales No. 146 on July 1966, a terrorist organization fronting as a scientific research corporation with clandestine purposes (who doesn’t) who collaborates with scientist Maya Hansen played by Rebecca Hall (A Bag of Hammers), she developed the virus just to get funding for her unfinished work which unfortunately sets the framework on global terrorism.

To put things on the table, Aldrich gives the audience his work in progress aptly named the “Extremis” which was derived from a six-part story arc released from January 2005 until April 2006 this was conceptualized by Writer Warren Ellis and the man behind the militarized armor of the Golden Avenger used for these films is none other than Adi Gradov!

Guy played the part and he had stolen the spotlight indeed! After saying this was “just a cameo role” at best was an understatement. He was given a redundant portrayal of a villain just to get the attention of the protagonist but he just needs to hide behind the shadows a little longer before he reveals himself. Typically disappointing, to make it worse he exclaimed that he was someone that he was not supposed to be!

THE BUDDY COP WITH A NEW PAINT JOB!

A little paint job does the job? Was that even correct? So, Lt. Col. James Rhodes played by Don Cheadle (Traitor) is taking the next step in government puppetry as Iron Patriot gone is the former War Machine suit. In other news, I believe they paid a little homage there with Miguel Ferrer who plays the “desperate” Vice-President who was part of the cult film “Robocop” seen standing beside the armored hero in red white and blue! Don and Robert had their moments while bickering which were relatively pale compared to Holmes and Watson’s chemistry. Don in my take is way better than Terrence but have to say he does not look like a soldier or act like one probably with his mannerisms and built which worked better for Idris Elba’s versatility and toughness or Chiwetel Ejiofor’s intensity and aggression coming from his villain roles.

THE CURIOUS BODYGUARD AND THE CAPABLE A.I. BUTLER

I thought Mickey Rourke’s character from the last instalment was the former body guard from a non-linear segment but hey it’s only Jon Favreau (Batman Forever) as usual he is Stark’s I meant Stark’s squeeze newly appointed Head of Security who is more dynamic not just spit-balling or driving around his Employers! With the same kind of bantering, a reason to motivate the hero and a limited but significant screentime just to get the ball rolling!  On the other hand, J.A.R.V.I.S. was voiced once more by Paul Bettany (Firewall) but has not been able to get enough credence for his participation which I believe is unfair compared to Don and Jon.

PASS YOUR PAPERS…

It was entertaining at best with certain jocosity here and there to compliment the overwhelming action and special effects courtesy of Scanline VFX, Digital Domain, Framestore, The Third Floor, Trixster Film and Weta Digital as they was able to incorporate a massive output combining studio takes with stunning visual effects. They were able to bring new heights of anticipation seeing that Tony has brought in his “Legion” to kick some serious soldier ass!

Another angle would be his highly advanced bio-tech serum in manipulating his armors to be more “user friendly”. Seeing that they can be controlled mentally which sets Tony in a catch 22 situation making him more physically unstable but in a “safeguard objective” in no time at the same time!

With enough financial security coming from Producer and Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Fiege (The Avengers), they were able to formalize and brought in big names to bring out the said premise taking on a bigger level especially that the primary antagonist has laid his cards!

Case in point, I applauded on how Marvel was able to work on their projects by well-thought off leaps and increments! The film sets the stepping stone for the much awaited “Phase 2” wherein the original components that brought together the “Avengers” to come into fruition has been a great inception to a greater and wider universe which in actuality does permeate the mass appeal of these superheroes to flood in the big screen!

Coming up next something “dark” is brewing and it’s not even coffee to keep Tony’s buddy awake… psyche!!!

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:

Lawless (2012)

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A genuinely distilled cast and performance but it still veers out of a straight line while working on their quick draw stand-off!

Lawless

The Weinstein Company, Yucaipa Films, Revolt Films, FilmNation Entertainment in association with Benaroya Pictures, Red Wagon Entertainment and Annapurna Pictures present…

The film was based from the historical crime novel of Matt Bondurant titled “The Wettest County in the World” which was published on October 14, 2008. The story depicts the first hand experiences of the author’s grandfather (the youngest of the siblings) and his two great uncles set in Franklin, Virginia where it follows “The Great Franklin Moonshine Conspiracy” in which a series of events were taken into account from the brother’s ”survival of the fittest” bravura against gangs and cops alike!

Directed by John Hillcoat (The Road) gathers another set of Australian homeboys. John has not been able to seize lucrative projects as of to date but he’s getting there seeing that can he can come up with an all-star cast and make some noise about it (well probably they should make it a bit louder). While working with Nick Clave (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford) for the second time since “The Proposition” while working also with Guy Pearce. They have both made this film very promising as it was given already positive expectations due to its

Set in the 1920’s to 1930’s era where every man starts to make a living for himself, where people find any means necessary to survive whether it is legal or not! “Me and my brothers are moonshiners, bootleggers…” exclaims in a narrative intro by Shia LeBeouf (Disturbia) as Jack Bondurant the youngest of the brood of trouble makers! He further adds that the hills from where they find solace and a place they call home has been a goldmine of sorts to the city below where gangsters like Al Capone and Tommy Malloy. Shia has transcended from his clichéd acting and mannerisms and can really be a force to be reckoned with. Together with his brother Howard Bondurant the middle sibling played by Jason Clarke (Public Enemies) who is starting to get in the business by being proposed on certified box-office hits. His role I believe has been down sized due to bigger stars in his left and right or maybe he was really the quiet type but will follow his brothers until the end!

Hard hitting rising star Tom Hardy (Bronson) as the eldest and seemingly “unbreakable” Forrest Bondurant he has this knack for playing roles in being a tough guy while letting his fists do more of the talking he still finds someone who can melt his heart and for instance this is the reason why Jessica Chastain (The Help) while playing a only supporting role still turn plenty of heads in her presence. Basically two of the women involved were just for eye candy with Mia Masikowska (Alice in Wonderland) who has the same type of mentality with Jessica, getting lucrative and smart films that entice the movie going public without hassling on second-rate performances and this one is nothing of the sort, speaking of which Dale DeHaan (Chronicle) is a certified glue that pieces it all together, I remember Paul Dano perform in “There Will Be Blood” and Matt Damon in “The Rainmaker” and this guy will also go the distance!

Intermittent scenes carried by Gary Oldman (The Professional) who plays trigger happy gangster “Mad Dog” Floyd Banner who seem to be in every bullet riddled blood baths (custom made in cars)! Although not much engaged in the dialogue, instead he lets his Tommy Machine gun do the talking with anyone who gets in his way! On the other hand, one of the most sought out actors for his commendable character performances (just like the guy upstairs), Guy Pearce (Traitor) is Special Deputy Charlie Rakes who responds to this susceptible community! It also goes without mention that with “the long arm of the law” with Rakes lives up to his name in raking profits from these low-life criminals,  underpinning most of their activities and cohorts, the police officer demands all to “share the love” under his undying commitment to “protect and serve”!

The film’s brutal propensity towards “taking care of business” sets a definite tone of territorial coping due to organized crime. Strong points were given to Tom and Guy who were actually the scene stealers here while Shia proves his ability to be an actor can actually be weeded out by giving him diverse roles and not just focus on his hyperactive persona when it comes to comedy.

What can we expect coming from The Weinstein Company, always setting the standard for quality produced films! But not all has its bright side, it was an applaudable attempt but only up to a certain extent seeing that an adapted screenplay that makes the most out of their resourced and origin material belittles actual events that happened. A typical gangster movie which underlies subtlety in terms of its context while having violent overtones that tries to make up for a pedestrian storytelling!

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: