It’s hard not to compare The Incredible Hulk with the original Hulk. While the first one was very character driven, the new one lacks the depth or the pathos between the Hulk and Betty Ross (Liv Tyler).
One big improvement over the original is the action sequences, specifically, the end battle. Fans are looking for Hulk to smash stuff, and he mostly delivers. But at the same time, there isn’t a sense of danger. One of the problems with the Hulk as a character, is that you don’t believe that he’s going to lose. I mean, he’s the Hulk!
If you’re looking for light summer popcorn fair, you got it. But it won’t leave you nearly as satisfied with as with Iron Man.
I remember the first time I saw Neon Genesis Evangelion. I was in Taiwan with my cousin. My cousin bought a VHS and was disappointed when he discovered it was pirated, but we watched it anyway. It wouldn’t be until much later that I would learn I had just watched End of Evangelion. And it was like nothing I had seen before. I wouldn’t know it was Evangelion until years later when it finally made its way to the states on the antique that is VHS.
When I finally saw the entire series, I was blown away.
Over the years, I’ve done marathon viewings of the series. Sure, there were episodes that didn’t do much for the overall narrative. And then there was the original episode 26.
Now, Gainax has gone back to what put it on the map and gives us a glorious retelling of the story.
For the most part, the movie is almost a shot for shot reproduction of the first 6 episodes of the series. There are a few places where enhancements are obvious. Such as when they first reveal Unit 01 in all its glory, ceremoniously being released from its various restraints. But for the most part, they blend almost seamlessly into the film. If I weren’t so familiar with the series, I’d be hard pressed to identify the new sequences.
The movie is gorgeous. I actually went back and watched it again just so I can absorb the beautiful shot composition, lighting, and color. I could easily follow the story without knowing a lick of Japanese. The cinematics are breath taking.
If you’re an Eva fan, it’s definitely worth your attention. If you like anime, you have to watch what changed the game forever.
The film is so wrong but so funny. It pokes fun at Hollywood and what actors will do to get noticed. Sure, there’s the whole “retard” controversy, but most of the antagonism comes from people who haven’t seen it in context. The way that Ben Stiller uses it is so true and makes such a pointed statement, that it’s not offensive at all. Some would say Robert Downey Jr in blackface is offensive, but the Wayans in whiteface and drag isn’t?
If there is anything wrong, it mostly lies with Jack Black. For the most part, he’s unfunny. There is one scene towards the end that is absolutely fantastic.
As a filmmaker, I can really appreciate a lot of the jokes. I probably can’t appreciate it as much as those in the Hollywood system though. Bottom line. If you haven’t seen it yet, go see it.
Wall-E is a delight. It’s about a little trash compactor robot that goes on a romantic journey. One of the best things about the film is the lack of dialogue. There will be long segments where all you hear our sounds. It’s just a great example of visual storytelling.
If you stay for the credits, you’ll be treated to a mini art history lesson epilogue followed by 8-bit renderings of the two main characters: Wall-E and Eve.
Iron Man is fantastic. It’s about a multibillionaire, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) who develops powered armor to fight terrorists.
What makes Iron Man so good is how tight the story is. It’s a great example of telling the story on the cut. We get just enough of each scene that it develops the characters and progresses the narrative. You get a real sense that Tony Stark is a real guy which makes it seem like a real movie, not just another comic book movie.
Iron Man has everything, action, comedy, and heart. And unlike most other movies, especially comic book movies, Iron Man’s second act is really strong. It doesn’t drag or ever feel slow. It develops naturally, bringing us into the third act and the final battle almost seamlessly.
