2013 Summer Movie Season - The Wolverine: Review & Analysis

 

 Dustin Off The Claws!!! Hugh Jackman Returns In New Adventure As X-Men Fan Favorite!!!

Review By: Brandon Porter



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guess Who's Back, Bub!!!

 

 

Story

Years after the cataclysmic events in San Francisco, James Logan Howlett (Hugh Jackman) has disbanded from the rest of the X-Men and has been on his fending for himself ever since. Every night he is haunted by nightmares of Jean Grey, the woman he was forced to kill.  After a brief bar one evening, he encounters a young female warrior named Yukio (Rila Fukushima). Yukio has been sent to retrieve Logan by order of Master Yashida, head of a large scale technology corporation and a soldier Logan saved during World War II. Logan travels to Japan to meet the man he helped save. To repay him for saving his life so many years ago, Yashida offers Logan a gift….Mortality. Soon, Logan finds himself physically vulnerable for the first time with his ability to heal suppressed. With new threats approaching in every direction, He must now face his greatest challenge yet and the end result will either destroy him or make him more powerful than ever.

 

 

Logan and Yukio Attend Yashida's Funeral

 

 

 

Analysis

                After the colossal critical bomb that was X-Men Origins: Wolverine, fans of the famed comic book series were looking for a return to form for their favorite anamantium clawed mutant. The Wolverine seemed to accomplish just that. Garnering a solid 68% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes among critics and 79% approval rating among fans and moviegoers, it would seem this Wolverine focused film was the one the fans wanted to see. ABC News’ David Blaustein gave the film  strong 4 out of 5 stars stating “The Wolverine” is comparable to “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight,” though it’s not as good as either of those movies.” He went on to say It was a bit unwieldy but its moral complexity, Jackman’s acting, and an absolutely stunning sequence that manages to turn the overdone top-of-the-train chase scene into something we haven’t seen before, puts “The Wolverine” in the upper echelon of super hero summer blockbusters.” Coming Soon.net praised the film as well giving it an 8.5 out of 10 stating, "Fans of the character disappointed by X-Men Origins who have been clamoring for a great Wolverine movie, one that lives up to Bryan Singer's early X-Men movies, should be thrilled. Those just wanting a solid, well-made action film might be surprised by how much depth Mangold brings to the mix. The results are the best comic book movie of the summer and one that rarely feels like a comic book movie.” Overall, The Wolverine delivered in many ways and gave fans the Wolverine movie they wanted and deserved.

               

 

Logan and the Silver Samurai Face Off

 

 

Review

                As an avid fan of the X-Men film franchise, The Wolverine was a movie that I definitely wanted to check out. With this being the first of two X-Men films with another arriving in 2014, I was eager to see what Marvel could bring to the famed member of the mutant team. After watching the film, I can say for the most part pretty pleased. The film starts off pretty slow in the beginning but the action picks up over the course of the film. Hugh Jackman is by far my favorite thing about the movie. He hasn’t lost his touch as the cigar chewing anamantium claw-wielding mutant. He bring the same energy that made him own this role over a decade ago. He clearly has a strong passion and love for the character and it shows through the entire film. Another plus was Rila Fukushima’s portrayal of Yukio. She had a strong performance throughout the film and she became instantly likable from the jump. She had a great sense of playfulness and badassness that was such a joy to watch. In terms of action, the film delivered good moments, but not quite enough. The bullet train sequence was by far my favorite. Others including the climactic battle between Logan and the silver samurai were somewhat underwhelming. Overall, The Wolverine is a decent film that somewhat comes out to be an appetizer for a bigger more epic prize yet to come

 

 

 

Rating and Final Thoughts

 

                Delivering decent action and a strong well developed story featuring Logan, The Wolverine, despite its flaws, manages to be a good addition to the superhero franchise.

 

 

 

 

Remember When I Said The Wolverine somewhat comes out to be an appetizer for a bigger more epic treat yet to come. That Treat Comes In The Form of Old School and New School getting together in the big screen adaption of one the most storied comic book arcs in X-Men history.

 

 

2013 Summer Movie Season - Pacific Rim: Review & Analysis

 

 

Eye Candy Goodness!!!! Guillermo del Toro’s Monster Robot Epic Is A Visually Entertaining Spectacle!!!

Review By: Brandon Porter

Man and Machine Vs. Beast...Let The Battle Begin!!!!

Story

                For many years, Humanity always believed extraterrestrial life came from outer space. They had no idea however that it actually came from deep beneath the surface of the earth via portal in the Pacific Ocean. Out of that portal came massive destructive beast known as Kaijus or giant monsters. They caused havoc across the globe. Destroying cities and killing millions of innocent people. In response to these monsters, the world created monsters of their own. Humanoid fighting robots called Jaegers. Piloted by two individuals via neural link, the Jaegers seemed like a heaven sent defense from the destructive enemy. Unfortunately, the long and tiring war has given the Kaiju time to evolve and the mighty Jaegers are now being decimated and humanity now hangs in the balance. Out of options and out of time, the world now leans on Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba), commanding officer of the jaeger program, Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam), a former jaeger pilot still recovering from losing his brother in the line of duty, and young Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi), a rookie jeager pilot orphaned by a kaiju attack when she was little. Together with the other members of the Jaeger program, they must face the monsters that threaten their world and cancel the impending doom that looms on the horizon. 

 

Raleigh and Mako Feel Each Other Out In A Bo staff Sparing Match 

Analysis

                After being announced at comic con a year ago, Pacific Rim drew much anticipation heading into 2013. A movie by legendary director Guillermo Del Toro about monsters and robots seemed almost to good to be true. As time for release approached, moviegoers seemed interested on what del Toro had to offer in this visual spectacle. The film did solid critically garnering a very commendable 72% fresh rating on rotten tomatoes and an 87% rating among moviegoers. Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph awarded the film a perfect 5 out of five stars. He praised del Toro for investing his own affection for the genre and sense of artistry into the project in such a way that the viewer found themselves immersed in the film rather than watching from afar. He also noted that the director had catered to younger and older audiences alike and expressed surprise that the film could rise above the sum of its parts. Angela Watercutter of Wired also gave the film praise calling it the "most awesome movie of the summer", a "fist-pumping, awe-inspiring ride". She added that its focus on spectacle rather than characterization "simply does not matter" in the summer blockbuster context. At the box office, the film sadly fell short. It ended up with just the 3^rd position at the box office behind Adam Sandler’s Grown Ups 2 and Despicable Me 2. But on a positive note, the film did well overseas garnering $53,000,000 million as opposed to the $38,300,000 in made in North America. Pacific Rim gave good performances critically despite financially struggling in the US. I guess fart jokes and comedians are more popular fighting robots and monsters.

 

 

Hey, Batta, Batta, Batta...SWING!!!!

 

 

Review

                When I found out about Pacific Rim at Comic Con a year ago, I became more and more excited as I began reading into it. A sci-fi action robot monster movie?! Sign me up!!!! I was lucky enough to catch the film in IMAX 3D and all I can say is…I have rotted my eyes to the core with this smorgasbord of Eye Candy!!! Guillermo Del Toro has delivered one of the summer’s biggest spectacles that is action packed and beautifully made. His imagination and passion for the Kaiju genre is on full display in most moments of the film. In terms of the actors, there are plenty of stand outs. Idris Elba is at his best in his portrayal of Stacker Pentecost. He brought the perfect blend of compassion, courage, and no nonsense attitude that made him a great all around presence. Charlie Hunnam delivers big too as Becket. As a soldier who experienced a traumatic episode, Hunnam was very likable and brought a youthful and enthusiastic edge to the film that added to the fun. Rinko Kikuchi’s performance as Mako Mori I believe is very satisfying. Out of all the characters, you connect with her the most emotionally. You root for her and want her to become a jaeger pilot despite the mental challenges she faces. Del Toro and company did a good job creating a strong female lead that you connect with and cheer for. One surprise for me is Charlie Day’s performance in the film. He did a solid job and brought a light hearted comedic aoura that was both refreshing and fun. In terms of action, the film didn’t disappoint. The action sequences were irristatably entertaning and had plenty of thrilling moments that were a joy to watch. Despite the great action, there are only a small handful of them. Del Toro really makes us wait and anticipate each sequence to the point where I was begging for the delicious eye candy. When I finally got it though, it was more than satisfying. Overall, Pacific Rim touched that 5 year old in me that spent his Saturday mornings watching those Power Rangers megazord fights on TV. I couldn’t be happier with the film as it exceeded my expectations a year ago when I was first introduced to it at the san deigo convention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating and Final Thoughts

 

A visually stunning and thrilling summer blockbuster!!! Guillermo Del Toro creates a moving love letter to the giant monster movie genre and to all those people who also grew up with these fantastic fictional beast.

 

Those who loved the epicness that was Pacific Rim Will Be Pleased To Know
That Another Kaiju film arrives next year. This one in particular one you might
be familiar with.

2013 Summer Movie Season - Despicable Me 2: Review & Analysis

 

 

 

Despicably Entertaining!!! Sequel Delivers Great Laughs, Fun, and Yes…MINIONS!!!!

Review By: Brandon Porter

Guess Gru's Back?!! (See What I Did There?)

 

Story

                In just a few short years, former supervillian Gru (Steve Carell) has gone from criminal mastermind to a fully devoted and loving father to his adopted children Margo, Agnes, and Edith (Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Elsie Fisher). After an entire research facility in the artic is stolen, Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wigg) kidnaps Gru and brings him to the headquarters of the Anti-Villain League to partake in an important mission: locate a top secret serum that if found in the wrong hands can lead to the world’s end. Gru must now go on a new adventure to save the world with his new partner Lucy, his kids, and of course his loyal minions!!!

Gru Working With His Newly Assigned Partner Lucy Wilde
of The Anti Villain League

Analysis

                3 years after the world was introduced to Gru, his kids, and the hilariously lovable minions in Despicable Me, the world waited patiently for the next heart felt and fun adventure of Universal’s acclaimed animated film. 2013 marked the return of Gru and the crew in Despicable Me 2, and for the most part, the film did extremely well. In addition to scoring a 75% certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, the film dominated the Independence Day box office weekend by earning $82,518,000 million dollars with 34.5 million coming on opening day and also becoming the 3rd highest opening day ever for an animated feature, the 8th highest Wednesday opening ever, and the biggest Wednesday opening of all-time for Universal Pictures. Michael Rechtshaffen of The Hollywood Reporter praised the film stating, “While the new edition doesn't quite catch that inspired spark, there's still plenty to enjoy here courtesy of those zippy visuals and a pitch-perfect voice cast led by the innately animated Steve Carell." Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle, who gave the film three out of four stars, commented on the film by saying "It's a credit that the writing can be so funny in the moment, that it takes time to realize there's no cohesive story, zero dramatic tension and nary a practical lesson for either the characters in the film or the people watching in the theater.” Despicable Me 2 seem to have impressed people enough to become a great July 4^th treat for families across the nation. Who knows what those silly yellow henchmen have up their sleeve next.

 

 

 

 

 

Minions: The Shining Example of Professionalism,
Dignity, and Class (Try Saying That Without Laughing)

 

Review

                If I told you that I had never saw Despicable Me three years ago, you would ask me if I was living under a rock all this time. Thankfully, I have seen the film since then a enjoyed it very much. I was very eager to see the next installment and get the same great impact I did from the first. I was not disappointed. Despicable Me 2 has got to be one of the funniest animated films I have seen in years. I haven’t laughed this hard watching an animated film since I saw Toy Story 3 in 2010. The film had plenty of hilarious moments that sometimes had me in tears. I can see now why the Minions are so popular. Their antics put me in uncontrollable fits of laughter that made my sides hurt. Voice acting from Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Carell, Kristen Wigg, and others were witty, fun, and they all seemed to be having a ton of fun doing it. If I had to make one complaint about the film, it would have to be it lacked the heartwarming emotion that made the first film memorable. Don’t be fooled, the film does have heartwarming moments, but they are somewhat lacking compared to the one from the previous film. Overall, Despicable Me 2 is a very enjoyable family film that I feel is the most fun you and your family will have at the movies this summer.

 

Rating and Final Thoughts

What The Film lacks in emotional impact it makes up for in hilarious antics and solid all-around voice acting. A very worthy sequel to a great animated feature

For Those Who Couldn't Get Enough of Those Lovable Yellow Henchman in This Latest Film,
The Minions Will Be Back Next Year In A New Film Where They Will Get The Full Stoplight.
 

2013 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

 

 

Month 2 Recap (June 2013)

 

 

 

Hello Followers, Month 2 of the Summer Movie Season is in the books. It was a great month full of films that did very well at the box office. Here is the recap of the big films and how they performed during the month of June.

 

 

 

 

Here Are Some Of Standout Films That Were Released This Month

 

 

 

 

 

 

Man of Steel

                Zach Snyder and Christopher Nolan’s reboot of the Superman franchise was the subject of praise, controversy, and debate. This 2013 summer blockbuster has clearly divided fans and critics altogether when compared to the 2006 film Superman Returns. Fans who panned Superman Returns have given Man of Steel significant praise, and it is the other way around when it comes to the critics. From my point of view, the critics got it WRONG!!! Man of Steel was an awesome film and is one of my candidates for best film of 2013. With a sequel already in development, my hope is that this franchise will continue to be great and lead to the much rumored and anticipated Justice League film.

 

 

 

 

Monsters University

                Pixar has now added another first to their list. With the Toy Story films becoming the studios first trilogy, Monsters University now holds the mantle as Pixar’s first prequel. This comedic first look at the budding friendship of MU freshman Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan has brought the famed studio back to critical prowess. I felt the film was lightyears ahead of Cars 2 in 2011 and even Brave a year ago. It was funny and probably one of the studios most inspiring films. Pixar Animation Studios is making the right moves to continue their great success. The future of the studio looks very bright indeed as they continue to make great strides to bring more classics we know they are able to create.

 

 

 

 

World War Z

                Zombies have become somewhat of a hot commodity in pop culture today. With the acclaimed TV series The Walking Dead, Zombies have yet to take center stage on screen…until now. Paramount Pictures and Plan B entertainment delivered the intense zombie thrill ride World War Z, the story of one man’s trek around the world to protect his family from the zombie apocalypse. Outside of my genre and outside of my radar, World War Z to me was still a solid film. With this being the first entry into a possible franchise, I hope they build on what made the film great and make it a successful new series of films.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are How These Films Did Financially and Among Critics

 

Best Box Office Numbers

1. Man of Steel: $523,321,616 Million

2. Monsters University: $307,631,953 Million

3. World War Z: $258,996,919 Million

 

 

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Monsters University: (78% Certified Fresh)

2. World War Z: (68%)

3. Man of Steel: (56%)

 

Which Film Impressed You The Most In June? Be sure to stay tuned for all the latest post throughout the summer. See You Later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 Summer Movie Season - Month 3 Preview (July 2013)

                Light Em Up!!!! Jaegers, Minions, Rangers, and Mutants Look To Bring Box Office Fireworks!!!

 

By: Brandon Porter

 

 

 

Salutations Followers!!! We are officially Through the First Two Months of the summer movie season. It has been a memorable two months that have delivered some record breaking box office smash hit. But now, it’s time for the films of July to have their chance to shine. Giant Robots, Claw wielding mutants, outlaws and Indians, and yellow henchmen headline a hectic month 3. Here are the films looking to bring fireworks to the silver screen.

 

 

 

 

 





Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer star
in the action adventure western from
Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer.

The Lone Ranger (Walt Disney Pictures, July 3rd)

In the early stages of the formation of America, there were a group of law enforcers who stood for truth and justice. They were known as The Lone Rangers. After lawyer and former law enforcer John Reid (Armie Hammer) is recruited by his brother to join the group, an ambush in the desert, led by Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner), claims the life of his brother and the rest of the ranger corpe. Near death and devastated by the loss of his brother, Reid is soon rescued by spiritual Indian warrior Tonto (Johnny Deep) and ushers him about a legend of justice. John Reid and Tonto soon set out on an explosive adventure to uphold the mantle of truth and justice establishing Reid as the American legend, The Lone Ranger!!! Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp team up in this action packed western adventure from the team that bought you Pirates of the Caribbean. Get ready for a railroad of adventure when The Lone Ranger rides into theaters on July 3^rd.  

 

 

 

Supervillian Gru and his kids are back for another adventure.
This time to...Save The World?!

Despicable Me 2 (Universal Pictures, July 3rd)

                The notorious supervillian Gru is fully embracing his responsibility as a dad to his three kids Edith, Margo, and Agnes. He also gets great help from his loyal minions as well. However, Gru is soon kidnapped by Miss Lucy Wilde of the AVL (Anti Villain League) to assist the agency in a top secret operation to. Preparing to take embark on a new adventure, Gru, his kids, and the minions now take part in an operation that’s particularly out of their comfort zone… saving the world. The anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed film, Despicable Me 2 sees the return of Steve Carell, Miranda Cosgrove, and Kristen Wigg. Gru and the Minions are back to cause mischief again as Dispicable Me 2 hits theaters July 3^rd.

 

 

 

 

Raleigh Becket and Mako Mori: Pilots of Jaeger Gipsy Danger
and Humanity's last great hope 

Pacific Rim (Warner Bros. Pictures, July 12th)



                For years, Humanity always believed that alien life would come from outer space. They never expected it to come from beneath the Pacific Ocean via a dimensional portal. These colossal alien beings known as Kaiju soon began causing havoc across the globe destroying everything in their path and resulting in numerous deaths. Desperate to find a way to counter the non-stop appearance of these destructive monsters, the world created their own monsters known as Jaegers, giant robots controlled by two pilots who’s brains are synchronized as one to bring together man and machine. Fighting hard but tragically losing this brutal war, the world soon turns to the aid of a retired pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an orphaned girl (Rinko Kikuchi) who team up to help turn the tide in this larger than life struggle between man and beast. With a solid all-around cast, spectacular visual effects, and eye popping action, Guillermo del Toro’s sci-fi epic promises to be an earth shattering good time. The time has come to go big or go extinct as Pacific Rim crashes in to theaters on July 12^th.

 

 

Logan returns in the next installment in the X-Men franchise 

The Wolverine (20^th Century Fox/Marvel Studios, July 26^th)

                Throughout his life, Logan (Hugh Jackman) has been through a fair share of emotional struggles. But losing the love of his life, Jean Grey, has had a significant impact on him changing him emotionally. However, he is soon found by Yukio (Rila Fukushima), a skilled assassin of the famed Shingen’s clan who’s boss is someone Logan saved decades ago. In return for his act of bravery that saved his life so many years ago, Shingen Yashida soon gives Logan an opportunity to have something he has never had before…Mortality. Vulnerable for the first time in his life, Logan experiences a physical and emotionally challenging experience that will push him to his limits but will also make him stronger than ever before. Academy Award nominee Hugh Jackman returns as Wolverine in what is to be the first of two X-Men films to hit theaters in back to back years. Logan takes on his most extreme test yet as The Wolverine slashes into cinemas on July 26^th.  

 

 

 

 

 

Month 3 promises to be a great 31 days!!! I look forward to seeing these films plus many more. Stay tuned for the reviews that are soon to arrive shortly. See Ya Soon!!!