Terminator Genisys Review

        The Fate of Humanity is once again on the line in the 5th installment of The Terminator Film Series originally conceived by James Cameron. This time around it is heralded by Game of Thrones Director Alan Taylor from a story written by Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier. Of course you can't have a true Terminator film without the main man himself  Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising his alter ego the cybernetic T-800 with film newcomers Emilia Clarke ( Daenerys Targaryen from G.O.T. ) portraying Sarah Connor, Jai Courtney (Jack McClane from Die Hard 5) as Kyle Reese and Jason Clarke ( Malcolm from Dawn of The Planet of the Apes) as The Leader of the Human Resistance John Connor. Also Joining the Cast is former 11th Doctor Matt Smith who (spoilers) plays the physical emodiment of Skynet and the great character actor JK Simmons (J. Jonah Jameson from the Raimi Spiderman Films). When Kyle Reese Volunteers to be sent back in time to 1984 in order to protect Sarah Connor from the Terminator , he finds that the version of Sarah he comes across is not the weak, docile version that John Connor had described. In her place is a highly trained tactical soldier with the guts to get things done, plus she also happens to have been raised by a version of the terminator that had been sent to protect her when she was a child. In fact everything has changed due to some unforeseen events that has altered the timeline. 

         While Emilia Clarke and Jason Clarke (no relation) fit their characters well  with emilia replacing linda hamilton as sarah and jason being the 5th actor  playing the ever revolving future savior John Connor. Jai Courtney though still has some big shoes to fill playing Kyle Reese. The original Kyle Reese was  played by Michael Biehn and he made that character his own. He had the right portrayal of a soldier who has been through hell surviving on what little nutrients a war torn earth could provide. He was thin but in notable shape instead of the overly muscled Kyle we get with Courtney. The chemistry that Linda and Michael had in the original is not visible with the current casting choices made. Emilia and Jai just act on cue and deliver their respected lines and then move on to whatever action scenario currently present. Though it fair to point out that when Arnold is present things pick up and as a whole that is where they function. It is prevailent when they argue amongst each other and as they fight side by side against the menacing T-1000.

         This film is a far cry better action film than Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and Terminator: Salvation. Arnold proves that he is and will always be the unbeatable T-800.  His portrayal of the T-800 in the third film was stiff and didn't feel "natural". It was as if he was being controlled by some puppeteer from behind the scenes. This time around his resurgence in the guise of an older T-800 was more appropriate and doesn't disappoint. He proves that he can still kick ass (even though it is a pg 13 world) given his age of 68. Not many action stars that age can get away with that feat except Sylvester Stallone and to some degree Clint Eastwood.  I love the fact that they incorporated his real physical appearance into the film which can help make it more believable and it gives a humanizing quality to the otherwise relentlessness killing machine. It is explained that even though the terminator is a machine the flesh that covers it's body is a living organism and it can age plus the fact that the cpu is a learning computer with time it can adapt and learn to be more human (albeit makes it easier to blend in and kill whatever target). 

          

        For those that love the terminator universe and are fans of James Cameron's original sci fi spectacle will love the first twenty or so minutes of the film which recreates a shot by shot reproduction of the original films beginning with some minor changes. The most notable is the aging terminator which ambushes the original T800 just before it has had a chance to start it's mission to hunt and kill Sarah Connor. The ensuing battle pits Arnold vs young Arnold in a no holds brawl pitting age against youth. Of course the young terminator being basically fresh off the assembly line does seem to take the upper hand as the older unit falters. When it comes down to it though the older unit does win with a little help from a sniper rifle carrying Sarah thus ending the first movie obsolete and beginning a new course and time frame with which to spin a new tale. There are plenty of easter eggs thrown in the film discreetly and obvious. It is worth noting that Robert Patrick who played the T1000 in T2 makes a cameo in the film in a blink and you miss appearance. 

      Over all the movie sits adequately behind terminator 1 and 2 while eliminating much of the story desecrated by Terminator 3 and Salvation. It is worth noting though that much of the surprise twists that were in the film had been spoiled by the marketing team's decision to show key moments in the trailer. This sadly affected the film's position in making an impact. Much of the plot is written to make way for a new trilogy with Arnold at front and center as a newly upgraded T800 guardian to Sarah and new sparring partner to Kyle. Hopefully the next director chosen to continue the terminator franchise can help fix the few minor elements and make it truly as epic as the original two.

      

      

JAMES HORNER - Great Musical Composer Extraordinaire Rest in Piece

August 14, 1953 - June 22, 2015 

       Cinematic Composer Virtuoso James Horner has passed away at the age of 61 after being involved in a plane crash on Monday  June 22, 2015. While some of you may not know him many of you have definitely heard his work throughout the years. He won two academy awards for his composition on the movie Titanic being the one who co-wrote along with Will Jennings the smash hit "My Heart Will Go On" performed by Celine Dion. It was his work on great sci fi classics of the 80's and other memorable films that to me cemented him as one of the great hollywood composers of our time. He was responsible for some great musical scores used in such films as Star Trek II: The wrath of Khan, Aliens, Cocoon, Willow, Jumanji , the animated film an American Tail among others. My Personal Favorite is the Score he composed for the Movie Krull- a sci fi fantasy adventure from 1983. His song " Ride of the Firemares" for the film is one of the best and upon listening to it still brings joy and excitement.   If your curious to hear the theme song feel free to click on the video below.

Avengers Age of Ultron Review

      Leaping from the comic book page to the cinematic universe, the mighty avengers once again come forth to battle evil and of course entertain the countless masses of movie lovers and comic book aficionados alike. When last we encountered the avengers they banded together in order to prevent Loki along with the Chitauri from invading earth. This time around Tony Stark ( Robert Downey Jr) in hopes of creating an artificial intelligence designed to help and protect humanity unwillingly unleashes a sentient AI whose core programming determines that in order to save the world humanity must end.

      Joss Whedon is back on the helm of this billion dollar franchise and his experience at managing multiple characters on screen is as crucial as ever in ensuring that all involved get to shine and put to use. Hawkeye for once gets to finally "act" and interact with the rest of the crew. His backstory has been incorporated into the film and helps flesh out his motives behind being a worthy team member and it helps to see that he also gets to use snarky one liners along with the rest of the cast. Black Widow also returns to the forefront but her role has been realigned as more of a control unit for Bruce whenever Code Green is activated (i.e. Hulk). Of Course Robert Downey Jr as always projecting himself as Tony Stark bringing back his ever charming personality and snappy remarks adds a new addition to his ever growing arsenal of  "Irontastic" Armor - Veronica aka THE HULKBUSTER . This single piece of  wondrous technology was designed with the help of  Bruce Banner to be able to go toe to toe with the Hulk if ever the need came up to bring him down. The Battle alone between these two titans alone is enough to satisfy any comic book and action junkie.

"Listen to me, that little witch is messing with your mind. You're stronger than her,
you're smarter than her. You're Bruce Banner!"

     Also included in the movie is kick ass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson who plays Pietro Maximoff codenamed Quicksilver (no not that Quicksilver played by Evan Peters from Days of Future Past) and Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff also known as Scarlet Witch.  As for the Villain of the Movie we are introduced to Ultron - the peace keeping program given life and voiced by James Spader (The Blacklist and almost every other teen 80's film). His ultimate goal is the destruction of the Human Race as well as bring down his Creator. Ultron would have been even more intimidating if James Spader's voice was altered during post production to sound more like the menacing artificial monster that he is than utilizing his normal voice.

"I'm glad you asked that, because I wanted to take this time to explain my evil plan..."

     One highlight of the film is the introduction of a new team member Vision played with grace by Paul Bettany; who you should know by now was responsible for providing the voice of Jarvis, Iron Man's AI interface and equally sarcastic verbal sparring buddy. Vision was developed as the next step in evolution of artificial lifeform by Ultron but was luckily intercepted by the avengers and becomes a force for Good. Paul's take on the vision is on point providing the character with a soul and a sense of compassion towards life despite the inmense  destructive power at his command. His onscreen chemistry with the rest of the cast mixes well and they interact as if he has always been part of the team.

"Humans are odd. They think order and chaos are somehow opposites and try to control
what won't be. But there is grace in their failings... "

        Upon viewing the film, you will notice that some minor holes in the plot have been left unfilled and even though they may seem trivial it is good to know that as part of the connected universe, marvel's Agents of Shield have two episodes that help explain certain elements that were left out. The Episodes in question are part of Season 2 and are titled The Dirty Half Dozen and Scars. Each one contain little snippets that connect to the Movie. Overall this movie is quite entertaining mixing humor with a dose of action and suspense. It also serves as an exit point for some of the key characters and introduces a new round of heroes to take up The Avengers mantle.

Jared Leto as The Joker in Suicide Squad Movie

     Ever Since Jared Leto has been cast in the Role of the Joker in the New Movie Suicide Squad, many have wondered what his physical appearance would be on screen as the Iconic king of all super villains. Well Director David Ayer has taken to twitter to finally reveal his interpretation of him and this version completely deviates from the classic look save the green hair and perhaps purple attire. 

     While I'm keen on Jared Leto cast as the Joker and I'm  sure that his take would do the character justice, i find a few gripes with the decision to implement certain noticeable additions to his facade. The stand out being him sporting a grill, Really?? he needs to have metal teeth to prove that he is menacing?, he is one of the most sadistic and maniacal characters ever created, the metal grill is not needed. Another aspect is his body art,,unless this iteration of the joker plans to appear shirt less it is not needed nor warranted.  This feels like they are trying too hard to separate this joker from the previous interpretations on screen.   

"Why so serious?"

    Who can ever forget Heath Ledger's amazing take on the Joker, when he took portrayal of the role, he made it his own and commanded onscreen presence overshadowing the Batman in the Dark Knight. But his wasn't the only take for he was preceded by another great Hollywood icon.

"Have you ever danced with devil in the pale moonlight?"

    Before Heath there was the  Great Jack Nicholson and his superb onscreen appearance as The Joker in the 1989 Tim Burton Directed Batman. His rendition captured the original essence of the joker and was more than a  suitable antagonist to Keaton's Batman.

    Bottom line is that while each actor brought their own unique take on the Sadistic clown, they retained the few elements that are pivotal to him and right now the pic shown really leaves one a bit disappointed at least in my mind.   

       

The New Star Wars Trailer is HERE!!!!!!

       So by now most have already seen the new and exiting teaser trailer for the much hyped about sequel to STAR WARS...and for those that haven't please do so....One of the many high lights of the trailer is our very first peak at the one and only Scruffy looking Nerf Herder - Han Solo along with his ever loyal Sidekick Chewbacca. It is going to be a very exciting time when we finally get to see the original cast reunite on the big screen as well as some brand new editions to the star wars mythos created by George Lucas.  While every fanboy on earth is delightfuly waiting for the release, Disney is of course providing little snippets here and there about the film but they should refrain from revealing too much because it would ruin the surprise that one would get when watching the film at the theaters for that is the only negative thing i can say about this truly epic tale.

Kill me three times - Review

    Kill me three times is an Australian dark comedy crime thriller which portrays the story of an assassin who
is hired to kill someone only to find out there are others who also have plans of their own to kill the same victim. While it is promoted to have three different tales of murder and deceit it  is actually three points of view of the same story. each relative tale is actually the missing link that ties to  the previous tale and provide the viewer with much needed insight to what is actually going on.

           For those of you who have probably seen the trailer and movie posters, Simon Pegg is heavily promoted as the main attraction to an otherwise lackluster tale. He plays Charlie Wolfe - The hitman hired to assassinate Alice Taylor played by Alice Braga  and also starring Teresa Palmer as Lucy Webb , Luke Hemsworth as Dylan Smith and Sullivan Stapleton as Nathan Webb. It is worth noting that while Simon Pegg is in the movie his role is more akin to a glorified cameo than an actual performance. We see the story develop through the other characters and their interactions with Pegg being more of the comedic element to an otherwise passable tale. Everything else about the film is a predictable orquestrated mess that will leave one wanting to actually switch to one of Simon Pegg's more enjoyable films.

       So as stated before anyone expecting to see a film in the likes of the enjoyable Cornetto Trilogy of Films directed by Edgar Wright and Starring Simon Pegg will be sadly disappointed. This is more of a generic tale of betrayal and deceit that has been told probably a dozen or more times through out cinema history. This is an hour or so of time that one will not be able to get back that can be spent on more interesting affair.

   

Tie Fighter - Simply Breathtaking Animated Star Wars Fan Film.

       Tie Fighter is a fan made animated film based on Star Wars that has the look and feel of the great 80's anime with it's superb highly stylized visuals and intense shading, something that today's anime sadly have lost in favor of more commercial and simplified visuals. It was single handily drawn and animated by one person and his name is Paul Johnson over the course of 4 years worth of weekends to give us over  7 minutes of pure animatic bliss.  It reminds me of all those anime series of the 80's where the music and battle sequences complemented each without the real need for any dialogue. If Disney is paying attention, this is how you really make an animated star wars series instead of what they are producing with Star Wars Rebels.