The Lord of the Rings

I am only going to write a single review for this trilogy, it is really one complete story, and writing three separate reviews would be a waste of time.
Before these films even hit the screens, they had both fan clubs, and hate clubs. Some people were ecstatic at the prospect of seeing Tolkien's beloved novels on the silver screen, others thought there was no possible way to live up to their glory, and the evil money makers on Hollywood ought to keep their hands of this classic story of good vs. evil. I hated the books, but thought the story was at very least a solid entertaining epic so I was very excited to see these movies, fortunately they were everything I could have hopped for. The story is as follows, the small hobbit Frodo is is given the ring of the dark lord Sauron by his unknowing Uncle. Frodo discovers he must take this ring to those who can deal with it properly, with the help of Gandalf the grey wizard, Pippen, Merry, and his gardener Sam, he brings the ring to the elvish haven Rivendell, where it is decided he must take the ring into the heart of the dark lords kingdom and throw it into the fires from where it was forged, the only place it can be destroyed. He is joined by others and they set out to destroy the ring. The first movie closes with their fellowship broken, and the second follows the paths of Sam and Frodo, as well a the other members of the fellowship. Film two sees Frodo and Sam to the Edge of the dark land Mordor, and the first battle of the war for Middle Earth. The third and finale film finishes the story as the characters, all against impossible odds , overcome evil in their own special ways, most importantly Frodo giving up the one ring, of which he had become quite possessive. That's pretty much the story, though it is so, so, so much more than that. it is one of the most involved stories ever put on film, as well as one of the most impressive production feats of all time, the DVD's offer a look into the massive project that was these movies, and there really is no movie experience quite like it. This review sounds slight in comparison with the actual movies, but they speak loud enough for themselves, the bottom line is this; a captivating story, amazing special effects, strong performances from every actor, beautiful cinematography, and an astounding score makes this film set one of the most impressive works of art in any medium, and one of my favorite filmed stories of all time.

A+

Finding Nemo

I figure, as if I haven’t made it crystal clear, I should let everyone know exactly where I stand on the critically acclaimed and vastly disappointing mess of a film, “Finding Nemo.” Because it was so rejoiced in its sad time, I will make it my first scathing review. I had to see this movie, not that anyone made me, but I just thought anything Pixar and Disney produced, I simply had to see. I tried my very hardest to like this film, I praised it’s animation and the often hilarious Ellen DeGeneres, but still could not make myself call it good, or even fair. Basically, Nemo the only surviving son of Marlin, is a bratty little snot bag who disobeys his dad and gets “fish-napped” by a dentist in Sydney. His dad goes to rescue the unworthy whelp with the help of the forgetful Dory. The ridiculous characters along the way are enough to make an adult weep and gnash their teeth, and the anti climactic finish is less than impressive. Sadly Nemo does not get filleted (possibly the only thing that could have redeemed this sad tale) and everything has what I can only assume was supposed to be a happy ending. The only good thing about this movie is its impressive undersea animation, but I’m afraid that simply won’t do. I hope America can find it in their hearts to forgive the foolish studio Pixar for assaulting their very beings with this distasteful, revolting, waste of brain cells they so willingly forced upon us.

C-

Spider-Man 2

After the incredible movie going experience that was Spider-Man I simply had to see the second one, but in light of the timeless trend of terrible sequels, I feared secretly that one of my favorite movies would be wrecked by a less than impressive follow up…Thank god I was wrong. The second movie of a rumored six part series was not only as entertaining as it’s vanguard, (look it up) but for some a far richer movie going experience. Sam Raimi did not only carry on the Spider-man legacy with as much action and humor as the first, but he expanded into the characters emotions with incredible talent as a director, balancing superb special effects with strong performances from his cast. The characters were so easy to relate to, who hasn’t felt run into the ground, or ignored by someone they love, or even hurt by someone they thought was their friend? And who doesn’t love B. J. Thomas? Even the villain portrayed, with convincing sincerity, the conflict of “what we want” vs. “what is right.” Without a doubt o great film and one of the few great film sequels to fill the shoes of its predecessor, all things considered, well worth your time to enjoy.

A

Spider-Man

I actually bought tickets a month in advance without once seeing a preview, or once reading a marvel comic book, it was more that everyone was talking and I couldn’t miss out. Boy was I surprised when this filmed version of the wall crawling hero’s creation and beginnings turned out to be something quite spectacular. Comic book movies never made it quite like this one did, the reason? Try good acting, good directing, but most of all a working, engaging, well thought out plot. Because it is the first in a series, this film takes it’s time with all the quirks and foibles of it’s main character Peter Parker A.K.A. the newly made hero Spider-Man, but it does not ignore a well paced plot which introduces the audience to themes and characters more deep than we’ve come to expect in summer blockbusters. “With great power comes great responsibility,” so says Peter’s surrogate father Uncle Ben, pretty much condensing the two hours of film into it’s one main point, and fortunately director Sam Raimi follows through with a movie worthy of the old comic books, and worthy of it’s huge profits. This just goes to show people will pay to see quality movies, not just stuff blowing up, and scantily clad characters…and…and…fish.

A-

The Incredibles

Audiences everywhere are waiting for the masterminds behind "Toy Story," Monsters Inc." and last years highly overrated "Finding Nemo" to make a flop, to disappoint them, to send people away wanting their money back, an inevitable situation yes, but audiences will have to wait a little longer, because Disney and Pixar's latest outing "The Incredibles" lives up to it's title, and it's following as a truly incredible film. Anxieties are to be expected, Disney doesn't exactly have the cleanest record, but whether you want to or not this film is a must see for the holiday season. The plot is apparent from previews; retired superheroes are brought back into the business of saving the world, along with the rest of the family. It sounds ridiculous but somehow amidst a stellar soundtrack, remarkable voice talent, a plot worthy of the classic James Bond films, and the most impressive animation possibly ever, viewers are caught up in the totally believable world of superheroes with faults not unlike their own. One memorable scene features the heroin\mother Elastigirl stretched between three rooms and an elevator while fighting a handful of guards, realistic? No, entertaining? The auditorium roared with laughter. However it's not all fun and spandex; the movie deals with even deeper issues than those of "Finding Nemo", whose main character's only threat was a well-deserved frying pan. People actually die in this movie, the villain is some redeemable misunderstood child, but a destruction-obsessed maniac, and even the marriage of Mr. And Mrs. Incredible is in dire situation from time to time. The true wonder of this movie is that it entertains on all levels. No matter what age, people can find something to enjoy. This film resonates with movie magic not something to be confused with typical new film hype. It has the elements to be a classic, to go down forever in the archives of animated glory, only time will tell, but from where I'm standing the future is bright for this tour de force of a fabulous motion picture!

A-