Day 65: July 4th, 2010

After Hours.



What is the very worst night you ever had...?

If I had to pick one director that is my all time favourite, it would have to be Mr. Martin Scorsese.

An ordinary guy has the worst night of his life after he agrees to meet up with a girl he met at a coffee shop. Thing go from bad to worse as the night goes on.

Even though Scorsese is my favourite director, I have my doubts about some of his films. Not everyone is perfect. I had my doubts about this film, I wasn't sure I would like it. To be fair though, I had no idea what it was about. It was one of those, judge a book by its cover situations. So here is a life lesson for the young ones out there, I'm sure you've never heard this one before. "Never judge a book by it's cover".

When you have a film resume like Scorsese does, its easy for a film such as this to get lost in the mix. When you have films like Taxi Driver, Goodfellas and his Oscar winning film The Departed, it's hard to stand out. So I take an appreciation to the little films he does that are in my opinion just as strong as his other work, but never seem to get the recognition. I really dig Bringing Out The Dead and After Hours is another film that surprised me quite a bit.

There is an old saying for writing a script. You want to take your character, make him climb a tree and while he is up there, throw rocks at him. Eventually you let him down. This is suppose to be like a story, the character sees a challenge, tries to overcome it, sees conflict and eventually the falling action is resolved. With After Hours, Scorsese keeps our character up in that tree and continues to throw rocks at him no matter what.

I really like the New York feel this film has, even if it is outdated today. The streets act as characters themselves. Settings in Scorsese films tend to do that, look at his latest flick Shutter Island. After Hours has our main character, who is kind of a jerk at times, suck in tough situations, that only get worse as the night goes on. I kept thinking to myself, what would I do in that situation.

For a film with no action, it is pretty suspenseful. The whole film is the reaction of characters to certain things. Most of it is negativity towards our character. Not only does this film stand as one of Scorsese's most underrated films, I'd say it's underrated in general. I never hear anyone talk about it and when I mention it to someone, they just seem to have a blank look on their face. After Hours should and needs to be seen by more people. It's an entertaining movie from a master filmmaker.

8/10

Day 64: July 3rd, 2010

Rocky Balboa



Manages to right some wrongs with the series and gives a proper goodbye.

Rocky Balboa owns a restaurant called Adrians, named after his wife who has passed away. Touching, the love interest in his life, whom I never really did care for is now out of the picture. He's old now and lives his life telling old boxing stories to his customers. His son has the unfortunate task of living in his shadow, as everywhere Rocky goes people want his autograph. A computer puts a match between Rocky and Mason, the current undefeated heavyweight champion. This match gets people talking and encourages Rocky to come out of retirement for one last time.

Rocky Balboa is a perfect ending to the series and for the Rocky character. The film takes us back to that era when people were chanting that name and running up those stairs. The film feels like your sitting down with a bunch of friends and recounting the fun times you've had and places you've went. We know and love the character and it's sad to see him where he is today, with all his glory in the past. Much like when we look at our own past, our own glory days.

Balboa feels more gritty and real then the previous films. The fight isn't as heightened as III or IV. A little too real if you ask me. The climatic fight scene is short and no where near as suspenseful as one would hope for. I get it though, rocky is pass his prime and the film feels more real, this is evident in the fight. Rocky doesn't take a beating and he doesn't give a beating either. The Rocky films were set in an obtuse reality. Watch the Rocky vs Drago fight to see what I'm talking about. So to see the series end like this, seems like a radical change, but a truthful one at the same time.

Balboa packs the most emotion since the original Rocky film. The film isn't really about boxing, or overcoming great odds, or avenging the death of a friend. It's more about Rocky's life after his success. The fifth film failed at this, miserably. People will like this movie because it has the exact same feeling as the original. Films 2 through 5 had Rocky at the height of his fame. He was in his prime, had the title shot and defended the belt. Now, much like the original where he was a nobody, Rocky is too old and is considered a joke in the eye of the media.

Fans of the series will not be disappointed, I wasn't. Much like the title character, its audience has also grown older. We are right there with Rocky remembering the good old days with Adrian. Stallone is indeed getting older and it is more evident here than ever before. Here he shows some of that talent we saw in the original. Where did it go? It took 5 more films to come back.

The films so called villain, Mason Dixon, is no where near any other opponent Rocky has faced. With the likes of Apollo Creed, Thunderlips, Clubber Lang, Ivan Drago. Gixon and Tommy Gunn are almost interchangeable. The character has no qualities about him that make him stand out at all. Again, this can only be counted for the "reality" that this film is set in. If you want to see a Rocky film with a Million Dollar Baby undertone, Rocky Balboa is the film you want to see. If you walk in expecting unrealistic fights, vibrant colours and over the top villains, Rocky Balboa will disappoint.

The series was getting tiring and was considered dead. Balboa is the perfect revival and send off to it. Balboa features the classic training scenes and theme song and will give you goose bumps like the old days. Rocky and Stallone have finally let that beast out from within. Stallone can now feel content that the series has a proper ending and if you're the kind of person with an emotional heart, you may even shed a tear. I recommend Balboa for those who want one last match with the 'Italian Stallion'.

6.5/10

Day 63: July 2nd, 2010

Rocky V




Well, the good luck train had to end somewhere.

Without a doubt, the most hated film in the entire series. There is good reason for it too.

Rocky retires and goes bankrupt from some misfortune with his accountant. Retired, he decides to train a young boxer, Tommy Gunn. They go on to win a bunch of matches, but Gunn betrays Rocky and then they fight.

So, with the previous films Rocky fought man, beast, and machine. Creed, Lang and Drago. Here we fights Tommy Gunn. Now, we know he is a good boxer, we have seen that, but why is it that he has no charisma or is nearly as memorable as the other fighters? It's because he is a real boxer. It's easier to train an actor to box than it is a boxer to act. While the other fighters are deemed iconic in the series, Tommy Gunn is looked upon as a wimp, a nobody and a loser.

Gone is the ring, say hello to the streets. Rocky V tries to change things up a bit, but change is not always good. Gone is the excitement, gone is the tension and suspense, gone are all the thrills. This film doesn't feel at all like the rest and neither does Rocky himself. In my eyes, this could have been any other film and the last fight scene is by far the worst in the entire series.

Stallone interestingly did not direct this one, instead it was the guy who won the Oscar for Best Director on the first Rocky film. Where is the problem? Is it the script? Is it the director? It's everything, this film is mess and a horrible send off to Rocky Balboa.

His relationship with his kid tries to be interesting, but we don't care. We have lost our love for Rocky. Our admiration, our respect, is all gone. I'm more like Mr. T now, I pity the fool.

3/10

Day 62: July 1st, 2010

Rocky IV



Rocky defeats Communism.

Creed fights a big Russian dude and dies. Rocky cries because he lost yet another friend to boxing circumstance. Rocky agrees to fight this Russian, in Russia of all places and finds the determination and will to win.

This film is utterly ridiculous. Ivan Drago punches at a power level of 2150 psi. One punch to Rocky's head would kill the guy. Yet he keeps on coming like the energizer bunny. While in Russia the Russian fans cheer for the American boxer Rocky. This is the cold war people, I know Americans can be full of themselves sometimes but this is a bit ridiculous. Fans of the sport? Want to support the underdog (is he still considered an underdog now?) Cheer for him after the fight, not during. That damn robot.

With all that said, I love this film.

What? Did you read that right? You did.

It is all because of Ivan Drago, the absolute best thing in the entire series. I loved this guy, his stature is pure determination. The guy is the perfect fighter. Dolph Lundgren explodes onto the scene in a role that defines his career. It's his most memorable role and he barely speaks a word. I admire him and his roles, he has something about him that is likable. My favourite Rocky opponent is without a doubt Ivan Drago.

The rest of the film is ridiculous, but I let it slide. Bad move on my part? Doesn't make sense with everything else I've said about the other films? I don't care. This is my guilty pleasure film of the series. How 'bout that.

More montage of Rocky training, in Russia. His told school methods compared to the new technology that Drago is using. Paulie tells Rocky that is he could be anybody else in this world, it would be him. Touching, Paulie us usually used for bits of comedic relief. He was the guy that was just around. His in Rocky's corner now.

The film focuses less on the characters and their problems and more on the montages, muscles and fighting. I'm fine with that, it's nice to have a fun little break away film in the series. Creed's death isn't as emotional as Mickey's, but we still feel the heat. Drago straight up murders the man and walks away. Bad ass?

If it weren't for Drago, this film would be a lot lower on my rating scale. Take that as you will.

6.5/10

Day 61: June 30th, 2010

Rocky III



Rocky defeats racism.

Third round, here we go. Rocky is defeated by Mr. T because he pities the fool. Mickey dies and Rocky cries. Apollo decides to retrain Rocky, get him back to tip top shape and reclaim his title. Oh yeah, Hulk Hogan makes an appearance.

The third film is a mish-mash of things. Sometimes it's great, sometimes it's awful. The death of Mickey, while emotional for all of us, felt forced in some ways. They needed to push the emotional envelope for the character, it works well in that he losses the fight and has to be trained by another boxer, but I can't shake that feeling that it was used to play with the audience emotions. Mickey, the guy who taught us to eat lightning and crap thunder was gone. His death was laughable, but the emotional baggage brought with it was an interesting aspect to the film.

Rocky fights two entertainment icons. One is the wrestler Hulk Hogan, the scene is suppose to be the two putting on a show, but one takes it more seriously than the other. The second is of course, Mr. T. This film shows Clubber Lang as a dangerous opponent. But also this film shows that it dives right into the campy material. It's freaking Mr. T.

We see the montage, we hear the Eye of the Tiger, all classic moments from the series. The fight scene is well choreographed, but fails to take place in reality. As with each passing film, the fights get less and less believable, all for the sake of entertainment. Each punch sounds like pure movie magic, nothing that would really happen when you punch a guy. The next film does this too. In fact, they all do.

Clubber Lang, cartoon likeness aside, is a great opponent, or villain as they say, for Rocky. Apollo Creed may be the best boxer, but Clubber Lang does the most damage to Rocky. Rocky III is a film that is watchable, with classic moments from the series. If you are a fan of Rocky, this one makes the list.

5.5/10

Day 60: June 29th, 2010

Rocky II



Yo, Adrian! I DID IT!

It's those words and that closing scene alone that make me like this entry. The sequel to the successful Rocky is a bit hit and miss, much like the punches thrown in the ring. How do you follow a box office smash that took home Best Picture? While the sequel doesn't live up to the expectations, it does still hold some of that weight the first one had. The emotions are there, but the start of the campy decline is also here.

Rocky gets a rematch in this film and has to struggle supporting his family as well. The story of Rocky didn't need to continue, but it does, many times. Stallone wrote the script again and this time took the directing chair too. He went on to direct 3 other films in this series as well. Kudos to the man, he managed to make Rocky the success it is today.

The fight sequence in this film is more heightened than the last, all to make it more entertaining. It looses it's visceral and emotional weight that it desperately needed. You know Rocky is going to win, he can't lose twice in two films.

Those that expect another Rocky triumph might be a tad disappointed. The film is good enough for a recommendation though, it manages to continue the story well enough and give more insight into the character that is Rocky Balboa. He might look dumb and act dumb, but he has heart and that is what is needed to win over an audience.

6/10

Day 59: June 28th, 2010

Rocky



Meet the "Italian Stallion".

Rocky is a small time nobody who just wants the chance to prove his guts once, just once. This chance comes to fruition when Rocky gets the opportunity to fight the heavy weight champion.

The first Rocky is without a doubt the best film of the series, although that doesn't mean it's my favourite. The story of a guy who wants to opportunity to prove to himself he can do something like this has given others inspiration, no doubt. The films that have come after this one have gone down the road of campy and gimmicky.

Sly was a nobody at the time, his previous film credit was a porno film. He wrote and starred in this film and for some reason he was really good in it. What happened since then? He fell into the the action star persona. His roles since then haven't required much from him, acting wise, but now that he is older he seems to realize this. Better late than never, although I wouldn't wish that the films he was in to be gone. I got to have my Tango & Cash.

This film has that o-so memorable scene of Rocky running up the Philly stairs with the song "Gonna Fly Now" playing in the background. It's always hard to have a scene in your film that will be remembered years, decades later. This is that scene and one reason why the film itself is good.

He tries to impress the girl of his affections. She is shy and doesn't speak much in the film, he is dumb and admits this. Perfect match? Their relationship is an awkward one, specifically because of the lack of confidence in the Adrian character. This is one problem that glares for me, her performance in this film doesn't do it for me.

In the end, the film is about a guy who is given that one chance to prove what he's got and he gives it his all. It's something that many people want to happen to them and they associate themselves with that character, Rocky.

I'm not going to go into a debate as to which film deserved the Best Picture award that year, this or Taxi Driver. Both films are character driven stories that go in the opposite directions. I think that people needed the uplifting story at the time and Rocky had that.

7.5/10

Day 58: June 27th, 2010

Fright Night.



There are some very good reasons to be afraid of the dark.

After his new neighbour moves into town Charlie begins to suspect he is a vampire. He tries to get the help from famed tv star Peter Vincent, Vampire Hunter to help kill him. But does anyone believe him?

That is Fright Night in a nutshell and the film is great eighties horror camp. Along with the Lost Boys this vampire romp is something I can watch over and over and is another entry into a long list of vampire films that are

A: Better than Twilight
B: I would rather watch than Twilight.

I'm sorry for bringing Twilight into this review, but it's a teeny romance film disguised as a vampire flick, so every chance I get I will knock it.

Sarandon is Jerry the vampire, he has a certain sex appeal about him that vampires usually do. They are either lustful, or ugly as hell. Sarandon becomes both. His good looks and calm demeanor are great, he oozes cool in this film. Roddy McDowall is hilarious as Peter Vincent, Vampire Killer. My one complain lies in the casting of now gay porn star Evil Ed. His annoying laugh and horrible acting really drag the film down in the scenes he is in. I cheered when his death scene occurred, one of many highlights in the film.To some small degree, Charlie Brewster himself gets tiresome. He is clearly an idiot.

The special effects are pure eighties and still rock to this day. I'd rather watch this film than Twilight anyday for the effects....for story....for pretty much anything. Sorry, like a said, any chance I get. Hell, even the wolf transformation scene is better than the stupid one from American Werewolf in Paris. See, no film is spared here.

The film has a horror Rear Window vibe to it. Is he, or isn't he a vampire. Seeing something you're not suppose to from your house. Fright Night is getting a remake with Colin Farrell in the role of the Vampire. I don't see it reaches the heights of this film, but I will still give it a chance. Fright Night is cheesy b-horror movie entertainment. Characters do stupid things, there's craziest effects, pure eighties soundtrack, some nudity, and vampires. Good mix for a good film.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Twilight Sucks.

8/10

Day 57: June 26th, 2010

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince



Pacing issues aside, this is an improvement.

Harry is in his sixth year at Hogwarts and discovers a book that belongs to someone who called themselves the Half Blood Prince. Dumbledore asks Harry to get closer to the new potions teacher, Slughorn, in order to unlock new mysteries about Voldemort.

To me it seems that the films that have come after The Goblet of Fire are just build up to the finale. The theme, story structure and style are all different and neither film (Order of the Phoenix or Half Blood Prince) seem to have a main antagonist or mission for the kids to do. Instead they are a build up of events that will lead to a destructive and emotional ending for our characters that hit the screen in 2001. Each film prior, in some way, can stand on their own. These films cannot. They rely on the previous material so heavily that people who watch it without prior knowledge of events will most certainly be lost in the vast amount of detail that goes on.

Half Blood Prince is the better film, compared to the boring and uninteresting Order of the Phoenix. This one gives us a little bit more mystery and one of the biggest 'oh my god' moments of the books. The film doesn't have as much emotional weight as the book does, this is due to a lot of the material missing. Specifically the big battle that was suppose to take place at the end. The filmmakers said they left it out because they didn't want to take away from the battle at the end of the next film. I call B.S. The Two Towers had an important battle that was grand, only to be outdone by the next film. Why can't this series do the same?

The film clocks in around 2 and a half hours. It's pretty long and a lot of the scenes drag on. We stay too long on the uninteresting moments and too few minutes are given to the ones that we care about. The filmmakers have a lot to juggle with this series and the decisions made earlier to exclude material might hurt them in the long run. The changes made to the films don't hurt it, only if you are a die hard fan that wants every word translated to the screen. Since the day of adaptations we've seen countless films leave material out. It's expected, so people need to get over it. It's one thing to leave out little details, but for me, it's another to totally ignore the battle sequence.

Harry and the other kids are getting better with every film. I absolutely hated both Harry and Ron in the earlier films. While they can still be irritating, they have improved greatly over the course of the films. The same cannot be said for another book to film adaptation that have teenage girls moist thinking about Vampires and Werewolves. The improvement comes from people who really care about the craft of film-making. Every cast member is British and when you are surrounded by people like Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith, to name a few, the pressure to do well is more apparent. As the series goes on, regulars like Hagrid are dumbed down to cameo roles, unfortunate.

The film looks great and the special effects are still strong as is the ability to adapt such a large book. I would personally add more stuff and take away others. The importance of the Half Blood Prince and why/who he is, is left alone. The reveal is there but again, no reason for a why. Each additional character is great, last year we were given the love to hate Dolores Umbridge, this time we get the lovable Horace Slughorn. He has a few comedic scenes and a key moment in the film that helps Harry and Dumbledore with their cause.

The Half Blood Prince seems like a more put together film than Order of the Phoenix. The complaints I've heard are all regarding the material that is missing. Yes, while some of it was indeed needed in the film, it doesn't make it bad. I could do with less Quidditch after seeing it for 9 years, focus more on the emotions of the characters and the weight of their actions and less on the stuff we've seen before a hundred times. If you are going by the movies only, this one is one of the better ones. Despite the film's missed opportunity at the ending, it stands as one of the better additions to the series. Prisoner of Azkaban is still my favourite though.

7/10

Day 56: June 25th, 2010

Near Dark



I'd rather see a burnt and bloody Bill Paxton, than a white face glittery Robert Pattinson.

I was actually suppose to watch The Wolfman, but lost to a vote and people wanted to watch Near Dark instead.

Well, a young good looking cowboy gets bitten by a vampire and he soon becomes a member of the psychotic gang of vamps. The problem is that he doesn't want to be a vampire and he tries to fight the seductive urges of the blood thirst.

The vampire trend is nothing new, it's just made a comeback for this certain phase. Twilight is raking in the cash in the theatres and true blood is reigning HBO. It's good to be a vampire right now. But back in the day, 1987 to be exact. Vampires were not all glittery and award winning, they were mean, cut throat and cruel.

The problem this film has, right from the gate, is two uninteresting leads. The male and the female are boring, wooden actors (before he became a Hero) and it's always hard to stay invested in a film where the leads make you cringe from time to time. Enter Bill Paxton and Lance Henriksen, two characters that rise above what is needed and make the film entertaining and scary.

The two are a part of a vampire family. These characters are far more interesting than our cowboy here. I would much rather watch a film following them. Every little line of dialogue is interesting and their look is unmatched. Bill Paxton is a great psycho, he is off the wall nuts and he looks to be having a great time doing it. Three of the cast members also appeared in Aliens, directed by James Cameron, ex-husband of Bigelow, who directed Near Dark.

The shootout in the motel sequence is really neat and drives the film into high gear. the special effects are too shabby either. Sun can be deadly to these guys and it is quickly proven many times. The death scenes are gruesome and to me are what true vampire films are about.

I watched this on bluray and the one thing that annoyed me is the new cover. They are obviously going for that twilight crowd as they have the female appear to be human and the male be the vampire. Even the bloody make-up, which has no reference in this film. This is false advertising, give me a burnt and bloody Bill Paxton over that trash any day.

7/10