The Film Chronicles

National Geographic: Science of Evil

National Geographic: Science of Evil, 2008, Documentary

Plot: This film study the development of “evil” in humans.

Thoughts: Another interesting outlook on a common, but not talked about subject. It amazes me how people can put aside their conscious to perform evil things. One of the most notable of the film was a test done by a professor that made some students be prisoners and others guards. One guard in particular, displayed another level of evil and let the power consume him.

3.7/5

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, 2008, DocumentaryPlot: Hosted by Ben Stein, this documentary explores the debate of intelligent design (not to be confused with organized religion) in conjunction with the teaching of science.

Thoughts: A very interesting documentary about the irony of science in allowing the freedom of many ideas but this single one because of its indirect link with organized religion. It was biased but not in the same manner as other films like “Dragons or Dinosaurs”.

I really enjoyed this look at science through non-biased professionals in the field that only expressed opinion and hypotheses.

3.8/5

Cronos

Cronos, 1993, Thriller
Plot: An old antiques dealer finds his youth restored after an ancient artifact attaches itself to his leg.

Thoughts: Not too much to say about this one. It was directed by Guillermo Del Toro and starred his favorite leading man Ron Perlman (both from Hellboy I and II). There isn’t too much to say, I fell asleep on this film several times. The action was boring and the acting was only decent.

1.9/5

Comic Books: Unbound

Comic Books: Unbound, 2008, Documentary
Plot: This film showed how the comic book industry easily adapts itself to the big screen.

Thoughts: This was a very well done documentary that showed how the comic book industry and the film industry worked hand in hand to create entertaining material. Two of my favorite things were combined: Comic books and movies. This film would have been better if it didn’t pre-date films like The Dark Knight or Iron Man 2. Good and entertaining and it really shows the roots.

4.1/5

The Other Guys

The Other Guys, 2010, Comedy

Plot: 2 police pencil pushers find their way into the field when the 2 top officers are killed.

Thoughts: This movie was funnier than I expected it to be. I was glad that Will Ferrell played a role that was different than his previously played roles but still made it extremely funny. Mark Wahlberg was also very entertaining as he played the straight man to Ferrell’s funny guy.

Another added bonus was the presence of Michael Keaton (Tim Burton’s Batman) who always gives a decent laugh. I will watch this again and recommend it be seen at least once for the excellent balance between comedy and action.

3.8/5

Harold and Maude

Harold and Maude, 1971, Comedy, viewed 3/5/2011

Plot: A disturbed young man on the brink of adulthood finds himself in love with a woman who is about to turn 80.

Thoughts: This movie was very dark but still had genuine moments of lighthearted comedy. The cinematography was very well done, with many scenes underexposed to give the film a dark look. The relationship between Harold and Maude is very sincere and the entire movie plays the tune of free will and love.

Not the greatest film I’ve seen, but it’s still pretty good.

3.5/5

The Ugly Truth

The Ugly Truth, 2009, Romantic Comedy, viewed: 3/4/2011

Plot: A News show producer gets advice from a womanizing talk-show host on how to find a mate.

Thoughts: This movie was as predictable as I thought it would be. The character depth wasn’t too deep, but it was just enough to make them believable. I didn’t really enjoy Butler’s character but I can see how someone like his character could exist in the world. I also think that again, he was miscast. I guess Hollywood blockbusters have to have some kind of looks for the film to be successful.

Heigl was decent as well, playing her normal role of professional woman with something stuck up her butt. For moments, I was having flashbacks of “Knocked Up” due to the similarity. Probably won’t watch again.

2.7/5

Gamer

Gamer, Action, 2009
Plot: In a futuristic world, real life is played like virtual reality (ex: the Sims, Second Life, First-person shooters). Kable (Gerard Butler) is on the verge of reaching the final level before he can be set free from death row.

Thoughts: A pretty interesting concept. Made me want to put down the controllers a little more often after seeing how it consumes and overpowers reality. Michael C. Hall, of Dexter, provides a very complex villain. The film didn’t garner as much respect as I think it should’ve but it didn’t deserve any Academy Awards.

3.4/5

War/Dance

War/Dance, 2007, Documentary
Plot: This documentary follows three children (that represent other children) in Civil War ravaged Northern Uganda. Their only relief from all of the death and fear that surrounds them is song and dance. With the opportunity to compete in a country-wide competition, the kids can be free (figuratively speaking) from the constraints of the world.

Thoughts: One of the most emotional documentaries that I’ve ever seen. It goes from “feel-good” to “extremely depressing” and back to “feel good”. The stories of these children are remarkable, they’ve seen more than their share of pain and heartache and they are nearly half my age.

It really puts things in perspective and understandably so, shows that losing numbers in a cellphone is trivial compared to what they’ve been through. A truly powerful and great movie.

4.7/5

Batman (1989)

Batman, 1989, Action

Plot: Based on the comic book series by Detective Comics, this film chronicles the Dark Knight aka Bruce Wayne who is also a crime fighter who dresses like a bat and battles his arch enemy The Joker.

Thoughts: After viewing Nolan’s “Batman Begins”, I decided to go back and look at Tim Burton’s take on the subject. I noticed many correlations between the two, and quite honestly: I enjoyed this version much better (although it was dated).

Many people tend to compare the different Jokers as well (Nicholson and Ledger) but they are two separate entities. Though I really like the sadistic/ realist Joker, I must say that that role was made for Nicholson (a master of acting crazy). He was the best actor in the film and played the role with fluidity.

Keaton was decent as Batman, but if you’re not Kevin Conroy, then there is no room for another “voice of Gotham.” The shots in the film were interesting, Burton loves to throw everything in shadow except for the eyes (the opposite of the shots for the Godfather).

This was a good movie, I just wish it could have been made in 2009 rather than 1989.

4.2/5