Anime: Drawing a Revolution

Anime: Drawing a Revolution, 2007, Documentary
Plot: A look at how anime has affected US media.

Thoughts: A superbly done documentary that really captured the essence of Anime and started from it’s actual roots. It was interesting to see that many of the films we watch now are inspired by this genre of film. I’m not an anime junkie but it I watch a fair amount and can attest to the maturation of American animation to match that of it’s Anime counterpart. Really good documentary to fans of comic books, animation, or film.

3.8/5

MST3K: I Accuse My Parents

MST3K: I Accuse My Parents, originally released in 1944, Drama
Plot: A young man turns to a life of crime when his parents fail to mention his achievements in school and don’t show him affection.

Thoughts: This was obviously an attempt to get those “wild parents” to take a more nurturing role in their children’s lives, but the number one way to avoid this is birth control. This movie is ridiculous and also ridiculously funny. I’m glad my parents love me as much as I do because who knows, I may have ended up joining a gang if I didn’t get enough high fives after winning a random essay contest.

3.8/5

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids, 2011, Comedy
Plot: A woman in a poor relationship is asked to be in the wedding party of her best friend but she gets competitive when another woman is vying for her title and upstaging her at every turn.

Thoughts: This movie was much better than I had and the motion picture and film industry is a very tough place for minorities, especially women, to carve out their careers and it was nice to see an all female cast that was actually funny and flipped the finger to traditional “chick flicks”. The performances were spot on and I really thought that the character development sent this movie over the top. It’s not Best Picture of the Year, but it is a good movie.

3.7/5

Children of Men

Children of Men, 2006, Thriller
Plot: In the not-so-distant future, women have stopped bearing children. When news of a pregnancy comes out, a man has to protect her and get her to safety.

Thoughts: Beautifully shot movie that was really thought out and planned. The minivan scene was one of the best feats in modern cinematography that I’ve seen. Clive Owen is believable in his role and the art department/ set design folks really created a deep world in which he lived. I thought the story to be original and the characters real. The movie did seem to take itself a little seriously and became overly dramatic at some points. All in all, a great movie.

4.2/5  

Rio

Rio, 2011, Family

Plot: A rare bird gets shipped to Brazil to mate with the last of its kind to preserve the species, but when a local gangster tries to steal him, another type of adventure begins.

Thoughts: This movie was better than I thought it would be (which is always a poor way to start off a review, but whatevs). The animation was beautiful and the soundtrack added that 4th dimension to the film (the rapping Cockatoo is ridiculous!). The story dragged at some parts but the dialogue was clever and honest. The voice acting was probably the most hodgepodge part of this production, but everyone did such a great job that it flowed well with the overall feel of the movie. Good movie that can be watched again.
3.8/5

Forced Vengeance

Forced Vengeance, 1982, Action
Plot: The Chinese mafia threatens the friends and family of an ex-fighter and he is “forced” to extract “vengeance”

Thoughts: Norris was Steven Seagal before Steven Seagal was Steven Seagal (except Norris’ martial arts skills are unmatched). I’ll refuse to say anything negative so as not to meet the wrath of the Chuck.

(rating disclosed)

MST3K: Gunslinger

Gunslinger, originally 1956, Western
Plot: The widow of a Marshall in Texas takes on said position to defend her town and get revenge.

Thoughts: It was good to see an earlier movie with a strong female lead who isn’t entirely helpless, I only wish the production quality was better for both her sake as well as ours. The commentary was pretty good but this wasn’t exactly their best show.

3.2/5

MST3K: Final Justice

MST3K: Final Justice, originally released 1985, Action
Plot: A Texas Ranger (played by Joe Don Baker) finds his way to the island of Malta, where he is tracking some sort of poor man’s Mafia.

Thoughts: I didn’t think it could get much better than Soultaker, but this one raised the bar. The commentary was fresh and funny and there were only a few jokes that tanked. Joe Don Baker is like an out of shape Steven Seagal (and that’s saying something) and that’s only a sliver of what this movie has to offer. From the dancers who looked at the wall the entire time while listening to the most of the wall song to the multiple boat chase scenes, this movie is worth a watch.
Good ol’ Joe Don Baker

4.4/5
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