Buttered Popcorn: Buzzmans Movie Review Thread

[Buzzman]

Warrior (2011)

The youngest son (Hardy) of an alcoholic former boxer (Nolte) returns home, where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament -- a path that puts the fighter on a collision corner with his older brother (Edgerton).

Last year it was The Fighter, the year before that it was Sugar, and the year before that one it was The Wrestler. It seems like you could run through every year and you’ll find that one standout drama that uses a sport as its introduction into far more powerful things. You can mark down Warrior as 2011’s entry because it is a truly phenomenal film that overcomes its clichéd story to make you care what happens to these characters and how they will overcome their scarred yet mysterious pasts. I’d go as far as saying the family relationships destroyed and created in this film outdo both those found in The Wrestler and The Fighter.

The film centers on two brothers, Tommy and Brendan Conlon. The two enter a MMA tournament hoping to win the big prize money for different reasons. Brendan’s story is very much out there. Most of what he is going through is conveyed on screen. He has lost his job, needs money to juggle the bills, and this the only way he feels he can help. His brother Tommy, his past is kept in the shadows, only going as far to reveal he was in the marines for years, but something changed that is eating him away from the inside. You can see that he’s lost and has nobody to turn to. There drunken father ripped them apart and the wounds seem too deep to heal. Through the MMA tournament, the film helps pit these two against each other, revealing more about their pasts as a family and making them have to face their problems through the ring. It sounds very cliché but the way the film handled it was nearly perfect. The last ten minutes of the film leave you emotionally exhausted from the huge journey these two brothers go through in such a short time. Your blood will be pumping from the first ding.

As far as the performances go, the standout without a doubt goes Tom Hardy. I loved him in Bronson, but once the credits rolled, I knew this was his best work yet. His tough as nails fighter is completely badass but his lost and lonely moments are where he shines the most. His final moments on screen are tear-jerk worthy. He becomes the character Tommy Conlon. His brother Brendan, played by last year’s breakout star, Joel Edgerton, is very much overshadowed by his more interesting written brother, but ends up turning a “been there done that” character into one you invest yourself in. You want everything to fall in order for him; He and Tom Hardy developed a bond that felt real by the time the film faded to black. In a much smaller role, Nick Nolte played the drunken father who tore their family apart. He’s sober now trying to be the man he wish he was all them years ago. It’s a sad role that Nolte delivers well. It helps to like him because we were only shown the one side of him, but watching him fall down and get back up again consistently is just a sad struggle to watch. Nolte deserves his credit.

Warrior is a MMA film that is not really an MMA film. Its fights were shot and looked really well, but were short in runtime. Most of the film is catered to its characters and it’s a lot better for it. It is one of the best films of the year, and I hope to see it get the same recognition The Fighter got because it was just as good as it. Remember to go out Sept 9th to your local theater and check it out, it really is one of the better films of the year dominated by tremendous acting.

Overall Score: 9/10

 

[Sean]

Hardy is fastly becoming the actor to watch, hes very dedicated to his role and gives a great performance

Howd you see the movie so early? I saw a trailer for it awhile back and even though I dont really care for MMA, it thought it looked really good

 

[Buzzman]

Got a screening through a twitter contest.

 

[dell71]

Loved Hardy in "Bronson" so I'll be checking for "Warrior."

Still not buying "The Smurfs" yet. Trailers just look so bad.
TXT8026/T05_0 UP.Browser/6.2.3.2 (GUI) MMP/2.0

 

[Buzzman]

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

James Franco headlines the reboot of the immensely popular Planet of the Apes franchise, a prequel which boasts cutting-edge CGI effects and a gripping story set in modern-day San Francisco, where scientists are conducting genetic research on apes. The evolved primates, including Caesar (Andy Serkis), develop advanced intelligence and revolt against being used as lab rats, unleashing a war for dominion over Earth.

I have only seen the very first Planet of the Apes; it was years ago and outside of the main moments of that film, the rest has faded from my memory. So essentially, I felt like I was going in blind with this film. All I had in my head was that the apes I were about to see would be the ones that begin to turn the wheels on the revolution in the apes eventually taking over the world, hence its title Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The hype was incredible high, but I took my doubt into the theater. What I saw seemed revolutionary on one side, and completely ordinary on the other to come together to balance each other out to make a good enough film.

The story of the film seems broken down into three segments of the film, and most of it feels to go by a bit too fast. When Caesar is first brought onto the screen, he is so damn cute and extraordinary to see interact with the world around him. Seeing everyday objectives done by a chimp make them seem better than they actually are. This learning process seemed a bit quick though, jumping years ahead when we’ve only just met him. It was disappointing because it was where the film had the most potential to be great. The film wanted you to understand that Caesar and Will have a bond, but we never get to see that bond fully developed. When the film throws Caesar into a facility filled with other chimps is where the WEAT comes into play. It’s not necessarily ground breaking material here, but the way they accomplished this is where the entire buzz for the film comes from. They take time with developing the relationships between Caesar and other apes to a level they never reached with Will. Ironically, the film starts to fizzle off when it gets to the Rise part of the film and they “riot” around San Francisco. Things just became ordinary. It was material I didn’t want to see nor cared to see. A lot of hard work ended up being left off on a sour note.

The buzz around the film is all starts and begins with Andy Serkis and his motion capture performance. It is great no doubt, but when it comes down to it, it’s simply because an “ape” is doing all of this rather than an actual man. It makes it seem so special because it’s something you don’t often see. That’s exactly why it’s worth a watch; nothing in the plot is great, but the special effects were good enough to make you feel like these were a bunch of actual apes beginning to take over. Switching over to the human performance, everybody else seems to phone it in. They feel it’s good enough to deliver lines and let the audience gawk at the apes on screen. Very disappointing from everyone involved. On a special spotlight, Draco Malfoy was just an awful actor, I know the script was just as terrible for him, but the way he delivers everything is just plain laughable. The dude is going to fade and die into nothingness.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a surprise hit that gets a lot of much deserved buzz but isn’t the ground breaking film a lot of bloggers seem to be posting. When you think a film will blow and are surprised it’s not, it doesn’t mean it’s great, it means it exceeded your expectations. It is a well-made film that has a bit of everything for every type of person, but its shortcomings prevent it from becoming the film it could have bee. It’s a prequel that wasn’t necessary needed, but good enough to watch. Film fans should all go and give it a go around, there will at least be something that grabs your attention.

Overall Score: 7.5/10

 

[Houston]

I still say the movie was horrible.

The best part, like you said was when the ape was still with Franco. Then IMO, things weren't predictable, the movie could've went anywhere.

However as soon as he joins the other apes. We're stuck watching apes jack around with each other for like an hour, while waiting for the inevitable escape.
Then when useless apes scenes aren't on screen we're stuck watching Franco doing who knows what. It's clear whatever experiment or cure he's trying to create is gonna be useless because the apes are obviously gonna escape and destroy shit.

I don't mind predictable movies, but like I said earlier...there wasn't interesting dialogue or good acting to make up for it.

 

[Maynard]

I still say the movie was horrible.
.

you paid money to make that statement?

 

[Buzzman]

I still say the movie was horrible.

The best part, like you said was when the ape was still with Franco. Then IMO, things weren't predictable, the movie could've went anywhere.

However as soon as he joins the other apes. We're stuck watching apes jack around with each other for like an hour, while waiting for the inevitable escape.
Then when useless apes scenes aren't on screen we're stuck watching Franco doing who knows what. It's clear whatever experiment or cure he's trying to create is gonna be useless because the apes are obviously gonna escape and destroy shit.

I don't mind predictable movies, but like I said earlier...there wasn't interesting dialogue or good acting to make up for it.

The film isn't trying to be Star Trek. It knows where all of this leads up to so they don't bother with the whole take over the planet part of the film because we already knows that happens. What they do choose though is to show you how this first "smart" ape develops relationships with the other apes and begins a revolt. Sometimes everything leading up to the conclusion can be far more interesting then the conclusion itself. I would say the films slowed down a bit and got silly at times during this whole process of Caesar becoming a leader, but for most of its runtime, they handled it pretty well.

 

[Buzzman]

Final Destination 5 (2011)

Death still isn't satisfied in the fifth installment of this cult horror franchise, setting out to claim the lives of shaken co-workers who cheated him when they heeded a colleague's premonition about an unstable suspension bridge.

This franchise has been heading into its deathbed ever since the first sequel was given the green light. Every film got progressively worse, and with the fourth installment throwing in the extra dimension, it looked like it was going to implode. Ironically, a franchise about death tracking down and finishing off its victim, has never been able to kill this tired series as we get the fifth installment in what will certainly not be the last. If they continue to be as creative with their kills as they do in this one, then I am all for them continuing to spit out these shitty sequels because they are entertaining to watch unlike those shitty torture porn Saw and Hostel movies.

The only thing that needs to be said about this “supposed” plot is that they seemingly decided to throw a new rule into the story that has never been mentioned before. You can now kill someone and take the time they have left, basically sacrificing them to satisfy deaths need. It truly amazes me how that brilliant concept from the first one just consistently gets changed. I’d just love to be in the background when Hollywood executives are discussing this type of shit because they can turn in some shitty ideas. This is isn’t as bad as the others, but it ends up not fucking following its own rules. It’s beyond laughable to the point where it can become enjoyable, which ends up being the films main attraction.

The deaths in the fourth movie were downright awful. The inclusion of 3D ended up making every death essentially the same, with a boring stick object impaling somebody and coming at you. They were boring. This time around they do something kind of unthinkable and actually surprise you with impressive intense deaths that end up unraveling in unexpected manners. It’s quite cool, it’s fun, and it moves at a brisk pace. It’s very unlike a Saw film where they stretch it out and make the character scream in agony; here they are presented in a comedic way that actually played out very nicely.

I somewhat unnecessarily want to point out the actors in the film. I know it doesn’t call for it, nor require it, and it’s mainly just a role to get your name out there and into the recognition pool, but it’s just beyond awful here. It’s some of the worst I have ever seen and I am positive you can make a nice drinking game out of it. Just another way to add fun to an already fun film. It featured some of the best kills of the entire franchise and if you’re into this genre, this film will satisfy for taste buds for the time being. Otherwise, you have no business watching this trash.

Overall Score: 5/10

 

[Buzzman]

30 Minutes or Less (2011)

Two small-town criminals planning a big-time bank heist wind up abducting pizza delivery driver Nick (Jesse Eisenberg) and forcing him to commit the robbery -- giving him a strict time limit to boot. To pull off the caper, Nick enlists the aid of a former buddy (Aziz Ansari). With the law, the crooks and the clock all breathing down their necks, the duo also try to patch up their troubled friendship in this frenetic action comedy.

The summer season has officially ended and it was filled with a ton of R-Rated comedy that were mostly well received and popular at the box office. It’s a trend that the first Hangover seemed to jumpstart and the movies are better for it. They tend to be fun enjoyable hilarious movies when you’re free to do whatever you want. Despite this high wave of momentum, 30 Minutes or Less just falls completely flat turning otherwise funny actors into boring and unlikeable cardboard cutouts. It’s a very disappointing end to an otherwise fun filled summer.

The best thing I can say about the film is its short. Despite it being short though, it still felt dragged on a bit in many parts. A lot of scenarios that could have been funny just felt boring to watch because nothing is really happening. Sure there is a bomb strapped on to one characters chest, but when the character is completely unlikeable and uninteresting, you kind of want him to blow up and take the rest of the characters with him because they just don’t bring a whole lot to the film. It’s just very strange to have a pretty basic plotline already laid out and just to miss every single time is a feat inside itself that sort of deserves its own recognition. With the characters they threw on screen, they seemed to feel lost in what to do with them. Jesse Eisenberg needs to stick with dramas because he never leaves that genre even if its not, Aziz Ansari feels like he’s reading off his cue card, Danny McBride says fuck and expects you to laugh, and Nick Swardson acts like Nick Swardson and you just get a cast of boring characters doing boring things. It sucks to say, but they all were just unfunny in every way.

30 Minutes or Less is just a flat out terrible movie. There is no other way to put it, it’s just plain bad. Even someone who laughs easily would have a hard time being amused by this film. It’s something that should pass and go without being worthy of your time at all. It should be left alone. Only watch if it’s on accident and its 2am in the morning and you’re looking to go asleep.

Overall Score: 3.5/10

 

[Sean]

damn, thats brutal, I still enjoyed 30 MoL, but yea, there are flaws, and it was more of a stupid comedy

 

[Buzzman]

Another Earth (2011)

Shortly after a strange, Earth-like planet is discovered, gifted astrophysics student Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling) accidentally slams her car into the vehicle of John Burroughs (William Mapother), killing his family. After some time, Rhoda and John begin an unlikely romance. But Rhoda starts to wonder what would happen if she could actually visit the new planet.

It’s a strange path that Another Earth took to finally come into theaters for us to enjoy. They essentially grabbed a camera, walked around until they found a spot they enjoyed and filmed away and eventually came up with this final product. It’s amazing that a simple story can become so affected by adding one thing to its universe, a second earth, but it does. It takes this dynamic visual and ties it directly into its themes and messages, using the scientific element as a mere tool lurking in the background rather than it being the front and center focal point in the movie. In doing so, it creates a raw human piece that will be discussed all year long; it’s interesting; it’s gorgeous; it’s real; it’s worth your time.

The story mainly focuses on an our leading lady, Rhoda, and the guilt she has inside of her that eventually draws her to the very man whose life she feels she destroyed. It’s intriguing to watch because we know who she is and what she has done, yet this man has no idea. When she’s around him you can feel the emotions flowing through her face and body, doing everything she can to hold it in. It’s never on the brink of hard to watch, but it does take its time to build up and slowly create a bond between these characters rather than trying to force one. It’s handled very well, and with the addition of this second earth, many questions come into play and the film feels content with giving you just enough information so you can answer it yourself. Its ambiguity on the character arcs and earth two are its greatest strength; some may complain at the lack of answers, but I also find it better when it’s left up to you.

The surprising turn by first time actress Brit Marling is one that stands out a lot simply because she doesn’t have very much experience, yet essentially carries the film through subtle movements and responses. She never comes across as a fake actor, but rather a real character dealing with a crisis she has no idea how to solve. It’s good to watch. On the other side, recognizable face, but still much unknown William Mapother, plays the man who has lost it all and watching him go through that transformation of being totally dead to seeing some life pop back into him is a remarkable feat. The two turn in what are essentially the only roles in the film and make the movie work; they have a chemistry together that simply clicks and takes the film up a notch.

Another Earth is a small indie film with huge ambitions that surpasses them and more. It never truly hits you how well it really was until after its over, but I promise you if you want to go into a film that challenges you with a smart creative character piece on life, this film will be for you. It’s everything I wanted it to be and more. It’s a nice solid addition near the top of 2011 so far. Hopefully its unique scenario of the film grasps your attention because the characters will suck you in.

Overall Score: 8.5/10

 

[BrntO4Life]

Another Earth's score is awesome. Haven't seen the movie, but Fall On Your Sword made some sweet music for it.

 

[Raidersabc123]

damn, thats brutal, I still enjoyed 30 MoL, but yea, there are flaws, and it was more of a stupid comedy

Ya I actually enjoyed it a lot had me laughing the whole movie

 

[Buzzman]

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (2011)

Soon after moving in with her father (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Katie Holmes), young Sally Hurst (Bailee Madison) discovers she isn't alone in the house: strange creatures live there -- and they might not be as friendly as Sally thinks they are.

A horror film only really has to accomplish one thing for it to be considered a success and that is to scare you. If it can accomplish that it can be considered a solid addition into the genre; throw in a great story with the scares and it could end up becoming great. It’s a very straight forward genre that seems looked at on a very different scale than the rest of the film industry. Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark had good pre-release buzz and the brand recognition of Del Toro that got me excited, but when the credits rolled, all I could think to myself was disappointed excitement. I kept hoping the film would step up to another level but it seemed simply average and underwhelming in every way.

The first scene jumps out at you. It has a classic horror film vibe with a very disturbing moment that gets you excited that this film will be kickass. From there, everything fails to match that opening moment. I expected it to be a classic haunted house film with a creature in the shadows, but instead we get the films biggest miss; the monsters themselves. They are little CGI guys that, from the minute are shown on screen, instantly ruin a part of your experience with the film. I want to laugh rather than scream at these things running around with forks, screwdrivers, and scissors. It will lose a lot of its audience at this moment, and the rest that stay hoping the scares get better are only setting themselves up to waste their time. It’s bland, boring and has a few breathe holding moments, but otherwise leaves you feeling glad the credits are rolling.

The protagonist characters tend to be the weakest part in horror films, and this doesn’t change that perception all that much. They take a strong actor in Guy Pearce and do their best to get you to hate him, which just isn’t possible. Bailee Madison, the films child protagonist, follows the guidelines on how to annoy you, and Katie Holmes for the first time in her entire career is the best thing about a film. Maybe it’s because she has imprinted a perception in us that’s she’s a terrible actress that I was surprised to see how likeable she was in such a terribly written character that she somewhat saved. Nothing groundbreaking, but a good stretch to respectability always has to start somewhere.

I have never seen the original film so I cannot comment on comparing the two but this new interpretation just seems to miss too much. It’s not that its horror didn’t care you, but it just didn’t seem to try. A lot of the film seems to be hinting at a much larger thing, but ends up being just these little CGI fucks that completely ruin what could have been a solid film. It has enough screams to recommend to a horror buff but if you’re looking for something tense, this isn’t it.

Overall Score: 5/10

 

[Houston]

Quick, what's your favorite horror movie?

 

[Buzzman]

Scream.

 

[j.hen]

Katie Holmes :wub:

 

[James2Stapleton]

does anyone have a download link for 'another earth'?

 

[BrntO4Life]

does anyone have a download link for 'another earth'?

It just came out in theaters on July 22. Doubt you find anything.