Tag: Adventure

THE POSEDIEN ADVENTURE (1972)

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Directed By: Ronald Neame 

Written By: Stirling Silliphant And Wendell Mayes 

Based on the novel By: Paul Gallico 

Cinematography: Howard E. Stine

Editor: Harold F. Press 

Cast: Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelly Winters, Stella Stevens, Red Buttons, Jack Albertson, Pamela Sue Martin, Carole Lynley, Roddy McDowall, Leslie Nielsen

A passenger ship, on her way to the scrap yard is pushed to her limits by the new owners to save on the dismantling fees. A tidal wave hits her, flipping her over so that all the internal rooms are upside down. A priest takes a mixed band of survivors on a journey through the bowels of the ship in an attempt to survive.

 I will admit at this point I have seen a bunch of disaster, movies, and no most of the clichés so much so that generally don’t really watch any of the new ones as you can see the towels or the or where it’s going to go which characters are necessarily doomed, and those special heartfelt moments that are going to come along.

So watching this film with modern eyes, you can see how it sets the blueprint and thus it’s a little more predictable than it might’ve been when it first premiered at the time the one of the film strengths is that it’s still not only manages to surprise you, but it also keeps you invested in the story and characters, and you feel the thrills the chills, and have to be  worried for the characters 

The film still manages to provide you the suspense, the thrills and chills, and the emotional moments. When certain characters that you enjoyed your light, don’t necessarily make it we’re sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

No, of course there’s a lot to lampoon here or make fun of or look down upon but at the time you have to remember that this was somewhat new, and having all these actors together was kind of a breakthrough or novel idea at the time

It’s also of note that while Irwin Allen produced this film and was usually behind most of these disaster movies, at the time, he actually didn’t direct it, which might be why this one is more well remembered, whereas the sequel which he directed and clearly wasn’t needed, is one is not thought of as good or well as the first film.

The only thing that isn’t believable truly in this film is the supposed romance between Carol Lynley, and red buttons character I believe that they form a bond and trying to survive, but I would never believe that they would become a couple or fall in love due to all of this but again this film is a little bit of fantasy so you never know

Shelley Winters is memorable out of all the cast members though one can see why she got the best supporting actress nomination. It wasn’t that strong that it deserves an award, but it makes her one of the more well remember characters in the film, as well as Jack Albertson as her husband and this is one of the few times that I have seen him outside of a Willy Wonka film or his 1970 sitcom Chico and the Man.

No, the heavy hitters of the film, Ernest Borgnine, who’s memorable as a strong character who has his emotional moments, but also Gene Hackman as the de facto leader of the film, which truthfully is one of the few reasons why I decided to watch this film, and he gives an amazing performance in for a roll with she admitted later was truly a money job as a reverend, who is conflicted, and is trying to save everyone

This is one of the films of the 1970s that was made by studio that while formulaic is truly worth watching even if it’s just as a relic of history because it is truly a popcorn film that keeps you interested throughout and makes you care even if you feel like you know what’s going to happen.

No, a big shock that the song the morning after which ended up winning best song at the Oscars from this film seems like it’s used more flippantly and more comedically are trying to make fun of the ballads or the singing.

As well as even though today, this would be a big budget remake which they attempted and unfortunately bombed even watching it. Now you can tell that a lot of money went into the fax but looking at the ship and it’s Corredor’s in rooms. It just seems a little on the cheap side as far as production design goes, but then again it was another decade in the 1970s so maybe that was the D Reagor or what was normal back then it’s a nitpick more than anything.

No can admit that some of the deaths are a little more random, and not expected as they seem like they were just knocked out, because Hays is coming upon a time limit we’ve got a knock off another character, rather than buy any sense, a physics or logic, and obviously, to also give other characters the world to live a reason to live, or their mental break down, where they have to come back from dealing with that death, but strive to survive, if only for the memory of them, and the fact that they would want them to live and not Perish just as they did

Grade: B

TWISTERS (2024)

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Directed By: Lee Isaac Chung 

Written By: Martin L. Smith 

Story By: Joseph Kosinski

Based on characters created by: Michael Crichton and Anne-Marie Martin 

Cinematography: Dan Mindel 

Editor: Terilyn A. Shropshire 

Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Sasha Lane, David Corenswet, Katy O’Brian, Tunde Adebimpe, Maura Tierney, Kiernan Shipka, Brandon Perea 

As storm season intensifies, the paths of former storm chaser Kate Cooper, lured back to the open plains after a devastating encounter years prior, and reckless social-media superstar Tyler Owens collide when terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed. The pair and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives.

Let me just say upfront, I saw the first Twister movie in theaters in fact on opening day, and I was heavily disappointed in that film. so I was very jaded early on hearing about this film and then finally decided to give it a try.

I am happy to report that I am happy to give it a try as this film is probably the original or first Twister film needed. This film is not as obsessed with special effects or making this an event movie.

This film actually has a lot of heart and is filled with characters that you’re actually interested in and are two-dimensional and though there’s a lot of flirtation, this one is not as romantic or has that conflict in the middle of everything going on.

This film actually has suspense, and it has action in the form of storm chasing and the effects of it while being in the middle of it, but it also makes you care. The country and folk music on the soundtrack takes place in the Midwest most of the characters are from the Midwest and it feels like a film that lets nature take its course rather than being forced.

It’s not subtle at times and can be silly, but you go with it because it works it’s fun it’s entertaining, and most of all it makes you care about charity corporations don’t have as many and not as much violence or punishment for characters that deems evil or corporate.

In fact, the film starts off with the heroine on the corporate side out of a loyalty to a friend and you can tell that she’s corporate because her wardrobe is all buttoned up and making the more fun and naturalistic country. Boys and girls seem a little more into it out of business and as a form of excitement and challenge. Then, of course, as the film goes along the tables kind of turn, and she sees the error of her Waze and we know she’s had a change of heart throughout the rest of the film. She’s wearing more homegrown natural clothes, not the turtlenecks that she necessarily started off in.

Sort of like the films of old like let’s say the African Queen we have the female lead in the male lead at odds, but obviously attracted to each other, and then as the story gets deeper, we learn more about each of their past there seems to be a kind of flirtation and attraction that gets deeper as the film goes along, though it doesn’t overpower the story, which is the most important part The characters and the mission are more important than necessarily the Romance.

Not to mention, the romance comes about naturally and never feels forced and there’s a natural chemistry between the legs and hell even all of the characters.

Now I must note this film started to get more pressing come out. I wasn’t intrigued as it did seem like the type of summer fun blockbuster they just go out and have fun and be entertained letting a film come along and do it and not more but also an actress who I am a huge fan of and look forward to every time she is in a film, especially on the big screen, Sasha Lane now she’s not the lead, but she plays a fun supporting character and really she was the reason I got Tipped Towards going to see this film in Cinemas and I am all happier for it as this is a film that is best to be seen on the big screen.

It’s just more effective that way. Maybe the Director started off as a more naturalistic independent filmmaker whose films were based on character and made his way up more toward bigger budget stories with a little more action and special effects. Lee Isaac Chung the Director was obviously the right choice to take a chance on a Director who is of more independent means and might be a little more artistic and works within the genre.

Grade: B 

GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE (2024)

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Directed By: Adam Wingard

Written By: Simon Barrett, Jeremy Slater and Terry Rossio 

Story By: Adam Wingard, Simon Bennett and Terry Rossio 

Cinematography: Ben Serensin

Editor: Josh Schaeffer

Cast: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen, Rachel House, Ron Smyck 

The new installment in the Monsterverse puts the mighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal deadly threat hidden within our world that threatens the existence of their species and our very own, as well as diving deep into the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond. Delving straight into the origins of Hollow Earth, this film will explore the ancient Titan battle that brought man and monster together forever.

Just as this film has an excruciatingly long title they couldn’t just go by the latter to remind you of who is in it and why you might want to see it.

There has to be another type of genre for films like this other than special effects movies. Most of this film is digital and practically animated with some live action. That is advanced but feels like WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT only not as good and not an intentional comedy.

This is typical summer fare that is a popcorn movie and if you are into it can see why these are made and audiences rush to see them. As modern monster b-movies, but as each new one is made it also feels like the quality goes down. As they have to stretch the believability for a new one. That seems to chronicle another new step in these creatures’ lives. I can understand the continuing adventures and humans discovering new lands and dimensions.

Though again it feels dumber but obviously expensive as even the returning cast

The list gets slimmer and slimmer and the leads while Respected actors. They are not as widely known as the previous leads and less big box office names. Which helps their careers with bigger films and nice paychecks. Even if the quality is off.

No matter how much the film tries to be interesting it feels pretty basic and that you have seen it before and for as long as they are you know you are here more for the fights or action rather than the backstory that leads up to them or the big reveal of whatever monster they have come together to fight and worse of all these films feel like the promise of two big stars interacting then by the end spend only a scene or two together and that is where the magic happens and truly interesting parts of the film 

It has been shown with GODZILLA MINUS ONE. You can make a monster film With live action that has emotional depths and can live co-current in different genres. I wish this film had the same strength but again this is playing to the audience of the previous Godzilla and Kong movies so you know what you’re gonna get and what you see is what you get.

Basically, this film feels here to introduce mothers again into the mix  and little Kong for the kids and the knowledge of what it’s Like being a parent which is also expressed by the Indigenous girl and the main scientist in human form

While All this Destruction and damage is going on the humans are collateral Damage which we see running and panicking Sometimes. So that we are like the vermin or instruct maybe animals of the world that outnumber these beasts and monsters who try to help but are generally barely thought of until afterward and that is only by the film, not the main characters who are the beasts 

just as there is no blood really in this film even when killing a mutant rat wolf in the beginning and ripping it apart there is green goo, not blood that fills the screen. Though I can’t imagine why he would want to eat it after as it seems like it is filled with toxic 

It seems Godzilla just wakes up to take care of the monster problem in this world like It’s a job and King Kong just wants a quiet place to roam.

Grade: D 

DAMSEL (2024)

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Directed By: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

Written By: Dan Mazeau

Cinematography: Larry Fong 

Editor: John Gilbert 

Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Robin Wright, Angela Bassett, Ray Winstone, Brooke Carter, Nick Robinson, Milo Twomey, Nicole Joseph

A young woman, Elodie, meets a handsome prince and they fall in love. At their wedding it is revealed that the prince had more sinister reasons for courting her: she is to be sacrificed to a dragon that has been terrorizing the kingdom. Elodie now has to fight for her survival.

This movie would’ve been better off as maybe an episode of a sci-fi, fantasy anthology tale or rather Maybe as a side story on a lord of the Rings type series than a feature film.

It’s pretty simple, cut and dry, and feels like it’s extended for no real reason that adds anything to the overall project tone, or story. 

As it is a tale of female empowerment with a pretty stacked cast, other than Millie Bobby Brown have very little to do but play standard cliché rules that are beneath their talents, especially Angela Bassett in a thankless minute, but pivotal support supporting role. Who seems here because she is in a lot of projects more than what the role actually offers.

This film has this kind of prestigious, framing around itself for something that comes off as a basic bedtime story or nursery rhyme. 

It tries to be a thriller and keep us in anticipation, with the excitement of how she will survive, as well as giving a backstory to why she finds herself in her current situation while learning the power of resilience and not falling victim to all that glitters and those your talk to worship.

Though in the end, it feels like a movie that be more of a time waster, or a seat, filler if it had been released theatrically, as it is more of a seat filler. A film intended to do big business on opening weekend due to the spectacle and previews as well as star and knowingly, less and less money as word-of-mouth spreads.

I can’t fault the production as it is a typical big budget, sci-fi, fantasy, special effects, action movie, only here made small and put in medieval times, but more marketed as a special effect fantasy with not much of a story or plot of why and how we got there . as is put in place as more of a placeholder for the action scenes, which is what really takes over.

The film doesn’t offer much for the actors other than to react and a big game of pretend. it might hold some interest overall it plays itself out fairly early even for a film that is almost 2 hours.

Grade: D

GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Takashi Yamazaki 

Based on characters created By: Ishiro Honda and Takeo Murata 

Cinematography: Kozo Shibasaki

Editor: Ryuni Miyajima

Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Sakura Ando, Munetaka Aoki, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Yuya Endo, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sae Nagatani 

Feeling as if he unfairly cheated death too many times, Shikishima, a surviving Kamikaze pilot, is attacked on Odo Island along with many war plane engineers by a gargantuan monster. After the engineers die because of Shikishima fails to distract the monster, an overwhelming amount of guilt weighs on him, especially after a homeless woman and a baby move into his home when he returns. Shikishima, now on a personal mission, teams up with a large group of veterans to finally take down the monster known as Godzilla.

I am not a huge fan or follower of Godzilla and any Kaiju series of films. 

This is by far the best and most impressive Godzilla movie though truthfully I have only really watched the American reboots and the current buddy science-fiction versions that usually pair him with King Kong. Though I have seen a few of the older Japanese ones.

The special effects are impressive and noticeably pay homage to old-school Godzilla and bring them into the present. that are effective. 

It’s enjoyable how they never really explain him just as a natural disaster. They continuously have to deal with and how in his aftermath. He is still an imminent threat. This also works as a metaphor for the character’s war lives, trying to find some new kind of normal but everything is different and gone. While the world keeps seeming to move and constantly Change even if some Old Truths stay the same and offer Promise. 

It’s A Perfect Example of a lead character dealing with life, death, and guilt. Giving him a hero’s journey in full. We follow mainly through the experiences of one character and those around him. Especially during the years and aftermath of wartime. 

Like a war movie in itself, only They are again fighting a war against an unknown enemy though this time feels more worth it as more of a threat 

It’s also just a cool movie with a good story, Which is quite effective and relatable. This might have even been bigger during the pandemic. Though it wouldn’t be able to be seen properly. This is a movie that is best seen on the biggest screen possible.

This is a movie that could have been pure entertainment, but It grabs you and pulls you into the plight of the characters and tells a story resonant with rich backstories that are felt. Even if not fully explained 

Grade: A- 

MAYHEM! (2023)

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Directed & Story By: Xavier Gens

Written By: Magali Rossetto, Guillaume LeMans, Stephane Cabel

Cinematography: Gilles Porte 

Editor: Riwanon Le Baker 

Cast: Nassim Lyes, Loryn Nounay, Olivier Gourmet, Chananticha Chaipa, Vijay’s Pansringorm, Yothin Udomsanti 

A model prisoner’s leave ends in tragedy when his past resurfaces, forcing him to flee. He starts over in Thailand until a local criminal coerces him back into crime. After this man attacks his family, he vows revenge.

When it comes to this film, you have to look at it sort of the same way. You would look at Director Xavier Gens work over the years. 

He is a talented and serviceable Director but while his films have all had style, most of his films, generally come off as disappointing usually maybe more due to scripting problems or story problems. They look vivid, but they can never keep the audience’s interest throughout 

This film seems more inspired by the work of Gareth Evans, writer and director of THE RAID movies.

As This film has some truly incredible fights that are bone, breaking, and crushing where you feel the violence in the hits in the action as the camera moves with it, and we see the action and the aftermath. 

These scenes do come often more in the second half of the film isn’t as balls to the wall as advertised. As with everything you need a lead-up for there to be that action, and here it’s there even though in the lead-up, it’s a little more typical, and ends up becoming more of a revenge story, but a revenge story on both sides in a way.

They also try to set up the main character to be not violent to be violent even though he’s a fighter, he usually avoids any extracurricular violence as in the scene when he’s in the gym in a fight breaks out he stays out of it so more he only fights when he has to, He is forced Which is what set up the second half of the film is that he doesn’t want to, but he has to if he wants to get his revenge.

Most of the story and film are typical, but those are fight scenes. They are what helped raise the film above the material if it had been 90 minutes of just the action sequences with maybe reasoning in between this definitely would’ve been better as directors like Timo Tjahjanto managed to do that they managed to have spectacular action, but also stay on point with the story so that it is, they are both interesting this is a nice attempt and certainly is not worthy but unfortunately, it’s not successful across-the-board but it is entertaining and worth checking out especially if you are an action movie fan.

Grade: B- 

THE A-TEAM (2010)

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Directed By: Joe Carnahan
Written By: Joe Carnahan, Brian Bloom and Skip Woods
Based On The Television Series Created By: Frank Lupo & Stephen J. Cannell
Cinematography: Mauro Fiore
Editor: Jim May & Roger Barton 

Cast: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel, Sharito Copley, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Patrick Wilson, Gerald McRaney, Yul Vazquez, Brian Bloom, Henry Czerny, Terry Chan, Omari Hardwick 

A group of Iraq War veterans looks to clear their name with the U.S. Military, who suspect the four men of committing a crime for which they were framed.

I will admit I had to watch this film More than once to really Get into it. As originally it felt more typical, I will admit to disliking it upon the first view. but a few years removed You can actually notice its qualities. Due to repeated viewings, it has grown on me. 

The film is surprisingly funny at times with some really Good action sequences. Which makes the films mostly fun than anything else. Definitely a perfect summer movie.

The portrayal of B.A. Barscus was originally played by Mr. T. Who became the most popular character and the breakout star of the show. Isn’t As memorable or outrageous here played by Quentin “Rampage” Jackson. Though he works for the film and is used well. Plus this was his first acting role so he is a rookie among the professionals.

Here it shows everyone is having fun playing espionage and with all the hardware and inventions involved. Unfortunately, Jessica Biel is the only one who comes off as bland. As she is the only woman playing in the boys club. So the Script treats her as the killjoy and convenient love interest.

Patrick Wilson is memorable as the villain or at least one of them. As he is clearly Having fun. He comes off as a fan of action but is rarely involved in that type of film.

This is a film That finally at the time used Bradley Cooper’s Looks and charm in an impressive way 

The film and cast actually gel well together; the theme of honor stays a major plot point throughout and while silly the film always feels cool. Though overstuffed and comes off more comedic than pure action a lot of the times 

At the time it seemed typical of the action films coming out at the time, but being able to look back at it is a fine example of basic but being a bit above and using that basic quality to it’s advantage. 

Grade: C+

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK (1998)

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Written & Directed by: Randall Wallace 
Based On The Novels “Vingt Ans Apres” & “La Victome De Bragalonne” By: Alexander Dumas 
Cinematography: Peter Suschitzky
Editor: William Hoy

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Gabriel Byrne, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu, Judith Godreche, Anne Parillaud, Peter Sarsgaard, Edward Atterton, Hugh Laurie, Laura Fraser, Leonor Varela 

Paris is starving, but the King of France is more interested in money and bedding women. When a young soldier dies for the sake of a shag, Aramis, Athos, and Porthos band together with a plan to replace the king. Unknown to many, there is a 2nd king, a twin, hidden at birth, then imprisoned for 6 years behind an iron mask. All that remains now is D’Artagnan, will he stand against his long-time friends, or do what is best for his country?

I remember being excited to see this in theaters with such a distinguished cast playing the musketeers and Leonardo DiCaprio’s first film right after TITANIC. Filmed before that film I believe but released relatively soon after. While I wasn’t a particular fan of that movie. I was a fan of DiCaprio. Who at that point. Had been gaining a lot of buzzes.

I really didn’t like the film as I watched it in theaters I remember being heavily disappointed and downright bored. It had its highlights but there were relatively few of them. Watching the film years later I have to say it is still disappointing.

It didn’t help that this movie was advertised as having more action than it ended up having. Watching it now even the action scenes aren’t very inspired or all that vivid. They lack any skill or any finesse and look like they are running and wrestling one another.

In fact, the only thing the film has going for it is the cast. Leonardo DiCaprio playing dual roles keeps your attention and shows here that he is much better in villainous roles. As he was on his way up to stardom and making quite a male for himself. This role showed he was more about the craft somewhat than the box office. 

Other than him the actors playing the musketeers are so loved and fun you almost want a separate film all about them. As they bring life to the film and their scenes. Putting a spin on each of their characters. So that they show charisma and can be both funny and captivating often in the same sentence.

The film feels like a movie made to be watched in English classes teaching the book to make the material more vivid for the kids. As everything looks like a set and bland in the background. As the film never displays any real passion or energy. So that it almost feels like reading the book. Which I never have. It comes off as a throwback to classic studio adaptations, Where they just throw stars at the material and hope it sticks in with a certain audience.

The female lead, Judith Godreche really has little to do. She just seems to be a pretty face here. Her character is more put there to be a means to an end. The curse of her character is her beauty which sets everything in motion. As she comes across as a plot convenience and somewhat eye candy. So later the fate of her character never even feels that shocking or dramatic. 

In the end, it feels almost like a school production only with a budget. The film at times tries but misses the target. 

Grade: D+

SNAKE EYES: G.I. JOE ORIGINS (2021)

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Directed By: Robert Schwentke
Written By: Joe Shrapnel, Anna Waterhouse & Evan Spiliotopoulos
Story By: Evan Spiliotopoulos 
Cinematography: Bojan Bazelli
Editor: Stuart Levy

Cast: Henry Golding, Andrew Koji, Haruka Abe, Samara Weaving, Iko Uwais, Takehiro Hira, Peter Mensah, Eri Ishada, Ursula Corbero

A G.I. Joe spin-off centered around the character of Snake Eyes.

The other G.I. Joe films were over the top here this film goes more for espionage and action-adventure tone. then towards the the end it becomes a free for all of just action that becomes a little too cartoonish with real weapons. As It becomes a stunt show more than anything 

The film plays serious for the most part early on and then we get to scenes where there are tests to pass to become a member of the clan and one of them involves Other gigantic monster snakes. Those are the more ridiculous components of the previous films. Though here they only come once in a while. Instead of staying constant.

Truthfully this is a film that doesn’t need to be made. Though it Offers a new revision to the rivalry between Snake eyes and storm shadow with a whole new history. Even though it has played out or been hinted at in the previous films.

That you know is coming as soon as you see a heroic character in the all-white suit that is known to the true die-hards. 

Strangely In trying to give snake eyes a full origin story they still never address his vow of silence and not only doesn’t happen but is still never explained. I am guessing they were hoping for a hit and figured maybe a sequel could. Sort of like the studio’s own WOLVERINE franchise outside of the X-Men films of the time. Even setting up a possible love interest.

The film obviously keeps calling for a sequel. Even though most good action films usually have a memorable villain. Here half the time there is so much infighting you forget who the real villain is and when you do he is so unimpressive and more a means to an end. He is instantly forgettable. The only villain of interest here is the baroness played by Ursula Corbero and she is more of a right-hand woman. Left with little to do 

The only star in the film or of any recognizable star is Samara Weaving, Who plays Scarlett and comes in a supporting role, but more an extended cameo and comes off more like Black Widow from the Marvel movies. Here she appears and seems to know mroe than she is letting in and is the coolest in the room.

As before she is even introduced this film plays like a random Asian-themed action-adventure Tale. Once she appears it ties the film more to the franchise and then starts to get a little more ridiculous. As it goes from personal vendetta between clans an all-out global terrorism threat.

As Henry Golding here just seems to be building his stardom from previous films like CRAZY RICH ASIANS which made him a star. Here this is one of his first leading action hero roles.

The film is stylish and tries not to call Too much attention to itself though at times it does feel like overkill as it just comes across as too smooth and ends up feeling dull. 

Understandable why This film was made like Wolverine one of the mroe recognizable characters and popular but also trying to jump-start the franchise which other characters should you choose to have an origins tale that the audience would want to see. This shows mroe of a last grasp for the franchise rather than a reboot.

As it gives the audience somewhat, what they want, but never seems to realize part of the fun of the character was like The Joker never truly knowing their past and making up their back to the story in their head and any clue felt like a new revelation. It is what was both it seemed revolutionary when it came to the FRIDAY THE 13TH reboot and what ruined it for audiences. We like the magic and the tricks and think we want to know how they were done, but once it Is, it is now spoiled and can’t look at it as magical and worse now feels more basic. 

The truly only badass character was the older female head of the family seen as she was the only one who barely needed a weapon to take our horses if enemies only using her fan where everyone else is using blades or guns 

Action movies often have more victims than horror but we believe the horror of being worse for society. Why because in horror the killing seems more personal and we see them in great detail and watch as the film seems to delight in these aspects whereas in action It’s brief but then again in action, it shows more nonchalance towards not only life but individual ones  making them seem more EXPENDABLE 

Both people are more expendable in a war between two characters that is personal. So everybody pays the price for two egos. 

Grade: C-

THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008)

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Directed By: Louis Letterier
Written By: Zak Penn (Script Revisions By: Edward Norton)
Cinematography: Peter Menzies Jr.
Editing By: Rick Shaine & Vincent Tabaillon & John Wright

Cast: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Ty Burrell, Lou Ferrigno


Depicting the events after the Gamma Bomb. ‘The Incredible Hulk’ tells the story of Dr. Bruce Banner, who seeks a cure to his unique condition, which causes him to turn into a giant green monster under emotional stress. Whilst on the run from the military which seeks his capture, Banner comes close to a cure. But all is lost when a new creature emerges: The Abomination.

While somewhat improved over the first movie this re-take of the comic character still doesn’t find the right tone for a satisfying hulk project. This film seems to be trying to give the fans everything they want that the first film lacked the only problem is they have a very bare blueprint to base the story elements around

The effects were better in the first film and I liked the moving comic canvas of the first film it at least showed some inspiration here with Edward Norton in the lead and helping with the script I expected a better output than what I saw on the screen. The plot wasn’t that interesting or engaging. This film was very painted by numbers story-wise it had classic action scenes and a CGI battle between two beasts but when I watched this film I don’t remember asking for an animated film sure I want a comic book movie that might involve a little fantasy but do want some realism. It also does the requisite by involving a character who seems minor but perfectly setting up a villain for the sequel for those who notice.

One of the problems I don’t think Louis Leterrier was the right director for this project he is used to making fast-paced action films I know directors are supposed to have a wide range but he’s not ready for that yet. This is a hero film for the MTV generation with all the fast cuts and such. It also appears that the film was entirely filmed on backlots and soundstages I can understand the need for secrecy during filming so that no one knows in advance what is happening. But the budget for this film is huge the funny thing is it doesn’t show on the screen other than the effects everything else looks cheap or false not making for the best looking film.

The one female they showed in Brazil must be the only one for miles around and she is over the top hot yet has no lines. Tim Roth as one-note as the villain that really showed no motivation at all for his villain. Liv Tyler and Edward Norton for old long-lost lovers seem to have no chemistry and both seem to try very hard to have it. This hurts the film since at the heart of this tale is a love story in the middle of a comic book film. For all the ingredients in this tale, the poetic and artistic integrity of this film doesn’t feel very deep as it wants to be. William Hurt as General Thunderbolt Ross made me remember. How much I missed Sam Elliot as the same character from the first film he was compassionate and doing his job William hurt here just seems like a jerk who says he loves his daughter but his actions prove otherwise.

Don’t get me wrong there were good things in this movie the chase scene through the favela comes to mind. But nothing too noteworthy.

Why is it in colossal disaster films New York is the city all the destruction takes place in and where the epic battles must be fought? Does New York really need more publicity we have enough tourism to go and destroy some other cities it would be nice to see maybe to have stuff go down in Miami or Arizona there’s a lot of open space and dessert there.

While the film might work as an action-adventure film. Which tries to improve upon the mistakes of THE HULK movie. Which was more artistic and character-driven.So as that was more the origin story this film was more the continuing adventures of Bruce Banner. So like most sequels, it was more action-packed and go bigger as we know the characters already.
Though it also shows the limitations of director Louis Letterier who is skilled when it comes to more action films and sequences. He has more of a problem doing emotional scenes and making the film feel more dramatic.
While the film might work as an action-adventure film. Which tries to improve upon the mistakes of THE HULK movie. Which was more artistic and character-driven.
So as that was more the origin story this film was more the continuing adventures of Bruce Banner. So like most sequels, it was more action-packed and go bigger as we know the characters already.
Though it also shows the limitations of director Louis Letterier who is skilled when it comes to more action films and sequences. He has more of a problem doing emotional scenes and making the film feel more dramatic.

Spoiler – Plus what the hell are they going to do with the abomination now that the hulk didn’t kill him and he can’t turn human again and we know the professor is going to turn into the villain the leader the smile on his face is like a wink to the audience or fans of the comic at least.

Spoiler end

So in the end you have to wonder was it worth all of your attention to make a film that is the same quality as the original but instead of character and emotions, this film is all about action and special effects.

GRADE: C-