Movies, Movies, Movies.....

[rcdude]

I went to see The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies tonight. I'm honestly somewhat split on the movie. The first half was pretty good, with a lot of character moments, and other than the Legolas/Tauriel storyline actually stuck pretty close to the book. Once the battle began, however, the movie just fell apart. It seemed almost like Peter Jackson tried to out-epic the Battle of the Pelennor Fields from Return of the King and it didn't really work. Some parts of the battle were good, but there were at least half a dozen cringe-worthy moments in there as well (including a Legolas moment that defies several laws of physics). I'm guessing this was originally going to be the last hour or so of a two part movie and ended up getting blown up into a 2.5 hour third movie, so if a lot of the filler was added in the battle sequences that could explain it. One more thing that irked me (minor spoilers): Some characters in the book had their role minimized, with their important actions given to characters not present in the book. I'm not a purist or someone who thinks an adaptation needs to follow the book perfectly (it is an adaptation after all), but the significant events should at least be done right. Overall, I think I'll say this: It wasn't a terrible movie, but it wasn't up to par compared to every other Middle-Earth movie. Now that the trilogy is over, I really think the Hobbit should have been two films instead of three. 6.5/10

 

Although it's possible I may see another movie in the remaining two weeks of 2014, it seems somewhat unlikely at the moment, so at this point I think I'll say that Guardians of the Galaxy was my favorite movie of 2014.

[rosscoe]

Paddington:

 

A single joy of a film, funny, touching, heartwarming, 90 minutes of fun. Everything about this works. Kidman is having the time of her life playing the baddie, a smart family film. Plus one of the years best for pure entertainment.

[Nrthwnd]

^ Looking forward to this one. The trailer made us laugh and laugh...

[Woodie Warrior]

We went to go see Night at the Museum 3 yesterday. There's no doubt it's the weakest in the trio, but it's not bad. The main problem is that a lot of the things that used to be funny in the past two don't feel fresh anymore, plus they try to use more slapstick than before, which backfires. The final two thirds are definitely stronger, with more genuine laughs, and the ending ties up the franchise well. Overall, the film is still better than the average family flick.

[viking86]

Watched The Lego Movie as it was just released on Netflix. I really enjoyed this movie, dare I say it was.... awesome?? Really well made and exceeded my expectations.

 

Spaceship! Spaceship! Spaceship!

[robbalvey]

Into The Woods

A few things you need to know about Into The Woods that I think Disney isn't *quite* making clear about this film....

 

1. It's a Musical.

 

2. It's a Comedy.

 

3. It's AWESOME!!!

 

So let's take all three of these things one at a tine. Yes, Into The Woods is a musical. It's based on the original Broadway show that opened in 1987. There is a lot of singing...and I mean a LOT! For some reason, most of the trailers that Disney have released about this film do not have any, or very little of the music in it. In fact, if you put all the trailers together, that's probably about the length of time that is spent NOT singing in the movie! So if you are unaware that it's a musical, now you know!

 

What is the movie? Well, take a few different fairy tales you might be familiar with, have them cross paths and give them different outcomes. That's kind of the idea in a nutshell. It's not "Once Upon A Time" like you might be thinking, it's a little more traditional to their original tales, but the outcome is nothing you would expect. And it's more about the journey along the way than the fairy tales themselves.

 

Ok, so the movie isn't a "comedy" like Dumb & Dumber or Paul Blart, but it DOES have some VERY funny, witty, and "smart" moments to it. The original production takes itself a bit less serious that this movie does, and the stage production is a little more self-aware that it's a show than the movie is, but I think that's also due to it being on stage with live actors, but still, the movie has some very funny bits to it and it will keep you smiling most of the way through it. (Or at least through Act I)

 

And finally, it's AWESOME!!! If you are at all a fan or familiar with the original material, you'll be happy to know that 90% of it made it into this film! There were very few cuts from the music, and only one that is something I would question (The Agony reprise in the original show is just as good and funny as the first). In fact, I'd say that Act I is almost line for line exactly what it is in the original show. I'd have to go back and watch a version of it to really notice anything missing.

 

There are a few more changes in Act II of the movie (the whole part with the giant), but if you're not at all familiar with the original material, I don't actually think you'd really notice anything strange, and even if you are familiar with the Broadway show, I think the changes they made at least made sense for the film.

 

I will say the one moment I kind of miss is when the feed the narrator to the giant. (I don't think this is a spoiler cause it doesn't happen in the film) Like I said, the show was a bit more self-aware that it was a show, and at one point when they are in the woods getting attacked by the giant, they see the narrator off to the side telling the story and they decide to feed him to the giant! You'll notice that in the movie, about this time, the narration actually stops. If you wonder why...this is the reason!

 

For those of you interested in the original source, there are a couple of very good version of the show. This revival at London's Regent's Park was done a few years ago: http://www.digitaltheatre.com/production/details/into-the-woods/ and while the original is showing it's age a bit, you can see most of the Original Broadway Cast in this version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/into-the-woods/id296199907

 

Anyway, back to the movie version - the cast is fantastic! I think this might very well be the best Broadway-to-Movie musical I've seen! Every one of the cast was amazing! A mix of Hollywood talent and some Broadway performers. Anna Kendrick knocked it out of the ballpark (or the woods?) with this one. As did Emily Blunt, James Corden, and Meryl Streep (Who I'm not even the biggest fan of, but she was great in this!) Remember all those moments in Les Mis when Russell Crowe came on and you cringed at what was coming out of his mouth? There isn't a moment like this in Into The Woods.

 

I'll post a few photos and videos below. Unfortunately, there just aren't many trailers out there that really do the film justice, but the "On The Steps of the Palace" clip is pretty good!

 

Hope many of you go see the movie, and please report back here when you have!

 

"Be careful what you wish for" is the theme of the movie....just when things appear to be "Happily ever after"...well.... you'll have to go see the movie!

James Corden as the Baker and Emily Blunt as the Baker’s Wife

Daniel Huttlestone as Jack and Tracey Ullman as Jack’s Mother

Meryl Streep as the Witch and James Corden as the Baker

James Corden as the Baker and Lilla Crawford as Red Riding Hood

Edited December 26, 2014 by robbalvey

[Woodie Warrior]

Decided to watch both The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Jersey Boys tonight.

 

Walter Mitty started off fairly boring. Some of the dream sequences were humorous, others were terrible (the one I'm referencing involves a parody of Benjamin Button that was extremely cringe-worthy). However, the film definitely got a lot more intriguing in its last two-thirds, when the dream sequences start to actually add to the storyline and motivate the main character. Overall, the film surpassed my expectations. Ben Stiller did a great job both directing and starring, and even if the plot got a bit predictable, the film is a visual feast (with very little CGI) and has a strong message. Definitely a "feel-good" film. B+

 

If you are a fan of Jersey Boys the musical, like I am, you'll most likely enjoy the film version. Because it almost seems like they copied the script word for word. This wouldn't be such a problem if the more intimate feeling of the film (due to the way the cameras seem to be inches from the actors faces most of the film) didn't make all the shouting and cursing and fighting feel annoying and unnecessary. In a theater, yes, actors need to be louder, I get that, but on film it just seems awkward. The musical numbers, for the most part, seem to lose their effect that they have when you hear it in a live theater. On the positive side, the actors are all phenomenal. And the new scenes (there are a couple) definitely add to the feel of the film, and let us get closer to characters than we could at a live show. B-

 

^Looking forward to seeing Into the Woods. Haven't seen the live show, but it looks awesome.

[rosscoe]

Into The Woods, one of my all time favorite Musicals, the film is near perfect, ever one in the cast is doing great work. A couple moments I wished a little more from the stage show had been added ( No More is such a stunning song ) Agree with Robb one of the best stage to screen transfer in years. Screening tonight was packed. A must see and yes it needs to be seen on a big screen with great sound!

[SharkTums]

Loved Into the Woods! I saw the show on Broadway with my mom way too long ago and I just had the biggest smile on my face watching the movie (twice now!). The 'Agony' segment is done so well that both times I've seen the show the audience has applauded after it! I'm secretly hoping for the reprise to be done as a stand alone or for the DVD! Kristen also loved it and while parts were a 'tad' sad/scary for her she loved it and is singing the music from it today.

[Philrad71]

^Thank you both for the thoughts and review!

 

Michael wants to see this really bad and although we did not see the original musical, we like the storyline of the movie.

 

Date night next week with dinner at B-Dubs and then 'Into The Woods' we go!

[805Andrew]

I went to see The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies tonight. I'm honestly somewhat split on the movie. The first half was pretty good, with a lot of character moments, and other than the Legolas/Tauriel storyline actually stuck pretty close to the book. Once the battle began, however, the movie just fell apart. It seemed almost like Peter Jackson tried to out-epic the Battle of the Pelennor Fields from Return of the King and it didn't really work. Some parts of the battle were good, but there were at least half a dozen cringe-worthy moments in there as well (including a Legolas moment that defies several laws of physics). I'm guessing this was originally going to be the last hour or so of a two part movie and ended up getting blown up into a 2.5 hour third movie, so if a lot of the filler was added in the battle sequences that could explain it. One more thing that irked me (minor spoilers): Some characters in the book had their role minimized, with their important actions given to characters not present in the book. I'm not a purist or someone who thinks an adaptation needs to follow the book perfectly (it is an adaptation after all), but the significant events should at least be done right. Overall, I think I'll say this: It wasn't a terrible movie, but it wasn't up to par compared to every other Middle-Earth movie. Now that the trilogy is over, I really think the Hobbit should have been two films instead of three. 6.5/10

 

Although it's possible I may see another movie in the remaining two weeks of 2014, it seems somewhat unlikely at the moment, so at this point I think I'll say that Guardians of the Galaxy was my favorite movie of 2014.

 

I saw this movie on Christmas night and pretty much have to agree overall. Some of the battle scenes were like watching someone playing a video game. 6/10

 

I saw The Interview tonight and it was pretty damn funny. Probably the funniest movie I seen come out in 2014 (I know that's not saying much). It was a lot more entertaining in my opinion then The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies which I saw the previous night. I'm glad Sony decided to release it after all to independent theaters and various platforms. The one cinema in my area that was showing it didn't start it until 12/26, that's why I saw it tonight. 8.5/10

 

I have one birthday freebie movie to use up by this Sunday, so maybe I'll see Into The Woods then.

[tarheel1231]

I saw The Interview tonight. I thought is was funny and much better than This is The End and Neighbors. I'll leave it at that since I don't want to be hacked.

[JimmyBo]

Saw Into the Woods today and it was amazing! I didn't know anything about the original Broadway show and went into this not really knowing anything about the movie. It was soooo entertaining and hilarious during some scenes. The "Agony" song, holy crap!, everyone in the theater was cracking up and I loved how the Prince's over played their parts too. Quite entertaining.

 

If anyone sees a movie this winter...it should be this one!

 

Jimmy "Into the Woods is my new favorite musical" Bo

[bert425]

yeah, "Into the Woods" is fantastic.

 

we saw it today and absolutely loved it. .it strays slightly from the Stage Play (I missed Rapunzel all but disappearing from act II -- I'd assume for time purposes). but all the actors really nailed it.

 

the cinematography of the woods, to make them look like STAGE sets in many shots, was the perfect call.

 

if I had to "niggle".. my only issue with the film was Meryl Streep -- and this is probably ONLY an issue with those that saw Bernadette Peters in the original role (ie: most movie goers will simply think she was FANTASTIC). . and she was quite good. But in several of the songs? . . she was basically kareokeing in the style of Bernadette. (which makes sense, Sondheim did write the songs with her in mind).

 

but it bugged me just a little that Meryl didn't put her spin on it more.

 

[youtu_be]http://youtu.be/kxK0P9QrZ9w[/youtu_be]

[robbalvey]

^ We did wonder why they didn't get Bernadette to play the part as they are both about the same age and still look great! I'm assuming it has more to do with Meryl being a bigger name. I thought she did well, but also wouldn't have been my first choice. But you're right, it's a minor nitpick if anything.

Edited December 29, 2014 by robbalvey

[GwaziBSRider1]

I watched "Star Trek: Into Darkness" for the first time, and I both love and hate this film. By itself and as a part of the Prequel trilogy, it's excellent. However, I absolutely hate it when compared to the entire genre. It drives me crazy how it completely rewrote Khan's plot line. If you're going to make a prequel, at least make sure that the characters line up with what happens in the "later" films!

[alilstronger]

I absolutely loved Into The Woods! I went into it having never seen the play or read the book but I love Meryl and Anna Kendrick and came out wanting to go see it again.

[Philrad71]

Chalk me up as another fan of 'Into The Woods'!

 

For as long as the movie clocked in (about two hours), I thought that there might have been some empty plot holes or boring parts - not so!

 

Overall, I would probably say one of the most well done musical/movie productions that I have ever seen. I felt that the movie plot, songs & comedy just intertwined perfectly. And I'll be honest...I am not a huge fan of movies with a lot of singing in them.

 

Very highly recommended!

[robbalvey]

Two important milestones for Disney this weekend:

 

1. Into The Woods actually DID take the top spot against all the other new movies that came out over Christmas (Unbroken was originally named the victor, but when the actuals came in, turned out it was Into The Woods!)

 

2. Big Hero 6 passed the $200 million mark! That means behind Frozen, this will end up being Disney Animation Studios biggest film in recent times! They deserve it! Even though Big Hero 6 is pretty far down the list right now (#11), it's still doing much stronger business than any of the movies that came out around the same time it did, and it's still holding up against it's family competition that came out over the holiday period.

 

This was most certainly a good weekend for Disney!

[Nrthwnd]

So, "Into The Woods" looks like it could be a possible Best Picture Oscar entry,. hmm?

[Garet]

Into The Woods seems to be having one of the worst treatments i've ever seen since coming to Korea. A few places still have Interstellar on the imax and the hobbit has a few showing throughout the day but with all the kids animations for Christmas and other English and Korean movies, it really had a blink and you'll miss it window. There's a few showings in the capital but around my area a lot of the cinemas (and I mean a lot, between all the different chains some places will have two multiplexes on the same street.) either aren't showing it or are giving it a 9am slot when a lot of people are at work and even those seem to have left the cinema by the weekend.

[robbalvey]

^ It has not open in wide release internationally yet so maybe there are just a few theaters doing previews?

Edited December 30, 2014 by robbalvey

[Garet]

^ It has not open in wide release internationally yet so maybe there are just a few theaters doing previews?

 

Could be, although those normally are marked and all the Korean posters in the theaters listed Christmas eve as the general release, I'll keep my eyes out but it looks like I may have to wait for a DVD release. Hopefully once the main Christmas vacation is over and the kids are back in school it could pop up again when the new schedules are released, some of the screens are being taken up by 40 minute versions of children's TV shows. (The theater not too far from where I live is running an extended version of Everland's old 3D movie)

[gerstlaueringvar]

Watched Interview just now, not bad! It's a pretty funny movie even though parts of it is gross. But I was expecting them to make NK look crazier than that!

[cfc]

Speaking of Into the Woods, I just caught it today--great movie, very nicely adapted from an already great play. The princes' "Agony" number was particularly good.

Edited January 1, 2015 by cfc