Overdue Reviews
Over the past few months, we’ve found time to watch a few movies. In the reviews I’ve included a numerical rating (out of 100) for those who go for that sort of thing. Read on for quick takes on Role Models, Serenity, The Dark Crystal and Semi-Pro.
Serenity
Rating: 61
Really? This is from the guy that created Buffy?
Serenity is the movie follow-up to the failed TV show Firefly. After watching this, it’s easy to see why the show didn’t gain an audience. Maybe this is an X-Files movie type scenario, in which the film can’t be appreciated without the series’ backstory. Regardless, I found the plot thin, characters transparent stereotypes of long-worn models, and the dialog makes the Star Wars prequels read like Hamlet. I loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer because of the unique characters, smart chatter and it never took itself too seriously. Serenity just felt forced and cheap.
Semi-Pro
Rating: 75
The latest in a long string of movies with Will Ferrell playing the same character in a slightly different sports-related script. Mostly forgettable – but hey – it does have bear wrestling. And bear wrestling is always good.
This is my current definitive ‘C’ movie. It’s no Judge Dredd, but it’s entertaining enough.
The Dark Crystal
Rating: 94
I last saw The Dark Crystal when I was a kid, and it scared the bejesus out of me. After twenty years, what stuck with me was the basic plot and the character designs for the evil-incarnate Skeksis. On my first adult viewing, what impressed me most was how well the animation, storytelling and effects held-up. Jim Henson was so far ahead of his time, achieving so much without the benefit of CG.
I hope this film never gets remade with “modern” techniques, as the true beauty of this film is illustrated in the making-of documentary. The level of craftsmanship, imagination and skill in the illustrators, puppeteers and crew members is astonishing and inspirational.
Wow, an actual new, in the theater right now movie! As this was co-written and directed by The State alumnus David Wain, I’m pre-disposed to love this flick. And love it I did! The movie eschews a prolonged setup and jumps right into the funny. The first 20 minutes are a bit of a let down as many of the funniest gags and lines are in the trailer. However, the last 30 minutes are epic and the marketing folks made the right decision to leave all references to the movie’s climax out of the promotional material.
Lots of State members make appearances, and Paul Rudd turns in another great everyman performance. The movie slides in with a low ‘A’, as Wain’s Wet Hot American Summer is (so far) the ultimate statement of his work. It’s nice to see him make a more mainstream film, and I hope it affords him the opportunity to make more boundary-pushing comedies in the future.
Tagged as movies, reviews + Categorized as reviews