Review: "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" Does Not Rise Much

TRASH IN MY EYES No. 97 (of 2007) by Leroy Douresseaux

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Running time: 92 minutes (1 hour, 32 minutes)
MPAA – PG for sequences of action violence, some mild language, and innuendo
DIRECTOR: Tim Story
WRITERS: Don Payne and Mark Frost; from a story John Turman and Mark Frost (based upon the characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby)
PRODUCERS: Avi Arad, Bernd Eichinger, and Ralph Winter
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Larry Blanford (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Peter S. Elliot, William Hoy, and Michael McCusker
COMPOSER: John Ottman

SCI-FI/SUPERHERO/ACTION/ADVENTURE/FAMILY

Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon, Kerry Washington, Andre Braugher, Laurence Fishburne (voice), Beau Garrett, and Doug Jones

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, like it predecessor, the 2005 surprise hit, Fantastic Four, is a superhero blockbuster aimed squarely at younger children. That sets this franchise apart from most superhero films, which while ostensibly family films, tend to skew older with darker stories.

As the film begins, the members of the dysfunctional family known as the Fantastic Four have their hands full. Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd) and Susan Storm/Invisible Woman (Jessica Alba) are getting married, but Sue can’t keep Reed’s mind off his work and on wedding planning. Meanwhile, Ben Grimm/The Thing (Michael Chiklis) has found peace and love in his relationship with the blind artist, Alicia Masters (Kerry Washington). And Johnny Storm/The Human Torch (Chris Evans)? Well, Johnny just wants to market the FF as a brand that attracts sponsors, advertisers, and media willing to pay for exclusive access to the team.

The nuptials are interrupted by the arrival on Earth of an enigmatic being that Reed dubs The Silver Surfer. The Surfer is actually an intergalactic herald for a planet devouring being called Galactus. As the Surfer races on his board around the world wreaking havoc, the Fantastic Four must unravel the mystery of the Surfer and confront their mortal enemy Victor Von Doom a.k.a. Dr. Doom (Julian McMahon, who is terrible in this role), as he returns claiming to want to help defeat the Surfer. All of this puts stress on the delicate bonds of this fragile family called the Fantastic Four.

Director Tim Story’s second film attempt at the Fantastic Four is harmless fun, but it’s also vapid. It’s entertaining, but mostly empty. Lacking a good script (although the main plot is fun), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is the kind of dumb, silly, and simple-minded entertainment that many people think of when they do think of comics. This isn’t bad, but FF: TROTSS just lacks the kind of epic scope and widescreen sensibilities that the original comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby had.

There are few good thinks about this film. Chris Evans plays Johnny Storm as a skirt-chasing, smart ass, and his presence just makes the Fantastic Four films better. To create the Silver Surfer, Doug Jones provides the physical acting, and Laurence Fishburne gives voice to the Silver Surfer. CGI finishes the work, and we have a cool looking, scene-stealing character. Every moment the Surfer is on screen the movie suddenly doesn’t seem like a slightly awkward, self-consciously clumsy kids’ flick. So adults beware; this is a mild amusement, but it’s even better for the young viewers.

5 of 10
B-

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Review: "Star Trek: The Final Frontier" Has Some Good Moments

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 232 (of 2006) by Leroy Douresseaux

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
Running time: 107 minutes (1 hour, 47 minutes)
MPAA – PG
DIRECTOR: William Shatner
WRITERS: David Loughery; from a story by William Shatner, Harve Bennett, and David Loughery (based upon the TV series “Star Trek” created by Gene Roddenberry)
PRODUCER: Harve Bennett
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Andrew Laszlo
EDITOR: Peter Berger, A.C.E.
COMPOSER: Jerry Goldsmith

SCI-FI/ACTION/DRAMA

Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, David Warner, Laurence Luckinbill, Charles Cooper, Cynthia Gouw, Todd Bryant, and Spice Williams

The subject of this movie review is Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, a 1989 science fiction adventure film. It is the fifth film in the Star Trek film franchise, and the second-to-last (or penultimate) to feature the cast of the original Star Trek television series. The Final Frontier takes place shortly after Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and pits the crew of the USS Enterprise against a renegade Vulcan.

The crew of the original “Star Trek” returned for its fifth cinematic adventure, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) is sharing his shore leave with Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelley) in Yosemite National Park, where Kirk is attempting to climb the mountain, El Capitan, freestyle (without gear). The festivities, however, are cut short when the Federation sends the U.S.S. Enterprise on an emergency mission to the Neutral Zone.

The Enterprise arrives at the planet, Nimbus III, where, Sybock (Laurence Luckinbill), a renegade Vulcan who shares a past with Spock, hijacks the Enterprise. He pilots it on a journey past The Great Barrier to a mythical planet named Sha Ka Ree, where Sybock hopes to uncover the secrets of existence. It’s up to the Star Trek holy trinity of Kirk, Spock, and Bones to keep the crew and this new Enterprise (Enterprise-A) safe while Sybock obsesses on his quest. Meanwhile, a Klingon warship, a bird of prey, stalks the Enterprise.

Star Trek V stumbles because it tries to be a sci-fi action flick, a tale of brotherly love, a therapy session, and a spiritual odyssey. It doesn’t do three of them well, but The Final Frontier does work as a nice spotlight on the relationship of Kirk, Spock, and Bones. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is the least of the six movies featuring the original crew of the Enterprise, but production problems (including loosing their special effects house of choice) played a part in this film not coming together as director William Shatner envisioned it. It isn’t all that satisfying as a Trek flick, but it’ll do in a pinch.

5 of 10
C+

Friday, November 10, 2006

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"Wrath of the Titans" Mostly Tepid

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 71 (of 2012) by Leroy Douresseaux


Wrath of the Titans (2012)
Running time: 99 minutes (1 hour, 39 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy violence and action
DIRECTOR: Jonathan Liebesman
WRITERS: Dan Mazeau and David Leslie Johnson; from a story by Greg Berlanti, David Leslie Johnson and Dan Mazeau (based upon the 1981 screenplay by Beverley Cross)
PRODUCERS: Basil Iwanyk and Polly Johnsen
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ben Davis
EDITOR: Martin Walsh
COMPOSER: Javier Navarrete

FANTASY/ACTION

Starring: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Edgar Ramirez, Toby Kebbell, Rosamund Pike, Bill Nighy, John Bell, Lily James, Alejandro Naranjo, Sinead Cusack, Spencer Wilding, and Danny Huston

Released earlier this year, Wrath of the Titans is a 2012 American fantasy film. It is a sequel to the 2010 version of Clash of the Titans (itself a remake of the 1981 film of the same name). Perseus, the hero of first film, must free his father, Zeus, from the underworld and also stop an ancient evil from destroying the universe. Louis Leterrier, the director of the 2010 film, acts as one of Wrath of the Titans’ executive producers.

Wrath of the Titans opens a decade after Perseus’ heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken. Since the death of his wife, Io, Perseus (Sam Worthington), the demigod son of Zeus, is attempting to live a quiet life as a village fisherman and as the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius (John Bell). Meanwhile, the power of the gods has been fading, and the walls of the underworld prison, Tartarus, are breaking and threatening to free the imprisoned Titans. Both are caused by humanity’s growing lack of devotion to the gods.

Zeus (Liam Neeson) and Poseidon (Danny Huston) travel to Tartarus to meet their estranged brother, Hades (Ralph Fiennes), hoping that they can reunite and rebuild Tartarus’ walls, but Hades has other plans. He imprisons Zeus and begins to drain him of his divine power, which Hades will use to revive the monstrous Kronos, the father of Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon. As Kronos slowly revives, the Titans are loosed upon Earth.

Now, Perseus leads a small band of brave souls towards the treacherous underworld to rescue his father, Zeus. He must also gather the three great weapons of Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon: Zeus’ Thunderbolt, Hades’ Pitchfork, and Poseidon’s Trident, in order to form the one weapon that can stop Kronos, the Spear of Trium.

I’m not sure what I should say about Wrath of the Titans. I liked some of it, especially the last act, which is mostly action and which mostly held my attention. I strongly disliked the first act, which is mechanical and surprisingly unimaginative. The middle act has some good ideas and moments. Wrath of the Titans lacks the charm of the 1981 film, and in this film, Perseus, lacks the passion he had in the 2010 movie. That is surprising considering that Perseus has something big for which he must fight – a son.

I can say that after seeing this, I am glad that I didn’t go to the trouble of driving to the local cinema and spending money for a ticket to see Wrath of the Titans. I think that it is time to put this franchise to rest.

5 of 10
C+

Friday, September 07, 2012

EPIX Announces New James Bond Documentary, "Everything or Nothing"

September 05, 2012 10:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time EPIX Celebrates 50th Anniversary of James Bond with New Doc and 24 / 007 Marathon

Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007 Premieres on ‘Global James Bond Day’, October 5, as part of an EPIX Free Preview Weekend

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shaken, not stirred, and kicking off a free preview weekend, EPIX celebrates 50 years of James Bond, just in time for the highly anticipated new Bond film, Skyfall, premiering theatrically November 9. Celebrating 50 years of James Bond on October 5, declared Global James Bond Day, An EPIX exclusive documentary Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007, produced by Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Passion Pictures and Red Box Films, will premiere on the EPIX network, on EpixHD.com and on EPIX apps on hundreds of devices. The tribute continues with commercial-free airings of classic Bond films Diamonds are Forever, From Russia with Love, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The Man with the Golden Gun, Moonraker, The Living Daylights and Never Say Never Again all as part of a free preview weekend for all subscribers of EPIX distribution partners.

An EPIX exclusive documentary Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007 is directed by Stevan Riley (Fire in Babylon) and produced by John Battsek (One Day In September, The Tillman Story) and Simon Chinn (Man on Wire). EVERYTHING OR NOTHING focuses on three men with a shared dream – Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli, Harry Saltzman, and author Ian Fleming. It’s the thrilling and inspiring narrative behind the durability, popularity and survival of the longest running film franchise in cinema history since Mr. Bond hit the big screen in 1962.

“From Sean Connery and Roger Moore, to Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig - the integrity of Bond has never changed and has never been more entertaining. Our documentary and movie marathon is a great way for us to reach our viewers and we’re pleased to partner with all our distribution partners to bring the background of this iconic spy to all their subscribers just in time for his latest adventure, Skyfall,” said Mark Greenberg, EPIX President and CEO.


About EPIX
EPIX is the newest premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases, classic library titles, plus original films, comedy, music and sports events on TV, on demand, online and on devices. Launched October 2009 as the first multiplatform premium network with online accessibility for subscribers through EpixHD.com, EPIX pioneered the development and proliferation of TV Everywhere for American consumers. EPIX was the first premium network to launch on Xbox consoles, first on Android tablets and phones, first on Roku® players and is available to authenticated subscribers on hundreds of devices including Apple® iPads®, iPhones®, Samsung® Smart TVs and Blu-ray™ players and more. Today EPIX remains the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up from new Hollywood hits to original programs on all platforms and provides more movies than any other premium network.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), available to over 30 million homes nationwide through distribution partners including Charter Communications, Cox Communications, DISH Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink Communications and Verizon FiOS.

For more information about EPIX, go to www.EpixHD.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/EpixHD.

About Passion Pictures
Passion Pictures - headed by John Battsek - is one of the most prolific independent production companies in the UK and has secured a reputation for working with a line-up of international talent in the feature documentary arena. Starting with Oscar®-winning ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER in 1999, Passion Pictures has since been responsible for over twenty documentary films, many of which have achieved international theatrical distribution. These include IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON (Audience Award Winner, 2007 Sundance Film Festival World Documentary Competition); SERGIO (Based on the book by Pulitzer Prize winning author Samantha Power, Academy Award® shortlisted 2010); Tim Hetherington & Sebastian Junger's Oscar® nominated RESTREPO; FIRE IN BABYLON (Grierson Trust Winner, Best Historical Documentary); THE TILLMAN STORY (Academy Award® Shortlisted, 2011); BETTER THIS WORLD (Triple Emmy nominated 2012).

James Marsh's PROJECT NIM (Academy Award® Shortlisted, 2012) was the first project produced under Passion's strategic alliance with Simon Chinn's Red Box Films, and the companies launched two new films together at Sundance Film Festival 2012: THE IMPOSTER, Bart Layton’s first feature documentary based on the extraordinary story of serial imposter Frederic Bourdin, and Malik Bendjelloul’s directorial debut SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN which opened Sundance Film Festival 2012 and went on to win the Special Jury Award and the Audience Award. Both films were released in US and UK cinemas this summer.

Passion Pictures is currently working on several new feature film projects, including two new films with Greg Barker; Nadav Schirman’s THE GREEN PRINCE based on the NY Times Bestselling memoir THE SON OF HAMAS; and A narrative feature adaptation of Meg Rosoff’s award-winning dystopian novel HOW I LIVE NOW is currently in post production, with Kevin MacDonald directing for FilmFour.

About Red Box Films
Red Box Films was founded in 2005 by Simon Chinn to produce MAN ON WIRE, which won over 30 international awards including an Academy Award®, a BAFTA and the Sundance Grand Jury Prize and became one of the highest grossing theatrical documentaries of recent years. Red Box has gone on to become one the world's most successful independent producers of theatrical feature documentaries, winning numerous awards and securing worldwide distribution for its subsequent films, which include PROJECT NIM, SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN and THE IMPOSTER. In 2008 Red Box Films formed a strategic alliance with Passion Pictures to co-produce feature documentaries. Forthcoming productions include THE GREEN PRINCE, based on Mosab Hassan Yousef’s New York Times bestseller 'Son of Hamas' and EVERYTHING OR NOTHING, the definitive inside story of the James Bond film franchise for MGM. For more information, visit: http://redboxfilms.co.uk.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (“MGM”) is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and distribution of films and television content globally. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television programming. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international television channels, including MGM-branded channels in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Germany. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions
EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with MGM, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-two films produced since 1962. Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli succeeded Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE. They are currently producing the 23rd film, SKYFALL.

James Cameron Makes Special Appearance to Celebrate "Titanic" Blu-ray

ACADEMY AWARD® WINNERS JAMES CAMERON AND JON LANDAU TO APPEAR AT BEST BUY - UNION SQUARE TO CELEBRATE THE LONG-AWAITED BLU-RAY™ DEBUT OF TITANIC

Filmmakers Meet Fans for an Exclusive In-Store Q&A and Signing on September 10

WHAT: Academy Award® winners James Cameron and Jon Landau will be at Best Buy in Union Square for a special Q&A followed by a limited signing to commemorate the Blu-ray debut of TITANIC. The free-admission event is open to the public, with fans invited to hear personal insights from these cinematic visionaries as they delve into the timeless box office phenomenon. Winner of 11 Academy Awards®, TITANIC will arrive from Paramount Home Media Distribution in stunning 2D and 3D high definition for the first time ever with more than 2 ½ hours of new special feature content. A must have for film fans’ home media collections, the Blu-ray will be available for purchase on-site and attendees will have a chance to have their copy signed following the Q&A.

WHO: James Cameron is the Academy Award-winning director of Titanic and Avatar. He started his career directing The Terminator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, in 1984. Cameron subsequently directed Aliens (1986), then wrote and directed The Abyss (1989). Following that he wrote, produced and directed Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), True Lies (1994), Titanic (1997), and Avatar (2009). His films have blazed new trails in visual effects and set numerous performance records both domestically and abroad. Avatar currently holds both the domestic and worldwide box office records having grossed over $2.7 billion at the global box office, beating the previous record holder, Titanic, which held the record for 12 years. Cameron's films have also earned numerous nominations and awards from a variety of organizations, including Titanic's 14 Academy Award® nominations (a record) and 11 Oscars® (the most any movie has received), which includes Cameron's three Oscars® for Best Picture, Best Direction and Best Editing.

Academy Award® and two-time Golden Globe®-winning producer Jon Landau has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to oversee and deliver major motion pictures. He currently holds the distinction of having produced the two highest grossing movies of all-time, Avatar and Titanic. The combination of Landau's thorough understanding of the most complex state-of-the-art visual effects technologies, his ability to work hand-in-hand with the highest caliber of creative talent, and his motivational ability with people has enabled him to play a significant role in numerous major motion pictures.

Inaugural "Humphrey Bogart Film Festival" Set for May 2013

The Humphrey Bogart Estate and Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Announce Creation of Humphrey Bogart Film Festival

Inaugural Edition in May 2013, 65 years after Premiere of 'Key Largo'; Fans Can Help Select Movies at Festival's Website

KEY LARGO, Fla., Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Humphrey Bogart Estate and the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce have created an annual Humphrey Bogart Film Festival. "We have long been looking for a natural home for a family-backed Bogie film fest, and we believe there is no better place than Key Largo," said Stephen Humphrey Bogart, son of the iconic performer. "My father and mother starred in 'Key Largo,' and the actual boat from 'The African Queen' is here in Key Largo. It just feels right to honor my father and his movies in this beautiful place, which has such an organic connection to his legacy."

"It feels great to welcome Humphrey Bogart back to Key Largo," said Russell Yagel, who led the effort of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce to bring the Bogart Film Festival to Key Largo. "This is a great partnership between Key Largo and the Bogart Estate. In 1948, Humphrey Bogart starred in 'Key Largo.' Now, 65 years later, for Key Largo to become the home of the only Bogart Estate-backed Humphrey Bogart Film Festival is just wonderful."

Each year, the Humphrey Bogart Film Festival will screen a rotating selection of Bogie classics and a group of movies centered around that year's theme. There will be a formal Bogart Ball, an outside screening of Casablanca, a display of Bogart memorabilia, question and answer sessions with Stephen Bogart, and tours on the fully-restored African Queen. Additional festival elements will be announced as the inaugural event continues to take shape.

"Part of the reason the festival is being announced now is that the Bogart Estate would love for Bogie fans to play a role in creating the festival," said Robbert de Klerk, managing partner of Bogart LLC, the entity through which the Bogart Estate manages Bogie's legacy. "Fans can visit the festival website at www.bogartfilmfestival.com to vote for the Bogart movies they'd like to see on the big screen. Soon, fans will also be able to buy tickets, hotel packages, and merchandise on the site. All of us are excited to welcome the first group of Bogie fans to Key Largo in May 2013. We plan to work hard to make sure the Humphrey Bogart Film Festival becomes an annual must-see event in Key Largo."

First Look: Chris Pine and Kevin Costner in "Jack Ryan"

Photo credit: David Lee

First look at Kevin Costner (far right) as a legendary CIA Field Agent with Chris Pine (center) in JACK RYAN, from Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions, currently shooting in downtown Manhattan. The Prequel will be out Christmas Day 2013.

(c) 2012 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.