Overview:
As I start writing this review, I'm aware of one thing. Those who have seen the previous five films are definitely going to see this one, and those who haven't are not, but here is my perspective nonetheless. Overall this film was very enjoyable, and may be the best in the series so far. The primary concern is how well the young actors would age on screen. In my opinion, they have done so very well. I've heard people say that they haven't, but I'm not sure exactly why they are saying that. The leading three play the parts of young people their exact age quite well. And I think everyone will agree that puberty has been quite kind to all three of them, particularly Emma Watson. Those who have read the book will no doubt be quite disappointed in this film, as readers of this series seem particularly unable to allow the adaptation to stand on its own merits. For me, keeping in mind that I am reviewing a film and not a book, I found it to be quite enjoyable. So long as the viewer can accept the premise of magic and magical societies, this film will have something for everyone. School sports, political intrigue, mysterious pasts, corruption, unrequited love: these elements are all present. The story unfolds quite well, and even those who haven't seen the previous five will understand the story, though some of the intricacies of plot will be lost on them. All in all, a very enjoyable film and a worthy successor.
The Artist's Perspective:
Some artistic personalities will scoff at large budget, fantasies such as this one, but this film is very well made. The usually straightforward camera angles are occasionally interrupted by some very interesting changes, sometimes to show off a beautifully rendered Hogwarts, and sometimes to enhance a very suspenseful moment (of which this film has several). People familiar with religious symbolism, especially as commandeered by movies, will understand what I mean. Visually this movie is lovely. As a fantasy, the viewer forgives some of the unrealistic scenery and locations that could only be rendered with CGI. The acting was good, with yet another great performance by Alan Rickman, who plays my favorite character in the series, Severus Snape. Unfortunately two things detract from this film, and they are likely the two that those looking for faults will remember. First is the rather stilted dialogue from Michael Gambon in the role of Dumbledore. I understand that he is supposed give the impression of pensive foreshadowing, but it went a bit too far in several places. The second is the role of Lavander, which is desperately overacted. It is intended to be a caricature, but is both out of place and annoying. The humor elements are very well done and some things in this film are just plain cool. Overall, a very well made film.
The Worldview Perspective:
The cultural impact of Harry Potter cannot be denied. However, at this point the real worldview impact has run its course. It was the original books that were truly impactful and got people lined up both pro and against. It was with these books that magic was reintroduced to the 'tween and teen generation in a big way. Right now, the movies are still too close to the end of that reintroduction to really rekindle it. There will most likely be another adaptation in ten to twenty years, and at that time I think the impact will be worthy of mention. There are conflicting views about the worldview portrayed in Harry Potter. The most obvious is the cosmic humanist portrayal of a world in which magic and magical creatures still exist. The films, however, portray an intellectual approach to magic rather than a religious one. In this way they are more like the original Star Wars films than they are like TV show "Charmed". Spells and potions pay a big part in this episode, so for those who thought the more hands on magic was going to get less after the last two films, this is not the case. The other, more intriguing, worldview perspective in this film, and the one that I think subconsciously riles some minds even more than the magical elements, is how young people are portrayed. The series is centered around a boarding school, and therefore the young people operate quite independently from parents. These characters are self-reliant, they are independent thinkers, and they get on quite well away from the confines of their parents house. The Boarding School culture is much more British than American. The fact that we often don't relate leads to two things. First, young people watching feel much more empowered watching a portrayal of kids, who could be their peers, being independent and self-reliant. Second, parents who wish more control to direct their sons' and daughters' paths are threatened by this type of portrayal. I'm not taking a stand on either side of the issue in real life, but this perspective is there, and I can't be the first one to have commented on it. There can be no doubt that the story is engrossing, the characters memorable and relatable, and the writing good but not too difficult. I recall kids who hated reading could get through these books because of those elements. In sum, the question is: is the portrayal of independent minded young witches and wizards the worldview that we want young people engrossed in? The answer: It doesn't matter; whether you and your kids see this film or not the true worldview impact has already run its course...magic spells and potions and all the trappings have already been mainstreamed.
The Family Perspective:
This film contains portrayals of use of magic, spellcasting, and the like. For some this is enough to not see this film. My opinion is that these films contain the same portrayals as films like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and a plethora of fairy tales and their adaptations. Any Harry Potter detractor I've talked to who listed this as their reason for not reading the books or seeing the films I have found to be inconsistent when it comes to evaluating portrayals of magic use. As such, I cannot find this movie to be unsuitable for an audience on these grounds. At least two frightening scenes and one moderately violent fight ending in some bloodshed will bother the youngest viewers. Teen romance plays a big part in this film, and it is thoroughly tactful and polite. Overall this film is suitable for anyone who is able to understand the storyline.
Conclusion:
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince has already made a ridiculous amount of money. The film is beautifully rendered and largely well acted; the story is flawlessly told. Romantic and humorous elements combine perfectly with the fantasy and drama to leave a film well worth seeing. As a fantasy, and one part in a line of stories this film lacks the hard hitting realism of some other recent films, but Half Blood Prince accomplishes nicely exactly what it set out to do.
3 Stars
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - 2 Stars
Overview:
This movie is done on a large scale, with big fights, big explosions, and of course, big robots. I was and am no Transformers buff (no pun intended), but I have to say that I enjoyed the first movie, and looked forward to the second. Everyone going to see this film knows that they are not there for high cinema or a existential awakening (despite the profundities spouted by Optimus Prime from time to time), and that is definitely not what either movie will give the viewer. But for a two hour break from reality, it might be worth it.
The Artist's Perspective:
First of all this movie was intended to be enjoyed in the theater. I doubt even my friend the Shogun could give this movie a decent screening in his wonderful, surround sound home theater. The battle scenes include multiple robots a battalion of ground troops, ships and more. The sound was...loud. Very loud. It complements the Autobots and Decepticons well, but lacks any degree of subtlety; it is just pounding, in your face, through nearly the whole movie. The camera techniques were surprisingly repetitive. Slow motion extensively overused and a 360 degree pan that at times is pure narcissism. My biggest complaint with the first film, and again with this one, is the incessantly tight camera angles on the Transformer's Kung Fu renders the battle faster than the eye can perceive and leaves you afloat in a sea of movement that will take your visual memory a bit long to process. Those times when the angle is pulled back and you get to see the fight choreography are most welcome.
Shia LaBeouf has few shining moments, and his character's apparent desire for normalcy falls flat to an extent. He just doesn't sell the reluctant hero that well. This is not to slight his acting potential, at least one of his on screen interactions with Ramon Rodriguez' character was convincing. Let's be honest, however, no one remembers any of Shia or Ramon's scenes. Megan Fox was certainly on display in this film. She projects her character's new-found adulthood pretty well and manages to say quite a bit throughout without opening her mouth. Overall a decent performance in a less than demanding role.
Voice acting for the Transformers is sub-par in most cases, though this is probably due to limitations in the script and not voice actors themselves. Peter Cullen's voice tone is certainly enough to pull off the Wang Feihong/Obi-Wan mash-up that allows Optimus Prime to wax philosophical as well as deal some robot pain, the likes of which even The Rock would be proud. The best thing about the Transformers is that they have such personality, and this comes through in this movie in a big way with some new additions on both sides of the war, though the two "black" transformers present a hilarious caricature some may find offensive in nature, if not in content.
The Worldview Perspective:
Besides a few references to fate and destiny this film doesn't attempt to delve too deep below the surface, a fact for which I'm sure we can all be grateful. Likely cultural impact is negligible, though both Transformers movies have one relevant cultural aspect worthy of consideration. Many complaints where heard when the first film hit theaters about the previews which showed before the feature presentation. I know for me sitting in a theater having treated my 8 and 13 year old second cousins out to a "boys night out", I was squirming just a bit as preview after preview for films rolled across the screen, nearly all of which were offensive and crude. It made me wonder why would a film about toys subject their young viewers to previews of films which they really have no business seeing at that age? Revenge of the Fallen both extends and answers that question. Now, there were no previews in the place where I saw Revenge, but the film itself contained elements that could be unsuitable for young viewers (see below). Taking a movie which will draw a crowd of all ages and may even make the programming for a family night out, and including in it these types of elements yields one of two explanations. The creation team for Transformers are either projecting or reflecting the view that kids at 8 are just as ready for all kinds of material as kids are at 17. If it is a projection, then it is a clear worldview that is imposed through this film on the audience. What I fear though, is that it may be a reflection...that kids at 8 are, through over-exposure, not likely to be effected by objectionable elements in this film. "Not likely to be effected? Isn't that a good thing?" You ask. No! Not in the slightest. Because if this film is indeed showing us a reflection of that to which the pre-teen and young teen has become accustomed, then the paradigm with which we judged age suitability will have to be rethought. Or else we will have to stick our cultural head in the sand and fight the losing battle of shielding our own kids from the world, understanding that they will incorrectly assume that those friends that they play with and go over to watch movies with are coming from the same perspective which they are. So, reflection or projection, I don't know. Either way its worth considering.
The Family Perspective:
This film is surprisingly crude for a movie which will undoubtedly pull a young crowd. Walking into a giant robot movie, I wasn't expecting the level of profanity and sex contained in this film. Potential viewers should be aware that the words b**** and a** are used repeatedly through this film, and sometimes in combination. I don't sit through a film with a swear-o-meter, but if you're interested in exact counts, I have to ask: why? Regardless, the language itself should exclude some of the much younger viewers. What will really make for an awkward drive home is the views of girls underwear highlighted by Michael Bay's voyeuristic choices in camera angle. It's not just Megan Fox's sexiness that is played up, there's also the Co-ed bent on getting frisky with Sam. Mom and Pop Witwicky's playful banter will be over the heads of some younger viewers, though Judy Witwicky's nievite leaves her stoned and wandering around Cornell telling every college girl of her son's sex life. Funny, to be sure, but not necessarily appropriate for all ears. Additional references to male genitalia and a leg humping Decepticon complete the picture. These are small distractions often yielding laughs in the film, but parents should be aware that this movie really is not appropriate for young viewers.
Conclusion:
This is a giant robot movie, so you get what you'd expect. Great special effects, lots of explosions, and robots doing karate will make this film big money; but lack of creativity combined with its crude humor renders Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen average at best.
2 Stars
This movie is done on a large scale, with big fights, big explosions, and of course, big robots. I was and am no Transformers buff (no pun intended), but I have to say that I enjoyed the first movie, and looked forward to the second. Everyone going to see this film knows that they are not there for high cinema or a existential awakening (despite the profundities spouted by Optimus Prime from time to time), and that is definitely not what either movie will give the viewer. But for a two hour break from reality, it might be worth it.
The Artist's Perspective:
First of all this movie was intended to be enjoyed in the theater. I doubt even my friend the Shogun could give this movie a decent screening in his wonderful, surround sound home theater. The battle scenes include multiple robots a battalion of ground troops, ships and more. The sound was...loud. Very loud. It complements the Autobots and Decepticons well, but lacks any degree of subtlety; it is just pounding, in your face, through nearly the whole movie. The camera techniques were surprisingly repetitive. Slow motion extensively overused and a 360 degree pan that at times is pure narcissism. My biggest complaint with the first film, and again with this one, is the incessantly tight camera angles on the Transformer's Kung Fu renders the battle faster than the eye can perceive and leaves you afloat in a sea of movement that will take your visual memory a bit long to process. Those times when the angle is pulled back and you get to see the fight choreography are most welcome.
Shia LaBeouf has few shining moments, and his character's apparent desire for normalcy falls flat to an extent. He just doesn't sell the reluctant hero that well. This is not to slight his acting potential, at least one of his on screen interactions with Ramon Rodriguez' character was convincing. Let's be honest, however, no one remembers any of Shia or Ramon's scenes. Megan Fox was certainly on display in this film. She projects her character's new-found adulthood pretty well and manages to say quite a bit throughout without opening her mouth. Overall a decent performance in a less than demanding role.
Voice acting for the Transformers is sub-par in most cases, though this is probably due to limitations in the script and not voice actors themselves. Peter Cullen's voice tone is certainly enough to pull off the Wang Feihong/Obi-Wan mash-up that allows Optimus Prime to wax philosophical as well as deal some robot pain, the likes of which even The Rock would be proud. The best thing about the Transformers is that they have such personality, and this comes through in this movie in a big way with some new additions on both sides of the war, though the two "black" transformers present a hilarious caricature some may find offensive in nature, if not in content.
The Worldview Perspective:
Besides a few references to fate and destiny this film doesn't attempt to delve too deep below the surface, a fact for which I'm sure we can all be grateful. Likely cultural impact is negligible, though both Transformers movies have one relevant cultural aspect worthy of consideration. Many complaints where heard when the first film hit theaters about the previews which showed before the feature presentation. I know for me sitting in a theater having treated my 8 and 13 year old second cousins out to a "boys night out", I was squirming just a bit as preview after preview for films rolled across the screen, nearly all of which were offensive and crude. It made me wonder why would a film about toys subject their young viewers to previews of films which they really have no business seeing at that age? Revenge of the Fallen both extends and answers that question. Now, there were no previews in the place where I saw Revenge, but the film itself contained elements that could be unsuitable for young viewers (see below). Taking a movie which will draw a crowd of all ages and may even make the programming for a family night out, and including in it these types of elements yields one of two explanations. The creation team for Transformers are either projecting or reflecting the view that kids at 8 are just as ready for all kinds of material as kids are at 17. If it is a projection, then it is a clear worldview that is imposed through this film on the audience. What I fear though, is that it may be a reflection...that kids at 8 are, through over-exposure, not likely to be effected by objectionable elements in this film. "Not likely to be effected? Isn't that a good thing?" You ask. No! Not in the slightest. Because if this film is indeed showing us a reflection of that to which the pre-teen and young teen has become accustomed, then the paradigm with which we judged age suitability will have to be rethought. Or else we will have to stick our cultural head in the sand and fight the losing battle of shielding our own kids from the world, understanding that they will incorrectly assume that those friends that they play with and go over to watch movies with are coming from the same perspective which they are. So, reflection or projection, I don't know. Either way its worth considering.
The Family Perspective:
This film is surprisingly crude for a movie which will undoubtedly pull a young crowd. Walking into a giant robot movie, I wasn't expecting the level of profanity and sex contained in this film. Potential viewers should be aware that the words b**** and a** are used repeatedly through this film, and sometimes in combination. I don't sit through a film with a swear-o-meter, but if you're interested in exact counts, I have to ask: why? Regardless, the language itself should exclude some of the much younger viewers. What will really make for an awkward drive home is the views of girls underwear highlighted by Michael Bay's voyeuristic choices in camera angle. It's not just Megan Fox's sexiness that is played up, there's also the Co-ed bent on getting frisky with Sam. Mom and Pop Witwicky's playful banter will be over the heads of some younger viewers, though Judy Witwicky's nievite leaves her stoned and wandering around Cornell telling every college girl of her son's sex life. Funny, to be sure, but not necessarily appropriate for all ears. Additional references to male genitalia and a leg humping Decepticon complete the picture. These are small distractions often yielding laughs in the film, but parents should be aware that this movie really is not appropriate for young viewers.
Conclusion:
This is a giant robot movie, so you get what you'd expect. Great special effects, lots of explosions, and robots doing karate will make this film big money; but lack of creativity combined with its crude humor renders Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen average at best.
2 Stars
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