The 10th Greatest Movie Ever Made: Up

Well people, here we are; The Top 10. Only the best of the best can make it this far, and I will take only the very best. I've been excited to show off these bad boys and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. So here we go again!



I'm a regular theater-goer. While plenty of people whine about paying for a ticket, I don't mind shelling out the necessary cash. That having been said, the fact that I didn't see this particular one in theaters still infuriates me, as I almost always see this company's features at the theater. What other company could I be speaking of besides Pixar? And what movie is the finest animated feature of all time? None other than the motion picture, "Up."

 

 

Cast: Edward Asner as Carl Fredricksen
Christopher Plummer as Charles F. Muntz
Jordan Nagai as Russell
Bob Peterson as Dug



Plot: Carl Fredricksen has had little to be happy about since the loss of his wife. He has no family to speak of, his house is surrounded by construction, and a company is scheming to take his property. When an accident will force him into a nursing home, he hatches a desperate scheme to fulfill a promise to his wife and heads to Paradise Falls, a land lost in time. During the flight, he picks up an unexpected passenger in Russell, a young boy who is a little overeager in his desire to help Carl. In their adventure, they come on a lost world and embark on a spectacular journey that will change their lives...



The Review: Usually, it is prudent to start at the beginning. And the beginning of this film is usually the most discussed portion of the film, simply because it's wonderful. It masterfully captures the feel and style of the 1930's era.
And with that over with, I proceed to the actual meat of the opening twelve minutes, which are the best in all of animated cinema. I've never seen such a brilliant display of joy, love, sadness, commitment and grief in my life. Remember, this whole thing takes less than twelve minutes.
Since all of Carl's niceness was lost after he lost his wife, we viewers are now left to deal with a grumpy jerk who, against all logic, actually appeals to you and is enjoyable to watch. Who knew we liked watching crochety old dudes?
Up's animation is a little different from other Pixar films, or other animated films of the modern era. While most films concern themselves with detail (Such as Kung Fu Panda 2), Up tends to focus more on vibrant colors to create a welcoming and friendly environment. It has some good details at times, but that wasn't the goal with the film.
Something else this film did that made it somewhat of a departure from standard animated fare is the film's use of serious issues. Though the movie may be unrealistic, the problems and the characters are not. It's kinda serious for kid's fare, but it brings a welcome depth to the film.
Russell. This kid is the funniest animated kid I've ever come across, bar none. I promise you, kids really do act like this.
And now that we've talked about Russell, we've gotta give a shout-out for Dug, the greatest dog ever, and world's worst guard dog. Hilariously funny and so lovable.
Though Up doesn't have a HUGE amount of laughs, the film still manages to pack more than a few good ones into its running time. As usual, Pixar is clever and inventive.
"Squirrel!" "I have just met you and I love you." "It is funny because the squirrel gets dead." Lines that are destined to become classics.
Russell is given a lot of depth for being a kid, and he is a tragic character in a way. You see his family life is kind of a wreck, and it makes him seem very real, and very lonely.
Michael Giacchino's score for the film is a solid piece of musical work. Ranging from bright and cheerful to quiet and reflective in just a few scenes, this composer shows his prowess.
Muntz proves to be a pretty good villain in the Pixar lineup, and a pretty believable one at that. His actions are despicable, and we can easily believe a man would be driven to such a state.
As Carl looks over Ellie's photo album, the film rises from thoughtful to touching, as we see the joy of a long and blessed marriage brought to life in just a few pictures.
And since we started this film speaking of its opening, what better way than to finish with its end? The last, final glimpse we see of Paradise Falls is the perfect way to end, and perhaps the only way for this film to end.



The Bottom Line: I saw a tweet on my Twitter feed a couple days ago, and though it's a common sentiment, I was rather angered by what it had said: "Getting married at 22 is like leaving a party at 9:10 pm."
It's laughable how our world views marriage, especially how my generation views it. Marriage, once a desired and protected instituion, is now considered nothing more than enslavement and a buzzkill. My generations is getting married at a much later age, simply because we don't want to give up our nights out and our good times or our "friends with benefits." We're getting married later because once we're hitched, all the fun goes out of life. We lose our good looks, our flirtatious meetings at the bars, etc. The list goes on.
I really don't get what people see in this lifestyle. I guess it stems from the fact so many of the previous generation is prone to divorce, but I don't see why marriage is awful. Apparently, neither does Pixar.
The opening scenes show the marriage's very beginnings, from a childhood friendship growing into a lifelong devotion that lasts for years. Their love for each other is evident from the start, and it brings them through the inevitable struggles marriage can bring. As Ellie is forced to deal with her infertility, only the love of her husband is able to wake her from her reverie and remind her to start living. A marriage is not just words or a commitment; marriage is a powerful entertwinement of love between a man and woman, both of whom desire to take on the struggles of this world with each other. Up celebrates the joys of marriage, from beginning to its very end.
But even though Ellie dies, she never really leaves. We see the powerful love Carl has for her throughout the movie, as the very plot moves on a childhood promise he once made, and his love and loyalty push him to fulfill it. As the film goes we see Carl sort of lose his way, and the love he has for his deceased wife becomes selfish and spiteful.
No marriage is perfect, and neither are we. Though it may not be an easily evident theme in the movie, I do see how marriage can work, even with the imperfect people we spend our lives with. It may not always be easy, but it is always worth it in the end.
And then, we have something so tender and gentle that Pixar will never, ever be able to eclipse it again. As Carl looks through the section of Ellie's album marked, "Stuff I'm going to do," he is shocked to find pictures...of he and Ellie. A smile and a wave. A birthday cake for him and a birthday cupcake for Ellie. A gentle drive out. A friendly picnic. All of the pictures out of the way, scribbled on the very corner of a page, is Ellie's thanks to her husband, for the wonderful adventure she had with him.
We humans so many times have plans for our lives, we try to position events to happen just the way we want them. We think we know how our lives are going to go, and if they end up someway else...we've failed.
Don't think you've failed. Your adventure in this life was precious, no matter how long or how short it was. God gave us so many memories and people to cherish and hold that even if we tried to write them all down there would not be enough room in the world to store them. Instead of wishing for better things, be thankful for the time we've been given, and thankful for those you spent it with.



Well my friends, that's it for this week. I will not be in town next week, so the next set of reviews will start up again on July 1st, the first Monday I'm back in town. Until then, thank you for reading.

The 11th Greatest Movie Ever Made: Ferris Bueller's Day Off

OK, it's Wednesday, people, and y'all know what's coming today. Yet another movie review, and another great movie that you should watch! Ready? Once more unto the breach!



Comedies are the most unstable genre of films in the industry. They are almost totally dependent on the execution of the actors in the movie, they usually have a pretty flimsy plot, can be outdated very quickly, and usually are pretty raunchy. Comedies spring up every year, but its unlikely that one would remember them, simply because they almost never have any staying power, or much of anything to be truly memorable. So what happens when one sticks around for decades? You watch it. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off!"

Cast: Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller
Alan Ruck as Cameron Frye
Mia Sara is Sloane Peterson
Jeffrey Jones as Edward R. Rooney, Dean of Students
Jennifer Grey as Jeanie Bueller
Lyman Ward as Tom Bueller
Cindy Pickett as Katie Bueller
Edie Mclurg as Grace the secretary
Ben Stein as the economics teacher



Plot: A tragedy has befallen the Bueller household. Their son, Ferris, is extremely sick, and unable to go to school that day. His parents are worried, so as any good son would do, he assures them of his well-being and promises to get better. They leave the house nervous but proud of their son, who's become a good young man...
"They bought it." And so begins Ferris' day off, taking advantage of his parents to enjoy a beautiful day in Chicago. Rousing his best friend Cameron from his sickly daze, and rescuing his girlfriend Sloane from the clutches of high school, he and his compatriots take the Windy City by storm.
But Edward Rooney doesn't think Ferris is so wonderful, and neither does his sister, Jeanie. Both loathe him and are ready for some justice, and may just ruin his day off...



The Review: I saw this when I was about nine years old, watching a copy we recorded off TV, back when VCRs still existed. I loved it then and, after some maturity (maybe) I have a deep appreciation for the film.
The film starts off well, with a sweet, heart-warming intro about loving parents who care for their sick child...and then quickly drops the sappy stuff for some good fun.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off is an iconic film, and it has earned that spot by having iconic lines and scenes. There's so many that it's really hard to keep track of them all, even if you've watched the film a lot.
Of course, being a comedy, it needs to be funny. But this film isn't funny. It's hilarious, and packs a marathon of laughs into its running time. When I first saw this I was paralyzed with laughter, and I still get a major kick out of it. The jokes are clever and witty, far better than the bilge we put out today.
But what's a Ferris Bueller review without mention of Ben Stein? I mean, come on..."Bueller...Bueller...Bueller..." classic moments with a guy who sounds like a complete bore. His economics speech is a hilarious piece of dull.
I stated earlier that a comedy depends on the actors and their execution of their roles. Since Broderick is the primary star, he needs to put up some good acting, and he thankfully delivers in the best role of his career. Ferris is a witty and likeable individual.
The rest of the acting crew is a pretty solid bunch, with probably Alan Ruck taking 2nd place for best acting in the film. His character is more developed than the others, so that's probably what gives him the advantage. But overall, everyone does a pretty good job.
And why do they do a good job? Because they enjoyed themselves. There's moments when you can simply tell that the actors were having a good time and enjoying themselves during the shoot. It makes their acting more convincing and more enjoyable to the audience.
I want to take a moment to say something a little personal. This is kind of a little laugh I get out of the movie, but I have a good friend who looks almost EXACTLY like Mia Sara, who plays Sloane. I seriously hopes she reads this just so she'll watch the movie and get a laugh out of it herself. Yes, its stupid, but then so was high school.
Another icon of the film was a car. A gorgeous car, a beautiful car. The Ferrari California 250 GT. Just awesome.
Another iconic scene was the "Star Wars" scene. It was so iconic, funnily enough, that the scene would be parodied by Adult Swim's Robot Chicken Star Wars special.
And of course, there must be a mention for "Twist and Shout." Simply THE scene of the entire picture. It's a rousing good time, and such an awesome song from the Beatles.
Not that the movie is all laughs, mind you. The movie does have some heart to it, but more on that in my bottom line..
The last scene in which Ferris makes a dash for home is another well-known scene, and like the one mentioned earlier, would be mocked. Family Guy would do a parody of the scene years later, in an homage to the greatest of comedies.



The Bottom Line: Comedies rarely seperate themselves from the rest of the pack. They almost never stay on top of the box office for long, and usually don't stick around for long. So what made Ferris Bueller so gosh-dang special? Like I said earlier, it has a heart to it. It wasn't just around for the laughs.
Throughout the entire film, Cameron is shown to be worrying and stressing over his parents, particularly his father, who seems to have a powerful vindictiveness towards his son. He's so tired of it that he's the only person I know who feels better when he's sick. In a crisis, he is finally forced to meet his resentment and anger towards his father head-on, and has to actually face what he hates. But what caused it? Ferris. Through the whole movie, its really about his desire to help his friend out, and show him a good time. Ferris, unlike a whole lot of other people in high school, actually GETS that high school is a time of freedom that really never comes around again. Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and take a look around once in a while, you could miss it. And since he has that knowledge, he tries to help Cameron, who being so stressed and pained by the problems in his life, he never stopped and enjoyed his life.
I made the same big mistake, and that mistake was being so consumed in the problems of today that I never really let go and enjoyed my time in high school. But now that its over, watching this movie again makes me realize that my time may not have been well spent, but was definitely a freedom that I'll never have again, and one that I will cherish, knowing the people and the memories I made will not fade from my mind. High school rocked.
Well, that's it for today, guys. This Friday, we will breach the Top 10 and start our way up some truly elite films. You think you've seen greatness yet? Think again.







You're still here? It's over. Go home. Go.

The 12th Greatest Movie Ever Made: Kung Fu Panda 2

Well, it's been a while hasn't it? Friday sure seems a long way away now, but no worry my friends, the latest review is here, and I'm more than ready to rumble. OK, No. 12, here we go!



2011 was a unique year for filmmaking, as I remember it. It was the year that two of Marvel's films appeared (Thor and Captain America), paving the way for the Avengers the following year. It was also the most disappointing year in Pixar's history, as Cars 2 was released to critical disappointment. I had the unfortunate happening of seeing it in theaters, and I still want my ten dollars back. It wasn't just bad, it was plain awful. For Pixar, who was used to an unbroken record of success, the film was a disaster. To make matters worse for the company, its animated rival DreamWorks had released its film earlier that year, and made around triple what Cars 2 did. And that film, ladies and gentlemen, is the subject of my review today. I give you...Kung Fu Panda 2!

Angelina Jolie as Tigress
Gary Oldman as Lord Shen
David Cross as Crane
Jackie Chan as Monkey
Seth Rogen as Mantis
Lucy Liu as Viper
Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu
James Hong as Mr. Ping
Michelle Yeoh as Soothsayer
Danny McBride as Wolf Boss
Dennis Haysbert as Master Storming Ox
Jean-Claude Van Damme as Master Croc



Plot: Life has been good for Po since he became the Dragon Warrior. Loved by the citizens, respected by the Furious Five, he is living the high point of his life. But on a routine mission to apprehend a gang of thieves, he has an unusual flash of a lost memory, one that unnerves him and causes him to question his past.
Meanwhile, in the mighty kingdom of Gongmen City, the powerful Lord Shen, former heir to the throne, returns and defeats the city's guardians with a powerful new weapon, one that is able to overcome any kung fu technique. Po and the Furious Five are sent to stop him from taking over China, but when the two finally meet, Po discovers that he may have seen Shen before...and may be the one who destroyed his past...



The Review: OK, let's just get the most obvious thing done and over with. This is the best-looking animated film of all time, bar none. The environments range from beautiful Chinese forests to colorful urban environments, all the while they look stunning. There's even small moments of traditional 2D animation mixing with 3D, which provide some pretty spectacular results.
The most evident moment of 2D animation is in the opening scene, which is a slick way of introducing some key plot points in the film.
The first action sequence in the film, which happens pretty early on in the film, is synchronized to fit the scene's score. It works pretty well and provides a good laugh, as well as some cool kung fu action.
Speaking of laughs, this film is pretty funny. For putting out a lot of jokes, the film doesn't really feel like a comedy and the humor isn't stale. In fact, it's probably DreamWorks best gag reel ever.
A good movie needs good characters, and something the original film suffered from was the focus was so intent on Po, Shifu and Tai Lung that the other characters felt rather bland. This problem is fixed, as the Furious Five are given a greater overall focus and feel more complete as characters.
On a particular note, Tigress, out of the entire Five, is given the most screen time and we delve into her character more than the others. There's moments when she shows an emotional reaction, but we're left only to guess as to why. I'm not left frustrated but instead curious, as I want to know her story.
Every story needs a good villain, and this film delivers so well it's one of the high points of the whole film. Lord Shen is a sinister, excellent villain who really steals the show. Brilliant voice acting from Gary Oldman combines with Shen's barely concealed insanity for a remarkable villian who brings a dark edge to the film.
In fact, this film is one of the darkest animated films I've come across, almost to the point of too mcuh so. It's an intense, dramatic story. Guillermo Del Toro's involvement in the film provides an emotional punch that is remarkably harsh.
I liked this film a lot, but there was always one scene in the film that stuck with me the most, and I believe is the best scene in the film: The abandoned village. When Po is forced to face the horrors of his past is the culmination of the film's plot. The sequence has an emotional gravity and depth that is unforgettable.
All of the depth is heightened by the score, which is simply superb. Hans Zimmer and John Poweel combine to make an unforgettable score that is well worth listening to.
 The flashback sequence is soon followed by two more wonderful scenes, the first of which is the final battle. It's an overload of sheer awesomeness, beautiful visual detailing, and a powerful stand against Lord Shen's completely obvious madness.
Then the film ends on a heartwarming note, bringing Po back to where his journey began: home, with his father. It's a tear-jerker of a moment, and the film ends on a climax that leaves me desperate for more, and eagerly awaiting the third installment of the series.



The Bottom Line: It took me a little time to really appreciate this film, but I believe it's one that stands on its own in a way DreamWorks had never really ventured. I can't think of a single film whose target audience is children having a plot involve genocide. But Del Toro's depth brought a needed boost to the film, making it memorable and touching, perhaps even impactful. As we watch the movie, we see Po seemingly at ease, but a blast from the past reveals hidden unease, and an eventual horror from his past that tortures him. Though horrific as it is, he is somehow able to overcome. Why?
The answer is truly a simple one: The power of darkness is limited. Evil relies on the power and grip it has on us to keep going, to keep torturing us and antagonizing us. Our past can horrify and torment us, telling us it will never go away, and will never be redeemed, but I do not believe that is so. As I heard a wise old goat once say, "Your past may not have a beginning, but it does not make you who you are. It is the rest of your story, who you choose to be..."
As a Christian, I really do believe that is true. We are given free will, and so we have the choice to allow darkness to rule over us, or to fade away and be something greater. We may never forget what has been done, but it does it control you? Does sorrow truly overcome joy? Or does the darkness fade with the rising of the sun?



Well, that marks the end of this review. See you again Wednesday, and be ready for another great film!

The 13th Greatest Move Ever Made: How to Train Your Dragon

Well, we're already a week through, and on our 13th film. A little disappointing, isn't it? We've only gone through two before now?  Well, count another one to the list, cause here we go again!


For the most part, animated film suffer from a common ailment: They appeal to kids only. They have dumb jokes at best, and crude ones at worst. They're full of stupid humor, stupid characters and stupid plot. They do nothing to make you care about the film at all. Most of the time, these films end up being just straight to DVD pictures, but there was a company that was especially good at putting out crap and making money off of it. That company was Dreamworks.
Dreamworks draws my ire mostly because its competition from Pixar was way better in comparison. Quick, name me a Dreamworks film that's not a Shrek or Madagascar film. See? It's hard. Their stuff was, for the most part, unremarkable and silly. Their jokes were funny mostly because they were gross.
However, in 2010, Dreamworks did something I never would have believed possible: They beat Pixar in the arena. Not moneywise, but I really do believe in overall enjoyment. So, enjoy the breath of fresh air that is...How to Train Your Dragon!

Cast: Jay Baruchel as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III
Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast
Craig Ferguson as Gobber the Belch
America Ferrera as Astrid Hofferson
Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fishlegs Ingerman
Jonah Hill as Snotlout Jorgenson
TJ Miller and Kristin Wiig as Tuffnut and Ruffnut Thorston

Plot: Berk is the home of the Vikings, the powerful but stubborn people of the north seas. They have staked a claim to this island for generations defending it against the ferocious dragons that also live in the area. Though the Vikings push hard, they have never been able to drive off the dragons completely, and the war between the two sides continues. The Viking society is all about killing dragons: Fame, good fortune and everything else that a Viking desires comes from taking down dragons...something Hiccup is completely incapable of. With a wry humor, slight stature and none too impressive skills, the son of the chieftain is the social outcast of the village. However, in a moment of desperation, Hiccup manages to successfuly catch downed dragon and prepares to deal the death blow and earn his place. But instead, he frees the helpless beast and in doing so, creates a course of events that will change everything.



The Review: I've said it already, but I need to say it again: I don't really like Dreamworks. The first two Shrek movies were pretty good, and Kung Fu Panda was pretty fun, but they weren't stellar. (Yes, you could argue for Prince of Egypt, but that's so far back that it's an entirely different Dreamworks company). Add that the series of books this movie is based off of is nothing but immature, male humor packed into a couple pages, I wasn't entirely pleased when I saw what was coming for Dreamworks.
So when I started hearing good things about this film from ADULTS, I was more than surprised. Hey, maybe it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I never got to see a trailer for it, so I could only judge by past experience. So, on a whim, I decided to go take a look and see if it was any good or not.
Holy crap, I was blown away. It was the animated film of the year! I was completely taken aback by how good it was. And just how good?
It starts off good, that's how. The action begins right at the start, and an excellent narrative provided by Hiccup brings you into the world rather easily. No long winded explanations, just some fun action and a clever opening let you understand the film's world without too much trouble.
And also established early on is the tense relationship between Hiccup and his father, Stoick. There's obvious embarassment on Stoick's end because of who he is and what he expects from his son, and there's resentment and unhappiness because he can't make his father happy despite all his efforts. The attempts to have a normal conversation between the two are awkward for both parties, and feel pretty realistic. It's a common plot element, but they pull it off real nice.
Another great aspect of the film was its visuals, a key for animated films nowadays. The environments are mostly rough and rocky crags, but the details are pretty exqsuisite. I can only think of one animated film that looks better, and more on that at another time.
While the core four characters(Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid and Stoick) get most of the screen time, but the side characters aren't pushed out. They get some good lines, and feel like they have a well-developed personality instead of being just a bunch of faces to move the plot along.
Now, what was my biggest complaint about Dreamworks? Crappy jokes. Gross ones, crude ones (I'm looking at YOU, Monsters vs Aliens) that really made only kids laugh. THIS movie, however, was slick, smart and just plain clever. Hiccup's sarcastic one-liner are pretty memorable, the jokes feel unusually fresh, and by far outstrip any other Dreamworks film that came before it.
But really, what's a review of this movie without a mention of Toothless? I mean, this dragon is the coolest dragon ever. He manages to be cute, hilarious, and just plain awesome in whatever scene he gets. Just how popular was he? Let me put it this way: The Night Fury action figure was selling for twelve bucks: They were all gone at retail stores, and online it was going for nearly $40 at the cheapest. That's a cool dragon.
And with a good shoutout for Toothless, one cannot forget the first flying scene: Simply stunningly gorgeous, a beautiful score to complement the scene, and really just one of the best scenes in any animated film period.
But of course, one of the key requirements of a film is the main character. Hiccup feels relatable and altogether believable. We all either know someone like him, or we are like Hiccup. There's no other way to explain it.
I gave it a mention before, but the film's score is beautiful and a lot of fun. It has an adventurous, wildly free feel that fits the movie just right. Why this film didn't win the Oscar for Best Score is beyond me, and in my opinion a travesty of justice.
And if a movie starts well, it needs to end well. Though there' some ending scenes afterwards, the movie's climax is a real rouser. Enough action for adults to enjoy, but not too violent where kids couldn't have fun.



The Bottom Line: How to Train Your Dragon seemed to turn around the idea that Dreamworks was simple children's fare. They didn't stay that way, unfortunately, but it was still a blast of a film no mater what. It's a talking film, one that makes a pretty good point: The things that scare us are most likely pretty scared OF us. Sometimes the things we think are monsters aren't really so monstrous, and all it takes is a little digging, and something a little unique from someone unique. I recommend this film, I really do. Way to go Dreamworks, you made a heck of a film.

And with that, my work for this week is done. I'll see you all on Monday, and be ready for another great film!

The 14th Greatest Movie Ever Made: Akira

Well, it took long enough for Wednesday to get here, didn't it? And like I promised, here's another movie for you enjoyment, straight from my mouth and into your head.
Now, I doubt you've heard of this one, and up until just a few years ago, neither had I. For the most part, this was not a genre I really dealt with much, as I felt it was either over-the-top, wierd, childish, or just plain gross. But I kept hearing this film's name cropping up when people talked about the "rebirth" of the genre, and my curiosity was piqued when I discovered it was based on a 2,182 page epic, so I decided to take a look, not really knowing what it was about. I got more than what I had expected, and with far more blood than I ever would have anticipated. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you...Akira!

Cast: Mitsuo Iwata as Shotaro Kaneda
Nozomu Sasaki as Tetsuo Shima
Maimi Koyama as Kei
Yuriko Fuchizaki as Kaori
Masaaki Oruka as Yamagata
Takeshi Kusao as Kai
Kasuhiro Kamifuji as Masaru
Tatsuhiku Nakamura as Takashi
Fukue Ito as Kiyoko
Taro Ishida as Colonel Shikishima
Mizuho Suzuki as Doctor Onishi

Plot: On July 16th, 1988, a powerful explosion detonated over Tokyo, marking the beginning of World War III. 31 years later, the powerful city of Neo-Tokyo now stands in what was once Tokyo Bay. The Olympics has been picked the city to be its destination for next year, and the Japanese government has decided to build the stadium right over the remains of Old Tokyo, in an effort to forget about the war. However, Neo-Tokyo is a dystopian city full of violence and corruption, with protestors almost at war with police on a regular basis. As the lawlessness continues, biker gangs have sprung up in the local youth. Kaneda, young teen and leader of the Capsules, a biker gang, leads his forces against their rivals, the Clowns. The violence spreads out into the ruins of Old Tokyo and, in a freak accident, Kaneda's friend Tetsuo is involved in an accident with a mysterious child. Soon after, Tetsuo begins to experience strange powers, powers that start to bring Neo-Tokyo to its knees...


Review: I've said it already: I don't really care much for anime. As a kid, I grew up on a fairly steady diet of Pokemon and Digimon, but as I grew older I wasn't looking back on them with much fondness. That, combined with having come across some rather wierd anime titles(Which is not too bad considering there's some awful stuff to find in the genre), not to mention the stigma surrounding anime made me a little leary of watching an entire movie of the stuff. So when I sat down and watched Akira on the computer I had the mindest of just seeing what all the fuss was about.
It took me forever to finish the movie due to loading the clips, but I didn't stop till it was over. I was completely riveted.
First off, the movie simply looks great. Though anime had made some leaps on design and animation, Akira still looks better than just about any that I've seen(Which, granted, isn't much), and the details are fine, all the way down to the smallest lines on a building.
You might be thinking that, judging by the plot description, you've seen a movie like his before. And odds are, you probably have. However, Akira was a first of its kind, trailblazing a path for many animes to follow, and even many American dystopian worlds have been based off the creation. Need proof? In the TV series Batman Beyond, the city is called Neo-Gotham.
I'll talk more on this later, but the violence is well directed. Early on in the film, before it gets really brutal, they slowed some of the action down to make it look more intense. Trust me, it works.
One thing I enjoyed about the film is that even when it's deadly serious, I still got a laugh out of it every now and then. The film's humor matches its plot(dark) but it manages to get a quick laugh out of you.
And this is solely on a critical level, the score is powerful and unique. Shoji Yamashiro, who was in charge of the music, blends a strange yet excellent mix of organic sound as well as orchestral. It's not something I would buy, but there's no denying it fits the film.
One thing I dislike about animes sometimes is their ability to be completely ridiculous. Think cat-lady-witch-demon and you probably have an anime character without realizing it. Thankfully, Akira skips these cliches and instead has believable characters that function well. Their origins may be slightly different from their manga counterparts(Example: Tetsuo was abandoned by his parents, but his mother is mentioned in the first volume of the manga), or they may have different deaths then they did in the manga, but I still enjoy it.
A great part of the film, and a key point of the plot, is the tension between Tetsuo and Kaneda, and the resentment Tetsuo has for his friend. Though the anger was inherent with him already, it's something to see that anger blow out of control and onto the screen. It's powerful, and more than a little creepy if you think about it. But more on that later.
And now, we turn to our star, Kaneda. He's brash, he's kind of a dirtbag, and little more than typical high school prison scum. Sure, he's fun to watch and darn cool but that doesn't stop him from being scum(I had the exact same complaints with Chris Pine's Captain Kirk up until the latest Star Trek release). But as we delve further into the film, you see a change start to begin when he meets Kei, and tries to protect her. His growth is accelerated further when he loses a friend, and we see a boy have to become a man, and quick.



The Bottom Line: I watched the movie before I ever read the manga. I mean, 2000 pages plus was a lot to cover, and I didn't have a lot of time to do it. That, and the manga was only fully released very recently, so I had a hard time tracking it down. Eventually, I found all six volumes at my local Barnes & Noble and sat down to give them a read. Simply put, Akira is the greatest graphic novel to ever exist, and brings up some complications in regards to the movie.
The manga is way better. Why? Not because the movie is bad, but because the movie can't possibly fit the whole manga into two hours. A big problem with the film is that you can say a whole lot it DOESN'T do. It doesn't have all the characters, it doesn't go as in-depth with the characters, and the plot is nowhere near as thick. Seriously, if you were to stand each volume of the manga on top of one another, they're thicker than three Bibles put together. The film simply can't cover that.
However, the film DOES work in a different way: Katsuhiro Otomo, writer and director of the film, is the writer and creator of the manga, so he had complete control of the whole process. IN a way, he is giving an alternate take of his own story. It's not as fantastic as the manga, but it sure as heck works anyway. Akira is a work of art no matter if it's manga or anime.
Usually, I'd give each film on this list a recommendation, but I'm more than a little hesitant to do it with this one, simple because the film is so brutally violent. The film is rated 'R' for a reason, and it lets you know pretty quick. The violence is intense and shocking, and if seen by a young child, would probably scar them pretty badly. Gang violence, bloody shootings, a guy's skull getting smashed with a hammer, people exploding, on and on it goes, even a scene s gruesome I cannot find words in the human lexicon to describe it. And, admittedly, there is a really brief(and really unecessary) nude flash that was added in(I don't watch since I know right where it is), but the violence is really the key part of the film's brutality. I won't give the manga a recommendation either, as it's even more violent and more sexual than the film.
Despite some of the shortcomings when comparing to the manga, as well as its dark nature, Akira is a powerful tale of power and corruption, as well as the effects we can have on each other. Tetsuo's inferiority complex was unknowingly aggravated by Kaneda, and that begins to push him towards insanity. As the film moves forward, we see how corruptive ANY kind of power can be, and how that power eventually can destroy us. Watch Akira if you dare, cause this film is something to see.



Well, I must be out, atleast until Friday. What movie will be Number 13? You'll see...

The 15th Greatest Movie Ever Made: Toy Story 3

Well people, here we go, just like I promised! We're gonna be going through the finest pieces of cinematic genius ever made, the toast of Tinseltown if you will. We start at the very bottom of the list, but don't let that fool you: These movies are excellent, no matter what number they are on the list. I simply believe that there are some that are better than others.
But enough talk, let's get started! And what is the movie? None other than Toy Story 3!

Cast:

Tom Hanks as Woody
Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear
Joan Cusack as Jessie
Ned Beaty as Lots-O-Huggin' Bear
Don Rickles as Mr Potato Head
Blake Clark as Slinky Dog
Wallace Shawn as Rex
John Ratzenberger as Hamm
Estelle Harris as Mrs. Potato Head
Jodi Benson as Barbie
Michael Keaton as Ken



Plot: It's been years since Woody and the gang have been played with. Their numbers have been thinned by yard sales and spring cleanings, and now only the core group remains: Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Bullseye, Slinky, Rex, Hamm, the Aliens, And the Potato Heads. With Andy now all grown up and preparing to head to college, the gang prepares for a long wait in the attic, until better times come around. But in a freak accident, Buzz and the others end up on the street curb and nearly tossed in the garbage truck, much to Woody's horror. Despite Woody's insistence to the contrary, he, along Jessie and the others donate themselves to Sunnyside Daycare, where they meet Lots-O Huggin' Bear, a kindly toy who shows them the joys of playtime at Daycare. Sunnyside seems to be a veritable paradise for toys! Until Woody leaves to return home, and in his absence, the true nature of Sunnyside is revealed...



Review: Trilogies are dangerous things. When an excellent motion picture is made(In this case, Toy Story), there is always demand for another. If not by the viewers, then atleast those in charge demand a sequel, as they can see dollar signs. Rarely does a sequel end up being better than it's predecessor. However, Toy Story 2 was one of the few to ever break that rule. Pixar, unlike many companies(atleast for a period of time) cared about the quality of their work and made sure to give the series the love and devotion it needed to succeed. And their results were obvious, as Toy Story 2 is considered even greater than the original film.
Now remember, Toy Story 2 was released in 1999. It took Pixar eleven years to make a sequel. A third movie, with such a gap between it and its forerunner, is likely to be a disaster.
Trilogies are dangerous because in three movies, one is usually considered a black sheep(Spiderman 3, X-Men 3 Pirates of the Carribean 3, The Dark Knight Rises), or worse, the trilogy just isn't very good at all. But every once in a while, a trilogy comes along that is simply stunning from beginning to end. Toy Story 3 caps off the Toy Story series in a marvelous way that few movies ever do, and brings a sense of closure to the series.
First, take a look at the anmation of the film. Animated films usually suffer from being outdated(as the film eventually became), but Toy Story 3 is a blast of lurid colors and design straight from the get-go. The characters are extremely detailed, from their stitches to even how the characters walks and moves. The environments are colorful and vivid when they need to be, or grim and harsh if the scene needs to be.
A great point of a trilogy can be references to previous material. Not only does Toy Story 3 come off a plot point raised in its predecessor, but also has some wonderful references to earlier lines, and even a cameo appearance from Sid, who was in the original Toy Story(Hint: look at the garbage truck guy's shirt. It's the same skull design).
Earlier on in the film's production, a plot line discussed was that of Buzz being part of a toy recall and taken away, and needing to be rescued by Woody, Jessie, and the others. It was an interesting idea, but too similar to Toy Story 2. What we got instead was a rather dark and serious plot, unusually serious when one considers this is a film for children. Add in Lotso's obsession with the futility of being and their eventual deaths, you have something that's pretty harsh considering the film's target audience.
Not that the movie is doom and gloom. It IS Pixar, so there's plenty of clever, witty laughs to go around. The usual smart humor we expect is evident, and enjoyable for everyone. And I might consider Spanish Buzz the funniest gag in any Pixar film.
And of course, there are the characters themselves. We've grown up knowing Woody and Buzz and the gang, so we already feel an emotional attachment to them before the film is started. Once the action starts, we feel like we're among familiar friends, smooth and enjoyable. we also get some fresh material in the form of Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear and Ken, the two brightest newcomers that join the fray. Pixar has a lot of faces walking around in Toy Story, and none of them feel unnecessary or poorly done.
But definitely, the critical moment of the entire movie is its ending. Ending a great film is difficult, as sometimes they can be saturated, watered down or overly sappy. Instead, the film ends on a gentle, tender note that seals the series in a perfect way. As the screen goes black, we really do feel like we've come to the end of a spectacular journey, and though a new one has begun, our times as observers in this story is now done. as Andy drives off, so do we, thankful for the time we got in a superb franchise.



The Bottom Line: Toy Story 3 is a great film, touching upon a strong note: When we try to take control and decide our own fate, we usually end up making a mess, and dealing with dangerous consequences of our failings. Instead of trying to make our way ourselves, perhaps we should trust that we are cared for and loved. Cause we are not abandoned, and we are most certainly not junk. We are valued, and we will be taken care of, even if it takes a bit to get there.



Well, that wraps it up, people! I'll be back Wednesday, with Number 14! Keep reading, they're only getting better.

The greatest list that isn't real yet but will be the greatest thing you'll ever see...

So I enjoy movies. A lot, for those of you who don't know me very well. I enjoy the silver screen and what it can do to an audience. Think of a powerful movie, one that truly caused you to feel for what was happening onscreen, a film that stuck with you for a long, long time. Now that you have that movie in mind, how good would you say it is? Perhaps you'd say it's one of the best?

I've decided, after careful thought and consideration(Never thought you'd hear those words out of MY mouth, did ya?) to make a well-constructed, highly thought out list of great movies. And no just any great movies, but the very best movies of all time. I took some time and thought to it, and I will be covering the Top 15 greatest films ever made.

I won't be just judging them on their entertainment factor. For a movie to be a truly great film it has to meet some truly hard requirements, ones that not every film will be able to meet. The requirements for making the list are:

Entertainment: Is it fun to watch?

Depth: A great movie isn't just a soulless film. A great film touches on something deep and powerful, whether we realize it or not. What a film tries to say or speaks about is a key determinant for the supreme quality of it's contents.

Impact: A film's impact is usually a very evident sign of how a person enjoyed the film. No one will remember a film fondly if they come out with a sort of 'ho-hum' thought about it. A film's impact is shown by how excited you are to talk about it, or how long you keep talking about it. And great films last for years on end.

Legacy: There are films that come every once in a while and define a genre. A film that comes and stands on its own so powerfully that it changes how the genre is seen, how that genre is filmed and created, or even how movies are made. Great movies have the power to change things in a way we don't always realize, and can keep going for generations on end.

Acting: A simple one, really. Can the actors act?

Special Effects: This is my least favorite criteria, as it is a constantly changing format. What was considered realistic in the 70's may not look as good now. So instead of comparing to what is being done in modern filmmaking, I will compare each film to what was happening during it's time.



I will be viewing three films a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, as to make sure I end with the Number One film at the end of the week. I will be taking a few breaks over the course of the list(Bible and Beach, and another break from July 8th to July 12th), but I will try to do my best to stay on top of this and get through. Each film will get its own solitary review and will be given the whole professional treatment, as I will strip it down and go in-depth.

Now, is everyone gonna agree with this list? Hardly. I doubt anyone will, and I know I'm gonna get some looks for No. 1. But do I believe this list is right? Oh definitely. I will remember these films to the day I die as some truly spectacular works of cinematic art. Hopefully, a you go along through this list with me, you'll be exposed to some new works of motion picture excellence and will be able to enjoy these films on your own.

Alright, I've said my speech, first movie is this Monday, June 10th. As soon as I'm finished watching, I'll be quick to post the review for y'all to see. Hope you end up enjoying this as much as I do!

~Duncan Cooper