Kung Fu Panda (2008) Review

 

Kung Fu Panda is one of those films that will stick with you. It is full of crazy, over the top action and yet it doesn’t shy away from things like story and character development. The fight scenes were intense even if they were a little on the unrealistic side. However, the fight scenes weren’t meant to be realistic. They were meant to be fun and entertaining and WOW did they do that!

The backdrop to the film was bright and colorful. Vibrant and pleasing to the eyes. The characters, too, were full of life, each one a tapestry of their individual personalities. What starts out as jealousy soon evolves into love and support. Over time the characters changed and they did so for the better. Even though they were animals they seemed remarkably human. 

The story was your typical bad guy against good guy but it had a certain charm to it. The story, though, wasn’t really the focus of the film. I felt as though it was more about the characters and how they reacted to the story. How they reacted towards adversity and how they dealt with each other. At first there was a lot of animosity towards Po, their jealousy as obvious as the nose on their face. However, as the film progressed their attitude shifted from hatred to support. It wasn’t long before they were family and seeing them make that change you couldn’t help but be happy for them.

This was one of those films that you won’t forget. So sit back with some popcorn and a soda and enjoy this classic of a film. You won’t regret it.

9 out of 10

The Inhabitant (2022) Review

 

The Inhabitant was an interesting mix of both the Slasher and the Psychological thriller genre. It tells the story of the ancestors of Lizzie Borden who become possessed by her spirit and go out on a murder spree against those who they felt wronged them. The premise was interesting although at times it failed to keep my attention. I think that parts of this movie were a little too slow, however it did lead to an amazing climax.

The acting was amazing as too was the writing. You weren't always sure what the characters' motives were and some things were shown in subtle ways making you question what exactly was going on. It was the little things that brought the most to the film. The characters being three dimensional and having substance.

The end, too, was shocking. I didn’t see it coming, however after it got there I was amazed that I didn’t pick up on it sooner. Once you know what’s happening does it become blatantly obvious but the film does a good job of hiding it. Showing just enough to keep you guessing. 

This was one of the films that I doubt most people will watch more than once however it is a film worth watching. As long as you go into it not expecting the next great thing in horror you’ll probably enjoy it. 

7 out of 10

Film Theory: Terminator 3 The real reason why he didn't wear the Star Shaped Glasses

 

This one is a simple one yet it is kinda hard to believe how long it took for us to realize this. Every opening scene in the Terminator films is iconic. They all start the same way. The T-800 goes looking for a disguise after coming to that time period completely naked. He finds one, usually a leather jacket and shades. The third Terminator, however, takes a slightly different approach. In the movie the Terminator takes the outfit of a stipper which comes with red tinted star shaped glasses. He then crushes the glasses underneath his foot. Now most people, myself included, thought he did that simply because of how stupid they looked but a fan theory proposes a different reason and in short, it is brillant! This theory has to do with how the Terminator was built and how he physically saw the world. The theory says the Terminator’s vision is tinted red, too and that wearing those glasses could make it impossible for him to see. Does this make any sense? Well, kind of when you really stop to think about it. It is just funny how long it took for people to figure this out.

Atlantis The Lost Empire (2001) Review

 

I first watched this movie all the way back in 2001 in theaters. I was 11 at the time and there was something about this film that had always stuck with me. I think what it was was the characters. They were vibrant and had a sense of being full of youth and excitement. They were three dimensional and had depth. They were all more than what they seemed on the surface. That is something that is rare in films today.

The art direction was amazing, too. The colors were dark and yet were full of life. The light from the crystals were, in particular, really beautiful and filled the screen in a sense of wonder. Looking at them filled you with questions and excitement. What were they and what did they mean to the Atlantians? 

The story was surprisingly good as well. While there were times when I could predict what was coming up for most of the film I was left in the dark only to be surprised by a plot twist or encounter. When it came to the ending I had a basic suspicion of what was going to happen but I couldn’t quite fill out the details on my own and I have to admit that I was rather surprised. 

This movie is about the adventure but also the destination. You leave this film feeling, in some way, rather satisfied. It has a happy ending and really makes you think. There are still good people in the world and maybe because of that the world might just have a future. 

9 out of 10

Jeepers Creepers Reborn (2022) Review

 

I don’t say this about a lot of movies but Jeepers Creepers Reborn was absolute garbage. Total trash. This film didn’t have one redeeming quality to it. The writing sucked, the acting was terrible, the special effects were awful. The special effects would have been considered bad 15 years ago. This film had nothing good about it. The only good part was when the movie was over and I no longer had to watch any of it. Not to mention the fact that this was a horror film and was supposed to be scary but literally none of it was frightening. All the parts that were supposed to scare you just came across as cheesy and lame. There was nothing original about it and it did nothing new. If you have to watch a Jeepers Creepers movie stick with the first two. They were at least scary and brought something to the genre. Overall this film was a total waste of time and all I want is that hour and a half back. Avoid at all costs. This film is simply not worth it.

This film gets a 0.5 out of 10 but I don't even want to give it that.

Spirited Away (2001) Review

 

This film defines the word “art” in a way that few movies can. On the surface the art direction and style are a symphony to both your eyes and ears. The bright colors and vibrant characters along with the sound and music sing a tale that even the greats have trouble achieving. Hayao Miyazaki, the man behind the film, is nothing short of a master. He takes his many years of creating art and expresses his style and his individuality in a package that weighs heavy on your heart and leaves you thinking long after the credits are finished.

The set up to the film is simple. Chihiro, along with her parents are moving to a new town. While taking what was supposed to be a shortcut they find themselves at what appears to be an old abandoned amusement park. As they explore they end up, in one way or another, being consumed by it and Chihiro ends up at a BathHouse for the spirits where her adventure begins.

Her goal is simple: find a way to save her parents and a way to leave and return home. As she progressed she met Yubaba, the very unpleasant witch who runs the Bathhouse. Along with her assistant Haku, a man, who at times seems to be two different people. 

Her trip introduces us to many people and (for lack of a better word) creatures. Along with many different spirits. The art direction of these spirits was phenomenal. They were unique and their presence often told a tale without having to utter a single word.

There are only a few movies that I think everyone should see and Spirited Away is one of them. I promise you, you won't be disappointed. 

10 out of 10

World War Z (2013) Review

 

This film is an epic, nonstop ride from beginning to end. From the very beginning we see the danger that the world is in. How a virus has spread and consumed the living, turning the people into bloodthirsty zombies. These zombies, however, are not you campy, low budget movie zombies. They are not over the top nor are they overly gory. They seem to be grounded in reality. When I think of a zombie apocalypse this is what I think of.

Each moment in this film made you want more. In each moment your constant thoughts will be of what is next to come. The story, though, isn’t all that predicable. The ending in particular seems more realistic than the typical zombie movie and is in fact rather believable. Again, this film is based in reality. Your thoughts will lead you to wonder if something like this really could happen and in some ways that is scarier than the film itself.

Brad Pitt (unsurprisingly) does an amazing job as Gerry, The UN representative sent to investigate the spread of the zombie virus. Torn between not wanting to go back to his past and keeping his family safe he makes the difficult decision to go back to work for the Government to find out a cure, if any.

The film focuses on how quickly things can change for the worse. How the North Koreans were able to put a stop to the spread of the virus was legitimately terrifying. While the walled city of Jerusalem quickly fell leading to the death of thousands of people who had put their trust in it.

Is such an apocalyptic scenario possible? Could there actually be a “zombie” like virus? This film could be a prophecy of what is to come. I personally don’t put anything past Mother Nature and that as viruses continue to evolve something like this just might happen.

Makes you think, doesn’t it?

9.5 out of 10

Lucy (2014) Review

 

The premise to “Lucy” is rather simple but it brings up complex ideas as to the nature of reality and of the human mind; what it is capable of expanding to if given the chance. Scarlett Johansson plays Lucy, a young woman kidnapped and forced into smuggling a new drug out of Taiwan and into Europe. This drug, a synthetic version of CPH4 increases the mental capacity of its user if given the proper dose. The drugs were hidden inside of her and after a severe beating the bag ruptured and the drug began its trip throughout her body.

As her mind began expanding her understanding of the world evolved with it. It started off simple, being able to understand foreign languages to being able to control matter with just a thought. Soon she began to grow into this and as her mind grew so did her mastery of it. 

It really makes you think about the nature we see in the natural world. Is life nothing more than electrical impulses ruled over by our concept of time? Does anything really exist or are we just neurons powered by a simple electric shock?

The film was full of action. The gun fights are particularly fun to watch as well as how Lucy adapted to her new found abilities. My only complaint is that, from time to time, it came across as corny. Almost cliche and only serving the purpose to move the story forward. At times it just felt lazy.

Overall, while this movie isn’t what I would call a masterpiece it is still really fun to watch. It is exciting and will keep you on your toes. Just try not to blink. You’ll miss something.

8.5 out of 10

Film Theory: Donkey From Shrek is Actually from Pinocchio!

 

So, does Donkey from Shrek actually come from the story Pinocchio? There are little hints spread throughout the film. In the Shrek films, Donkey was never really given a back story. His portrayal in the book “Shrek!” by William Steig he was just a minor character however in the films his role in the story was greatly expounded upon. His role being primarily to provide comic relief and offer words of wisdom when needed.

The origins of many of the characters in Shrek are, for the most part, well known. The Gingerbread Man or the three blind mice but as for Donkey we know little to nothing. This is where this theory comes in.

In the 1940 movie “Pinocchio” Pinocchio visited Pleasure Island, a place where young people can associate and live carefree without all that adult supervision. However, not all is as it seems. It turns out that the children are being turned into donkeys and then sold into slavery. One feature that they kept, though, was their ability to talk. The fan theory states that Donkey from Shrek is actually one of these boys.

The later Shrek films expounded on this. Donkey makes references to being bullied and suffering wedgies when he was young, the latter only making sense within the context of Donkey actually being human at some part in his life.

Most of this theory holds water however, there is a small hole. The filmmakers behind the Shrek films have said that Donkey was originally gonna be a regular donkey who was cursed. However the movies never mention this so it isn’t canon. 

Theories like this are fun to look into and can really make you think. What else is hiding in our favorite films? Only by digging deep can we discover these secrets.