Sunday, June 17, 2007

Pirates Of The Caribbean At World's End Review: 3 1/2 out of 4 Stars

A movie review by:

Andrew Vigeant


Did no one come to save me just because they missed me? These are the infamous words of my favorite among pirates Captain Jack Sparrow. Yes! That's right! Jack and his crew are back for another adventure, but the rum.....is.....still....gone. In this 3rd film of the trilogy Elizabeth, Will and the rest of the crew sail off the edge of the map (literally) with the unlikely help of Tia Dalma and Captain Barbossa. We learn that Jack has been condemned to remain in Davey Jones' locker for eternity. But rescuing Jack isn't the only problem of this movie because Lord Beckett has control over the heart of Davey Jones, and with that he controls the sea. The nine pirate lords of the world must unite for a final stand against Beckett, Davey Jones and the British Navy.

I went into seeing this movie very surprised I was even going. My friends had stopped by my work and becuase I was getting off early i was able to accompany them to the movie theater. I went in excited and ready for another great pirate adventure led by Jack Sparrow. The only thing I was afraid of was being letdown by the 3rd movie like so many other trilogy's have happen to them. That isn't even to mention a lot of negative feedback from other friends of mine. I realized they must've not watched the movie, been on their periods, were making out with their boyfriend/girlfriend, or just plain out stupid.

The acting in this movie, by most characters, was amazing and somewhat shocking. Johnny Depp(Jack Sparrow) was phenomenal as usual. I can't see anybody else being able to replace him in this role because the look of him, his movements, and his body language compliment him throughout all three films. He is my favorite actor, so I do rate him harder than others, but without a shadow of a doubt he will still steal your heart away with his acting. Keira Knightley(Elizabeth Swann) not only stuns us with the standout performance of all three films, but even more amazingly is even more sexy in the outfits she wears this time around. Orlando Bloom(Will Turner) aka Legolas, didn't exceed my expectations of him as he did in the 2nd film but still does a bang up job. What makes him special this time around is he is given more of Jack's style which makes him more enjoyable. Geoffrey Rush(Barbossa) deserves yet another round of applause with his appearance in this film. His unique tone of voice he adds to Barbossa's character goes unmatched. Bill Nighy(Davey Jones) although is mostly the squidlike animal, surpises me when *spoiler* Naomie Harris(Tia Dalma) turns him human his facial expressions were exactly how they should be and he proved he is a special actor just for that. Kevin Mcnally(Gibbs) has a standout performance himself just because it seems like he saved his best for last in the retrospect that he tried his absolute hardest this time around and it worked for him. The only drawback in acting would be Jack Davenport(Norrington) for when he is on screen either looks: lost, confused, hazy, or just plain out spacing out.

The title of glowing soundtrack keeps it's name as the chosen songs are a gem when used with the particular scenes they are assigned. *Their are many spoilers ahead* Their are countless standout scenes within this movie, and I'm sure I'll miss a few. In the beginning when all the pirates are being hung the young boy who starts singing. You can feel the raw emotion lift off the screen and into your hearts as you hear the cruel Beckett aka Dickhead command to kill them. When we are in the room where Elizabeth and Barbossa are talking to one of the pirate kings where will is captured, it actually looks as if it is set in the right place and that it would look exactly like that. That's not to mention the fact that it's one of those scenes where they kickass and is laughable. As we watch Elizabeth, Barbossa, and Will sail their ship off the end of the world, you feel as if you're being pulled downwards with them. Then as if done purposely we are introduced to the first scene with Jack in it admist a scene where he clearly has a few screws loose. It begins my him sniffing around for a peanut and ending with him talking, yelling, and killing numerous other Jack Sparrows. That's not to mention that he's follwed by rocks!! I will skip a few scenes and cut to the scene where the Pearl and Flying Dutchman are fighting over a swirl in the water(the name of this thing escapes me) it all looks so real and believeable that I completely forgot it was all staged becuase i was so focused in. Finally the scene at the end where Elizabeth and Will are on the island is that of beauty. Not only does Elizabeth look stunning, but again the raw emotion that leaks out into your heart nearly makes you want to shed a tear or two. If u want any more details about a scene ask and I can tell you but that will be all for that right now.

The drawbacks of this movie are very limited. *Spoilers* When all the pirate lords are in the meeting room and Captain Teague comes out and is supposedly the keeper of the rules he fails. he doesn't look all that menacing and I began thinking Barbossa would own this guy if it came down to that. The acting by Norrington which i mentioned before was also a sad display, but Beckett wasn't too good himself this time around besides his facial expressions which always have made him look like a dickhead. The last drawback of this movie is the fact that I dont know where and I don't know how but it slightly dragged just a tad. Now I will end this with if u like pirates, Keira Knightley, laughing ur ass off, then see this movie, but please dont see it just to make out with your boyfriend/girlfriend! Use her parents house for that, you wont get caught trust me cause I'm ballin'! With that being said this film is definitely recommended.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Nancy Drew Review: 3 1/2 out of 4 Stars


A movie review by:

Andrew Vigeant


Sleuthing! No I didn't just curse and obscenity at you or verbally sexually insult you, so don't be alarmed. Sleuthing is what Nancy Drew (played by Emma Roberts) does best. Well, other than being incredibly adorable and cute throughout the movie. The plot is about: Amazingly cute Nancy Drew is a fantastic detective known throughout River Heights, but her dad might be getting a new job in L.A. so she has to accompany him. Her dad asks her to stop sleuthing, but they rent a house with a mystery inside involving a dead famous actress and a scary caretaker. Andrew Fleming takes this film to a new level.

The funny thing is when my friend and I went to go see this movie we were like man we can't tell anyone we're going to see this. Also when we were looking for the number 19 we were talking outloud saying: yeah so lets go see that new movie Fantastic Four not Nancy Drew! HAHA wat a joke! I mean, Fantastic Four is craptacular so I'm sure everyone still thought we were going to see Nancy Drew. Besides I'd rather go see Hostel 2 then Fantastic Four becuase at least I'd get some substance out of that movie even though it's a -2 out of 4 stars in my book before I've even seen it. This movie didn't surprise me much though because I assumed it would be pretty good going into it, but I definitely couldnt believe when it turned out to be one of the best.

The acting in this movie can only be explained with one word: phenomenal. Emma Roberts, playing Nancy Drew, not only does a superb job by being entertaining, cute, believeable, cute, funny, and cute, she actually looks like if this were a true story she would be the girl. Josh Flitter, who plays Corky, does a really good job. In all of his parts he makes you laugh by just being himself. It looks like it's all natural for him also, which is a major bonus. His arm movements, voice, and because he's chubby all add to his character in a way to his advantage. Max Thieriot, who plays Ned Nickerson, doesn't get a lot of screen time, but with what he does with it shows he has a lot of potential for upcoming movies he may star in. Rachael Leigh Cook, who plays Jane Brighton, does a great job as well especially *spoiler* the scene at the end when she finds out the caretaker is her father *end of spoiler* She too makes her character believeable and yes just to make all the guy out their happy she is kinda cute. Also Marshall Bell, who plays Leshing the caretaker, looks exactly like the type of scary caretaker you'd have in your dreams. The rest of the actors did a good job as well, but these were the standouts of the movie.

This next thing is hard for me to admit because I'm a straight guy...but whoever was made in charge to decide on the clothing and apparel of all the characters is a complete genious! Especially Nancy Drew's clothing she looks completely adorable in all of her outfits. The soundtrack was good. Not great, but they did the best they could with the movie. I mean, come on now, what selection of tracks would go with this movie other than the ones they found??

Now is time for the drawbacks. Yes, I loved this movie but it wasn't perfect. Some of the plot points become dull, possibly due to the fact that it's a kid's movie but still it just seems a little too bland. The overall flavor of the movie is moist like a freshly baked cookie, but a few too many parts feel over-explained and dry like the turkey u forget to check that sits in the over for that extra 15 minutes. This movie is suitable for all ages because tonight their were all ages watching it in the theater and all enjoyed it. I will be getting this movie when it comes out on dvd without a look of shame on my face. I wont even use my Cubs hat to cover it either! This film is definitely recommended.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Shrek 3 Review: 3 out 4 Stars

A movie review by:

Andrew Vigeant


Who's ready for thirds? I have to admit I was thoroughly surprised by this movies quality and storyline. My friend and I were going to see Knocked Up, but I thought forget that let's just go see Shrek 3. I walked up the aisle to my seat not expecting much, but I got a nice surprise in return.

The most shocking element in this movie was, perhaps, the storyline/plot. I mean, you have to admit, after shrek 2 and you heard their was going to be a 3rd you were like: WTF? what can they possibly add to this?? The basic plot is: Shrek's father in law becomes ill so Shrek is next in line to be the king of Far, Far Away. Shrek doesn't want this though because he wants to stay in his swamp with his beloved Fiona. Shrek then must go on a quest with his two faithful companions Donkey, and my personal favorite Puss in Boots to get Arthur, or Artie as he likes to be called, to be the new king. On their travels they get into a few tight spots and meet some interesting people. Meanwhile, Prince Charming takes over the castle of Far, Far Away, until Fiona and other classic characters decide to take back their castle themselves.

That's it for the storyline, but that isn't the only great thing Chris Miller leaves you with. The actors involved in this, yes i know they dont act but you only hear their voice, are superb choices. Well, besides Timberlake, because the only thing I like about him is his song bringing sexy back. I know they've had the same ones every movie but it's just how can you go wrong with Austin Powers Mike Myers, Dr. Dolittle's Eddie Murphy, The Sweetest Thing's sexy Cameron Diaz, and Zorro's Antonio Banderas?

I have to give props to all the animators as well because I know that stuff isn't easy. They do a great job and everything does look realistic, besides the fact that they are fairytale creatures and characters. Also how can i forget to mention this till now?!!? THE SOUNDTRACK! I couldn't have done better myself! Two standouts obviously are Baracuda and Immigrant song from Heart and Led Zeppelin respectively.

Now the bad parts...yes of course movies aren't perfect! As far as spoofs go their wasn't any drastic ones that I caught, but when you compare this movies laugh-o-meter (yes their IS such a thing) it doesn't compare. Not even close actually which is a major down point and why I gave this movie 3 stars out of 4. This movie is suitable for all ages because it can be enjoyed be all. This film is definitely recommended.