I'm glad you enjoyed it. I know you've been waiting for this one! ::cool::

'Godzilla '(2014)

Phantoms Review : Amazing, simple amazing. Well written story terrific acting and some awesome FX. If I have any complaints it's that it takes awhile to see the title star,but when he's on-screen it's astonishing. I loved it.

Just saw Godzilla in 3D. My thinking is this is a big summer horror/sci-fi blockbuster like it's predecessor, but much better. If you go in what that expectation, and not anticipating an Oscar-contender, you will in fact be pleasantly surprised! It succeeds where it needs to, which for me is doing a good job with Godzilla and the baddies. The male lead is very dull and flat but IMO you don't go to see this movie for dialogue, character development, etc.: this is not supposed to be "The King's Speech."

Godzilla (2014): 8.5/10
*Possible Spoilers*
I went and saw this movie in 3-D at the theaters on Friday. I really enjoyed it. I debated giving it an 8.5 or 9, but I will stick to my former rating. The film was an interesting take on the Godzilla story. It was interesting that they twisted the atomic bomb line and established that those did not create Godzilla, but that he existed long before mankind. Further, it was interesting to see Godzilla as a positive force that restores balance. This is reminiscent of some of the versus films of the 1960s and 1970s. Also, there was some excellent special effects. The monsters and cities in the film looked incredibly realistic. The destruction of the cities was incredible. Overall, I really enjoyed it, but I had some criticisms. The biggest one was character development. While the Godzilla films have always been more focused on monsters, not characters, I still consider character development an important aspect of conventional film narrative. Second, the film did not show Godzilla enough. One may point out films like Jaws, but my response to that is that people go to see a Godzilla movie to see Godzilla. So, he should be shown more than he was. This did not figure large, but it was one criticism I had. Though that might be counteracted by the fact they restored his fire breath, which was awesome. Third, which is not really a criticism of the film itself, but the 3-D. I thought it was pretty terrible, which is unfortunate because it could have been great for film like this. Godzilla (2014) was definitely a solid film, even if it was not masterpiece. If you have not seen it, I definitely recommend it.

I don't think films do near enough with 3-D. It's becoming a rip-off. There are rarely any effects specially catered to that medium, ala Friday the 13th 3-D, that make it worth spending the extra money. Sad really.

It's not that I want on-screen antics, it's that they offer TOO much before taking it away, and the rinse-and-repeat of this technique grows tiresome. And the sheer amount of MUTO action we're given means it's not an exercise in subtlety - it's a very action packed film. That's what makes Godzilla's absence irritating - not a personal desire to have constant spectacle, but the imbalance.

I saw Godzilla at the IMAX theatre in 3D yesterday. Excellent and appropriate venue for the film. It cost $15! Most I've ever paid for a film, but I don't go to the theatre all that often anymore, nor the IMAX. So it's a special treat.

The film was solid, and the visuals and immersion was top notch.

It stayed true to Gojira/Godzilla orthodoxy, had a traditional Godzilla storyline, and at the same time manage to take a fresh perspective on the King of the Monsters.

I won't go into any spoilers at this point. Yes, there's some small details of the story I would "correct", but overall, it was a Godzilla movie experience. Like many modern "action" films, it lacked some character development particularly with the son/soldier, and as a result, lacked some heart. Also, it lacked a bit of the Japanese Kiaju spirit -- that is giving the kaiju's a fantasy film spirit and mythos.

Rating out of 10: 7/10

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Rise of the Planet of the Apes 2011

5/10


I must admit upfront, I'm not a fan of pet sized CG apes/monkeys. They are so difficult to do because the more human they are like the more OFF they are. So that will always be a thorn in my paw while watching CG attempts.

I thought it was just watchable. To me, it was contrived and lacked heart. I like most all of Franco's acting work, but I didn't really care about any character in this film. It was interesting to have Bonzo infect the other apes to make them smart, and lead them out... but there's where they drop the ball. If that had occurred at least at the 1/2 mark, it could have been part of the story -- the lot of the apes, the ramifications of personhood in the apes, what to do with them, the Exodus, the interaction with human society, the ape colony interaction -- so many interesting avenues. Instead, the smart apes break out and make for the woods, which makes sense, but why they were so quickly discovered and stopped by police on a bridge... it was really pointless (that is, the only reason was to make a battle sequence).

I think Conquest of the Planet of the Apes 1971 was a much more interesting and engaging film. I'll never forget the ape opening the Bible to Caesar for his name. I didn't mind the obvious allegories because the characters and story was so engaging.

Got to totally agree with this.

After Earth

I tried, I really did. Turned it off after 45 minutes. I was so bored, I kept getting up and puttering around the apartment.

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...ps153403f0.jpg

Cowboys Vs Zombies 5/10.
The zombies movements were like a cross between an epilectic fit & attempting to rave.