Monsters vs. Aliens

A young woman (Susan) is hit by a meteorite on her wedding day and becomes a larger than life monster.  She is immediately hijacked by the American government and taken to a ’secret’ prison where other Monsters are kept from society.  There she meets B.O.B the cutest gelatinous blob (who doesn’t have a brain – but turns out you don’t need one) and others.  Thankfully they are released from their prison when Aliens arrive.

I was hoping for another “The Incredibles”, but this film although funny in parts was pretty average.  B.O.B is the standout character and is the only ray of light in this average animated film.  Its so disappointing as the trailer indicated that it might have more substance.

Steph’s review: 6/10

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

If you saw the first film and enjoyed it, you’ll also like this sequel too.  It continues in the same style of humour and gets the same easy laughs.

The plot is bascially that the Zoo animals leave Madagascar (movie 1) and crash land in a wildlife park in Africa.  How will the zoo/pets survive in the wild?

For me, the penguins were the stand out again.  Also the hippo scenes.   All the characters are likable, but the animated film is really just light fluff (no Wall-E here).  Wayne didn’t think it was as good as the first one – so maybe this sequel is just too light & fluffy for most adults.  But if your a kid at heart still, then you will enjoy.

Steph’s rating: 6.5/10

WALL-E

Often how much I enjoy a film largely depends on my expectation levels and the mood I’m in.  Wall-E has had a lot of positive reviews so my expectation levels were high as I looked forward to this film.

For the most part this film is a delightful escape and lived up to my high expectations.  I enjoyed the subtle-ness of the humour and Wall-E’s character.  He was extremely endearing.  I think young and old will enjoy.  Highlights were Wall-E dancing with his ‘hat’ a rubbish bin lid and ‘fanatic’ clean machine.  Very funny and cute.

The film portrays humans in a very disturbing light, fat, lazy and materialistic.  Certainly a very sad portrayal indeed.

Kung Fu Panda

I think Jack Black did a great job as ‘Po’ the Panda. He brought a level of comedy to the film that is just ‘Jack Black’ awesomeness.

It was great to hear the kids laugh through out – and I confess I laughed with them, because it had some great characters and funny scenes. This is definitely an animated film for all ages and one you could watch over and over.

Personal highlights from the film were the action scenes, Jack Black ‘fat jokes’ and Po’s ‘noodle’ dad!

Steph’s rating: 8/10

Horton Hears a Who!

What a disappointment!

If you’re hoping for another ‘Finding Nemo’ or ‘Ice Age’, this won’t compare. I had high expectations that the wit of Jim Carey and Steve Carell would make this a non-stop laugh – in fact it was a long bore.

This movie will make a lot of money as parents look for a 2hr babysister over the school holidays.

Steph’ rating: 4/10

GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES

We Love Movies – Video recommendation of the Week:

I’m writing this recommendation because I’m a firm believer in symmetry.

 

 

During my many years of studying Physics, I’ve developed a deep appreciation of symmetry in nature – of balance. I don’t believe much in God – but if I did, Physics would be his play-book, His Bible. Physics describes the rules that God himself follows right down to the atomic level. You want to know how he created the universe? Physics tells you how. It describes the basic building blocks that form every rule and law of nature from the microscopic to the cosmological. For every particle there is an antiparticle. For every equation there is a symmetric (or antisymmetric) equation that link different phenomena. Balance is key. You eat a balanced diet for good physical health. You balance work and play for good mental health. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. For each heads there is a tails with equal probability. The only reason we tolerate evil is because we know there is also good to balance it. Wax on ………wax off.

 

 

What all this got to do with this week’s video recommendation? Nothing – except………..

Beowulf

Wayne’s rating: 6.5

The warrior Beowulf must fight and defeat the monster Grendel who is terrorizing towns, and later, Grendel’s mother, who begins killing out of revenge. (IMDB)

I really liked it but not enough to rave about it. The animation was good for the style of movie it was. It allowed an extra level of graphic violence that made you laugh.

Ratatouille

The film makes you what to go to a fine restaurant!

Like ‘Sideways’ that made you pop open that bottle of Red, Ratatouille will inspire you to want to experience fine dining. We follow the life of a cute rat, who appreciates cuisine dining and won’t eat the garbage like his fellow rats.

Very cute in parts, sometimes slow, could have had a bit more action, but still a lovely animated film. Not in the ‘class’ of Finding Nemo, but cute all the same.

Steph’s rating: 7/10

The Simpsons Movie

Wow, I didn’t expect to be giving ‘The Simpsons’ such an average review. It was OK, it met expectations, but I really hoped it would surprise me and exceed them! It never did.

This was the perfect opportunity to do a really politically incorrect movie and they totally choose the same old ‘doh’. It should have been a hilarious movie, but it was only average.

Homer was the main focus, with Bart having a very minor role. Infact, Bart was really toned down – almost a wimp. I love the cheeky, arrogant Bart, who can get away with anything – it was almost like watching a different character.

Needless to say, I did find myself laughing quite a bit through this film, yet my regular – after movie analysis really exposed the gapping falls in the storyline, characters and generally the whole thing! No-doubt this movie will make money – heaps of it! But in all honesty I enjoyed Harry Potter more. The kids will love it, but the adults may be disappointed.

Steph’s rating: 6/10

Open Season

A light hearted movie. Good humour, still not the brillance of ‘Cars’, but OK.

I think IMDB’s review of 5.7/10 is a fair review of this movie. Still looking for that special animated movie, like Finding Nemo or Cars that is a fav with the Adults and the kids.

Happy Feet

After seeing that this movie was no. 1 in the US box office for 2 weeks betting out Casino Royale (which I loved) I had high expectations for this animated feature. Unfortunately this movie’s content was for an audience age under the age of 9! There really wasn’t anything in it for the adults at all. I really loved Finding Nemo, and this never came close.

Sure penguins are cute, but that wasn’t enough to stop me yawning throughout. I was also expecting dramatic musical and dance scenes, but these also were pretty hum drum. I have to say that the reason this movie is doing so well is that its acting as a 1 hr 40min baby sitter for parents. So whilst that is certainly a drawing card to alot of people, however judging by the lack of kiddie laughs in the 10am screening I attended, even the kids weren’t that entertained or amused by it.

Steph’s rating: 4/10

Flushed Away

Wayne knew that he was being forced to see ‘The Holiday’ this weekend, so this was his pick to compensate.

The storyline is basically about an uptown rat that gets flushed down the toilet from his penthouse apartment, ending in the sewers of London, where he has to learn a whole new and different way of life

Whilst it was entertaining and loved the ‘british humour’ and endless references to all things british including ‘football’, the previous Dreamworks movie ‘Cars’ still ranks as my favourite animated movie this year.

Steph’s rating: 5/10

Cars

Best animated movie this year – even better than Ice Age 2.

Really loved the ‘tractors as cows’ scence.

Loved it.

Over the Hedge

I enjoyed the main characters analysis of human’s relationship on food.

Otherwise average animated film based at a younger age group than CARS that adults could watch and enjoy also.

Cars

Loved this movie.

They really got it right. The tractor ‘cow’ scene is hilarious. Very good, really enjoyed.

Steph’s rating: 7/10

Cars

Loved this movie.

They really got it right. The tractor ‘cow’ scene is hilarious. Very good, really enjoyed.

Steph’s rating: 7/10

Ice Age 2

Just as funny as the original.