Pacific Rim (2013)

Pacific Rim was one of those films where I couldn't decide if it was the an awesome dumb movie or a dumb awesome movie. It had a plot and roaring special effects, which created a great viewing experience. The problem is that once you're finished with the film, you still have to ask yourself what you just saw.

Every boy has probably at some point played with toys and thought about what it would be like if they were huge. That's Pacific Rim. The problem with a film based on such childish thoughts is that is had several glaring plot holes. For example, why do people have to sync or "drift" with each other to power the machine? I understand that the film explained that one brain would be overworked to power the giant machine. Well then why could the protagonist power the machine by himself at the beginning of the film to escape? Also, if it's so important to be "drift compatible" then why can two strangers who awkwardly flirt be "drift compatible"? And how come they didn't realize they had a hidden weapon up there sleeve (literally) earlier in the film?

I guess if you can get over the glaring plot holes (which I sadly can't), then you can appreciate this film for what it is: mindless action. It did a great job in this department, but that's not what everyone is looking for in a movie. Conclusion: Pass On It

Rating: 5.75/10

World War Z (2013)

World War Z is an action-packed summer hit that doesn't have a whole lot to it. I expected action and a different kind of zombie plot story. I got both so I can't be too disappointed as this film attempted to be something different, but ultimately just became another forgetful summer action flick.

From the very beginning, when Brad Pitt's Gerry Lane is talking with his family during breakfast, the filmmakers decided to use an action cam for quick movement. This instantly drew me off, but the shaky action filming didn't end as the rest of the movie was a thrill ride without too much guidance.

I heard that there was conflict between the producers on where the plot was heading and from watching the movie, I don't doubt it. An expert scientist slipped and shot himself with a gun. Gerry was impaled and still survived. In the end, we got a Brad Pitt Jesus figure drinking Pepsi who realized that getting sick will make the zombies want to stay away from you. Not a bad ending as it is something different, but it's nothing special.

Overall, this film had a high budget and delivered its thrills and special effects, but it lacked a more decisive plot that could have made the film much better. Conclusion: Nothing Special

Rating: 6.75/10

Oblivion (2013)

Here's a question for you: have you ever seen or heard about the movie Moon? You probably haven't seen it. Have you seen or heard about Oblivion? You probably have heard about it. What we get is an attempt to bring the story of a small budget film to the big screen. The attempt wasn't necessarily a success or a failure, rather just an interesting development at filmmaking and adaptation.

The story is set in 2077 and follows Jack Harper, a veteran who is assigned to a station in the clouds with his partner Vika. Harper's job is to repair drones down on Earth to destroy scavengers that hunt for resources. Jack performs this tireless job without question till one day, he finds a pod with people in it. This forces him to question his surroundings and look for answers. As it turns out, he is not alone. The rest of the film is an interesting quest of self discovery that has several major twists that you will just have to see for yourself.

The story itself is fine, but it doesn't seem original when set side by side with Moon. I did enjoy watching this film in theaters, as it had good visuals in establishing a ruined Earth. I don't think this film reached it's potential, but it pleasantly surprised in other aspects and categories. Conclusion: Worth A Watch

Rating: 7/10

Flight (2012)

Flight follows the story of a airline pilot who saves most of the passengers from certain death and the aftermath of the incident. The twist: though no one could possibly successfully land that plane other than that captain, the pilot was drunk and intoxicated during the hour of heroism. 

Denzel Washington delivers a terrific performance as Whip Whitaker, the pilot of the ill-fated plane. As authorities begin to investigate the incident and that alcohol was found in the cabin, we get to see Whitaker's true character. He is a hopeless alcoholic. The film and Washington's performance do paint a true and hopeless picture on just how dire Whip's case of substance abuse is. As all of the right actions were done to protect Whitaker from prison and preserve his image as a hero, all that was necessary to save face was the slightest amount of willpower. Unfortunately for Whip, he did not have it. During the final court case towards the end of the movie, Whitaker can get off free as he is in the clear. However, Whip chooses the path of justice as he declares he is a drunk. He is convicted.

Washington's outstanding performance and portrayal is not meant to be sympathized with. Whitaker is an unlikable man who has led an unfortunate life and as a result, he doesn't deal with his emotions well. However, at the end of the film when we realize Whitaker has been sober in prison for a signifiant time, we see that his inability to tell a lie corrected his inability to will himself away from alcoholism. A fitting conclusion to a powerful film. Conclusion: Worth A Watch

Rating: 7.75/10

Cloud Atlas (2012)

Cloud Atlas is not your everyday film. It is something different that demands your attention and focus for 172 minutes. With six different stories intertwined into one general history, the plot is at times difficult to follow; however, it examines the general truths of life that we see in love, living, deception, and death.

This movie was directed by three different people and used the same cast for all six stories. In doing so, each actor had a theme that they brought to each character they portrayed on the screen. For example, characters played by Hugo Weaving and Hugh Grant were consistently antagonists, characters played by Jim Sturgess were continually victimized, and characters played by Tom Hanks displayed the many follies of man. 

The plot itself has too much to address in just a blog post; however, I will say that it is very important to follow the well-crafted montage set at the beginning of the film. The film also does have a collective and fulfilling resolution, which should satisfy even the confused audience members once they are down with the film. All in all, I would say that this is a visual experience that not everyone will enjoy, but it is a marvel and I commend everyone involved for taking on something wholly original. Conclusion: Watch It

P.S. The Cloud Atlas Sextet is beautiful

Rating: 8.75/10

Prometheus (2012)

Prometheus was one of the biggest summer disappointments that I saw in theaters. As prequel to the Aliens franchise directed by Ridley Scott, I expected a film that would do the series justice. Instead, I got a film that asked too many questions and had too few answers.

Prometheus is the name of a ship headed by a crew searching for the answers of human origin. No xenomorph in this plot, so I can accept the Scott's claim that this is not exactly a prequel to the Aliens films. So why is it that they find some huge white guy who is supposed to be the ancestor to humans IN the same spaceship that had the Alien. 

On the surface, it seems like a different franchise, but it might be the same. There is a little identity crisis, but it doesn't have to ruin the film. So as it turns out, these large white people are storing weapons in their ships. Still no Alien. These weapons are organic and can develop around their surroundings. Still no Alien. Eventually, a worm gets into one of the main male characters before he impregnates the main female character. She then gives birth to a gigantic face hugger. Still no Alien. The face hugger then latches onto the large white guy. Bam. Alien out of his chest. So I guess Aliens, xenomorphs, the horrific acid bleeding monsters with mouth-tongues come from humans. Makes sense I guess.

The movie has a cliffhanger as the female protagonist leaves for the home planet of the large white people and the alien is left on the deserted planet. So there is a possibility of a sequel; however, this prequel didn't provide any answers, just assumptions and questions. If Scott does intend on creating a prequel trilogy, I may look back on this film more forgivingly. However, as of now, I am an unsatisfied viewer. Conclusion: Disappointing

Rating: 6.75/10

21 Jump Street (2012)

I have never seen the TV show that 21 Jump Street, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment in this film as it had several great laughs, tapping into Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum's comic ability and potential. 

The story follows Schmidt and Jenko, polar opposite cops who have become great friends through circumstance. As younger looking cops, the two get promoted to an undercover mission to infiltrate a high school as fake students. The two both experience the ups and downs of reliving high school, delving with the nerds and cool kids. 

Along the way, there are several hilarious scenes. My favorite, which I think is the most memorable, is the stages of high scene. Watching the entire movie is worth it to just get to that scene because it's ridiculous but also alarmingly relatable.

In the end, the two find their niche, but not in the sense that we may presuppose and suspect. That being said, the film's story rides its inevitable waves and returns safely to shore with an intriguing story to tell. I think this movie will appeal to any teenager watching it as it's loaded with crude humor, but I think it's quite an enjoyable comedic experience. Conclusion: Worth A Watch

Rating: 7/10