smlubecki Reviews

Thor (2011)

Pleasant Surprise

[10/10 · 20 July 2011]

When I heard they were making a movie of the character Thor I had serious trepidations. When I heard that Kenneth Branagh was directing it I had even more trepidation not due to the fact that it was Branagh but the fact that all he's ever directed was drama's.

Going into the theater I very low expectations from this film and man was I blown away. I like the fact that Branagh didn't approach the story as a super-hero film but more of a Shakespearing epic. The fantasy elements alone were marvelous.

Anthony Hopkins IS Odin...I cannot imaging another actor portraying him. His performance as Odin captures the essence of the character and the delicate balance of ruler verses father. He exudes power with subtle touches of vulnerability.

Chris Hemsworth is outstanding as Thor. He's got such a likability about him that even at Thor's most arrogant point in the story you can see how his friends stand by him. His performance is rock solid and extremely enjoyable.

Tom Hiddleston is THE perfect Loki. He's captured the sleazy, slimy, be nice to your face but looking for a place to drive the knife in your back nature of the character.

As I had stated earlier the story plays out as more of a fantasy epic than a dyed in the wool super-hero story. The journey into Jotenheim was stunning and Asgard itself was just beautiful to behold. The set designs were excellent. The humor in the film was very organic and never seemed forced. The story itself was very well balanced and didn't leave you wondering what the heck was going on. I almost wish they'd have kept it separate from the upcoming Marvel films. It works very well as a stand alone epic.

The effect's that I was expecting to be sub-standard were in fact top notch and even Thors trademark spinning hammer from the comics didn't look as cheesy as it could have.

This movie is a gem. All parties involved should be proud of themselves for bringing such a great piece of work to the screen. I for one cannot wait to see a sequel to this film. With any luck we'll see some of the other nine realms such as Muspelheim, Alfheim or even Vanaheim.

This is definitely a MUST SEE film

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Good summer fun.....

[9/10 · 5 July 2011]

Well here we go again. Another Transformers movie and another round of critics bashing it harder than a decepticon hitting an autobot picnic.

First let me preface things by saying, when do all movies being made lately have to be compared to The Dark Knight or be reviewed as if its the next academy award winning film. Whatever happened to just simply going to the movies and enjoying yourself.

Transformers Dark of the Moon fits nicely into the "go and enjoy yourself" variety. ** Potential Spoilers ** I really enjoyed this installment of the Transformers franchise. The special effects are as always excellent. As opposed to Revenge of the Fallen there's actually a story to this movie. It appears that the space-race was inspired by a crashed Autobot shuttle that was fleeing Cybertron during the war. The US got to it first and learned what they could from it and salvaging some items that become integral to the story later on. Sam this time around is out of college and out of work. There's some mildly amusing and awkward interview moments (we've all been there) and he finally lands a job in a mail-room. This is when the story kicks in. It seems Megatron and the Decepticons have been working with humans behind the scenes for a while and now they are looking to terminate some of those relationships. Sam is confronted with the information about the crashed Autobot shuttle and NASA cover-up. And he goes to the dismissive head of national security. The Autobots hear of the news and hear to the moon to recover Sentinel Prime (voiced by Leonard Nimoy) and he tells why he was fleeing Cybetron. Then the action begins with some excellent chase scenes on the highway. Great battle sequences and an unexpected betrayal. Thus resulting in the invasion of the US and some mass destruction. Parents be warned the Decepticons actually vaporize innocent by-standers on screen and it may be a bit harsh for little ones. The new Autobots were enjoyable. Loved the Wreckers and they provided some great moments on screen. And the final fight between Megatron and Optimus was very satisfying. This was a great way to end the current story and leaves things open enough for future movies. It seems like most of the negative reviews have focused on the fact that A) They hate Michael Bay. B) Megan Fox isn't in it. and C) The story sucked. Well I for one thought the story was as good as the first movie. I like the action sequences Bay films and although I find Megan Fox pleasing to the eyes I really didn't miss her at all. I don't expect great acting from these types of movies. It's meant to be escapist fun. A chance to turn off the brain and be entertained for a few hours. This movie is pure fun and fit the bill nicely. Don't listen to the haters and bad reviews... Go see it.... and have fun

Green Lantern (2011)

Great summer fun

[8/10 · 17 June 2011]

OK... I'm not sure what movie the critics saw but it wasn't this one... Just got back from seeing it and was impressed. They hit all the notes for the Green Lantern fans and had enough story to give the non fans some fun too. Ryan Reynolds was good as Hal Jordan and captured his cocky self centered devil may care attitude very well. He did a great job balancing the bewilderment of the situation with his ultimate responsibility. Mark strong really stole the show as Sinestro. He captured his arrogance and superiority perfectly. Loved seeing the members of the Green Lantern corp brought to glorious life on the big screen and loved the CGI. I especially got a kick out of the constructs Hal comes up with (yes cheesiness as well) It was a refreshing change of pace from all the dark, take itself way to serious tone of some of the more recent superhero films ( Dark Knight anyone) I can see where the critics would destroy it, but movies like this aren't meant to Academy Award films...they're meant to be fun. And Green Lantern was exactly that.

By the way stay for the credits... As with so many films now a days there's a nice little set up for the inevitable sequel.

My advice...see it and just have some fun

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

A wonderful movie with an excellent message!

[10/10 · 15 April 2010]

Today I had the great pleasure of taking my daughter to see "How to Train Your Dragon." and let me say this was another pleasant surprise from Dreamworks Studios.

Besides the absolutely breathtaking background animations the overall CGI was excellent. Right down to the hair on the vikings arms.

The story was very simple Hiccup is a bit of a disappointment to his father Stoic, leader of the village. He lacks size,strength and everything the vikings hold dear. But Hiccup is an inventive child that had the fortune of actually downing a dragon during a raid.

Toothless as he becomes known is discovered by Hiccup after he shot him down. The two begin to learn about each other and each others way of life. Much to Hiccups dismay he finds out that dragons aren't as bad as the vikings believe. Hiccup then sets out to help the injured Toothless and the two become fast friends.

As Hiccup learns more about dragons he uses his skills to become something of a celebrity in his village.

Ultimately as usual the two are found out and Toothless is forced to lead the vikings to the dragons nest and to what has to be one of the most intense and enjoyable action sequences I've seen in a while.

What really struck me about the movie was the underlining message of tolerance and learning through differences. True it may be lost on the younger set but for those who are a bit older the message will resonate, especially during this day and age. This is truly a must see movie for the entire family...Action fans won't be disappointed, comedy fans won't be disappointed and Hopefully Moms and Dads that have to sit through this won't feel like they've just had to dumb themselves down for an hour and a half. Dreamworks has done it again...Move over Pixar, there's some SERIOUS competition in the neighborhood!

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

An Amazing EYE POPPING spectacle

[7/10 · 24 June 2009]

I just got back from seeing Revenge of the Fallen. It was nowhere as BAD as the negative reviews have portrayed it.

This movie was great fun. I took my daughter to see it because she loved the first movie and she thought it was awesome. Did it have its faults? Sure it did but first and foremost this is a movie about giant alien robots that transform into planes, cars and a variety of other items. To expect anything other than pure escapism is to delude oneself.

The action sequences were very intense and the fight sequence in the forest is by far the most amazing thing put on film. My only major beef with the film was the sometimes inappropriate interjection of needless sexual references.

The Autobot twins were hysterical and nowhere near the level of Jar Jar annoyance that some have claimed. This movie also showed how bad ass Bumblebee can actually be. My only other complaint is they included many new Autobots into the mix but overall screen time was lacking. Hopefully this will be fixed in the next sequel. Definitely one to see on the big screen.

Star Trek (2009)

Definitely NOT Trek by the numbers

[10/10 · 10 May 2009]

I have been a Fan of Star Trek for most of my life. I admit I had SEVERE trepidation about this movie. After the first 10 minutes into what may have been THE most intense action scene ever in Star Trek my fears were put aside. J.J. Abrams vision of Star Trek was not only refreshing but nothing short of brilliant. Even half way through the film I kept thinking "what the heck...that never happened." but after a fateful meeting between young Kirk and old Spock everything is explained and this version of Trek is given a new life. Zach Quintano as Spock was brilliant casting, his performance was excellent. Chris Pine as James T Kirk brought a new level of both cockiness and arrogance that made his portrayal of the famed captain fresh. Karl Urban as McCoy was amazing as was Simon Pegg as Scotty. The best part about this whole movie is that it didn't focus on the usual triumvirate of Kirk,Spock and McCoy. All the members of the crew had involvement in the story and actually had something to do that was so natural they seemed to be playing these characters all along. The action scenes were intense, the special effects were amazing and the sound was incredible. Just a minor note my wife and my daughter , neither of whom are Trek fans in any sense, both wanted to see this. After seeing this movie we are all ready to line up again. I truly hope that they will announce a sequel to this film and carry on with the ongoing mission. Trek is back and in excellent hands... Thank Mr Abrams

Shrek the Halls (2007 TV Short)

Great little holiday diversion

[8/10 · 29 November 2007]

Well it is only obvious why Shrek the third stunk... Dreamworks had this little gem up it's sleeve.

this is what Shrek the third should have been. High on comedy,AWESOME soundtrack and a nice little moral at the end. All the characters were great. And I particularly loved Gingy's Christmas story of horror ( it had me rolling) My only complaint was the length of time. It really could've gone an hour to hour and a half and i wouldn't have complained.

This is a wonderful holiday special that will no doubt be added to our family holiday rotation. And in the plus column it was completely family friendly.

If you have a chance see it. I personally can't wait for the DVD.

Transformers (2007)

Now that was better than I thought it should have been

[7/10 · 6 September 2007]

After seeing this movie I felt I had to share my opinions. I have read all the " OH MY GOD this is the best thing since sliced bread!!!!" reviews as well as the " Michael Bay should be hung from the tallest tree possible for what he has done to the Transformers!!" ones.

While I'm not quite in the gushing pile, I am very far from the "it sucks" bunch.

Right from the get go this movie broke into an action sequence that is just utterly amazing and well choreographed. Michael Bay does action very well and this movie played to his strengths.

As a junkie of the old 80's cartoon and being something of a Transformers geek (I am married and do have kids) I held them in an icon stature and initially felt that the designs of the robots should have followed the toy line and cartoon closer. BOY WAS I WRONG.... The character designs were excellent and worked well for the movie and were totally believable.

This movie delivered on so many levels for me. From the action sequences to the little touches of comedy such as Iron Hide commenting on wanting to shoot Sam's parents because they were annoying. I think the nay sayers are saying so because this movie didn't fit in with their narrow closed minded expectations of what should have been.

My only true complaint was some of the overtly sexual innuendo and unneeded references to male self gratification which made for some very delicate explanations to my seven year old.

Overall, this is an excellent summer movie and well worth seeing during the summer of sequels.

Max Headroom (1987–1988)

Max Headroom...The original talking head.

[10/10 · 6 September 2007]

Max Headroom was the most brilliantly written show ever to be be put on television. Set in the not to distant future amidst a semi post apocalyptic world. Reporter Edison Carter has uncovered a very scary secret. The network he works for has produced and aired commercials that kill people due to their sedentary lifestyle. This show not only hit hard against the greed and politics of network television but bit the hand that fed as well. Tackling issues such as censorship and manipulating the news to fit whatever slant the network feels fit. Matt Frewers double duty as both Edison Carter and Max Headroom was excellent and I am extremely surprised his career didn't boom because of this show ( or maybe it was doomed because of it). This was a show that was way ahead of it's time in film style, topics, and dialog and I applaud ABC for having the guts to air it at the time (it was after all the late 80's, a time when the networks pretty much dictated what you liked and didn't like). Spoiler warning During the first episode Edison Carter, a reporter for Network 23, has made a startling discovery during a news story. His network has been airing commercials that have been compressed into 30 second intervals. These "Blipverts" cause such a massive sensory overload that the viewers head literally explodes. While being chased by network thugs Edison befalls the accident that results in the creation of Max Headroom. While fleeing these thugs he hits a parking barrier that reads " Max. Headroom 5m." The executive chairman takes Edisons body to his boy genius to hook him up to a computer to search his mind to find out how much he really knows and by doing so inadvertently creates Max Headroom. By the end of the first episode Edison finally recovers to deliver the truth to the viewing audience and thus begins the next 13 episodes. This is a show that begs to be revived and taken out of the body-banks (those of you who are fans get the reference). It's content warned us about so many societal pitfalls and network manipulations that have surprisingly come to pass. Max Headroom himself went on to become something of a "15 minute" variety icon due to his quirkiness but never the less this show deserved better and I can truly say that if it was aired on a cable network it's possible it may still be on the air. Mainly because modern times have provided such great source material. If you are looking for a completely original and intelligent show to watch I can highly recommend this to anyone.

Legion of Super Heroes (2006–2008)

Awesome show and worthy addition to the animated DCU

[10/10 · 13 June 2007]

Being a long time Legion fan I was truly "worried" about how this would pan out. Well after viewing the first season I can say that ALL my fears were baseless. The producers have taken great care to portrait the Legion properly. I was worried about the team mix as well (Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, Braniac 5, Timber Wolf, Phantom Girl and Bouncing Boy ) but it worked and it was mixed enough with other Legion standards that there only seemed to be a static team in press releases only. The producers have done an amazing job at mixing and blending different era's of Legion lore into an extremely cohesive bond and there is enough small touches that long time legion fans can truly appreciate (such as the use of Interlac on display screens). My only real gripe is with Braniac 5 and his robot-like body....It's more suited towards Gears of the DnA era of the Legions history. But in the series it works. And with the season finale of Sundown and seeing all the members of the Legion I can't wait until next season.

Superman Returns (2006)

Superman shouldn't have returned.......

[3/10 · 4 January 2007]

When this movie hit the theaters I decided to pass on it and wait for the DVD to be released. Well I received it as a Christmas gift and after watching this movie I felt as if I had some HORRIBLE prank pulled on me. First off I cannot take away from Kevin Spacey's portrayal of Lex Luthor. He was more menacing than Gene Hackman ever could be. But his performance aside this is not a good film. Brandon Routh looked like a Christopher Reeve clone (not a bad thing when attempting to maintain continuity within a series) but his performance was weak and unbelievable. The story itself was extremely BORING and lacked any true action or suspense. Superman himself never really faced any truly testing or dangerous situations. Bryan Singer asked for Richard Donnor's permission to direct this film which holds slavish to the first two superman movies. He should have asked Richard Donnor to Kill him instead. The script is terrible and literally steals lines from the first movie " I hope this experience doesn't put you off flying. Statistically speaking it's still the safest way to travel." COME ON doesn't anyone have an ounce of creativity anymore. I mean Superman saved a plane in the first film and here he is AGAIN saving a plane. If Superman returned just to catch planes then hell let them drop. In addition to being more menacing in this film Lex Luthor lacked any true motivation. Here's a clue people if you want to continue making Superman films try a more threatening villain. Braniac or Bizarro would make for some good scenes or even Metallo or Parasite. Superman shouldn't be defined by Lex Luthor solely. Hopefully the sequel will amp up the action ( I actually fell asleep during parts due to boredom )and have a REAL story to tell and actually propel the characters forward. P.S. to Mr. Singer.....You should have stayed with the X-men series where you actually made good movies.

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Good but could have been better

[7/10 · 30 May 2006]

OK Here's the deal. X-men the last stand is a decent movie,but could have been SOOOO much better. To blame Bret Ratner for the movie is just wrong. True he had some input into the overall "feel" of the movie. It was not Bret that wrote the script and it was not Bret that held slavish to the Memorial Day release date. These circumstances made for a "rushed" product which was ever so apparent on the screen. ****spoiler alert***** The fact that Cyclops was assumed killed has everyone in an uproar. Show me the body. They needed to give James Marsden an out so he could film Superman with Bryan Singer(or punish him for leaving) The rushed atmosphere of the film left several characters under developed and the cure aspect was very interesting but again under developed. The complaints about Rouge going for the cure are absurd, she is totally in character for the movie continuity. And to all the nay sayers out there.....JUGGERNAUT was a pretty lame character in the comics too. His on screen incarnation was enjoyable, I mean how do you make a 6ft plus hulking none stoppable mass interesting? Ian Mckellen as always was excellent. His portrayal of Magneto is without compare. And Kelsey Grammar's portrayal of the Beast is AWESOME!to hear "Oh my Stars and Garters" was for this fan worth the price of admission. Did the "deaths" of three major characters upset me? Surprisingly no. They felt natural to the story and to the overall trilogy arc.And only one "death" could truly be confirmed (ps stay for the end of the credits) Would the movie had been different if Bryan Singer was still involved? Most likely,but I don't like to dwell on "would've's or could've's". What we got was ultimately a more than passable entry into a hopefully longer running series of films. My only wish is that they discard Halle for an actress that will understand her role in the greater scheme.

Its worth seeing. Go and enjoy my friends it stays true to the established movie continuity.

This has been a review from an avid Xmen comic reader since the 60's who can separate the two mediums and the difference in the print characters and their on screen counter parts.

Go enjoy the film...its good.

Fantastic Four (I) (2005)

Don't listen to the nay-sayers.

[8/10 · 27 July 2005]

I had the pleasure of seeing this movie and all I could say is good job. All these people were bashing this movie and from what I could tell there's no REAL reason to.

Going into this film I had very little expectations.Reviews were all over the spectrum and the people that liked it loved it and the people that didn't all seem to HATE Jessica Alba. Her performance wasn't nearly as bad as some would have you believe.

Everyone knows the story of the Fantastic Four. And being a self confessed Comics geek and a Superhero movie snob my expectations should have been for this movie to really suck. Boy was I wrong.

True, as with ANY movie of this genre ( and there'll be more ) it is very easy to go in with preconceived notions of what to expect, but to flat out say that the movie stinks because of one particular actor or actress is unfair to everyone involved with the production of the movie. Michael Chiklis was awesome as Ben Grimm and gave a very Tragic and heartfelt performance . The scene on the bridge when his fiancé takes off her ring and leaves it on the ground for him to pick up was very powerful and touching. And Reed having to assist his friend in picking up the ring because his own fingers were to large was tremendous.

People have said that the dialog was cheesy, which at points it may have been. But "it's clobberin' time" and Flame on" are FF classics and will sound cheesy no matter when or how they were put into context and there in lies the charm. My only true complaint was the inclusion of Dooms origin with that of the FF, but in this day and age of post 9-11 a maniacal despot wanting to take over the world might be in bad taste. The effects were awesome and I for one am glad they did't go with CGI for the Thing because I don't think they would have been able to portrait an ounce of the emotion Chiklis did with his eyes and body language. In a summer of angst ridden Jedi's and Dark knights Fantastic Four is an awesome movie that the ENTIRE family can enjoy. Its everything a summer movie should be Fun, Action packed and exciting.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Don't believe the hype

[4/10 · 19 May 2005]

I know that I will probably get a lot of people mad but what a terrible piece of film this was. Going in to this movie I had a lot of expectations that were built up from other reviews from prescreenings. Everyone kept saying in their reviews how amazing and satisfying this movie was, boy were they wrong. George Lucas has done nothing but show that he can put out a very pretty product. With lots of beautiful scenery and flashy action sequences he has fooled everyone. One question remains where's the story? We knew exactly where Anakin was going to end twenty years ago we just didn't know the particulars and this movies plot did little to add to the overall mythic nature of the original trilogy. I didn't expect academy award acting but Hayden Christenson must be the worlds worst actor( right up there with Adam West and William Shatner). Spoiler warning*** True SOME of the light saber battles were cool and Mace Windu's demise was very dramatic but was it really necessary to have the Wookies in this at all other than to "tie" this to the original trilogy? Even Obi Wan's and Anakin's final battle was BORING the dialog was preachy and stilted. As was the rest of the movie a total BORE FEST with a couple of cool action sequences sprinkled in. Here's a hint George. When you bring the Star Wars saga to television keep as far away from it as possible and maybe we'll see something worthy of the legacy YOU created. If you want to see Star Wars at it finest go watch The Empire Strkes Back. It's still the best and the one that George did the least amount of tweaking to.

Nightbreed (1990)

Reconsider your opinions!!!

[30 December 2003]

To call Nightbreed a Horror film does it a grave injustice. To anyone who has read the novella that this movie was based on ( Clive Barkers CABAL) you would also agree. While it is true that this movie does deal with horror concepts in general, to judge it as a mere slasher/horror flick is wrong. The film does a more than excellent job of translating the source material and leaves out very few details. One has to truely admire the makeup and character design in this movie from Peloquin to Shuna Sasi. Possible spoiler ahead!!!! This movie does a great job of challenging everyones conceptions of both good and evil as well as who can truely be a monster.(as is the case of the seemingly gentle at first psycologist) to those who slammed this as being BAD HORROR. I agree.. it is bad horror that because it is more fantasy than horror. My only wish was a continuation of Boone's journey to self discovery.