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Reviews
Gyakuten saiban (2012)
This is what a video game adaptation should be like.
I had the privilege of seeing this film in Tokyo while it was still in theaters. Having played all of the Phoenix Wright/Gyakuten Saiban games, I was very familiar with the source material. That being said, it easily introduces all of the characters in a very succinct manner, and their personalities show through brilliantly on the big screen.
The summary: Ryuichi Naruhodo aka Phoenix Wright is a struggling defense attorney who works for the Ayasato law firm. After a shocking murder, he finds himself in the high court defending a client against murder... pitted against a prosecuting prodigy... who just happens to be a childhood friend. The twists and turns of the case lead Naruhodo into an investigation of a long-closed case which is very relevant to current events.
For fans of courtroom drama or mystery, it's a very suspenseful and very clever murder mystery, but if you've played the first game, you already know how it turns out. For once, a director chose to go with the original story rather than trying to go off in a strange direction or "re-imagine" the details that people know and love (yes, I'm looking in your direction, Michael Bay), though some elements have been absorbed into one story to make sure the entire story takes place. All of the cases from the game are referenced, though not all of them are fully played out on screen (time constraints). Additionally, there are no clever "wink wink" moments to future games in the series, thank goodness.
Purists will be happy to know that some of the musical numbers come straight from the game, particularly in the courtroom, and the "floating box" evidence presenting element from the game is preserved as a very cool holographic system.
If I may level one criticism, it's that just like the game, the "investigation" portions tend to drag, but the courtroom scenes will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, pointing dramatically and shouting, "IGI ARI!" -- OBJECTION!
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
Reminiscent of "Empire Strikes Back".
Without giving away too much, this film consists of exactly what made The Empire Strikes Back the best of the Star Wars films: the main cast finds themselves split up by a difficult series of events and all embark on their own individual quests before finally reuniting. This allows character development for ALL of the characters before they finally reunite for the stunning conclusion in the last act.
It's a true film triumph. Don't believe the critics that are panning it. It's darkly humorous and filled with very entertaining characters. We are introduced to the darker elements of piracy: betrayal, jealousy, mutiny, and avarice. At the same time, we see heroism, loyalty, courage, and we see that every human comes to a point where they have to make a choice.
The final scene's grand surprise had everyone in my theater cheering and applauding -- chances are you will too! See it, and stay past the credits for one final scene!