Transformers (Theaters)

transformers_ver13Transformers was my favorite cartoon during my adolescence, and to finally see a live adaptation of it on the big screen was a dream come true for me. I had been eagerly anticipating its release since I read about its pre-production back in 2005.

The movie completely blew me away. I can honestly say that Transformers is the best cartoon to live action adaptation to date. I don’t know of another film of its genre that comes close. The film provided the perfect combination of comedy and action which was all rolled into one terrific nonstop thrill ride.

There were some film critics that said this movie lacked a good storyline. I say screw the critics! This is Transformers! If you want a long drawn out storyline, go and watch a love story or drama. This film was all about entertainment.

I thought Transformers provided enough of a plot to keep the the audience moving while focusing on what all the fans were in their seats to see. Autobots and Decepticons transforming and kicking some butt. The movie was full of it. From the beginning to end Bay made sure that we had our fill of transforming robots. The special effects in this film were cutting edge and I’m glad they did not try to cut corners in production. The robots interaction with the actors felt so seamless and realistic providing for some of the best fighting scenes I’ve watched in recent memory.

This is easily the summer blockbuster of 2007! Megan Fox was extremely hot and in the words of Optimus PrimeAutobots, ROLL OUT.

Synopsis:

Whereas the Earth is the home of a variety of organic-based lifeforms, the planet of Cybertron is the homeworld of a race of robots which have the ability to transform into other mechanisms, with each Transformer having its own unique disguise. The Transformers are divided into two separate camps: the good and just Autobots, who are led by Optimus Prime (whose disguise is a red 18-wheel semi truck); and the evil Decepticons, who are led by Megatron (who transforms into a gun; there’s a good deal of size-shifting involved with Megatron as well). With fuel supplies (called Energon Cubes) on Cybertron running low, both forces travel through space looking for a new source, which leads them to Earth, which from their perspective in rich in the minerals and chemicals they need. Disguising themselves as cars, airplanes, boats, etc. easily recognizable to humans, the Transformers engage in a secret war for control of Earth’s bountiful natural resources…

The only thing that was a bit disappointing was Bumblebee. He was my favorite autobot and he should have remained a Yellow Volkswagen. The Chevy was nice though. I also thought that Megatron should have been the supergun Starscream always held instead of the plane. ;)

Bridge to Terabithia (DVD)

bridge_to_terabithiaThe advertisements for this film had mislead me completely. I have never read the book, so my interest in Bridge to Terabithia was purely based on the movie trailers I had seen in theaters and over the internet. I had expected to take a journey through a magical country with all sorts of mythical creatures and landscapes (Chronicles of Narnia/Neverending Story), but instead I got something much more original.

Most of the film was set in the real world with just glimpses of the fantasy world of Terabithia. Although this was billed as a “children’s film”, it’s theme is geared to a much older audience. This was definitely not a bubble gum type flick and I would not recommend it to children under the age of twelve.

The best part of the film was its character development. It felt very seemless. The development of the friendship between the two main characters was very convincing and it prepares you for a very dramatic climax. I don’t think the climax would have been as good if the character developement was done poorly.

I thought this film was one of the more original films I had seen in quite sometime. It reminded me quite a bit of how I felt after watching Pan’s Labyrinth. For those who love great stories and original plots, this is definitely a film to see.

Fifth grader Jesse Aaron’s hopes of becoming the fastest runner in his class are dashed when new girl Leslie Burke outruns everybody, including him. However, Jess and Leslie soon begin a friendship, and discover a magical kingdom in the forest, where the two of them reign together as king and queen.

The Pursuit of Happyness (DVD)

The Pursuit of HappinessThey just don’t make movies this good anymore. Based on a true story, The Pursuit of Happyness depicts the life of Chris Gardner, a man who’s life is pushed to the brink, but continues to fight because of the love for his son. The movie was very heartwarming and even brought a few tears to my eyes. Although I don’t have any children of my own, I can only imagine the pain a man feels when he cannot provide for his wife and children.

I give so much credit to Will Smith and his son Jaden for bringing their roles to life and putting so much emotion into them. This is easily Will’s best performance on the big screen and it really brought out another dimension to his acting. The story was very believable, and it didn’t seem overly dramatic at all. It really felt as if I was witnessing the life of Gardner.

This is definitely an add to the DVD collection. The message is so powerful and simple, yet so many people take it for granted. This film reminds us to appreciate life and all the things we DO have. It also sends a message of hope and demonstrates the power of love for a child. A truly inspirational film.

Synopsis:

A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he’s poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.