Well, I just had to see it to believe it. 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' is the latest piece of space fiction to come from the office (not the mind) of George Lucas. I went into this movie with a fair attitude towards something new from Mr. Lucas, after all, I used to love the Ewok movies. There were several things a little off when it began, most notably John William's triumphant score and the familiar scroll (it's even in every video game!). The plot, without divulging too much, centers around the rescue of Jabba the Hutt's son, or Huttling. The Jedi are appointed this task because the Outer Rim, where Tattooine (that dusty planet where 'nothing' happens) is located, is home to strategic supply routes for both sides of the war. The two Jedi chosen for this task are none other than Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. All the characters are familiar and known with the exception of a newcomer named Ahsoka Tano...she repeats this name frequently so you don't forget it like I did despite the repetition. The animation style is certainly new for American audiences, but it is apparently growing in popularity as seen with the animated 'Transformers' and of course the new 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'. The animation on a few characters is pretty cool, like Anakin and Obi-Wan, but for others it just doesn't work, like Yoda or Jabba the Hutt (who looks like he was literally carved out of wood).
By far the most impressive sequences are the larger battles, the camera is really in the action during these portions and some seemingly go on forever...I was disappointed at the fact that there was one really huge sequence in the beginning and they got gradually smaller and shorter as the movie went on. This technique has only worked once, and that was with 'Saving Private Ryan'. I can honestly say that the large battles were the only parts I really enjoyed. The lightsaber duels were fast paced, but once you've seen Hayden Christianson and Ewan McGregor really going at it on screen, their computer generated counterparts are lack luster. Quick note, only three of the prequels actors lent their voices for this installment: Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, and Anthony Daniels. I'm sure there are many young Star Wars fans who are going to love this movie, even a few older ones too, but I, as well as a few others I know, was disappointed. The day 'The Clone Wars' was released, MSNBC.com had an article branding George Lucas a mogul, rather than a filmmaker...it seems they were right, like his character Anakin Skywalker, he is destroying everything he swore to protect.
Only time will tell when it comes to 'The Clone Wars'. Will it be embraced nostalgically by young fans as I embrace the Ewok movies? Or will it go down as just another blunder like the 'Star Wars Christmas Special'? Let's hope this dark period passes, and Mr. Lucas can bring balance to his Force.
11.19.2008
11.05.2008
A quick 'Thank You'
I just wanted to acknowledge Adam Peterson, a very good friend and fellow movie aficionado, for designing my new logo (which can be seen at the bottom of the page). I chose the name Movie Doc as I know a lot about films but also spent time as an Army medic where I earned the classic moniker. So thank you to Adam...I look forward to having him contribute to this blog with his own brand of genius humor and knowledge.
Politicians Gone Wild!
First let me start off by congratulating President-Elect Barack Obama on his victory over Sen. McCain. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, this was a very exciting election year, and either way history would have been made. It's about time real life caught up to films in this regard. I won't share my political stance here, it is not the venue, I just hope some good things will be accomplished in the coming years. Perhaps one day this election will make for a good movie, but in the meantime let me share with you some of my favorite political films.
Tom Clancy is an amazing writer, and his books make amazing films. I will call them the Jack Ryan series here, as he is the main character in the stories that have been adapted. Ryan has been portrayed by Alec Baldwin in 'The Hunt for Red October', Harrison Ford in 'Clear and Present Danger' and 'Patriot Games', and most recently by Ben Affleck in 'The Sum of All Fears'. I must say Harrison Ford's portrayal is my favorite, but Baldwin and Affleck did outstanding jobs themselves (and I haven't been Affleck's biggest fan). In 'Red October', Sean Connery's Captain Ramius is piloting the brand new, super-secret sub of the title, and it is up to Ryan to not only find the sub, but also what Ramius is up to. Sam Neil gives a dazzling support performance. 'Clear and Present Danger' has plenty of action and lots of suspense to please any moviegoer, with a support cast that includes James Earl Jones, Willem Dafoe, and a young Benjamin Bratt. The Suburban scene is shown to CIA agents as a training video to this day. 'Patriot Games' continues to follow Ryan, with Sean Bean as an IRA terrorist threatening Ryan and his family. 'The Sum of All Fears' was made as a prequel although the book is not, however, it is still a pretty powerful movie. Affleck is supported by Morgan Freeman as they attempt to track down a missing nuclear weapon. Feel free to rent them all on a rainy or snowy weekend.
One of the most classic political films ever made had a nice face lift a few years back. 'The Manchurian Candidate' is a wonderful movie, and although it hits close to home in the update, it is still very entertaining. Angela Lansbury is so wicked in the original, it's hard to watch another episode of 'Murder She Wrote', but Meryl Streep is decidedly twisted herself. Denzel Washington takes the lead in the new picture, with an exceptional performance by Liev Schreiber in the original Frank Sinatra role. For those who enjoy conspiracy theories, this one is for you.
Oliver Stone has had a few flops recently, but I'm personally looking forward to 'W'. For now, though, I will continue on the conspiracy train and tell you to watch 'JFK'. Sure, Kevin Costner's accent has an amazing disappearing/reappearing trick, but the idea of the plot to kill President Kennedy is so...convincing...you barely notice. Huge supporting cast.
'Dave'. Yes, that is my name, but that's not why I like this comedy about a regular guy who gets to play the President. Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver are great together, with a classic Charles Grodin popping in and out. Fun movie for those not into the serious stuff.
Wolfgang Peterson has directed two good political movies. 'In the Line of Fire' has Clint Eastwood as an aging Secret Service agent who is handpicked by a would be Presidential assassin in the form of always creepy John Malkovich. Rene Russo supports as a sexy, albeit unrealistic, love interest. And 'Air Force One' has Harrison Ford playing the President on the formidable aircraft against terrorists lead by another great maniac actor, Gary Oldman. Glenn Close supports as the hard yet hopeful Vice President. Another set of suspenseful action flicks, this time without the corruption abound.
Although technically not a film, I highly recommend the HBO miniseries 'John Adams' with Paul Giamatti in the title role. This seven part series features tremendous performances by every actor which includes Laura Linney as Abigail Adams, Tom Wilkinson as Benjamin Franklin, David Morse as George Washington, Stephan Dillane as Thomas Jefferson, and many others.
There are, of course, many more political films out there, so feel free to share your favorites...or even campaign against mine! But remember to focus on the issues and not just sling mud! I am the Movie Doc, and I approved this message.
Tom Clancy is an amazing writer, and his books make amazing films. I will call them the Jack Ryan series here, as he is the main character in the stories that have been adapted. Ryan has been portrayed by Alec Baldwin in 'The Hunt for Red October', Harrison Ford in 'Clear and Present Danger' and 'Patriot Games', and most recently by Ben Affleck in 'The Sum of All Fears'. I must say Harrison Ford's portrayal is my favorite, but Baldwin and Affleck did outstanding jobs themselves (and I haven't been Affleck's biggest fan). In 'Red October', Sean Connery's Captain Ramius is piloting the brand new, super-secret sub of the title, and it is up to Ryan to not only find the sub, but also what Ramius is up to. Sam Neil gives a dazzling support performance. 'Clear and Present Danger' has plenty of action and lots of suspense to please any moviegoer, with a support cast that includes James Earl Jones, Willem Dafoe, and a young Benjamin Bratt. The Suburban scene is shown to CIA agents as a training video to this day. 'Patriot Games' continues to follow Ryan, with Sean Bean as an IRA terrorist threatening Ryan and his family. 'The Sum of All Fears' was made as a prequel although the book is not, however, it is still a pretty powerful movie. Affleck is supported by Morgan Freeman as they attempt to track down a missing nuclear weapon. Feel free to rent them all on a rainy or snowy weekend.
One of the most classic political films ever made had a nice face lift a few years back. 'The Manchurian Candidate' is a wonderful movie, and although it hits close to home in the update, it is still very entertaining. Angela Lansbury is so wicked in the original, it's hard to watch another episode of 'Murder She Wrote', but Meryl Streep is decidedly twisted herself. Denzel Washington takes the lead in the new picture, with an exceptional performance by Liev Schreiber in the original Frank Sinatra role. For those who enjoy conspiracy theories, this one is for you.
Oliver Stone has had a few flops recently, but I'm personally looking forward to 'W'. For now, though, I will continue on the conspiracy train and tell you to watch 'JFK'. Sure, Kevin Costner's accent has an amazing disappearing/reappearing trick, but the idea of the plot to kill President Kennedy is so...convincing...you barely notice. Huge supporting cast.
'Dave'. Yes, that is my name, but that's not why I like this comedy about a regular guy who gets to play the President. Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver are great together, with a classic Charles Grodin popping in and out. Fun movie for those not into the serious stuff.
Wolfgang Peterson has directed two good political movies. 'In the Line of Fire' has Clint Eastwood as an aging Secret Service agent who is handpicked by a would be Presidential assassin in the form of always creepy John Malkovich. Rene Russo supports as a sexy, albeit unrealistic, love interest. And 'Air Force One' has Harrison Ford playing the President on the formidable aircraft against terrorists lead by another great maniac actor, Gary Oldman. Glenn Close supports as the hard yet hopeful Vice President. Another set of suspenseful action flicks, this time without the corruption abound.
Although technically not a film, I highly recommend the HBO miniseries 'John Adams' with Paul Giamatti in the title role. This seven part series features tremendous performances by every actor which includes Laura Linney as Abigail Adams, Tom Wilkinson as Benjamin Franklin, David Morse as George Washington, Stephan Dillane as Thomas Jefferson, and many others.
There are, of course, many more political films out there, so feel free to share your favorites...or even campaign against mine! But remember to focus on the issues and not just sling mud! I am the Movie Doc, and I approved this message.
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