Jacob Drake is probably one of my favorite independent animators, because while the character models tend to be crude at times, there’s a certain dynamic charm they obtain to where the art slowly evolves in to outstanding models of figures and men that only add to the silliness and inherent great sense of humor engrained in the movie that is “The Greatest Fan Film of All Time.” For a sequel and a fan film the folks now working outside the defunct Bullcrank studios, “The Greatest Fan Film” makes good in its word of being a funny but epic finisher for a small group of independent filmmakers now seeking their own niche in entertainment.
Tag Archives: Adventure
The Dark Knight (2008) (Deluxe Edition DVD)
There have been almost two editions of “The Dark Knight” on both DVD and Blu-Ray. I’m happy to admit that they’re all warranted releases. Not only does Warner give us one of the best comic book movies ever made along turning Batman in a tragic tale of becoming a hero in situations he’s just not sure he handle. Take for instance the explosions in the hospital. What I love about the joker here is not that he has a distinct love for violence and doesn’t come with a sub-plot where we’re supposed to sympathize for his life story unlike the “Spider-Man” movies where villains couldn’t just be villains.
Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D (2008) (DVD)
I know that Brendan Fraser hasn’t had a great go of it this year thanks to the Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, but for my money “Journey to the Center of the Earth” was a fun little adventure film in 2D and most especially in 3D. Finally being able to see what director Eric Brevig has in store with his 3D aspect, “Journey” is a fun event film that takes the 3D device and manages it in to a storytelling aspect that keeps the movie consistently fun. And if you think the movie is based only around 3D—well–you’re partly right, but “Journey 3D” is also a fun movie with some great sights and sounds to be had.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Two-Disc Special Edition) (2008)
So I keep coming back to that same question over and over: Was “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” really all that bad, or were more Lucas retractors just exaggerating because they grew up and Spielberg’s story didn’t? And I keep coming back to that same answer: No. “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” really isn’t a bad movie; in fact it’s one of the better Indiana Jones entries I’ve seen that’s been grossly skewered by fans as the “Phantom Menace” of the Indiana Jones franchise, when really, it’s not bad. It’s actually quite good.
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: Remastered Deluxe Edition (DVD)
Linus: There are three things I’ve learned to never discuss with people: Religion, Politics, and the Great Pumpkin.
Easter has the bunny, Christmas has Santa, and Valentine has Cupid, so it would only make sense that Halloween would have its own mythical figure to bring great joy, wouldn’t it? According to Linus: yes. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” may not be one of the better Charlie Brown specials but it sure is a great celebration of not just the Autumn season, but of Halloween and what a little faith in the tradition can do to a young child; it’s also one of the better animation jobs from the recently deceased Bill Melendez. Linus believes in the Great Pumpkin a mysterious Halloween figure that brings presents on Halloween Night at the local pumpkin patch.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) (DVD)
So it came and went like a bolt of lightning in theaters and the intent for big screen wishes were to give folks a treat on the back story of new Jedi Ahsoka who is recruited and soon becomes a feisty second hand to Anakin during the massive Clone Wars and it’s not that bad a movie. You laugh but it’s true; “The Clone Wars” wasn’t really too bad of a film, we just grew up without the tales now catered to children. This isn’t the first time and sadly this isn’t the last time. The next person who tells me that Lucas raped their childhoods is going to get five fingers on the cheek and a kick in the ass. Because in spite of its inherent flaws and stunning departure from Lucas’s typical storytelling style, it wasn’t as bad as “Phantom Menace” and its television series is also one program you can’t put too much weight on because it carries the mantle well.
The Rapture (2007)
Viewing the screener DVD for director Johnny K. Wu’s science fiction actioner, it’s pretty clear that the movie is a real work of love. Wu is all about action flicks and making the best out of very little. “The Rapture” is a movie that’s granted care and style from Wu who goes so far to include a “Silence” warning you find in theaters. “The Rapture” is no small accomplishment; it’s a sleek and really good take on a pretty old formula with some of the best special effects I’ve seen in an indie film. The man‘s work here can not be dismissed as he goes through painstaking work to feature some incredible aesthetics like wings, and force fields.