Apparently now there are multiple colors of the Lantern and multiple sources of emotions that can fuel power. And none of it has to do with merchandising. That bit if cynicism aside, Green Lantern gets his much overdue animated series from the Cartoon Network here in America and leads what is a pretty entertaining action science fiction series overall. It’s not as sophisticated as “Batman” or “Justice League” and rarely exciting as “Batman Beyond,” but as a Bruce Timm byproduct it serves its purpose as entertaining science fiction fodder that thankfully pretends the movie never existed.
Tag Archives: Science Fiction
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Pardon the cynical thought process but I imagine “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is only the first in what Hollywood will soon turn in to a series of three, maybe four films. Which is a shame, because ideally I wish “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” would be a single entry prequel in a classic science fiction film series. I say that not because it’s a bad film but because the writing wraps the entire film in to one clever self-contained little cinematic entry that it’s just too good to see ruined with a follow-up. While “Rise” is essentially about the emergence of a primitive ruler in a cruel world, there are so many Easter eggs included within the narrative that includes foreshadowing, winks to the audience, and a pretty great nod to the original “Planet of the Apes,” all of which are so subtle only the most eagle eyed genre geek will catch on to what the film is leading in to.
Predator 2 (1990)
Bafflingly, the sequel to the classic action science fiction film opts out of following our man Dutch in his further adventures against this alien hunter menace and chooses instead to focus on a brand new series of characters. And rather than continue its trek in to the jungles of Central America, it zeroes in on the city. The inner city. The crime ridden inner city. The crime ridden gang infested inner city. The concrete jungle if you will. If you don’t get the symbolism, don’t worry, “Predator 2” clubs you over the head with the clunky message that this is a new kind of jungle. A concrete jungle. “Predator 2” is sadly a loud, ugly, and irritating film that doesn’t do much to set itself apart from other films of its ilk.
Predator (1987)
Before “The Expendables” was ever put in to production, director John McTiernan had the foresight to include a roster of cinematic bad asses for a film that involved a bunch of mercenaries battling an unseen hunter in the jungles of Central America. From Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, Jesse Ventura, Sonny Landham and the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Predator” features a conglomerate of muscles and sweat that makes up one of the best casts of an action film ever. 1987 brought forth one of the most unique and innovative action thrillers ever conceived.
Our Top 20 Movie Brawls Of All Time
A good movie fight can convey emotions. They can spell doom for many characters, and often times they make it clear to the audience that what’s happening in the film is urgent and will cost many their lives. While true a movie fight in modern cinema is often used as a way to kill time and keep audiences entertained until the next scene, a really good movie fight fills you in on the film’s characters.
They stick with you, they keep you talking for years after watching the film, and they’re a key asset to unraveling the drama and anxiety before our very eyes. For some characters, a big fight can mean preserving themselves in a dire situation. For some characters a fight can be an act of vengeance, or just an act of sending a message to someone. In either case, a great cinematic battle is meant to convey emotions and compel you, and is just as important to the story as is the dialogue. Gnash your teeth, clench your fists, and spit some blood, we proudly present to you twenty of the Greatest Movie Brawls we’ve ever seen!
Armageddon (1998)
One of the many aspects about filmmaking that Michael Bay never perfected is subtlety. None of his films are ever about the more quiet and inconspicuous moments in story and characterization. “Armageddon” as a whole is an often loud, bright, irritating and occasionally intrusive film that attempts to assault every inch of an audiences attention before ever managing to tell its story. It’s one of the many reasons why “Pearl Harbor” was considered a cinematic disaster. I’m horrified to fathom what would ever happen if Bay ever made a film about 9/11 or the Titanic.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012) [Blu-Ray/DVD/Ultraviolet]
I’m one of the very few people who actually enjoyed “Journey to the Center of the Earth” for what it was. It was nothing more than a ninety minute roller coaster ride with 3D specks that took the audience through some fun sights and sounds. “Journey 2” is basically the follow-up practicing that very routine all over again. It’s intent is to take you through the various dangers and awe inspiring wonders of the mysterious island before actually telling a story or exploring its characters. One thing it does have going for it, is that it makes reading and compiling information look sleek and exciting. If Dwayne Johnson is doing it, maybe the young audience this film appeals to, will.