If you’ve never read Jules Vernes’ original novel before, if you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing any of the film adaptations, then there’s a good chance you may enjoy “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” a family adventure film that’s just been released for the sake of cashing in on the 3D gimmick and dumbing down the entire story to where it’s really nothing but a ride. Just like a Universal studios attraction Eric Brevig’s film comes with an interactive device that allows you to sit through an experience that presents the a basic broad premise and wastes no time in plunging you in to a variety of awe inspiring sights and sounds that will make you “ooh” and “aah” and then do nothing more afterward.
Tag Archives: Science Fiction
The Mutant Chronicles (2008)
Granted, I didn’t fall in love with “The Mutant Chronicles” as much as I’d hoped, but with post-apocalyptic movies it’s almost impossible for me to be disappointed. Director Simon Hunter’s Science Fiction horror flick doesn’t disappoint even if it’s never anything above average. Hunter gathers all the right elements for the post-apocalyptic epic from corporate corruption, war, and religion, as well as the teaming of a group of survivors who could save the world with their collective skills on the battle field. Bringing strong memories of “Seven Samurai” to mind, Hunter and co. aim for a more comic book or video game approach by treating each character with a mini-bio per their introductions. Thanks to the ever vigilant Brother Samuel who acts as the resident moral center and martyr.
Voltron: A Legend Forged #1
The last experience I had with Voltron was when people were assuming the first “Cloverfield” teaser was a hint at a new “Voltron” movie. God, that feeling of excitement at the possibility of anything was incredible. As for Voltron, I’ve always known he was a cool character with an interesting mythos, but I never really thought he’d be such a great comic book. So void of camp is this series, and so mature has it become that it’s quite different from everything else I’ve read.
Batman Begins (Limited Edition Gift Set) (DVD) (2005)
I set aside everything I was doing when I received this for the simple fact that in spite of being a triple dip, in spite of being a cash grab for fans, in spite of marketing on our anticipation for “The Dark Knight,” this is a marvelous boxed set. Absolutely marvelous. And mind you, I’m a person who hates re-releases and avidly avoids them at every turn. I don’t care how many new features are on a re-release, I’ll avoid it if I’m set with my current DVD purchase. The Limited Edition Gift Set is fantastic, and I think I would love to see this for “Superman Returns” eventually.
Hancock (2008)
Whether it makes money or not, “Hancock” will not be the next superhero franchise to break the bank, nor will it be as anticipated as the action figures from Marvel. “Hancock” has so much potential in the first half to focus on a superhero who is far from the people we get in theaters who happen to be upscale and of the Caucasian persuasion, but the turn in the second half is probably some of the most nonsensical pro-feminist propaganda I’ve ever seen, with the writers anxiously working toward taking an insignificant and uninteresting character and turning them in to someone who could contribute.
Wall-E (2008)
“Wall-E” dares to be anything but predictable. It’s quiet, it’s subtle, it’s intelligent, it features barely any dialogue at all, and it asks us to think of a world where garbage has become so cumbersome we’ve been shoved off our planet by our own waste. “Wall-E” is simply a masterpiece. Continue reading
Birds of Prey: The Complete Series (2002) (DVD)
I can imagine that if there were a commentary for the “Birds of Prey” DVD set, it would begin with “Well… it seemed like a good idea at the time.” And in theory, it does seem like a great concept. After the success of “Smallville” the (then) WB Network tapped the well by digging in to the Batman universe. What with the new franchise being developed how do you work around DC’s ridiculously strict guidelines of not including the same character in more than two property? You make stuff up, and work with what you have. “Birds of Prey” is based on the successful comic book series where Gotham’s girls team up to take on crime. The problem was that audiences just didn’t care for these characters, and what was worse was that well… it sucked. I saw the entire series on the WB Network when it first premiered and I couldn’t stand how awful it was.