Green Lantern:First Flight 2009

This week I will be reviewing Green Lantern: First Flight. This is the fifth animated film from the DC Universe Original Animated Movies. I enjoyed this film right from the start. Green Lantern is not a character that I am too familiar with but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. It starts off with a test flight being performed by Hal Jordan. Meanwhile a space craft crashes to earth with an alien known as Abin Sur dieing from a serious wound. He orders the ring to find someone worthy to pocess the green lantern ring. The ring finds Jordan and he is taken to the crash site where Abin Sur gives him the ring transforming him into the Green Lantern before the spaceship blows up. Hal Jordan is greeted by other Green Lanterns known as Boodikka, Kilowog and Sinestro. Sinestro takes Jordan under his wing and Jordan quickly finds out just how dangerous Sinestro is.

Sinestro disagrees with the Guardians views on how criminals are to be punished. In a twist in the story, it turns out that Sinestro is working with Kanjor Ro-the alien who had Abin Sur killed. He wants to find the yellow element which will give him the power to set his own brutal law on the universe. He even goes as far as framing Jordan for the murder of Kanjar Ro. Jordan convinces Kilowog and Boodikka to let him out and they find him trying to find the location of the yellow element and to his horror Jordan discovers that Boodikka is on Sinestro's side. I very much enjoyed this film. The origin story of Green Lantern was told in Justice League The New Frontier but the writers deal with the origin in the first five minutes of this film. From there it is an action packed adventure set in space with very little time spent on earth. The film isn't too violent but it has its moments. The voice acting is once again excellent. The animation is crysal clear and wonderful. I give this film 9/10. This week I will also be reviewing Wonder Woman 2009 from the same line of animated films.

Galaxy Quest 1999

"Never give up, never surrender."This week I will be reviewing the film Galaxy Quest. This is pretty much a spoof of Star Trek and it is a very good spoof. It is about a group of washed up actors who now appear at conventions to regain their fame of 20 years before. The actors are Jason Nesbith/Captin Peter Qincy Taggart, Gwen DeMarco/ Lt Tawney Madison, Alexander Dane/Dr Lazarus of Tev'Meck, Fred Kwan/Tech Sargent Chen and Tommy Webber/Lt Laredo. The actors enjoy a devoted fan base but one in particular is sick of it name Alexander. I found this film to be very funny from start to finish. The plot involves the actors on a mission to save a race of aliens who think that the TV show was a documentary from a galactic warlord known as Sarris. When the crew are beamed aboard the ship a fan and extra is also joined with them Guy Fleegman. When the ship is attacked by Sarris the crew have to find berryilium sphere in order to start up the engines again. I am not a huge Star Trek fan but I really enjoyed this film. Its great that you don't have to be a Star Trek or even science fiction in general in order to enjoy this film. The interaction between the actors is without a doubt the high point of the film. Alan Rickman and Tim Allen play off each other wonderfully, it appears that there a rift between the two actors over the years but they do respect each other. Sigourney Weaver spoofs her Ripley character that she played in the alien film series by repeating what the computer says the whole time. The film also pay tribute to the fans, it is the fans who ultimately help our hero's at the end of the day to save earth. What is also enjoyable is that the film doesn't take itself to seriously. There is scene where the crew have to get the berryilium sphere where they encounter aliens that look like innocent children but they are really vicious aliens and the Captain has to fight a rock monster. It is very enjoyable and funny. I think maybe Star Trek fans might understand the jokes a bit better but that won't spoil you enjoyment of the this wonderful film. I give this film 10/10. Next week I will be reviewing Green Lantern:First Flight 2009 from the DC Universe Original Animated Movies and I will be reviewing Wonder Woman 2009 from the same line of films.

The Silence of The Lambs 1991

"A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chicanti." This week I will be reviewing the Silence of the Lambs. It is the story of a young FBI agent and her assignment before she graduates to become a full FBI agent. It stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter. It involves the hunt for a serial killer known only as "Buffalo Bill" who is skinning women across America. Clarice is sent in under false pretences in order to get information out of Lecter about Buffalo Bill. After her first encounter with Lecter, he sends her to a garage where she finds the severed head of a transvestite. When she confronts Lecter about her discovery, he reveals that he was the first victim of Buffolo Bill "a fledgling killer's first attempt at transformation". With this revelation they strike an uneasy alliance, he will give her information about the killer only if she will give him personal information about her own troubled life. The body of the first victim is found on a river bank. When the post mortem is being performed on her it is discovered that two large diamond shape pieces of skin have been taken from her back. They also discover a moth cocoon stuck in her throat.

Soon Buffalo Bill is on the hunt for his "next special lady". He kidnaps the daughter of a senator. The FBI soon kick into over drive in order to find the missing girl. Clarice offers to move Lecter to a minimum security wing if he gives her Bill's identity before Lecter sees through this game. He is taken to Memphis where he taunts the senator about her daughter and gives a false description of Bill to the police. After one last final conversation with Clarice he gives her everything she needs to catch Buffalo bill before Lecter makes his violent escape from prison. From the information Clarice figures out that Bill knew this first victim as he began to covet what he sees everyday. With this new revelation she travels to the victims house and soon finds herself in the house of Buffalo Bill himself. She discovers that he is making a suit out of women's skin and is kidnapping bigger women and starving in order to get their skin. She finds the senators daughter imprisoned in an abandoned well. She finds herself trapped in darkness with Bill creeping up on her. She hears him load his gun and she fires five shots at, thus ending his reign of terror.

This is no doubt one of the best films ever made. It won five Oscars, one for Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, one for writing, one for best director and one for best picture. It created one of the best screen villains. It features excellent performances from everybody in the film. It is suspenseful and engaging. The scenes between Lecter and Starling are excellent. I give this film 10/10. Next week I will be reviewing Galaxy Quest.

The X Files: I Want to Believe 2008

This week I will be reviewing the second X Files film. This film was made six years after the end of the popular television series. It sees the return of Mulder and Scully and where they are in their lives now. It also sees the return of AD Skinner in a brief cameo. This film has a smaller budget than the first film but I think it a much more intimate piece as it focuses on Mulder and Scully's relationship. It also co-stars Billy Connolly who plays a less than pleasant character in the form of Father Joe who may or may not have physic connection to the case. The film begins with the disappearance of an FBI agent from her home and later a severed arm is found in the snow.

The FBI ask Scully who is now a doctor to find Fox Mulder as they need his help in order to find the missing agent in time. In the six years since the show ended we last saw the two characters on the run from the FBI, Mulder is now a recluse who has grown a beard and spends his days cutting out newspaper articles about the paranormal and throwing pencils up on the ceiling when he is bored. Mulder is reluctant to join the investigation even though the FBI says it will drop all charges against him. He soon joins the case as it stirs up old memories of his own sisters disappearance. This film captures the atmosphere of the snow covered Vancouver (although the film is set in West Virginia). The acting is top class from David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson and from Billy Connolly who plays against type here. There are several inside jokes to the TV series which will appeal to fans of the show. That doesn't mean you have to be a fan of the series in order to enjoy this film. The score by Mark Snow is eerie and I think the snow covered landscape is beautiful. Even though some fans didn't like the film I think its great, I think it was smart that the writers did not involve the alien conspiracy story line from the show as this would have confused people as it has been of the air for six years. Bring on X Files 3. I give this film 9/10. Next week I will be reviewing The Silence of the Lambs 1991.

The X Files Movie 1998

This week I will be reviewing The X Files Movie. This is the first big budget outing for FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. This film centres on the alien conspiracy that runs throughout the entire series of The X Files TV series. It contains all the series trademark that made the series a success suspense, humour and a good engaging mystery. It starts off with a terrorist bomb threat in Texas and Mulder and Scully are blamed when the bomb is allowed to go off. The mystery takes them from Washington DC to the barren deserts of Texas to the icy landscape of Antarctica. the film also contains cameos from some of the series most popular characters such as CSM (cigarette smoking man), the lone gunmen and Assistant Director Walter Skinner. This is an engaging film that offers thrills and suspense throughout. It is good to see Mulder and Scully on the big screen. The creators push the on screen chemistry between the two lead actors here and it should give a good jolt to fans that have watched the series from the beginning. It contains the famous black oil alien virus seen in the series and an amazing ending in the Antarctic. I give this film 9/10. Next week I will be reviewing the second film The X Files: I want to Believe.

Superman/Batman Public Enemies 2009

This week I will review the latest DC Universe film Superman/Batman Public Enemies. It is the sixth film from the DC Universe original films. It features an array of hero's and villains that go up against Superman and Batman. It stars the voices of Tim Daly, Kevin Conroy and Clancy Brown, each provided the iconic voices of Superman,Batman and Lex Luthor in the 1990's Batman The Animated Series and Superman The Animated Series.

The plot starts off with the collapse of the global economy and with the election of Lex Luthor of the President of the United States. Gradually things start getting back to normal, that is until a meteor made of kryptonite is discovered heading towards earth. Lex decides that he needs Superman's help to destroy it. However when Superman meets up with Luthor, he decides to frame Superman for the death of Metallo. With the help of Batman he has to clear his name and stop the meteor from destroying the planet. Lex announces a bounty on Superman in the amount of 1 billion dollars. With that every super villain decides to cash in on the Man of Steel and his partner in crime Batman. This film was once again produced by Bruce Timm. It features most of the DC universe characters. It is mostly an action packed 67 minutes. It is rated 12's not due to the nature of the story but of the fight sequences that take place. It doesn't let the audience catch their breath and all of the 67 minutes is used up greatly. It features amazing voice acting by the three actors I mentioned above and great action scenes. There is also the bonus of seeing the robot that is a mixture of the designs of Batman and Superman. I give this film 9/10 overall. Next week I will be reviewing The X Files Movie.

Justice League The New Frontier

This week I will be doing a review of the second animated film from the DC Universe Original Animated Movies Justice League The New Frontier 2008.

This story is set in the 1950's and 1960's. It features an array of superheros including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, J'onn Jones and The Green Lantern.

The plot revolves around as mysterious physic force known as The Centre who plots to wipe out humanity. It is fairly plot heavy but that doesn't take the enjoyment out of this film. The character designs go back to the originals as Superman goes back to his 1940's style costume, Batman goes back to his as well. It is mostly the Flash and Green Lanterns movie as it has Green Lanterns origin built in.

The film also has an air to the McCarthy era of extreme paranoia in the USA of the communists. He handles this subject matter extremely well. The animation is fantastic, it is fairly bloody like the other films such Superman Doomsday and Batman Gotham Knight but is none the less enjoyable. Lucy Lawless is cast as the voice of Wonder Woman who brings a hard edge to the character. Once again this film is rated 12's in Ireland and the UK for violence. It deserves this rating as they would never have gotten away with this on kids TV. I give this film 10/10. Next week Superman/Batman Public Enemies.

Batman Mask of the Phantasm

Batman Mask of the Phantasm

This film stars Kevin Conroy as Batman, Dana Delany as Andrea and Mark Hamill as the Joker.

It deals with the appearance of a mysterious vigilante who is killing Gothams top gangster bosses but Batman is blamed and must clear his name. It also see the return of Batmans ture love Andrea Beaumont.

This film is excellent, it has everything going for it. Top voice acting, amazing visuals and a fantastic score. It features Batman going up against the Joker and his battle to clear his name. It is really a story about how Bruce Wayne became Batman and how he almost give it all up for love. I give this film 10/10.

Superman Doomsday 2007

Here is a review of the first DC Universe Animated Movie Superman Doomsday.

This is the first film of the DC Universe films. It is based on the Death of Superman comic books which featured the death of the Man of Steel. It stars the voices of Adam Baldwin as Superman, Anne Heche as Lois Lane and James Marsters as Lex Luthor. This film is rated PG in Ireland and 12 in the UK and it deserves it. It seems like the creators were given a chance to be more violent and were not hampered by TV censors. I think its a good thing that are not being dictated to by the censors as we get the most graphic portrayal of Superman to date.


It begins with a voice over by Lex Luthor stating that "there comes a time when even gods must die." Superman and Lois are in a relationship together and she wants to know what his real identity is (even though she already knows.) He wont tell her as it might endanger her. Meanwhile Lex Corp have discovered the remains of alien ship that holds the monster known as Doomsday inside. The crew accidentaly release the monster which begins its destruction by killing the crew and bambi.























It soon brings its destruction to the city where the army are useless against the monster. Superman arrives but finds that the alien has nearly the same strength as he has. Superman has his head smashed in the pavement. He is punched several times until he coughs up blood. The final stray comes when Doomsday attempts to kill a child. He grabbed by Superman who flies him up to space to suffocate up. The two hit the ground with the force of a comet leaving must of the city destroyed. Superman dies in Lois Lanes arms.


With the death of Superman the city falls in chaos Perry becomes an alcoholic, Jimmy starts working for a rag. The city is in ruin after the death of Superman even Luthor mourns him in his own demented manner. When Toyman kidnaps a group of school children Lois decides to help but is caught by Toyman who proceeds to through her of the roof until she is rescued by Superman.


The city rejoices as the Man of Steel seemingly returns from the dead. But all is not well with Lois as Clark hasn't come back and his mother hasn't heard from. It turns out Lex cloned him from blood left at the epic battle. The new is Superman seems to be working out fine until he hears that Toyman killed a young girl. Intercepting the police Superman he kills Toyman which sets off a chain of events that lead to the resurrection of the real Man of Steel.

Meanwhile Lois and Jimmy discover that Lex is creating a clone army to take over the world. The clone arrives and destroys all the clones. He then proceeds to follow Lex to the red solar room when Lex tries to kill him with a gauntlet made of kryptonite but the room is thrown to the streets by the clone.



It turns out the real Superman's heart rate slowed to a crawl to enable him to heal better.Superman is rescued by the robot that maintains the fortress of solitude and using solar energy to restore his strength goes to fight the clone. He is then given a gun with a kryptonite bullet to kill the clone. While the military try to stop the clone, the clone uses his heat vision to stop the military before they even get a shot at him. As the clone rejoices in his victory the real Superman arrives but the kryptonite gun is knocked away from and what ensues is a vicious fight when Superman fighting for his life. The clone questions when Superman is trying to stop and that he is his reflection if he were strong. The fight takes them to superman memorial park when superman beaten by his own clone is ready to killed when Lois gives him the gun and after knocking over a oil tank the cartridge sticks to the clones suit and Superman melts the kryptonite realizing a toxic gas to the clone. The clones final words to Superman are "protect the people" Superman replies "Its why I'm here."

The film ends with Superman revealing his identity to Lois and the city celebrating his return. Meanwhile a heavily bandaged Lex leaves with another voice over "It would seem that you cannot be destroyed after all Superman, it would seem."

Overall I give the film 10/10. It has amazing visuals and the fight between Superman and Doomsday is unforgettable as is the final battle between the clone. The story is excellent. I hope that Warner Brothers keep this quality for all the films that they are making.

Batman Gotham Knight 2008

Batman Gotham Knight 2008










This is the third film of the DC Universe Original Animated movies. It composes of six segments which feature 6 different portrayals of the dark knight. This film was done in Japanese anime style. It was animated by six different anime studios. It features Kevin Conroy as Batman who is the most iconic portrayal of the superhero.



Have I got a story for you?











This segment features several different versions of Batman ranging an Iron Man type robot to a live shadow to a man-bat creature. It is told from the point of view of three teenagers who exaggerate their points of view. In the end it is the fourth teenager who hasn't seen Batman who truly see Batman for who he is- just an ordinary man fighting for his life. The animation is amazing in this piece and the different versions of Batman is quite interesting. 8/10


Crossfire


This segment is told from the point of view of the police. One who trusts the dark knight and respects him for what he does and another who distrusts him. It features the narrows which were last seen in Batman Begins. The narrows scenes are quite creepy and we can see the destruction of the narrows since the last film. The two detectives are assigned to drop an inmate back at Arkyum. After they drop of the inmate they are caught in an intense crossfire of two rival gangs the Russians and the Italians. Batman is seen little in this segment and in the end is shown as the saviour in a halo of flames. He rescues the two police officers and is seen somewhat as a guardian angel. The animation here again is also excellent and the images of the narrows are dark and foreboding. The images of Batman surrounded by flames add to the mythos that he is somewhat of a saviour of the helpless. 9/10


Field Test


This is the third segment of the animated film. It takes a break from the action of the first two segments. It features a younger Bruce Wayne and the lessons he learns from fighting injustice. In this he investigates the murder of a social worker and the high powered bllionaire behind the crime. He also comes across the gangs from the previous story the Russians and Italians. In this he is given a device that deflects bullets. In this he learns harsh lessons and learns that he is willing to give his own life to the cause but not risk anyone else's. 8/10



In Darkness Dwells


In this segment Batman finds himself in the sewers of Gotham going up against the forces of the Scarcrow and the Killer Croc. This segment is mostly action. The images are terrifying as Batman is infected with the Scarcrow's fear toxin and has to fight his way through his hallucinations. The fight scenes are amazing and violent. The music is a real standout for me. 10/10








Working Through Pain

The fifth segment of the animated film picks up where the last story left off. Batman is seriously wounded from a gunshot wound from one of the scarecrows victims. He reminisces of the time he spent in India where he learned about controlling his pain. We see a more human side to Bruce in this segment and a possible romance in the character of Cassandra. In the end she fails to help him as his pain is out of her and even his control. This part is really spiritual and is extremely graphic with gunshot wounds and stabbings. The ending is amazing as Batman is trapped in the sewers holding guns in his hands unable to let go of his pain. 10/10

Deadshot This is the final segment of this animated film. It features the villian known as Deadshot, an assasin who fire from long ranges and still kill his targets. This story sets up the contrasts between batman and deadshot as deadshot loves guns while batman dislikes them. It features an intense fight between the two where batman is wounded but still. It also shows how far batman comes close to the edge, he will step close the line but will not take a life. If you are looking for acion packed adventure, you'll enjoy this. 10/10

Overall as a whole I give it 10/10.

Matrix and Trainspotting

Got a new lecturer. Watched the Matrix on blu-ray. Bought Trainspotting.
Review of The Matrix 1999
"What is the Matrix?"
It is one of the most revolutionary films of the late 20th century. It popularised the famous bullet time sequence which has been parodied in many other films since then. It is a film that has everything going for good plot, interesting characters, great action sequences and a fantastic soundtrack.

Trainspotting
"Choose your future Choose life"
A clockwork orange for the 1990's. Extremely controversal when it was first released in 1996 due its drug content. It has pulse and beat to it from its soundtrack that few have had since. It features a great cast from Ewen McGregor, Johnny Lee Miller, Ewen Bremner and Robert Carlyle as Renton, Sickboy, Spud and Begbie. This film follows the lifes of these characters from drug abuse to self destruction. It highlights the highs and lows of heroin addiction, the bliss felt until the brutal reality sinks in. Features Underworld Born Slippery

Great News

Got a new lecturer. Got the Matrix on blu-ray. Watched Trainspotting.