In Ex Machina, Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) is a coder at a Google-esque internet search giant. He wins a week-long stay at the fancy lodging of his boss Nathan (Oscar Issac). Once there, Caleb finds that Nathan intends for him to be the human part of a Turing test. It isn't long before the A.I. in question, named Ava (Alicia Vikander), has Caleb questioning what is really going on.
Alicia Vikander is quite memorable as Ava, the pretty A.I. at the center of the tale. The less I say about her the better (I will say that I couldn't really stop thinking about here, in a weird way I still can't. She also has an impressive nude scene). Domhnall Gleeson is one of those big up-and-coming actors. He's appeared in some pretty good films lately (like Dredd, About Time, Frank, Calvary, Anna Karenina, Never Let Me Go, True Grit, and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2. Look for him in Star Wars later this year), but has yet to really make it big. While I'm not sure this will be his big breakthrough, I do have a feeling this will get people talking about him and should certainly put him on more people's radar, so that's a good thing. I really liked his character here, and would say he does a great job in his role. Oscar Isaac just about walks away with the film as the mysterious but somewhat goofy and fun creator of Ava and the owner of the search giant. The discussions and scenes that he and Caleb shares are easily some of the best scenes in the film (Also love Isaac's dance scene). Gleeson and Isaac have a real back-and-forth going on, and they work perfectly together. I'd consider this to be my favorite performance from Isaac, which is saying a lot seeing how he's had some real memorable roles/films as of late (Drive, Sucker Punch, Inside Llewyn Davis, A Most Violent Year, Star Wars, X:Men Apocalypse). He was an up-and-comer, but I'd say he's just about made it now.
From everything I've heard, it would seem that Ex Machina is quite realistic as far as it comes to how the film deals with A.I. technology. The film brings to the forefront some real interesting ideas and discussions about A.I. technology, and how that will affect not just the future, but the future of the human race as well (in reality, this is some pretty terrifying stuff). Ex Machina is superbly directed and written by Alex Garland. This is his directorial debut but he's an expert script writer as he's written the screenplay for Dredd, Never Let Me Go, Sunshine, and 28 Days Later. With Ex Machina, I'd say he establishes himself as the next big thing for science fiction.
Ex Machina isn't completely flawless. I'd say it does get a little bumpy at times, but I found the overall experience to be quite thought-provoking and enjoyable. I went in knowing very little about the film and I thoroughly enjoyed following it down it's twisted, bizarre, freaky path. For the first time in years we get a high quality, sci-fi film that actually encourages us to think (It also encourages us to take part in the Turing test as well, allowing us to decide if we think Ava's passed or not). Ex Machina is a talky, cerebral sci-fi film. I'm happy to say that, yes, this is really the real deal. The film easily passes the test for me. This is a new sci-fi classic. If you're one of the many who has been disappointed with the sci-fi offerings as of late, I'd say it's time you see Ex Machina.
5 STARS
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
BUG JUICE- SMALL'S TRAILER MANIA: STAR WARS, FANTASTIC FOUR, TOMORROWLAND, ANT-MAN, JURASSIC WORLD, TERMINATOR GENISYS, BATMAN VS SUPERMAN
Hey all! It's been a long time (and I mean a LOOOOOOOONG time) since I've done a trailer mania but seeing as a whole metric you-know-what ton of trailers for hotly anticipated films have recently been released, I see I have no choice but to review each one and post my thoughts below. Buckle your seat belts and hang on tight, because this is going to be a doozy
First up: The newest trailer for Brad Bird's Tomorrowland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzukD8pS_s
Wow....I mean, just wow. The plot details still seem a bit scarce, but from what I can make out from previous trailers Earth is in bad shape, and a mystical place that Uncle Walt (as in Walt Disney) and other dreamers like him created may be our only hope. Crazy inventor Frank (George Clooney) and teen Casey (Britt Robertson) have seen glimpses of the place, and Frank has the means to travel there. For whatever reason, an android army has been sent to stop them. Still not sure exactly what's going on here, but the action in this trailer looks both silly and tons of fun. I'm pretty psyched, and not just because Brad Bird is directing or because the film has ties to Disneyland.....but because this looks like it really could be pretty good.
Next up is Star Wars: The Force Awakens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCc2v7izk8w
It's a good sign when I go through a trailer with a crazy smile plastered on my face. I am certainly a fan of Star Wars (how could you not be?), and this trailer hit all the right buttons for me. The scenes within look gorgeous (that crashed star destroyer...holy carp guys!), and it felt so good to see Chewie and Han back together (presumably entering the Millennium Falcon after quite some time). I like the glimpses we get of our villain Kylo Ren (MORE PLEASE) and of what I assume is the updated version of the Galactic Empire (Also really digging the new Storm Trooper outfits, and that groovy glimpse at Vader's helmet). Star Wars: The Force Awakens definitely looks quite promising (for right now, I'm saying it looks very, very good, certainly better than those awful prequel films). We still don't know much plot wise, but rumors suggest that the film could center around Luke's lost lightsaber from Empire Strikes Back. Unless further trailers eventually turn me off the film (which I doubt) I'm saying COUNT ME IN!
The next trailer we look at today is for a property that is near and dear to my heart (partly because the first film in the franchise is probably my personal favorite film of all time): JURASSIC WORLD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJJrkyHas78
FINALLY! We get a few great glimpses at our main baddie dino: The Indominus Rex (or D-Rex for short), and boy does she look pretty! Our main actors (Vincent D'Onofrio, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Jake Johnson, Nick Robinson, BD Wong, Irrfan Kahn, and Chris Pratt) all seem up to the challenge. I'm not expecting this one to be anywhere near the level of the first Jurassic Park, but I do think (and hope) it will be better than the two sequels we got after. The plot does sound kind of dumb (Pratt makes a good point: Why would anyone engineer even deadlier dinos? Don't you guys remember what happened in the first three films?), but the action looks insane and tons of fun (That shot of the pterodactyl getting snapped up by the Moassaur was all kinds of right). I'll mainly be checking in to see what a fully realized, and open to the public Jurassic Park would be like. I'm so excited, you wouldn't believe it. I've got to find a way to see this baby in IMAX 3-D! This is definitely the best trailer we have gotten for Jurassic World thus far.
Next in my queue is Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe1LrMqURuw
Still not sure what I think about this one. I do think the trailer looks mighty pretty, and Affleck as Batman looks intimidating, pissed off and scary as hell (dare I say he almost looks kind of perfect. Definitely reminds me of the Bats from The Dark Knight Returns.). I still don't have enough info to properly judge if this film is going to be good or not (Still not crazy about the casting of Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, but I do like Jeremy Irons aka Scar from Lion King as Alfred). I'll probably attend just to see Batman and Supes duke it out mano-a-mano. Easily the best part of this trailer was the last line: "Tell me, do you bleed? You will." Gives me the chills every damn time.
Next is Ant-Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HpZevFifuo
Well, this was certainly better than the last trailer we got for the film. We get a ton more action here, and while I still can't say I'm excited for the film, it does look pretty fun and I love that Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas are our leads. For me, this trailer is all about that last shot of the model train de-railing....so simple but so darned funny. This film will definitely have a sense of humor.
Up next is the newest trailer for Fantastic Four
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POBI7OhGB18
Still very hesitant about this film. We get a bit more plot, some more character interaction, and our first look at DOOM. From everything I've heard about this film, I'm still not digging it so far. The grittier look and tone, the casting of younger actors in the lead roles (I do like each individual actor, but am not sure they fit as The Fantastic Four), and (as you all should know by now) the decision to drastically alter the Doom character so he's now a hacker/programmer/blogger. Until I see more of the Doom character (and admittedly, Kebbell does look fine in the Doom garb) I'll still file this one under awful flop.
I've saved the worst for last: Terminator Genisys. Yes, this trailer contains MAJOR SPOILERS for the film.....YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNU_jrPxs-0
I actually had hope for this film, not so much anymore. This trailer actually makes me angry. Why would ANYONE decide it's a good idea to make John Connor the main antagonist of the film....and a machine/human hybrid? I like that a large part of the film will be about saving John or undoing the damage that Skynet did to John, but the fact that they spoiled what seems to be a large and important part of the film has me worried(Plus, this doesn't make sense with the character of John Connor that the previous films had established. The John Connor I know would never willingly agree to become a man/machine ally to Skynet. All that said, I must say John does look very good in a suit.). The only reason studios pull this tactic is if they have no faith in the product they are marketing, and if they don't have any faith in Terminator: Genisys then why should we? Who knows, maybe the John as cybernetic antagonist plot won't be as big as it seems to be in this trailer. Only time will tell I guess (and where the hell is Matt Smith? Or is that going to be the BIG reveal saved for the film?). I really do hope the film surprises me and is the best installment in the franchise since T2, but I honestly doubt it as of right now. I'd hate to say it, but I'm expecting an awful flop (But hey, the lesser my expectations the more room the film has to surprise me).
So that wraps up this lengthy edition of Trailer Mania. I hope you all enjoyed reading my thoughts on each trailer. Till next time, I'm Smalls and you've just been bugged!
First up: The newest trailer for Brad Bird's Tomorrowland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzukD8pS_s
Wow....I mean, just wow. The plot details still seem a bit scarce, but from what I can make out from previous trailers Earth is in bad shape, and a mystical place that Uncle Walt (as in Walt Disney) and other dreamers like him created may be our only hope. Crazy inventor Frank (George Clooney) and teen Casey (Britt Robertson) have seen glimpses of the place, and Frank has the means to travel there. For whatever reason, an android army has been sent to stop them. Still not sure exactly what's going on here, but the action in this trailer looks both silly and tons of fun. I'm pretty psyched, and not just because Brad Bird is directing or because the film has ties to Disneyland.....but because this looks like it really could be pretty good.
Next up is Star Wars: The Force Awakens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCc2v7izk8w
It's a good sign when I go through a trailer with a crazy smile plastered on my face. I am certainly a fan of Star Wars (how could you not be?), and this trailer hit all the right buttons for me. The scenes within look gorgeous (that crashed star destroyer...holy carp guys!), and it felt so good to see Chewie and Han back together (presumably entering the Millennium Falcon after quite some time). I like the glimpses we get of our villain Kylo Ren (MORE PLEASE) and of what I assume is the updated version of the Galactic Empire (Also really digging the new Storm Trooper outfits, and that groovy glimpse at Vader's helmet). Star Wars: The Force Awakens definitely looks quite promising (for right now, I'm saying it looks very, very good, certainly better than those awful prequel films). We still don't know much plot wise, but rumors suggest that the film could center around Luke's lost lightsaber from Empire Strikes Back. Unless further trailers eventually turn me off the film (which I doubt) I'm saying COUNT ME IN!
The next trailer we look at today is for a property that is near and dear to my heart (partly because the first film in the franchise is probably my personal favorite film of all time): JURASSIC WORLD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJJrkyHas78
FINALLY! We get a few great glimpses at our main baddie dino: The Indominus Rex (or D-Rex for short), and boy does she look pretty! Our main actors (Vincent D'Onofrio, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Jake Johnson, Nick Robinson, BD Wong, Irrfan Kahn, and Chris Pratt) all seem up to the challenge. I'm not expecting this one to be anywhere near the level of the first Jurassic Park, but I do think (and hope) it will be better than the two sequels we got after. The plot does sound kind of dumb (Pratt makes a good point: Why would anyone engineer even deadlier dinos? Don't you guys remember what happened in the first three films?), but the action looks insane and tons of fun (That shot of the pterodactyl getting snapped up by the Moassaur was all kinds of right). I'll mainly be checking in to see what a fully realized, and open to the public Jurassic Park would be like. I'm so excited, you wouldn't believe it. I've got to find a way to see this baby in IMAX 3-D! This is definitely the best trailer we have gotten for Jurassic World thus far.
Next in my queue is Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe1LrMqURuw
Still not sure what I think about this one. I do think the trailer looks mighty pretty, and Affleck as Batman looks intimidating, pissed off and scary as hell (dare I say he almost looks kind of perfect. Definitely reminds me of the Bats from The Dark Knight Returns.). I still don't have enough info to properly judge if this film is going to be good or not (Still not crazy about the casting of Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, but I do like Jeremy Irons aka Scar from Lion King as Alfred). I'll probably attend just to see Batman and Supes duke it out mano-a-mano. Easily the best part of this trailer was the last line: "Tell me, do you bleed? You will." Gives me the chills every damn time.
Next is Ant-Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HpZevFifuo
Well, this was certainly better than the last trailer we got for the film. We get a ton more action here, and while I still can't say I'm excited for the film, it does look pretty fun and I love that Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas are our leads. For me, this trailer is all about that last shot of the model train de-railing....so simple but so darned funny. This film will definitely have a sense of humor.
Up next is the newest trailer for Fantastic Four
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POBI7OhGB18
Still very hesitant about this film. We get a bit more plot, some more character interaction, and our first look at DOOM. From everything I've heard about this film, I'm still not digging it so far. The grittier look and tone, the casting of younger actors in the lead roles (I do like each individual actor, but am not sure they fit as The Fantastic Four), and (as you all should know by now) the decision to drastically alter the Doom character so he's now a hacker/programmer/blogger. Until I see more of the Doom character (and admittedly, Kebbell does look fine in the Doom garb) I'll still file this one under awful flop.
I've saved the worst for last: Terminator Genisys. Yes, this trailer contains MAJOR SPOILERS for the film.....YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNU_jrPxs-0
I actually had hope for this film, not so much anymore. This trailer actually makes me angry. Why would ANYONE decide it's a good idea to make John Connor the main antagonist of the film....and a machine/human hybrid? I like that a large part of the film will be about saving John or undoing the damage that Skynet did to John, but the fact that they spoiled what seems to be a large and important part of the film has me worried(Plus, this doesn't make sense with the character of John Connor that the previous films had established. The John Connor I know would never willingly agree to become a man/machine ally to Skynet. All that said, I must say John does look very good in a suit.). The only reason studios pull this tactic is if they have no faith in the product they are marketing, and if they don't have any faith in Terminator: Genisys then why should we? Who knows, maybe the John as cybernetic antagonist plot won't be as big as it seems to be in this trailer. Only time will tell I guess (and where the hell is Matt Smith? Or is that going to be the BIG reveal saved for the film?). I really do hope the film surprises me and is the best installment in the franchise since T2, but I honestly doubt it as of right now. I'd hate to say it, but I'm expecting an awful flop (But hey, the lesser my expectations the more room the film has to surprise me).
So that wraps up this lengthy edition of Trailer Mania. I hope you all enjoyed reading my thoughts on each trailer. Till next time, I'm Smalls and you've just been bugged!
Friday, April 3, 2015
SMALLS BRAVES THE BIG BLUE WITH OPEN WATER
Open Water is based on the true story of a husband and wife who decide to take an ill-fated scuba-diving vacation. When they surface, they find their boat is gone and that they are now adrift at sea. It isn't long before the elements start to take their toll and hungry sharks show up.
The film has a real intensity and epic feeling to it. The way Open Water handled the story and the character's choices made it feel like this was all fate, and the two couldn't avoid it. Blanchard Ryan plays Susan (who has a completely unnecessary but appreciated scene of nudity) and Daniel Travis plays Daniel, the doomed couple in the film. They both put on convincing and tragic performances (and Daniel has the best reaction in the film).
Real Sharks are used in this film, in fact there is no CGI at all...thank God. It was shot on a budget of $130,000 and it shows (It has a very home movies-style look). Honestly though, I think the low budget ended up enhancing the film, as it all looks and feels more realistic. The soundtrack chosen is incredibly effective as well. Open Water is expertly directed by Chris Kentis, and it was written, edited and partially shot by him as well. He seems to know what he's doing. Open Water is a terrifying, incredibly dark film that deals with themes of fate and man vs. nature. I would say it's a masterpiece.
5 STARS
The film has a real intensity and epic feeling to it. The way Open Water handled the story and the character's choices made it feel like this was all fate, and the two couldn't avoid it. Blanchard Ryan plays Susan (who has a completely unnecessary but appreciated scene of nudity) and Daniel Travis plays Daniel, the doomed couple in the film. They both put on convincing and tragic performances (and Daniel has the best reaction in the film).
Real Sharks are used in this film, in fact there is no CGI at all...thank God. It was shot on a budget of $130,000 and it shows (It has a very home movies-style look). Honestly though, I think the low budget ended up enhancing the film, as it all looks and feels more realistic. The soundtrack chosen is incredibly effective as well. Open Water is expertly directed by Chris Kentis, and it was written, edited and partially shot by him as well. He seems to know what he's doing. Open Water is a terrifying, incredibly dark film that deals with themes of fate and man vs. nature. I would say it's a masterpiece.
5 STARS
Thursday, April 2, 2015
FURIOUS 7 IS ALL KINDS OF RIGHT
In Furious 7, Dom (Vin Diesel) and crew find themselves the target of Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham at his most insane)), a psychopath who is out for revenge. With the help of Special Ops head Mr. Nobody (an always awesome Kurt Russell), a hacker named Ramsey (the lovely Nathalie Emmanuel), and old friend Dobbs (The usually magnetic Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), they intend to take the fight to Shaw.
Furious 7 is a delightful theatrical romp. The whole cast does a fine job (including Tony Jaa and Djimon Hounsou as secondary villains), but the real star here I'd say is director James Wan. It is refreshing and exciting to see Wan step out of his usual horror element for a change. This guy is as adept at action as he is at horror. The action scenes are fast, furious, insane, constant, and tons of fun. Wan knows exactly what we want to see, and gives it to us in droves (They even find the time to destroy a few police cars!).
There are also plenty of hot women in alluring outfits and bikinis. Wan lets us gawk over them, without these scenes becoming gratuitous. In his hands, Furious 7 emerges as a flawless, and unforgettable action film....and it's PG-13! The film also handles Paul Walker's final farewell in a touching and appropriate way.
It's not often I cry in films, but I was laughing and smiling so hard that I was literally crying. Furious 7 had a lot of hype behind it, and it's actually able to live up to said hype and deliver the goods. The film is 137 minutes long, but I kind of wish it was longer. Let's hope James Wan is invited back to direct another Fast and Furious film, because this franchise has found it's sweet spot in his hands. Furious 7 continues the franchises long running themes about family while not allowing itself to get too bogged down in the drama. It's sure to please newcomers to the franchise, casual fans, and devoted die-hards. Furious 7 is easily one of the best action films I've seen. Thank you James Wan, may I have another....please?
5 STARS
Furious 7 is a delightful theatrical romp. The whole cast does a fine job (including Tony Jaa and Djimon Hounsou as secondary villains), but the real star here I'd say is director James Wan. It is refreshing and exciting to see Wan step out of his usual horror element for a change. This guy is as adept at action as he is at horror. The action scenes are fast, furious, insane, constant, and tons of fun. Wan knows exactly what we want to see, and gives it to us in droves (They even find the time to destroy a few police cars!).
There are also plenty of hot women in alluring outfits and bikinis. Wan lets us gawk over them, without these scenes becoming gratuitous. In his hands, Furious 7 emerges as a flawless, and unforgettable action film....and it's PG-13! The film also handles Paul Walker's final farewell in a touching and appropriate way.
It's not often I cry in films, but I was laughing and smiling so hard that I was literally crying. Furious 7 had a lot of hype behind it, and it's actually able to live up to said hype and deliver the goods. The film is 137 minutes long, but I kind of wish it was longer. Let's hope James Wan is invited back to direct another Fast and Furious film, because this franchise has found it's sweet spot in his hands. Furious 7 continues the franchises long running themes about family while not allowing itself to get too bogged down in the drama. It's sure to please newcomers to the franchise, casual fans, and devoted die-hards. Furious 7 is easily one of the best action films I've seen. Thank you James Wan, may I have another....please?
5 STARS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
DEADPOOL IS RATED R
That's right, spread the good news! Deadpool has officially received an R rating. For the last few days, a rating war ensued over the film that features our beloved merc with a mouth. If you are not already aware of who Deadpool is, allow me to introduce you. Deadpool, the Marvel comic character, is a cursing, fourth-wall breaking, violence loving, and completely insane mercenary. Naturally, when the possibility of a PG-13 rating reared it's head, fans became worried. An R rated Deadpool would be the only way to do justice to the character. Ryan Reynolds, who has been cast as Deadpool, said he would fight for an R rating.
Knowing full well that fans were going to completely lose it, early today Fox announced that Deadpool would receive a PG-13 rating. It wasn't until later in the day that they revealed (via a funny video) that it was all an April Fools Joke and that, of course Deadpool will be rated R. As a huge fan of Deadpool (He is my favorite Marvel character), I'm pretty relieved and even more psyched for the upcoming film. Deadpool will slaughter theaters on Feb 12, 2016, bring a chimichanga when you see it.
Link follows
http://www.slashfilm.com/deadpool-rating-confirmed/
Knowing full well that fans were going to completely lose it, early today Fox announced that Deadpool would receive a PG-13 rating. It wasn't until later in the day that they revealed (via a funny video) that it was all an April Fools Joke and that, of course Deadpool will be rated R. As a huge fan of Deadpool (He is my favorite Marvel character), I'm pretty relieved and even more psyched for the upcoming film. Deadpool will slaughter theaters on Feb 12, 2016, bring a chimichanga when you see it.
Link follows
http://www.slashfilm.com/deadpool-rating-confirmed/
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