Red Dawn

Any time I hear of a movie getting the remake treatment, I get nervous. This was no different. Actually it was a little different, I was a little infuriated. You don't remake movies that were beyond great. You remake movies that had good ideas, but ended up being crappy. Red Dawn (1984) is one of the best movies of all time, and was not in need of a resurrection. I wrote this one off 3 seconds after reading about it, but then the trailer came out. I felt a little different. The longer and longer I had to wait, the more I wanted to see it. I was curious of how similar it would be to it's Father film, and to see what 30 years of technological advancements to do to the overall stature of the film. Today's technology allows us to see every aspect of every thing going on, so how could anyone invade us (The USA) without us knowing. Very intriguing. When North Korea invades Spokane, Washington it is beyond confusing for the citizens. The ones lucky enough to escape are just a few kids, and all the citizens are put into prisons of sorts. Some people are still allowed to move freely through town, always waiting at check points and being frisked by the intruders. The escapees are led by Jed (Thor). A marine home on holiday. He has the training and knowledge of war, but when he must lead a group of high school kids who know nothing of survival, it gets a bit tricky. There are several references or homages if you will to the original, but they also were able to create their own new story. At 97 minutes, I feel it was perfect. Quick and concise. Not convoluted at all. Within a half hour the Wolverines were giving the North Koreans constant Hell. The plans of attack were good, action was great, and Hemsworth delivered a great speech. The Wolverines were running low on steam when a couple of other Marines showed up, and were able to kickstart to freedom fight. The movie was solid from beginning to end, and those of you (Missy) may have changed at least one aspect of the film, I feel it was done exactly the way it had to be. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and so will you. It was no where near as great as the original, but nothing could be. It does however stand on its own as a good, fun,  action film.

NBM rates Red Dawn - Awesome

The Amazing Spider-Man

Never being a fan of the Sam Raimi trilogy, mainly because I couldn't buy Toby McGuire as Peter Parker, I was relieved that he was relieved of his duty. However, I found it hard to believe Marvel, with all its knowledge and infinite success over the last decade would decide to retire a Billion dollar franchise, only to reboot it with a new origin, new story, and new Spider-Man. That being said, Marc Webb's version is not only better than the previous 3 installments, but more enjoyable than several other superhero films that I also enjoy. The set up which takes around 45 minutes is perfect. So awesome to rewrite it the way they did. Not boring at all, and Andrew Garfield is the perfect Peter Parker. It develops with one story which is almost identical to the first Spider-Man, but to keep with the comics is kind of has to be that way. Uncle Ben has to do, which will give Peter his drive for revenge. I knew it had to go that way, but Martin Sheen was such a great Uncle Ben, I was hoping it could have played out differently. I understand why it could not, but this launched the early revenge driven Spidey to fighting crime. As we see Peter evolve and become about as mature as a 17 year old can be, it becomes very neat to watch him defend his city. The first trailer was a first person perspective of Spidey flying through the city, and as awesome as it was, I knew it could easily be overused and become stale. That did not happen and I was stoked to see it the first time, and a very short second time and end it with that. Marc Webb truly directed a perfect film. When a new threat hits New York, Parker already has the inside bead on it. He has a very string suspicion he knows the Giant Lizard is Doctor Curt Connors who he recently met. The destruction the Lizard does is awesome, and the end game of what he wants to accomplish really brings the story home. The CG team did some of the best work I've seen. Anytime CG is involved in fast motion, it tends to look fake. Not the case here. It seemed very flawless. The one thing that got me was seeing the Lizard speak. He never spoke in the trailers, so I just assumed he was completely different than his human counterpart. I really enjoyed that aspect of the film, along with Peter's sarcasm and campy jokes during fight scenes, this truly is well worth owning. I watched it twice in 2 days, and that is saying something. Very impressed, and can't wait for the sequel, also being directed by Webb. Also stay tuned through the credits. A mid credits scene shows may come in the next film, not to mention they are currently casting Mary Jane Watson and Harry Osborne.

NBM rates The Amazing Spider-Man - Phenomenal

Skyfall

I will begin by saying I am by no means a James Bond fanatic. I was introduced to him with the Pierce Brosnan era, which had one decent flick (Goldeneye), other than that, none of his had me running to the theater. Now, when Casino Royale reintroduced the MI6 spy back 6 years ago, I will enlivened with the whole gambit James Bond stood for. Then Quantum of Solace came out and upped the ante for me. I've been giddily anticipating what a third Craig led 007 would bring. Unfortunately the series went into a bit of a hiatus due to MGM's bankruptcy, the franchise property reverting back to it's original owners (the Broccoli family) and economical issues all around. The question of a James Bond film being able to recoup what ultimately would cost 200+ million to make was in the back of everyone's mind. 4 years between installments just made the heart grow fonder, and with an international gross over $500 million in less than 2 weeks, I don't think it will be an issue the have Craig's next 2 films known for the time as Bond 24 and Bond 25 be released no more than 2 years apart. Oh yes, Craig has resigned to make him the second longest Bond actor ever behind Connery himself. That makes me happy. Skyfall has the best opening scene and the best opening credits sequence I have ever seen in this franchise. We pick up with Bond doing what he does. Insane action at an extremely fast pace, but he hasn't lost a step...or has he. I've loved what this series has done with the character. They have made him tormented, dangerous, arrogant, and immature at times and that is awesome. That is human nature. I don't think I will spoil anything with a quick reference to plot...subplot rather. It is along the same lines as the 1996 film Mission Impossible. A knock list. A list that lists all agent's real identities and their current alias/status/mission/whereabouts. When this is stolen Bond must stop it, or there could be a genocide of MI6 agents round the World. The real plot is more about the question of Why and Who wants the list and What they will do with it. A great cast makes this film good, a great script makes it fantastic. Adding Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem can't hurt. I also loved the introduction of Naomie Harris who tends to be Bond's sidekick of sorts, and what they do with her character is nothing short of perfect. However, it is Judi Dench that ultimately steals the show. This is the first time I can remember M being such a center point of the film, and it works quite well. James must do what he always does and complete his mission. As much as Casino Royale was an origin story, Skyfall delves into Bond's past which was very interesting as well. Loads of people are saying this is the best Bond ever, and I will agree with that 100%. At 2 1/2 hours, it is not too long, and not too short....It's just perfect. As for Javier Bardem, he is the greatest on screen villain since Heath Ledger's Joker. That is a fact. I actually am considering watching it again. It is that good.

NBM rates Skyfall - A Cinematic Work of Art

The Muppets

I was never really a Muppet fan. I guess I was the wrong generation. Anyhow, I do appreciate Jason Segal and what he brings to Hollywood. Since he shared the writing credit with a deceased Jim Henson, I figured it was all him, and I could get behind that. I was still hesitant that I would be bored out of my mind, but the story was so good, and though I don't usually dig films laced with musical numbers, none of these songs disappointed. In fact, one song, gets stuck in my head on a weekly basis. Segal put together a great plot for The Muppets to return some 20+ years later, and it worked inner generationally. I have now watched it 4 times and it has those scenes I really look forward to. That makes any movie good. It follows Gary (Segal) and his brother, Walter (who is a Muppet) and there quest to find there place in this world. When the Muppets are about to lose the rights to their title and their studio to oil barren Tex Richman (Chris Cooper), Walter puts in place a plan to save the day. A Muppets TV telethon to raise the funds necessary. It is brilliant and hilarious. There is not much else to say about this except everyone should watch it. Adults and kids will enjoy it. Lastly, "If I am a Muppet, then I am a very manly Muppet, but if I am a Man, I am a Muppet of a Man." Maniacal Laugh!!!!

NBM rates The Muppets - Phenomenal