Brother Bear 2

I've seen the sequel to Disney's Brother Bear and it was.....meh.

I absolutely loved the first movie. The music was fantastic, Phil Collins is a genius, and the story was one I would read if it were novelized. The art and color were fantastic, especially the scenes with the "Great Spirits".

However, the sequel did not live up to the first. The drawing lacked, and there were no more fantastic colors or effects. The music was not Phil Collins and so it was not even done in the same style as the first, which makes no sense to me since sequels should demand continuity. The music was fine but it didn't seem to fit with the style of the film, the previous movie's music matched every mood down to the expressions of the character's faces.

I'm dissappointed to see yet another sequel by Disney be unsuccessful. What is it with them? Why can't they make a good sequel? They make great movies, but as soon as they try to continue them it all goes downhill.

Toy Story2 was great, but it's more PIXAR than them so it doesn't really count, but Mulan 2 bombed, so did Hunchback 2 and Cinderella 2.
The only Lion King sequel that was great was Lion King 1 1/2, and probably because it was the same story, AND animators, as the first only from a different point-of-view.
I haven't seen "The Return of Jafar" in years but the other sequels I remember were horrible as well.

I will never understand why if they create such beautiful stories and movies the first time around, they can't repeat that.

Brother Bear 2, thumbs down. C'mon Disney...

I Am Legend

"I Am Legend" inspires many different emotions from its viewers. I was deeply amazed at the high quality of the film, but also deeply upset from the story.

I cannot recall any flaws in this film.

Will Smith once again proves to me to be a gifted actor. All events are made real through his facial features and voice alone.

Will Smith is the man.

The script was, WOW. I was glued to the screen in suspense, anxiety, excitement, and sorrow all the way through. It even made me cry. Yes, tears actually formed and fell. The story is one that connects you to each character, main and secondary, in a very intimate way very quickly. You are pulled into the story and quickly find yourself caring for each character and wishing for their safety, gasping and moving to the end of your seat whenever they are in danger.

The story was phenominal.

Francis Lawrence, the director, knows what he's doing. I cannot find a single complaint about the film other than it made me cry.

I highly recomend it to anyone. And if you have the chance to see it in Imax, please do. You will not regret it.

My Favorite, OLD Review

I was going through my old messages on myspace and found feedback on reviews I've long ago written. Included in the feedback would be the review, so I decided to post what I think is my best one.

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300 is not a movie in the hollywood sense of the word. It is a legend. A story of honor and bravery that leaves all audiences in awe of true warriors.

"No Retreat. No Surrender.That is Spartan Law."

300 is the legend of King Leonidas and his army of Spartans facing unimaginable odds against the army of Xerxes for the honor and freedom of Sparta.

"Our arrows will block out the sun.""Then we will fight in the shade."

Zack Snyder takes Frank Miller's graphic novel to the big screen, panel for panel, in beautiful screen shots that look like paintings themselves. There is literally no frame in the film that won't leave your eyes scavenging over the screen in admiration.

This is no ordinary "movie."

This film is much more graphic, much more surreal, and has so much more depth than any other film created thus far, it will leave you breathless.

"Only Spartan Women give birth to perfect men."

The cast to this 2007 film is flawless.

I have seen the training the actors went through to transform their bodies and to enhance their strength. And it pays off.The Spartans are perfect soldiers in every way. And it is clearly shown that the cast threw their whole heart and sweat into their performance.

Gerard Butler plays the memorable role of King Leonidas, a man who would die not only for his homeland, but for every one of his soldiers as well. You find yourself respecting his character more than you would any other leader. There are no words for his performance; but I cannot imagine anyone else doing a better job portraying a king, a husband, a father, a friend, and a fellow soldier all in one.

No one else could have done this role better than him.

Rodrigo Santoro, who plays the self-proclaimed God-King Xerxes, had few lines in the movie, but that is all that he needed. He was able to convey a look alone that showed power, dominance, and all control.His mere appearance was formidable.

Lena Headey is Queen Gorgo. Hers is a role that shouts wisdom, nobility, and justice. Her performance impressed me most because female roles such as these always seem to leave something to be desired. But not here. Although she may not be a soldier and could never do the things her husband does, Queen Gorgo fights for what is right at all costs. Headey did a wondrous job in performing this role. Her strength, wisdom, and prowess radiates off her very stance.

"Do not ask what a Spartan citizen should do, nor a king.Ask what a free man should do."

The story leaves nothing to be desired. I commend the writers for their spectacular job well done.They not only brought the story alive, but they filled and extended it in a way that only intensified the message of the film.
It took my breath away.

"Earthquake.""No. Spartans, battle positions!"

There were many special effects in the film. Whether they were the armies or beasts, they never failed to have the same artistic beauty as the rest of the screen shots.Zack Snyder's work was nothing short of genius as he directed the film to have the very look of a graphic novel.The armies and horses themselves looked just as much as beasts as the wild wolf. All of which just add to the film's excellence.

The film had this very interesting style where there would be slow motion shots throughout the battle scenes.This was a risky choice because slow-motion shots, if not handled carefully, could put off many viewers and hinder the film's effect on the audience.Snyder must have been aware of this because he handled the slow-motion scenes with great care and presicion that none of them seemed out of place. The very thing that could have hurt the film, made it extraordinary in a whole new way.

Overall this film is indescribably amazing. Anyone who is foolish to think that comics are "just for kids" should either watch this film or read the graphic novel it's based on.

It will leave you breathless.

Rescue Dawn

Now war movies aren't always my favorite. They just don't always catch me. I didn't like "Braveheart" until the second half, I liked "Tristan & Isolde" more for the story line rather than the fight scenes, and I loved "Troy" and "300". So it all depends on the movie.

I am happy to say that I enjoyed "Rescue Dawn." It felt slow for me at first but it picked up for me half way through. I think the only reason it didn't catch me earlier than that is because it was all soldier life which I have never been exposed to. Things that were supposed to be funny or common knowledge went right over my head, and even after the torture scenes didn't hit. If I recall correctly there was complete silence during those scenes and a good soundtrack/score is very important when it comes to sucking me in.

"Rescue Dawn" is the story of Lt. Dieter Dengler's capture, escape, and rescue.

The story really doesn't need more description. You are there for it all. I always enjoyed stories like this, where nothing out of the ordinary happens, just what did happen. That's right, this is based on a true story.

Christian Bale was magnificent as usual. He never fails to impress me. With one scene you are convinced you're watching his struggles live.

Now, Steve Zahn BLEW MY MIND AWAY! I have never before seen him in a serious role and so for what might be the first time I was finally able to see his acting talent shine. His character, Duane, broke my heart over and over again. He threw his whole heart, soul, and body into his character, and it clearly shows.

I was really impressed with his performance.

Whether or not movies like this are your cup of tea, I recomend it. It has a fantastic story, based on a true one at that, with characters that will not only pull your heart strings,

they become a part of you as well.

Rumbling Hearts Kiminozo

I just finished watching "Rumbling Hearts," an anime I had come across at work but soon found the whole box set online.

Kudos to Amazon.

The anime is about a group of friends who were a real close set.

Mitsuki, the swimmer

Haruka, the shy and innocent bookworm

Shinji and Takayuki, the best buds who were close friends with the tom-boyish Mitsuki.

Plot:

Haruka develops a crush on Takayuki but is too shy to say anything. Mitsuki decides to help by introducing them, things go well and they start to date. However, as Haruka and Takayuki grow closer Mitsuki realizes that she is also developing feelings for Takayuki.
One day Haruka is in a terrible accident and falls into a coma.

Takayuki and Mitsuki grow closer through their mourning and start dating, eventually living together.

Life went on...
until Haruka wakes up three years later with no knowledge of the passage of time.

Although this sounds like a typical soap opera, and could probably be called as such, I really enjoyed it.

This anime is completely free of fantasy in all forms. It shows life in all it's harsh glory, equipt with plenty "What the hell!?" moments.

The story was great, and realistic down to the real-life ending everyone hates.

If anyone is interested in an anime that could very well happen in the real world, I strongly recomend this one. You can find more information on the anime, including previews of the episodes, at http://rumblinghearts.com/

How will you know? ((review of ENCHANTED))

Last saturday, I believe, I went to the movie theater for the first time in months with my friends. Due to show times, we decided to watch Enchanted. I haven't reviewed anything in a while, plus the memory isn't raw in my mind, so I'm going to be rusty, but here goes.

Giselle's life was perfect. A beautiful voice, animal friends, and she is now to marry the prince of her dreams. However, things take a very surprising turn when an old woman leads Giselle away from her wedding to a magical "wishing" well. The woman's true intentions show when she is revealed to be the prince's step-mother, determined to keep her throne she sends Giselle to another world unlike anything Giselle could have ever imagined...

New York.

When I first heard of this movie I wasn't interested in seeing it, but as I saw the trailers I started to get curious. It seemed like it was going to be funny.

It was. Every joke I made in my mind when watching Disney movies in the past, they thought of it too. Which made the film very enjoyable to watch.

I loved the storyline, if I had any complaints they weren't serious because I can no longer remember any. The film had one more twist aside from the obvious reality switch, and I was pleased to see that it fit perfectly.

It was refreshing to see something different, yet so familiar, all at once. I think it's a fantastic modernization of the stories I used to love as a child (and still do).

James Marsden was my favorite in the film. A lot of the laughs from the movie came from the antics of his character, Prince Edward. I really enjoyed watching him and would watch the movie all over again if only for his scenes.

Amy Adams, who played Giselle, was my second favorite. It was great to see her character grow as the story progressed. I haven't seen her in anything else she's done but I hope to see her again if the story fits.

The cinematography was fantastic in my opinion. And there were some shots that left me thinking, "WOW. Now THAT was awesome."

Overall I recomend the film to anyone who ever enjoyed Disney in the past or if they still enjoy them in the present.

All Things New - -

I now have a new email and a new blog. I'm thinking of doing what my brother is doing and keep one blog for reviews and the other for personal entries.
For the personal entries I'm staying with Xanga. Been using it for too long to just end it.
For the reviews and/or story ideas I'll use this one.
I think that would work out nicely.

Well it's been an exhausting day and this post was really just a test run so off to the crickets. Night.