Day 122 continued - The Deadlands (New Zealand)

After Hongi's clan is slaughtered, he commits to vengeance. With the help of a cursed warrior, the boy sets up to become a warrior and a true man. 

Not the worst film ever but clearly not the best. It was really interesting because it features a culture that I have never heard about. The Maori are an ancient people that reside in what is now known as New Zealand. I think the acting was there on the basis of the cursed warrior as his actor appeared to know what he was doing. I think the main villains and the star of the film were a bit lacking. The lighting was horrible, I understand that the director was probably going for natural lighting but it was really hard to see what was going on at times. Overall the movie is a not impressive enough to be anything better than alright. It's easy to say that this film is horrible because of the way the character act but that could be that you have never seen this culture and you find their actions repugnant. You have to take a step back and analyze not only this movie as a whole but also yourself.

2/5

Little info

Lawerence Makoare who plays the cursed warrior has done a lot of work on Western media. Just some of his credits are:

The Hobbit: The Desloation of Smaug

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring & Return of the King

Die Another Day

Xena: The Warrior Princess  (TV Show-2 episodes)

Young Hercules (TV Show-1 Episode)

Day 116 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (American)

"When a kingpin threatens New York City, a group of mutated turtle warriors must emerge from the shadows to protect their home."

Absolute trash in almost every single way, as a fan of the series I was so disappointed. The script was poorly done, it was cheesy almost unbearable to watch. Meagan Fox was horrible, her acting was on the same level as a D rated celebrity. I don't know who made the choices in voice acting but I hope they don't work again in casting again. I swear if you are a loyal fan of the series then don't watch this film. Michael Bay has the shit touch even if he is just a producer on this film. Avoid it at all costs!!

0/5

Day 110 continued - Wing Commander (American)

"Blair, a fighter pilot, joins an interstellar war to fight the evil Kilrathi who are trying to destroy the universe." - IMDb

A horrible sci-fi that lacks any type of real depth. I kind of like the idea of the film but it could have been used in a different way. Freddy Prince Jr was alright but he has poor acting abilities. Matthew Lillard, in my opinion did a much better job as the best friend of the main character. I did like the interracial relationship in the film with Matthew Lillard's character and another character. The direction was weak,  Chris Roberts had never worked on a live action film before but he did direct several Wing Commander video games before the film was ever made. So theres no real reason that the direction of the film should have been so poor. Skip this film unless you truly love space movies. 

0/5

Day 109 - Anacondas: the Hunt for Blood Orchid

"The film follows a team of researchers set for an expedition into the island of Borneo to search for a sacred flower, for which they believe will bring humans a longer and healthier life, but soon become stalked and hunted by the deadly anacondas inhabiting the island"

Proves that sequels are worst than the first movie. This film is filled with poor special effects and film cliches. I didn't like the acting either, a lot of it screamed D-rated movie even though most of the cast have done roles on actual good work. This is not one movie you should watch, go watch a better movie or better yet read a book.

0/5

Day 103 - Rob Roy

" Liam Neeson stars as Rob Roy MacGregor, an 18th-centuryScottish clan chief who battles with an unscrupulous nobleman in the Scottish Highlands" -Wikipedia

I had a lot of problems with this movie, first off Jessica Lange looks so old even in this movie compared to Liam Neeson. I also felt like the film was boring at several parts and a bit predictable. I did like Liam Neeson and Tim Roth's performances. I think this duo get a great job keeping me entertained. I do like the time period and I still think this is a decent film. If you are interested in Scottish history then you will like this film. 

2.5/5

Cast

Liam Neeson

Appearances:

The Dead Pool

Next of Kin

Darkman

Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Gangs of New York

Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones

Kingdom of Heaven

Batman Begins

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Taken

Ponyo

After.Life

Clash of the Titans

The A-Team

The Next Three Days

Unknown

The Grey

Wrath of the Titans

The Dark Knight Rises

Taken 2

Anchorman 2

A Million Ways to Die in the West

A Walk Among Tombstones

Day 101 - The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies

"Bilbo and Company are forced to engage in a war against an array of combatants and keep the Lonely Mountain from falling into the hands of a rising darkness." -IMDb

Such a weak movie I swear it was such a disappointment to the point that I wanted to throw the DVD away. It felt so short despite being 144 minutes long, not a whole lot seems to happen. I think this was the weakest Hobbit movie but that isn't saying much as the other two were barely passable. Peter Jackson has failed to truly honor the fans with his final hobbit film. The film didnt have any heart, and it felt overacted in some parts. Things seemed rushed if you could believe that. I simply hated this film to its core which really surprised me. 

1/5

Little info

Lee Pace's parents visited the set so much that Peter Jackson offered them extra roles but they were cut out of the film.

This is the shortest film in the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings series

Ian McKellen and Cate Blanchett are the only ones who appeared in all six of the movies. 

Starring

Martin Freeman

Also appeared in:

Shaun of the Dead

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Hot Fuzz

The World's End

TV:

The Office

Sherlock
Fargo

Also

Ian McKellen

Also appeared in:

X-Men
The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
X2
Flushed Away
X-Men: The Last Stand
The Da Vinci Code
The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
The Wolverine



Lee Pace


Also appeared in:

The Good Shepard
Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2
The Hobbit: Unexpected Journey
The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
Guardians of the Galaxy

Day 100 continued - The Book of Life (American)

"Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears." - IMDb

One of the better animation films that I have seen this year. I really enjoyed seeing a part of the Latin culture, I think they did a really good job at telling this story with the culture in mind. The voice acting was great, I appreciate the fact that the majority of the voice actors actually have some kind of Latin heritage. It makes the film seem more authentic that way.
With that said, the story could have been better in many ways. It seemed too simple and it a little too childish in a way. The character development was good as was the character designs. The director, Jorge Guiterrez, did a really good job. You can tell that he is experienced in directing animation which was greatly appreciated.

I would suggest this film to anyone interested in Mexican culture and wants to see a good animation movie.

3.2/5

Day 69 continued - Big Hero 6 (American)

 

"The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes."

 

Such an amazing film! It was so enjoyable, I loved the design of the world and characters. I loved how familiar the design was because I have been to San Francisco, so to see an altered form of the city is pretty cool. This movie proves to me that American animation is starting to really made a big comeback in making better movies. The characters were great and really relatable which helps us connect to the film. Its great that they didn't show us that the characters had a perfect life, they didn't Hiro and his older brother were orphans living with their aunt. I loved this a lot, as a lot of us do not live with our parents either they died, abandoned, or simply couldn't take of us. So I think this film can speak to a lot of people who come from a home like this. The relationships are remarkable, especially being an older brother I could relate to Hiro's big brother Tadashi. Plus being multiracial and Hiro being bi-racial is was a bit easier to relate to him. This movie is really something special, I will suggest this film to everyone that loves animation.

 

4/5

 

little info

Hiro is the first bi-racial main character in a Disney film

The idea of blending San Fransisco and Tokyo was sparked by advice given by John Lasseter

Day 68 - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (American)

"When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined."-idmb

Excellent movie, I happen to believe its one of Ben Stiller's best movies. It was quite entertaining and inspirational. There are a lot of messages present in this film but the most important to me is to live your life how you want to. Its a simple message in the film but it has a hard punch. This is the kind of film that everyone in this generation should see. Ben Stiller is great and not annoying at all proving he can seriously act when he chooses to. This is a great movie for those that don't know what to do.

3.8/5

little info

All the scenes in Greenland were filmed in Iceland

Sasha Baron Cohen and Will Ferrell were approached to play Walter

Day 64 continued - The Cave (American)

"Bloodthirsty creatures await a pack of divers who become trapped in an underwater cave network."

A poorly made horror film that has talent present in it but a poor script and direction leads to this film's downfall. It was nice to see some faces that I haven't seen in a while like Morris Chestnut and Cole Hauser. I was so disappointed with this film, I was happy though with all of the colors present in the film. Besides that there was nothing else that was good in this film. I suggest you skip this film no matter what.


1/5

Day 62 continued - Seven Years in Tibet (American)

 

"True story of Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountain climber who became friends with the Dalai Lama at the time of China's takeover of Tibet"

 

Not the best movie around nor does it feature one of the best main characters but it is a story that should be told. I enjoyed the multi-cultism present in the film and learning more about the history of Tibet. Brad Pitt did a good job just like David Thewlis and Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk. I hate the fact that they tried to make Heinrich Harrer look like a better person in the movie than he really was. So the difference between the real life Heinrich and Brad Pitt's Heinrich is very big. Now the movie appears to move a little fast, poorly written with a lot of good actors present but they were not given a chance even though they played very important people that were present during this time in Tibetan history. I suggest you watch this is you like Brad Pitt or are interested in Tibet. Otherwise its not that good of a movie.

little info

Jetsun Pema is the real life sister of the Dalai Lama thus she acted as her mother in the movie. 

Richard Gere was going to play Heinrich but instead he sent the script to the Dalai Lama for the producers of the film  

Day 61 - The Pirates (Korean)

"Set during the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty period, envoys lose the Emperor's Royal Seal to a giant whale. Jang Sa-Jung (Kim Nam-Gil) leads a group of bandits and he attempts to retrieve the seal. Jang Sa-Jung and his group then run into a group of pirates led by Yeo-Wol (Son Ye-Jin). " -Asian wiki

Could have been a lot better with the talent in the film. I felt like it was a bit too comical at times and I wish it took a more dramatic take. I loved Son Ye-Jin in the film, she did a great job and was fun to watch. While Kim Nam-Gil had some good parts but I didn't really like his character too much as I felt like they didn't really add much depth to his character. I have to say this movie lacks depth and seems like it lacks heart as well. I suggest you watch this only if you like one of the two leads.


2/5

Day 54 continued - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (American)

 

"When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace."

 

It was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. I only liked the first one but I truly loved this one. It showed a lot of growth and included darker themes. I respect when a animation movie tries to do something different. I love the introduction of all the new dragons, characters, and other islands. I have to say the baby dragons were very cute and enjoyable to see. It makes the film have more depth, it really impressed me with its delivery. I felt like the voice acting this time around was a lot better since the actors really know what they are doing. If you liked the first one you'll love this one, I suggest to all animation fans.

 

3.5/5

 

little info

 

It's the first DreamWorks Animation film to win a Golden Globe for Best Animated Film

 

 

Day 53 continued - The Hunting Party (American)



"A young journalist, a seasoned cameraman and a discredited war correspondent embark on an unauthorized mission to find the No.1 war criminal in Bosnia. However, their extremely dangerous target decides to come after them."

Not bad, its understandable why they made a movie like this. I enjoyed most of it but at times it can be a little boring. I dislike Jesse Eisenberg, so it was annoying to see his appearance in the film. I do happen to think Richard Gere and Terrence Howard did a good job as a team. I felt like there should have been more to the film as the direction wasn't all that great. Its an okay movie to watch when you are bored.

2/5

Day 53 - Team America: World Police (American)

 

"Popular Broadway actor Gary Johnston is recruited by the elite counter-terrorism organization Team America: World Police. As the world begins to crumble around him, he must battle with terrorists, celebrities and falling in love."

 

Better than I thought, it had its moments. I always expect good/outrageous things from the creators of South Park. There are a lot of what the fu*k moments in the movie especially towards the end. I enjoyed seeing all of the puppet versions of celebrities and why they are important to the story. If you like South Park then you'll most likely like this movie. On a side note Trey Parker uses a smiliar version of cartman's voice to voice Kim jong Il.

 

2.8/5

 

little info

 

Alec Baldwin thought the movie was "amusing"

100 sets were made for this movie



Day 51 continued - Fury (American)

"April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened Army sergeant named Wardaddy commands a Sherman tank and his five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered, out-gunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany"

A realistic war film that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed almost all of this movie though there are a few plot points I wished were filled. Brad Pitt did a remarkable job as the leader of this crew and his performance was award worthy. He had a lot of help from a good supporting cast like Shia LaBeouf, Michael Pena, Jon Bernthal, and Logan Lerman. This is an American movie but it doesn't pull any punches about the cruel reality of war. Its a cold brutal act which should be perceived as that and this movie does just that. The direction needed some work but it is still an amazing movie to watch.

4/5

 

little info

 

This movie featured a real live Tiger I Tank, which is the first time a real one has appeared in a WWII movie.

Michael Pena did his own stunt driving for the tank

This is the 3rd WWII movie Brad Pitt has been in



Day 49 - Robocop (American)

 

"In 2028 Detroit, when Alex Murphy - a loving husband, father and good cop - is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer."

 

This film is hard to critique as I do like the direction at times but other times its completely bad. I do like the darker feel of this movie as it fits the time better than trying to copy the comedy present in the original film. I didn't really like the main actor as he really didn't portray the struggle of this character that well. Something that ignored me was the fact that Alex Murphy's wife didn't play a bigger role and was only used when it was absolutely necessary. Even with an all star cast this movie really didn't make that good of an impression with me. If you are a fan of the original then understand they took a different approach and don't base your criticism on how the new Robocop strayed so far what was the original was.

 

2/5

 

little info

 

Michael Keaton and Gary Oldman both were apart of the Batman movie franchise. Peter Weller the original Robocop also played Batman.

 

 

Day 34 - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (British/American)

 

"Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion."

 

I couldn't help but to compare this film series to the Lord of the Rings series as they are both long running and full of fantasy plus the original authors were friends. There is a big reason why we remember Peter Jackson and not Andrew Anderson. This film isn't really epic despite its length and what happens in the film. It has a great start but it starts to feel rushed towards the end of the film. The effects were good for the most part, some didn't stand out as much which is good but bad at the same time. At parts some of the characters are annoying with no real purpose. I did enjoy the fact that Liam Neeson voiced Aslan the lion. The actress who played the white witch didn't really stand out and was basically plain. I did like the costume design and the design of the world. It is an enjoyable film that is watchable for all ages.

 

 

3/5

 

Little info

Aslan is a product of CGI, it took 10 hours to develop each frame of  him plus he has 5.2 million individual hairs.

The White Witch was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's Snow White

 

 

Day 30 continued - A Monster in Paris (French)

"

The film is set in 1910. The story begins by documenting the flooding of the River Seine that year.
Shy projectionist Emile has a passion for film and is in love with his coworker at the cinema, Maud, but has trouble admitting his true feelings. His friend, an exuberant inventor and delivery driver, Raoul, picks him up from work to transport him in his bizarre vehicle (called "Catherine"), to pick up a new belt for his projector, which was broken due to Emile's inattentiveness while daydreaming. In the process of purchasing a new belt, Emile also gets himself a new camera (which almost gets stolen by a thief). The story also introduces Lucille, Raoul's childhood friend, who is a cabaret singer at the club L'Oiseau Rare ("The Rare Bird"). Though she is a successful singer, her aunt Carlotta does everything to push her into the arms of the wealthy Police commissioner, Victor Maynott, a man consumed by pride and ambition"

A very enjoyable animation film for all ages that will make you smile. The music was good but there wasn't a whole lot of it. I didn't really like how it was set up at first but I grew to enjoy the while thing. It was sweet at times and the other times it was cute. The animation wasn't that bad as well, the character designs were good. I would suggest this to anyone who loves a good movie especially one that takes place in Paris.

3.4/5

Day 8 continued - Falcon Rising (American)

 

"John "Falcon" Chapman (White), is an ex-Marine anti-hero plagued with a terrible secret consuming him with guilt. On the self-destructive edge, he learns his sister Cindy (Ali) has been brutally beaten in the slums, or “favelas”, of Brazil and travels there to hunt down her attackers. In the process he discovers an underground world of drugs, prostitution, and police corruption ruled by the Japanese mafia and protected by the powerful Hirimoto (Odate).^"

 

 

Could have been quite good but it fails due to poor direction and character development. The script was weak as were most of the scenes. I thought the beginning of the film was decent but with better direction and script it could have been even better. The action scenes were good as they normally are with Michael Jai White especially the final one. I wish though they had more powerful as I feel like Blood and Bone was better. The plot is predictable, the supporting casts acting was very weak. I wish the Japanese element was played better as we really only see 2 Japanese people in the film despite the villain is a yakuza. I did like the cultures present in the films but even that could have been better. I suggest this film to action fans

1.9/5

 

little info

This film is the beginning of a franchise planned by Moonstone Entertainment

Michael Jai White's first movie was Toxic Avenger II