This is a pretty good war movie set in the first Gulf War. It has a kinda Full Metal Jacket story progression. Boot camp, shipping out to war, fighting in war, going insane in war.
I was impressed with the visuals- the desert terrains were shot near Brawley, CA (it's really remote-- I've driven past it to El Centro, which is really really remote) and things like burning oil fields were added with CG.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Mirror Mask
When I saw the Matrix, I knew it was a fresh orginal style that many other movies would copy.
When I saw Mirror Mask, I knew it was a fresh original style that no one else would dream of copying.
Both have their merits, but there's something to be said about have a strikingly original design and method of storytelling that stands on its own. It doesn't need sequels or spinoffs. It just exists in its own world, and I was loving every minute of it.
I hope the people that made this movie (the story behind that is on the DVD extras) continue to make more originals like this.
In terms of production, I would compare this to Sin City- both shot mostly in blue/green screen sets, with lots and lots of CG. Both claim to have low budgets, much higher than a pro-sumer like myself could afford, but inspiring that this type of visual is being attempted. These days movies are either hyper-realistic or children's cartoons. There's not much in between.
I really hope that this type of movie becomes the US equivalent of Japan's Anime. We'll never have the likes of Akira or Ghost in the Shell made in America as just animation. The box office killed this with movies like Final Fantasy. Too bad. But the hybrid of live and CG is new, fresh and has a chance to grow. At least I can hope. :)
When I saw Mirror Mask, I knew it was a fresh original style that no one else would dream of copying.
Both have their merits, but there's something to be said about have a strikingly original design and method of storytelling that stands on its own. It doesn't need sequels or spinoffs. It just exists in its own world, and I was loving every minute of it.
I hope the people that made this movie (the story behind that is on the DVD extras) continue to make more originals like this.
In terms of production, I would compare this to Sin City- both shot mostly in blue/green screen sets, with lots and lots of CG. Both claim to have low budgets, much higher than a pro-sumer like myself could afford, but inspiring that this type of visual is being attempted. These days movies are either hyper-realistic or children's cartoons. There's not much in between.
I really hope that this type of movie becomes the US equivalent of Japan's Anime. We'll never have the likes of Akira or Ghost in the Shell made in America as just animation. The box office killed this with movies like Final Fantasy. Too bad. But the hybrid of live and CG is new, fresh and has a chance to grow. At least I can hope. :)
Saturday, June 17, 2006
DaVinci Code
If you've read the book, don't bother. You know what's going to happen. The movie is almost too faithful in my opinion. For the few dozen people in the world who haven't read it, go see this movie.
It's a well crafted suspense thriller, as long as you don't already know everything that's about to happen.
It's a well crafted suspense thriller, as long as you don't already know everything that's about to happen.
X-Men III
III has a new director from I an II, but I couldn't tell the difference. Still great over-the-top action and creative visuals (the scene in Jean Grey's home comes to mind). Definitely so "I can't believe it!" moments that make you wonder what's going to happen in the future because some pretty major events happen. If you see this in the theater, STAY FOR THE ENTIRE CREDITS.
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