No doubt there were ads in Minority Report I failed to see but due to the amount of ads in both films I still think Minority Report is a better film. And I didnt say there were NO ads in Minority Report I just said that they werent shoved down your throat like in I, Robot, an example: "Nice shoes" to which Smith replies "Vintage 2004." -Maddox Review
The only few things that the movie have in common is some characters and faulty robots. The book is more about non-violent robot-human interaction and the mind of a robot, only near the end of the book do the robots get violent. If anything the true movie from book would resemble "Bicentennial Man" than some action movie. Its actually better to actually read the book before you say how alike it is.
Its ok for a character in a movie to go up to a vending machine and get out a Coca-Cola, its more realistic than some thought up generic band anyway. But when they say "Coca-cola is the best friggin soft drink out there" you know that there just saying that to get a little more money.
Here is a review of each film by Roger Ebert that I strongly agree with:
Minority Report
http://www.suntimes.com/ebert/ebert_reviews/2002/06/062104.html
I,Robot
http://www.suntimes.com/ebert/ebert_reviews/2004/07/071603.html
I respect your opinion but I disagree completely.
"Nice shoes", if I remember correctly, once only said once. The Converse All Stars were a joke, like I said, showing how Spooner still appreciates the "good old days". They don't even make leather Converse All Star high tops.
As for the pie, the first time was to establish that he liked it. The 2nd time, he didn't want to eat it, because it was made by a robot.
"Once Upon A Time in China"
"Once" is a 1991 martial arts film, and the big screen debut of Jet Li. Here, Li takes on the role of Wong Fei-Hung, a legendary martial arts hero from Canton. Not Ohio, mind you. The movie is basically about Western civilization penentrating Canton's borders, and Fei-Hung's fight to keep the creeping influence of modern weapondry, which is a means to an end to the martial arts, out of his country.
The film is a boring, convoluted waste. There is no real point to the film, given its paper thin premise mentioned above. It's a hodgepodge of comedy, drama, and kung fu. None of which is represented in an entertaining fashion. While it isn't the films fault, the audio tracks were infact nearly inaudible, and the quality of the film was extremely poor, all of which lent to a horrible viewing experience.
I rented this movie to get geared up for Jet Li's 2002 offering, "Hero", which is being released here in the States in late August. That said, familiarize yourself with Li's work in "Black Mask", "Lethal Weapon 4", or even "Kiss of the Dragon" before this swill.
If you're looking for something with Jet, your best bet is to Li-eave this flick on the shelf.
3/10
"Kill Bill: Volume 2"
"Kill Bill: Volume 2" is basically the 2nd half of Tarrentino's epic, where The Bride is out to scratch off the last remaining names on her shit list, consisting of those who wronged her, the groom, and unborn child during her wedding recital 4 years ago.
This is another messy, messy movie, in which it couldn't decide on what it wanted to be. It was absolutely NOTHING like the first installment, which was gold compared to this Frankenstein of Kung Fu homages, chick flick-esque drama, and longwinded, boring dialogue.
Devoid of the 1st's clever cinematography, fun atmosphere, and interesting characters, Vol. 2 plays out more like a mundane drama. Yes, a Tarrentino drama. Can you believe it? The sap factor in this one was off the scale. David Carradine's annoying lisp, a lazy, messy score, and the fact it ran about 30 minutes too long left me disappointed. I actually wanted to like this movie, but alas.
Props to the guy for exercising restraint, only using the "P" word 3 times, none of which were in offense manner, and having NO signature demeaning sex scenes/references. To it's credit, the fight between Darryl Hannah and Uma Thurman is the stuff of legend.
All in all, it was a very tedious, jumbled, and again, convoluted piece of "art", one that even the most dedicated Q.T. fan should be displeased with. Especially the totally absurd, non-delivering, anti-climactic ending.
These movies would have been half way enjoyable, had they been conglomerated, and given an ending worthy of the franchises namesake.
Vol. 2 is one chapter that everyone should skim through, at best.
4/10
"Iron Monkey"
"Iron Monkey" was introduced to U.S. audiences through Quentin Tarantino, by way of Miramax in 2001, 8 years after it's initial release in Hong Kong.
Iron Monkey is the Asian equivalent of Robin Hood, who in his free time doubles as the village doctor along side his female companion, Ms. Orchid. He takes on everyone from local officials to the Emporer himself, all in an amazing display of aerial asskickin', all for his people. For those familiar with the Hong Kong lore, "Iron Monkey" will appear as more of a prequel of the life and times of one Wong Fei-Hung, who was immortalized in the Jet Li helmed "Once Upon a Time in China" series.
The movie was magic. It was short, clocking in at only 85 minutes, and was packed to the gills with the martial arts choreography and direction of the legendary Mr. Woo-ping Yuen. The likes of which none of us are worthy of witnessing. You may know his work from a little movie franchise called "The Matrix", as well as "Kill Bill 1 + 2", "Black Mask 1 +2", and as far back as Jackie Chan's "Drunken Master".
In addition, it had outrageous situational humor, inspiring drama, loveable characters, and some of the most original acrobatic cinematography I've ever seen. The aerial stunts (strings/live action) was just awe inspiring.
In my book, "Iron Monkey" is actually pure gold, and is a must see especially for those looking to get into modern Martial Arts films, such as myself.
8/10
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", from "The Hulk" director Ang Lee, chronicles the adventures of two warriors hot on the trail of a elder fugitive named Jade Fox, as well as the stolen sword, the mystical Green Destiny. Both of which lead them to the masterful, yet vulnerable, teenage swordswoman, Jen Yu.
The appeal, that I found in the movie was that of the emotional persuasion. Untrust, unspoken love, redemption and betrayal. It was a coming of age story, with a elegant martial arts twist. In addition, there weren't any cultural hurdles you had to jump to follow along.
Chow Yun Fat has a FANTASTIC on screen presence. His presence in general commands respect, much like his on stage persona, Master Li Mu Bai. Michelle Yeoh (Yu Shu Lien) was Fat's female equivalent in all ways imaginable. Graceful with the sword, and firm yet assertive in character. In the middle of it all, the real star, IMO, was the teenage prodigy Jen Yu (Ziyi Zhang). Incredibly competant in the ways of the arts, Yu showed her worth against Bai and Lien, which was the catalyst to help Jen change for the better, becoming Bai's pupil under the Green Destiny.
Of course the absolute biggest draw of the movie was the swordplay. It was intense, but almost melodic at times. The highlight of the film, being Yu's "woman scorned" routine in the bar,
Spoiler:
where she literally takes out masters of the craft with the greatest of ease, leaving no man standing.
I think some people may have been turned off by the "fairy tale" approach to these characters. Able to leap and bound effortlessly, flying through air without a hitch. I, personally, thought it was fun and added to the visual aesthetic of the movie, coupled with the beautiful ancient Chinese backdrops/landmarks, and incredible score.
The only downside to this movie, that I found was there was a lot of prequel set-up for Jen's love interest/backstory. It was necessary, but it's placement interrupted the flow of the story. In addition, the "light as air" wire work started to lose its appeal during these otherwise city wide flacid rooftop chase scenes.
Those things aside, it was a very easy going movie. Visually appealing, emotionally satisfying, and presented in a very "flowy" nature, like a storybook entry. A very good Sunday afternoon movie, with which you could Crouch down on the sofa and relax, given someone hasn't Hidden the remote from ya.
7.5/10
Well, there's still no comparing "CT, HD" + "The Matrix", I was talking moreso about Neo + Morpheus' kung fu sessions than anything.
Don't see "Hero" because of Quentin Tarantino. All he did was supply the funds to have the movie released in the U.S. like he did for "Iron Monkey". He had no other involvement.
And now for something completely different.....a review.
"Enter the Dragon"
"Enter the Dragon" is probably Bruce Lee's most well known flick. In a nutshell, Lee, Jim Kelly, and John Saxon are summoned to take place in a Martial Arts tournament held on a secluded island, which doubles as the headquarters of the evil Mr. Han(d). Han has alterior motives, which include looking for someone to represent his evil empire in the United States. This was James Bond meets Shaft meets Jackie Chan.
I have absolutely no clue what made this movie so popular, as it is average at best. Saxon, who was Nancy's dad in the NOES is as believable a Kung Fu master as Christian Aguilera is a real Mexican. Jim Kelly, the "Black Ninja" was very indictive of 1973, with his "jive" rap. Lee, I wasn't impressed with. It's a somewhat slow flick with lots of funny noises, and nominally impressive martial artistry. Highlights include Kelly vs Han, Bolo(Chong Lee from "Bloodsport"😉 vs everyone, and Jackie Chan
Spoiler:
getting his neck broke courtesy of Bruce Lee.
If you're just looking to familiarize yourself with Bruce Lee's flicks, rent it. Otherwise, you wouldn't want to even come close to this "drag-on". much less enter it.
5/10