Australia

I don't believe this movie has gotten as much hype in the media as it deserves. Before going to see this film I had no prior knowledge, nor had I seen any previews. The most I knew about it was from my mother who told me the main actors and that it supposedly was a good movie. I went in with no expectations which was probably the best way to go in seeing this movie. But be prepared, because this is an epic--a three hour long epic. It stars Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, two actors that hail from the often forgotten continent. The beginning moves a little fast but it doesn't take too long to get the jist of the story. And what a story! It has been a while since I have seen a movie come out with such a meaty story. This movie has everything. Drama, romance, comedy, action, violence--it appeals to every movie lover. I had heard that Nicole Kidman has wanted to make this movie for ten years--It was worth the wait. The general story is of Nicole Kidman's character, Lady Ashley, who travels to the down under from England to take care of her late husband's estate, Faraway Downs. But the property is of interest to the local head hancho, King Carney, who owns the Carney Cattle Co. Hugh Jackman's character, Drover, is a local cattle pusher who is hired by Lady Ashley to help her get Faraway Downs up and running again. This is one of those movies that keeps you on the edge of your seat to see what happens next. Just when you think the story has come to its conclusion, here comes another inciting moment! Truly one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. And I have been trying to think of any critiques I might have for this movie, but I honestly think there is nothing they could've changed to make it any better. The only thing I will say is when you see it, you must pay close attention to the Aborginals because it is hard to make out their broken English at first. Other than that, I'd say put another shrimp on the barbie mate and go see this one!

Quantum of Solace

My anticipation for this film was on a high-note until I listened to the theme song--which ironically set the mood for the rest of my experience. I was curious to hear Jack White and Alicia Keys fuse their musical genres as one, but I found it lacking in power behind most Bond themes. Jack White gave an honest effort with his raspy voice but, bless her heart, Alicia threw me off for the tone in the rest of the song.
Bond films are also known for their innovative visual graphics in the beginning sequence. This one lacked luster as well. While trying to decipher the vice in these visuals--like the oiled-up women in The World Is Not Enough--I was confused and finally came to the conclusion that it was supposed to be sand. Needless to say, the beginning sequence could have been much better. The beginning of any Bond movie should make the entire audience yell out if not squirm in their seats, "Hell yeah! Bond rules!" But that's just me. So, the beginning is already lacking in the style that Bond movies have had in the past. But I'm a loyal fan to the end, so a bad Bond movie here or there won't stop me from seeing them. I'm still on my quest to seeing every single Bond movie.
Daniel Craig quickly sets the dark tone for the entire movie with his ruthless pursuit of Vesper's killer. The entire movie is centered around his hunger for revenge--which, needless to say--makes him emotionally shut-down and much colder than in Casino Royale. You have to see Casino Royale in order to understand this one because Quantum of Solace is the sequel. I appreciate the reality factor that Daniel Craig brings to James Bond, but James Bond--for me--has to have the suave flair to him. Not necessarily that he has to be a romantic--or even a man-whore--but the suave confidence is part of the essence that is James Bond. Which brings me to my next point: taking out sex scenes to add more violence. Which is the lesser evil? In trading one for the other, they have almost completely redefined the character of James Bond--seeming more like a cold-blood killer than an intelligent British spy. In complete contradiction to that point however, it adds more depth to his character as well. In Casino Royale, Vesper seemed to uncover this side from James--which was very refreshing compared to seeing Bond completely unscathed and still ready to make love at a moments notice. Now, while I've managed to play the devil's advocate in pointing out all the things I didn't like about the film, the overall action in the film was excellent. Like I said before, Daniel Craig brings the reality factor--Wow, James Bond actually does bleed like everyone else. Very refreshing.
The ending credits surprised me, seeming much like the graphics in 300. I think if they would've taken this concept further through the movie it would have benefited them. Overall, it's Bond--of course I enjoyed it. I just don't think it was up to par with previous Bond films. I believe every Bond film should set the bar just a little bit higher for the next. I look forward to seeing what they do with the next one. Before I saw the film, I had heard that it received bad reviews--namely, a mere two stars. I give it three--I'll be generous. I'm very excited about Daniel Craig being Bond, so he has that working for him. But the creative department needs to step it up a couple of notches--else they can be sent out in the middle of the desert with only motor oil to drink. Mmm.

"I want to play a game..."

So I watched Saw V tonight--knowing well the damage that would be done to my fingernails. But as far as the saga goes, it did not disappoint. The driving factor that keeps it going is the writers' ability to tie in the other Saw movies with the next one. I find myself after each one having to remember what happened in the last one in order to connect the plots. And as always, I still leave the movie trying to figure out what exactly happened because I was too distracted by the new, gruesome and unbearable traps. I won't give anything away about the actual movie for those of you who have not seen it or even will not. But needless to say, with each new Saw, they get more.. nail-biting. I give this one 4 stars for its genre and most original plots and twists in scary movies. And of course without fail, they set it up for the next Saw movie. At this rate, they could have a new one every one or two years. And with the crowd that was at the movies tonight, I'm sure they would come. The saga continues...

Guitar Hero vs. Rock Band

Here recently, my friends and I have developed a healthy obsession for playing Guitar Hero on PS2. While building up each of our careers individually, we have learned the songs by heart--often humming them to classes and unable to get them out of our heads until we picked up that controller one more time. As we mastered the medium difficulty, we yearned for more "rockage". So we went out to buy Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and I come across another guitar-genre game: Rock Band. I never really knew what the difference was between the two, so I figured I would give it a try. The first thing I noticed was the controller. The Rock Band guitar controller had added note buttons higher up the neck. I thought, "Hmm... Okay, this should be interesting." Seeing as how I was already an established medium level setting player on Guitar Hero, I started at that level difficulty on Rock Band. The overall visuals were a bit busy. Instead of the colored circle notes coming at you, they were squares. Every once in a while the fretboard would shake like a sound wave, which I found distracting. The background visuals were more "in motion", but I found it very distracting as well--not to denounce the creativity of the actual characters rocking out to the song. I felt as if the medium level difficulty differed somewhat between Guitar Hero and Rock Band--Guitar Hero's medium difficulty setting being the more challenging of the two. I did however, like the song selection they had on Rock Band--keeping in mind I only sampled the game for a few minutes. But from these first impressions, I feel as if Guitar Hero has an overall satisfaction guaranteed. And with the up and coming Guitar Hero that will include a drum set--I'm very excited. Guitar Hero wins this round--bar none. Rock On.