Showing posts with label Bill Nighy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bill Nighy. Show all posts
G-Force
9.24.2010
Rating: PG
Movie Release Date: July 24, 2009
DVD Release Date: December 15, 2009
Plot 411: An experimental team of guinea pigs must save the world from disaster and prove they are skilled FBI agents.
Review: Ben (Zach Galifianakis) is heading an experimental program for the FBI that trains common rodents to be special agents. He has put together a team consisting of three guinea pigs and a mole. Led by Darwin (Sam Rockwell), Blaster (Tracy Morgan), Juarez (Penelope Cruz) and Speckles (Nicholas Cage) go on a mission to take down a suspected international arms dealer (Bill Nighy). Avoiding capture from FBI agents who want to stop their program, the team ends up in a pet store and gets a taste of what life as a pet is like. This movie wasn't as bad as I was anticipating. There was a lot of action that made it a lot of fun. However, the dialogue was a bit forced. They kept referencing famous movies and pulling lines out left and right. I guess that was supposed to be for the adults. Unfortunately, it wasn't really put together well enough to capitalize on that. The animation was pretty good, but I found it hard to connect with it. They just didn't seem real at all.
Watch It: For one of the few action animated flicks out there.
Skip It: Because it's not really one of those memorable movies with a lot of impact.
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Hot Fuzz
8.22.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: February 14, 2007 (UK & Ireland) / April 20, 2007 (USA)
DVD Release Date: July 31, 2007
Plot 411: When a cop becomes too good at his job, making his fellow officers look bad, he is transferred to the safest town in England.
Review: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost join forces once again and the end product is one gut-busting comedy. Pegg plays Nicholas Angel, a hot shot cop who has all the right moves. Because of this, his superior packs him up and sends him to a small town. Frost is Danny Butterman, a young cop in town who is awe-inspired by being Angel's partner. This set up creates scenes that are hilarious, like when the two are called in to investigate missing swan. The banter between the two partners volley back and forth. Frost does a great job at playing the fool once again. If you liked Shaun Of The Dead, then this movie is for you. It has a lot of the same comedic beats that'll have you rolling. You've got to be in tune with the British sense of humor though as it's a bit different than American movies. Also in this film are Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent and Timothy Dalton.
Watch It: And check out the blooper reel
Skip It: Because it's not completely a comedy or an action flick that most people are used to.
Movie Release Date: February 14, 2007 (UK & Ireland) / April 20, 2007 (USA)
DVD Release Date: July 31, 2007
Plot 411: When a cop becomes too good at his job, making his fellow officers look bad, he is transferred to the safest town in England.
Review: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost join forces once again and the end product is one gut-busting comedy. Pegg plays Nicholas Angel, a hot shot cop who has all the right moves. Because of this, his superior packs him up and sends him to a small town. Frost is Danny Butterman, a young cop in town who is awe-inspired by being Angel's partner. This set up creates scenes that are hilarious, like when the two are called in to investigate missing swan. The banter between the two partners volley back and forth. Frost does a great job at playing the fool once again. If you liked Shaun Of The Dead, then this movie is for you. It has a lot of the same comedic beats that'll have you rolling. You've got to be in tune with the British sense of humor though as it's a bit different than American movies. Also in this film are Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent and Timothy Dalton.
Watch It: And check out the blooper reel
Skip It: Because it's not completely a comedy or an action flick that most people are used to.
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy
4.20.2010
Rating: PG
Movie Release Date: April 28, 2005 (UK) / September 29, 2005 (USA)
DVD Release Date: September 13, 2005
Plot 411: This is a space comedy based on a book of the same name that incorporates humor, space travel, aliens and destruction.
Review: Before Earth is destroyed, best friends Arthur (Martin Freeman) and Ford (Mos Def) leave the planet by hitching a ride on the destroying spaceship. Ford is an alien who has been writing a hitchhiking guide. The two friends are discovered and forced into space without any oxygen. Luckily, they are saved by Ford's half brother Zaphod (Sam Rockwell). Arthur and Ford's journey only gets weirder and weirder as they travel to distant planets with Zaphod, who is searching for the ultimate question. I swear it's better than I'm making it sound. I'm not really sure how to describe this quirky jumble of sci-fi and British humor, adventure and geekiness. All I can cay is that I loved it. Also in this film are Zooey Deschanel, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Helen Mirren and Stephen Fry. If those names don't get you to watch this one, then it's probably not a movie for you.
Watch It: Because it's smarter and funnier than you expect.
Skip It: And it's roundabout logic that only sci-fi fanboys can untangle.
Movie Release Date: April 28, 2005 (UK) / September 29, 2005 (USA)
DVD Release Date: September 13, 2005
Plot 411: This is a space comedy based on a book of the same name that incorporates humor, space travel, aliens and destruction.
Review: Before Earth is destroyed, best friends Arthur (Martin Freeman) and Ford (Mos Def) leave the planet by hitching a ride on the destroying spaceship. Ford is an alien who has been writing a hitchhiking guide. The two friends are discovered and forced into space without any oxygen. Luckily, they are saved by Ford's half brother Zaphod (Sam Rockwell). Arthur and Ford's journey only gets weirder and weirder as they travel to distant planets with Zaphod, who is searching for the ultimate question. I swear it's better than I'm making it sound. I'm not really sure how to describe this quirky jumble of sci-fi and British humor, adventure and geekiness. All I can cay is that I loved it. Also in this film are Zooey Deschanel, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Helen Mirren and Stephen Fry. If those names don't get you to watch this one, then it's probably not a movie for you.
Watch It: Because it's smarter and funnier than you expect.
Skip It: And it's roundabout logic that only sci-fi fanboys can untangle.
I Capture The Castle
11.17.2009
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: May 2, 2003 (UK) / July 11, 2003
DVD Release Date: December 23, 2003
Plot 411: A once-brilliant British writer and his family fall into poverty and his eldest daughter plots to marry the rich American who owns their property.
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this movie in all its post-Jane Austen glory. The plot is pretty similar to most of Austen's work - a family in poverty, daughters of marrying age and eligible beaus. However, the setting to this film was the '30s. Bill Nighy is brilliant as always. His character is a writer who hasn't written a word in 12 years. He struggles with inspiration despite all the love and support of his family. When two American men arrive to claim their inheritance, which includes the land on which the family lives, Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald) decides it's time to help her stepdaughters find a husband in order to save the family from ruins. The eldest daugther (Rose Byrne) quickly assumes the role of most eligibe bachelorette and sets her sights on Simon (Henry Thomas). Younger sister Cassandra (Romola Garai) is the intellectual of the group, who keeps a diary and is the narrator of the film. Marc Blucas plays younger brother Neil. The plot twists and turns and loops around as romantic hurdles develop. It's a coming-of-age romance set in a landscape that is reminiscent of the 1800s despite being clearly set in the 1900s. I loved the starkness of the familhy's castle home and the open spaces of the surrounding woods. I wished there was a bit more conflict in the plot, which would've created a steeper story arc. Still, I liked the overall storyline and eventual resolution.
Watch It: For a Pride And Prejudice-like coming-of-age romantic drama that doesn't quite live up to Austen's genius.
Movie Release Date: May 2, 2003 (UK) / July 11, 2003
DVD Release Date: December 23, 2003
Plot 411: A once-brilliant British writer and his family fall into poverty and his eldest daughter plots to marry the rich American who owns their property.
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this movie in all its post-Jane Austen glory. The plot is pretty similar to most of Austen's work - a family in poverty, daughters of marrying age and eligible beaus. However, the setting to this film was the '30s. Bill Nighy is brilliant as always. His character is a writer who hasn't written a word in 12 years. He struggles with inspiration despite all the love and support of his family. When two American men arrive to claim their inheritance, which includes the land on which the family lives, Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald) decides it's time to help her stepdaughters find a husband in order to save the family from ruins. The eldest daugther (Rose Byrne) quickly assumes the role of most eligibe bachelorette and sets her sights on Simon (Henry Thomas). Younger sister Cassandra (Romola Garai) is the intellectual of the group, who keeps a diary and is the narrator of the film. Marc Blucas plays younger brother Neil. The plot twists and turns and loops around as romantic hurdles develop. It's a coming-of-age romance set in a landscape that is reminiscent of the 1800s despite being clearly set in the 1900s. I loved the starkness of the familhy's castle home and the open spaces of the surrounding woods. I wished there was a bit more conflict in the plot, which would've created a steeper story arc. Still, I liked the overall storyline and eventual resolution.
Watch It: For a Pride And Prejudice-like coming-of-age romantic drama that doesn't quite live up to Austen's genius.
Skip It: If you're seeking a dynamic plot and lots of upheaval.
Valkyrie
6.20.2009
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: December 25, 2008
DVD Release Date: May 19, 2009
Plot 411: During World War II, a group of politicians and military officials plot to kill Adolf Hitler and save Germany.
Review: Not being a history or war buff, I hadn't known prior to watching this movie that there were actually 15 assassination attempts on Hitler and that he survived them all. I don't know if that was due to his own luck, cunning or tight inner circle who protected him. Despite the failures, it's truly amazing that men within Hitler's camp would be brave enough to commit such treason knowing that he was simply nuts. I suppose difficult times bring out the best in people, and WWII was definitely more than a difficult time. Still, there is no guarantee that someone would be willing to risk his life and that of his family's for the greater good. The fact that these men did just that is a testament to the human spirit. The movie focuses on Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) and a group of men trying to save what is left of "sacred Germany." It's based on a true story, which makes their actions even more unbelievable. One problem I had with this movie was simply being able to distinguish the characters from one another. There were so many uniformed men in kahoots that it was hard to keep track who was supposed to do what. Is he a good guy? Bad guy? Involved? Doesn't have a clue? This is definitely one of those flicks you need to watch more than once with the subtitles on. I was concentrating so hard on trying to ID everyone that I didn't even notice the costume, set dressing or landscape at all. The cast also includes Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh and Tom Wilkinson.
Watch It: For an easy access to history and what seems like a long overdue curtain call for unsung hero von Stauffenberg.
Movie Release Date: December 25, 2008
DVD Release Date: May 19, 2009
Plot 411: During World War II, a group of politicians and military officials plot to kill Adolf Hitler and save Germany.
Review: Not being a history or war buff, I hadn't known prior to watching this movie that there were actually 15 assassination attempts on Hitler and that he survived them all. I don't know if that was due to his own luck, cunning or tight inner circle who protected him. Despite the failures, it's truly amazing that men within Hitler's camp would be brave enough to commit such treason knowing that he was simply nuts. I suppose difficult times bring out the best in people, and WWII was definitely more than a difficult time. Still, there is no guarantee that someone would be willing to risk his life and that of his family's for the greater good. The fact that these men did just that is a testament to the human spirit. The movie focuses on Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) and a group of men trying to save what is left of "sacred Germany." It's based on a true story, which makes their actions even more unbelievable. One problem I had with this movie was simply being able to distinguish the characters from one another. There were so many uniformed men in kahoots that it was hard to keep track who was supposed to do what. Is he a good guy? Bad guy? Involved? Doesn't have a clue? This is definitely one of those flicks you need to watch more than once with the subtitles on. I was concentrating so hard on trying to ID everyone that I didn't even notice the costume, set dressing or landscape at all. The cast also includes Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh and Tom Wilkinson.
Watch It: For an easy access to history and what seems like a long overdue curtain call for unsung hero von Stauffenberg.
Skip It: If you watch movies as a means to escape real life. This movie gives you a cold hard look at life's brutal realities.
Trailer:
Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans
6.05.2009
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: January 23, 2009
DVD Release Date: May 12, 2009
Plot 411: A prequel to the other Underworld movies that explains where the rivalry all began.
Review: Personally, I didn't like this film as much as the others. In this flick, we go back hundreds of years to see the beginning of the vampire/lycan feud. These events have been hinted at in the other films but are fully explained here. Because it's a prequel, Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman aren't in this one. However, Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen reprise their roles. Unlike the past two movies, there's a lot more focus on the lycans in this one. Unfortunately, the CGI is way worse than the other flicks. How can that be? I don't know. The lycans all look fake and there's a definite disconnect in certain scenes. You can obviously tell what's CGI and what's not. Also, I didn't feel drawn in by the love story that sparks the battle of ages. I'd think you'd want the audience to empathize with the chracters, but I found this very difficult to do. If you're looking for action though, there's plenty of it. There are some great kill shots as well, with CGI blood splattering all over.
Movie Release Date: January 23, 2009
DVD Release Date: May 12, 2009
Plot 411: A prequel to the other Underworld movies that explains where the rivalry all began.
Review: Personally, I didn't like this film as much as the others. In this flick, we go back hundreds of years to see the beginning of the vampire/lycan feud. These events have been hinted at in the other films but are fully explained here. Because it's a prequel, Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman aren't in this one. However, Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen reprise their roles. Unlike the past two movies, there's a lot more focus on the lycans in this one. Unfortunately, the CGI is way worse than the other flicks. How can that be? I don't know. The lycans all look fake and there's a definite disconnect in certain scenes. You can obviously tell what's CGI and what's not. Also, I didn't feel drawn in by the love story that sparks the battle of ages. I'd think you'd want the audience to empathize with the chracters, but I found this very difficult to do. If you're looking for action though, there's plenty of it. There are some great kill shots as well, with CGI blood splattering all over.
Watch It: If you're hooked on the franchise and love the gothic castle look.
Skip It: If you're only a casual fan. This won't win you over.
Trailer:
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