Movie Review: DRAG ME TO HELL

DRAG ME TO HELL
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Written by: Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi



I found DRAG ME TO HELL to be a refreshing entry in the American horror cinema landscape, albeit another PG-13 movie. Here, Raimi gets back to his horror (EVIL DEAD) roots. And that’s where he belongs. The SPIDER-MAN movies are very good. But horror needs a great director leading the industry. Raimi is just the guy. Slapstick and satire aside, he definitely knows how to make horror.

This may not be his best work, but it’s nothing to push aside. There are plenty of thrills and shocking moments. In addition to the many instances of Raimi’s style that harkens back to the EVIL DEAD trilogy, it makes for a very entertaining movie-going experience.



From the opening scene you get a feel and a sense of what the movie is going to be like, introducing you to the demon, Lamia, and what it can do. Then, we see the title. I love how it hits you in the face, popping on screen in huge text. From there we meet the characters and the plots laid out for you. Christine Brown, a loan officer, denies Mrs. Ganush, a very creepy gypsy, a loan on her home. After begging, Mrs. Ganush puts a curse on little Christine. After a bitter battle in a parking garage with gypsy-psycho-lady, Christine is tormented by the Lamia, and subsequently destroyed.

There are some great shocking scenes which provide plenty of gore and icky-ness to make the gorehound within the true horror fan smile. In fact, between that and the comedy in the movie, I found myself smiling quite a bit. Raimi definitely knows how to blend the genres between horror and comedy.

The sound design in the film is fantastic. All the creepy, eerie sounds add to the overall look and feel of the film. Christopher Young’s score is also a shinning example of how to add to the atmosphere with dark underlying tones, and strange foreboding violins streaming along your curiosity, then shattering your senses with large, loud, violent screeches and screams.

Overall, I had a ball watching the movie. I predicted the ending, which I never like, and I did hope for more at certain parts of the movie (I really, really wanted to see the Lamia in its true Monster form), but despite all that it’s a great film and I can’t wait to watch it again.

Rating = 8.9/10.0

Words of Inspiration

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."
        --Proverbs 29:11

Currently Reading:

Aliens vs. Predator Omnibus: Volume 1



Very good stuff. The first AvP story is clearly an inspiration to the first movie. A great deal was pulled directly from the comics. The writer, Randy Stradley, is quite gifted at storytelling. He makes AvP more than just an action/horror comic. He adds a dynamic to writing that is rarely seen in comics. Plus anything with ALIENS and PREDATORs I love.


If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell



The Man himself with his first autobiography. Brucey is one of my favorite actors. Obviously the EVIL DEAD Trilogy is some of my favorite stuff. But his most recent film, MY NAME IS BRUCE, is unbelievably good. I love it.

This book is insanely entertaining. I could read this book even if I hated reading…or even if I hated him (but that's impossible).

Currently Listening To:

Dredg - Catch Without Arms (2005)



There’s something about the music of the California-created band Dredg that affects me. The sounds and melody throughout are rhythmic, hypnotic, and enthralling at the same time. I’ve been listening to them since I discovered them in 2001 at a DEFTONES concert. They were amazing then and they have easily become one of my favorite bands.

Catch Without Arms is an excellent album from top to bottom. The chords resonate a sense of passion and desire within me that makes it difficult to keep away from it. I find it inspirational more than just something to listen to for a good time. If I ever feel down or scatterbrained or am just not feeling in a comfortable state this album, along with their others (Leitmotif and El Cielo), help me rise above my temperamental shades of gray.

From the opening track, Ode To The Sun, you are cast upon in the landscape and atmospheric tones of Dredg. The title track has a clingy rhythmic tune with contemporary proverb-esque words of wisdom for me personally. Sang Real’s beat brings you in, while Hung Over on a Tuesday reveals their true hard rock/metal side that can’t be ignored. My favorite tracks are Planting Seeds and Matroshka (The Ornament) for their insanely encapsulating melodies that truly touch me with its tender emotional effectiveness.

Movie Review:

UP
Directed by: Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson (Co-Director)
Written by: Bob Peterson (Screenplay)



Quite simply the best animated movie of the year and is definitely UP there when you talk about best animated movies ever. Yeah, it’s that good. Should you expect anything less from Pixar whose animated features have absolutely transformed the animation industry? Year after year they have been producing stellar work that both kids and adults can enjoy with great story, depth, characterization, comedy, action and the utmost in entertainment. And UP is no exception.

I’ll be honest, when I first heard about this one I thought it wouldn’t be that good and it really didn’t look interesting. Well, I’ve now learned never to doubt Pixar. This is an outstanding movie. The animation itself is always supreme quality. It’s an excellent blend of comedy, action, adventure, drama and suspense. These movies have it all and it really makes it difficult not to like. There’s something in them for everyone.

One of the most surprising elements in the picture for me was the characterization and the depth of the story. Clearly from the trailer you don’t get much of the story other than the general premise. And that alone is enough to make you curious, but nothing is there for one to really get excited about. From the opening scene to the end credits, this movie will keep your attention. You are immediately pulled into the world that is created on screen; you follow the characters and you get emotionally attached. You can relate with them and you sympathize with them. That’s just good writing and great execution of the script. That’s a trademark of these Pixar movies. That’s why it’s my belief that these are some of the best stuff on the market, and everybody should be looking forward to them year after year.

UP should be on everyone’s list of movies to see.

Rating = 8.8/10.0

Movie Review:

TERMINATOR SALVATION (2009)
Directed by: McG
Written by: John D. Brancato & Michael Ferris



TERMINATOR SALVATION is everything I thought it would be, if not more. It lived up to my expectations, and I set the bar pretty high. I was definitely impressed. Every aspect of the movie seemed to click and flow and create a great film going experience. It’s simple stunning!

This is a rare movie that has an amazing set of trailers for it and the movie itself lived up to those previews not allowing them to reveal too much. And I really appreciate that considering that amount of films that come out and do the exact opposite of that.

The special effects are wonderful. The Terminators look exceptionally well. The CGI is very good and doesn’t seem too contrived. The environment and landscapes look fairly good and add to the rugged look of the film.

There is good acting throughout by the entire cast. Sam Worthington (Marcus Wright) does a particularly good job considering he hasn’t been in much and certainly nothing as big as a Terminator movie. Christian Bale is on par with his other great performances. I’m a huge fan of his and it is like a dream to see him play as the legendary John Connor in this movie. Terminator fans couldn’t ask for more with him. Also, Anton Yelchin’s portrayal of young Kyle Reese is very good and the importance of his character is not something to push aside.



I really like how the main characters' screen time is split while being able to tell a compelling story from both characters' standpoints. Both characters, Wright and John Connor, have an interesting dynamic and when they come together it adds to the sense that they are like brothers, even though they are so different, being two different breeds (one a resistance leader for the human race; the other a new hybrid of Terminator-Synthetic based organism who believes he is actually human but ultimately used as a pawn by the machines).

Seeing the Arnold T-800 is nice. It really brings a presence and attitude that no other single Terminator can do. It looks strikingly like the original Terminator back in 1984. Arnold's face is CG'd onto a built stunt player. The irony being that this Terminator, the one that originally tried to kill his mother then was sent to protect him and becomes much like a father to him, would be the one to FINALLY kill him and eliminate the chances for success for the Resistance.

The action is fantastic throughout and is very much one of the strongest elements of the entire movie. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat wanting more and more and becoming engulfed in the excitement. Rarely does a movie accomplish that.

Overall I can’t say enough positive things about it. I was extremely pleased and I will be watching this movie for many, many years to come. I really can’t wait to see it again.

Rating = 9.1/10.0

Currently Reading:

‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King



I just finished it. And I have to say, even back in the late 70s, King reigned supreme in his mastery of writing. I don’t think anybody can argue against his ability because clearly he can write extremely well. The suspense and the way he pulls you into certain scene really allow you to experience the terror just as the characters themselves. One of the best instances of this is when Ben Mears, the main character, is describing his first experience with the dreaded, evil Marsten House. Reading this scene and following as the nine year-old boy sneaks into the house on a dare and witnesses an absolutely terrifying image of Hubert Marsten’s hanging dead body open his eyes and look at Ben had my heart racing. I’ve never really experienced that feeling just reading a book. That’s why you can never underestimate the impact of reading.

Overall the book is very enjoyable. Not a whole lot of action, and certain plenty of dialogue, but you shouldn’t struggle following what’s going on. I love how King only reveals what the book is truly about as you read along and experience what and when the characters experience. I believe that is an extremely effective style of writing.

Rating = 7.8/10.0

Currently Listening To:

Godsmack - Self-Titled (1998)



This is their best album although their most recent release, IV, will give it a run for its money. Both are great albums. But this one is the one that introduced me to the Boston-based group lead by lead singer Sully Erna. His vocals are unique and produce a tough, edgy quality to the music that make the sound really strike hard. Their first single “Whatever” is still one of the best tracks in addition to “Voodoo”, “Bad Religion”, “Keep Away” and “Stress”. This is an album that I can listen to all the way through and not be inclined to skip a track here and there. I can only say that for very few albums and that’s what makes it one of my favorites.

Best Movies of 2009 (So Far)

It’s really starting to pick up. We’ve had a number of good movies so far and it’s not even June. So there’s still a lot left. But here’s some of my favorite movies so far that might be on my “Best of” list at the end of the year:

The Wrestler 1.30.09
The International 2.13.09
Friday the 13th (2009) 2.13.09
Watchmen 3.06.09 ½
Sunshine Cleaning 3.13.09 ½
I Love You, Man 3.20.09 ½
X-Men Origins: Wolverine 5.01.09
Star Trek 5.08.09


STAR TREK is the biggest surprise right now. I really didn’t think it was going to be that good, but it was. SUNSHINE CLEANING isn’t really my kind of movie but it’s just one of those films that has an intangible quality to it that really makes me like it. I’m sure it has to do with the excellent direction, action, and storytelling. I LOVE YOU, MAN has Paul Rudd. And what I can I say about Paul Rudd other than he’s probably my favorite comedy actor and I have a man crush on him. WATCHMEN will definitely be on the list at the end of the year; at least in some regard. Good filmmaker adapting a great graphic novel. No real surprise there.

We’ve still got some potentially great ones coming up. I hope none of them make my “Let Down” list. Until then, au revoir! (Has Gambit would say…even though Deadpool could kill him easily.)

DREAMS (Are Not Easy)

I feel that having all this free time is a sign. A sign that I should be using it to work on my skills as a storyteller and filmmaker. That’s what I want to be. So why can’t I work at it and make it happen? A part of me thinks that it’s just going to happen one day. That’s not the case. I have to work at it and fight for it. AND PRACTICE!!!!

So I should be using this time. But it’s hard to when I have a bunch of other stuff on my mind. I feel like I need to get things straight with my life before I dive into my career. Which is the complete opposite of what I was thinking when I was in school. It’s funny how things like that change so drastically. But I guess that’s life.

However, regardless of what’s going on in my life, and all the problems I have, I need to be working on my goals; career and other. Becoming a director is not easy by any means. It takes time. That’s why I need to be using my time to get there. I will try. I have to. It’s my dream. It’s important to have dreams and not give up on them.

Best Movies of 2008

*Each movie in each category is based on the specific genre. For example, Best Action refers to the best true action movie, not a cross genre film that encompasses several different genres.

Best Action: RAMBO (Honorable Mention: QUANTUM OF SOLACE, PUNISHER: WAR ZONE)

Best Animated Feature: WALL-E (Honorable Mention: KUNG FU PANDA)

Best Comedy: THE PROMOTION (Honorable Mention: ROLE MODELS, YES MAN, HAMLET 2, IN BRUGES, RUN FATBOY RUN)

Best Drama: THE BANK JOB (Honorable Mention: PRIDE AND GLORY)

Best Horror: DIARY OF THE DEAD (Honorable Mention: MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN, MIRRORS)

Biggest Surprise: THE PROMOTION (Honorable Mention: NOBEL SON, YES MAN)

Biggest Let Down: INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
(Dishonorable Mention: WANTED)

Best Overall Movie: IRON MAN (Honorable Mention: INCREDIBLE HULK, DOOMSDAY)

1.21.08 (1st Entry of the New Year)

Stresses of Everyday Life

It seems that there is always something that’s going on in regular, ordinary life that stresses me out. It’s really quite inexplicable. I can’t understand it. There’s just always something that affects me and gets me worried for seemingly no reason. I constantly worry when I have nothing to worry about. And that makes me stressed. And the more stressed I get the more I worry and the less I concentrate and am able to get things done.

My life right now has no big concerns at all. I don’t have a job but I really don’t need one. I’m okay with money. I just want to pay off my student loan; which is almost done. Then after that I’m going to move to Massachusetts and basically start over, because I don’t like it here and I want to return to my native land. Sounds corny but it’s want I want and how I feel. And I know it’s the right decision for me at this point in my life.

I don’t have any health concerns. My family has a collective good health. At least what I know about. I don’t have anyone else in my life that I really care about.

My sports teams are doing fantastic. The Red Sox are world champions (second time in three years). A great many people have lived their whole lives without seeing the Sox win it all in there entire lives since 1918. I should be truly grateful to have seen it twice in my short life so far. The BC Eagles football team finished one of their best seasons; in which they were at one time ranked number two in the country. And the Eagles basketball team is doing fairly well. I expect them to go deep into the NCAA tournament. The Celtics are having one of their bests seasons ever with the new “Big 3” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. They are, in most eyes, the favorite to win the NBA finals. The Bruins are probably doing the poorest of the bunch; but even so they aren’t doing that bad at all. They’ll make the playoffs. I’m sure. And last of all, the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS are the best NFL team ever…yes EVER! They went 16-0 in the regular season (1st team to go undefeated since the 16-game schedule). And in this era (of free agency and other factors) that’s unheard of. And now we’re just two weeks away from playing the wildcard NY Giants in the Super Bowl. They are highly favored and I know they’ll win. So absolutely nothing to worry about there. Not that I’d let that stuff really stress me out. But it’s just to show that it’s another thing that I shouldn’t be stressed about.

It’s just these little annoying events and incidences in my life that have me absolutely perplexed as to why I should be so stress. And it also got me to thinking why in general are we as a society so stress. I believe things would be so much easier if we all found things in our lives that could help us calm down and relax. There’s just too much out there working against us. But I for one am going to try, and I mean really really try to relax and calm down. I’m going to make sure that trivial things don’t effect me at all. As for bigger concerns, I will only allot a relatively small amount of concern and thought to penetrate my seemingly fragile world.

I don’t need any major stresses. I can honestly feel the change in my body and mind when I am stressed. And I can honestly say that it doesn’t feel good. So I’m going to make a change; a positive change in my life that in which I can grow from and hopefully and eventually completely eliminate all stress in my life so I can live a healthier more productive life.

What Ever Happened to Kindness? - The World of Less Innocence

10.1.07

There was once a time when virtues were praised in this society. I can remember growing up and being taught life lesson to be polite, nice, courteous, unselfish. I want to know what happened to kindness. Where did we get screwed up were these qualities are no longer admired? We live in a world where rudeness and bad behavior litter the domain of a once innocent existence. In this place, vices infect, dilute and undermine those now hollowed values that were once instinctively fought for. We look to drown ourselves in alcohol, partying constantly, and overdosing on any kind of drug we can find that will alter our feelings and ability to live. Choosing to “live for the now and not give a f#*!”. And if you’re not apart of these activities then you are shunned as an outcast. “Not cool”. “Lame”. “Boring”.

Nice guys finish last. You have to be an asshole. You’ve got to be rude, crude and obscene to get ahead. I have found that to be certainly true. You just can’t be nice, honest and polite and expect to be noticed and respected. It’s like people have to know that you can bitch them out in order to pay attention to you. They have to fear you to do what you ask. You just can’t ask. You must demand; command.

I was once asked what my vice was. And I honestly could not answer immediately. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I don’t do drugs. I believe in being loyal to your partner. I believe in telling the truth. The group of guys that asked me just started laughing and saying that I had to have something. Somehow these qualities are considered as being weak. That I can’t handle certain things just because I’m sober 24/7.

I wonder if we are swirling around the bottom of the bowl. Are we going to consistently degrade? Getting worse and worse. Will we ever realize that by doing what we do now we are only showing kids that this is the way they should act? And they will. Then, they teach there kids. And so on and so on. The same shit that plasters the walls will corrupt and break down the entire building.

Artistic Filmmaking: Art or Fart?

Why is it that so many young filmmakers feel the need to make an artistic film. First of all, isn’t the act of filmmaking art in itself. I could be wrong but that’s what I believe. Why is it that they feel their films need to be artistic and complex and so dynamic. Don’t get me wrong all that is great. And I love artistic films. Even though I don’t get most of them. And that’s the thing, most artistic films that I like are done by experienced filmmakers like Darren Aronofsky and Stanley Kubrick just to name a few. Art films can be great but they are difficult to make and even more difficult to get your point across. So why would someone so inexperienced attempt to make a film that is so much more difficult to produce. I feel that every time someone makes a film they must take their audience into consideration. Do they have a target audience? If so they really need to make the film so the audience can relate to it and that way understand and enjoy it more.

Second, what’s wrong with just making an entertaining film? Why does everything have to be so big, and artistic and Academy Award winning? What’s the big deal with that. I would say 90% of my favorite films are just ones that are flat out more entertaining than anything else. Now, in those there is some political/social commentary and visually/technically appealing ones as well. But for the most part they are films you can just sit down and enjoy. Anytime.

The answer to these questions is originality. People and filmmakers seem to believe that there are no original stories worth telling without making it artistic or having a complex story with millions of characters and thousands of plot twists (i.e. CRASH). Nothing can be straightforward storytelling anymore. It’s considered lazy and unoriginal. Therefore young filmmakers see the opportunity for making a mark by creating an artistic film. Personally I’d rather make, and see, something that I enjoy and deals with topics that I like and can relate to. For example, my favorite type of film is a zombie apocalypse film, even though they have spread into popularity quicker than a zombie outbreak itself. Seems like every year a dozen major/semi-major ones are being released. It would start to get old for me if they weren't so darn entertaining. As more are released they seem to become an archetype as if there is a blueprint for them that everyone is using. But I like them regardless. And most of those are straightforward, entertaining horror films that try to scare you and freak you out with gore. Most people don’t like that or can only take it in small dosages. I love it.

My point is I wish we could make movies without having to worry about whether it’s been done before or being artistic and just create something that people can sit down and be taken away from their world for two hours and just be entertained.

The CELTICS are BACK!

8.4.07

The Celtics are Back!

I’ve always been a huge fan of the Boston Celtics ever since I could remember. I grew up during the Bird era in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, the Celtics haven’t been much competition since Larry Bird left in 1992. They’ve had mild success with Paul Pierce, the current face of the franchise, and Antoine Walker in the late nineties and have only been to the playoffs six times since Bird’s departure. But, last year was one of their worst seasons ever which saw a franchise record 18-game losing streak. It was clear to everyone, including the Celtics’ director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, that a change was needed. And that’s exactly happened.

The trade for All-Star shooting guard Ray Allen immediately following this year’s NBA draft on June 28th was an attempt to change the trend of the previous three years to draft and build young players. Instead choosing to trade young talent and acquire valuable veteran players who can make an impact immediately. However, Allen wasn’t the only support for Paul Pierce Ainge was going to get.

On July 30th, the Celtics traded for Kevin Garnett, the All-Star power forward of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and one of my favorite players. The blockbuster deal sent a number of young soon to be stars to the T-Wolves including up and coming Al Jefferson. It was definitely a hefty price, but I can’t be happier. Garnett has consistently been one of the top players in the league for many years. Now with Ray Allen, who is one of the best long-range shooters in the league, and Paul Pierce, who shows no signs of stopping his brilliance in the organization, the Celtics are already contenders and one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. And more importantly, these recent moves show me that the team does care about winning and getting back to the level of the once dominant Boston Celtics of previous years.

Film Review: THE HOST

7.24.07

Film Review: GWOEMUL a.k.a THE HOST (2006) D: Joon-Ho Bong

First let me start out by saying the trailers and previews for this film were amazing when I saw them. I’ve been trying to see this film seen I saw the trailer three months ago. I got it the first day it came on DVD. Needless to say, I had high expectations.

Well, it let me down. Big time. I was really disappointed. Everything I’ve seen and been hearing about the film, even now after I’ve seen it, is how this is such a great “monster movie” and how it’s one of the best “horror films”. All that’s bull shit. First of all it’s not a “monster movie”. It’s a creature feature. Straight out of the fifties’ Big Bug movies and government experiments gone wrong. Just like GODZILLA. Another Asian creation. In fact it is incredibly similar to GODZILLA. I don’t understand why this particular film has been getting so much great publicity. Yes, there were great special effects. Yes, the mutation did look pretty cool.



The first time you see the mutation, when it’s just hanging there and all the people are looking at it talking about what it could be. Then, it moves suddenly and jumps in the water. The first thing it reminded me of was ALIEN. I got extremely excited. Unfortunately, that was the apex of my excitement for the whole film.

This film is an integration of a variety of genres that range from horror to comedy to fantasy to drama and so on. However, I personally like horror films to have a level of seriousness and sincerity to it otherwise it looses it’s appeal and can make it seem campy and silly. Thus, not gaining a maximum entertainment value based on fear and being scared. Which is the essence of a Horror film. This film fluctuates so much from that it’s hard to gage what emotion you as an audience member are trying to feel. For example, the funeral seen. First the name of the scene kind of tells you that it’s going to be serious and heart-felt. Guess again. Humorous. Distastefully so. I understand the difference between horror and comedy. And that if you can make someone laugh at a situation you can also make them get scared just as easily. That’s the beauty about blending comedy and horror. I just feel that it was not done well in THE HOST.

Another thing I notice with THE HOST, and with many Asian films, is a loss of translation. I don’t understand why in a lot of Asian films they turn to comedy to alleviate the tension in a scene instead of trying to take it to the next level. They bring it back down with comedy. It’s like that in some horror flick and just about any martial arts films and a bunch of action films as well. Let’s say they just need to stick to what kind of film they’re trying to make. If it’s a horror film you don’t want to make it silly. There were a number of scenes like that in THE HOST, and I just don’t understand why. I hate to be the ignorant American, but maybe it’s Asian-thing. There’s obviously a cultural difference. Maybe that applies a great deal to filmmaking.

I won’t mention much about all the anti-American undertones throughout the film. I’ll just say they’re definitely there. So don’t be offended. And honestly I had absolutely no problem with it. Especially, since the opening scene in the film actually happened. For more info on that check out http://imdb.com/title/tt0468492/trivia.

With all that being said. I did enjoy many parts of the film. Every creature scene is worth watching. I like the story of Park Gung-du and his daughter Hyun-seo. The containment/hospital scenes are cheesy and campy. And the whole story falls apart when the family disbands. The final battle scene is pretty good. That’s one of the scenes that has no humor and it was handled well. The score was often inappropriate. Overall I would recommend checking it out. After all, we all have different taste. I’m just a huge Horror movie fan and THE HOST it let me down.

Rating = 5.4/10

Comic Review: Marvel's CIVIL WAR

4.7.07

Marvel’s CIVIL WAR comic review

This highly anticipated blockbuster event started off with a bang. Literally, with the villain known as NITRO, who has the ability to explode himself, blowing up a part of Stamford, Connecticut and killing over 600 people, including 200 children who were at school. The reason for Nitro’s action were due to a raid by the superhero group known as the NEW WARRIORS. After the event, citizens urge for there to be something done to people with supernatural powers. Congress passed the superhero registration act which would force metahumans to register with the government, reveal their identity and join a task force or... be arrested. Some heroes, like IRON MAN, agreed with the registration act seeing it has a natural evolution for the role of superheroes in today’s society. Others, like CAPTAIN AMERICA, opposed the registration act and felt it went against people’s rights as American citizens. Thus a war began. Those who are for the act. And those who oppose it.

As a whole the event was pretty good. It had some great moments (new Spidey suit, Spidey unmasking, Thor’s clone killing Goliath, Cap vs. Shellhead). However, it lost something towards the end. Marvel built the event up so much that by the end the events that transpired didn’t meet expectations, especially after delays and an over abundance of tie-ins. The conclusion was lackluster and overshadowed by the death of Captain America in the following issue (number 25) of his series after the event had already ended.

Not to mention that Iron Man, my favorite character, was turned into a villain by an overwhelming support against him and his pro-registration views.

Overall, CIVIL WAR was entertaining but I can’t help but believe that much motive for the series was based singularly on selling comics rather than making the best stories, which Marvel has always prided it's self on.

Rating = 7.5/10

Film Review: 300

4.7.07

Film Review: 300 (2007) D: Zach Synder

300 was one of the best films I’ve seen in theaters…ever. It was great. The most visually stunning movie I’ve ever seen. Some of the best visual and special effects. Spectacular cinematography. I believe this film has created a new style of filmmaking, and I believe people will be seeing more films made as this one was, digitally on a soundstage in front of a green screen. Zach Synder upped his game following the 2004 release of DAWN OF THE DEAD (remake). He is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors. He’s not afraid to make a film gory and keeps a story flowing, action packed and interesting. I found the acting to be terrific with stand out performances from Lena Headey (Queen Gorgo), Michael Fassbender (Stelios) and of course Gerard Butler (King Leonidas) whom I remember as Dracula in DRACULA 2000.

This film was based on a graphic novel by Frank Millar (Sin City, Daredevil, Batman). It matched it almost perfectly. Probably the best adaptation from comic book to film. Miller’s great art was seen in motion as if he himself had drawn each frame of film.

Overall, 300 will probably become one of my favorite films for a long time.

Rating = 9.2/10