Aside from the somewhat unbelievable premise of this episode, the opening credits were also incorrect ; though actor Keith Szarabajka (Mickey Kostmeyer) was credited as starring in this episode, he was nowhere to be found in it, nor was the character mentioned.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Superman Returns
(2006)
The Man Of Steel is back....
19 June 2006
and from the looks of this movie and how much it will be making, I'm very sure he's back for good.
On June 18th, 2006, I was one of the lucky 250 patrons who had an opportunity to watch a sneak preview showing of "Superman Returns" here in San Francisco, at the Sony/Loews Metreon theater.
Don't worry. No spoilers. Just some small details.
From the opening of the movie, fans who have seen the original film will be delighted at the fact that "Superman Returns" truly does feel as more of a 'continuation' from the original "Superman" and "Superman II" starring Christopher Reeve. Even the opening credits will give the classic film fans a bite of nostalgia, simply because of the overall presentation of the opening credits.
Director Bryan Singer really does know how to take these 'comic book based' movies to the next level and bring them success (or back from hiatus, depending on how you look at it) all while making the film watcher's experience something a bit different, not only in terms of plot, but his overall expertise and execution of being a really good director.
Actor Brandon Routh definitely does extremely well in his performance as the main character "Superman/Clark Kent" and does so with such natural acting ability, you could have sworn that you've seen him act in many other things. (Yes, I really can see him as 'Superman') Actor Kevin Spacey's performance as "Lex Luthor", although not too derived from Gene Hackman's portrayal of the villain, does a great job at bringing a different kind of arrogance to the character. Then again, when has there never been a top notch performance from Spacey? All of the films he's starred in usually have him performing at his best.
Actress Kate Bosworth's portrayal of "Lois Lane" wasn't bad, but wasn't great either and for some reason, seems a bit young to be the "Lois Lane" character that fans will remember through Margot Kidder's portrayal in the original Superman films from 1978 to 1987. Personally, I've always seen Lois Lane as a character in her early 30's, not as someone who is as young as Miss Bosworth is, although Bosworth's performance was just enough to be convincing.
Overall, Superman Fans WILL be pleased by this 2 hour, 34 minute film that truly shows a triumphant return of the one and only "Man Of Steel".
Would I pay to see it again? I plan on it. I'm actually planning on seeing it at the Imax Theater in 3D (select scenes in 3D), so why not? I'm sure I'll enjoy it again.
On June 18th, 2006, I was one of the lucky 250 patrons who had an opportunity to watch a sneak preview showing of "Superman Returns" here in San Francisco, at the Sony/Loews Metreon theater.
Don't worry. No spoilers. Just some small details.
From the opening of the movie, fans who have seen the original film will be delighted at the fact that "Superman Returns" truly does feel as more of a 'continuation' from the original "Superman" and "Superman II" starring Christopher Reeve. Even the opening credits will give the classic film fans a bite of nostalgia, simply because of the overall presentation of the opening credits.
Director Bryan Singer really does know how to take these 'comic book based' movies to the next level and bring them success (or back from hiatus, depending on how you look at it) all while making the film watcher's experience something a bit different, not only in terms of plot, but his overall expertise and execution of being a really good director.
Actor Brandon Routh definitely does extremely well in his performance as the main character "Superman/Clark Kent" and does so with such natural acting ability, you could have sworn that you've seen him act in many other things. (Yes, I really can see him as 'Superman') Actor Kevin Spacey's performance as "Lex Luthor", although not too derived from Gene Hackman's portrayal of the villain, does a great job at bringing a different kind of arrogance to the character. Then again, when has there never been a top notch performance from Spacey? All of the films he's starred in usually have him performing at his best.
Actress Kate Bosworth's portrayal of "Lois Lane" wasn't bad, but wasn't great either and for some reason, seems a bit young to be the "Lois Lane" character that fans will remember through Margot Kidder's portrayal in the original Superman films from 1978 to 1987. Personally, I've always seen Lois Lane as a character in her early 30's, not as someone who is as young as Miss Bosworth is, although Bosworth's performance was just enough to be convincing.
Overall, Superman Fans WILL be pleased by this 2 hour, 34 minute film that truly shows a triumphant return of the one and only "Man Of Steel".
Would I pay to see it again? I plan on it. I'm actually planning on seeing it at the Imax Theater in 3D (select scenes in 3D), so why not? I'm sure I'll enjoy it again.
Ultraman: The Next
(2004)
A triumphant return of one of Japan's biggest superhero franchise characters.
26 December 2005
If you were a kid who grew up in the 70's or 80's, you've probably heard or seen something about the superhero character known as "Ultraman", the silver and red colored hero who battles skyscraper sized monsters in Japan, all while using Martial Arts moves and keen looking powers, very similar in the tradition of the Godzilla franchise. The only major difference is that "Ultraman", in his many different guises or series (Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Ultraman Gaia, Ultraman Tiga, etc.), is always the 'good guy', with the huge, ugly looking monster to be touted as the 'bad guy', and not somewhere in between like Godzilla, who can either be a 'bad guy' or a 'good guy' depending on the particular movie he appears in.
The "Ultraman" series (movie as well as television) has always been about good versus evil, with the titular character being on the side of good, usually defending the Earth (in whatever universe it may be in) against a rampaging monster.
In true tradition of the "Ultraman" franchise, this movie, simply titled "Ultraman" (or "Ultraman Next") is a re-telling of the original 1960's series storyline, similar to the re-telling of the Batman film franchise with the film "Batman Begins".
From the typical 'good versus evil' standpoint, "Ultraman" 2004 sets its sights on not only a younger audience, but a teen, young adult and adult audience as well.
Immediately, the younger audience will be dazzled by how Ultraman makes his dramatic appearance in this film, whereas teens, young adults and adults will feel a bit of nostalgia from seeing one of their favorite heroes get called back into a visually updated and re-designed character and premise.
Unlike the old television series and movies, where the shows or movies play out like an episode of "Power Rangers", complete with sci-fi based settings and vehicles, this particular "Ultraman" film takes place in a universe much like our own, where beings and things like "Ultraman" should not exist and are not really ready to be accepted.
Like "Batman Begins", "Ultraman" (or "Ultraman Next") is believable in a sense where it just might be realistic enough to actually happen, if there were actual forces that exist in the universe who are willing to interfere with and ultimately defend the well-being of this galaxy's inhabitants.
Sure, this movie still has the 'guys in the rubber suits', then again, so do recent superhero films like "Batman Begins", "Fantastic Four", "X-Men 1 & 2", "Daredevil" or "Spider-Man 1 & 2". Those movies made the comic book superheroes look and seem realistic enough to be accepted as live action film counterparts, and "Ultraman" definitely takes the ball and puts it into play, right up there with the big, Hollywood produced superhero films. Of course, Japanese film companies usually don't invest too much into films of this genre, as they don't want to invest millions upon millions that American film companies do, because their audience is primarily Japan, whereas Amercian produced films have the entire world in mind when their films are made.
Still, the production values in "Ultraman" are quite high and easy to see, especially in how serious they made the storyline as well as the character designs for this film. There isn't too much excessive blood or violence, but it does appear when it's necessary to the storyline. I would have to say that this movie would fall under the "PG" film category if this film were to be released stateside. Unfortunately, there are currently no plans to bring an American theatrical, let alone DVD release of this film. Your only chance in seeing this film would be to rent it from a video store which specializes in foreign films (probably not possible to rent from a place like Blockbuster or Hollywood video) or to purchase it directly from a place which allows importation of Japanese DVDs.
This was definitely worth the viewing, especially if you're a fan of the original Ultraman TV shows or movies.
The "Ultraman" series (movie as well as television) has always been about good versus evil, with the titular character being on the side of good, usually defending the Earth (in whatever universe it may be in) against a rampaging monster.
In true tradition of the "Ultraman" franchise, this movie, simply titled "Ultraman" (or "Ultraman Next") is a re-telling of the original 1960's series storyline, similar to the re-telling of the Batman film franchise with the film "Batman Begins".
From the typical 'good versus evil' standpoint, "Ultraman" 2004 sets its sights on not only a younger audience, but a teen, young adult and adult audience as well.
Immediately, the younger audience will be dazzled by how Ultraman makes his dramatic appearance in this film, whereas teens, young adults and adults will feel a bit of nostalgia from seeing one of their favorite heroes get called back into a visually updated and re-designed character and premise.
Unlike the old television series and movies, where the shows or movies play out like an episode of "Power Rangers", complete with sci-fi based settings and vehicles, this particular "Ultraman" film takes place in a universe much like our own, where beings and things like "Ultraman" should not exist and are not really ready to be accepted.
Like "Batman Begins", "Ultraman" (or "Ultraman Next") is believable in a sense where it just might be realistic enough to actually happen, if there were actual forces that exist in the universe who are willing to interfere with and ultimately defend the well-being of this galaxy's inhabitants.
Sure, this movie still has the 'guys in the rubber suits', then again, so do recent superhero films like "Batman Begins", "Fantastic Four", "X-Men 1 & 2", "Daredevil" or "Spider-Man 1 & 2". Those movies made the comic book superheroes look and seem realistic enough to be accepted as live action film counterparts, and "Ultraman" definitely takes the ball and puts it into play, right up there with the big, Hollywood produced superhero films. Of course, Japanese film companies usually don't invest too much into films of this genre, as they don't want to invest millions upon millions that American film companies do, because their audience is primarily Japan, whereas Amercian produced films have the entire world in mind when their films are made.
Still, the production values in "Ultraman" are quite high and easy to see, especially in how serious they made the storyline as well as the character designs for this film. There isn't too much excessive blood or violence, but it does appear when it's necessary to the storyline. I would have to say that this movie would fall under the "PG" film category if this film were to be released stateside. Unfortunately, there are currently no plans to bring an American theatrical, let alone DVD release of this film. Your only chance in seeing this film would be to rent it from a video store which specializes in foreign films (probably not possible to rent from a place like Blockbuster or Hollywood video) or to purchase it directly from a place which allows importation of Japanese DVDs.
This was definitely worth the viewing, especially if you're a fan of the original Ultraman TV shows or movies.
D.E.B.S.
(2004)
The only thing that this film has going for it is the hot young ladies known as "D.E.B.S."
23 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"D.E.B.S." is the interesting title of a film which just doesn't seem to know what audience it's trying to shoot for. (In case you were wondering, "D.E.B.S." is an acronym for "Discipline Energy Beauty Strength") The film is definitely going to be a 'head turner' not because it stars some very attractive actresses, but because of the 'love-story' that sprouts between two of the lead female characters. Yes, you read right, two of the female characters turn out to be lesbians.
Now, there's nothing wrong with lesbianism, but it seems as if it's a very touchy subject that not too many people will understand, especially if they're a bit more on the conservative side.
Nonetheless, that part of the movie is beside the point. It's a comedy that tries it's best to spoof the typical spy/action/adventure/thriller genre by adding it's own humorous twists to it.
There were some moments where I actually laughed a little bit, but the moments where I did laugh were due to some of the audience members saying funny things (No, the movie did not make me laugh in the least bit). Overall, the movie left a lot to be desired in terms of storyline. The humor of the movie was not even along the lines of quality similar to a 'Naked Gun' or 'Airplane', but some sort of generic type of humor which tries too hard to please many audiences.
The one thing that did surprise me were the special effects. There were some pretty interesting visuals that caught my attention, especially for being kind of original. (Most notably being The "force field" and "laser trip wires" around the D.E.B.S.' house/dorm and the "hologram" technology that the Directors of the D.E.B.S. use frequently throughout the film) Will the male viewers like this film? Yes, because there are some very attractive 'eye candy' actresses starring in it, some of whom also end up locking lips at several points (I won't spoil that part for you). But, that's where it's going to stop for most male movie-goers.
Will the female viewers like this film? Yes, not only because there are many humorous references that only females would truly understand (I'll be honest, I didn't laugh at some of the 'jokes' because they were probably intended for the female viewers. I'm a male.), but because there's a certain amount of plot that only female viewers can really latch on to.
Genders aside, will the distinguished movie-goer like this film? NOT A CHANCE. Think of this film as a type of "Spy Kids" movie, but only aimed at the 16-30 audience base. This is also a film that most parents should NOT let their younger children watch, due to the various adult themes. (Note for parents: You think it's difficult to explain "The Birds & The Bees" to your young ones? Try explaining the idea of homosexuality to your youngsters.) I highly doubt that this movie will make anything close to $20 Million, given the fact that it has a touchy subject that most of the conservative folks will try to bash upon. Even if it didn't have that 'shocking twist' (lesbianism), this movie would STILL be a garbage-throw away-not-even-average film. (I will give it this much though; At least it's not a film directed by Uwe Boll. *UGH*) I'm glad I didn't have to pay to see this movie. (Free preview tickets rule!) I would have felt so ripped off if I did pay. Then again, I probably wouldn't have even wanted to see this movie if I did have to pay. This film certainly wasn't on my "Must See" list for 2005, that's for sure.
Now, there's nothing wrong with lesbianism, but it seems as if it's a very touchy subject that not too many people will understand, especially if they're a bit more on the conservative side.
Nonetheless, that part of the movie is beside the point. It's a comedy that tries it's best to spoof the typical spy/action/adventure/thriller genre by adding it's own humorous twists to it.
There were some moments where I actually laughed a little bit, but the moments where I did laugh were due to some of the audience members saying funny things (No, the movie did not make me laugh in the least bit). Overall, the movie left a lot to be desired in terms of storyline. The humor of the movie was not even along the lines of quality similar to a 'Naked Gun' or 'Airplane', but some sort of generic type of humor which tries too hard to please many audiences.
The one thing that did surprise me were the special effects. There were some pretty interesting visuals that caught my attention, especially for being kind of original. (Most notably being The "force field" and "laser trip wires" around the D.E.B.S.' house/dorm and the "hologram" technology that the Directors of the D.E.B.S. use frequently throughout the film) Will the male viewers like this film? Yes, because there are some very attractive 'eye candy' actresses starring in it, some of whom also end up locking lips at several points (I won't spoil that part for you). But, that's where it's going to stop for most male movie-goers.
Will the female viewers like this film? Yes, not only because there are many humorous references that only females would truly understand (I'll be honest, I didn't laugh at some of the 'jokes' because they were probably intended for the female viewers. I'm a male.), but because there's a certain amount of plot that only female viewers can really latch on to.
Genders aside, will the distinguished movie-goer like this film? NOT A CHANCE. Think of this film as a type of "Spy Kids" movie, but only aimed at the 16-30 audience base. This is also a film that most parents should NOT let their younger children watch, due to the various adult themes. (Note for parents: You think it's difficult to explain "The Birds & The Bees" to your young ones? Try explaining the idea of homosexuality to your youngsters.) I highly doubt that this movie will make anything close to $20 Million, given the fact that it has a touchy subject that most of the conservative folks will try to bash upon. Even if it didn't have that 'shocking twist' (lesbianism), this movie would STILL be a garbage-throw away-not-even-average film. (I will give it this much though; At least it's not a film directed by Uwe Boll. *UGH*) I'm glad I didn't have to pay to see this movie. (Free preview tickets rule!) I would have felt so ripped off if I did pay. Then again, I probably wouldn't have even wanted to see this movie if I did have to pay. This film certainly wasn't on my "Must See" list for 2005, that's for sure.
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