A nice movie. It doesn't set the world on fire, the story's simple and predictable enough, but I assume it's not bad. The heroine looks very much like a childish version of Pocahontas, and that's the only real flaw I noticed (but, on the other hand, all Disney protagonists resemble each other). There are some naive jokes, which make the viewer rather smile than laugh loudly; there are some heartwarming characters (Gramma, the Big Wave and the Hog, not to mention the ghosts of Moana's ancestors); there is a fake hero who prefers to rest on oars and enjoy the praise for his deeds in the past. But of course he can reform and become good... if he only wants it. So, you can call it 'cliches'... however, I say it's kind of classic. All you need for an entertaining adventure & high spirited romance is there in the plot. And yes, the crab (...he rather reminded me of a cockroach...) adds greatly to the positive side of the film. His dance is brilliant (though his singing is rather silly - but who cares?) So, if you want to have a good rest after a hard work's week (or just to make your child happy), you should see this movie. If you wish something more than just a pleasant, sentimental fairy tale, you probably won't like it. Though I did.
Reviews
14 Reviews
Doctor Strange
(2016)
Could be better, but - never mind
3 November 2016
A good movie, though a bit overloaded with acid-colored special effects. The first half of the story (i.e., learning at the temple, which reminds of Nolan's Batman Begins) was too long and unnecessary. Then, beginning from Cassiluis' assault on the temple, the action started, and I really liked it. If not for all those mystics and magic - just ninja style fighting and Groundhog Day stuff - I'd say the movie's perfect. But it isn't, that's why I give it 7 stars out of 10 (for me, it's not a bad mark. It just means 'nice and decent, but not excellent'.
Cumberbatch acted very well, and there was a really hilarious part with him doing an operation on himself. It's not the Cumberbatch I've used to in other films, but still, he is just - super.
Cumberbatch acted very well, and there was a really hilarious part with him doing an operation on himself. It's not the Cumberbatch I've used to in other films, but still, he is just - super.
Trolls
(2016)
Pretty, but rather stupid
29 October 2016
A nice piece of kindergarten animation, not arty-farty, kinda primitive. However, if you don't mind children's movies (or maybe you are a 'bronie', or just liked modeling clay when you were young), you won't be disappointed. There's nothing so special about the love story (it's rather a 'friendship tale'). Poppy, the plump pink Troll girl, happens to be gobbled up several times, either by a fish or by a predator plant (it's not clear how she got out and went on her way): all the Trolls really have a very 'tasty' look, reminding of cookies. The most developed character, not counting them is the evil and toothy Chefin (the Prince, too, doesn't count). There's also some mocking at Cinderella's story, which appears a bit entertaining (at first).
The cartoon hasn't got much sense, neither it has any full-fleshed characters. It can be watched, though, and even bring pleasure, if you just want to relax.
The cartoon hasn't got much sense, neither it has any full-fleshed characters. It can be watched, though, and even bring pleasure, if you just want to relax.
Robin Hood
(1991)
Underestimated, but still good to watch
19 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This film is not so very known as the Kevin Costner version (action- packed, overloaded with fan-service and some uncensored sex scenes). This is a more serious movie. It goes on a slower pace and has less effects (aye, less special effects as well). In spite of this, it's a good movie. Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman's acting looks quite decent (if it weren't for Costner and Mary Mastrantonio, I'd say even "defining", though that's really arguable).
Baron Daguerre (Robin's main enemy in the film) is not that bad, he's just been insulted and needs to gain his former friend's trust once more. Prince John doesn't pose like a villain as well, we only have his cameo closer to the end. And -- no return of the good King Richard, the outlaws have got their victory themselves.
So, as you see, the plot is not as simple as we've used to. But there are similarities to the Kostner film, nevertheless. For example, the celebration in the end (led by the Baron, not by the King!) Naked fat men in a so-called "garment" of branches and leaves -- Ah and Aw for all that Celtic stuff...
The film is good to watch, and if you want to compare which of the 1991 versions was better, I think it senseless. Just watch both films, and enjoy. Each of them is interesting enough, each of them should be a treat for you.
Baron Daguerre (Robin's main enemy in the film) is not that bad, he's just been insulted and needs to gain his former friend's trust once more. Prince John doesn't pose like a villain as well, we only have his cameo closer to the end. And -- no return of the good King Richard, the outlaws have got their victory themselves.
So, as you see, the plot is not as simple as we've used to. But there are similarities to the Kostner film, nevertheless. For example, the celebration in the end (led by the Baron, not by the King!) Naked fat men in a so-called "garment" of branches and leaves -- Ah and Aw for all that Celtic stuff...
The film is good to watch, and if you want to compare which of the 1991 versions was better, I think it senseless. Just watch both films, and enjoy. Each of them is interesting enough, each of them should be a treat for you.
Tangled
(2010)
Beautiful
19 October 2016
The story of a young woman, escapistic and romantic (well, would you expect something else from a girl who was sixteen years locked in a tower?) She quickly gets to the real world, discovers how unpleasant and dirty it is, but in some way "infects" the brutal robbers with her naive, blonde and ruddy optimism. There are also conflicts with other not-so- pleasant people (the Horse, and Mother Gothel, of course), but in the end, all that Shrek-like mockery becomes a parody of itself. It does, though, merge very well with romance and all that mi-mi-mi stuff.
So, the film is recommended to be seen both to the viewers who like spiteful twists over traditional fairy tales, and to the ones who just like a good bedtime story. You'll not be disappointed.
And -- Aw for that old man with angelic wings: he's the most fascinating robber ever!
So, the film is recommended to be seen both to the viewers who like spiteful twists over traditional fairy tales, and to the ones who just like a good bedtime story. You'll not be disappointed.
And -- Aw for that old man with angelic wings: he's the most fascinating robber ever!
Turtles Forever
(2009 TV Movie)
In spite of all its flaws... I really like it
13 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
When Turtles Forever just emerged on TV, everybody highly anticipated the film. The new (2003) green team fighting the good old Technodrome, Bebop and Rocksteady, and another, more brutal, but also inhumanly cruel Shredder. This was a decent combination of both animated franchises of the time, pretty action-packed, high-spirited in the good old adventure sense, and even Easter Eggs directing to Star Wars did not spoil the story. (For instance, Technodrome began to look much more like the Death Star, and the Shredder becomes an "upgraded" version of Mr. Darth. Aw -- Ah for the moment when he says: if destroying the Turtles means an end to everything, including himself... "SO BE IT!" Yes, -- that's the way a true comic book villain behaves!) Therefore I'm not against these changes, reminding the viewer of SW. It's really fun. Everything in the movie is bright, dynamic, strongly positive, and the fans would love it... if not for a small, but irritating nuance.
I think the story's somehow spoiled by the authors' irony (let's not say sarcasm) about the 87 Turtles and their world. April, pursued by a giant mutant banana (everybody got, what did he really want from the girl? No, not just to dinner off her -- look once more at 87's April pretty figure and all those big... dignities, then you'll surely guess the scary banana's intentions). It's not that serious, I know. It's just... unpleasant to watch.
But, despite all this, I daresay it's a good movie. In the end, we see both the green teams saying farewell. It'a nice emotional moment, and no irony this time. "Turtle Power!!"
In a word -- every era has their own Ninja Turtles. It's good the estafette was transferred to another ones.
I think the story's somehow spoiled by the authors' irony (let's not say sarcasm) about the 87 Turtles and their world. April, pursued by a giant mutant banana (everybody got, what did he really want from the girl? No, not just to dinner off her -- look once more at 87's April pretty figure and all those big... dignities, then you'll surely guess the scary banana's intentions). It's not that serious, I know. It's just... unpleasant to watch.
But, despite all this, I daresay it's a good movie. In the end, we see both the green teams saying farewell. It'a nice emotional moment, and no irony this time. "Turtle Power!!"
In a word -- every era has their own Ninja Turtles. It's good the estafette was transferred to another ones.
Suicide Squad
(2016)
Mediocre
13 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
A soppy movie, full of sentimental suffering, mourning and all that popular now emo-stuff. In some episodes it does work, anyhow (Rick Flagg's relation with the Enchantress has poor chemistry, but the tear- jerking does save the day). In some episodes it just annoys (there is a little hope for some better Harley-Joker sequences in the extended cut, but I'm speaking now only of the theatrical version).
The film has many action scenes, not to say great, but definitely proper ones. And there are some interesting personae, Cap'n Boomerang for instance (though he is a petty copy of Dedpool, some unpleasant charisma about him can be felt). And there are idiotic scenes with the Joker. If you came to see how Harley Quinn became his true attendant, you will not see it. She just falls in love with her psycho patient, because -- Well, because it was in the script. And so ends the story of the greatest love ever between two quirks: just not shown. As if there was nothing to show.
I can't say the movie is really bad (Margo Robby does all to turn it from a foolish, sentimental story into something more interesting, even at the count of simple fan-service). This is just a movie to watch when you want rest and relax. Almost no sense, absolutely no idea, characters, as it were, are to be judged only by their outlooks. Turn off your brain, just enjoy a nicely-made show.
The film has many action scenes, not to say great, but definitely proper ones. And there are some interesting personae, Cap'n Boomerang for instance (though he is a petty copy of Dedpool, some unpleasant charisma about him can be felt). And there are idiotic scenes with the Joker. If you came to see how Harley Quinn became his true attendant, you will not see it. She just falls in love with her psycho patient, because -- Well, because it was in the script. And so ends the story of the greatest love ever between two quirks: just not shown. As if there was nothing to show.
I can't say the movie is really bad (Margo Robby does all to turn it from a foolish, sentimental story into something more interesting, even at the count of simple fan-service). This is just a movie to watch when you want rest and relax. Almost no sense, absolutely no idea, characters, as it were, are to be judged only by their outlooks. Turn off your brain, just enjoy a nicely-made show.
Sleeping Beauty
(1959)
Hail to the princess Aurora
6 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The most beautiful Disney movie (later parodied in Rapunzel, which itself, with all its hilariousness and high spirits, is a movie meme). One of the most beautiful Disney princesses, as well: chaste, kind, delicate (if one can say so about a cartoon character - but I think one can!) The noble king's daughter, which at the same time is a simple barefoot peasant girl, both charming and modest. (Only in the 60th, I guess, could such a character emerge onto the big screen). Not to mention the dreadful Queen of Darkness, her devils, which are truly ugly and frightful... And the moment when she grows up into something incredibly dark and enormous, up to the very clouds (you want, in spite of yourself, to close the eyes and not to see). But the Sword of Truth will not fail prince Philip; the hard-to-win evil Thing shall be destroyed. It's a shame the legendary movie was later duplicated and even multiplicated in tasteless fakes ('The Swan Princess', with an awkward queen Huberta, for instance). But The Sleeping Beauty remains with us. It can be watched and re-watched. I think it will be. For long...
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
(1987–1996)
Heroes in a half-shell
6 October 2016
The Technodrome - a dreadful war machine - poses out on a hill covered with creepy Stone Soldiers. The evil Shredder (so much alike to some medieval knight, only much more imposing because of all those his spikes, hooks and blades...) The Foot warriors (they were called 'robots' in the film, but I rather took them for zombies). And - a horrifying, yet fascinating sight: four Turtle embryos flying through the dark skies inside a great pale beam... (Really, I was disappointed to know that their story in the series differed from that in the opening. A mutagen. How simple. How disapproving. Blah...)
A young, high-spirited, soft (like most anime heroines), very beautiful, sometimes trying to be brave, always cheerful and hilarious... Well, what I'm telling you about? April is April! Vernon is also Vernon, by the way (I know there was Casey in the comics, but comics were really for adults. The TMNT in the comic book looked scary, like punks, only bigger and 'monstrier'. O'Neil was just an ordinary girl, more or less. And there was no Vern, so charming in his cowardice...) Yeah, I love the comics. I really appreciate them, because THAT is the origin of all the Turtle variations. And I'm a huge fan of the 2003 series; only this all does not matter when we speak about the long lost loves and attractions of our half-forgotten childish age.
The green band will always be on the march. I mean, the green band on the 80th. True to each other, all-conquering. Simple, but honest. Hilarious, but heroic. Handsome Good vs. ugly Evil. (And yes, Krang is the most cthoolhy Dark Lord ever!)
A young, high-spirited, soft (like most anime heroines), very beautiful, sometimes trying to be brave, always cheerful and hilarious... Well, what I'm telling you about? April is April! Vernon is also Vernon, by the way (I know there was Casey in the comics, but comics were really for adults. The TMNT in the comic book looked scary, like punks, only bigger and 'monstrier'. O'Neil was just an ordinary girl, more or less. And there was no Vern, so charming in his cowardice...) Yeah, I love the comics. I really appreciate them, because THAT is the origin of all the Turtle variations. And I'm a huge fan of the 2003 series; only this all does not matter when we speak about the long lost loves and attractions of our half-forgotten childish age.
The green band will always be on the march. I mean, the green band on the 80th. True to each other, all-conquering. Simple, but honest. Hilarious, but heroic. Handsome Good vs. ugly Evil. (And yes, Krang is the most cthoolhy Dark Lord ever!)
Alice in Wonderland
(I) (2010)
Medium level
6 October 2016
Splendid, lushly and somehow reminding the distinguished old-school fantasy fiction of the 30th. That is, considering only visual effects. Yes, it is a feast for the eye. If only there were nothing more except Cheshire's smile (which awkwardly, but plausibly transform into the Moon), I'd already said it's a very beautiful movie. And here's also the Bandersnatch, both creepy and fascinating. And a mad tea-party in some stale, fusty marsh near the most picturesque ruins of a mill. The Knave and Horsey, so appreciative in the sunset.
The only issue is... the sheer weakness of the plot, as plain as an eggsie: we have Alice arriving in the Wonderland, whose inhabitants she must help. Well, guess what was at the end. But if you think soberly - the best thing not to keep in your head when seeing 'Alice' is that you watch a Tim Burton film. It is not him, really: it is a Robert Stromberg film at most. He did his best, there's naught to grudge 'im with. The ones responsible for poor, pathetic dialogue, foolish pseudo-climax (the White Queen, oh, so good! The Red, oh, so nasty!) -- er, well, as I said, the ones responsible for that are the script-writers. (Who are they, btw?.. I highly doubt the history has kept their names for general).
Is the film worth watching? Yes - 'cause it's an attraction. A matinée, as it were. (Haven't seen it in 3D, but no doubt the thing's good). If you think of 'Alice' as a movie (i.e., complicated characters, plot and so on), you are mistaken. That's just a 'toon for very little kids. (Of course, always exists another option: do not pay attention to the dialogue. Don't seek any sense in a young lassie's dream - there is none!)
The only issue is... the sheer weakness of the plot, as plain as an eggsie: we have Alice arriving in the Wonderland, whose inhabitants she must help. Well, guess what was at the end. But if you think soberly - the best thing not to keep in your head when seeing 'Alice' is that you watch a Tim Burton film. It is not him, really: it is a Robert Stromberg film at most. He did his best, there's naught to grudge 'im with. The ones responsible for poor, pathetic dialogue, foolish pseudo-climax (the White Queen, oh, so good! The Red, oh, so nasty!) -- er, well, as I said, the ones responsible for that are the script-writers. (Who are they, btw?.. I highly doubt the history has kept their names for general).
Is the film worth watching? Yes - 'cause it's an attraction. A matinée, as it were. (Haven't seen it in 3D, but no doubt the thing's good). If you think of 'Alice' as a movie (i.e., complicated characters, plot and so on), you are mistaken. That's just a 'toon for very little kids. (Of course, always exists another option: do not pay attention to the dialogue. Don't seek any sense in a young lassie's dream - there is none!)
I remained brain-dead while watching. If my brain were awake, I'd rise and go home
6 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Awkward. Stupid. Script badly needing an editor. (Was there one, anyhow?) There is nobody more to save in the Magic Kingdom, so the tale will gather around Tarrant the Hatter's parents (the fact they weren't in the book only urged the scenarists to do so). Sorry for you, Mr Hatter. Sorry for the poor, non-action-packed, unemotional, character- lacking 'n' chemistry-lacking plot... Oh, and the one I'm most sorry for is poor Humpty Dumpty. All that nasty running with his eye and hindering him (as if falling from the wall wasn't enough! The table, that is).
By the way, when seeing Burton's Alice, childish and helpless as it was, I liked the visual effects much more. In fact, they were the only thing I really liked there (remember the smoke from Absolem's pipe, the cat-like moon, spear-bearers' run, Iracebeth's imposing palace, the Knave's cunning mimics and plastics?) Here - nothing of the kind... Disney doesn't cope with most of the sequels they make (see Pocachontas 2, for instance). There was a good piece in the story, though, when Alice tried to change the past and what followed (such sort of adventures doesn't happen in time-travel stories so often). But the plot itself... let's say so: Allie is just like in the first film (as brave and independent as modern teens usually are, but not in the least reminding a Victorian girl). Sacha Baron Cohen isn't as much acting, as... wasting his screen time (together with ours, you'd bet. And don't look at me like that, I'm not going to make a pun on the word 'time'. It's not that funny, blah).
The only ones who were a bit more interesting (compared with the first film) are the Queens. Somehow, their characters were shown in motion (Racey isn't as bad as she seems, Mirana isn't so much good. We knew it from Burton's 'Alice' already, but there was some space to work on). Now, Racey doesn't become a 100% cutie, she's still quirked in her mind, but she at least has a motif. I only didn't get, why Mirana could not excuse earlier. Maybe she's just silly, and that explains all (mwahaha)
One may ask, 'Why did you see the movie, then?' Just to relax, pals. If you seek rest in the evening, 'The Looking Glass' will do. It's hardly worthy watching for any other reason...
By the way, when seeing Burton's Alice, childish and helpless as it was, I liked the visual effects much more. In fact, they were the only thing I really liked there (remember the smoke from Absolem's pipe, the cat-like moon, spear-bearers' run, Iracebeth's imposing palace, the Knave's cunning mimics and plastics?) Here - nothing of the kind... Disney doesn't cope with most of the sequels they make (see Pocachontas 2, for instance). There was a good piece in the story, though, when Alice tried to change the past and what followed (such sort of adventures doesn't happen in time-travel stories so often). But the plot itself... let's say so: Allie is just like in the first film (as brave and independent as modern teens usually are, but not in the least reminding a Victorian girl). Sacha Baron Cohen isn't as much acting, as... wasting his screen time (together with ours, you'd bet. And don't look at me like that, I'm not going to make a pun on the word 'time'. It's not that funny, blah).
The only ones who were a bit more interesting (compared with the first film) are the Queens. Somehow, their characters were shown in motion (Racey isn't as bad as she seems, Mirana isn't so much good. We knew it from Burton's 'Alice' already, but there was some space to work on). Now, Racey doesn't become a 100% cutie, she's still quirked in her mind, but she at least has a motif. I only didn't get, why Mirana could not excuse earlier. Maybe she's just silly, and that explains all (mwahaha)
One may ask, 'Why did you see the movie, then?' Just to relax, pals. If you seek rest in the evening, 'The Looking Glass' will do. It's hardly worthy watching for any other reason...
The Angry Birds Movie
(2016)
Nice. Picturesque and eclectic. Merry. A very pleasant movie!
6 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Hilarious. Silly. Action-packed (everything goes ta-dam, cities and castles crash in the fire, birdies and piggies are screaming, running away, and nobody knows what's happening). Everyone in the movie is an idiot (birds, because they cannot understand Mr. Leo's making fools of them. And the piggies, because they just want to have some eggs for dinner. They don't really get, if that's such a big fault to be pursued and beaten).
The piggies are bad, of course. But that's what makes them adorkable (I could even say, it adds to their nicety). So, if I choose between Leo's folks and Red's comrades... let me choose neither. They're all alike, charming and brainless.
Now the character which is little use here for me is the Eagle. He just sits on his mountain and makes everybody (including us, the viewers) waste our time on his banjo playing. Sure, he relents at the end, and even gets a monument from the grateful bird people. (That was a hilarious joke, when he looked at his own portrait, and suddenly felt ashamed before himself. But I daresay that was the only funny moment about him).
The cartoon as a whole is not worse from other Sony children's works. For example, it reminded me of The Pirates - just as much merriment, just as much madness, just as much unobtrusive moral. (Yes, The Pirates are one of a kind, I know. But this is as close to them as possibly may be. If you want to experience the pure childish joy of going wild and letting your instincts free, this 'toon will give you two hours of positiveness). I highly recommend to watch it, even if you're not familiar with the game.
(Who isn't, though?)
The piggies are bad, of course. But that's what makes them adorkable (I could even say, it adds to their nicety). So, if I choose between Leo's folks and Red's comrades... let me choose neither. They're all alike, charming and brainless.
Now the character which is little use here for me is the Eagle. He just sits on his mountain and makes everybody (including us, the viewers) waste our time on his banjo playing. Sure, he relents at the end, and even gets a monument from the grateful bird people. (That was a hilarious joke, when he looked at his own portrait, and suddenly felt ashamed before himself. But I daresay that was the only funny moment about him).
The cartoon as a whole is not worse from other Sony children's works. For example, it reminded me of The Pirates - just as much merriment, just as much madness, just as much unobtrusive moral. (Yes, The Pirates are one of a kind, I know. But this is as close to them as possibly may be. If you want to experience the pure childish joy of going wild and letting your instincts free, this 'toon will give you two hours of positiveness). I highly recommend to watch it, even if you're not familiar with the game.
(Who isn't, though?)
The Magnificent Seven
(2016)
An ordinary action movie -- but thanks for the attempt
6 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
A fed, traveling in search of criminals (pistols and sombrero included, mustache as well). A Captain Boomerang from Suicide Squad (Mexican, for some reason). A young woman, very beautiful - and yes, the absence of fan service's taken for granted. A Redskin, who plays no part in the plot (they just need him to shoot arrows from the roof). And some others, such as a brave handsome cardsharp, some retired cowboy in pensioner's age (naturally, they're all retired cowboys here!) A Chinese and a fox hunter. Nay, that's not the Magnificent Seven we're used to (counting the widow and her friend - not even a Seven, there are more). But you get amends, if that word suits here: the movie's full of blood and deaths, not the Hollywood style, y'know. In fact, little who survives.
Also, there is a man called Bogue in the plot (or is it a 'Bog'?) You can call him 'the Bog that consumes all people' (though nothing can resist a brave woman!) And nice, neat mountain landscapes. And all that Wild West stuff. There's no spirit of the old movies, but... who wants it? The director earned a good mark just because he attempted to make a Western movie. Now. In the era of Warcraft and Peter Jackson.
Don't be deceived: this is a movie for one-time watching. You watch, you forget it. But it serves its purpose: it can make one a good holiday.
Also, there is a man called Bogue in the plot (or is it a 'Bog'?) You can call him 'the Bog that consumes all people' (though nothing can resist a brave woman!) And nice, neat mountain landscapes. And all that Wild West stuff. There's no spirit of the old movies, but... who wants it? The director earned a good mark just because he attempted to make a Western movie. Now. In the era of Warcraft and Peter Jackson.
Don't be deceived: this is a movie for one-time watching. You watch, you forget it. But it serves its purpose: it can make one a good holiday.
Can't say I liked it. Can't say I disliked. The movie's good, but I excepted more
6 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Baleful and beautiful. The Iphone Age vs the Great World War era. A young boy, almost completely consumed by the environment (including his parents, mediocre and stupid as they are, and a good-natured psychiatrist). The only man he loves is his granddad, and this is where the weird things start, because old Abe's got some dark secrets. Really dark...
When the story begins to untwist, there are some nods to most well- known stories about magical academies (remember Prof X, remember Dumbledore!) There's even a slight touch of the Whoniverse, and not only because time on the island is so tricky... There is the headmistress, Lady Peregrin herself, sharing motherly love and comfort with a child's corpse. There are the wicked wights, whom I'd compare to Nazis: so much alike, so equally creepy. There is a Tinker Bell (blast thee, Disney's, for the only American mythology we have, we get it from thee!) Though she's not Tinker Bell really: just a meek girl, being borne by Jake's hands throughout the WWII. The real hero doesn't show up (he only phones from time to time), so Jake has to take his place and protect the school.
The end of the film (not counting Samuel L. Jackson's magnificent, frightful performance!) looks much more like a soothing bedtime story than Burton's "brand" horror. The last battle and its consequences are... just what one should expect in a typical Hollywood movie. Jake lives an ordinary life (though he's still psycho - or so I hope), and shares some moments of quietness with the lassie in blue. That's not what I wanted. Really, I don't know what is worse, the soppy fairy-tale ending we get or a drama (perhaps, a melodrama) which we didn't. Maybe it's good: the viewer can think himself, what the end could really be.
There's a lot to think after the film. (But nothing left for the heart). A good and reasonable work: Tim Burton really has reformed after his 2010th 'Alice' failure. If not the fact that it is non-emotional. It doesn't spoil the story; perhaps it doesn't pretty much suit for me, but I approve the fact that many people like it. So, I'd recommend the film to be seen.
When the story begins to untwist, there are some nods to most well- known stories about magical academies (remember Prof X, remember Dumbledore!) There's even a slight touch of the Whoniverse, and not only because time on the island is so tricky... There is the headmistress, Lady Peregrin herself, sharing motherly love and comfort with a child's corpse. There are the wicked wights, whom I'd compare to Nazis: so much alike, so equally creepy. There is a Tinker Bell (blast thee, Disney's, for the only American mythology we have, we get it from thee!) Though she's not Tinker Bell really: just a meek girl, being borne by Jake's hands throughout the WWII. The real hero doesn't show up (he only phones from time to time), so Jake has to take his place and protect the school.
The end of the film (not counting Samuel L. Jackson's magnificent, frightful performance!) looks much more like a soothing bedtime story than Burton's "brand" horror. The last battle and its consequences are... just what one should expect in a typical Hollywood movie. Jake lives an ordinary life (though he's still psycho - or so I hope), and shares some moments of quietness with the lassie in blue. That's not what I wanted. Really, I don't know what is worse, the soppy fairy-tale ending we get or a drama (perhaps, a melodrama) which we didn't. Maybe it's good: the viewer can think himself, what the end could really be.
There's a lot to think after the film. (But nothing left for the heart). A good and reasonable work: Tim Burton really has reformed after his 2010th 'Alice' failure. If not the fact that it is non-emotional. It doesn't spoil the story; perhaps it doesn't pretty much suit for me, but I approve the fact that many people like it. So, I'd recommend the film to be seen.
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