thegreenfairy

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (aug 25/05)
What better time than to talk about this movie on Tim Burton's birthday. Tim Burton is, of course, the director/writer who has created such films as Beetlejuice, Batman (w/ Michael Keaton!), and Sleepy Hollow. This film stars Johnny Depp (Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood) as Willy Wonka. It also stars Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Burton of course).
This film is about a hopeful young boy who wins a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go on a tour of the legendary chocolate factory. Charlie (Freddie Highmore) and four other lucky children are taken on a tour of the chocolate factory, guided by Willy Wonka, the creator.
Inside the factory, we, too, are guided on this amazing tour of the chocolate factory. The visuals are quite extraordinary. Tim Burton does not disappoint as we explore his one-of-a-kind imagination through the factory. The children are taken through the different rooms until their temptations get the best of them. This is followed by Oompa-Loompas, and a song and dance sequence.. though it is not the same lyrics, as the original film.
Some may say the character of Willy Wonka, bares a striking personality resemblance to Michael Jackson. This is not the case for the character is not based upon him. Especially, if anything, he despises the children. What may seem similar is the fact that the two were deprived of a normal childhood. The fact of the matter is, what do you expect from a movie where a man invites children into his home? The original film shows this same concept. He's Willy Wonka! gawd!
Anyway, this film is highly entertaining, no matter what else you may hear or read.

I would recommend this film to all fans of Tim Burton, children's films and chocolate. warning: if you see this, you may regret getting popcorn:(

THE BROTHERS GRIMM (aug 29/05)
This film was directed by Terry Gilliam and stars Matt Damon and Heath Ledger. It tells the story of the legendary Brothers Grimm, who are two ghost-fighting frauds. they get sent on an excursion to a small town, next to a haunted forest. They are sent there to exterminate REAL problems that go on in the forest. There are 11 missing girls from the town, and the brothers must find out what has happened to them.
The Brothers Grimm is, at all times, entertaining be it adventure, mild horror or comedy. These are great aspects but the constant entertainment sometimes goes on too long so that it comes off as boring. There is always something happening but there is almost never that period in between of dialogue to explain. This is not a huge problem, but it exists.
As for how the film displays its many adventures, it's quite entertaining. The film's visual effects are admirable, though at times it seems they are overdone. In the end, it adds to the satisfaction and enjoyment that the film brings to the viewer.
Matt Damon and Heath Ledger give rather comedic performances in delivering the two characters of Will (Damon) and Jake (Ledger) Grimm. They are very fun to watch throughout the movie so that we something to be entertained by other than the visual effects and fight scenes.
All this makes up for the storyline which is strong in the beginning and then somewhat fades when it reaches its end. Especially the aspect of romance between the brothers and the woman who helps them discover the mystery of the haunted forest.

This movie is highly entertaining and funny so i'll recommend it. In the end, it's a great film and i enjoyed it and it's not worth complaining about as I did.

ALEXANDER (aug 23/05)
This film is now available on DVD. It stars Colin Farrell, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, and Val Kilmer. It is directed by Oliver Stone.
Alexander tells the life story of Alexander the Great. Alexander (Farrell) is raised by his mother Olympias (Jolie) into a man who shall conquer many countries through war.
This film is not just another three hour long war movie such as Troy or Gladiator. It shows more of the personal side than the other films do. Though the sexual preference of the main character has been made a controversial issue, it does not make this film any less fascinating. If anything, it adds to the intrigue of the film. Rather than just watching hundreds of warriors be brutally murdered (which Alexander also displays of course), it tells the other half of Alexander's story very well.
The settings of each scene are visually stunning and create a warmth throughout the film. Do not let the length of the film discourage you. It is filled with enough entertainment, battle and love to fill up the, nearly, three hours of the film.
As for the acting, Angelina Jolie displays well the love that Olympias has for Alexander. Colin Farrell does the same in return. Each actor failed to disappoint, regardless of what most people would think. They're just distraught from the bad dye job of Farrell's hair or the fact that he displays his love for both sexes. The film also stars Jared Leto and Rosario Dawson.

I would recommend this film to those who are accepting of the subject matter, and who have 3 hours on their hands.. enjoy!

MONSTER IN LAW (aug 23/05)
Monster In Law stars Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez. It is directed by Robert Luketic.
This romantic comedy is about a woman's first encounters with her mother in law. All goes well until Kevin (Michael Vartan) asks Charlotte (Lopez) to be his wife.. infront of his mother, who has recently been released from psychiatric care. This does not go well with Viola (Fonda). Convinced that Charlotte is not good enough for her son, Viola plans to drive her away.
Though Jennifer Lopez gives a sweet, comedic performance, more of the comedic entertainment comes from Jane Fonda. The kind of comedy and funny events that you can't help but see coming before they do. Fonda's character obviously depends on alcohol to get through the day. It is a great reference to distract the viewer from the lack of witty lines at the moment.
Although the film is somewhat comical and watchable the first time around, I would not recommend a second helping. I would not recommend viewing it for the first time, if "chick-flicks" are not your favorite genre.

See this movie if you enjoy simple humor and romantic comedies.

WAR OF THE WORLDS (aug 24/05)
War of the Worlds is the newest film from director Steven Spielberg. It stars Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning.
Rather than a long drawn out beginning, this film gets right down to the point. We know the world is going to be suddenly overthrown by alien tripods, so why not? There is of course a brief period where we get to know Ray (Cruise), a single father who, during the film, is taking care of his children. We need to know the situation of the character, and this film portrays that very well and quickly (but not too quickly) as not to bore the audience.
Once the story of the alien attacks commences, the visual effects are stunning and realistic. They set a dark, yet entertaining atmosphere.
The storyline is interesting, in the fact that we see how the characters deal with the massive trauma going on in the world. There is also the factor of, will they survive? With a few close calls, and aliens attacking the world, this film is highly entertaining, and should be for most.

I would recommend this film to you! ..it's good, give it a chance!

STAR WARS 3: REVENGE OF THE SITH (aug 22/05)
Eventhough this movie was released in May, I want to take the time to talk about it. It stars Ewan Mcgregor,Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman. It is directed, of course, by George Lucas.
This was, by far, the best movie I've seen all year. It is, of course, the last Star Wars film. Revenge of the Sith is the story of how Darth Vader came to be.
Episode 3 brings all the elements of the other five films together very well. Though the acting is not superb (with the exception of Mcgregor), the story line is well thought out and put together. Each detail of the story is incorporated so that they lead well into episode 4.
The visual effects are also very well done. They set a good atmosphere for each scene.
The strongest aspect of the film is the first appearance of Darth Vader's legendary suit and the heavy breathing. I must also mention the ten minute long lightsaber duel at the end of the movie between Anakin and Obi Wan. It is one of the greatest and longest fights in cinemtaic history

I would recommend this film to anyone who hasn't seen it. If you are one of those people, what's the matter with you?!?!

Piczo