Well looks like I did it again. I've been so busy shooting and editing and working that I didn't have time to get you an update on some flicks that I've checked out. Major releases too. Probably ones that may have even deserved their own separate entries. Alas, they will have to share a post due to time constraints. Since none of them teetered on classic status, it only seems appropriate anyway.
Wrath of the Titans
I should have known they were going to do a sequel to "Clash of the Titans". It was only common sense. The problem was it meant they had to come up with their own original story. The problem with that the story just wasn't that good. I personally have never been a fan of the whole concept that Zeus and Hades had a father who was the most powerful of all the gods. Is that really the way that Greek mythology went? I could have sworn that I always learned that Zeus was the most powerful of all the gods and that was that. At any rate, "Wrath" gave them an opportunity to bring back Kronos as the nemesis here. And not a very good one. The effects used on him were over the top ridiculous.
Outside of Kronos, the other effects in "Wrath" weren't all that bad. Even though they spilled most of the good ones in the previews. I was expecting to see more then realized that the movie wasn't long enough to put in a whole lot more. At 99 minutes, it felt like it was over before it even started. That was probably for the best though. It was just long enough to put it some good special effects yet just short enough to not be subjected to too much of weak storyline. And I'm even more mad that theater I saw it in only had it available in 3D when the 3D effects were pretty much non-existent. You'll be good to wait for Redbox for this one.
Rating: C
American Reunion
I have many self-imposed rules that I follow when it comes to movies. One of them being that when a series that I loved does a reunion type film then I have to see it. Even if the trailer doesn't look like it will be that good. But especially in the case of the "American Pie" films where they brought back the entire cast. How can any "American Pie" fan pass that up? I went in fully expecting not too much at all. That's exactly what I got. Not that it means I was disappointed by any stretch. It was still great seeing the entire cast complete with even the minor characters all together again.
It dawned on me that I was watching "American Reunion" that I'm getting too old to appreciate those raunchy teenage films anymore anyway. Probably why I have no desire to see "Project X" (even though I feel compelled to watch it at some point). It's just difficult watching those type of flicks knowing I have children that age and knowing I wouldn't want the behaving that way. I admire the fact that "Reunion" briefly touched on the whole "we're too old for this" concept. Made me feel a little better about having the urge to watch a movie which reunited a cast that rejuvenated the R-rated raunchiness in Hollywood. There were a few genuine laugh out loud moments but too much was forced. Another one that would be a decent Redbox rental.
Ratings: C+
21 Jump Street
I have to admit that I had NO desire to see this in theaters. The trailers didn't really look all that great. Even though I've been a big Jonah Hill fan ever since he's been a big Jonah Hill, they just weren't impressing me. Maybe it was because I still remember the original show and was not a fan of them tampering with yet another cool thing from my childhood. And then I started seeing that it was actually getting good reviews? Even Rotten Tomatoes had it rated in the 80% range. Well that moved it up on the radar more. Before you know it, I was throwing down primetime money to see if it was worth the hype.
I'm not 100% sold that Channing Tatum was the best choice for the role opposite Hill. He may have been brought in for the eye candy appeal, but his comedic ability leaves a lot to be desired. Perhaps that's why Hill wasn't as funny as he could have been because his co-star didn't give him a lot to work with? That's probably a better argument then the silly perception that he's not as funny when he's thinner. Although I definitely didn't feel this was some of Hill's best work, "Jump Street" did have its moments. Surprisingly, Tatum was even involved in many of them.
What I personally wanted to get from this flick was the cameos from the original cast. Seeing Holly Robinson, Peter Deluise and even Johnny Depp made the movie for me. It would have been nice if they could have found some way to bring back the original captain (Steven Williams) too though. Especially since I was NOT feeling Ice Cube's portrayal in that part at all. But when you add the cameos they did have along with the efforts that both Hill and Tatum gave then you have a fairly solid film. One at least worthy of matinee funds.
Rating: B -
