Fantastic Four "With a stronger script and a little more expansion on the characters and plot (the movie was only about 95 minutes long) it could have been closer to the "Fantastic Four" movie we all wanted to see. Like I mentioned before, it would seem there were entire plotlines taken out. As it is, it's a fast, cookie cut plot, thin character, popcorn fest, that is somewhat better than what Marvel has given us outside the X and Spidey franchises..." (full review)
Dark Water I should first state that I find most of the Japanese horror movie remakes more "creepy" than scary , and this film continues in that genre. No spoilers necessary here, as you can probably figure out all the twists on your own in the first 10 minutes. Not a lot of scares, unfortunately. Director Walter Salles does a good job of painting the life a lot of New Yorkers live..." (full review)
War of the Worlds "War of the Worlds looks and sounds phenomenal, earning every right to be called a spectacle. The cinematography seamlessly combines aesthetics from the Spielberg school of filmmaking. There are shaky, Saving Private Ryan style shots that heighten the intensity and immersion without being distracting, as well as classic, sweeping Close Encounters shots that capture a breathtaking sense of scope and awe..." (full review)
"This is a richer and more dimensional film than the average alien invasion movie and will definitely stand the test of time and may improve with age. "Independence Day" may have raked in big box-office business, but just about everyone looks back at it as soulless cinema nowadays..." (full review)
"Considering the enormous amount of effects shots, I'm very impressed with the way Spielberg was able to direct this film. In fact the effects are so well done, there are many times where I forgot what I was watching wasn't actually there. This film is a masterpiece as far as movies like this go. I think the reason it works so well is because of it's realism. If aliens really attacked, this is exactly what it would be like..." (full review)
"The CG FX are jaw-dropping on the big screen. I don't think they'd be one way or the other on a 27" television set, and War of the Worlds is all about the FX. I recommend this one purely for the spectacle. The plot's thin, the characters are underdeveloped (but some damn fine acting makes you believe in them, anyway), and the thrills are overly familiar. Every July 4th millions of people turn out to watch the fireworks. Will they be any different than the year before? Probably not. Do people still enjoy them? Absolutely. Why? They look cool. War of the Worlds looks cool. Too bad the grand finale sucks..." (full review)
"Despite the weak ending, there's lots of good stuff to be had here, both technically (the cinematography is simply stunning, as are the visual effects) and in terms of the narrative (the characters are interesting and believable, and the trajectory of the action will put butterflies in your stomach like the best thrill-rides)..." (full review)
Thanks to 'KC'.
