The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
By: Tanner Phillips





The Nazi Blitzkrieg rages over London and the Pevensie children – Lucy (Georgie Henley), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Peter (William Moseley) and Susan (Anna Popplewell) – like many, are being shipped to the country for safety. The kids arrive at the manor of solitary Professor Kirk (Jim Broadbent), an old bachelor under the attentive care of his housekeeper, Mrs. MacReady (Elizabeth Hawthorne). Bad weather keeps the children inside, bored, and Lucy convinces her older brothers and sister to play a game of hide and seek. She finds a near empty room with an old wardrobe at one end and decides to hide there. This begins the magic of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

I was excited to see this movie from the time I saw the preview about 4 months ago. I was literally giddy every time I thought about it. I had the ultimate expectations for this film and couldn’t believe I had to wait such a long time to finally see it. I had seen the old cartoon about 100 times and remember loving it very much. I have never read the books but I figured the cartoon movie would suffice.

I think that might be why I was a bit let down as the end credits rolled past. I had expected so much and I felt as though I had been a little bit misled. The previews made the movie look fantastic, but the end product made the movie simply mediocre. I am not saying I didn’t enjoy the movie at all. I enjoyed it very much. I thought it was cleverly done with some very good CGI, and some brilliantly mastered makeup/costume design. The same makeup artists that did Lord of the Rings were called in for this extravagant feature film.
The hefty production cost just didn’t seem to go that far for such a film. I thought to myself that they must have spent a lot less on this movie than they did on LOTR. However, I was surprised to find out that they in fact spent more on this production than they did on LOTR. I could be mistaken, and please feel free to correct me if that is not correct. It just didn’t seem that way.
As much time as they spent on building up to the story, I felt like they still didn’t do an excellent job of actually building the character audience relationship. I wasn’t connected to the characters as you usually can become with movies such as this. I think this is not the case however with all the characters. For example the beavers that help the Pevensies are an absolute hoot throughout the movie. You are instantly connected to them, and you love them from moment one. Mrs. Beaver is always concerned with how she looks, as her husband complains about her cooking while giving her compliments and expressions of love and affection. I think the beavers were excellently done, and a huge part in the enjoyment I felt while watching the movie.

Another one of my favorite parts of the movie were the Christian symbolisms that were so clearly included. I have always considered C.S. Lewis to be one of the greatest Christian authors that has ever lived. He was a brilliant man with a creative mind full of ideas and spirituality for all to partake of. It is not hard to catch the symbolisms all over the place in the movie, and I love that. It goes far beyond having Aslan the great Lion come back to life in an obvious symbolism of resurrection. It goes as far as small comments made throughout the entire movie. Such as, “Why won’t you just do as you’re told?” and “What has happened is in the past.” I enjoyed this side of the movie very much and I wish there were more movies like it. I thought that the symbolisms in this movie were far more apparent than in Lord of The Rings. I’m glad that the director was true to the books of C.S. Lewis and was able to honor his symbolic idea’s that lye within his own little world of Narnia.

All in all, I thought the movie was well worth my time and money. I am critical yes, only because that’s my job to be. However, if you were to ask me if I liked Narnia, I would say “Yes, I liked it.” I don’t know that I can say I loved it though. Who says we have to love every movie anyway? I would even see this movie again. It was great, and I think everyone should see it, regardless of the shortcomings that it might have. Because all in all, they aren’t large enough to draw away from the fact that if anything, it will entertain you for a few hours. It might even touch your spiritual senses a bit. See it.

The Ringer - Retarded in More Than One Way

“The Ringer”
By: Tanner Phillips





I have a cousin who has Downs Syndrome, and I think he is an absolute hoot. The way he says things, the way he does things, it can all be very entertaining. I think most of us know someone who was “special” and gave us a few laughs. I think that’s where the writers of “The Ringer” got the idea to have a ‘normal’ man (Johnny Knoxville) pose as a mentally handicapped person so as to fix the Special Olympics to raise money for a good cause.

I was expecting a lot when I first went to see this movie. I expected to see a lot of really good acting, really funny punch lines, and some really good laughs. Laughs there were plenty to be had; funny punch lines there were quite a few; however I found that the acting was a little disappointing. To be totally honest I would say mostly on the part of Johnny Knoxville and a couple of the other non-special actors. I don’t know if they purposely had Johnny Knoxville do a somewhat awful job at being retarded, or if he just in fact is not that great of an actor. I was extremely impressed however, by the real group of “special people”. The acting by the legit retarded people was better than that of those who were not.

Now, that is of course going to be the case naturally. But it’s not just that they did a good job at being… well… retarded. It’s that they did such a good job of showing that just because someone is mentally handicapped it doesn’t mean they are totally helpless. Edward Barbanell was one of the real downs syndrome people in this movie. He did an excellent job, and I think he deserves two thumbs up for his part played in the movie. He had lots of funny one liners and he becomes one of those characters that you really grow to like. Another legitimately handicapped man in the movie is named John Taylor. John isn’t featured as much as Edward, however he too has some really funny lines, and in fact he shows off a real life talent that he has in the movie. John has a job working with music because he has a valuable talent. He can name any song he hears. Literally… He has a larger music library stored in his head than most music stores in New York City.

Some of the actors who had to play retarded folk who were not actually retarded themselves were Jed Rees (Galaxy Quest), Bill Chott, Geoffrey Arend, and Leonard Earl Howze. I must say that Jed Rees and Bill Chott were fantastic! They both deserve a big pat on the back for their work. They were hilarious, and they did a good job at selling their parts. Geoffrey Arend didn’t even come off to be retarded, and Leonard Howze came off to be a big overly retarded buffoon. He just seemed to be over trying. Katherine Heigl who plays the lovely enthusiastic and beautiful advisor did a pretty good job; though I thought her character to be a bit unrealistic. If you see the movie, you’ll understand what I mean.

I would love to say that I loved the movie as a whole. I just can’t say that. I think back on it, and I can appreciate a lot of the one liner scenes and witty jokes that are included, but as a critic who takes into account all of the things that a film needs to make a good high quality film, I can’t say that I absolutely loved this movie. I think it would be a perfect $1.00 movie to see after it makes its way into those sticky floored theatre’s; but I couldn’t say that it’s worth an $8.00 movie ticket. I would maybe venture to say that even a matinee pass might be pushing it. Many people would probably love this movie for what it is, unless you are easily offended by things of this nature. I am not telling any of you to not see it. I am just telling you to not expect a very dramatic story line that changes ever. It’s all basically one idea that stays the same along with quite a predictable ending. Its entertainment I suppose. If I were to make a recommendation to a person with very little money and who doesn’t get to the theatre too often I would recommend another movie. You want my real opinion, go see King Kong… If you’ve already seen it, then go see it again.

King Kong

KING KONG

Review by: Tanner Phillips


Peter Jackson has once again exceeded all expectations with his outstanding creative mind and his fantastic film directing abilities. King Kong has proven to be yet another winner. Now, when I say winner I am afraid that it tends to be an understatement. Let me put it this way… King Kong is probably one of the most well done films I have ever seen. It is probably in the top 10 at least. With brilliantly mastered cinematography along with CGI (Computer Generated Images) that never presents itself as being CGI. I believe this movie to be the best movie of the year.
I have found that many people believe the movie to be overlong. I wholly disagree. If any of you understand what it takes to present a film that fully covers all of the necessary aspects to deliver an extremely well done product, then you know what I mean. For example, character building. I think Jackson wanted to really build this film around the characters and who they were, instead of just dropping a few strangers that you don’t have any personal ‘relationship’ with on an island to be accosted by a 10,000 pound gorilla. I think had he simply forgotten about the plot building in the first hour there would have been people complaining that King Kong was just an action thriller that had no story line or plot. You can’t satisfy everyone I suppose.
As far as a story line and plot goes, from what I understand this version of King Kong follows the book with a very accurate flow.
I think that one of my favorite things about this movie was the fact that Jackson did such an incredible job at making Kong have a real personality. His facial expressions, movements, etc… (which were done by Andy Serkis who also did Gollum for LOTR), and manner made the 25 foot gorilla believable and real to the audience. You felt for him, and had feelings toward him. I found myself feeling bad for this massive beast. I think that it takes a special talent to be able to build a character without ever having him say a word. That is where Jackson hit the nail on the head.
I also think that he hit the nail on the head with a select few scenes that will blow your mind! Namely the T-Rex scene and the dinosaur stampede scene. The T-Rex scene is probably one of my top 5 favorite action sequences in any movie that I have ever seen. It is incredible. It was long and yet still not long enough. Once it was over you still found yourself wanting; which is exactly where Jackson wants you. It is also a very important transitional scene. It’s when Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) chooses Kong as her protector, which causes Kong’s infatuation with her to increase all the more.
All in all, this is just an EXTREMELY well done film. Peter Jackson strikes again, and hits a bull’s eye. I truly enjoyed this movie more than any movie I’ve seen for a very long time. I loved it… In fact I can honestly say that I cannot wait to see it again for a second time… and third… and fourth…

Take The Lead

Take the Lead


By:Tanner Phillips
Pierre Dulaine, played in "Take the Lead" by Antonio Banderas, is a world-ranked ballroom dancer who, after witnessing an act of vandalism at an inner-city high school, volunteers to teach ballroom dance to the students as a way of instilling a little self-discipline and respect for others.

Banderas plays Dulaine as a suave, affable guy, who charms the school's dedicated and skeptical principal (Alfre Woodard) into taking him up on his offer. But there's a catch: She needs someone to supervise the rowdiest kids in school, all of whom are serving after-school detention for the rest of the semester. If he can work with them, he can stay.

As you'd expect, the students don't take too kindly to Dulaine's moves, or to his music. But after he pulls out all the stops by dancing a provocative number with a leggy dance student, the students start to embrace Dulaine and his teachings, even blending their hip-hop sensibilities with his old-school methods to create a style all their own.

Take The Lead was a great idea inspired by a true story, which just didn't write out and play out as well as the early vision of the film probably did. I was unimpressed with the quality of the dance scenes, and the music. None of it was bad by any means, it was quite entertaining, however, I only said to myself out loud, "wow, that was awesome!" maybe once.

Though the storyline is familiar to all of us in one way or another, it still manages to somehow lose itself in a maze of fluffy side plots. I thought there were too many plot threads unresolved in the choppy, semi chaotic finale. I was expecting the predictable uplifting climax to emerge and disperse happiness among the awaiting audience; yet it never seemed to come.

There seems to be no sports-movie cliche, or a teen-drama conceit, or ugly-duckling moral that scenarist Dianne Houston and director Liz Friedlander have failed to resurrect for "Take the Lead"; audiences could quite easily narrate the story themselves as it unfolds.

Simply put Take the Lead was not written or directed as well as it could have been. That said however, It turned out to be a worthwhile movie, that I would maybe even see again in the distant future. However, from the overall film quality aspect of things; it just seemed to have missed a step. Or maybe even two.

Serenity - Oldie, but a Goodie!

Serenity
By: Tanner Phillips



Serenity was not a movie that I even wanted to see. I had seen the previews in the past and really thought very little of it. In fact, the little thought I did cramp out of my puny little brain was that it was probably going to be really stupid. It was just not at the top of my list. To be totally honest, it wasnt on my list at all. However, with the pleadings of my cousin Cody, who is also a movie critic for us here at Movie Fiends; I finally acquiesced and watched it.

I must say that I was very pleased that I did too. Serenity was a surprisingly great movie! I think that I always like movies a lot better when my expectations for them are low. Maybe thats the case with Serenity, but I dont really think so. Either way however, I really enjoyed it. It was an action packed thriller slash comedy that really kept a great pace and a surprisingly strong storyline.

The made for TV series of Serenity was canceled after a very short playing period. The die hard fans were absolutely devastated and even angry! They did everything to get Serenity back on TV but to no avail. However, they fought long and hard to get something out of Serenity, and thus, the big screen wonder was born.

It was unfortunately a flop in theatres; in my opinion it was due to bad marketing and some really weak sauce trailers. However, I think that it is a movie that you just need to take for what its worth. If you go into it with the intention of pretty much just being entertained then you will most likely enjoy it a lot! However, if you just want to see it to be critical, and tear it apart for this or that. Then theres a good chance you might not like it that much. My mom hated it, and my dad liked it. Its just one of those fun entertaining movies that you can watch every few years or so, just for that heck of it.

World Trade Center

World Trade Center




By: Tanner Phillips
After "United 93" proved that you could make an insightful, respectful, and very intense movie about the 9/11 tragedy, here comes another one about the tragic event. From the controversial director Oliver Stone ("JFK," "Natural Born Killers," "Nixon") comes the fact-based story of two NYC Port Authority Police Officers, the ill-fated attempts to save them, and their own struggles for survival after the buildings came tumbling down on top of them.. Starring Nicolas Cage, Michael Pena, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Maria Bello, "World Trade Center" is sure to be one of late-summer's most talked-about films.

Unlike the other movies Stone has done in the past, âWorld Trade Centerâ stands as a factual collection of events made into an epic film commemorating the heroism, courage, and unity that took place on that dreadful day.

Fine cinematography coupled with fantastic acting makes it possible to re-create the horrible events that took place early that morning on September 11th.

Storyboarding the movie for you would be useless. We all know what happened that fateful day. However, âWorld Trade Centerâ puts it all into perspective of what individual families went through as they watched helplessly awaiting the news of their loved ones. It also documents the struggles that those men went through as they fought for life under the rubble that imprisoned them.

Itâs a story of hope, life, and love that will bring back to your remembrance what those events caused America to do. It caused us to unite together, to join hands in prayer, and stand strong against all of the evil forces that fought against us. We gave each other hope where hope seemed so far from our grasp.

I do not tell you that this movie is worth seeing because of the amazing acting, or wonderful re-enactments of the events on that day. I simply tell you that you MUST see it if anything to remember the way you felt at that time. It is a rekindling feeling of pride in our country, and in the men and women who gave their lives to save othersâ that day. Go and see âWorld Trade Centerâ. Itâs a must see this summer!

Pulse - What a Mess!

PULSE



By: Tanner Phillips

I made a huge mistake a couple days ago. I decided I would go see a horror movie without finding anything out about it beforehand. Such as reading movie reviews. I must say... The mistake was made, and I was sorry. The only good thing that came from this was that it was a matinee, and I still had time to waste that night after I had sat through this pile of crap!

This mind numbing "horror" film is an attempt at a remake of a japanese horror film from years ago. Let me just say that the attempt was weak, and the success was non-existant. It's hard for me to explain to you how ridiculous this movie really was. I must admit, that this was probably the worst horror movie I've ever seen. With ZERO plot strength, ZERO acting, ZERO explanation, this movie falls into the crap shoot category. I would have rather wasted my $10 on something stupid cool like a hammer to beat my brain in with.

I mean seriously, think about a movie that has a ghost right. Okay fine, throw in LOTS of ghosts. These ghosts are angry suicide victims who somehow ended up on some dude's hard drive right... Now, when a computer hacker lets them loose, the world falls apart, cell phones, PDA's, laptops, are the way these ghosts get around. That's where it basically leaves off. No explanation on what exactly causes this, why they're pissed, or even how they can do what they can do. It's just an idea from some nerd on his computer that was somehow made into a movie. I mean, Wes Craven really hit it small on this one. I don't know what he was thinking.

But as far as this movie goes. I firmly believe that it's the worst movie I've seen in years. The Grudge scared me more than this fecal spatter!! And I HATED the grudge!

Bottom line, just don't see this... EVER. Not for money, not for free, and not by force. Or trust me, the suicide bug might just bite you as well. Just like it did almost every person in the world in this movie.