The
Film Fatales go it alone to fight the evil forces in the world. Two movies. Two
reviews. Sit down and read them.
elizabeth: Just so people don’t think that Nicole and I
wear matching outfits and complete each other’s sentences, we ventured out to
see a couple of new releases by ourselves. Before I even put one word down
about my review, let me just say this – I got screwed royally. She got to see a
movie with a bunch of hot guys in really tight costumes. I got to see…well,
read on. I’ll let Nicole go first. She is feeling rather smug and I am working
on letting the air out of her car’s tires.
The
Avengers
2012. PG-13. 143 minutes. Starring
Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy
Renner, Chris Hemsworth, and Samuel L. Jackson. Directed by Joss Whedon.
Nick
Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together a team of super humans to form The
Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki and his army. [imdb]
Nicole: I admit it. I
like a good comic-book-into-film adaptation—even if I don’t actually read comic
books. But I gotta say, this Marvel universe wowed me. It took a while, and
many interpretations, but Hollywood finally got it right with The Avengers. (I know, I’m a bit late to
the party on this one—it’s been out for a chunk of time. Humor me.)
I’m going to talk less about plot and
more about chemistry—since I don’t want to insult hardcore comic fans with my
dreadful lack of knowledge. Let’s just say I’m living proof that you don’t have
to know every detail of the back story to enjoy this movie. The cast
camaraderie, the direction (kudos to Joss Whedon—the ultimate fanboy—for
hitting the nail on the head), and the special effects combine to make this a
truly amazing 2+ hours.
First, the cast. Listen, I’d watch Robert
Downey, Jr. open and read his mail for 143 minutes—so that’s a no brainer. And,
as Tony Stark (aka Iron Man), he’s in rare form. Maybe even better than in the
standalone movies, because he gets to bounce his wit and expertise off of the
other Avengers. His one-liners will literally make you laugh out loud, not just
LOL. I mean, literally. Next, Mark Ruffalo as Dr. Bruce Banner (aka The
Incredible Hulk). Let’s just say Ed Norton should really try to wipe that role
off his curriculum vitae—‘cause this is the only Hulk worth watching. The best
casting since the mash-up of Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno in the late 70s/early
80s TV series. Hands down. (His standalone feature will be impressive—you can
bet on that.)
Chris Evans as Captain America is a good sport, even if his
perfect gentlemen do-gooder act is rather heavy-handed. Chris Hemsworth as Thor
(why do all space aliens, Vikings, and Romans have English accents in movies?)
is terrifically matched against his adopted, evil brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston),
who plays villain to the chord of fitfully creepy. Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye
could have enjoyed more back story to really appreciate his character, but was
nonetheless badass. Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow excels in her fight
scenes, but leaves something to be desired in the others. Agent Phil Caulson
(Clark Gregg) shines, as always, in this role. And, S.H.I.E.L.D.’s #1 man, Nick
Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) pulls everything together, even if he has a
questionable secret agenda.
What’s most enjoyable about this movie
is that it doesn’t take itself seriously—despite all the tremendous effects,
the heavy plot, the countless details. It pokes fun at itself, while getting
the job done. And a smattering of self-deprecation is always an endearing
trait. Even if you don’t like these types of movies, trust me, you will be
entertained. And, you may even be hooked.
Men
in Black III
2012 PG-12. 106 minutes. Starring Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh
Brolin, Emma Thompson and a bunch of revolting looking aliens. Directed by
Barry Sonnenfeld.
Agent J travels in time to MIB's early
years in the 1960s, to stop an alien from assassinating his friend Agent K and
changing history. (imdb)
elizabeth: I went into the theatre thinking that this
could be an entertaining romp through the world of good vs. evil. They had 14
years to perfect a fabulous script with lots of special effects to keep my
night light on for years. Little did I know that I would end up hoping that
Boris (don’t call him “animal”) would have been afforded the opportunity to
wipe out all the humans on the planet (except for me and a bunch of really good
looking men. Sorry, Nicole, I’ll miss you.)
The
plot was weak, even though it sounds great on paper. Let’s go back and change the
course of history. Count me in. Next time, bring John Lennon back. The dialogue
scarcely kept you from going into REM. Being honest for a minute—I feel asleep
twice during the movie. And, just for the record—I am adorable when I slumber.
The
aliens looked like they could have cared less. They were just going through the
motions and hoping to get a SAG card.
The
one thing that did hold my attention was Emma Thompson’s hair. I kept waiting
for Agent O’s hair to evolve into something sinister, but it was just hair. See
where I am going with this. If the hairstyle can’t even save the movie, then
why bother?
I
can’t fault Will Smith or Tommy Lee Jones. They are terrific actors and Josh
Brolin did a stellar job as a younger Agent K (Jones).
Men
in Black III stands for: Movie Is Boring to the 3rd degree.
Do
not attempt to watch this movie while handling heavy equipment.
Nicole gives The Avengers:
elizabeth gives MIB3:
