In Martin Scorsese's latest film, Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Teddy Daniels, a U.S. marshall sent to Shutter Island, a mental health facility for the criminally insane, to investigate the disappearance of a female patient. Once on the island, Teddy and his partner, Chuck Aule, (Mark Ruffalo) are met by guards and doctors, who are unwilling to cooperate with the marshalls' investigation. A tremendous storm forces Teddy to stay on the island and search for the missing woman and his wife's murderer, whom he believes is also housed on the island.
The dream sequences in the movie were a little over the top. It is clear that Scorsese wanted to use the dreams experienced by Teddy as a way to tell the backstory and a way to set up the ending of the movie, but the number and length of the dreams seemed excessive. In addition, the World War 2 dreams seemed to be unnecessarily violent.
Leonardo DiCaprio was superb as Teddy. He seemed to completely engross himself in the role, and the range of his acting ability was definitely on display. Teddy was an unforgettable character, and one that I wanted to succeed throughout the entire movie. Other than the Departed, it was definitely my favorite role that DiCaprio has played.
Overall, I would recommend this movie. DiCaprio's performance alone is worth the price of admission. However, be advised that the dream sequences took up too much of the movie, and contributed to the film's unnecessary lengthiness. Shutter Island
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Movie Review- Avatar (3D)
Avatar stars Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, a former Marine who is paralyzed from the waist down. Sully is recruited to participate in a scientific program on the planet of Pandora where he is asked to take his deceased brothers’ place as an “Avatar”. Sully enters the world of Pandora as one of the Na’vi, a humanoid race with its own culture and language. While on Pandora, Sully meets Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), and falls in love with her, as well as with Pandora. Sully finds himself in a situation where he must decide where his loyalties lie.
Visually, the movie was amazing. The first time I didn’t watch it in 3D, but the second time I did. I would recommend seeing it in 3D. The second time around I saw things that I missed the first time. Also, the scenes in the forest as well as the battle scenes at the end of the movie were much more enhanced in 3D.
The story itself was very predictable. I knew within the first fifteen minutes how the movie would end. However, I was never bored during the 162 minutes of the movie. The story, though not very complex, was engaging. It reminded me of a modern day Dances with Wolves.
I highly recommend seeing this movie in 3D. So, unless you have a stash of 3D glasses at your house, I’d advise you to see this movie at the theatre.
Avatar
Visually, the movie was amazing. The first time I didn’t watch it in 3D, but the second time I did. I would recommend seeing it in 3D. The second time around I saw things that I missed the first time. Also, the scenes in the forest as well as the battle scenes at the end of the movie were much more enhanced in 3D.
The story itself was very predictable. I knew within the first fifteen minutes how the movie would end. However, I was never bored during the 162 minutes of the movie. The story, though not very complex, was engaging. It reminded me of a modern day Dances with Wolves.
I highly recommend seeing this movie in 3D. So, unless you have a stash of 3D glasses at your house, I’d advise you to see this movie at the theatre.
Avatar
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Movie Review- Princess and the Frog
The Princess and the Frog is the latest Disney fairy tale. It tells the story of Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), a hard working, lower class young woman who has dreams of starting her own restaurant. Tiana is motivated by the love of her father, who has passed away. Tiana's mother wants her to settle down and marry her "Prince", but Tiana doesn't have time for such nonsense. Tiana meets Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), who has been turned into a frog by an evil voodoo magician, Dr. Facilier (Keith David). Prince Naveen kisses Tiana and she is also turned into frog. The story follows their adventures as they try to become human again.
The supporting cast, consisting of a firefly (Ray) and an alligator (Louis), are funny and entertaining. They carry the middle of the movie, where things could have become slow. The growing connection between Tiana and Prince Naveen is not inappropriate for children. Dr. Facilier is also excellent as the voodoo magician, but his interactions with the ghosts may be a little scary for some.
The musical scores were good, but not as good as other children movies such as Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast. Thinking back on the movie, none of the music particularly stands out.
I would recommend this movie, however, I would not advise young children to view it. A typical Disney movie, it is sure to entertain and deliver some important messages. It is a movie that both children and adults can enjoy. The Princess and the Frog
The supporting cast, consisting of a firefly (Ray) and an alligator (Louis), are funny and entertaining. They carry the middle of the movie, where things could have become slow. The growing connection between Tiana and Prince Naveen is not inappropriate for children. Dr. Facilier is also excellent as the voodoo magician, but his interactions with the ghosts may be a little scary for some.
The musical scores were good, but not as good as other children movies such as Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast. Thinking back on the movie, none of the music particularly stands out.
I would recommend this movie, however, I would not advise young children to view it. A typical Disney movie, it is sure to entertain and deliver some important messages. It is a movie that both children and adults can enjoy. The Princess and the Frog
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