In June I have seen three movies. Here is my take:
"Batman Begins" — Homerun! This is a very entertaining film that also stays true to the philosophy and legend of the Dark Knight. I especially liked how the filmmakers stayed away from the corniness that has plagued the Batman transfers to television and film. Even the 1989 film with Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson had a wink and nod to the 1960s series. Of course, with the Joker in the story, you're bound to have some hokey humor. Still, it is nice to see the characters treated so well. Admittedly, I skipped the last installment with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris O'Donnell. A new generation of people can be exposed to the beauty of Batman, which is that you don't need special powers, like Superman or even Spider-Man; instead, hard work and a good sense of justice can lead to good. That's what first drew me to read Batman comics, and it's why I so enjoyed this film. Pay full price.
"Mr. and Mrs. Smith" — I am not really a fan of the spy thriller. OK, I liked "The Italian Job" and "Enemy of the State" — the kind of films with more suspense and thrill than action and adventure. Still, this movie was entertaining. It was not what I would consider a good film because the plot was trite and predictable. However, it had its endearing moments, and passed the time well. I went to a full-price show with family, but probably not worth more than matinee prices.
"Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" — This was the third installment of the epic series, one that closes the gap and brings the modern installments into alignment with the 1970s and 1980s films, which come later in the plot. I attended a digital projection screening, and I think that affected my enjoyemnt of the film in a positive way. The graphics and effects were tremendous and entertaining. I thought the plot dragged a bit, perhaps because every viewer knows what is coming — the transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. It was a bit anti-climactic, to be honest. Overall, a good show, and plenty of CGI eye candy. Pay full price.
-- Peoria, Ariz.
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Batman Begins rocked! I absolutley loved the dark cinematography, the story told like the comic, and the true revealing of Bruce Wayne the man. Also, Alfred is not just some butler but a real influence on the story. Plus, Katie Holmes did not have much screen time.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith was generic. The stars' names brought in the box office dollars, but the story really did not have much impact. A few explosions, a few funny, lines but it just didn't have much to it. Also, the ending felt like a John Woo ripoff.
I think Star Wars didn't affect me much since there was no real discovery left. Everyone knows what will occur in the film; we just had to wait for it. My favorite scene was the battle between Obi Wan and the four-armed saber-wielding cyborg. That was the highlight for me.
I went with my wife today and saw War of the Worlds. I thought the first hour was riveting, tense, and brutal--loved it. The last half seemed Spielberg driven to provide his typical finish. We needed more of the alien demise and less of the collection (in a basket) sequence. I'll leave it at that to avoid giving away much. The basement scene was definitely reminiscent of the raptors in the kitchen scene from Jurassic Park.
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