FILM REVIEW | Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

Percy (Logan Lerman), Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) and Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) are back for a whole new quest – a quest that seems to drag all of Camp Half-Blood with them.

With a war waging between cousins, immortal fathers and mentors seem impossible to communicate with – even the Oracle of Delphi’s prophesy was more cryptic than a court jester’s riddles.

With his destiny on the line, can Percy live up to the prophecy told long ago?

The Story

Based on the Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan, this movie adaptation is much closer to the book than the first film. I take my hat off to Marc Guggenheim for his page-to-screen delivery of one of this century's endeavour to revive Greek mythology for a new generation.

Unlike the first film where Poseidon is brought to life in human form, this film immortalises him into the deity that seemingly abandons his child – but in reality, gives him a different perspective when a certain “optically-challenged” half-brother is thrown in the picture.

Guggenheim’s rearrangement of the events in the book was classy and straightforward and really gave the film an edge.

The Cast

Logan Lerman – Reprising his role as the sole demi-god spawned by one of the “Big Three”, Lerman is nothing short of brilliant. Although it is not his best performance, he brought Percy to life, making his suffering as the seemingly only son of Poseidon grappling with the fact that he has a somewhat half-brother, along with the weight of the fate of the world in his hands.

Alexandra Daddario – Loving the blonde that was missing from the first film, Daddario is still her feisty self, yet less intense - which is exactly what Annabeth needs to be through the progression of the series. Retaining Annabeth’s bossiness, Daddario has found a great balance between her driven Greek-demi-goddess side and her caring human-being side.

Brandon T. Jackson – Although Jackson was brilliant as the film’s comic relief, he hasn’t really done anything new with the character, which is both great, yet disappointing. Great in the sense that he’s the audience’s constant, but I think in not growing as a character, he lacks the essence of the Grover in the book series.

Douglas Smith – Perfect portrayal of Tyson. Sure the story doesn’t allow for the childish nature of the Cyclopes mythology, but Smith captured the Tyson of the books perfectly. He was a great contrast to Lerman in regards to seeking and speaking with Poseidon.

Leven Rambin – I loved that we see Clarisse in this film! She’s such a central character to the first two books of the series that I grinned so much when she entered in the opening scene. Rambin captured her PERFECTLY and I’m dying to see what she does with the character next!

Jake Abel – Also reprising his role as the lightning thief, Luke, Abel gets a longer reign as the antagonist in this film. What Abel lacked was a sense of consistency in his dialogue, which I think was on purpose in the sense that he was trying to revive the titan of all titans, while trying to gain revenge on Mount Olympus. So for me, I think Abel almost outshone every other cast member, with the exception of Rambin.

Graphics and Visual Effects

The mechanical bull, taxi ride, hippocampus and water surfing were all done very well. What I hated was Kronos; he was too mechanical or graphical to be believable. I really wish that we saw a human aspect to him. Yes, I do in fact understand that he’s the scary Titan who ate his children, but Greek pottery did portray him with human-like features, had Kronos been portrayed in that way I think he would’ve been much scarier against the theme park setting.

Overall, it was a great film. Well written and well executed. Kudos to every single member of the cast and crew.

Star Rating: ★★★

Next on sL: The Royal Ranger - Reading with sL

FILM REVIEW | One Direction: This Is Us

This Is Us Review

Following in suit with the Jonas Brothers, Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus), Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber, One Direction have released their own 3D “doco-con” (documentary concert) for their fans to enjoy.

Taking a few crowd favourites from both Up All Night and Take Me Home, along with their Comic Relief single, One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks), the concert aspect of the film begs you to sing along – had I been in the back row of the theatre, I would have actually been dancing. On the documentary side of things, I thought it lacked novelty in the sense that much of it was a combination of their BBC documentary, One Direction: A Year in the Making, and their multiple biographies that have just been released.

But let’s unpack it a little more…

Airtime: Who Do You See A Lot Of???

You do see a lot of the boys, but if you’re curious as to how much time for each, I think I’d have to agree with my sister who said that ‘Harry got a lot of airtime’. I mean don’t get me wrong, Harry got a lot of great serious airtime too, but they were just overshadowed by his shirtless scenes. Seriously, any excuse to have him shirtless or looking at the camera, it was in there. Louis dominated the contemplative talking time. I felt like he had a lot of the mature things to say in regards to their journey as a band. Liam was following the same train of thought, but at a more personal level. Zayn had a lot of family airtime, which I thought was sweet and so realistic to what a lot of children who grow up in working class families want to do for their family. Niall was just plain Niall, laughing, having a bit of fun and was just thankful to the fans. So I guess there’s a enough in there for everyone to enjoy.

1D in 3D

I’m sorry but I’m still not convinced that people need to be in 3D. I mean it was great with the concert scenes. But even in those scenes, because there weren’t too many 3D graphics in the songs themselves (and the boys didn’t actually pop-out at you), there was no need to spend $20 for 3D.

Concert Concept

I love the set concept (because I’m a theatre nerd). I also loved that it was a mixture of London and all the places in the world, along with the comic book and gaming theme. It captures One Direction as a group and as individuals.

Favourite Part: When Mr Payne (Liam’s dad) says, “You never see it from the dad’s perspective…I miss him.”

Overall it was a good film. Nothing new, both in the genre of doc-cons or One Direction – but, it is one that fans will enjoy.

Star Rating: ★★★

Next on sL: Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters

FILM REVIEW | Now You See Me

Click for Times and Tickets at Event Cinemas

J. Daniel Atlas (Jess Einsenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) were all street magicians looking for their big break, but what they were offered was more than any of them could have ever foreseen.

The Story

Four street magicians who were making their buck dazzling and coning their way to the big time come face to face with an opportunity of a life time – a chance to prove their worth to the “mystical big leagues”, the ancient realm of “The Eye”.

With a mixture of ancient Egyptian history, the English Robin Hood legend and modern-day technology, Now You See Me portrays the world of logic, logical magic and the magical world. These three worlds run parallel to one another throughout the film as the FBIs (the logical world) attempt to do their jobs and catch the con artists – a.k.a. “The Four Horsemen” (the magical world) – before they can rob the rich and give to the poor, while involuntarily seeking direction from Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman), a former magician gone magician-exploiter (the world of logical magic).

What I love about this story is although these three worlds run parallel to one another, they also intertwine to make unexpected twist and turns that create multiple illusions of their own. You never know who’s one-step ahead or who’s falling behind. You question everyone and in turn, they also question your judgement.

The Cast

Jesse Eisenberg – Taking his Social Network attitude and narrow-mindedness, adding a ton of arrogance and a smidge of jealousy, Eisenberg brought Mr J. ‘I’m in charge’ Daniel Atlas to life. Portraying the ‘top-dog,’ with a little social awkwardness, allowed audience love and hate J. Daniel. There was a good balance of arrogance and humour in his character that allowed viewers to root for Eisenberg when he came face to face with Ruffalo, as well as Michael Caine.

Woody Harrelson – Tuning into his inner (more sobre) Haymitch and spicing it up with Tallahassee’s eagerness to kill a zombie, Harrelson portrayed a cheeky and lovable Merritt McKinney. The comic relief in this film, Harrelson was the more experienced magician who had the limelight taken away from him and is now working his way back to the top. Harrelson never takes the reigns from Eisenberg, but plays off his former Zombieland co-star just as well as the beta male of the pack.

Isla Fisher – Takes a fresh approach to Henley Reeves as she plays the role of magician’s assistant gone solo. Attempting a death defying stunt and wowing audiences, she shatters the illusion of the glass ceiling as she makes her stamp as an equal to her former partner – J. Daniel. Fisher is no damsel in distress; she’s a fierce and confident woman with lots up her sleeve.

Dave Franco – Timid, yet confident in his own skills, Jack Wilder is more street than performer. Franco’s character is seemingly the weakest link, yet is still their greatest asset when it comes to the bigger scheme of things. As Jack makes a name for himself, this role hits close to home, and is therefore a perfect role for Franco as he comes to his own in the entertainment industry.

Mark Ruffalo – Channelling his inner Hulk, keeping him contained in human form with intelligible speech, Ruffalo tests his heroic skills in a different suit and fights crime the old fashion way. Playing a believable FBI agent, it was hard to say whether you were supposed to hate or root for Dylan Rhodes in his pursuit of The Four Horsemen. But Ruffalo was convincing on either account that left you wanting him to catch them, while simultaneously begging him to let them go.

Morgan Freeman – Keeping his ‘all knowing’ prowess from the Almighty series, Freeman portrays a shady Thaddeus Bradley attempting to expose The Four Horsemen as they canter to the top. There’s a balance of suspicion and awe as Freeman’s character sheds light on the tricks of the trade, yet is blinded by the biggest trick of all. It was great to see that even his character had a blind spot.

The Theatrics

Although most of the visual illusions were graphic effects, I still believe much of this film comes down to the root theatrics of magical spectacles of a magic show. I thought the simplicity of the chosen frameworks for each heist – the trap doors, disappearing and reappearing account balances, and video holograms – were well planned, well executed and realistic.

I loved the unveiling of each magical illusion as well. It complemented and heightened the importance of the three worlds operating in this film, as well as gave us an inside into the inner workings of the creation of the film itself. Whether it was a graphic effect or a theatrical component, the set, props and technology that came together to make this film were perfectly intertwined.

Overall

It was nice to see Eisenberg and Harrelson together again, and this time have Jesse as the alpha male. The casting, theatrics and the plot were believable, engaging and incredibly entertaining. Go see it.

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: TBA

FILM REVIEW | The Wolverine

Logan (Hugh Jackman), a.k.a. “The Wolverine”, is once again a lone wolf. After the devastating death of Jean Grey (Famke Janseen), Logan’s never been able to grasp what life should be like without her – and being immortal, it would be a long and lonely life.

The Story

The sub-story is Logan is trying to find a way to come to terms with the loss of Jean Grey. Throughout the film, Jean appears to him in dreams and visions beckoning him to come to her – that is, to die – which is impossible for his genetic mutation. The main story (that all the trailers showcase) is the idea that Logan has become human; needing the help of modern medicine and having someone to look after him, while simultaneously (and voluntarily) keeping a Japanese company heiress, Mariko Yashida (Tao Okamato), safe.

I personally liked the dual storyline that happens in this film. You have the main storyline that carries all the action, while the other serves as the underlying theme of Logan wanting to be human or normal. What I liked most about the story was it was focused mainly on The Wolverine. Unlike the first film (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and the X-Men Trilogy, there weren’t too many mutants in the one film. Since that was the case, you were able to grasps the story and believe the action playing-out before you.

The Cast

Hugh Jackman – Brilliant (as always) as he reprises his role as Wolverine. Like any role he’s been given, Jackman gives 100% and brings a delightful balance of humour, wit and seriousness to the role, and Wolverine is no different. Hugh was absolutely flawless.

Rila Fukushima – plays fellow mutant, Yukio, an adopted daughter of the Yashida family. Fukushima was a great sidekick for Wolverine, and at times became the main source for comic relief. It was great to see a female-bad-ass in combat boots and fiery red-hair. Kudus to Rila!

Svetlana Khodchenkova – plays another mutant, Viper, Yashida’s doctor as well as one of Logan’s nemesis in this film. Khodchenkova was vicious, sensual and, well, gross. Spitting everywhere as well as shedding her skin – it’s a given for a reptile-like mutation. But she was believable on both accounts – scientist and villain – so kudos to Svetlana as well.

Tao Okamoto – following the current trend of the paradoxical trait of being a kick-ass damsel in distress, Okamoto was a brilliant surprise in the storyline. I don’t want to say too much, because (a) you kind of see it coming and (b) every superhero needs something added to their story to keep audiences entertained – meaning all audiences. But I thought she did a great job contrasting the roughness of Jackman’s beastly character with the gentleness and grace of Mariko.

Famke Janseen – it’s always nice to see familiar faces, and Janseen’s is no exception. After her abrupt and colossus death in X-Men: The Final Battle, it was nice to see the Jean Grey that Logan fell in love with, rather than the Jean Grey that she disappeared as.

Setting

Setting the film in Japan was a great idea. Not just plot-wise, but as well as action and scenery wise. The beauty of several Japanese gardens contrasted with iconic Japanese skyscrapers, along with several provincial residencies were all excellent places to tell each part of the story.

Overall 

The film was a great addition to the Marvel collection of the X-Men Saga, but it’s also a great film that stands on it’s own. Marvel fans will love the simplicity of the story line as well as the execution. What I love the most about Marvel films is the transcendental inclusion of different languages, cultures and the histories that turns the differences into a similarity. You get a great sense of the Japanese culture in this film and really appreciate how history interplays with the world of Marvel. The only thing left for me to say is: GO SEE IT.

sL Star Rating: 4.5 Stars

Next on sL:  Now You See Me

VIDEO CLIP: One Direction - Best Song Ever

I reviewed the song last week, but with the song available on Vevo and iTunes as well as the long awaited video is now officially released, I thought I'd do a new post as an addition to my initial post.

The Video: is nothing short of entertaining. Best Song Ever is a culmination of the energy and all the dance moves from their previous videos. The theme of the video is that nothing will change the look and the style of 1D no matter how well it's presented to them or how big the producers get.

I was completely wrong about the falsetto! It's Zayn Malik ladies and gentlemen! Kudos, kudos to Mr Malik. I loved the video. It's a great lead into the upcoming film and it's absolutely so much fun to watch the boys talk to themselves. It's something new for them, but it's still completely them at the same time. It has nothing to do with the lyrics of the song, but it's a great video for the overall purpose of the song.

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: The Wolverine