"The Incredible Hulk" Movie Review

I have never read "The Incredible Hulk" comic strip. I have never seen the Bill Bixby TV series. I didn't even see the 2003 movie "Hulk". In fact, the only connection I have with the Hulk, is that I owned the the famous Hulk Hands toys as a young child. I watched this movie primarily so I could become familiar with each of the individual superheros before watching the recent popular movie, "The Avengers". It started off encouraging, showing flashbacks of how the Hulk came to be. Actually one of the coolest intros I have ever seen. Too bad that can't be said about the entire film. Everything about it felt a little off. First of all, I found much of the fault to be in the characterization of Bruce Banner. He felt very distant throughout. Yes, I understand he needs to be mellow, as to show the significant difference between him as Bruce and him as the Hulk, but even so. Edward Norton was not enjoyable to watch in this role. In addition, it really didn't feel like a superhero movie. I didn't see the Hulk as a hero and the villain didn't show up until the last twenty minutes. I did enjoy the small cameo by Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark. That for me was the highlight. Another cool thing about the film is that Lou Ferrigno, the original voice of the Hulk, is still lending his voice for this role. However, I am sorry to say that this movie was predictable and overall a disappointment. After watching this, I am quite interesting in seeing the the 2003 big screen adaption as to compare the two.

5/10

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"Hitchcock" Movie Review

The opening scene is as follows: Ed Gein and his brother Harry are in the garden outside their home. Henry insults his brother and in turn, is killed by Ed with a shovel. The camera then pans over to a perfectly calm Alfred Hitchcock, who had clearly been watching. He then introduces the film as if it were one of his episodes of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents". As the film progresses, we learn that Hitchcock is in need of a basis for his next movie. We also learn of his dysfunctional relationship with his wife, Alma. What he decides he wants to do is to make a film of Robert Block's novel "Psycho", inspired by this serial killer Ed Gein. The trouble is, Paramount won't make it. Of course, Hitchcock won't have that. As an avid fan of Hitchcock, I was extremely eager to see this film. I grew up watching his movies with my grandmother and so tonight I finally saw it with her in a local theater. And I am happy to say, I was not disappointed in the least. The two lead actors Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren perform their role brilliantly, as does every other actor in the cast. The beauty of "Hitchcock" is that every step of the way, I could feel the emotions right along side the characters. I felt Alfred's anger and sadness with his wife and I felt Alma's anger and sadness with her husband. Although, this movie does a splendid job showing the making of "Psycho", it also does a fine job showing the love story behind the scenes. And that, my friends, is what makes this a masterpiece as suspenseful and intriguing as Hitchcock's own pictures.

10/10

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"The Muppet Movie" Movie Review

I have been a part of the Muppet experience since a very young age. The first Muppet production I watched was "The Muppet Christmas Carol" from 1994. My grandfather, being a great fan of the Charles Dickens classic, was watched it and as I joined him, I was instantly transfixed. Then, I moved on to "Muppet Treasure Island" and "Muppets from Space" but I wasn't till a few years ago that I finally saw this classic. Back in the mid to late 70's, Jim Henson decided to make his successful new program, "The Muppet Show", into a feature film. And that has helped the Muppets grow and has helped them become what they are today. This movie showed how the Muppet gang came together in a very entertaining and fun way. All of the main characters of the show, from Rowlf the Dog to Camilla the Chicken, and of course, Kermit the Frog, are all there along with a variety of songs. In addition, there are several cameos from stars of that time. Among my favorites are Steve Martin and, specifically, Mel Brooks. This is a great introduction for someone who is not familiar with the Muppets and is a must see for those who are.

8/10

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"The Amazing Spider-Man" Movie Review

When I initially heard about this reboot, I was skeptical. Why make them again so soon? When I was little, the Spider-Man movies came out and those were the first superhero movies I ever watched. I loved them. However, as I got older, I realized that much of what makes up those movies was quite cheesy, particularly Tobey Maguire's portrayal of Peter Parker. But this is not a review of those. I am reviewing the new and improved "amazing" Spider-Man. And I am pleased to say that it was surprisingly well done and very worthwhile. What was really missing from the previous installments was that level of darkness and threat that is present here. This film offers a dark, fresh new take on the traditional Spider-Man that I think you will enjoy. The characters are more engaging and more developed. I don't have much to say about this is terms of complaints. It is a refreshing, enjoyable piece of entertainment. Also, in all of Stan Lee's cameo appearance, I think this one is my favorite.

8/10

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"The Secret Garden" 1987 TV Movie Review

My grandmother introduced this to me as a young boy and I instantly fell in love with it. The story, as I'm sure you know, was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett in the early 1900s. It is about a young selfish girl who demands attention and, after the sudden death of her parents, moves to an enormous mansion in England. As she settles in, she notices the dark history this place has and is determined to uncover each and every one of its mysteries. Not all Hallmark movies are up to par, but I would definitely say this one is. The two child leads do a splendid job bringing their characters and transformations to life. The haunting score matches the sinister atmosphere beautifully and makes for a very enjoyable viewing and listening experience. A few recognizable actors include Michael Hordern and a brief appearance by Colin Firth.

8/10

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"Dead Poets Society" Movie Review

I like poetry.  I like Robin Williams. I like Peter Weir. I like Maurice Jarre. So, I had high hopes for this movie and I have to say I was extremely disappointed. It seems in almost every dramatic or semi-dramatic film that Robin Williams stars in, he plays a victim. I kept waiting for him to be picked on and it sure came. John Seating is a new teacher at a very strict school called Welton. His styles and teaching methods are not what the students are used to and his love for poetry inspires them to reopen an old school club called the Dead Poets Society. At this point, the movie falls downhill. I think the problem is the characters. The director tries to make us love and connect with them, oh how hard he tries. But, oh how much I didn't care by the end. We needed to know more about John Seating's personal life and not just his job. Besides a few good themes scattered throughout, there is not a lot to gain by watching this film.

5/10

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