A quick look at some of my favorite big summer movies:
The Dark Knight: Holy awesome movie, Batman! A crime drama of the highest order, and a fantastic comic book action movie to boot. I can't say enough good things about the story, the spot on direction, the relentless pacing, and especially the Joker. I know that some people are all about Heath Ledger since his death, but in this case it's totally deserved. He gave himself over to the character so completely that I still can't believe it was him. There are a few problems, of course (the bat voice, for example), but they're minor at worst. If this movie isn't at least nominated for a few awards, it'll prove how hopelessly broken the system is.
Hellboy 2: Possibly the most brilliantly imaginative, and visually stunning movie I've seen in years... If not ever. Brilliant puppetry and well restrained CGI, engaging performances, and mouthwatering cinematography make up for a thin story. Also, despite what others have said, I though the villain was fantastic. He has a regal bearing, but a barely contained rage, and just a touch of sadness that makes him a compelling and tragic character in my eyes. But I guess that's just me. I did find that the primary characters were a lot better this time around as well. The action was top notch too. All around, one hell of a good flick (pun intended).
Wall-E: Beautifully animated, heart warming, full of personality, Wall-E is the best of everything that makes Pixar's movies so wonderful. Just go see it, and don't let the right wing nuts discourage you, it isn't preachy, it's wonderful, and possibly important (hey, you never know).
Iron Man: This seems a bit like standard fare after those last three, but that doesn't change the fact that it's one of the highest quality, slickest, and smartest super hero movies ever made. Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic as Tony Stark, and the special effects are some of the most seamless I've seen. The suit alone is a thing of beauty, managing to look just like the comic, while looking like it might actually work.
Other great summer movies have included Speed Racer (I liked it), Kung Fu Panda, The Incredible Hulk, Hancock (not great but good), and Wanted. In fact, the only real disappointment this summer has been Indiana Jones, and even that was a good time. And there's still the new X-Files movie this weekend, for which I have high hopes, and others still to come.
Man oh man, I can't remember the last time I've been this happy with so many movies in such a short period of time. Actually, I can. The year 1999 saw the release of The Matrix, South Park, American Beauty, The Sixth Sense, Fight Club, and Magnolia, Office Space, The Blair Witch Project, American Pie, Star War Episode 1, and others. I was wondering if that kind of concentrated awesome would hit mainstream movies again.
If you haven't been to the movies in a while, do yourself a favor and check something out this weekend. You'll thank me.
Posted with LifeCast
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