Avainsana-arkisto: ENA5.4

Top Gun

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Top Gun from year 1986 is an American action drama movie. It is directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. The screenplay was written by Jim Cash and Jack Epps. The actors in the movie are for example Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards and Tom Skerritt

The main character Pete ”Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is a U.S. Navy fighter pilot who is known on his unruliness. His father was also a good pilot but he died in uncertain condition war in Vietnam. Maverick´s bedfellow is a co-pilot Nick ”Goose”Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards).

Despite of unruliness pair is send Top Gun-called Navy fighter pilot school at the beginning of the movie. Right at the beginning transpire that the course has two pairs above the rest. They are Maverick and Goose and Tom ”Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer) and his co-pilot Ron ”Slide” Kerner. The pilots Maverick and Iceman have always disagreement and a small squabble about who is the best pilot. Both of them would like to have their names to trophy, which is given to the best pilot of each course. Maverick also falls in love with Charlotte ”Charlie” Blackwood (Kelly McGillis) who is an aeronautical engineer and civilian Top Gun instructor. Their relationship is not uncomplicated.

The film´s turning point comes when Maverick´s and Goose´s fighter plane falls into the sea in a training mission and Goose dies. Maverick get depressed on accident and he is giving up the course because he has lost his self-confidence. The chief instructor Mike ”Viper” Metcalf (Tom Skerritt) tells the truth to Maverick about what had happened to his father war in Vietnam. With Charlie´s and Viper´s support Maverick get back his self-confidence and he graduate from Top Gun.

The course banquet is interrupted, when fresh graduated students commanded to mission to the Indian Ocean. 24 hours later three pilot are in an aircraft carrier. Iceman and Hollywood are send to identify two hostile fighters. Soon discovers that there are six hostile fighters. Hollywood is shot down by hostile MiG. Maverick is send to help Iceman. They shoot down four MiGs and force the others to flee. When they come back to ship Maverick is celebrated as a hero. Maverick is offered the opportunity to choose assignment and Maverick decides to return to Top Gun as an instructor.

The film is a real box-office hit and it is one of the most famous movies from 1980s. Top Gun was the film that led actor Tom Cruise to global breakthrough mega stardom.  When I first time saw the film, I was a bit disappointed because it has been highlighted heavily by the critics. My opinion is that Top Gun is a bit overestimated. The film is mainly based on very impressive looking flight scenes but the plot is quite weak. The storyline promote U.S. national spirit and I don´t be surprised if U.S. Navy is one of the financier of the movie. Top Gun won the Academy Award for Best Music in 1986. The good thing about the film is that the flight scenes are real and those are not ruined with digital effects. Obviously the popularity of the movie is mainly based on  that it has created a new genre.

Leap Year

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Leap Year

Leap Year is a romantic comedy which was released in April 2010. The movie is written by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont and directed by Anand Tucker. Leading actors of the film are Amy Adams and Matthew Goode. The original language is English.

Leap Year is set in our times Ireland and USA. Anna Brady (Amy Adams) has decided to make a trip to Dublin, Ireland to propose her boyfriend Jeremy (Adam Scott) on a leap day 29th of February. According to old Irish tradition woman can propose to man only on that day every fourth year. When Anna faces problems while trying to get to Dublin in time she mets this handsome and very charming Irishman, Declan (Matthew Goode). Declan helps her to get to her destination. At first they don’t get along at all but when the movie goes on they start to have feelings towards each other. Declan makes Anna think what is really important in life by setting her a question “What would be the first thing you would take with you when escaping from a burning house?”. In the end of the movie this question is what makes Anna rethink what she wants from life and with whom she wants to live it.

The plot of this movie is quite predictable but still it’s made in a more fascinating way than many other romantic movies I’ve seen. Even though you can quess the ending pretty easily the movie isn’t boring at all.

One feature that makes this movie fascinating is the camerawork. Who wouldn’t like Irish landscapes and sunsets? Scenes are also filmed in a way that you can look chains of events through the characters eyes. Together with soundtrack these marvellous views makes you not only see what happens but also feel the atmosphere.

 

Two main characters Anna and Declan are from different cultures and they speak with dialects. All the Irish sayings and the sarcasm you can hear especially from Declan are what makes this film also funny not only romantic. Because the movie is consentrated mainly on these two characters their personalities have to be nuanced to keep you interested.

This movie was easy to follow and not too syrupy for me. I would say it is a fresh version from traditional love story with all its turning points. And to be honest, I don’t feel bad about Jeremy losing Anna to this incredibly charming Irishman Declan.

Written by Anniina

 

 

 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Movie Review

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” My dear Frodo, you asked me once if I had told you everything there was to know about my adventures. Well, I can honestly say I’ve told you the truth, I may not have told you all of it…”

In this way, begins the legendary, long-awaited Hobbit- An Unexpected Journey. The Hobbit is made into movies a well-known J.R.R. Tolkien’s book and it ranks, just like other Lord of the Rings- film series, to Middle Earth. I tried to stay as neutral as possible and unprejudiced before going to the movies, because this movie has indeed become the expected a year or two and I didn´t want my prejudices affect judgment. I think I managed to do this quite well.

The Hobbit located in time, 60 years before the LOTR movies events and the story of the main character is an old friend Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman). One sunny morning Bilbo meets Gandalf the wizard (Ian McKellen) who will be looking for a traveling companion for adventure that accompany 13 dwarves on their quest to retake the Dwarven homeland now ruled by the nasty dragon Smaug. After surviving the dwarves’ impromptu dinner party–a true display of Bilbo’s neurosis and Freeman’s knack for physical and linguistic comedy–Gandalf and the band of pint size warriors embark on their journey. And thus begins a large, unexpected and exciting adventure through Middle-earth.

Hobbit characters are familiar to many parts of LOTR movies. Founds Gandalf, Bilbo, Elrond, Saruman, Galadriel as Gollum. However, new characters, which are, however, several, mainly consist of the 13 dwarfs who have joined the adventure. Is Balin, Bofur, Fili, Kili…Characters are so numerous that only a small number of specific recall. Only one of which is reported in more detail Thorin Oakenshield. This is a pity, because I would have gladly wanted to hear more from other dwarf characters. The characters are fun, comfortable and original. Thorin is a king without a kingdom. This kingdom was destroyed hundreds of years ago, before the birth of Thorin, Smaug the dragon called. The purpose of this trip is, therefore, agreed to buy back the dwarven kingdom of their own, their home, which is a lonely mountain.

”Bilbo Baggins, I’m looking for someone to share in an adventure…”

The Hobbit is a hive of activity, which is very skillfully and carefully done. Movie outing troupe point the most diverse creatures on their way towards the mountain. There are so trolls than ordinary orcs. Action was cramming the movie almost too much. The film does not have many breaks when could go deeper into the characters. Visual effects are truly spectacular and almost concrete. The film was shot directly in 3D, and it is fitting quite well, and it works very well, almost flawlessly. In fact, I haven´t been in 3D fan, because glasses tend to irritate and cause headaches, but in this film it has nothing to complain about.

The Hobbit´s scenery is nothing short of amazing and really beautiful. Fortunately, director Peter Jackson had decided to shoot the film in New Zealand just as the LOTR movies. Rugged mountains and beautiful forests and low-lying greens are really stunning, almost like a documentary. The Hobbit`s staging (needless to say) is extremely detailed and carefully executed. And make-up is very successful, at least in the case of the Dwarves. Costumes mention to the extent that it is embedded in a lot of time for sure. All the characters have had to come up with their own style. It is mandatory to congratulate them really successful choices. Movie description is indeed very own Peter Jacksons. Describes so many shots from above, a helicopter, showing the overall picture of the scenery and events. Film music is almost as great as the LOTR movies, of course, due to the fact that the case has been the same maestro, Howard Shore. Shore has managed to create a fairly dismal and bombastic music.

The actors did all the very fine performances. Ian McKellen made ​​a definite and very skillful exhibition Gandalf. Martin Freeman was really the right choice on Bilbo. He can play a variety of emotions as a very versatile and skillfully. Dwarf Thorin actor Richard Armitage stood out among the leader and the most powerful figure in movie. Also, Gollum actor Andy Serkis was shining again. He can very well devote for his character as a schizophrenic Gollum. Performances make the film as engrossing as any other in the series–McKellan rediscovering the charm of Gandalf, Freeman being the perfect fish out of water, and the dwarf troop finding a balance between comedy troupe and faithful, heartfelt companions.

The Hobbit is exactly what would have been able to think: energetic, flamboyant and ambitious. Perhaps too ambitious, I’d say. It seems that Jackson has been trying to reach too high, resulting in some of the areas have been affected. The film is very entertaining and satisfying. Note that film making is consumed properly from behind the shoulder. Shore’s music and battle scenes ensure almost complete individual scenes. However, some of the battle lines are described perhaps a confusingly. The Hobbit is not the best film of the year, but is sure to satisfy fans’ wishes. As mere entertainment, it is amazingly good! The length would have been able to cut maybe 10-15 minutes away. The film has its moments of shock if the kids are too young for a good old fashioned Orc beheading, An Unexpected Journey is not for them but in the end, it aims to be the fantasy read, play. I don´t understand why a 300-page book is a task force trilogy. I guess not only the love of money?

Written by The Hobbit

The Vow 2012

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The Vow was released year 2012 in United States. The film is a romantic drama directed by Michael Sucsy , starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum. The story tells about a married couple who gets involved in an car accident leading to a tragic consequences.   When Paige (Rachel McAdams) wakes up in the hospital, she thinks her husband Leo (Channing Tatum)  is her doctor. She had lost all the memories from the past few years. Leo has difficult decisions to make and great challenges concerning the saving of their relationship or at least trying to make his wife believe that there has been true love between them. Paige’s parents did not provide any support for Leo. They rather wanted to start over again with their daughter because during the past few years they had not been in very good relations with Paige.

The main reason why the movie impressed me so much, was that, the film is based on the true story of Kim and Krickitt Carpenter, who wrote a book about their marriage. The book is also known as ”The Vow”. Scriptwriters (Abby Kohn, Jason Katims, Marc Silverstein, Stuart Sender) brought up the story delicately by creating a sweet heartbreaking love story. From the very beginning, every scene and plot twists, provides the viewers feelings of sensation.

The question is: Can the love of a lifetime find a second chance?

The actors are able to convey their characters’ feelings very well, which is necessary in order to help audience fall deeply into the movie’s  emotional scenes. The viewer is easily picturing similar situation in his or her life, and evaluating the great challenges of it. It is absolutely heartbreaking to watch how Leo is trying hard to help Paige to get her memory back. Nevertheless, Paige only remembers the very old and far history of her life. The love story is genuine, and it is proofed since Paige falls in love with Leo once again, even she does not fully remember Leo and does not get her full memory back either.

For those who are interested about spectacular effects or music in the movie, there is unfortunately nothing very special to offer. However, the lyrics were very sentimental love songs, which fitted well with  the movie and its’ message about true love.

I would recommend the movie to all of those whom, both, enjoy relaxing and emotional time with their own loved ones or friends. Moreover, it can also be recommended to the male audience who wish to prove, that they are comfortable enough with their masculinity to see a movie like the Vow. This drama is not made only for women!

THEVOW2012

Titanic (1997)

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Titanic is romantic drama film in 1997. It is directed, scripted and producer by James Cameron. It tells the story of a fictional part of the Titanic sinking. The film is partly funded by paramount pictures and 20th century fox. It budget was 200 million dollars. At the time, it was most expensive film ever made before Cameron’s avatar (2009) film.

The film released in 19 December in 1997. The 3D version of the film released in 4 April in 2012 100 years after the sinking of the titanic. Soundtrack of the film is “My Heard Will Go On”.

The film’s stars are Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The film tells about Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater who falling in different social classes. On the ship they meet each other and fall in love.

In 1998 on Oscar-gala titanic were received eleven awards. It is won categories ”The best movie”, ”The best director”, ”The best music”, ”The best song”, ”The best recording”, ”The best special effect”, ”The best sound effect”, ”The best section”, ”The best description”, ”The best setting” and ”The best costumes”.

I have watched movie many times. The film is magnificently done and all effect is stunning. I like it the story of the film. The film is a wonderful love story about young people. I like also the history whose the film tell. I can recommend the film to everyone!

Coach Carter

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Coach Carter is a truly inspirational movie based on a true story about a high school basketball coach Ken Carter. Samuel L. Jackson, who is a perhaps one of the most recognized actors in Hollywood today, does one of his best roles as Ken Carter. The movie is directed by Thomas Carter and is written by Mark Schwahn and John Gatins

Plot:

In the beginning of the movie Ken receives a job from his old high school Richmond as a basketball coach for the schools basketball team ”Richmond Oilers”. With his strict rules coach Carter manages to get his players to thrive on the basketball court without any losses. When Carter realized that all of his players aren’t doing well in school he makes a contract for his players to sign wich stated that they must maintain all of their grades above C+ things start to go wrong. Most of the players in team do not manage to keep their grades up as agreed, coach Carter locks down the school gym creating a scandal in the little town of Richmond where basketball is everything.

Characters:

The movies main role is played by Samuel L. Jackson who is also the only highly recognized actor in the movie, with the exception of maybe Channing Tatum and pop-star Ashanti. It is hard to describe other characters in the movie than Jacksons since the movie tells very little about the backgrounds of the basketball teams players, so i can pretty much only tell about Ken Carter. Coach Carter is a middle-aged man with a warm heart, from the very beginning he truly cares about the players in his team, and he really wants them to succeed not only on the hardwood but in life also. Ken Carter is relentless workaholic who has questionable ways to teach ”his boys” how to survive in life.

Genre:

On Internet movie database Coach Carter is listed in the genres category as a sports-drama. Due to its quite happy ending i would not list it as a drama, but since it’s not really an action movie or comedy it cant be described with other genres.

Camerawork:

Since the movie sets in the late 1990’s the cameras are used with some kind of soft sepia filter, wich gives the viewer a feel that the movie was really filmed in the same era as it sets.

In conclusion the movie describes the story of Ken Carter and Richmond Oilers very well. And after a bit research i found out that the real Ken Carter was on every set of the movie when it was in the making. I would also call it one of Samuel L. Jacksons finest work.

 

Avatar

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 Avatar is a fantasy and adventure film. It was released in 18th of December in 2009 by 20th Century Fox. It is scripted and directed by James Cameron. James Cameron started in 1994 working on avatar. Then he wrote a 114-page screenplay. The film budget was 237 million dollars. Avatar is in position four of the world the most expensive movies list. Soundtrack of the film is ”I See You” which sings Leona Lewis. The film was developed for a number of new techniques and software. The film has been released on DVD and Blu-Ray. The film in the lead roles are Sam Worthington who plays Jake Sully and his co-star Zoe Saldana who plays Neytiri. Other important actors are Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang and Giovanni Ribisi. Cameron wanted to film actors who were not necessarily so well known.

Two and a half hour movie can hold a lot of plot twists that will keep the viewer awake movie time. Avatar incredible special effects to create a complete package which take the viewer to another dimension. Avatar ranks planet named Pandora. Pandora’s beautiful landscapes include waterfalls and abundant vegetation. The lush nature brings the movie stunning colors.

Avatar has received four nominations in the annual Golden Globe Awards, in categories ”Favorite drama movie”, ”The best director”, ”The best music” and ”The best movie song”. Avatar has been awarded awards a Golden Globe the best drama film and the best director. Avatar has received Oscars for the best production design, characterization and special effects. Avatar was nominated for Oscars for the best director and the film.

I have watched Avatar again and again. I think that film is one of 2000’s the best films. Avatar amazing execution effects which adds an incredible viewing experience. Avatar is the greatest adventure of all time which carries with it. I recommend the movie for everyone who likes fantasy.

 

P.S. I Love You

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P.S. I Love You is a american romantic comedy directed by Richard LaGravenese. The film is released at the end of 2007 and based on the novel of the same name by Cecilia Ahern. P.S. I Love You takes the topics of death and grieving and turns out a romantic comedy that’s played mostly for laughs.

There are two leading actors in the film. Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler star a married couple, called Holly and Gerry, who are deeply in love but they fight occasionally. Gerry is going to die and after his death Holly realizes how much he means to her. Holly is miserable and depressed and withdraws from her family and friends. Luckily Gerry has found a plan to help his wife make it through the grieving process. He has left 10 messages to Holly to help her pain and start new life, each of them ending with ”P.S. I Love You”. Eventually Holly gets over that her Irish husband has died and she have to move on her life, but how? That you will find out by watching the film!

The actors suit in the film perfectly. Hilary Swank does a good job by acting Holly who is so sensitive and pretty young woman. Whereas Gerry’s actor Gerard Butler is charismatic and he has a good singing voice.

The plot of the film is unusual for a romantic comedy but I think it works. The entire story is very touching and impressive and it makes me cry. The soundtrack is a well-selected love song. It suits in the theme very well and it’s so romantic with the film. While listening the soundtrack you could just replay memories that you might have on your own. I really enjoy listening to it. Because the film is a romantic comedy there’s not any special effects and the film is filmed in a normally way.

I think that P.S. I Love You is just a great film. I could watch it again and again. I recommend this film to all that loves romantic films. Prepare to cry!

The Baytown Outlaws

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The Baytown Outlaws

The Baytown Outlaws (2012) is a film directed by Barry Battles and written by Battles and Griffin Hood. The movie tells about three rednecks called Lincoln Oodie (Daniel Cudmore), McQueen Oodie (Travis Fimmel) and Brick Oodie (Clayne Crawford). They agree to save young mentally handicapped kid called, Rob (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) from his godmother Celestes (Eva Longoria) ex-husband Carlos. Celeste pays them 25 000 $ for this job.
After they’ve saved the boy they come across very different opponents who work for Carlos and try to kill them and get Rob back to Carlos. Also one ATF agent tries to catch Oodie brothers.

The Movies plot was very interesting and suprising. Oodie brothers are un-educated and pretty dumb. They’ve born and raised in southern states and they’re true rednecks and it gave suprisingly good nuance for the plot. Also Oodies relationship to Sherriff Henry Millard (Andre Braugher) reveals to be pretty shocking as the movie goes on. Turns in movie were not boring and they kept interest on all along the movie.

Characters fitted in the plot very well. They were desingned quiet good and adapting the plot. Especially Lincoln Oodie is very interesting character because he is very strong and big. But the thing that makes him special is that he can’t speak. On the other hand McQueen character is stereotype of rednecks because the way he talks and acts. Brick is the smartest one. He is the ”brains” of the brothers and he desings all the gigs.

Camerawork is really good and it creates awesome athmosphere for the plot. Especially the fights, shootings and bloodsheds were quiet dashing.

The movie is categorized as action and comedy, but I think that it contained also drama. Especially Robs situation and how the movie ended was touching and dramatic.

I recommend this movie to all who like action films with the nuance of comedy and drama. Also if you’re into guns, killing and sweet rides this movie is must-see film.