Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

The opening scene of The Two Towers provides an outstanding, yet very brief, taste of action, cinematography, and special effects, only to be matched (and far surpassed) in the final hour of the film. The Two Towers picks up right where Fellowship left off and it only improves on the great movie that the first one was. With the following two films it shows how great of an idea it was to film the films all together. Everything flowed amazingly together, because of that you don't truly feel that this is three separate films but one long movie.

The most amazing part though about this movie is how it flows so strongly together with the fact that your main characters are divided into four separate stories. For me this is amazing because a lot of times with story lines split others end up being stronger while others turn weak and do not get the proper attention to keep them moving. Viggo Mortensen really shines in this expanded role, the character of Aragorn really has a lot of the qualities that the audience can root for. Mortensen really commands the role with a quiet confidence that shows he is in control and as the viewing audience you know he will be the hero that everyone wants him to become. Also on the opposite side of the spectrum Gollum also becomes a true character and is not just the character that is hinted about in the first movie. The performance for Gollum to be perfect relies on not only the great computer animation and the seamless integration, but Andy Serkis whose movements the animation relies on is spot on for how Gollum needed to be portrayed. Here he is more of a leading character and a 'star,' and his convincing dual-personality, stabbing voice, and well-choreographed body movements make him consistently eye-grabbing and the center of focus of nearly every scene in which he appears.

Once again the cinematography is breathtaking and masterful. The swooshing camera movements that follow the armies and horsemen throughout the fields are extremely satisfying in this post-Matrix era. The shots of the ascending enemy-laden ladders in the battle of Helm's Deep are terrifying and chillingly gorgeous all at once. The visual effects take an appropriate leap forward from those of the first film. While the visual effects in Fellowship were outstanding, the battle of Helm's Deep provides for the best application of CGI since the rippling waves of The Matrix's 'Bullet Time.' The battle of Helm's Deep features absolutely awe-inspiring and seamless integration of acting, stunts, and computer animation. Each orc seems to have its own personality, demonstrated in its movements and visual features. The masses of armies fight with strategy and true character, which I imagine is much harder to accomplish than animating thousands of identical clone troopers. I was truly grateful that I was able to see this movie in the theater and feel the complete movie going experience with this film.

To me the greatest feeling throughout this entire movie is that of hope. All the characters no matter how the darkness is coming up throughout all of Middle Earth, believe in the quest to destroy the ring and that although they are all doing separate parts to help the quest succeed. Peter Jackson's directing helps show this hope in a way that that under any other director the vision of this masterpiece of a book would fall short. While this movie was more action intensive compared to the first movie, it does not get drawn only into the action but still gives us great intensive dialogue scenes that help us delve deeper into each character and give us the depth of character that are lacking in most films today.

The Two Towers did not let anyone down in comparison to the first film. For me they took what was a solid and great movie with the first and not only exceeded expectations but took film making to another level. For the great increased powerful performance and amazing cinematography. Because of all this I am giving this film four and a half buckets of popcorn out of five. Just like the first film this is a must have for any DVD collection.

-The Movie Man-

New Vampire Movie Trailer

Here is a link for a movie trailer for everyone. I hope everyone is looking forward to seeing this movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHkPJ1ACLrg&feature=related

Let me know what you think of this trailer and this will probably be a movie that will be seen by me at some point.

-The Movie Man-

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

I am sure that everyone has been waiting to see when I would begin the reviews for Lord of the Rings. I have waited so long to review Lord of the Rings, simply because it is for me one of the toughest movies to completely put my thoughts out on how I feel about it. The Lord of the Rings is a fairy-tale of myth and fantasy. I will be the first to admit that I never saw this movie in the theaters. I thought this was ask geeky and nerdy of an idea that could be. Yet after finally seeing the first installment I regretted not getting the experience of this amazing movie at the theater.

Peter Jackson directed a film that was considered, for a very long time, impossible to make, and not only for technical reasons. The narrative roots are incredibly long and detailed, and the storyline is deeply connected with the creation of a fantastic continent from a time unknown called `Middle Earth'. It's author, Tolkien, dedicated a considerable part of his life developing this continent's background, it's mythology and origins, it's different kinds of people, cultures and languages, and therefore it's geographic references are determinant to the unfolding of the story of the One Ring.

While the directing is strong it would all be for naught if it was not backed up with a strong cast that would be able to breathe life into the characters. Ian McKellan portrays Gandalf with such an amazing strength and stoicism that you cant help but become endeared to Gandalf and his desire to protect the four young hobbits. The most surprising portrayal of all was Elijah Wood as Frodo. The actors were great, they were a lot into their characters, and for the first time, I saw elves as they were, quick, agile, terrifyingly effective in battle - just look at how Legolas deat with the hordes of enemies without a single hint of fear in his eyes - these are elves as they should be. Gimli was great too, I know people seem to think many characters were not developed enough, but by the actions you can learn a lot. With Gimli a lot can be learned about the dwarves, their pride, deep sense of honor and family, their mistrust of elves, their love for strong beer and a good fight against anything bigger, and their sheer hatred for orcs and the likes. Aragorn was totally the ranger character, the ending scene as he walked toward the horde of Uruk-Hai warriors was great, his attitude, his clothes, everything about him just cried "ranger". Boromir was very well depicted, desperate to save the people of Gondor, by any mean necessary, robbed of all hope, yet in the end he redeems himself by showing his true valour, deep down, he's willing to die to defeat evil, and when he recognizes his king in Aragorn, on his last breath, I felt like watching a hero die, it was moving.

The story, sets, special effects and costumes are so rich and amazing that it is absolutely necessary for you to have to watch over and over just to absorb everything. The New Zealand scenery is spectacular and it gives a variety of environments that help give huge contrast in areas of the characters' journey. While the on location sets are not only imaginative, but weathered which helps to give a greatness to their believability, the studio sets match the on location sets with amazing meticulousness. The great thing with the costumes is that they are not only strange but familiar at the same time. At the same time they used the special effects in such a way that they are unobtrusive and unnoticed most of the time, serving a great purpose to only support the story and not draw attention away from the story like most movies will use the special effects to cover-up plot holes and bad acting.

While for me this is probably not as action paced and moving as the other two movies within the trilogy. It ends up being the great movie that sets up most of the characters and the overarching story lines that take place throughout the remainder. It is amazing the cast of characters that signed on for this project and it is truly amazing how everyone becomes their character and lives as them. This movie set the standard for not only what book adaptations must meet, but what great movies need to become. I gave this movie four buckets of popcorn out of five. This is definitely a movie that everyone must have in their collection and I highly recommend getting the extended edition.

-The Movie Man-

Back to the Future Part 2

I am sure after my post weeks ago on the first back to the future many of you have been wondering when the subsequent movies would be reviewed. When Back to The Future was initially conceived, director and writer Robert Zemeckis and writer Bob Gale had no idea how much notoriety it would eventually achieve, nor of the big box office records it would break. They were happy just to see their project come to fruition. When they wrote the original film, the ending they had written was supposed to be the end of it. Because of it's success, however, and Hollywood being Hollywood, there had to be the inevitable sequels. The problem was that with the original ending, they had painted themselves into a corner as to where they could go with the sequel. What they finally came up with in Part II, is a film that is every bit as whimsical as the original, yet moves along at a pace that will leave you breathless.

. Not content to give us what the year 2015 may be truly like, since making such predictions are usually wrong anyway, they decide to let it all hang loose and just have fun with it. There are holographic theaters, Cafe 80's shops, antique stores that sell dustbusters and other things, skateboards that hover, paying for cab rides with thumbprints, etc. etc. Yet, for all the glossy, multi-colored stores and goofy concepts, we still recognize it as the same old Hill Valley. Something else Zemeckis and Gale do is to take some events from the first film, and replay them in 2015 Hill Valley. Usually, things like this would be seen as the lack of an idea, but in this case its simply Zemeckis having a little fun and letting us in on it. It works perfectly.

Likewise, the alternative version of 1985 Hill Valley is an exercise in how far one's imagination can go. Instead of a quaint peaceful town and suburbs, Zemeckis and Gale do everything in their power to give us the equivalent of an opposite. To go into too much detail here would undermine your own viewing experience and give away a bit too much of the plot.

This film also allows Michael J. Fox to continue to not only stretch himself but he improves even more as an actor. It is far from easy to play not only Marty, but to play his son, his daughter, and the older version of Marty. He shows some great abilities to give the other characters depth even though they are all on the screen for only a couple of minutes. The casting is much the same as the first movie and they really do a great job together.

Really, the best parts of the film are the repeats of the 1955 dance scenes and how they change the perspective with new camera angles mixed in with the old. It is for the fact that this is a newly unique way to take a sequel movie. While it did not meet the fun and some of the greatness of the first movie. This is a greatly enjoyable film and anyone who can not sit and enjoy this film for what it is, needs to "make like a tree and get out of here!" I am giving this movie three and half buckets of popcorn out of five.

-The Movie Man-

Robin Hood Season 1

I decided I would change up the review a little tonight. Instead of reviewing a movie I am going to review  a TV series that I have been watching on DVD. This series takes a little different look at the Robin Hood legend with arguably the youngest version of Robin Hood. This is a light hearted romp for families and while a lot of people have criticized this series for historical inaccuracies. all I have to say is this is not a documentary not to mention that it is based on a LEGEND. This series gives you exhilarating if not outrageous action scenes, great British humor, and a great duo of nasty bad guys.

The chemistry between the cast is very fluid and they all seem to play so well off of each other. Jonas Armstrong plays Robin with a great flair and more importantly he is an endearing character for Robin Hood. Not too mention he plays so well off of his gang of outlaws. British newcomer Lucy Griffiths follows the newest suit with female roles that are no longer damsels in distress. She brings a strong character to Marian and spars verbally with anyone and everyone that tries to treat her like an unequal.

What really brings a strength to the cast is that of while there is a true goodness and likability in Marian and Robin, the opposite end of the spectrum is represented in the portrayals of the Sheriff of Nottingham and Guy of Gisborne. Keith Allen is able to immediately gives the viewer a feel of his corruptibility and is a great villain. At times he has flashes similar to that of Tim Curry and is so set on not only outsmarting Robin Hood, but is willing to do anything possible to keep control of the power he has currently, while looking to increase his power as well. Richard Armitage is the grunt of the villainry and is the one who does all the legwork in the evil plots of the Sheriff. They have also successfully added another layer with his longing and pursuit for Marian, which makes the dueling with Robin Hood all the more entertaining.

This series has some amazing sets that are really not what one would expect from a tv series. The forest areas are great and you truly feel like you are there. An interesting aspect to is the warmth through the lighting that is felt throughout not only all the small towns and villages, but also in the forest. While they then contrast this warmth with the cold, dark and feeling of a muggy castle. Which only helps to further play off the contrast of good versus evil. This show has memorable music that will find ways to stick into your head.

This is a very enjoyable series and it is one that is very addicting to watch. I find myself with just a desire to continue watching episode after episode. I even found myself dreaming last night with British accents. I am giving this tv series three buckets of popcorn out of five. The strong cast with great chemistry and the sets that one would not expect from a tv series. If you are in  the market and looking for a good, fun tv series with a lot of action then Robin Hood is the series for you to give a try.

-The Movie Man-

Invictus

Clint Eastwood I think gives his most simple, easy yet powerful films, he is able to achieve one of the most inspirational films. Starring Academy Award Winners Morgan Freeman as South African President Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as Rugby Captain Francois Pienaar, Invictus is a picture full of emotion, magnetism, and revelation. What critics and audiences may be deceived by is belief that this is the Nelson Mandela biopic which it is not. It is the story of Nelson Mandela's first years as President of the culturally separated country South Africa in 90's. In a way to unify his people, Mandela used the country's love for Rugby to connect the whites and the blacks. As their record has been less than impressive, no one expects anything notable from the Springboks. Mandela taps the captain of the team to rally his troops and surge into battle for the greater good of his country.

Morgan Freeman as Mandela works well. He shows a great depth showing both Mandela's hostile yet tranquil behaviors. Freeman is very believable, and makes us really feel for the struggle that the entire nation is facing. While his characterization is strong it is far from the best of the year and the toughest part in any movie such as this one is that his accent disappears at times. Matt Damon, showing himself as one of the best working actors today, doesn't have enough of the character depth and arc to carry the picture. Damon's performance doesn't allow him to really go anywhere. It's a superb turn, with a great accent, that warrants credit where the credit is due. However, Damon requires nothing more than a little motivational speaking and responsive humility.

For me one of the biggest disappointments however is though that I made the mistake in thinking that this would be more of a sports movie rather then a movie that dealt with a countries racism and political decisions that had to be made. I would have loved to see more scenes of rugby throughout the film. It was really interesting though as the showed the change within the country over time as more and more countrymen rallied around the Springboks. For me it is truly amazing to think that through a single sport a country can be united and the racism can disappear greatly. While this was not a cure all for all the troubles that South Africa has had it made huge in roads to repairing a lot of the troubles.

Overall, this was a good movie. While for me it is not in the same league as the top sports movies ever made, I though no longer consider this movie a sports movie having actually seen it. With good acting this movie was very enjoyable. I am giving this movie three buckets of popcorn out of five. While this is not a must have for the DVD collection, it is worth the price of renting.

-The Movie Man-

Twilight Saga: Eclipse

As part of our two year anniversary date night we went and saw this movie that Kellianne has really been looking forward to go and see. This is another one of those movies that I naturally go into with really low expectations. While I can say this is probably the best of the three, it is not much better then the others. While the budget has increased since the first one, I still am very unimpressed with the special effects for the most part.

Unfortunately, for me I have a hard time with the chemistry between the leads. The chemistry is just not there. The acting is gradually improving, but to me for the most part is still fairly lackluster. Kristen Stewart is the big redeeming value in the acting, she really carries the movie. She is definitely improving greatly from film to film and is starting to show that she will soon be a starlet that will be in high demand. Yet while Stewart has improved the others have not made strides forward and really just give a very one dimensional personality and a depth that is more shallow then a baby's bath.

I think part of the problem with the acting is simply that of the screenplay. The actors are not truly given the opportunity to truly act or show what's going on but instead deliver too much dialogue. I think this is becoming a a problem with book adaptations into movies, in that they sometimes try to over saturate us with information, yet they give us the information with no depth. I do realize though that I am far from the target demographic for this movie and maybe those within the target demographic are happy with the amount of dialogue that is pulled directly from the books.

I am still unsure as to why I viewed the special effects to still be disappointing. I think a big portion for this is just the fact that I do not like the vampires looking the way they do. For me I think that if vampires were to be blended in with humans then they need to look more humanlike. The makeup used on the vampires makes them look surreal and stick out so much in showing how different they are from the humans. Not to mention I still have a hard time with vampires avoiding the sun because their skin shines like diamonds. I mean really, come on, is there any way to make the vampire less frightening? I do feel like though they did a better job this time around with the werewolf special effects.

The biggest disappointment to me though was the thing that I was looking forward to was the big battle between the newborns versus the Cullens/Werewolves. This confrontation ends up being nothing more then a simple walk in the park and not a big battle in which the viewer is unsure who will come out on top. Plus I am disappointed to see how the killing of a vampire has changed from the first movie to seemingly fairly difficult to something simple as they are almost like ice and so simple to kill.

While the new director did do a great job at focusing on taking those shortcomings from the second movie and did a good job to make changes. The Twilight saga still has a few more weaknesses that can be worked on in the final movies. Although this movie was an upgrade from the previous two, it is not as strong as other movies and in many ways saying it is better then the previous two it is still like comparing car accidents.

Although an improvement, the Twilight saga still has work. I am giving this movie two and a half buckets of popcorn out of five. I am sure this will be a movie we will add to our collection. They have made steps forward, but still have a long way to go to make the final movies better.

-The Movie Man-

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

This was one of those movies that while I was excited to see, I had a quiet reserve for it because I was not sure if Nicholas Cage could pull off the sorcerer. The same people who to me are surprisingly rudely negative about this film would probably say I'm too easily pleased, but I enjoy movies as escapism for the most part and see no need to pick this very enjoyable vehicle to death. Plus in today's world it is always refreshing when you are able to go to a movie that does not have the over-sexed up scene, so it is safe to take all the kids and even grandma.

For some reason it seems that whenever Jerry Bruckheimer is doing a film of some sort he is able to get a great cast that all gel well and have some great chemistry. I am really happy to say that Nicholas Cage pulls off the sorcerer Balthazar Blake with great ease. He brings some great depth to the sorcerer but not only being mystical and comical with the character but we also feel the longing he has in his heart which in turn really endears the audience to his character. Jay Baruchel also does a great job as the the science nerd who is the reluctant hero. Baruchel plays this role with such a shy, awkwardness that we can not help but root for him to end up with the "hot" girl and at the same time we want him to become the hero he has the power to be if he could only believe in himself. I would like to see Baruchel though step into a main role that doe s not require him to be the lovable nerd. I think if he can show some versatility in his acting I think he will show me that he can be a big time actor who could be in any role.

While Baruchel and Cage are the epitome of good in this movie, nothing says evil like Alfred Molina as Horvath. Molina's portrayal brings the right amount of darkness to the position as the villain. Molina as the villain also has its twists he has a hatred for Balthazar but at the same time is the villain that still has a respect for Balthazar. I think though the other villain of the oily rock star magician Drake Stone was very under utilized. His character could have been used more for some fun comic relief as well as they could have portrayed a greater struggle he could have had between good and evil due to his rock star status within his entertaining.

The movie keeps a lively pace and I never lost interest plus a fair number of laughs. Some interesting character twists with the oily young rock-star magician helping Molina, and some very funny cheeky nods to the original animated Fantasia - watch for the nod to Star Wars. Great and interesting special effects that made sense when they were used. Even the way the actors moved when they were doing magic was very good for some reason the wand-waving in Harry Potter sometimes reminds me of people using a flyswatter or shaking a bug off a stick, that didn't happen in this film.

Jon Turtletaub's direction is superb. It is a great breath of fresh air to go to a movie with action scenes that are comprehensible. He makes a great choice with it being a family movie he does not use the popular shaky camera quick edit style. While the quick edit is great for those times where you want to feel apart of the action it is nice when you are able to see exactly who does what during the action sequences. The soundtrack is great and the original score by Rabin helps to catch the emotions, while at the same time using some modern music to help bring in the tough teen demographic. There are a couple of very cool special effects using Tesla coils. The only tough thing with the Tesla coils throughout the movie is that because of the movie The Prestige, whenever I think of Tesla my thoughts immediately turn to picturing David Bowie.

Overall I really enjoyed this movie. Disney gave some great homage to the original sorcerer's apprentice. The cast is top notch and really brings each and every character to life. I feel that they successfully bring characters into the film and five each one even a small amount of depth. Bruckheimer has shown his success once again. I am giving this movie three and a half buckets of popcorn out of five. This is a movie that I will be adding to my collection and I am sure it will be a fun movie to watch time and time again with my family.

-The Movie Man-

Reign of Fire

Reign of Fire is a vastly underrated movie that really never garnered much attention. Sure, it was cheesy and low budget, but the indomitable Rob Bowman didn't pull any punches in this futuristic drama about dragons. Giving a scientific edge to a creature based in fantasy, this film proved to be a rather refreshing step in science fiction, which means it won't be a well received one. Even if this film barely makes its money back, at least it leaves the door open for other fantastic ideas in the science fiction genre. Of course with a film like this it makes me laugh when people are so critical of the plot holes such as where they get this never ending fuel and such. All I have to say to those that are critical is it is a movie and it is meant to entertain, not to mention the fact that the whole movie centers around dragons. To see this movie it is important that you go into it wanting to escape reality and realize that it is meant to just simply entertain the audience.

Bale and McConaughey play their roles perfectly. Both of them show that they are able to carry films and prove so in the future. Their bipolar dynamic was especially excellent, creating tension not just in beliefs but also in culture and devotion to country.Bale plays the reluctant leader of a community who sees his sole purpose as to protect the members of the community. Having witnessed his mother's death he plays everything safe, only to finally take risks once he was finally backed into a last corner. a foil to McConaughey's American macho militarist icon. McConaughey, whose finely chiseled face can be seen staring in mirrors in `Thirteen Conversations About One Thing,' is having a lark playing a brute here, but in the moments when he isn't shouting, he gives Van Zan almost as much conviction as Bale gives Quinn.

The dragons themselves make the least interesting contribution to the film and except for the final confrontation which almost "gets there" they are really secondary to the film itself. If you were to actually record the amount of dragon "screen time" I doubt it would be 18 minutes....and most of them are not far off laughable. While the special effects were only so-so they could have given us stronger scenes with the dragons to help us understand the terror they have wreaked. Because unfortunately, we see the dragons get released, and then it goes to the world basically destroyed. I would have loved to see a little more back story into the destruction and the rise to all the dragons. . Curiously, that aspect alone should have wrecked it for me...but it didn't - I found the "wasteland asharamas" totally credible and involving.

While this is far from the best sci-fi and won't be talked in the same realms as some of the other sci-fi classics, Reign of Fire is very serviceable. It is always interesting to go back and see movie that may have been overlooked and see how some of the characters have become Hollywood heavy hitters. Bale gave a strong performance and this is definitely a movie that one can enjoy from time to time. I am giving Reign of Fire three buckets of popcorn out of five. While this is not a must have movie, it is one that I would make time to see.

-The Movie Man-

The Dark Knight

I think with this movie review I could take away the title and also take away the movie poster and just simply say the phrase "Why so serious?" and you will immediately know what amazing movie I am reviewing is that of The Dark Knight. Nolan picks up right where he left off from Batman Begins, but while the first one was dark and gritty, he took this one another step further with the nemesis of the Joker. The Dark Knight is more then just a movie it is a phenomenal piece of art. Everything in this movie from the scale, to the acting, the atmosphere, the music, the action, it's all art. I have not experienced this level of greatness in a movie in a long time. This film is the darkest Batman, as well as one of the darkest, most gripping films, ever made.

Bale continues his gritty portrayal and does an excellent job as our caped crusader, who has a flawed personality that hangs on the balance between righteous and crazy. His perception of justice causes an emotional and personal shift, whether he is a rich guy who fights crime in a suit or just a regular guy who is sick of all the injustice in Gotham City and decides to give the psychopaths a dose of their own medicine. Because of this, and Bale's tremendous acting, the Bruce Wayne character is justified, and we, the audience, emphasizes with Bale's flawed hero. Bale plays the role of righteousness versus insanity in such a way that it plays so well together.

Ledger though is the real star of this show, as he steals the show with every scene that he is in as the villainous Joker. This rendition of the Joker though is like no other before and is truly the best. Ledger's portrayal of the Joker is downright evil, psychotic, corrupt, insane and even a little terrifying. With a more scary then funny rendition, he shows audiences the Joker is undoubtedly Batman's greatest foe and his perfect nemesis as he challenges Batman every step of the way. With his cynical smile and his proclaiming that Batman is a freak to the public just like him. This helps to show us the reason behind Bruce Wayne's struggle with the balance of righteousness. Ledger though makes this role legendary. 

The cinematography is truly some of the most amazing scenes. The cities of Gotham and Hong Kong are  

wide, yet there is this dark aura of crime and corruption all around of them. It really blends in well with the film, giving it a distinct and unique look. Quite simply, this is the best Gotham city in any Batman rendition. Wally Pfister has done an excellent job. To accompany the atmosphere is the tremendous music score by movie music maestros, James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer. With talents like these, the score is unforgettable. It is tension-building at times, and throbbing and glorious yet dark/moody during others.

Nolan has done it again. Nolan has made his "I will always be remembered" movie, this is the crown jewel in his portfolio. Perfect directing, perfect story, perfect balance between action and drama, everything is perfect. The dramatic scenes are engaging and the action sequences are crisp, thrilling, and will blow you out of your seat. Nolan's direction is tense, whip-smart, kinetic and smart. All of the action sequences are realistic, "bombastic", and CGI is used only when necessary (Steve Spielberg and George Lucas, take note). The new vehicle and some gadgets look cool and stylish and do not take away the film's credibility and realism. There are a lot of action sequences to boot, some of them combining themes from above. You will have to see them to believe them. The brothers Nolan have done it again.

Seriously, to me this film does not have a single flaw in it that I can see.  After having seen this movie and knowing how amazing of an improvement this film was I am truly looking forward to seeing what Nolan and Bale do in the third installment. For the perfect acting, amazing cinematography and the fact that this movie truly is a masterful piece of art I am giving this movie five buckets of popcorn out of five. This is a truly must have DVD.

-The Movie Man-

The Prestige

The Prestige takes us back to recreate a period in show business at the turn of the century in which the competition between magicians was intense and serious. Much of the film rings true as the lead characters go to the point of an all consuming obsession to outdo all others and to become the best. It's an easy step to accept that such unwavering determination spills over into deadly territory, as rival magicians suave Robert Angier and audacious Alfred Borden each seek to wreak continuing revenge upon the other.

The story, although adapted from a novel, really feels like the perfect fit for Nolan, as the machinations of the two men become increasingly convoluted and blinded by their egos as the back and forth matching of wits that will keep you guessing. As the game grows increasingly deadly, and threatens to consume all they love, the film becomes a fascinating study in single-mindedness. The introduction of Tesla adds yet another twist, as the film shifts from real-but-possible stage illusion to steam-punkish sci-fi. This transition is a hard note to pull off, since the beginning of the film doesn't quite suggest such a direction, but if you're willing to let Nolan lead you on the journey into increasingly fantastic realms.

Jackman and Bale give amazingly strong performances that make the viewer feel the full emotions of the two magicians as they move done this path that almost makes you feel pity for each character. Hugh Jackman was excellent as the angry, obsessive magician trying to gain back his life by revenge. Christian Bale was equally impressive as the mystifying, secretive showman, never letting out his secrets until necessary. Michael Caine rocked in supporting everyone else's parts with his curiosity. For me the greatest surprise in this movie was that of the acting of Rebecca Hall as the wife of Borden, she ends up giving such a strong performance that really Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of Olivia ends up being very flat and almost forgettable. The oddest casting though was that of David Bowie as Tesla. I felt that the superstar status of Bowie really takes away from the part in many respects, but in the end I was really surprised at how great of a job Bowie did and that he really gave a great showing of the eccentricities in his portrayal of Tesla.

The writing on this film was superb. While it had its moments where the dialogue was cheesy, especially during a lot of Johansson's lines, for the most part Bale and Jackman are amazing with their delivery of lines, and really play so well off one another. I think though for such a great movie that does such a great job at being amazingly suspenseful, it has one line that is going to be so memorable that for me nothing brings such great chills as the simple phrase "Are you watching closely."

This movie is a solid on the edge of your seat thriller that will entertain all movie viewers no matter what types of genres they prefer. For solid performance and great direction by Nolan I am giving this movie three and a half buckets of popcorn out of five. This is definitely a movie that the serious movie watchers need to have.

-The Movie Man-

Batman Begins

After what I would call to be definite failures in the Batman franchise following Kilmer and Clooney's stints as Batman. The story is as good an origin story as you'll find - covering all the major (true-to-the-comic) events, and not wasting ages on them. We see Wayne's all-important training period and his connection to the Tibetan shadow-ninja clan led by Ra's Al Ghul. We see Bruce come up with ideas for his symbol, his costume, his gadgets, his car, his cave - it all fits so perfectly. Batman has always been my favorite superhero and so it has been great to see Batman come back with a great vengeance.

At the time of the releasing of Batman Begins I had never heard of the director Christopher Nolan, yet after seeing this movie I can definitively say that Nolan's directing surpasses that of Tim Burton's version of Batman. While a lot may say that is sacrilegious to go against Tim Burton's Batman, his Batman was still very cartoony and very over the top. One of the strongest features for Batman Begins is that it manages to be able to suck us in to believing that a superhero like Batman could be a reality one day. The technology is current, and we are not allowed to forget that Batman is still a flawed man under the costume who is not invincible like we can get sucked into so easily with a superhero movie.

For me the greatest aspect of this movie is that with it being an origin movie it is more of a focus on the character of Bruce Wayne and not just Batman. the movie focuses on the years of training and preparation to becoming Batman. You are almost teased throughout the first half of the movie, waiting to see the excellent Christian Bale in the costume, as it keeps holding back to keep you in anticipation. When Batman does finally turn up on screen, it is well worth the wait. In my opinion, Bale was born for this role and for the first time when watching a Batman film, I enjoyed the scenes of Wayne being Wayne as much as Wayne being Batman.

It is amazing the cast that they got for this movie such an all star cast. Everyone shines in there roles and really all the different characters do a great job at being solid without taking from anyone else in the scenes. For the comic book fans Bale's portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman is what they all long for a dark, brooding and tortured by his past, yet the hero we have come to love. Cillian Murphy plays an amazingly creepy, mad nemesis who has some outstanding scary effects.

The musical score provide by James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer give a great score to accompany this movie. The thing that makes the score so powerful is that it does anything but overpower any of the scenes. The music is so subtle throughout the film that you barely notice it, yet it does one of the greatest things that music can do to us and that is enhance our emotions and feelings, which they are able to successfully enhance and boost the scenes.

This is not only just one of my favorite superhero movies but one of my favorite movies. The performances are amazing and Bale restores the power that Batman can bring to the theater. I love the new dark, gritty Batman that is more centered on the real life and not with all the outrageous over the top parts taken away. I am giving this movie four buckets of popcorn out of five. This is definitely a must have for anyone that is a true movie fan and any collection is not complete without it.

-The Movie Man-