15.5.12

Movie Ravings, Once Again

Before I get to the movies, I must apologise for my previous hair rant... I am actually (it turns out) very pleased with the cut! (see attached smug photo) I seem to always have a problem with the styling, post-cut. I'm sensitive that way.
But, moving on...

2 movies in 2 weeks- not too shabby for someone who proclaims decent movies are rare nowadays. That might be so, but that doesn't stop me from guzzling down fizzies (or O.J.) and munching away on instant cavities popcorn. 

Source- Illustration by Scott C.
The Avengers, that box-office phenomenon of the moment. The IT movie, if you will.
When I first saw the trailer, it didn't entice me much- much less in 3D. Action movies in 3D are a sure way to send someone to the bathroom (motion sickness, anyone?).

To my surprise, having no real expectations, I really enjoyed it. I liked it so much I 'joke' with my mom that I'd go see it again.* 
Sure, there're a lot of explosions (LOUD NOISES), but there are also good looking men on screen, ladies. Needless to say, Chris Evans' tushie... Oof. And Scarlett Johansson- that's a real fucking woman kicking ass on screen. Black Widow FTW.

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I thought the casting was superb, especially Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Edward Norton and Eric Bana? Ppffff). 
I especially liked how human these superheroes come across, the egos clashing and subsisting.**  
And the banter! I love me some good ol' back and forth dialogue (when done correctly, of course). And when you've got Robert Downey Jr. on board, you can't really go wrong with it.
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Doth mother know you weareth her drapes?
Speaking of Tony Stark, I must admit I was a little obsessed with his Black Sabbath shirt. I kind of want one.
from Tumblr
So, well done, Joss Whedon. I now want to watch all other superhero movies (and Sherlock Holmes...). Which brings me to this question: How was I unawares that Kenneth Branagh directed the Thor movie? (Not that I'm a big fan or anything- and no, that's not sarcasm...) 

Apparently they've already given the green light on The Avengers 2. I say they bring in Austin Powers to that one. It would be all kinds of groovy.

Ah, groovy. The 70's were played as pretty darn groovy in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows.
from Tumblr
The opening title sequence was one of my favourite bits of the movie, mainly because they used Moody Blues' Nights in White Satin***(Casino, anyone?). A thoughtful Bella Heathcote, with that beautiful face of hers, on a train with lush pine landscapes and that song... Trippy, on a non-hallucinogenic level.
It also managed to set the tone of the movie: a little nostalgia**** and a little eeriness.

Don't let the trailer fool you, as it did me. Yeah, the film has its funny-haha moments, but Tim Burton doesn't stray from the vampiric "darkness realm". 
This is no battle of good vs. evil. The Collins' are as dysfunctional as any other family and full of secrets too.
There is also plenty of (bright red) blood and sex! 

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The sex leads me to none other than the wonderfully 'evil', Eva Green. Her performance is, by far, the most outstanding in the film. She handles sexy, bizarre and 'evil' effortlessly and takes over the scene when on screen. Her gaze and her physicality add that extra layer to her character. 
Her costumes were some of my favourite too. This ensemble in the picture, especially. That shirt and skirt... *sigh* And the red sequined dress!
Danny Elfman's score was eclipsed by the spectacular soundtrack, in my opinion. I'm a big fan of his work (and partnership with Burton), but I did not leave the theatre with any resounding glockenspiel/choral tunes in my head. Alice Cooper also might've had something to do with the score eclipsing... Cooper was phenomenal. How weird was it seeing him be himself in the 70's? I mean, he's a little wrinklier now.

Tim Burton is one of my favourite directors, but after Alice in Wonderland I had lost a little faith in him.   I fell asleep while watching AiW in the movie theaters, IMAX and all. I wept a little inside afterwards, feeling like both the betrayed and 'betrayer'. It's good to be back on good terms with him. 
The lovebirds. From IMDb
Seriously though. If there's anybody's vision I admire, believe in and love, it's Mr. Burton's.

On a 'villian-y' note: I say there should be a 'crazy eyes' staring competition between Evan Green and Tom Hiddleston. Right?

If you're looking for a fun time, I recommend The Avengers. 
If you're looking for a somewhat magical and dark fun, Dark Shadows is the one.

Have you seen any of the two or both? What did you think?

* Yeah, my jokes are lacking- ah, but truth in them, there is!
** When I think of humanised super heroes, this Kill Bill bit comes to mind...
*** I've had a mild obsession with this song since I was 8 or 9, because of the background chorals/"moans".
**** Speaking of nostalgia: That first pan into the Collins' Estate was so reminiscent of Edward Scissorhands' home.

2 comments:

  1. Hmmm, I'm intrigued. I can't wait to go see Dark Shadows (Johnny Depp + Tim Burton? Of course) and I've heard so many good things about The Avengers that I think I need to see that now too xD
    (Of course two good movies would come out at the same time, when there haven't been any for months...)

    Zia

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    1. I know- that always seems to happen! (two good movies coming out at once).
      If you watch them, let me know what you think :)

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