Wednesday, December 26, 2007

The Kingdom/I Am Legend


Saw both of these fine movies this week. Both were a lot better than I thoughted.

I Am Legend - This was a solid movie. NOT an overblown action mess, it didn't have all that much action, although it had plenty of thrilling sequences, and plot-wise, they were perfect. I liked Will Smith in this a lot. The guy can act, and has a hell of a sense of good projects (next Summer's HANCOCK looks great and will make at least 250 million). Special mention of the evacuation scenes - probably a bit too realistic. Yikes.

Anyways, a lot of this movie is bleak as hell. From the empty streets to the emotional rollercoaster he goes through. It's worth taking a look at.

The Kingdom - Not a perfect movie but well-crafted. Peter Berg is a helluva director. Some terrific sequences here, real kick-ass stuff. The stand-outs to me were Jamie Foxx & Chris Cooper, plus their "Guide" that escorts them around. Jennifer Garner & Jason Bateman were good as usual, however, for the most part their characters didn't have much of a purpose to actually be there (I'm sure in the orignal script they had more to do). Regardless, another good flick worth your cashola.

Next on me list: Before The Devil Knows You're Dead, There Will Be Blood, Juno, and No Country For Old Men.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Really loved No Country, but...that ending...why so confusing from such competent filmmakers?

And...what's w/the continual Bateman/Garner pairing? (I just saw Juno...)...w/such duplication, they're really not helping in the worldwide efforts to make it easier to play the Kevin Bacon Game...kind of selfish, really.

Recovering Booth Rat said...

How was the No Country ending confusing? I thought it made perfect sense.

Anonymous said...

I loved when Will chased the dog into that dark building, how tense it was and then the glimpse of the things...

Patrick J. Rodio said...

MQ - Great scene. Had me soiling myself.

Soth & Matt - I've heard that the ending isn't quite what you'd expect. I'll give you my take as soon as I see it.

Ryan Rasmussen said...

I haven't seen The Kingdom...what do you think of Peter Berg directing the remake of Dune?