Reviews With Mike Furches: August 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

Smallville Season 8

Okay let me make it clear right off the bat; I Have been a fan of Smallville since season one. While I am a fan of the Superman saga, I am not so uptight on Superman that I was offended as some loyal fans are with the concept of Smallville. Frankly, I believe the series has done a rather good job of staying true to the Superman storyline. While there are at times concepts that are more unique to the Smallville story than to the original Superman series, I believe, that as a whole, this has added to the Superman saga more than taken away from it. I believe the series has even increased the fold of fans. I like this series so much that I need to give a disclaimer, I have watched every episode, every special feature of every season since season one, I even belong to several groups that have followed the series in detail.

One of the reasons I have loved the series is the excellent production. Smallville seems more like a lengthy movie than a television series. The reproduction has been rewarding, for fans of the series, they will be very satisfied with the DVD’s. Over the years the DVD’s have done a great job at giving the fans more, season eight is no let down in this area. Fans will be pleased that the series has worked to make the DVD’s even more fan friendly and the reproduction, art work, inserts and more are extremely well done and satisfying. I wish other television series and other boxed sets did as good a job at giving the fans more. The DVD set is so satisfying in fact, that for those who have already seen the series on television, they will be pleased they purchased the DVD’s.

While the series is well done the one thing that starts to lack in season eight is the story itself. Missing in season eight are several notable characters. With no clear story as to what has happened with the characters we as viewers are left somewhat in the dark. I have to give credit though, the story does a good job of trying to fill in holes and we even see the return of several characters from seasons past. The primary character, Clark Kent is back and Tom Welling is as good as ever. In some ways he continues to grow up and we see the transformation continue in the life of Clark Kent. I must say though; it is here, in the character of Clark Kent, that I believe, even though I am not a die hard Superman fan as some are, begin to have some issues with the story line.

One of the early signatures of Smallville from the makers is we would never see Clark wear the Superman suit or fly. While the producers have skirted around that, and even in some ways broken their promise, the story line is developing in such a way that either they can’t keep their promise at all, or they continue to deviate in such a way from the original Superman that they change the entire storyline. For many fans, even fair weather fans, this may end up being totally unacceptable. They need either end the series and stand on its own merit, which it can, or start a new series with the same characters either in the mode of Lois and Clark or an entire new Superman series. Frankly, I enjoy the characters, but I would rather the series end than continue in the way it has. It detracts from the original concept of Superman too much. I would love to see a new series, either Lois and Clark or Superman, it is time and Smallville is at a place this needs to happen. Unfortunately if it don’t happen, then Smallville begins, and according to some, already has, loose credibility.

There are so many things about the character of Clark Kent I love. Actually Clark Kent is not the primary character, he is really the alter to Superman or Kal El. It is Clark’s struggle to discover who he is, while recognizing he is more than human, even though he has an apparent human body. There are obvious efforts at making the comparisons to Jesus Christ in the series, this becomes clear when watching the special features and listening to the directors’ commentary. This helped me think about the difficulty Jesus had to go through. We see struggles in the life of Clark Kent portrayed in a way that mirrors the person of Jesus Christ. Clark Kent tries to cope and come to an acceptable conclusion as to who he is, what it means to take a stand to do what is right and ultimately his purpose.

In the concept of learning to accept ones responsibility; season eight of Smallville succeeds. We see Clark Kent more than in any other season come to understand that he can’t sit back and not use his gifts, and powers to help those in need. It is in this struggle that we can all relate. Do we sit back and not change the things we can, or do we make a difference. Season 8, using characters in the early formation of the Justice League, along with long time friends helps Clark with his inner struggles in this search.

I love Smallville, I am anxiously awaiting season nine, but I want the saga of Clark Kent in regards to Smallville to come to an end. I am ready to see Tom Welling take the character to the next level, I am ready for Superman.

I must also comment on the product itself. This is a series that gives the fans what they want in product, I am grateful for that. Not only do we have what we want, it is also affordable. If you haven’t started watching the series, go back and get season one. I promise, it won’t take long for you to discover what I am speaking of and I believe you will also fall in love with the series. Smallville is a wonderful series that thankfully has up to this point, not forgotten the fans.

While I don’t normally give a rating to DVD seasons I will here, for season eight, I give an enjoyable 8.

The following is a clip from season 8 episode 1. It all gets better from here. If the video appears just click on it, otherwise, just click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0q3xfH87Gk

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Friday, August 21, 2009

Inglourious Basterds

If Quentin Tarantino were a politician, there would be no ifs, ands, or buts about it; he would be the unequaled king of sound bites. There is simply put, no single director or writer that in my opinion has the ability to write, or direct a more memorable short sequence in movies. I would go so far as to say, it is possible that there has never been anyone more skilled at creating short memorable scenes than Quentin Tarantino. Unfortunately, while those types of things make memorable movie scenes, while they make lasting memories, and incredible movie trailers, they don’t necessarily make great movies, and for many, that has been one of the criticisms of Mr. Tarantino by many of the movie going audience. Of course many of those have never sat through a full length Tarantino movie and for those who go expecting nothing but blood, gore, in your face language and shocking reality, they have missed out on an incredible talent Tarantino has, and in my opinion don’t get nearly enough credit for, he also knows how to tell a memorable story.

Inglourious Basterds is a story that takes in World War 2 France. In the opening sequences we see the German SS troops come upon a small country dairy farm where a father is questioned about harboring Jews. It doesn’t take long before we see the father give in and the Nazi “Jew Finder,” Colonel Hans played with evil delight by Christoph Waltz shows that he is not a man to be trusted.

One of the young Jewish girls hiding underneath the floorboards, Shosanna Dreyfus, escapes and we later see her in the picture as a theater owner.
Tarantino using an unusual style in having various acts, or stages in the movie goes next to a sequence featuring The Inglourious Basterds commanded by Lt. Aldo Raine played brilliantly by Brad Pitt. Let me make clear here, this role for Ptt, while not as long as I would have thought from the advance trailers of the movie, is by and far my favorite character for Pitt in any movie up until this film. He plays in a absolute terrifying comedic way the role of Tennessee native Aldo Raine. He has one goal, one purpose, to kill Nazis. In the process he wants 100 scalps from each of the men under his command, and he does mean real scalps, and for those very, very few, who live, he wants to make sure he and his men leave a lasting impression to let the whole world know they once served for the SS in the Nazi regime.

Eventually, while the characters portrayed in the two primary roles never meet, they do by happenstance have the same goals, which ultimately result in them taking part in some history changing movie magic. In the process, the viewer is taken through an almost operatic telling of not only part history, but part what if. In other words we have an impression of the brilliantly, twisted mind of Quentin Tarantino telling us what could have been if these characters and events had lived in the way he presents. It is what makes movies magical, and it is one of the things that make Tarantino brilliant.

Now before this gets to sounding like a Quentin Tarantino man crush, let me make clear a few things, while I have the utmost respect for Tarantino, while I enjoyed this movie, while I got caught up in the hype, I have to say, this isn’t my favorite Tarantino film as many have hyped. In fact I don’t even know if this is among the top 3 or four.

In typical, and for many, unknown, Tarantino style we see a lot of dialog in Inglourious Basterds. In most of Tarantino’s movies this leads to some interesting character development. For whatever reason, this doesn’t seem to occur here. We go through the movie not really knowing and having an understanding of the characters. This is especially true for Lt. Aldo Raine. There are other characters though where this is the case, remember it isn’t just Lt Aldo Raine, there are a number of Inglourious Basterds but unfortunately, we don’t really know that much about any of them. Only that they are Jewish and a few of them have a reputation. The jumping back and forth between stories didn’t quite work for me either, that is until the stories merged. On this point, let me make clear, I think that while Tarantino has done this type of thing before, I don’t think there were as many transitions in his films. I think one of the story arcs could have been left out to leave more room for character development.

Inglourious Basterds presents a side of evil that in many ways resembles real evil. I couldn’t help but notice that evil, when confronted with revenge and hate, even with the guise of justice, often becomes a blurred image confusing reality. I can’t help but think of Jesus teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. If someone is angry at their brother they are just as guilty as the murderer. I found myself having a hard time enjoying the evil being perpetuated against even the evil characters in the film. I think that is a part of what Tarantino tries to do though, that is to confront at times particular common notions of things like justice through violence. I am not sure as Tarantino marches to the beat of a different drummer, it is one of the reasons I like his work he is so hard to figure out, yet so dedicated to his work.

I liked Inglourious Basterds, it was worth the price of admission just to see Brad Pitt. Those sound bites, those short lines and scenes will be one of the enjoyable things about this movie that I remember. Seeing a scene where he speaks Italian in a Tennessee accent to a German officer is hilarious. There were a surprising number of scenes that had the audience laughing. Yet, I have to admit, I was disappointed, maybe it was the idiot sitting in front of me that kept using his cell, or if it was just the lack of character development, I am not sure, I just know that for me, compared to the other Tarantino films, either as an actor, writer, director or producer, I can personally think of several of them that I liked more. It was still worth it though, because even when a genius is off a little bit, you are still in for something special, and that is certainly the case with Inglourious Basterds.

On a scale of 1 – 10, start with a ten, take a way the three stooges which he loves, and you end up with a rather enjoyable 7.

The following is a trailer from the movie Inglourious Basterds, just click on teh video, if the video don't work, click on the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02OD8YnzzmE

Interview with Brad Pitt on the Today Show from France
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YloLnrITsyw

Saturday, August 15, 2009

District 9

On the tails of one of the worst movies of the summer, and one of the worst science fiction films I have seen in years comes a breath of fresh air. Simply put, District 9 gobbles up and blows to bits the lack luster film GI Joe. For those daring to see the two films, you will see unfortunately what science fiction has become in GI Joe, and what it used to be in all of its amazing glory in District 9. This film directed by Neill Blomkamp, reflects on his childhood in South Africa. District 9 gives a reminder of the horror from the years of Apartheid, but a haunting revelation that the actions of prejudice, hatred, and lack of compassion still exist.

Since I am into comparisons today, I will discuss the concept of special effects. It seems as if many movies are driven on visual, especially CGI special effects. Unfortunately in many of those stories we loose the concept of story; it is as if what we are seeing on screen has as much nutritional benefit as a candy bar from the grocery store line. Yet somewhere, even though we enjoy the candy, we know there is a gourmet meal awaiting us that would cause us to reflect on the great Julia Childs. District 9 is such a film, we may enjoy the candy, may even prefer the candy, but once we bite into that wonderful full course meal we like to stay seated around the table because not only has the food been exquisite, but the time, company and surroundings have been life touching. That is what we can obtain from District 9. For many, they may not like a full course meal as much as a snickers bar, but the truth is, we all know the well balanced meal is better for us.

District 9 never forgets the concept of what it is, even with its unique presentation. The movie starts off in what appears to be a documentary, following the lines of many recent films such as Quarantine, The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield, and others. Yet it transforms quickly from what appears to be a news broadcast to a full blown motion picture that flows and draws the viewer in, in epic proportions. The largely unknown cast helps bring this perspective to a point of reality. While there are more than enough gross out moments of blood, gore, and brutality, that helps drive home the horror of oppression. We also see aliens, referred to as Prawns in all their glory, in all their oppression. I won’t tell you what role they take, but what I will say is don’t go into the film expecting some lackluster CGI driven effect movie without story, without intent to challenge your brain to think outside the box.

Technically District 9 is near perfect. From the direction of Blomkamp, the use of sound, visual cinematography, a haunting concept, and brilliant acting from a cast, many of whom have never acted. This includes the leading role of Wikus played brilliantly by Sharlto Copley takes on everything in this movie. He plays the part of an insecure happy go lucky guy recently promoted on his job to oversee the transfer of District 9 a refugee camp for aliens who arrived some 20 years earlier to a place outside of the Johannesburg City Limits. We see him go through every gambit of emotion and ultimately develop to a sort of super hero figure while all along the way displaying deep human emotion. We see this character, this movie; develop along the way of this fascinating 2 hour film.

One of the beautiful things about District 9 is we see a character change, a character who ultimately becomes both human and alien. He ultimately has the ability to bring about change and instead of running from his responsibility to redeem the poor, stand up for the unjust, and be an instrument of salvation; he takes on the challenge, but at a great cost. We see displayed on screen a true Messiah Figure which will bring about deliverance in the manner of Jesus Christ. In that process we see the importance and reminder for each of us; we see the attempt to provide salvation, a transfiguration and a deliverer to the poor. I don’t know the intent of Blomkamp in his writing and direction of District 9, but there are ample spiritual reminders that seem to resemble awful closely the historical figure of Jesus Christ. What we see is bloody, violent, and heartbreaking, so don’t think this is your average Sunday school savior portrayed on screen, it isn’t, but it is a character many correlations can be drawn from. It is one of the beautiful aspects of quality and real science fiction, it draws from real experience and real knowledge to draw spiritual truth, whether the oppression to the poor, or the need to stand up and speak out against atrocities that plague society, unjust governments, overly aggressive militaries or any other form of atrocity you can think of that exists in society.

District 9 is a special kind of film. It respects the origins of its style, involves the best of all worlds, including special effects, quality acting, and thank goodness, a great story. I will see this film again, likely in the theaters to experience again, one of the closest things to a perfect film this summer. I hope the movie brings people back to a point of reality, it is a prime example of how a movie can incorporate entertainment, special effects, and more while at the same time provide meaning to the movie going experience. This is easily one of the best movies of the summer, it is certainly an early Oscar© contender for 2010. I only hope fans give it a chance, with the entertaining marketing campaign for the movie I think they will get them into the seats early on, the reviews and word of mouth hopefully keep it beyond that. District 9 is a great film, addressing serious issues during a time where we could use the reminders of all that is going on around us, from aggressive politicians who care little about the people, to a society ignoring the needs of the poor, including those in need of health care, and a society where we justify the doing of harm to others based on our own individual needs which bring pleasure to us. District 9 will take you beyond a I don’t give a damn attitude, to a place where maybe, just maybe, we can consider which side of the fence we stand on, a me versus them attitude or a place where we consider taking on the concepts of God in all religions to care for the poor and less fortunate amongst us. Of course in a society where individuals have become God which can establish their own set of guidelines, we run into the risk of seeing the danger of doing nothing. I can only hope and pray that the society we largely see in District 9 is not a true representation of who we are.

In a closing note, today I don’t have a lot of hope as I see a community of people in Wichita Kansas opposing the development of a new center in Wichita to feed the homeless. It seems as if they would rather have the liquor stores in their communities and have nothing to do with helping the poor by the establishment of an additional feeding program for the homeless because it will make their neighborhood look bad. I guess we all live in our own Johannesburg’s we all have a part of an Apartheid system where we can stand around and do nothing. May God help us all!

On a scale of 1 – 10 for the near perfection I give a very enthusiastic 9 for Disctrict 9.

The following is the original short film that District 9 was based on. Click on the link below if the video don't appear below, if the video appears, click on the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlgtbEdqVsk

The following is a HD Movie Trailer for District 9, click on the link if the video don't appear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Cy9u_-O54

The following is a Com-Con Panel Discussion on the film, Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD-y6pUh610

Com-Con Panel Discussion Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1asS_rCRGA

Com-Con Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSQ268HLc0o

Com-Con Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6CRUwtvoc8

Monday, August 10, 2009

GI Joe The Rise of Cobra

GI Joe, an American hero. At least that is how I remember it growing up playing with the ever popular GI Joe toys. Most of us have heard stories about baseball cards or sporting cards of some sort being given away by parents; while I have some of those experiences, one that still stings is the giving away of the original GI Joe box of toys I had as a child. Being a child that cherished the American soldier, having family serve for generations I respected everything the early toy, comic, and concept represented. It was true to the respect due the fighting men and women who chose to wear the uniform of the American Soldier. GI Joe, if anything was an American loving, American soldier. My how times have changed!

Hasbro the company behind GI Joe has now ventured into the movie making business. This live action cartoon is just that, a cartoon. The direction has little if any character development and while we have enough special effects on screen to keep us somewhat entertained, it still falls far short. There are no exceptional sequences in the film, even in the special effects driven script. Unfortunately, there are so many holes in the plot that I quickly lost interest in the special effects driven scenes. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only problem with this flick. How bad was it? Let me say this, next to this summers other comic action flick, Transformers 2, Transformers 2 can be considered a modern day epic. At least there is a story in that movie we can follow to entertain us alongside the special effects. Now understand here, I consider Transformers 2 a sub par film that fell far short of its predecessor.

The story in GI Joe is quite simple, a group of soldiers, known as GI Joe (more on this later) have to save the world from some metal eating virus that is being used as a point of revenge to destroy the world and have the evil doers (a term I learned from a previous president) take control of the planet. This futuristic group of soldiers must save the planet, and mixed in is a sort of love story, buddy helping, get the bad guy scenario. At least that is as good as I can determine from this experience that had me enjoying the leather recliner I was sitting in more than the movie itself. Thank God the theater not only had the large recliner for me to sit in, but was also serving 32 OZ Blue Passions for $9.

One of the issues with GI Joe is we see such poor character development that we really don’t care about the characters we see on screen. This group of soldiers resembles the now popular concepts of a United Nations Force or NATO force more than they do the GI Joe many of us grew up with. In the heartland, in the middle of America, in a city with a fairly significant military base, many parents taking their children to see this movie will be largely disappointed. In fact, that appeared to be the case at the theater I attended. Despite the Military recruiters attending the movie, having their displays set up outside such as the hummers, climbing walls, pull-up bars, football throwing targets and more, there was nothing in the film that resembles the GI Joe most parents grew up with. For many, there would be no problem with that concept, except, the concept of the historical GI Joe is specifically American, and specifically a figure many around the world looked up to. There is nothing wrong with making the story contemporary, but I for one, even as a peace loving person of faith, had issue with the commercialization of a concept that detracts from real American Heroes who earned the name GI Joe. This movie, and contemporary concept, does nothing but steal the name and idea, and uses and transforms a part of history.

With the negative implied, it doesn’t mean there are no positive aspects of the movie. We see glimpses of meaningful components, from dedicated friendships to the power to forgive and realize mistakes are displayed. These are valuable traits in a world that at times seems to be more self driven. We see legitimate sacrifices for a greater cause and the realization that love can be eternal. Now despite my attack on the concept of I believe being disrespectful to the American Soldier, this movie does show value in the concept of being world citizens. I don’t have a problem with this concept; we live in a shrinking world and need to see others in a different way where acceptance and working together is illustrated. The problem I have is again, not in these concepts, but in the concept of totally ignoring the real history of GI Joe. There is also nothing wrong with being respectful and thankful for the sacrifices made by many GI Joes who experienced and lived a life that earned them that name.

It is likely very clear, I didn’t like this movie. It should also be clear why I didn’t like it. I guess for me there are some things that are just sort of spiritual, sort of requiring of respect. For me, while I have differing views regarding war, the military and so forth, I believe those individuals still deserve respect for their willingness to make sacrifice. Those types of characters have been around throughout history. Presenting GI Joe in the way Hasbro does in this film is catamount to portraying King David of the Bible as a Philistine. It just isn’t right! That isn’t the only reason I had issue with the movie though, it is just plane bad, and there are far better films of this nature. I would recommend one of them, or better yet rent a video. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the truth is the truth. I ended up spending $50 for those great seats for my wife and I, a meal, and a couple of drinks, talk about feeling ripped off? That said, proceed with caution.

On a scale of 1 – 10 for the 2 good recliners, and the one good drink I will give a very, very disappointing 3 for GI Joe.

To see the trailer for the movie just click on the video below, if the video don’t appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaNs64k_2xw

Monday, August 31, 2009

Smallville Season 8

Friday, August 21, 2009

Inglourious Basterds

Saturday, August 15, 2009

District 9

Monday, August 10, 2009

GI Joe The Rise of Cobra

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