Beowulf

Story-wise, nothing novel. Animation-wise, pretty impressive. It’s sure been a long way from Polar Express, and if Zemeckis keeps making and directing movies this way, maybe someday we won’t need any Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt anymore, but some of those manga or comic characters might do enough. Perhaps.

I found the physical characterization of the male characters more humanlike that the female, notably on the old Wealthow and Hrothgar. I think it’s got something to do with the accentuated aging lines (and they being lead characters)? I didn’t see the female ones so “real” though, maybe because there were little to tamper with the faces. Everytime I think back of the petite “bed woman” (whatever her name is), my mind forms the picture of Fiona from Shrek. Don’t know why. Even Jolie’s lips didn’t look so full as the real ones. (We girls like to pick on her lips.)

One thing I find a little eerie about this movie is the lack of score in some scenes. I know it’s CG and all, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to cue in some melodies, instead of total quietness. (Had some uncomfortable moments trying to chew snacks.)

As a side comment, I begin to see a new pattern of Hollywood movies showcasing machismo. Repetitive yells of self-pronounced statement that would do its effect once. Like, in this case, “I AM BEOWULF”. Not too long ago in March, there was a similar case of “THIS IS SPARTA”, remember? Is it really necessary anyway? I recall Arnold only said “I’ll be back” once and the quote still lasts until this day.

Props for the CG. 4/5.

Transformers

If there’s one movie you should not miss this year, it must be Transformers. At last, a summer movie that lives up to its hype, and delivers it exceptionally. CGI is finally utilized to the best. I didn’t think I’d ever say that, but honestly, what do you expect to see when you hear it’s a movie about vehicle-transforming robots waging a war on earth? 2-D animation ala The Simpsons?

The action is done so well I could forgo making snide comments about the busybody role of U.S. DoD (why always the imprint of “patriotic” involvement?). Even though the military is a crucial part of the story, still, hey, it’s Robots vs. Robots, and that’s what I came to see. The fighter jets may come and save the day, but I’m pretty sure Optimus Prime would triumph even without them. Jeez, even the names sound so dorky: Megatron! Starscream! Bonecrusher! Jazz(?) Bumblebee (????). I’m lovin’ it anyway. Megatron looks like a real mean badass, while Optimus Prime and his robotic voice sounds like… something from my youth.

I prepared to be repulsed by the teenage factor, i.e. Shia LeBeouf, yet actually was impressed that this guy could pull off the role without being annoying throughout. Even more impressed later to see Jon Voight, playing the Secretary of DoD, lurching defensively to fight off a robot called Frenzy with a shotgun… The humor was all right if not ridiculous, but I find it easy to overlook. Just like the whole damn thing if it wasn’t for the CGI.

4.5/5.

Cars

I thought I wouldn’t like Cars as much as I do with other Pixar’s animations because (1) I don’t like cars, (2) I don’t care about race cars, (3) I couldn’t make up my mind about talking cars. What happened? I still don’t like Cars, but as usual in Pixar style, the visual impressed me. When the end credits started to roll and I was getting up from my seat, for a split second I thought I was seeing a picture of real cars in a real mountainous background. There was a scene or two that paced my heartbeat up a little, but that’s all. The rest of the story is crafted for kids’ excitement (and moral-shaping).

In Cars, vehicles run the show. There are cars in every shape and models, chopper, tractors, and even car flies (basically little cars given wings). I don’t recall any motorcycle though. This idea of inanimate objects living in a world without human existence despite a set so similar to that of human’s is a bit hard to grasp. Take the tractors representing cows, for example. Must they be portrayed like what cows are generally perceived–stupid? Speaking of which, while we may agree that roads are necessary for characters in Cars, what are the tractors doing there? What’s the farm for? Organic fuel? The characters are so stereotypical as well. A Porsche is a lawyer. A rusty old truck is a hillbilly. The Dinoco chicks are Mazda Miatas. Of course, a hotshot race car like Lightning McQueen has to get a partner with gears equal to his, right?

Lightning McQueen is an ass (and the toy maker seems to agree with me: what’s with the sneer there?). He’s being an ass in almost the entire course of the movie. I think the redemption came too late for him to be an endearing character like, say, Nemo (or Nemo’s dad), but with a story line such as this, it was to be expected. In additon, I also hate Owen Wilson’s “ka-chow” and later copied by Michael Keaton’s Chick Hicks’ “ka-chika-chika” (wtf? so annoying). Overall there’s nothing surprising about the characters. I wish the car flies could talk though, but apparently it’s still too far-fetched even in the realm of Cars.

Well, my suggestion is not to care too much about the story. Appreciate the picture itself, because it’s harder to make it than to develop the story. That being said, expect some extras before the movie. I’m rather excited by the teaser trailer of the next Pixar’s release, Ratatouille. Talking animals! Foods!

3.5/4.

Ice Age 2: The Meltdown

So, Scrat and his acorn are back. He's got a larger portion of appearance this time, and the herd is getting some new additions, too! (a mammoth who thinks she is a possum and… well, two real acrobatic possums) Instead of a journey to return a human baby, this time around they need to get to the other side of the "big bowl"–the valley they're living in. Yes, the ice is thawing, and the dam is breaking, carrying along two unidentified nasty beasts presumably from pre-Ice Age. What's more? There's a flock of vultures preying the herd, lots of them dancing and singing ala Broadway "food, glorious fooooood…". Because I just recently watched Ice Age, I believe I like The Meltdown better, as most animation sequels usually are.

One thing I didn't expect to discover is John Powell's lively music composition. Unlike other animated features, there are more than just music suited to slapstick/action-of-the-moment scenes. I never really listened to Randy Newman's Toy Story score because I think besides the You've Got A Friend In Me track, it's easily forgettable. Hans Zimmer's Spirit contains some one or two great themes, but with Bryan Adams collaborating and taking over most of the songs, I'm not really satisfied with the album. From what I read, John Powell took the helm of composing from David Newman who worked in the previous Ice Age. I'm glad he did, because I can't remember anything special from Newman. There are a few minutes of touchy moments in the movie, and Powell's cues came in appropriately strong with the right sentiments. I notice two main themes in the movie, the first one is distinctly defined in the scene where Ellie remembers her youth; the second one heard repeatedly throughout the movie, prominently in the beginning; it's a bit jazzy and lasts less than ten seconds. Oh, and the extra song sung by the abovementioned vultures is a charming bonus. :)

Take kids to watch it. They'd be delighted. 4/5.

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Not as funny as I supposed before, but the domestic setting and the vege-loving people, and the bunnies… and Gromit! awww, they’re so cute, so original, so silly!

Hmmm.. makes me crave for a bowl of carrot soup. (I do love carrots.)

Am not really a fan of clay animation. But Wallace & Gromit sure beat Corpse Bride in terms of story and the characters itself. Before the movie, they played a short 10-minute feature from Madagascar, starring the wacky penguins who appeared to wish us merry christmas. Well, thanks, Dreamworks. Your animated movies are not so entertaining as your rival Pixar’s animations are, but I appreciate the effort.

If only they could stop playing that bloody “turn your mobile off” ad from that stupid Chicken Little thing.

Gromit, I love you, therefore I’m rating you guys 3.5/5.