The Thinking Behind the Narnia Movies

I don't bring it up much here, but I am a major C.S. Lewis fan. His work was a major formative influence on my philosophy and theology. And I have really enjoyed the "Chronicles of Narnia"movies, despite their faults. So, I was glad to see a new interview on Christianity Today discussing Dawn Treader, and where the franchise is going next.

So what kind of reaction are you getting from those people about Dawn Treader?
There's agreement that we are getting things right thematically. In terms of Reepicheep with that Aslan-size hole in his heart, getting that right. In terms of Eustace talking about no matter how hard I tried I couldn't do it myself, the idea that redemption is something that has to be given; it can't be earned. For the most part people have agreed that we've done a good job with those themes.

Is that you, Cap?

Warner Brothers denies DVDs to NetFlix until 28 days from Release

NetFlix has been a major success story for DVDs. While services like Blockbuster have withered and died, NetFlix has continued to grow and thrive by giving customers what they want - convenient DVD rentals and streaming video. And they did so without violating the property rights of the movie studios, or strengthening illegal downloaders or pirates in general. So how are the studios rewarding them? Warner Brothers is denying them DVDs until 28 days after release. The idea is that this will force consumers to buy DVDs that they otherwise would rent once from NetFlix.

The reality? This will drive more consumers to illegal download sites, and older movies. And will decrease the pressure to buy movies that otherwise would have stayed a long time in queue. Brilliant move, Warner Brothers.

There are days I'd really support a law like this

MOVIE REVIEW: STAR TREK

MOVIE: Star Trek
MPAA RATING: [PG-13]
MOD-BLOG RATING: 4.75 out of 5

THE SHORT VERSION: A roller-coaster of a movie which starts with established Trek canon and then goes off in its own direction. Good acting, good writing, good effects, but stretches suspension-of-disbelief to its limits at times.

THE LONG VERSION: Star Trek has used up most of its 9 lives. We've had 5 series (Original Series, Next Generation, Deep Space 9, Voyager, and Enterprise), 6 original-cast movies, 4 next-generation movies, and countless spin-offs in novels, comic books, cartoons, etc. The quality of the product has steadily declined since the end of Next Generation, and skepticism from fans and non-fans has grown to unsustainable levels. So what do you do, if you are Paramount and eager not to lose this cash cow?

Apparently, you throw everything away and start over... as best you can within existing canon.

This new Star Trek movie is a reboot of the franchise which begins with a Star Trek staple - time travel. After a disaster on the home planet of the Romulans (an emotional offshoot of the Vulcans), a mining vessel goes back in time to avenge themselves upon the Federation. Their first act is to destroy the first ship they come across, which just so happens to be captained by George Kirk - father of James T. Kirk from the original series. From this kickoff point, we see the origin and development of the Original Series crew of the Enterprise through Starfeet Academy to taking their places on the bridge of the old ship. Several other key foundations of the earlier Star Trek universe are also wiped out along way, and it is made quite clear by another surprise cameo that this Star Trek is a different history than the one we knew before. Nothing is secure here, except that the Enterprise crew will come together before possibly being torn apart.

Overall, this is a solid film with a carefully thought-out story designed to be acceptable to existing Trekkies/Trekkers, but also accessible to those new to the series (or more likely, to those who grew fed up with the series long ago). The effects are amazing, including significant upgrades from the 1960s-designed Enterprise, but can be distracting at times (especially the random strobe effects that seem to appear all the time on the bridge). The actors do a great job representing the same characters as the original series, but bringing their own spin onto them. Zackary Quinto is especially memorable as Spock - believable as a young Leanard Nimoy while not being restricted to a copy of Nimoy. This film is up to a 21st century level of sexiness, and there are a few swears that parents will want to be aware of before allowing young children to see the film, but both are handled carefully and are consistent within the story.

The only major flaw in the film is the extent to which credibility is stretched at times. From the "major changes" mentioned earlier - which include a fundamental revision to all Trek canon - to mysterious technobable weapons which have no relation to any known physics, this Trek pushes the limits of audience suspension-of-disbelief at times. Likewise, coincidence upon coincidence piles up in such unlikely combinations that even the characters feel required to comment upon them. At times, this takes the audience out of the film, until the next time a phaser is fired and you are reminded this is just a popcorn flick.

MOVIE REVIEW: Fanboys

MOVIE: Fanboys
MPAA RATING: [PG-13]
MOD-BLOG RATING: 3.5 out of 5

THE SHORT VERSION: A solidly funny, if occasionally raunchy, film if you are a Star Wars fan or love one. Especially fun if you are steeped in science fiction movies, and can identify all the in-jokes and cameos.

THE LONG VERSION: I am a die-hard STAR WARS fan. I grew up in the furor and the insanity surrounding the original trilogy. I was too young to see the first one in the theater (first saw it when it came to WPIX in the late 80s) but saw both EMPIRE and JEDI with wide eyes and soaring heart. I loved the story, the characters, the amazing effects. I bought lots of the toys, most of the books (both canon and spin-offs), and spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to merge the Star Wars, GI Joe, and Transformers universes during my play-time. I am one of those fans who knows pretty much all the trivia from the universe (not so much the actors surrounding it) and who has strong opinions about the difference between a "Dark Jedi" and "Sith Lord". (No, they are NOT the same thing.) So, I was very excited to see FANBOYS, a movie which focuses in on the extreme end of Star Wars fandom. The movie was only in limited release in theaters, but is now out on DVD for all to see.

The basic plot of the movie begins 6 months before the release of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Five STAR WARS fans are friends in their mid-twenties, and are eager to see the next "masterpiece" coming from George Lucas. There is only one problem. One of them has been diagnosed with untreatable cancer, and will not live to see opening day. So what is their solution? Travel cross-country and break into Skywalker Ranch to steal a copy of the movie.

The movie is funny - not rollicking, laugh-out-loud funny, but I was entertained the whole time. It has a solid cast who seems to understand the archetypes of the Star Wars fan, and the writer and director handle the mythos with care. The movie is full of cameos from science fiction icons - from William Shatner to Carrie Fisher - and there are almost constant inside jokes for those who are familiar with classic sci fi films. There is even a running joke/plotline dealing with the rivalry between Star Wars and Star Trek fans. And the film ends with what is a mostly happy finish.

The only real downside to this film is a plethora of sex jokes, most of which were unnecessary. Still, this is the Kevin Smith generation - he even makes a cameo, along with Seth Rogan - so it is not unexpected. Still, families with children should probably avoid this one and take the PG-13 rating seriously.

But if you grew up with Star Wars, this is a must-see movie. More likely than not, you'll see yourself somewhere in here. If you ar NOT a Star Wars fan, then there is probably something with Matthew McConaughey out there for you to watch.

AP Gets to See Newest Star Wars Movie

The new animated Star Wars movie was screened for the Associated Press recently. Here is an article that is part review and part interview with the director. There are no big spoilers in this article, but a couple of minor lot points are given out.

MOD-BLOG REVIEW: The Incredible Hulk

Movie: The Incredible Hulk
MPAA Rating: [PG-13]
Mod-Blog Rating: ****/5

The Short Version:

This relaunch of Marvel Comics's character owes very little to Ang Lee's version of a few years back. This one instead is almost a big-screen remake of the TV Hulk, complete with themes of alienation, loneliness, and always being on the run. The characters are pretty strong, the acting good, and the plot works within its own universe. The only real problem is the main villain who fights the Hulk in the last act as a monster as large and as strong as the Hulk. The villain neither fits the Marvel comics mold to satisfy old-school fans, nor really is convincing in its own right. Thus, the viewer is left somewhat unsatisfied. That being said, it is a very fun film and worth your time to see. Just don't go expecting anything on the level of the Iron Man or Spider-Man films. Parents with young children should also be aware there are several scenes which could easily inspire nightmares. While the Hulk is a favorite of young-'uns, best to wait for this version until they can really differentiate between fantasy and reality.

The Long Version:

Ang Lee's Hulk may be the most-reviled of the Marvel Comics films to come out, since Spider-Man revitalized the genre. It is by no means the worst by most objective estimates - I'd argue Punisher or Daredevil (non-directors cut) takes that particular cake - but it managed to alienate the majority of its audience by ignoring most of the comic-book canon and then also failing to truly be a super-hero movie. The director himself pitched it as a Greek tragedy, and that is exactly what he provided. Unfortunately for him, the Hulk comes out of a much later tradition - the horror story Frankenstein, which many consider to be the start of the "horror of science gone wrong" tradition of storytelling. It is not about how parents spoiled their child or about the fickle quality of fate, but rather about the dangers hidden within the promises that modern science makes.

This time around, rather than try to salvage something out of Ang Lee's Hulk, Marvel essentially called a do-over. They hired a new director and brought in Edward Norton who not only plays Bruce Banner (the Hulk's alter ego) but also wrote or rewrote the majority of the script. The new effort owes far more to the popular television series than to the comic books. This Bruce Banner is not a conflicted abuse child, but a man haunted by a dark secret and a power that he can not control. He is constantly on the run both from the military men who want to exploit the Hulk's power (remember, it is the most powerful being in the Marvel universe) and from his own runaway emotions which could trigger a transformation at any time. He hides himself away in South America, urban America, the wilds of Canada - anywhere he can hope to avoid his twin nightmares.

But, of course, it would not be much of a movie if the Hulk stayed in the shadows, and ultimately Bruce Banner is drawn back to New York City in hopes of finding a cure. Instead, he finds a new foe in the Abomination (a creature almost as powerful as the Hulk) and a chance for redemption as the city is saved from one rampaing monster by another rampaging monster. If anyone missed the pure visceral thrill of seeing the Hulk smash everything in sight in the first film, will be very satisfied in this one.

But ultimately, that final act is the Achilles Heel of the film as well. The Hulk is a full CGI creation - as is required by an 8-foot-tall, 8-foot-wide creature which tear thru a city like jagged glass thru a bare foot. So is the Abomination. And neither is known for their eloquence. So, the last 1/2 hour or so of the film is two computer-generated puppets grunting and beating the stuffing out of each other. It is hard to get completely absorbed into the action when you know nothing onscreen is real, and when every action is so over the top. It is a lot of fun, but simply not "real".

The other thing to be aware of is that the transformations in this movie are fairly horrific for a film which could be regarded as targetted at children. Please take the PG-13 rating seriously, as the bone-crunching transformation of either the Abomination or the Hulk could easily give nightmares for years to come. And the level of violence is well above that of a Saturday morning cartoon.

But overall, this one is a winner. Don't expect a masterpiece, but take it in if you want some good old fashioned mayhem.

MOD-BLOG Review: WALL-E

Movie: WALL-E

MPAA Rating: [G]

Mod-Blog Rating: 5 out of 5

The Short Version:

Pixar's newest film stars the last robot on an abandoned Earth, who is given the chance to find love, friendship, and the path to save the very human race. The film is well-made with amazing visuals and a strong story. But it is really the characters which make this film work, especially WALL-E himself. The film is strongly reminiscent of Forrest Gump in its central theme that if you put love, loyalty, and sweetness first, you don't need great intelligence to do the right thing and make a big difference. The only downside of this film for some may be its implied environmental and poiltical messages, which I did not find problematic at all. Highly recommended and safe for children of all ages.

The Long Version.

Pixar took a BIG chance with their newest movie WALL-E, by creating a film where the first 1/2 hour to 45 minutes has almost no dialogue in any normal sense of the word. WALL-E is the last robot of a fleet of them designed to clean up a garbage-strewn Earth, in order to prepare it for the return of the human race. Having been alone for eons, the little robot has exceeded his original programming and grown a personality... a personality which is desperately lonely. The long stretches without music or words could have been grating in a lesser film - I am reminded of some of the Benji films from my childhood - but works well because of strong character work on the part of WALL-E. The trailers and teasers you have probably seen are excellent but still don't really scratch the surface of how adorable and captivating this little droid is.

The first act ends when WALL-E is visited by a probe from long-lost humanity out in space. The probe itself - a far more advanced droid named EVE - shows a little personality of her own, and soon WALL-E is following her all over trying to establish a connection... a friendship. Strong emotions on the part of both are shown clearly without words, mouths, or even human eyes to work with, showing the depth of Pixar's animation skill. And when EVE leaves the planet to race back to humanity with important news, WALL-E tags along on a voyage of exploration, danger, and discovery where he eventually saves the human race.

I was most stricken by the fact that WALL-E's closest cousin movie-wise has to be Forrest Gump, which is the story of a man of severely low intelligence who manages to make himself great thru upholding simple values. One of WALL-E's messages is clearly the same. WALL-E is not a profound thinker - he barely understands the larger world around him. But he has a fundamental core of love, loyalty, and sweetness which carries him thru the plot in a logical way. Even his final act of heroism is done not out of a sense of dedication to a higher ideal, but for the love of EVE.

This is a film that I think everyone in the family can enjoy. It has a sweet innocence for the kids and higher concepts for the adults. In fact, an underlying political message about the environment and our couch potato culture are the only things which some may find grating. But the story is not preachy and thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended.

MOD-BLOG REVIEW: Prince Caspian

Movie: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

MPAA Rating: [PG]

Mod-Blog Rating: 4 out of 5

The Short Version:

This big screen adaptation of the second book in C.S. Lewis's Narnia books departs from the original far more than the earlier effort. But it is a fun movie with good characterization and a strong plot. This movie is much darker than the predecessor, as well, so parents of small children may wish to be especially careful of bringing them along. Christian themes remain, but as with the books are not overt and the general moral should be enjoyable to peoples of all faiths (and no faith).

The Long Version:

Of all of the Narnia books, Prince Caspian is generally regarded as the weakest. When C.S. Lewis wrote "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe", he did not intend it as a series of children's books. And he resisted calls from his editors for years to write one for the profit of it. But one day, the muse took him and he quickly wrote this sequel. The unplanned nature of the story is fairly evident in the book in weaker characters, a plot which is pretty much a long walk followed by a short battle (a criticism often made of Tolkien as well), and a sense that Aslan's appearance is almost an afterthought.

When the filmmakers set out to adapt the book, they sought to correct many of these weaknesses and bring out some of the thoughts Lewis mentioned after the fact. This has lead to a significant departure from the original plot including a new (bad) attitude in Peter, a raid on a castle that never existed in the original, and brings together the main characters and the eponymous Prince Caspian much earlier. It also, strangely, gives Aslan even less screen-time than in the book. This has lead to some outrage on the part of Lewis purists.

But, the changes work and each provides a specific piece of the puzzle missing from the book. (Peter's attitude finally lets us think about what it was like to go from being adults in Narnia to children in England, the raid on the castle explains why the bad guys act as they do in the final battle, etc.) The whole is stronger than the original in many ways. The themes of perseverance in the face of evil, courage, and following your heart (God) even if no one else believes remain clear. And the additions also allow for highlights of the depth of Lewis's imagination (and WETA's workshop) by showing some things only implied in the original (for example, heroic creatures which were shown as evil in the original).

However, the movie is not perfect and the changes make the tone far darker than the first movie. Some parents who were happy to bring their young children to "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" may want to keep them at home and bring them back in a few years. Real deaths are shown (without gore), good characters are lost in apparently unjust ways, and some of the visuals certainly lend themselves to nightmares (the images of the walking, warring trees, which are far less anthropormophic than Peter Jackson's Ents seem designed to terrify toddlers). This should not be taken as a criticism, per se. These images and choices are essential to the drama.

Overall, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" is an excellent movie worthy of your time.

Hulk CGI continues to evolve

A few weeks back, we had a short debate over the looks of the new Hulk in the upcoming INCREDIBLE HULK movie. I had posted images of various versions of the hulk on the small and big screen for comparison. It is now worth noting that the newest TV spots show an upgraded Hulk who looks even better than the one shown in the images from the earlier post. Click on over to check it out.

Fraggle Rock coming to a cineplex near you

I never really watched the show, but I had/have lots of friends who did. So, I'm fairly certain they will be excited about a Fraggle Rock movie that is being produced. Fortunately it'll be produced in large part by Jim Henson Co., so at least it'll be somewhat like my friends remember.

Mmm... New Star Wars Poster...

The new poster for the STAR WARS CGI movie is up and ready for your viewing pleasure. Personally, I am just a slave to the Star Wars marketing machine, but if you interested for better reasons, click on the image below for the news.

New DARK KNIGHT (Batman) Tailer is up

Click on over. Please be aware it is pretty intense and somewhat disturbing.

Comparing Hulk 2003 to Hulk 2008

A good deal of the discussion of the HULK trailer the last couple of days has been whether the new Hulk looks too much like the old Hulk. Here are a few photos to compare.


Hulk 2008


Hulk 2003


Hulk 1978


Hulk 1962

New "Incredible Hulk" Trailer

The new trailer is up and available in HD. What do our readers think? Will this "reimagining" of the Hulk be better than Ang Lee's version? Or will every version of a film about the Green Behemoth be relegated to Wards "Worst Ever" list?

I will try to see it. But then I am a sucker for films like this one.

Batman vs The Dark Knight

This is an interesting comparison of the original Batman movie trailer with the current DARK NIGHT trailer, showing how amazing similar they are in terms of editting and shot choice. Was it on purpose, or did someone use a standard trailer template for both?

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

Some interesting Trek movie details

Details for the new Star Trek movie are coming out slowly, but surely. I'm excited to see what they do with the franchise, especially since this movie is supposed to be a re-invention of it. I actually haven't seen the last couple films because I'm sort of tired of the Next Generation story lines. Hopefully this will reinvigorate the franchise, otherwise I think it'll be time to hang up the communicators and phasers.

Was anyone clamoring for a MADAGASCAR sequel?

I enjoyed the original, but it was not something that demanded a sequel. Or maybe David Schwimmer realized the Friends residuals weren't paying the rent anymore and guilted the others into it?

Incredible Hulk Trailer

I am one of the few who did not think the Ang Lee Hulk movie was a flop. If they had gotten rid of the "hulk dogs", it would have been a pretty good film. (Go ahead, Ward, this is your cue to tell me how wrong I am.) But it is interesting to see the new attempt to "reboot" the franchise with Edward Norton as Bruce Banner. The trailer is up and it looks halfway decent. They need to completely retool the design of the evil monster (supposedly the Abomination, but they forgot the ears) but otherwise, the mood is spot on. Click on over and check it out.

And yes, BowHunter, I agree Iron Man still looks better.