Pulling Weeds

Something's very odd when the highlight of a commercial movie is a buck naked Gerard Butler. Don't get me wrong, this is like the scalded skin at the roof of your mouth that you'd keep on tounging 'til you're next chai latte burn. Law Abiding Citizen had the potential to be a good movie, only if star power would suffice. Unfortunately, that's not enough.

(SPOILER ALERT...if you don't care, then read on...)

The movie's storyline is not at all unique, although I liked the fact that they explored how a topnotch hired killer defines "an eye, for an eye;" and that's where all the loopholes and crazy set-ups stem from.

For example, the movie begins with the massacre of Clyde's family and the ensuing legal battle. Towards the middle of the film, we learn that instead of Clyde just doing vigilante work, he is, after all, a soulless, high profile killer/spy. Now, if he's so cunning and sly, how can two crackheads with a knife and baseball bat subdue him? How can he miss checking who's outside the door before he opened it? Were the deaths of his wife and daughter just an excuse to bully the law? Was this crime part of his plan as well? We will never know because the movie thrives on the "viewers' perspective" kinda style.

Clyde had 10 years to carefully plan his revenge. He must've had the power to see the future, but then again, he missed the part where he bites the dust unintentionally, so there goes the fantasy/sci-fi twist. There's a part of me that wanted him to succeed just so he can bitch slap District Attorney Rice, because, for me, Rice actually is the villain in a very subtle way.

In the movie, the American judicial system was portrayed as a well-bred horse with permanent blinders, which, when given a chance to roam free, would forget it's entire purpose and just continue running 'til it can't run anymore. The movie also makes you wonder if collateral deaths can be compared to swatting black flies that hover around your pecan pie or maybe pulling weeds to give way to hyacinth bulbs.

Another warning for the highly critical. The screenwriter/s just had to bluntly force the title of the movie in the dialogue, which almost made me barf. Don't you hate it when they do that?

It's not entirely a bad flick. If you really have nothing to do, I recommend watching it instead of spending your good money on cheesy 2012 (and I'm not even spending time to give you a link for that one).



GTGL8RZ!

Tetsuwan Atomu

This is definitely not the best movie ever but I sure was pleasantly surprised, especially with the quality of the animation. This would have been better if they released it in 3D or IMAX. They totally revamped the birth of Astro Boy and the setting is not in 2030 Tokyo. Too bad, WALL-E already came out with a similar plot, but true fans will be very happy with this version, which obviously sets itself up for a sequel.

I read reviews on the movie before I saw it and they were ranting that it's totally for kids and that adults should get multiple shots of espresso before bringing their kids to see it. Well, it is, of course, not Family Guy and it's supposed to be a little clean. Although, if you think about it, a violent death of a child (Toby's), isn't exactly kid-friendly. The 80's series was a little morbid and dark. I dunno if you will remember an episode where Robio and Robiette get mashed between 2 race cars; now, that's a little graphic for kids.

When I saw the movie, A.I., I thought the idea resembled the original Astro Boy sans the artillery. They have the same themes; that of tragedy and loss, acceptance and deliverance, and so many others. Well, one can argue that they're obviously modern versions of Pinocchio, which I don't contest.

For those who think that this is a big political allegory, well, it is...if you think that Spongebob can potentially be the best president.

I thought the voice casting was good, particularly that of Nick Cage as Doctor Tenma and Nathan Lane as Hamegg. It was just a little weird that they presented Toby as a preadolescent, rather than younger. I think the original Toby was probably 7 or 8 years old. They did not keep the high-pitched voice from the original, so you'll be less than amused if you're expecting a femme boy. So yeah, in spite of the long and curly eyelashes, being shirtless with black tights and red boots, the awkward gait and perkiness, Astro Boy is not gay because he is a freakin' robot. Hmmm...a gay icon maybe?

Here's a teaser for those who are interested:




GTGL8RZ!