atom bomb?
-
leonthecleaner-1 — 12 years ago(July 04, 2013 04:53 PM)
Haha yes. But I like just like a lot of women, when you first meet her, she seemed really nice. She only got angry because of his intentions, fair enough. But then her crazy side was out of control.
I also liked the additions to the story about his wife, when he looks at the present while Beethoven was playing, was pretty dramatic.
Also the part about determinism vs non-determinism was interesting. -
megoobee — 12 years ago(July 06, 2013 09:14 PM)
I think we've beat "Knowing" to death, time to move on to another subject. A new alien attack movie entitled "Pacific Rim" is being released next week. Not sure if you've caught the trailers and previews but from what I've seen so far, it looks like a video game. Seriously, giant robots controlled by guys jumping around inside like they're playing Wii. If and when we get to the level of technology capable of building giant bipedal weaponized robots, I'm fairly sure they will be computer controlled. At least it appears that the aliens are not immune to Earth's weapons like in Skyline but the CGI battle scenes seems to be along the lines of "Transformers."
Not sure if I want to pay $12 bucks to see it, if it flops, it'll be on DVD by the end of the year. -
leonthecleaner-1 — 12 years ago(July 07, 2013 07:59 AM)
I didn't see the trailers because people were saying it shows too much. I feel like it's gonna be better than Battleship but maybe along the lines of Transformers like you said.
ILM does it really good, so it will be good to watch I think. I am still waiting Iron Man 3 to hit blu-rays though. I hear it's very good and even though I am not a comic book guy, I really liked Iron Man series. I am glad they are spending a lot of time and money for this universe, like Thor, Capt America, Iron Man, Avengers, etc. -
megoobee — 12 years ago(July 11, 2013 08:16 PM)
I think you might be right, I've seen at least 3 trailers and they might be showing way too much. That's one of the reasons why I don't have high expectations, why do they need to promote it so much?
I found Inglourious Basterds really disappointing movie because they showed all most all of the scenes involving the Basterds during the previews. That and the fact we were led to believe that the film was going to revolve around the Basterds when in fact, they were only a side story.
Back on the subject of Sci-Fi, one of my all time favorites of the genre is ALIENS. It has truly stood the test of time, released in 1986 and still enjoyable 27 years later. Sure the special effects is primitive compared to movies now but ALIENS didn't depend on them for wow factor. The scene with Ripley and Newt having a serious discussion and Hudson and Burke carrying on simultaneously in the background after their drop ship crashed is pure genius. -
leonthecleaner-1 — 12 years ago(July 18, 2013 09:22 PM)
I am still looking forward to Pacific Rim, just to see the vfx and what not.
IB wasn't very good. I liked Django though.
Actually I am not sure what it is but I don't like Aliens. Maybe it's because I remember seeing them as a kid and don't remember too much except the gory, "disgusting" alien scenes. I don't like insect like beings shown in detail though. For example Starship Troopers don't do that.
I had the same feeling with Total Recall because of gory scenes. But after seeing it again when I was grown up, I thought it was actually good. In fact the Mutant song played an important role for me to get into 3d animation.
Even though I work in vfx, I don't think vfx alone can make a movie but rather as a multiplier. So if the film is good, it can make it great, etc IMO. Case in point Final Fantasy [2001] where they focused so much on looks but nothing else. Even games from 6-7 years ago look better than it. So what else does it have now if not looks, nothing. Very bad movie IMO.
On the same point Terminator 2 still looks very good, and I don't know any other movie that could pack so much action and still have great story. I have the Skynet/Sunshine Edition that I want to see. Especially if you think about that they shot those extra scenes more than 20 years ago. So there is no way to go back and get more footage but see what they shot. It amazes me so much. -
megoobee — 12 years ago(July 22, 2013 12:26 AM)
Funny you mention that you are a fan of Terminator 1 and 2 and not so much of Aliens. All 3 of those movies were directed by James Cameron who in my opinion has made some of the best action movies ever, past or present. Now that it's confirmed that he is directing Terminator 5, it will be interesting to see if he will be able to breath some new life into the the franchise.
I was indifferent towards "Total Recall." It's not one of Arnold's best work in my opinion and he didn't really seem to fit the role.
In regards to "Starship Troopers", those of us who are fans of Robert Heinlein's book had a hard time accepting the movie. Other than the war with the bugs, there was nothing in common with the two stories. In the book, the Troopers wore powered battle armor which made them stronger and faster than regular soldiers. As a science fiction aficionado, I would have loved seeing the battle armor in action (something like what the Master Chief wears in Halo but without the need for biological enhancements)
You are right CGI though. As much as Avatar wowed me with the eye candy, the story was fairly blah and predictable. Speaking of predictable, does Michele Rodriguez play any other roles except the tough female? (I digress) -
leonthecleaner-1 — 12 years ago(July 25, 2013 07:49 PM)
James Cameron is definitely a great director. I didn't know he is directing T5. I will look forward to that. 3 & 4 is a joke IMO. 1 is ok but 2 is brilliant.
I never actually read movie books, so I don't know the differences. I also like it though because if you don't know the books then it feels brand new to me since I never even heard the story.
Michele Rodriguez is always the same
Avatar wasn't good either. I am looking forward Elysium though. Btw Neill Blomkamp is also a VFX artist. I don't know other directors who are, and IMO this gives him an edge especially in effects heavy sci-fi films. He is a genius. -
megoobee — 12 years ago(July 28, 2013 03:07 PM)
T3 was terrible because they made all sorts of changes to details that altered the continuity from T1 and T2. It was as if the T3 team decided to rewrite the background to suit their version. In a franchise that involves a story arc, you can't change important details such as John Connor's age, historic reference points, naming nomenclature of the Terminators, etc.
While on the subject of Terminators, T-X was supposed to be the most advanced Terminator - Wrong, T-1000 was much more advanced. T-X was merely liquid metal over a solid frame. T-1000 could completely liquify which enable it to change its shape to suit any situation.
The T-X was fragile to say the least. The antiquated T-101 in the first movie was struck by a by a semi-truck at full speed on the freeway. It emerged from under the truck and commandeered the vehicle. That truck, including its load of gas was blown up later with the T-101 inside. The T-101 picked itself up (sans artificial flesh) and continued the chase with a broken leg. The T-1000 was completely flash frozen by nitrogen and blown into million of pieces - It reassembled itself later and continued the fight.
In comparison, the T-X was a mangled wreck after being hit by a helicopter piloted by the T-850. At that point, it was barely able to crawl and was easily defeated by the T-850.
T-Salvation. What a crock. John wasn't doing much rebel leading, some other yoyos were making the decisions. And Christian Bale as John Connor?
Don't even get me started on the Marcus character.
x 2 -
leonthecleaner-1 — 12 years ago(August 07, 2013 05:44 PM)
Which one is T-X? If it's the one in T4, I don't know why they claimed it to be better. T1000 was amazing, nearly invincible I think from what I have seen in the movie. So many great scenes in T2, that just watching those you pretty much watch half of the movie.
T3 woman terminator was rubbish. T4 had very bad story, not sure how they allowed it to happen. I also don't like that Marcus guy as an actor.
Wonder how T5 will be like. -
megoobee — 12 years ago(August 08, 2013 10:45 PM)
The female Terminator was called the "T-X". The T3 production people redid the model numbers, for what reason I have no idea.
The only things known at this point about T5 is Cameron and Schwarzenegger have signed on. As much as I want Arnold to reprise the role of a Terminator, logically, I know it will be a hard sell. T3 Arnold was pushing it, he's even older now. The years as Governor have taken a heavy toll on him and so has the public scandal.
"The Geriatric Terminator", coming soon to a theater near you. -
leonthecleaner-1 — 12 years ago(August 12, 2013 02:40 AM)
Yes he is very old, and the CG Arnold was very obvious in T4. I would still love to see it but who knows how it will be
What about the new Robocop? I am glad now they don't have to use stopmotion which should make it more realistic for the other robots IMO but not sure if their new design is good or the story. The original is definitely a classic movie. -
megoobee — 12 years ago(August 13, 2013 10:20 PM)
I'm not so sure about the remake of Robocop. Peter Weller actually looked like a man in a machine's body. The stills I've see of the new Robocop just looks like a guy in a plastic/rubber suit (ala Michael Keaton as Batman). Zero improvement.
I agree, Robocop 1987 is a classic. If you only update the bi-pedal droids to modern CGI, the movie would entertain a whole new generation of audiences. But sigh, we get a guy in a plastic/rubber suit. I'll probably pass. -
leonthecleaner-1 — 12 years ago(August 16, 2013 03:33 PM)
lol I will still watch it but I agree. They can never avoid screwing the essence of the original like it has to be done.
If it was me, I would just update the effects but I would probably redesign the enemy robots. Robocop should only be tweaked very slightly if necessary, not redesigned.
I think the new directors always want to make a name for themselves by totally changing everything.
Not sure if you have seen Dredd, but that was a joke. Very bad effects, acting, cinematography, story, dialogues, everything. -
megoobee — 12 years ago(August 17, 2013 02:03 PM)
I never thought much of Stallone's Dredd. Everything you indicated that was bad with the Dredd retread was the same with the first one. Why they took a turd and turned it into a reheated turd is beyond comprehension.
I saw Oblivion the other day. Great affects but the story was terrible. After half an hour, I pretty much knew what the plot twist and secrets were going to be. Is there simply a lack of qualified people to write screenplays these days? -
leonthecleaner-1 — 12 years ago(August 27, 2013 10:54 PM)
I know what you mean. I didn't like the original Dredd either. You are right. In fact when I watched some scenes on bluray, I was like man this is pretty cheesy. Demolition Man is better because of Wesley.
I respect great writers a lot since I can't write and I know good story is extremely important. It's not sci-fi, but I love the Bourne series for example. Such great atmosphere in those movies. I am not much of a reader so haven't read the original books but that author must be kick ass.
I wonder if they are gonna dry up all these great stories one day. Although I can't complain because watching a movie takes far less time than reading a book, and if it's well made, I don't really have a problem with differences from the book, like Fight Club which is another amazing film IMO. Btw I heard that guy wants to write another one for Fight Club 2
In fact this is another cool thing that since I don't know these stories before they aren't spoiled for me. Even LOTR was brand new for me, never heard it before. -
megoobee — 12 years ago(September 03, 2013 10:15 PM)
I think story takes a back seat (way back, 20 rows at least) these days to action due to CGI advancements. Actors don't need training to look like they know how to fight and you don't need armies of men to look like you have armies of men. Until the public gets tired of the "gee whiz" special effects, the proliferation and saturation of such films will continue. I guess I may be in the minority for wanting story over action.
The first Iron Man movies was interesting because it had story first and action second. The two sequel were just blah because they tried squeeze as much action in as possible around loose stories.
Case in point about CGI, Skyline 2 is going to be made. -
leonthecleaner-1 — 12 years ago(September 06, 2013 07:28 PM)
First IM was insane. Second went down considerably but third one I am shocked. Only scene I liked is the Gary the cameraman scene, and I have never seen that guy before. First one had all the right elements.
I would definitely watch Skyline 2 but I know it's a very bad movie. The atom bomb scene was dramatic but that's it.
Btw have you seen Starcraft Cinematic by Blizzard for the game? The first one though. They actually have a full DVD for it, 30 mins. Some of the graphics look bad but story and some visuals are insane. It looks like Starship Troopers, not sure if they is any connection but either way in the end, you feel like crying. This one shows it I think but I have the DVD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9x7SlpWgog -
megoobee — 12 years ago(September 19, 2013 08:31 PM)
I played Starcraft years ago when it first came out. It definitely was a great game as I remembered. These days, I don't have the time to devote to hours of game playing, I've missed quite a few good games. The last game I played was Halo 2 and that was only because it was released for PC. Only the original Halo game and Halo 2 were released for PC, the other versions can only be played on xbox 360.
Did you see World War Z? What did you think about it? -
leonthecleaner-1 — 12 years ago(September 21, 2013 06:22 PM)
Count me in too, I am not much of a gamer even though I worked in games industry for 5 years. Last game I played was D3 for 2 months last year when it came out. It became too repetitive though. I hear you need 2000 hours to get to paragon level 100 which is the max. I only spent 60-70 hours.
When gaming becomes a task, then it becomes a chore and you spend your valuable time on earth for virtual numbers in a computer's memory, i.e. your character being at level 100 instead of 0. Why exchange your life with those 2 additional digits.
Playing for fun is good though if you like it. Also even if you don't play like me, you should still watch the cinematics, especially Starcraft 2's and the expansion packs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVbeoSPqRs4
Looks insane. I love Blizzard, Blur and DIGIC for making these kinds of cinematics.
This one is also my favourite by DIGIC. Amazing music too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YnopWO4X_Q
As for World War Z, I saw it 2 weeks ago. I was really excited because I thought it was gonna be really good, but really disappointed. I would probably give it 2. -
megoobee — 12 years ago(September 22, 2013 08:43 PM)
OK, just checking. I didn't want to spoiled the movie for you in case you hadn't seen it. (Not that I can do anything worse for it)
WWZ was another movie that had all kinds of potential but went absolutely nowhere. First problem, you cannot do an effective Zombie movie with a PG-13 rating. What do people want when they go see a Zombie movie? ZOMBIES! Not just zombies running around at mach speed, they want to see zombies doing their thing (ie: attacking, biting, gnawing and chewing people). Most of the time, zombies were shown attacking and then the scenes were cut. Great.
The CGI zombies in some scenes were pretty close in appearance to the ones in "I am Legend," not very original.
The story was horrible. It's clear that Pitt and his wife/family are very close - did the audience need to be constantly remind of this? The So Korea airbase scene was really dumb. They knew they had to be quiet to sneak back on the plane but Pitt left his phone on and his wife called at the worse moment.. another unoriginal idea.
Pitt's character was unintelligent and unsympathetic. Even as an anti-hero, I didn't buy the character. One of the few moments I enjoyed was when he criticized the WHO official who said he did not have a family and then learned the reason why he did not have a family. Oops!
Camera work was junk, shots were bouncing all around the place. Sigh, when are they going to quit the "shaky cam" and go back to steady camera work?
Last parting shot. That little boy from the apartment complex - he forgot about his mother and father awfully quick.