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Reviews
2012 (2009)
Thought-provoking (not the prophecy, the F/X)
**Possible Spoilers**
After seeing the infamous "limo" trailer my expectations for the film dropped. Maybe this is a little too over the top, I thought to myself. But the trailer depicting a massive tsunami flooding the Himalayas reassured me that this film could provide some epic yet poignant moments. After seeing 2012 I can say that I was not disappointed.
Emmerich found time for some interesting scientific mumbo jumbo in the opening half hour; ludicrous, but interesting. Neutrinos emitted from a massive solar flare are heating the Earth's core and causing crust instability, hence the magnitude 10+ earthquakes. The next two hours are full of destruction, but it is good destruction. The scenes are not quickly cut, shaky, and indiscernible – they are sweeping and steady so you can savor the effects from a birds-eye view. The eruption of Yellowstone is awe-inspiring (yes, I said awe-inspiring). I was fortunate enough to see 2012 in Sony 4k resolution.
There are cheesy moments (family talk); funny moments (deranged, pickle-munching radio host); and even some philosophical moments (Tibetan monk with tea pot). Okay, maybe the last one belongs in the funny category. If you can enjoy a film for its sheer visual power and not its acting, then 2012 will suffice.
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
Captivating Visuals, Humdrum Story
Many reviewers have stated that if you liked the first one, you'll love the second one and worship the third one. Not so. The original Ice Age told a genuine and well-crafted tale, and remains the only compelling film of the trilogy. The sequel, Meltdown, delved into nonsensical antics with little to no plot support. Alas, the third film follows a predictable storyline (mammoth has baby during critical moment; mother dinosaur arrives on cue) but manages to surmount the tired babble by way of a subterranean twist. Oh, yes, beneath the icy tundra is a hidden tropical paradise, home to prehistoric beasts long thought to be extinct. Twilight of the Dinosaurs would be more accurate. If you're looking for alliteration, then perhaps Twilight of the Pterodactyls would work.
This change of scenery opens up a whole new can of worms. Dawn of the Dinosaurs benefits from impressive cinematic sequences not witnessed in previous installments. The coolest sequence involves Buck, the legendary weasel, and Rudy, an albino baryonyx. The two warriors engage in an epic battle on the 'edge of oblivion' (during a storm above the jungle canopy). This provides an explanation for Buck's eye patch, which I initially thought may have been a phony garb. The fighter jet pterodactyls were also impressive.
Buck (short for Buckminster) is a compelling figure that stands out amongst an increasingly banal cast. Diego yearns for his previous life of predation and feels he's losing his edge. Manny has transformed into a cuddly giant, much the same as Shrek did. And Scrat is having trouble choosing between his love for the acorn and his love for an infuriating red squirrel-rat named Scratte. Sid the sloth and the possum twins are the only characters who retain their personality.
I think I'll take a break from animation for a while.
Up (2009)
Noticeably lacks the "spirit of adventure"
The blending of humor and drama did not mesh well. The story relies too heavily on serious undertones and moral values. Likewise, the comedic parts weren't that funny. The opening sequence was downright depressing, ending with the death of Carl's wife. Animated films should be epic (The Incredibles; Kung Fu Panda) or sidesplittingly comical (Finding Nemo). Up played like melodrama.
The sudden appearance of talking canines was unsettling, to say the least. Gamma, the pudgy bulldog, was the most amusing character of them all.
The house should have been made a floating fortress, with machine gun turrets, metal shielding, and the like. Perhaps a lightning rod would have been useful during the thunderstorm (best sequence of the entire film).
Charles Muntz is in pretty good shape for a centenarian (if Carl's 78, he's got to be close).