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acheroncreek
Reviews
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Good Movie, Not a Good Star Wars Movie
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a good movie, there's no doubt about it. The first hour and a half I was smiling ear to ear. I loved it. It was fun, quirky, and the characters interacted with each other in a realistic way. I didn't even mind that the plot was somewhat based on the original. But then something changed: the plot became the original, and without any attempts to disguise it. Verbatim, with maybe a few instances altered on the minute mark, the plot became A New Hope, and then it became Return of the Jedi. I was being spoon-fed exactly what I had spent my time watching at home before I went to the theatre. Many people will not have any issue with this, if the reviews are anything to listen to, which reflects a lack of want for new creativity. And with the director at the helm, who can expect much more than a carbon copy (Wrath of Khan 1982). The characters were interesting, but the most interesting one was barely on screen, reduced to a Wedge Antilles-sized role. My biggest worry for the film actual turned into one of its saving graces: Adam Driver. He should have been allowed to be let loose even more, to dominate the film even. So no, the latest installment of Star Wars is not a bad movie. But for any long-time fan (even casual fans), this movie heralds an end to creativity in major blockbusters. Even in the franchise that created the blockbuster. It is simply a rehash of what's been done before (plagiarized is a better word) for the sake of being too scared of taking the story in a new direction.
Hanna (2011)
I can understand the negatives....but damn
First of all, this is not a cerebral thriller, nor a Jason Bourne, or a James Bond. But it is one hell of a movie. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, then fell back laughing once or twice. Many will say it was dreadful, but the truth is, it requires thinking once you walk out of the theatre. You might have to decide for yourself why the program of genetics was shut down, or why Erik had to be killed, but in truth the movie is about Hanna, and the way she adapts to new environments and a new life. Yes there are plot holes, but you can watch Gladiator and see utter wrongs done to the portrayal of the Romans, or Star Wars with its space opera plot holes. Yes Hanna is not perfect, not even Oscar worthy, but it makes for hell of an interesting movie.