RELEASE DATE: May 15, 2015
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
DIRECTOR: George Miller
RATING: R (for intense sequences of violence throughout, and for disturbing images)
STARRING: Charlize Theron, Megan Gale, Tom Hardy, John Howard, Nathan Jones, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, Richard Carter, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Courtney Eaton, Josh Helman, Jennifer Hagan, iOTA , Angus Sampson, Joy Smithers, Gillian Jones, Melissa Jaffer, Melita Jurisic
GENRE: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure
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Mad Max’s adventures started in 1979 and maintained a cult following through the decades and a few sequels. Now, Mad Max is back with the same director and a new lead actor for a new generation. This is movie finds Max being pursued by a band of pasty white raiders. He’s captured and imprisoned to be drained for his blood to help keep the raiders alive. Some of The raiders leader, Immortan Joe’s prized breeder women escape and Max ends up in the middle of the situation while trying to find a way free as well. Now, it’s Max and a group of women trying to evade Immortan Joe and his fanatical followers across desert wasteland.
Tom Hardy takes over for Mel Gibson in the title role. I feel like because of the lack of dialogue from Max, Hardy is unable to perform to his fullest. This also presents an issue as Furiosa (Theron) has way more lines and comes across as the lead of the film. She by all means seems more bad ass than he does as she does so much more in the film. Immortan Joe is played by Hugh Keays-Byrne who fans of the series may remember as Toecutter from the original film. He does a fantastic job as the manipulative warlord. Nicholas Hoult (better known as Beast from X-Men Days of Future Past) is Nux one of those pasty raiders I spoke of earlier. He is one of the more interesting parts of the film and also comes across as more important than Max.
The stunts are amazing and the frenetic nature of the scenery in this movie are cool at first. But, after the 37th car chase scene and yelling mad man jumping after the protagonists it gets old. I found the scenery too similar throughout the film and jsut made me lose interest in the film as I slipped in to a lull. There’s a group of old ladies that kick all sorts of ass at the end of the film. They in their short time on screen they seem more badass than Max and that’s an issue if you plan on making any sequels based around a thoroughly out shined star. This is also not made as a starting point for people trying to get in on the series as they give some back story to Max but they don’t ever explain what exactly happened. It requires that you see the previous movies in the series and that is also a huge issue.
I really wanted to like this movie going in as I think Tom Hardy deserves a superstar making film. But with the co stars out shining his character I don’t believe this will do it for him.I fear it will be too strange for some as well. The endless car chase scenes and the lack of bad-assery from Max hinder this film greatly and offer tedium among flashy distractions.
Movie
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
Movie
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
Movie
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.