theaxekeeper

Tony Stark, is back in this high-octane, high action summer blockbuster. The film picks up right where the first one left off, where Stark reveals that he is Iron Man. We are introduced to a new villain named Whiplash played by Mickey Rourke. We soon find out that he and Mr. Stark have much in common with their past. Meanwhile Jimmy Rhodes, played wonderfully by Don Cheadle, must deal with the government and Stark's crazy antics. This is just a reader's digest version of the story, I want to talk about the film itself. This film is the first of this summer's blockbusters. This film is bigger, louder and more action packed than it's predecessor, which not necessarily a bad thing. With the addition of Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson really brings a "freshness" to the story. Director Jon Favreau has done another fantastic job, proving that he is a first rate action director. The characters are great, Paltrow gives a great supporting performance, Downey is funny and series as ever, and Rourke is a force to be reckoned with. The visual affects are very good along with solid sound editing, however, I do feel that Johansson and Sam L. Jackson, where a but underutilized. I really enjoyed this film, but I was hoping to see more from these characters. That's what sequels are for. I do like this film, but it did lack in some parts where the first one succeeded. I do love the special affects, but they could have been better. Unfortunately with the passing of special affects wizard, Stan Winston, who worked on the first film, it did loose a little luster but not much. Overall I was a satisfied as a moviegoer and a future film maker, I would definitely go see this film again. It is worth your money, but unfortunately, it will probably be overshadowed by the mind-numbing, horribly acted, D rated special affects, crapfest known as "Twilight". But hey, that is my opinion, and I'm sure people have other opinions, and that's OK.

Wow! That is one of the few words I was able to speak after I saw this film. I went to see this film the last week it was in theaters, and I really regretted that I didn't go sooner, so that I could see it more in theaters. I am not really a fan of concert films or documentaries, but this film really broke down that wall for me. Michael Jackson is mesmerizing in his final performance on stage. Watching this film, you can really see Michael's passion for perfection, and for his fans. After watching this film, you can tell that he truly cared about his fans and he wanted to give them the best show ever. The lights, the dance choreography, the special effects! It truly is unlike everything I had ever seen before in my life. He takes you away from your world and puts you into his world. It is a fantasy land and I really felt amazing during this experience. I really think it would have been the best concert series ever, if he would have lived. Like Elvis Presley, he was electrifying in his stage presence. The film is made up of footage taken from multiple cameras and the thing that surprised me is how well the sound and the film is edited very well. Kenny Ortega did a fantastic job with helping prep the show. Michael really is a showman and this film proves it. Decades from now, I will tell my children that I saw Michael Jackson in concert and that he was amazing. I really hope that people do the same after seeing this movie. We miss you Michael, your legacy will live on.

What can I say? Yes it may be another sequel to the now infamous franchise, but it is a great sequel. I saw this film back on opening weekend in October of last year, and I watched it again recently. I really did enjoy this film a lot more than its predecessor. The plot is better than the last film, it carries well, and it doesn't stray away from the formulas that the past few films have upheld. The plot is a little difficult to follow at first, but once you get into it, you will understand it pretty easily. The traps in this one are refreshing a in genius compared Saw V traps. To be honest, I feel that V was lacking in a lot of areas and it doesn't really seem to make a lot of sense. The ending of this one really does come together well and you understand further the master plan of Jigsaw. I know people are saying that there is a political undertone to this film, but I don't believe it's true. I must heed a warning, this film from start to finish is a lot more brutal than the last movie, but if you can stomach some gore, then you will be able to enjoy this film.