Tag: violence

See It Again: The Green Hornet

 

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Rotten Tomatoes Freshness Meter:

Critics – 44%

Audience – 47%

What You Should Know

The Green Hornet had the misfortune of a very poor trailer. The information the audience is given is, in fact, largely inaccurate. Couple that with segments that move fast enough to almost blur and it is little wonder that people were not excited to see Seth Rogen take on the role of an action hero.

Why You Should Reconsider

This film is intelligent, funny and fun. Seth Rogen has, in fact, not been cast against type in this film. His character is an egomaniac, not very bright but deep down a good guy. The plot of the film is believable and well constructed. Fans of recent films like Iron Man will enjoy the attention paid to character development as well as innovative action sequences that are as interesting as they are exciting.

Misconceptions?

Many people seemed to be disappointed that the film didn’t fit neatly into a particular category. Much like with Iron Man this film flits about between comedy and action movie never truly settling on one. It is often comedic, dramatic and certainly filled with action. This is, however, a super hero movie in the same sense as Iron Man in that the hero has no actual powers. The backlash that Seth Rogen seems to be experiencing at present may have tainted this film but once this passes The Green Hornet will surely been seen for what it is: two hours of good entertainment.

See it Again: Quantum of Solace

Rotten Tomato Freshness Meter:

Critics – 64%

Audience – 62%

What You Should Know:

This film does not feature a lot of gadgets or villains bent on world domination/destruction. The  two central characters of the film, James Bond and Camille Montes (played by Olga Kurylenko) do not have a love story. This film, like Casino Royale, does feature violence that is realistic and might be upsetting to some. The film does feature amazing action sequences, fight scenes and car/boat/airplane chases. It is not, in any way, a boring movie to watch.

Why You Should Reconsider:

The majority of complaints critics seem to have about the film is that it:

1)    Does not have a convoluted enough plot.

2)    Goes from action sequence to action sequence without enough storytelling in between. 

3)    Does not have enough action, the pace is too slow.

This is what I can gather from the reviewers at Rotten Tomatoes who generally think this is a terrible Bond film.

So to address each point in turn.

1)    The plot of this film is much more straightforward than the previous film. It is not, however, a simple plot. Bond continues to follow the bread crumbs, all over the world, concerning a group known only as Quantum.

2)    This criticism is absurd. It is a bond film and there is a good deal of action in the movie. This film features action sequences that are, largely, believable/plausible.  This is a movie about a man in pain, emotional pain, and how he is attempting to not deal with it. It is also about a spy. This is why we do not have long scenes where Bond talks about his feelings.

3)    This film is streamlined in a wonderful way. It is very much of the newer style action films that have come about in the 00’s. Fast-paced and without a lot of fluff.

I would argue that this is one of the best Bond films ever made. Since Daniel Craig has taken over the role they have made two very important changes to the world of Bond.

1)    They have attempted to ground this character and his world in some form of recognizable reality.

2)    They have done away with the gadgets.

I support both of these changes wholeheartedly which is why I enjoy the new films. I think  Quantum of Solace  was given such harsh treatment by critics because it does not adhere to a typical Bond movie formula. Yes, there are evildoers who are part of global conspiracy. Yes, Bond is out to stop them. Yes, there are beautiful women in the movie.

But.

This films picks up where the previous ended. James Bond has just lost the love of his life after finding out she betrayed him. He is still new to the spy world. Therefore this film is more about him coming to terms with the loss and betrayal, while attempting to follow the leads concerning this global consortium of bad guys.

I find this to be a very rewarding Bond film and easily the most enjoyable to watch repeatedly. The filmmakers made this film more like The Transporter or a Bourne movie and I think it works.

Misconceptions?:

I think people expect James Bond to hop into bed with the attractive women who star in these films. The fact that the central female character of this movie has no romantic involvement must have been strange and off-putting for some viewers. Couple that with realistic villains who want practical and obtainable things and this film feels very different from previous Bond films.

This film also does not feature staple of Bond films like long, drawn-out card games, elaborate dungeons or Bond being held captive and tortured.

See It Again: Man on Fire

Rotten Tomatoes Freshness Rating:

Critics – 39%

Audience – 89%

What You Should Know:

This film has a lot of killing, wounding, kidnapping, torture and murderous intent.  Mr. Washington is very, very dark in this film. This film is graphic, upsetting and in places quite disturbing. This is most definitely not a date movie or a fun, mindless violence kind of film.

Why You Should Reconsider:

Because Mr. Washington is, as usual, exceptional in the film.  Based on reviews I’ve read what people dislike about this movie is that  the story abruptly changes about halfway through. The first half of the movie is the story of a broken man who is searching for  redemption.  The second half of the movie is the story of this man’s vengeance. Apparently many people had a hard time with this transition, I would suggest to anyone that found this upsetting to try watching the movie again. I think getting past that initial shock is the most challenging part of the movie.

Yes, this is a film with a good deal of violence. It is not, however, senseless violence. The second half of the film follows the hero as he attempts to unravel a mystery. Most of the violence comes from him eliciting information from those involved in the mystery. Admittedly the second half is filled with retribution but I think most will find themselves in agreement with the hero’s decisions.

Misconceptions?

I think the presence of Dakota Fanning led people to believe this would be a sappier, happier film. Tony Scott stated in the film’s commentary that they worked very hard to not make her scenes with Denzel Washington sweet and saccharine. This is the story about a little girl who lives in a place where bodyguards are necessary. The reality of this situation gives even moments of levity a certain weight.

Because of this Man on Fire is not a happy movie. Bad things happen to good people. It is, however, a very rewarding film. The characters are emotionally consistent and honest. The story is well crafted and although there are elements which are extreme, these elements are justified by the background and skill set of the main character.