Release Date: Jun 21, 2013
Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min.
Director: Dan Scanlon
Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Peter Sohn.
In 2001, Pixar revealed what goes bump in the night, with the ingenious narrative titled "Monsters, Inc." Remarkably inspired and heart-touchingly funny, it told the story of two monster employees who scared for a living. Now 12 years later, our favorite 'Scarers' are back, this time living the glory days at their beloved alma mater. In this dubbed prequel, we follow Mike and Sully as inexperienced freshmen, as they tackle the intensive challenges of collegiate life. But despite the mature context of "Monsters University," it's determinedly more kid-friendly than customarily expected. Missing the adult wit that's made Pixar so enjoyable, the plot is simple at best and effectively unimaginative. It goes without saying the animation is superb, enlivened with color and enriched with detail. Each monster is unique in his or her own way, as we get introduced to new characters while fraternizing with old ones. But one face you won't see is the adorable little Boo, who doesn't appear until after Mike and Sully become MU alumns. It's a small sacrifice for the sake of chronology, but one that's sorely missed for sentimental value. As the story spends a great deal of focus on imitating Greek life, it feels less like an animated feature than it does a college tutorial. But faith has not been lost on the animation powerhouse, as Pixar's planned sequels seem especially promising. "Finding Dory" is already set for a 2015 splash, while "The Incredibles" is still hopeful for a heroic return.
Rating: 3 stars
Release Date: Jun 14, 2013
Runtime: 2 hr. 23 min.
Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne.
Superheroes come and go, but there is none quite as emblematic as the man with the letter "S." Representing a symbol of hope and morality, Superman has long been considered a hero of immeasurable standards, universally and in the comic book world. So it's with rapt anticipation that we dive into the newest chapter – in a saga that has only just begun. While this is certainly not the first storytelling of the Last Son of Krypton, it is alternately a much somber portrayal than is usually conceived. Akin to the "Dark Knight" series by Christopher Nolan, his involvement here is perceptible even as executive producer. Together with Zack Snyder as anointed director, they bring an ominous feel that's light years apart from what we've seen in the past. Krypton, in shades of gray and steel, is majestically altered to fit into a contemporary new world. Whereas Snyder's cinematic style is utilized to its fullest, it's his aptitude for action that duly precedes him. Perhaps more enthralling than the film itself is the score composed by Hans Zimmer who never ceases to amaze. The escalation of strings and percussion create a rousing energy, accompanying each scene with a force as powerful as its lead. Henry Cavill is solidly cast in the role, compassionate yet tenacious as both Clark Kent and Superman. Previously personified by the late Christopher Reeve, it's no less playing a hero than replacing an icon. Not to be discounted, Bryan Singer's "Superman Returns" was an affable attempt, but it never gained the popularity it was meant to attain. Like all superheroes, there entails some weaknesses, and "Man of Steel" begs no different in its quest for greatness. Thoroughly dark and less cheesy than before, humor is noticeably absent for the majority of the film. On the flip side, destruction takes its toll on the city of Metropolis, bordering on excessive in scene redundancy. Nevertheless, "Man of Steel" takes a large stride towards the rumored "Justice League" movie – a rumor that is this much closer to becoming a reality. As fans wait patiently with abated breath, it seems DC has proven to rise again.
Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: Jun 12, 2013
Runtime: 1 hr. 47 min.
Director: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg
Cast: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride.
This is chaotic. This is absurd. "This Is The End" – the best comedy of 2013. Written and directed by the wacky minds of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the film centers on a group of actors trapped in the midst of the sudden apocalypse. Starring Franco, Hill and a handful of stars, it's like a fraternity for the rich and famous...if they smoked weed everyday. Like all of their films combined, there's no shortage of laughter, from gut-busting dialogue to hilarious cameos. Michael Cera, for one, breaks free from his stereotype, playing the most perverse version of himself in ways unimaginable. And that's the general thematic of "This Is The End," actors trying to one-up the other in humoristic fashion. One scene in particular will have you rolling in stitches, as McBride takes on Franco in the verbal match of the century. At the core of the film is the estranged bromance between Rogen and Baruchel, both longing to reconnect with the other before the impending Armageddon. It's what keeps the story grounded during all the craze and mayhem, as things only get more demented with each passing second. Contrary to appearance, there are some horror elements as well – jumpy scenes that can catch you off guard, much like Jonah Hill's studded earlobe. But through in through this is a comedy that won't easily be forgotten, as quotable punch lines are expected for many years to come. At least until the end of the world, that is.
Rating: 4 stars
