Pirates - 2 for 1
This is the first entry in a new catagory called Reviews. Where I can review books, movies, music or whatever, without the hassle that I had to go through to use my other media review option.
So here we go, First:
SINBAD: I don’t know how many of you remember the old Sinbad movies from the early eighties with all the stop motion animation and whatnot, but those were some of my favorite movies. So I was excited and thrilled to see an animated version coming to the theaters. Dreamworks produced it and so far I have not been disappointed with their animation efforts to date, so I had much anticipation for how well this movie would do.
Let me just say that this movie was GREAT! We took our kids to go see it over the weekend and had a great time. There is much for both kids and adults to enjoy. Brad Pitt does a wonderful job as Sinbad and you don’t have to deal with his overly gorgeous face, so you can just sit and enjoy the obvious fun he had as the voice. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michelle Pheiffer also did wonderfully with their characters. All the voices fit and the story line was engaging and fun.
The Animation was fantastic and they did a great job of blending the CGI and the actual drawing so that you don’t ever feel jerked out of the movie. There is some boundary pushing adult humor in what is basically a kids movie that may startle some parents. I don’t think most parents will care, not with what they let their kids watch on TV. This is a well made movie and I enjoyed it alot.
Pirates of the Caribbean: For those of you who like a good adventure, this is a definate must see. While it doesn’t really require the big screen, I would suggest going just to have fun at the theater, you will not be disappointed.
Johnny Depp is fantastic as Captain Jack Sparrow. He steals every scene he’s in and your never quite sure if he’s sane or a complete lunatic. I dare you to figure it out. He’s clever without being pompous and he’s slick without being oily. While Orlando is playing the lover boy, there is an appeal to Jack Sparrow that keeps you wanting more. And Johnny never misses a beat.
Orlando Bloom is our earnest young lover who is determined to save the girl he loves. His skills as Legolas in The Ring movies are put to excellent use in this movie as our sword making blacksmith. He also plays he character very well and the scenes between him and Johnny are beautifully done.
Our heroine Keira Knightly is not your average “beautiful but clueless love interest”, this girl is smart, funny and ready to do what needs to be done.
The Director Gore Verbinski needs to be applauded in putting together a very tight, well made movie. This movie never misses a beat in it’s story telling, the CGI never fails and is smooth and seemless. One may think this is a scarry movie from the trailors, but don’t worry, there is such a practical side to these pirates that you become facinated and watch for the times when the moonlight gives them away.
All the actors do a great job with their characters and you become interested in what happens to everyone you meet. You’ll applaud for the good guys and enjoy the hell out of the bad guys and sometimes your not sure which is which. I had a ball watching this movie and recommend it to everyone. There is nothing offensive or gratuitious about any scene and if your kids like “The Nightmare before Christmas” they should have no problems with this movie. I think even a child as young as eight could handle this movie. Any younger is up to the parent.
