Author Archives: Keith Garlington

After Two Episodes of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D….

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SHIELD

The idea behind Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was a spectacular one. A television series directly tied into the established Marvel movie universe is ripe with potential. It opens up this amazing superhero world for all sorts of storylines and characters that may not have the strength to carry an entire feature length film. Yet they could add a fun and entertaining depth and dynamic if the show utilized that potential.

The first episode was a good one for the most part. It gave us a basic introduction to the characters and planted itself nicely into Marvel’s movie world. It also established its tone which felt strikingly similar to the successful movies. But while I did think the first show was a nice setup that left me interested in where things will go, it wasn’t an episode that blew me away. Still, it ended in a manner that left me anxious for the next show.

SHIELD1

Last night brought us the second episode. It attempted to draw a better picture of what type of series this will be as well as open up the main characters more. In what looks like an X-Files styled format, the team headed out on their first full mission together. I gotta say I was pretty interested to see the show take off. Unfortunately I don’t think it ever did. In fact I would call this episode a big disappointment and it gave me real reason to be concerned about the series as a whole.

First off the story just wasn’t that interesting or satisfying. The buildup from the previous show never bore fruit and the story had little energy or life. It did try to incorporate a few connections to the movie universe, but for me they weren’t enough to keep me engaged. There were also moments that were just silly and impossible to believe. For example, an inflatable raft stopping up the huge hole in the side of a midair jet. I guess you could say that S.H.I.E.L.D. rafts are stronger, but come on. I can’t help but be optimistic and believe that there is better material on the way. But as a whole, this show was a step back and if the rest of the episodes follow this lead, I don’t see myself sticking with it very long.

Another problem I had is with the production value. Now don’t get me wrong, I never expected this to have the same look and polish of a big-budget Hollywood motion picture. But this thing looked pretty cheap. There were a few money shots and there were instances where you can tell money was spent. But there were other moments that simply looked fake and very low budget. That was pretty disappointing.

SHIELD3

But perhaps my biggest gripe is with the cast and characters. It saddens me to say but so far none of them have kept my interest. Every one of them are lifeless, cardboard cutouts that either fit a familiar stereotype or just spark no interest at all. And the characters aren’t helped by the combination of shoddy acting and weak dialogue. Even Agent Coulson, who I really do love, was way off in this second show. For me this could be the death blow to the series. If you can’t create an interesting and entertaining cast of characters, especially in a show like this, you’re in deep trouble. After the second episode I can’t say I really care about any of them yet.

In a nutshell I can say I’m pretty worried about where the series is heading. I was that disenchanted with episode #2. But I haven’t lost hope. A fun appearance at the end and a cool reference to Thor’s hammer where the highlights for me. They are enough to give me hope that the show can get back on track. Yet suddenly I’m not so sure anymore and as I reflect on this week’s show I can see cracks that may turn out to be irreparable.

So have you watched it? What were your thoughts on episode #2? Please take time to tell everyone what you think.

Know Your Movies – Three Hints, One Guess

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MOVIES

It can’t only be reviews, Phenomenal 5 lists, and commentaries, right? Know Your Movies is all about having fun. Here’s how it works: I’ll share a single shot from a movie. It can be extremely serious or completely absurd. After that I’ll provide you with three hints. The rest is up to you. Hop on the comments section and share your guess as well as any thoughts you have on the movie, actor/actress, or the scene. It should be a blast.

Today’s image is from a film that has grown more appreciated over time. So here’s the shot. Three hints will follow.

DAZED Purchase

Does he really look old enough to buy alcohol?

Hint 1: Released in 1993

Hint 2: Features a spectacular 70s rock soundtrack

Hint 3: Has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94% !

Now head to the comments and share your guess. I would also love to hear your thoughts on the film, the scene, or anything else related to it. The correct answer will be announced first on my Twitter feed (@KeithandMovies for those who want to follow).

5 Phenomenal Things About “Die Hard”

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movie_theatre - Phenom 5

It’s hard to believe that it has been 25 years since the release of the now classic action movie “Die Hard”. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched the film during the years following its release. It uniquely captured the popular 80s action feel of the time while also paving some wonderful new ground in the genre. It also gave us some signature moments that I’m sure all of us remember. So to honor an action classic I’m looking at five phenomenal things about “Die Hard”. Now obviously with a movie this good and with such history it’s impossible to call this the definitive list. But no one will doubt that these five things about “Die Hard” are certainly phenomenal.

#5 – DWAYNE T. ROBINSON

DWATNE T
It may seem like an odd inclusion, but I love Deputy Chief of Police Dwayne T. Robinson. This pompous, cocky, and often times incompetent officer was in charge of the scene at Nakatomi Plaza, at least until the “FBI guys” arrive. He was wonderfully played by the late Paul Gleason who in many ways was recapturing his role as Principal Vernon from “The Breakfast Club”. He gives us several hilarious lines and watching his stupidity being exposed by both the terrorists and John McClane is simply priceless.

#4 – THE JUMP FROM THE TOP

MCCLANE JUMP
“Die Hard” is a film with one spectacular action sequence after another. Director John McTiernan is no stranger to action flicks and he has always known how to film a pulse-pounding scene. Such is the case with the great moment when John McClane jumps off the top of Nakatomi Plaza. With terrorists seconds away from blowing the roof and an FBI chopper mistaking him as a bad guy, McClane finds himself in a real pickle. Explosions, a falling chopper engulfed in flames, and a free jump with nothing but a fire hose to keep him from falling to his death all make up the amazing scene that follows. I love it!

#3 – BRUCE WILLIS: ACTION STAR

Die Hard

“Die Hard” is the film that catapulted Willis into super stardom an launched his career as a bonafide action movie star. In the 1980s that was a big deal. The genre was in its heyday and breaking into that scene wasn’t that easy. There were musclebound guys like Schwarzenegger and Stallone along with martial arts stars like Norris, Van Damme, and Seagal. But in “Die Hard” Bruce Willis showed us a more grounded action hero. Sure some of his stunts were spectacular, but he was just a regular guy. This is something that was symbolized in most of Willis’ action roles that followed. And it all started with John McClane.

#2 – HANS GRUBER: THE QUINTESSENTIAL TERRORIST

HANS

Throughout the years we’ve seen a number of terrorists on the big screen. Most are your cookie-cutter variety bad guys with similar motives and characteristics. I think that’s why Hans Gruber stands so far apart from the crowd. He’s suave, sophisticated, and he certainly doesn’t share the same motives as the others we’ve seen over and over again. But the biggest reason he works so well is Alan Rickman. Talk about a great performance. Rickman is mesmerizing as the highly intelligent terrorist ringleader who always seams one step ahead of everyone else. And that cool charisma he brings to the character is simply impossible to miss.

#1 – THE CONCEPT

Die-Hard

There are so many wonderful things that contribute to “Die Hard” being such a fabulous action movie. But for me, I always come back to the concept itself. The entire terrorist takeover of a skyscraper idea has always stood out to me. Then throw in one lone “fly in the ointment” moving and battling from floor to floor and you have the concept for a truly remarkable film. And to prove the concept was genius, there have been tons of knockoffs throughout the years. Of course the concept ultimately proved to be strong by the finished result. “Die Hard” has gone on to become one of the most well known and well received action movies of the 1980s. And it’s a movie that will undoubtably be held in high regard for years to come.

So there are my 5 Phenomenal Things About “Die Hard”. I know you’ve seen the film. What do you agree or disagree with? I’d love to hear your thoughts and your favorite things about this great action picture.

5 Phenomenal Movies from 1984

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movie_theatre - Phenom 5

It’s been waaay too long since I last did a Phenomenal 5 from my year-by-year series. It’s time to correct that. Several months ago I started at 1980 and now we have reached 1984. Talk about a HUGE year for movies! 1984 featured so many films that became pop culture classics. In fact, the strength of the year’s movies will best be realized by looking at the great flicks that didn’t make it on this list: “Ghostbusters”, “Sixteen Candles”, “The Terminator”, “Romancing the Stone”, “The Killing Fields”, “Beverly Hills Cop”, and “Top Secret!” just to name a few. Like I said, talk about a HUGE year for movies. So considering that, it would be foolish to call this the definitive list. But I have no problem calling these five movies from 1984 absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – “GREMLINS”

Gremlins

Was it a comedy? Was it a family film? Was it a horror picture? Well I guess you could call “Gremlins” a little of all. Regardless of what category you put it in one thing is for certain – it was a huge success and a fun, fun movie. Directed by Joe Dante and with Steven Spielberg serving as Executive Producer, “Gremlins” was a unique mix of several genres. It starred Zach Galligan as a young man who is given a strange pet from Chinatown called a Mogwai. The cute little creature is named Gizmo but he comes with three very, very important rules. Of course every rule is broken and soon the small town of Kingston Falls is overran with the vicious and violent offspring of the cute little Gizmo. The movie received a lot of criticism for its violence and it was a key reason for the PG-13 rating being implemented. But I loved it as a kid and I can easily say I still love it today.

#4 – “RED DAWN”

Red Dawn

Look, I know some will immediately start rolling their eyes at this pick and I fully admit that nostalgia may play a huge role in its inclusion. But I love “Red Dawn” and I still think it holds up today. Many people dismiss it but I still remember how well it worked back in 1984. Today the political landscape has changed therefore many younger viewers may not have the same attachment. But I still find it a compelling story that does a good job of creating characters you care about and putting them into an impossible situation. Unlike the horrible remake, the original did a much better job developing the emotions and relationships between the kids as they hide in the mountains after an invasion of their home town. They aren’t military savvy or skilled at weaponry. They just want to live. And that’s a key dynamic that worked so well for me. A great movie from 1984.

#3 – “INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM”

INDY

I realize that a large number of people had problems with this movie. I’ll also give you that this is the weakest film of the original three. But I still really, really love “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”. It has been criticized for numerous things most notably its violence and its attempts to gross out the audience. These things (along with Gremlins) were used to lobby for the PG-13 rating that we have today. But there are so many great moments and memorable scenes. I absolutely love the opening in Shanghai and the bridge scene close to the end is one everybody knows. I could go on and on. The mine car chase sequence. The room full of spikes. Harrison Ford is a blast as Indy and his sidekick Short Round actually manages to be funny but not annoying. Lucas’ story and Speilberg’s direction gel nicely and even though there are a couple of speed bumps, overall it’s an unforgettable movie.

#2 – “THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY”

GODS

If you have not taken the time to see “The Gods Must Be Crazy” you are missing out on what I think is one of the funniest movies ever made. Yes that’s high praise but I think it’s well deserved. This South African comedy written and directed by Jamie Uys is guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve ever watched before. The story is actually composed of three stories that all come together in the end. Xi is a Bushman from an isolated tribe on a journey to throw an evil “thing” off the end of the Earth (it’s a coke bottle). Andrew is a bumbling scientist studying animal behavior near the Kalahari Desert. Sam Boga leads a band of incompetent bandits who are on the run. But the real star is the sharp script from Uys as well as his quirky style of direction. It all works perfectly to form an insanely funny film that shouldn’t be missed.

#1 – “BLOOD SIMPLE”

Blood SImple

The 1984 movie year is known for a lot of things. For me it will probably be most remembered as the year Joel and Ethan Coen made their directorial debut. The Coen brothers are two of my favorite directors and “Blood Simple” certainly launched them on the right foot. In fact, it’s impossible to watch “Blood Simple” and not recognize the familiar traits and undeniable style that would go on to be signatures of the brothers in their movies that followed. This twisting neo-noir tale changes direction on numerous occasions and it keeps you glued to the screen. A brilliant script (written by the brothers) anchors the film and some fine performances from Frances McDormand, Ray Getz, M. Emmet Walsh, and Dan Hedaya just make it better. There are lots of great movies from 1984. For me “Blood SImple” is the cake topper.

So there are my 5 Phenomenal Movies from 1984. I know many will have their own personal favorites. Please take time to share them in the comments below. If you agree or disagree with my choices, I would love to hear from you.

Your Voices: On the new Star Wars movies

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Your Voices

Your Voices is a simple concept created to encourage conversation and opinions between movie lovers. It works like this: I throw out a certain topic. After that I’ll make my case or share my opinions. Then it’s time for Your Voices. Head to the comments section and let fellow readers and moviegoers know your thoughts on the topic for that day!

Star-Wars1

Well it’s a bit of old news but in keeping with the recent Star Wars trend at Keith & the Movies I thought I would throw this out there. What are you thoughts on Disney’s confirmed plans to bring us new Star Wars movies? Now it shouldn’t surprise anyone. I mean they didn’t pay that much money to just sit on its current profitability. But there are several legitimate questions about these new episodes. Questions about the plot, questions about the cast, questions about the director.

Usually on Your Voices I try to have a definitive position. But I find myself torn on this one. I’m a Star Wars geek so the prospect of brand new movies really excites me. On the other hand, the franchise is now in new creative hands and there are chances that this could end up being a disaster. Is it a money grab? Will it flow well with the established continuity? Will it capture the spirit of the original films? There is plenty of material there for a great new direction. But there are also plenty of obstacles that could cause this to go terribly wrong.

What are your thoughts on the new Star Wars movies heading to theaters?

So now it’s time for Your Voices. What are your thoughts on the upcoming Star Wars films? Do you share the same concerns I do? Are you excited at the idea of venturing back into this universe? Please head to the comments section and let Your Voices be heard.

REVIEW: “Lords of Dogtown”

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Dogtown posterOn the surface “Lords of Dogtown” isn’t a movie that would normally appeal to me. But underneath my speculative blanket of low expectations lies an entertaining and compelling story based in a world that is totally new to me. And while it does fall victim to a few missteps in its second half, “Lords of Dogtown” ends up being a well made biopic of sorts that features some really good performances.

The film is set in Santa Monica, California during the early 1970’s and follows three boys who become skateboarding legends. Stacy Peralta (John Robinson), Tony Alva (Victor Rasuk), and Jay Adams (Emile Hirsch) are young teens who love to surf and skate. They are encouraged to try out a new skateboard designed by a local surf shop owner and board designer Skip Engblom (Heath Ledger). They form a team under Skip’s leadership and begin taking area competitions by storm. This leads to a level of success and pressure that the boys never expected.

As I mentioned “Lords of Dogtown” is a biography. Known as The Z-Boys, Peralta, Alva, and Adams gained celebrity in their local community and have been catapulted to legendary status by those who know skateboarding. As with every biopic there is that question of what is accurate and what was added. But it’s interesting that the story was written by Stacy Peralta himself which I think brings a lot of life to the film. I found a clear and evident personal connection brought to the characters that I attribute to Peralta. From their early mischievous troublemaking to their later struggles brought on my conflicting personalities and fame, the characters feel real and authentic, at least through most of the film.

I also give a ton of credit to director Catherine Hardwicke. Her presentation of this wild and frenetic world is spectacular. Her cameras are always catching great shots through cool movements and clever angles. She also does a wonderful job of making you feel you’re in that era. The outfits, the cars, the lingo, the fantastic soundtrack – it’s all used seamlessly to recreate a highly believable 1970’s. It’s one of the movie’s strongest points.

DOGTOWN

The performances from the three young stars are also impressive. They each handle the material very well as they take their characters through stages of adolescent playfulness, poor decision making, troubled home life, and more. Of the three it’s Hirsch who shines brightest. Unfortunately all fall victim to a few missteps in the writing later in the film but overall they’re very good. But for me the real star was Heath ledger. He is brilliant as Skip Engblom – a complicated and layered character to say the least. Ledger loses himself in the performance and he owns every scene he is in. In fact, an acquaintance of the real Skip Engblom stated that it was eerie how accurate and precise Ledger’s performance was.

Now if only I could end the review here and say that “Lords of Dogtown” is a perfect and flawless movie. Unfortunately I can’t. Everything in the film clicks right up until the third act. To be honest, it’s hard to put my finger on where things stray off. But things do start to feel a bit conventional and the story direction feels a bit fabricated. The authenticity that fuels most of the film gives way to a handful of plot devices that just felt off. It suddenly begin to feel like a movie, so much so that I begin questioning some of the things from earlier in the movie.

“Lords of Dogtown” does lose some steam towards the end. Yet as the credits were rolling I realized how much I liked the film. It may feel a little too polished for some and a little too abrasive for others. But I found it easy to overlook the problems and embrace the compelling story of these three friends. And considering how low my expectations were, well lets just say that made it all the more enjoyable.

VERDICT – 3.5 STARS