Biochemist Michael Morbius tries to cure himself of a rare blood disease, but when his experiment goes wrong, he inadvertently infects himself with a form of vampirism instead.
Director:Daniel Espinosa
Cast: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal, Tyrese Gibson
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, some frightening images, and brief strong language
Runtime:1h 44m
Review:
Morbius is the kind of paint by the numbers, forgettable comic book origin story whose main purpose is to set up future installment. Daniel Espinosa film is both glossy and undercooked at the same time. His direction borrows from a bevy of comic book films mainly from the early 2000s which isn't the greatest source for inspiration. The plot moves at a surprisingly quick pace which maybe intentional so you don't notice how nonsensical the whole thing is. Jared Leto, an actor known for throwing himself into roles, is surprisingly understated and uninspired in the central role. His performance gives you the impression that he'd rather be anywhere else but there. Matt Smith, on the other hand, seems to relish chewing up scenery as the requisite friend/villain who ends up with the exact same power as the hero. Supporting players Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal and Tyrese Gibson all show up for a quick paycheck while bringing very little to their undercooked characters. At least Morbius has the common sense to not overstay it's welcome with its quick runtime that still includes two post credit scenes that feels more like the result of corporate deal than some sort of big revelation.
This science
fiction saga tells the story of astronauts on the International Space Station
who retrieve a sample from Mars and discover it contains evidence of
intelligent life. The crew is thrust into danger when the specimen shows signs
of aggression, threatening the entire mission. Jake Gyllenhaal stars alongside
Ryan Reynolds and Rebecca Ferguson. Daniel Espinosa directed a script written
by Deadpool scribes Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi
Rated R for language throughout, some sci-fi violence and
terror
Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min.
Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Thriller
Life is a surprisingly bland rethread of Alien.Daniel Espinosa does a serviceable job of
directed an impressive collections of actors.It has the hallmarks of decent filmmaking but even with the actor’s best
efforts it’s never terribly interesting. The story plays out exactly the way
you expect it to go and there’s little effort to bring something new to the
story.The biggest mystery during the
entire thing is the order of the characters exit.Even the finale, which the film seems to
think is mind blowing, is incredibly predictable.You have to wonder if there is a better film
in there somewhere.That’s the only
thing that could explain what could have drawn so many talented actors to such
a bland and forgettable exercise.
Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas with the throngs who apparently haven't left their homes since Christmas. Ahhhh...springtime. On the docket: Life and Power Rangers.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing plot-related that you wouldn't know from the trailers.
First up: sci-fi thriller Life.
Deadpool, Donnie Darko, and the chick from the last Mission Impossible discover an alien life form.
Humanity weeps.
As I was suffering through Life, I was prepared to declare it the worst thing I've ever seen. In hindsight, there's no way it's that (screams Ghost Ship from my DVD collection), but it IS a gruesome, derivative waste of a pretty solid cast. The dialogue ranges from trite to cringe-worthy, and the tired old story drags on like a drum solo at an 80s arena-rock show, cut-rate sci-fi that occasionally knocks you over the head with clumsy attempts at poignancy. Sadly, even the creature effects are lame. Then, after two hours of taking itself way too seriously, the end credits kick off with a perky rendition of Spirit in the Sky. Whatever the filmmakers thought they were doing with that, it was a less-fitting finish than La La Land (which is saying something). The one thing Life has going for it is a terrific score by Jon Ekstrand, but, even in tandem with my best boyfriend Jake Gyllenhaal, it can't save the day.
Life clocks in at an interminable 103 minutes and is rated R for "language throughout, some sci-fi violence and terror."
Life is dead on arrival. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Life gets one.
Next up, the most recent take on Saban's Power Rangers.
Five ordinary high-schoolers are chosen to be the next Power Rangers, and are tasked with saving the world from the evil Rita Repulsa.
Well, dear reader(s), in the interest of full and fair disclosure, I'll admit that Power Rangers would have had to work very hard to earn a thumbs-down from this blog, but I'm pleased to report it's even better than I'd hoped. This new crew of Rangers is a diverse, likable, good-looking bunch that seems a solid fit, both as a group and individually. Special shoutout (with just a wee bit of personal bias) to Ludi Lin, who does a great job as Zack, the Black Ranger. RJ Cyler is also terrific, portraying Billy, the Blue Ranger, as a young man on the autism spectrum. There's plenty of well-paced action, but it doesn't drag on or overwhelm the whole. Effects are just as huge as you'd expect. Suits and Zords have been updated for a new age, looking slick and impressive. The film's humor is hardly cutting edge, but the movie's funny when it means to be, and the dialogue among the kids feels natural and not over-scripted. Elizabeth Banks gleefully chews the scenery as Rita Replusa, not my favorite take on the character, but definitely entertaining. Power Rangers have always been corny, and this outing is no exception. The movie runs a little long, and Bill Hader is supremely annoying as the voice of Alpha 5, but, overall, Power Rangers is good fun, and my theater gave it the loudest, longest ovation I've ever experienced at the movies. Stick around for a mid-credits scene. It's no great revelation, but it'll still be welcome "news" for most fans.
Power Rangers runs 124 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of sci-fi action, violence, and destruction, language, and for some crude humor."
2017's Power Rangers pointedly takes aim at a new generation, but still manages to indulge old fans' nostalgia. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Power Rangers gets seven and a half.
Fangirl points: There is a Social Distortion song in this movie. I repeat: There is a Social Distortion song in this movie. This is not a drill.
A rookie CIA operative goes on the run with a rogue former intelligence officer after a South African safe house comes under attack by heavily armed mercenaries. Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) is a CIA agent just waiting for the perfect opportunity to prove himself. But that's no easy task when you've been cooped up in an empty Cape Town safe house for a whole year. Weston realizes that a prime opportunity is headed his way, however, when he learns that former agent Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) has been captured after nearly a decade on the run. Frost is about to become Weston's one and only guest at the safe house, and the fledgling agent is determined to handle the situation like a true professional. But by selling U.S. secrets to countries like North Korea, Frost has made more than his fair share of enemies in high places, and shortly after he arrives at the safe house, all hell breaks loose. A small army of gunmen are determined to see Frost dead. Meanwhile, Weston will do everything in his power to protect Frost, regardless of his crimes. Now Weston's only hope for getting out of this alive is to find out who's gunning for them, and seek out someone he can trust before it's too late. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Cast: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Vera Farmiga, Brendan Gleeson, Sam Shepard
Release Date: Feb 10, 2012
Rated R for violence and some language
Genres: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller
Review:
Safe House is the type of film you keep expecting to surprise or excite you but it never really can. Incredibly generic and predictable it never rises above better films of its ilk. Daniel Espinosa directs his film like a muted Tony Scott, the action is chaotic and loud but nothing seems to illicit the response intended. To his credit, Espinosa does pace his film steadily and never lets it lag too much, as a result this 2 hour film doesn’t feel any longer than it should. Denzel Washington is clearly having a good time; he’s always the most interesting person on screen both as an actor and character. Sadly the character is underwritten and you can’t help feeling like you’ve just scratched the surface. Ryan Reynolds should make for a perfect action star but he just never believable especially when delivering a punch. It doesn’t help that his character is a moron who makes the absolute worst decisions in every situation. The supporting cast is made up of top tier actors and strong character actors which could enhance the overall experience but they are all terribly underused and underwritten. The plot itself is straightforward and generic, nothing really surprises you and any of the turns or surprises are telegraphed in such an obvious manner that they might as well have street signs announcing them. Still, it’s all easily digestible with its Bourne style action even if it’s instantly forgettable.
