This was one of my favorite films of the semester. With so many similarities to previous we watched throughout the semester, like 2001 and Another Earth, it was cool to watch and point out things that we have seen before. I enjoy films with very few characters, such as buried. It may not have been the best movie ever, but it really shows how good an actor is. Which is what Sam Rockwell did in this film. I haven't really seen him do his own movie before, and after seeing this i would like to see him do something alone again.
Moon was so creative and scary, especially when both clones meet each other. From that point, I actually guessed the rest of the movie in my head (I was pretty proud), but since I guessed it, it made me think the movie was too expected.
The film was about a man who finds out he is a clone by being saved by another woken up clone. Eventually, the newest clone beats the system and escapes to earth. Knowing they only have about three years to live, they don't want to stay anymore and want to go home to earth.
It gets pretty sad watching this man who really has nothing... then have to watch him die.
Visually it was pleasing. I think it was funny how we didnt really see much of the moon itself, only the inside of the space station. But it was nice to see so much of the space station. It felt spacy and the audience really got to experience most of it.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Final Writing Assignment
Sam
Piscopo
December
9, 2013
Final
Writing Assignment
Art
441
The
Perfect World
It
is 2014, and scientist Shannon Mahoney
shares her and her crew's latest revolutionary discovery at a press
conference. The last 15 years, Mahoney and her co-workers have put
diseases in a slower more controlled environment by sending infected
subjects into space where time appears to move slower. Mahoney
continues to explain that they have been able to slow down the
disease progression allowing more time for bodies to react and form a
synthetic antibody cure for all diseases that affect the human body.
As
the press conference continues, a reporters asks if the allegations
that this cure could cause harm to the human reproductive system are
true. Mahoney, looking over at the senator, Jeff Casey, explains that
their studies have shown there is a diminished chance of natural
human reproduction after administering the cure, although the cure
itself does not cause impotence.
As
cameras flash and hands from reporters shoot up, Jeff Casey stumbles
up next to Mahoney to explicate the government's support towards the
cure. He guarantees that the United States government health care
plan will make it possible for every family that wants children to
receive artificial inseminated pregnancy in the near future.
It
is now 2015 and people are waiting in line to get their vaccinations
for the cure. It
became a mandatory requirement that everyone, including the US and
European union, be vaccinated with the cure. As some people are
outraged, small riots begin to break out. The government makes sure
that they are to be controlled by police and other officials.
Although there were many fatalities because of the new cure, everyone
eventually was vaccinated.
58
years pass.
It’s
year 2073, earth's human population is down 35% since the year 2013
due to the cure and lack of procreation. However, the government did
not keep it's word about free universal fertility treatment. As a
result, people in poor financial situations could not afford to have
children slowly diminishing the poverty in the world. Building
towards the perfect world where starvation and homelessness are
becoming things of the past. But there is always a silver lining.
Low
end jobs are losing manpower leaving the government to force a
mandatory recruitment on such jobs. Parents must give their children
an aptitude test that will place children in a specific class and
give them a job that pertains to that class. First class being the
best, and fourth class being the worst. This will fix the lack of
people working in the low end jobs the country needs to survive.
A
middle class family in Sacramento, California, brings home their
second child, Derek, from the hospital. Karen and Steve Levy, the
parents Derek and Derek's brother, Connor, question their son's eye
color. Thinking they should have chosen green or blue instead of
brown. Karen laughs and says their choice was perfect and so is their
new born son.
About
five years pass and Derek is growing up like any normal boy, talking,
playing and laughing. While Steve is home from work one weekend, he
shuffles through the mail finding the local census letter. Steve
opens letter and enclosed in it is a personality and aptitude test
given to every child in America used to determine a future career and
social class. Steve calls Karen and asks why they would be sending
their five-year-old child the test when they got theirs around 15 and
Connor got his at age 12.
Steve
and Karen are shocked, but tell Derek at dinner time that he has to
help them answer a few questions. After dinner, Derek is told to stay
at the table as his brother leaves to his room. As Karen reads the
questions from the aptitude test, she has to reword them for Derek to
understand. Derek stops his mom and shows a picture he drew of
himself with blue eyes. She tell him to stop and pay attention. As
she asks more and more questions, she gets frustrated by how hard
they are for a five-year-old to answer. Karen gets frustrated with
the test and tells Derek to go to his room. Karen and Steve agree to
fill out the test on their own.
A
few weeks pass, and Karen discovers a letter from the government. The
letter states that Derek Levy, age 5, scored a 98% on the aptitude
test and will be placed in social class 4 working in sewage
management.
Shocked,
Karen calls down Steve to show him the letter and she begins to call
the census bureau. She gets a hold of someone in charge asking why
her son was placed is such a low class when he had a high score. The
woman on the phone explains that Derek scored much higher on test
than most 5-year-olds. Kids his age normally score between 20-40% on
the aptitude test. Apparently there was a discrepancy in the test.
When our systems noticed the discrepancy, they automatically placed
Derek in the lowest class. Karen doesn't respond to the woman and
hangs up the phone. Steve grabs her arm and Karen says that it was
their fault since she filled out the test themselves.
10
years pass.
Derek
is showing amazing skills throughout middle school and high school.
Although he is progressing well, his parents know where he will be
placed when he turns 18. Still hesitant to tell him the truth, his
parent continue to lie to Derek about his class and his upcoming
profession.
One
day, Karen finds the 10-year-old government letter under a pile of
old papers in her closet. She starts tearing up after rereading the
mistake she made. As she walks downstairs with the paper, Derek runs
from his room to show her pictures of the world before and after
artificial insemination. Derek then asks why she and Steve chose
brown eyes instead of the more popular green or blue. She explains
that no matter what color they chose, he was going to be perfect no
matter what. Derek gives his mom a hug.
Karen
tears up, and continues to walk downstairs. Derek is confused and
asked her to tell him what was wrong. Karen sits him down and shows
him the letter. In shock, Derek asks the same questions Karen asked
ten years ago. After Derek receives all the answers, he goes up to
his room and shuts his door. He hasn't felt such anger towards his
parents before and begins to throw things around his room.
Steve
and Karen barge in and grab Derek. As he falls to the ground crying,
his parents hold them and say, “We're so sorry, Derek.”
Three
years pass.
Derek
has graduated and is working in sewage treatment. Since Karen and
Steve are in class 2, they don't see much of Derek anymore.
Holographic screens around Derek's job play a commercial on repeat
expressing how important his work is to his country.
Derek
is not happy and begins drinking a lot when he is at his apartment.
Since the drinking age is now 18, beer and vodka bottles lay around
the Derek's home. His home phone lays next to his bed with 13 unheard
messages. As Derek continues to drink, he stares at the missed
messages shaking his head and decides to fall asleep.
The
next few days, Derek goes to work like any other day. Eric, an honest
friend and co-worker, informs Derek that someone in their faculty
committed suicide. As people mourn, Derek continues to finish his
work for the day and go home.
Finally
Derek decides to call his parents and talk to them about his life in
class 4. They were beginning to worry that there was something wrong
since he wasn't answering their calls. Derek then replies, “There
is something wrong. I'm not where I'm suppose to be.” He begins to
yell and hangs up. As he looks out his apartment window, he stares at
a screen on another building across the way that is playing the same
commercial from his job. Derek smiles, shuts the curtains and falls
asleep.
It is now year 2094. A news report on Derek's television shows that suicide in the United states has risen 28% in the past fifteen years, mostly in the lower classes.
It is now year 2094. A news report on Derek's television shows that suicide in the United states has risen 28% in the past fifteen years, mostly in the lower classes.
Derek's
apartment is looking more torn up than ever. About 17 missed calls
are flashing on Derek's phone. Meanwhile, a pounding on Derek's front
door starts getting louder and louder. It's Derek's friend Eric,
asking why he hasn't shown up for work or answered any calls. He
grabs the key from under the mat, opens the door and sees Derek with
a rope around his neck.
A
week passes and few friends and family come to Derek’s funeral. As
his family mourns, the casket is placed in the ground along with the
picture Derek drew of himself with blue eyes.
Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Where do i begin.
This was the second installment of the Hunger Games. It was brilliant. Like Harry Potter, I refuse to read the books. I personally think movies are so much better than reading and I don't want to compare these master pieces with anything else.
This is such a powerful film, espeically for women. Like mentioned in class, someone said Katniss was not that powerful. I disagree. I think that she is extremely powerful and proves that for fighting to keep her family alive and safe. The only reason she keeps pushing as hard as she does, is for her family.
I am so fascinated with these movies because I really like powerful female leads and I also like how far out it is. I would have never thought that something like this would be so popular and to teenagers mostly.
I think this movie did better than the first because it felt a lot more mature. The characters were older and wiser. Johanna, who was played by the wonderful Jena Malone, was probably one of the highlights of this film. She too was a powerful woman in the film who was definitely not happy about going back to the hunger games. She expressed that through curse words and yelling.
The elevator scene was probably one of the best scenes in the film.
When the film ended, both chris and I were in shock. I have not seen such a bigger cliff hanger in a film. I just can not wait until nov. 2014 to watch the third installment. I am sure it will be even better than this one.
This was the second installment of the Hunger Games. It was brilliant. Like Harry Potter, I refuse to read the books. I personally think movies are so much better than reading and I don't want to compare these master pieces with anything else.
This is such a powerful film, espeically for women. Like mentioned in class, someone said Katniss was not that powerful. I disagree. I think that she is extremely powerful and proves that for fighting to keep her family alive and safe. The only reason she keeps pushing as hard as she does, is for her family.
I am so fascinated with these movies because I really like powerful female leads and I also like how far out it is. I would have never thought that something like this would be so popular and to teenagers mostly.
I think this movie did better than the first because it felt a lot more mature. The characters were older and wiser. Johanna, who was played by the wonderful Jena Malone, was probably one of the highlights of this film. She too was a powerful woman in the film who was definitely not happy about going back to the hunger games. She expressed that through curse words and yelling.
The elevator scene was probably one of the best scenes in the film.
When the film ended, both chris and I were in shock. I have not seen such a bigger cliff hanger in a film. I just can not wait until nov. 2014 to watch the third installment. I am sure it will be even better than this one.
Another Earth
This was one of the crazy ending type movies. I was not a fan of how the movie was filmed, but thats kind of expected when watching a movie with such a low budget.
The film was very long and very boring. Although the concept was interesting and different, it really lacked excitement. Again, it could have done without the sex scene. Come on... a good looking girl like that... with a guy like that. Makes me think of the male fantasy and how real it is in so many damn movies.
This is one of the few female empowered movies we have seen this semester. Side note: I really like how gravity was such an important film with a female as the lead role. Although this was a female movie, it could have done with a male too. I don't think it would have matter who played the lead role in this. Of course, that would have meant a female character who lost her family in the crash.
Anyway, I think the movie lacked environment. It was only really filmed in her room, the school hallways and the mans house. It was a very slow film, but it was necessary for the audience to understand what was going on. Minus the stupid love scene.
I would probably avoid watching low budget sci-fi films because they really lack what sci fi films need... which would be a good set, special effects and other elements to really make a sci fi film work.
The film was very long and very boring. Although the concept was interesting and different, it really lacked excitement. Again, it could have done without the sex scene. Come on... a good looking girl like that... with a guy like that. Makes me think of the male fantasy and how real it is in so many damn movies.
This is one of the few female empowered movies we have seen this semester. Side note: I really like how gravity was such an important film with a female as the lead role. Although this was a female movie, it could have done with a male too. I don't think it would have matter who played the lead role in this. Of course, that would have meant a female character who lost her family in the crash.
Anyway, I think the movie lacked environment. It was only really filmed in her room, the school hallways and the mans house. It was a very slow film, but it was necessary for the audience to understand what was going on. Minus the stupid love scene.
I would probably avoid watching low budget sci-fi films because they really lack what sci fi films need... which would be a good set, special effects and other elements to really make a sci fi film work.
Trekkies
This documentary was more interesting than some of the actual films we watched throughout the semester. I enjoyed watching this because it really made me change my mind on how I felt about conventions in general. Although I hate star trek and anime, I respect their conventions, their costumes and whatever else is super lame to me.
I would judge them and see them as these fucking nerdy people, when really I would do the same things but with other movies, tv shows, comics, or video games. I am those people. I just didnt understand that until now.
The film followed a few different people who called themselves 'Trekkies' They collected star trek toys, items from the show/movie, etc. They go to the star trek conventions all around the US. It was interesting how many people would invest so much time into collecting and following this fiction.
What I liked most about these people is that they do not give a shit about what anyone else thinks. They can walk around dressed like any of the characters and they don't even notice if people are laughing or staring. I really liked their commitment and passion towards star trek.
I truly hate star trek, but if there were hunger games conventions, im pretty sure I would be at every single one of them. Im pretty sure i am just like one of these people.
I would judge them and see them as these fucking nerdy people, when really I would do the same things but with other movies, tv shows, comics, or video games. I am those people. I just didnt understand that until now.
The film followed a few different people who called themselves 'Trekkies' They collected star trek toys, items from the show/movie, etc. They go to the star trek conventions all around the US. It was interesting how many people would invest so much time into collecting and following this fiction.
What I liked most about these people is that they do not give a shit about what anyone else thinks. They can walk around dressed like any of the characters and they don't even notice if people are laughing or staring. I really liked their commitment and passion towards star trek.
I truly hate star trek, but if there were hunger games conventions, im pretty sure I would be at every single one of them. Im pretty sure i am just like one of these people.
Fanboys
"What if this movie sucks?"
That is exactly what I asked before watching this film. I was not a fan, but it was funnier than a lot of other movies we watched this semester which was a nice change. I do like watching movies from 2000 up, so that was also a plus.
It's hard watching nerd movies with many other nerd references that I don't actually like. The ending is kind of sad since their friend doesn't live to see the star wars episode one movie, but thats what I really didnt like... how the plot surrounded that movie and how he wouldn't live to see it.
Of course, its called Fanboys and it would lack female roles in this film. I think that Kristen Bell did a good job for being probably one of few females in the film, but I might be a little bias since I think shes amazing.
I would not recommend this movie to anyone since I thought the dialog was terrible and it was a stupid plot.
Yes, it did suck.
That is exactly what I asked before watching this film. I was not a fan, but it was funnier than a lot of other movies we watched this semester which was a nice change. I do like watching movies from 2000 up, so that was also a plus.
It's hard watching nerd movies with many other nerd references that I don't actually like. The ending is kind of sad since their friend doesn't live to see the star wars episode one movie, but thats what I really didnt like... how the plot surrounded that movie and how he wouldn't live to see it.
Of course, its called Fanboys and it would lack female roles in this film. I think that Kristen Bell did a good job for being probably one of few females in the film, but I might be a little bias since I think shes amazing.
I would not recommend this movie to anyone since I thought the dialog was terrible and it was a stupid plot.
Yes, it did suck.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Primer
This was a terrifying and confusing movie. After reading some reviews about the film, which helped me understand it a little more, I was interested to understand the movie in a lot more detail. If people actually had this ability, I am pretty sure it would not end up good.
People can not be trusted with this sort of power. When people have to put trust in others, it never ends up well. 'Do not mess with your double.' They are really just asking for us to mess with them. Thats like saying, dont press the only red button in front of you.
Ok...
I really like the concept of time travel. When I first saw this movie and read the reviews, it reminded me of Donnie Darko. It was an confusing film that I had to watch a few times to fully understand. AND it had to do with time travel. Although these two have very different plots, they are similar in the sense of the consequences when it comes to messing with time.
I think I really need to watch the movie again to write a good review on it.
People can not be trusted with this sort of power. When people have to put trust in others, it never ends up well. 'Do not mess with your double.' They are really just asking for us to mess with them. Thats like saying, dont press the only red button in front of you.
Ok...
I really like the concept of time travel. When I first saw this movie and read the reviews, it reminded me of Donnie Darko. It was an confusing film that I had to watch a few times to fully understand. AND it had to do with time travel. Although these two have very different plots, they are similar in the sense of the consequences when it comes to messing with time.
I think I really need to watch the movie again to write a good review on it.
Friday, November 22, 2013
La jetee
This was the only photo film we got to watch. I was not too interested in this type of movie nor would I be interested in the other French movie made like this. I did enjoy the plot to the movie and found it to be interesting. It was like watching something that happened back in the day with someone captioning all the pictures and adding sounds. It was a new concept that I would have never thought to do, which is why I appreciated it. But i am not going to go out of my way to watch another photo film like this.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Enders Game
What I like most about new films is how we have advanced in visual effects, and I think that Ender's game was a great example of just that. Just like Gravity, I think that this was visually pleasing as well. Unlike my friend that saw it with me, the movie kept my attention the entire time, which is a A+ in my book. Sadly, the acting was not spot on, but I guess that's what happens when you work with a bunch of children.
The movie focused on Ender, who was seen to be everyone's last hope. The academy trains him to become the best leader for their attack on the aliens. The aliens attacked and killed many people last time, and they want to prevent that from ever happening again by finishing them completely. Of course, Ender succeeds and destroys the entire planet... but sadly, he doesn't know that he killed them all since they tricked him into thinking it was a test. Eventually, Ender finds one last of their kind and travels off with it.
Sadly, after reading many reviews, there will most likely not be a second movie. I guess Orson Scott got karma for being so damn homophobic!
I really enjoyed this film. I think that it kept my attention the whole time and it was a very interesting story plot. I remember my friend reading this book back in middle school, but paid no attention since I was never interested in sci fi ANYTHING, but i might now read it since I enjoyed this so much.
Although the actors were pretty terrible, I think that they portrayed the characters well enough. Ender was a bit of an emotional boy, but i guess thats what happens when you're a genius.. child. I think there should have been a larger female population, especially since this is so far into the future. This is one thing I really do not understand about sci fi films; how is it that stories are so far in the future, yet every plot still revolves around white males? The future should have all races and plenty of women. Are we fighting for nothing? No, were fighting for everything and I think this sci fi films should really portray that. I do understand that this book was written back in the day, but nevertheless, it should portray the future and the future should have a lot more minorities in it (although there are more women then men).
Rant finished.
I give this film an A-
The movie focused on Ender, who was seen to be everyone's last hope. The academy trains him to become the best leader for their attack on the aliens. The aliens attacked and killed many people last time, and they want to prevent that from ever happening again by finishing them completely. Of course, Ender succeeds and destroys the entire planet... but sadly, he doesn't know that he killed them all since they tricked him into thinking it was a test. Eventually, Ender finds one last of their kind and travels off with it.
Sadly, after reading many reviews, there will most likely not be a second movie. I guess Orson Scott got karma for being so damn homophobic!
I really enjoyed this film. I think that it kept my attention the whole time and it was a very interesting story plot. I remember my friend reading this book back in middle school, but paid no attention since I was never interested in sci fi ANYTHING, but i might now read it since I enjoyed this so much.
Although the actors were pretty terrible, I think that they portrayed the characters well enough. Ender was a bit of an emotional boy, but i guess thats what happens when you're a genius.. child. I think there should have been a larger female population, especially since this is so far into the future. This is one thing I really do not understand about sci fi films; how is it that stories are so far in the future, yet every plot still revolves around white males? The future should have all races and plenty of women. Are we fighting for nothing? No, were fighting for everything and I think this sci fi films should really portray that. I do understand that this book was written back in the day, but nevertheless, it should portray the future and the future should have a lot more minorities in it (although there are more women then men).
Rant finished.
I give this film an A-
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Total Recall
First let me stay that this movie was probably the best one we have watched so far, mainly because it was so crazy, gory and ultra violent!
I remember my dad watching this when I was young, but he would change the channel so I wouldnt see anything 'bad.' The scene when Arnold gets into the taxi was so nostalgic because it was the only part I had any bit of memory of, but still reminded me of my dad watching such great movies. At the beginning of the film, viewers know exactly what they're in for while watching Arnolds eyes pop out of their sockets. I say the same thing with Bridesmaids! The first scene is this awkwardly hilarious sex scene - the viewer knows exactly what they're in for for the next two hours.
Although Arnorld isn't the best actor, I think that he did well portraying his character and I had no problem watching him throughout. I havent seen the new film, but I wonder why they would remake this classic anyway. Thats like someone remaking Alien. It cant be done... it shouldn't be done. Of course, all of it will be special effects too... so im sure this new Total was pretty lame.
The ideas we talked about in class, about memories and dreams, was interesting to me, because while watching the film I wasn't really thinking of how they impacted Arnold's character in the first place. Its funny to think that people want things so bad, that they would pay to believe that they actually have it/did it. Sadly, there really isn't enough time to accomplish everything we want to accomplish and see what we want to see while were alive, so I guess given the chance to experience something like he did in the film, we would take it.
The female characters were really rad in the film, especially since they knew how to take care of themselves and beat up people! Although the film was obviously sexist in some parts, they still did a good job portraying the females as tough characters. Get some, give some.
After watching old movies like this, it really makes me laugh they people back then thought we would progress so much faster (technology wise) than we really have. So looking at all of these futuristic things made me kind of laugh. We might get there one day, but we all have this silly perspective of this crazy futuristic world.
I remember my dad watching this when I was young, but he would change the channel so I wouldnt see anything 'bad.' The scene when Arnold gets into the taxi was so nostalgic because it was the only part I had any bit of memory of, but still reminded me of my dad watching such great movies. At the beginning of the film, viewers know exactly what they're in for while watching Arnolds eyes pop out of their sockets. I say the same thing with Bridesmaids! The first scene is this awkwardly hilarious sex scene - the viewer knows exactly what they're in for for the next two hours.
Although Arnorld isn't the best actor, I think that he did well portraying his character and I had no problem watching him throughout. I havent seen the new film, but I wonder why they would remake this classic anyway. Thats like someone remaking Alien. It cant be done... it shouldn't be done. Of course, all of it will be special effects too... so im sure this new Total was pretty lame.
The ideas we talked about in class, about memories and dreams, was interesting to me, because while watching the film I wasn't really thinking of how they impacted Arnold's character in the first place. Its funny to think that people want things so bad, that they would pay to believe that they actually have it/did it. Sadly, there really isn't enough time to accomplish everything we want to accomplish and see what we want to see while were alive, so I guess given the chance to experience something like he did in the film, we would take it.
The female characters were really rad in the film, especially since they knew how to take care of themselves and beat up people! Although the film was obviously sexist in some parts, they still did a good job portraying the females as tough characters. Get some, give some.
After watching old movies like this, it really makes me laugh they people back then thought we would progress so much faster (technology wise) than we really have. So looking at all of these futuristic things made me kind of laugh. We might get there one day, but we all have this silly perspective of this crazy futuristic world.
Blade Runner
I hope that I am not the only one who thought this film was a total bore? I really appreciated the effects, especially during it's time, but I was almost falling asleep and I had two energy drinks before hand. This is the second film that really had a surprising ending. I mean, was he human or not? Did the detective see his memories and his stupid unicorn thing? This was probably the only interesting part of the film to me.
The film focused on a cop who has to take down replicants and about four of them are on the run reeking havoc. He basically does all this searching for them and eventually kills three and the last guy saves his life. Although the premiss is interesting, I thought that the movie in general was just boring. There were too many slow scenes and i am pretty sure they could have done without the sex scenes. I did, however, find the ending to be questionable. I mean, who knows if he was a replicant or not.
The set of this movie was beautiful. I think the toy maker's house was amazing looking. It really made it memorable. The rain in the street scenes were also pretty amazing. I can understand why this was such a popular cult film, since it was so beautifully made... but i really didnt enjoy the plot.
The film focused on a cop who has to take down replicants and about four of them are on the run reeking havoc. He basically does all this searching for them and eventually kills three and the last guy saves his life. Although the premiss is interesting, I thought that the movie in general was just boring. There were too many slow scenes and i am pretty sure they could have done without the sex scenes. I did, however, find the ending to be questionable. I mean, who knows if he was a replicant or not.
The set of this movie was beautiful. I think the toy maker's house was amazing looking. It really made it memorable. The rain in the street scenes were also pretty amazing. I can understand why this was such a popular cult film, since it was so beautifully made... but i really didnt enjoy the plot.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
THX 1138
What's more interesting than loud noises and white people? Anything. Of course, because of the films more interesting plots, critics and other cult fanatics are extremely attracted to this movie. Similar to 2001: A Space Odyseey, this film really makes the auidence kind of question what the hell is going on throughout the entire film. Yes, we kind of get the concept, escaping this idealistic, perfect, constructed world in order to feel different and free... But why did the filming and acting have to be so uncomfortable awkward? I sensed a bit of depression throughout the film, which kind of equaled out due to all of the vibrant white walls and clothing.
The characters in the film were all similar when it came to emotions. This was not too interesting to me since all the characters could have been the same person in the same situation if they really wanted to be set free. The most interesting character would probably be the one black man in the film, since he seemed to have more emotion than most others... And he knew how to smile. I enjoyed his character and also enjoyed how badly he wrecked his car while driving it for about 4.2 seconds.
I noticed the entire film was filmed inside buildings, and even the car chase was all inside. Yeah, its because they were underground. Like mentioned in the reading, at the end of the film, the sun signified freedom. It was the only time the audience saw the outside and we knew that thx was finally free and gone from that total hell hole of a life. I think it was interesting that they were all white and everything was white, which kind of meant purity. Since they didn't want any sexual activities going on down below, i think that the white kind of pinpointed that.
Overall, the film was pretty intense and just a little weird throughout. I compared it to 2001, because it was kind of random and weird just like that. I was not a fan of this film, but I do think it was one of the more interesting films we have watched so far. It definitely kept my attention, unlike 2001 where the scenes were way too long and drawn out.
The characters in the film were all similar when it came to emotions. This was not too interesting to me since all the characters could have been the same person in the same situation if they really wanted to be set free. The most interesting character would probably be the one black man in the film, since he seemed to have more emotion than most others... And he knew how to smile. I enjoyed his character and also enjoyed how badly he wrecked his car while driving it for about 4.2 seconds.
I noticed the entire film was filmed inside buildings, and even the car chase was all inside. Yeah, its because they were underground. Like mentioned in the reading, at the end of the film, the sun signified freedom. It was the only time the audience saw the outside and we knew that thx was finally free and gone from that total hell hole of a life. I think it was interesting that they were all white and everything was white, which kind of meant purity. Since they didn't want any sexual activities going on down below, i think that the white kind of pinpointed that.
Overall, the film was pretty intense and just a little weird throughout. I compared it to 2001, because it was kind of random and weird just like that. I was not a fan of this film, but I do think it was one of the more interesting films we have watched so far. It definitely kept my attention, unlike 2001 where the scenes were way too long and drawn out.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Dark Star
Unlike many of the previous films, this one was really funny and I was interested from beginning to end. Although the ending is kind of sad, I think that the rest of the movie made up for that with its humor.
In the film, we follow four hippie astronauts who are working to destroy unstable planets. Along the way, their mission is compromised by different issues happen on board. Each different astronaut tries to cope with a different problem happening, including a lose alien running around the ship.
The characters are all very charming and you can't help but love them and their personalities. If the movie was trying to be completely serious and lacked funny dialog, i'm pretty sure the film would have failed.
While watching, I noticed I felt a little claustrophobic. Everything felt so small and tight for the astronauts. Having that many people on board, minus the one in ice, seemed kind of annoying. I would have been pretty upset working on that ship.
I think the film had major slow points and really high points. A slow one would be near the beginning when the three characters are doing their work. I didn't think it was too necessary always showing that. I think one of the best points in the film, was the fight between the alien and the astronaut. It was definitely funny. I also enjoyed the bomb/computer thing who thought he was way more powerful than he really was.
In the film, we follow four hippie astronauts who are working to destroy unstable planets. Along the way, their mission is compromised by different issues happen on board. Each different astronaut tries to cope with a different problem happening, including a lose alien running around the ship.
The characters are all very charming and you can't help but love them and their personalities. If the movie was trying to be completely serious and lacked funny dialog, i'm pretty sure the film would have failed.
While watching, I noticed I felt a little claustrophobic. Everything felt so small and tight for the astronauts. Having that many people on board, minus the one in ice, seemed kind of annoying. I would have been pretty upset working on that ship.
I think the film had major slow points and really high points. A slow one would be near the beginning when the three characters are doing their work. I didn't think it was too necessary always showing that. I think one of the best points in the film, was the fight between the alien and the astronaut. It was definitely funny. I also enjoyed the bomb/computer thing who thought he was way more powerful than he really was.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Silent Running
This was one of the first films that I ever seen combine nature and science in the matter that it does. Sadly, I was not a fan of this film... kind of because of how random and completely odd it was. I understand how it was suppose to be futurist and space-like, but I don't think it impacted me like the cult followers.
The film really focuses on saving earths last bit of life, by preserving it.
The film really focuses on saving earths last bit of life, by preserving it.
2001: A Space Odyssey
2001 was a completely terrifying film. The idea of life, death, E.T., technology, etc., were all brought into one and captured a surreal and terrifying futuristic experience. Sadly, due to slow pace of the film and the complete randomness towards the end, I found it hard to understand it's main plot and general idea.
There were so many different ideas made throughout the film. The idea of human evolution was a big part of the film, which I am assuming confused a lot of people, especially at the end. Technology played a huge role in the film, of course. It really gave that scary perspective of how it could easily take over us and take advantage of us if we allow it to.
The characters in the film were pretty monotone and uninteresting. The only interesting character was HAL, and he wasn't even a human. The ship could also be considered a character as well, since the audience got to really get the feel of it, what it looked like, how big it was, etc. It would have been interesting to add maybe some humor or more character development within the film.
What an interesting and trippy movie. I have seen this before, and I understood a lot more watching it a second time, but I was still not impressed. Like others who have critiqued this film, I had a hard time focusing and staying awake. It is too long, too boring and too slow. Personally, I like things that keep me interested and this did not do the job. A lot of the scenes were way too long and were definitely not necessary. I am pretty sure we did not have to watch the main character take out each damn memory stick of Hal! That took forever. I understand its appeal, but this is not my favorite movie and I will probably never see it again.
There were so many different ideas made throughout the film. The idea of human evolution was a big part of the film, which I am assuming confused a lot of people, especially at the end. Technology played a huge role in the film, of course. It really gave that scary perspective of how it could easily take over us and take advantage of us if we allow it to.
The characters in the film were pretty monotone and uninteresting. The only interesting character was HAL, and he wasn't even a human. The ship could also be considered a character as well, since the audience got to really get the feel of it, what it looked like, how big it was, etc. It would have been interesting to add maybe some humor or more character development within the film.
What an interesting and trippy movie. I have seen this before, and I understood a lot more watching it a second time, but I was still not impressed. Like others who have critiqued this film, I had a hard time focusing and staying awake. It is too long, too boring and too slow. Personally, I like things that keep me interested and this did not do the job. A lot of the scenes were way too long and were definitely not necessary. I am pretty sure we did not have to watch the main character take out each damn memory stick of Hal! That took forever. I understand its appeal, but this is not my favorite movie and I will probably never see it again.
Planet of the Apes
I am not too sure how many remakes there are of this movie, but when I heard we were going to watch it, I automatically thought of Mark Walhbergs film, which I quite enjoyed.
I really liked this version, which is surprising because I thought I would have disliked it since it was so old and they had so many other newer remakes out there. But similar to the Mark's version, and not the 2012 version, the apes were actual costumes and NOT CGI. I love when movies use actual costumes, it makes it feel so much more real. For example, the costumes/models in Alien or The Thing make the movie 5 times more scarier and more entertaining. When I saw the new planet of the apes, all the apes were CGI. I knew what I was watching, and I knew I was watching nothing but a man in a green suit. It's not the same, and espcially does not look the same.
Since I saw the other movies first, I was obviously comparing this 1960s one to the newer versions, but this one is so original and creative. I wasn't bored at all throughout the film, which I have been with previous movies we've watched.
I think this movie could have easily scared people because it was obvious how quickly technology was growing and the possibility that this could happen, with the creation theory, probably frightened people into thinking it was actually possible. This movie also emphasized the forceful nature of man and how we have treated others, keeping people as slaves and scientific advancements. Like the newer films, I think there was a lot of symbolism in the film, including human rights, not to mention how society is kind of split into two different groups. And what do we do? We fight and we don't get along. Also, at least one side has to be the dominate one as well.
I really liked this version, which is surprising because I thought I would have disliked it since it was so old and they had so many other newer remakes out there. But similar to the Mark's version, and not the 2012 version, the apes were actual costumes and NOT CGI. I love when movies use actual costumes, it makes it feel so much more real. For example, the costumes/models in Alien or The Thing make the movie 5 times more scarier and more entertaining. When I saw the new planet of the apes, all the apes were CGI. I knew what I was watching, and I knew I was watching nothing but a man in a green suit. It's not the same, and espcially does not look the same.
Since I saw the other movies first, I was obviously comparing this 1960s one to the newer versions, but this one is so original and creative. I wasn't bored at all throughout the film, which I have been with previous movies we've watched.
I think this movie could have easily scared people because it was obvious how quickly technology was growing and the possibility that this could happen, with the creation theory, probably frightened people into thinking it was actually possible. This movie also emphasized the forceful nature of man and how we have treated others, keeping people as slaves and scientific advancements. Like the newer films, I think there was a lot of symbolism in the film, including human rights, not to mention how society is kind of split into two different groups. And what do we do? We fight and we don't get along. Also, at least one side has to be the dominate one as well.
Monday, September 30, 2013
The Thing
Similar to a lot of the other films we've watched, this was also slow and kind of boring until the end. Just like Godzilla, they barely showed the monster until the end of the film! This is where the movie reached it's climax, then suddenly ended. However, this builds the suspense and drama for the audience which made it bearable. The humor in the film is what made it fun to watch, since it was mostly talking anyway.
The characters in the movie made the film, of course. They were all funny and the main woman in the film was also a lead, who helped some of the problems in the story. Although the woman is still a love interest to the main character, she was powerful and smart, unlike a lot of other films we've watched. Other characters like the lead and the photographer, were funny and entertaining throughout the film.
This was another film that had symbolized the atomic era and really pushed the idea of others taking over our world or how we are at risk of losing our lives by acts of stupidity! I am pretty sure that if the crew decided not to go after the ship, not to blow up the ice, not to take back the alien, all would've been okay. But then again, we wouldn't have a terribly boring movie.
Personally, I disliked the film very much. I was pretty bored throughout AND the monster was not scary at all. It just looked liked Frankenstein's monster, except worse. I might be a little bias, though, since I though the 1981 version was so amazing and I was also really into the 2010. I think the major difference was the fact that the 81 version was so frightening and the creatures they created for the film were terrifying, unlike this old version where it was mostly a comedy and terrible acting. The 2010 version was mainly CGI, which was not awesome, but it was still scary and more entertaining than this one.
The characters in the movie made the film, of course. They were all funny and the main woman in the film was also a lead, who helped some of the problems in the story. Although the woman is still a love interest to the main character, she was powerful and smart, unlike a lot of other films we've watched. Other characters like the lead and the photographer, were funny and entertaining throughout the film.
This was another film that had symbolized the atomic era and really pushed the idea of others taking over our world or how we are at risk of losing our lives by acts of stupidity! I am pretty sure that if the crew decided not to go after the ship, not to blow up the ice, not to take back the alien, all would've been okay. But then again, we wouldn't have a terribly boring movie.
Personally, I disliked the film very much. I was pretty bored throughout AND the monster was not scary at all. It just looked liked Frankenstein's monster, except worse. I might be a little bias, though, since I though the 1981 version was so amazing and I was also really into the 2010. I think the major difference was the fact that the 81 version was so frightening and the creatures they created for the film were terrifying, unlike this old version where it was mostly a comedy and terrible acting. The 2010 version was mainly CGI, which was not awesome, but it was still scary and more entertaining than this one.
Them
Giant ants attacking us?? At least they weren't giant spiders... that would have been way worse. This movie really took it to the next level with visuals and creating giant monsters for the film. Sadly, we do not see that now-a-days since everything we create is made on computers. This was a creepy film and I think it was successful, unlike some of the other films we've watched.
The scene that caught my attention was during the board meeting the scientist guy and other men were having showing clips of ants and what they do. What was funny is how the scientist talks about the species and how the female is dominant and the male ants are puny, workers, etc. While explaining all of the female empowerment in this species, you don't see one woman in that room full of men, which I found pretty sad.
Like mentioned in class, I watched a video about the Wilhelm screams used throughout the film and I found this interesting because I caught every one throughout and I didn't know that it was a type of scream until I came across a video. This was probably one of the most interesting aspects of the film since I havent heard anything like it from the other films and the use is so important to this film.
This was one of my favorite films by far, mainly because it was so weird and actually kept my attention. Like the other movies, it also quickly ended just like in The Thing. One of my favorite scenes was when they were down in the sewers looking for the giant Ants and the female character tells the two guys to burn down the eggs. It completely reminded me of Alien when Ripley just burns up all the ends in the nest and eventually runs into the mama! So dang awesome.
The scene that caught my attention was during the board meeting the scientist guy and other men were having showing clips of ants and what they do. What was funny is how the scientist talks about the species and how the female is dominant and the male ants are puny, workers, etc. While explaining all of the female empowerment in this species, you don't see one woman in that room full of men, which I found pretty sad.
Like mentioned in class, I watched a video about the Wilhelm screams used throughout the film and I found this interesting because I caught every one throughout and I didn't know that it was a type of scream until I came across a video. This was probably one of the most interesting aspects of the film since I havent heard anything like it from the other films and the use is so important to this film.
This was one of my favorite films by far, mainly because it was so weird and actually kept my attention. Like the other movies, it also quickly ended just like in The Thing. One of my favorite scenes was when they were down in the sewers looking for the giant Ants and the female character tells the two guys to burn down the eggs. It completely reminded me of Alien when Ripley just burns up all the ends in the nest and eventually runs into the mama! So dang awesome.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Unlike many of the other movies weve watched throughout the semester, this one had one of those awesome twist endings, which we rarely see in sci fi movies. I have only really seen twists at the end of horror type films.
I really enjoyed the suspense during the film and the really great lines throughout. For example, when the man runs up to the main character in the car and screams, "They're coming!" and eventually runs for it, we get to see all the body snatchers chase after him. Besides the ending, I would probably choose this as my favorite scene in the film.The main character throughout was hard to focus on because he was so weird and weird looking, which I didn't really care for. I also appreciated the female characters throughout, even if they didn't do too much.
This was one of those freaky movies where, instead of seeing aliens, we see people behaving differently. The screams in the film also remind me of the 1980s The Thing remake, WHICH WAS THE BEST, so I enjoyed that comparison.
I really enjoyed the suspense during the film and the really great lines throughout. For example, when the man runs up to the main character in the car and screams, "They're coming!" and eventually runs for it, we get to see all the body snatchers chase after him. Besides the ending, I would probably choose this as my favorite scene in the film.The main character throughout was hard to focus on because he was so weird and weird looking, which I didn't really care for. I also appreciated the female characters throughout, even if they didn't do too much.
This was one of those freaky movies where, instead of seeing aliens, we see people behaving differently. The screams in the film also remind me of the 1980s The Thing remake, WHICH WAS THE BEST, so I enjoyed that comparison.
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