The Bad Influence Speaks

BIS Movie Review: Parker

Directed by Taylor Hackford, Parker is part of the story of a thief who lives with a strict code where if you give your word you follow through. The character is based on a series of novels written by Donald E. Westlake, writing under the pseudonym Richard Stark.

Summary: Parker is finishing a job with a new crew that he had been introduced to by Hurley, former colleague and the father of Parker's girlfriend, Claire. The deal takes a sour turn though when the leader, Melander, decides Parker's stake is necessary for the next job and he leaves Parker for dead when he won't join in. As he recovers from his wounds, he plans how to get his money back from the gang and teach them not to go against their word ("it's the principle").

 

Like quite a few of Statham's movies, the plot is forgettable, but the action sequences are fantastic. They are beautifully choreographed and well executed. And our hero sustains injuries in the course of the fights and actually keeps them (yes, they remain visible and he shows that he is) in the film. I'm oddly excited about that fact. It comes across as more realistic.

The love story, or really lack there of, is a nice touch. Spoiler (highlight to read): [ He has a committed girlfriend, Claire (Emma Booth). He stays faithful to her through the film even though he believes she has no reason to stay with him. She, in turn, demonstrates she is committed to their relationship even though people are trying kill her to get even with him. The whole 'will they/won't they' vibe from Leslie (Jennifer Lopez) is all in her head. I like that it didn't turn into 'good guy gets the girl who helps him.' ]

Anyway, it was a fun movie, and much enjoyed by this action flick fan. And Patti LuPone was fantastic as Ascension, Leslie's sharp-tongued mother.

Parker...................Jason Statham
Leslie Rodgers..........Jennifer Lopez
Melander................Michael Chiklis
Carlson..................Wendell Pierce
Ross...................Clifton Collins Jr.
Ascension..................Patti LuPone
August Hardwicke...Michah Hauptman
Claire........................Emma Booth
Hurley..........................Nick Nolte

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First 'Parker' Clip: Jennifer Lopez Making Deal With Jason Statham

Haywire

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Haywire is a fast paced, non-stop thrill ride that follows the actions of private contractor Mallory Kane as she is betrayed by her (now former) employer and tracks down those responsible for payback while they are trying to permanently stop her. It is the acting debut of MMA fighter, Gina Carano.

 

Cast:
Mallory Kane........Gina Carano
Scott..........Michael Angarano
Aaron............Channing Tatum
Coblenz..........Michael Douglas
Rodrigo.........Antonio Banderas
Kenneth...........Ewen McGregor
Paul............Michael Fassbender
John Kane................Bill Paxton
Studer..........Mathieu Kassovitz
Barroso........Eddie J. Fernandez
Jamie...................Aaron Cohen
Gomez..........Maximino Arciniega
Jiang......Anthony Brandon Wong
Victor.................Julian Alcaraz

Quotes:

 

Aaron: Is this your idea of relaxing? Wine and gun maintenance?

 

Mallory: Well, if it is a paid holiday, it doesn't have to be me. I'm overqualified.

 

Mallory: I don't even know to to play that. I don't wear the dress.

 

Scott: How are you going to get out of this may I ask?

 

Kenneth: Denial is a great parenting tool.

 

Mallory: Surrender now if you want to live.

Comments:

It's nice having a female action hero that isn't Angelina Jolie. (Not that there's anything wrong with Angelina Jolie. She just seems to be Hollywood's main choice for a strong female lead with heavy action scenes.) That's one of the things I enjoyed about this flick. Gina Carano's moves lived up to the hype. The fight scenes are quick, visually arresting and rather brutal. It doesn't hurt that she also looks like someone who could give (and take) a punch. She's not heavily muscled, but not stick skinny either. She's built like what she is, a strong, fit woman. I'm not sure what I can say about her acting chops. This wasn't really a movie of scintillating dialogue and emotional range. She's good a fierce and fairly strong in the (very few) softer moments. I'd have to see her in something else to really say whether I think she's a good actor. I'm looking forward to that chance.

The rest of the ensemble cast did well in their roles though the writing wasn't strong and didn't give them much with which to work. As you can tell from the pictures below, I do so enjoy watching Michael Fassbender. I get a kick out of the story that the two of them went all out during their fight scene and got caught up in the moment to the point where he slammed her head into a wall and she shattered a vase against his.

Other random thoughts about the movie:
- Gina Carano has a spectacular voice.
- Those were really cute boots she was wearing in Barcelona.
- Sensible character taking her shoes off in preparation for the fight she knows is about to come.
- Damn, Michael Fassbender has some long legs.
- That hotel fight scene with Fassbender was amazing, and essentially foreplay.
- "She's in the house." Obvious and trite, but still funny.

It's fun in a beat you to death with my bare hands kind of way

 

Pictures:

Note: All rights to screen captures and quotes lies with the creators, writers, and producers of Haywire.

Iron Man 2

Tony Stark's life is in chaos while dealing with the aftermath of his announcement of being Iron Man. Stark Industries is in turmoil as it retreats from weapons manufacturing under Tony's inattentive guidance. The solution? Instate Pepper Potts as the new CEO. This doesn't do much to limit the frenzy from the press and senate committees as the military demands to be given the Iron Man technology.
His company's year long expo has begun and a new foe has come to the forefront, a foe with whom his father, Howard, had an association. Oh, and the palladium core in his reactor is slowly poisoning him and Tony has been unable to find a replacement.

Cast:
Tony Stark/Iron Man.....................Robert Downey, Jr
Pepper Potts.................................Gwyneth Paltrow
Lt. Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes.................Don Cheadle
Natalie Rushman/Natasha Romanoff...Scarlett Johansson
Justin Hammer.....................................Sam Rockwell
Ivan Vanko.......................................Mickey Rourke
Nick Fury.....................................Samuel L. Jackson
Agent Phil Coulson..................................Clark Gregg
Senator Stern..................................Garry Shandling
Happy Hogan........................................Jon Favreau
Jarvis (voice).......................................Paul Bettany

Quotes:

 

Tony: I have successfully privatized world peace.

 

Tony: I will serve this great nation at the pleasure of myself, and one thing I've proved is you can count on me to pleasure myself.

 

Jarvis: And may I say how refreshing it is to finally see you in a video with your clothing on, sir.

 

Tony: Who is she?
Pepper: She is from legal and she is exponentially a very expensive sexual harassment lawsuit if you keep ogling her like that

 

Fury: Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to exit the doughnut.

 

Fury: Contrary to your belief, you are not the center of my universe.

 

Coulson: If you try to leave or play any games, I will tazer you and watch Supernanny while you drool on the carpet.

 

Coulson: We need you.
Tony: Yeah, more than you know.
Coulson: Not that much

Comments:

This film has several great nods to other Marvel heroes that would be joining with Iron Man in The Avengers. You get to see an old prototype of Captain America's shield that Howard Stark had in storage. There is also several references to Thor (whose first story was happening at the same time though the film came later). Fury mentions bigger problems in the southwest quadrant and Agent Coulson has to leave his babysitting duties to hand things in New Mexico.

I'd forgotten how annoying Justin Hammer was. He is a high school bully that never grew up and is in way over his head in a business he doesn't have the intelligence to understand.

I've always enjoyed Tony Stark/Iron Man. He is such a entertaining character and Robert Downey, Jr., plays him perfectly using all the sarcasm and pithy quips as a mask for the underlying insecurities. Neither of the Iron Man movies are my favorites in the Marvel ovre though, and as you can tell above, I didn't get a lot of quotes from it. We'll have to see what happens with Iron Man 3 which I think is due out in 2013.

Oh, and I realize I completely forgot to get a screen cap of the logo. I'll add it later tonight or tomorrow.

Pictures:

Note: All rights to screen captures and quotes lies with the creators, writers, and producers of Iron Man 2 and with Marvel comics.

BIS Review: Cabin in the Woods

Staring Kristen Connolly (Dana), Chris Hemsworth (Curt), Anna Hutchinson (Jules), Fran Kranz (Marty), Jesse Williams (Holden), Richard Jenkins (Sitterson) and Bradley Whitford (Hadley).

Bless Joss Whedon. Cabin in the Woods is an homage to every horror movie ever made. Whedon takes all they classic tropes and gives them a slight twist. He must also love Evil Dead because there’s a strong ED vibe throughout the entire movie. A review I read called it “a horror movie within a comedy within a horror movie” and they’re right. It isn’t outright funny, but you will be laughing outloud (and some will be nervous “holy crap” laughs).

Being Joss Whedon there are also easter eggs scattered through the movie. You can find a listing of some at Viewer Discretion Advised (there are spoilers in the link so be careful). There are also appearances by various Whedon alums such as Amy Aker (Angel) and Tom Lenk (Buffy, Angel). I think there were others because some of the character actors looked familiar.

My mother chose to go along with me to see it which was surprising. She doesn’t like horror movies (and I hate to go to them with her because she asks questions). My sister and I have gotten her hooked on Joss Whedon works though including Firefly. We both loved the movie. When we left the theater we couldn’t stop smiling and talking about it. As mom said, “now that’s a happy ending.” And it was a typical Joss Whedon happy ending.

I still don’t get the unicorn though.

Spoiler section ahead. [ You can always count on Joss Whedon to create a smart, layered production that makes the viewer think while keeping them entertained. The first few minutes, while a little dull, gives contrast to later in the film when the characters are forced into their roles. Dana is very definitely not a virgin since she slept with her professor. Jules is smart and playful but not a sex kitten. Curt gives excellent recommendations for reading material for Dana's classes (and is apparently a sociology major) and not a sexist jock. Holden is an athlete but becomes the "egghead." Marty, while a pothead, is not the fool as he grasps the situation first and remains in control. Whedon takes what are generally not well fleshed out characters and gives them depth.

I'm a massive Evil Dead fan so I was thrilled that he pulled so much from it. Everything about the cabin screamed Rami and then on the betting board mentioned deadites. Whedon's nods to others movies from the genre are respectful with a touch of self deprecating humor.

I think this is going to be one of those movies that you can watch repeatedly and find something new each time whether a reference to another movie or a new aspect of the sociopolitical commentary that is scattered throughout Whedon's work.

Now I just need someone to explain what movie the unicorn was referencing. I still don't get that as a nightmare. ]