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I had been asked and told by several friends that i needed to get back on the "movie review wagon," as i was thought dead due to my inability to get some reviews out there. So here goes, not just one movie review, but 3, and in only 4 paragraphs.
First up is the delightful, no, "bodasiously awesome" Kung Fu Panda 2. This movie has a few tricks up its sleeve. First, it is much better than the first because the story deals with the human condition that all of us must come to terms with: Where did i come from? While the first movie was solid and dealt with purpose and how to fit in, this movie focuses on who we choose to be once we know our origins or family history. With Jack Black returning as Po, this movie has the voice talent squared away. As if that weren't enough, Gary Oldman nearly steals the show with his villainy. He portrays the peacock Lord Shen, who was turned away by his parents, and thus, tries to over take China with what appears to be a canon like weapon. It is not until Jack Black learns to find "inner peace" that he can defeat this evil...peacock. Again, this movie is solid and will be an enjoying evening for the whole family, so go see it...and don't pay for 3D, as it is excellent in 2D. As my buddy Austin Thingvall says, "Rango is still better," Kung Fu Panda 2 is still "Supremely cool."
Up next is the movie everyone has seen, but will still earn millions because, well, "I'm Captain Jack Sparrow...savvy?" Yep, Jack is back with the fourth installment of "Pirates." I can't believe i'm saying it, but this movie is solid, will entertain and should have been the rightful sequel. The "Dead Man's Chest" movie was way too long, made no sense and was never really resolved anything. This movie, while still sending a huge "Deja vu" vibe, is straight forward: Jack and everyone else want to find the fountain of youth. Jack, of course, has a new cast and some funny lines as he goes about his voyage. As long as Jack Sparrow is played by the excellent, don't-take-him-for-granite-Johnny Depp, this franchise will always have something to smile about. Anyway, the movie gets 3 out of 5 stars because it is enjoyable and is not nearly as long as the other ones. But again, it is not until one of the characters finds themselves or has "the right motives" can the fountain of youth be found. Hmmm....this is a pattern....
Finally, the best for last: X-Men: First Class. This movie is truly a delight. First, it not only "remakes" the series, but it gives each character a decent story that we can relate with, while also feeling fresh. I may not like Magneto, but hey, i can't hate him either. I mean, wow, his family was murder in an internment camp and he was used as a weapon. Magneto is played by the excellent Michael Fassbender. When he grimaces, i sense a bit of hate, anger and confusion, which i find myself relating to, if i were in his shoes. James McAvoy plays Xavier before he becomes Professor X, and he lends a great sense of charisma and charm to the role. I truly enjoyed seeing the two friends work together to better the world. However, this is also the biggest fault of the movie. These two have great ideas and discussions, two of which could have truly helped define the series for several movies, had the writers allowed the discussion and dialogue to continue. Instead, we get two quick discussions and then battles. When will Hollywood understand that it is the characters and their internal drive that makes movies, not CGI? Spider Man 2 and The Dark Knight set the standard, but this movie could have been up there with them, had McAvoy and Fassbender been given the chance, especially since many of there scenes revolve around the two playing chess. I mean, talk about symbolism that can be used. This is where Mike Nolan is truly becoming a visionary director. Batman became a Christ like figure because he took on someone else's crimes. But i digress... Anyway, the movie revolves around Kevin Bacon wanting to start a massive war, which will lead to mutatants being the final new "rulers." Magneto agrees with Bacon, but can't join him until he kills him, because well, you can't join the team or leader that killed your mother when you were 10. While the movies is solid and fits nicely into the overall whole of the series with Patrick Steward and Hugh Jackman, the issue of what is inside man permeates this movie, as well as the other. Xavier tells Magneto--while playing chess--that "we have it in us to be the better man," while Magneto argues that "We already are."
I want to pause here and say that i have been quite pleased with movies this year. First, while many are cliches and plain dumb, they have cut back on the vulgarity. All 3 of these films, while violent at times, cut back on the swearing and promiscuity. Yes, Xavier flirts with girls, but he is "torn down" by his sister for such an act, which is good. Jack Sparrow actually saves a girl, while a mermaid actually helps a pastor in Pirates. Yes, the philosophy of Hollywood should always be questioned, these movies at least show a bit of restraint. With that in mind, I want to veer off and ask: Can we find inner peace, as all of these movies imply? Do we have it in us to be better?
The answer is NO! We can't be better because we are evil by our very nature. We lie, cheat, steal and covet on a daily basis. On a "good day" we have still done things that are harmful, both to ourselves and others. It is not until we believe that Christ can change us through His death on the cross that we will begin to see our lives in a new way. Again, as i have been harping on for the past few weeks, it is not until we have a new mindset that we can begin to see things in ourselves that we must change, which comes because Christ died for those evil things in us. We can change because He has the power to change us. Period. Without Christ, "Hope and Change" or "Inner Peace" are simply bumper stickers.
Enjoy the shows!
-to god be the glory for great things he has done!
