Chronicle (2012) - M6.8/E7

This is a story about three high school teens who gain telekinetic powers. As they attempt to strengthen and control them, they soon realize that having special powers doesn’t really change who you are, it doesn’t make you popular or likeable; and in some instances can amplify your true feelings.

This was a cool movie. Even though it was purely filmed by a hand camera, it was not headache nor nausea inducing. While it did get a little annoying that they had to keep reminding us why everything was being videotaped, it made the story more real (even though it’s based on some fantastical events). The filming wasn’t the only thing that made it feel real, the acting and interactions of the main characters was really believable. That being said, I didn’t feel as fulfilled or entertained as I did after watching something like Mission Impossible 4, where you have a well polished, produced movie with outstanding special effects, that was meant to take you away from reality into a fictional realm.

I think I enjoyed the first hour or so of the movie the best. We see the boys just recognizing and experimenting with their powers. Each new surprise is a surprise to us, and makes it feel like we’re there sharing their experience with them. The pranks they pull are pretty funny, too.

Andrew’s character was the most intricate one in the film. We understand his pains, not necessarily because his pains are common, but because we’ve come in contact or can remember someone just like him from high school. One scene that really made sense, but at the same time was really frustrating was when Andrew gets after Steve for being his friend only because they now have something in common. Why else would you be a friend with anyone? Andrew is very self-deprecating and wants people to like him for who he his, not because they have something in common with him or because of some freak accident.

His dad (step-dad?) is constantly berating him and telling him what a loser he is, and it’s almost as if Andrew accepts that as his reality and any attempt at others to genuinely care for him is seen as merely fake.

We all have a desire to be loved, and not loved out of pity, but because others value who we are intrinsically in spite of/because of our many faults and weaknesses.

Due to the filming style, this show may not be for everyone, but we really enjoyed it. There is quite a bit of language, some violence, and talk about sex, but no nudity or explicit sexual scenes (contrary to what the trailer shows).

Blade Runner (1982)

Entertainment Rating: 3 of 5

This really wasn’t what I was expecting. It definitely was intense at moments, particularly the last fight/chase scene. I’d really have to say that the end of the movie is what made it a bit more enjoyable. I’m not sure why it’s hailed as one of the best. It’s like a hybrid of Terminator, 2001: Space Odyssey, and Minority Report (the last of which being the only one I enjoyed). Supposedly it’s the cinematography that made it great, and I have to agree, I didn’t feel like I was watching an 80’s movie, with exception to the soundtrack.

Moral Rating: 3 of 5

80% of the way through the movie I was wondering what really was the purpose behind the show. I understood some of the science fiction elements that were presented, and particularly liked the fact that the genre can present situations with androids (sometimes aliens) that, though not human, are really quite central to human belief and experience.

Deckard’s realization at the end (something that he slowly comes to throughout the course of the movie) is rather poignant (especially since Deckard’s thinking it with regards to the android he was just trying to kill - and who was also trying to kill him):

“I don't know why he saved my life. Maybe in those last moments he loved life more than he ever had before. Not just his life - anybody's life; my life. All he'd wanted were the same answers the rest of us want. Where did I come from? Where am I going? How long have I got? All I could do was sit there and watch him die.”

How much do we really love life? With all the aches and pains, joy and happiness, we need to continually strive to find the answers of what it is we should be learning with every experience we gain in life.

The last line of the movie also makes a strong point:

“Gaff had been there, and let her live. Four years, he figured. He was wrong. Tyrell had told me Rachael was special. No termination date. I didn't know how long we had together... Who does?” (emphasis added)

We never know how long we will be with anyone. Friends come and go, loved ones pass on, the time we spend with everyone around us should be valued as if it were the last. It’s much easier said and understood than acted upon. Pride steps in and keeps us from sharing our emotions, robbing us of emotional bonds that could have enriched our lives. We need to live our lives, not as a dress-rehearsal, but as a final production where every choice and action we take affects our final destiny.

Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

Entertainment Rating: 2 of 5

Not great. Nothing more than a video game, but your thumbs don’t get sore because all the shooting is done for you. There isn’t more than shooting a bunch of robot/aliens. Not worth your time, unless what I described is your cup of tea. The filming might make you noxious as it’s basically someone running around with a camcorder, similar to Cloverfield in more than one way (but we actually enjoyed Cloverfield).

Moral Rating: 3 of 5

There’s a bit of an effort at telling an inspirational story about an officer that gains the love and respect of those he’s fighting with. He starts off as not a popular person, many thinking that because he was the only survivor of a previous unit that he didn’t care for the safety of those he was with and worried about preserving his own life. Through many trying circumstances during the invasion at hand, he proves he’s worth his salt.

Source Code (2011)

Entertainment Rating: 4 of 5

Our intention was to see Limitless, but when that showing magically disappeared, this was my next choice (if not my first to begin with) - and I’d be surprised if it wasn’t the best choice. I really enjoyed this movie. I recently finished a college course on Science Fiction literature and really got into it. Source Code wasn’t a totally-out-there SF film, but it had some of the elements (e.g., explaining how certain technological advancements can affect society and individual people). It also had a light touch of romance and an overall good feeling throughout it. This is definitely a show worth a watch - a nice, expensive one - not a cheap digital one.

Moral Rating: 4 of 5

The film discusses the morality of taking advantage of someone for research purposes when they don’t have any power to decline. Is one man’s freedom to die in peace worth sacrificing for the supposed good of the world?

In only a few short moments we get to see the love this man had for his father and everyone he comes in contact with. He may only exist in these people’s minds for 8 minutes, but he gets to know them with an intensity that is admirable, if not a little unreal to someone not as willing to be as outwardly engaging as myself.

There’s a bit of strong language due to the stressful circumstances the characters are put in, but the words aren’t terribly out of place.

9 (2009)

Entertainment Rating: 4/5

This wasn't a very complex movie. However, the story seemed like it had so much background information that was only shared in bits and pieces of flashbacks that you feel wanting at the end of the 75 min. film.

Moral Rating: 3/5

9 is the last stitchpunk made and the one that helps the others realize their destiny. Some were content to just hide and avoid the evil that existed in the world, while others tried to learn and grow on their own. 9 actually brings everyone together, and only then are they able to realize their full potential and start the world progressing again (even if it is through implied non-creationism/evolution). We are all free to choose our own destiny. The final line of the movie nicely illustrates this by saying that the world is "what we make of it."

If you're looking for something short and sweet, check it out. I'm not sure why it was rated PG-13, it's definitely a mild PG-13 if anything but could be a bit scary for younger kids.

Terminator

Entertainment Value

Rating: C

Kind of a cool story, a lot creepier than I had imagined. I recorded this show because of it's notoriety, but was rather underwhelmed. If you've never seen it, it might be worth a view, but don't expect much.

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate?

Rating: 2

"In the few hours we had together we loved a lifetime's worth." What kind of a line is that?

Minority Report

Synopsis

Society has made some important leaps in criminal technology. They have the means whereby they can detect a crime and stop it before it occurs. Those who are caught are imprisoned as if they had already committed the crime. It seems like a great solution until one of the top law enforcers is predicted to commit murder. He must try to prove his innocence and along the way make a decision as to whether this technology really is good for society.

Entertainment Value

Rating: A

From the previews we were expecting an action packed movie and also had some doubts that it could be as good as some of the critics have said. It was better than we expected! I even checked out the short story from the library in hopes of getting more of the same experience (I was rather disappointed, the movie was loads better.)

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate?

Rating: 4

There was a strong theme of agency exhibited throughout the film seeing how it revolves around capturing and imprisoning people before they actually have a chance to commit their premeditated crime. Tom Cruise is presented with the opportunity to fulfill his fate (and actually commit the crime as foretold by the precogs) or make his own destiny by making the right choice.

The story mentions that sometimes we have to "go through darkness to get to light". This is an important part of agency. There is an opposition to all things; we must endure some pain and misery in order to fully appreciate God's love and the blessings he has to offer to his faithful sons and daughters.

Gentlemen Broncos

Napolean Dynamitish with a poor lead character - dead pan face that worked for Pedro and Napolean, but not here. How did Sam Rockwell get mixed in this garbage (though, his performance was probably the most entertaining)? Lonnie's (played by Hector Jimenez, also starred as Jack Black's side-kick in Nacho Libre) mouth is so appallingly big it makes me sick to watch him on the screen. I don't even want to try to extrapolate a moral lesson from this, it's not worth anyone's time to go see. Not for kids, one of central themes revolves around breasts and gonads, not pornographic but plain bad taste.

Surrogates

Synopsis

In the future all humans have their own surrogate (think avatar) that can be controlled from the comfort of their own home and still allow them all the pleasures and business of the world around them. Until recently, the surrogates have also allowed a level of protection, keeping humans away from the dangers of the outside world. But a new weapon has been developed that can cause death to a surrogate operator with only access to the surrogate. Detective Tom Greer (Bruce Willis) is forced to venture out into the world without his surrogate to figure out what's going on.

Entertainment Value - B

A good sci-fi/action flick, reminiscent of I, Robot (even with James Cromwell playing the same role as inventor of these new robots/surrogates). I liked I, Robot better; it was definitely deeper and more action packed. Maybe this is Bruce Willis's beginning to tone down the action flicks he stars in.

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate? - 4

This film accurately depicted how constantly seeking thrills, and trying to escape reality, damages real-life relationships. It made me think a lot about David A. Bednar's CES fireside on May 3, 2009, entitled "Things as They Really Are." The following are excerpts that relate particularly well to the film:

If the adversary cannot entice us to misuse our physical bodies, then one of his most potent tactics is to beguile you and me as embodied spirits to disconnect gradually and physically from things as they really are. In essence, he encourages us to think and act as if we were in our premortal, unembodied state. And, if we let him, he can cunningly employ some aspects of modern technology to accomplish his purposes. Please be careful of becoming so immersed and engrossed in pixels, texting, ear buds, twittering, online social networking, and potentially addictive uses of media and the Internet that you fail to recognize the importance of your physical body and miss the richness of person‐to‐person communication. Beware of digital displays and data in many forms of computer‐mediated interaction that can displace the full range of physical capacity and experience....

I am raising a warning voice that we should not squander and damage authentic relationships by obsessing over contrived ones. 'Nearly 40% of men and 53% of women who play online games said their virtual friends were equal to or better than their real‐life friends, according to a survey of 30,000 gamers conducted by … a recent Ph.D. graduate from Stanford University. More than a quarter of gamers [who responded indicated that] the emotional highlight of the past week occurred in a computer world.

Avatar

Synopsis

A marine, Jake Sully, is recruited to assist in a scientific expedition on a distant planet. Once there he is virtually linked to an avatar that resembles the native inhabitants of the planet and is controlled by his brain. Jake becomes doubly involved in a business/military venture to gain access and information on a valuable mineral that lies in the heart of the home of the natives. As Jake learns the customs of the people he grows to love them and in the end must choose between his own race and the alien race.

Entertainment Value - A

Amazing effects, particularly with the 3D glasses, otherwise it wouldn't be anything too revolutionary. The only other 3D movie I've seen is Nightmare Before Christmas, and that was more of a reverse-engineered attempt and no where near as good as this was. If you think this looks interesting, the only way to see it is in 3D, and if possible try to see it in an IMAX theater. I'd probably see it in an IMAX theater.

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate? - 3

[Spoiler Alert]

A marine with a heart (stereotypically paradoxical) sees the damage that humans are inflicting on the alien planet because of their insatiable desire for a valuable mineral found at the heart of the native inhabitants' home. That lust is displayed as wrong, in that it destroys the home and lives of the natives. A very similar story to how the English treated the Native Americans when they arrived here and how other countries treated slaves - both of which are wrong.


There's a battle between scientists and businessmen displaying how insensitive businessmen are to anything natural; they are cold-hearted and greedy (very stereotypical).


Once Jake Sully really gets to know the natives he really becomes one of them and realizes the crimes the humans are committing and how he has facilitated their strategy for attacking the natives.


Jake was pretty naive to the culture, even though he wanted to save it. He knew that their species mated for life, and he couldn't have taken that into consideration when he mated with the "princess." Doing so was pretty heartless and cruel, not to mention wrong on all levels, even if the creatures had no marriage rites. Like all such scenes, this just shows that lust is purely selfish and not capable of any good.


Jake was courageous by choosing to take the side against his own race. Maybe he figured he had nothing to lose since he was only a crippled marine to them.


The story was very intriguing, particularly the extent to which James Cameron developed this alien planet, but nothing in it struck a motivational chord for me.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Synopsis
A cinematic piece of art that comments on the sometimes destructive nature of intelligence.  From apes, to humans, to computers, each are portrayed as scheming, murderous creatures.

Our Take
I'd put this film up there with Citizen Kane, another cinematic piece of art that isn't amazing but worth seeing at least once.  I've definitely never seen anything like this before, with almost half of the movie containing no dialogue and a good part of it just flashing lights and intense music.  Very creative to say the least, and visually stunning especially for it's time.

Moral Value
I didn't get a whole lot out of the movie until I read the summary provided on Wikipedia and made a few more realizations.  For instance, the satellite that resembled the bone that was thrown in the air was actually used to control nuclear weapons, an obvious parallel to the apes use of the bone as a weapon.  Intelligence brought great advances to both the primitive and futuristic societies but also pain and destruction.

Maybe I could have gotten a little more out of it by first reading Nietzche's essay that supposedly discusses the origin of man entitled Thus Spake Zarathustra, which is also the name of one of the orchestral themes of the movie.  In addition, the ending was rather bizarre but seemed to parallel HAL's reverting back to his "childhood."  Given the abstract format of the film I'm sure I did not grasp the whole meaning of the film, and due to the fact that Kubrick (the writer) never published the "philosophical and allegorical meaning of the film," any interpretation is pure speculation.

Why can't directors (or whoever's in charge of getting a movie to get a certain MPAA rating) try to give more mature-themed (thought provoking, philosophical, inspirational) movies a 'G' rating instead of thinking that mature audiences will only appreciate films if they have a lot of sex, violence, and profanity?

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

The one interesting theme that came up dealt with a feeling of hopelessness for the salvation of mankind. Man had become so corrupt and completely lost that the doctor (or whatever creation of his perpetuated his dream) thought he knew best and would gather the species he thought necessary to begin life on another planet. This seems to be a common theme in the Sci-Fi genre (Hellboy II, the Matrix, Transformers 2, and others).

Great visual effects, not the greatest acting, so you might enjoy it if you have a really nice visual setup. We ended up with a lot of questions concerning the plot, not a whole lot was explained. Perhaps if a little more of the history of Sky Captain had been explained we could have enjoyed it more. It was for sure a fun movie, if you've nothing better to do or there's not much else on the library DVD shelves.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Rating: 4

I didn't enjoy this sequel as well as I did Hellboy (though I have to admit that I watched it at 1am, and that could have contributed to my disappointment). The first film had a much deeper message and really got me excited to see this one. Though somewhat disappointing because of the story's lack of depth, I was thoroughly entertained and particularly liked the more martial arts type of fighting in the Golden Army.

You have your classic struggle between good and evil, and good ends up winning (of course at the very last moment). Prince Nuada's plan to destroy the humans and perpetuate the race of magical creatures (particularly his, that of Elf) which seems to be the plot of a lot of sci-fi movies, was not terribly original. For some reason, genocide is honorable in the eyes of a being who believes himself to be more elite and deserving of life on this planet than the weak and greedy humans (one movie that comes to mind is Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow).

I thought the dry humor was great in the first one, but was over done and almost stupid at times in this one. I had to roll my eyes when Hellboy and Abe got drunk and started singing love songs. For some reason the critics loved it. If you're looking for a fun, action packed, sci-fi movie, this could be it, just don't expect to be enlightened.

Hellboy

Rating: 4

This was a cool sci-fi movie.  It had a really good message, but it doesn't really become apparent until the climax of the movie (almost at the end).  [Spoiler Alert] While Rasputin waits for Hellboy to unlock the gates of Hell, John Myer shouts to Hellboy, "You have a choice, your father gave you that choice!"  Pointing to the fact that though he was a monster brought out of Hell, he was given the freedom to choose good.  And because he was brought up and taught the difference between good and evil, understanding his accountability and freedom to choose, he breaks free of his "destiny" by tearing off his newly formed horns, exclaiming that he has made his choice to serve good, and destroys the evil that sought to destroy him.  John Myers asks us at the end of the story, "What makes a man a man? A friend of mine once wondered. Is it his origins? The way he comes to life? I don't think so. It's the choices he makes. Not how he starts things, but how he decides to end them."

Tarantino does a good job of depicting evil and shows how even someone whose past was dark can still have the power to choose righteously.  I really liked the emphasis it placed on the importance of our God-given gift of agency.

It's hard to say, and can even be considered cheesy for a movie (particularly one of this nature) to be inspirational, but I was made more aware of how I need to better value or act on the agency I've been given.  Too many times it seems like I have to make a certain decision only because I've made that decision in the past or because of the situations I've found myself.  When our divine potential is recognized, our destiny changes.

The dry humor helped make all the sci-fi action bearable and even enjoyable at times.  I wouldn't recommend this to the mediocre comic book movie fan, unless you like sci-fi (monsters, creatures, etc.), of which Carr doesn't seem to be much a fan.

--

Carr here.  Just wanted to say that I acknowledge the moral messages apparent in the film, but it's not a see-again for me.  I felt like I was missing a lot of the story and it was never explained.  I found myself scoffing at the lines and characters, which thing I don't do too often.  I can handle cheesy; this was simply bizarre.  Not really appealing to me.

Serenity

Luke

Rating: 3

This was a cool movie. I had been wanting to see it ever since I spoke with one of my cousins who was a fan of the T.V. series and said it was similar to Star Wars and he really liked it. There was a good message in the film that emphasized that if you don't have something worth fighting for, something you believe in, you are wasting your life away. You have no desire to help others, you become very selfish and end up hurting more people than you realize. When you fight for a worthy cause, it is easier to forget yourself and work on building up those around you.

It was worth the watch, but had some parts that really made me uncomfortable in it dealing with graphic violence. One of the character's brutally kills people on behalf of the government. I'm OK with the battle scenes, but a graphic cold blooded murder can be done without. Maybe the director felt the need to display the ruthlessness of the government officials, but I did not feel good watching it. I hope I never feel good watching something like that. Desensitization may allow you to enjoy more media, but it keeps you from enjoying that which is clean and uplifting. Don't ever fall for the excuse that, "I'm surrounded by sin at work and on the news, anywhere I am, there's nothing in this I haven't already seen." Nephi describes a similar situation in which his brothers were found as being "past feeling."