World War Z - A Must See!

I was fortunate and got to see a screening of World War Z before it opens in theaters tomorrow. I would highly recommend going to the theater to see this one! Not only is Brad Pitt a convincing hero out to save his family and the world, but the cinematic experience will not disappoint. I saw the movie in 3D and it did enhance the movie, but if you're looking to save money, I don't think it'll lessen your experience to skip the 3D movie prices. This was a nail-biting, suspenseful thriller with zombies who weren't over-the-top horrific, but convincingly scary, creepy and threatening. The movie kept me wanting more even though I don't know if my heart could take anymore of the intensity and stress. I wouldn't mind seeing a prequel or a sequel to this movie. There seems to be plenty of content and back story to do either. (I've never read the books, but heard it could easily be broken apart to create three movies - aha! Another trilogy.) The broad, panoramic shots of the abundance of zombies on the attack were amazing and deserve to be seen in all its glory on the big screen. Did I mention that Brad Pitt also look fantastic on the big screen and in 3D?!

Bottom line: If you enjoy being taken for a ride during your movie-going experience and love the thrill of suspense, then you need to go see this movie in the theater to get the full effect. It's a movie I wouldn't mind seeing again.

Rating: 5 start (out of 5)

Man of Steel

Man of Steel was a highly anticipated summer blockbuster and while I think it deserves 'blockbuster' status, it fell a bit flat for me. The movie was certainly packed with action and was a creative take on the superhero we all love. However, I must admit that I left the theater a bit deflated after checking my phone for the time at least a couple of times throughout the movie. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I got. I understand that Man of Steel was not intended to be a remake of the Superman we knew and loved, but I hoped the integrity of some things would've remained in tact. For example, the quirky connection and heat between Lois Lane and Superman. While Henry Cavill was very nice on the eyes and Amy Adams was a refreshing take on Lois Lane, their chemistry was, well, non-existent. It was a much, much darker movie than I was expecting. Perhaps that had something to do with my subsequent letdown. There simply was no 'joy' that audiences got with the old franchise. Despite the fighting and lurking evil, the previous Superman movies inspired a sense of hope and joy. Man of Steel was heavy and the rhythm in great cinematic storytelling was lacking. There was intense action (sometimes too long) followed by flat dialogue. While I don't trust critics' reviews, I do occasionally read them. Lisa Kennedy from the Denver Post articulated my sentiments exactly, "The chief problem here is one of the rhythm and balance in storytelling and directing. The movie swings between destructive overstatement and flat-footed homilies."

Bottom line: Man of Steel is a must-see movie. I'd recommend seeing it in the theater during a matinee, i.e. don't pay full price. The cinematography and CG effects are outstanding and deserve to be seen on the big screen with the full Dolby sound experience. 

Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)