Movie Review # 24 High Hopes (2005)

Release:
Director: Joe Eckardt http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1836968/
Writer(s): 
Cecily Gambrell http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0303879/
Colby Kane http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1022833/
Cast:
Jason Mewes http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0582939/
Edward Furlong http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000411/
David Faustino http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004910/
Andy Dick http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004873/
Danny Trejo http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001803/


Ratings:
Rotten Tomatoes: 24% Fresh Audience http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1209964-high_hopes/
IMDB: 3.7/10 http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5547798684833737318
Netflix: 3 Stars


Rating:
High Hopes is a comedy I had high hopes for. Sadly my High Hopes where lowered so greatly that I felt that was watching a movie that a group of frat guys came up with. Not to say that it was awful or even bad. It wasn't it just was a stereotypical B-Film jaunt that never lived up to its cast.

The cast consisting of Jason Mewes, David Faustino, Andy Dick, Danny Trejo and Edward Furlong. As well several other cameos through out. Is quiet honestly a great cast for a film. With most of them being some of the better films in the past 10 years. Sadly though this film is not one of them. Choosing to stick to middle ground of bad films that get made. Only to make you go what the fuck where they smoking? In this case it was the M-100.

Since they where obviously smoking during the making of this film. Here is the run down of the movie. A drug dealer gets a case of medical grade cronic. Then the man that gave it to him dies only for a group of misfits wanting to make a movie works out a plan just like Ocean's 11. In order to obtain it. Yep a heist and stoner flick all wrapped up in a craptastic package. Which is honestly sad very sad.

This movie had great potential as a film. Especially with the cast only if they tightened things up. Maybe even gone in and done some rewrites for this film. But as it is. It is just a flawed movie that had great potential.

My Rating: 2/5 Stars

Movie Review # 19 Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai

Release: 2007
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
Writer: Hideki Sonada
Cast:
Michele Knotz
Ikue Ootani
Sarah Natochenny


Ratings:
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% Fresh Audience
IMDB: 5.5/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1226251/
Netflix: 3.8 Stars


Review:
Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai is possibly the best Pokemon movie outside of the first one. As it takes parts from other established franchises like Godzilla and Hayao Miyazaki's epic tail Nausicaa of the Wind (1984). Then melds them together to form a wonderful and enchanting tail. Yet keep it completely Pokemon. From beginning to end it is entertaining, funny and enjoyable enough for adults and children over 7.

I say that as moments in this film are scary for younger kids. Which is alright in most parents books. But I do recommend you viewing it first and making the judgement on it before letting your young ones watch it. As this  is the darkest of all the released Pokemon movies. It is also the reason that this film is amazing. It took a more adult theme and went with it. As it respected the aging audience of Pokemon.

So here is the story synopsis Palkia and Dialga two Pokemon that should have never met. End up meeting then creating a battle. As they are both thinking the other invaded and are protecting their lands. Now for Darkrai I will not break that story bullet point as it is a main plot line for the film. As for everything else? Honestly it is Pokemon so you will love or hate it dependent on that.

But if you are a teeter then this might one of those Pokemon films that  you might actually enjoy. It is not like a lot of the others. Where Ash saves the world etc etc. In this one he helps out but is not the main hero. Which was refreshing and great. Now we move on to acting, art and music and per the usual they are all good. Which is what you come to expect from these movie releases.

With saying that here is my verdict. Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai is a great Pokemon movie. It is entertaining, dark and magical. It can stand alone outside of the franchise and be enjoyed by Pokemon fans and non-Pokemon fans. That is just my take and I hope all of you come back tomorrow for my next movie review.

My Rating 3.75/5 Stars