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

Movie Review # 18 Monsters (2010)

Release: 2010
Director: Gareth Edwards
Writer: Gareth Edwards
Cast: 
Whitney Able
Scoot McNairy


Ratings:
Rotten Tomatoes: 71% Fresh Critics 49% Fresh Audience http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/monsters-2010/
IMDB: 6.5/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1470827/
Netflix: 3.1 Stars


Review:
Monsters is a movie that takes bits and pieces from other established franchises and then tries to make it their own. Try as they might the movies they stole from where a lot better and are much more preferred to this one. Not saying that this Independent film is awful by any means it is just no Mist or Cloverfield. Both of which where used as a source material for this film. Some might add in a little bit of District 9 with the creatures being stuck on Planet Earth thanks to a downed probe.

But that might be the farthest stretch for this film in general. So here is the story. A probe is sent to scavenge some alien artifacts found in our galaxy. One the way back it crashes down in Mexico and these monsters come to life once the are on Earth. This is paper thin as single ply toilet paper and just as flimsy. But what can I say this sorta story is what Hollywood Sci-Fi is built on. Aliens crash land and all hell breaks loose yada yada.

As with classic alien monster movies. You have two to for people who make a difference in the general scheme of things. But that is where this film is different as there is no closure nor is the a real story. It is all about two people trying to get back to America from Mexico and honestly it was drab and boring to put it best. The monster animations where amazing and reminiscent of Cthulu creatures. Which is awesome in my books. Just that at no point do you feel dread, scared or even remotely any suspense. That is a downer and one that gets massive negative points from me.

So the story sucks and yet there is a positive. The acting and the direction of the film was honestly really good. Well not really good as I felt I was watching one of those old made for tv horror movies. Yeah, it was bad all around but in that good fun way. So what are the positives of this film? Acting wasn't to horrible, music was pretty awesome, animations where cool. The story seems like it was written on a used piece of toilet paper. Outside of that I liked this B-film.

If you have time or just need an afternoon off from reality. There are far worse movies than this to watch. If you are fan of the Mist, Cloverfield or even classic Alien crash landing movies. This is one you should pick up and watch at least once. Who knows maybe you will be just like me and like it just because it bad enough to be awesome.

My Rating 3.25/5 Stars