Pixar's Latest Blockbuster: Toy Story Thrice

The last few weeks have been extremely busy for me.  I was graduating from college, moving out of my house (that’s a generous word for it), trying to find a job (still trying), and going on a family vacation to the most wonderful place on earth.  But in the midst of it all I managed to wrangle my family into seeing the midnight showing of the highly anticipated Toy Story 3.  After a great graduation dinner, my family and I watched a movie that was more relevant than I could have ever imagined.


Toy Story 3 is a continuation of the most profitable franchise in Disney history.  In many ways, the first in the trilogy saved a somewhat old-fashioned Disney company.  Disney continues to capitalize on the franchise, as WDW has two rides dedicated to it, and an entire meet and greet area for characters at Hollywood Studios’ Pixar Place.  This third film will only continue to bolster the already superb series’ popularity and loveability.
The whole crew is back (Woody, Buzz, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, etc.) and maybe more importantly, all of their celebrity voices have returned (don’t forget how I felt about Maggie Gylenhall in The Dark Knight).  The continuation of the first two stories is at the very core of the entire movie as well it should be.  Andy is now going off to college and trying to figure out what to do with all of his old things.  The toys band together to figure out how they will fit into the picture and discover a lot about themselves and friendship along the way.
As always, the Disney Digital 3D was pristine.  The depth that it adds to the film gives it literally and figuratively a whole new dimension, and I would highly encourage that you experience this one at least once in theaters for that very reason.  Pixar always produces stunning visuals and this is no exception.  When paired again with the brilliant work of singer-songwriter Randy Newman, who composed much of the soundtrack, you have a great experience, regardless of what actually takes place.


But as I always harp on, story is everything.  Not only is the plot in this one relatable, but it also has a feel-good theme.  As a college kid that just spent a graduation vacation in WDW, I can relate to the opening of the film.  Andy, going away to college, still wants to hang on to some of his childhood, namely his favorite toys.  While this is only a small part of the kickoff, I feel that it is very important in the overall plot, including its conclusion.  Without giving away too much, the toys figure out away to leave everyone happy in the end and give the audience a heartfelt “others before self” resolution.


I don’t think that the story is quite as engaging as the first two, but it is still up to typical Disney standards.  While I felt that Up!  was a step back in the right direction after I was severely disappointed with WALL-E, this is a leap in that same direction.  If I had to choose an area that the movie could have improved, it would have been the inclusion of more well-known toys (although Michael Keaton’s Ken doll performance is very good), and the addition of some more wit in the comedy.  Toy Story 3 was successful in that it continued the Pixar legacy and re-emphasized the connection to Disney.  It is still in recent memory that Pixar and Disney were considered to be going their separate ways.  While Toy Story redefined what Disney animation would look like in the future, Toy Story 3 reinforces that the Disney-Pixar team is the best in the business.  This film is great for everyone from kids to those still holding onto their childhoods.


4.5 Stars out of 5

Television remade for the Big Screen: A Review of A-Team

Oh the things I do for my loyal readers!!!  Last Wednesday night, I got five hours of sleep studying for my last final in college (WooHoo!).  Thursday I took the test then headed out to Glen Ellyn to referee some girls basketball games.  Exhausted and bored out of my skull (this is the most interesting thing I’ve seen on women’s basketball) I hurried back and arrived at the theater at 11:45 to see The A-Team at the midnight premiere.  I grabbed a half gallon of Coke for some caffeine and got cozy for a movie that I hoped would at least keep me awake.

The A-Team did much more than that.  I must preface this entire review by saying that I have never watched the original TV show that the movie is based on.  That being said, I thought it was a very good movie.  The action is great and there is not a dull moment throughout.  One of the best aspects of the movie is that even when the team is doing the ridiculous (flying a tank) you don’t find yourself complaining about how unrealistic it is.  The movie does a great job of mixing humor with action and an adequate plot to create a movie that is very entertaining.

The greatest strength of the movie is the cast (with one exception).  To pull off a remake of this caliber would require actors who can re-create the characters that had become so loved.  Having long been a Liam Neeson fan, I was seeing the movie largely in part because I liked his acting.  I was not disappointed.  Neeson’s depiction of Hannibal reminded me a lot of the role he played in Taken except with less gratuitous violence and more intellect and wit.  B.A Barracus played by Quinton ‘Rampage” Jackson was also a pleasant surprise.  Being a UFC fighter, I wasn’t expecting a lot out of Rampage, but he actually is an OK actor.  He obviously had the hardest part as he tried to live up to a character that was Mr. T, but he holds his own amongst the other three great performances.  Bradley Cooper’s character, Face, was spot on.  The ever-womanizing, smooth talker was perfect for him and he has some great one-liners.  But at the end of the day, Sharlito Copley stole the show as Murdock.  Copley’s rendition of the cooky pilot is very funny and he pulls off the half-there half-crazy war vet perfectly.  The dynamic between the four is what propels most of the plot as the story is somewhat predictable.  Their performances make the movie.

The one downfall was anything in the movie regarding Jessica Biel.  I’ve gone on the record before as saying that I think she is over-rated, but in this movie she was, in a word, miserable.  Her character could have been played by anyone who had a part in their high school musical.  Her part in the plot was unnecessary and a feeble attempt at some sort of romance.  She only acted to allow for restroom breaks between the intense action and steady one-liners.  Seriously, if a scene opens with her, go grab some popcorn.

Like I said, this was a tough task.  I cannot speak for those who grew up watching the television series, but as for myself, I thought it was a very good film.  The action is great, the characters are tangible, and the plot doesn’t try to do to much.  This is the quintessential guy movie and I can’t see many women flocking to see it (although Bradley Cooper is in it).  But being a guy, I really enjoyed it.

4 out of 5 stars

Let me know what you think and be sure to check out the Twitter.  Write your Congressman and tell him that we need to be paid for this!  Shoot as an e-mail at clawandnussreviews@gmail.com.

Kickin’ it Old School (Round 1) When I Die, I’m going to (My Blue) Heaven

In response to some of Jamesies recent posts, I have decided to piggy back (or steal) James's idea and hop in the (not hot tub) time machine and review a classic for all of you. I am going to review a movie I am sure a lot of you are not familiar with. However, upon reading this, I hope you will instantly text or tweet me (I'm an advocate for Twitter) that you are wanting to borrow it and this can be arranged.

James has kind of been throwing out some movies that are more B.C. as far as the movie timeline goes. Mine is only 20 years old so by law it isn't even old enough to consume an alcoholic beverage. Nevertheless, it is a classic that falls into one of my favorite genres (80s comedy).

Today, I will be discussing My Blue Heaven per the request of the one and only Adam Snell (There's your shout out Snelly). I was first exposed to My Blue Heaven by my grandfather. I respect my grandpa's word as much as anyone in this world (you should to, he is a BAD ASS), so it would only be fitting for me to watch this movie. It is an underrated movie to say the least. It has two of the late 80s and early 90s most popular comedic actors: Rick Morranis (Who by the way should have his children taken away from him) and Steve Martin (Top five actors to me). In fact, thanks to this movie Steve Martin has cracked the list of my favorite actors (This list was made Pre-Pink Panther of course… WOW).

Without giving away the plot too much, Steve Martin is a former mobster who has been taken in by the Witness Protection Program (You down with WPP? Yeah, you know me.) and it is Rick Moranis's job to make sure Martin is kept safe. You can imagine they get themselves in a lot of sticky situations, but they are funny and work well together in this movie. Joan Cusack (BARF. I'd get more of a rise out of John Cusak with a wig on) also plays a main part in this movie. I think she is very manly (both looks and mannerisms). Heck, in this movie she looks a foot taller (might actually be too) than her lover, Rick Moranis. She does ok, but as they say in Step Brothers, there's just something about her face and if she doesn't change it, I'm going to have to change it for her. I just can't stand her for some reason and that is not just in this movie; that goes for any movie she's ever been in like School of Rock, Martian Child, etc.
My favorite scene in this movie is when Martin and Moranis go out dancing. The single greatest dance move, the meringue, (Aside from the shoulder lean, two-step, harlem shake, c-walk, soulja boy, Helen Keller, etc.) is in this scene and you should watch it here. Anytime that I am caught ripping a dance floor to shreds (It's true, I took dance lessons when I was four) at a wedding, I can be spotted doing this move on numerous occasions.

Although the plot of this movie isn't necessarily the best (Sorry James, no comedies are) it is still a funny movie and that is what has been intended. Therefore, it does a good job in fitting into the 80s/90s comedy genre which I for one am a fan of. This is a genre where you could be an enjoyable comedy without saying the f word 50 times or flash private parts or had to have Jonah Hill (He's skinny) in it. In this genre, you could be a parent (wow, I'm growing up before my eyes) and feel comfortable watching a movie with your children.

I always enjoy watching a movie that I have never heard about going in. I am even more pleased when I find myself enjoying a movie like this.

Overall, I give it 3.5/5 CLAWS and it is in the Clawson Collection. So, get a hold of me if you would like to inquire as to how you can get your hands on it. It will be free of course (Although, I am a sucker for anything with Reese's in it and its Blizzard season. Hint, Hint).
Hope you enjoyed the review. If not, then that's my bad. However, James and I want your feedback! So, please get a hold of us @ clawandnussreviews@gmail.com and as always. Tell your friends. We have amassed twelve cents to date off our reviews (Blast off… Here we go blog!).

Also, only 19 Followers on Twitter to date, that is sad….

And I'm out,

-#0 The CLAW

Disney's Middle Eastern Orphan Boy Take Two

When I saw the first trailer for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time I was conflicted. I was intrigued by the pairing of producing great Jerry Bruckheimer (C.S.I., Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure etc.) and the Disney corporation. , but the idea of Jake Gyllenhaal playing in a plot designed originally for a video game worried me. To date, I had not seen a Gyllenhaal movie that I had liked and because of cinematic endeavors such as Htiman, Max Payne, and Doom, I am leery about video game based plots. Yet, most likely because of an unhindered brand loyalty I found myself Trying to convince others to see Prince of Persia (POP) with me in theaters.

POP opens in a Middle-Eastern marketplace and thoughts of Aladdin come to mind faster than you can say “street rat.” The young Dastan (Gyllenhaal) is an orphan boy chosen by the King himself to be a prince. Had there been a vest-donned monkey déjà vu would have been an understatement.

The movie is true to Bruckheimer’s traditional style and majors in spectacle. The vast desert landscapes, stunning ancient castles, and over the top CGI effects are create a sort of visual overload, a typical Bruckheimer tool. Unfortunately, at times rather than being awe-inspiring, the effects can be distracting and even unbelievable.

The storyline actually pleasantly surprised me. The plot has depth that is not expected of a video game based film, and its central conflict is multi-dimensional. While certain parts of the plot are forced upon the viewer by character explanation, for the most part it progresses along quite smoothly.

There is no doubt who Disney is targeting with this film. As Tinker Bell movies grow in popularity and announcements have been made regarding the WDW Fantasyland expansion, many are criticizing Disney for alienating the elementary to middle school boy demographic. This PG-13 movie has plenty of action without the gore of similar films and its hero is one that young boys will undoubtedly pretend to be. I found myself disliking some of the shallow humor, but must be reminded that ten years ago, I probably would have found the jokes rather funny.

When the sands of time settle, the movie is entertaining. The ancient cultures may not be historically accurate, but they fit well into the story. Gyllenhaal was ok, but didn’t seem like the right fit for the role. Gemma Arterton plays the female role well, and this could be her breakout film as her only other movie of note was a small role as Strawberry Fields in the lackluster Quantum of Solace. Both were clearly cast for their looks rather than acting persona. I don’t see Disney basing a ride off of this one soon, but if you are a parent of young boys or are just a Disney loyalist this is one you should see. Disney proves it can tell a story well even if it is from a video game. I just hope that they don’t get to ambitious and try Call of Duty.

Hope you like the review. Don't forget to send requests and comments to clawandnussreviews@gmail.com. And please follow us on Twitter, if not, Joey may consider doing something drastic. Thanks for reading us, and don't forget we love referrals (wow that was cheesy, I apologize).

-Nuss

Robin Hood (No men in tights)

A weekend after be disappointed by a blockbuster billing, I found myself again purchasing a ticket for an opening weekend film. This time it was for a tag team that had produced the great Gladiator as Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott paired up for a new version of the classic legend of Robin Hood. As a big Gladiator fan and an enjoyer of historical pieces, I was optimistic about washing the previous weekend’s bad taste from my mouth.

Robin Hood throws you right into the action as English crusaders are attempting to seize and plunder a French castle. The opening battle sets the tone for the superb action throughout the film ( with one exception that I will address later). While the Gladiator gore is absent in this PG-13 film, the fighting sequences seem realistic and are very engaging.

The plot in this one differs greatly from that of the story that most of us grew up with. The film attempts to tell the back-story behind the one who robbed the rich to feed the poor (Side note: I asked on of my old history professors about the historical accuracy of the film and he informed me that it is riddled with inaccuracies). Other than the title character one of the first that we meet is King Richard the Lionheart. His portrayal as a somewhat drunken unsure ruler is different from that of popular lore (and dare I say history). He jumpstarts Robin’s opposition to the crown when Longstride tells him of his own personal opinions on the morality of the crusades. In a time when negative feelings towards Islamic Holy Wars are prevalent, this depiction of Richard and his role in the plot exposition undoubtedly are meant to remind people of the atrocity of the crusades and act as a critique of Christianity through comparison.

Robin Longstride (Crowe) is portrayed as a peasant crusader fighting for political ideals. His character is endearing and his aged appearance gives a maturity to his conquest. He teams up with a couple of fellow peasants including the classic character of Little John (Kevin Durand). After a bit of good fate befalls them, Robin finds himself on a journey to pursue his word and honor. Meanwhile, Prince John attempts to rule the country with and iron fist and an ill-advised friendship. The two plots come colliding together in a traditional epic battle scene (for the sake of refraining from spoiling the movie, I have extremely simplified the plot, but know that it is well produced and carefully mixes history with legend to move the story forward).

Crowe is great as title character (he also produced the film) but I was pleasantly surprised by his love interest, Marian Loxley (Cate Blanchtette). With the exception of her battlefield entrance (aforementioned only problem with battle scenes) she is very good. Her portrayal of Marian gives more depth to her character than most of the others have. Other than the main two, the only notable performance is ______ as Prince John, who effectively makes you despise the womanizing dolt of a monarch (dolt is my history prof’s word, not mine).

Other than the exposition and Marian’s battle segment, I really enjoyed this movie. Its inviting adventure to ensure freedom from taxation warms this red-blooded conservative’s heart. No doubt my naïveté towards the historical imprecision biased my enjoyment of the pseudo-historical story, but as they say, ignorance is bliss. The great action drives the film as swordsmen and archers skillfully and admirably wield their weapons. The story creatively constructs a believable prequel of sorts for the well-known legend. Don’t be surprised if Scott and Crowe tag team again for a would-be highly anticipated sequel/ I for one would be there again opening week with faith that this creative duo could sidestep the all-too-common sequel disappointment.


4 out of 5 Stars

Thanks for checking out our blog. Feel free to send us comments and suggestions at clawandnussreviews@gmail.com Also don't forget to join the Twitter. As always tell your friends about us!!!!

-Nuss

Iron Man 2: It’s a Better Sequel than Teen Wolf Too

I recently had the pleasure of FINALLY seeing Iron Man 2 (The sequel to Iron Man). I invested over $40 dollars on this movie (Yikes). I had initially planned on seeing it last Friday the day It came out (I even went and bought tickets early because I am such a baller). I spent $15 on two tickets (I was taking someone to see it? OMG, I know right?!) However, due to getting packed up to move home from college (I have more shit than a Desperate Housewife, no lie), I did not have time to get away from packing up 4 years of accumulated coupon books, free t-shirts and koozies, and other things to see the film. So boom, I'm out that money. Not a huge deal as it is just money and I am absolutely loaded (I have moved home to live with my parents for the foreseeable future). However, I was still determined to see what very well could be this summer's biggest blockbuster hit. Therefore, I turned around and bought two tickets to see it in IMAX. Nevertheless, after investing enough money into what seemed like would have gotten a start-up business off the ground, I was excited to the sequel to Iron Man (Iron Man 2). I had the pleasure of reading Nuss's review of the movie before I saw it. Check it out here if you haven't read it yet. His review had me skeptical about what was to come in this film.

    After seeing this movie, I can say I disagree with James (with all due respect my good man). Iron Man 2 (Sequel to Iron Man) is an exciting film. Here are a couple of reactions I had during and after this movie:

1. Mickey Rourek did a fantastic job in his role. My one gripe about his character (And many Hollywood characters) was his lack of taste buds. Now, personally, I have never chugged Russain Vodka from a bottle. However, if it tastes anything like normal vodka, it does not go down that smooth (so I hear). It annoys me when a character like his downs vodka (straight) like it's a bottle of water. It probably really was water, but that is beside the point. I want to see some acting. Coming from someone who just spent four years in college (observing, of course), no hard liquor goes down that smooth. It should look more like this.
   

   
    

2. Scarlett JoHOTT was a great addition to this movie. Wow, just, wow, I can't even, wow I'm a fan. The scene where she singlehandedly takes out 10 or so guards, wow, just, yeah, wow. Cherish her Ryan Reynolds… Cherish her.
   

   
    

3. Robert Downey Jr. was his usual smart ass Tony Stark (he plays it well), but Sam Rockwell straight up stole the show. I will be buying this movie when it comes out and one of the main reasons is I just want to watch his character again because he played it so well. He can also bust a move (reminds me of myself).
   

   
    

4. Wow, Scarlett Johansson, just wow.
   

   
    

5. I felt like I was taken back to Science class for about a half-hour. I hate science class….
   

   
    

Although I have decided I like Iron Man better than Iron Man 2 (the sequel to Iron Man) because it was the original, it wasn't hyped up, and it was very underrated. IM2 still had a good balance (for the most part) of action mixed with plot and humor. As mentioned before the cast was great. I thought I was going to hate Don Cheadle replacing Terrance Howard because I am a firm believer if you do a sequel, you do it right and get everyone on board again (Unlike Teen Wolf Too. Why'd they have to mess that series up?). However, I was wrong and I more than approved having him in the movie.

My favorite scene was the fictional race, "Grand Prix de Monaco Historique" (Yes, I had to look that up). This is where Tony Stark first gets introduced to Ivan (Rourek). The special effects and the overall atmosphere of the scene had me feeling like I was in the movie (good of had to do with seeing it in Imax). This scene had me wanting to take a visit for the real race someday. However, from the looks of it, you have to be a CEO or a gold digger to go. I'm still crossing my fingers for my sugar momma.

And how cool is it seeing Jon Favreau in the movie he directed? Some people might say it is him having an ego trip. However, I say he can do whatever he wants after making these movies…

In closing, I was a fan of this movie. Robert Downey Jr. was good as always, Sam Rockwell stole the show, and Scarlett Johansson (Have I mentioned, wow?) was a solid addition. The fight scenes were good, yet the plot was there. I am excited to see what Marvel has in store next.

Overall: 4/5 Claws

Hope you (sorta) enjoyed the review. Next up, will be a review of a classic comedy, My Blue Heaven. Follow us on Twitter @CLAWtomicBAUM. I have boycotted posting movie quotes until we get more followers. Let me know any thoughts you might have on this movie or anything you might want reviewed. E-mail us at clawandnussreviews@gmail.com for questions, comments, suggestions, or our phone numbers.

Ta-Ta for now,

#0 The Claw

 

My First Movie!!!!

So the blog up until this point has been me telling you guys a little bit about myself and what I think about movies. But this post will showcase the first ever movie that I helped create (I think the producer credit was slightly lofty, but I'll take it.) This is a movie that was thought up my one of my roomies (shout out to Zeke) for a competition to try to be on the Discovery Channel show Man vs. Wild. The video is a parody of the show, so you may not appreciate it if you have never watched the show. Regardless, rather than reading me rant for the next ten minutes about character development or poor plot progression, just sit back and enjoy the show.






What'd you think? E-mail us at clawandnussreviews@gmail.com and tell us. Big shoutout to Erin Smithey who shot the footage and put the whole thing together. Check out her new show on Discovery Health called My Strange Addiction. I promise, next time I'll get back to reviewing movies.

-Nuss