Transformers Rise of the Fallen Review

Transformers: Rise of the Fallen is all noise and no fun. I would go as far to say that it is the worst movie of the summer season so far and that is saying a lot compared to what audiences have had to contend with this summer. Transformers (2007) was big dumb fun, it lacked in a lot of departments but it was an enjoyable movie. In contrast, Transformers: Rise of the Fallen is just big and dumb.

I don't think any movie is a better example of everything that is wrong with current American mainstream cinema. It seems that Hollywood keeps churning out these shallow action movies that are all style and no substance. I concede that certain action movies do get by with being shallow fun, but only if they have a certain respect for the audience's intelligence.

Transformers: Rise of the Fallen basically hits the audience over the head for 3 excruciating hours. It's really hard sit through the awkwardly unfunny comedy this movies tries to accomplish. It's almost like Micheal Bay is sitting behind you, poking your shoulder every five-minutes, screaming in your ear, "Isn't that hilarious, ha ha, ethnic stereotypes and sexual innuendos. Oh, I'm such a visionary."

In terms of plot, well there isn't any. Any semblance of plot is nothing but a contrived line of events that are linked by mediocre action scenes. Every sub-plot that is set up goes nowhere fast. The plot is paper thin and is as deep as the inside of a Coke can. The characters in Transformers Revenge of the Fallen have as much depth as the plot. Every character is nothing but a disposable piece used to thrust the action along.

The human characters are all uninteresting and lack any emotional connection with the audience, so why should I care if Sam or Mikaela almost die? Is it because they are the leads in the story? is that the only reason you have to give me? Oh, by the way, Megan Fox might be extremely attractive but she has the acting skills of a disabled mime. Shai LaBeouf is basically playing the one note character of Sam with as much grace as Fox plays her character. In all honesty, I'm being unfair to the actors, it's not their fault that the script is a muddled mess or that their director is not very deft on plot or characters. Now when it comes to the Transformers, they are actually way more interesting than their human counterparts. It's too bad that great characters like Optimus Prime and Megatron are reduced to meandering parts. Also, who ever had the idea of making two Autobots into over the top stereotypes, one of which who sports a gold tooth, should be fired from production and should be sent to racial sensitivity school.

The special effects and action sequences should be the redeeming factor in movie, right? Nevertheless, I think the effects and the action in this movie weren't as great as the first, in my opinion at least. It's very sad, when I start to get bored during an action scene. Maybe it's because when you have no interest in the characters or the situations on screen there is no suspense to keep you hooked in. The CGI and the effects quickly loose their gleam as the movie progressively gets more disconnected. Now, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen is going to make it's millions at the Box Office, that is a given. Although, I hope that bad of word of mouth hurts it in the end. Truthfully, though, I know that the masses will flock to it and that it will make its money, procuring a pointless sequel.

Pixar's UP

Pixar continues to surprise me. It seems that they are the only production company making intelligent family films. While companies like Disney, Dreamworks and Nickelodeon keep churning out the same old prescribed "kiddy crack", as I like to call it, Pixar is more interested in telling well rounded stories that are subtly complex. Now I know Pixar is a subsidiary of the Disney corporation, but I count them as a separate creative entity from the abomination that Disney has become.

After sitting through Pixar's latest film, UP, I have no doubt that they are one of the last remaining beacons of hope in the family entertainment industry. Now I have always been a fan of family films that didn't pander to it's target audience and UP succeeds in that. Why should parents suffer through a film just to keep their children entertained. I think for a family film to truly be successful, everyone has to be able to enjoy some aspect of it...actually that goes for any film. Nevertheless, I feel like the plenitude of family targeted entertainment out there is sugar coated nonsense. So while the kids sit entranced by the bright colors and the lowbrow humour, killing off precious new neurons, the parents sit by awkwardly grinding there teeth through the torture.

What ever happened to the daring family entertainment of years back. I don't think a film like The Never-Ending Story or a TV show like The Adventures of Pete and Pete would ever have a chance today. Instead, what we get in return is pre-pubescent teens selling ignorance and empty promises to the children of tomorrow.

Ok, so my intention was to do a review of UP, but I got sidetracked and got up on my soap box instead. Either way, I think its because a film like UP reminded me of a time where I could go to a family film and enjoy it, as opposed to being annoyed by it.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

I finally finished listening to Grizzly Bear's new album Veckatimest. The album was released last week, but I like to give an album a few listens before I pass judgement on it. I have to say, after a few spins in my CD player, Veckatimest is Grizzly Bear's best work to date. The indie rock band from Brooklyn, NY has been making psychedelic experimental folk rock for a while now. They made their first debut with Horn of Plenty (2004), which was an admirable first effort from a growing group of musicians. However, in my opinion, Veckatimest is the album where Grizzly Bear have found their artistic peak.

There are a few songs that stand out to me from Veckatimest. When I first heard "Two Weeks" there was no doubt that it was an addictive layered track that swooned to the meanderings of the heart. I'm sure anyone who hasn't heard of Grizzly Bear or this album will eventually listen to this song at one point. "Cheerleader" and "While You Wait For the Others" are tracks that have a stand alone quality that make them easily re-playable and oddly satisfying.

Veckatimest is collage of sound that mixes the old with the new. Grizzly Bear blend their pop sensibilities with their experimental flairs. Mostly, every song on the album connects appropriately with the other; blending into a melodic sound scape. There are places where certain songs wander, but it doesn't sound as pretentious as many other indie musical explorations. As a whole, Veckatimest has its flaws; nevertheless, it reaches for a meticulous need for greatness that is commendable.

There are some that find Grizzly Bear's music too quietly reserved, but I think that in the right state of mind or after a few listens, Veckatimist is the kind of album that is hard not to get lost into.