area01
Joined Nov 2002
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Reviews26
area01's rating
Okay... Let's get one thing out the way. I know this is a movie aimed at youngsters. And is not in the running for an Oscar or such like.
But.... you have a legion of Lego Lovers and Parents who will have (or even want) to watch this film.
And that is the problem: It is basically a "One Gag Movie". The gag is animated Lego Pieces and it runs for what seems like an eternity...
It feels like someone had a real passion for the concept. Sold it as a movie idea, and then marketing took over. The "manual" said: Need something to please everyone and that is what they built. But speed it up for those kids with no attention span....
The pace is frantic. The jokes lame. The animation okay. The message wholesome. The Lego Cameos in place. The Pop Culture references ticked.
They have a winner and good luck to them. But a little more thought, style, pacing and story would have produced a much better flick.
Pixar and Dreamworks have a good handle on quality family animation. I am sure it would have been much better in their hands.
But.... you have a legion of Lego Lovers and Parents who will have (or even want) to watch this film.
And that is the problem: It is basically a "One Gag Movie". The gag is animated Lego Pieces and it runs for what seems like an eternity...
It feels like someone had a real passion for the concept. Sold it as a movie idea, and then marketing took over. The "manual" said: Need something to please everyone and that is what they built. But speed it up for those kids with no attention span....
The pace is frantic. The jokes lame. The animation okay. The message wholesome. The Lego Cameos in place. The Pop Culture references ticked.
They have a winner and good luck to them. But a little more thought, style, pacing and story would have produced a much better flick.
Pixar and Dreamworks have a good handle on quality family animation. I am sure it would have been much better in their hands.
First up..... This great little flick was made for price of most movie's catering budget. And the DVD extras are superb to watch, as Mr Smith sticks it to the Film Distribution Suits at Sundance.
The film is mainly a chance for Michael Parks to strut his stuff, and all the better for it. There's a lot of black humour there, and nods to horror genres like Hostel.
Not sure about any "message" as such - apart from the attempt to entertain. It could open a debate about religion, sexual preference and gun law..... But I don't think it's that type of film-making.
Another interesting aspect is Kevin Smith's choice to market the film outside regular Studio Distribution. I love the way he hammers home this point and yet still admits he is in a rare position to do so. And would still take the normal route if it was his first film at Sundance.
He has built up a fanbase through his efforts and deserves the right to try something different.
All in all - a fun film that has something to say on the screen and off it, if you want to join the debate.
The film is mainly a chance for Michael Parks to strut his stuff, and all the better for it. There's a lot of black humour there, and nods to horror genres like Hostel.
Not sure about any "message" as such - apart from the attempt to entertain. It could open a debate about religion, sexual preference and gun law..... But I don't think it's that type of film-making.
Another interesting aspect is Kevin Smith's choice to market the film outside regular Studio Distribution. I love the way he hammers home this point and yet still admits he is in a rare position to do so. And would still take the normal route if it was his first film at Sundance.
He has built up a fanbase through his efforts and deserves the right to try something different.
All in all - a fun film that has something to say on the screen and off it, if you want to join the debate.
Wow. Having seen the original French version - I would have thought Hollywood would have stomped all over this.
But.... They get A List stars to cameo in an "Arthouse" flick - that is something cool. And "Gold Star" merit if someone can explain how that was done.
All the subtle meaning in the French original is here, almost shot for shot, plus the tension and character development but with a few extra touches that work real well. I would give extra screen time to Rourke and that is what the director does well.
Only the marketing lets it down. I would have aimed for the Fincher art-house crowd here - rather that the Stratham action house fans as I think that is were the film's strengh lie.
Apart from that - give it a go. Great remake and the way forward.
But.... They get A List stars to cameo in an "Arthouse" flick - that is something cool. And "Gold Star" merit if someone can explain how that was done.
All the subtle meaning in the French original is here, almost shot for shot, plus the tension and character development but with a few extra touches that work real well. I would give extra screen time to Rourke and that is what the director does well.
Only the marketing lets it down. I would have aimed for the Fincher art-house crowd here - rather that the Stratham action house fans as I think that is were the film's strengh lie.
Apart from that - give it a go. Great remake and the way forward.