The best 3D film ever made. Zoe Saldana gives the best performance in the film. A story about human greed and the opposing human spirit, which we discover through the pain and love from those of a completely different race. Beautiful to watch, and beautiful to feel. Groundbreaking as much as it is breathtaking.
5/5
Magical. Intense. Sad. Epic. Stanley Tucci is to this film what Heath Ledger was to The Dark Knight. Strong performances from everyone. Haunting and colourfully dark. Phenomenal take on a very delicate and real issue. Saoirse Ronan is so real, it hurts.
4.5/5
Strong performances from some good actors, but an awful story. Would leave even Hitchcock scratching his head. The story ends up twisting itself into an untiable knot. Maybe if the first and last 15 minutes of the movie were glued together and everything else was cut, we'd get a solid short film. Other than that, it was a waste of time.
I started reading the first book in the Percy Jackson & The Olympian series (writen by author Rick Riordan as a bedtime story for his son at the time) after seeing the full trailer debut online a few months ago. I thought, "This could be a cool new series I can get into!". I already knew who the actor playing Percy Jackson was (Logan Lerman) from watching 3:10 to Yuma and Meet Bill. I finished the book in a week and thought it was great. I had the opportunity to watch an advanced screening of the film (thanks Fox!) with a packed crowd of children, teenagers, and young married couples.
Look, we've all seen this story told before : Boy starts out with a weakness or obstacle, then finds out he is destined for greater things, meets some new friends who will guide him and mentor him along the way, then faces some deadly challenges where he ends up proving his worth, etc......With Harry Potter coming to an end next year, it's no secret the movie industry is looking for it's next big franchise to replace it. With director Chris Columbus at the helm, Hollywood is hoping the Percy Jackson series can do just that.
But when it comes to Harry Potter comparisons (I've already said that wizard's name one too many times in this review), here's a newsflash that so many people choose to forget : Harry Potter itself borrows from lots of ancient mythologies. I've heard complaints from people that Percy Jackson is too much like Harry Potter, and that it's a knockoff (research indicates that Harry Potter was first writen in 1990, while Percy Jackson was writen in 1994 - J.K. Rowling just got her story published first). I hate to break it to you, but if that's the case, then Harry Potter stole the ideas of Chronicles of Narnia, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and countless other Greek myths and fantasy tales. That same basic formula I mentioned above has been worked and reworked already by the likes of Frodo Baggins, Peter Pevensie, Luke Skywalker, or any one of the kazillion superheros from comics and TV. So having that said, let's talk about the film...........
The plot centers around Percy Jackson, a kid who's finding it difficult to read well because he's dyslexic and has ADHD. He only ever feels at peace when submerged under water; he's able to hold his breath for long periods of time and just zone out. Things take an unexpected turn when he finds himself thrusted into a world where Greek gods do exist, and that he's actually the son of Posedion. A war is about to start because someone has stolen Zues's lightning bolt, and everyone suspects it's Percy! With the help of his two friends Annabeth and Grover, Percy goes on a cross-country road trip to try and stop the gods from waging war and proclaiming his innocence.
In short, this film was So. Much. FUN! There was not ONE moment in the entire movie where you were ever bored! From beginning to end you're either laughing or cheering, or find yourself captivated by Percy and Annabeth's piercing blue eyes. The cast give a strong performance, with great cameo's by Uma Therman (as the ever-seductive Medusa) and Rosario Dawson (also as the ever-seductive Persephone). In a nutshell, if your kids were interested in Greek mythology, this would be a very safe and inviting stepping stone to introduce them to that world. Director Chris Columbus sticks to what he's best at : laughter and kids. Kids trying to save the world, but also make sense of the world their trying to save.
Which brings me to the humor. There's a very mild Monty Python-esque funny bone in the film, and you always have this feeling that the characters are self-aware of how ludacrise their whole quest is. The beautiful thing is that it's set in America (explained more in the book, the ancient Greek gods travel through different nations every thousands of years, but in this certain place and time it's in America), which means everything a part of our pop culture can easily be thrown in the mix for good measure. It's never over-done or used recklessly here, and in fact makes everything bizare going on so much more relatable. It's a clear and successful bridge between our world and the world of the gods. What it also does (that Harry Potter doesn't) is make everything cool. I looked around to see audience members smiling with great acceptance at how well certain gags played out. There was one part where Percy and co. were looking at a map to where the Underworld is, and sure enough it was located right beneath Hollywood (LOL). Makes perfect sense!
Under such a plot, however, the movie never takes itself too seriously, and you get the sense that Percy is just as confused and flabbergasted at everything going on as we are! Logan Lerman is so likeable and funny as Percy Jackson you want to see him succeed. You want to see what kind of greatness he can achieve. You want to see what adventures are instore for him in a sequel. I was able to personally relate to him because I have always had a strong connection to water, and being an insomniac I find that the sound of rain or a running shower always puts me to ease and calms my racing nerves down. Percy suffers from dyslexia and ADHD, so water does for him what it also does for me. Percy truly is a good kid; trying to protect his mom from her sluggish boyfriend. You want to see so much more of these things and get to know who Percy truly is, and in fact that's where the film falls short : because you don't.
Some of the grips I have belonged in the beginning of the film; everything seemed too rushed. I would have loved another 10 minutes with Percy at school with the other characters or with his mom. Any more time spent with him wouldn't have hurt. I felt everything happened too quickly, and we didn't have enough time to warm up to anybody before we're thrown into the adventure. Before you could digest what's going on, this kid is neck deep into this new world. Another weakness was Percy's mom, played by the lovely Catherine Keener (who played Max's mom in Where The Wild Things Are!). Honestly, as much as I love her, I felt like she was just reading off a page and wasn't invested in the role as much as everyone else was. Other faults are nitpicky, but still beg some questions that never get answers to (Percy's grieving for his mother is almost non-existant, no one questions how Ms.Dobbs knows Percy's name when she's new to the class, etc....).
Back on the issue of pacing - that's exactly how I felt about the beginning of the book, as well. The advantage the book has that the movie doesn't, is that it can settle down and spend some more time with its characters without any action practically anywhere in the story. There's so much to cover in this 2 hour movie, that another hour would have to be added inorder to achieve what the book did - and believe me, with the way Chris Columbus handled the source material, it doesn't need it.
Which on the flip side is a shame because those were the fastest 2 hours I had watching a movie! Like I said, something is always happening in the film to push everyone forward and you're either laughing, or mesmorized by the lead actor(s) and all the action. Unlike Harry Potter, there's no sign of this unlikeable moody, depressive atmosphere lingering around where you feel as if things are so musty you're being chocked; instead this film is a breathe of fresh air, as if someone came along and turned on all the fans.
In the end, there is a good messege that your weakness could also be your greatest strength, and it's apparent both the author and director are touching down on some issues such as neglectful parents (Posedion abandoned Percy when he was only 7 months old), so there is some method to all this madness. Percy has always wanted to known his dad and feels betrayed that his father took off like he did - a very painful reality for a lot of kids in real-life. There's a great scene at the end where Percy and father Posedion reconcile, and you feel directly involved with their conversation as if they're speaking about YOU, just not acknowledging your presence.
There are rumblings about who should play Peter Parker in the next Spider-Man reboot, and Logan Lerman's name has poped up (among many others). Frankly, if people watch this film they'll be more inclined to the idea, because Logan's role as Percy Jackson isn't much different than that of Peter Parker's (despite the obvious differences in mythology and story), and there's no doubt in my mind that he could definitely pull it off! I wouldn't mind seeing him as the new Spider-Man at all, because here's a kid who not only reminds me of a young Joaquin Phoenix, but has the chops to play kid-friendly as well as serious.
Will this film be successful enough to spawn it's own series and get the remaining 4 books made into films? I don't know, it's hard to tell. It isn't a perfect by any means, but the problems as a whole shouldn't ruin the overall enjoyment of the film. Like I said, it's certainly likeable, and definitely a series people of all ages can fall in love with because of it's modern, hip, and cool factors. This is a positive first step, because the series has the potential to be fantastic! I guess it's up to the gods ;)
Kids are people, too. And even though there comes a time where *most* of us look down on them and poke fun at their adolescent behaviour, we tend to forget that we used to be just like them. Seems so far away, and yet it isn't. What, only a few thousand days, depending on your age? We all used to cause mischief one way or another, talk back to our parents, get caught doing things we shouldn't be doing, skipping class, and disobeying orders. We were all once fanboys and fangirls of a particular musical act or film (and still are, in our adult years). But one thing I think most of us can't relate to, is being homeless...........
Have YOU ever been homeless?
I hope not. But it's an issue many youths face today - even though we're supposed to be living in a free and just society, where things like this happen only to poor countries. Regardless of what the government says, we live in a very wealthy continent, and it boggles my mind to think teens are living out on the streets. Kids resulting to prostitution and drug trafficking to make it through the night. This isn't an easy route for anyone who decides to run away from home, quite frankly it's the opposite. But the countless reasons why so many youth today decide to run away is horrid and unacceptable. Thankfully, there is a campaign out there gaining ground to help support homeless teens...........but it needs YOUR help.
Meet Jermaine Crawford. Look familiar? Maybe, maybe not. Jermaine starred in THE WIRE, and is now using his own resources to create CODE BLUE, a campaign to help get homeless kids off the streets. I had the amazing experience to talk to Jermaine about CODE BLUE, and how all his positive work is helping save our generation one young person at a time......and how you can help, too.
On November 2nd, 2009, a short 10-minute thriller made it's way onto Youtube. It was quite fun, and even though it wasn't Shakespeare by any means, the work and discipline that went into making it was quite apparent. It inspired me. It was another reminder that acting and film making - however serious the role or film can be - should never lose it's fun side. Once that's gone, everything else falls apart. I have acted in a lot of student and indie films, and have had so much fun doing it, that watching this film made me really feel as if I was a part of the experience myself.
The film in which I speak of is called "BOO!" , and it's about a girl being stalked on her birthday and must survive the night! It stars such names as Samantha Droke (Poor Paul), Brandon Smith & Tiffany Thornton (both from Sonny with a Chance), Francia Raisa & Allen Evangelista (both from The Secret Life of the American Teenager), Chris Hunter (South of Nowhere), and Mark Hapka (Days of Our Lives).
The film was directed by David Henrie (Wizards of Waverly Place) and his cousin Johnny Salvatore. It was shot in 2 days - no funding, no major equipment - just a camera, a light, and a bunch of friends! Guerrilla film making at it's best! The film belongs to the YuteTV production label, which was created by David Henrie. YuteTV's purpose is to inspire young filmmakers to go out and make movies! BOO! was made with very little - just a little passion, a camera and some friends - and it's proof that it can be done! How awesome is that?
Now, someone who should get some credit is the man who shot BOO! himself, Mr. Alfredo Flores! Alfredo is a music video director with a deep passion for film making and music! I had a wonderful opportunity to interview Alfredo, and we talked a bit about BOO!, but more so, who the man behind the lens really is.
Marco Gennuso (MG) - First off, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this! For the many people who want to know..........Who is Alfredo Flores?
ALFREDO FLORES (AF)- Alfredo is a guy who moved from NJ to LA with a dream and has been fighting and working for that dream since day 1.
MG - When did you realize that film making is something you wanted to do?
AF - Funny story. 1998 I believe. I was 9 years old. I saw Mariah Carey's "Honey" video on TV. It was VH1 Pop Up I believe. They were in Puerto Rico riding on jet ski's and I thought "man I want to do that!"
MG - How did you get started in the biz?
AF - I moved to LA about 2 years ago and I started doing anything I could possibly do to meet people and work in production. I landed an internship at UNCLE and the rest is history. MG - Ahhh, a hustler! Very much like me! What are some of your favorite music videos?
AF - My favorite videos of all time generated in the late 90's early 2000's (Heartbreaker, Toxic, 99 Problems) and of course, every Michael Jackson music video.
MG - Everyone I know who loves music videos has always mentioned TOXIC, lol. Music videos are, atleast in my mind, a very underrated form of art. What is it about them that interests you so much?
AF - Music. Music is my art. Ever since I was young music has driven every aspect of my life. I love performance, choreography, lighting, style - and when I think of a way to combine them all, I think music video. MG - I'm pretty diverse when it comes to music. I love different genres for different reasons, and try to keep an open mind. Who are some of your favorite artists, and what's playing on your Ipod now?
AF - I love everyone, as well. From Kings of Leon to Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Paramore, Taylor Swift.......it's endless.
MG - Editing is such a daunting task, and another form of art that's highly underappreciated. Which process do you enjoy more - the filming or the editing?
AF - Thats so hard to say. I love the filming because you get to connect with the cast and have a good time. You get to plan out shots and create solutions to problems. Then in editing, if I get a good cut, til this day I still get excited. So thats a tough one.
MG - We're all inspired by others doing what we love to do. Anyone you dream of working with?
AF - Always dreamed of working with Michael Jackson and to know that I no longer have the opportunity it makes me want to create and envision like he did.
MG - Yeah, I feel the same way about some actors that I've looked up to who are no longer with us, or are on their way out. You ever watch a music video and think, "Damn, I wish that was MY music video!" ?
AF -Plenty of times. There are so many great videos out there and I want to do every single one!
MG - Who are some of the people you've loved working with?
AF - I'd have to say working with Mariah Carey has been my favorite thus far. She was the reason why I had this passion. Paul Hunter directed "Honey" and she was the artist. It was unreal. MG - What was the hardest project you had to work on?
AF - Each project I have done has different challenges. They all vary and that is what is so unique about production. Nothing is ever the same.
MG -I've seen some of the behind-the-scenes footage of artists you shot on your Myspace, really great stuff! I've always wondered how that stuff works exactly.....Are you ever told to cut certain things out?
AF - All the time. There are certain things I have to cut out and certain things im not allowed to show. I do a rough cut which is my cut and the label or manager always gives me things that are not supposed to be in the videos and then I edit it down.
MG - Do you do any writing?
AF - Yes, I write everything I direct and I also collab with other writers. MG - Last year you visited my hometown of Toronto. Tell us a bit about that. Did you like it here?
AF - Love Toronto. Love Franz. Love the Eaton Center. Visiting a lot of my friend's from Camp Rock, one weekend we shot Roshon's music video, so that was fun just being with everyone. MG - OK, let's talk about BOO! I loved it, it was a lot of fun! How did you get involved with that?
AF - I got a call from Chris Rossi who was the producer of BOO and he asked for me to come in during a meeting. MG - David Henrie says all you guys had was a camera and a light. That's pretty impressive, since the production value looks a lot higher than that. What kind of camera did you use?
AF - Yes, all we had was my camera - PanasonicHVX200 and an LCD light that I connect to my camera. MG - How was David as a first time director?
AF - David is great. He is such a talented individual. There's always some type of idea coming out of his brain. Working with him, I'm constantly inspired.
MG - Was there any difficulty during it's 2-day shoot?
AF - YES! Plenty of challenges. Location lights turning off when we needed them. Finding an escape that was clean and understandable by the audience. Making sure we found points of the dialogue to make sure we hit (because the movie was improv) but it was the best time ever!
MG - Oh, I can definitely relate! So has David officially recruited you on to YuteTV?
AF - Yes, I am part of the YuteTV team! MG - Why did BOO premier at a later date than originally planned?
AF - Technical Difficulties with the uploading.
MG - Any chance we'll ever see the gag reel?
AF - The gag reel!! Haha maybe. I don't know. Maybe. There sure were a lot of gags. MG - If you weren't working with actors and shooting, what would you be doing?
AF - Honestly, that is tough. I can't see myself doing anything else. I would probably be teaching it.
MG - Any chance we'll see you in front of the camera instead of behind?
AF - Maybe. I want to act in a horror film really bad. Where I die or something. Other than that, no! MG - Dude, I LOVE horror films! I just did a short one and I had to get all bloody, so much fun! Besides that, have you seen any good movies lately?
AF - Law Abiding Citizen.. Just saw that movie last week. Great movie.
MG - So, where do you want to go from here?
AF - I want to enhance my craft. I want to further my directing career with different artist. MG - Any new projects in the works?
AF -Yes! GO CODE BLUE - PSA about teenage homelessness. I just directed this PSA and it is such a great cause. Im excited for it. MG - What advice can you give to anyone trying to break in the biz?
AF - Never give up. Keep fighting for your dreams. It really is possible. I am proof of that!
______________________________________________________________ You can check out Alfredo's official Myspace at : http://www.myspace.com/alfredoflores
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