Ed's Review Dot Com

Bloom, Netter Productions, Waypoint Entertainment,

Matthew McConaughey, Naomi Watts, Ken Watanabe, Katie Aselton, Jordan Gavaris

Arthur (Matthew McConaughey) and Joan Brennan (Naomi Watts) are in a troubled marriage. They used to be very much in love, but over time, Arthur’s salary is a tiny bit related to Joan who is carrying all the weight of the finances, but has a drinking problem due to her depression. But when she is diagnosed with a brain tumor, she makes Arthur promise that he will die in a beautiful place and not in a hospital. Later on we find Arthur on a journey to Japan’s famous “Suicide Forest” with the idea of killing himself. But when another Japanese gentleman shows up lost and desperate, he stops to help him out. But the two become hopelessly lost and unable to find their way out, so the two of them who both went in the forest to die, find themselves battling with all they’re worth to manage to survive somehow.

This is a very beautiful, but really dark film. But it’s not really about depression, desperation, and death. It’s more about life. This is a very though provoking film, and an interesting piece. Ken Watanabe is wonderful as the lost Japanese businessman who is depending on Matthew McConnaughy’s character to survive. The problems and struggles that these two go through is very touching and keeps the story going from adventure to adventure without a break. But, at the same time, you feel that there is a bigger message behind this survival tale. There is, but it’s not slammed in your face, and as the story evolves, and especially in the beautiful ending which may not be what you expect, you walk away with a lot on your mind. McConnaughy is really good in this movie. I think he’s a better actor than he normally gets to play, and his roles have had a lot lacking. This is a very serious film, and he does an excellent job in this role. I didn’t expect much from it when I put it in the DVD player, but by the time it was over, I found a really new appreciation for his work. Basically this film are these two characters and how they interact with each other. The other roles are smaller. But the main character of this story is this little know creepy forest in the shadow of Mr. Fuji. This was a solid story, just a little story, but with a lot of heart. I enjoyed it, and recommend it.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Warner Bros., Legendary Pictures, Disruption Entertainment,

Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins, Ken Watanabe, David Strathairn, Victor Rasuk, CJ Adams, Patrick Sabongui

Godzilla has been hanging out at the bottom of the ocean since the last battle with humans in 1954 didn’t work out so well. But when people wake up a couple alien monsters, things don’t look good for humanity. But Godzilla is back, working for the humans to take on these horrible aliens that feed on radiation and have their heart set on destroying San Francisco on their way to conquering the planet. This is a brand new 3D tribute remake to the original Godzilla.

As soon as this movie came out, in fact, even a little before, there was lots of hate. Then it turned into everybody I saw loving it. I figured I had to go out and buy a ticket to find out for myself. I think I figured this one out.

First, the CGI segments are spectacular. We have all been waiting for 60 years waiting for the technology to catch up so that we can really see Godzilla. The time has come. Secondly, this story is not about Godzilla. It’s not about aliens wanting to destroy the earth. It’s a statement (in respect to the original) on science gone too far, and the price we have to pay. And though we treated Gozilla badly, he is still willing to help us out. Here’s the rub for some people. There is only a little Godzilla vs. the aliens footage. Many people came to the theater hoping to see two hours of CGI monster battles. But there is a story, perhaps not the strongest story. There are lots of holes and places where you have to suspend belief. But there are real characters here. So those who came to see the epic monster battles go away hating it, but those who can enjoy the spectacle and the spectacular special effects will find it well worth the time. It’s a beautifully filmed movie. I think the same thing has happened before. Those that hated Peal Harbor were looking for a movie with nothing but battle scenes and Kamikaze pilots. They were put off by the love story that they got instead. Basically it’s the same thing here. Those who went looking for dinosaur battles are coming away disappointed. But if you’re looking for more, I think you’ll enjoy this movie. I really enjoyed it, and after the Matthew Broderick disaster in 1998, this movie is a thousand times better.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog