With this horror film being remade and released on February 12, 2010, I thought why not review the original movie. So this is my first of many Reto-reviews.
Plot Summary for The Wolf Man (1941): Upon the death of his brother, Larry Talbot returns from America to his ancestral home in Wales. He visits a gypsy camp with village girl Jenny Williams, who is attacked by Bela, a gypsy who has turned into a werewolf. Larry kills the werewolf but is bitten during the fight. Bela’s mother tells him that this will cause him to become a werewolf at each full moon. Larry confesses his plight to his unbelieving father, Sir John, who then joins the villagers in a hunt for the wolf. Larry, transformed by the full moon, heads for the forest and a fateful meeting with both Sir John and Gwen. Written by Doug Sederberg.
This movie was destined to become one of Universal Studios’ classic monster movies, though not the first time a movie about a werewolf was made. That distinction belongs to the 1935 movie Werewolf of London starring Henry Hull. This movie served as a template for the movie we are talking about here.
Throughout the film, various villagers recite a poem that all the locals apparently know, whenever the subject of werewolves comes up:
Even a man who is pure in heart
and says his prayers by night
may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms
and the autumn moon is bright.
The poem, contrary to popular belief, was not an ancient legend, but was in fact an invention of screenwriter Siodmak. The poem is repeated in every subsequent film in which Talbot/The Wolf Man appears, with the exception of House of Dracula and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, and is also quoted in the later film Van Helsing, although many later films change the last line of the poem to “And the moon is full and bright”.
The original Wolf Man film does not make use of the idea that a werewolf is transformed under a full moon. Gwen’s description and the poem imply that it happens when the wolfbane blooms in autumn. The first sequel, though, made explicit use of the full moon both visually and in the dialog, and also changed the poem to specify when the moon is full and bright. Presumably this is what popularized the full-moon connection in the 20th century. The sequel visually implies that the transformation occurs as a result of direct exposure to light from the full moon. Other fiction has assumed the transformation is an inescapable monthly occurrence and does not examine whether it is caused by light, tidal effects, or some cycle that happens to coincide with the moon’s phases.
The Wolf Man has the distinction of being the only classic Universal monster to be played by the same actor in all his classic 1940s film appearances (save for stunt doubles). Lon Chaney, Jr. was very proud of this, frequently stating in interviews: “He was my baby.” Chaney would go on to play a wolf man (if not the Wolf Man) in very similar makeup in the 1959 Mexican film La Casa del Terror and a famous 1962 episode of TV’s Route 66 titled Lizard’s Leg and Owlet’s Wing, which also starred Boris Karloff as the Frankenstein Monster. Nearly a decade later, even though he was seriously ill at the time, Chaney managed to conjure up his original energetic gestures while masked in a quasi-wolfish rubber mask for one scene in his last (and most unfortunate) film, 1971’s Dracula vs. Frankenstein.
The Wolf Man is one of three top-tier Universal Studios monsters without a direct literary source. The others are The Mummy and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. In the 1970s, novelizations of the original films were issued as paperback originals as part of a series written by “Carl Dreadstone,” a “house name” pseudonym for a several writers, including British horror writer Ramsey Campbell).
Plot Summary for The Book of Eli (contains spoilers): Eli (Denzel Washington) has been on a journey for 30 years, walking west across America after a cataclysmic war that turned the earth into a total wasteland. The world has become a lawless civilization where people must kill or be killed. The barren roads belong to gangs of cutthroats who rob and kill for water, a pair of shoes, a lighter, or just for fun. Eli is a peaceful man who only acts in self defense, and becomes a warrior with unbelievable killing skills when he is challenged. After the war and the “Big Flash”, Eli was guided by a higher power to a hidden book and given the task of protecting the book and taking it to its final destination. Eli guards the book with his life, because he knows that the book is the only hope that humanity has for its future.
As I watched this movie I started out thinking “Kung-Fu (1972) starring David Carradine, which was also about a lone man searching for his inner peace. The first 10 minutes in the movie there is no dialogue and you are riveted to your seat as you learn about the world this movie takes place in. The scenery is bleak, almost black and white. As we all know Denzel Washington is a great actor, and when a great actor is given a good script, then you have the makings of a hit movie. What this movie needed was an over the top villain and we got that with Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Carnegie the ruler of a small town who has road gangs looking for a book. The acting that surprised me was that of Mila Kunis who played Solara in this movie. I was expecting Jackie from “That 70’s Show” and not much else from her, but was blown away when I saw her range in this movie.
The Hughes Brothers as directors made only one other movie I could recommend and that was their first movie “Menace II Society” (1993). The other movies they made were of the same cloth as that one. I only wanted to see this because the trailer looked good. I’m glad I did. I asked my family who went with me what they would give it and it ranged from 3 to 5, I was going to give it a 4 out of 5 anyway.
If you want to see a movie that not only makes you think, but also is fun to watch then this is the one to see right now. It is rated R for violence and profanity.
According to the Bass Pro Shops’ website this is the description of the game.
Drop anchor on your couch and fish the day away as you navigate some of North America’s most entertaining fishing hot spots. Featuring amazing gameplay, realistic physics, and authentic fishing gear used by the pros! Bring the lake into your living room!
111 Bass Pro Shops lures
11 species of fish
10 unique lakes
10 tournaments
9 awesome boats
1 heck of a good time
Search for legendary fish
Compete in boat racing and casting challenges
Gameplay options for seasoned fisherman, first-timers, or hardcore gamers
When I opened up my Christmas presents this year I found my wife had gotten me a Wii, something I was not expecting. We had discussed getting one because I liked to play Wii Bowling. When I opened up the package that contained this game and a controller that looked like a fishing pole I about freaked. My wife knows how much I love to go fishing but never catch anything. As a matter of fact I have a hard time casting. I instantly fell in love with this game.
The Controller
The controller requires not only a Wii Remote but also a Wii Nunchuck. After a few hours of frustration, I failed to read the directions I went over to the website to find out how to use the controller. The first thing that needs to be done is to set the controller to Configuration B. The only draw back is that you cannot save this configuration either to the Wii System memory or to an SD Card. It is important to do this as you cannot control your boat unless you do. The controller has a nice feel to it and is comfortable if you plan on playing for a long period of time.
In Configuration B these are how the buttons work:
Driving Mode
The cross steers the boat
The C Button activates the Fish Finder
The A Button Enters Casting Mode
The B Button activates the Throttle
The Minus (-) Button Brings up the Start Menu
The Plus (+) Button Brings up your inventory
The 2 Button brings up the GPS Map
Fishing Mode
The Z Button Changes your stance and is the quick reel/cut line function
The C Button changes the camera
The Thumb Stick (joystick) is the Reel In
The Cross sets the Casting Reticule
The A Button Exits Casting Mode
The B Button Initiates and releases the Cast
The 1 Button sets the drag level
The best way to play this game is with the controller.
Gameplay
Just like fishing for real, the idea behind the game is wait for the bite. You also have to keep your line tight and set the hook. The physics are almost nearly the same as real life. And just like real life I have a hard time catching anything. The big ones do give you a fight though.
There are two modes of gameplay, Arcade and Bass Pro. The Arcade is the easiest of the two and both offer Career modes. You start by designing your character. You don’t have a whole lot of choice here. Once you have set your character up you can head into the game. In the game you are given a boat a pole, some lures, some line and a reel. Your boat is equipped with a Fish Finder and a GPS system. You enter the Bass Pro Shop and you have the opportunity to buy more lures, lines reels and rods. I bought some 17 pound test line and that was it. In the first lake you get a tutorial and you have to earn 50 points to unlock the tournament. You cannot go to another lake until you win this tournament.
If there was an online component the tournament would be the best place for it, but alas there isn’t one. I haven’t yet won the tournament but I’m still having fun playing the game.
I give this game 3 out of 5 phantoms. The Game play is nice but there should be an online component and more character customization. The game is rated E for everyone. If you have a fisherman in your family then get this game for them.
Plot Summary for Sherlock Holmes: After finally catching serial killer and occult “sorcerer” Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner’s new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic – and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler. Written by The Massie Twins
If you go to this movie looking for a classic Sherlock Holmes story you might be a little disappointed. However, if you are looking for some escapism and a good action story then this is the movie for you. Director Guy Ritchie seems to have made a long awaited sequel to 1985’s “Young Sherlock Holmes“ though this may be unintentional.
Robert Downey Jr. does a good job as an action/adventure olmes. This Holmes is not done the way he is described by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Jude Law, who I have been waiting for him to do another good action role since 2004’s “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” doesn’t disappoint either.
I believe this story takes place before the Doyle stories of Holmes and Watson and that could be the reason Holmes is more action than deduction. We do get to see the deductive mind of Sherlock Holmes a few times in the movie. There are a few of the iconic references and nods to Doyle’s Holmes: the clay pipe, the violin, the aversion to physical contact and the use of disguises to follow suspects.
All in all if you are looking for a couple of hours to escape into a world not too far from our own then please go see Sherlock Holmes at the movies and let me know what you think.
Plot Summary for “The Blind Side”: “The Blind Side” depicts the story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Tuohys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher’s presence in the Tuohy’s lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle.
This movie is a true story and very well acted. As a true story, it got me to wondering how much was dramatized for the impact of the story and how much of it was real. After some research on the Tuohys and Michael Oher I can only say that this was the most realistic true story I have ever seen.
Sandra Bullock seems to channel Leigh Anne Tuohy. The portrayal is so riveting that I forgot I was watching Sandra Bullock and thought I was a fly on the Tuohy’s wall. All of the actors performances were unforgettable but I must make mention of Jea Head as S. J. Tuohy. I see alot of work coming for this freckle-faced actor. I was also very surprised at the acting ability of Country Music star Tim McGraw.
The director, John Lee Hancock, has a another true story under his belt of a person who overcomes diversity in their life.
In all, if you are looking for a good date movie then you can do no wrong taking your date to this movie at the theater, otherwise just wait for the DVD or BluRay release and watch it at home.
Plot Summary for “Avatar”: When his brother is killed in battle, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge’s intentions of driving off the native humanoid “Na’vi” in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na’vi people with the use of an “avatar” identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand – and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora. Written by The Massie Twins
When I first heard that James Cameron was going to direct Avatar I thought to myself, “Great just what we need a live action version of an anime.” When I saw the teaser trailer in April I was glad it wasn’t what I thought. The trailer showed what looked like a good Science Fiction Movie. After going to a 1:30 AM showing of the movie The trailer did not do the movie justice.
What James Cameron has created is a throwback to what Science Fiction was in the beginning, in that, within the context of the story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically established or scientifically postulated laws of nature. This story is not only believable, but also beautifully shot. The opening shot a panorama of a lush green jungle sets you in the world of Pandora. What could have turned into a story preaching about the evils of deforestation and racial genocide, turned into a story of love and one man’s journey to find himself.
James Horner’s music just added to the whole feel of the film. He not only had the huge orchestrations and themes of an epic movie but also included the rhythmic chanting of an ancient tribe.
Stan Winston’s creatures were the best ever designed. My favorites have to be the Leonopteryx , a the king predator of the sky, striped scarlet, yellow and black, with an 80-foot wingspan and the Titanothere, the ferocious Hammerheaded rhinoceros-like herbivore with a bad attitude and a head like a sledgehammer. The effects were so wonderfully done that it wasn’t like it was created but someone truly visited Pandora and brought back notes.
The acting was superb.
Sam Worthington — Jake Sully
Zoe Saldana — Neytiri
Sigourney Weaver — Dr. Grace Augustine
Stephen Lang — Colonel Miles Quaritch
Michelle Rodriguez — Trudy Chacon
Giovanni Ribisi — Parker Selfridge
Joel David Moore — Norm Spellman
CCH Pounder — Moat
Wes Studi — Eytukan
Laz Alonso — Tsu’tey
Dileep Rao — Dr. Max Patel
In closing the best way to see this movie is in 3D and in the IMAX format if possible. I give this move 5 phantoms out of 5.
With this horror film being remade and released on February 12, 2010, I thought why not review the original movie. So this is my first of many Reto-reviews.
The Wolf Man has the distinction of being the only classic Universal monster to be played by the same actor in all his classic 1940s film appearances (save for stunt doubles). Lon Chaney, Jr. was very proud of this, frequently stating in interviews: “He was my baby.” Chaney would go on to play a wolf man (if not the Wolf Man) in very similar makeup in the 1959 Mexican film La Casa del Terror and a famous 1962 episode of TV’s Route 66 titled Lizard’s Leg and Owlet’s Wing, which also starred Boris Karloff as the Frankenstein Monster. Nearly a decade later, even though he was seriously ill at the time, Chaney managed to conjure up his original energetic gestures while masked in a quasi-wolfish rubber mask for one scene in his last (and most unfortunate) film, 1971’s Dracula vs. Frankenstein.
