San Andreas - Review

The best 90s disaster movie...that isn't from the 90s

And for the most part, that is completely okay. Because if it was, it would've been directed by Roland Emmerich. Who is a director of many of my guilty pleasure movies. But I'm so glad he didn't direct this.

The Plot

Rescue Helicopter Pilot Chief Ray Gaines (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and his estranged wife, Emma (Carla Gugino), must team up to rescue their daughter Blake (Alexandra Daddario) who is trapped in San Francisco as a catastrophic earthquake tears California apart. Meanwhile, a CalTech Seismologist (Paul Giamati) tries to warn the world that the worst is yet to come.

Review

That synopsis is pretty much the entire plot of the movie in a nutshell. And if you've seen the trailers and TV spots for this movie, then you know very well what you're getting in for. Because if you expect this to be a game changer in the disaster movie genre, then you're sadly mistaken. What you should be hoping for is does this movie deliver what it promises. And the answer is Yes, it does.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has re-teamed with his Journey 2 director, Brad Peyton, to deliver a new big budget hollywood disaster movie. And with all out honesty, I truly believe that the two prominent reasons why this movie is so entertaining, despite being a paint by the numbers disaster film, is because of these two. Peyton knows what type of film he's making. And he has an entire catalogue of disaster films to draw from, whether it be from the school of Roland Emmerich or Irwin Allen, the original disaster king. His film doesn't really differ too much from any of them, but his approach of dominantly showcasing the spectacle and the terror from the human perspective instead of the epic wide shot is what makes it so compelling. This unique approach, combined with the charisma of The Rock definitely elevates this film above its peers. It may not be a high elevation, but it is enough to give it more intensity.

Now. All that credit can't just go to The Rock Johnson, it also has to go to the rest of the cast. Carla Gugino is once again playing Johnson's wife/ex-wife/love interest for the third time and still continues to be a heavily underrated actress. She's very real and believable in her role, despite how limited it is. Which will be a recurring theme when talking about the rest of the cast. Believable despite being limited. Alexandra Daddario is believable as the heavily competent and capable daughter of a rescue pilot. Though some of her scenes of being terrified may not translate well due to her facial expressions, but the vocal and emotion she's projecting sells it. She is joined by Ben and Ollie Taylor, played by Hugo Johnstone-Burt and Art Parkinson, who save her on occasion but are mostly saved by her instincts and competency. Both of them were fine additions and helped showcase some of the more emotional sides of the story from within the terror.

But the one standout performance in the film has to go to Paul Giamatti as Lawrence, a CalTech Seismologist. While he is mainly there for exposition, it comes off as easy to understand for whatever rules the film has set about how its science works. This should really come as no surprise given that Giamatti is an Oscar caliber actor, and he gives in to the role that is essentially Mr. Exposition. But again, repeating my sentiment, believable despite being limited. 

After all, one does not go to these movies for a compelling story and well drawn out characters. You go for the spectacle. And to see the Rock battle an earthquake. And this movie completely delivers on that promise. As the spectacle of the movie just keeps ratcheting into more and more danger at ludicrous levels, Peyton doesn't lose sight of how horrific this event would actually be. Mad props to him and the effects team for creating a film that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

But really, it is a Dwayne Johnson movie after all. And while his performance is not at the same level as Giamatti, it is clear that this is definitely one of his best performances of his career yet. His chemistry with Gugino is evident, and how he handles the emotional scenes are extremely powerful for his standards. He is slowly showing the world that he's not just the charismatic action guy, he is also a good actor. And I'm pretty sure eventually, he'll become an incredible one. He's almost there, and this film shows he can get there.

Final Thoughts

I keep having to re-iterate this. It's a disaster movie. You know what happens in disaster movies. If you don't like disaster movies, then don't watch this movie. Because nothing I say will change that opinion. However if you're willing to have an open mind and turn off logic for a while to enjoy a competently made disaster movie starring one of the most charismatic actors in Hollywood. Then yes, go see this movie. It is definitely a fun and terrifying time at the theater that won't disappoint if you know exactly what you're getting in for and expecting nothing more. And who knows, maybe you'll be surprised by some of the things the team behind this film has done. Because I was sure as hell impressed by it, despite being what it is.

SCORE: 7/10 - I was genuinely entertained and moved by this film, because I know what it is and expect nothing more from it

Hercules - Analysis and Review

The Legend comes to life... No not the one with Kellan Lutz

This year saw the arrival of two movies about the legendary Greek Demigod Heracles...I mean Hercules. Sorry, Greek Myth nerd here. Hercules is the way Romans say his name. Heracles is his Greek name. But since the Roman name sounds better, people just stick with it.

The Plot

After accomplishing his legendary 12 Labors, Hercules (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) wanders the Earth as a mercenary after suffering a traumatic loss. With his band of mercenaries, they are recruited by King Cotys of Thrace (John Hurt) to train the Thracian army into an efficient fighting force against a massive army of Centaurs that have divided their land.

Analysis

If you read my Educating the Audience article about Hercules then you know that I have a lot of knowledge on the subject. From his story being an influence to the hit video game God of War to knowing this film is based on Steve Moore's graphic novel, The Thracian Wars. So one can assume that being this knowledgeable would make me a harsh critic for this film. I am, but not as much as one might think.

Review

Remember that movie back in January called The Legend of Hercules starring Kellan Lutz and a bunch of stunt guys from 300 and Spartacus? The film is considered an atrocity. And for anyone who saw it, immediately proclaimed that they are now extremely excited to see Brett Ratner's take. Which given Ratner's reputation as the man who ruined X-Men: The Last Stand, that is saying a lot.

I'll say this right off the bat so that people who haven't seen it yet can go in with this expectation: the fantasy elements of the story are not real. Given that the film is based on the graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars, I partially predicted this would be the case. All the scenes of The Rock... I mean Hercules killing and beating the living shit out of monsters was just a story used to build his reputation. It helps as a great prologue, yet also adds a little bit more dimension to the character as a man who has to live up to a reputation he believes he can't. A reputation that gets him and his companions hired for jobs. And if you looked like The Rock, you would believe all those exaggerated stories are true.

The plot unfolds the way one would think. It is a fairly predictable movie once you know the fantasy element is gone. When someone claims they're going to be fighting centaurs, it actually means whoever saw this was really high and just saw a bunch of people on horseback. But just because it's predictable doesn't mean it isn't enjoyable.

Despite having some really cheesy dialogue, and I do mean really cheesy dialogue, the actors in this film relish it. They don't seem ashamed of what they're saying, because they're having so much fun. And while usually that would detract from the movie, the performances are so good that you'll be having fun along with them. Particularly the major comic relief characters of the film played by Rufus Sewell and Ian McShane as Hercules' best friend and really high fortune teller. They have some of the best lines in the movie, especially McShane's character. 

But it is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who shines in this movie. While his performance isn't groundbreaking, his charisma carries this movie well. With what little emotive acting he can muster, it is just enough for us to believe the inner demons he possess. This movie could've easily had a dark and brooding Hercules, but luckily it didn't go that route. They take advantage of The Rock's charisma as a man who puts on a front as a proud and welcoming hero who hides his trauma. After all, keeping appearances is part of the con for a man pretending to be the son of Zeus.

I do find it very odd that super models Irina Shayk and Barbara Palvin, who were heavily promoted in commercials, were in the film very little. Palvin was only in it for 6 seconds. Shayk on the other hand was in it for a fair amount of time. Though the promos made it seem like she would be in it a lot  longer. Shayk plays Megara, Hercules' wife and mother of his children, and only has one line. She does play an important role into Hercules' backstory but other than being a loving mother in one scene and naked in another, she didn't really have much to do. Given that she's a model and not an actress (she even stated this in interviews herself) it was obvious that she was meant for just eye candy. But given what her role was, it could've been expanded to add a bit more to Hercules' backstory and weight given what happens to her character.

The action scenes in this film are solid. They are obvious rip offs of Gladiator and Troy, but at least they are good rip offs rather than The Legend of Hercules which does a horrendously bad rip off of the over done fighting style in 300. While this film is suppose to be a realistic take on Hercules, the way he fights does come off a bit too unrealistic. Again though, if you're going to sell to people that you're demigod then the action suits him just fine.

Final Thoughts

There hasn't been any good Greek Mythology films in a long time. By a long time I mean since the Ray Harryhausen era. But this is a suitable film to sate the need for Greek myth movies. Is it amazing? No. Is it bad? Kind of but not terrible. Is it fun? ABSOLUTELY! The way I'd describe it is that this is the movie Brad Pitt's Troy and Sam Worthington's Clash of the Titans wishes it could be. More Troy though since that was a more realistic take than mythological, and they have the same costumes. But all in all, this was fun.

SCORE: 6.5/10 - The best Greek Myth film of this generation...yet not the greatest Greek Myth film of all time

Why Dwayne Johnson would make a great Superman

Yes, I'm well aware that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has been attached to DC Comics for a very long time. At one point he was ready to play Lobo in Guy Ritchie's take on the character. That would've been a perfect fit for him as well as put him in an awesome Sci-Fi movie. Then there was the news about him playing Black Adam some years back for a Shazam movie. Whether it was proven true or not doesn't matter now since apparently Warner Bros. announced they are definitely making a Shazam movie sometime after Zack Snyder's Justice League gets released. Whether or not he will be playing Black Adam or perhaps the titular Shazam (aka Captain Marvel) remains to be seen as well. All that is known is that he is playing a huge part in the DC Cinematic line. A part that he claims has never been seen before and is definitely on par and/or stronger than Superman. That's a big claim. However, in a weird way, that quote got me thinking. What if Dwayne Johnson played Superman? What would that be like? Would it work? Is that a bad idea? Well... in my strange little world where any movie is possible... yes.

I know what the immediate problem would be if someone were to have cast him in Man of Steel or hell any Superman movie. "HE'S NOT WHITE!" That is what the general consensus would be. And to be fair, that is true. He isn't. He's half black and half Samoan. Though at first glance his ethnicity is pretty hard to pin down, one can assume he's one or the other. Skin tone wise, he would automatically not be considered a contender for Superman. Me personally, I don't see that as quite fair. Granted, the character's known ethnicity is that of a white man, but let's be clear about something. Superman aka Kal-El is an ALIEN from Krypton. An ALIEN. In other words, Superman could've looked like anything but he just happens to look like a white man and get picked up by an elderly white couple. So in a sense, anyone can play a man from another planet who gets adopted by earthly parents at a young age. And what are the chances that all the Aliens on the planet of Krypton are white? Oh yeah, and by the way, look at Marvel's Nick Fury in the films. He's not suppose to be black. That's an alternate version of Fury that they used in the films. So, that sort of takes care of that one obstacle that would get in the way.

Johnson has shown that he can play ruthless and calculating. Just look at his earliest and current roles. The Scorpion King and Agent Hobbs come to mind of what this guy can do if you ask him to be a warrior. Then there's also the middle part of his career when he was doing more family friendly films. During that run he's shown a softer side and very capable of being charming. I mean come on that is a million watt smile he's got. The type of charm and charisma Superman would need. Plus, he's one of the few wrestlers turned actors who actually developed a good screen presence. Is he the greatest actor in the world? Not really. Can he act? Yes he can. The guy is capable of showing different sides and does have a diverse range. Don't believe me? He played a gay man trying to become an actor in some John Travolta film. I don't remember the name of the film but I remember him because he was awesome in it. So clearly this guy can switch back and forth between being the big blue boy scout and the angry god that Superman is known to be.

And if we got to talk about muscle mass...you're kidding right? Henry Cavill is the first actor to play Superman who actually has the body to match the name. But if we're talking about a muscle mass that matches what he is usually drawn as in the comics then it would take a lot longer for Cavill to reach that point. That's where you enter The Rock! The guy is huge. If you don't believe me something is wrong with your eyes. He was huge during his wrestling years but in his film Hercules he has gotten ridiculously huge. The body definitely matches the mythical figure and that's what Superman is: a modern myth. He has always been drawn to be larger than life to the point where when you look at him you automatically know he's stronger than you. I think many people get that feeling if they were looking back at Johnson. He's got the superhero body type down for a long time and even more so now.  It would match up with Superman's muscle mass perfectly. Especially if it resembles Jim Lee's work on Superman. And don't talk about he doesn't have the hair! The guy can grow that! He doesn't have electric blue eyes? Contact lenses!

However, I know no matter what I say here it will never happen. I know I should say "never say never." But with Cavill as Superman now (and I have no problem with that) and Johnson being lined up to play some currently unidentified DC hero/villain, the chances of this happening in the future are nonexistent. It would be nice for a change to see someone of a different Ethnicity take on the big blue boy scout. Hell, I'd love to cast my half white and half vietnamese friend as Superman. But I know that's not the kind of world we live in. Perhaps someday it would be fine. And perhaps somewhere in an alternate universe, Dwayne Johnson is playing Superman. It's just not in this universe.

But really this would be cool to watch if Dwayne Johnson was playing him. Or even Zod.

Educating the Audience - Hercules starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Audiences know who he is. He is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson! Actually, no, that's not who I'm talking about. Everyone has at one point or another heard of Hercules or as he is most commonly known in Greek Mythology: Heracles. Yup. Hercules is merely a Romanization of the Greek name that means "Glory to Hera." Why he is called such is because his mother knew that after conceiving a child with Zeus, his wife Hera would not approve of another illegitimate offspring. Though at this point Hera has grown  extremely fed up with Zeus sleeping around with other women and decided to actually cause great amount of suffering for poor Heracles. Fortunately for Heracles, he was the first of Zeus's children to be born with extreme powers. Most notably his tremendous strength. So in a sense, physical threats become obstacles but he will always have an edge. That is where Hera has to go to the extreme in order to really make the bastard son of her husband really suffer. I bring up this point to address an issues among people who view the trailer for this movie.

Acknowledging the God of War Comparisons

From the new trailer that can easily be found on youtube, many comments have pointed out that his story in this movie seems too similar to the story in the critically acclaimed video game: God of War. The game has a Greek mythology setting and tells the legend of a man named Kratos who was driven mad by Ares, the God of War, into becoming the greatest warrior in Greece. However in order to make him unstoppable with nothing to hold him back, Ares drove Kratos to insanity to the point where he didn't realize that he was murdering his wife and daughter. Once realizing what he has done, he breaks free from Ares and vows to kill the god who made him the greatest warrior.

In the new trailer it shows Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) witnessing the death of his wife Megaera (played by Russian model Irina Shayk) and his three sons at the hands of Cerberus, the three-headed monster dog. Whether or not that's what actually happened is questionable due to the way the trailer is edited, but it is strongly suggested that Hercules sees the death of his family. This sets him on a path that is not clearly defined in the trailer if he is seeking revenge or if he's lost in life and just lives as a mercenary.

Now, for people who have played God of War, this will immediately seem like a rip off. When in fact, God of War borrowed (see I said borrowed not ripped off) the idea of killing one's family from the actual Heracles myth. In the recorded mythology of Heracles, Hera concocts a plan to really make him suffer by poisoning him with a hallucinogen that makes him believe his wife and sons are monsters. Believing he has killed savage beasts he discovers in horror that he ripped his family apart with his bare hands causing him to want to kill himself. He was stopped though and imprisoned by the King of Thebes (his half-brother) who decides that in order to redeem his horrifying act of murder he must complete 12 Labours that only he can accomplish.

So NO gamers, this movie doesn't rip off of God of War. God of War "ripped off" of the Heracles myth. It should also be interesting to note that the trailers give the impression that his 12 Labours are more like heroic deeds he accomplished before he was married instead of his sentence for murdering his family. This puts this version of Hercules right where they need him to be since this movie is also based on another source:

It is based on a comic - Hercules: The Thracian Wars

The movie is a semi-adaptation of the Radical Publishing graphic novel: Hercules The Thracian Wars. In it Hercules travels with a group of mercenaries after completing his 12 Labours yet still haunted by his past. In the comic he is recruited by the King of Thrace to turn his army into the most dangerous army in the world. After Hercules and his motley crew do so, they begin to realize how violent they are and plan to put a stop to the large army of monster they helped created.

From the trailer it only looks like part of this plot is taken. It can only be assumed that John Hurt is playing the King of Thrace and he does recruit Hercules. But in this film it looks like he recruits him because they're at war with a renegade god. Though at the same time it still looks like Hercules and his crew will be training the army into a force of killers so there is that. The strange thing is the graphic novel makes the story of Hercules more like a real person with his deeds being over exaggerated accounts of what he actually did. In the film it looks like the filmmakers decided to keep the fantasy elements in tact, probably to draw in the audience familiar with those elements.

And there you have it. All you need to know.

These were just some of the problems and questions I wanted to point out about the film. Whether or not this movie will be good is still questionable as Greek Mythology films of late haven't really been memorable. Here's hoping that this iteration turns out to be at least a decent flick unlike that other film starring Kellan Lutz. If you don't know what I'm talking about, best that you don't know.