Justin Y (skactopus)

Hawaii

Gender	Male

Justin's Recent Reviews

Real Steel PG-13

Shawn Levy's Real Steel goes down a much traveled road, but still manages to conjure up some entertainment value.
While running a full 2 hours, the story makes good use of its time. There isn't a whole lot wasted when it comes to the plot, although the predictability is on a high level and some of the story details end up a bit light and vague.
The robotics and effects are imaginative and of good quality. The concept of robots never seems too out of place and the matches between them are amusing.
There isn't anything first-rate when it comes to the acting. Hugh Jackman and the lovely Evangeline Lilly are as expected. Despite being under-utilized, Kevin Durand has the most eccentric, and maybe even unnecessary, character of the bunch.
Real Steel does have the nature of a family oriented picture, which is probably why it isn't as sophisticated as it can be; however, by the end it is an enjoyable sit through.

Drive R

Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive is as its title states, and yet it isn't.
Filled with initial character setup and high intrigue, the opening 10 minutes are a solid piece of work. After that, the rest of the picture is a downgrade. Not to take anything away from the plot, because it is quite good especially in the second half, but there is a bit too much drag along the way.
The violence is intensely brutal and somewhat of a surprise given the slow dramatic nature of this 90+ minute film. While the story does revolve around the "drive" profession, the driving segments aren't the most memorable portions of the film, and the way the story plays out, they aren't meant to be. Drive is all about story and character.
Ryan Gosling is quite monotone; however, it falls in place with his lead role. Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, and Ron Perlman put together some amusing performances, while Carey Mulligan delivers her drama. Christina Hendricks is underused.
Drive is far from a bad movie. In fact, it has many components of a good film. It's the humdrum nature and unhurried pace that is a determining factor in its attraction.

Justin's Favorite Movies

The Fifth Element PG-13

My all time favorite movie. Entertaining all the way through.
The story was so unique that it kept me glued to the screen. I'm a sucker for Sci-Fi and there really was no dull moment in this film. There are a great variety of memorable characters and they are all played well by their respected actors. Gary Oldman plays Zorg and he is the greatest villain in my book. The dialogue was well written for him as well. As a matter of fact all the characters had great dialogue.
The special effects and graphics are well done and seeing the setting was candy for the eyes. There isn't a ton of action, but there is enough to satisfy the people who came to see it. The choreography of the action isn't too bad either, although it will seem pretty weak for die hard action fanatics. Nonetheless it will put a smile on your face.
If your in the mood for a great story with some nice effects and action, not to mention a pretty good soundtrack, then this film should be on your must see list.

Winnie the Pooh G

There is nothing like a good helping of 2D animation, and Stephen J. Anderson and Don Hall's Winnie the Pooh is just that.
Although drawing from multiple stories from A.A. Milne, the film's plot still seems just a tad light. This probably helps explain a brief run time of just over an hour. Nonetheless, Winnie the Pooh is pure enjoyment from the opening minute, through the closing credits, and then some. Heck, with a film as short as this, it isn't difficult to stick around to the very end.
Visually, the picture is soothing and pleasing, which is a nice considering this is a time where many animations look to CG and 3D.
The characters bring back pleasant memories. Yes, there are many parts to this production, but these characters, along with their personalities and humor, are what this film is all about. To top everything off, the soundtrack featuring Zooey Deschanel, along with the voice work are of high quality.
Winnie the Pooh is charming for both kids and adults. It's as simple as that. "Silly old bear."