Man of Steel fails to be super!

Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!

The Man of Steel is a re-interpretation of the Superman franchise. Under the guidance of Hollywood’s own superhero, Christopher Nolan produces the latest version by employing screenwriter, David S. Goyer and director Zack Snyder to bring this all to familiar story back to life. I am not going to bore you with the story of Jor-El (Russell Crowe), his newborn son, and the Clark family. Henry Cavill’s (Superman) most amazing feat was landing the role in the first place. His past projects and stiff performances were nothing special to warrant the red cape, but his chiseled body and good looks certainly fit the part.

The film’s main strength is Snyder’s ability to deliver thrilling action scenes, but it is the same old story with a predictable ending and one of the most annoying romances in comic book history. Not so super.

WORD COUNT: 160

Adam’s Grade: C+

Chuck’s Grade: N/A

Romper Stomper is scary, but a good film.

This 1992 Australian film became a cult hit on the shelves of blockbusters in the mid to late 1990s when leading actor Russell Crowe began making movies in the United States.  The word of mouth promoting this VHS video came from the film’s controversial subject matter and violent scenes, but also the very good performances from Crowe (Hando) and Daniel Pollock (Davey).  The film’s lasting power comes from the deteriorating friendship between Hando and Davey.  At the beginning, the two characters have an inseparable and unbreakable bond, but over time Davey’s character starts to make  decisions for himself and Hando ends up lashing out in jealousy and anger, which will ultimately affect the fate of the entire gang.

Although, the gang shares some similarities to A Clockwork Orange’s droogs, Crowe’s powerful performance separates himself from the other actors and his portrayal of a neo-nazi sociopath becomes a template for future Hollywood rip offs. Romper Stomper is scary, but a good film.

WORD COUNT: 160

Chuck’s Grade: B+

Adam’s Grade: N/A

The Man with the Iron Fists does not disappoint its faithful

There is nothing like going to see a kung fu film in a sold out theater on opening night at 12:01am.  All of the true martial art fans (along with some unsuspecting partners) are gathered together to see RZA’s directing debut.  The Man with the Iron Fists is a weapons martial art film that uses every conceivable armament in its arsenal to help distinguish each character from one another.  There are revolving knife guns, dagger armor, lion claws, and of course iron fists.  RZA and Eli Roth’s script does not leave anyone out of this 1970s inspired kung fu movie. Several clans along with a handful of highly trained killers from all parts of world descend upon a small town in China over a shipment of gold. There is no shortage of action and great martial art choreography. This film does not disappoint its faithful, but there are obvious flaws that hold it back from being a classic.

WORD COUNT: 158

Chuck’s Grade: B+

Adam’s Grade: N/A

American Gangster

American Gangster is based on the true story of Frank Lucas. Denzel Washington plays this larger than life Harlem gangster from the early 1970s that takes control of Harlem’s underworld by importing heroin directly from Bangkok using U.S. military planes from Vietnam for transportation. His product “Blue Magic” puts Lucas directly in the crosshairs of detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). The two academy award-winning actors play cat and mouse wonderfully together. Both characters are interesting and audiences are not completely sure which side of the law they are on.

The main problem with the film come from Ridley Scott’s inability to maintain an engaging pace. The film falls flat at times and it seems like he is too reserved. Maybe he is trying to be historically accurate as he can, but there seems to be lost moments from time to time. American Gangster successfully captures a unique part of American history that has been ignored and/or forgotten by most.

WORD COUNT: 160

Adam’s Grade: B

Chuck’s Grade: B