Alice in Wonderland, Avatar, and Holmes

I never reviewed AVATAR, but rest assured that I thought it was spectacular! Left the film in awe. My favorite movie released in 2009. Most everyone has seen this one already so the review on this is not entirely necessary. Still only seen it once, but am dying to see it again.

Avatar Grade: A

I never reviewed SHERLOCK HOLMES, but I can tell you that you should definitely see it when you can--dollar theater or DVD. It has wonderful/beautiful (and Oscar nominated) art direction; plus, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are entertaining throughout. You can't seem to go wrong with Robert Downey Jr. these days--it's hard to take your eyes off of his performances.

Sherlock Holmes Grade: B+

ALICE IN WONDERLAND is what I'm reviewing for now. Simply put, a waste of wonderful source material, and talent. How could a movie with the tremendous talents of Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Helena Bonham Carter be so ensconced mediocrity? Wasn't terrible, but wasn't memorable. Whomever wrote the screenplay drifted from the original story, and made up one of their own. A story in which Alice is older, and is returning to Wonderland only to remember nothing of it turned out to be quite un-magical, and disapointing. It is very kooky, but the charm is not there. Things just sort of happen without any real explanation...which might be good for a film based on this source material, but in this case it's bad. Some of the few upsides include a fun performance from the Cheshire Cat, a moody performance from the Caterpillar (voiced by Alan Rickman of Harry Potter Snape fame), and decent performances from Depp and Bonham Carter as the Red Queen. They got the most out of the script they could...at least that's what it felt like. The art direction was pretty good overall, but not strong enough to carry the film on its shoulders alone.

I would say worth seeing once, and although the 3D was done very well it is not worth your money, if you do see it in theaters, to go the 3D route. I would advise the dollar theater or DVD rental.

Alice in Wonderland Grade: C+

Star Trek with JJ

The latest installment into the Trek-verse is wonderful, fun, funny, and plays near perfect homage to all bright spots of Star Trek past! I laughed, I goose-bumped, and I lurched forward in my seat as director J.J. Abrams brought me a new interpretation of a cast of characters that I've always held very dear. Abrams, the writers, and then ultimately the cast were able to accomplish something that I thought was impossible: make a Star Trek movie that fan and newcomer could like equally. With expectations so high I was impressed at how there was not an over-indulgence in total re-invention (there is some), or nostalgic shamelessness. It may not be as intellectually in depth as the older movies, but I really think it makes up for that in a variety of other ways. A victory to be sure!

One of the brightest spots for me, surprisingly despite so many wonderful things, was the sound of the movie--crisp, impactful, and intensifying. The acting is also top notch, and you won't be grimacing at any line due to cheese or poor delivery. The exchanges between Kirk and McCoy are my absolute favorite scenes, and the perfectly timed appearances of the great Leonard Nimoy brought a smile to my face multiple times. The only character complaint is that I had to find myself getting used to the newer incarnation of Spock, and his somewhat more emotional persona, but the actor playing him, Zachary Quinto, does well none-the-less. One other hiccup with Spock occurs in a weird, and almost wrong, kissing scene with Uhura...but i'll forgive it this time because a couple of old episodes had Spock in a similar state (i hope there isn't anymore in future movies, although there very well could be). And of course no movie can be truly great without a great villain. Eric Bana portrays a hate-mongering, very vengeful, and never too talky Romulan adversary to really top off a good cast. One major complaint is that it couldn't have been at least ten minutes longer to let us, the audience, soak in more of the excitement and nostalgic emotion that the film brought so fully to the viewers.
Rating: A-

Rosenstrasse

A couple nights ago I had the delight of filling my vision, and other associated senses with a wonderful German film that my sister, Emily, introduced me to: Rosenstrasse. A truly touching tale (I mean that in the best way) of struggling Aryan German women, in 1943 Berlin, fighting to discover the fate of their Jewish husbands. The true story also incorporates another moving tale about a modern day woman trying to discover her mother's repressed past, and in so doing crosses paths with a woman she can grow to call her adopted grandmother. The beauty, and precision in which the plot lines intertwine is undeniable. The acting never distracts, but simply enriches. I can honestly say that I would recommend it to all that I know. Give Rosenstrasse a peek and you won't be sorry.
My Rating: B+

Coming To A TV Screen Near YOU!

Chris and I are proud to announce that another 20-minute length Spencer Film is headed your way very soon. I predict that we only have about a week left of editing (and that's giving us a generous amount of time), and then you'll all get to participate in our sarcasm; parodying; somewhat nerdiness, and ultimate hilarity of what we have in store. As to the topic of our film let me just say that it is a faux documentary of a popular role-playing game. It will immerse you in the full lingo and feel of the game, but at the same time makes fun of it too. Chris and I very much look forward to sharing it with all of you shortly!

On another note: This Christmas I will be attempting to distribute to all the fam, Spencer Films Volumes 1 & 2. They are compilations of all our (Chris & Brian's, etc.) recently goofy escapades into the land of Spencer film-making. I am also going to try and add some miscellaneous photos to a disk as well. I want to try and hand that out as a "present" this Christmas.

Also, if anyone has some footage, or an old home movie that they would want me to include in a Spencer Films compilation please feel free to hand it on over! I'll see what I can do with it, and hopefully get it on a DVD in a fun, and neat way.

Are you not entertained?

I was recently given an assignment to rate my 5 favorite movies, and give a synopsis of each one. That made me really think about why we like the movies we do. What are the key elements to a movie that make them resonate in us for long periods after? I have a few ideas, but I'm not here to impose an answer. It's just a thought I've been having, and wonder as to what all the answers could be. One thing can be certain though--the movie can't be lame! What is lame? Now that is also open to interpretation as well...

10 of my favorite movies... in no particular order:

The Lord of the Rings
Rocky
Gladiator
Star Wars Saga (Especially Episodes 4-6)
Stardust
Gandhi
Nacho Libre
Indiana Jones Movies
Chocolat
What About Bob?

There may be a couple comedies that I could interchange in the list occasionally, but that's pretty close to what my favorite movies are.

Symbol

I have lately grown a deep respect for film-makers that utilize symbolism. In my humble opinion symbolism can be the single thing that can separate a good movie from a great one. My recent viewing of "Kingdom of Heaven" proved to me again just how much a simple symbol--whether that be thematic, universal, or otherwise--can carry such massive weight that just showing it can elicit strong emotions. Example: for some people just seeing a cross can give them a strong feeling of solemnity.

If I were to recommend a director that you should take notice of it would certainly be Ridley Scott--most especially for his strong symbolism in "Gladiator", "Kingdom of Heaven", and "Blade Runner". You can even see strong symbolism in some of his less amazing efforts like "Legend" (intriguing, and amusing to be sure).

That's what I have to say about that.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire!

In crafting our latest Spencer Films creation, a christmas tale involving amnesia, Chris and I have run into about every personal difference I can think of. I think that the movie should be edited together one way, but he prefers another, etc. Things like this can drive you crazy. I'm amazed at how such simple stresses such as a slight disagreement on a camera angle can kill our creative spirits almost instantly. But despite personal struggles Chris and I barrel through because we both have a drive to film, and make movies. It's fun when you can see a product coming together. The tricky part is still trying to have fun when a product seems to be strewn amongst the four corners of the earth, and you can't see how it's all working.

Most important of all though is that Chris and I are figuring how to work with each other, and work with our surrounding much better. I will be the first to admit that our newest product may suffer a little bit because of our struggles, but in a way, once it is done I feel as though It will be one of Spencer Films proudest achievements.

Note: Aforementioned movie is yet to be titled or finished, so a release date is really hard to nail down right now. If i were to guess then i'd say mid-March. Have a good one!

Welcome To The Show!

Hi there all. Welcome to the blog dedicated to Spencer Films productions, images, ideas, and all the rest! I plan to periodically update as I see fit. Experience the joy, pain, and general exhilaration of what Spencer Films (Brian J. Spencer) has to share!