12.28.2009

Surrogates (2009) mini review

based on a comic book

[9/10]


The world has changed. When surrogates were invented (robot-selves that you control with your mind), it allowed people to keep themselves safe from the dangers of the outside world. While their robot selves can go out and and face anything imaginable, they're controllers can remain safe at home. If your surrogate is damaged or destroyed, you can just get a new one.

At least until now.

A surrogate has been killed, and its controller died in the process.

Now that the first homicide has been committed in several years, FBI Agent Tom Greer (Bruce Willis, Unbreakable, Sin City) has to find who is doing it and how.

Surrogates was a completely engaging movie. I never actually read all the bad reviews, but I've noticed thy haven't been very kind - I'm not sure why. The movie didn't have a lot of the problems that can plague science fiction - poorly developed story, bad acting, worse writing. Just the opposite - Surrogates is well-written, with a good, solid story - it has everything that a well-made drama consists of. I very nearly scored it an 8/10, but had to give it the extra point, when my wife and I spent the ride home from the movie discussing the motives of the characters, the story, and the philosophy of the movie. I love movies that make you think. See Surrogates if you get a chance.

The movie also stars James Cromwell (Spider-Man 3), Ving Rhames (Aquaman pilot), Jack Noseworthy (Barb Wire), Helena Mattsson (upcoming Iron Man 2).


See it if you like thoughtful science fiction that makes you think and ponder what it means to be human.

Don't see it if heavy action science fiction with lots of lasers and explosions is more your style.

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

Afte watching Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, I've now seen all of the DC animated movies other than Green Lantern: First Flight. And except for Batman: Gotham Knight, I think Public Enemies is the best of the lot. Superman: Doomsday was a bit of disappointment. I enjoyed Final Frontier and Wonder Woman, but not as much as Superman/Batman. Unfortunately, I don't have the benefit of having read Jeph Loeb's original Public Enemies comic to make a comparison, but the movie itself is a lot of fun. A variety of characters, many of whom you don't expect, and some creative dialogue (it's always good when you laugh out loud) make this definitely worth seeing. I'm sure some hardcore fans might question motives of certain characters (would Starfire really be on Luthor's payroll?) but I don't know some of these heroes well enough to think too hard about it. See it if you get the chance.

12.02.2009

Superhero Tweet of the Week

"If I was invulnerable...I think every once and a while I'd get hit by a car and be like....DUDE COME ON, THESE ARE NEW KACKIS!! "

@MyNameisRazzle

What? Who? Pop Candy!

Dang - haven't spent any time here and I want to get back in the groove.

So, a couple of cool things I came across today.

I love Pop Candy.

Whitney Matheson always has some nice superhero-flavored pieces to share.

Geekologie asks, What if Superheroes Had Beards?


Bearded: Batman by ~Vanjamrgan on deviantART

Good stuff...

Also, The Maxx is coming to DVD. (Woo!)

Finally, the creepy weird "Pale Force" superhero cartoons. I couldn't get through them - but you may...