Reviews by SwornShadow

I was lucky enough to see an early viewing of the latest DC animated DVD film line up and I have to say it was a lot of fun! Now the comic which this is based off is on my to read list so this will just be me comparing it not to the original source material but as a stand alone film. Of course as a 90's child I grew up watching the animated series of Batman Superman and of course The Justice League. So needless to say I'm somewhat familiar with the personalities of these characters. However, putting my childhood nostalgia aside does Flashpoint work?

Well friends my answer is yes; yes it does work and is a very exciting ride. There are a few problems that I noticed and would like to address but to me they were very minor. I've seen most of the DC animated films direct to DVD by Warner Brothers but I can say this is much darker if not the darkest film I've seen from there line-up. Well maybe dark isn't the right word my like the most profanity and blood/gore I've seen from the line-up. Now for me I liked this aspect for this particular film because it really gave me a feeling of how different this altered timeline truly is. Just how hopeless and bleak they make it really hits home. Also, I never thought I would hear Hal Jordan say a**hole in a film like this! Bonus, points for the creators working it in. Now do I necessarily want every DC animated movie to be graphic, dark, and at times hard to watch and mean spirited? No of course not each adaptation requires their own tone and flow to draw the viewer in and here I think it works to the films advantage.

But, how does the story and characters hold up? Well lets look we dive right into the back story of young Barry Allen. In fact the way they start this film you almost expect this to be a cheesy melodramatic ride however, the tone soon changes as Barry returns home to find his mother dead (on her BIRTHDAY no less!!!!!!)! Fast forward (Or Flash Forward) to adult Barry Allen aka The Flash. Now here is where some viewers might be rather confused The Flash goes off to fight several villains of his and beside from dropping a few names unless you are a comic book reader or watch the Justice League show you might not know who any of these guys are. Although later in the film The Flash does explain who Professor Zoom aka Reverse Flash is and where he comes from.

But, the plot really gets interesting when Barry Allen wakes up at his office desk and discovers something well.... different. His Mother is alive!!!!! But, this world he finds himself in has never heard of The Flash he doesn't even have his superpowers! It turns out that Barry Allen decided to run so fast that it broke the time barrier itself in order for him to go back in time and stop the faceless criminal from killing his mother (as a note I like it when they keep the killer of super hero's parents faceless because that plays to the whole idea that anyone could be a criminal as crime has no true face so major props to the film for keeping the killer's true identity a secret). As a direct result for changing and breaking the time barrier the time stream not only brought Barry Allen up to speed in this new timeline but also has left him with memories from both the original timeline and this current one; including all the years he would have spent with his mother and did in this altered timeline.

However, because he broke the time barrier it caused a ripple which altered major events and people across the world. For instance Aquaman and Wonder Woman waged war and took parts of Europe for their own empires and are locked in a bloody world war of Atlanteans and the Amazons which threaten to consume the rest of humanity in the crossfire! Cyborg now works for the government and is practically ten feet tall (Yeah! Go Cyborg). Also, major super heroes were never realized Superman never was found by the Kents and Hal Jordan was never at the crash site to obtain the ring to become The Green Lantern. And Batman......... well I'll let you find out about that one.

All in all this film has minimal problems in my books the most glaring one to me is side characters who I recognize and I know from the different mediums in the comics or show getting shoved aside too soon. For example I wish they showed more Slade/Deathstroke more in this film I mean him and Lex Luthor fighting side by side was a really cool and fun scene I wish it could have given me more. But, they give the major prominent players of The Justice League excellent screen time so like I said before it is only minimal too me.

Beside that as my biggest problem. This film has great voice acting, fun well paced action scenes, a great solid story (I'm just a sucker for altered timeline tales), and the animation is top notch some of the best I've seen out of the DC animated line up! It is colorful, flowing, and just a treat to look at. So despite minimal problems it certainly does not slow Flashpoint down in the slightest this is some grade A material people. And after what I just saw I've already put in a Pre-Order for this DVD on Amazon because I want to see more DC animated DVD films! Keep up the great work Warner Brothers and thank you reviewers for taking the time to read my review. This is the SwornShadow I may stick to the shadows but I bring films into the light!

Every since I got into watching films frequently I've discovered a taste for certain genres: one of my personal favorites being the midnight drive in B-movie films. Thus, it makes sense that the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers from 1956 is one of my favorite films in that area (not to mention one of my favorite films of all time). The way the story was told was gripping and suspenseful in the original. I can honestly say that the original movie scared me beyond belief; the very idea that your loved ones turn against you and slowly kill off human civilization. Now that to me is a scary story to be put on screen.

However, that's not what we're talking about today; no we are talking about the 1978 remake version. Now so many people and reviewers I meet have told me, "Wow if you really liked the first one then you're really going to love the remake! They did it so well it's way better!" Of course I didn't go into the film expecting better than the original but I had my expectations high. I mean two decades later and an all star cast of characters I was really excited to see this movie. However, upon finishing it my expectations fell flat.

I guess the best way to review this film is to break it down by the elements. To start the characters; I know, I know I just complimented the all star cast and now I'm turning against them but let me explain. Now in this movie I think it's a little confused as to who the Major character focus should be. I mean at first I thought that Elizabeth would be the main focus; I thought that would be a great way to tell it. Instead of telling in flashback throw us into the story from the beginning. Honestly that was a great idea and now the movie will focus on Elizabeth as the center of this story. But, later on the movie decides that Matthew should be the focus of the story and have the last major action scene. Plus, since these two are just friends instead of lovers it sort of dampened the sad moments for me (not to say they weren't sad but it made me feel less then the original did).

Also, at times I feel like some of the actors have very little to do I mean they got Leonard Nimoy and he just stands around for the most part! Also, they got Kevin McCarthy to cameo in this movie but it was a draw back to the original and it felt forced. Maybe I'm being to hard on this film but I really had high hopes for this remake: good remakes do exist and I thought this could be one of them.

But, probably one of my biggest problems with this movie is the way they portrayed the pod people. No don't get me wrong they kept the pod people back story still a mystery and that's what I find scary: the unknown. However, the way they shrieked in order to alert others about humans was silly and unnecessary. I mean how am I suppose to take the shrieking seriously? It just comes across as goofy and forced. The scariness of the first film was how identical the enemy was to us; how the enemy could be living next door, your parents, maybe even the girl holding your hand. But, the remake was all like, "We don't need subtlety! Let them scream and shriek that will strike fear into the hearts of our viewers!" Now maybe some people found the shrieking scary but personally I think it gave away who was on what side. Before you didn't know and now here's a distinct indignation that they are the enemy. I know some people will say, "Well they don't scream when there are more people around!" To that I say of course they don't so why would they do it when they have just a few more humans to nab? Wouldn't that increase their chances of losing people that know what they really are? Again back to the original people will say, "But, it that movie the Pod People showed themselves to the main characters by flat out telling them." To which I say; well yeah they were sure they had them cornered and wanted to bring down their morality to a state of helplessness. They acted like that because they had the knowledge to because they were without emotions. In the remake they just make them monsters with basic instincts.

Anyway that's my two cents and I just wanted to put this out here. No offense to any fan of this film; this is just my opinion and this film wasn't for me. It tried to be on par with the original and I was hoping it would. But, sadly for me it fell flat. I mean it's certainly not the worst remake in the world believe me it's not but for me it didn't match up to the feeling of the first one. Thank you for your time :)

Here it is a movie from the man who brought us Gattaca! Alright this is going to be great I've got my popcorn, drink, and early screening ticket here I go!

That was terrible! I didn't like any of it how is this possible. Yes fellow watchers of films and reviewers of the internet this film is an all time low for the Sci-Fi genre. In a world where no one ages past 25 and everyone's life span is timed. Now I do have to give the film credit the idea that everyone's life span is maintained by a ticking clock is pretty original. They also use time in this world as a means of currency which is also very unique.

Sadly, this future is so dull and boring. It brought nothing new to the table in terms of technology or atmosphere. I found the main character Will played by Justin Timberlake to be very bland and irresponsible. For example Will is a lower class citizen who works his tail off to survive in this world; but catches a lucky break when he encounters a upper class citizen who wants to give him all of his time.

The man asks Will "What he would do with it?" to which Will responds, "I wouldn't waste it." Five minutes later he's off gambling all his time; yes ALL his time at a casino. Yeah he sure didn't waste it or anything clearly he was the perfect choice.

Also, much like the 7th Harry Potter film there are a lot of deaths in this movie when they run out of time. However, where we knew the characters in Harry Potter really well and mourned their tragic loss; in this movie the side characters hardly get any screen time for proper development. All we learn is small bullet points like they are family members or they are my dear friends. But, that's it you feel nothing for these people when they pass away.

That was another problem with the characters; if they weren't bland and uninteresting. Then they were really selfish and stupid so it was really hard to connect or even feel sorry for anyone.

Also, if you are thinking; "Hey maybe this film will have a dumb plot but perhaps we will get some cool actions scenes?" Again another problem the weapons are just normal guns and don't stand out with any future qualities. Also, they are barely even used it this movie. When the Timekeepers try to chase down our "hero" instead of major fighting or shooting scenes we get these pointless chases. That don't lead the film anyway and amount to nothing.

Also, not to give anything away (like it matters) but this screening had one of the worst and boring climaxes I have ever seen in a film. Hopefully the feedback they got for the audience will give them the hint to change the ending.

Bottom line friends you want to skip this one it's not Soylent Green, Planet of the Apes, or 2001 A Space Odyssey so do yourself a favor a treat yourself to a great movie this October. Maybe even saw a few bucks and head over to your local blockbuster. Thank you for letting me share my view and I hope you find that right movie :)

Thank you for your time and take care :)

What can be said about Honey, I Shrunk the Kids? Well it's a classic sci-fi family story invovling an accident with a shrink ray. Throw it in with a backyard and you have yourself a jungle where the smallest everyday animals, insects, and of course lawn-mowers can lead you to death (You know for kids!).

But, joking aside this film took an idea (shrinking) that had recently picked up with the 80's flic Innerspace (which in itself drew from 50's B movies). However by changing the setting to your everyday backyard and your minatures to four typical kids you have a perfect matching formula.

Now to be honest this film has a lot of dark and sad moments as well trust me the music will tell you when to feel those emotions. Again sorry folks I can't help myself sometimes. But in truth I've always believed that a perfect kid's film should contain elements involving life/death, to allow for acceptance of loss and the understanding that no one not even the good characters in films are always safe.

This is a family flic you don't want to pass up and it has many light hearted and touching moments to balance out the dark moments as well. This is a film that could serve as a great transition for children into more serious films. Rent it the next time you have a free Friday night and decide together as a family.

Thank you for your time :)

The Secret of NIMH a classic childhood classic of mine; yes I owned and watched this movie often as a child through my VHS tape. However, my nostalgic value aside and my professional opinion towards movies today is The Secret of NIMH a good film or a great film?

Well to point out the number one plus about this movie is that it was created by Don BLuth one of the greatest animation Directors of all time. With his classic 2D hand drawn animation you really get a feel of how dark this world can really get. Now I know this is marketed for kids and I believe kids will enjoy this film as well as adults. It has it's touching light hearted moments but can suddenly turn dark and serious. That's what's great about this film it gives us a serious story and because it takes the audience serious we want to watch it and know more.

The voice work in this film is outstanding that's always been a pattern I've noticed with Don Bluth he always seemed to be able to create these characters with perfect voices to match. Trust me when I say this one is no exception. The characters give of each of their own vides whether those emotions be courageous, mysterious, or corruption.

In this story we don't get a tough mainly kind of hero but rather a recently widowed mother Mrs. Brisby who will face her worst fears for the sake of her family. We are also introduced to the leader of super intelligent group of rats known as Nicodemus. All of whom escaped from NIMH (National Instiute of Mental Health). I have to be honest the orgin story of the rats of NIMH aided by the sage voice of Nicodemus (Derek Jacobi) is one of the greatest moments in animation story telling you will ever see. It's truly one of those moments you must see for yourself.

Bottom line my fellow movie watchers this film is one of the most under rated films of all time in animation history and yet to this date I call it Don Bluth's best work that he ever accomplished. If you haven't seen it yet you can easily order or buy the DVD I highly recommend it to people of all ages who are fans of animation. I hope you enjoy it and pass it on to the next generation so they won't forget the classic animation that dominated the past.

Thank you for your time :)

What can be said about, "The Road Warrior" in terms of it's overall value of a feature film? Now personally I've been a Mad Max fan since I watch the first Mad Max film from 1979. Yes I've also seen all three parts of the Mad Max story and each have high and low points.
However, I came hear today to talk about the second installment; "The Road Warrior" as it is known. In my professional opinion in critical reviewing films this story jumps out at me.

The first time I saw this movie I was hooked before the opening narration was finished. The way the narrator used images and subtle almost savage words to describe the fall of human society was chilling. In fact in the series it doesn't even fully address there was an Apocalypse until the third film.

In the opening chase scene when we see Max the auidence can clearly see how worn out he has become ever since the closing to the first film. He drifts all over the wasteland with only the search for gasoline to fuel his motivation.

We also get two main villians: A Mohawk Warrior named Wez and the Leader The Lord Humungus. Here we see the contrast between these two; where Wez is a loud and violent warrior with a thirst for blood. The Lord Humungus attempts to lure his enemies into false sercurity with his empty promises this goes well with his Mask as he hides his real face and with it his true nature. (His mask which you will later see ripped off in Friday the 13th Part 3 by Jason LOL no it's cool.) I mean if the first Saw movie can steal the ending death for the first Mad Max movie with cutting off your own leg then why not LOL.

Basically, to sum it up Mad Max 2 The Road Warrior is more then just an action packed summer flic. It has depth to it's story however due to the short lines of dialouge a big portion of the stories hidden messages is told strictly through visuals. As seen in the outfits, weapons, and of course the cars.

This film only gets better the further you watch it and the final climax car chase in my opinion is one of the greatest and most realistic action scenes I've ever had the pleasure of viewing in my time. This movie was so well put together in terms of an action film and it also had some quite and light hearted moments so we as the auidence could sit back and take in the atmosphere and the story itself.

Personally I love all the Mad Max films but in my opinion The Road Warrior is so well directed, written, and spaced out that it could have been a stand alone film without parts 1 and 3. However, I am grateful to both George Miller and Terry Hayes for writing this picture and of course Mel Gibson who will always be the one and the only Mad Max.

We all feel your loss Max we've all lost someone we've loved. But, you shall regain your humainty Max and you will be able to live again thank you for your time :)

-(For a first review I hope I did okay)