The Prestige (2006)

As I mentally prepare myself for this weekend of softball, I decided to watch something relaxing and somewhat thought-provoking. After some thought, I decided on the 2006 sci-fi/mystery The Prestige.

Plot/ Two stage magicians engage in competitive one-upmanship in an attempt to create the ultimate stage illusion.

Any movie that features Nikola Tesla is an automatic winner in my book, plus when the amazing David Bowie is playing that genius, it is a home run. That is exactly what The Prestige is, an amazing journey to another time that doubles as a tremendous character study with a dark look at obsession. Complete with an outstanding storyline, an incredible cast with top-notch performances, and spot on direction and cinematography, this movie does not disappoint in any way. Not to mention the sci-fi/steampunk twist added into what was already a great trip into the world of illusion. Yes, it was a touch predictable if you pay attention to the dialog and hints that are sprinkled in, but that does nothing to bring the movie down. In the end, if you have not seen this film, you are really missing out. It is honestly one of Christopher Nolan’s best movies and a darker film that I could watch over and over again. Highly recommended.

Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

I was quite amazed by the amount of Sherlock stuff I saw when purchasing my Underoos today. Sherlock Holmes is one of my favorite detectives, although I have found it difficult to immerse myself into a book the way I did in my youth. Speaking of my youth, here is a flick that captures Holmes early on: Young Sherlock Holmes from 1985.

Plot/ When assorted people start having inexplicable delusions that lead to their deaths, a teenage Sherlock Holmes decides to investigate.

Young Sherlock Holmes is one of those 1980s flicks that have stood the test of time rather well. Not for anyone who is a Holmes purist, this one does take some liberties with the young detectives life that differ from the source material. However, this one is a rather entertaining trip into the detective story and created an alternate reality for him to grow. The storyline is simple and clichéd, the pacing works, sound track amazing, and incredibly the early CGI effects work better than some of those seen today. Sure, the acting is uneven, the historic aspects unbelievable, and the characters never truly develop, but that does nothing to bring this one down. In the end, this movie is entertaining, interesting, and fun to watch with the family, especially if you want to bring the genius of Holmes to life for a new generation.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

I love classic tales. My favorites are often those stories that transcend generations and visual movie adaptations and the majority of time, come across in a fresh almost modern way. One such movie was on my television this weekend, 1999s Sleepy Hollow.

Plot/ Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate the decapitations of 3 people with the culprit being the legendary apparition, the Headless Horseman.

It had been a while since I have watched Sleepy Hollow and honestly, it was a lot better than I remembered. This Tim Burton / Johnny Depp collaboration was one of their best. The pacing was on, the horror elements and effects were outstanding, the cast was amazing with both Christopher Walken as the headless horseman and Christina Ricci perfect for their roles, and the gothic atmosphere was captured in an entertaining  manner. Of course, it would not have been possible without the tremendous eye and cinematography of Burton, who created an interesting world within this classic tale. In the end, this is a must see and if you have not seen it, you are missing out. Give it a shot!

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Today has been a long day. Between a field trip to the ATC Tower, softball, Soccer and a miserable storm, I could not wait for the day to end. Once I finished my stuff for Steelers 101 and posted a short story in my class, I decided it was time to finish the review for one of the last flicks I watched, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen from 2003.

Plot/ In an alternate Victorian Age world, a group of famous contemporary fantasy, Sci-Fi and adventure characters team up on a secret mission.

Having not read the comic or graphic novel, I had no preconceived notion about this movie. What I found was a fun and interesting journey into a fantasy world that I would love to be a part of. Sure, some may not like the over-the-top storyline, the strange mixture of characters, and the crazy steampunk influenced weaponry, but those are off base and extremely too serious. This movie is entertaining with some solid performances, a great cast, and a fun atmosphere. In the end, it is definitely not for everyone, but it is an entertaining movie that should not be taken seriously. Open your mind, suspend reality, and give it a shot!

The Illusionist (2006)

After taking Saturday off to recover from soccer, softball, and fishing, I decided to kick back and watch something with a bit of a lighter feel. After doing some football coverage with my first mock draft of the season, it was time to find something. That is when I found one of my favorite period pieces / mysteries; the Illusionist from 2006.

Plot/ In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.

This movie is rare, as it took two genres and pulled off merging them into one entertaining and fluid pieces of cinema. Everything about this film worked extremely well. The cast bought into their roles and performed them perfectly, the cinematography and visuals are amazing, the scripting keeps you guessing, and the ending was perfect. Honestly, even after viewing it multiple times it is still fascinating to watch. If you have not seen it, yet, then I ask why not? This is a tremendous film and one that should viewed. Check it out!

Iron Sky (2012)

Having finished Jericho, I decided I need something with a lighter mood to close out my weekend and I found just the movie. Yet, it honestly reminded me of the veterans of our past and the sacrifices they made. Of course, with Monday being Veterans Day, it is hard not to think of all those who served our great nation and all of the great people I served with during my career in the Navy. For all veterans new and old, Happy Veterans Day! Oh, what movie did I choose? I decided upon the 2012 action/comedy Iron Sky. 

Plot/ The Nazis set up a secret base on the dark side of the moon in 1945 where they hide out and plan to return to power in 2018.

This is a flick that I have debated about for some time. Now that I have watched it, I can see why there was debate in my head. This cheesy schlock-fest is one of the most unrealistic and strange flicks I have seen in some time. Yet, because it is so cheesy and unrealistic, it creates a fun and entertaining vibe throughout the movie. Honestly, it is one that is so stupid it is funny. Yes, the performances are uneven at best; there is some solid visual effects and decent action. In the end, this is one of the entertaining flicks the will be polarizing, loved and hated. Personally, I could not stop laughing, as it was one of the most ridiculous movies I have seen in some time. Check it out and decide for yourself. 

Frankenstein's Army (2013)

Every once in a while I stumble upon a flick that has an interesting look and draws me in. That was the case with my next selection Frankenstein’s Army. Honestly, who would not want to see Dr. Frankenstein creating some steampunk creatures supported by Hitler’s Naziwar machine…  

Plot/ Toward the end of World War II, Russian soldiers pushing into eastern Germany stumble across a secret Nazi lab, one that has unearthed and begun experimenting with the journal of one Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The scientists have used the legendary Frankenstein's work to assemble an army of super-soldiers stitched together from the body parts of their fallen comrades -- a desperate Hitler's last ghastly ploy to escape defeat.

As a found footage flick, it is one of the better ones, and it actually works well with the storyline. While there are some clichéd moments, there was a lot to like with the movie, especially with the steampunk influenced creatures that were lurking around every corner. To me, that was the entire draw to the film, the costuming and make-up effects were incredible and the idea behind the storyline works. Yes, the acting is so-so and the movie would have been much better without the first-person hand-held camera perspectives (especially the imitation WW II era film effects) utilizing traditional camera techniques instead, but those facts do not totally sink the flick. In the end, this is not a perfect flick, but it is creative and has a visually intriguing feel and it is entertaining. It may not be for everyone, but it is one interesting take on the story of Frankenstein, Hitler and his Nazi monsters that were a plague on society.  

Army of Darkness (1992)

Tonight as I have been finishing up my Friday article for Steelers 101, I decided to throw something on that I have not watched in some time. Of course, with boxes of DVDs here at the house, I have a ton of choices. In the end, I decided on something with some comedy sprinkled in (that can match the Steelers performances). I decided to watch the 1992 classic Army of Darkness.

Plot/ A man is accidentally transported to 1300 A.D., where he must battle an army of the dead and retrieve the Necronomicon so he can return home.

The Evil Dead franchise is one of my favorites. Thee is so much depth ad variety in play throughout the series that it has a life all its own. In Evil Dead Parts One and Two, the gore is there and the dark comedy is developing, yet with Army of Darkness the series turned a direction that cemented its cult status. This flick is hilarious, with great dialogue, perfect performances and a true classic B-Movie creature feature feel. Sure, there are some cheesy moments, but those definitely seemed intentional to create the campy atmosphere (watch the skeleton armies close if you do not know what I mean). In the end, this is a great movie, which is both disturbing and fun. If you have not seen it, check it out, you will not be disappointed unless you are looking for a gorefest.

Hugo (2011)

One of the movements in life that I absolutely love, but have not been able to truly find my place in is Steampunk. Everything about it fascinates me, as I feel like much of the world would be better if we embraced that culture and improved upon it. Life could be simpler, better and more open. Ironically, when I first saw the preview for Hugo, that same feel popped into my mind, and now, I finally sat down to watch it to see.

Plot/ Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.

This was an interesting flick; I am just not sure who the intended audience was. We picked it up for the daughters, but they drifted off within the first hour, me, I was captivated by the scenery and the idea. Honestly, it may be one of the most visually stunning movies I have seen in some time, and the story, while a bit choppy, inspired me. Yes, some of the pacing seemed a bit slow, and some of it may have been a bit confusing, but that did not deter this film at all. With an amazing atmosphere, solid back-story, heartfelt message and truly amazing look, this movie was like a dream opening the doors to an imagination that had been closed a long time ago. In the end, this ode to the early days of film may be a tad slow, but it is a piece of cinematic genius that must be seen.

Wild Wild West (1999)

After enjoying Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, I was in the mood for something different. But, with the girls running in and out of the house, my choices are limited. In the end I decided to revisit 1999s Wild Wild West.

Plot/ The two best hired guns in the West must save President Grant from the clutches of a 19th century inventor-villain.

I remember the TV show, which was an interesting blend of the West and Sci Fi action, and it helped make my Saturday mornings before Super Host more interesting. Unfortunately, this movie did not do the same. Yes, watching it again now (11 or so years later), actually added some entertainment value with the Steampunk feel, but it is still a bad movie. Yes, there are some good points that boast solid acting and decent direction. However, the scripting and some of the performances really brought this flick down. Honestly, this may be one of the worst screenplays ever! All-in-all, it has entertaining moments, but if this is what you are craving, check out the original TV show or even The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr, they are so much better.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)

This morning my wife put on a short film for all of us to watch over breakfast. Not knowing much about it, I had mixed emotions (especially when she said it was a musical). Soon, I discovered that Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog was not your normal musical.

Plot/ Dr. Horrible, an aspiring supervillain with his own video blog, is attempting to join the prestigious Evil League of Evil, but his plans are usually foiled by the egotistical superhero Captain Hammer.

When I sat down to watch this short flick this morning, I had no idea what to expect. But, after laughing and humming along with the songs, I was blown away and left wanting more. This little movie has it all, laughs, drama, action; everything you could want wrapped up in one package. The music, songs, script, and acting are amazing (especially the stars Nathon Fillion, Felicia Day, and Neil Patrick Harris who work perfect together). In the end, this is a great flick that must be seen, if you have not watched it, you are missing 45 minutes of awesomeness.

Master of the World (1961)

As I searched for something to watch today in honor of the great Vincent Price, who would have turned 100 today, I wanted to watch something different. That is when I stumbled upon the Jules Verne inspired 1960s Steampunk enthused Master of the World.

Plot/ The world in the late 19th century: A scientist and his team are held as "guests" of Robur on his airship, that he want to use to ensure peace on earth. Peace with all, even if he has to bombard military targets all over the world. Can the scientist stop him?

This is a very underrated film, that actually gets very little mention when talking about Price. Richard Matheson’s fun adaptation of two Verne stories is tremendous and allows the actors to shine (especially Price, who is perfect as Robur). The cinematography, production values and set designs are wonderful and the soundtrack fits the mood, atmosphere and story perfectly. Yes, the special effects are not top notch (even for that era) and some of the costumes are laughable, but those do not impact the overall feel of this flick. As a fan of Price and the Steampunk Movement, this film truly hit the spot. Check it out if you are in the mood for an inventive Sci-Fi Adventure.