Three movies

Shrek 2 was heaps of fun. More spoofs, more cool music, and more flatulence. By now, anyone who reads some form of entertainment news will know that the movie has reaped lots of cash. Shrek and Fiona are traveling to meet Fiona's parents in the kingdom of Far Far Away with Donkey in tow. Throw in a few new characters - Fairy Godmother (who packages and markets spells), Prince Charming, the Ugly Step-sister among others - a chance to see Shrek as a handsome, strapping human (and Donkey as his white steed), some lovely interaction with the in-laws, and you're set for a sequel that actually works.

My favorite character from the last movie was the Gingerbread Man, but in this one, I've shifted my loyalties to Puss-In-Boots, who has captured the hearts of everyone. He's part suave and swashbuckling gentleman and part adorable furry cat (read: huge limpid eyes). And he cleverly plays each part at the right moments.

Ever the fan and observer of music in movies, I noted that the selection for this one was spot-on. I particularly enjoyed a quirky rendition of the classic 80s song, Holding Out For A Hero, by Frou Frou which played during the credits.

The Day After Tomorrow was marketed on a huge scale, almost as large as the wintry hurricanes that bury New York city and traps our teenage heroes in the New York Public Library (which reminds me that I really should put up pictures and write a little on my recent stay at NYC. I spent a day at the library after getting myself an access card, so the scenes in the library struck a chord). Lin Kiat and I wanted to see it for the effects, which delivered the expected thrills and oohs and aahs. I admire the three climatologists who are so trained they can make camp anywhere and sleep while the storms rage outside. The effects of global warming are perhaps exaggerated in the film, but that's how movies go, I suppose.

Harry Potter is getting remarkably handsome. But that isn't the real draw of the third film. I love the brisk pace set by new director Alfonso Cuaron. You really fly with the scene changes, not so much like the speeding bus that takes Harry away from the wretched Dursleys as the soaring hippogriff that sends Harry across a lake and into a horizon of trees, mountains, and wide English (or Scottish; I believe they shot the film in Scotland) sky. This time, we do get to see more of the land around Hogwarts - just lovely. Wide shots of an ornate bridge, hill slopes, a large body of water (okay, a lake)... . There's more to say, but I'm getting tired after this slew of movies. I'll take a break from the cinema this week. Next up will be The Chronicles of Riddick, which opens here a week after the US opening.

In the meantime, I'm prowling the trailer pages again. The new trailer for Garden State is a favorite and I've just caught the first trailer for Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unforunate Events - Emily Browning, who plays Violet Baudelaire, is a dead ringer for a young Angelina Jolie...those lips! I've been reading the first three books and they are excellent. Get three for the price of two at Borders! I'll have to pick up the rest of the titles soon. The eleventh book comes out this September.

Jim Carrey as Count Olaf in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

Posted by Monoceros at May 30, 2004 12:52 AM