The Concession Stand - September 24th 2013

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The Concession Stand    Want to read this in a different language ? Change the TO field to your own country and click the TRANSLATE button after going HERE THE CONCESSION STAND © September 2013 Written by David Wicker Please do not reprint without permission This will be one of my new Tuesday writings and I will add a listing of 10 reviews each time I post an added chapter to this book. These videos will be rated from 1-5 stars additionally. [ CHOOSE A DIFFERENT SET ] * * * These reviews are Rated: EVERYONE Science Fiction, Action & Adventure, Responsibility (2013) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (PG-13) [1] As a die-hard Trekkie you need to know a bit about this film. Great special effects, background music, camera angles, and prop construction. As for character development ? There is a little magic between Spock and Uhura which is nice as that was not seen in TOS. Good baddie of early Khan. He did a nice job carrying the film. But that's about it ! Cause it goes all downhill from here. Now remember, all this is supposed to take place PREVIOUSLY to the first 5-year mission that William Shatner and company did 25-years ago. So if you know your Star Trek history, you are NOT going to like this movie at all cause it's a total wreck giving no disregard to what is supposed to happen in the future ! *SPOILER* Right at the beginning of the film they blatantly violate the Prime Directive, which as you remember means that in no way is the Federation supposed to reveal themselves to any race with inferior technology to their own. Bam, that's the first thing they do. Kirk dies instead of Spock where they blatantly rip the scene in Star Trek 2, "The Wrath Of Khan," EVEN going so far as to copy the lines of text from it where Spock yells, "Khaaaan !" istead of Kirk. Geez ! WTF ?? And of course Kirk comes back to life afterwards. We need that. Captain Christopher Pike gets killed too, permanently, so guess what ? There can be no pilot episode of Cage from Gene Roddenberry, not according to J. J. Abrams' the author of this train wreck. He's trying to rewrite the Star Trek universe apparently ! And by them finding Khan now (in the past) that completely invalidates the episode, "Space Seed," in TOS where they meet Khan later. Now Star Trek 2, The Wrath of Khan was EXCELLENT because they maintained and kept the story of where they found him in the Botany Bay, and he was the proper age (and aptitude) to continue his wrath and there were no holes in the plot, it was well constructed. You should totally see Star Trek 2 if you haven't BEFORE this film. By "Early Kirk" finding the crew NOW just completely invalidates and ruins Star Trek 2 =AND= TOS episode, "Space Seed." There is another horrible thing in the film. The bad guy uses a teleport device to move him from Earth, get this, ALL THE WAY to the Klingon empire. Yep, that's right, no need to even use a starship like the Enterprise, so what's the point of space flight with that technology ?? There are also 2 scenes in the film where you can see R2D2 from Star Wars. While some people are calling this clever, I think it is beyond rude to us trekkies. It's insulting what they did here. Plain and simple. I give it 3-stars. One for the special effects, one for the music, and one for the neat little romance Spock has with Uhura which is intriguing, but that's about it. The rest of this film goes in the recycle bin for ripping an already perfect plot from a previous film. And no, there is NO re-watch value in this at all. One commenter asked on IMDB isn't there supposed to be a colon in the title ? To which another person replied, it already came out of one, what more can you expect ? A very insulting film to true Trekkies out there ... Action & Adventure, T&A, Racing, Drama (2013) DEATH RACE 3: INFERNO (R) [2] Now I know there are a lot of people out there that might say this film is trite, predictable, and copies other films. Me ? I'm not going to deny you that claim. However I =WILL= say if this is the case, then you have seen some damn fine films in your time. If not, then buckle up cause you are in for a sweet treat. The claim is true, this film does indeed have the cast and crew from the first film. Carl, Weyland, Goldberg, Niles, Lists, Katrina, and 14k. When character development is that important and the public wants a taste of what they loved from earlier gems, they'll be delighted to know this film delivers and maintains from all angles. You get your impressive and shocking fighting, your skillful driving, your killer gadgets, your speaker-pounding explosions, your adrenalin-driven soundtracks, your drama, your plot, the and ever and present bad guys ulterior motives and sinister actions laced throughout. Note also, this film is 5-years newer than the first Death Race so it has that much better special FX and pyrotechnics. Racers will die and it will look real. Oh yes, and for you hounds and wolves out there, you definitely get your T&A's worth here as well. Plenty to howl about let me assure you. As there are chick-flicks out there, this film is the antithesis. It's what a chick flick is NOT. Guys want to see this rated-R film and they are big boys now so they get to see it, without their parent's permission. One more thing. This film ends with no questions remaining. It covers them all. Bad - guys - get theirs. Count on a 4th film, I know I am. The leading most important attribute in films today is re-watch value, it is demanded upon, and this film most definitely has it. Rent it, buy it, and show it to your buddies. They'll thank you for it. Documentary, Religious, Government, Radicalism (2007) ZEITGEIST: THE MOVIE (UR) [3] I had just seen this film - and I want to see it again. First off, you are talking to a SHEEP, a grade A, fully wooly, sheep. Baaa ... I tend to believe just about anything I see and hear, yet for this to take quotes and spoken dialogue from some very important people, like our President and leaders of the nation - it was quite an eye-opener for me. I've always had questions about the first 2 topics, origins of Christianity and 9-11. I didn't entirely understand the 2nd part except that it pointed to strong evidence that wars were made for the sole purpose of earning grand income. And the definition of federal banks was frightening and believable indeed. And they showed the number of billionaires and millionaires who got their sum made from war profits - wow. Scary stuff. Definitely worth watching - worth watching twice, engaging and interesting - you can believe it or not - it is televised material, just like a game show, just like the serious news on TV at night, just like a silly cartoon with your favorite characters - they are all the same. Form your own opinions what what you see in here, but keep your mind OPEN ! Fantasy, For Kids & Teens, Leaving Home, Family Drama (2011) H O P (PG) [4] Just saw this for the first time. It is AWESOME ! Has great re-watch value. And the Bunny Drummer is just adorable. There are a lot of amazing things to see in this film that you definitely want to see again. The story could've been a little longer, would've liked to have seen E.B. get frowsy with the little ninja girl bunny that was having problems keeping up with the other two agents, but - all in all - a truly wonderful film with great rewatch value. Rated PG for a reason. You parents out there that say this film is inappropriate for children need to read the ratings, it is rated PG, not G. It's great for teens and okay with 6+ age for parents who let their kids watch Cartoon Network which IMHO their stuff is rated PG today anyways. CGI, For Kids, Bullies, Dating (2011) FREDDY FROGFACE (PG) [5] Quite a few mixed reviews on this. Of someone who is immensely fond of any CGI films, this video and story are rather lukewarm and really not so great. First off, the language isn't anything worse than I heard back in 3rd grade so no worries there. It has a British twinge to it so you might hear some of that vernacular. However the story, music, voice actors, even animation are completely and totally forgetful. No rewatch value whatsoever. No, "Here is my favorite part." either. Poorly plods along. Just - not a well-thought out film. The ending message is actually an important and endearing one - it just could've been done so much better and so much clearer in the story. Maybe next film. (and yes, they did make another later). Superhero, Action & Adventure, One-Upmanship (2012) AVENGERS (PG-13) [6] Imagine all those cool films you've been rating the best for some time now. Now imagine going beyond that. It's possible. It's definitely possible - and it happens in this film, easily. Unbelievably easy. Greatest Film I Have Ever Seen In My Life ! Some producers, directors, and even - caterers - were witness and had a hand in an epic production that goes beyond any movie you've ever seen - EVER. 2012 is clearly the year for action films. And this is the film for that very and self-same year. You must see this film in the theatre. And when it's available for purchase - to own it and show it to everyone you know. And they will seriously thank you for that. Anime, Panchira, Superspy (2007) AIKA R16: VIRGIN MISSION (NR) [7] Panchira for the sake of panchira. Really not much else. Either the dialogue was completely botched in translation or it's one of the worst and weakest stories I've yet to come across in Anime. I suggest you go with the original Agent Aika, Anime Legends. That's quite a bit better and while it does contain panchira, at least there is a story to support it. One star for good music and animation quality, one for good English voice actors, actually pretty rare in most Anime today, and one of course, for panchira, which is truly the only saving grace to this mess. Anime, Action-Adventure, Steampunk (2005) STEAMBOY (NR) [8] There are a few things that drive a good movie. Plot and character development. And if it's missing those, it had better be funny, kinky, or silly in some way. Failing these obvious video cheats, there's little else to fall on except for music and special effects. Steamboy has good special FX and unfortunately, little plot, poor character development, only hints at funny or romantic, but does contain epic and incredible special FX. Steamboy is a serious story and perhaps that's not the best thing to do for an animated title of this nature. Likely this would have been more well received were it done as a live movie production. There is never really a feeling of peril or concern for the players even though entire cities, buildings, and towns topple around them from a full-blown firepower Armageddon later in the film. And while everything is steam-powered, you just don't 'get it.' Not to the level and effect that 'City Of Ember' portrayed - they got it right. They did a much better job of steampunk design. The only saving grace in the story is a whiny pouty girl, who unfortunately is really out of place in the whole thing. I think she was put there because 'every story' must have a girl in it. There is one half-likeable scene where she tries to be romantic with the protagonist, Steamboy, but it doesn't follow through. And the film in general is like, 'That's a good idea, but why didn't they carry it all the way through ?' Unfortunately, there's a lot of that in here, and you feel - hungry after it. Like, man ! They never did show whatever whatever. The rest of it, however, is a grand special FX masterpiece with epic backdrops and art - but it's not enough, not nearly enough to save this film. No re-watch value at all which is sad for Anime as every frame must be drawn and doing a little checking, I see the production team spent 8 years putting this together. Steamboy is good to watch once, but once you've seen it, there's no reason to view it again. Anime, Ultra-Violence, Vengeance (1997) PRINCESS MONONOKE (PG-13) [9] This is a VIOLENT film. I'm talking lots and LOTS of fighting and blood. Rated R level in my book. You've been warned. No re-watch value unless you're looking for people getting hurt, murdered, butchered, and eviscerated - I kid you not. There is nothing kinky, sexy, or funny in the whole film and it really is quite gross in parts. A surprising release from the usually reflective and thoughtful Studio Ghibli who brought delightful Totoro to us. Almost a horror film. Animation is top-notch.' Religion, Good vs Evil, Dogmatic (2011) SUING THE DEVIL (PG-13) [10] Wow ! Great start. Great actors. Awesome presentation of Malcolm McDowell as the devil. Very nicely done and then --- BAM ! Then it falls flat on it's face. Here's the point. If you are a die-hard Christian who knows the Bible inside and out and fully believe every word of it, you are going to LOVE this movie, I mean really LOVE IT ! However, If you are a skeptic who likes the premise and concept of a very believable roast of the devil with evidence based on the continuous suffering of man and the innate good of the human heart and spirit, you're going to go away hungry from this film. No, correct that, starving. Too many references to the Bible, too many references to the Bible ! And even the 'devil' quotes from the Bible for his undoing. Oh gimme a break ! Without the Bible this movie would have no plot or motivation. Too many lines verbally spoken in it, "It is clear from scripture." from both defendant and prosecutor. I'm sorry - this is sad - because there are MANY ways to show the great glory and power of God and the fellowship of man WITHOUT the Bible. And this film uses absolutely NONE of them. The film does save itself slightly, however, by having the devil know intimate and impossibly personal knowledge of his defendant's weaknesses and appetites. And that part was well played I must admit. Which is why I give it as high a rating as I do. The ending however is 'priceless' and by that I mean a disaster of no worth, when the devil reveals his true colors and he slates himself as a chalkboard textbook-classic devil complete with barbed tail and horns - what a waste of a potentially good film. I believe - and perhaps I may receive an argument on this, that the devil, wherever they may be will NOT reveal their plans to us mortal men - ever. Kind of like God really. And you can take that to the bank. :) NO RE-WATCH VALUE. This is an oiled engine for a Christian religious bandwagon film, you have been warned. Next Tuesday I will do 10-more dreams and alternative between this subject (my movie reviews) and that. Return back HOME   You are Earth Visitor #

Author's Note

If you have a film you'd like to suggest for me to watch and review, or you have some questions about any of these movies or my reviews on them, just let me know in the comments.

Reviews

[Vivie]

Princess Mononoke wasn't one of my favorite Miyazaki films, but the first time I saw it, after being bugged by many friends back in early sixth grade, I did not expect the movie to be like it was. I'm not saying I liked it, but I truly agree that the violence shocked me. Back then, I wasn't /quite/ as fazed by the gore as I had been pounded by much more gore back when I was seven -insert Silent Hill series here-. Overall, these reviews are very informative and I will keep sifting through, and giving thoughts on movies that I have seen.

[Unfortunately, I have not seen H.O.P. nor the Avengers. I know my younger sister saw H.O.P. and loved it but I'm pretty sure I was busy playing videogames or something of the sort. Avengers however, I'm still bashing my head on the wall for still not being able to see it.]

[dw817]

I'm a bit odd like that. I can get more out of shows made for kids than those other adult-themed or mature-themed movies.

You should totally see H.O.P. it's really good. :7

[MandaBear]

This is a really neat idea! wish I had thought of it lol You did an awesome job I can't wait to see what's next. I liked the movie hop also.

[dw817]

Thanks ! Now that I've got access to my review archive again, I'll definitely post more this Tuesday - or dreams. I'm not sure which.

[ThoughtsofShyann]

lol really good taste and I like this Idea I think everyone should have that one day where they talk about one specific thing! and I just posteed my chapter 12

[dw817]

Glad you like it, Shyann. Netflix still has my account messed up. I have made so many reviews there and they are still apologizing not knowing how I can retrieve them from the database they have for paying members. Hmm ...

I'll go to read your chapter 12 now though, and thanks for visiting. :)

[ThoughtsofShyann]

No problem and thank you very much!

[dw817]

Found a way to hack the HTML so I can retrieve them. Not today, but maybe Tuesday I'll add 5-more to this list. :7

[ThoughtsofShyann]

Okay cool!

[ThoughtsofShyann]

Okay cool!!!!!!