I thought Transporter 2 could have been better, but I think 3 was the final nail in the Transporter Coffin. Transporter 3 just killed the character development that Transporter and Transporter 2 made. The fight scenes were cheesy as hell. (Spoilers ahead)
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I mean, throwing a rose into a defeated enemy's hole in the floor with the opera music? Give me a break. Frank Martin falling in LOVE?!? That was as cheesy as anything!
The story moved too fast. The car scenes were horrible especially when Frank was driving on two wheels. The whole movie just was awful. I came out of the theaters utterly pissed off. I was HIGHLY anticipating this release since last August and it was a total let down. I have lost a ton of respect for Jason Statham after making this pathetic piece of crap and the Crank movies. Just awful. I don't recommend this movie to anybody.
Rating: 2/10
Resident Evil: Degeneration
The first full-length feature in the franchise to be created via CG, is also the first one to stay true to its video-game roots. Unlike the three live-action movies that came before it, DEGENERATION moves the game’s plot forward and takes place after the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City and the fall of the Umbrella Corporation.
There’s plenty here for RESIDENT EVIL fans to enjoy, though, despite the slow pace between certain scenes. DEGENERATION captures the true essence of the games, complete with intriguing dialogue, and in a welcome move, it has even cast the lead voice talent (Alyson Court and Paul Mercier) from its interactive predecessors. The CGI is excellent, though more care should have been given to lip-synching the actors’ voices to their digital alter egos.
It’s no surprise that DEGENERATION’s conclusion leaves the door open for another chapter in the series. Interestingly enough, it doesn’t appear that the film’s scenario ties in to that of the forthcoming RESIDENT EVIL 5 game—but I guess we’ll all have to wait until next spring to find out for sure.
Rating: 8/10
Bolt
Story:
Bolt is the world's greatest super-dog. He is incredibly fast, is super strong, has heat vision, and has a super bark. He uses his powers to save the world from the evil Dr. Calico. Bolt is also ever vigilant and protects his owner, Penny, from the forces of evil.
Too bad Bolt doesn't realize he's on a TV show and none of it is real.
When Bolt is accidentally separated from Penny, he's forced to make a cross-country journey to save his owner. The catch is he still thinks he has super powers. Bolt captures a cat prisoner named Mittens and forces her to lead him to where Penny is being held. Despite her protests, Mittens can't convince Bolt that he's just the star of a TV show. Matters aren't helped when a Bolt super-fanboy (and hamster in a ball) named Rhino joins them and further reinforces Bolt's delusions.
What Worked:
The supporting cast is so strong that Bolt is almost relegated to the role of straight man. John Travolta does a fine job as Bolt and gives the character a sympathetic and earnest tone. Miley Cyrus is also good as Penny, but she's not in the movie all that much. Where the two really shine is in the song they sing together in the closing credits.
I was impressed how practically every new character that was introduced along the way brought an entertaining piece to the story. A couple of cats (one voiced by Diedrich Bader) amusingly harass Bolt in his trailer. In New York, Bolt encounters a funny group of pigeons that are perfectly animated like real world pigeons. When we meet Mittens, her exasperation and dismay at Bolt's high levels of crazy brings a lot of laughs. But the real show stealer is the hamster Rhino who is voiced by Mark Walton. He brings the house down and the character's introduction alone takes the movie to another level. Rhino's uber-fanboy persona and can-do attitude is hilarious. How can you not crack up when a hamster in a ball does a maniacal laugh or offers to snap a man's neck? Rhino might be able to carry a movie on his own.
The animators do a really great job with the performances of the CG characters. A standout scene is when Mittens is teaching Bolt how to beg for food. By giving him little instructions here and there ("Ears down! Head tilted!"), Bolt goes from a neutral facial expression to an all out "I'm cute, feed me" look right before your eyes. That scene should be required viewing for any aspiring animator. The subtle touches with body motions and facial expressions are apparent through the rest of the film.
The Bottom Line:
"Bolt" was a fun film. I'd recommend it not just for families but anyone that enjoys comedies or animation. This is not just a kid's movie.
Rating: 7/10
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