The Cinemasitter

Tag: CGI

  • Review: G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)

    Bringing new meaning to the word ‘dumb’, G.I. Joe: Retaliation is as much of a disappointment as its predecessor, though in a completely different way. Where Stephen Sommers’s CGI-orgy of futuristic action provided plenty of visual razzle-dazzle but little excitement, director Jon M. Chu’s sequel changes tack by ditching the gadgets and technology, replacing them with old school pyrotechnics and patriotic flag-waving. And while this approach does raise the pulse a little more, the laughably lazy plot and dialogue make it impossible to enjoy even on a superficial level of escapism. Maybe it will be a case of third time’s the charm.

    Full review: G.I. Joe: Retaliation | Cinema Review | Film @ The Digital Fix

  • Review: Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)

    Bryan Singer fee-fi-fo-fumbles the ball with Jack the Giant Slayer, a lifeless CGI-soaked fantasy adventure that manages to make an invasion by giants seem an entirely pedestrian event. One of those projects that was probably misconceived from the very beginning (how DO you make an epic adventure out of what is essentially a silly fairy tale?), the various ingredients fail to gel into a satisfying whole. A weak script, miscast stars and uneven tone result in a stodgy pudding with too little excitement to sustain its high concept. With any luck this is a brief misstep in the careers of all involved, who are capable of far, far better than this.

    Full review: Jack the Giant Slayer | Cinema Review | Film @ The Digital Fix

  • Review: Dredd 3D (2012)

    The ranks of fan-pleasing comic book movies swells further with Dredd 3D, a modestly-budgeted but surprisingly effective adaptation of 2000 AD’s cult futuristic law enforcer. Wisely ignoring the unloved 1995 blockbuster starring Sylvester Stallone, the producers get back to basics, replacing CGI spectacle and star power with a notably stripped back production, a lean plot (largely confined to a tower block), and more emphasis on violent action – surely the major draw for most fans. The gamble largely works, with the film’s brief 96 minutes offering plenty of down and dirty mayhem.

    Karl Urban makes for a fine Judge Dredd, physically imposing, with a suitably growling voice (and yes, his face remains entirely obscured throughout).  Director Pete Travis provides plenty of noisy action, but keeps the focus on Dredd and villainess Ma-Ma (Lena Headey, equally good). Though it’s an entertaining ride, it remains rather conventional; there are no outstanding moments or set-pieces that might have helped the film move outside of its rather niche target audience and in to wider cult waters. A braver director might have taken a few more risks to help the film punch above its weight. But no matter; this is a decent effort that deserves  a bigger and better sequel.

    [xrr rating=3/5]