Saturday, October 31, 2015

Ghostbusters II Review











Ghostbusters II


Release Date: 16th November 1989 - Australia


Production Companies
Columbia Pictures

Distribution
Sony Pictures Australia


Genre: Comedy/Fantasy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 108 minutes


Budget: $37,000,000

Box Office Gross: $215,394,738 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary
After five years of catching pesky ghosts and saving New York from destruction, the Ghostbusters get sued for costing the city millions in property damage, which drove them out of business. They get called back into action when Dana Barrett has ghost troubles again. They discover that Manhattan is again on the brink of supernatural doom, with a river of ectoplasmic slime bubbling from an underground sewer. And an evil tyrant from the sixteenth century, attempting to possess Dana's baby and be reborn. Can the Ghostbusters save Manhattan once more for the second time before the city falls into eternal darkness?


Cast
Bill Murray - Dr. Peter Venkman
Dan Aykroyd - Dr. Raymond Stantz
Harold Ramis - Dr. Egon Spengler
Ernie Hudson - Winston Zeddemore
Sigourney Weaver - Dana
Barrett
Rick Moranis - Louis Tully
Annie Potts - Janine Melintz
Peter MacNicol - Dr. Janosz Poha
Kurt Fuller - Hardemeyer
Harris Yulin - The Judge
Wilhelm von Homburg - Vigo
Max von Sydow - Vigo (Voice) (Uncredited)
David Marguiles - The Mayor of NY
Janet Margolin - The Prosecutor
William T. Deutschendorf - Baby Oscar
Henry J. Deutschendorf II - Baby Oscar
Michael P. Moran - Frank the Doorman
Olivia Ward - Meter Maid
Mordecai Lawner - Man with a Ticket
Susan Boehm - Young Woman on Crutches
Mary Ellen Trainor - Brownstone Mother
Christopher VillaseƱor - Brownstone Boy #1
Jason Reitman - Brownstone Boy #2 (Cameo)
Aaron Lustig - Norman the Producer
Page Leong - Spengler's Assistant
Mark Schneider - Arguing Couple
Valery Pappas - Arguing Couple
Catherine Reitman - Girl with Puppy (Cameo)
Dave Florek - First Cop
Richard Foronjy - Con Ed Supervisor
George P. Wilbur - Bailiff
Sharon Kramer - Stenographer
Walter Flanagan - Rudy the Museum Guard
Bobby Brown - Mayor's Doorman (Cameo)
Christopher Neame - Maitre D'
Judy Ovitz - Slimed Restaurant Patron
Tom Dugan - Restaurant Cop #1
Angelo Dimascio - Restaurant Cop #2
Robert Alan Beuth - Store Manager
Ralph Monaco - Police Sergeant
Ron Cummins - Police Lieutenant
Cheech Marin - Dock Supervisor (Cameo)
Yvette Cruise - Maria, Dana's Maid
John Hammil - Detective #1
Ray Glanzmann - Detective #2
Alex Zimmerman - Detective #3
Brian Doyle-Murray - Psychiatrist (Cameo)
Louise Troy - Woman with Fur Coat
Douglas Seale - Plaza Hotel Man
Ben Stein - Public Works Official
Erik Holland - Fire Commissioner
Philip Baker Hall - Police Commissioner
Kevin Dunn - Milton Angland (Uncredited)
Ivan Reitman - Man Walking Outside Firehouse
(Cameo)/Slimer (Voice) (Uncredited)

Crew
Producer/Director - Ivan Reitman
Based on Characters/Writers - Harold Ramis
and Dan Aykroyd
Associate Producer/Film Editor -
Sheldon Kahn
Associate Producer/Unit Production Manager -
Gordon A. Webb
Executive Producers - Bernie Brillstein,
Michael C. Gross and Joe Medjuck
Casting Director - Michael Chinich
Production Designer - Bo Welch
Art Director - Tom Duffield
Set Decorator - Cheryl Carasik
Costume Designer - Gloria Gresham
Creature & Makeup Designer: ILM -
Tim Lawrence
Director of Photography - Michael Chapman
Director of Photography: New York Second Unit -
Rexford L. Mutz
Camera Operators - Robert Edesa and
Michael Genne
Steadicam Operator: New York - Larry McConkey
First Assistant Director - Peter Giuliano
Second Unit Director - Michael D. Moore
Stunt Coordinator - Joel Kramer
Creature Effects: Theatre and Subway Ghosts -
Rick Lazzarini
Animatronics - Tommy Williamson
Visual Effects Supervisor - Dennis Muren
Visual Effects Supervisor: Apogee - Sam Nicholson
Chief Visual Effects Coordinator: ILM - Ned Gorman
Visual Effects Producer - Janet Healy
Visual Effects Producer: ILM - Janet Mohler
Visual Effects Producer: VCE - Peter Kuran
Visual Effects Art Director: ILM - Harley Jessup
Production Supervisor: Apogee - John Swallow
Director of Effects Photography: ILM - Mark Vargo
Visual Effects Camera Operators: ILM -
Terry Chostner, Pat Sweeney, Peter Daulton
and Martin Rosenberg
Bathtub Trainer: ILM - Thomas Floutz
Animation Supervisor: ILM - Tom Bertino
Animation Camera Operator: ILM - Patrick T. Myers
Model Shop Supervisor: ILM - Bill George
Chief Model Makers: ILM - Barbara Affonso,
Jeff Olson and Lorne Peterson
Model Shop: Apogee - Grant McCune,
Tom Park and William Shourt
Lead Sculptor & Prosthetics: ILM - Mike Smithson
Lead Mechanical Animator: ILM - Allen Coulter
Lead Specialty Costumer: ILM - Camilla Hennerman
Optical: Apogee - Dennis Dorney,
Nick G. Linardos and Jerry Pooler
Stage Shooting Coordinator: ILM - Mark S. Miller
Film Editor - Donn Cambern
Supervising Sound Editors - Fred Judkins
and Tom C. McCarthy
Special Sound Effects: The Sound Choice -
Ed Bannon and Gary Rydstrom
Production Sound Mixer - Gene S. Cantamessa
Sound Re-Recording Crew Chief -
Anna Behlmer
Re-Recording Mixers - Gary C. Bourgeois,
Chris Carpenter and Jim Fitzpatrick
Music - Randy Edelman
Music Supervisor - Peter Afterman


Review
After delivering the biggest box office draw of 1984, the studio was riding high on the success of the original Ghostbusters film and animated series. They began pressuring some of the cast and crew, like director Ivan Reitman and actors/writers Harold Ramis and Dan Akyroyd, into working on a sequel. This sequel turned out to be nearly as profitable as the first blockbuster. I am sorry to say about the quality of the films by comparison. The sequel is not worth it. GHOSTBUSTERS II only provided some laughs and brought nothing new, as the plot is a retread of its predecessor. The second film may have been a rush job. And with some tender loving care, it could have had some potential.

It was good to see all the original actors back together again in their performances. I commend each actor for doing their best to work with a subpar script.

GHOSTBUSTERS II isn't always unwatchable, and it's good to see it again after two times in a row. You don't feel like watching it again as you did with the first. I didn't enjoy this movie as much as the original.

Star rating: (5/10) Average

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Monday, October 26, 2015

Gremlins Review












Gremlins


Release Date: 13th December 1984 - Australia


Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (presents)
Amblin Entertainment


Genre: Horror/Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 102 minutes


Budget: $11,000,000

Box Office Gross: $213,715,442 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary
Young Billy Peltzer receives a gift from his dad that is a cute new pet and must follow three instructions. Never get it wet, keep it away from the bright light, and most importantly, never feed it after midnight, no matter how much it begs and cries. Unfortunately, Billy has
broken these rules and
unwittingly unleashes a horde of little monsters that can cause so much destruction to his hometown.


Cast
Zach Galligan - Billy Peltzer
Phoebe Cates - Kate Beringer
Hoyt Axton - Randall Peltzer
Polly Holliday - Ruby Deagle
Frances Lee McCain - Lynn Peltzer
Corey Feldman - Pete
Howie Mandel - Gizmo (Voice)
Judge Reinhold - Gerald Hopkins
Edward Andrews - Mr. Roland Corben
Glynn Turman - Mr. Roy Hanson
Harry Carey, Jr. - Mr. Anderson
Keye Luke - Mr. Wing
Dick Miller - Mr. Futterman
Jackie Joseph - Mrs. Futterman
Frank Welker - Stripe/Gremlins (Voice)
John Louie - Chinese Boy
Scott Brady - Sheriff Frank
Belinda Balaski - Mrs. Joe Harris
Frances Lee McCain - Lynn Peltzer
Arnie Moore - Alex
Kenny Davis - Dorry
Jonathan Banks - Deputy Brent
Mushroom - Barney
John C. Becher - Dr. Molinar
Gwen Wilson - Mrs. Molinar
Donald Elson - Man on Street
James MacKrell - Lew Landers (WDHB-TV Reporter) (Cameo)
Don Steele - Rockin' Ricky Rialto (Voice)
Fred Newman - Mogwai/Gremlins (Voice)
Mark Dodson - Mogwai/Gremlins (Voice)
Michael Winslow - Mogwai/Gremlins (Voice)
Peter Cullen - Mogwai/Gremlins (Voice)
Bob Bergen - Mogwai/Gremlins (Voice)
Michael Sheehan - Mogwai/Gremlins (Voice)
Bob Holt - Mogwai/Gremlins (Voice)
Brad Kesten - Mogwai/Gremlins (Voice)
(Uncredited)
Mushroom - Barney
Marvin Miller - Robby the Robot (Voice)
(Uncredited)
Chuck Jones - Mr. Jones (Cameo)
Steven Spielberg - Man in Electric
Wheelchair (Cameo) (Uncredited)
Jerry Goldsmith - Man in Telephone
Booth Glancing in Camera (Cameo)
(Uncredited)
William Schallert - Father Bartlett
(Cameo) (Uncredited)
Kenneth Tobey - Smoking Gas
Station Attendant ( Cameo)
(Uncredited)

Crew
Director - Joe Dante
Writer - Chris Columbus
Executive Producers - Steven Spielberg,
Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall
Producer - Michael Finnell
Casting Director - Susan Arnold
Production Designer - James H. Spencer
Set Decorators - Jackie Carr
and Sally Ann Jameson (Uncredited)
Director of Photography - John Hora
Stunt Coordinator - Terry Leonard
Special Effects Supervisor - R.A. MacDonald
Creator: Gremlins - Chris Walas
Creature Consultant - Jon Berg
Matte Artist - Rocco Gioffre
Film Editor - Tina Hirsch
Supervising Sound Editors - Richard L. Anderson
and Mark A. Mangini
Sound Editors - Warren Hamilton Jr.
and David E. Stone
Re-Recording Mixers - Steve Maslow,
Kevin O'Connell, Bill Varney and Rick Kline
(Uncredited)
Foley Artists - John Roesch and Joan Rowe
Music - Jerry Goldsmith
Music Recording Mixers - Bruce Botnick
and Robert Fernandez


Review
It is one of those movies that I have not yet had a chance to review. GREMLINS was a horror comedy brilliantly conceived by writer and future director Chris Columbus, filmmaker Steven Spielberg and director Joe Dante. It came out in cinemas on the same day as Ghostbusters, which the former made a massive impact on audiences that same year. I remember GREMLINS when I first watched it on cable television as a child. It brought me an impression of how these devilish creatures could come to exist through unique effects and puppetry. I define GREMLINS as having a dark, twisted and comical vibe with fright all over the place to shake the balance to startle and amuse audiences. Apart from having Spielberg, Dante and Columbus on the directional team, there was an ensemble of actors I never recognised, apart from young Corey Feldman and Judge Reinhold in the supporting leads. Each gave a distinction for their performance in the film.

There are no movies today that could compare to GREMLINS. This film has a rewatch value and is one of those stories that always stay with you even if you believe there may be gremlins rampaging through household appliances or causing household mayhem.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Thursday, October 22, 2015

New Star Wars Trailer and New Categories!

In today's post, word has it that the new and possibly final trailer for the upcoming instalment of the much-beloved Star Wars series, The Force Awakens went viral yesterday. Those who have loved the original and much-beloved science fiction classics will get an exclusive peek at the video preview, which I've uploaded below. It gives you the showcase of human splendour and the adventure sorely lacking in the much-maligned prequels. It makes the original three look like they will run for their money.


In addition, you can see on the right side of my blog that I've set up some new categories. I've listed all movies from my reviews in each category, for example, films from the 1930s to the 2010s. Take a look at the reviews. Feel free to leave feedback, and happy movie-watching folks.

Monday, October 19, 2015

The Sorcerer's Apprentice Review















The Sorcerer's Apprentice 


Release Date: 9th September 2010 - Australia


Production Companies 
Walt Disney Pictures (present)
Jerry Bruckheimer Films (present)
Saturn Films
Broken Road

Distribution
Walt Disney Studios Motion 
Pictures Australia 


Genre: Fantasy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 106 minutes 


Budget: $150,000,000

Box Office Gross: $215,283,742 
(Worldwide)


Plot Summary 
Balthazar Blake is a modern-
day sorcerer with his hands 
full defending Manhattan 
against dark forces. When a 
seemingly average kid 
shows hidden potential, 
Balthazar takes his reluctant 
recruit on a crash course in 
the art and science of magic 
to become the ultimate 
sorcerer's apprentice.


Cast
Jay Baruchel - Dave
Nicolas Cage - Balthazar Blake
Alfred Molina - Horvath
Teresa Palmer - Becky
Toby Kebbell - Drake Stone
Omar Benson Miller - Bennet
Monica Bellucci - Veronica
Nicole Ehinger - Abigail Williams
Alice Krige - Morganna Le Fey
James A. Stephens - Merlin
Jake Cherry - Young Dave
Gregory Woo - Sun-Lok
Wai Ching Ho - Chinese Woman
Peyton List - Young Becky
Adriane Lenox - Ms. Algar
Ethan Peck - Andre

Crew
Director - Jon Turteltaub 
Screen Story/Screenplay - Matt Lopez
Screen Story - Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal
Screenplay - Doug Miro and Carlo Bernard
Associate Producer - Pat Sandston
Executive Producers - Todd Garner, 
Nicolas Cage, Mike Stenson, Chad Oman,
Norman Golightly and Barry H. Waldman
Producer - Jerry Bruckheimer
Production Designer - Naomi Shohan
Costume Designer - Michael Kaplan
Director of Photography - Bojan Bazelli
Second Unit Director - Phillip G. Atwell
Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator -
George Marshall Ruge
Special Effects Supervisor - John Frazier
Special Effects Coordinator - Mark Hawker
Visual Effects Supervisor - John Nelson
Visual Effects Supervisor: Asylum - Phil Brennan
Visual Effects Supervisor: Double Negative -
Adrian De Wet
Visual Effects Creative Supervisor: Asylum -
Nathan McGuinness
Additional Visual Effects Supervisor: Asylum -
Jason Schugardt
Visual Effects Producer: Disney - Amber Kirsch
Film Editor - William Goldenberg
Music - Trevor Rabin


Review
I originally watched 'THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE' on the big screen in 2010, I discovered from research on the web that it in fact was loosely adapted from the animated segment of the original 'Fantasia'. But I wouldn't know until now that it was a misunderstood movie that was financially pounded in its impending release. It must've worn out its welcome for audiences and convinced them into seeing 'Harry Potter' instead among the year's other feature fantasies. I'll start with the fact that 'THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE' is not such a fantastically magical picture as it was perhaps marketed to be and this could be partly a result of its predictable storyline and only appealing to an younger audience.

The cast selection was I thought decent with Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel at the reigns. Both performers are at least well-committed, especially Baruchel as the apprentice who conveys a protagonist in training to become a mage and has a humorous and sarcastic approach to the character. Nicolas is possibly the best candidate to be chosen as a mage, he manages to create a fatherly figure to the young apprentice but also with adding comedy as well. Thankfully, the English actor Alfred Molina was there to give some form of acting with a range of decent villainy for his character to be brandished in a classy type. Not unlike Cage and Baruchel who were there to provide the movie's perchance for comedy.

'THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE' is one of these movies that showcased a cliffhanger ending and in my opinion, would be an ideal sequel material. Due to being considered as a flop unfortunately, it most likely won't get a look in for a second instalment. As previously stated, this movie is an overlooked gem and it's definitely worth giving a chance. 

Star rating: (6/10) Fair Movie

Monday, October 12, 2015

The Martian Review











The Martian


Release Date: 1st October 2015 - Australia


Production Companies
20th Century Fox
Scott Free Productions
TSG Entertainment (in association with)
Genre Films

Distribution
20th Century Fox Australia


Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: M

Runtime: 141 minutes


Budget: $108,000,000

Box Office Gross: $630,620,818 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary
After being wounded in a dust storm on Mars, which nearly gets him killed, his crew leaves him when they assume the worst.

Astronaut Mark Watney struggles to survive in this hostile world devoid of intelligent life and must find a way to contact Earth and let them know he is still alive.


Cast
Matt Damon - Mark Watney
Jessica Chastain - Melissa Lewis
Kristen Wiig - Annie Montrose
Jeff Daniels - Teddy Sanders
Michael PeƱa - Rick Martinez
Kate Mara - Beth Johanssen
Sean Bean - Mitch Henderson
Sebastian Stan - Chris Beck
Aksel Hennie - Alex Vogel
Chiwetel Ejiofor - Vincent Kapoor
Donald Glover - Rich Purnell
Benedict Wong - Bruce Ng
Mackenzie Davis - Mindy Park
Naomi Scott - Ryoko
Nick Mohammed - Tim Grimes
Eddy Ko - Guo Ming
Shu Chen - Zhu Tao
Enzo Cilenti - Mike Watkins
Jonathan Aris - Brendan Hatch
Gruffudd Glyn - Jack
Geoffrey Thomas - U.S. President
Yang Haiwen - Chinese Flight Director
Tsogtsaikan Narantsogt - Wen Jiang
Charlie Gardner - Robert Lewis

Crew
Producer/Director - Ridley Scott
Based Upon the Novel "The Martian" - Andy Weir
Screenplay/Executive
Producer - Drew Goddard
Associate Producer - Teresa Kelly
Producers - Mark Huffam, Simon Kinberg, Michael Schaefer and Aditya Sood
Astronaut Advisor - Rudi Schmidt
Casting Directors - Carmen Cuba and Nina Gold
Production Designer - Arthur Max
Supervising Art Director - Marc Homes
Senior Art Director: Vehicles - Oliver Hodge
Senior Art Director - Robert Cowper
Art Directors - MĆ³nika EsztĆ”n,
Jonathan Houlding, LĆ”szlĆ³ Rajk,
Phil Sims, Stefan Speth, Mark Swain,
Matt Wynne, Jason Knox-Johnston and
Huw Arthur
Set Decorator - Celia Bobak
Costume Designer - Janty Yates
Makeup & Hair Designer - Tina Earnshaw
Director of Photography - Dariusz Wolski
Director of Photography: Second Unit -
Mark Patten
Production Managers: Jordan - James Grant
and Fuad Khalil
Location Manager - Rudolf AndrƔs
Location Managers: Jordan - Giles Edleston
and Saeb Abul Ragheb
Second Unit Director - Luke Scott
Stunt Coordinator - Rob Inch
Special Effects Supervisor - Neil Corbould
Special Effects Co-Supervisor - Steven Warner
Visual Effects Supervisor - Richard Stammers
Visual Effects Supervisors: MPC -
Anders Langlands and Tim Ledbury
Visual Effects Supervisor: Framestore -
Chris Lawrence
VFX Shoot Supervisor - Matt Sloan
Visual Effects Producer - Barrie Hemsley
Visual Effects: ILM - Mohen Leo,
Cynthia Crimmins, Nina Fallon,
John Calloway, Timothy Trimmings,
Oliver Askew, Benjamin Charles,
Frank Dumont, David Kirchner,
Scott Pritchard, Claudio Bassi,
Carlos Conceicao, Sam Hanover,
Gordon Marshall, Hantong Tang, Conor Byrne,
Sonia Contreras, Rose Keane, Luca Mignardi
and Kristopher Whitford
Digital Supervisor: The Senate - James D. Fleming
Animation Supervisor: MPC - Greg Fisher
Virtual Production Supervisor - Casey Schatz
Film Editor - Pietro Scalia
Co-Editor - Valerio Bonelli
Supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer -
Oliver Tarney
Sound Designer - Michael Fentum
Production Sound Mixer - Mac Ruth
Re-Recording Mixer/Sound Effects Editor -
Mark Taylor
Re-Recording Mixer - Paul Massey
Music - Harry Gregson-Williams
Orchestration & Choir Recordist & Mixer -
Peter Cobbin


Review
With the combined talents of director Ridley Scott and actor Matt Damon, this film takes audiences on an intriguing journey through the reddish dry landscapes of the planet Mars. Other movies rarely attempted this setting. Be that as it may, features set on the red planet were unsuccessful as these cinematic misfires include John Carter, Red Planet and Mars Needs Moms, which tanked at the box office.

I would be disappointed if I missed seeing THE MARTIAN on the big screen, though it isn't without its faults. THE MARTIAN manages to tell a compelling story about facing survival and isolation. I describe it as similar to Cast Away but in a space setting. It successfully immersed viewers into a real-life scenario on Mars, where materials are scarce, and the terrain is harsh and unforgiving. The film isn't always dark and depressing. Some of its lighthearted moments make the characters more human and authentic.

Matt Damon was great for the role and is as convincing as the stranded astronaut Mark Watney. In his portrayal, he creates a real connection with the audience. You're hoping for his survival and care about what happens to him. So that if you are glued to the screen to discover the conclusion. The rest of the ensemble cast of Jeff Daniels, Jessica Chastain and Sean Bean isn't up to the standards of Damon, but they are themselves proven worthy of their place within this film.

THE MARTIAN is nearly as good as Ridley's other hit movies, and in fact, this could be his most compelling work after Alien and Blade Runner. This movie has a long-running time of two hours and 20 minutes due to its high-quality editing. You'll never get bored at any point during the film. Finally, this movie will have lasting value and is good to watch.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Monday, October 5, 2015

Pixels Review










Pixels


Release Date: 10th September 2015 - Australia


Production Companies
Columbia Pictures (presents)
Happy Madison Productions
1492 Pictures
China Film Group Corporation (CFGC) (in association with)
LStar Capital (in association with)
Film Croppers Entertainment
(in association with)

Distribution 
Sony Pictures Australia


Genre: Sci-Fi/Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 106 minutes


Budget: $129,000,000

Box Office Gross: $244,874,809 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary
When an alien race attacks Earth in the form of classic video games after misinterpreting them as a declaration of war, President Will Cooper must call on his childhood pal Sam Brenner to assemble a team of old-school arcade players. It's up to Ludlow Lamonsoff and Eddie Plant in their arcade skills to defeat the aliens and save the
world from being destroyed
by PAC-MAN, Donkey
Kong, Galaga, Centipede
and Space Invaders.


Cast
Adam Sandler - Sam Brenner
Kevin James - Will Cooper
Michelle Monaghan - Violet Van Patten
Josh Gad - Ludlow Lamonsoff
Peter Dinklage - Eddie Plant
Brian Cox - Admiral Porter
Matt Lintz - Matty Van Patten
Denis Akiyama - Toru Iwatani
Sean Bean - Corporal Hill
Affion Crockett - Sgt. Dylan Cohen
Lainie Kazan - Mickey Lamonsoff
Ashley Benson - Lady Lisa
Jane Krakowski - First Lady Jane Cooper
Dan Aykroyd - 1982 Championship M.C.
Thomas McCarthy - Michael the Robot
Tim Herlihy - Defense Secretary
Serena Williams - Herself (Cameo)
Martha Stewart - Herself (Cameo)
Allen Covert - Abusive Citizen (Cameo)
Anthony Ippolito - 13-Year-Old
Brenner
Jared Riley - 13-Year-Old
Cooper
Andrew Bambridge - 13-
Year-Old Eddie
Jacob Shinder - 8-Year-Old
Ludlow
Sadie Sandler - Lemonade Sadie
Sunny Sandler - Sweet Scout Girl
Daryl Hall - Himself (Cameo)
John Oates - Himself (Cameo)
Matt Frewer - Max Headroom
(Voice) (Cameo)
Jackie Sandler - President's
Assistant Jennifer
Jared Sandler - White House
Junior Aide Jared
Fiona Shaw - Prime Minister
(Uncredited)

Crew
Producer/Director - Chris Columbus
Based on the Short Film
"Pixels"/Executive Producer - Patrick Jean
Screen Story/Screenplay -
Tim Herlihy
Screenplay - Timothy Dowling
Associate Producers/Unit
Production Managers -
David Witz and Lyn Lucibello-Brancatella
Associate Producer/First
Assistant Director - K.C. Hodenfield
Executive Producers - Johnny Alves,
Barry Bernardi, Matias Bouchard,
Benjamin Darris, Jack Giarraputo,
Seth Gordon, Yuka Kato, Steve Koren,
Heather Parry, Ben Waisbren,
Michael Barnathan and La Peikang
Producers - Adam Sandler, Mark Radcliffe
and Allen Covert
Co-Producer/Music Supervisor - Kevin Grady
Military Technical Advisors - Gregory Bishop
and Brian Chung
Production Designer - Peter Wenham
Illustrators - Jamie Rawa,
George Hull and Tim Flattery
Art Directors - Richard L. Johnson
and Peter Grundy
Set Decorators - Rosalie Board and
Rosemary Brandenberg
Property Masters - Timothy S. Wiles
and Vic Rigler
Costume Designer - Christine Wada
Director of Photography - Amir Mokri
Second Assistant Director - Jack Boem
Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator -
Bob Brown
Stunt Coordinator: Canada - Layton Morrison
Stunt Coordinator: Second Unit - Jon H. Epstein
Fight Choreographer - Peng Zhang
Picture Car Coordinator - Steve Mann
Picture Car Supervisor - Ryan Herem
Special Effects Supervisor - Burt Dalton
Special Effects Coordinator - Laird McMurray
Visual Effects Supervisor - Matthew E. Butler
Visual Effects Supervisor: SPI - Daniel Kramer
Visual Effects Producer - Denise Davis
Visual Effects Producer: Digital Domain -
Elizabeth Schafer Knovick
Senior Visual Effects Producer: SPI -
Christian Hejnal
Digital Effects Supervisor: SPI - John Haley
Animation Supervisor: SPI - Steve Nichols
Animation Supervisor: Digital Domain -
Jan Philip Cramer
Computer Graphics Supervisor: SPI -
Benjamin Hendricks
Computer Graphics Supervisor: Atomic Fiction -
David 'Rudy' Grossman
Sequence Supervisors: Digital Domain -
Alexandre Millet and Paul George Palop
Compositing Supervisors: Digital Domain -
Joel Behrens and Bryan Smeall
Previs/Post Vis Supervisor - Scott Meadows
Effects Supervisor: Digital Domain - Brian Gazdik
Editors - Hughes Winborne and
Peck Prior
Sound Designer/Re-Recording Mixer -
Steve Boeddeker
ADR/Supervising Sound Editor - Steve Slanec
Production Mixer - Glen Gauthier
Dialogue Editors - Richard Quinn
and Michael Silvers
Re-Recording Mixer - Gary Summers
Foley Artists - Sean England and
Ronni Brown
Music - Henry Jackman
Score Mixers - Alan Meyerson
and Chris Fogel


Review
I was unsure of this video game-oriented sci-fi comedy of PIXELS when I heard about the terrible reception shortly before its release. I was astounded to discover that the film is an adaptation of an animated short. Its storyline is about video games attacking the planet, a plot borrowed from the episode of Futurama. Lastly, the renowned writer-director Chris Columbus is at the helm of this overlooked motion picture. No film could easily contrast with PIXELS, excluding Wreck-It Ralph, an animated feature released three years before.

It's not quite the game-changer the arcade game enthusiasts had in store. PIXELS is a misunderstood movie mainly criticised by those who disliked its lead actor, Adam Sandler, as his latest movies bombed callously to audiences everywhere. Then again, it does seem like a childhood fantasy for the middle-aged comedian. I wondered why Chris, of all filmmakers, was determined to direct a feature with an actor he had never worked with before.

The strong market point for a movie of this calibre is to create a sense of nostalgia for video game fans to recreate the old video game characters that gamers once treasured. PIXELS did an incredible job in bringing the visuals, with the recreation of the 8-bit video game characters of Pac-Man and Donkey Kong and elements in pixelation. Many of its jokes and references aimed at adults were hit-and-miss. I don't intend to criticise the scene where a Smurf is vaporised by one of the main characters, mostly because I'm not a big fan of Smurfs. I enjoyed seeing Peter Dinklage in a supporting role rather than the lead role heavily handpicked for Sandler.

I lastly liked the song placement of "We Will Rock You" by Queen. One last issue about the other actors is that Kevin James is probably unsuited as the President, and Josh Gad's character is poorly written, unfunny, and has constant screaming.

Not every critic should judge PIXELS as a flop unworthy of a replay mode, as it is fair to say that this film does have some themes appealing to those who have played these kinds of game classics at home or the video arcades. Thanks for reading my review. Sorry to say, this is game over.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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