Zoolander/Zoolander 2 Review

Zoolander/Zoolander 2

Release Date: 1st November 2001 - Australia
                        (Zoolander)

                        11th February 2016 - Australia
                        (Zoolander 2)

Production Companies

Paramount Pictures (present)

Village Roadshow Pictures (present) (Zoolander Only)

VH1 Films (in association with) (Zoolander Only)

NPV Entertainment (in association with) (Zoolander Only)

Red Hour Films

Scott Rubin Productions

Distribution 

Roadshow Distribution (Zoolander Only)

Paramount Pictures Australia (Zoolander 2 Only)

Genre: Comedy

Rating: M

Runtime: 96 minutes
                (Zoolander)

                102 minutes
                (Zoolander 2)


Budget: $28,000,000
              (Zoolander)
              $50,000,000
              (Zoolander 2)

Box Office Gross: 
$60,780,981 (Worldwide) (Zoolander)
$56,722,693 (Worldwide)
(Zoolander 2)

Plot Summaries

ZOOLANDER

Zoolander is the most 

beautiful creature in the 

world and nearly as good 

looking as he thinks he is... 

With the face of an angel, 

the looks of a God and 

the brain of a single cell 

amoeba, Zoolander is the 

most famous face in the 

world; winning the 'Male 

Model of the Year' award 

3 years running. And he 

knows he's shoo-in this 

year. But a hot new 

contender has just hit 

the catwalks- Hansel. 

One name, no brain.

Now this pair of vain, 

vacuous airheads are 

about to contend fashion 

world's most catty 

contest- the 'catwalk-off'. 

Someone is going to get 

his hair messed up! But 

before the gel has time 

to set, a crazed fashion 

designer hatches a plot 

to brainwash Zoolander 

into committing a crime 

more heinous than bad 

fashion sense.

ZOOLANDER 2

Once the world's most 

famous models, Derek 

Zoolander and Hansel 

are old news - in fact, 

they're the source of 

amusement. The hottest 

supermodel on the circuit 

now is an androgynous-

looking model who goes 

by the name of All. 

They're disheartened, but 

that changes when they're 

contacted by Interpol 

agent Montana Grosso. 

She wants to recruit Derek 

and Hansel to help her 

find the criminal mastermind 

who is killing the world's 

most beautiful people, 

including Justin Bieber, 

Demi Lovato, Usher and 

Miley Cyrus. They all died 

with Derek's signature 

look - Blue Steel - on their 

faces. 

The male models are thrilled 

to be asked to infiltrate the 

world of high fashion, but 

Montana comes to question 

her decision when she sees 

their methods. (Source - Metro Cinemas)

Cast

Ben Stiller - Derek Zoolander

Owen Wilson - Hansel

Will Ferrell - Mugatu

Christine Taylor - Matilda Jeffries

Milla Jovovich - Katinka

Jerry Stiller - Maury Ballstein

Nathan Lee Graham - Todd

Billy Zane - Himself (Cameo)

Tommy Hilfiger - Himself (Cameo)

Lenny Kravitz - Himself (Cameo)

Justin Theroux - Evil DJ

Zoolander Only

David Duchovny - J. P. Prewitt

Jon Voight - Larry Zoolander

Judah Friedlander - Scrappy Zoolander

Alexander Manning - Brint

Asio Highsmith - Rufus

Alexander Skarsgård - Meekus

Donald Trump - Himself (Cameo)

Christian Slater - Himself (Cameo)

Tom Ford - Himself (Cameo)

Cuba Gooding Jr. - Himself (Cameo)

Steve Kmetko - Himself (Cameo)

Natalie Portman - Herself (Cameo)

Fabio - Himself (Cameo)

Gwen Stefani - Herself (Cameo)

Heidi Klum - Herself (Cameo)

DJ Mark Ronson - Himself (Cameo)

Paris Hilton - Herself (Cameo)

David Bowie - Himself (Cameo)

Tyson Beckford - Himself (Cameo)

Fred Durst - Himself (Cameo)

Lance Bass - Himself (Cameo)

L'il Kim - Herself (Cameo)

Garry Shandling - Himself (Cameo)

Stephen Doriff - Himself (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Sandra Bernhard - Herself (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Victoria Beckham - Herself (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Emma Bunton - Herself (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Veronica Webb - Herself (Cameo)

Lukas Haas - Himself (Cameo)

Carmen Kass - Herself (Cameo)

Frankie Ryder - Herself (Cameo)

Little Kings - Themselves (Cameo)

Matt Levin - Archie

Andy Dick - Olga the Masseuse

Woodrow Asai - Prime Minister 

of Malaysia

James Marsden - John Wilkes Booth (Cameo)

Vince Vaughn - Larry Zoolander (Cameo)

Zoolander 2 Only

Penélope Cruz - Melanie

Kristen Wiig - Alexanya Atoz

Cyrus Arnold - Derek Jr.

Kyle Mooney - Don Atari

Beck Bennett - Geoff Mile
John Malkovich - Skip Taylor (Cameo)

Justin Bieber - Himself (Cameo)

Sting - Himself (Cameo)

Benedict Cumberbatch - All

Susan Boyle - Herself (Cameo)

Katy Perry - Herself (Cameo)

Neil deGrasse Tyson - Himself (Cameo)

Susan Sarandon - Herself (Cameo)

Joe Jonas - Himself (Cameo)

Macaulay Culkin - Himself (Cameo)

Demi Lovato - Herself (Cameo)

Kiefer Sutherland - Himself (Cameo)

Matt Lauer - Himself (Cameo)

Anna Wintour - Herself (Cameo)

Katie Couric - Herself (Cameo)

Lewis Hamilton - Himself (Cameo)

Natalie Morales - Herself (Cameo)

M.C. Hammer - Himself (Cameo)

Skrillex - Himself (Cameo)

Christine Amanpour - Herself (Cameo)

Valentino Garavani - Himself (Cameo)

Marc Jacobs - Himself (Cameo)

Don Lemon - Himself (Cameo)

Alexander Wang - Himself (Cameo)

Jourdan Dunn - Herself (Cameo)

Crew (*/**)

Based on Characters (**)/
Story/Screenplay/Producer/
Director - Ben Stiller

Based on Characters (**)/
Story/Screenplay (*) - Drake Sather

Screenplay - John Hamburg,
Justin Theroux (**) and
Nicolas Stoller (**)

Executive Producers - Joel 

Gallen, Adam Schroeber 
and Lauren Zalaznick

Producers - Scott Rudin, 

Stuart Cornfeld and 
Clayton Towsend (**)

Co-Producer/Unit Production 

Manager - Celia Costas (*)

Production Designers -
Robin Standefer (*) and
Jeff Mann (**)

Costume Designers - David
C. Robinson (*) and Leesa Evans (**)

Directors of Photography - Barry Peterson (*)
and Dan Mindel (**)

Editor - Greg Hayden

Music Supervisors - Randall Poster (*)
and George Drakoulias

Music - David Arnold (*) and Theodore Shapiro (**)

Review

This is the second time I've reviewed two features in a single post, I was hoping to see 'Kung Fu Panda 3' at the movies when I ended up watching 'ZOOLANDER 2' instead. It's time to shine the spotlight on 'ZOOLANDER 1' and '2' in a double feature critique as the two movies were a product of genius by comedic actor Ben Stiller. He not only acted as the title character but wrote, produced and directed the movies which I've ranked them below in order.

ZOOLANDER

In the first 'ZOOLANDER', it wasn't painful or anything like that at all, but the picture was a stylish showcase for Ben Stiller in his handling of pure laughter. He has the character portrayed as an endless parody to all male models who would trade their intelligence for their own good looks. I liked how Stiller got all the aspects in the satire movie apart from the title character he's portrayed. This includes the humour, the cast and even the celebrities who have guested on this picture. Owen Wilson, his real-to-life wife Christine Taylor and his real-to-life father Jerry Stiller are among some of its actors in its glorious ensemble cast. The one actor that may be worth mentioning is Will Ferrell who acts deliciously as the highly flamboyant and evil Mugatu who may be both as silly and evil in trying to upstage Mike Myers' Dr. Evil in the 'Austin Powers' series.

Some of the celebrity guest stars that are featured include the late David Bowie, Billy Zane, the infamous Donald Trump and others whose credentials have been boosted on this brand comedy. Finally, the part of 'ZOOLANDER' that I've liked in its well-processed amusement is the fight at the gas station which ends in a explosive finale that is to say that it's a highly unforgettable scene.

I think the original 'ZOOLANDER' has taken the stylish satire to great heights. It was wonderful for me to have seen it at home. Buy it, rent it or see it however you can, this movie is highly recommendable to all audiences.

Star rating: (9/10) Excellent Movie 

ZOOLANDER 2

It's been fifteen years since 'Zoolander' is built to have the largest appeal to a comedy for all the adults. I have grown very sceptic about 2016's sequel to the amazing cult classic. Many of us are expecting that it could be one of the less-fortunate sequels. Maybe the prediction about it came true after all and though the trailer was a huge stand-out. Mainly because of the part where Justin Bieber is killed in having the crowd (excluding fans) cheer for his fictional demise. Sadly, it wasn't enough that 'ZOOLANDER 2' has the gags that were mostly recycled from the original in a cheap fashion. There were a few jokes that were funny or at least some weren't there at all or were offensive and sad to begin with. The film relied too heavily on celebrity cameos that featured Sting, Susan Boyle, Kiefer Sutherland and many other talents. 

It is good that we've got Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell returning as some of the original characters conceived from the original 'Zoolander'. These two were back as the eponymous model hero and his rival turned companion in their idiocy, while Ferrell again plays as the twisted and comical mastermind of evil. These middle-aged actors have done all they can to revisit the glorious moments but they couldn't rescue of what is missing in this whole unstylish sequel. Even with the new actors like Penélope Cruz and Kristen Wiig are a huge waste of talent to Stiller's weak script and woeful direction of the sequel. 

All things being said, I would watch 'Zoolander 1' again instead of re-watching the second installment. People should stay away from this bloated attempt of a sequel.

Star rating: (4/10) Below Average

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War of the Worlds Review

War of the Worlds

Release Date: 29th June 2005 - Australia

Production Companies

Paramount Pictures

DreamWorks Pictures 

Amblin Entertainment

Cruise/Wagner Productions

Distribution 

Paramount Pictures Australia 

Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: M

Runtime: 116 minutes


Budget: $132,000,000

Box Office Gross: $603,873,119 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary 

Separated from his first

wife, Mary Ann, and

estranged from his two

children, whom he has

custody of on weekends,

Ray Ferrier works as a

longshoreman in New

Jersey. On one such visit,

looking after the children

becomes a little more

complicated when Ray

discovers that a fleet of

death-ray robot spaceships

has appeared nearby

following a series of

strange lightning storms in

his neighbourhood. The

fleet is part of the first wave

of a full-scale alien invasion

of Earth. Moving his

children from New York

to Boston to find safety

with Mary Ann's parents,

Ray must learn to be the

protector and provider he

never was in his marriage.

Cast

Tom Cruise - Ray Ferrier

Dakota Fanning - Rachel Ferrier

Miranda Otto - Mary Ann

Justin Chatwin - Robbie

Tim Robbins - Harlan Oglivy

Yul Vazquez - Julio

Lenny Venito - Manny the Mechanic

Ann Robinson - Grandmother (Cameo)

Gene Barry - Grandfather (Cameo)

David Alan Basche - Tim

Roz Abrams - Herself (Cameo)

Camilla Sanes - News Producer

Amy Ryan - Neighbour with Toddler

David Harbour - Dock Worker

Danny Hoch - Policeman

Morgan Freeman - Narrator (Voice)

Columbus Short - Soldier

Ty Simpkins - 3-Year-Old Boy

Channing Tatum - Boy in Church (Uncredited)

Dee Bradley Baker - Alien Vocals (Uncredited)

Crew

Director - Steven Spielberg

Based on the Novel - H.G. Wells

Screenplay - Josh Friedman

and David Koepp

Script Supervisor - Ana Maria Quintana

Executive Producer - Paula Wagner
Producers - Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson

Casting Directors - Terri Taylor and Debra Zane

Military Technical Advisor - J. Todd Breasseale
Production Designer - Rick Carter

Concept Designer - Doug Chiang

Concept Illustrators - James Clyne

and Christopher Baker

Supervising Art Director - Tony Fanning
Art Directors - Doug J, Meerdink,

Andrew Menzies and Norman Newberry

Assistant Art Directors - Curt Beech,

Easton Smith, Lori Rowbotham Grant,

Paul Sonski and Todd Cherniawsky

Storyboard Artist - David Lowery

Set Decorator - Anne Kuljian

Property Master - Doug Harlocker

Weapons Armorer - Steve Karnes
Costume Designer - Joanna Johnston

Makeup Department Head - Lois Burwell
Director of Photography - Janusz Kaminski

Camera Operators - Mitch Dubin

and George Billinger III

Unit Production Managers - David Witz

and Jonathan Filley

Production Supervisor - Jason McGatlin

Production Coordinator - Candice Campos

First Assistant Director - Adam Somner

Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator - Vic Armstrong
Special Effects Coordinator - Daniel Sudick

Special Effects Coordinator: Stan Winston

Studio - Shane Mahan

Special Effects Supervisors - David Blitstein
and Gintar Repecka

Effects Supervisors: Stan Winston Studio -

Lindsay MacGowan and Alan Scott

Practical Effects Supervisors: ILM - Robbie Clot

and Geoff Heron

Senior Visual Effects Supervisor - Dennis Muren
Visual Effects Supervisor - Ricardo Ramos
Visual Effects Supervisor - Pablo Helman

Visual Effects Supervisors: New Deal Studios - 

Ian Hunter and Matthew Gratzner

Additional Visual Effects Supervisors: ILM -

Edward Hirsh and Kim Liberi

Visual Effects Producer - Cari Thomas
Visual Effects Art Director: ILM - Christian Alzmann

Visual Effects Directors of Photography: ILM -

Martin Rosenberg and Kim Marks

Digital Production Supervisor: ILM -

Curt I. Miyashiro

TD Supervisor: ILM - Michael Di Como

Compositing Supervisor: ILM - Marshall Richard Krasser

Sequence Supervisors: ILM - Robert Marinic,

Pat Brennan, Jay Cooper, Raul Essig,

Erik Krumrey, Nigel Sumner and Jeff Sutherland
Creature Designers: ILM - Ryan Church,

Carlos Huante and Sangjun Lee
Model/Miniature Supervisor: ILM - Steve Gawley

Digital Model Supervisors: ILM -

Michael Koperwas and Russell Paul

Senior Model Makers: ILM - Charlie Bailey,

Don Bies, Brian Dewe, Robert M. Edwards

and Lorne Peterson
Animation Supervisor: ILM - Randal M. Dutra

Associate Animation Supervisors: ILM -

Jenn Emberly and Tim Harrington
Editor - Michael Kahn

Previsualization Supervisor - Daniel P. Gregoire

Assistant Editors - Sam Seig, Mike Cuevas,

Michael T. Wilson, Mark George Gillard and

Craig Hayes

Supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer -

Richard King

Additional Sound Design and Editing -

Michael Babcock, Aaron Glascock and

Hamilton Sterling

Additional Sound Design: Skywalker Sound -

Randy Thom

Assistant Sound Designer: Skywalker Sound -

Will Files

Sound Effects Recordists - John P. Fasal

and Eric Potter

Sound Editor: Skywalker Sound - Richard Hymns

Sound Effects Editor: Skywalker Sound -

Addison Teague

Sound Mixer - Ron Judkins

Re-Recording Mixers - Andy Nelson

and Anna Behlmer

Additional Sound Mixing - Elliott Tyson

and Doug Hemphill

Supervising Foley Artist - Gary A. Hecker
Music - John Williams

Music Scoring Mixer - Shawn Murphy


Awards

2006 Academy Awards
Best Sound Mixing - Andy Nelson, Anna Behlmer
and Ron Judkins (Nominated)
Best Sound Editing - Richard King (Nominated)
Best Visual Effects - Dennis Muren,

Pablo Helman, Randal M. Dutra and

Daniel Sudick (Nominated)

Review
If anyone thought of a movie based on a novel by the original master of science-fiction, H.G. Wells, most people would choose THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, a story so compelling that it's adapted into an infamous radio broadcast by Orson Welles and two films, such as the beloved 1953 classic and the modern 2005 remake. Before this new interpretation, I had already seen the original. It wasn't until several years later I got to experience the remake.

One observation is the vast difference in its special effects, which have been outdated since CGI came into the scene in the late 70s. Steven Spielberg, known to have produced Hollywood's cinematic treasures, directed a version that isn't his best movie, despite its intention to do justice to the original novel. He did a good job delivering the suspense and drama that its dark tone makes Close Encounters and E.T. look tame in comparison. The film is nowhere as unique and reaches a rushed ending. It comes with a reveal similar to the cheap twist ending of Signs by M. Night Shyamalan, and it works better on paper.

Aside from Morgan Freeman's narration, the lead and supporting actors who followed Spielberg's direction are young Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins and Tom Cruise. They limit their creativity in their cast roles very seriously. Dakota was a bright young child star, and while she did fine, she'll probably do less screaming as it becomes annoying in certain scenes. Tom Cruise never went cruise control, and he was one of the main actors who could fit right into this remake in the lead role of a divorcee. The visuals were extraordinary in this movie and were more than to set the scene in being massively produced.

It was never the best remake, nor does it catch the suspension of disbelief seen in the original interpretation. It's best that I re-watch the 50s classic rather than rediscover the horrors of this average movie. For those keen to watch this movie, you'll only see it once.

Star rating: (5/10) Average

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Review

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Release Date: 28th November 2002 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures

1492 Pictures

Heyday Films

Distribution

Roadshow Films

Genre: Fantasy/Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 161 minutes

                 174 minutes

                 (extended)


Budget: $100,000,000

Box Office Gross: $882,546,027 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Before arriving at Hogwarts in his second year, Harry Potter receives an unexpected visit from a house-elf named Dobby, who warns him not to return to Hogwarts and those strange and terrible things are bound to happen. Ignoring his warning, Harry goes ahead with his schedule and returns to school. But not before he starts hearing strange voices from inside the walls. Muggle-born students are petrified, and a message written with blood on the wall reveals to everyone that the Chamber of Secrets has opened. It is another school adventure for Harry, Ron and Hermione, as they must save Hogwarts and uncover the truth.

Cast

Daniel Radcliffe - Harry Potter

Emma Watson - Hermione Granger

Rupert Grint - Ron Weasley

Robbie Coltrane - Ruebus Hagrid

Richard Harris - Albus Dumbledore

Maggie Smith - Minerva McGonagall

Alan Rickman - Severus Snape

Kenneth Branagh - Gilderoy
Lockhart

Toby Jones - Dobby (Voice)

Tom Felton - Draco Malfoy

Jason Isaacs - Lucius Malfoy

Richard Griffiths - Vernon
Dursley

Fiona Shaw - Petunia Dursley

Harry Melling - Dudley Dursley

Warwick Davis - Filius Fitwick

David Bradley - Argus Filch

Miriam Margoyles - Prof.
Ponoma Sprout

Matthew Lewis - Neville
Longbottom

John Cleese - Nearly Headless Nick

Leslie Phillips - The Sorting Hat (Voice)

Mark Williams - Arthur
Weasley

Julie Walters - Molly Weasley

Bonnie Wright - Ginny Weasley

James & Oliver Phelps - Fred
and George Weasley

Chris Rankin - Percy Weasley

Sean Biggerstaff - Oliver Wood

Devon Murray - Seamus
Finnigan

Hugh Mitchell - Colin Creevey

Jamie Waylett - Vincent Crabbe

Joshua Herdman - Gregory

Goyle

Julian Glover - Aragog (Voice)

Christian Coulson - Tom Riddle

Shirley Henderson - Moaning Myrtle

Gemma Jones - Madam

Pomfrey

Robert Hardy - Cornelius Fudge

Jim Norton - Mr. Mason

Martin Bayfield - Young

Hagrid

Tom Knight - Mr. Granger

Heather Bleasdale - Mrs.

Granger

Ben Borowiecki - Angus

(Diagon Alley Boy)

Gemma Padley - Penelope

Clearwater

Alfred Enoch - Dean Thomas

Eleanor Columbus - Susan Bones

Rochelle Douglas - Alicia Spinnet

Emily Dale - Katie Bell

Danielle Tabor - Angelina Johnson

Jamie Yeates - Marcus Flint

Luke Youngblood - Lee Jordan

Scot Fearn - Adrian Pucey

Edward Randell - Justin Finch-Fletchley

Sally Mortemore - Madam Irma Pince

Charlotte Skeoch - Hannah Hufflepuff

Alfred Burke - Professor Dippet

Helen Stuart - Millicent Bulstrode

Adrian Rawlins - James Potter (Uncredited)

Geraldine Somerville - Lily Potter (Uncredited)

Crew

Executive Producer/Director - Chris Columbus

Based on the Novel "Harry Potter
and the Chamber of Secrets" - J. K. Rowling

Screenplay - Steve Kloves

Executive Producers - Mark Radcliffe,
Michael Barnathan and David Barron

Producer - David Heyman
Co-Producer - Tanya Seghatchian

Casting Director - Karen Lindsay-Stewart

Animal Coordinator - Gary Gero

Animal Trainers: Birds & Animals - Julie Tottman,

Dave Sousa and Michael Alexander

Production Designer - Stuart Craig

Creature Designer - Paul Catling

Conceptual Artists - Rob Bliss,

Adam Brockbank, Andrew Williamson,

Cyrille Nomberg and Dermot Power

Supervising Art Director - Neil Lamont

Art Directors - Andrew Ackland-Snow,

Mark Bartholomew, Peter Francis, John King,

Steven Lawrence and Lucinda Thomson

Assistant Art Directors - Alan Gilmore,

Dominic Masters and Gary Tomkins

Supervising Modellers - Pierre Bohanna

and Mark Woollard

Set Decorator - Stephenie McMillan

Assistant Set Decorator - Lee Sandales

Property Master - Barry Wilkinson

Assistant Property Master - Jamie Wilkinson

Costume Designer - Lindy Hemming

Associate Costume Designer - Michael O'Connor

Costume Supervisor - David Crossman

Wardrobe Supervisor - Dan Grace

Creature & Makeup Effects Designer -

Nick Dudman

Makeup Designer - Amanda Knight

Hair Designer - Eithne Fennel

Director of Photography - Roger Pratt

Director of Photography: Second Unit -

Mike Brewster

First Assistant Camera: Second Unit - Clive Mackey,

Danny Shelmerdine and John Deaton

Unit Production Manager - Bernard Bellew

First Assistant Director - Chris Carreras

First Assistant Director: Second Unit -

Jamie Christopher

Second Assistant Directors - Fiona Richards

and Michael Stevenson

Second Assistant Director: Second Unit -

Simon Emanuel

Location Managers - Nick Daubney,

Robin Higgs, Si King and Mark Somner

Second Unit Director - Peter MacDonald

Stunt Coordinator - Greg Powell

Special Effects Supervisor - John Richardson

Special Effects Coordinator - Rosie Richardson

Key Animatronic Designers - Chris Barton,

Gary Pollard, Astrid Akseralian and

Valerie Jones-Mendoza

Visual Effects Supervisors - Jim Mitchell and

Nick Davis

Visual Effects Supervisor: ILM - Bill George

Visual Effects Supervisor: Mill Film - Tim Burke

Visual Effects Supervisor: MPC - Tom Wood

Digital Visual Effects Supervisors: Framestore

CFC - Robert Duncan and Mark Nelmes

Visual Effects Associate Supervisor: ILM -

Douglas Smythe

Visual Effects Producers - Theresa Corrao

and Christian Kubsch

Visual Effects Producer: Mill Film - Nikki Penny

Animation Supervisor: ILM - David Andrews

Animation Supervisor: Framestore CFC - Mike Eames

Animation Supervisor: Mill Film - Ivor Middleton

Animation Sequence Supervisor: Framestore

CFC - Quentin Miles

Lead Dobby Animator - Steve Rawlins

Lead Quidditch Animator - Paul Kavanagh

Digital Supervisor: Mill Film - Simon Stanley-Clamp

Digital Effects Supervisor: Cinesite - John Lockwood

Digital Effects Producer: Cinesite - Stuart McAra

CG Supervisor: MPC - Chas Jarrett

Sequence Supervisors: ILM - Howard Gersh,

Indira Guerrieri and Kevin Sprout

Computer Graphics Sequence Supervisor:

Framestore CFC - Ben Morris

TD Supervisors: Mill Film - Andy Kind

and Laurent Kermel

Model Unit Supervisor: Mill Film - José Granell

Model Workshop Supervisor: Mill Film -

Nigel Trevessey

Supervising Compositor: MPC - Charley Henley

Digital Compositing Supervisor: ILM - Dorne Huebler

Editor - Peter Honess

Sound Designer/Supervisor/Supervising Sound

Editor (Uncredited) - Randy Thom

Sound Supervisor - Dennis Leonard

Sound Effects Editors - Martin Cantwell

and Andy Kennedy

Sound Mixer - John Midgley

Re-Recording Mixers - Adam & Graham

Daniel, Rick Kline and Ray Merrin

Foley Artists - Andy Derrick and

Peter Burgis

Music - John Williams

Music Adapter & Conductor - William Ross

Review

It's been years since I've seen a Harry Potter film, and I decided to revisit THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS. I was shocked to hear of Alan Rickman's passing, and because I was so busy with other critiques, I had little time to think about rewatching his films. I decided to continue the series of sorcery and magic by watching the second instalment of Harry Potter. While it's not, by all means, perfect, the first of the sequels supplements a dark tone that is yet to rejuvenate the movie franchise based on J.K. Rowling's fascinating novels. That is not to say it was a disappointment, but more clearly aimed at a younger audience. The sequels progress as the series takes a mature and dramatic approach as the characters grow older with different directors.

This film was the last for director Chris Columbus and the late actor Richard Harris as Dumbledore in the series. Chris would soon leave the director's chair, and Richard passed away. There are a few clues in THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS that the coming movies later explore.

I admit that Kenneth Branagh is an exceptional casting choice for Gilderoy Lockhart. Jason Issacs was indeed perfect for Lucius Malfoy. While John Williams didn't conduct the music for the second movie, which is a fun fact, he brought out the tension in the background music he wrote for THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS.

I wanted to love this film because it was on par with the last one. I certainly had my hopes up when watching this film. I had high expectations based on the first instalment, and unfortunately, it didn't meet those expectations. Still, it is an unforgettable movie with a solid plot, acting and splendid direction. If you didn't see this movie and enjoyed a good family fantasy adventure, you should watch it.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Twister Review

Twister

Release Date: 30th May 1996 - Australia

Production Companies

Universal Pictures (present)

Warner Bros. Pictures (present)

Amblin Entertainment

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Action/Thriller

Rating: PG

Runtime: 108 minutes

Budget: $92,000,000

Box Office Gross: $494,580,615 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Bill and Jo are on the brink of divorce when they start chasing tornadoes, which are happening across Oklahoma and must launch an advanced weather alert device that will go right into the centre of its deadly swirling vortex. But will they succeed, or will they get sucked by the tornado?

Cast

Helen Hunt - Dr. Jo Harding

Bill Paxton - Bill Harding

Jami Gertz - Dr. Melissa Reeves

Cary Elwes - Dr. Jonas Miller

Phillip Seymour Hoffman - Dustin Davis

Lois Smith - Meg Greene

Alan Nurrick - Robert 'Rabbit'
Nurick

Sean Whalen - Allan Sanders

Scott Thomson - Jason
'Preacher' Rowe

Todd Field - Tim 'Beltzer' Lewis

Joey Slotnick - Joey

Wendle Josphener - Haynes

Jeremy Davies - Laurence

Zach Greiner - Eddie

Gregory Sporleder - Willie

Patrick Fischer - The Communicator

Nicholas Sadler - Kubrick

Ben Weber - Stanley

Anthony Rapp - Tony

Eric LaRay Harvey - Eric

Abraham Benrubi - Bubba

Jake Busey - Mobile Lab Technician

Melanie Hoopes - Patty

J. Dean Lindsay - Dean

Dan Kelpine - Diner Mechanic

Sharonlyn Morrow - Waitress

Alexa Vega - Jo - 5 Years Old
Richard Lineback - Mr. Thornton
Rusty Schwimmer - Mrs. Thornton

Taylor Gilbert - NSSL Scientist - Bryce

Bruce Wright - NSSL Scientist - Murphy

Gary England - TV Meteorologist #1

Jeff Lazalier - TV Meteorologist #2

Rick Mitchell - TV Meteorologist #3

John Thomas Rhyne - Paramedic

Paul Douglas - Badger

Samantha McDonald - Drive-In Girl

Jennifer L. Hamilton - Drive-In Girl

Anneke De Bont - Farm Girl

Crew

Additional Cinematography

(Uncredited)/Director - Jan de Bont

Writer/Producer - Michael Crichton

Writer - Anne Marie Martin

Executive Producers - Steven Spielberg,

Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald and

Gerald R. Molen

Producers - Kathleen Kennedy and Ian Bryce

Casting Director - Risa Bramon Garcia

Casting Associates - Randi Hiller and Ria Pavia

Technical Consultants - Harold Brooks,

Kevin Kelleher, Dane Konop and Martin Cohen

Production Designer - Joseph C. Nemec III

Supervising Art Director - Dan Olexiewicz

Set Decorator - Ronald R. Reiss

Costume Designer - Ellen Mirojnick

Director of Photography - Jack N. Green

Camera Operators - Stephen S. Campanelli,

Randy Feemster and Paul Varrieur

First Assistant Director: Second Unit -

K.C. Hodenfield

Second Second Assistant Director -

John M. Morse

Second Unit Director/Director of Photography -

Alexander Witt

Stunt Coordinator - Mic Rodgers

Transportation Coordinator - Randy Peters

Special Effects Supervisor - John Fraizer

Visual Effects Supervisor - Stefan Fangmeier
Visual Effects Art Director: ILM - Guy Hendrix Dyas

Digital Tornado Designers: ILM - Habib Zargarpour

and Henry LaBounta

Lightning/Debris Effects Supervisor: ILM -

Sandra Ford Karpman

Creative Advisor: ILM - Dennis Muren
Computer Graphics Supervisors: ILM -

Roger Guyett and Tom L. Hutchinson

Computer Graphics Designer/Supervisor:

BFTRE - Van Ling

Film Editor - Michael Kahn

Supervising Sound Editor - Stephen Hunter Flick

Special Sound Designers - Ken J. Johnson,

Martin Lopez, John Pospisil and Eric Potter

Sound Effects Editors - Teresa Eckton,

Warren Hamilton Jr., Greg Hedgepath,

Richard King, Charles Ewing Smith and

Martin Walowitz

Re-Recording Mixers - Gregg Landaker,

Steve Maslow and Kevin O'Connell

Foley Artists - Hilda Hodges and John Roesch

Music - Mark Mancina

Music Supervisors - Budd Carr and Joel Sill

Score Recordist - Shawn Murphy

Score Mixer - Steve Kempster

Awards

1997 Academy Awards

Best Sound - Steve Maslow, Gregg Landaker,

Kevin O'Connell and Geoffrey Patterson (Nominated)

Best Visual Effects - Stefen Fangmeier, John Fraizer,

Habib Zargarpour and Henry LaBounta (Nominated)

Review

Since the early 1980s, disaster films have gotten slow to become popular with fans. A few unsuccessful disaster movies (save for the comical spoof Airplane known internationally as Flying High) have led to disappointing box office takings. Even before their release, these films had low expectations. Due to poor scriptwriting, stale acting, and low-quality visuals. The subgenre experienced its resurgence in 1996 with two movies that would soon revitalise the trend, such as TWISTER and Independence Day, which got lauded for innovative special effects. Reviewers complained about the plotting and character development. It could not stop the moviegoers from seeing the modern classics in theatres, and both films went on to make big money.

After director Jan De Bont became highly successful for his hit blockbuster Speed, he partnered with author Michael Crichton of Jurassic Park fame and Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg. Together, they co-develop TWISTER as his next film. Some people might say the feature was written by chimpanzees, considering there would be flaws. The minor faults are tolerable due to all the movie's other strengths, which outnumber the weaknesses. Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt portrayed the storm chaser couple who would soon be divorced. The late Phillip Seymour Hoffman had a terrific supporting role and amused audiences with his upbeat energy and cheeky humour. The visual effects hold up mostly, but some don't.

It's been years since I watched this film, and I don't mind TWISTER and enjoy re-watching it. Though admittedly cheesy, TWISTER is by no means a landmark film. It is certainly not a disappointment, as some negative reviewers claim. Trust me, this disaster movie will blow you away if you haven't already seen it.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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The 5th Wave Review

The 5th Wave

Release Date: 14th January 2016 - Australia

Production Companies

Columbia Pictures

Living Films

GK Films

Material Pictures

L Star Capital

Distribution 

Sony Pictures Australia 

Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: M

Runtime: 112 minutes


Budget: $38,000,000

Box Office Gross: $109,906,372
(Worldwide)

Plot Summary
After four waves of
deadly attacks devastate
most of Earth, Cassie,
16, goes on the run to
find her younger brother
and prepare for the fifth
and final wave, in which
there is little hope for
survival.

She comes across a
young man who may be
able to help, but she's not
sure she can trust him.
(Source - Metro Cinemas)

Cast

Chloë Grace Moretz - Cassie Sullivan

Nick Robinson - Ben Parish/Zombie

Alex Roe - Evan Walker
Gabriela Lopez - Lizbeth
Bailey Anne Borders - Julia 

Liev Schrieber - Col. Vosch

Zackary Arthur - Sammy Sullivan

Ron Livingston - Oliver Sullivan

Maggie Siff - Lisa Sullivan 

Maria Bello - Sgt. Reznik

Maika Monroe - Ringer

Tony Revolori - Dumbo

Talitha Bateman - Teacup
Parker Wierling - Jeremy
Paul Ryden - TV News Anchor
Charmin Lee - Ms. Paulson
Derek Roberts - Private Parker
Adori Dei - Exam Room Tech
Cade Canon Ball - Oompa
Alex MacNicoll - Flintstone
Nadji Peter - Poundcake
Flynn McHugh - Tank

Crew

Director - J. Blakeson

Based on Novel "The Fifth Wave" - Rick Yancey

Screenplay - Susannah 

Grant, Akiva Goldsman and Jeff Pinkner

Executive Producers - Richard Middleton, 

Denis O'Sullivan and Ben Waisbren

Producers - Tobey Maguire, 

Tim Headington, Graham King and 

Matthew Plouffe
Production Designer - Jon Billington
Supervising Art Director - Julian Ashby
Set Decorators - Amanda Cape and
Frank Galline
Costume Designer - Sharen Davis
Cinematography - Enrique Chediak
Stunt Coordinator - Joey Box
Visual Effects Supervisors - Richard Chui,
John Haley, Darren Poe, Sue Rowe and
Scott Stokdyk

Film Editor - Paul Rubell
Music - Henry Jackman

Review

Before 'THE 5TH WAVE' made its initial release, I looked at the trailer that was heavily advertised on YouTube and became sceptical of this new movie when I heard it was actually a movie adaptation of the book that is meant for young adults who were probably into young adult fiction. Targeted at audiences who were fans of the book and stuff like 'Hunger Games' and 'Maze Runner', I'm less enthusiastic of how the interpretation was over-saturated with exposition and dull teen romance. I was more expecting a film about survival or an alien invasion like 'Independence Day' but 'THE 5TH WAVE' is more like a paranoid thriller in the vein of 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' just unfortunately it's not very thrilling, devoid of action and devoid of aliens... I'd rather watch 2005's 'War of the Worlds' to death over this.

The movie's only redeeming aspect is the acting with Chloë Grace Moretz and Liev Schrieber making the best of what little there is to work with.

I don't think 'THE 5TH WAVE' will succeed in its own merit, geared entirely to set up a sequel it squanders it's potential. I guess that I'll regret watching the movie and I wouldn't watch it again.

Star rating: (4/10) Below Average

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