Why did you judge me?
/ You killed innocent people.
/ A means to an end.
/ You started a massacre!
/ I caused a revolution!
/ YOU BETRAYED THE LAW!
/ Laaaawwww?
This is Movie Night!
Hello and welcome to Movie Night, YouTube's most-viewed movie review show, I'm your host,
Jonathan Paula.
Tonight we'll be examine two familiar 90's sci-fi movies, and their 2012 remakes.
We begin with "Total Recall".
Loosely based off the Philip K. Dick story, "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale", this
Paul Verhoeven science fiction action film was released on June 1, 1990.
Arnold, "Mr. Universe" Schwarzenegger is a construction engineer on earth in a dystopian
future set in the year 2084, who decides to embark on a virtual memory-implanted vacation
to the planet Mars... but when things go south, he finds himself in the middle of a terrorist
conspiracy on the Red Planet helping freedom fighters, while struggling with a bizarre
identity crisis - at least, that's one possible reality.
Even though he's a menacing physical specimen, Schwarzenegger perfectly embodies the every-man
persona, dishing out verbose bits of exposition and goofy one-liners with his hearty Austrian
accent while being extremely entertaining
in
the process.
Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, and a host of other creatures and characters
are never as memorable as Arnold, but they do a good job with the complicated material.
Although it might have too many villains, Ronny Cox is excellent as the primary antagonist,
humorously taunting our hero by declaring, "I'll blow this place up and be home in time
for Corn Flakes."
Twisting and turning for the entire 113-minute duration, this is a mind-bending piece of
science-fiction: blending stunning visuals with intriguing concepts and developments.
Earning back five times its $50 dollar budget, the visuals in this picture are remarkable:
achieved almost entirely with miniatures, puppets, and matte paintings: making it one
of the last big Hollywood blockbusters to go that route.
Initially given an X-Rating, this tongue-in-cheek picture was eventually edited down to a very
graphic and sometimes even disgusting R-rated experience.
Effectively utilizing some metal percussion, Jerry Goldsmith's score keeps the mood tense
during the well paced Martian adventure: that effortlessly bounces from one exciting set
piece to the next.
You name, this movie has it: from incredible prosthetic work (like the three-breasted lady!),
explosive shoot-outs, hilarious quips, captivating mysteries, to epic fist-fights and locations.
As far as hyper-violent futuristic thrillers go, this is certainly one of the best: but
that particularly niche sub-genre might not be for everyone.
Keeping you guessing until the credits, this is one picture that almost demands multiple
viewings.
"Total Recall", "Expertly balances intrigue with action."
Now let's see what you had to say about this picture in the YouTube comments.
The rate-o-matic for "Total Recall" - an EIGHT and a NINE.
You felt the action and twists were enjoyable, but faulted the picture for being cheesy,
you thought it was GREAT.
This style and genre of films is one my favorites, and Schwarzenegger is as incredible as ever
here: despite its many flaws, I've always loved this one - I think it's AWESOME.
Now, let's discuss its remake, also titled, "Total Recall"
For reasons that escape mostly everyone, the 1990 version with Schwarzenegger was remade
by director Len Wiseman on a budget of $125 million, and released in August of 2012, earning
a 70-million dollar profit.
The visually slick movie features Colin Farrell in the lead role, as a factory worker in the
distant future who suspects he might be a trained spy, following a violent visit to
memory-implant service: mirroring a plot similar to, but ultimately widely varied from the
original.
Faking a convincing American accent throughout, Farrell does a commendable job in the lead
role: he's believable in the action setting, and likeable as a protagonist, defending his
new identity by declaring, " I may not remember who I was, but I know who I am."
Opposite him is Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel as a double-agent and love interest respectively.
The duo, who besides being criminally beautiful, look so similar to each other it's easy to
get them confused.
Honestly, they're easier on the eyes then they are on the plot: neither one truly feels
comfortable interacting with the largely CGI and chroma-keyed environments.
Bryan Cranston however is wonderful as the primary villain: although he is woefully underutilized,
not appearing in a substantial capacity until the half-way mark; and he wastes a majority
of his screen time mumbling exposition, instead of dispatching the hero.
Entirely devoid of any wit, dry humor, or true character development: the only thing
this PG-13 remake has going for it are the incredible special effects and fast-moving
action sequences, which literally and figuratively fly by.
A gritty, yet simultaneously glossy representation of a dystopian future is perfectly represented:
from the uber-cool hand-embedded phones to a massive trans-Earth, core-penetrating commuter
vessel, host of a fun zero-G fight sequence that is very entertaining.
Harry Gregson-Williams's score is a serviceable one: moody and ominous, but nothing that elicits
much suspense.
Thankfully this PG-13-rated picture simplifies some of the over-complicated elements of the
original, although unfortunately, it's done at the expense of the intriguing twists and
open-ended conclusion, with all the subtlety of a hammer.
For fans of Farrell, big-budget action blockbusters, or gorgeous ass-kicking brunettes, there's
plenty to enjoy here, even on repeat viewings: just don't expect much on the intellectual
side of things.
"Total Recall", "Hollow thrills, fast and blunt".
Here's what the Movie Night audience had to say in the YouTube comments.
The "Total Recall" remake on the rate-o-matic... a SIX and a EIGHT.
Everyone agreed this flashier version was inferior to the 1990 original: but the visuals
and action were strong, you thought it was GOOD.
I seem to be in the minority here, but I really enjoyed this picture: the chases and fights
were exciting and inventive, and the picture wasn't needlessly complicated...
but perhaps too much so.
A simple, explosive popcorn adventure with cool locations, I thought it was GREAT.
Now, for tonight's poll question: What is the best remake of all time?
Leave your response as a comment below.
I'm back with my review for "Judge Dredd" after this quick commercial break.
Released in June of 1995, this science-fiction action thriller by director Danny Cannon made
only $20 million in profit against its sizable $90-million dollar budget.
Opening with a montage of old comic book covers, as if to remind folks this picture is indeed
an adaptation of an existing character.
James Earl Jones dutifully narrates a expositional scroll that sets the scene for the morbid,
criminal-infested society a thousand years in the future.
Backed by Alan Silvestri's wonderful score than is frankly too good for the material,
this 96-minute picture rather expertly combines models, animation, and paintings showcasing
a lush and intriguing future: where the traditional justice system has been replaced by a single
position known as "Judges" - the most dedicated of whom is the title character, played by
Sylvester Stallone.
Yelling silly dialogue with his trademark slur, he does a fine job of puffing out his
chest and looking menacing, but he seems to portray the iconic role with a bit of a chip
on his shoulder: and die-hard fans of the franchise reacted harshly to Dredd removing
his helmet, something the comic book character never did.
From the goofy and flashy outfits, to the 4:3 TV monitors, and the voice-activated weapons,
much of this future seems curiously clumsy and backwards: but the R-rated adventure plays
things fast and loose enough that you never have time to complain.
As the comedic foil, and buddy-protagonist, SNL-alum Rob Schneider is an interesting casting
choice, but it pays off - his jokes are occasionally funny, and he's the only person in the film
that audiences can actually relate to: a reformed criminal down-on-his-luck looking for a second
chance.
Armand Assante chews-through the scenery as the unblinking villain, professing his case,
" Guilt and innocence is a matter of timing."
Meanwhile, Stallone, who "earned" a Golden Raspberry nomination for "Worst Actor" famously
remarked on the film, "we shouldn't have tried to make it "Hamlet"; it's more "Hamlet And
Eggs".
The set pieces are grand and impressive, especially a fly-over sequence of the film's biggest
"mega city" area: but why must the climatic fist-fight take place inside the Statue Of
Liberty's head?
Besides being completely unmotivated and unexplained, it just seems pointless, however cool the
visual imagery of it is.
Between the corny catchphrases, sub-par acting - there's actually a great deal of fun here,
if you shut your mind off...
at least on an initial viewing.
"Judge Dredd", "Inconsistent and ridiculous , but charming".
Now that you've heard my opinion, lets check out some of yours.
Our scores for "Judge Dredd"... a DOUBLE FIVE.
Calling it campy, stupid, but still fun - you thought this movie was ALRIGHT.
I completely agree, this is your typical Stallone picture: nothing outright awful, but hardly
forgettable either - an enjoyable way to spend an hour and a half with your friends, I thought
it was ALRIGHT as well.
Finally tonight, let's review Dredd's most recent adaptation.
This British / South African film from director Pete Travis released on July 11, 2012 is more
of a reboot than a proper remake of the Stallone picture from the 90's.
Although the original made a modest profit, it was critically panned - which seemed like
a reasonable-enough reason for this version's genesis.
Unfortunately, it failed to earn back its $45 million dollar budget, even if it was
better received.
Set in the distance future, the landscape of Mega City One is unforgiving: the seemingly
non-futuristic environments portrayed with an unromantic, gritty realism.
Overtly violent, this R-rated sci-fi action picture stars the gruff Karl Urban as Judge
Dredd: an uncompromising law enforcement officer who wields the power of judge, jury, and executioner
with an almost gleeful passion, narrating early that he is the "only thing fighting
for order in the chaos".
Staying faithful to the 2000 AD comic strip, Urban never once removes his mask: which also
ensures the emotionless role is impossible to relate to.
But the film wisely incorporates a rookie character, the attractive Olivia Thirlby,
whose powerful psychic abilities thankfully keep her cranium free of unsightly police
attire.
Wood Harris is the seductive and controlling "Mama", an evil empress figure who aggressively
rules over an entire apartment complex by regulating the flow of narcotics amongst her
poor and dependent subjects.
It's a cookie-cutter stereotype, but she's definitely entertaining in the role, and a
great foil to Urban's take-no-prisoners approach.
The
army of judges are outnumbered, able to respond to only 6% of the 17,000 crimes committed
daily: and for better or worse, this 95-minute gore-fest focuses on a single case: with Urban
and Thirlby hunting down evil-doers, while locked inside a drab, concrete residential
tower.
All of the political undertones of a corrupt justice system prevalent in the 1995 version
have been stripped away, in favor of a quick-moving, non-stop shooting spree: littered with bouts
of glittery slow-motion that were likely even more mesmerizing in 3D, and surreal dream
sequences edited with a kind of kinetic ferocity.
The cold, merciless, unfeeling, but still vulnerable Dredd doesn't make for the best
role model: but it is terrific fun to see him rip apart a hoard of gun-wielding drug
addicts with his advanced weaponry.
Capped off by a satisfying and visceral ending, this picture is worth watching once, offering
a difference perspective on the underrated comic book character, but not necessarily
a new one.
"Dredd", "Improved adaptation, but familiar action."
Lets read some of your reviews from the YouTube comments now.
"Dredd" on the rate-o-matic... an EIGHT and a SEVEN.
The word we all seemed to use was "gritty" - and for you, that, and the film's more faithful
adaptation of the source material were enough to score it a GREAT.
Ultimately, I wanted a lot more from this picture: which blended all of the right elements,
characters, cinematography, music, and tone - but never really did anything with them
except a traditional good guy shoots bad guy plot.
I thought it was COOL.
Now, let's see what you said on Twitter about some films currently playing in theaters.
If you see a new movie in theaters, Tweet your review with the #JPMN hashtag to have
it featured on the show.
Next week, we're back in the theaters, reviewing three new films: "42", the historical bio-pic
of baseball player Jackie Robison, "Oblivion", the futuristic mystery with Tom Cruise, and
"Pain & Gain", an action comedy by Michael Bay starring Dwayne Johnson and Mark Wahlberg.
If you haven't seen these films yet - you have a week to watch, and share your opinions,
either by voting in the polls below, or by leaving a comment review.
And please subscribe to the Movie Night Archive channel for exclusive trailer commentaries,
and an organized library of all our past reviews.
Once again, my name is Jonathan Paula - thank you for watching Movie Night, I hope to see
you, right back here for the next Friday!