I was really looking forward to getting into the theater to see the first big blockbuster of the summer, X-Men Origins Wolverine. The Dack accepts big popcorn movies for what they are; a lot of entertaining noise, and as long is there's a hint of plot leading the film from beginning to end I'm usually completely satisfied.
Leaving the theater, I was satisfied. In fact, I even thought that I kind of enjoyed the movie, but the more I think about what took place on screen, the more I realize just how disappointing Wolverine was as a big, summer movie.
First the good: the Dack must say that Hugh Jackman IS Wolverine; he was born to play James Logan on screen. Also, the acting in Wolverine is above par for a superhero
action film. Not one character felt cheated by the actor playing him or her. Besides Jackman, the most notable spots were Ryan Reynolds playing Wade Wilson (aka Deadpool) who steals every scene he's in, and Liev Schreiber, who plays Wolverine's brother Victor Creed.The Dack's main complaint with Wolverine is not the story, which feels familiar and yet totally rushed. Really, how do you accomplish that? The beginnings of Wolverine as a superhero were basically covered in the first X-Men film, albeit skimmed over, but they were there nonetheless. No, the true sin of Wolverine as a summer blockbuster was the handful of totally cheesy special effects within the film. As moviegoers, we want to be wowed. The Dack loves when he sees something on screen that is totally unbelievable, and yet completely buys into it because it looks so believable. Unfortunately, the film's first 3 big actions sequences all contain a number of things the Dack could not possibly believe were happening. In fact, the only action scene that totally engaged the Dack was the last fight scene of the movie, which was sweet! However it could not make me forget how terribly fake several other action scenes were. The Dack can't possibly enjoy being underwhelmed by lame special effects especially if the movie is meant to be a special effect extravaganza summer blockbuster.
The Dack heard several people comment about how they enjoyed the pacing of Wolverine; that they were happy that it did not join the list of bloated lengthy superhero films. For the Dack, Wolverine felt rushed from beginning to end, as if the director was forced to cram too much into 2 hours. Perhaps another 15 to 30 minutes of film might have helped the pacing. After all, the Dack believes if a movie is good, it's worth sitting through, whether it's 70 minutes or 3 hours.The Dack encourages Marvel Studios takes some time with their next film and make sure it's the type of quality product that fans have come to expect. Also, please pick directors who understand special effects, and effects studios that make said effects somewhat believable.
Wolverine hacked and slashed it's way to fiveDacks. Oh, and be sure to stay until the credits end for a special treat that is sure to make you leave wanting more.
3 comments:
I'd have to argue a few of your points. First of all, to feel cheated, you would have had to be expecting more from a "big popcorn movie" than you lead your readers to believe.
Second, as a "big popcorn movie" you shouldn't have thought ("but the more I think about what took place on screen...") about it after you left the theater. Thinking shouldn't really be involved. What happened to the days when we could watch action movies for what they are. Mindless entertainment.
True, some of the special effects were lacking. A good special effect is one that you can't tell is special. But, when you think about it, how many movies have had such good special effects that you couldn't tell. Even such epics as Lord of the Rings, Star Wars (original and new trilogy) or other comic book movies such as Iron Man or Spiderman had special effects that were sub par. I found Wolverine's SFx noticable, but not absurd.
As far as pacing went, the plot certainly moved, but I never felt rushed. Perhaps The Dack has forgotten that action movies are supposed to be exactly that - full of action, as going somewhere. I certainly never felt lost, or wondered how we got to where we were. There was a clear and concise plot progression.
Familiar? Well of course the plot is familiar, the X-Men movies certainly gave the audience a pretty good idea of who Wolverine is and where he came from, the Marvel video games have done the same, and of course there's always the comic books which started it all. Its a comic books origin movie, the stories been told before, what does The Dack expect?
To wrap up, its clear that the Dack List has always tried to give the people a "from the people" view of Hollywood films. Its also clear that most critics and the awards show won't give the time of day to anything but dramas. Thats where The Dack List always came to the peoples aid. However, as I look back through the Dack List archives I see a somewhat disturbing trend - the Dack is becoming more and more like the critic snobs. Movies that should be fun and entertaining are seeing lower and lower marks, while the dramas are seeing higher and higher. What has caused the Dack to begin on the road to snobbish criticdom?
Not having seen Wolverine, I feel prepared by the Dack's review to eat my popcorn at home for this one. I have, through a curious set of circumstances, seen Star Trek twice in two days. I found Spock less believable the second time around. I look forward to reading a review of Star Trek on the Dack List.
Will the Dack be commenting on Star Trek, Night at the Museum 2 or Terminator?
Post a Comment