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Saturday 31 October 2009

Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (Score)

Steve Jablonsky's score to Transformers was in my opinion one of the best of 2007. However, his score to Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen isn't really in the same league.

I really wanted the score to be even better than the first, but unfortunately I didn't find it so. It's definitely not a bad score and is a pretty good listen. However, compared to the score for the first film, it is pretty average.

Some of the same themes are back, but they're either exactly the same, or less than they were. I was expecting epic new themes and the old themes to be bigger and better. Instead on first listen I was utterly disappointed. But perhaps this score is more of a grower, because I don't think it's quite as bad as when I first heard it. Although it will never grow past the original.

Wednesday 28 October 2009

Catch Up

Here's a quick list of the films I've seen in the last couple of months with a quick mini review.

Adventureland - This is NOT a comedy which it seems to be advertised as in the trailer. I thought it was okay, but I wouldn't watch it again. (5/10)

The Final Destination - If this film wasn't in 3D then it would be one of the worst films ever made. The 3D was the only good thing about this film, and they just abused the shit out of it. I will never watch this film again, not even by accident. (2/10)

(500) Days Of Summer - I went not expecting to like this but was pleasantly surprised when I did. This film seemed to make me smile all the way through, which I don't think ever happens. I wouldn't watch it again in a rush, but I certainly wouldn't mind watching it again. (7/10)

Dorian Gray - The first film in the list I actually wanted to see. This film is beautifully shot and is just so creepy. I love it. Plus it has a great score. I'll definitely be buying the DVD. (8/10)

Surrogates - I really like the concept of this film and thought it was really good. But for some reason it just felt a little boring, and I don't know why, because I really wanted to love it. Wouldn't mind giving it a second chance though when it comes out on DVD. (6/10)

The Soloist - It wasn't what I expected. I don't mind listening to classical music, but the classical sections went on a little too long for me. I wouldn't watch it again. (5/10)

Gamer - Similar concept to Surrogates, although done in a completely different style. Had it's nice moments, but overall it was a little lame. (6/10)

The Invention Of Lying - I don't like Ricky Gervais, and can't stand him as an actor. However, in this film I found him okay, and didn't find him quite so annoying and shit (although he did still have his moments). Still not a fan though. (4/10)

Up - Another great film from Pixar. However, I must say that I'm getting a little annoyed with the whole 3D glasses thing as I wear glasses anyway and putting the 3D ones on top of my normal ones is so fucking ridiculous. I spent half the time trying to adjust them and make them more comfortable to wear. (6/10)

Zombieland - Best Zombie film I've ever seen. Great script and creativity with the filming or it. (7/10)

The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus - Completely not what I expected. I would still say that it is worth watching because it is quite good. However, it's much more weird than I thought. Not one I'd watch again and again. (6/10)

Saw VI - Stay clear of this film if you've not seen the other Saw films. I thought it was okay. However, I preferred the fifth one, because it had Julie Benz in it. Although I must say, closure at last! (5/10)

Saturday 24 October 2009

Heroes (Score)

If you're a fan of the score to Heroes then this is the soundtrack for you. There is already a soundtrack release for Heroes, however, it only features a couple of tracks by the shows composers Wendy Melvoin & Lisa Coleman, with the rest being songs by various artists, making it more of a "music from and inspired by" soundtrack.

This however, is the score album and I've been waiting for this since the first episode of the show. The album is arranged so that the tracks are named after the major characters in the show, which are suites of that characters themes. It features all the major themes from the show and many more.

I would have preferred each theme to have it's own track as I find that some characters have a couple of good themes and a less good ones. And unfortunately if you want to listen to the good ones then usually you have to listen to the whole track.

However, saying this, I still really enjoyed this soundtrack and am very glad that it got a release. A must buy for any fan of the Heroes music.

Wednesday 21 October 2009

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Season 2 Soundtrack Petition

There is currently an online petition for a season 2 soundtrack release of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. If you wish to sign the petition, follow the link below.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Season 2 Soundtrack Petition

Saturday 17 October 2009

Halo: The Cole Protocol

This book takes place somewhere between the years of 2534 and 2536, which if I am correct in thinking is after the events of Halo Wars but before the events in Halo: The Fall Of Reach (which is the prequel novel to Halo: Combat Evolved, and finishes in the year 2552, whilst starting in the year 2525).

I found it a very exciting read and whilst it doesn't follow the story of the prophets that heavily, by the end it reveals a lot more about them and their corrupt way of thinking.

The story tends to switch between the story of Captain Keyes (who is not yet a Captain), Ignatio Delgado (a resident of The Rubble, which is where the story takes place), Spartan Grey team and Thel 'Vadam (better known as the Arbiter from Halo 2 and Halo 3).

I thought that following this many characters would get quite confusing, however, it is very clever how all their stories intertwine and come together at the end.

I've read all of the Halo books and this is definitely right up there with the rest.

Wednesday 14 October 2009

Saturday 10 October 2009

Angels & Demons (Soundtrack)

The DaVinci Code had a pretty awesome soundtrack, however for Angels & Demons Hans Zimmer pretty much started again. A few of the original themes are still there, but the majority is brand new stuff. And that's what we like.

"160 BPM" is my favourite of all the cues but the entire soundtrack is made up of great cues. The soundtrack almost reminds me of John Powell's Bourne scores. However, crossed with the sound of The DaVinci Code it takes it to another level.

The opening of "God Particle" is the cue used in the trailer and just sounds even better in the film. The rest of the cue is okay, but after such a strong opening it makes the rest of it sound a bit weak.

I found all the tracks have parts I love. And if you loved the soundtrack for The DaVinici Code or are any sort of a Hans Zimmer fan then you simply must buy this.

Wednesday 7 October 2009

Saturday 3 October 2009

Terminator: Infinity

This Terminator comic takes place after the events in Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines. However, it does not tie in with Terminator Salvation and actually follows an alternate time line. But considering Terminator has no official cannon you can choose whether or not you prefer Terminator: Infinity or Terminator Salvation.

I think they both have strengths and weaknesses and if you're a Terminator fan then it's worth reading the comic as well as watching the movie. The comic reads as if it were a movie and really feels like part of the Terminator universe.

However, if you read this and like it then you must also buy Terminator: Revolution as this is the sequel comic to Terminator: Infinity.

The only thing I find slightly annoying with the Terminator franchise is all the references to the first film. For example, "Come with me if you want to live." It seems like there are about five lines from the first movie that have to be worked into every Terminator story or film.

Never the less I really enjoyed reading Terminator: Infinity and am about to move onto the sequel.