JasonArgo Reviews

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

Oh my Gods and Goddesses

[6/10 · 10 February 2010]

I went to see this movie without any expectations. I haven't read the books and I only read one review in the paper.

Yes, there are parts borrowed from other movies, but what makes this movie different is that it doesn't take itself too seriously, like Harry P. It was as if most of the actors were instructed to 'Ham it up'.

I didn't look at my watch during the movie (two hours), which is a good sign that I am enjoying going along for the ride.

What I didn't like was that most of the mythology was missing. Like it was assumed knowledge. All it did was not allow me to connect to the main characters because I didn't know enough about them (from the film).

The music wasn't overbearing, but went nicely with the film. Nothing memorable except "Highway to Hell".

S/Fx were done to an acceptable level, especially Hades (the place not the God). But the Gods were too human for my liking.

Maybe the producers are hoping this film will fill in the void being left by Harry P. The hero in this movie looks about the same age as Harry in his last film.

I don't think it is a repeat watch (DVD).

The Door in the Floor (2004)

Another Myth that sparks the Imagination

[5/10 · 10 April 2006]

Is it just me or did anyone else catch the similarities between the Door in the Floor and Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, which started the famed Oedipus Complex theories of Freud and Jung.

Father sets up the murder of his infant son. It doesn't go according to plan and the son is taken to another country. Mature son returns under another guise. (reference to how Eddy looks like one of their sons). Kills father not knowing he is his father - overpowering (setting him up at the jilted lovers home and punching him in the nose). Marries mother not knowing she is his mother - uniting (60 sex sessions) Mother and Son find out what is going on. Mother kills herself (no longer present)and son pierces his eyes with a pin. He can no longer see and roams the country aimlessly (love is blind).

They were all puppets in a play of the psyche learning the acceptance of one's fate. Oedipus complex is about male sex development of the libido, fear of castration by the father and the incest taboo of having sex with the mother. Sexuality is prominent in Oedipus Rex and it is also prominent in Door in the Floor. But that doesn't explain what the daughter's character is. Maybe a symbol of innocence - free from moral wrong. They were all connected with her in some way.

Is realism really the key to a good film, or is it how the plot weaves its magic on the human psyche? If you really hated this film you may want to reflect on why that is.

War of the Worlds (2005)

Better than expected

[9/10 · 1 July 2005]

What is this movie reflecting about the American Society? The same thing that was being said at the time it was written in the late 1930's. The war was in Europe. The Americans were being criticized by the world powers for not getting involved. The enemy was too far away to be any threat (Mars). Hitler was causing chaos in Europe and was meticulously overthrowing each of the countries (like the tripods). And then there is the recent action in Iraq, only this time it is the other way around. It is the world army blowing up Iraq. Some people say it should never have happened, let's ignore it and let them get on with their repression. And some say lets get in their with the guns ablazing. Sort of like the conflict between the father and son characters. What is the world not acknowledging about itself that is being projected onto IRAQ. Who says that meritocracy is the way of the future - probably the rich! Anyway, the movie is to be seen by people to make their own minds up. It should not be up to others to say to someone "not to go and see it". Stop thinking just about the special effects and ask yourselves the deeper questions about what drove particular characters to do the things they did. Put your thinking caps on and still be entertained.

Shrek 2 (2004)

What went wrong?

[1 November 2004]

Shrek 2 is a typical product of what is wrong with Hollywood movies at the moment. Spend the money on technical effects and talent. Don't worry too much about the storyline. I would even find it arguable that the second movie is technically superior to the first. Yes there are great hair flicks in slow motion, but so what. This is a prime example of "Look what we can do now."

My instincts were right about missing it at the theatre and waiting for the DVD. At least I could stop playing the DVD and take a break every now and again. And who was responsible for the crappy sound. In these days of DTS and Dolby Digital they should be taking advantage of it. They have the world in their hands and can create sound that puts you in the film, but what I got from Shrek 2 was something like a mono soundtrack from the 50's.

Thank goodness I only rented the DVD and I can give it back. Huge disappointment. Doesn't even make it on the rating scale.