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Kung Fu Panda 2 a great 3D sequel

Posted on June 19, 2011 by The Filmsmith | 1 comment

Running too late to catch the 2D screening of Kung Fu Panda 2, I reluctantly accepted the 3D glasses from the usher, anxious about the eye strain that was soon to be mine. To my surprise, despite a bloody 3D Friskies commercial jammed between film trailers, I was able to enjoy Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3D. In fact, it was the best 3D film I have seen (yep, even better than Avatar) and it 3D actually added to the film experience. Did I also mention this was a genuine sequel, setting out to develop characters and their story beyond the initial volley? Kung Fu Panda 2 is full of surprises. Continue reading →

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Tagged Animated, Comedy, Dreamworks, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jack Black, Kung Fu Panda, Kung Fu Panda 2

Dreamworks’ “Megamind” still can’t compete with Pixar

Posted on November 6, 2010 by The Filmsmith | Leave a comment

Since late spring there has been continuous buzz about the latest from Dreamworks, Megamind. Starring Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, and Jonah Hill, this animated superhero film about a supervillain switching sides sounds pretty enticing – which it is and is not.

There are some enjoyable aspects to Megamind, but it fails to reach the dramatic heights of a Pixar film. Instead it’s more of an “eh” movie experience. A Donkey Kong reference, allusions to Superman (comic book origins and the original film), and other general comedy bits had me laughing more than the kids in the audience; and when the usual setup between superhero and supervillain is subverted, I was actually impressed. However, this surprising moment occurs early and there aren’t any other intriguing plot elements to sustain the film for the rest of the run time.

Overall it’s an okay film, but nothing sublime. You probably don’t want to pay to see this in cinemas, but would be a decent rental.

*In the film, supervillain Megamind has posters made of himself much like the Barack Obama posters of 2008, except they say “No you can’t.” which provides an amusing, albeit, sad sting after the 2010 elections this week.