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26-Feb-2003

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Cesar Manrique

After the excellent "A Bugs Life" from Pixar we now have the stunning "Toy Story 2". Starting with a splendid reminder of where Pixar started, by showing the angle-poise lamp animation from 1985. Despite its age this short is still superb and well worth a repeat viewing. This is closely followed by the latest 'version' or 'release' of the Toy Story system (at least they didn't call it "Toy Story 2000"!), and what a marvellous upgrade this is. The improvements in animation technique are clear, especially with the realisation of the 'human' characters. This 'human' cast includes a special guest appearance by someone fans of the "A Bugs Life" video may recognise. Along with the numerous jokes and references to several other films, including some great references to "Star Wars", the surprises and excitement just keep piling up. With a plot that keeps twisting and turning to keep the adults entertained, but not too complex for younger fans, this film really is an update to the previous version. There is a further bonus to tempt you to sit through the credits, as there are numerous 'out-takes' shown, just to make sure that the entire audience is exhausted with laughter. DVD/video.

The first of two Mars films opening this year "Mission to Mars" is the better of the two, despite it coming from the Disney franchise in the form of Touchstone. As you would expect, these days, the special effects are excellent, there are a number of shocks and surprises in store too. Although it does sometimes drag out some of the emotional scenes this film certainly stretches the mind and there is plenty to think about long after the credits have finished rolling. Definitely one worth watching. DVD/video.

"Galaxy Quest" is simply brilliant, about a group of has-been actors, who are reduced to making a living out of attending conventions, organised by fans of a pitiful TV SF series. This TV series, had all the classics; a pompous commander (Tim Allen), a token alien (Alan Rickman), a token blonde female (Sigourney Weaver), wobbly sets and rocks made of polystyrene. The problems start though, when they are mistaken for the real McCoy (sorry!) by a group of 'desperate' aliens. Anyone who knows anything about the original "Star Trek", Trek fandom or been to a science fiction convention cannot help but love this film. It is brilliant, hysterically funny with an incredible ending. NOT to be missed! DVD/video.

A new film from Walt Disney is "Fantasia 2000", which must surely be the major film release of the new millennium. It is the first full length Disney production made in Imax film format. This film has been 12 years in the making but will it live up to hype, of which there has been very little, here in the UK. So far, all I have seen is one rather uncomplimentary review, however, I wonder how many people really appreciate some of the great classical music these days. DVD/video.

One of the many L. Ron Hubbard books has finally made the transition to the big screen. "Battlefield Earth", starring John Travolta as the main villain, in the form of a ten foot tall alien. Being a post-apocalyptic film it does seem to draw on many other films, such as "Planet of the Apes" and feels a little like "Independence Day", but with a 1,000 year gap between invasion and conflict. The brief views we get of the alien's home world are reminiscent of the Harkonnen home world in "Dune". Any threat of a religious influence are quickly dismissed, as are the 'Gods' mentioned occasionally during the film. However, one does need a tremendous 'leap of faith' to believe some of the achievements made by the 'savage' humans in order to save the planet. Despite this the film is very good, with excellent special effects and great action sequences. DVD/video.

What a pleasant change "The Bicentennial Man" is, from all those action adventure SF films of late. Robin Williams plays the role superbly and in a big surprise, without all the animated 'in your face' activity he often indulges in. The film progresses through 200 years at a very pleasant amiable pace, with no over stating the 'human wanting become human' role, that up until now Brent Spiner has made his own with his portrayal of 'Data' in Star Trek: TNG. The special effects are excellent with some beautiful views of Earth in various stages of future development, but even this is not overdone. Whilst the film could be viewed as quite an emotional tour de force it is never slapped on with a trowel such as in films like "ET". An excellent movie, definitely worth seeing. DVD/video.

"Chicken Run" is the first full length feature to come from Aardman Animation and what a glorious feast it is! Ignore those arty reviewers trying to make a name for themselves by comparing the plot to a 'classic' war movie. By the time those chickens start pursing their lips and rolling their eyes you won't give a flying fig about the plot, as you get back in your chair and wipe the tears of laughter from your face. This is one cracking movie. While laughing at one joke you become aware of several others shooting past that you will have to look for next time. Aardman Animation have managed to maintain the very British feel to their production and the incredible attention to detail seen before in their "Wallace and Gromit" 20 minute shorts. This is one hour and 20 minutes of pure joy. The cast of voices include Mel Gibson, Miranda Richardson, Julia Sawalha and Jane Horrocks. With another 4 films to come out of the deal with Dreamworks we have some great movies still to come, including a promised "Wallace & Gromit" feature film. DVD/video.

Animated feature films seem to be growing in popularity. "Titan AE" is a great science fiction animation, with numerous dramatic action sequences even before the opening credits! This film races along at a good pace, visually impressive with a fun plot and superb ending. DVD/video.

With heavy advertising for "X-Men", the trailers seemed to show too much, making one feel 'short-changed' by the end of the movie. As there is not as much action & special effects as one might expect. However, this has the advantage of providing a good deal more scene setting and plot than a certain other recent action movie which is just a showcase for its star's physical prowess. This film is actually great entertainment with some superb special effects despite being an obvious set-up for the inevitable sequel. A future film that is sure to be very much anticipated. Starring Patrick 'make it so' Stewart as the wheelchair confined Professor X. DVD/video.

"Red Planet" is the second of this years crop of Mars movies. A fairly routine movie with all the usual ingredients one would expect. There is nothing really stunning about it as they try to find out what has caused the terraforming project to go 'wrong'. Even with my basic knowledge on the subject I could easily come up with one reason why the algae used to oxygenate the planet had died out. Although it turned out to be the wrong answer, it did mean that I had no feeling of uncertainty. Mundane stuff, not as good as the other Mars Movie above. DVD/video.

Another film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger has been released, The 6th Day. Set in the near future, our hero returns home to find he has been replaced by a clone. The adventure starts here! However, with the main plot concerning his attempt to get his identity back, it all sounds rather similar to "Total Recall". DVD/video.

There is no intent to infringe copyrights and trademarks for films detailed in these pages. Such copyrights and trademarks are held by their respective owners and their use is made to link to the official sites only of the appropriate film. As such it is deemed that their use is covered under the fair use clause of the Copyright Law. Design and original photography however are copyright © 1999-2003 Dave Patterson.

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