Saturday, December 18, 2010

The Kite Runner

I have heard a lot about this book, but had never read it. The other day I was hanging out with my friend, and we decided to watch this movie on Netflix, so here is my review.

Overview:
This story is about 2 young friends living in Afghanistan. One is the son of an affluent man, the other is the son of the affluent man's servant. We learn early on that these 2 boys have a very close bond, and would do anything for each other. During the day the boys run about the city having fun and watching or flying kites themselves. Flying kites is a big thing, each kite flying team tries to cut the strings of the other kites with theirs, and be the last kite flying, once a kite is cut and falls, everyone runs to find it so they can keep it.

Review:
This move is set 90% of the time in Afghanistan, and rather than having them speak English for our benefit, and still have it known that they are speaking their own tongue, as they do in some movies, they have the actors speak the correct language, and give the viewer subtitles. At first I wad disappointed to see the subtitles, but I came to appreciate them and the authenticity of the language they used, and it was not too difficult to keep up with what was being said. During the times they were in American, they spoke English, but occasionally revisited they're own language.
I will be the first to admit that this movie isn't exactly Disney. There are some depressing things that happen, and I found myself getting worked up or covering my eyes on a couple of parts, but the point to the story was undeniable, and in my opinion worth hearing. This movie was about friendship, loyalty and the good that is there despite the bad.
This movie could be a little slower at points, but I didn't have a problem with it, because everything that was happening was giving me information and insight into the characters and their situation. I also found it interesting to learn a little bit more about the situation in Afghanistan, and what made it what it is right now.

My Rating:
I give this movie a 3 out of 5.


Friday, December 10, 2010

Unstoppable

Movie: Unstoppable

Overview:
A runaway train is barreling through Pennsylvania, threatening lives and homes, and attempts are made to stop it.

My Review:
Just going off what the movie was about, I wasn't sure how much they could really do with a full length feature, while still holding my attention throughout the duration of the film, however, I was pleased with the presentation. The story sounds cut and dry, but as any well made movie would, there was character development, making the audience feel they too had something at stake in the lives of the people on the screen. The movie took us on an action packed ride through the state, as we watched in anticipation, wondering what havoc would be wreaked upon the susceptible civilians in it's path. I indeed found myself on the edge of my seat on several occasions, as well as needing to relax the tension building in my body as I sat in eagerness, wondering what the resolution would ultimately come down to.

My Rating:
I give this movie a 3 out 5.