Had a fantastic Thanksgiving trip outside of New York and found myself having a full blown Nostaliga film orgy. You see that same week "Jurassic World" aka "Jurassic Park 4" and "The Force Awakens" aka "Star Wars Episode VII" 1st teasers came out. Well not only am I going to review both teasers but check out my George Lucas/Spielberg Film Orgy during Thanksgiving Week:
(GRADE = B ) In the Mid-80's coming of the iconic success of the Legendary "Star Wars Trilogy". Lucas teamed up with Marvel once again as they did all the Star Wars comic books to bring one of their characters to live action. "Howard The Duck" was born. The movie bombed and got terrible reviews. It's called one of the worst movies ever. Well when I originally saw it I was a young boy of the 80's and loved it. Well now I'm in my mid-30's and haven't watched the movie in years. Would these adult eyes still look at it the same?
Not only did I enjoy the movie now, I'm reminded why sometimes people get things wrong about movies when they come out. Staring Lea Thompson of the "Back to the Future Trilogy" and future Oscar Winner Tim Robbins. "Howard The Duck" is an throwback 80's film all the way. From the music, to the outfits. Was it cheesy? Yes but that's what made it fun. Howard was funny as hell. The effects were great for that era. Howard felt real. Also I laugh cause there was a lot of sexual humor in the film. Overall it held up so screw the critics. Howard the Duck Rules. I love how he had a cameo in "Guardians of the Galaxy".
(GRADE = A CLASSIC) With rumors of the "Episode VII" trailer coming out, I decided to watch "Return of the Jedi" as the new movie will be a sequel to that film. Wow, I can never get tired of this movie. The Han Solo rescue from Jabba's Palace. Luke taking on Vader and the Emperor. And Yes LOVED the ewoks. They were for kids, fall back but those fuzzy little teddy bears in the forest got it done. Not to mention Lando flying the Falcon and taking out the 2nd Death Star. It may not be better than the original "Star Wars" or "Empire Strikes Back" but it was a fantastic Conclusion to a Legendary trilogy.
(GRADE = B ) With the "Jurassic World" trailer leaking, I decided to pop in the sequel and give it a spin. I didn't watch the original cause I know it's Classic but haven't seen the sequels in years and wanted to see how it held up. "Jurassic World" is the sequel to the Legendary "Jurassic Park". Spielberg returns to the director chair for his 1st sequel since the "Indiana Jones" Trilogy. This time Dr. Hammond sends Malcolm (Jeff Goldbum) and a new team to a different island which hasn't been monitored by humans. When Malcolm finds out his girlfriend played by Julianne Moore is already there, he heads out against his own wishes. It was a good sequel it just fails in comparison to the original. There was also a few cheesy moments but it has held up better than "Jurassic Park 3" has.
TEASER GRADE = A "Jurassic World" is coming out summer 2015 but we finally got a sneak peak. I was very impressed with where they are taking the story. For 3 movies the park never officially opened. Now the park is finally open to the public but something goes wrong when a new dinosaur was created. The Film stars Chris Pratt from "Guardians" fame and Ron Howard's daughter Bryce Dallas Howard. But I'm there for sure, looks really dope.
TEASER GRADE = A + Instant Classic. Probably the most anticipated sequel in my lifetime. Yes the sequel to "Return of the Jedi" that many thought would never happen, "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" teaser came out the day after Thanksgiving. This teaser was so Big that it was even released in theaters. Anyways, JJ Abrams is now in the director chair now that Lucas has retired. The teaser didn't give us much but did give us a glimpse into the new characters.
John Boyega of "Attack the Block" fame is playing a Stormtrooper. The Stormtroopers also have a new design. Then we see a female riding a speeder, she must be a SKywalker/Solo child. Then we see Oscar Issac's as a rebel pilot with an amazing shot of X-wing's flying over a lake. Lastly we see a Darkside figure and even a new lightsaber. Lastly we see the Falcon in all it's glory. I loved the teaser, again didn't give to much but enough to get excited. The movie doesn't come out till next year Christmas time but the hype is in full force. George Lucas did create the story for this film so that is his involvement. I personally didn't hate on the prequels as I understood they were the back story. But It was refreshing cause this teaser reminded me of the original trilogy.