Quick Movie Reviews

Lately I have seen several documentary, I mean historical fiction, based-on-a-true-story and/or fantasy movies. Sometimes I like to think that they are documentaries and that is how things really happened, but alas…no. However, that doesn't mean that you can't have a good time with some of them anyway. Here's a roundup of quick reviews for those movies.

47 Ronin: The latest retelling of the classic Japanese story about the Samurai code of honor, bushido.  This version of 47 Ronin stars Keanu Reeves as Kai, a half-Japanese/half-English outcast, and is directed by Carl Rinsch. The story is about treachery and loyalty and revenge in feudal Japan as 47 Ronin, or masterless Samurai, seek to avenge the death of their master. Overall, the movie is beautiful and Keanu Reeves is visually believable as Kai. Where the movie fell down a bit for me was in the weaving of mystical/magical elements into the story and the use of hyper-fast CGI in some of those instances. It took me out of the story and basically the source material probably didn't need the extra punch of the special effects. If you are interested in Samurai movies that have modern special effects instead of the classic Samurai movies, this one is probably a good one to watch. I give 47 Ronin 3 Mick Happies.

50 to 1: Continuing the theme of movies with numbers in the title is the based on a true story tale of the racehorse, Mine That Bird. The film is directed by Jim Wilson and stars Skeet Ulrich and Christian Kane. We found out about the movie by following Christian Kane, who we are a fan of from his work on Leverage as well as his singing efforts. This is a classic underdog story of a horse trained in New Mexico that no one thinks has a chance but goes on to great success. As with any underdog story there are ups and downs along the way, but it all works out. This is a low budget film, but it has a lot of heart and it is clear that everyone making it was having a good time and enjoying what they were doing. Plus, who doesn't like an underdog story? There are some weak acting moments by some of the supporting cast that may seem a little off, but overall this is a feel good movie. 50 to 1 gets 4 Mick Happies.

Christian Kane as Mark Allen in 50 to 1

Pompeii: This epic of the destruction of the Roman city of Pompeii stars Kit Harrington (Jon Snow in Game of Thrones) as Milo, a celtic slave forced to fight in the arena. Along the way he falls in love and must fight for his life in the games for the amusement of the citizenry of Pompeii. There is politics, great scenery and landscapes. Again a lot of abs, blood and fighting, oh and destruction. Keifer Sutherland is frustratingly evil as Roman Senator Corvus. This isn't a bad movie at all, but anyone with a bit of historical knowledge knows that things aren't going to end well. Overall, Pompeii probably falls into the category of depressing more than anything else. I give it 2.5 Mick Happies. I hope that Kit Harrington gets another starring role in something other than a fantasy setting to show what he can do.

I, Frankenstein: I know, not based on a true story, but what if it was! That would be great. This take on Frankenstein finds the monster still alive in modern day and caught between two factions that have warred for centuries and look to Frankstein's monster to give them an edge in the battle. I don't want to give anything away as I think this is a film worth seeing. I will say I have always thought there was more to gargoyle statues than just ornamentation on buildings - glad to see them getting into some action. If you like supernatural action films that have a bit of the Underworld films feel to them, check this one out. I give I, Frankenstein 3 Mick Happies.