ding dong

Two reviews for high school theatre and comic book hero movie patrons. Enjoy.

The Wizard of Oz:
Dr. Frank X Ford.
It's almost scary to live up to the very intimidating film preccessor of this lovely perculiar but good hearted story. But it's safe to say that they didn't.
The advertisements were good. Barnum Hall, professional looking tickets, and the lot, but sadly the execution drowned in it's own hype. Where shall I start this fateful experience; how about Barnum Hall in itself. Although there was nothing wrong with Barnum Hall, it was just the enormity of the stage that overwhelmed the performance. Due to Dr. Ford's lack of settings, which usually benefit his other productions I have seen, The Wizard of Oz is a very atmospheric tale. From poppy seed fields to emereld cities, the only two sets that where apparent were,kansas(due to a hidden picket fence, and versatile trackter) and the witches castle. Everything else was done with a projector and lights. projector you ask inquisitively. Well, the set was made out of a white wooden wall in the back, and three skinnier ones on both sides in like a thriangular patteren. The wooden wall in the back had a liftable wood board to make it seem as if it was a door with an infinite height. They used it to take out tall things and as door to a house. Anyway back to the projector, they projected images of characters from backstage via digital cameras to magnify their faces to talk to the audience and cast. They had a problem once, but that's of the many technical difficulties that plagued this show. It was also used to run the opening credits for the original film, and the tornado sequence in it. Good effort, maybe next time.
The technical difficulties were mostly in the sound department. More than infrequently there would be a loud fuzz noise, that sounded like a porcupine raping a bear. But I must tip my hat at the flying techniques which proved to lose there anxiousness halfway through, but it was nice they went that extra mile.
Were everything else failed, the performances save. These were outsatnding, espicially Dorothy, The wicked witch, and the cowardly lion, all brilliantly played. Every character did a magnificent job(except for some reason I didn't like the the tinman, bad casting). For being seniors it was obvious they were putting their best effort for their final year. Dorothy was emotional, and easy to relate to(a feat all actors must accomplish). The witch was so perfectly cast it was if she was made for this one role. And the lion had the most convincing performance of them all, a bit annoying at times, but very good.The munchkins were also good, despite the costume problems they stayed with them like a bad habit.
The orchastra was amazing, that's is about as much as I can say about that.
All in all, it was ok. It was very drab, stale, and at some parts down right unlikable. Hopefully Dr. Ford can fix some looming problems. Sad to say, but they should have waited faor something else for Barnum, maybe The Music Man
Note: I was warned not to go to this performance because of unpreparedness, small note's subject to change but overall appeall will not be affected.
out of ****/ **.5

X-Men 2
Brian Singer
Blade was decent, Spider-man was a let down, and I don't know what to fathom of The Hulk; what is a fan of the original Batman to do? Perhaps X-Men 2?
Let's start at the beginning. The first X-Men film seemed like a B-movie independent compared to this motherload of a blockbuster. The characters are still here(along with some worthy additions), the discrimination theme is still present, and the settings haven't gone anywhere; but for some reason this seems like a completely different film. And believe me, it for the better.
Mutants are becoming public enemy number one, and after an unexplainable attack on the white house by a mysterious mutant(Nightcrawler, Alan Cummings), the tension between only becomes worse. William Striker(Brian Cox) is a military scientist who wants to make mutants extinct, and with the political forces behind him, nothing can stop him. Meanwhile at the mutant academy, they feel the threat rising, and see that a war mights take place. Within this there are two love triangles, one has some action(adult), the other is listless(adolescent). The plot unfolds in nice ways to make for a very entertaining film.
The budget was much higher, giving way for better effects and a new sort of confidence the is like a breeze of fresh air. They handle it as it is; a blockbuster.
It was directed well, and without the first one to compare, this wouldn't be a well done as it. The plot flows quite gracefully. The atmosphere in this one is also quite darker. The story actually might get you worried if your not careful. And, the effects were stunning.
The major performances were from Hugh Jackman(Wolverine), Alan Cummings(Night Crawler), Famke Jennsen(Jean Grey), and Rebeccas Romijn-Stamos(Mystique). The largeness and density of the cast left others in shadows, not letting them reach any possible potential(Cyclops, Rogue, Pyro). But most were evenly balanced in this very well-rounded cast. And I forgot to mention Brian Cox, what an extraodinary actor and bad guy, I want to see more of his work.
The action was fluid, the effects were nice, and the story was quite good for a movie of this genre. And for X-Men fans I highly recommend it, you might be able to sneak a peak at mutant cameos. And also watch out for the sequel, becasue there is obviously going to be another one.
Note: I saw this at the Magic Johnson theatre. Never ever go there unless you want to kill people.
out of ****/***

the rest:
green. 3o. 5o. stuffing.

Well, that was refreshing I haven't done that in ages.
posted by Justin at 7:40 PM