Tag: War Movies

Napoleon – the Movie

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Ridley Scott knows how to make an epic movie for the big screen. Beautiful cinematography, explosive sound from cannon fire, and the horrific cacophony of battle cries and screams. Mix in an evolving love story and you have a detailed accounting of the rise in power of Napoleon Bonaparte.

It’s one of those movies that should be seen on the big screen, and perhaps from the comfort of a Lazy Boy recliner because if its two hour and forty minute length. I thought some of the intimate scenes between Napoleon and Josephine could have been trimmed a bit but they give viewers an in-depth look at the military commander’s personal life.

No doubt Joaquin Phoenix will get an Oscar nomination for his role in portraying the little French General with the big ego. I found some of his character traits were similar to those he portrayed as Commodus in Gladiator. Unknown to me, actress Vanessa Kirby did a nice job of portraying Josephine, Napoleon’s lifetime love.

Scott did an amazing job of combining real action in battle scenes with CGI special effects to the point where it is difficult to separate the two. I can’t imagine the skill and co-ordination it takes to pull off such huge undertakings.

For a war movie, Cathryn said it wasn’t too gory and she managed to keep her eyes open through the whole film. I thought the action was great but found the show a bit slow between battle scenes. She gave the flick a 9 and I and 8 out of 10.

Rants, Raves & Reviews – Midway

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

imagesBeing a lover of war movies, I had to see the new ‘Midway’ movie on the big screen. And since the genre’s not Cathryn’s favorite I brought a buddy. The previews looked amazing, especially with today’s CGI technology and special effects. I knew the battle scenes would be explosive, literally. I was also anxious to see how the new movie stacked up to the 1976 version.

Unlike many American-made war films this story is told and viewed from both sides, the United States and Japan. It’s about the battle of Midway, which turned the tide of war in the South Pacific during WWII. As in the earlier version, the movie starts with the attack on Pearl Harbour – the decisive blow that forced the U.S. into the war.

The story was a bit choppy. It covered a lot of material and tried to focus on the personal lives of certain soldiers, along with naval strategies behind the scenes. There was plenty of action and battle scenes to carry the movie past the two hour mark. It didn’t drag on but definitely outlasted my popcorn.

The acting was good but there were only a few recognizable faces in the cast – unlike the ’76 version with its star-studded ensemble. That version also used actual battle footage which brought a sense of realism to the movie. In this new installment viewers get a look at director John Ford on the island of Midway, while he films the 1942 publicity documentary of the same name.

Overall the movie was good, but it felt lacking and got a 7 out of 10 from both my bro-friend and I.