THE RAID: REDEMPTION

"The Raid: Redemption" is a movie that pulls no punches. Or maybe that's all it pulls. It's been a long while since I've seen a film so relentless, so brutal, and so unapologetically violent. Writer/Director Gareth Evans' film is a non-stop barrage of fisticuffs, shoot-outs, and explosions. It is a well choreographed exercise in action movie mayhem and it succeeds wholly in its intentions. If you want a nuanced screenplay, in-depth characterizations, or an intricate plot--"The Raid: Redemption" might not be your first choice of entertainment. Don't get me wrong, I like and expect those things too. But if you give yourself over to the visceral experience of this down and dirty movie, it provides more thrills and excitement than a slate of Hollywood blockbusters. If you like action films, this micro-budgeted indie flick shot in Indonesia (yes, it's subtitled but, believe me, the dialogue is relatively minimal) has got to be on the top of your must-see list.

Evans reunites with the star, Iko Uwais, of his previous film "Merantau." While "Merantau" showed promise, it was plagued with a relatively uninspired plot and some serious pacing issues. While I'd still recommend it to fans of the genre, it didn't fully come together in the way that I hoped it would. Both Uwais, as a martial artist and a screen presence, and Evans, as a creative force, have upped their game in "The Raid: Redemption." Uwais plays an upstanding cop who is part of a SWAT team in Jakarta. The plot is very simple on the surface. The officers must infiltrate a slum apartment building that houses a gangland overlord and his band of criminal mercenaries. But on their way to the penthouse suite, they must fend off countless attacks as their numbers dwindle. There is a little political back story, as well, with corruption and greed factoring into the equation as to just why the building is being raided in the first place. You need more plot? Too bad.

What you get instead is relentless action. The pacing is dynamic and the tension escalates throughout. There are some terrific combat scenes, lots of gunfire, and an endless array of hand-to hand fight sequences. The martial arts aspect to the fighting is exciting and extremely well done without being too over the top. "The Raid: Redemption" did quite well on the film festival circuit (winning audience awards in Amsterdam, Toronto, and Dublin) and with the majority of mainstream critics (including raves from the Los Angeles Times and USA Today). The reason seems very simple. The movie doesn't aspire to be anything other than what it is. Evans focused on making a brutal and exhausting bit of ultra-violent escapism. And that's exactly what he and his team delivers. Is it a perfect film? Not particularly. Could it have benefited from improved storytelling? Probably. But what it does provide more than compensates for what it doesn't. In the end, this movie may not be for everyone. That's perfectly fine. But I suspect that the film's reputation will only grow in certain circles making it a true cult classic a few years down the line. About 4 1/2 stars, I'll round up for the sheer madness of it all!

SILENT HILL

First off, if you haven't seen the first film, do that prior to watching this one. Not only will this film make better sense, but I consider "Silent Hill" to one of the top 100 horror films of all time. Clearly this film was not as good as the first. For me, the element of surprise was gone. This production also suffered from plot weakness, trite dialouge, and an unconvincing role by Adelaide Clemens as the lead character. I kept thinking how much better this film could have been if Ms. Clemens had swapped roles with Jennifer Lawrence in "House at the End of the Street."

This film picks up years later as Sharon has grown to 18 years of age and has changed her name to Heather...named after Harry's (Sean Bean) grandmother, the first thing I couldn't buy. He is attempting to live as far away from Silent Hill as possible as long as Heather can be driven there in a few hours, another plot point that didn't make sense, but must of evolved for movie time sake.

So after tearing the film apart, why would I rate it 5 stars? Because I loved it. The horror aspect was done well. They made effective use of darkness, shadows, strobe effects, background noises, whispers, and deformed faceless humans. It is the same reason we watched a dozen or so Jason, Freddie, Puppet Master, or "Hellraiser" films long after they became trite.

There were two great scenes that come to mind in this film: the spider was well done, and the arms through the prison bars scenes I also loved. You will know them when you see them.

SKYFALL

Being the year of the 50th anniversary of the beloved super spy, the 23rd Bond installment had a lot to live up to. While Casino Royale was a worthy and thrilling reboot to the franchise, Quantum of Solace fell flat with critics. To make matters more interesting, MGM has had financial woes over the last number of years and needed a hit to reinvigorate the studio. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Skyfall.

Not only does the movie qualify as one of the most action-packed and entertaining movies of the year, it ranks on my list as one of the best Bond flicks to date. As has come to be expected, Craig is terrific as the British spy, portraying the character with suave and intensity. The action is top notch and the story is superbly written. The real treat, however, is Bardem's role as the sinister Silva. Rivaling any villain in recent memory, save Heath Ledger's Joker, Bardem is intimidating, powerful, and irresistible to watch. You'll find yourself glued to the screen whenever he appears, and hoping he'll show up soon when he's gone.

Another huge nod has to go to Mendes, who's vision of Bond is spectacular. The movie is tightly scripted and the director does a very fine job of bringing out great performances from his cast. The cinematography is some of the best I've seen in a film for a long time; the production crew did a remarkable job utilizing light, colors, and atmosphere to really draw the audience in.

Whether your a die-hard Bond fan or a casual observer, Skyfall has something for everyone. There are multiple references to past Bond adventures, yet enough new and innovative ideas to please newcomers to the franchise. I highly recommend this film

DREDD

It is an utter crime how this movie flopped at the box office. To be honest I had no idea what to expect when I entered the theater to see this movie. Initially i wanted to go see "Looper" but for some reason at the time I was in the mood for something less cerebral, so me and my buddy chose to see Dredd 3D after a class mate told me to check it out and that it was phenomenal. So before entering the theater me and my friend smoked a huge joint and grabbed our 3D glasses. My God, I was completely blown away! I was so blown away that I went to see it again immediately the next day, sober, just to be sure that I wasn't imagining the greatness and I am proud to say that I wasn't. This film was still a masterpiece even in my sober state (although the trippy Slo-mo drug scenes weren't nearly as long as I thought they were! Ha ha!).

You can tell the director of this film really cared about the project. I felt his heart and soul within every composition and frame. Before this film I use to be anti-3D but after I saw this, it completely changed the game for me, yes even more than "avatar" did. This was the first time I felt that the only way to experience this film was in 3d. even though this film failed at the box office, i feel as if i was part of something special because i was one of the few who saw it in 3d at the theaters. All those people who are going to rent it or buy it on DVD/blu ray will be missing half the experience in my opinion. Too bad for you guys!! And if there ever was a movie that would consider me to covert my home theater into 3d, it is this one.

The way the film makers utilized slow motion was the best I have ever seen since the "Matrix", maybe even better. Lately I've hated the way recent films have used slow mo, just for the sake of it (Sherlock Holmes) but Dredd actually uses it to engross the audience further into the story. I loved the way the cinematography switched up during these scenes, making the drug scenes feel surreal and beautiful at the same time. That, accompanied with the amazing score, really made me feel like i was on a wild thrill ride. I haven't had this much fun at the movies in a while. This year has been a great year for movies. i loved "Prometheus", "Dark Knight Rises" and "Avengers" and even "Looper" but Dredd was the most fun and mind blowing of them all, despite it's simple down to earth story line. In fact I think it was the simplicity of the story that made it so great. It didn't try to have Dredd save the damn world. it was literally like watching John McClane in "Die Hard." It was all about survival!!

Karl Urban was great as Dredd. He really knew how to internalize all the angry emotions of the character and I commend his performance especially since we never got to see his eyes. He always retained a calm but ruthless demeanor. Lena Headey was chilling as Ma-Ma, I'm glad to see her still getting work after her underrated and beloved performance as Sarah Connor in the Terminator TV series (if you haven't seen that show, check it out, you won't regret it!). Olivia Thirlby did a decent job playing the rookie/dredd's side kick. At first I thought she was too young for the role but her character contrasted well with Dredd's character. At times I thought the made her appearance too pretty but she carried the role good enough to make me overlook that.

If you like films such as "Die Hard, Robocop, The Crow, or Darkman" YOU HAVE TO CHECK THIS FILM OUT!! It's a true action film masterpiece that put's the Expendables to sleep! This is easily one of the best R rated films to come out in a long time. These days everything is PG-13 just so the studio can sell more tickets and it was like a breathe of fresh air to see all the action and gore done in a way that wasn't gratuitous but servicing to the story and suspenseful atmosphere the film was trying to create for the viewer. I haven't seen violence in an action film done this well since the 80's. Everything about this film is fresh and exciting. The only thing that I can nit pick about was some of the supporting characters (Ma-Ma's henchmen) acting was bit forced but what do you expect from a low budget film? This film is one of the best-low budget films ever made and proof that you don't need hundred's of millions to deliver the goods. i think the reason why people didn't check this out was because folks thought it was a remake of the the Stallone film. My god, how they were wrong! TOO BAD FOR THEM!! Even though in my opinion I feel that a non 3D version of this film won't be as good as the 3D one I'd still recommend it to anyone, whether 3D or 2D. I'm definitely purchasing this when it comes out!

TOTAL RECALL (2012)

I just got back from the Midnight showing of this movie and I have to say that I was actually quite impressed with the storyline as it differed just enough from the original to make the film very entertaining, yet didn't seem to be a complete re-hash of the original Total Recall starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Of course the special effects were much better than the original film, but I have to admit that Arnold has such a presence that it makes it very hard to compete against him. Especially when you are playing the part he played so well in the original. However, Colin Farrel does do a good job playing the role of Douglas Quaid, or is it Hauser. I'm not really sure and that is the point of the movie. The cast is rounded out with Bryan Cranston from Breaking Bad: The Complete First Season fame reprising the role originally played by veteran actor Ronny Cox and Jessica Biel as Hauser's love interest Melina played by Rachel Ticotin in the original film, and Bokeem Woodbine as Quaid's friend Harry.

Now there are some obvious differences between the two films and without giving away in major spoilers, I am going to share a few of them with you here. So don't continue reading if you don't want to know some key plot elements in this new film.

1. Sharon Stone's role from the original film is played devilishly and deliciously by Kate Beckinsale of the Underworld: The Legacy Collection films and plays her character all the way through the entire film up until the very end. Her character in this film is actually a combination of two characters from the original film. Of course as I already stated Sharon Stone's original role, but also the role of Michael Ironside as Richter in the original film. I thought this was a nicely added touch and I am sure you will as well. Beckinsale really gives her role some real viciousness as it seems only a female can.

2. There is no relevance with the planet Mars in this version. All the events take place in what was once known as Europe and Australia.

3. There are no "mutants" of any kind really shown or implied in the film. Well of course there is one, but when you see her you'll wish you had three hands.

In order to fully enjoy this film, you really need to kind of forget about the original and just sit back and enjoy this film for what it is. A different take on the short story by Phillip K. Dick, "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale."

BRAVE

WONDERFULL STRORY FOR GIRL

I've read some of the bad reviews, and they seem focused on a few things: 1) Scary scenes, 2) Nudity, 3) Lack of romance. Well, my three year old is super brave so I do agree that a lot of sensitive littles may have an issue with the movie, but it's not really an issue in our household. Nudity? Well, that's kind of laughable as it's an animated movie. I guess some people would rather hear fart humor and characters calling each other jackass ("Shrek"), and if that's you then skip this one, but it's really just two quick scenes and not in a scandalous way. And about that lack of romance... one of the reasons I love this movie for my daughter is the lack of romance for the main character. In fact, the whole plot is about teenager Merida trying to change her "fate" which is to get married before she's ready. She passionately pleads during one speech to the parents of her suitors to let their children decide when they are ready for marriage and to choose their own spouses. This is beyond refreshing after decades of Disney princess schlock where the all too young princess gets into a scrape and must be rescued by a man and then lives "happily ever after". Also, I found the romantic sparks between Merida's parents to be pretty sweet.

If you're raising an independent daughter you want to think for herself and not think girls are meant to be saved by boyfriends, don't skip this movie. (If she's sensitive and scares easily, wait until she's at least school age, though.)

THE LORAX

Based upon the book by Dr. Seuss (whose name is officially part of the title), THE LORAX has been contemporized a bit making it accessible to not only super-environmental-types, but to those who were raised upon conservation and not environmentalism. In THE LORAX, Ted (Zac Efron) is a twelve-year-old boy who lives in the plasticized, walled city of Thneedville. Ted is in love with a teenage girl named Audrey (Taylor Swift). Audrey doesn't quite fit in Thneedville and paints the back of her house full of colorful trees which no longer exist. She longs to see a real tree and Ted becomes determined to find one for her. During dinner one night, Ted's Grammy Norma (Betty White) tells Ted that in order to find out what happened to the trees and if there's another one to be found, he needs to speak with the Once-ler (Ed Helms) who lives outside the city walls. Ted has never been outside the city, but sets out on a mission to meet the Once-ler and find a tree. He succeeds in finding the creature on the edge of town and the Once-ler tells Ted his story of how he started life off as an industrious, young man with a heart who just wanted to be a success, how he found a valley of paradise, and how he met The Lorax (Danny Devito). Before the story is through, the Once-ler's tale will merge with Ted's and perhaps revive the valley again.

MADAGASCAR 3

Sequels generally have a tendency to be half as good as the original, but in this case Madagascar 3 has a refreshingly new look, same level of energy and humor with its cast of characters, and a vibrant backdrop of a circus.

The cast of characters - Marty, Alex, Gloria, and and Melman - decide to leave Africa and go back to New York, but need the penguins help to fly back, the penguins are as hilarious as they have been. With the penguins in Monte Carlo, there begins their adventure. They run into the devious Captain Chantal Dubois is the head of animal control in Europe who is called for help. She is a little too serious about her job and wants to mount the heads of the animals, particularly Alex the lion's, on her wall as trophies. She brings delightful humor with her ways! In a way she reminded me of the "Bad Kitty" eastern European lady from NY in part 2. The scenes with her are very funny. The lemur king Julian falls in love with the bear at the circus and he is entertaining as always, the very talented Sacha Baron Cohen has done a remarkable job with this character.

The animals join a circus in an attempt to get away from Dubois. A number of new characters are introduced here who are part of the circus. This is where the movie picks up pace and bursts with color, and makes it a joy watching in 3D. This has to be one of the best 3D treats our family has seen this year across Ice Age, Brave, and The Lorax. The overall plot of the film is not as strong or content-rich as the first one, but the vivid colors and brilliant scenes make this as much a treat to watch as the previous two films.

The Dark Knight Trilogy (Batman Begins / The Dark Knight / The Dark Knight Rises) [Blu-ray] (2012)

Batman Begins:

Batman Begins discards the previous four films in the series and recasts the Caped Crusader as a fearsome avenging angel. That's good news, because the series, which had gotten off to a rousing start under Tim Burton, had gradually dissolved into self-parody by 1997's Batman & Robin. As the title implies,Batman Begins tells the story anew, when Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) flees Western civilization following the murder of his parents. He is taken in by a mysterious instructor named Ducard (Liam Neeson in another mentor role) and urged to become a ninja in the League of Shadows, but he instead returns to his native Gotham City resolved to end the mob rule that is strangling it. But are there forces even more sinister at hand?

Cowritten by the team of David S. Goyer (a veteran comic book writer) and director Christopher Nolan (Memento), Batman Begins is a welcome return to the grim and gritty version of the Dark Knight, owing a great debt to the graphic novels that preceded it. It doesn't have the razzle dazzle, or the mass appeal, ofSpider-Man 2 (though the Batmobile is cool), and retelling the origin means it starts slowly, like most "first" superhero movies. But it's certainly the best Bat-film since Burton's original, and one of the best superhero movies of its time. Bale cuts a good figure as Batman, intense and dangerous but with some of the lightheartedness Michael Keaton brought to the character. Michael Caine provides much of the film's humor as the family butler, Alfred, and as the love interest, Katie Holmes (Dawson's Creek) is surprisingly believable in her first adult role. Also featuring Gary Oldman as the young police officer Jim Gordon, Morgan Freeman as a Q-like gadgets expert, and Cillian Murphy as the vile Jonathan Crane. --David Horiuchi

The Dark Knight:

The Dark Knight arrives with tremendous hype (best superhero movie ever? posthumous Oscar for Heath Ledger?), and incredibly, it lives up to all of it. But calling it the best superhero movie ever seems like faint praise, since part of what makes the movie great--in addition to pitch-perfect casting, outstanding writing, and a compelling vision--is that it bypasses the normal fantasy element of the superhero genre and makes it all terrifyingly real. Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) is Gotham City's new district attorney, charged with cleaning up the crime rings that have paralyzed the city. He enters an uneasy alliance with the young police lieutenant, Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), and Batman (Christian Bale), the caped vigilante who seems to trust only Gordon--and whom only Gordon seems to trust. They make progress until a psychotic and deadly new player enters the game: the Joker (Heath Ledger), who offers the crime bosses a solution--kill the Batman. Further complicating matters is that Dent is now dating Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal, after Katie Holmes turned down the chance to reprise her role), the longtime love of Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne.

In his last completed role before his tragic death, Ledger is fantastic as the Joker, a volcanic, truly frightening force of evil. And he sets the tone of the movie: the world is a dark, dangerous place where there are no easy choices. Eckhart and Oldman also shine, but as good as Bale is, his character turns out rather bland in comparison (not uncommon for heroes facing more colorful villains). Director-cowriter Christopher Nolan (Memento) follows his critically acclaimed Batman Begins with an even better sequel that sets itself apart from notable superhero movies like Spider-Man 2 and Iron Man because of its sheer emotional impact and striking sense of realism--there are no suspension-of-disbelief superpowers here. At 152 minutes, it's a shade too long, and it's much too intense for kids. But for most movie fans--and not just superhero fans--The Dark Knight is a film for the ages. --David Horiuchi

The Dark Knight Rises:

Of all the "most anticipated" movies ever claiming that title, it's hard to imagine one that has caused so much speculation and breathless expectation as Christopher Nolan's final chapter to his magnificently brooding Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. Though it may not rise to the level of the mythic grandeur of its predecessor, The Dark Knight Rises is a truly magnificent work of cinematic brilliance that commandingly completes the cycle and is as heavy with literary resonance as it is of-the-moment insight into the political and social affairs unfolding on the world stage. That it is also a full-blown and fully realized epic crime drama packed with state-of-the-art action relying equally on immaculate CGI fakery and heart-stopping practical effects and stunt work makes its entrée into blockbuster history worthy of all the anticipation and more. It deserves all the accolades it will get for bringing an opulently baroque view of a comic book universe to life with sinister effectiveness.

Set eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, TDK Rises finds Bruce Wayne broken in spirit and body from his moral and physical battle with the Joker. Gotham City is at peace primarily because Batman took the fall for Harvey Dent's murder, allowing the former district attorney's memory to remain as a crime-fighting hero rather than the lunatic destructor he became as Two-Face. But that meant Batman's cape and cowl wound up in cold storage--perhaps for good--with only police commissioner Jim Gordon in possession of the truth. The threat that faces Gotham now is by no means new; as deployed by the intricate script that weaves themes first explored in Batman Begins, fundamental conflicts that predate his own origins are at the heart of the ultimate struggle that will leave Batman and his city either triumphant or in ashes. It is one of the movie's greatest achievements that we really don't know which way it will end up until its final exhilarating moments. Intricate may be an understatement in the construction of the script by Nolan and his brother Jonathan. The multilayered story includes a battle for control of Wayne Industries and the decimation of Bruce Wayne's personal wealth; a destructive yet potentially earth-saving clean energy source; a desolate prison colony on the other side of the globe; terrorist attacks against people, property, and the world's economic foundation; the redistribution of wealth to the 99 percent; and a virtuoso jewel thief who is identified in every way except name as Catwoman. Played with saucy fun and sexy danger by Anne Hathaway, Selina Kyle is sort of the catalyst (!) for all the plot threads, especially when she whispers into Bruce's ear at a charity ball some prescient words about a coming storm that will tear Gotham asunder. As unpredictable as it is sometimes hard to follow, the winds of this storm blow in a raft of diverse and extremely compelling new characters (including Selina Kyle) who are all part of a dance that ends with the ballet of a cataclysmic denouement. Among the new faces are Marion Cotillard as a green-energy advocate and Wayne Industries board member and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a devoted Gotham cop who may lead Nolan into a new comic book franchise. The hulking monster Bane, played by Tom Hardy with powerful confidence even under a clawlike mask, is so much more than a villain (and the toughest match yet for Batman's prowess). Though he ends up being less important to the movie's moral themes and can't really match Heath Ledger's maniacal turn as Joker, his mesmerizing swagger and presence as demonic force personified are an affecting counterpoint to the moral battle that rages within Batman himself. Christian Bale gives his most dynamic performance yet as the tortured hero, and Michael Caine (Alfred), Gary Oldman (Gordon), and Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox) all return with more gravitas and emotional weight than ever before. Then there's the action. Punctuated by three or four magnificent set pieces, TDKR deftly mixes the cinematic process of providing information with punches of pow throughout (an airplane-to-airplane kidnap/rescue, an institutional terrorist assault and subsequent chase, and the choreographed crippling of an entire city are the above-mentioned highlights). The added impact of the movie's extensive Imax footage ups the wow factor, all of it kinetically controlled by Nolan and his top lieutenants Wally Pfister (cinematography), Hans Zimmer (composer), Lee Smith (editor), and Nathan Crowley and Kevin Kavanaugh (production designers). The best recommendationTDKR carries is that it does not leave one wanting for more. At 164 minutes, there's plenty of nonstop dramatic enthrallment for a single sitting. More important, there's a deep sense of satisfaction that The Dark Knight Rises leaves as the fulfilling conclusion to an absorbing saga that remains relevant, resonant, and above all thoroughly entertaining. --Ted Fry

Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Here's an event movie that holds up to being an event. This filmed version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, adapted from the wildly popular book by J.K. Rowling, stunningly brings to life Harry Potter's world of Hogwarts, the school for young witches and wizards. The greatest strength of the film comes from its faithfulness to the novel, and this new cinematic world is filled with all the details of Rowling's imagination, thanks to exuberant sets, elaborate costumes, clever makeup and visual effects, and a crème de la crème cast, including Maggie Smith, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, and more. Especially fine is the interplay between Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his schoolmates Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), as well as his protector, the looming Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane). The second-half adventure--involving the titular sorcerer's stone--doesn't translate perfectly from page to screen, ultimately because of the film's fidelity to the novel; this is a case of making a movie for the book's fans, as opposed to a transcending film. Writer Steve Kloves and director Chris Columbus keep the spooks in check, making this a true family film, and with its resourceful hero wide-eyed and ready, one can't wait for Harry's return. Ages 8 and up. --Doug Thomas

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
First sequels are the true test of an enduring movie franchise, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets passes with flying colors. Expanding upon the lavish sets, special effects, and grand adventure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry involves a darker, more malevolent tale (parents with younger children beware), beginning with the petrified bodies of several Hogwarts students and magical clues leading Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) to a 50-year-old mystery in the monster-laden Chamber of Secrets. House elves, squealing mandrakes, giant spiders, and venomous serpents populate this loyal adaptation (by Sorcerer's Stone director Chris Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves), and Kenneth Branagh delightfully tops the supreme supporting cast as the vainglorious charlatan Gilderoy Lockhart (be sure to view past the credits for a visual punchline at Lockhart's expense). At 161 minutes, the film suffers from lack of depth and uneven pacing, and John Williams' score mostly reprises established themes. The young, fast-growing cast offers ample compensation, however, as does the late Richard Harris in his final screen appearance as Professor Albus Dumbledore. Brimming with cleverness, wonderment, and big-budget splendor, Chamber honors the legacy of J.K. Rowling's novels. --Jeff Shannon

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Some movie-loving wizards must have cast a magic spell on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, because it's another grand slam for the Harry Potter franchise. Demonstrating remarkable versatility after the arthouse success of Y Tu Mamá También, director Alfonso Cuarón proves a perfect choice to guide Harry, Hermione, and Ron into treacherous puberty as the now 13-year-old students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry face a new and daunting challenge: Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison, and for reasons yet unknown (unless, of course, you've read J.K. Rowling's book, considered by many to be the best in the series), he's after Harry in a bid for revenge. This dark and dangerous mystery drives the action while Harry (the fast-growing Daniel Radcliffe) and his third-year Hogwarts classmates discover the flying hippogriff Buckbeak (a marvelous CGI creature), the benevolent but enigmatic Professor Lupin (David Thewlis), horrifying black-robed Dementors, sneaky Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall), and the wonderful advantage of having a Time-Turner just when you need one. The familiar Hogwarts staff returns in fine form (including the delightful Michael Gambon, replacing the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore, and Emma Thompson as the goggle-eyed Sybil Trelawney), and even Julie Christie joins this prestigious production for a brief but welcome cameo. Technically dazzling, fast-paced, and chock-full of Rowling's boundless imagination (loyally adapted by ace screenwriter Steve Kloves), The Prisoner of Azkaban is a Potter-movie classic. --Jeff Shannon

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The latest entry in the Harry Potter saga could be retitled Fast Times at Hogwarts, where finding a date to the winter ball is nearly as terrifying as worrying about Lord Voldemort's return. Thus, the young wizards' entry into puberty (and discovery of the opposite sex) opens up a rich mining field to balance out the dark content in the fourth movie (and the stories are only going to get darker). Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) handily takes the directing reins and eases his young cast through awkward growth spurts into true young actors. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe, more sure of himself) has his first girl crush on fellow student Cho Chang (Katie Leung), and has his first big fight with best bud Ron (Rupert Grint). Meanwhile, Ron's underlying romantic tension with Hermione (Emma Watson) comes to a head over the winter ball, and when she makes one of those girl-into-woman Cinderella entrances, the boys' reactions indicate they've all crossed a threshold.

But don't worry, there's plenty of wizardry and action in Goblet of Fire. When the deadly Triwizard Tournament is hosted by Hogwarts, Harry finds his name mysteriously submitted (and chosen) to compete against wizards from two neighboring academies, as well as another Hogwarts student. The competition scenes are magnificently shot, with much-improved CGI effects (particularly the underwater challenge). And the climactic confrontation with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes, in a brilliant bit of casting) is the most thrilling yet. Goblet, the first installment to get a PG-13 rating, contains some violence as well as disturbing images for kids and some barely shrouded references at sexual awakening (Harry's bath scene in particular). The 2 1/2-hour film, lean considering it came from a 734-page book, trims out subplots about house-elves (they're not missed) and gives little screen time to the standard crew of the other Potter films, but adds in more of Britain's finest actors to the cast, such as Brendan Gleeson as Mad-Eye Moody and Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter. Michael Gambon, in his second round as Professor Dumbledore, still hasn't brought audiences around to his interpretation of the role he took over after Richard Harris died, but it's a small smudge in an otherwise spotless adaptation. --Ellen A. Kim

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Alas! The fifth Harry Potter film has arrived. The time is long past that this can be considered a simple "children's" series--though children and adults alike will enjoy it immensely. Starting off from the dark and tragic ending of the fourth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenixbegins in a somber and angst-filled tone that carries through the entire 138 minutes (the shortest of any HP movie despite being adapted from the longest book). Hopes of winning the Quidditch Cup have been replaced by woes like government corruption, distorted media spin, and the casualties of war. As the themes have matured, so have the primary characters' acting abilities. Ron (Rupert Grint), Hermione (Emma Watson), and especially Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) are more convincing than ever--in roles that are more demanding.

Harry is deeply traumatized from having witnessed Cedric Diggory's murder, but he will soon find that this was just another chapter in the continuing loss he will endure. Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has returned and, in an attempt to conceal this catastrophe from the wizarding public, the Ministry of Magic has teamed up with the wizard newspaper The Daily Prophet to smear young Potter and wise Dumbledore (Michael Gambon)--seemingly the only two people in the public eye who believe the Dark Lord has returned. With no one else to stand against the wicked Death Eaters, the Hogwarts headmaster is forced to revive his secret anti-Voldemort society, the Order of the Phoenix. This welcomes back characters like Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson), kind Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), fatherly Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), and insidious Severus Snape (Alan Rickman), and introduces a short list of intriguing new faces. In the meantime, a semi-psychotic bureaucrat from the Ministry (brilliantly portrayed by Imelda Staunton) has seized power at Hogwarts, and Harry is forced to form a secret society of his own--lest the other young wizards at his school be left ill-equipped to defend themselves in the looming war between good and evil. In addition, Harry is filled with an inexplicable rage that only his Godfather Sirius seems to be able to understand.

This film, though not as frightening as its predecessor, earns its PG-13 rating mostly because of the ever-darkening tone. As always, the loyal fans of J.K. Rowling's books will suffer huge cuts from the original plot and character developments, but make no mistake: this is a good movie. --Jordan Thompson

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The sixth installment of the Harry Potter series begins right where The Order of the Phoenix left off. The wizarding world is rocked by the news that "He Who Must Not Be Named" has truly returned, and the audience finally knows that Harry is "the Chosen One"--the only wizard who can defeat Lord Voldemort in the end. Dark forces loom around every corner, and now regularly attempt to penetrate the protected walls of Hogwarts School. This is no longer the fun and fascinating world of magic from the first few books—it's dark, dangerous, and scary.

Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) suspects Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) to be a new Death Eater recruit on a special mission for the Dark Lord. In the meantime, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) seems to have finally removed the shroud of secrecy from Harry about the dark path that lies ahead, and instead provides private lessons to get him prepared. It's in these intriguing scenes that the dark past of Tom Riddle (a.k.a. Voldemort) is finally revealed. The actors cast as the different young versions of Riddle (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin and Frank Dillane) do an eerily fantastic job of portraying the villain as a child. While the previous movies' many new characters could be slightly overwhelming, only one new key character is introduced this time: Professor Horace Slughorn (with a spot-on performance by Jim Broadbent). Within his mind he holds a key secret in the battle to defeat the Dark Lord, and Harry is tasked by Dumbledore to uncover a memory about Voldemort's darkest weapon--the Horcrux. Despite the long list of distractions, Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) still try to focus on being teenagers, and audiences will enjoy the budding awkward romances. All of the actors have developed nicely, giving their most convincing performances to date.

More dramatic and significant things go down in this movie than any of its predecessors, and the stakes are higher than ever. The creators have been tasked with a practically impossible challenge, as fans of the beloved J.K. Rowling book series desperately want the movies to capture the magic of the books as closely as possible. Alas, the point at which one accepts that these two mediums are very different is the point at which one can truly enjoy these brilliant adaptations. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is no exception: it may be the best film yet. For those who have not read the book, nail-biting entertainment is guaranteed. For those who have, the movie does it justice. The key dramatic scenes, including the cave and the shocking twist in the final chapter, are executed very well. It does a perfect job of setting up the two-part grand finale that is to follow. --Jordan Thompson

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I is a brooding, slower-paced film than its predecessors, the result of being just one half of the final story (the last book in the series was split into two movies, released in theaters eight months apart). Because the penultimate film is all buildup before the final showdown between the teen wizard and the evil Voldemort (which does not occur until The Deathly Hallows, Part II), Part I is a road-trip movie, a heist film, a lot of exposition, and more weight on its three young leads, who up until now were sufficiently supported by a revolving door of British thesps throughout the series. Now that all the action takes place outside Hogwarts--no more Potions classes, Gryffindor scarves, or Quidditch matches--Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione), and Rupert Grint (Ron) shoulder the film almost entirely on their own. After a near-fatal ambush by Voldemort's Death Eaters, the three embark on a quest to find and destroy the remaining five horcruxes (objects that store pieces of Voldemort's soul). Fortunately, as the story gets more grave--and parents should be warned, there are some scenes too frightening or adult for young children--so does the intensity. David Yates, who directed the Harry Potter films Order of the Phoenixand The Half-Blood Prince, drags the second half a little, but right along with some of the slower moments are some touching surprises (Harry leading Hermione in a dance, the return of Dobby in a totally non-annoying way). Deathly Hallows, Part I will be the most confusing for those not familiar with the Potter lore, particularly in the shorthand way characters and terminology weave in and out. For the rest of us, though, watching these characters over the last decade and saying farewell to a few faces makes it all bittersweet that the end is near (indeed, an early scene in which Hermione casts a spell that makes her Muggle parents forget her existence, in case she doesn't return, is particularly emotional). Despite its challenges, Deathly Hallows, Part I succeeds in what it's most meant to do: whet your appetite for the grand conclusion to the Harry Potter series. --Ellen A. Kim

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part IIThe Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the film all Harry Potter fans have waited 10 years to see, and the good news is that it's worth the hype--visually stunning, action packed, faithful to the book, and mature not just in its themes and emotion but in the acting by its cast, some of whom had spent half their lives making Harry Potter movies. Part 2 cuts right to the chase: Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has stolen the Elder Wand, one of the three objects required to give someone power over death (a.k.a. the Deathly Hallows), with the intent to hunt and kill Harry. Meanwhile, Harry's quest to destroy the rest of the Horcruxes (each containing a bit of Voldemort's soul) leads him first to a thrilling (and hilarious--love that Polyjuice Potion!) trip to Gringotts Bank, then back to Hogwarts, where a spectacular battle pitting the young students and professors (a showcase of the British thesps who have stolen every scene of the series: Maggie Smith's McGonagall, Jim Broadbent's Slughorn, David Thewlis's Lupin) against a dark army of Dementors, ogres, and Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter, with far less crazy eyes to make this round). As predicted all throughout the saga, Harry also has his final showdown with Voldemort--neither can live while the other survives--though the physics of that predicament might need a set of crib notes to explain. But while each installment has become progressively grimmer, this finale is the most balanced between light and dark (the dark is quite dark--several familiar characters die, with one significant death particularly grisly); the humor is sprinkled in at the most welcome times, thanks to the deft adaptation by Steve Kloves (who scribed all but one of the films from J.K. Rowling's books) and direction by four-time Potter director David Yates. The climactic kiss between Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), capping off a decade of romantic tension, is perfectly tuned to their idiosyncratic relationship, and Daniel Radcliffe has, over the last decade, certainly proven he was the right kid for the job all along. As Prof. Snape, the most perfect of casting choices in the best-cast franchise of all time, Alan Rickman breaks your heart. Only the epilogue (and the lack of chemistry between Harry and love Ginny Weasley, barely present here) stand a little shaky, but no matter: the most lucrative franchise in movie history to date has just reached its conclusion, and it done 
so without losing its soul. --Ellen A. Kim

The Amazing Spiderman (4)

Sinopsis The Amazing Spiderman - Film The Amazing Spiderman akan dirilis dalam 2D dan 3D tanggal 3 juli 2012. Film terbaru ini dibintangi oleh Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irfan Khan, Martin Sheen, dan Sally Field. Film ini disutradarai oleh Marc Webb dan ditulis naskahnya oleh James Vanderbilt yang diadaptasi bedasarkan komik karya Stan Lee dan Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, dan Matt Tolmach bersama meproduksi film ini dan berkejasama dengan Marvel Entertainment dan Columbia Pictures. Walupun film ini menceritakan awal nya dia menjadi Spiderman tetepi film ini memiliki cerita yang berbeda dengan Spiderman sebelumnya. Dari pada penasaran lebih baik kalian tonton aja saja filmnya. Dibawah ini Sinosis nya sebagai gambaran dari film tersebut, 

 Sinopsis The Amazing Spiderman

"The Amazing Spiderman mengisahkan tentang Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), seorang siswa SMA yang setelah kehilangan orangtua nya sejak kecil, ia tinggal dan dibesarkan bersama Paman dan BIbi nya yaitu Paman Ben (Martin Sheen) dan Bibi May (Sally Field). Seperti kebanyakan remaja lainnya, Peter saat ini sedang mencoba menemukan jati dirinya dan menjadi lebih dewasa. Peter juga sekaligus menemukan ketertarikan kepada seorang Siswi di sekolahnya bernama Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). Bersama Gwen, Peter saling berbagi arti sebuah kekuatan cinta, kepercayaan, dan juga rahasia.

Peter kemudian dihadapkan pada sebuah kasus misterius yang ternyata menghubungkannya dengan masa lalu Ayahnya. Ia mulai menyelidiki misteri 'menghilangnya' kedua orangtuanya yang kemudian membawanya ke Oscorp dan sebuah laboratorium penelitian milik Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans) yang merupakan rekan Ayahnya dulu. Peter dan alter-egonya sebagai Spider-Man akhirnya harus berhadapan langsung dengan Dr. Curt Connors yang memiliki alter-ego yang sangat berbahaya sebagai sosok The Lizard. Peter pun kemudian menggunakan kekuatan yang dimilikinya untuk menerima takdirnya sebagai seorang Pahlawan."

HUNGER GAMES 2012

Sutradara : Gary Ross,
Pemain : Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson
Produksi : Lions Gate Entertainment
Rating : (4.5 / 5)

Di masa persaingan di antara tayanganreality show di televisi, “The Hunger Games”hadir dengan menggambarkan perjuangan dua orang remaja untuk bertahan hidup di tengah persaingan mematikan dengan para remaja lainnya. Film science fiction (fiksi ilmiah) terbaru ini telah menarik perhatian besar di kalangan media sosial, kritikus film, dan penggemar, yang rata-rata mempertanyakan apakah film ini akan “panjang umur” dan mampu menyaingi kesuksesan “Harry Potter” dan “Twilight”.

Setiap tahun, masing-masing distrik dari wilayah Panem (reruntuhan Amerika Utara) harus mengirimkan satu orang laki dan perempuan berusia antara 12-18 tahun ke Capitol (ibu kota) untuk berlatih dan berkompetisi dalam Hunger Games – sebuah kompetisi mematikan yang ditayangkan secara live di televisi sebagai bentuk skema intimidasi dari pemerintah diktator.

Pada hari penentuan, Katniss, seorang gadis berusia 16 tahun (Jennifer Lawrence) sebelumnya yakin bahwa adik perempuannya, Prim (Shields Willow) tidak akan dipilih karena namanya hanya disampaikan satu kali. Namun, ketika nama Prim dipilih dan diumumkan oleh Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), Katniss segera mengajukan diri sebagai sukarelawan untuk menggantikan adiknya.

Bersama dengan Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), mereka berdua mewakili Distrik 12 untuk dibawa ke Capitol dan memulai pelatihan. Capitol merupakan sebuah tempat mewah yang dipenuhi oleh para penduduk flamboyan. Peeta dan Katniss berjumpa dengan berbagai karakter yang unik, seperti host televisi karismatik Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) dan penata busana yang baik hati, Cinna (Lenny Kravitz).

Sebagai seorang pemanah yang ahli, Katniss bergantung pada instingnya yang tajam dan bimbingan dari mantan pemenang dari Distrik 12, Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), untuk dapat memenangkan pertempuran dan bermain pintar di pertandingan berpasangan. Katniss berjuang dengan penuh loyalitas di arena Hunger Games dan akhirnya mengalami konflik yang sangat dalam ketika orang terakhir yang harus ia bunuh adalah Peeta, rekannya sesama Distrik 12.

Jennifer Lawrence adalah seorang aktris yang sangat cocok bermain di suasana alam liar, sehingga dapat mewujudkan karakter Katniss, yang lambat laun berubah menjadi seorang yang berwatak keras dan tak dapat mempercayai orang lain kecuali adiknya Prim dan sahabatnya Gale (Liam Hemsworth). Dalam sebuah film yang sangat berpusat pada perspektif karakternya, kinerja Lawrence tampak sangat menonjol dalam film ini. Memberikan hiburan bernuansa ketegangan tersendiri bagi penonton untuk menangkap esensi karakter Katniss.

Lawrence telah mengumpulkan nominasi Oscar untuk Aktris Terbaik dalam penampilannya di film triller indie beranggaran rendah, Winter’s Bone dan menjadi salah satu aktris Hollywood yang paling menjanjikan. Sedangkan lawan main Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, menggambarkan Peeta sebagai karakter yang sangat baik hati yang diam-diam jatuh cinta kepada Katniss, meskipun hal itu bukanlah unsur fokus dari film ini. Hutcherson dan Lawrence terlihat mampu bekerja sama dengan baik dalam film tersebut.

Para pemeran pendukung dalam film ini juga tampil cemerlang, termasuk Elizabeth Banks (Seabiscuit), Lenny Kravitz (Precious), Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia), dan Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy).

Donald Sutherland (Space Cowboys) berperan sebagai diktator Capitol, Presiden Snow, dan Wes Bentley (American Beauty) sebagai Kepala Hunger Games, yang mengendalikan semua aspek permainan.

Film ini tetap dekat dengan cerita novel aslinya dengan pengembangan karakter yang konsisten, sinematografi, dan pemain yang hebat, sehingga film ini seolah menjadi terjemahan dari buku ke film dengan hasil yang memuaskan. Sebagian besar pujian layak dialamatkan ke sutradara Gary Ross yang ikut menulis skenario bersama sang penulis novel, Suzanne Collins.

Ross pandai dalam pengambilan angle close-up tanpa bergantung pada klise atau gimmick tambahan, sepenuhnya menggambarkan sudut pandang orang pertama Katniss tanpa bantuan narasi, sementara goyangan kameranya memberikan bidikan mentah yang pas dengan konten.

Satu-satunya yang menjadi masalah dalam film ini adalah special FX, secara lebih khusus dapat disebutkan yaitu efek api dalam film. Mengingat bahwa api merupakan elemen yang umum hampir di seluruh bagian cerita, efek dari api tampak sedikit mengecewakan. Selain itu, terdapat beberapa elemen kecil dari cerita asli yang diubah untuk membuat jalan bagi urutan lebih besar dan motif dari cerita, tetapi tetap tidak mengganggu jalan cerita keseluruhan, malah justru seolah melengkapi cerita aslinya.

Jennifer Lawrence dalam film science fiction bergenre aksi-drama, The Hunger Games. (MURRAY CLOSE/LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT)

Meskipun film ini hampir sepenuhnya menggambarkan kekerasan dan skenario berdarah dari novel aslinya, Ross secara sempurna memberikan sudut pandang Katniss kepada para penonton, yakni sebuah pertempuran mengerikan di arena, dan sejumlah kematian tanpa mengabaikan emosi. Soundtrack film juga turut andil dalam menciptakan dampak yang lebih besar ke nada keseluruhan dan membangkitkan respon yang lebih menarik dari para penonton.

Hunger Games berhasil menggambarkan sebuah novel yang memiliki pesan mendalam karya Suzanne Collins mengenai pengorbanan dan perjuangan hidup, memicu awal yang kuat dari fenomena peradaban baru umat manusia. (Victoria Ku / The Epoch Times / osc)

REVIEW : THE CABIN IN THE WOODS

Rencananya mereka berlima memang berlibur di gubuk tua di tengah hutan itu. Tak disangka, gubuk tua yang sepertinya tak berbahaya itu ternyata menyimpan misteri. Dalam waktu singkat, liburan yang seharusnya menyenangkan itu berubah menjadi perjuangan untuk bertahan hidup. Kalau mereka berlima tak segera mengungkap misteri yang menyelimuti gubuk tua itu, bisa jadi tak ada harapan untuk mereka berlima.

Film horor memang sering kali dipandang sebelah mata. Gelar B-Movie selalu melekat pada film-film dari genre yang dibuat untuk menakut-nakuti pemirsa ini. Fakta ini membuat Joss Whedon merasa sedikit resah. Pasalnya, sineas ini mengaku fans berat film-film horor. Bersama Drew Goddard, Whedon pun merancang sebuah skenario untuk memperbaiki citra film horor yang makin lama makin terpuruk ini.

Kristen Connolly dan Chris Hemsworth direkrut sebagai pemain sementaraGoddard ditunjuk sebagai sutradara film yang dilansir via Lionsgate ini. Whedonsendiri sepertinya berusaha keras untuk merahasiakan alur cerita film ini. Sebagian pengamat menduga ini hanya trik karena film ini sendiri sebenarnya tak menawarkan terlalu banyak. Trailer yang beredar sendiri tak memberikan gambaran jelas mengenai alur cerita yang ditawarkan. Ada kesan bahwa Goddard dan Whedon memasukkan unsur fiksi ilmiah pada film yang sekilas terlihat seperti film slasher ini.

Source: IMDB/ Wikipedia

Genre	:	Horor
Tanggal Rilis	:	13 April 2012
Sutradara	:	Drew Goddard
Pemain	:	Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitfor

MEN IN BLACK (MIB) 3

Jenis Film : Action, Comedy
Produser : Walter F. Parkes, Laurie Macdonal
Produksi : SONY PICTURES
Sutradara : Barry Sonnenfeld
Homepage : www.sonypictures.com/movies/meninblack3/

SINOPSIS FILM MEN IN BLACK

Agent J (Will Smith) and Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) are assigned the task of monitoring extra-terrestrial activity on Earth. Things get strange when J can't find K, then finds out his friend has been dead for over 40 years. In an attempt to save young Agent K's (Josh Brolin) life, Agent J travels back in time to 1969 to stop his murder.

Agen J (Will Smith) dan agen K (Tommy Lee Jones) yang ditugaskan untuk memantau aktivitas ekstra-terrestrial di bumi. Hal-hal aneh terjadi ketika J tidak dapat menemukan K,ia kemudian menemukan temannya telah mati selama lebih dari 40 tahun. Dalam upaya untuk menyelamatkan kehidupan agen muda K (Josh Brolin), Agen J melakukan perjalanan kembali ke tahun 1969 untuk menghentikan pembunuhan.

Resensi / Preview FILM Men In Black 3

Sosok alien jahat yang bernama Boris (Jemaine Clement) berhasil kabur dari tahanan khusus mahluk asing yang berlokasi di bulan, demi menuntaskan dendamnya kepada agen K karena telah memenjarakan dan memutuskan salah satu tangannya.

Boris memiliki rencana licik dengan menggunakan mesin waktu untuk pergi ke tahun 1969 sebelum agen K berhasil membekuk dan memutuskan tangannya. Misi Boris tersebut ternyata tidak sia-sia karena dirinya sukses membunuh agen K demi menguasai bumi dan umat manusia.

Sementara itu, agen J (Will Smith) mulai merasakan sesuatu hal yang ganjil karena secara mendadak partnernya tersebut dianggap telah wafat 40 tahun yang lalu ditangan Boris. Padahal sehari sebelumnya, agen J dan K sempat menjalankan tugas rutin bersama. Pada akhirnya, agen J mengetahui kalau Boris pergi ke masa lalu dan membunuh partnernya tersebut. Ketika kondisi bumi mulai kritis, agen J turut pergi ke masa lalu sebelum Boris membunuh agen K muda (Josh Brolin).

Kisah dari Men in Black III tentu sangat jauh berbeda dari sebelumnya. Di film ini, sutradara Barry Sonnenfeld menampilkan para agen MIB versi klasik khas tahun 1969. Meskipun kostum yang dikenakan tidak jauh berbeda, namun kendaraan dan sejata yang mereka gunakan terlihat lebih jadul meskipun kala itu peralatan MIB masih tergolong cukup canggih di era 60-an.

Salah satu hal yang paling menarik dari cerita film MIB III adalah, tentang dikupasnya profil mengenai agen J dan K secara lebih mendalam. Penonton nantinya akan mengerti mengapa karakter agen K selalu bersikap dingin dan nyaris tanpa ekspresi. Selain itu, pertanyaan yang selalu ada di benak agen J mulai terungkap pada saat proses perjalanan waktu ke masa agen K masih muda.

Sesuai dengan karakter Will Smith, film MIB III tentu masih mempertahankan unsur komedi yang terdapat di dalamnya lewat tingkah kocak karakter agen J. Tidak lupa juga, di seri ketiga Men in Black ini, terdapat cameo dari salah satu penyanyi wanita kontroversial yang karirnya sedang naik daun di tahun 2012.

Secara keseluruhan, film MIB III berhasil membuat perubahan yang sangat mengesankan. Dan bagi para pecinta MIB tentu tidak boleh melewatkan film ketiganya ini karena terdapat kisah yang berkelanjutan dari seri sebelumnya. Apakah agen J berhasil menyelamatkan nyawa agen K? jawabnya hanya bisa diketahui dengan menyaksikan film Men in Black III