“Kung Fu Panda,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Indiana Jones” steal the stage for fall DVDs
Here are three movies that were not affected by the prolonged Writer’s Guild Strike, and were released in a safer time when our economy still appeared to be functional rather than filled with spiders and strife. Besides, you’ll need to browse over them to appear in touch with mainstream media, right?
First of all, we have “Kung Fu Panda,” a maverick of Dreamworks films. Contrary to their usual habits of stoically copying and pasting from whatever Disney has been doing, they have actually developed an independent animated feature with its own lore, characters and back story. Whatever had convinced Dreamworks to go ahead with the decision, they have definitely hit gold.
By seamlessly combining predictable but also refined kung fu stereotypes, original (non-Disney influenced) characters, and enthralling 3D fight scenes capable of whetting the most hardcore devotee of violence (and art in general), they have found a lavish formula for attracting kids of 2008 akin to a passing ice cream truck.
Jack Black is tailor-made for his role as Po the panda; his expressions and humor links effortlessly with the character. Surprisingly, the back-story is deeper than one might expect. The chemistry between Dustin Hoffman’s character, the kung fu maser: Sifu and Po is rewarding, commendable, and definitely unforgettable. Try it out, it is one of those movies that’s appropriate for all audience groups.
“The Incredible Hulk” is another movie that met and exceeded expectations, though in smaller scales. It is definitely better than Ang Lee’s two hour compilation of oversensitive portrayal and overbearing mess, but still cannot stand up to the other titans of super heroes movies this year like “Ironman” and “The Dark Knight.”
Edward Norton’s presence is definitely a welcome because of his versatility in acting, as with his costar, Tim Roth. The film is lighter in the portrayal of Bruce Banner than the previous one, and the humor does recall Hulk of the 70s; however that’s where the problems lie. Much of the movie attempts to fill the holes presented in Ang Lee’s “Hulk,” but missed Lee’s relatable depiction of the characters.
A pithy summary of the movie: it tried very hard to be different from Ang Lee’s “Hulk.” It was great for fans and lovers of spectacles, but fell into the familiar trap of alienating the audiences.
Lastly, we have “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” This is a must see for those of you who grew up admiring Indiana Jones as a hero…or became a history major because of him (containing laughter). Well, Indy is definitely back and Harrison Ford is still as fit as ever, but that short little bravo is doomed to be crushed by mountains of incoherent plot decisions. There are some creatures and events that probably should not have even been in this Indiana movie. It’s very hard to root for this movie unless you have a great capacity for high fantasy or if you are a regular watcher of “Lost.”
Nevertheless, it is still a good stand-alone addition to the franchise: it takes you back. At least it is the best production made by George Lucas during this decade.
