Flight of the Phoenix

[J.R. Hudson]

I watched this tonight; it's that time of year where I catch up. All I have heard about this is that it sucks and the numbers:

Worldwide: $28,408,388

I liked it. It's one of those films where I'm like "28 Million Worldwide?" What the hell? I'm not saying it's the greatest ****ing film ever; I'm saying "I rented it expecting pure shite and came out going; not bad." I'd project at least a 60 Million Domestic take; really.

This ia fun movie with a talented cast and above average SFX. The plot is cool and its adventure. And really, how many adventure films are there released? I enjoyed this film for what it is; popcorn.

Spoiler Alert:

When Giavanni's character is revealed' of his profession; it's a good twisty surprise and made me go "Oh crap. No way"


Directed by John Moore of Behind Enemy Lines fame; which is killer film I thought; popcorn speaking of course.


It has supernice cinematography; by the dude who did Behind Enemy Lines and Veronica Guerin and looks sharp; lots of ND action here; exactly how I would film the desert I think.

The music is composed by the dude who did Cursed, I, Robot, HellboyTerminator 3: Rise of the Machines and Blade II . I enjoyed the score.

a great score that sounds modern, yet with the eastern influence and some fun 'soundtrack' songs. What I am saying is: See this if you havent and you just like popcorn flicks; its a good one. I cant believe this grossed 21 Million domestic. This was a pleasant surprise; is it OMG YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS HOLY CRAP!


No. But I have not come out of it as if I wasted my time. On the contrary; I tried watching Oceans 12 last night and turned it off 00:45:00 into that stellar piece of crap excuse for a film.


It isn;t getting my vote for the best list; but can't we just sit back sometimes, throw down some popcorn and watch an film with your 5 year old without being given some ****ing message or universal ephinany?


3 out of 5 Stars on the HUDSON SCALE

 

[Mike_Donis]

Top knotch review John - I agree wholeheartedly!

 

[reservoir]

The originals are always better!!

I'll have to rent this one to compare the two.

~reservoir~

 

[xl70e3]

Bah that's the point, Reservoir, don't bother comparing...
The movie is pure fun, popcorn, nothing more and it delivers.

P.S. John, watch Sahara for the very same reasons. Oh and btw I LOVE Behind Enemy Lines cinematography. As dumb as that movie is, I enjoy watching it just for it's look.

 

[NO CA$H]

I always liked the original Flight of the Phoenix and I rented this a few weeks ago and I enjoyed it. They did a great job with this movie I was suprised. The only part i don't like about this movie was how they played that outkast song.

tried watching Oceans 12 last night and turned it off 00:45:00 into that stellar piece of crap excuse for a film.

lol i walked out of the theatre about the same time

 

[J.R. Hudson]

Could that film seriously be any lamer? Makes you kind of want to apologize to the masses just for being filmmakers.

 

[Final Design Studios]

P.S. John, watch Sahara for the very same reasons.

Or maybe.......don't. I didn't like Sahara at all, just wanted to get out of the theatre.

 

[DinosaurInc]

Hudson,

Decided not to see Ocean's Twelve in theaters because....well, I won't make an excuse, it just didn't stand out. I LOVE Ocean's Eleven and I'm curious if you liked Ocean's Eleven? I have yet to rent it (I have to wait for it to come down to the MVP level movies and Hollywood Video), but I was really hoping that it would be good (stellar, in fact ). Not so much a fan of Soderbergh as I am of OE in a movie itself.

I'll have to get FotP (rent first of course). I have a weighted judgment system for what I think of movies. For popcorn movies all of my standards (for the most part) are on SFX, cinematography, graphics, score, and minimally on acting. I don't go to Harry Potter looking for plot holes. That would explain why I am hardly let-down in popcorn movies. Some of my film-buff buddies always hassle me because I like some of the more "commercial movies". Sometimes you're just in that "popcorn movie" mood. I want it loud and on a big screen. Just watched Die Hard last week and it was the most fun I've had watching a movie in a long time.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

Hi DinosaurInc

To be honest; I did not like O11 and never saw the 'appeal' in the first place. Why I thought I would give O12 a chance is beyond me. I also am not a huge fan of Soderbergh; I have always felt his films highly overrated:

Sex, Lies, and Videotape - Overrated but good for the indie world.
Out of Sight - Loved it; had the whole Elmore vibe and the cast was great.
Erin Brockovich - Never liked Julia but really enjoyed this film; I like a happy ending; moreso when it's true
Traffic - Visually started a trend; but Best Picture category? I would have picked GLADIATOR but am content with ERIN BROCK winning.

Everything he's done since has sucked IMO

I'm totally picking up what you're putting down on Popcorn.

Not every film has to be an Academy Award contender; popcorn is just for sitting back and having a good time; DIE HARD a classic example; one of the best action flicks ever in my opinion.