May Movie Survey!

(Check back every Sunday in May for updates!)
UPDATED: 5/8/11.

1. FAST FIVE

Fast Five was undoubtedly the most fun I've had at the movies in years: from the saucy and witty banter between the characters (as well developed and funny as the Oceans 11-13 cast), the exotic and domestic cars, (Producers bought (and destroyed) almost 300 cars for Fast Five) the actors, and the stellar plotline: it's a surefire hit. In a separate league from the film that shall not be named Tokyo Drift, Fast Five reunites the main characters in a vendetta plot against a Rio De Janeiro crime lord turned $100M heist, that in surprising moments of spiritual clarity even converts the die hard good guy Hobbs (played by Dwayne Johnson) if only for a few hours before he's back to chasing the leads. Surprisingly, this "testosterone" filled movie has even more appeal to female fans, beyond the five male leads starring, as for the first time in the series the female objectifying and sexism is kept to a minimum. The three female leads are heavy hitters, as evidence in Mia's (Jordana Brewster's) precision driving of the best car in the film: the Ford GT, Gisele's weapons and motorcycle expertise and the female police officer, Elena. Not that you'll be paying attention to any of this with the breakneck pace of the fight, boosting, drag race, heist getaway, and epic city demolishing scenes of the movie from start to finish: strap yourself in for this ride! Advice: See it... twice. ALSO: Stay for the "secret ending" three-four minutes into the credits.

Advice: See it/Rent it on DVD.



3. THOR.
Some critics are panning this film as being "the longest trailer ever for The Avengers (2012)" and yes: there is a another secret trailer (like in both Iron Man movies) for The Avengers after the credits, but beyond Marvel's Avengers revamp, Thor stands well on its own. The actors (Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Chris Hemsworth) all create interesting, flawed characters that build on each other throughout the plot. The settings on Earth are humorous and dry (Thor is dropped in New Mexico by his angry father and has some awkwardness transitioning into his mortal form) and in Asgard, an ethereal fantasy. (See photo above)

Kenneth Branagh (the director) who is a world renowned Shakespearean Actor and filmmaker, took the helm for Thor: and this was evident in his inclusion of the "Norwegian mythology" that Stan Lee's Marvel character of Thor, was based off of. Also borrowed from the Norse Myths: are the other gods, and Thor's home of Asgard amongst the nine realms. (Source.) Read more about Norse Mythology here...


The Plot? Successful. The chemistry between the two leads works, with Natalie taking the reins as a witty and determined scientist trying to keep Thor from disappearing as the main evidence of a cosmic event (his arrival). When S.H.I.E.L.D arrives and confiscates all of her research and equipment, Thor helps her get it back, while at the same time helping his friends save his home of Asgard from the ice giants. Surprisingly: this all pulls together in an enjoyable epic battle scene. I also enjoyed the cameos of Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Stan Lee as the old man trying to pull the hammer out with truck winch. My advice: See it in theaters.  

To see the list of the characters and actors that made "the cast list" for The Avengers: check out imdb's list here...