Actually, the predators were rather despicable!
Saw a double feature last night so I've two reviews today.
Despicable MeGru (voiced by Steve Carell) is one of the greatest villains the world has ever known - until he is usurped by a younger villain named Vector. Determined to regain his title, Gru embarks on a mission to steal the moon. When he decides to use three orphans in his plan, things start to veer off course...
This movie was not as funny as I'd anticipated, but it had a great heart. The three orphan girls are cute. Gru's minions steal the show every time they're onscreen. Reminded me of the slugs in Flushed Away. It's very original and very genuine.
My experience was marred by the movie's projection in the wrong ratio - and the staff's inability (and unwillingness) to fix the problem. So I did not see the outer edges of the film. It was also very dark, most likely a result of the wrong ratio. This did hamper my enjoyment of the film, so I look forward to seeing it again on DVD.
PredatorsA group of elite warriors and killers are kidnapped and dropped on an alien planet, only to be hunted by Predators.
What can I say? It's Predators! I went in expecting special effects, explosions, killings, and gore, and I was not disappointed. This is a good entry into the Predator saga. It doesn't break new ground or reveal anything earth shattering. But the characters feel real and the story moves at a good pace. Normally if you drop a bunch of unwilling characters together, they act unrealistic or according to stereotype, but the director handled it well. There's also a new 'breed' of Predators introduced. And Laurence Fishburne's character? You'll just have to see for yourself!
If you enjoyed the first one, you'll enjoy this film. It's above average for a dumb summer action flick and just below great. Just go for the Predator ass-kicking!
Despicable me sounds cute...thanks for the review. I'll skip Predators...but that's just me. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteLiza, Despicable Me was sweet. You'll emjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews. I'm starting to count on these before going to see a movie. :-)
ReplyDeleteLast night, the hubby and I went to see Grown-ups. It was his choice as I hadn't even heard of the movie. Well, it was pretty hilarious in a very non-subtle way. lol.
Enjoyed the reviews. Nice to know what to expect. Something about the summer brings out the aliens. I had wondered how the current Predator would fare compared to the first. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
Alex, I love your reviews. I rarely go to the movies anymore, but I watch them on DVD. Your reviews help me decide.
ReplyDeleteT
I'm sure it won't be long before I'm swamped in kids entertainment, and I'll bet I'll find Dispicable Me in the bargain bin by then. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews, Alex!
ReplyDeleteNo, you're not going to have a problem in the world with the blog tour group. :) Your site rocks.
"...Gru embarks on a mission to steal the moon..."
ReplyDeletenow isn't that an adorable plot from a villainous point of view :)))) Positively naughty :)
A great review on the two films, although I will probably wait until they come out on dvd before seeing them.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week-end.
Yvonne.
I doubt I'll see Despicable me but Predators does look interesting. I like the idea behind the movie, although it's certainly not original.
ReplyDeleteThe first movie sounds great but the second seems a little scary for me. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteCD
Glad I can enlighten everyone with my reviews! I am a movie junkie.
ReplyDeleteDezz, all the reviews of Despicable Me state that it's a throwback to good animation storytelling. Stealing the moon figures into that!
Charles, it's not original, but it is done well.
Didn't Predators start in a Schwarzenegger movie? Is this the same "predators"?
ReplyDeleteStraight From Hel
I plan to see Predators this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI save actually going to movies for the ones I really, really want to see. Even though your review was generally positive, I think I will wait for both of these to come out on video.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Despicable Me was messed up. That would be irritating. I had a feeling about those minions!!! The little critters ARE THE ACTUAL VILLIANS!!! They stole all of the trailers.
ReplyDeleteAs for Predators - sounds about right!!
Thanks Alex!
I'm not too gung ho about either of these. I don't mind a good animated film, but my wife does not like animated films so we rarely watch them
ReplyDeleteNow she will probably be more interested in the Predator movie--she loves action and scary movies. But it's still not high on my list. I've been catching up on a lot of older movies lately.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Oh thanks for the reviews! :) Looking forward to seeing both of them when I get the chance.
ReplyDeleteA brand new Predators? Sounds like a good come back, also like the sound of Despicable. Thanks for the reviews!
ReplyDeleteWhat a disappointment, Alex! I, for one, was hoping that "Predators" would be the film that got inside the Predator's head, that showed us what motivated him to hunt people with superior weaponry and blow stuff up.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes him tick, so to speak.
A window into his psyche.
Okay, I'm full of it. I've watched all the others and will undoubtedly watch this one as well. Sometimes, special effects, explosions, killings, and gore are enough!
Helen, yes, Arnold was in the first one in 1988.
ReplyDeleteBudd, if your drive-in shows those two together, let me know!
RaShelle, they did indeed.
Disc, you will enjoy it. It's not 'great' just because we've seen it before, but it's done really well.
I'll add Despicable Me to my Netflix list for sure. I'll have to think about Predators...if I liked District 9 and the television series V, will I like Predators? Or is this way more gory?
ReplyDeleteI saw the preview for Despicable Me and wondered what it would be like. I thought maybe it would be a one joke wonder. Glad to hear there is a bit more. I can't wait to see Predators.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts.
good to know predators doesn't suck!
ReplyDeleteWe just might catch Despicable at the dollar theater. We still have one of those! But in a few weeks. Trying to catch How to Train Your Dragon there next week!
ReplyDeleteI'll be watching Despicable Me next Sunday. I am excited and your review makes me want to watch it soon. I guess, I'll wait for Predators to come out on DVD.
ReplyDeleteI heard that Arnold was suppose to make a cameo at the end. One of the options was for him to uncloak and be a predator himself. That would of been dumb.
ReplyDeleteI want to see Predators now.
Thanks for the reviews! I've been wanting to see Despicable Me because I love Steve Carrell. I was really little when the first Predators came out but I remembered it was very scary.
ReplyDeleteCool. Thanks for the reviews. I want to see both movies. The first with the kids, the second by myself.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
Patricia, it's a different breed of sci-fi from District 9 and a bit more gory. It's no where near as good as Aliens, but that same type of adventure/shoot-em-up.
ReplyDeleteCassandra, Despicable Me is probably even better than my review, but the theater messed up the film so bad, it was distracting.
Bryan, DON'T miss How to Train Your Dragon!! That is still by far the best movie of the year. Shame you won't see it in 3D, and the flying sequences were amazing.
Mr. Stupid, it was good, just my viewing hampered by a faulty projectionist.
Powdered, no Arnold!
Stephen, yeah, I'd leave the kids at home for Predators.
Just saw that on Friday night and also talked about it some as well. Fishburne was firing on all cylinders (though he was sort of a crazed McGuffin)!! Totally bought Brody as action hero guy (though wasn't so much into Topher in the end, lol). Nimrod gave it a lot of heart and love and warmth for the original franchise. And the tension was fierce :D Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog - PREDATORS was beast!! And I was also thinking about ages today - didn't realize Trejo was 66 (hot damn!). Here's another: did you know Pacino is SEVENTY?? OMG! SEVENTY!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you enjoyed your films. I have to say though, I am not at all excited for Predators. It doesn't appeal to me at all. But that might have something to do with the original being way before my time.
ReplyDelete-Bryan
www.sff-hub.com
I saw your tweet about seeing 2 great movies and wondered what they were. Sound like 2 fun movies - thanks for the tips :)
ReplyDeleteSoe, I also totally bought Brody as the leader and tough man. And I did not know Pacino was that old.
ReplyDeleteBryan, before your time? Now I feel old...
I think I will select the first one, I'll pass on the second, just my taste. Besides I love animation.
ReplyDeleteDespicable Me sounds adorable. My 8 year old niece wants to see. I can't wait to take her. I'll pass on Predator. Thanks for the reviews! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex (my hubby's namesake...;-)
ReplyDeletethanks for the movie review, my kids and I would surely watch this in DVD at home once it will be out...or is it out now...I dunno, am not sure...but will try to see...:-)
sorry for the long absence in your blog, it's really hard being a working Mom...shuttling from work, kids in college, school, home...wheww...what a busy life...college daughter got sick and she's so far from me, a 10 hours drive...
but am back home now and i will try to be around in your and others' blogs...:-0
have a great week ahead...;)
Oh don't feel old Alex! As my dad would say I'm still a young whipper-snapper!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to see Predators this week and I'm so excited about it! As for Despicable Me... well, I'll have to wait for another 2 weeks to watch it. It looks so adorable and sweet. Nice reviews, Alex ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's okay, Amity - nice to have you visit whenever you can!
ReplyDeleteNebular, I really want to see Despicable Me again, as the theater messed up the first showing and I'm sure I would've raved more if I'd not been so distracted.
i really enjoyed predators. I agree that if you like the first one, you'll enjoy this one.
ReplyDeleteAlso, HOT DAMN i LOVE me some Adrien Brody
Both of these looked like a lot of fun. Debating on taking the kids to D.M. at the buck movies.
ReplyDeleteI was bummed to see Predators get bumped up to an "R" rating (the first 'rated' preview I saw listed it as 13) since I recently (last fall) swore off R-rated films.
Sounds like an interesting double feature pairing...animated humor & alien massacre. Nice. :)
Falen, girl - you're drooling on the Brody!
ReplyDeleteOkie, I know, it was an odd pairing! I like variety. Take the kids to Despicable Me - you'll enjoy it!
After your review of predators I now want to go check it out. Sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteDespicable Me sounds so cute! I really wanna see it.
ReplyDeleteBelbin9, it was fun!
ReplyDeleteSadako, it was a sweet natured film.