‘Live Free or Die Hard’ (2007) delivers new-century thrills
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The fourth entry has new-century extreme-action elements. But it’s joined by a compelling plot about digital information.
‘Total Recall’ gets a more grounded, less comedic remake in 2012
PKD flashback (Movie review): It’s a minority opinion, but I like this “Total Recall” better than the original.
‘The Wolverine’ reviews
My “The Wolverine” review, johnvhansen.com, Aug. 14, 2013 My “The Wolverine” flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 20, 2014
‘Apes’ pre-make trilogy wraps with masterful ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ (Movie review)
Watching “War for the Planet of the Apes” – now available via Redbox and streaming – is like seeing a movie from the future. Every scene has an ape in it; there’s never a sense that the filmmakers are being frugal with the special effects, but at the same time, they aren’t showing off. While I know
Gorgeous-looking ‘Insurgent’ further explores ‘Divergent’ world (Movie review)
“Insurgent” further clarifies the political structure of the “Divergent” universe, features award-worthy set pieces in a run-down Chicago two centuries in the future and – like the original film – ultimately succeeds because Shailene Woodley is easy to root for as reluctant hero Tris Prior.
‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ explores human nature via apes, brilliant special effects (Movie review)
The “Planet of the Apes” franchise shows us we’re not much different from apes, and we’re both victims of our respective races’ propensity for violence and destruction. But 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” gave the apes a fresh opportunity: Caesar (Andy Serkis plus motion capture computer effects), the first member of a
‘The Wolverine’ (2013) adds appealing grit to the saga
‘X-Men’ flashback (Movie review): The Wolverine sequel adds appealing grit to the saga.
Jackman, production design shine in ‘The Wolverine’
Movie review: Hugh Jackman continues to be great as the Wolverine saga gets smarter.