Who's Sword is it? Conan or Conan? PART I

By Annabella Iacono

It’s finally here! The post you’ve all been waiting to read! (Okay, well maybe just Sharon…) But now it’s ready for you’re reading pleasures.

Here we have two movies based on the very popular book series in the 1930’s by Robert E. Howard, set in the fictional Hyborian Age filled with witches, sorcerers and sword fighting bandits. The protagonist, Conan, was raised and trained to be tough and brutal since birth; and as a result grew to be a man with strength, as well as a nice muscular frame!

Conan the Barbarian (1982)

If it wasn't for Conan the Barbarian, Arnold Schwarzenegger would not be as famous as he is now – this film shot him into stardom! It starts off with Conan’s village being raided by the antagonist, Thulsa Doom; during the attack, his father is murdered and hid mother is beheaded, as Conan is stands next to her.

After the attack is done, they take Conan as a slave and make him work at pulling “The Wheel of Pain”. As he grows up, he is eventually sold and is forced to become a gladiator to amuse the local crowds.

Eventually his popularity diminishes as he wins every battle and it freed. As he wanders the lands, Conan becomes friends with a Sandahl Bergman’s Amazonian named Valeria and an archer named Subotai.

The three friends break into the temple of a local snake-worshipping cult and as this occurs, Conan recognises the insignia used by the cultist. It’s the same as the necklace worn by Thulsa Doom – the man who killed his mother and raided his village. Thus, he seeks revenge.

Conan, Subotai and Valeria set off and travel to the Mountain of Power, situated at Doom’s Stronghold. They each battle a variety of monsters and other enemies, until finally Conan is face to face with the man responsible for parent’s death, Thulsa Doom and beheads him.

Conan the Barbarian (2011)

Now, this remake begins with a similar childhood, with the exception of some details; Conan was literally born on a battlefield as his mother lays dying. As he grows up he insists on being a part of the ranks of the Cimmerian military, despite the fact that he’s too young. He’s forced to act against a warlord’s raid, Conan and his father Corin, are taken as prisoners; Corn is tortured in front of his son.

It’s revealed that the reason as to why the warlord, Khalar Zym, raided the Cimmerians is because they possessed the last shard of an ancient mask; this magical mask allows the user to render great power. It is because of this, that the ancient kings broke it into pieces and hide it somewhere in their own kingdom.

Conan is unable to rescue his father from death; he escapes and as he grows up to be a marauding barbarian, he swears revenge against Zym for what he had done.

As he is on his journey to avenge his father, his gains some allies, most notably a young and beautiful monk named Tamara; she has royal blood which means that royal blood is required to restore the power of the ancient mask and is therefore hunted down by Zym. Conan is faced with monsters (on land and sea) as well as other worldly sprites that sprout from Zym’s daughter Marique - who necromancer (in other words, a witch).

Tamara is captured and through a series of epic sword fighting and well-choreographed action sequences, Marique is beheaded and killed and Zym is burned to death by falling into lava. Thus avenging his father’s death, Conan returns Tamara her home and sets off to return to his village.

Don’t forget to tune in and check out our blog for the PART II of my review.

- A Xx

~Photo credit: http://comicscomicsmag.com/2010/05/geoff-pevere-on-loving-frazetta.html
http://karlails.wordpress.com/2012/09/
http://www.thecimmerian.com/rumour-mill-of-pain-the-revenge/
http://derricklferguson.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/conan-the-barbarian-1982/
http://www.overthinkingit.com/2011/08/10/conan-the-liberal/
http://www.fromthefrontrow.net/2011_07_01_archive.html
http://geektyrant.com/news/2011/6/6/conan-the-barbarian-character-posters-of-jason-momoa-as-cona.html
http://criticaltable.com/2011/11/friday-night-movies-conan-barbarian-2011/
http://www.conanmovieblog.com/2011/06/06/new-conan-posters-conan-zym-tamara-marique-and-a-first-look-at-corin/
http://hollywoodmoviecostumesandprops.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/khalar-zym-and-marique-costumes-from.html~

Who's Sword is it? Conan or Conan? PART II

By Annabella Iacono

Now this is PART II of my review on Conan the Barbarian – here I will be discussing some key differences between the movies and I’ll be talking about my thoughts on both films.

The Final Verdict!

Comparing both Conan films, I would have to say that they shared interesting plats while providing us with a reassuring amount of violence, gushing blood and gratuitous nudity. The action sequences assisted in telling this tale of an epic journey, despite the differences in the plot.

(Side note – I did prefer the newer Conan regarding the plot as I felt it was more interesting and I felt like it had more layers)

None the less, the 1982 version presented itself with longer and somewhat clearer fighting sequences as I found it easier to follow; and I found that the fighting was given a more barbaric and primitive style. The 2011 remake leans toward a more modern style of fighting, with fast battle sequences – I found it a bit hard to keep up.

What I found visually attractive is the technological advantage that Conan the Barbarian (2011) had received when they released this movie in 3-D. It made me feel that the attacking foes and thrusting swords were coming right out! The computer effects that were used in this movie was another element that I enjoyed as I felt it was used quite effectively (especially the magic sand warriors).

The acting from both characters were done very well for its time – Schwarzenegger displayed to have a good acting ability and was physically fit for the role; whilst Momoa instances of wittiness and intelligence.

In Conclusion…

Both films, I find, are very well made and the stories are told well. The original Conan the Barbarian is low budget, rough and features more T & A than the remake; however the 2011 movie is professional with dark cinematography, has technological advantages and a more complex plot. Ultimately the sword wins in this battle, but the sword belongs to the Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1982 Conan.

Conan the Barbarian (1982)

4/5

Conan the Barbarian (2011)

3.5/5

Over and Out!

- A Xx
~Photo Credit: http://bakirasan.deviantart.com/art/King-Conan-323184586
http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=35606
http://www.blackfilm.com/read/2011/03/conan-the-barbarian/conan-the-barbarian-posters-1930-2011/
http://davisales.deviantart.com/art/Conan-vs-Khal-Drogo-309812437~

Here is the Spider-Man

The Spider-man Remake Review

The first Spider-man released in 2002 and the remake "Amazing Spider-Man" released in 2012. Only Ten-years time but totally different deductive method. Perhaps they are afraid of audience getting bored with the same "Spider-Man"

 In the 2002 Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire was the Actor of Peter Parker(Spider-Man). He delivered the character as a nerdy person and introverted. It makes a huge contrast with what he was for being the Spider-Man. While the 2012 Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield gave me the feeling of an more energetic teenager that was gifted with the special ability. So he was a bit humour and funny in the film. However, I still prefer the old Spider-man.

Differences and similarities

Costume

As you can see there are some differences with the costume. I do think the 2012(left) one looks better. May be they have a better costume technologies nowadays. Indeed, it doesn't have a much changes on the costume.

Abilities

The similarities of two Spider-man are they have "spider-sense" which is a kind of survival skills avoid them from getting hurt. A slight difference is that 2002 Spider-man can shoot web from his hands while the new one can shoot webs that trigger from his implanted device. Actually it makes the hero being no that superior. It was because one special feature of Spider-man is Web-Swinging and shooting, without the device he is just a sneaky spider.

Uncle Ben's Death

To fans of Spider-Man, Uncle Ben's Death is the most touching moment in two stories. And it is a must include scene for Spider-Man, otherwise it is not Spider-Man. It talks about how Peter Parker witness his Uncle being shot by a Robbery. Then he wants to revenge and become the Spider-Man. However, there is a bit different and it makes the 2002 Spider-man better is that the Peter Parker can actually stop this happened but he didn't. It makes Peter Parker in great compunction and regret. For the old Spider-Man it involved more emotion than the 2012 one.

Villain

The one on the left is Green Goblin(2002), the one on the right is The Lizard(2012). They have similarity is that their mind twisted after doing some experimental human trail which turned them into monster. However, Green Goblin in comics should be the 2nd Villain instead the 1st one in Spider-man. Therefore, it should be the Lizard. However, might be because it was hard to make a good animation for "The Lizard" Down in 2002. Therefore they switched it but still I was not too into Villain. To me it is more important on Spider-man.

Love Story

Mary Jane Watson(2002) on the left and Gwen Stacy on the right(2012).  Mary Jane had  a lot more screen time than Gwen. So Mary Jane was better fleshed out as a character. However, Gwen made a much better match for Peter and the relationship and more convincing. Actually I like the actress in 2012 than 2002, therefore I prefer Gwen instead of Mary Jane.

2002 vs 2012

They did not give a huge difference with the filming technologies. If I have to say, I prefer the 2002 Spider-Man. It was because the 2002 has more touching moment, and it delivered a message of it is not easy to be a hero and makes the Spider-Man so cool. However, if you never watch the 2002 one, I do prefer you stay on the 2012. It was because there are more amazing spider-man movies coming up and perhaps crossover with Wolverine(Marvel Super Hero). Otherwise you would have spoiled the story line.

2012 Amazing Spiderman Trailer

My thoughts on Karate Kid...

By Annabella Iacono

So I was sceptical when I first saw the trailer to the 2010 Karate Kid – “Another terrible remake!” were my thoughts. However this film to prove itself to be quite a heart-warming film.

I agree with Claudia’s comment on how the director, Harald Zwart, modernised this classic film through small ways. Through music, the use of technology that the youth use nowadays and even through the very well-done choreography of the fighting sequences.

Also, I found it amusing that both protagonist's have the same cocky and confidant personality; it really brings out the characters insecurities about moving to an unknown location and trying to connect to other people from there.

The absence of the “Crane Pose” was always present on my mind, but I'm happy to settle with the “Karate Kick”, (despite the fact that Kung Fu is practised in this film and not Karate?!)

I found it a bit hard to digest that Jackie Chan played the mentor, only because I was anticipating an older, more grandfatherly type of person.

But I thought it was a very good decision to move the location to Beijing instead of a couple of states in the other direction of America; it really does educate the viewers what Kung Fu is really about and the importance of this skill.

Finally, as Claudia said – If you enjoyed watching one movie, then it’s a good idea to watch the other. You won’t be disappointed.

Karate Kid (1984)

4.5/5

Karate Kid (2010)

4.5/5

Over and out!
- A Xx

~Photo credits: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1155076/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087538/
http://www.altfg.com/blog/movie/the-karate-kid-reviews-jackie-chan-jaden-smith/

http://stuffpoint.com/kung-fu-shaolin/
~

THE KARATE KID REMAKE REVIEW

When I first heard mini Will Smith, Jaden smith was going to be the new face for this generation’s version of ‘The Karate Kid’ …. I well … died a little.

Well maybe it was f the media’s Photoshop skills ... :P 

Young Jaden Smith from ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ was the lead star of Harald Zwart’s 2010 version of ‘The Karate Kid’. I may be a 90’s kid but I definitely watched John G. Avildsen 1984 version of ‘The Karate Kid’ in primary school and I loved the movie. I even went on to watch the sequels of part 2 and 3.

Rewatching Avidsen’s movie reminded me of VCR players and those massive boxes we used to call T.Vs. however watching it on my laptop served the movie no justice but hey im just a 90’s girl how loved those videos tapes.

John. G. Avildsen and Ralph Macchio   

However after watching Harald Zwart’s 2010 version of ‘The Karate Kid’ at the Hotys cinemas with my sisters I was glad Zwart created a modern spin to Avildsen’s 1984 version. Because  my parents always complain that today’s generation are deprived  from the old classics they grew up watching and I agree and feel that all old classic films should be interpreted to a modern context and remade so the younger generations can enjoy the classics the oldies grew up with.

Harald Zwart and Jaden Smith 

The 2010 remake toped the box office on its releasing date and rounded many awards and nominations at the Children, Teens and MTV award shows. The film was even dubbed in Mandarin Chinese. 

Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith at the 2011
Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards

Zwart’s 2010 version was nothing short of Avildsen’s martial arts action and drama. With action choreographer and martial artist, Jackie Chan as the main star who teaches Jaden Smith’s character, Kung Fu. To have a mentor like Jackie Chan, who is known for his action stunts as Detective Lee in the ‘Rush Hour ‘films, is a dream come true for any martial arts student.

Mr. Han training Dre, 2010

There are obvious differences and changes between the films, as the context influences a film’s production. Avildsen’s version was shot in Los Angeles, California however Zwart chose to shoot in Beijing. I believe Zwart chose China as his main setting to educate the newer generation of the origins and history of Kung Fu and what importance the skill of martial arts is given in China.

Mr. Miyagi training Daniel, 1984

One main theme Zwart did not include in his 2010 was Ralph Macchio’s signature CRANE POSE

 Although Zwart created a new signature pose for Jaden Smith known as the Karate Kick !

I still miss the awkward crane pose :)  

If you have watched the 1984 version i definitely recommend you watch the 2010 version and verse versa. I guarantee you will enjoy both these artistic films.

Overall 

'The Karate Kid (1984)'

8/10

'The Karate Kid (2010)'

7/10

- C <3

Comments on Total Recall Review

Ok, so I'll be the first to admit that I actually like the remakes of movies - Well, some movies...

I've always been a big fan of CGI and more complex graphics; an example would be Clash of the Titans. I’ve never been a fan on stop motion or Claymation (the only exception is Terminator)

 

Sometimes what you find in the original film is stiff actors reciting lame dialogue or over choreographed action sequences. Other times it’s the character developments (or, lack thereof) and how women are perceived; in the older James Bond movies, women were usually used as eye candy and are usually provided with very little character depth.

However after reading Sharon’s review on Total Recall, I was pretty much in agreement with what she mentioned.

The theme of “control” is present in both of the films, as well as the strange twists and turns and the fast paced story. I’ve never been a fan of slow movies and this proved not to disappoint me.

 

The 1990 film does present itself to have lame acting and stunts, but this doesn’t dampen the plot. I agree with the fact that the female characters in the older version were just used as props for Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) character; in the newer film, the two female characters were seen kicking butt!

Overall, Total Recall (both 1990 and 2012) were/are great movies that I recommend all sci-fi nerds to watch.

Total Recall (1990)
4/5

Total Recall (2012)

3.5/5

Over and out!
- A Xx

~photo credits: http://pumpkinswirl08.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/the-terminator-1984.jpg
http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/201210199754/bond-girls/
http://half-decent.com/g-m-t-bites-total-recall-2012/
http://pupeno.com/tag/total-recall/~

Big Arnie Vs Feisty Colin... the verdict is in!!

By Sharon Bejjani

Well we're kicking off our Movie Remake Reviews with a look at...

---   Total Recall   ---

The films are loosely based on a 1966 short story by Phillip K Dick 'We can remember it for you wholesale' - not such a catchy a title.

There are some interesting ideas in Dick's story about using implanted devices and narcotics for mind control, along with the threat of alien invasion. However,central to the story is that while memories can be removed or manipulated, the emotion behind the original memory remains.  Well that's a relief - I think!

These themes of 'control' are central to both versions of Total Recall.

---   Mind and People Control   ---

This was a big worry in the 1960's.  Now you might be thinking 'That's just wackadoodle' (a technical term).  But is it?? Think about it, how controlled are you each day by social networking, emails, text messages, tweets, etc, etc. Do you really have time to 'think' about things?? 

The other parallel in all three versions of the story is that the main character has a repetitive, mind numbing job (been there), is sure he is meant for more and is willing to take a risk to get it.

But that's pretty much where the similarities end  
---   So let's retro to the 1990   ---

Ok, I'll admit it... I'm a bit of an Arnie fan.  His movies through the 80's and 90's were great, tongue in cheek, shoot 'em all and save the day flicks.  But I have to say, after watching and comparing both films, this version left me a bit flat.  It's still fun, fast paced and if you hadn't seen it before, sets up a great plot twist.

But a lot of the acting and stunts are overdone and it felt like a movie version of a 'graphic novel', which had been filmed entirely on sets made at the studio. Interestingly, the female characters were really just props for Arnie's character.  AND how come men are still working jack hammers when space travel is available?

Fast forward into this century

---   the 2012 version   ---

What a difference a couple of decades make.  Earth no longer is clean and neat and tidy (as Arnie liked it), but decimated and divided.  Chemical warfare has left the planet nearly uninhabitable, we're over populated and space apparently is the most valuable resource.  Only two territories remain, one for the haves and the rest live in The Colony (yes it is Australia) and zoom through the middle of the earth to get to work.  Now that'd be a trip I'd like to take.

Also, women are now hard core, ass-kicking individuals.  Whoa... what happened!  Arnie wouldn't stand for that!

Ok, technology being what it is,

 sci-fi action film remakes are hard to compare

Films used to need masses of props and stunt people, talents which are being lost in the 'digital age' and so the 2012 version is visually spectacular.  Surprisingly, it also has  less' bloody' violence and a much stronger focus on generating human equality.  But, there are only a handful of actors who can dominate a scene and Arnie is one of them - so sorry Colin...

---   Total Recall 1990 is my winner!!   ---