Feel the Wrath

Poor reviews can’t keep a film from getting the sequel treatment these days. Despite an almost universal slamming by critics, money talks; so the phenomenal box-office success of 2010’s Clash of the Titans was enough to warrant a follow-up - Wrath of the Titans. 

Saved from the burden of living up to previous material this time, the filmmakers get a chance to churn out an original tale. Set 10 years after the events of the first film, we learn that our hero Perseus (Sam Worthington) is now widowed and the sole caretaker of his son, Helius (we know nothing of what happened to Gemma Arterton’s Io). He soon learns from his father Zeus (Liam Neeson) that due to lack of devotion, the gods are losing power – and with it the Titans imprisoned behind the walls of Tartarus are unleashed. 



Now that's a pretty good excuse for a demigod to wield his sword once more.

If you liked Clash of the Titans, you'll feel right at home with this one. The filmmakers decided to maintain the same formula, albeit with more titans this time around. 



The use of 3D is a huge improvement over the infamous nausea-inducing treatment its predecessor received – possibly the best post-conversion work I've seen in recent times. The filmmakers plunge you into the depths of the underworld and have boulders fall at you in the process. 

As expected in a movie of this genre, story telling takes a slight back seat, but prepare yourself for some rather neat twists (I won't spoil it for you). 



And if it's action you're craving for, this film has it in titan-sized droves. Things are intense from front to back, so if you're in the mood for some casual Greek myth fun, you can't go wrong with this.

3 1/2 out of 5 Stars

He Speaks for the Trees

Despite all their good intentions, there has always been something about environmental-themed flicks that seems put people off. But when movie in question is based off one of Dr Seuss’ beloved books, it’s enough to warrant at least a look. And indeed Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is worth a watch.

The film centers on young Ted (Zac Efron), who lives in the plastic-wrapped town of Thneedville, where everything is packaged, artificial and mass-produced. 



Ted assumes everything has always been this way, and the main thing on his mind is impressing cute neighbour Audrey (Taylor Swift).



One day Audrey shows him a mural she painted. Unable to identify what he’s seeing, Ted asks what they are. “Trees” she says, real ones (as opposed to artificial ones found in town) and they used to grow everywhere. The quest to find a real tree leads Ted to find the Once-ler (Ed Helms) in the wastelands outside of town.



Upon finding him, Ted learns the truth of what happened to all the trees, and also of the Lorax (Danny DeVito) – guardian of the forest who ‘speaks for the trees’.

The first thing you’d notice about The Lorax is how darn colourful it is, even in 3D. It’s vibrant and cheerful, with every color of the rainbow used to the max. It’s filled with funny, fun characters and cute, singing animals (watch out for three adorable singing fishes!).

 

While obviously aimed at kids, one can’t help but smile and feel happy watching this flick. The cheerfulness is balanced with lots of gloom, but this works to the movie’s advantage where storytelling is concerned. With plenty of heart-warming songs and good messages it doesn’t feel as preachy as how some environmental-themed flicks go.



However one can’t help but notice that ‘The Lorax’ isn’t really much about the Lorax himself.

I believe The Lorax is one of the more under-hyped movies out there, and deserves more attention that it has received in the local box-office. It has funny, touching and joyful moments, is suitable for the whole family, and simply a joy to watch. If you need something to lift up your spirits, this is a good way to do so.

4 out of 5 Stars