Unfortunately, they aren't showing this movie in Imax theatres here in Austin currently, I almost drove to San Antonio to watch it.
I also haven't written a review in a while so do bear with me chaps
*** The movie ***
I went in with an open expectation, I have had an incredibly open mind about things since some events about a month ago and I believe it really lent itself to my movie experience. One of my really good friends went to watch it with me and I was a little apprehensive about that because she didn't seem the action movie type, but I bribed her with the promise of oodles of male flesh :smoker: She thanked me later and said that she loved the flick
The colors and the pacing of the movie really lend themselves to creating the right kind of mood. The narration and the various lead characters who are introduced to the audience over the course of the first half hour really develop the experience beyond what it could have been.
The special effects are apparent but, fortunately, do not overwhelm the experience. Kind of brings me back to the colors. Much as in Hero (which I have also reviewed here and which seems to have been a template for some sequences), the various colors really emphasize the emotions the story is attempting to bring to the fore. You can almost feel a part of the goings-on, especially during fight sequences.
The dialogue is relatively sparse but it is in keeping with the psuedo-minimalist theme. Additionally, the Thespians do make an appearance, but their contributions are kept to a bare minimum.
I could go on and on but I'll wait till more have seen this movie. Further, for the women, the story is not all about action, there are other things going on and there is a fair amount of emotion present. Don't skip it because it is a "dude flick" because that is simply a dis-service.
4/5 OSNN stars. Definitely worth watching, but dont' go in expecting the best movie ever made. Simply, expect entertainment and you will not be left wanting