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Originally Posted by Lowlander2

Yes. You got worse as you got older.

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Yes that is the joke, congratulations.

Ace Attorney (2012)

Based off the popular Phoenix Wright games, Ace Attorney is a Japanese film adaptation of Wright's first four cases. You can watch it subbed here.

Overall the movie does a good job sticking to the source material, although it's not 1:1 as anyone who's played the game will be able to spot the differences immediately. Although, these changes didn't bother me as they hardly impacted the story. One rather creepy change was actually a nice touch.

The setup for the film explains that a rise of crime has forced Japan to use a new law system where prosecutors and defense attorney's duke it out in a no holds barred match of wit to prove their case. Each case may only last a maximum of three days before final judgement is passed.

The battleground isn't your average courtroom. Audience members purchase tickets for seats, and giant hologram screens display evidence. Of course the visual changes with the screens is much more appealing rather than watching two guys just yell at each other. At the same time, the screens seem like a proper representation of the small boxes that display evidence while the character's are conversing in court, which makes them appropriate source material scaled for the big screen.

The cast represents their roles rather well. Phoenix acts stressed but resilient in court, his rival Miles Edgeworth is cold and calculating, and Maya is bubbly and endearing. I only noticed two character's seemed different in their mannerisms, but not to the point where they seemed like completely different people. The costumes all match the source as well, for better or for worse. At times it seemed like I was watching a group of cosplayers with a giant budget.

As far as movies based on games go, Ace Attorney was a pleasure to watch as a fan of the game, and newcomers will easily enjoy the cast and plot twists. I rest my case.

8.5/10

Watched Manhunter last night, the adaptation of the Red Dragon novel, a prequel to Silence of the Lambs. It was interesting seeing a story so similar to Silence of the Lambs (murderer on the loose, FBI agent needs to consult Hannibal Lector to apprehend him) from such a different perspective (i.e. Manhunter features a male lead with a family, focuses much more on the victims and the killer's process, and less on the personality of Lector). Despite the similar plot, it really stands on its own. It definitely has a different pacing and style, with a slicker, 80's style and eerie synth that are often creepier than watching Anthony Hopkins ham it up in SotL. A unique spin on what I expected to be the same old story. Awesome, sinister 80's crime stuff.

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Originally Posted by Insane3

The films we want to see, nobody wants to see."

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Well, if it's any consolation, I definitely want to see The Master at some point.

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Originally Posted by Cipher_Peon

Watchmen.

Great film, although I'm at a lack of words at the moment.

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Alan Moore wasn't so keen on it.

I enjoyed it, but wish they hadn't mucked with the ending so much.

If you haven't read the original comic, I'd definitely recommend it. I've read it several times, and got more out of it each time.

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Originally Posted by hmxhenry

Watched Manhunter last night, the adaptation of the Red Dragon novel, a prequel to Silence of the Lambs. It was interesting seeing a story so similar to Silence of the Lambs (murderer on the loose, FBI agent needs to consult Hannibal Lector to apprehend him) from such a different perspective (i.e. Manhunter features a male lead with a family, focuses much more on the victims and the killer's process, and less on the personality of Lector). Despite the similar plot, it really stands on its own. It definitely has a different pacing and style, with a slicker, 80's style and eerie synth that are often creepier than watching Anthony Hopkins ham it up in SotL. A unique spin on what I expected to be the same old story. Awesome, sinister 80's crime stuff.

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It really is an 80's gem often over looked. Michael Mann's style was so far ahead of the curve, so much so that Jerry Bruckhiemer would "borrow"it for CSI over a decade later, even casting William Peterson in a similar role.

It also has great performances by Tom Noonen and Brian Cox. Noonen is able to add a level of sympathy to the character yet immediately turn the character into a dark explosive force. And as you mentioned, Cox's Lector seems far more dangerous, someone who likes to inflict pain on people for the mere enjoyment of it.

Also, let's not forget that killer soundtrack. From the tiger scene to the "tooth fairy unraveling scene" to the finale minutes, Mann's soundtrack keeps the film moving and really adds to the atmosphere. (Strong as I Am is an amazing tune)

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Originally Posted by Cipher_Peon

In his books, he is an unrelatable monster. He deserves every crappy happening in all of the books because he's a grade A dick.

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Oh, Cipher and your not getting the themes right :p

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Originally Posted by clashcityrocker10

Well, if it's any consolation, I definitely want to see The Master at some point.

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We, at rockband forums, form the elite, yes.

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Originally Posted by bclewis

Alan Moore wasn't so keen on it.

I enjoyed it, but wish they hadn't mucked with the ending so much.

If you haven't read the original comic, I'd definitely recommend it. I've read it several times, and got more out of it each time.

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Great article. Moore knows right about Hollywood productions. The V for Vendetta adaptation is an especially interesting case as it is a product of a system it criticizes. It's a fun film nonetheless.

v/h/s

i'm sick of the found video format, but for a low budget horror movie this one had a couple of good moments here and there. i still wouldn't recommend it to anyone.