Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 1, Fall 2005

October 11, 2005

Films Reviewed: Serenity and The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Commentary: New technologies?

Featurette: Behind the "clay" of The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Regarding Serenity:

Matt: Okay, I admit it.  I'm a BrownCoat (a fan of Joss Whedon's "Firefly") and I've been clamoring for this film for two years.  It was more than worth the wait.  In fact, this is the new sci-fi film classic we've been hoping to see ever since 1977.  You do not need to see the show to appreciate the movie.  Four stars!!

Aron: Um, you do need to be a fan of the show to appreciate this film.  But the film does have some elaborate action sequences, some spectacular sets and a very dense story.  Sci-fi fans will be enthralled, but you will need Cliff's notes or something.  I'll be generous and give it three stars.

Average Rating: ***1/2 (out of ****)

Regarding The Curse of the Were-Rabbit:

Aron: Wallace & Gromit make their feature debut and are just as entertaining as they were in their shorts.  Director Nick Park has created a work that everyone can enjoy and will have lovers of terrible puns beside themselves with laughter for months on end.  Plasticine or no, this is one for the ages.  Four stars!!

Matt: This is the film that will win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.  Gromit, still without a mouth, remains the most expressive character in films today.  And the guest voices of Helena Bonham-Carter and Ralph Feinnes are great to boot. And you won't be afraid to eat your vegetables (nor cheese, for that matter).  Four stars from me as well!

Average Rating: **** (out of ****)

Commentary: Warner Brothers will start showing Corpse Bride to theaters in Japan via a digital print originating out of Hollywood.  Steven Soderbergh will be releasing his new film in theaters and on DVD and to Pay-Per-View on the same day?  Is this a good idea?  Aron and Matt debated.

Featurette: Behind the scenes of The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, starring the cheese loving inventor Wallace and his smarter than the average dog Gromit.