Welcome to My Movie Blog!

Feel free to email me at (NOSPAM)JOE@JBCTC.com(NOSPAM)

This Blog contains my thoughts about various movies - I'll create a searchable index, so you can locate the movies that I have reviewed quickly!

This site was last update:10/22/2008 08:38:33 PM

October 13, 2008

Today`s movie review is on the movie: "Alan Quartermain and the Temple of Skulls". 

First let me say I was hesitant in viewing this movie.  There were no big names actors, and after recently seeing "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" I was a bit reluctant to watch this movie.  I should have adhered to my reluctance, as this film was inadequate at best. During the opening scene, I was mildly intrigued as I tried to understand exactly what was happening.  Sure enough the action sequence ended up where I thought it might - two people bickering over a map.

                The story then shifts to the introduction of the main character - Alan Quartermain.  This Alan Quartermain reminded of retired lion trainer that was in need of some rest. The action scenes henceforth were predictable and unrealistic.  The other two characters, Sir Henry and Lady something could have been any two characters.  There was little need to understand who they were, or what they were doing.  The antagonist of the movie was played by a large indescribable movie type character.  His constant grimacing and lack of intelligence would make him an easily conquered villain.  How he ended up ahead of the adventurous team is a mystery in its own.

                Needless to say, this movie is not recommended, the acting is mediocre, and the plot/story line uninteresting.  This movie could have been simply called, "A man and two strangers search for gold".  This title would have at least warned people not to view the movie.  So, rather than continue my incessant complaining, I thought I might detail some of my recommended changes.  Fair warning, if you intend to view the movie, stop now, as I will discuss certain aspects of the movie that may ruin it for you (doubtful, as most of the scenes are easily guessed as to the outcome).

1.       Alan Quartermain's character needs rougher edges, and stronger persona.  This is the main character, clearly he is down on his luck, but if his legend is that popular, he must represent a strong figure in the movie.  If he is down on his luck, and broke, then why does he have a live-in housekeeper, on a ranch?  Additionally why does he travel 2 hours by train to a desolate town to exchange the map for a mere $10,000? Any man down on his luck would take the money, and run - rather than toss it back and hope the villain is satisfied with his act of kindness.

2.       The Villian - This character starts out strong, all of about 10 seconds, and then you realize he is really not that villainous.  The villain stops the train by placing his vehicle in front of a moving train, and while attempting to apprehend Quartermain, he misses the fact that they have jumped off the moving train in an open field - with little cover.  If the villain is that easily confused, then how can he possible plan their next route?

3.       Sir Henry and Lady something - These characters develop no depth, and clearly not a requirement of the plot.  Sure, Henry's brother is gone missing, but any person could have played that part. There is little need to have the two upper class socialites involved on the trek, unless daintiness is somehow worked into some subliminal messages. In the face of death, as they watch/hear a native lose his skull, there are no screams, no shrieks of fear, and wait - no blood.  How is that possible?

Ok, I think I have spent enough time on this movie.  Hopefully the next one will be better.  I am thinking about watching "1408" starring John Cusack and Samuel Jackson.

Joe