Hello, dear readers. I would like to say to you all Happy New Year, and a Merry Wintereenmas season to all (those curious about the holiday should research a Web comic called Ctrl Alt Del, to be reviewed in next month's column).
I should start my column with a little information about how this normally works. I'm given deadlines, and I give the articles to the editor. Fifteen days pass, and it's published. That's really what makes reviewing a little tricky. I am almost forced to do something brand new, or else it seems outdated.
Let us get back to the point of this, though. My main focus this month is on movies. Unfortunately, I did not get to see "Sweeney Todd" or "National Treasure 2," but I was able to catch two other films that have been getting interesting reviews.
First up is "I am Legend," starring Will Smith. To begin, let me say that this film is based on a book by the same author of "What Dreams May Come."
Apparently, it's rumored that the filmmakers changed both film adaptations so much that the author didn't wish to have his name in the credits.
I'm unsure if this is true (I rarely watch the credits on films), but what I do know is that both films have received bad reviews.
I've heard many horrible things about this film, which made me really tempted to ignore it. However, I personally liked "What Dreams May Come," so I gave this film a shot. I was blown away.
Will Smith, in what is really a one-man show, gives one of the best performances of his career as Robert Neville, a doctor living in a world of what appears to be zombies, or some form of vampire-type creature, which seems more logical.
A constant theme in the movie is his desire to fix the creatures that he's surrounded by, a trait that humans seem to follow, showing an interesting philosophy.
Additionally, I enjoyed the fact that, even though the movie was based on a man's survival, it wasn't about a war.
They didn't go to any extremes. They simply made a movie, and that's what I enjoyed. I give "I am Legend" 9 of 10 stars.
Next up on the block is "Alvin and the Chipmunks." When I first heard about the movie, I was disappointed. The original series was something with which I grew up. I loved the series, and I was a little afraid when I saw the look that they were giving the new chipmunks. Surprisingly, it wasn't horrible. However, I was still disappointed. First, the movie didn't focus upon the chipmunks, but rather Dave Saville, played by Jason Lee. His acting was not up to par. It may be a kid's movie, but his voice was monotone. He seemed so whiney and depressed that it ruined the role of the character.
The chipmunks were new voices, which I had no problem with, and I rather enjoyed the new versions of the songs they did. Several things, as always, were improbable, but I overlooked them for the sake of sparing my sanity. The plot was typical, as was its ending, and thrown in were some very cheesy jokes using our accepted rude humor.
If you haven't seen this movie yet, I'd suggest waiting to rent it. It is not worth the money to watch it, mainly because, if you grew up with the original, like I did, this movie will ruin it. I give "Alvin and the Chipmunks" a 4 out of 10, due to its lack of good acting and excessive stupidity. But hey, it's a kid's movie. What more do we want?
Next month, I'm taking a break from movies, music or games, and I'm taking you into the Internet to showing you some Web comics that are growing in popularity. If you want to see a comic you love in next month's column, send me an e-mail at pentwarrior@yahoo.com.
And so, I wish to all long days and pleasant nights.
Adam Munio is a junior at Unadilla Valley Central School.
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