MacGillivray Freeman’s Dolphins

IMAX film on my little 109″ screen . . . still looked great!  I like documentaries, and this is a good one.

Highlights included great footage and explanation of a group of dolphins which were surrounding a school of anchovies (in 3D space).  It looked like a group of cowboys circling a herd of cattle.  The dolphins took turns swimming into the “bait ball” and eating as much as they could while the other dolphins kept the “anchovy ball” in tact and manageable.

Also, I really enjoyed watching the dolphins look in a mirror.  They would bring things to the mirror to look at the toys and themselves.  I think they really understood that they were looking at their own reflection; they acted so differently there.

Lots of other great scenes, and the “making of” video is absolutely worth the time.  Maybe even better than the actual film (but watch the film first).  Some good information about dolphin and ocean abuse, but not heavy handed or angry.  Very well done.

Worth Watching!

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape

One of my new favorite movies.  Awesome!  A young Johnny Depp, young Leonardo DiCaprio and Julliete Lewis and Mary Steenburgen.  I have never been a big fan of DiCaprio, but now I am.  His acting here is absolutely incredible, and Depp is awesome as always.  These two are both young and deliver performances of far more experienced actors.  Not only that, but the story is fantastic.  A bit slow at times, but like a crock-pot, the final product is spectacular in the end.  The ending is incredibly satisfying, though upredictable.  How have I missed this movie since 1993?

Definitely recommended.  It takes some engagement to stay with the story, but well worth the effort.

Iron Man

Iron Man, 2008

Special effects, action sequences, design — awesome!

Story, character, dialogue, acting — ??

I didn’t care about the main character.  He’s stuck up . . . a rich bully who can magically build weapons but cannot think about the consequences of any of his actions.  Even when confronted by his friends regarding his poor choices, he refuses to think for himself.  Instead, brute force is the answer.  Unfortunately, the movie ends that way . . . he never changes, really.

I know lots of guys (and a few girls) who loved this movie . . . I don’t see it.  I compare it to Prequel Star Wars.  Eye popping special effects, I hope the hero dies!