Mission Impossible IV: entertaining throwback

The franchise, having started phenomenally strong, had waned in its later sequels.  To the point where I lost count of which one we were on (let alone what happened in II and the overlooked III). For those looking to re-experience the glory days of the original series, you are in for a treat.  Not only bringing back opt-in missions (saying the tagline “should you choose to accept”), but also with its traditional-style jokes.   Of course, it is chocked full of physically impossible scenes that take you on a world tour from Dubai to Mumbai.  All in all, it was a great joyride where the supporting actors (big ups to Renner and Pegg) only enhance Cruise’s antics.

Verdict:  It’s cool enough(matinee)

Sherlock Holmes 2: dumber yet enjoyable

Even though they kept all the characters from the first film, I’d say changes were definitely made.  Aesthetically, the ante was upped; I can confidently call the scene in the woods the coolest thing I’d seen in a really long time.  Opting not to mail it in like the Hangover II, Ritchie slowed the pace of the film, increased the humor (or lowered its quality), and made it easier to take in one sitting.  The first installment was quick, complex, and mumbled (forgive my American ear), making it hard to follow.  Though, the adjustments may have dumbed it down, it made the film far more enjoyable… they don’t call it a formula for nothing.

Verdict: I don’t regret it (full price)

A brief note on the holidays...

I have a love-hate relationship with the ridiculously hectic holiday season between November 21^st and Jan 2^nd.  I love the time I get to spend with family and old friends, the obscene amounts of food I consume, not to mention the new stuff you need to find space for in your overstuffed carry-on luggage.  The amount of money I spend on food, presents, and plane tickets is shameful, and the percentage of time I waste is unattainable at any other time of the year.  Still, this is the time I spend catching up on the last releases of the year.  A cherished pastime in my family, every year we’d see an average of 3 movies a week.  This year proved to be no different, spurring the volume of films seen in December (and then written up about early January... when I find the time).

A brief note on time management

Time is both the most consistent and inconsistent thing in a person’s live.  You can always find some of it, but it often seems to be used in the most frivolous ways… watching 3 seasons of Battlestar Gallatica in 2 weeks, staying out on a Tuesday until 4 am, having brunch for 3 hours.  All of these activities are limited to short-term, if not immediate consumed, benefits.  And always at the cost of something you “really should be doing.”  So, needless to say, I am returning from my hiatus (though to my defense, it was the first semester of grad school) to clock some long-overdue computer time.  Though I’m sure nobody missed me.