The Hangover Part II

Having seen the original film in the theater, I can't imagine a sequel being anything more than a warmed over rehash of the same basic plot.  Having now seen the sequel courtesy of our I-haven't-gotten-around-to-cancelling-it-since-Game-of-Thrones-ended HBO subscription, my presumptions are vindicated.

The Hangover Part II
2011, 102 minutes, directed by Todd Phillips

The Negotiator

When a long-time cop and decorated hostage negotiator is framed for his partner's murder, and he holes up in a federal building with hostages, who do they call?  The OTHER NEGOTIATOR.

There's nothing wrong with this police crime action/drama.  Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey, and the rest of the cast do a fine job given the material.  There are just so very few films that can pull off a central character drama when they bring in a second character in the same role.

I really want to make fun of their pagers, but sadly I still have one just like 'em.  My employer's emergency response system requires them for some inane reason.

The Negotiator
1998, 140 minutes, directed by F. Gary Gray

Prometheus

The interstellar ship Prometheus arrives at its destination and a long, cryo-sleep journey: a planet indicated on maps of every major prehistory civilization on Earth.  Perhaps this is the home of our progenitors, our Gods.

As it happens, though, it's not.  Instead it's the home of a living goo that, in the correct circumstances, breeds in the right kind of human to become an Alien of the franchise.  This is a prequel, sort of, but not really.  It's sort of a horror film, but no, not that.  There's some action, but it's certainly not an action film.  Maybe it's a survival film, but that's not really it either.  And since I've never given a reason to develop an emotional attachment to the characters, there's no possibility of suspense.  I wanted spine-tingling insight into the backstory of the Aliens; I got something bland and rambling on screen.

Prometheus
2012, 124 minutes, directed by Ridley Scott

Kill Bill Vol. 2

When I originally watched the series, the first film was all action, flash, and style, and the second was...slow.  But in my first re-watch since release, having not seen the first half again, I better appreciate the story, character development, and unique style of the "conclusion" to the story.

Now I just have to hope that the upcoming third film won't horribly suck.

Kill Bill Vol. 2
2004, 136 minutes, directed by Quentin Tarantino