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Journey to the Edge of the Universe (2008)
The universe is pure wonderment! This script is threadbare and mundane.
The NASA visuals are superb. The explanation of what we are seeing is factually patchy. Superlatives excite but they seldom enlighten. It would have been far more interesting and informative if the repetitious space travel shots were reduced or voice-over used to let us know more details rather than irrelevant "whishing" sounds as we are zapped across the universe. Amazing cosmic events are named, but not explained. For instance: what happens when a galaxy is "pulled apart" and what happens on a moon that is caught in a tug-of-war? We saw the solar wind and its effect on a comet, but that was the extent of narration regarding it. In terms of providing understanding, the script sucked.
The Kingdom (2007)
Great story; impossible cinematography
We eagerly anticipated enjoying The Kingdom. The cinematography destroyed it. After watching fifteen minutes of jiggling hand-held cameras, over-the-shoulder close-ups of everybody and anybody, gratuitous quick-cuts, and scene wipes using passing vehicles, we surrendered. It was impossible to enjoy this.
Don't directors and cinematographers remember that the audience is the end target of film-making? The audience should be able to actually see the movie and without getting a headache or vertigo. To paraphrase Phyllis Diller: "The Kingdom was shot in the dark, cut in the dark, and I stepped in it."
Planet B-Boy (2007)
Amazing talent and subject hacked apart by awful editing
This should have been as wonderful as Red Hot Ballroom or nearly as excellent as 8 Mile. BUT, the editor and cameraman couldn't control their egos enough to let the super talented B Boys do their thing. Not once are we allowed to see more than a few seconds of each number -- never a whole performance -- even though one of the three important prizes is awarded for choreography. We are never allowed to see the talent from the audience's point of view -- even though we see the audience reaction way too much. Why can't editors and cameramen understand that dance performances are choreographed to be viewed by an audience, and we do not need nor want the film crew to reinterpret the choreography nor hack up the visual impact and dramatic structure with camera tricks?
Batman Begins (2005)
Terrible sound mix and appalling cinematography ruin a good thing
Batman Begins begins with what is nearly the worst sound mix ever. It is alright that the music track is loud and it is OK that the characters whisper but not at the same time. This movie justifies everything Norma Desmond ever thought about sound.
Then we have the close-camera fight scenes. What's with that? Everything is a meaningless blur. This cinematography is actually worse than the Bourne Identity sequel. If the idea is to make us feel we are in the fight rather than watching the fight, it is clear the cinematographer has never actually been in a fight. It is sad that a lot of great effects and stunt work were reduced to smeary blurs. What a waste of footage and of the viewers' time.
If the audience could watch the action and could understand the actors' dialog, this might be a cool flick except for the inane car chase which requires cops who can read minds. As if. With prescient police Gotham wouldn't need a righteous rodent.