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www.groovekorea.com / March 2014 62 Preview by dean crawford For anyone who read my preview of the orig- inal “Captain America” (“The First Avenger,” 2011), you will remember that I was quietly op- timistic about this film’s chances. Having been a part of the locations team in charge of prep- ping the stunts, I was positive that some of the action sequences were going to look great on- screen. I also thought they nailed the look of the suit, giving it a modern, realistic feel. In the end, however, the final film turned out to be a mixed bag. Some of the set pieces were impressive, but as a superhero, I found Steve Rogers to be a little dry. And with a lame superpower (sorry nerds, having a boomerang for a shield and being able to jump really far is not that super!), ol’ Cap is just a little boring. I much preferred his character as a member of The Avengers, facing off against Iron Man. His subtle demeanor and Boy Scout sensibilities were the perfect foil for the gung-ho attitudes of Tony Stark. But while we wait for “The Avengers” (2015) sequel, Steve Rogers returns in his second solo film, “Captain America: The Winter Sol- dier.” The film is set two years after the events of “The Avengers” (2012), and Steve Rogers is still trying to find his place in the modern world. While he contends with an enemy that is try- ing to kill S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, he must also confront a character from his past, and one of Captain America’s greatest foes, the Winter Soldier. Chris Evans is back as Steve Rogers, alongside Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Ro- manoff. New cast members include Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce and Anthony Mackie as Falcon. With the Captain America origin story already in place and the character now firmly set in the present day, hopefully the film will get straight into the action and serve as a precursor to the Guardians of the Galaxy. Being one step clos- er to the next “Avengers” film can only mean good things for “The Winter Soldier.” 27 Action / Adventure / Sci-f 128 minutes March Captain America: The Winter Soldier Directed by anthony russo and Joe russo AT THE BOX OFFICE THE BIG SCREEN Edited by Jenny Na (jenny@groovekorea.com) MuSIC & ARTS With the Oscars taking place this month, I was hoping to talk about the potential release of some highbrow art films. “Blue is the Warm- est Color,” anyone? “Stranger by the Lake,” perhaps? At the very least, I thought I would be able to mention some of the newest Oscar winners that have come to town. Since the former arrived too late and there are no plans for the latter getting a Korean release date in the near future, I get to talk about one of my least favorite movie genres instead: movie sequels no one asked for. You know the kind I’m talking about. A film that took everyone by surprise financially, so movie execs thought, “I know, let’s make another one of those films — but for half the budget!” And I’m not just talking about the endless supply of “Saw” (2004) or “Paranormal Activi- ty” (2007) films that cost nothing to make but earn millions. “Donnie Darko” (2001)? Great film, but did you see the sequel? “But didn’t Donnie die in the first film?” I hear you ask. He did, indeed, but part two is about his sister and is called “S. Darko” (2009)! How about an “American Psycho 2” (2002)? “No way!” Yes way! Mila Kunis is the Psycho. How about wheeling out Sharon Stone out for a “Basic Instinct 2” (2006)? A horrible sequel, but at least Sharon Stone’s character survived the first film. That’s unlike “300” (2006), a movie where the 300 said Spartans all die, which left no real room for a sequel. Or so you would think … “300: Rise of an Empire” follows another set of Spartans before, during and after the Bat- tle of Thermopylae, focusing on the Battle of Artemisium and the rise of the god-king Xerx- es. Heading up this new cast is Aussie Sulli- van Stapleton, who plays Themistocles. Lena Headey and Rodrigo Santoro return to reprise their roles as Queen Gorgo and Xerxes, re- spectively. “300” was a visual treat and a real surprise. The sequel looks to have some equally impres- sive visuals. But without the element of sur- prise, or the involvement of the graphic novel’s creator, Frank Miller, I don’t hold any hope that the film will come across as anything more than a bad “300” parody. 06 Action / Drama / War 102 minutes March 300: Rise of an Empire Directed by noam murro
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