adamgehrke.com

In the not so distant future, when mankind has been exterminated, a small mysterious group of semi-mechanical creatures built by a scientific genius lives on. Just like humans, each creature is unique and has its own personality, but none seem to know their origin, that is until creature number 9 (Elijah Wood) awakens. But when 9 joins the rest of the group trouble begins as a soul sucking machine of destruction is set into motion. One by one the creatures are hunted down, but there’s still hope. Can 9 reverse what’s been started and help release the secret of life to rebuild earth?
Produced by Tim Burton, this digitally animated film clearly has a darker feel to it. And, visually it’s a feast for your eyes, there’s a lot to process. Unfortunately, the plot on the other hand feels a bit thin and doesn’t really work to develop the characters much. The score also seems to be lacking, despite the fact that world class composer Danny Elfmann contributed themes to the project, the actual composer and arrangers of the film didn’t seem to match in level of artistry one would hope for. On the positive, heavyweights, Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, and Jennifer Connelly lend their voices to the project, all do an excellent job in their roles. Overall, the film is worth seeing on the big screen for it’s visual impact, but perhaps at a matinee rate. 9 is rated PG-13.

In the mid 1940’s a Russian cargo plane containing unknown valuables crashed on Antarctica under unusual circumstances. Now, years later a group of scientists happen upon the wreckage. Before long, one by one the same group of scientists start turning up dead. Now, it’s up to U.S. Marshall Carrie Stetko (Kate Beckinsale) and her friend Dr. John Fury (Tom Skerritt) to put together the pieces of whodunit in this arctic thriller, but who will survive the severe sub zero temperatures, and will Carrie ever be able to trust again? As far as formulaic suspense thrillers go, this film seems to hit all the necessary checkpoints. Unfortunately, the end result is a cheap ride that drolls on at a painfully slow pace with a payoff that just feels predictable and flat. Attempts at character development often come in the form of flashback sequences and do little to advance the actual plot of the film. Moreover, all said and done, the audience has little reason to care about any of the lead actors, and whether they make it off the continent alive or not. Maybe a rental at a later date, but that may be a push. Whiteout is rated R.