The Fourth Kind
CAST
Milla Jovovich ... Abbey Tyler
Will Patton ... Sheriff August
Hakeem Kae-Kazim ... Awolowa Odusami
Corey Johnson ... Tommy Fisher
Enzo Cilenti ... Scott Stracinsky
Elias Koteas ... Abel Campos
Eric Loren ... Deputy Ryan
Mia McKenna-Bruce... Ashley Tyler
Raphaël Coleman ... Ronnie Tyler
Daphne Alexander ... Theresa
Alisha Seaton ... Cindy Stracinski
Tyne Rafaeli ... Sarah Fisher
Pavel Stefanov ... Timothy Fisher
Kiera McMaster ... Joe Fisher
Sarah Houghton ... Jessica
Story Line: A psychologist carries on her husbands work after he dies in an attempt to understand what happened to him and what has been happening to his patients. It is discovered through taping video taping the sessions that the patients are being abducted by aliens and it is causing them to have anxiety and fears.
The Good: It's a good concept but.......
The Bad: The whole movie stunk of fake. It doesn't matter about the claims of actual footage used. Comparing the re-enactment footage to the "actual" footage using a split screen image and over lapping the audio ummm... yeah too much of a distraction, it made the whole movie hard to follow. Plus more than half of the actual footage was messed up or hard to see, that always means the footage is real right?
The Ugly: The movie starts getting advertised and out come the websites with recent creation dates claiming this all really did happen and there were some authentic looking web sites out there but also their registration and creation dates gave them away. Yet no mention of Dr. Abbey Tyler on any other website prior to the movie coming out. You would think with all the alien abductions and sightings people see and talk about that this story would be one of the most told ones of all time. I mean it was happening to a whole town and you would think the locals in Alaska would know something about it. Let's not forget the disclaimer of how everyone involved didn't want to come forward to talk about it on camera, how convenient for the movie budget.
Overall: I can't believe I paid $10.00 to see this movie.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Paranormal Activity
Paranormal Activity
CAST
Katie Featherston ... Katie
Micah Sloat ... Micah
Mark Fredrichs ... The Psychic
Ashley Palmer ... Diane
Amber Armstrong ... Amber
Randy McDowell ... Lt. Randy Hudson
Tim Piper ... Richard
Story line: A young couple in love move in together but the girlfriend has a demon stalking her since childhood follow her. The boyfriend tries to capture the thing on camera while they sleep.
Review:
The Good: The movie itself was not too bad. For a low budget film it was decent. I understand it was made on an extremely thin shoe string budget and the TV ads showing mostly audience reaction was a great marketing ploy. Also, doing a grass roots internet demand page to catch people interest was a fantastic way to get people in the seats. A kudos goes out to the people who thought up the idea to promote the movie this way.
The bad: The movie was shot in a very "Blair Witch Project" feel, which I do hold against the movie. Although thanks to the Blair Witch Project hoax the makers of Paranormal Activity knew better than to try and say it was a true story, in fact they didn't say if it was fictional until the very end of the movie credits, which as we all know most people don't stay to watch. The story line was not that impressive and the dialogue extremely clunky and at times tedious to get through.
The Ugly: The overly hysterical people in the audience, specifically ones that purposely acted out during the "scary" parts of the film. It was almost as if those people in the audience thought if they acted that way they would some how be included in the next TV ad for the movie. Maybe I am jaded or expect more from a movie that is called scary but seeing demon foot prints in baby powder is not going to make me gasp or scream in terror. Nor do off camera loud bangs make me jump from my sit and go running down the aisle. I am not kidding this happened in the theater I was in and it was very disruptive and disturbing to know that grown adults would act in such a manner in hopes of getting in a TV ad.
Overall: If you want to see the movie without some stupid person screaming bloody murder behind you because they think that is how they are suppose to react then watch it on demand or on DVD in the privacy of your own home. Also, if you are one of the people who acted like a scared little school girl during the theatrical release of this movie, I hope one of your friends or a stranger punched you in the mouth and gave you something real to scream about.
CAST
Katie Featherston ... Katie
Micah Sloat ... Micah
Mark Fredrichs ... The Psychic
Ashley Palmer ... Diane
Amber Armstrong ... Amber
Randy McDowell ... Lt. Randy Hudson
Tim Piper ... Richard
Story line: A young couple in love move in together but the girlfriend has a demon stalking her since childhood follow her. The boyfriend tries to capture the thing on camera while they sleep.
Review:
The Good: The movie itself was not too bad. For a low budget film it was decent. I understand it was made on an extremely thin shoe string budget and the TV ads showing mostly audience reaction was a great marketing ploy. Also, doing a grass roots internet demand page to catch people interest was a fantastic way to get people in the seats. A kudos goes out to the people who thought up the idea to promote the movie this way.
The bad: The movie was shot in a very "Blair Witch Project" feel, which I do hold against the movie. Although thanks to the Blair Witch Project hoax the makers of Paranormal Activity knew better than to try and say it was a true story, in fact they didn't say if it was fictional until the very end of the movie credits, which as we all know most people don't stay to watch. The story line was not that impressive and the dialogue extremely clunky and at times tedious to get through.
The Ugly: The overly hysterical people in the audience, specifically ones that purposely acted out during the "scary" parts of the film. It was almost as if those people in the audience thought if they acted that way they would some how be included in the next TV ad for the movie. Maybe I am jaded or expect more from a movie that is called scary but seeing demon foot prints in baby powder is not going to make me gasp or scream in terror. Nor do off camera loud bangs make me jump from my sit and go running down the aisle. I am not kidding this happened in the theater I was in and it was very disruptive and disturbing to know that grown adults would act in such a manner in hopes of getting in a TV ad.
Overall: If you want to see the movie without some stupid person screaming bloody murder behind you because they think that is how they are suppose to react then watch it on demand or on DVD in the privacy of your own home. Also, if you are one of the people who acted like a scared little school girl during the theatrical release of this movie, I hope one of your friends or a stranger punched you in the mouth and gave you something real to scream about.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Into the Wild
Into the Wild
Starring:
Emile Hirsch ... Chris McCandless
Marcia Gay Harden ... Billie McCandless
William Hurt ... Walt McCandless
Jena Malone ... Carine McCandless
Plot:
Chris McCandless has graduated from college. He is struggling to come to terms with his parents unhappy, sometimes abusive marriage and his own knowledge about the ugly truth which surrounds his family. Chris sets off across country without telling family or friends where he is going or where he plans to end up. Chris's last chapter of his adventure takes him to Alaska where he sets out on his goal of living off the land.
Review:
The movie is based on a novel taken from Chris's diary. A very moving and compelling work. It almost makes you feel like grabbing a backpack and heading off on a cross country adventure of your own. I enjoyed how Chris's journey was depicted through the high points and low points. It was also great to see Chris even though looked as if he was nothing more than a vagabond, had a set of morales he lived by, this was evident by how he handled a situation where an underage girl had developed a crush on him. The movie also showed his weakness and how he was tempted at least once to return home, like when he arrived in LA and went to stay at a shelter. He almost gave into getting an ID and re-establishing himself into mainstream society, once he realized he was about to give up his goal, he quickly returned to his remote travels.
If you like movies based on true events this is a spectacular movie for you to engross yourself in. Keep in mind this movie is based on the novel "Into the Wild" and theory of his death had been changed.
Starring:
Emile Hirsch ... Chris McCandless
Marcia Gay Harden ... Billie McCandless
William Hurt ... Walt McCandless
Jena Malone ... Carine McCandless
Plot:
Chris McCandless has graduated from college. He is struggling to come to terms with his parents unhappy, sometimes abusive marriage and his own knowledge about the ugly truth which surrounds his family. Chris sets off across country without telling family or friends where he is going or where he plans to end up. Chris's last chapter of his adventure takes him to Alaska where he sets out on his goal of living off the land.
Review:
The movie is based on a novel taken from Chris's diary. A very moving and compelling work. It almost makes you feel like grabbing a backpack and heading off on a cross country adventure of your own. I enjoyed how Chris's journey was depicted through the high points and low points. It was also great to see Chris even though looked as if he was nothing more than a vagabond, had a set of morales he lived by, this was evident by how he handled a situation where an underage girl had developed a crush on him. The movie also showed his weakness and how he was tempted at least once to return home, like when he arrived in LA and went to stay at a shelter. He almost gave into getting an ID and re-establishing himself into mainstream society, once he realized he was about to give up his goal, he quickly returned to his remote travels.
If you like movies based on true events this is a spectacular movie for you to engross yourself in. Keep in mind this movie is based on the novel "Into the Wild" and theory of his death had been changed.
The Ruins
The Ruins
Starring:
Jonathan Tucker ... Jeff
Jena Malone ... Amy
Laura Ramsey ... Stacy
Shawn Ashmore ... Eric
Joe Anderson ... Mathias
Plot: A bunch of friends are taking vacation/break from school at a Mexican resort. A German tourist befriends them and convinces them to take a trek to an uncharted Mayan temple. But not all is what it seems. The temple is cursed and the locals aim to keep the curse contained.
Review:
Surprisingly this movie is better than the horror/suspense movie that are being released. It all takes place on top of a Mayan temple. What I like about this movie is it doesn't pull "let's wrap this up in the last 5 minutes of the movie crap". The story really does unfold in front of the audience eyes. I do like how the plot revolved around the 5 main characters and I also liked how the they were contained in one relatively small space, giving the audience a feeling of being right there in the same predicament as the characters. I also liked how there were no subtitles when it came to the locals talking, making language a barrier, just like it is if someone who is not multi-lingual feels if they travel abroad. Though the movie does leave room for a sequel, hopefully it will be left alone. Sometimes not knowing if that last survivor really did make it adds to the movie's appeal.
Starring:
Jonathan Tucker ... Jeff
Jena Malone ... Amy
Laura Ramsey ... Stacy
Shawn Ashmore ... Eric
Joe Anderson ... Mathias
Plot: A bunch of friends are taking vacation/break from school at a Mexican resort. A German tourist befriends them and convinces them to take a trek to an uncharted Mayan temple. But not all is what it seems. The temple is cursed and the locals aim to keep the curse contained.
Review:
Surprisingly this movie is better than the horror/suspense movie that are being released. It all takes place on top of a Mayan temple. What I like about this movie is it doesn't pull "let's wrap this up in the last 5 minutes of the movie crap". The story really does unfold in front of the audience eyes. I do like how the plot revolved around the 5 main characters and I also liked how the they were contained in one relatively small space, giving the audience a feeling of being right there in the same predicament as the characters. I also liked how there were no subtitles when it came to the locals talking, making language a barrier, just like it is if someone who is not multi-lingual feels if they travel abroad. Though the movie does leave room for a sequel, hopefully it will be left alone. Sometimes not knowing if that last survivor really did make it adds to the movie's appeal.
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight
Starring:
Christian Bale ... Bruce Wayne / Batman
Heath Ledger ... The Joker
Aaron Eckhart ... Dist. Atty. Harvey Dent / Two-Face
Michael Caine ... Alfred
Maggie Gyllenhaal ... Rachel Dawes
Gary Oldman ... Gordon
Morgan Freeman ... Lucius Fox
Not even doing a synoposis going to straight to the review
Review:
Fantastic. This move lives up to everything. I have already seen it twice. I already know there is not much more I can say that hasn't already been said. If you haven't seen this movie yet, I have no idea what you are waiting for, it is worth the admission price!
Starring:
Christian Bale ... Bruce Wayne / Batman
Heath Ledger ... The Joker
Aaron Eckhart ... Dist. Atty. Harvey Dent / Two-Face
Michael Caine ... Alfred
Maggie Gyllenhaal ... Rachel Dawes
Gary Oldman ... Gordon
Morgan Freeman ... Lucius Fox
Not even doing a synoposis going to straight to the review
Review:
Fantastic. This move lives up to everything. I have already seen it twice. I already know there is not much more I can say that hasn't already been said. If you haven't seen this movie yet, I have no idea what you are waiting for, it is worth the admission price!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Happiness of the Katakuris (2001)
The Happiness of the Katakuris
Director: Takashi Miike
Cast:
Kenji Sawada ... Masao Katakuri
Keiko Matsuzaka ... Terue Katakuri
Shinji Takeda ... Masayuki Katakuri
Naomi Nishida ... Shizue Katakuri
Kiyoshiro Imawano ... Richâdo Sagawa
Tetsuro Tamba ... Ojîsan Jinpei Katakuri
Naoto Takenaka ... TV Reporter / Singer
Tamaki Miyazaki ... Yurie Katakuri
Takashi Matsuzaki ... Utanômi
Description: A morbid musical about a family's plight to make their Bed and Breakfast venture success. The Katakuris family buy and fix up an old house in the boonies and turn it into a Bed and Breakfast, but their guest keep dieing and the situations leave the family scrambling to avoid local scandal and financial ruin. Based on the Korean movie "The Quite Family".
Review: This movie is surprisingly amazing and hilarious. I rented this from Blockbuster expecting a zombie/horror movie but what I got was something much better. It was entertaining with the way the musical numbers were embedded and how the claymation was used to replace expensive stunts and CGI; it gave it a surrealistic edge and added to the comical feel. The movie does have serious points but the scenes are not long and do not interfere with the films corkiness. If you are looking to watch a soon to be cult classic in America this would be it. It is right up there with Dead Alive and Army of Darkness.
Director: Takashi Miike
Cast:
Kenji Sawada ... Masao Katakuri
Keiko Matsuzaka ... Terue Katakuri
Shinji Takeda ... Masayuki Katakuri
Naomi Nishida ... Shizue Katakuri
Kiyoshiro Imawano ... Richâdo Sagawa
Tetsuro Tamba ... Ojîsan Jinpei Katakuri
Naoto Takenaka ... TV Reporter / Singer
Tamaki Miyazaki ... Yurie Katakuri
Takashi Matsuzaki ... Utanômi
Description: A morbid musical about a family's plight to make their Bed and Breakfast venture success. The Katakuris family buy and fix up an old house in the boonies and turn it into a Bed and Breakfast, but their guest keep dieing and the situations leave the family scrambling to avoid local scandal and financial ruin. Based on the Korean movie "The Quite Family".
Review: This movie is surprisingly amazing and hilarious. I rented this from Blockbuster expecting a zombie/horror movie but what I got was something much better. It was entertaining with the way the musical numbers were embedded and how the claymation was used to replace expensive stunts and CGI; it gave it a surrealistic edge and added to the comical feel. The movie does have serious points but the scenes are not long and do not interfere with the films corkiness. If you are looking to watch a soon to be cult classic in America this would be it. It is right up there with Dead Alive and Army of Darkness.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Disney's Enchanted
Disney's Enchanted
Patrick Dempsey
Amy Adams
James Marsden
Susan Sarandon
Timothy Spall
Idina Menzel
Plot: Prince Edward finds love with the fair maiden Giselle and sets out to marry her. His wicked step mother, the Queen not wanting to give up her crown, banishes the soon to be princess to the real world. Giselle ends up in New York. Prince Edward follows to rescue her. The evil queen tries to stop their reunion. During their time in the real world Prince Edward and Giselle learn more about real life and love.
Review: Reality meets a Disney fairy tale. The movie starts off as a cartoon with the Prince and Giselle's meeting. It turns real after the evil queen tosses Giselle down a well. The movie pokes fun at Disney stereotypes such as the fair maiden who talks to animals; Giselle sings the indigenous wildlife of New York into helping her clean up the apartment of her real world savior Robert Philip; pigeons and roaches show up. Of course there is also the plight of Prince Edward who thinks anything not human shape is a beast to conquer. He ends up battling a bus and freaking out a bunch of passengers. There is also the token animal friend, a chip monk, who tries to save everyone, the evil queens lackey who tries to stop the couple from finding each other and the evil queen herself.
It's a feel good movie which is ultra safe to take your kids to. It was enjoyable, the music numbers were not over bearing and the humor well written. It's a good movie to take the family to for an afternoon matinee.
Patrick Dempsey
Amy Adams
James Marsden
Susan Sarandon
Timothy Spall
Idina Menzel
Plot: Prince Edward finds love with the fair maiden Giselle and sets out to marry her. His wicked step mother, the Queen not wanting to give up her crown, banishes the soon to be princess to the real world. Giselle ends up in New York. Prince Edward follows to rescue her. The evil queen tries to stop their reunion. During their time in the real world Prince Edward and Giselle learn more about real life and love.
Review: Reality meets a Disney fairy tale. The movie starts off as a cartoon with the Prince and Giselle's meeting. It turns real after the evil queen tosses Giselle down a well. The movie pokes fun at Disney stereotypes such as the fair maiden who talks to animals; Giselle sings the indigenous wildlife of New York into helping her clean up the apartment of her real world savior Robert Philip; pigeons and roaches show up. Of course there is also the plight of Prince Edward who thinks anything not human shape is a beast to conquer. He ends up battling a bus and freaking out a bunch of passengers. There is also the token animal friend, a chip monk, who tries to save everyone, the evil queens lackey who tries to stop the couple from finding each other and the evil queen herself.
It's a feel good movie which is ultra safe to take your kids to. It was enjoyable, the music numbers were not over bearing and the humor well written. It's a good movie to take the family to for an afternoon matinee.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Shoot 'Em Up
Shoot 'Em Up
Director: Michael Davis
Stars:
Clive Owen
Monica Bellucci
Paul Giamatti
Synopsis:
A complete stranger called simply, Smith (Clive Owen) becomes the unexpected guardian of a new born after he tries to help the mother fiend off killers. Smith, not a stranger to gangland style violence bucks up and takes charge. He contacts a call girl (Monica Bellucci) he usually goes to help him take care of the child. The bad guys still wanting the child have their own resources and are constantly on Smith's heels.
Review:
If you like action, this movie is for you. It has a nice blend of storyline that doesn't get in the way of the action. If you plan to watch this film with friends who are hell bent on realism tell them to leave their disbelief at the door because this movie doesn't take reality into consideration. The visuals of the movie are really good. I particularly liked wide screen over head shot of the main character walking around a field in the aftermath of a mid-air battle, he just had; it made me giggle.
I also liked the way the main character's role was written. The viewer never truly knows where he came from, what his background is, or how he got to be so resourceful. The only thing the viewer really gets to know is the guy was sitting there minding his own business, drinking a coffee when he saw a pregnant woman being chased by guys with guns. Oh and he is a wicked good shot and frequents the red light district.
Director: Michael Davis
Stars:
Clive Owen
Monica Bellucci
Paul Giamatti
Synopsis:
A complete stranger called simply, Smith (Clive Owen) becomes the unexpected guardian of a new born after he tries to help the mother fiend off killers. Smith, not a stranger to gangland style violence bucks up and takes charge. He contacts a call girl (Monica Bellucci) he usually goes to help him take care of the child. The bad guys still wanting the child have their own resources and are constantly on Smith's heels.
Review:
If you like action, this movie is for you. It has a nice blend of storyline that doesn't get in the way of the action. If you plan to watch this film with friends who are hell bent on realism tell them to leave their disbelief at the door because this movie doesn't take reality into consideration. The visuals of the movie are really good. I particularly liked wide screen over head shot of the main character walking around a field in the aftermath of a mid-air battle, he just had; it made me giggle.
I also liked the way the main character's role was written. The viewer never truly knows where he came from, what his background is, or how he got to be so resourceful. The only thing the viewer really gets to know is the guy was sitting there minding his own business, drinking a coffee when he saw a pregnant woman being chased by guys with guns. Oh and he is a wicked good shot and frequents the red light district.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Who Killed the Electric Car?
Who Killed the Electric Car?
Director:Chris Paine
Writer:Chris Paine
Review: A documentary about the small amount of electric cars that came out in the late 90's and early 2000's. The documentary is very informative and well thought out. I liked how the facts were presented and also how they were able to get on film car manufactures representatives contradicting themselves and trying to misinform the public about the cars. the film goes into details about certain aspects as to why the electric car failed and how not all of the information being presented was accurate or how the ad campaigns were designed to make the consumer feel disconnected from the new technology.
It is obvious the documentary was shot over years of trying to fight the car manufactures to keep the cars on the road. Which as we all know did not work, thanks to several misdeeds of the government, government officials, oil companies, consumers, and car manufactures. If you have not seen this documentary I suggest you do. It is an eye opener and it is sad to think we had the answer to our gas problem so long ago and no one bothered to look or we were persuaded not to look by the government, oil companies and car manufactures.
Director:Chris Paine
Writer:Chris Paine
Review: A documentary about the small amount of electric cars that came out in the late 90's and early 2000's. The documentary is very informative and well thought out. I liked how the facts were presented and also how they were able to get on film car manufactures representatives contradicting themselves and trying to misinform the public about the cars. the film goes into details about certain aspects as to why the electric car failed and how not all of the information being presented was accurate or how the ad campaigns were designed to make the consumer feel disconnected from the new technology.
It is obvious the documentary was shot over years of trying to fight the car manufactures to keep the cars on the road. Which as we all know did not work, thanks to several misdeeds of the government, government officials, oil companies, consumers, and car manufactures. If you have not seen this documentary I suggest you do. It is an eye opener and it is sad to think we had the answer to our gas problem so long ago and no one bothered to look or we were persuaded not to look by the government, oil companies and car manufactures.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
The Women (1939)
The Women
Director:
George Cukor
Cast:
Norma Shearer
Joan Crawford
Rosalind Russell
Mary Boland
Paulette Goddard
Phyllis Povah
Joan Fontaine
Virginia Weidler
Lucile Watson
Marjorie Main
Hedda Hopper
Florence Nash
Synopsis:
Mrs. Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) is a New York elitist's wife, who finds out he is having an affair with a perfume counter girl, Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford). She finds out because two of her gossipy friends Mrs. Sylvia Fowler (Rosalind Russell) and Edith Potter (Phyllis Povah) hear a manicurist talk about one of her friend's and Mrs. Haines's husband's affair.
Mary now has to decide if she is going to break up her family and file for divorce or swallow her pride and continue on like nothing happened. The decision to ignore it is nearly made impossible because of Mary's gossiping friends and her husband's blatant flaunting of the affair. After a confrontation with Crystal, Mary is left with saving her pride or her family.
Mary goes off to Reno where she meets The Countess DeLave (Mary Boland) and Miriam Aarons (Paulette Goddard). She has opted for the divorce and is staying at a ranch run by Lucy (Marjorie Main) for divorcee's in waiting. Later on Sylvia joins Mary at the ranch because she too is getting a divorce from her husband.
Later on Sylvia becomes friends with Crystal after she marries Mr. Haines. Mary decides stay on the outskirts of the gossip crowd, but keeps in touch with The Countess who has remarried a man named Buck and with Miriam who ended up marrying Sylvia's ex-husband. Mary still hears some of the gossip but mostly keeps to herself. After she finds out that Crystal is having an affair she decides to take back what is hers and confronts Crystal one last time.
Review:
Despite most of the characters being married it is an all female cast. No men are main characters or leads in this production which for 1939 was almost unheard of. The script is well written and the actresses play their parts very well. There is a remake coming in 2008 which I am sure will be updated to fit the times. This film is a great classic so the remake has a lot to live up to.
Watching this film shows how much hasn't really changed with the female mind set. I am speaking in terms of the cattiness that is displayed by all but one character (Mary). In a way it is sure to remind every female of that one friend who they knew really wasn't but was only there to cause trouble or stir the pot so to speak. I am sure we all have that one person we know that is more tolerated than anything.
If you are planning to catch the remake of this film then you may want to see the original first with the original cast. This way if the remake doesn't measure up you won't be put off from seeing the original.
Director:
George Cukor
Cast:
Norma Shearer
Joan Crawford
Rosalind Russell
Mary Boland
Paulette Goddard
Phyllis Povah
Joan Fontaine
Virginia Weidler
Lucile Watson
Marjorie Main
Hedda Hopper
Florence Nash
Synopsis:
Mrs. Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) is a New York elitist's wife, who finds out he is having an affair with a perfume counter girl, Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford). She finds out because two of her gossipy friends Mrs. Sylvia Fowler (Rosalind Russell) and Edith Potter (Phyllis Povah) hear a manicurist talk about one of her friend's and Mrs. Haines's husband's affair.
Mary now has to decide if she is going to break up her family and file for divorce or swallow her pride and continue on like nothing happened. The decision to ignore it is nearly made impossible because of Mary's gossiping friends and her husband's blatant flaunting of the affair. After a confrontation with Crystal, Mary is left with saving her pride or her family.
Mary goes off to Reno where she meets The Countess DeLave (Mary Boland) and Miriam Aarons (Paulette Goddard). She has opted for the divorce and is staying at a ranch run by Lucy (Marjorie Main) for divorcee's in waiting. Later on Sylvia joins Mary at the ranch because she too is getting a divorce from her husband.
Later on Sylvia becomes friends with Crystal after she marries Mr. Haines. Mary decides stay on the outskirts of the gossip crowd, but keeps in touch with The Countess who has remarried a man named Buck and with Miriam who ended up marrying Sylvia's ex-husband. Mary still hears some of the gossip but mostly keeps to herself. After she finds out that Crystal is having an affair she decides to take back what is hers and confronts Crystal one last time.
Review:
Despite most of the characters being married it is an all female cast. No men are main characters or leads in this production which for 1939 was almost unheard of. The script is well written and the actresses play their parts very well. There is a remake coming in 2008 which I am sure will be updated to fit the times. This film is a great classic so the remake has a lot to live up to.
Watching this film shows how much hasn't really changed with the female mind set. I am speaking in terms of the cattiness that is displayed by all but one character (Mary). In a way it is sure to remind every female of that one friend who they knew really wasn't but was only there to cause trouble or stir the pot so to speak. I am sure we all have that one person we know that is more tolerated than anything.
If you are planning to catch the remake of this film then you may want to see the original first with the original cast. This way if the remake doesn't measure up you won't be put off from seeing the original.
I Am Legend
I Am Legend
Director: Francis Lawrence
Actors:
Will Smith
Alice Braga
Charlie Tahan
Synopsis:
A cure for cancer causes most of the US population to become zombies. One scientist Dr. Robert Neveill (Will Smith), a military doctor stays behind in New York city which is riddled with zombies, to discover the cure and save the world. Robert himself is immune to the air borne and blood contact form of the virus. He also sends out a message on the AM radio waves looking for survivors but he doesn't really hope to find any. He surprised to find out there are survivors and possibly more but being on his own for so long has him skeptical. He feels doomed to his fate of staying behind because he feels partly responsible for the death of his family and the spread of the virus.
Review:
When I first heard of this movie two others came to mind. Omega Man and The Last Man on Earth. I Am Legend is a remake of Omega Man and is based on the book "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson. The CGI is pretty good and Will Smith does a good job of carrying the movie. Since the viewer only sees one human, Robert Neveill, for over half the film it is easy to say this role is a make or break commodity for a movie, put the wrong actor in this role and the film would be buried.
I'm not saying Will Smith does a spectacular performance but he carries the movie just fine. It is also nice to see a post apocalyptic movie with zombies portray them as more than just slow moving, mindless, want to eat your brains, zombies. For Example, when Robert captured a female zombie and took her back to his lab for testing, her mate mimicked Robert's trap and effectively used it against him.
The movie toward the end showed the parallel between Robert and the male lead zombie. The leader of the zombies showed tactical thinking with creating traps and having trained zombie dogs. Robert had a military background and a trained dog. The lead zombie also showed he in a sense cared about his mate and though animal like showed emotion toward being picked on by a human.
It's a good movie but I would not call it a blockbuster. If you can catch it on a matinee cool, but if you really don't want to spend the money you can always wait for DVD which will probably have extras, alternate endings and maybe a blooper reel.
Director: Francis Lawrence
Actors:
Will Smith
Alice Braga
Charlie Tahan
Synopsis:
A cure for cancer causes most of the US population to become zombies. One scientist Dr. Robert Neveill (Will Smith), a military doctor stays behind in New York city which is riddled with zombies, to discover the cure and save the world. Robert himself is immune to the air borne and blood contact form of the virus. He also sends out a message on the AM radio waves looking for survivors but he doesn't really hope to find any. He surprised to find out there are survivors and possibly more but being on his own for so long has him skeptical. He feels doomed to his fate of staying behind because he feels partly responsible for the death of his family and the spread of the virus.
Review:
When I first heard of this movie two others came to mind. Omega Man and The Last Man on Earth. I Am Legend is a remake of Omega Man and is based on the book "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson. The CGI is pretty good and Will Smith does a good job of carrying the movie. Since the viewer only sees one human, Robert Neveill, for over half the film it is easy to say this role is a make or break commodity for a movie, put the wrong actor in this role and the film would be buried.
I'm not saying Will Smith does a spectacular performance but he carries the movie just fine. It is also nice to see a post apocalyptic movie with zombies portray them as more than just slow moving, mindless, want to eat your brains, zombies. For Example, when Robert captured a female zombie and took her back to his lab for testing, her mate mimicked Robert's trap and effectively used it against him.
The movie toward the end showed the parallel between Robert and the male lead zombie. The leader of the zombies showed tactical thinking with creating traps and having trained zombie dogs. Robert had a military background and a trained dog. The lead zombie also showed he in a sense cared about his mate and though animal like showed emotion toward being picked on by a human.
It's a good movie but I would not call it a blockbuster. If you can catch it on a matinee cool, but if you really don't want to spend the money you can always wait for DVD which will probably have extras, alternate endings and maybe a blooper reel.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Restoration (1995)
Restoration (1995)
Directed by: Michael Hoffman
Starring:
Robert Downey Jr.
Sam Neill
David Thewlis
Meg Ryan
Ian McKellen
Hugh Grant
Synopisis:
Robert Merivel (Robert Downey Jr.) is an up and coming student of medicine. He is also a womanizer who spends more money than he has on woman and wine. His friend John Pearce (David Thewlis) tries to warn him and guide him back to his studies but as usuaul is met with resistance from Robert. One day while the two friends were working in the local hospital a patient comes with a remarkable wound. Robert dared to touch the wound while John looked timidely on. This action set Robert's life on a new course, King Charles II (Sam Neill) took note of Robert's wonderment and requested him to come to the palace and look at after a patient in disperate need of medical attention.
Robert is lead a stray from his calling literally by order of the King. Robert's life is changed again when the King orders him to marry the King's mistress. In exchange for marrying in name only Robert is given a Knighthood and an estate. Just as quickly as he was thrown into the King's fantasy world, Robert is tossed out.
After being cast out from the Kings good graces, he seeks out his friend John and joins in him in the treatment of insane. Robert takes an unusual perspective on treating the asylum patients and it appears to work. He also starts to notice one female patient, Katherine (Meg Ryan. He gets involved with her romantically and at the same time his friend John contracts the black plague and dies. Robert and Katherine leave the asylum.
Robert and Katherine find themselves back in England with the black plague in full swing. All the physicians have left and the well are being hold up with the plague ridden. Robert finds his way back to his calling and starts to treat the ill but under his friends name, John Pearce. His talents get him noticed again by the King and he is needed once again at the palace.
Review:
This is a good period movie. The storyline shows how back in the 1600's a Kingly request can shape someone's life. It also shows one man's journey to find himself and his reason for being alive. The movie is a bit long but that does not take away from story being told. The main character, Robert, though educated is a fool by his own design. His youth was spent chasing his desires which gave him instant gradification but left his life empty of accomplishment. As the story progressed the viewer can see how the character allowing himself to be shaped by the people around him during different stages of his life. In a way showing how someone can easily become a follower with simple temptation. In the end Robert became the master of his own fate and found more precious things to hold dear than creature comforts, thus freeing him from any Kingly request or allowing himself to be manipulated into beiing a stooge.
Directed by: Michael Hoffman
Starring:
Robert Downey Jr.
Sam Neill
David Thewlis
Meg Ryan
Ian McKellen
Hugh Grant
Synopisis:
Robert Merivel (Robert Downey Jr.) is an up and coming student of medicine. He is also a womanizer who spends more money than he has on woman and wine. His friend John Pearce (David Thewlis) tries to warn him and guide him back to his studies but as usuaul is met with resistance from Robert. One day while the two friends were working in the local hospital a patient comes with a remarkable wound. Robert dared to touch the wound while John looked timidely on. This action set Robert's life on a new course, King Charles II (Sam Neill) took note of Robert's wonderment and requested him to come to the palace and look at after a patient in disperate need of medical attention.
Robert is lead a stray from his calling literally by order of the King. Robert's life is changed again when the King orders him to marry the King's mistress. In exchange for marrying in name only Robert is given a Knighthood and an estate. Just as quickly as he was thrown into the King's fantasy world, Robert is tossed out.
After being cast out from the Kings good graces, he seeks out his friend John and joins in him in the treatment of insane. Robert takes an unusual perspective on treating the asylum patients and it appears to work. He also starts to notice one female patient, Katherine (Meg Ryan. He gets involved with her romantically and at the same time his friend John contracts the black plague and dies. Robert and Katherine leave the asylum.
Robert and Katherine find themselves back in England with the black plague in full swing. All the physicians have left and the well are being hold up with the plague ridden. Robert finds his way back to his calling and starts to treat the ill but under his friends name, John Pearce. His talents get him noticed again by the King and he is needed once again at the palace.
Review:
This is a good period movie. The storyline shows how back in the 1600's a Kingly request can shape someone's life. It also shows one man's journey to find himself and his reason for being alive. The movie is a bit long but that does not take away from story being told. The main character, Robert, though educated is a fool by his own design. His youth was spent chasing his desires which gave him instant gradification but left his life empty of accomplishment. As the story progressed the viewer can see how the character allowing himself to be shaped by the people around him during different stages of his life. In a way showing how someone can easily become a follower with simple temptation. In the end Robert became the master of his own fate and found more precious things to hold dear than creature comforts, thus freeing him from any Kingly request or allowing himself to be manipulated into beiing a stooge.
1969 (Distributed in 1988)
1969
Directed by: Ernest Thompson
Starring
Robert Downey Jr.
Keifer Sutherland
Winona Ryder
Joanna Cassidy
Synopsis:
Ralph Carr (Robert Downey Jr.) and Scott (Keifer Sutherland) are best friends who grew up togeather and both went to college to avoid the Vietnam draft. Scott's brother is a Marine and has been sent out to fight. During this time Ralph flunks out of school and is in danger of being drafted while Scott's brother is first considered Missing in Action but then is confirmed dead. Scott an undecided youth disagrees with the war but doesn't know how to break away from his parents ideas and struggles to find himself. He goes from hiding in college, to trying to help his friend not get drafted and also makes an attempt to save himself by trying to cross the Canadian border. In the end Scott comes into his own and stands up for what he believes in.
Review:
The characters were all generic, as well as the plot. Even the strife of someone dying in the war was overshadowed by the inability to convey that anything major was really happening in the movie. The director tried to take the viewer on a journey about how the war affected a small town which seemed to remain untouched by any tragedy. The movie comes across as a bit sugar coated with no real show of emotion one way or the other. There are no signficant parts which come to mind to fully describe this movie as other than bland.
Directed by: Ernest Thompson
Starring
Robert Downey Jr.
Keifer Sutherland
Winona Ryder
Joanna Cassidy
Synopsis:
Ralph Carr (Robert Downey Jr.) and Scott (Keifer Sutherland) are best friends who grew up togeather and both went to college to avoid the Vietnam draft. Scott's brother is a Marine and has been sent out to fight. During this time Ralph flunks out of school and is in danger of being drafted while Scott's brother is first considered Missing in Action but then is confirmed dead. Scott an undecided youth disagrees with the war but doesn't know how to break away from his parents ideas and struggles to find himself. He goes from hiding in college, to trying to help his friend not get drafted and also makes an attempt to save himself by trying to cross the Canadian border. In the end Scott comes into his own and stands up for what he believes in.
Review:
The characters were all generic, as well as the plot. Even the strife of someone dying in the war was overshadowed by the inability to convey that anything major was really happening in the movie. The director tried to take the viewer on a journey about how the war affected a small town which seemed to remain untouched by any tragedy. The movie comes across as a bit sugar coated with no real show of emotion one way or the other. There are no signficant parts which come to mind to fully describe this movie as other than bland.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Santa and The Fairy Snow Queen (1951)
Santa and the Fairy Snow Queen
Made by Sid Davis' film company
Starring: I don't think any of the actors in this want to be associated with it.
Synopsis: Santa's elf/helper Snoopy over hears Santa inviting the Fairy Snow Queen over for a sugar cookie snack; or maybe a bootie call, it was the 50's they had to keep it clean. Snoopy the "I'm snorting coke off screen" Elf, guides the watcher or victim; whatever you feel like after watching this; to Santa's work shop to see what happens. When the Fairy Queen shows up he is asleep so she decides to be a hag and play a trick on him. She turns all the toys in his workshop into living beings. When the torture, err, fun is over the Fairy Snow hag tries to turn them back but they don't want to go. According to the Fairy Snow Douche Bag her magic only works on willing participants; if only the Bush administration's "magic" were limited in this way. Santa then scolds The Fairy Queen and lays a guilt trip as thick as a shag rug on the toys for being selfish. In the end the toys go back to being toys, the Fairy Snow Wrench learns a valuable lesson, and Snoopy snorts her Christmas bonus.
Review:
I read a few things about this film short prior doing this review; it was a holiday special that aired in the 50's. It's special alright!
Dear Lord! The film short was only 27 minutes long but I still prayed for it to end quickly. This is proof Ed Wood is not the worst director of all time. How in the world did this escape the movie lot? Better yet what movie executive gave the green light to this debacle?
Let me start with the narrator/host Snoopy, who is supposed to be an Elf in Santa's workshop. Yes, elves are supposed to be cute, friendly, energetic, and happy. Not overbearing, hard to watch, and generally annoying. I'm talking about Snoopy jumping all over everything, running around, and practically humping the floor. She reminded me of what my cat does when she's in heat, jumping around, rubbing up against everything and sticking her butt up at you if you pet her. I gotta say there must have been some good drugs on that set to keep the actors there.
The Fairy Snow Queen wasn't much better really. She made a sad, sad attempt to ballet dance elegantly, but failing miserably, around the small set that is suppose to be Santa's workshop. The typical Christmas toys were there a baby doll, a rag doll, a toy solider, a Victorian doll and a jack in the box. Amazingly enough the jack in the box was more annoying than Snoopy, I know hard to believe someone felt the need to out act poor Snoopy. Oh, and I forgot to mention Santa is a giant man, the only thing you see in the workshop shots is his big boot. The actor playing Santa was not filmed with any of the other actors. My guess is he was too creepy and none of the other actors wanted to go near him, or he didn't regularly bath; take your pick.
Along with some long lasting night terrors, there was a memorable line which I will carry with me always. It's when Santa is chastising the Fairy Snow Queen, he says "But they need to be changed back, something terrible could happen. They could get hurt or fall in love." That's right kids you heard it, Santa says love is a terrible thing.
There is one redeeming quality about this short film, TV special, train wreck; what ever you want to call it. It makes good MST3K material, if you are in a MST3K mood and you have Comcast Cable, you can find this gem under the free Something Weird segments.
Made by Sid Davis' film company
Starring: I don't think any of the actors in this want to be associated with it.
Synopsis: Santa's elf/helper Snoopy over hears Santa inviting the Fairy Snow Queen over for a sugar cookie snack; or maybe a bootie call, it was the 50's they had to keep it clean. Snoopy the "I'm snorting coke off screen" Elf, guides the watcher or victim; whatever you feel like after watching this; to Santa's work shop to see what happens. When the Fairy Queen shows up he is asleep so she decides to be a hag and play a trick on him. She turns all the toys in his workshop into living beings. When the torture, err, fun is over the Fairy Snow hag tries to turn them back but they don't want to go. According to the Fairy Snow Douche Bag her magic only works on willing participants; if only the Bush administration's "magic" were limited in this way. Santa then scolds The Fairy Queen and lays a guilt trip as thick as a shag rug on the toys for being selfish. In the end the toys go back to being toys, the Fairy Snow Wrench learns a valuable lesson, and Snoopy snorts her Christmas bonus.
Review:
I read a few things about this film short prior doing this review; it was a holiday special that aired in the 50's. It's special alright!
Dear Lord! The film short was only 27 minutes long but I still prayed for it to end quickly. This is proof Ed Wood is not the worst director of all time. How in the world did this escape the movie lot? Better yet what movie executive gave the green light to this debacle?
Let me start with the narrator/host Snoopy, who is supposed to be an Elf in Santa's workshop. Yes, elves are supposed to be cute, friendly, energetic, and happy. Not overbearing, hard to watch, and generally annoying. I'm talking about Snoopy jumping all over everything, running around, and practically humping the floor. She reminded me of what my cat does when she's in heat, jumping around, rubbing up against everything and sticking her butt up at you if you pet her. I gotta say there must have been some good drugs on that set to keep the actors there.
The Fairy Snow Queen wasn't much better really. She made a sad, sad attempt to ballet dance elegantly, but failing miserably, around the small set that is suppose to be Santa's workshop. The typical Christmas toys were there a baby doll, a rag doll, a toy solider, a Victorian doll and a jack in the box. Amazingly enough the jack in the box was more annoying than Snoopy, I know hard to believe someone felt the need to out act poor Snoopy. Oh, and I forgot to mention Santa is a giant man, the only thing you see in the workshop shots is his big boot. The actor playing Santa was not filmed with any of the other actors. My guess is he was too creepy and none of the other actors wanted to go near him, or he didn't regularly bath; take your pick.
Along with some long lasting night terrors, there was a memorable line which I will carry with me always. It's when Santa is chastising the Fairy Snow Queen, he says "But they need to be changed back, something terrible could happen. They could get hurt or fall in love." That's right kids you heard it, Santa says love is a terrible thing.
There is one redeeming quality about this short film, TV special, train wreck; what ever you want to call it. It makes good MST3K material, if you are in a MST3K mood and you have Comcast Cable, you can find this gem under the free Something Weird segments.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Diamonds and Guns (2007)
Diamonds and Guns
Starring:
Renee O'Connor
Helena Beaven
Jed Sura
Jonathan Fraser
Raymond O'Connor
E. Sean Griffin
Cynthia Szigeti
Julian Moses
Synopsis aka Spoiler: Ashley (Renee O'Connor) and Bria (Helena Beaven) are roommates and best friends who are on the brink of eviction and for Bria deportation looms around the corner. In a last ditch effort they go to Vegas to try their luck there. Bria meets Francis (Jed Sura) after Ashley comes down with food poisoning and is stuck in the room for the rest of the night. Francis is the hotel owners, Mr. Gretano (Raymond O'Connor), son. He is engaged to Connie (Julian Moses), who is the daughter of another hotel owner, Mrs. Antignatti (Cynthia Szigeti). Bria and Francias end up together after a night of drinking. Francias gets his best friend, Johnny B. (Jonathan Fraser), involved to help him get out of the mess he and Bria have caused.
Ashley is left on her own until the next morning when Bria demands a doctor be sent to the room to care for her. The hotel desk clerk (E. Sean Griffin) gets the brunt of the abuse from everyone. He has to endure angering Connie because Francias is avoiding her and he is trying to cover for him, Johnny B. is breathing down his neck to find out about Bria and Bria is insisting he call a doctor to help her friend. So, the desk clerk does what any desk clerk would do, he grabs Francias and tells him to go check on the sick guest.
Ashley ends up being cared for by Francias while Johnny B. tries to find Bria. Through being sick and given drugs Ashley still wants to do what she came there for, audition for one of the Vegas shows. I don't want to give away the whole plot so I’ll let it here.
Review:
If you are a Xena fan or Renee O'Connor fan you've been waiting a long time for this movie. The film had its rough spots and it almost looked like it wasn't going to be released. Luckily, this project has seen the light of day and was become available for mass release.
The film has a campy, light hearted feel to it. The story line is simple, along with the dialog and edits. Which is good, the premises of the movie aren’t to wow you with special effects or even to impress you with over bearing artistic shots. It's to show how two friends get wrapped up in one laughable situation after another. Oh and Ted Raimi as a landlord ;).
There are plenty of cut away scenes which make for great comedic effect, like when Ashley gets sick at the roulette table; you see her looking ill and lurch forward. The scene cuts away to the roulette attendant you hear Ashley get sick and by the reaction on the roulette attendants face its clear the puck landed in the roulette spinner.
I also liked the 4 box wipes used to show what was going on in 4 different places at the same time. There were some great one shot in there like Ashley propped up sleeping in a display of dolls. Of course the movie pokes fun at great chase scene stereo types for example Brea is being chased by Johnny B. and she is running everywhere while he's walking at a mildly fast pace but always seems to be right behind her.
If you are looking for a good situational comedy, you found it with Diamonds and Guns. The comedy displayed in the film is good and is not too ridiculous or over the top. Keeping with the campy feel it's fun to watch and is entertaining. Oh, one last thing, farts are funny.
Starring:
Renee O'Connor
Helena Beaven
Jed Sura
Jonathan Fraser
Raymond O'Connor
E. Sean Griffin
Cynthia Szigeti
Julian Moses
Synopsis aka Spoiler: Ashley (Renee O'Connor) and Bria (Helena Beaven) are roommates and best friends who are on the brink of eviction and for Bria deportation looms around the corner. In a last ditch effort they go to Vegas to try their luck there. Bria meets Francis (Jed Sura) after Ashley comes down with food poisoning and is stuck in the room for the rest of the night. Francis is the hotel owners, Mr. Gretano (Raymond O'Connor), son. He is engaged to Connie (Julian Moses), who is the daughter of another hotel owner, Mrs. Antignatti (Cynthia Szigeti). Bria and Francias end up together after a night of drinking. Francias gets his best friend, Johnny B. (Jonathan Fraser), involved to help him get out of the mess he and Bria have caused.
Ashley is left on her own until the next morning when Bria demands a doctor be sent to the room to care for her. The hotel desk clerk (E. Sean Griffin) gets the brunt of the abuse from everyone. He has to endure angering Connie because Francias is avoiding her and he is trying to cover for him, Johnny B. is breathing down his neck to find out about Bria and Bria is insisting he call a doctor to help her friend. So, the desk clerk does what any desk clerk would do, he grabs Francias and tells him to go check on the sick guest.
Ashley ends up being cared for by Francias while Johnny B. tries to find Bria. Through being sick and given drugs Ashley still wants to do what she came there for, audition for one of the Vegas shows. I don't want to give away the whole plot so I’ll let it here.
Review:
If you are a Xena fan or Renee O'Connor fan you've been waiting a long time for this movie. The film had its rough spots and it almost looked like it wasn't going to be released. Luckily, this project has seen the light of day and was become available for mass release.
The film has a campy, light hearted feel to it. The story line is simple, along with the dialog and edits. Which is good, the premises of the movie aren’t to wow you with special effects or even to impress you with over bearing artistic shots. It's to show how two friends get wrapped up in one laughable situation after another. Oh and Ted Raimi as a landlord ;).
There are plenty of cut away scenes which make for great comedic effect, like when Ashley gets sick at the roulette table; you see her looking ill and lurch forward. The scene cuts away to the roulette attendant you hear Ashley get sick and by the reaction on the roulette attendants face its clear the puck landed in the roulette spinner.
I also liked the 4 box wipes used to show what was going on in 4 different places at the same time. There were some great one shot in there like Ashley propped up sleeping in a display of dolls. Of course the movie pokes fun at great chase scene stereo types for example Brea is being chased by Johnny B. and she is running everywhere while he's walking at a mildly fast pace but always seems to be right behind her.
If you are looking for a good situational comedy, you found it with Diamonds and Guns. The comedy displayed in the film is good and is not too ridiculous or over the top. Keeping with the campy feel it's fun to watch and is entertaining. Oh, one last thing, farts are funny.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Beowulf
Beowulf
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Starring:
Ray Windstone
Robin Wright Penn
Anthony Hopkins
Crispin Glover
Angelina Jolie
Plot:
A young, brazen Beowulf (Ray Windstone) promises his men glory and riches, they set out across the seas to answer a call from King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins). His kingdom is being terrorized by Grendel (Crispin Glover) and no one in Denmark can defeat the beast. Beowulf and his men defeat Grendel and now Beowulf has to deal with Grendel's mother (Angelina Jolie). After his dealings with her, Hrothgar announces Beowulf his heir leaving everything including his Queen Wealthow (Robin Wright Penn). Hrothgar kills himself shortly after his announcement. Beowulf remains King for several decades until his past comes back to haunt him. Of course I am only breezing over the story, there is much, much more to go over. If you want the whole story watch the movie :).
Review:
The storyline is one of the oldest stories out there. I particularly like how Beowulf was portrayed like a brazen youth with a never admit defeat attitude. This was shown with Beowulf talking about losing a swimming contest and why he lost it. Instead of saying shrugging his shoulders and saying oh well, he went into a story about being attacked by sea monsters during the race and it was his bravery that cost him the race not his slowness to cross the finish line.
The animation was really well done at at parts you almost had to guess if it was live action or not, like when there was a close up of a character's face but for most of the movie it was like watching a well animated video game. As always there are quirks to figure out like the "We've all been snorting coke and can't move our upper lips syndrome" which has plagued all animated movies.
The PG-13 rating is a bit of concern. While there is not a lot of blood and extremely brief nudity, which was masked by an almost comical ode to Austin Power way. The violence and brutality was still there and at times there were close up views of what was happening in detail. Also, the behind the scenes relationship of Beowulf's and Wealthow's royal marriage could be considered a subject matter for a more mature audience. I can see why the PG-13 rating was given, there wasn't much blood and no bad language, but a word of caution to parents, if you aren't prepared to answer the "Beowulf is married to the Queen why is there another woman in his bed?" or "How come Hrothgar gave the Queen to Beowulf, isn't she married to him and why would she be married to Beowulf just because the Beowulf is King, doesn't she get to chose?" Also, if you don't know the answers you may want to brush up a bit on the story and maybe some old world customs.
If you like old legends retold then I think you will truly enjoy this movie. The animated action is well done and storyline tight. It doesn't have any drag time like you see in most movies now, the plot and action keep you interested.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Starring:
Ray Windstone
Robin Wright Penn
Anthony Hopkins
Crispin Glover
Angelina Jolie
Plot:
A young, brazen Beowulf (Ray Windstone) promises his men glory and riches, they set out across the seas to answer a call from King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins). His kingdom is being terrorized by Grendel (Crispin Glover) and no one in Denmark can defeat the beast. Beowulf and his men defeat Grendel and now Beowulf has to deal with Grendel's mother (Angelina Jolie). After his dealings with her, Hrothgar announces Beowulf his heir leaving everything including his Queen Wealthow (Robin Wright Penn). Hrothgar kills himself shortly after his announcement. Beowulf remains King for several decades until his past comes back to haunt him. Of course I am only breezing over the story, there is much, much more to go over. If you want the whole story watch the movie :).
Review:
The storyline is one of the oldest stories out there. I particularly like how Beowulf was portrayed like a brazen youth with a never admit defeat attitude. This was shown with Beowulf talking about losing a swimming contest and why he lost it. Instead of saying shrugging his shoulders and saying oh well, he went into a story about being attacked by sea monsters during the race and it was his bravery that cost him the race not his slowness to cross the finish line.
The animation was really well done at at parts you almost had to guess if it was live action or not, like when there was a close up of a character's face but for most of the movie it was like watching a well animated video game. As always there are quirks to figure out like the "We've all been snorting coke and can't move our upper lips syndrome" which has plagued all animated movies.
The PG-13 rating is a bit of concern. While there is not a lot of blood and extremely brief nudity, which was masked by an almost comical ode to Austin Power way. The violence and brutality was still there and at times there were close up views of what was happening in detail. Also, the behind the scenes relationship of Beowulf's and Wealthow's royal marriage could be considered a subject matter for a more mature audience. I can see why the PG-13 rating was given, there wasn't much blood and no bad language, but a word of caution to parents, if you aren't prepared to answer the "Beowulf is married to the Queen why is there another woman in his bed?" or "How come Hrothgar gave the Queen to Beowulf, isn't she married to him and why would she be married to Beowulf just because the Beowulf is King, doesn't she get to chose?" Also, if you don't know the answers you may want to brush up a bit on the story and maybe some old world customs.
If you like old legends retold then I think you will truly enjoy this movie. The animated action is well done and storyline tight. It doesn't have any drag time like you see in most movies now, the plot and action keep you interested.
Friday, November 16, 2007
The Darkroom
The Darkroom (2006)
Director: Mike Hurst
Starring:
Greg Grunberg
Lucy Lawless
Reed Diamond
Shawn Pyfrom
Plot: FYI, I normally try to do a basic plot point. I don't like going into specifics for spoiler purposes.
A mental patient (Reed Diamond) who has had amnesia for 15 years is given an experimental drug. The drug is designed to help people with amnesia to remember their life and things like their name, family, where they might live or grew up. After the patient escapes the facility his dreams become nightmares with flash images of what looks to be a crime, he is plagued by a creature that chases him in his dreams, he also has hallucinations involving the creature. He figures the creature is a creation from the drug and tries his best to dismiss it's presence. However, he fears he has done a heinous murder, he lays low in the homeless community. During his self exile he manages to befriend a boy named Stanley(Shawn Pyfrom) by chasing off two bullys.
The boy has his own family problems, his mother (Lucy Lawless) is an alcoholic and his step father (Greg Grunberg) is detached, distance and secretive. The marriage is strained because the father goes out late at night with a camera and has a dark room in the house, which he constantly keeps locked. The relationship between the step father and boy is also strained, the step father is constantly reminded that he is not the boys real father and he hates to be reminded of that fact. With the help of his new friend, Stanley finds out his step fathers secrets which he is not fully prepared to find out. There is a bit of a twist to this story but I will leave that up to the reader to figure out on their own.
Review: The main reason I watched this film was simply for Lucy Lawless. She has always played fairly strong minded women so it was nice to see her ability to play a vulnerable house wife is just as great. Even though this was a supporting role Lucy is able to convey the anger and mental pain the character feels toward the husband and also the feeling of helplessness of being in an unhappy marriage.
Another thing I liked is how the creature is portrayed on screen. Part nightmare, part hallucination, part fear is what makes this creature. As the movie progressed the viewer can see what events caused this creature to be incorporated into the patients psyche. The creature did have a "Pumpkin head" feel to it, I'm sure thanks to the director experience on such films.
The movie doesn't get too graphic but it does show some pretty intense scenes. There's blood and murder, not a lot of gore. I think this is a good mix of storyline and horror. Like all movies there are some plot holes in it but they aren't bad. The horror part wasn't over bearing and the storyline kept it moving. Good movie if you like the horror genre but don't want the gore factor to get in the way or plot line to be senseless.
Director: Mike Hurst
Starring:
Greg Grunberg
Lucy Lawless
Reed Diamond
Shawn Pyfrom
Plot: FYI, I normally try to do a basic plot point. I don't like going into specifics for spoiler purposes.
A mental patient (Reed Diamond) who has had amnesia for 15 years is given an experimental drug. The drug is designed to help people with amnesia to remember their life and things like their name, family, where they might live or grew up. After the patient escapes the facility his dreams become nightmares with flash images of what looks to be a crime, he is plagued by a creature that chases him in his dreams, he also has hallucinations involving the creature. He figures the creature is a creation from the drug and tries his best to dismiss it's presence. However, he fears he has done a heinous murder, he lays low in the homeless community. During his self exile he manages to befriend a boy named Stanley(Shawn Pyfrom) by chasing off two bullys.
The boy has his own family problems, his mother (Lucy Lawless) is an alcoholic and his step father (Greg Grunberg) is detached, distance and secretive. The marriage is strained because the father goes out late at night with a camera and has a dark room in the house, which he constantly keeps locked. The relationship between the step father and boy is also strained, the step father is constantly reminded that he is not the boys real father and he hates to be reminded of that fact. With the help of his new friend, Stanley finds out his step fathers secrets which he is not fully prepared to find out. There is a bit of a twist to this story but I will leave that up to the reader to figure out on their own.
Review: The main reason I watched this film was simply for Lucy Lawless. She has always played fairly strong minded women so it was nice to see her ability to play a vulnerable house wife is just as great. Even though this was a supporting role Lucy is able to convey the anger and mental pain the character feels toward the husband and also the feeling of helplessness of being in an unhappy marriage.
Another thing I liked is how the creature is portrayed on screen. Part nightmare, part hallucination, part fear is what makes this creature. As the movie progressed the viewer can see what events caused this creature to be incorporated into the patients psyche. The creature did have a "Pumpkin head" feel to it, I'm sure thanks to the director experience on such films.
The movie doesn't get too graphic but it does show some pretty intense scenes. There's blood and murder, not a lot of gore. I think this is a good mix of storyline and horror. Like all movies there are some plot holes in it but they aren't bad. The horror part wasn't over bearing and the storyline kept it moving. Good movie if you like the horror genre but don't want the gore factor to get in the way or plot line to be senseless.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
SCI Fi Channels Ghost Hunters - Sanatorium Live Results
Is it just me or has this show jumped the shark?
I caught the Sanatorium Live Results episode last night and I have to say it was a big departure from the first episodes aired. The reveal was nothing but reactions to things seen off camera. I understand it's hard to photograph or video tape hard cut evidence but please don't pass off people being freaked out as evidence of the paranormal. Let's face it there is already an atmosphere of uneasiness going into the place, people will get freaked out by seeing a mouse.
In the beginning, I remember Jason being a bit of a hard ass when it came to the evidence and wanting to declare a place haunted. I remember the team being less skittish and more logical about debunking things. I also recall Jason not allowing evidence that didn't show anything substantial. Showing someones reaction to something off camera is not evidence of anything but someone being startled by something explainable or by their own imagination.
Also, what was up with bringing a a wrestler on to the show? Are The Ghost Hunters going to start having "Guest Appearances" from B or C list celebrities? I did find it amusing to watch Elijah Burke scream like a girl and run away. I don't think he will be living that down anytime soon. But I did happen to notice something interesting on camera. Right before Elijah tweaked, it looked like Grant poked him in the side as a joke or maybe to give him a cue to get scared and run.
Are the days of seeing hard to debunk evidence gone from this show? Are they trying to hype up less active places or maybe cover up a bad place to investigate by filling the time with fluff? I'm not saying the Waverly place is or is not haunted and I can totally understand Jason and Grant not wanting egg on their face especially if they made a big deal about the investigation being live. Nobody wants to pull a Geraldo Rivera what's in Al Cappone's vault moment. But if you got nothing don't try to cover it up with a puppet show.
I caught the Sanatorium Live Results episode last night and I have to say it was a big departure from the first episodes aired. The reveal was nothing but reactions to things seen off camera. I understand it's hard to photograph or video tape hard cut evidence but please don't pass off people being freaked out as evidence of the paranormal. Let's face it there is already an atmosphere of uneasiness going into the place, people will get freaked out by seeing a mouse.
In the beginning, I remember Jason being a bit of a hard ass when it came to the evidence and wanting to declare a place haunted. I remember the team being less skittish and more logical about debunking things. I also recall Jason not allowing evidence that didn't show anything substantial. Showing someones reaction to something off camera is not evidence of anything but someone being startled by something explainable or by their own imagination.
Also, what was up with bringing a a wrestler on to the show? Are The Ghost Hunters going to start having "Guest Appearances" from B or C list celebrities? I did find it amusing to watch Elijah Burke scream like a girl and run away. I don't think he will be living that down anytime soon. But I did happen to notice something interesting on camera. Right before Elijah tweaked, it looked like Grant poked him in the side as a joke or maybe to give him a cue to get scared and run.
Are the days of seeing hard to debunk evidence gone from this show? Are they trying to hype up less active places or maybe cover up a bad place to investigate by filling the time with fluff? I'm not saying the Waverly place is or is not haunted and I can totally understand Jason and Grant not wanting egg on their face especially if they made a big deal about the investigation being live. Nobody wants to pull a Geraldo Rivera what's in Al Cappone's vault moment. But if you got nothing don't try to cover it up with a puppet show.
Monday, October 29, 2007
1408
1408
"That room is fucking evil."
Starring:
John Cusack
Samuel L. Jackson
Mary McCormack
Tony Shalhoub
I missed this one in the theaters meant to see, I am glad I waited for DVD. Like most Stephen King stories turned into movies it always lacks a certain plot point or feel. Like it's unfinished or something is left out.
The basic story, Mike Enslin (Cusack) is a struggling author who goes around the country debunking haunted hotels. Enslin's life hasn't turned out the way he likes, his young daughter dies of an unexplained illness, his career is a joke, and he is estranged from his wife. His life experiences have left him a faithless, sarcastic, alcoholic.
Enslin receives an intriguing post card simple telling him not to check out room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel. Surprisingly enough (note the sarcasm) after much warning and resistance from the hotel management Enslin ends up at the hotel in room 1408. Before Enslin is finally given permission to be in the room he is told of the horrors that have transpired in the room, ranging from suicides, murder, to natural deaths. The claim is no one last more than an hour in the room.
The room visit starts off normal and pretty much turns into an acid trip. The effects are good and the illusions the room plays do give it a good story line and merit. However, the over use of plot twist hamper the movie leaves it lagging in some parts. By the last 15 minutes of the movie I just wanted it to end; I stopped caring if he got out alive or the reason the room has the energy it does, which I don't think is really explained. Even the alternate endings found on the special features leave much to be desired. It started out a good movie, I think some where rest of it got left on the editing room floor.
"That room is fucking evil."
Starring:
John Cusack
Samuel L. Jackson
Mary McCormack
Tony Shalhoub
I missed this one in the theaters meant to see, I am glad I waited for DVD. Like most Stephen King stories turned into movies it always lacks a certain plot point or feel. Like it's unfinished or something is left out.
The basic story, Mike Enslin (Cusack) is a struggling author who goes around the country debunking haunted hotels. Enslin's life hasn't turned out the way he likes, his young daughter dies of an unexplained illness, his career is a joke, and he is estranged from his wife. His life experiences have left him a faithless, sarcastic, alcoholic.
Enslin receives an intriguing post card simple telling him not to check out room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel. Surprisingly enough (note the sarcasm) after much warning and resistance from the hotel management Enslin ends up at the hotel in room 1408. Before Enslin is finally given permission to be in the room he is told of the horrors that have transpired in the room, ranging from suicides, murder, to natural deaths. The claim is no one last more than an hour in the room.
The room visit starts off normal and pretty much turns into an acid trip. The effects are good and the illusions the room plays do give it a good story line and merit. However, the over use of plot twist hamper the movie leaves it lagging in some parts. By the last 15 minutes of the movie I just wanted it to end; I stopped caring if he got out alive or the reason the room has the energy it does, which I don't think is really explained. Even the alternate endings found on the special features leave much to be desired. It started out a good movie, I think some where rest of it got left on the editing room floor.
The Red Violin 1998
The Red Violin
"What do you do when the thing you most wanted, so perfect, just comes?"
Starring:
Samuel L. Jackson
Christoph Koncz
Jean-Luc Bideau
Jason Flemyng
Carlo Cecchi
I had this movie in my queue for so long I totally forgot why I rented it. For those you who keep 50 or movies in their rental queue at all times know what I'm talking about. You place the movie in your queue and forget about it until it pops up in your mailbox.
The Red Violin stars Carlo Cecchi as Nicolo Bussotti the creator of the violin. His wife is ripe with child and he makes what is considered to be the perfect violin for his coming baby. A house servant also a fortune teller reads the wife's future and tells her of the great travels that await her after the child is born. All seems well and the future bright for the couple and child. However, tragedy strikes and he is left without child and his wife. The night his wife and child parish, he completes the violin giving it its red finish and then gives it an orphanage.
The violin is used by varies orphans for over 100 years until the time of Kaspar Weiss (Christoph Koncz) a young, very talented orphan. The monks in an effort to get the child proper training ask Georges Poussin (Jean-Luc Bideau) to tutor the boy. Poussin agrees the boy and the violin leave the orphanage. Sadly, Kaspar has a bad heart; the strain to please his teacher/father figure is too great and he dies before his playing can heard by anyone else. The monks bury the violin with the child but Poussin, in need of money breaks into the grave and take the violin to sell.
The violin travels the world with different owners mostly gypsies until it reaches England where it comes into the possession of Frederick Pope (Jason Flemyng) a highly passionate and famous violinist. From there it finds its way to China and remains there hidden because of the communist rule about foreign instruments.
After the death of its keeper the violin is taken back to modern day Montreal, where Charles Morritz (Samuel L. Jackson), discovers the truth behind the legend and the reason for the violin's unusual finish and sound. Once word gets out about The Red Violin the auction house it is commissioned to is filled with descendants and relatives of all the people the violin has come in contact with over the centuries. None of the descendants appear to be interested in playing the instrument; they simply want to have it for family reasons or to put it on display in a collection.
The movie ends with the violin continuing its journey.
Good movie if you are looking to spend an evening sitting on the couch, relaxing or if you are in the mood to be taken on a journey. I think Samuel L. Jackson was a great choice to play Charles Morritz and the role shows his varying acting range.
"What do you do when the thing you most wanted, so perfect, just comes?"
Starring:
Samuel L. Jackson
Christoph Koncz
Jean-Luc Bideau
Jason Flemyng
Carlo Cecchi
I had this movie in my queue for so long I totally forgot why I rented it. For those you who keep 50 or movies in their rental queue at all times know what I'm talking about. You place the movie in your queue and forget about it until it pops up in your mailbox.
The Red Violin stars Carlo Cecchi as Nicolo Bussotti the creator of the violin. His wife is ripe with child and he makes what is considered to be the perfect violin for his coming baby. A house servant also a fortune teller reads the wife's future and tells her of the great travels that await her after the child is born. All seems well and the future bright for the couple and child. However, tragedy strikes and he is left without child and his wife. The night his wife and child parish, he completes the violin giving it its red finish and then gives it an orphanage.
The violin is used by varies orphans for over 100 years until the time of Kaspar Weiss (Christoph Koncz) a young, very talented orphan. The monks in an effort to get the child proper training ask Georges Poussin (Jean-Luc Bideau) to tutor the boy. Poussin agrees the boy and the violin leave the orphanage. Sadly, Kaspar has a bad heart; the strain to please his teacher/father figure is too great and he dies before his playing can heard by anyone else. The monks bury the violin with the child but Poussin, in need of money breaks into the grave and take the violin to sell.
The violin travels the world with different owners mostly gypsies until it reaches England where it comes into the possession of Frederick Pope (Jason Flemyng) a highly passionate and famous violinist. From there it finds its way to China and remains there hidden because of the communist rule about foreign instruments.
After the death of its keeper the violin is taken back to modern day Montreal, where Charles Morritz (Samuel L. Jackson), discovers the truth behind the legend and the reason for the violin's unusual finish and sound. Once word gets out about The Red Violin the auction house it is commissioned to is filled with descendants and relatives of all the people the violin has come in contact with over the centuries. None of the descendants appear to be interested in playing the instrument; they simply want to have it for family reasons or to put it on display in a collection.
The movie ends with the violin continuing its journey.
Good movie if you are looking to spend an evening sitting on the couch, relaxing or if you are in the mood to be taken on a journey. I think Samuel L. Jackson was a great choice to play Charles Morritz and the role shows his varying acting range.
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