Eastern Promises
Eastern Promises is the latest film from cult director David Cronenburg. This film also re-teams him with actor Viggo Mortensen (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) who also stared in Cronenburg’s last film, A History of Violence. In Eastern Promises, Mortensen plays a notorious low-key gangster/driver named Nikolai Luzhin. He finds out that his existence has been compromised, when a woman (Naomi Watts) inadvertently discovers a notebook, from a dead girl that has some information that’s incriminates a member of his family and threatens his existence. Soon, his life is threatened as he begins to fear that people wants him dead, as he can’t trust anyone not even his own family. This will lead to murder, deceit and retribution for all those involved. Vincent Cassel (Derailed, Oceans Twelve) and Armin Mueller-Stahl (Shine, The X Files movie) co-star in the film.
Eastern Promises is a very dark and gritty gangster film that may not be for everyone, unlike me. I’m really starting to become a Cronenberg fan. He seemed to have gotten away from his trademark weirdness that’s been seen in most of his films like Crash (1996), Naked Lunch and Videodrome. He’s focusing his efforts mostly on directing these days, instead of writing the films too. I like how he captures the dark atmosphere here, as it goes very well with the subject matter here. He again, like A History of Violence manages to have the gangsters be creepy villainous characters, which is great and is not seen in many films of this genre. The screenplay was written by, Steven Knight who was nominated for Oscar in 2004 for Dirty Pretty Things. I thought he was very disciplined with the screenplay, as he didn’t rush the story along or try to move it along to the point where you don’t understand anything. He takes his time developing the characters and inserting the back-story of the dead girl within the film, which helps its grittiness more and plays a vital role here. Also, I’m very surprised that the filmmakers got away with it’s R rating as there was a fight in the shower with a naked Mortensen, near the end of the film. Usually that’s something that the rating board frowns upon.
What also makes a great gritty gangster film is the acting and it was great here. I thought Viggo Mortensen was perfect for this role, as it’s worth an Oscar nomination. He brought that creepiest edge to the role, which made it perfect. At times, his character reminded me of Ed Harris in A History Of Violence. He’s up there with Guy Pearce, as one of Hollywood’s most underrated actors. Naomi Watts was very good, as she seemed to capture the innocents of this character, who caught in the middle of this.
Eastern Promises is a very gloomy gangster film that Cronenberg and gangster film films will have the benefit of watching one the best films of the year.
5 Stars
Rated R
100 Mins
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Reviewaplaooza 2007: Charlie Wilson's War
Charlie Wilson's War
Charlie Wilson's War is latest film from Mike Nichols (Closer, The Birdcage) and the latest project from the creator of The West Wing, Aaron Sorkin. The film is a true story; about a Texas Congressman (Tom Hanks) who is an alcoholic womanizer and has covert dealings with Afghanistan. He gets help from a rouge CIA agent who's having problems getting along with his boss. The two of them try to help persuaded Congress into helping the Afghani people fend off attacks of the Soviet Union in the mid eighties. The film was based on the book entitled "Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History" by George Crile. Julia Roberts (Closer, Pretty Woman) and Amy Adams (Enchanted, Junebug) co–star in the film.
If you're looking to see an Academy Award level film, then your expectations will be disappointing. Charlie Wilson's War is a good but not an Academy Award type film. Director Mike Nicolas goes a good job directing here but most of the films flaws lie in Aaron Sorkin's screenplay. Why he was nominated for a Golden Globe for this is beyond me. There were a few problems with it. I felt like a got one side of the story, as it rarely focuses on the Russian side of it. But my major complaint with his screenplay was the last half hour of the film. The last half hour was rushed as the screenplay could have gone into the aftermath of the war a little better than five minutes, as it felt that way to me. The film felt like, it was rushing towards the end in that last half hour of a movie that's not even two hours.
The acting of this film was good. Tom Hanks was all right in this role, but he was a little over the top at time with his performance, as he seemed to enjoy this role a little too much. Both Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffman were both very good in their roles. They brought good presences to their roles in the film. They're also the two people in the film that deserved Golden Globe nominations, in my opinion.
Don't' believe in the hype with the Golden Globe nominations for this film. Charlie Wilson's War is a good film but not worthy of it's Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Actor (Musical or Comedy) and Best Screenplay.
3 Stars
Rated R
97 Mins
Charlie Wilson's War is latest film from Mike Nichols (Closer, The Birdcage) and the latest project from the creator of The West Wing, Aaron Sorkin. The film is a true story; about a Texas Congressman (Tom Hanks) who is an alcoholic womanizer and has covert dealings with Afghanistan. He gets help from a rouge CIA agent who's having problems getting along with his boss. The two of them try to help persuaded Congress into helping the Afghani people fend off attacks of the Soviet Union in the mid eighties. The film was based on the book entitled "Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History" by George Crile. Julia Roberts (Closer, Pretty Woman) and Amy Adams (Enchanted, Junebug) co–star in the film.
If you're looking to see an Academy Award level film, then your expectations will be disappointing. Charlie Wilson's War is a good but not an Academy Award type film. Director Mike Nicolas goes a good job directing here but most of the films flaws lie in Aaron Sorkin's screenplay. Why he was nominated for a Golden Globe for this is beyond me. There were a few problems with it. I felt like a got one side of the story, as it rarely focuses on the Russian side of it. But my major complaint with his screenplay was the last half hour of the film. The last half hour was rushed as the screenplay could have gone into the aftermath of the war a little better than five minutes, as it felt that way to me. The film felt like, it was rushing towards the end in that last half hour of a movie that's not even two hours.
The acting of this film was good. Tom Hanks was all right in this role, but he was a little over the top at time with his performance, as he seemed to enjoy this role a little too much. Both Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffman were both very good in their roles. They brought good presences to their roles in the film. They're also the two people in the film that deserved Golden Globe nominations, in my opinion.
Don't' believe in the hype with the Golden Globe nominations for this film. Charlie Wilson's War is a good film but not worthy of it's Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Actor (Musical or Comedy) and Best Screenplay.
3 Stars
Rated R
97 Mins
Reviewaplaooza 2007: Juno
Juno
Juno is one of the most talked and buzzed films of the year as it has been nominated for various awards including Best Picture at the Independent Sprit Awards and the Golden Globes for Best Musical or Comedy. This is the follow up film from Direct Jason Reitman whose debut film, Thank You for Not Smoking received a lot of critical praise from critics all alike. Juno is about a teenage girl (Ellen Page (X-Men: The Last Stand, Hard Candy) who get pregnant after having a one night stand with her best friend (Michael Cerra (Superbad, Arrested Development)). She doesn't know what to do until one of her friends gives her the idea to look for any parents that are willing to adopt her child. Soon, she finds a couple (Jason Bateman (The Kingdom, Arrested Development), Jennifer Gardner (The Kingdom, Electra)) living in the suburbs that really a child so bad. With that almost out of the way, she begins to have mixed emotions about her decision about the baby and where she stands in her life. The films also co-stars J.K Simmons Spiderman 3, Thank You for Not Smoking), Alison Janney (The West Wing), and Raine Wilson (NBC's The Office).
Juno does live up all of the hype that was surrounded with critics and awards. I have to personally praise, Jason Reitman for doing another independent type film like this, as he really could have done a studio type comedy after Thank You for Not Smoking, since he is the son of Ivan Reitman. It nice to see that he is not trying to be like his father, by finding hollywoodish type material for his projects. He does a great job directing this film, as his shots were very good and manages to get great performances with his actors especially with the actors that were used to playing different roles. Also I liked how he incorporated the opening sequence of the film to the style that was used in Waking Life, as it was different way to open a film but effective nonetheless.The screenplay was written, by first-time writer Diablo Cody who has a very interesting story herself, as how she came to have her screenplay produced. Her Screenplay was great. I liked how that the story and the ending of the film didn't feel like your run-of-the-mill hollywoodish film. It does a great job focusing on various issues in a serious way and not in an over the top manner like teenage life, pregnancy, and fears of insecurity to name a few. Also, she does a good job in telling the story through the main character's narration, as it gives the audience gets insight into the main character.
Don't be surprised to see some acting nominations to come out of this film, as there were some very good performances here. Ellen Page was perfect for this role. This is best female performance of the year, as she really sells her character. She is believable, as this teenage girl who's going through a tough period in her life. Her performance didn't feel unrealistic or over the top. This film maybe her big breakout role. This film also has some very good supporting performances. I think after all the flack the Jennifer Gardner took for Catch and Release and Electra. She honestly turns in great performance as the young wife that desperately wants a child. She makes her character so likable her and she and Ellen Page had good chemistry with each other. It was also was very nice to see J.K. Simmons in a completely different role for once, as he usually plays these slime ball type characters like in Thank You for Smoking, the Spiderman movies and OZ. His performance as Page's father in the film was genuine and is Oscar worthy for supporting actor. He makes character more father like and his chemistry with Page's character is great. Also, Jason Bateman, Allison Janey, and Michael Cerra were also very good here.
I expected to see this film receive major nominations, during Oscar season. Juno is truly this year's Little Miss Sunshine.
5 Stars
Rated PG-13
94 Mins
Juno is one of the most talked and buzzed films of the year as it has been nominated for various awards including Best Picture at the Independent Sprit Awards and the Golden Globes for Best Musical or Comedy. This is the follow up film from Direct Jason Reitman whose debut film, Thank You for Not Smoking received a lot of critical praise from critics all alike. Juno is about a teenage girl (Ellen Page (X-Men: The Last Stand, Hard Candy) who get pregnant after having a one night stand with her best friend (Michael Cerra (Superbad, Arrested Development)). She doesn't know what to do until one of her friends gives her the idea to look for any parents that are willing to adopt her child. Soon, she finds a couple (Jason Bateman (The Kingdom, Arrested Development), Jennifer Gardner (The Kingdom, Electra)) living in the suburbs that really a child so bad. With that almost out of the way, she begins to have mixed emotions about her decision about the baby and where she stands in her life. The films also co-stars J.K Simmons Spiderman 3, Thank You for Not Smoking), Alison Janney (The West Wing), and Raine Wilson (NBC's The Office).
Juno does live up all of the hype that was surrounded with critics and awards. I have to personally praise, Jason Reitman for doing another independent type film like this, as he really could have done a studio type comedy after Thank You for Not Smoking, since he is the son of Ivan Reitman. It nice to see that he is not trying to be like his father, by finding hollywoodish type material for his projects. He does a great job directing this film, as his shots were very good and manages to get great performances with his actors especially with the actors that were used to playing different roles. Also I liked how he incorporated the opening sequence of the film to the style that was used in Waking Life, as it was different way to open a film but effective nonetheless.The screenplay was written, by first-time writer Diablo Cody who has a very interesting story herself, as how she came to have her screenplay produced. Her Screenplay was great. I liked how that the story and the ending of the film didn't feel like your run-of-the-mill hollywoodish film. It does a great job focusing on various issues in a serious way and not in an over the top manner like teenage life, pregnancy, and fears of insecurity to name a few. Also, she does a good job in telling the story through the main character's narration, as it gives the audience gets insight into the main character.
Don't be surprised to see some acting nominations to come out of this film, as there were some very good performances here. Ellen Page was perfect for this role. This is best female performance of the year, as she really sells her character. She is believable, as this teenage girl who's going through a tough period in her life. Her performance didn't feel unrealistic or over the top. This film maybe her big breakout role. This film also has some very good supporting performances. I think after all the flack the Jennifer Gardner took for Catch and Release and Electra. She honestly turns in great performance as the young wife that desperately wants a child. She makes her character so likable her and she and Ellen Page had good chemistry with each other. It was also was very nice to see J.K. Simmons in a completely different role for once, as he usually plays these slime ball type characters like in Thank You for Smoking, the Spiderman movies and OZ. His performance as Page's father in the film was genuine and is Oscar worthy for supporting actor. He makes character more father like and his chemistry with Page's character is great. Also, Jason Bateman, Allison Janey, and Michael Cerra were also very good here.
I expected to see this film receive major nominations, during Oscar season. Juno is truly this year's Little Miss Sunshine.
5 Stars
Rated PG-13
94 Mins
Reviewapalooza 2007: Once, Stardust
Once
Once is one of the most talked about films of this year. It won the audience award for best dramatic film in world cinema at this year's Sundance Film Festival and is nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 2008 Independent Sprit Awards. The film is about, a street musician (Glen Hansard) who works for his father during the day and at night, plays his music on the streets of Dublin. Then one day he meets a Czech immigrant (Marketa Irglova) who's also into music like he is as she plays the piano. Soon the woman begins to help the street musician by creating a demo, so that he can shop it to the record companies over in London. Soon their love for music and each other begins to show in the songs.
Talk about having another movie to consider for movie of the year. Once is a musical event of the year. This was a great film, which has great directing and great lead performances. Director John Carney, who also wrote the screenplay for this film, did a great job here. I thought his screenplay was also great. I liked how he establishes the connection between two people from different nationalities and lets viewer see the lives two main characters live. Other thing that was so great about it was that his screenplay doesn't try to force a serious relationship between the two main characters, which would happen in most films.
Both Glen Hansard and Marteta Irglova give great genuine performances here, as their chemistry with each other was great.Both Hansand and Irglova wrote the music for the film. I hope they at least get nominated for the music of this film because it was just great and moving. Their musical voices were beautiful. Their songs are filled with pure passion and emotion that's not seen in most musicals. It has that magical feel to it that makes a film of this kind enjoyable to watch.This film was a nice break from the violent content and the serious subject matters that are seen in almost any other film. Once is magnificent and hart-warming film from start to finish.
5 Stars
Rated R
86 Mins
Stardust
Stardust is the follow up film to director Matthew Vaughn's debut film Layer Cake. The film centers on a young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) who's trying to pursue the woman (Sienna Miller) of his dreams, by going on a quest to retrieve a shooting star. When he finally finds the star, it transforms into a beautiful woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes). But a cold and old witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) wants Yvaine's youth. It's up Tristan to protect her from the evil witch. Robert De Niro, Ricky Gervais, and Peter O' Toole co-stars in the film.
Stardust was a fun and delightful dark fairy tale. I like that fact the Matthew Vaughn is making different kind of films like this one, as he did a good job with this film. The screenplay was magical and funny at time. They also added dark themes that are also like the type that Tim Burton adds to some of his own fairy-tale type films, which helps it not feel like your run-of-the-mill fairy-tale. The effects were also very good, as helped with the film's atmosphere. The acting was good, as there were good performances from Charlie Cox and Claire Danes. It was really nice to Claire Danes and Michelle Pfeiffer acting again, as they haven't been heard of, as of lately. The only performance that I thought wasn't good was De Niro's performance, as it was a little over the top for me but he's still one of my favorite actors.
Stardust is fun fairy tale ride that most of you and your kids will enjoy.
3.5 Stars
Rated PG-13
127 Mins
Once is one of the most talked about films of this year. It won the audience award for best dramatic film in world cinema at this year's Sundance Film Festival and is nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 2008 Independent Sprit Awards. The film is about, a street musician (Glen Hansard) who works for his father during the day and at night, plays his music on the streets of Dublin. Then one day he meets a Czech immigrant (Marketa Irglova) who's also into music like he is as she plays the piano. Soon the woman begins to help the street musician by creating a demo, so that he can shop it to the record companies over in London. Soon their love for music and each other begins to show in the songs.
Talk about having another movie to consider for movie of the year. Once is a musical event of the year. This was a great film, which has great directing and great lead performances. Director John Carney, who also wrote the screenplay for this film, did a great job here. I thought his screenplay was also great. I liked how he establishes the connection between two people from different nationalities and lets viewer see the lives two main characters live. Other thing that was so great about it was that his screenplay doesn't try to force a serious relationship between the two main characters, which would happen in most films.
Both Glen Hansard and Marteta Irglova give great genuine performances here, as their chemistry with each other was great.Both Hansand and Irglova wrote the music for the film. I hope they at least get nominated for the music of this film because it was just great and moving. Their musical voices were beautiful. Their songs are filled with pure passion and emotion that's not seen in most musicals. It has that magical feel to it that makes a film of this kind enjoyable to watch.This film was a nice break from the violent content and the serious subject matters that are seen in almost any other film. Once is magnificent and hart-warming film from start to finish.
5 Stars
Rated R
86 Mins
Stardust
Stardust is the follow up film to director Matthew Vaughn's debut film Layer Cake. The film centers on a young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) who's trying to pursue the woman (Sienna Miller) of his dreams, by going on a quest to retrieve a shooting star. When he finally finds the star, it transforms into a beautiful woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes). But a cold and old witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) wants Yvaine's youth. It's up Tristan to protect her from the evil witch. Robert De Niro, Ricky Gervais, and Peter O' Toole co-stars in the film.
Stardust was a fun and delightful dark fairy tale. I like that fact the Matthew Vaughn is making different kind of films like this one, as he did a good job with this film. The screenplay was magical and funny at time. They also added dark themes that are also like the type that Tim Burton adds to some of his own fairy-tale type films, which helps it not feel like your run-of-the-mill fairy-tale. The effects were also very good, as helped with the film's atmosphere. The acting was good, as there were good performances from Charlie Cox and Claire Danes. It was really nice to Claire Danes and Michelle Pfeiffer acting again, as they haven't been heard of, as of lately. The only performance that I thought wasn't good was De Niro's performance, as it was a little over the top for me but he's still one of my favorite actors.
Stardust is fun fairy tale ride that most of you and your kids will enjoy.
3.5 Stars
Rated PG-13
127 Mins
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Reviewaplaooza 2007: Rob Zombie's Halloween, Hatchet
Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007)
For all the bitching, I did about this remake of one of my 50 favorite films of all time. Yes, My inevitable review of Rob Zombie’s Halloween is here. This is Rob Zombie’s revision of John Carpenter’s classic film. The film focuses on a young kid named Michael Myers, who murdered three people including his sister and his mother’s boyfriend (William Forsythe).
Sixteen years later, he is institutionalized in a mental hospital where he escapes. He (Tyler Mane) then, returns to the town of Haddonfield to stalk a shy teenager who is his younger sister (Scout Taylor-Compton) and her friends (Danielle Harris, Kristina Klebe). Soon his doctor (Malcolm McDowell) tracks him down and must stop his killing spree before he kills the only living family member left. Sherri Moon Zombie (The Devil’s Rejects), Brad Dourif (Child’s Play, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers) and Danny Trejo (Grindhouse, From Dusk to Dawn) co-star in the film. There are a lot of horror icons that make either make cameos in the film including Dee Wallace Stone (The Howling), Richard Lynch (Bad Dreams), Clint Howard (Ice Cream Man), Udo Kier (Shadow of the Vampire) and Sid Haig (The Devil’s Rejects).
For whining that I made about this film, before I’ve seen it. I sadly take back everything I said about this film pre-release because it surprised me that I really liked this film. Rob Zombie, a director that I vowed to never to see any of his films again after seeing the first fifteen minutes of his first film House of 1,000 Corpses, I also take that statement back. I’m surprised that he did a very good job with this film, especially the first part of the film, where it was mostly a psychological horror film. I thought his screenplay did deliver on the scares and suspense, while adding grindhouse elements to the film. He made Michael Myers more human like unlike the original film, which helped the film be different, in my opinion. Also I liked how the movie ended abruptly, as there is probably no room for sequel to this reincarnation, which is good.
I thought the acting in this was very good. I thought both Malcolm McDowell and Scout Taylor-Compton bought different things to the roles compared to the original. I thought McDowell brought a more sinister look to the Dr. Loomis while Taylor-Compton brought more of an innocent and scared look to Laurie Strode. Another person who surprised me in this project was Sherri Moon Zombie. Besides being the wife of Rob Zombie, who knew that she could act. She really nailed her role down, as Deborah Myers. Her scenes with young Michael were great.
While this was different from the original version from John Carpenter’s Halloween (which I still think it’s better than this), Rob Zombie does deliver on the frighten aspects of Michael Myers. Rob Zombie’s Halloween will not be a disappointment to those fans that love the original.
4 Stars
Unrated
121 Mins
Hatchet
Hatchet is a film that has been gaining a lot of buzz online and support from various horror publications. The film is about a two friends (Deon Richards who are in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. They deicide to go on a haunted swamp tour for night of fun, but a mysterious man named Victor Crowley (Kane Hodder) is going to turn their trip into a gruesome nightmare. Horror legends, Robert England (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon) Tony Todd (Candyman, Final Destination) also co-stars in this film.
Hatchet was a very frightening film. The film lives up to one of its taglines “Old School American Horror”. The film’s director Adam Green does a great job in setting up the characters, by building up the characters in the first half-hour. He also puts in a little humor during that time which helped set up the characters. The acting was good, along with the production value, as it didn’t feel like your typical low-budget horror film.
I’m looking very forward to Adam Green’s next film Spiral, in which he co-directs with Joel Moore. I highly urge you to check out Hatchet this weekend, at your local video store, so were not subject to needless remakes and dreaded PG-13 horror films.
5 Stars
Rated R
83 Mins
For all the bitching, I did about this remake of one of my 50 favorite films of all time. Yes, My inevitable review of Rob Zombie’s Halloween is here. This is Rob Zombie’s revision of John Carpenter’s classic film. The film focuses on a young kid named Michael Myers, who murdered three people including his sister and his mother’s boyfriend (William Forsythe).
Sixteen years later, he is institutionalized in a mental hospital where he escapes. He (Tyler Mane) then, returns to the town of Haddonfield to stalk a shy teenager who is his younger sister (Scout Taylor-Compton) and her friends (Danielle Harris, Kristina Klebe). Soon his doctor (Malcolm McDowell) tracks him down and must stop his killing spree before he kills the only living family member left. Sherri Moon Zombie (The Devil’s Rejects), Brad Dourif (Child’s Play, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers) and Danny Trejo (Grindhouse, From Dusk to Dawn) co-star in the film. There are a lot of horror icons that make either make cameos in the film including Dee Wallace Stone (The Howling), Richard Lynch (Bad Dreams), Clint Howard (Ice Cream Man), Udo Kier (Shadow of the Vampire) and Sid Haig (The Devil’s Rejects).
For whining that I made about this film, before I’ve seen it. I sadly take back everything I said about this film pre-release because it surprised me that I really liked this film. Rob Zombie, a director that I vowed to never to see any of his films again after seeing the first fifteen minutes of his first film House of 1,000 Corpses, I also take that statement back. I’m surprised that he did a very good job with this film, especially the first part of the film, where it was mostly a psychological horror film. I thought his screenplay did deliver on the scares and suspense, while adding grindhouse elements to the film. He made Michael Myers more human like unlike the original film, which helped the film be different, in my opinion. Also I liked how the movie ended abruptly, as there is probably no room for sequel to this reincarnation, which is good.
I thought the acting in this was very good. I thought both Malcolm McDowell and Scout Taylor-Compton bought different things to the roles compared to the original. I thought McDowell brought a more sinister look to the Dr. Loomis while Taylor-Compton brought more of an innocent and scared look to Laurie Strode. Another person who surprised me in this project was Sherri Moon Zombie. Besides being the wife of Rob Zombie, who knew that she could act. She really nailed her role down, as Deborah Myers. Her scenes with young Michael were great.
While this was different from the original version from John Carpenter’s Halloween (which I still think it’s better than this), Rob Zombie does deliver on the frighten aspects of Michael Myers. Rob Zombie’s Halloween will not be a disappointment to those fans that love the original.
4 Stars
Unrated
121 Mins
Hatchet
Hatchet is a film that has been gaining a lot of buzz online and support from various horror publications. The film is about a two friends (Deon Richards who are in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. They deicide to go on a haunted swamp tour for night of fun, but a mysterious man named Victor Crowley (Kane Hodder) is going to turn their trip into a gruesome nightmare. Horror legends, Robert England (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon) Tony Todd (Candyman, Final Destination) also co-stars in this film.
Hatchet was a very frightening film. The film lives up to one of its taglines “Old School American Horror”. The film’s director Adam Green does a great job in setting up the characters, by building up the characters in the first half-hour. He also puts in a little humor during that time which helped set up the characters. The acting was good, along with the production value, as it didn’t feel like your typical low-budget horror film.
I’m looking very forward to Adam Green’s next film Spiral, in which he co-directs with Joel Moore. I highly urge you to check out Hatchet this weekend, at your local video store, so were not subject to needless remakes and dreaded PG-13 horror films.
5 Stars
Rated R
83 Mins
Reviewapalooza 2007: The Simpson's Movie, This Is England, Common
The Simpson's Movie
One of Television's longest running shows has finally made it to a full-length feature film. Yes I'm talking about The Simpson's. This film is about the city of Springfield cleaning up their local reservoir after it was polluted. Well everything is fine and cleaned until Homer Simpson dumps a pile pig crap into the reservoir that leads the government to seals the town of Springfield over a big dome. Then it's up to the whole family to try and save the town before the government decides to get rid of it.
The Simpson's Movie was an enjoyable funny film to watch. It surprised me that the film was better then I expected because I'm one of those people who haven't watched the TV show in years and thought it was just going to be a rehash of the television show. I thought the writers of the film did a good job making the film funny, as I got most of the jokes. I liked how some of the new characters to the Simpson's universe were spoofed like Russ Cargill, and Arnold Schwarzenegger characters, as they were done very well. The film also has some good cameos too from Tom Hanks (Charlie Wilson's War, Saving Private Ryan), Albert Brooks, Joe Mantegna and Green Day. The only problem I had with the film was that fact that it felt like an extended episode of the television series at times with some original humor added, but that probably just me.
With that aside, I thought the film was surprisingly good. The movie deserves to be ranked up there with the classic episodes from the television series. The Simpson Movie is a good starting point for all those haven't watched the series or heard about one of television's legendary shows.
4 stars
Rated PG
87 Mins
This Is England
This is England is semi-autobiographical film that takes place in 1983 where it exposes a dark side of modern Britain. The film is about a 12 year-old boy (Thomas Turgoose) who is grieving over his father's death. Without a father figure in this live, he runs into a gang of skinheads after he was tormented at school. This gang becomes his second family, as the young boy discovers parties and girls. Soon the fun ends, when the leader (Stephen Graham) of the group returns home from prison. Soon the young boy is drawn is into more uncomfortable areas of the group, as this anger for his father's death makes him vulnerable to the leaders hatred views. The film was semi-based on the life, of the film's director, Shane Meadows (Twenty-Four Seven).
Don't be surprised to see a repost of this review in the December edition of the Underrated film blog this upcoming Friday on my myspace page, as it going to feature the most underrated films of 2007. This is England is truly great. Director Shane Meadows does a great job directing and depicting the shocking and brutal underworld of England. His screenplay does go into what it's like for a lonely kid who is trying to be accepted by people and falling into the wrong crowd. There were also were some different parallels that the director uses in depicting the gang in the film, as in the beginning of the film where they were living life and were having fun until the middle of the film where the leader comes in and changes the dynamic of the group for the worst. Meadows does a great job in directing 15 year old actor Thomas Turgoose, as I imagine it's tough to get a great lead performance from a kid but the director pulls it off. I thought Turgoose's performance was excellent. The film also features a great supporting performance by Stephen Graham as this sadistic leader of the gang. His performance is probably one the most overlooked performances of the year. He does a great job making his character more messiah-like leader type.
I highly urge you to check out this great-directed film from Shane Meadows. This is England is truly one of the year's the best film to come out of Britain.
5 Stars
Not Rated
103 Mins
http://www.thisisenglandmovie.co.uk
Common
(Repost from the Myspace Film Community page)
Common is about two twenty something men (Jordan Gray (who also worte the Screenplay) and John Robert Johnson (who also produced this film) who are on a road trip from Tennessee to California around the Fourth of July weekend. They went on this road trip to meet up with a friend and his wife out in California. During their trip, their relationship with one another gets tested when their relationship becomes strained, as tensions erupt between the two. The film was directed by first-time full- length feature director Jeremy Fiest and was shot for 15,000 (US) dollars.
Common is a very unique road tip movie. Director Jeremy Fiest does a very job in making this film a very interesting narrative piece to watch. I liked how he mixes the title sequences with the story, as it helps move the movie along. Another thing that Jeremy Fiest did well with this film was the photography of it. I thought he it captured the heartland of America very well, as the scenery looked very nice for a very low budgeted movie. His actors give exceedingly good performances here. They had good chemistry with each other and brought their characters to life. The screenplay from Jordan Gray was very good. His script does a good job giving depth to each of the main characters. It made the characters and the film interesting. Also, the screenplay does a good job mixing the road trip portion of the movie with dinner sequence so that the film doesn't get dull or boring during the road trip portion of this film.
Common is currently playing on the festival circuit. I recommend you check out this independent gem, if it's playing at festival near you because Common is rare road trip film that focuses on characters and relationships between friends.
5 Stars
Not Rated
85 Mins
http://www.myspace.com/commonthefilm
One of Television's longest running shows has finally made it to a full-length feature film. Yes I'm talking about The Simpson's. This film is about the city of Springfield cleaning up their local reservoir after it was polluted. Well everything is fine and cleaned until Homer Simpson dumps a pile pig crap into the reservoir that leads the government to seals the town of Springfield over a big dome. Then it's up to the whole family to try and save the town before the government decides to get rid of it.
The Simpson's Movie was an enjoyable funny film to watch. It surprised me that the film was better then I expected because I'm one of those people who haven't watched the TV show in years and thought it was just going to be a rehash of the television show. I thought the writers of the film did a good job making the film funny, as I got most of the jokes. I liked how some of the new characters to the Simpson's universe were spoofed like Russ Cargill, and Arnold Schwarzenegger characters, as they were done very well. The film also has some good cameos too from Tom Hanks (Charlie Wilson's War, Saving Private Ryan), Albert Brooks, Joe Mantegna and Green Day. The only problem I had with the film was that fact that it felt like an extended episode of the television series at times with some original humor added, but that probably just me.
With that aside, I thought the film was surprisingly good. The movie deserves to be ranked up there with the classic episodes from the television series. The Simpson Movie is a good starting point for all those haven't watched the series or heard about one of television's legendary shows.
4 stars
Rated PG
87 Mins
This Is England
This is England is semi-autobiographical film that takes place in 1983 where it exposes a dark side of modern Britain. The film is about a 12 year-old boy (Thomas Turgoose) who is grieving over his father's death. Without a father figure in this live, he runs into a gang of skinheads after he was tormented at school. This gang becomes his second family, as the young boy discovers parties and girls. Soon the fun ends, when the leader (Stephen Graham) of the group returns home from prison. Soon the young boy is drawn is into more uncomfortable areas of the group, as this anger for his father's death makes him vulnerable to the leaders hatred views. The film was semi-based on the life, of the film's director, Shane Meadows (Twenty-Four Seven).
Don't be surprised to see a repost of this review in the December edition of the Underrated film blog this upcoming Friday on my myspace page, as it going to feature the most underrated films of 2007. This is England is truly great. Director Shane Meadows does a great job directing and depicting the shocking and brutal underworld of England. His screenplay does go into what it's like for a lonely kid who is trying to be accepted by people and falling into the wrong crowd. There were also were some different parallels that the director uses in depicting the gang in the film, as in the beginning of the film where they were living life and were having fun until the middle of the film where the leader comes in and changes the dynamic of the group for the worst. Meadows does a great job in directing 15 year old actor Thomas Turgoose, as I imagine it's tough to get a great lead performance from a kid but the director pulls it off. I thought Turgoose's performance was excellent. The film also features a great supporting performance by Stephen Graham as this sadistic leader of the gang. His performance is probably one the most overlooked performances of the year. He does a great job making his character more messiah-like leader type.
I highly urge you to check out this great-directed film from Shane Meadows. This is England is truly one of the year's the best film to come out of Britain.
5 Stars
Not Rated
103 Mins
http://www.thisisenglandmovie.co.uk
Common
(Repost from the Myspace Film Community page)
Common is about two twenty something men (Jordan Gray (who also worte the Screenplay) and John Robert Johnson (who also produced this film) who are on a road trip from Tennessee to California around the Fourth of July weekend. They went on this road trip to meet up with a friend and his wife out in California. During their trip, their relationship with one another gets tested when their relationship becomes strained, as tensions erupt between the two. The film was directed by first-time full- length feature director Jeremy Fiest and was shot for 15,000 (US) dollars.
Common is a very unique road tip movie. Director Jeremy Fiest does a very job in making this film a very interesting narrative piece to watch. I liked how he mixes the title sequences with the story, as it helps move the movie along. Another thing that Jeremy Fiest did well with this film was the photography of it. I thought he it captured the heartland of America very well, as the scenery looked very nice for a very low budgeted movie. His actors give exceedingly good performances here. They had good chemistry with each other and brought their characters to life. The screenplay from Jordan Gray was very good. His script does a good job giving depth to each of the main characters. It made the characters and the film interesting. Also, the screenplay does a good job mixing the road trip portion of the movie with dinner sequence so that the film doesn't get dull or boring during the road trip portion of this film.
Common is currently playing on the festival circuit. I recommend you check out this independent gem, if it's playing at festival near you because Common is rare road trip film that focuses on characters and relationships between friends.
5 Stars
Not Rated
85 Mins
http://www.myspace.com/commonthefilm
Reviewapalooza 2007: No Country for Old Men
No Country for Old Men
No Country for Old Men is the latest film from the legendary directing duo, Ethan and Joel Coen (Fargo, The Big Lebowski). This film is about a hunter (Josh Brolin) who finds two million dollars and hidden bags of heroin near the Rio Grande in West Texas. Soon he is being pursued by a Mexican drug associates, a Texas lawman (Tommy Lee Jones), a day trader (Woody Harrelson) and a psychotic killer (Javier Bardem) who is bent on killing the hunter and his wife, unless he gets the money back.
No Country for Old Men is vintage Coen Brothers. This film was great from top to bottom. The Coen brothers did a great job with the writing and directing with his film. They do it because they created great characters for the film and inject some weirdness, which is found in most of their films. The characters were interesting and kept me glued. Another thing that was great was the dialogue-less scenes. Usually, those scenes can be boring in a film but what the Coen brothers did was to let the actors do their job. It kept my attention and my interest. Also, I thought the action sequences were directed very well. It helped bring some intensity and suspense to the film.
The performances in this film were great but the best performance was Javier Bardem. I really think that his performance is the best performance of the year and is worthy of an Oscar. He really sinks his teeth to this role. Every time he’s onscreen, he gives you the sense of fear because his performance feels realistic. His performance keeps you on the edge of your seat. Hopefully, this will get him noticed. Also, Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones give very good performances here. What can you say; it seems a dream year for Josh Brolin. From Planet Terror, to American Gangster, to this film, it’s a career year for him. He was very good in this film. I really think, he will be nominated for this role or his corrupt cop role in American Gangster. Tommy Lee Janes gives a great supporting performance here. It seems like his acting excels when doing western type films, like this and The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. He does a very good job playing the retiring sheriff, as he makes him like this old character that’s in the last days of a job that he likes to do. It may be tough for him get a nomination for this role but it wouldn’t surprise me if he did.
No Country for Old Men will keep you in suspense. The film is truly deserving of being one of the leading contenders for Best Picture of the year.
5 Stars
Rated R
122 Mins
No Country for Old Men is the latest film from the legendary directing duo, Ethan and Joel Coen (Fargo, The Big Lebowski). This film is about a hunter (Josh Brolin) who finds two million dollars and hidden bags of heroin near the Rio Grande in West Texas. Soon he is being pursued by a Mexican drug associates, a Texas lawman (Tommy Lee Jones), a day trader (Woody Harrelson) and a psychotic killer (Javier Bardem) who is bent on killing the hunter and his wife, unless he gets the money back.
No Country for Old Men is vintage Coen Brothers. This film was great from top to bottom. The Coen brothers did a great job with the writing and directing with his film. They do it because they created great characters for the film and inject some weirdness, which is found in most of their films. The characters were interesting and kept me glued. Another thing that was great was the dialogue-less scenes. Usually, those scenes can be boring in a film but what the Coen brothers did was to let the actors do their job. It kept my attention and my interest. Also, I thought the action sequences were directed very well. It helped bring some intensity and suspense to the film.
The performances in this film were great but the best performance was Javier Bardem. I really think that his performance is the best performance of the year and is worthy of an Oscar. He really sinks his teeth to this role. Every time he’s onscreen, he gives you the sense of fear because his performance feels realistic. His performance keeps you on the edge of your seat. Hopefully, this will get him noticed. Also, Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones give very good performances here. What can you say; it seems a dream year for Josh Brolin. From Planet Terror, to American Gangster, to this film, it’s a career year for him. He was very good in this film. I really think, he will be nominated for this role or his corrupt cop role in American Gangster. Tommy Lee Janes gives a great supporting performance here. It seems like his acting excels when doing western type films, like this and The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. He does a very good job playing the retiring sheriff, as he makes him like this old character that’s in the last days of a job that he likes to do. It may be tough for him get a nomination for this role but it wouldn’t surprise me if he did.
No Country for Old Men will keep you in suspense. The film is truly deserving of being one of the leading contenders for Best Picture of the year.
5 Stars
Rated R
122 Mins
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Reviewapalooza 2007: The Bourne Ultimatium, Salome
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
New Releases
The Bourne Ultimatum
The Bourne Ultimatum is the third film in the Jason Borne franchise with actor Matt Damon (Ocean’s Thirteen) and director Paul Greengrass (United 93) returning. In this film, Jason Bourne continues to be hunted by the CIA, as he still has no memory of who he really is. He is lured out of hiding, when a journalist has valuable information on Treadstone, the project that made Bourne become an assassin. With the information being top secret, a government official (David Strathairn) sends out another assassin from the same Treadstone project to find Bourne and eliminate him before the secrets are exposed. Will Jason Bourne find out who he really and stop this sinister government official before he is killed?
It’s very rare that a third film from a franchise can turn out to be a very enjoyable and intelligent movie as the first two films in a series. Paul Greengrass does a great job directing the action sequences, as it makes the story suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. Matt Damon was great as Jason Bourne again. He might be the best actor along with Clive Owens, working in Hollywood today.
The Bourne Ultimatum is the perfect way to end the Jason Bourne trilogy.
4 Stars
Rated PG-13
130 Min.
Salome
Salome is based on an Oscar Wilde’s classic play from 1896. The film is a about a princess who is imprudent. She begins to be obsessed with a female prisoner. Soon, she is forced to dance for Queen Herod. This will lead her down a road that might prove deadly for her and the prisoner she’s obsessed with.
Salome was a very interesting short film. It was nice change of pace to see any type of feature without any dialogue. I thought directors Alexia Anastasio (also stars as the title character in the film) and Kevin Sean Michaels did a good job directing the actors through the motions of this performance art piece. I liked how the film lets you use your imagination, as it was shot using blue background.
Ari Lehman did the score for this film. But horror fans might know him, as the first person to play Jason Vorhees in the original Friday the 13th. His score was very good, as it’s a key component to this film. It helps create the visual experience that used in this performance art piece.
Salome is a nice short film that’s uses a performance arts setting to makes you use your imagination.
3.5 Stars
Not Rated
12 Mins.
http://www.myspace.com/salomethemovie
http://www.AlexiaAnastasio.com
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
New Releases
The Bourne Ultimatum
The Bourne Ultimatum is the third film in the Jason Borne franchise with actor Matt Damon (Ocean’s Thirteen) and director Paul Greengrass (United 93) returning. In this film, Jason Bourne continues to be hunted by the CIA, as he still has no memory of who he really is. He is lured out of hiding, when a journalist has valuable information on Treadstone, the project that made Bourne become an assassin. With the information being top secret, a government official (David Strathairn) sends out another assassin from the same Treadstone project to find Bourne and eliminate him before the secrets are exposed. Will Jason Bourne find out who he really and stop this sinister government official before he is killed?
It’s very rare that a third film from a franchise can turn out to be a very enjoyable and intelligent movie as the first two films in a series. Paul Greengrass does a great job directing the action sequences, as it makes the story suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. Matt Damon was great as Jason Bourne again. He might be the best actor along with Clive Owens, working in Hollywood today.
The Bourne Ultimatum is the perfect way to end the Jason Bourne trilogy.
4 Stars
Rated PG-13
130 Min.
Salome
Salome is based on an Oscar Wilde’s classic play from 1896. The film is a about a princess who is imprudent. She begins to be obsessed with a female prisoner. Soon, she is forced to dance for Queen Herod. This will lead her down a road that might prove deadly for her and the prisoner she’s obsessed with.
Salome was a very interesting short film. It was nice change of pace to see any type of feature without any dialogue. I thought directors Alexia Anastasio (also stars as the title character in the film) and Kevin Sean Michaels did a good job directing the actors through the motions of this performance art piece. I liked how the film lets you use your imagination, as it was shot using blue background.
Ari Lehman did the score for this film. But horror fans might know him, as the first person to play Jason Vorhees in the original Friday the 13th. His score was very good, as it’s a key component to this film. It helps create the visual experience that used in this performance art piece.
Salome is a nice short film that’s uses a performance arts setting to makes you use your imagination.
3.5 Stars
Not Rated
12 Mins.
http://www.myspace.com/salomethemovie
http://www.AlexiaAnastasio.com
Reviewapalooza 2007: Superbad, A Feast of Flesh
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
New Releases
Superbad
Superbad is the latest film from the filmmakers of the 40- Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up. The film is about a couple teen slackers (Michael Cera, Johan Hill) who are interest in hooking up with a couple of girls before they head off to the wonderful world of college. In order to do that, they need liquor so that they can host a party. They convince a nerdy friend was has a fake ID to help them in their quest. Soon a couple of dimwitted cops (Seth Rogan (who also co-wrote the screenplay), Bill Hader) get in their way of getting the liquor and makes the teens quest to score with a couple of girls difficult. Do they complete their quest or does their night end in failure?
Oh, the Humanity. Don’t let the fact fool you that this made by the people who brought you Knocked Up. Superbad is a film that sets the comedy genre back fifteen years. This film was like watching a train wreck to the point where it was laughable for all the wrong reasons. This is non-stop stupidity at it’s finest. I would love to have been a bee on the wall, when the screenwriters (Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogan) wrote this film because it seemed they decided that there was no need for a story or character development, when they wrote the screenplay, if you can call that a screenplay. I thought the humor sucked, as it was redundant, ridiculous, repetitive, disgusting, and way over the top. It’s a non-stop parade of trash filled with awful sex jokes and expletives. The acting wasn’t much better either. The leads in the film were annoying!!! They seemed like they were having way too much fun, as their characters were not interesting at all.
Talk about wasting two hours of your life on a film. Please, I never want to see a sequel to film, ever. The only thing Superbad does right is live up to its title. This film is Superbad.
1 Star
Unrated
118 mins.
A Feast of Flesh
A Feast of Flesh was a film I caught at the Rhode Island International Horror Festival this past October. It’s the first release from E.I. Cinema’s new label Bloody Earth Films. The film is about a cease-fire that’s been going on for generations between the vampire prostitutes at the Bathory House and the vampire hunters. But the war intensifies, when a young woman (Stacy Bartlebaugh-Gmys) wants to give her body, blood and soul to the Bathory’s Madame (Amy Lynn Best). Soon her boyfriend (Aaron Bernard) finds out that she’s joined the Bathory’s Madame and attempts to rescue her. This will lead to a chain of events that threaten an all out war between vampires and humans. Matt Watt directs and writes this film. It also features cameos from April Monique Burril (Chainsaw Sally) and Debbie Rochon (Tromeo and Juilette, Witchouse 3: Demon Fire).
Horror fans will have a fun time with A Feast of Flesh, as it has plenty of gore and nudity. I thought Mike Watts’s screenplay was good, as the story was entertaining for the little plot it had and feel boring. Mike Watt also has supporting role in the film, in which he uses an Irish accent that made me crack up sometimes. The action scenes in the movie were average. The performances in the film were good, as the three main actors had good chemistry with each other and kept the story interesting. Please note: this is definitely not for young children, as it’s unrated. A Feast of Flesh is a fun little gory vampire B movie that gore- hounds will enjoy.
3.5 Stars
Unrated
77 Mins.
http://www.myspace.com/abattoirmovie
http://www.happycloudpictures.net/abattoir.html
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
New Releases
Superbad
Superbad is the latest film from the filmmakers of the 40- Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up. The film is about a couple teen slackers (Michael Cera, Johan Hill) who are interest in hooking up with a couple of girls before they head off to the wonderful world of college. In order to do that, they need liquor so that they can host a party. They convince a nerdy friend was has a fake ID to help them in their quest. Soon a couple of dimwitted cops (Seth Rogan (who also co-wrote the screenplay), Bill Hader) get in their way of getting the liquor and makes the teens quest to score with a couple of girls difficult. Do they complete their quest or does their night end in failure?
Oh, the Humanity. Don’t let the fact fool you that this made by the people who brought you Knocked Up. Superbad is a film that sets the comedy genre back fifteen years. This film was like watching a train wreck to the point where it was laughable for all the wrong reasons. This is non-stop stupidity at it’s finest. I would love to have been a bee on the wall, when the screenwriters (Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogan) wrote this film because it seemed they decided that there was no need for a story or character development, when they wrote the screenplay, if you can call that a screenplay. I thought the humor sucked, as it was redundant, ridiculous, repetitive, disgusting, and way over the top. It’s a non-stop parade of trash filled with awful sex jokes and expletives. The acting wasn’t much better either. The leads in the film were annoying!!! They seemed like they were having way too much fun, as their characters were not interesting at all.
Talk about wasting two hours of your life on a film. Please, I never want to see a sequel to film, ever. The only thing Superbad does right is live up to its title. This film is Superbad.
1 Star
Unrated
118 mins.
A Feast of Flesh
A Feast of Flesh was a film I caught at the Rhode Island International Horror Festival this past October. It’s the first release from E.I. Cinema’s new label Bloody Earth Films. The film is about a cease-fire that’s been going on for generations between the vampire prostitutes at the Bathory House and the vampire hunters. But the war intensifies, when a young woman (Stacy Bartlebaugh-Gmys) wants to give her body, blood and soul to the Bathory’s Madame (Amy Lynn Best). Soon her boyfriend (Aaron Bernard) finds out that she’s joined the Bathory’s Madame and attempts to rescue her. This will lead to a chain of events that threaten an all out war between vampires and humans. Matt Watt directs and writes this film. It also features cameos from April Monique Burril (Chainsaw Sally) and Debbie Rochon (Tromeo and Juilette, Witchouse 3: Demon Fire).
Horror fans will have a fun time with A Feast of Flesh, as it has plenty of gore and nudity. I thought Mike Watts’s screenplay was good, as the story was entertaining for the little plot it had and feel boring. Mike Watt also has supporting role in the film, in which he uses an Irish accent that made me crack up sometimes. The action scenes in the movie were average. The performances in the film were good, as the three main actors had good chemistry with each other and kept the story interesting. Please note: this is definitely not for young children, as it’s unrated. A Feast of Flesh is a fun little gory vampire B movie that gore- hounds will enjoy.
3.5 Stars
Unrated
77 Mins.
http://www.myspace.com/abattoirmovie
http://www.happycloudpictures.net/abattoir.html
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Reviewapalooza 2007: Stephen King's The Mist
The Mist
The Mist is latest film from the director of The Shawshank Redemption, Frank Darabont. This is first horror adaptation of a Stephen King horror story. The film is about a violent storm hitting a small town, where an artist (Thomas Jane) and his family are living. Soon a mysterious fog has taken over the town in which some people think it has to do with a government experiment known as The Arrowhead Project. Soon the artist and his son are held up in a supermarket, along with most of the town’s citizens where a religious woman (Marcia Gay Harden) begin to divide the town by making them believe that the end is near. Unknown to them what lies within the mysterious fog, the town’s residents start to turn on each other and the thing beneath the fog is revealed. Soon it’s a race for the artist and his son to leave the supermarket and get to safety before the unknown that lies in the mist gets them.
I thought, I’d never see the day where there were two great adaptations of Stephen King stories for the big screen in one year. But this year there have been two great adaptations of King’s stories on the big screen, this film and 1408. I think it’s safe to say that Frank Darabont is the king of King’s adaptation. The screenplay was great, as the film focuses on the human drama of the crises while providing scares in the process. I liked how some of the human characters felt evil in a time of crises like Marcia’s character for example. Also the ending of the film in which I will not spoil, is the most shocking ending to a major-studio horror film that I’ve seen in this decade or the last decade. That’s most of the reason why I think this film will be a classic horror film for years to come. The acting was also great as this maybe the best ensemble cast this year. There are very good actors in this film like Jane, Gay-Hardin, Laurie Holden (The X-Files, The Majestic) Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Streets), Jeffery DeMunn (The Hitcher, The Green Mile) and Willian Sandler (TV’s Roswell, The Shawshank Redemption). Maybe Thomas Jane made a great career movie by not doing The Punisher sequel, because this guy can act, as he was very good in the film. But the best performance in the film came from Marica Gay Hardin, as she really nails her role down as this Pat Roberson type character. I think her performance is worth a supporting Oscar nomination but usually the voters hate giving nominations to horror and genre films but still, she deserves it for this role but I’ll make that plea again toward Oscar nomination time.
If you’re a true horror fan saving your money for the probably dreadful Aliens v Predator 2 then please spend that money on this film because this is truly a classic horror film in my eyes and I want to see more films like this. This is what the horror genre is supposed to be, not remakes of classic films or franchises fighting each other for a quick buck. The Mist is the best horror film that you will see this year and maybe for years to come.
5 Stars
Rated R
125 Mins
The Mist is latest film from the director of The Shawshank Redemption, Frank Darabont. This is first horror adaptation of a Stephen King horror story. The film is about a violent storm hitting a small town, where an artist (Thomas Jane) and his family are living. Soon a mysterious fog has taken over the town in which some people think it has to do with a government experiment known as The Arrowhead Project. Soon the artist and his son are held up in a supermarket, along with most of the town’s citizens where a religious woman (Marcia Gay Harden) begin to divide the town by making them believe that the end is near. Unknown to them what lies within the mysterious fog, the town’s residents start to turn on each other and the thing beneath the fog is revealed. Soon it’s a race for the artist and his son to leave the supermarket and get to safety before the unknown that lies in the mist gets them.
I thought, I’d never see the day where there were two great adaptations of Stephen King stories for the big screen in one year. But this year there have been two great adaptations of King’s stories on the big screen, this film and 1408. I think it’s safe to say that Frank Darabont is the king of King’s adaptation. The screenplay was great, as the film focuses on the human drama of the crises while providing scares in the process. I liked how some of the human characters felt evil in a time of crises like Marcia’s character for example. Also the ending of the film in which I will not spoil, is the most shocking ending to a major-studio horror film that I’ve seen in this decade or the last decade. That’s most of the reason why I think this film will be a classic horror film for years to come. The acting was also great as this maybe the best ensemble cast this year. There are very good actors in this film like Jane, Gay-Hardin, Laurie Holden (The X-Files, The Majestic) Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Streets), Jeffery DeMunn (The Hitcher, The Green Mile) and Willian Sandler (TV’s Roswell, The Shawshank Redemption). Maybe Thomas Jane made a great career movie by not doing The Punisher sequel, because this guy can act, as he was very good in the film. But the best performance in the film came from Marica Gay Hardin, as she really nails her role down as this Pat Roberson type character. I think her performance is worth a supporting Oscar nomination but usually the voters hate giving nominations to horror and genre films but still, she deserves it for this role but I’ll make that plea again toward Oscar nomination time.
If you’re a true horror fan saving your money for the probably dreadful Aliens v Predator 2 then please spend that money on this film because this is truly a classic horror film in my eyes and I want to see more films like this. This is what the horror genre is supposed to be, not remakes of classic films or franchises fighting each other for a quick buck. The Mist is the best horror film that you will see this year and maybe for years to come.
5 Stars
Rated R
125 Mins
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Reviewapalooza 2007: Waitress, Mr,. Bean's Holiday, Blood Car
Welcome to this week’s edition of my movie blog. Hope everyone enjoyed their thanksgiving. It’s the home stretch in the 2007 movie season. What does that mean for me. Well it’s where you try to fit in as many movies as you can for your year-end review in month. And with titles like Superbad, Rob Zombie Halloween, Once, and Eastern Promises all coming out this month plus trying to get to your local theater to see The Mist and No Country for out in theaters, expect more reviews here on this page this month. So from right moment there will be no more editions of The Anthony T Movie for this year, as it will only reviews for the rest of the month, as the month here will be called Reviewapalooza.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Star – Totally Awful
New Releases
Waitress
Waitress is about a woman (Keri Russell) who’s having a kid and her hidden ambition is to win a $25,000 pie contest, so she can leave her boring life with her abusive husband whom she’s have problems with and open her own store. Then one day, she meets a handsome doctor (Nathan Fillion) who might bring her true happiness in her mundane life. Waitress is directed, by the late, Adrienne Shelly, who was tragically, was murdered last year in New York City.
Waitress is a very gratifying film that I enjoyed a lot. I thought the screenplay was very good. Shelly’s screenplay was witty and heartwarming, as there was never a dull moment watching this film. Also, she did a very good job directing too. The scenes were very good and the direction of the acting was very good. With this film and Away From Me from directed by Sarah Polley, you see how each of their experience in acting in independent films really pays off when getting actors, to give great performances. The acting is was great. I hoping this film will finally get Kerri Russell some notice for his film at Oscar time, as she was great in this film. Also, the supporting cast was also very good which includes Shelly, Fillion, Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Jeremy Sisto and Andy Griffin (which also should be considered for a Best Supporting Actor nomination for this film). Waitress is a sweet and funny film that people will enjoy. Also, to some fans of the film, this is also a somber film, due to the fact of Shelly untimely death before it was shown to the public.
5 Stars
Rated PG-13
108 Mins.
Mr. Bean’s Holiday
Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) is back with his latest adventure in Mr. Bean’s Holiday. The film is the follow up to the 1997 hit Bean. This time around Mr bean wins an all expenses paid vacation to France in a church raffle. Soon he inadvertently separates a kid from his father through on of his usual mishaps. Soon, Mr. Bean must help the kid find his father and along the way he discovers France, true love and invading the Cannes Film Festival. The film reunites both Atkinson and co- creator (Robin Driscoll) on the original series that this is based on. And oh, did mention that William Defoe (Spiderman, The Inside Man) co-stars in the film too.
Mr. Bean’s Holiday will appeal to fans of Mr. Bean or fans of physical comedy, like myself. With that said, I thought this was a funny film, but it had a couple of flaws. First, I thought the beginning was kind of rushed a little bit, as you have had a scene or two more at the church hall. And second, I thought the filmmakers were trying to make a children’s film instead of a Mr. Bean film or TV show at times, but still it’s hard to declare
this as a bad film, as Mr. Bean Holiday was very funny nevertheless. I thought Rowan Atkinson was very funny in this film, as I liked the scenes on the movie set and film premiere. It’s roles like this and in Keeping Mum, why he’s a very talented comedian. If this the final time that Mr. Bean graces the big screen or television, then this character does go down in my book as one of the funniest characters ever created.
3.5 Stars
Rated G
90 Mins
Blood Car
Blood Car is a horror – comedy that takes place in a time where gas prices are very high. A kindergarten teacher (Mike Brune) accidentally discovers an alternative to oil when he accidentally cuts himself while experimenting on wheat-grass. Soon government agents begin to watch him, as they become obsessed with wanting to know the secrets of his discovery and find a way for the government to use this discovery. The film has played in various film festivals like Cinequest, Toronto After Dark, and the Austin Film Festival. This film is the feature debut from director Alex Orr. Katie Rowlett and Anna Chlumsky (My Girl) also co-star in the film.
Blood Car will make you laugh and shock you at times. Director Alex Orr does a good job balancing the horror and comedy elements, making it funny and frightening throughout the film. I liked how he incorporates the current high gas prices situation and government paranoia into this film, as it makes the story original and entertaining. I thought the production team did very good job with this film. The film looked like it was professionally made, which is a huge plus is low-budget film. The main performances from Mike Brune and Katie Rowlett performances were very good. Blood Car is a very entertaining horror – comedy that makes a great addition to the grindhouse genre.
4 Stars
Unrated
78Mins
www.bloodcar.com
www.myspace.com/bloodcar
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Star – Totally Awful
New Releases
Waitress
Waitress is about a woman (Keri Russell) who’s having a kid and her hidden ambition is to win a $25,000 pie contest, so she can leave her boring life with her abusive husband whom she’s have problems with and open her own store. Then one day, she meets a handsome doctor (Nathan Fillion) who might bring her true happiness in her mundane life. Waitress is directed, by the late, Adrienne Shelly, who was tragically, was murdered last year in New York City.
Waitress is a very gratifying film that I enjoyed a lot. I thought the screenplay was very good. Shelly’s screenplay was witty and heartwarming, as there was never a dull moment watching this film. Also, she did a very good job directing too. The scenes were very good and the direction of the acting was very good. With this film and Away From Me from directed by Sarah Polley, you see how each of their experience in acting in independent films really pays off when getting actors, to give great performances. The acting is was great. I hoping this film will finally get Kerri Russell some notice for his film at Oscar time, as she was great in this film. Also, the supporting cast was also very good which includes Shelly, Fillion, Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Jeremy Sisto and Andy Griffin (which also should be considered for a Best Supporting Actor nomination for this film). Waitress is a sweet and funny film that people will enjoy. Also, to some fans of the film, this is also a somber film, due to the fact of Shelly untimely death before it was shown to the public.
5 Stars
Rated PG-13
108 Mins.
Mr. Bean’s Holiday
Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) is back with his latest adventure in Mr. Bean’s Holiday. The film is the follow up to the 1997 hit Bean. This time around Mr bean wins an all expenses paid vacation to France in a church raffle. Soon he inadvertently separates a kid from his father through on of his usual mishaps. Soon, Mr. Bean must help the kid find his father and along the way he discovers France, true love and invading the Cannes Film Festival. The film reunites both Atkinson and co- creator (Robin Driscoll) on the original series that this is based on. And oh, did mention that William Defoe (Spiderman, The Inside Man) co-stars in the film too.
Mr. Bean’s Holiday will appeal to fans of Mr. Bean or fans of physical comedy, like myself. With that said, I thought this was a funny film, but it had a couple of flaws. First, I thought the beginning was kind of rushed a little bit, as you have had a scene or two more at the church hall. And second, I thought the filmmakers were trying to make a children’s film instead of a Mr. Bean film or TV show at times, but still it’s hard to declare
this as a bad film, as Mr. Bean Holiday was very funny nevertheless. I thought Rowan Atkinson was very funny in this film, as I liked the scenes on the movie set and film premiere. It’s roles like this and in Keeping Mum, why he’s a very talented comedian. If this the final time that Mr. Bean graces the big screen or television, then this character does go down in my book as one of the funniest characters ever created.
3.5 Stars
Rated G
90 Mins
Blood Car
Blood Car is a horror – comedy that takes place in a time where gas prices are very high. A kindergarten teacher (Mike Brune) accidentally discovers an alternative to oil when he accidentally cuts himself while experimenting on wheat-grass. Soon government agents begin to watch him, as they become obsessed with wanting to know the secrets of his discovery and find a way for the government to use this discovery. The film has played in various film festivals like Cinequest, Toronto After Dark, and the Austin Film Festival. This film is the feature debut from director Alex Orr. Katie Rowlett and Anna Chlumsky (My Girl) also co-star in the film.
Blood Car will make you laugh and shock you at times. Director Alex Orr does a good job balancing the horror and comedy elements, making it funny and frightening throughout the film. I liked how he incorporates the current high gas prices situation and government paranoia into this film, as it makes the story original and entertaining. I thought the production team did very good job with this film. The film looked like it was professionally made, which is a huge plus is low-budget film. The main performances from Mike Brune and Katie Rowlett performances were very good. Blood Car is a very entertaining horror – comedy that makes a great addition to the grindhouse genre.
4 Stars
Unrated
78Mins
www.bloodcar.com
www.myspace.com/bloodcar
Friday, November 23, 2007
11/21 Edition of the Anthony T Movie Blog
Welcome to this week’s edition of my movie blog. It’s early this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday and it’s a short edition too. Thanksgiving is a time to thanks to all the people in your life. Whether it’s your family or your best friend, or people here on myspace, they are the people that make a difference in your life. So I want to say thank you to those people who have supporting me in my life outside myspace and to the people who read my entries every week and leave comments on myspace and/or blogspot , as they have given me back the joy of writing again, in time where not many people focus on writing or sharing their thoughts. Thank you and I hope you will continue to read my thoughts and reviews here and on the Myspace Film Community Page.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
New Releases
Paris, Je T’aime (Paris, I Love You)
Paris Je T’aime is a unique film that takes place over 20 short films set in Paris with an outstanding list of actors and directors. The film is takes place in the neighborhoods of Paris where love is indirect, re-invented and lost. Twenty directors including, The Cohen Brothers (Fargo, No Country for Old Men), Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama Tambien, Children of Men) Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Last Days), Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream) and 15 other directors bring their own vision of Paris to the viewer in five minutes without any interference. Paris Je T’aime proves that cinema can be used effectively as an art form, in an age where most filmmakers only care making big budget effects films, but don’t tell that to the major studios. I liked how the producers let the directors do whatever they want, as the stories were very visually good and very interesting. My favorite films out of the bunch were The Cohen Brother’s Tuileries, Wes Craven’s Pere–Lachaise and Sylvain Chomet’s Tour Eiffel, Paris Je T’aime is a great escape for those who love cinema as an art form. For more information on this film you can goto http://www.myspace.com/paris_je_taime. 5 Stars. Rated R. 121 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
Seres queridos (Only human) (2006)
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, I figured, this week’s DVD Pick of the Week has do something with family or dysfunctional family which is the case with this week’s pick. Only Human is a comedy about a woman who introduces her fiancé to her Jewish family, which includes her blind grandfather, her belly dancer sister with a five year old kid, her brother who’s very religious, her mother who’s going through pre-menopause and her father who hasn’t come home yet. Everything goes smoothly until the family finds out that her fiancé is Palestinian. Soon chaos ensures that might destroy their planned dinner, which includes her boyfriend dropping soup out of the window. Only Human is the funniest foreign-language film that I’ve seen. It’s movies like this that makes me appreciate the comedy genre. The writing in this film was excellent, as the characters were interesting and the story was funny. The acting in the film was good, as the actors seemed like they having a fun time making this film, as translates well to the film. This is the perfect film for whose, who are looking for a funny film to watch over the Thanksgiving weekend. Spanish with English Subtitles. Rated R. 86 Min.
That’s it for this week’s edition of the movie blog. I’ll be back with an all-new edition of the Underrated Film Blog on my myspace page, next Wednesday. Until then, have a happy thanksgiving.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
New Releases
Paris, Je T’aime (Paris, I Love You)
Paris Je T’aime is a unique film that takes place over 20 short films set in Paris with an outstanding list of actors and directors. The film is takes place in the neighborhoods of Paris where love is indirect, re-invented and lost. Twenty directors including, The Cohen Brothers (Fargo, No Country for Old Men), Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama Tambien, Children of Men) Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Last Days), Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream) and 15 other directors bring their own vision of Paris to the viewer in five minutes without any interference. Paris Je T’aime proves that cinema can be used effectively as an art form, in an age where most filmmakers only care making big budget effects films, but don’t tell that to the major studios. I liked how the producers let the directors do whatever they want, as the stories were very visually good and very interesting. My favorite films out of the bunch were The Cohen Brother’s Tuileries, Wes Craven’s Pere–Lachaise and Sylvain Chomet’s Tour Eiffel, Paris Je T’aime is a great escape for those who love cinema as an art form. For more information on this film you can goto http://www.myspace.com/paris_je_taime. 5 Stars. Rated R. 121 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
Seres queridos (Only human) (2006)
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, I figured, this week’s DVD Pick of the Week has do something with family or dysfunctional family which is the case with this week’s pick. Only Human is a comedy about a woman who introduces her fiancé to her Jewish family, which includes her blind grandfather, her belly dancer sister with a five year old kid, her brother who’s very religious, her mother who’s going through pre-menopause and her father who hasn’t come home yet. Everything goes smoothly until the family finds out that her fiancé is Palestinian. Soon chaos ensures that might destroy their planned dinner, which includes her boyfriend dropping soup out of the window. Only Human is the funniest foreign-language film that I’ve seen. It’s movies like this that makes me appreciate the comedy genre. The writing in this film was excellent, as the characters were interesting and the story was funny. The acting in the film was good, as the actors seemed like they having a fun time making this film, as translates well to the film. This is the perfect film for whose, who are looking for a funny film to watch over the Thanksgiving weekend. Spanish with English Subtitles. Rated R. 86 Min.
That’s it for this week’s edition of the movie blog. I’ll be back with an all-new edition of the Underrated Film Blog on my myspace page, next Wednesday. Until then, have a happy thanksgiving.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
11/18 Edition of The Anthony T Movie Blog
Welcome to this week’s edition of my movie blog. Sorry for no edition last week. Don’t worry; I’m not on strike with the Writer’s Guild. I’ve been busy working on changes to my Myspace Film Community page. Now on the page, you can find reviews of the latest films in independent and low–budget cinema. Soon there will be more reviewers on that page beside myself, as I’m the process of finding people with thought on those films. Hopefully, I’ll have everything set by tommorow. I have one spot left. so if you love independent and low-budget films and would like to review films on that site, please get in contact with me on that page and I’ll give you the details. Also, this month’s edition of the underrated film blog will be up by the end of this month. Just been busy with everything going on.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
In Theaters
American Gangster
One of the most anticipated films of year has finally arrived. American Gangster is the latest collaboration for director by Ridley Scott and actor Russell Crowe. The film is based on a true story and takes place in the 1970’s when Frank Lewis (Denzel Washington) takes power of New York crime family, when his boss dies of a heart attack. He then begins to build an empire by smuggling heroin through Vietnam and selling them on the street. Soon, his empire starts to bloom until an outcast cop (Crowe) finds out about his empire and become determined to bring it all down. American Gangster is film that you hear about 10 years from. I thought Ridley Scott making this film a gritty and entertaining movie. I liked how the screenplay spends time going into the background and detail of both Crowe’s and Washington’s characters, as you really got to know two major players in the film. But makes this film great to watch was acting. Both Russell Crowe and Densel Washington gave Academy Award level performances. Those two on-screen together near the end of the film was a great thing watch. They both worked very hard in bring these characters to life. The film also boasts some very supporting performances form Josh Brolin (Grindhouse, No Country for Old Men), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Kinky Boots, Children of Men), and Armand Assante (Gotti, The Mambo Kings) as it was nice seeing him working in a major film again. This will not be the last time that you will hear about American Gangster, as it will probably receive some major nominations including Best film, Best director and acting nomination for either or both Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. 5 Stars. Rated R. 157 Mins.
New Releases
Sicko
Sicko is the latest film from controversial documentary filmmaker Michael Moore (Fahrenheit 9/11, Roger and Me). This time, Moore is exposing the health care industry where over 50 million people not having health insurance in the United States today while HMO Companies continue grow in size and profits. The documentary also goes into exploring the effects of people dying because denied health insurance, antidepressants, and violent confrontations. The film also contains footage from his controversial trip to Cuba where he took a couple of 9/11 survivors to gwantamo Bay, in an attempt to get them treatment. What makes Michael’s Moore documentaries better than other is that you’re never bored watching them. I thought Sicko was very good. Moore does a good job giving the viewer facts about the health care industry, even thought would have liked to the other side. I thought the stories of the people that he profiled were sad and shocking. Another thing I liked this about this film was that Moore spends time comparing the U.S health to Canada’s, Britain’s, France’s and Cuba’s health system, as it help’s get his point of view across to the viewer. Sicko is a very interesting look at the health care and a nice holdover to till Fahrenheit 9/11 ½, which is in the works. 5 Stars. Rated PG-13. 121 Mins.
Confusions of an Unmarried Couple
(Repost from my review on the Myspace Film Community page)
Confusions of an Unmarried Couple is a comedy about a couple who are having relationship problems about two people who don’t know, if they love each other. They have a troubled past that includes an ugly break up and a very odd attempt at repairing the relationship. Soon Dan and Lisa try to find out where the relationship went wrong and try savage what’s left of their friendship. Confessionals of an Unmarried Couple is very good entertaining film, as it focused on the troubles of a relationship. The directing by Brett and Jason Butter was excellent. They intertwine the confessionals aspect within the argument the couple is having in the film. It is done well, as it gave good detail about the couple’s relationship problems while focusing on the development of each character. Also, the acting in this film was great. I thought Bret Butler and Naomi Johnson were into their roles. Their onscreen chemistry was great and sold the fact that their characters were a dysfunctional couple. Confusions of an Unmarried Couple is a funny and interesting look at the ups and downs of a relationship. To purchase this film, you can go www.subprod.com and you can also visit the film’s myspace page at www.myspace.com/confusionsunmarriedcouple. 5 Stars. Not Rated. 73 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
Stephanie Daley
(Repost from my review on the Myspace Film Community page)
Stephanie Daley is about a 16- year old girl (Amber Tamblyn) who’s charged with the death of her baby. A pregnant psychologist Lydie Cane (Tilda Swinton) is hired to investigate the truth and the reasoning why Stephanie Daley committed this crime. During the sessions, Lydie fears about her pregnancy and Stephanie’s denial state of mind beings to intertwine together. The film premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the best screenplay award for writer/director Hilary Brougher and garnered a 2007 Independent Sprit Award nomination for Amber Tamblyn. I thought Hilary Brougher’s direction and her screenplay was great. I liked how she focuses on the trouble and sadness; the two main characters are facing throughout the film. Also, the way the film shot gave it, it’s realist tone. What makes this film different from some of the films, I’ve seen this year is the acting, as it was great. Both Tlida Swinton and Amber Tamblyn gave great performances, as their performances felt realistic and had great chemistry together. I can see Amber Tamblyn being a star someday, if given the right dramatic role. Stephanie Daley is the most realistic film, I’ve seen this year. For more information on Stephanie Daley, go to www.myspace.com/stephaniedaley or www.stephaniedaley-themovie.com. 5 Stars. Rated R. 92 Mins.
That’s it for this week’s edition of the movie blog. Due to the Thanksgiving Holliday, I’ll be back with an all-new edition of my movie blog this Wednesday where I’ll review Paris T’aime. Until then, have a good day.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
In Theaters
American Gangster
One of the most anticipated films of year has finally arrived. American Gangster is the latest collaboration for director by Ridley Scott and actor Russell Crowe. The film is based on a true story and takes place in the 1970’s when Frank Lewis (Denzel Washington) takes power of New York crime family, when his boss dies of a heart attack. He then begins to build an empire by smuggling heroin through Vietnam and selling them on the street. Soon, his empire starts to bloom until an outcast cop (Crowe) finds out about his empire and become determined to bring it all down. American Gangster is film that you hear about 10 years from. I thought Ridley Scott making this film a gritty and entertaining movie. I liked how the screenplay spends time going into the background and detail of both Crowe’s and Washington’s characters, as you really got to know two major players in the film. But makes this film great to watch was acting. Both Russell Crowe and Densel Washington gave Academy Award level performances. Those two on-screen together near the end of the film was a great thing watch. They both worked very hard in bring these characters to life. The film also boasts some very supporting performances form Josh Brolin (Grindhouse, No Country for Old Men), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Kinky Boots, Children of Men), and Armand Assante (Gotti, The Mambo Kings) as it was nice seeing him working in a major film again. This will not be the last time that you will hear about American Gangster, as it will probably receive some major nominations including Best film, Best director and acting nomination for either or both Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. 5 Stars. Rated R. 157 Mins.
New Releases
Sicko
Sicko is the latest film from controversial documentary filmmaker Michael Moore (Fahrenheit 9/11, Roger and Me). This time, Moore is exposing the health care industry where over 50 million people not having health insurance in the United States today while HMO Companies continue grow in size and profits. The documentary also goes into exploring the effects of people dying because denied health insurance, antidepressants, and violent confrontations. The film also contains footage from his controversial trip to Cuba where he took a couple of 9/11 survivors to gwantamo Bay, in an attempt to get them treatment. What makes Michael’s Moore documentaries better than other is that you’re never bored watching them. I thought Sicko was very good. Moore does a good job giving the viewer facts about the health care industry, even thought would have liked to the other side. I thought the stories of the people that he profiled were sad and shocking. Another thing I liked this about this film was that Moore spends time comparing the U.S health to Canada’s, Britain’s, France’s and Cuba’s health system, as it help’s get his point of view across to the viewer. Sicko is a very interesting look at the health care and a nice holdover to till Fahrenheit 9/11 ½, which is in the works. 5 Stars. Rated PG-13. 121 Mins.
Confusions of an Unmarried Couple
(Repost from my review on the Myspace Film Community page)
Confusions of an Unmarried Couple is a comedy about a couple who are having relationship problems about two people who don’t know, if they love each other. They have a troubled past that includes an ugly break up and a very odd attempt at repairing the relationship. Soon Dan and Lisa try to find out where the relationship went wrong and try savage what’s left of their friendship. Confessionals of an Unmarried Couple is very good entertaining film, as it focused on the troubles of a relationship. The directing by Brett and Jason Butter was excellent. They intertwine the confessionals aspect within the argument the couple is having in the film. It is done well, as it gave good detail about the couple’s relationship problems while focusing on the development of each character. Also, the acting in this film was great. I thought Bret Butler and Naomi Johnson were into their roles. Their onscreen chemistry was great and sold the fact that their characters were a dysfunctional couple. Confusions of an Unmarried Couple is a funny and interesting look at the ups and downs of a relationship. To purchase this film, you can go www.subprod.com and you can also visit the film’s myspace page at www.myspace.com/confusionsunmarriedcouple. 5 Stars. Not Rated. 73 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
Stephanie Daley
(Repost from my review on the Myspace Film Community page)
Stephanie Daley is about a 16- year old girl (Amber Tamblyn) who’s charged with the death of her baby. A pregnant psychologist Lydie Cane (Tilda Swinton) is hired to investigate the truth and the reasoning why Stephanie Daley committed this crime. During the sessions, Lydie fears about her pregnancy and Stephanie’s denial state of mind beings to intertwine together. The film premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the best screenplay award for writer/director Hilary Brougher and garnered a 2007 Independent Sprit Award nomination for Amber Tamblyn. I thought Hilary Brougher’s direction and her screenplay was great. I liked how she focuses on the trouble and sadness; the two main characters are facing throughout the film. Also, the way the film shot gave it, it’s realist tone. What makes this film different from some of the films, I’ve seen this year is the acting, as it was great. Both Tlida Swinton and Amber Tamblyn gave great performances, as their performances felt realistic and had great chemistry together. I can see Amber Tamblyn being a star someday, if given the right dramatic role. Stephanie Daley is the most realistic film, I’ve seen this year. For more information on Stephanie Daley, go to www.myspace.com/stephaniedaley or www.stephaniedaley-themovie.com. 5 Stars. Rated R. 92 Mins.
That’s it for this week’s edition of the movie blog. Due to the Thanksgiving Holliday, I’ll be back with an all-new edition of my movie blog this Wednesday where I’ll review Paris T’aime. Until then, have a good day.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
10/31 Edition of The Anthony T Movie Blog
Sorry for no blog last weekend due the fact that I was busy with Boston Red Sox basebal and the fact that I'm feeling happy of Red Sox winning the World Series again, in my lifetime. With that said, here are the remaining two movies of Horrorfest 2007.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Star – Totally Awful
Horrorfest 2007
Dark Corners
Dark Corners is about a young troubled woman (Thora Birch) who wakes up as a totally different person. Soon, her typical conscious world and unconscious world will collide as she begins to be haunted by visions that are so horrifying. She then begins to wonder, if these visions are just fragments of her imagination or something that put her in danger. The film is directed by first time writer/director Ray Gower and Toby Stephen co-star in the film. Dark Corners is very intelligent and creepy film that has the feel of a David Lynch film. I thought Ray Gower did a really good job with this film. I thought the screenplay was very good, as the characters were interesting and a story that kept my attention leading up to it shocking ending. Gower also did a nice job with the direction of the film, as the set pieces were creepy along with the action making the film frightening. I thought Thora Birch's performances were very good, as she plays both of her characters very well. She pulls it off very well in the film, as it must have hard work to portray two characters that are very different from each other. Dark Corners is a frightening European horror film, which never eases up on its dark tone and creepiness. 4Stars. Not Rated. 95 Mins.
The Cradle
The Cradle is about a married man named Frank (Lukas Hass) who's wife and son become mysteriously ill when they move into an isolated town. He begins to find out that a vengeful sprit maybe the cause of the illness. Soon he is pushed to the point where he hat to find a way out of this madness, in order to save his family. With the exception of a few scenes, The Cradle was an un-suspenseful and slow moving film. The film felt like a film that was made for television. Most of the problems with this film were the fact that there were too many scenes with no dialogue or any sort of action, which made the film boring. Also, the characters in the film were uninteresting and lifeless at times. If you are looking for an entertaining supernatural film, then The Cradle is not it. 1 Star. Not Rated. 107 Mins.
That it for this short edition of The Anthony T Movie Blog. I should be back weekend, as I have a couple of movie that I've been meaning to get to and I'll let you my favorite film of Horrorfest 2007, in my DVD Pick of the Week. Until then, Have a happy and safe Halloween.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Star – Totally Awful
Horrorfest 2007
Dark Corners
Dark Corners is about a young troubled woman (Thora Birch) who wakes up as a totally different person. Soon, her typical conscious world and unconscious world will collide as she begins to be haunted by visions that are so horrifying. She then begins to wonder, if these visions are just fragments of her imagination or something that put her in danger. The film is directed by first time writer/director Ray Gower and Toby Stephen co-star in the film. Dark Corners is very intelligent and creepy film that has the feel of a David Lynch film. I thought Ray Gower did a really good job with this film. I thought the screenplay was very good, as the characters were interesting and a story that kept my attention leading up to it shocking ending. Gower also did a nice job with the direction of the film, as the set pieces were creepy along with the action making the film frightening. I thought Thora Birch's performances were very good, as she plays both of her characters very well. She pulls it off very well in the film, as it must have hard work to portray two characters that are very different from each other. Dark Corners is a frightening European horror film, which never eases up on its dark tone and creepiness. 4Stars. Not Rated. 95 Mins.
The Cradle
The Cradle is about a married man named Frank (Lukas Hass) who's wife and son become mysteriously ill when they move into an isolated town. He begins to find out that a vengeful sprit maybe the cause of the illness. Soon he is pushed to the point where he hat to find a way out of this madness, in order to save his family. With the exception of a few scenes, The Cradle was an un-suspenseful and slow moving film. The film felt like a film that was made for television. Most of the problems with this film were the fact that there were too many scenes with no dialogue or any sort of action, which made the film boring. Also, the characters in the film were uninteresting and lifeless at times. If you are looking for an entertaining supernatural film, then The Cradle is not it. 1 Star. Not Rated. 107 Mins.
That it for this short edition of The Anthony T Movie Blog. I should be back weekend, as I have a couple of movie that I've been meaning to get to and I'll let you my favorite film of Horrorfest 2007, in my DVD Pick of the Week. Until then, Have a happy and safe Halloween.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
10/23 Edition of The Anthony T Movie Blog
Welcome to this week’s edition of my movie blog. Before I start, it’s been a busy and fun week for me. I didn’t get a chance to see Reign On Me but I promise, I will see that film and have thought on it, in the next edition. One reasons I’ve busy spending time at the Rhode Island International Horror Festival, as I volunteered there this past Thursday and Saturday. It was a fun time, as I got a chance to see some good movies at the festival including, Kreating Karloff. A documentary film about a young actor who bring the two of Universal’s iconic monsters that Karloff played for an sophisticated screen test and tribute to the icon him. Another film that I caught at I liked was underground filmmaker Mike Watt and his latest A Feast of Flesh. The film is about a young woman, who gets caughted up in the middle of a war between a group of vampires and a team of mercenaries. I thought this was good vampire horror film. I’ll go into more detail on the film when it comes out on DVD next month via Bloody Earth Pictures / E.I. Cinema. The best film I saw at the festival was Am I Evil. I’ll talk about the film later on in this edition.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
In Theaters
Across The Universe
Across the Universe is the latest film from director Julie Taymor (Frida). The film is a sixties period piece set to the tone of the music from The Beatles. It's about a British dockworker named Jude (Jim Struggles) who travels to America to find his long lost estranged father working at a university. There he meets Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) a woman who ius the sister of a friend (Joe Anderson), he meets at the university. Later the two would fall in love. Soon their relationship is threaten, when Lucy joins a peace activist group after her brother was sent to Vietnam. Jude then becomes jealous and start's thinking that she's having an affair with the leader of the group. Can their relationship survive through the troubles they are having and would the film live up to my expectations? Bono, Joe Cocker and Eddie Izzard make cameo appearances, in the film. Thankfully, Across the Universe did live up to my expectations, as my most anticipated film of the fall. Director Julie Taymor makes this movie special through the visual images, as it kept me glued to the screen. The music in the film was great, especially during the music sequences that featured Joe Cocker and Bono. Also, the imagery was great to watch, as it was perfect for the big screen. The screenwriters did a really good job with the story. The characters were interesting and I liked the way the songs made senses with the movie as a whole because the movie doesn't work, if the songs don't fit the flow of the movie. The performances were very good, as there weren't many headlining stars in the film. Both Jim Struggles and Evan Rachel Wood gave good solid performances. They both had good chemistry and their performances kept the story going. Across the Universe is the most visual compelling musical film that I have seen, since Pink Floyd's The Wall. 5 Stars. Rated PG-13. 131 Mins.
Horrorfest 2007
Murder Party
Murder Party is one of the first releases on Magnolia Entertainment's new label Magnet Entertainment. The film is about an average person named Chris, who finds an invitation to a costume party on the eve of Halloween. Soon, he get more that he bargains for when he goes to the party, where a group of artists wants to kill him artistically for an art grant. But when the group starts to fall apart, Chris knows that must survive the chaos within the group to survive the night. Murder Party has played in various major festivals this year, including Slamdance, where it won the Audience Award and the South by Southwest film festival. This was a very enjoyable movie, as it was a very odd and entertaning horror film, but I can see how this played well at film festivals. The characters in the film were very interesting, as they didn't seem clichéd or boring. I liked that how the filmmakers made the hero of the story totally different from those in other horror films today. But the best part of the film was the last 20 minutes, as it grabbed my attention and was entertaining. The acting was good and there's plenty of gore shots that horror fans will enjoy. Murder Party is one of the weirdest and most original horror films out there this year. For More information on this film, you can goto www.myspace.com/murderparty07 . 4 Stars. Not Rated. 80 Mins.
Death By Engagement
Death By Engagment is about a man (Brandon Largent) who on his wedding day was left at the altar. He then begins to snap, as he becomes obsessed with the ring that he used to propose to his girlfriend, in which belongs to his mother (P.J. Soles). Soon he begins to leave a bloody trail in which a couple of detectives (Sascha Knopf, Aaron MacPherson) begin to follow the trail of the ring, which keeps bouncing from one unlucky bride to the next. Will the detectives be able stop this rampage before any more brides die? Christa Campbell (2001 Maniacs) and Ivari Limon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) also co-star in the film. Death by Engagement is very good film. I thought the story was interesting. I liked how the filmmakers connected the different stories to the ring, as it made the film interesting. The acting in the film was very good, as it made the film entertaining and watchable. The only drawback in the film was it didn't feel suspenseful enough for me, but nonetheless the acting and the story still made the film good to watch. For more information on this film, you can goto www.myspace.com/death_by_engagement 3.5 Stars. Not Rated. 99 Mins.
Am I Evil ?
Am I Evil is about a normal guy who has everything, a good relationship with his brother, a girlfriend who loves him and a best friend who likes to hang out with him. But unknown to everyone, he has an evil side that make him do horrifically things to fulfill his darkest fantasies. Am I Evil is one of the most disturbing and shocking underground horror films, I’ve ever seen. With that said, I thought this was also the best film, I saw at the Rhode Island International Horror Festival. A lot of the credit for this film has to go to director/writer Richard Terassi who won the Best Direcor award at the festival. He did a great job, by making this film a character study piece instead of a typical homicidal manic film. The direction of the film was great. I liked how he kept going back and forth with using color and black and white frames to give the film its eerie and disturbing feel. Also, I thought he really got very good performance from his lead actor, as he portraying this frightening character very well. The musical score of the film was very good, as it was another component to making this film terrifying. I hope someone in the movie distribution business will distribute this film on DVD as its a frightening psychological film that deserve to put out on store shelve. Am I Evil is a Psychological horror film that’s definitely not for the weak of heart. Am I Evil is currently playing on the festival circuit. For more information on this film, you can goto www.myspace.com/RichardTerassi. 4 Stars. Not Rated. 104Mins.
New Releases
DVD Pick of the Week
Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror
Planet Terror is the Robert Rodriguez’s half of the Grindhouse film that was released together with Death Proof, back in April. The film is about a virus that infects a small Texas Town turning people into zombies. It’s up to a group of survivors to find a way out of town before the zombies get them. The feature stars Rose McGowan (TV’s Charmed), Freddy Rodriguez (TV’s Six Feet Under), Marley Shelton, and Bruce Willis (Live Free or Die Hard). I thought it was a fun movie to watch. Planet Terror moves along at a good pace. I like the way that Rodriguez gives the feel of 60’s grindhouse films with the aged picture and the missing reel. The action sequences were action packed and very gory at times. He’s great at directing these action sequences, as they were entertaining. Marley Shelton’s character Dr Dakota Block kind of reminded me of the bride in Kill Bill vol. 1 &2. Also note that the Machete trailer that was apart of the Grindhouse film is at the beginning of this film. It was my favorite fake trailer of the bunch. Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror was fun to watching this film because it don’t take it’s self too seriously like other films from that era. 5 Stars. Not Rated. 104 Mins.
That’s it for this week’s edition of the movie blog. I’ll be back this weekend hopefully, after I celebrate my birthday with my reviews of Reign On Me, and the final two films in Horrorfest 2007. The Cradle and Dark Corner. Until then, have a good day.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
In Theaters
Across The Universe
Across the Universe is the latest film from director Julie Taymor (Frida). The film is a sixties period piece set to the tone of the music from The Beatles. It's about a British dockworker named Jude (Jim Struggles) who travels to America to find his long lost estranged father working at a university. There he meets Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) a woman who ius the sister of a friend (Joe Anderson), he meets at the university. Later the two would fall in love. Soon their relationship is threaten, when Lucy joins a peace activist group after her brother was sent to Vietnam. Jude then becomes jealous and start's thinking that she's having an affair with the leader of the group. Can their relationship survive through the troubles they are having and would the film live up to my expectations? Bono, Joe Cocker and Eddie Izzard make cameo appearances, in the film. Thankfully, Across the Universe did live up to my expectations, as my most anticipated film of the fall. Director Julie Taymor makes this movie special through the visual images, as it kept me glued to the screen. The music in the film was great, especially during the music sequences that featured Joe Cocker and Bono. Also, the imagery was great to watch, as it was perfect for the big screen. The screenwriters did a really good job with the story. The characters were interesting and I liked the way the songs made senses with the movie as a whole because the movie doesn't work, if the songs don't fit the flow of the movie. The performances were very good, as there weren't many headlining stars in the film. Both Jim Struggles and Evan Rachel Wood gave good solid performances. They both had good chemistry and their performances kept the story going. Across the Universe is the most visual compelling musical film that I have seen, since Pink Floyd's The Wall. 5 Stars. Rated PG-13. 131 Mins.
Horrorfest 2007
Murder Party
Murder Party is one of the first releases on Magnolia Entertainment's new label Magnet Entertainment. The film is about an average person named Chris, who finds an invitation to a costume party on the eve of Halloween. Soon, he get more that he bargains for when he goes to the party, where a group of artists wants to kill him artistically for an art grant. But when the group starts to fall apart, Chris knows that must survive the chaos within the group to survive the night. Murder Party has played in various major festivals this year, including Slamdance, where it won the Audience Award and the South by Southwest film festival. This was a very enjoyable movie, as it was a very odd and entertaning horror film, but I can see how this played well at film festivals. The characters in the film were very interesting, as they didn't seem clichéd or boring. I liked that how the filmmakers made the hero of the story totally different from those in other horror films today. But the best part of the film was the last 20 minutes, as it grabbed my attention and was entertaining. The acting was good and there's plenty of gore shots that horror fans will enjoy. Murder Party is one of the weirdest and most original horror films out there this year. For More information on this film, you can goto www.myspace.com/murderparty07 . 4 Stars. Not Rated. 80 Mins.
Death By Engagement
Death By Engagment is about a man (Brandon Largent) who on his wedding day was left at the altar. He then begins to snap, as he becomes obsessed with the ring that he used to propose to his girlfriend, in which belongs to his mother (P.J. Soles). Soon he begins to leave a bloody trail in which a couple of detectives (Sascha Knopf, Aaron MacPherson) begin to follow the trail of the ring, which keeps bouncing from one unlucky bride to the next. Will the detectives be able stop this rampage before any more brides die? Christa Campbell (2001 Maniacs) and Ivari Limon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) also co-star in the film. Death by Engagement is very good film. I thought the story was interesting. I liked how the filmmakers connected the different stories to the ring, as it made the film interesting. The acting in the film was very good, as it made the film entertaining and watchable. The only drawback in the film was it didn't feel suspenseful enough for me, but nonetheless the acting and the story still made the film good to watch. For more information on this film, you can goto www.myspace.com/death_by_engagement 3.5 Stars. Not Rated. 99 Mins.
Am I Evil ?
Am I Evil is about a normal guy who has everything, a good relationship with his brother, a girlfriend who loves him and a best friend who likes to hang out with him. But unknown to everyone, he has an evil side that make him do horrifically things to fulfill his darkest fantasies. Am I Evil is one of the most disturbing and shocking underground horror films, I’ve ever seen. With that said, I thought this was also the best film, I saw at the Rhode Island International Horror Festival. A lot of the credit for this film has to go to director/writer Richard Terassi who won the Best Direcor award at the festival. He did a great job, by making this film a character study piece instead of a typical homicidal manic film. The direction of the film was great. I liked how he kept going back and forth with using color and black and white frames to give the film its eerie and disturbing feel. Also, I thought he really got very good performance from his lead actor, as he portraying this frightening character very well. The musical score of the film was very good, as it was another component to making this film terrifying. I hope someone in the movie distribution business will distribute this film on DVD as its a frightening psychological film that deserve to put out on store shelve. Am I Evil is a Psychological horror film that’s definitely not for the weak of heart. Am I Evil is currently playing on the festival circuit. For more information on this film, you can goto www.myspace.com/RichardTerassi. 4 Stars. Not Rated. 104Mins.
New Releases
DVD Pick of the Week
Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror
Planet Terror is the Robert Rodriguez’s half of the Grindhouse film that was released together with Death Proof, back in April. The film is about a virus that infects a small Texas Town turning people into zombies. It’s up to a group of survivors to find a way out of town before the zombies get them. The feature stars Rose McGowan (TV’s Charmed), Freddy Rodriguez (TV’s Six Feet Under), Marley Shelton, and Bruce Willis (Live Free or Die Hard). I thought it was a fun movie to watch. Planet Terror moves along at a good pace. I like the way that Rodriguez gives the feel of 60’s grindhouse films with the aged picture and the missing reel. The action sequences were action packed and very gory at times. He’s great at directing these action sequences, as they were entertaining. Marley Shelton’s character Dr Dakota Block kind of reminded me of the bride in Kill Bill vol. 1 &2. Also note that the Machete trailer that was apart of the Grindhouse film is at the beginning of this film. It was my favorite fake trailer of the bunch. Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror was fun to watching this film because it don’t take it’s self too seriously like other films from that era. 5 Stars. Not Rated. 104 Mins.
That’s it for this week’s edition of the movie blog. I’ll be back this weekend hopefully, after I celebrate my birthday with my reviews of Reign On Me, and the final two films in Horrorfest 2007. The Cradle and Dark Corner. Until then, have a good day.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
10/14 Edition of the Anthony T Movie Blog
Welcome to this week's edition of my movie blog. Things are going good today. This week is going to be a fun week for me. I'll finally have a chance to see Across the Universe and for the first time, I am going to go and be part of a film festival as I'm volunteering at the Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival Thursday night and then going out Saturday afternoon as a fan. It should be a fun time watching films with people who have a common interest, such as me.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
Horrorfest 2007
The Murder Game
The Murder Game is about a group of teenagers who invent a game, in which a killer stalks victims with a prop weapon before being found out by the other contestants. But the game takes a deadly turn, when the kids are getting murdered for real. Now they must find the real murderer and stop them, before they all die one by one. The Murder Game is movie that kind of reminded me of Scream a little bit, where it was a horror/mystery movie. I thought the film was creepy and suspenseful. The film is the first feature film from director Robert Harari. I thought he really did a good job with the production value of the film, as it looked very good for a low-budget film. He also did a great job in directing the actors in the film, as their performances were very good. The screenplay was also good, as the killer wasn't predictable which helped make the film suspenseful. Fans of Scream and the mystery/horror genre will enjoy this flick. For more information on The Murder Game, please go to www.myspace.com/themurdergame. 4 Stars. Unrated. 86 Mins.
Shadow Puppets
Shadow Puppets is about a group of strangers, who wake up in a locked asylum ward. Not knowing how they got there or who they are, they must find out what is happening to them. But there's a supernatural force lurking to kill them all before they discover the truth of what's going on with them James Madsen (Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Jolean Balock (Star Trek: Enterprise), and Tony Todd (Candyman, Hatchet) Shadow Puppets could have been easily been shown on the Sci-fi Channel. The acting was good, as that wasn't the problem with this film. I just could not get into the film until the last half hour of the film, as it made me interested for the first time because it was suspenseful all of a sudden. Before that it felt like a slow moving film waiting for something to happen. Shadow Puppets is a movie that could have been better with more action but overall the acting in the film made it watchable for me. For more information on this movie goto www.myspace.com/shadowpuppetsmovie. 2.5 Stars. Not Rated. 103Mins.
Dead Line
Dead Line is a short film about a group of college kids who spend a summer vacation at an isolated cabin. Their vacation takes a turn for the worse when Jane (Adriel Joy) starts receiving mysterious phone calls. Soon, their vacation of fun, takes a violent turn. I thought Dead Line was a very good psychological slasher short film. It didn't have the feel of a mindless b-movie slasher film. Michael Fatale (the film's director) does a very good job with the screenplay, as it's focuses on character development and story. The production value of the film was also good. The interaction of the actors was very good, as the acting didn't feel amateurish and it kept my interest in the story. Dead Line was a very interesting little horror film and I look forward to seeing more of Michelle Fatale's work in the near future. For more information on this film and how you can purchase it, you can go to www.myspace.com/deadlinethemovie. 4 Stars. Not Rated. 36 Mins.
New Releases on DVD
You Kill Me
You Kill Me is one of those films I've been waiting to see but it wasn't playing anywhere in my area, until now. The film is the latest film from director John Dahl, who directed the movies Rounders, The Last Seduction and Red Rock West. His latest film, You Kill Me, is about an alcoholic hit man (Ben Kingsley) who works for the mob in Buffalo, New York. There, he messes up his assignment when he drank on the job in which, put the family business in danger. After that happens his uncle sends him to San Francisco to get cleaned up. While there, he has to go to AA meetings, find someone to sponsor him there, and work in a mortuary where he meets a woman (Tea Leoni) who is devoid of boundaries. Luke Wilson (Vacancy, My Super Ex-Girlfriend) Philip Baker Hall (Hard Eight, Zodiac), Bill Pullman (Independence Day, The Last Seduction) and Dennis Farina (Snatch, Law and Order) also co-star. You Kill Me was a very good film. John Dail goes a really good job directing this film because the acting is good and the movie moves at a good pace. The acting was pretty good as Ben Kinsley was great as the hit man, in this film. I think this is one of his best performances since Sexy Beast. Both, he and Tea Leoni were great together on-screen. The screenplay was good as the dark humor worked for me. You Kill Me is nice dark edgy comedy for the summer movie season. 4 Stars. Rated R. 93 Min.
DVD Pick of the Week
28 Weeks Later
The zombies are back in 28 Weeks Later. It's the sequel to the 2003 hit 28 Days Later. The film takes places six months after the initial outbreak of the rage virus, where the US Army has restored order and stability to London, England. The film follows the story of a father, who is reunited with his children, after they've been separated due to the outbreak. Everything returns to normal, until a carrier with the rage virus gets into the city and the virus starts spreading again. After watching 28 Weeks Later, I had the same thought after watching Children of Men. It was gloomy and intense but also raised some serious issues. It does a great job in drawing parallels to the war in Iraq, and the Katrina devastation. The film was intense from the first scene on. The camera work in this film helped made it more realistic. Another reason why I enjoyed this film was the character development. It's very rare to see this in horror films these days. It made me care about the character in the film. This film was more terrifying than 28 Days Later, as it had more action and gore. This is the second film from Spanish director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. He does a great job of keeping the intensity level up and getting very good performances from his actors. He did a great job in following the footsteps of Danny Boyle (28 Days Later), who directed the first film and is one of the executive producers of this film. I really hope Juan Carlos Fresnadillo has the chance to make more films in the near future, because he seems to know how to make films more suspenseful and action packed like this one. 28 Weeks Later delivered what I was expecting, a suspenseful and intense horror film. Even though I liked 28 Days Later a lot, this maybe one of those rare sequels, where the second film is better or equal to the first film. 5 Stars. Rated R. 99Min.
That's it for this week's edition of the movie blog. I'll be back next week with my review for Across the Universe and Reign On Me. Until then, have a good day.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
Horrorfest 2007
The Murder Game
The Murder Game is about a group of teenagers who invent a game, in which a killer stalks victims with a prop weapon before being found out by the other contestants. But the game takes a deadly turn, when the kids are getting murdered for real. Now they must find the real murderer and stop them, before they all die one by one. The Murder Game is movie that kind of reminded me of Scream a little bit, where it was a horror/mystery movie. I thought the film was creepy and suspenseful. The film is the first feature film from director Robert Harari. I thought he really did a good job with the production value of the film, as it looked very good for a low-budget film. He also did a great job in directing the actors in the film, as their performances were very good. The screenplay was also good, as the killer wasn't predictable which helped make the film suspenseful. Fans of Scream and the mystery/horror genre will enjoy this flick. For more information on The Murder Game, please go to www.myspace.com/themurdergame. 4 Stars. Unrated. 86 Mins.
Shadow Puppets
Shadow Puppets is about a group of strangers, who wake up in a locked asylum ward. Not knowing how they got there or who they are, they must find out what is happening to them. But there's a supernatural force lurking to kill them all before they discover the truth of what's going on with them James Madsen (Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Jolean Balock (Star Trek: Enterprise), and Tony Todd (Candyman, Hatchet) Shadow Puppets could have been easily been shown on the Sci-fi Channel. The acting was good, as that wasn't the problem with this film. I just could not get into the film until the last half hour of the film, as it made me interested for the first time because it was suspenseful all of a sudden. Before that it felt like a slow moving film waiting for something to happen. Shadow Puppets is a movie that could have been better with more action but overall the acting in the film made it watchable for me. For more information on this movie goto www.myspace.com/shadowpuppetsmovie. 2.5 Stars. Not Rated. 103Mins.
Dead Line
Dead Line is a short film about a group of college kids who spend a summer vacation at an isolated cabin. Their vacation takes a turn for the worse when Jane (Adriel Joy) starts receiving mysterious phone calls. Soon, their vacation of fun, takes a violent turn. I thought Dead Line was a very good psychological slasher short film. It didn't have the feel of a mindless b-movie slasher film. Michael Fatale (the film's director) does a very good job with the screenplay, as it's focuses on character development and story. The production value of the film was also good. The interaction of the actors was very good, as the acting didn't feel amateurish and it kept my interest in the story. Dead Line was a very interesting little horror film and I look forward to seeing more of Michelle Fatale's work in the near future. For more information on this film and how you can purchase it, you can go to www.myspace.com/deadlinethemovie. 4 Stars. Not Rated. 36 Mins.
New Releases on DVD
You Kill Me
You Kill Me is one of those films I've been waiting to see but it wasn't playing anywhere in my area, until now. The film is the latest film from director John Dahl, who directed the movies Rounders, The Last Seduction and Red Rock West. His latest film, You Kill Me, is about an alcoholic hit man (Ben Kingsley) who works for the mob in Buffalo, New York. There, he messes up his assignment when he drank on the job in which, put the family business in danger. After that happens his uncle sends him to San Francisco to get cleaned up. While there, he has to go to AA meetings, find someone to sponsor him there, and work in a mortuary where he meets a woman (Tea Leoni) who is devoid of boundaries. Luke Wilson (Vacancy, My Super Ex-Girlfriend) Philip Baker Hall (Hard Eight, Zodiac), Bill Pullman (Independence Day, The Last Seduction) and Dennis Farina (Snatch, Law and Order) also co-star. You Kill Me was a very good film. John Dail goes a really good job directing this film because the acting is good and the movie moves at a good pace. The acting was pretty good as Ben Kinsley was great as the hit man, in this film. I think this is one of his best performances since Sexy Beast. Both, he and Tea Leoni were great together on-screen. The screenplay was good as the dark humor worked for me. You Kill Me is nice dark edgy comedy for the summer movie season. 4 Stars. Rated R. 93 Min.
DVD Pick of the Week
28 Weeks Later
The zombies are back in 28 Weeks Later. It's the sequel to the 2003 hit 28 Days Later. The film takes places six months after the initial outbreak of the rage virus, where the US Army has restored order and stability to London, England. The film follows the story of a father, who is reunited with his children, after they've been separated due to the outbreak. Everything returns to normal, until a carrier with the rage virus gets into the city and the virus starts spreading again. After watching 28 Weeks Later, I had the same thought after watching Children of Men. It was gloomy and intense but also raised some serious issues. It does a great job in drawing parallels to the war in Iraq, and the Katrina devastation. The film was intense from the first scene on. The camera work in this film helped made it more realistic. Another reason why I enjoyed this film was the character development. It's very rare to see this in horror films these days. It made me care about the character in the film. This film was more terrifying than 28 Days Later, as it had more action and gore. This is the second film from Spanish director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. He does a great job of keeping the intensity level up and getting very good performances from his actors. He did a great job in following the footsteps of Danny Boyle (28 Days Later), who directed the first film and is one of the executive producers of this film. I really hope Juan Carlos Fresnadillo has the chance to make more films in the near future, because he seems to know how to make films more suspenseful and action packed like this one. 28 Weeks Later delivered what I was expecting, a suspenseful and intense horror film. Even though I liked 28 Days Later a lot, this maybe one of those rare sequels, where the second film is better or equal to the first film. 5 Stars. Rated R. 99Min.
That's it for this week's edition of the movie blog. I'll be back next week with my review for Across the Universe and Reign On Me. Until then, have a good day.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
10/6 Edition of The Anthony T Movie Blog
Welcome to this week’s edition of my movie blog. It’s a busy month for film festivals and conventions, as there are a lot of them around. So I figured, I would highlight them in my opening this week. Here’s a list of some of the festivals and conventions that are happening this month.
Eerie Horror Fest
Erie, PA October 10 - 14
Woodstock Film Festival
Woodstock, NY. October 10 - 14
Rock and Shock Horror Convention
Worcester Mass. October 12 -14
Terror Film Festival
Philadelphia, PA October 16 -21
Bang Bang Film Festival
Philadelphia, PA. October 17 – 21
Hollywood Film festival
Hollywood, CA. October 17 - 22
Rhode Island International Horrror
Providence, RI October 18 -21
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
Toronto, Canada October 19 - 25
It Came From Lake Michigan Film Fest
Milwaukee, Ws. October 25 – 28
Full Moon Horror Convention and Film Festival.
Little Rock, AK. October 26 - 28
Big Bear Lake Horror Film Festival
Big Bear Lake CA. November 2 - 3
Please go out and support independent filmmaking by going these festivals.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
Horrorfest 2007
Bad Reputation
Bad Reputation is the first film to kick off Horrorfest 2007. The film is about a high-school girl (Angelique Hennessy), who thinks that the students have accepted her, when she is invited to a party. During the party, things go horribly wrong for her, when someone put drugs into her drink. Then she is raped and the student body makes fun of her. She then begins to exact her revenge by murdering the people that tormented her. It’s amazing how independent horror has become watch-able again for me. Bad Reputation was a very good film. It’s very rare for me to enjoy a slasher film where you don’t care for the victims at all, but it works for this film. I liked how the story developed in the first thirty minutes, where I felt sorry for the main character and you hated the kids that were doing this to her. I also like the fact that the screenplay didn’t get carried away with offing various characters for no apparent or stupid reasons which plague some low budget horror films. I thought Angelique Hennessy did a good job the material that she was given in the film. Bad Reputation is good film for those who love revenge slasher films. For more information on this film, go to www.myspace.com/badreputationmovie. 4 Stars. Not Rated.
Stupid Teenagers Must Die
Stupid Teenagers Must Die is group of teenagers in the 1980’s are having a séance in a haunted house, where all the typical 80’s characters in horror films are there. Soon eerie things start to happen in the house where a serial killer used to live and the teenagers start to die a bloody death. The remaining teenagers must fight this supernatural force and stay alive. Will they get to safety or will they end up dying a horrible death. Stupid Teenagers Must Die is good campy B-movie fun. The film does suffer from its little budget and the fact the screenplay spends, a lot of time parodying 80’s horror movies. But I enjoyed the film’s humor that made it a fun mindless guilty pleasure film to watch. B Movie fans will have a fun time watching this film. For more information, on Stupid Teenagers Must Die, go to www.myspace.com/stupidteenagers. 3.5 Stars. Not Rated. 76 Mins
New Releases on DVD
Maang Lung (Dragon Heat)
Dragon Heat is one the latest film on the Weinstein’s Dragon Dynasty label. The film is about a crime lord who goes missing before he stands trial. It’s up to a group of elite Interpol agents that’s assembled to bring the crime lord back to stand trail. In order to capture him they have must go through a mysterious and very armed enemy. Michael Biehn (Grindhouse, The Terminator), Maggie Q (M.I 3, Live Free or Die Hard), and Shawn Yue (Infernal Affairs) also co-star. The filmmakers of War should take notes on how to make an effective Chinese action film because this was a very effective and violent action packed film. The film does good job developing its characters and telling a good story throughout the film. I thought the action sequence were very good and smart, as the sequences made it entertaining to watch and not redundant. I thought the performance were also good in the film. Dragon Heat was a nice escape from the action movies that Hollywood usually puts out. 4 Stars. Not Rated. 110 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
1408
1408 is the latest movie to be adapted from a Stephen King story. The film stars John Cusack (Gross Point Blank, High Fidelity) as an author who’s written two books that focuses on supernatural phenomena. Then one day, he receives a postcard telling them about a room 1408 in a New York hotel. Obsessed about the postcard, he’s determined to stay a night in the room and research the strange occurrences of that room. Will he make it out alive or will he end up another victim of that room? The film also co-stars Samuel L. Jackson (Black Snake Moan, Snakes on a Plane) and directed by Mikael Hafstrom (Derailed). I was surprised that I really enjoyed this film a lot, even thought it was rated PG-13. This is coming from a person, who dislikes PG-13 horror films. The rating for the film was biggest fear going into this because it might not be frightening enough for me or horror genre fans, as it might fall into the trap that many PG-13 horror films go though, by having no major scares or no story. Mikael Hafstrom does great job in creating a dark atmosphere that makes the film frightful and suspenseful. It also pushing the boundaries of what a PG-13 horror film can do. Also, I enjoyed John Cusack’s performance in the film. He was great and kept me interested in suspense throughout the film. It’s also one of those movies, where if the lead performance wasn’t very good or great then the movie was going to suffer because he’s on-screen by himself for most of the film. Also, don’t be fooled by the advertising that Samuel L. Jackson plays a major role in this film. He only on-screen for a short time but goes give a very great supporting performance, as the manger of the hotel that has this haunted room. 1408 is one of the best horror films to be released this year. It’s the most frightening film I’ve seen in theaters, since The Blair Witch Project back in 1999 and genre fans will enjoy checking into room 1408. 5 Stars. Rated PG-13. 108 Mins.
That’s it for this week’s edition of the movie blog. I’ll be back mid-week with this month edition of The Underrated Movie Blog on my myspace page. It will include two horror films that some of you might not have heard of. Until then, have a good day.
Eerie Horror Fest
Erie, PA October 10 - 14
Woodstock Film Festival
Woodstock, NY. October 10 - 14
Rock and Shock Horror Convention
Worcester Mass. October 12 -14
Terror Film Festival
Philadelphia, PA October 16 -21
Bang Bang Film Festival
Philadelphia, PA. October 17 – 21
Hollywood Film festival
Hollywood, CA. October 17 - 22
Rhode Island International Horrror
Providence, RI October 18 -21
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
Toronto, Canada October 19 - 25
It Came From Lake Michigan Film Fest
Milwaukee, Ws. October 25 – 28
Full Moon Horror Convention and Film Festival.
Little Rock, AK. October 26 - 28
Big Bear Lake Horror Film Festival
Big Bear Lake CA. November 2 - 3
Please go out and support independent filmmaking by going these festivals.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
Horrorfest 2007
Bad Reputation
Bad Reputation is the first film to kick off Horrorfest 2007. The film is about a high-school girl (Angelique Hennessy), who thinks that the students have accepted her, when she is invited to a party. During the party, things go horribly wrong for her, when someone put drugs into her drink. Then she is raped and the student body makes fun of her. She then begins to exact her revenge by murdering the people that tormented her. It’s amazing how independent horror has become watch-able again for me. Bad Reputation was a very good film. It’s very rare for me to enjoy a slasher film where you don’t care for the victims at all, but it works for this film. I liked how the story developed in the first thirty minutes, where I felt sorry for the main character and you hated the kids that were doing this to her. I also like the fact that the screenplay didn’t get carried away with offing various characters for no apparent or stupid reasons which plague some low budget horror films. I thought Angelique Hennessy did a good job the material that she was given in the film. Bad Reputation is good film for those who love revenge slasher films. For more information on this film, go to www.myspace.com/badreputationmovie. 4 Stars. Not Rated.
Stupid Teenagers Must Die
Stupid Teenagers Must Die is group of teenagers in the 1980’s are having a séance in a haunted house, where all the typical 80’s characters in horror films are there. Soon eerie things start to happen in the house where a serial killer used to live and the teenagers start to die a bloody death. The remaining teenagers must fight this supernatural force and stay alive. Will they get to safety or will they end up dying a horrible death. Stupid Teenagers Must Die is good campy B-movie fun. The film does suffer from its little budget and the fact the screenplay spends, a lot of time parodying 80’s horror movies. But I enjoyed the film’s humor that made it a fun mindless guilty pleasure film to watch. B Movie fans will have a fun time watching this film. For more information, on Stupid Teenagers Must Die, go to www.myspace.com/stupidteenagers. 3.5 Stars. Not Rated. 76 Mins
New Releases on DVD
Maang Lung (Dragon Heat)
Dragon Heat is one the latest film on the Weinstein’s Dragon Dynasty label. The film is about a crime lord who goes missing before he stands trial. It’s up to a group of elite Interpol agents that’s assembled to bring the crime lord back to stand trail. In order to capture him they have must go through a mysterious and very armed enemy. Michael Biehn (Grindhouse, The Terminator), Maggie Q (M.I 3, Live Free or Die Hard), and Shawn Yue (Infernal Affairs) also co-star. The filmmakers of War should take notes on how to make an effective Chinese action film because this was a very effective and violent action packed film. The film does good job developing its characters and telling a good story throughout the film. I thought the action sequence were very good and smart, as the sequences made it entertaining to watch and not redundant. I thought the performance were also good in the film. Dragon Heat was a nice escape from the action movies that Hollywood usually puts out. 4 Stars. Not Rated. 110 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
1408
1408 is the latest movie to be adapted from a Stephen King story. The film stars John Cusack (Gross Point Blank, High Fidelity) as an author who’s written two books that focuses on supernatural phenomena. Then one day, he receives a postcard telling them about a room 1408 in a New York hotel. Obsessed about the postcard, he’s determined to stay a night in the room and research the strange occurrences of that room. Will he make it out alive or will he end up another victim of that room? The film also co-stars Samuel L. Jackson (Black Snake Moan, Snakes on a Plane) and directed by Mikael Hafstrom (Derailed). I was surprised that I really enjoyed this film a lot, even thought it was rated PG-13. This is coming from a person, who dislikes PG-13 horror films. The rating for the film was biggest fear going into this because it might not be frightening enough for me or horror genre fans, as it might fall into the trap that many PG-13 horror films go though, by having no major scares or no story. Mikael Hafstrom does great job in creating a dark atmosphere that makes the film frightful and suspenseful. It also pushing the boundaries of what a PG-13 horror film can do. Also, I enjoyed John Cusack’s performance in the film. He was great and kept me interested in suspense throughout the film. It’s also one of those movies, where if the lead performance wasn’t very good or great then the movie was going to suffer because he’s on-screen by himself for most of the film. Also, don’t be fooled by the advertising that Samuel L. Jackson plays a major role in this film. He only on-screen for a short time but goes give a very great supporting performance, as the manger of the hotel that has this haunted room. 1408 is one of the best horror films to be released this year. It’s the most frightening film I’ve seen in theaters, since The Blair Witch Project back in 1999 and genre fans will enjoy checking into room 1408. 5 Stars. Rated PG-13. 108 Mins.
That’s it for this week’s edition of the movie blog. I’ll be back mid-week with this month edition of The Underrated Movie Blog on my myspace page. It will include two horror films that some of you might not have heard of. Until then, have a good day.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
9/30 Edition of the Anthony T Movie Blog
Welcome to this week's edition of my movie blog. I'm getting ready Horrorfest 2007, in which I will review films in the independent horror genre for this blog. It will be a change of pace, from what I usually do, as it will be more horror heavy than usually, for this month only. I still have plans on reviewing other movies like Reign On Me during this month, for those not into independent horror. Without further explanation, here is the list of the films that I will be reviewing for Horrorfest 2007.
Horrorfest 2007
To get information on some of these films, just click on the title.
Bad Reputation
The Cradle
Dark Corners
Death By Engagement
The Murder Game
Murder Party
Shadow Puppets
Stupid Teenagers Must Die
Each week in October, I will review two of those films and after Horrorfest is over, I'll let you know, which film received the honor of Best of Horrorfest 2007.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
New Releases on DVD
Knocked Up
Knocked Up is the follow up to Judd Apatow's The 40 Year Old Virgin, a film that I thought was good but not great. This romantic comedy is about a slacker named Ben (Seth Rogan), whom has a one-night stand with an up and coming career girl named Alison (Katherine Heigl). Eight weeks later, he finds that she's pregnant with his child. The film co-stars Paul Rudd (Anchorman, The 40-Year Old Virgin) and Leslie Mann and features cameos from Harold Ramis (director of Caddyshack, and Groundhog Day), Ryan Seacrest, and Steve Carell (The Office (US) and the upcoming Evan Almighty). This film was a laugh out loud riot. Judd Apatow did a great job in making a movie that is funny, while dealing with the serious issues of pregnancy and relationships. I also liked the fact that the film didn't have to rely on gross-out humor too much, which has plagued most comedies these days. This film was also Seth Rogan's breakout role. He's very entertaining and funny throughout the film. I hope he gets to star in more films, in the near future. The other performances were also funny especially from Katherine Heigl and Leslie Mann as Alison' sister, Debbie. Knocked Up is up there with Hot Fuzz, as one of the year's funniest comedies. I might be in the minority here, but I have to say this film was better and funnier then The 40-Year Old Virgin. 5 Stars. Rated R. 129Min.
Bug
Bug is the latest film from the director of The Exorcist and The French Connection, William Friedkin. Ashley Judd stars as Anges, a lonesome woman who is lives in a motel room when she is introduces to a man (Michael Shannon) who's a Gulf War veteran and thinks that the government is brainwashing people. Slowly, he begins to brainwash her with his ideas and begin a tender romance until her abusive ex (Harry Connick Jr.), suddenly shows up to see her. Soon the lines between reality and paranoid delusion begin to affect Anges, and there is no telling what is real or not. The film is based on the play written by Tracy Letts (who also wrote the screenplay for the film). Bug should have stayed as a play, as it felt like a play, not a movie. The screenplay really hurt this film as it was confusing and felt weird. The movie moves at a slow pace, which makes it dull and depressing to watch. The characters in the film were dry and lifeless. The acting in this film was good but not enough to keep my interest in this film. Bug is a boring drama that should have stayed as a play only. 2 Stars. Rated R. 103 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
The Camden 28
The Camden 28 is a documentary about the trial of 28 Vietnam protesters in 1973. The accused were either priests or devoted Catholics. They were on trial for braking into a New Jersey draft board in 1971, a crime in which they were acquitted for. The Camden 28 is a must see documentary. Director Anthony Guiacchino made this documentary interesting to watch for someone who hasn't heard about this story. He also gets both sides of the story and going into detail of this trial and the back-stories within it. I liked the fact that the movie included old news footage from back in the early 70's and their reunion back in May of 2002. I thought the subjects were very interesting and went into great detail about the events, for those who haven't been around when this event occurred. The Camden 28 was a fascinating look at a bunch of people who stood up to the government during a controversial war and that's why it's my DVD Pick of the week. For more information on The Camden 28, go to www.camden28.org 5 Stars. Not Rated. 83Mins.
That's it for this week's edition of the movie blog. Next week I will hopefully have time to see Dragon Heat for review and the reviews for the first two films in Horrorfest 2007. Until next time, have a good day.
Horrorfest 2007
To get information on some of these films, just click on the title.
Bad Reputation
The Cradle
Dark Corners
Death By Engagement
The Murder Game
Murder Party
Shadow Puppets
Stupid Teenagers Must Die
Each week in October, I will review two of those films and after Horrorfest is over, I'll let you know, which film received the honor of Best of Horrorfest 2007.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
New Releases on DVD
Knocked Up
Knocked Up is the follow up to Judd Apatow's The 40 Year Old Virgin, a film that I thought was good but not great. This romantic comedy is about a slacker named Ben (Seth Rogan), whom has a one-night stand with an up and coming career girl named Alison (Katherine Heigl). Eight weeks later, he finds that she's pregnant with his child. The film co-stars Paul Rudd (Anchorman, The 40-Year Old Virgin) and Leslie Mann and features cameos from Harold Ramis (director of Caddyshack, and Groundhog Day), Ryan Seacrest, and Steve Carell (The Office (US) and the upcoming Evan Almighty). This film was a laugh out loud riot. Judd Apatow did a great job in making a movie that is funny, while dealing with the serious issues of pregnancy and relationships. I also liked the fact that the film didn't have to rely on gross-out humor too much, which has plagued most comedies these days. This film was also Seth Rogan's breakout role. He's very entertaining and funny throughout the film. I hope he gets to star in more films, in the near future. The other performances were also funny especially from Katherine Heigl and Leslie Mann as Alison' sister, Debbie. Knocked Up is up there with Hot Fuzz, as one of the year's funniest comedies. I might be in the minority here, but I have to say this film was better and funnier then The 40-Year Old Virgin. 5 Stars. Rated R. 129Min.
Bug
Bug is the latest film from the director of The Exorcist and The French Connection, William Friedkin. Ashley Judd stars as Anges, a lonesome woman who is lives in a motel room when she is introduces to a man (Michael Shannon) who's a Gulf War veteran and thinks that the government is brainwashing people. Slowly, he begins to brainwash her with his ideas and begin a tender romance until her abusive ex (Harry Connick Jr.), suddenly shows up to see her. Soon the lines between reality and paranoid delusion begin to affect Anges, and there is no telling what is real or not. The film is based on the play written by Tracy Letts (who also wrote the screenplay for the film). Bug should have stayed as a play, as it felt like a play, not a movie. The screenplay really hurt this film as it was confusing and felt weird. The movie moves at a slow pace, which makes it dull and depressing to watch. The characters in the film were dry and lifeless. The acting in this film was good but not enough to keep my interest in this film. Bug is a boring drama that should have stayed as a play only. 2 Stars. Rated R. 103 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
The Camden 28
The Camden 28 is a documentary about the trial of 28 Vietnam protesters in 1973. The accused were either priests or devoted Catholics. They were on trial for braking into a New Jersey draft board in 1971, a crime in which they were acquitted for. The Camden 28 is a must see documentary. Director Anthony Guiacchino made this documentary interesting to watch for someone who hasn't heard about this story. He also gets both sides of the story and going into detail of this trial and the back-stories within it. I liked the fact that the movie included old news footage from back in the early 70's and their reunion back in May of 2002. I thought the subjects were very interesting and went into great detail about the events, for those who haven't been around when this event occurred. The Camden 28 was a fascinating look at a bunch of people who stood up to the government during a controversial war and that's why it's my DVD Pick of the week. For more information on The Camden 28, go to www.camden28.org 5 Stars. Not Rated. 83Mins.
That's it for this week's edition of the movie blog. Next week I will hopefully have time to see Dragon Heat for review and the reviews for the first two films in Horrorfest 2007. Until next time, have a good day.
Monday, September 24, 2007
9/24 Edition of The Anthony T Movie Blog
Welcome to this week’s edition of my movie blog. Sorry for being late on this edition. Been a little under the weather but I’m better now. Paramount’s finally have a release date for David Fincher’s cut of Zodiac. According to davisdvd.com, the 2-disc edition of the film will be in stores on January 8th. It is definitely good news to hear that it’s being released in January. Hopefully, this is push to get this film some Oscar nominations, which it rightfully deserves. It’s the best film, I’ve seen so far this year. Also you can now find The Movie Blog on Blogspot too at anthonythurber.blogspot.com.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
In Theaters
3:10 To Yuma
3:10 to Yuma is the latest film from James Mangold (Copland, Girl, Interrupted). The film is about a rancher (Christian Bale) who agrees to help transport a captured outlaw (Russell Crowe) to the train station, so the outlaw can stand trial in Yuma, for his crimes. On their way there, the outlaw tries to escape him and the group by playing mind game them. With his gang of ruthless thugs trying to set the outlaw, the rancher must get him on the train to Yuma, before he is set free by his gang. 3:10 to Yuma is an action-packed western. James Mangold goes a great job keeping the action moving, as there was never a dull moment in the film. I liked how the screenplay tells the story of the two main characters from two opposite ends from each other. It also had good subplot that explores the relationship between the Dan Evans character and his son. Both Bales and Crowe give great performances. Their on-screen chemistry was great to watch, as they both played off of each other very well. 3:10 to Yuma is a film that western fans will enjoy. 5 Stars. Rated R. 117 Min.
New Releases on DVD
Severance
Severance is about a group of employees from a weapons manufacture company, who are out on a company retreat for the weekend. What was supposed to a weekend for team-building turns deadly, when a crazed and vengeful killer begins to stalk them. Soon their retreat, turns into a fight for survival in the wilderness. Laura Harris (24, and the upcoming TV series Women’s Murder Club) and Toby Stephens (Die Another Day) star in the film directed by Christopher Smith. Severance was a fun movie to watch. Both writer-director Christopher Smith and co-writer James Moran did a great job balancing the horror and comedy elements, as it didn’t get too silly or too over the top. Also, the humor didn’t make the villains in the film laughable, which is needed to make a successful horror-comedy. The characters in the film were great, as they were entertaining and not too stupid. Severance will satisfy both fans of The Office and gory films. 4 Stars. Rated R. 96 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof
Death Proof is a send-up of the seventies slasher and drag racing movies where a stuntman (Kurt Russell) who stalks beautiful women with his car. Soon a group of young women (Rosario Dawson, Zoe Bell, and Tracie Thoms) will begin to fight back and try to end Stuntman Mike’s reign of terror. Rose McGowan (Planet Terror) and Eil Roth (director of Hostel and Cabin Fever) also star in the film. The film Death Proof is the serious film of these two Grindhouse films. When we look back at Quentin Tarantino’s career twenty years from now, Death Proof will be his most underrated film. There is a lot of character development here. While some people complained about the film being slow and too talky, I had no problem with, as it made me care about the female characters that were being put in danger here. Also, it helps makes the last half of the film more suspenseful. Also I liked the acting in the film. Kurt Russell gives a great performance in the film, as he was very entertaining. The stunts in the film were great, as they felt realistic and kept the suspense going. Even though I enjoyed both films when I saw Grindhouse back in April, Death Proof was the best film of the two and that’s why it’s my DVD pick of the week. 5 Stars. Unrated. 113 Mins.
I’ll back with a new edition of the movie blog this weekend, which will include reviews for Bug, and Dragon Heat. Until next time, have a good day.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Stars – Totally Awful
In Theaters
3:10 To Yuma
3:10 to Yuma is the latest film from James Mangold (Copland, Girl, Interrupted). The film is about a rancher (Christian Bale) who agrees to help transport a captured outlaw (Russell Crowe) to the train station, so the outlaw can stand trial in Yuma, for his crimes. On their way there, the outlaw tries to escape him and the group by playing mind game them. With his gang of ruthless thugs trying to set the outlaw, the rancher must get him on the train to Yuma, before he is set free by his gang. 3:10 to Yuma is an action-packed western. James Mangold goes a great job keeping the action moving, as there was never a dull moment in the film. I liked how the screenplay tells the story of the two main characters from two opposite ends from each other. It also had good subplot that explores the relationship between the Dan Evans character and his son. Both Bales and Crowe give great performances. Their on-screen chemistry was great to watch, as they both played off of each other very well. 3:10 to Yuma is a film that western fans will enjoy. 5 Stars. Rated R. 117 Min.
New Releases on DVD
Severance
Severance is about a group of employees from a weapons manufacture company, who are out on a company retreat for the weekend. What was supposed to a weekend for team-building turns deadly, when a crazed and vengeful killer begins to stalk them. Soon their retreat, turns into a fight for survival in the wilderness. Laura Harris (24, and the upcoming TV series Women’s Murder Club) and Toby Stephens (Die Another Day) star in the film directed by Christopher Smith. Severance was a fun movie to watch. Both writer-director Christopher Smith and co-writer James Moran did a great job balancing the horror and comedy elements, as it didn’t get too silly or too over the top. Also, the humor didn’t make the villains in the film laughable, which is needed to make a successful horror-comedy. The characters in the film were great, as they were entertaining and not too stupid. Severance will satisfy both fans of The Office and gory films. 4 Stars. Rated R. 96 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof
Death Proof is a send-up of the seventies slasher and drag racing movies where a stuntman (Kurt Russell) who stalks beautiful women with his car. Soon a group of young women (Rosario Dawson, Zoe Bell, and Tracie Thoms) will begin to fight back and try to end Stuntman Mike’s reign of terror. Rose McGowan (Planet Terror) and Eil Roth (director of Hostel and Cabin Fever) also star in the film. The film Death Proof is the serious film of these two Grindhouse films. When we look back at Quentin Tarantino’s career twenty years from now, Death Proof will be his most underrated film. There is a lot of character development here. While some people complained about the film being slow and too talky, I had no problem with, as it made me care about the female characters that were being put in danger here. Also, it helps makes the last half of the film more suspenseful. Also I liked the acting in the film. Kurt Russell gives a great performance in the film, as he was very entertaining. The stunts in the film were great, as they felt realistic and kept the suspense going. Even though I enjoyed both films when I saw Grindhouse back in April, Death Proof was the best film of the two and that’s why it’s my DVD pick of the week. 5 Stars. Unrated. 113 Mins.
I’ll back with a new edition of the movie blog this weekend, which will include reviews for Bug, and Dragon Heat. Until next time, have a good day.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
9/15 Edition of The Anthony T Movie Blog
Welcome to this week's edition of my movie blog. Things have been going good. This is the first post on blogspot.com. For all those who have read my myspace, don't worry I will still be posting there. Another blog entry that I've just started on myspace called The Underrated Film Blog will be a myspace exclusive. To read that go to www.myspace.com/anthonythurber. Also I've all ready started on new material for October, where I'm going to put the spotlight on independent horror films with the first annual Horrorfest on this blog. I wanted to do this because I haven't covered much horror on myspace, even thought I'm a fan of the genre. Each week starting in October, this blog entry will be showcasing two independent horror films per week. I've already have five films that will be reviewed during Horrorfest 2007. So that means, I'm opened to suggestions, on the final three films and if any filmmaker wants to send me a copy of their full length feature or short horror film, for me to review, please feel free to get in contact with me via email through my profile page on myspace or email me at anthonythurber@hotmail.com. I don't expect anyone to take me up on that offer, but I'm very opened to reviewing your film, if you're serious about it, just send me an email. I'll unveil the list of films, on the weekend of September 28th, in this blog.
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Star – Totally Awful
In Theaters
Shoot ‘Em up
Clive Owens (The Inside Man and the upcoming Elizabeth: The Golden Age) is back with his latest action film Shoot ‘Em Up. Owens plays a man named Mr. Smith, who wants to be left alone in life until he runs into a pregnant woman being attacked by thugs and then has to deliver her baby during a shootout. Mr. Smith then, has to protect the child after the child’s mother was murdered by an eccentric deceitful hit man (Paul Giamatti) and his numerous henchmen. Will Mr. Smith survive this mess and protect the baby. Michael Davis (Monster Man) directed the film with Monica Bellucii co-staring. Shoot ‘Em Up was a fun action movie to. I thought the action sequences and the editing of this film were much better than in War, a movie I reviewed a couple of weeks ago. Clive Owens seems to be one of those actors that seem to do no wrong, in his selection of films. He was the perfect choice to play Mr. Smith in this film, as he greatly projects that tough guy image that’s needed in these noir/pulp films. Both he and Paul Giamatti had great chemistry together onscreen. I was nice to Paul Giamatti play something that’s different from what he has been doing as of lately and he does it well. Fans of Grindhouse and Sin City will enjoy this film a lot. Shoot ‘Em up is a high octane action film that won’t leave you disappointed. 5 Stars. Rated R. 88 Mins
Hatchet
Hatchet is a film that has been gaining a lot of buzz online and support from various horror publications. The film is about two friends (Deon Richmond, Joel Moore) who are in New Orleans for Mardi gras. They deicide to go on a haunted swamp tour for night of fun, but a mysterious man named Victor Crowley (Kane Hodder) is going to turn their trip into a gruesome nightmare. Horror legends, Robert England (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon) Tony Todd (Candyman, Final Destination) also co-stars in this film. Hatchet was a very frightening film. The film lives up to one of its taglines "Old School American Horror". The film's director Adam Green does a great job in setting up the characters, by building up the characters in the first half-hour. He also puts in a little humor during that time which helped set up the characters. The acting was good, along with the production value, as it didn't feel like your typical low-budget horror film. I'm looking very forward to Adam Green's next film Spiral, in which he co-directs with Joel Moore. I highly urge you to check out Hatchet this weekend, if it's playing in a theater near you, so were not subject to needless remakes and dreaded PG-13 horror films. 5 Stars. Rated R. 83 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
Away From Her
Grant (Gordon Pinsent) and Fiona (Julie Christie) have been married for almost fifty year. Up to this point, their marriage has been good. However, when Fiona begins to suffer from Alzheimer's disease and ends up in a nursing home. When there, Fiona becomes acquainted with another man who is confined to a wheel chair there. This puts her relationship with Grant to the test, as their relationship begins to drift away. Away From Her is the directorial debut from actress Sarah Polley (Dawn of the Dead (2004), Go) and is based on the short story "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" by Alice Munro. Away From Her is truly, one of the year's best films. Polley did an effective job exploring the effect of Alzheimer's and how it impacts others, who have loved ones suffering from the disease. The screenplay, in which she also wrote, explored the relationship between the Pinsent and Christie character very well. It also made very invested in the Pinsent character, as it made me feel sorry that he was helpless, in trying to get his wife to remember him. Both, Gordon Pinsent and Julie Christie gave Academy Award level performances in the film. Hopefully, we will get a chance to see Sarah Polley direct more films in near future, as this was truly a great film to watch. 5 Stars. Rated PG-13. 110Mins.
That's it for this edition of the movie blog. Until next time, have a good day
Reviews
Rating System
5 Stars – Highly Recommended
4 Stars – Recommended
3 Stars – Good / Average Film
2 Stars – Disappointing Film
1 Star – Totally Awful
In Theaters
Shoot ‘Em up
Clive Owens (The Inside Man and the upcoming Elizabeth: The Golden Age) is back with his latest action film Shoot ‘Em Up. Owens plays a man named Mr. Smith, who wants to be left alone in life until he runs into a pregnant woman being attacked by thugs and then has to deliver her baby during a shootout. Mr. Smith then, has to protect the child after the child’s mother was murdered by an eccentric deceitful hit man (Paul Giamatti) and his numerous henchmen. Will Mr. Smith survive this mess and protect the baby. Michael Davis (Monster Man) directed the film with Monica Bellucii co-staring. Shoot ‘Em Up was a fun action movie to. I thought the action sequences and the editing of this film were much better than in War, a movie I reviewed a couple of weeks ago. Clive Owens seems to be one of those actors that seem to do no wrong, in his selection of films. He was the perfect choice to play Mr. Smith in this film, as he greatly projects that tough guy image that’s needed in these noir/pulp films. Both he and Paul Giamatti had great chemistry together onscreen. I was nice to Paul Giamatti play something that’s different from what he has been doing as of lately and he does it well. Fans of Grindhouse and Sin City will enjoy this film a lot. Shoot ‘Em up is a high octane action film that won’t leave you disappointed. 5 Stars. Rated R. 88 Mins
Hatchet
Hatchet is a film that has been gaining a lot of buzz online and support from various horror publications. The film is about two friends (Deon Richmond, Joel Moore) who are in New Orleans for Mardi gras. They deicide to go on a haunted swamp tour for night of fun, but a mysterious man named Victor Crowley (Kane Hodder) is going to turn their trip into a gruesome nightmare. Horror legends, Robert England (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon) Tony Todd (Candyman, Final Destination) also co-stars in this film. Hatchet was a very frightening film. The film lives up to one of its taglines "Old School American Horror". The film's director Adam Green does a great job in setting up the characters, by building up the characters in the first half-hour. He also puts in a little humor during that time which helped set up the characters. The acting was good, along with the production value, as it didn't feel like your typical low-budget horror film. I'm looking very forward to Adam Green's next film Spiral, in which he co-directs with Joel Moore. I highly urge you to check out Hatchet this weekend, if it's playing in a theater near you, so were not subject to needless remakes and dreaded PG-13 horror films. 5 Stars. Rated R. 83 Mins.
DVD Pick of the Week
Away From Her
Grant (Gordon Pinsent) and Fiona (Julie Christie) have been married for almost fifty year. Up to this point, their marriage has been good. However, when Fiona begins to suffer from Alzheimer's disease and ends up in a nursing home. When there, Fiona becomes acquainted with another man who is confined to a wheel chair there. This puts her relationship with Grant to the test, as their relationship begins to drift away. Away From Her is the directorial debut from actress Sarah Polley (Dawn of the Dead (2004), Go) and is based on the short story "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" by Alice Munro. Away From Her is truly, one of the year's best films. Polley did an effective job exploring the effect of Alzheimer's and how it impacts others, who have loved ones suffering from the disease. The screenplay, in which she also wrote, explored the relationship between the Pinsent and Christie character very well. It also made very invested in the Pinsent character, as it made me feel sorry that he was helpless, in trying to get his wife to remember him. Both, Gordon Pinsent and Julie Christie gave Academy Award level performances in the film. Hopefully, we will get a chance to see Sarah Polley direct more films in near future, as this was truly a great film to watch. 5 Stars. Rated PG-13. 110Mins.
That's it for this edition of the movie blog. Until next time, have a good day
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