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
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