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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)