Title: The Hiking Trip
Review Date: January, 2010
Year: 2007
Director: Robert Parent
Starring:
Kortney Adams ... Tracy Young
Kelly Cook ... Nurse
David Lawrence ... Doctor Morgan
Dennis Lemoine ... Todd Lincoln
Leah Polacco ... Stephanie Brooks
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Gabriel Film Group
Distributor: Seminal Films www.seminalfilms.com
Running time: 90 minutes
Official Website: www.gabrielfilmgroup.com
THE HIKING TRIP is about a young woman named Tracy, ventures out with some friends on a hiking trip that turns into a nightmare. That is her story but will anyone believe her? For Tracy, even reality becomes a place of terror. After waking up in a hospital with no connection to the outside world and no exits, she pleads with a mysterious doctor for answers. The further Tracy progresses through her psychiatric evaluation, the stranger her story become. She must unravel the mystery of her past and learn the fate of her friends before she goes insane.
Made for a micro budget, THE HIKING TRIP is an excellent film. The title leads one to think of this as just another horror in the woods film which couldn’t be further from the truth. This is a chilling psychological horror film with a European style plot that is rarely seen in American films. Combining elements from films to numerous to mention, THE HIKING TRIP takes the audience inside its own mind until by the end you are having trouble distinguishing reality from fantasy, horror from help and truth from fantasy.
The film stars and the plot centers on Tracy Young (Kortney Adams). Remember her name because she is a very good actress and you will be hearing more from her. She does an excellent job of taking herself and us on a journey of exploration into the past and into ourselves. Adams is also a Black actress and it is a rarity in a Horror film to see a plot based on a “character of color.” While the role could have been played equally as well by an actress of any other color or creed, the choice of Adams breaks conventions and adds an element of tension to the plot that is very unnerving. I don’t want to explain this in more detail as it will ruin the film for many of you and THE HIKING TRIP deserves to be seen, not explained. Actually it deserves to be seen more than once!
THE HIKING TRIP will be in stores by May, 2010. You may have trouble finding it at Blockbuster because of its age but you will be able to buy it online as well as renting it from smaller chains and from Netflix. It also deserves to be in the library of every aficionado of really good horror films.
Review Rating: FIVE STARS.
"The Hiking Trip": Official Trailer
In part one of our preview of the 2010 Afterdark Horrorfest, we preview "Dread" "Kill Theory", "The Final" And "The Graves", which you can view by clicking this link. Today, we preview the rest of the films that are apart of this year's festival.
"Hidden"
HIDDEN is the story about a young man, Kai Koss (aka KK,) who unwillingly returns to the small town he ran from 19 years ago. His cruel mother has recently died, and left him the house he grew up in. He means to leave as soon as he has made all the necessary arrangements, but with his heritage comes dark and deadly secrets, and KK soon finds himself tangled up in a series of event that seem beyond anyone’s control…
Not everyone in the small town is happy to see him back, and when a young couple out camping disappears, his troubles become overwhelming. The shadows of the past hover over him as he tries to tackle the present, and it turns out that he has spent the past two decades trying to forget. only to find that there are some things that you just can’t run from.
The film stars:
Directed by Pal Oie
"Hidden": Official Trailer
"Lake Mungo"
In Lake Mungo, sixteen-year-old Alice Palmer drowns while swimming in the local dam. When her body is recovered and a verdict of accidental death returned, her grieving family buries her. The family then experiences a series of strange and inexplicable events centered in and around their home. Profoundly unsettled, the Palmers seek the help of psychic and parapsychologist, Ray Kemeny. Ray discovers that Alice led a secret, double life. A series of clues lead the family to Lake Mungo where Alice’s secret past emerges.
The film stars: Talia Zucker, Rosie Traynor, David Pledger and Martin Sharpe
Written and Directed by Joel Anderson
"Lake Mungo": Official Trailer
"The Reeds"
In THE REEDS, a weekend boating trip through the Norfolk Broads becomes a terrifying, deadly ordeal for six 20-something year old friends.
Aboard the Corsair Star, a small cruiser rented from Mr. Croker, the local marina operator, the boating party loses its bearings and cuts through the vast reedy tidewater in search of the main channel. After the first casualty by a freak accident, the boat runs aground.
Every effort to preserve themselves and find a way out fails, as one by one the friends are terrorized by young punks and killed by a hooded man with a gun. There is no escaping this vast waterway, a place of endless return, presided over by Croker who killed a group of young people decades before and initiated the hellish curse which traps all who take passage on the Corsair Star.
The film stars The film stars: Scarlett Alice Johnson, Geoff Bell, Emma Catherwood, O.T. Fagbenle, and Will Mellor.
Directed by Nick Cohen
"The Reeds": Official Trailer
"Zombies of Mass Destruction"
In ZMD, a conservative island community is under attack! Port Gamble, Washington is being overrun with braineaters, and the people seem powerless to stave them off. A rag tag band of rebels led by Frida (Janette Armand), an Iranian college student suspected of being an Iraqi terrorist, and Tom (Doug Fahl), a gay business man who has returned to town with his partner to come out to his mother, tries to turn the tide and push the invading hoards of undead back.
The film stars: Janette Armand, Doug Fahl, Cooper Hopkins, Bill Johns, Russell Hodgkinson
Directed by Kevin Hamedani
"ZMD:Zombies of Mass Destruction": Official Trailer
The 2010 Afterdark Horrorfest takes place on January 29th through Febuary 4th. For more information on this festival, you can vist thier official website at http://www.horrorfestonline.com/
Welcome to the 217th series of my series. This week I pay tribute to the late Mark Christian and Willie Mitchell. This was a very hard one to put together and I can see I put a lot of unknown things on there but I'm satisfied with these results. I won't be doing a dvd review this week as I did not get this installment put together quick enough. I'll try to do one next week.
Rock Hudson's Home Movies (1992): This is my tribute to the late Mark Christian who was a lover of Rock Hudson. This is a rather strange documentary put together and directed by Mark Rappaport which is mostly film clips of the so-called gay subtext. Eric Farr narrates this movie as though he is Rock Hudson and explaining his life and the subtext of many of his scenes. This is far from professional and likely the same thing with the accuracy and Eric Farr just was not that believable to me as Rock Hudson. I have seen a few Rock Hudson films and I have always liked him and I separate his sexuality and lifestyle from the films he was in. Maybe I should see the gay references but I guess I just don't have that kind of intelligence to do so. However, through it all, it was a good effort by Rappaport and intriguing legacy of Rock Hudson. I was only able to find this available as an instant watch in Netflix so it was worth a shot and it's only an hour long.
Scent of a Woman (1974): Notice the year so no this is not the Al Pacino film where he finally won Best Actor. That one is a remake of this Italian film from Dino Risi. This was not easy to obtain, in fact I got it from ebay which the DVD is actually an import from Italy but luckily compatible to my DVD player and it had english subtitles to make it watchable for me. Vittorio Gassman plays the role of blind, eccentric Captain Consolo. Alessandro Momo plays army cadet Giovanni which Consolo nicknames Ciccio. Ciccio then accompanies the Captain on a long trip to Naples where the Captain has some business to finish. Ciccio then must put up with Consolo's bad behavior and all the orders that he gives. It is unfortunate I had to find this on ebay where I could not just get it on Netflix because this is a very good movie and so is the 1992 version in my opinion. The two leads work very well together and is a pretty fun film which is pretty easy to understand even with subtitles.
Grips, Grunts, and Moans (1937): This is my short film for the week. My mom's boyfriend decided to record the whole 3 STOOGES marathon to DVR and as a wrestling fan took note of this interesting episode. The Stooges become managers to the World Champion Bustoff but then he gets drunk and also due to their clumsiness is not able to wrestle. When this happens, the stooges learn there is a lot of money riding on Bustoff and get Larry to stand-in for him against one of the best. He finds that he does not have the strength of his opponent so Moe and Curly must come up with comical ways to stay in the fight. I did not recognize any of the names of the people who played wrestlers. I do have some expertise in wrestling but have not heard of these people if they were real wrestlers but it was cool to see wrestling in the 30s though.
The Browning Version (1951): I found this British film on TCM. Michael Redgrave stars as professor Andrew Crocker-Harris. He has a heart ailment and is forced to retire from his school. On his last day he reflects on his early days and on becoming such a hated professor with his students and colleagues. He is also denied his pension and has a wife who is having an affair with the science teacher. It shows how years in the job can really effect someone. The movie had a hard time really getting out to public as downbeat as it was. This was not like the 1939 film GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS where Mr. Chips was to retire with a good career and reputation. Redgrave is great as the professor who is trying to come to peace with his difficult years and uncertain future.
Inspector Morse: Masonic Mysteries (1990): This is actually an episode of the British tv series INSPECTOR MORSE but I decided to use it here since it is feature length and directed by Danny Boyle. John Thaw plays the title character who has investigated and solved many complicated murder mysteries but has a different situation when he is framed for the murder of a female friend. He must dig very deep to find who is doing everything possible to frame him. There are a lot of references to Mozart's opera MAGIC FLUTE which he is a big fan of and that is the show they were in when the friend was killed. This one moves pretty well and an early work from the promising Danny Boyle whose movie SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE won Best Picture last year at the Oscars.
D.O.A. (1950): I found this classic on TCM. Edmond O'Brien stars as accountant Frank Bigelow who learns he has been poisoned with no cure and about a day to a week to live. Frank then sets out to find the person who poisoned him and why where he runs into a lot of strange characters on the way. This was a very well done film-noir with a man going very deep to find his killer. It was also well shot where he is explaining to the police that he was dying and giving flashbacks of what happened. This one is absolutely worth a watch. I hope I can get this back on the radar.
The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On (1987): I was looking for an 80s film and came across this interesting documentary on the Link channel. This documentary follows a Japanese man named Kenzo Okuzaki, a survivor of WW2 who was very controversial with the rulers like Hirohito and committed many crimes. He has a very dark past and goes around speaking to other survivors involved to the truth on things that happened during the war. This was not easy to watch and Okuzaki was a very violent man as he showed in front of the camera but still a rather compelling documentary.
The Birds (1963): I bring you the "Master of Suspense" Alfred Hitchcock. Tippi Hedren stars as playgirl Melanie Daniels, a playgirl who comes to a small Northern California town in pursuit of a possible boyfriend, played by Rod Taylor. Pretty soon after she arrives, many bizarre bird attacks happen and they get worse as crows, seasgulls and many other birds team up to wreak havoc in the small town. Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette, and Veronica Cartwright also co-star. This is the closest Hitchcock ever came to directing a conventional horror film showing what can happen if our feathered friends attack. It was pretty disturbing to watch on the big screen tv at the house even now. Hedren was actually cut by one of the birds as Hitch went through some extreme measures towards the birds and there was a history of Hedren and Hitchcock not getting along well but it was well worth it for this final product.
Hellboy (2004): This is my tribute to Willie Mitchell who actually co-wrote the song LET'S STAY TOGETHER sung by Al Green which was featured in the film. Let me admit something. This is the first time I saw this film and any other sequels or animated films. I finally got to it and decided it was time to try it and possibly put it here and I did. Guillermo Del Toro wrote and directed this movie based on the comic book. Ron Perlman stars as the title character who is a demon raised in infancy and is out to fight the forces of darkness. John Hurt co-stars as Professor Broom who raises Hellboy and teaches him to grow up. Doug Jones co-stars as an aquatic demon named Abe Sapien who David Hyde Pierce does the voice for but did not take a credit. Jones was still very good in his portrayal of the character and came up with a lot of his movement. Selma Blair plays a more conflicted woman who has the gift of fire which she has had a hard time controlling but begins to learn. Rupert Evans, Jeffrey Tambor, and many others co-star. This movie focuses a lot on Hellboy learning of who he is and showing him in a difficult life where he must stay in hiding as much as possible. There is still some great action and effects and a very enjoyable film. I'm sure I'll be checking out the others soon. Perlman played the part very well. Del Toro had to do a lot of convincing to get Perlman in that part as the studios wanted Vin Diesel. That shows, they need to listen to the director more. Mike Mignola was the creator of the comic book and it was brought to life very well.
In Bruges (2008): Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson star as two hitmen who are in Bruges, Belgium after a difficult job. They are good friends and have a lot of interesting discussions despite their way of life. Gleeson is the more philosophical and Farrell is friendly but a rather loose cannon whose mouth gets him in trouble. Farrell plays Ray and in Bruges he is set to do a job but really screws up. Ralph Fiennes co-stars as the ruthless crime boss who wants Gleeson to kill him. There is also an interesting sub-plot where Farrell meets a beautiful girl who deals drugs and gets to know the actors of a movie set including the midget star. It is really hard to describe this but has some dark humor and some pretty good dialogue. It was very entertaining, even Colin Farrell who just always gets in some kind of trouble.
Well, that is it for this week. Tell me what you like and do not like. Stay tuned for next week which so far includes Evan Rachel Wood, Rene Russo, Bruce Willis, a documentary, and more from director Danny Boyle which makes him the most used director of 2010 so far. I am going to keep track of the actors and directors I use for the year of 2010. So far the most used actor is Tippi Hedren who was in last week's feature THE COUNTESS FROM HONG KONG which was Chaplin's last film. I'm sure that lead will change soon but for now Tippi Hedren in two weeks is the most used actress.
You might have noticed on our youtube page that we started to post some of trailers for the 2010 After Dark Horrorfest that starts this friday and lasts to Febuary 4th, in select theaters. We here are helping you horror fans get ready for this year festival by previewing each of the eight films to die in 2 Parts. The first part will deal with the first four trailers that we posted on the site last week.
"Dread"
Red-hot young star Jackson Rathbone, fresh from the smash film TWILIGHT SAGA and the upcoming THE LAST AIRBENDER, stars in the stylish horror/thriller DREAD. Stephen (RATHBONE) and Cheryl (Hanne Steen, INSATIABLE) are college students making a documentary about what people dread in life. But they have no idea that their partner Quaid (Shaun Evans, BOY A, TELSTAR), witnessed his parents being murdered by an axe-wielding lunatic and wants to make others experience his own personal horror. The three set out to document people revealing their life’s most terrifying moments. But Quaid quickly grows bored with mere interviews and decides to take the study to a much more visceral level, causing all three to become vulnerable as they reveal their fears in front of the camera. Just as Stephen and Cheryl realize they have partnered with a madman, they also find themselves subjects of the hideous experiment they brought to life… learning more about fear and dread than any human mind can stand. Clive Barker, the Godfather of modern horror/fantasy and the creator of the Hellraiser and Candyman Series, produced DREAD. His protégé Anthony DiBlasi, co-producer of the upcoming HELLRAISER and executive producer on BOOK OF BLOOD and MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN, masterfully directs DREAD, the second film in the terrifying BOOK OF BLOOD franchise, with mind-blowing special effects from Artem (TROY, TOMB RAIDER 2). For millions of horror fans worldwide, there will be no greater dread than missing this landmark of terror.
Cast:
Jackson Rathbone, Shaun Evans, Laura Donnelly, Hanne Steen
Director:
Anthony DiBlasi
"Dread" Official Trailer
"Kill Theory"
Are you capable of the unthinkable? That’s the question seven college students face when they visit a secluded vacation home to celebrate graduation and are put to a horrific test by a mysterious killer. By 6 am the following morning, only one of them can remain alive. Whoever that person is will be allowed to walk away with his or her life.
However, if morning comes and more than one is still breathing, everyone dies. Trapped in a deadly game, they’re forced to kill one another in order to survive. Friends and couples must test their trust, and as the clock ticks away: alliances form, tension escalates, and hope begins to fade. Some will fight for love, some to survive, but all will change. Because deep down… we’re all killers.
CAST:
Don McManus, Ryanne Duzich, Teddy Dunn, Daniel Franzese, Agnes Brucker
DIRECTOR:
Chris Moore
"Kill Theory": Official Trailer
"The Final"
In the scenic and remote country of Rocky Branch, Texas, the Workley ranch house would become the infamous scene known internationally on the internet as “The Final.”
Dane, an awkward student with a deadly vendetta and suicidal tendencies, leads a group of outcasts who plot to avenge the years of humiliation they faced by the popular students at Hohn High School. Employing ideas inspired both from their classes as well as from horror films they watched, the outcast turn the tables on the popular students who made sport of them.
After receiving a lake-house granted to him in his uncle’s will, Dane and his friends, Jack, Ravi, Andy and Emily prepare for a single night that will leave their tormentors scarred for life…physically and emotionally.
CAST:
Marc Donato, Jascha Washington, Whitney Hoy, Justin Arnold, Travis Tedford
DIRECTOR:
Joey Stewart
"The Final": Official Trailer
"The Graves"
Synopsis:
On their last weekend together, Megan and Abby Graves are lost in a remote part of the Arizona desert where they are lured to Skull City Mine, an abandoned mine town. But they soon learn Skull City is anything but abandoned — and there’s no way out.
The sisters are now prey, forced to unleash their most primitive instincts in a desperate, all-out battle for survival against unspeakable horrors — both human and supernatural.
Can they unlock the terrifying secrets of Skull City in time to save themselves or will they become the latest in a long line of victims?
Stars:
Clare Grant, Jillian Murray, Bill Moseley, Lamb of God singer D. Randall Blythe and Tony Todd.
Written & Directed by Brian Pulido
Official Website: www.thegravesmovie.com
"The Graves": Official Trailer
Title: Death in Love
Review Date: January, 2010
Year: 2008
Director: Boaz Yakin
Starring:
Morena Baccarin
Emma Bell ... Young Girl
Jacqueline Bisset ... Mother
Jean Brassard ... Young Girl's Father
Adam Brody ... Talent Agent
Fabrizia Dal Farra ... Concentration Camp Woman
Francis Dumaurier ... Old Lawyer
Seth Fisher ... Hotel Receptionist
Kelli Giddish ... Young Mother
Lukas Haas ... Youngest Son
Laura Holloway ... Woman #1
Jamie Hurley ... Woman Tending Child
Vanessa Kai ... Asian Woman
Josh Lucas ... Eldest Son
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributor: Screen Media films
Running time: 97 minutes
Official Website: http://www.deathinlovethefilm.com/
A family’s dangerous legacy unravels as a mother’s desperate concentration camp choices haunt the lives and loves of her and her sons. In 1990’s New York City, her eldest son, (Josh Lucas) finds a way out of his tailspin of one night stands, violent sexual encounters and scams when he befriends a charming co-worker (Adam Brody, while his brother (Lucas Hass) struggles in a compulsive, co-dependent relationship with their mother (Jacqueline Bissett). Meanwhile, the love from the mothers past has come for her; with chilling consequences for all parties.
DEATH IN LOVE is a guilty pleasure. It has excellent writing and directing by Boaz Yakin and remarkable acting from a terrific cast with a tour de force performance from Jacqueline Bissett and Josh Lucas. The production values are also excellent as well as the editing by John F Lyons and a well integrated score by Lesley Barber. It is like a bag of potato chips, you cannot put it down once you open it up.
Using World War II concentration camp decisions as the foundation for the story, you are equally repulsed and attracted to these characters. But the redeeming quality of DEATH IN LOVE is that it is believable. Terribly believable. The emotional pain of a man portrayed by Josh Lucas throughout the story is one of the most mesmerizing performances I have ever seen. I have seen it portrayed in a scene, never so consistently for an entire film.
In addition, DEATH IN LOVE is sexy and sensual as it is painful. It is almost a horror film but is saved from that genre by the high level of its production value on all points.
I highly recommend it but caution you that it will take you on an emotional roller coaster that while not for the faint of heart, will definitely give you much to talk about.
Review Rating: FIVE STARS
Pretty Dead Things
Year: 2006
Director: Richard Griffin
Stars: Danielle Lozeau, Patrick Pitu, William DeCoff
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Scorpio Film Releasing
Running Time: 89 Mins
Official Website: http://www.myspace.com/prettydeadthingsmovie
“Pretty Dead Things” is horror film that was finished in 2006, but mostly recently made its debut on DVD from Scorpio Film Releasing after sitting in the company’s vaults.
The film is a very twisted vampire film about four vampires, who were former porn stars with names like, Shelby St. Exxmin, Rex Van Horn, Shane Starkweather and Jennifer Bond. Two of them decide to lure a pizza delivery boy to their room one night and turn him into a vampire. Enjoying their lifestyle, the vampires are enjoying the lust and blood sucking. The corrupt mayor of Providence begins to take notice of their actions. Soon he along with his spiritual advisor meets up with the same pizza boy that’s hell-bent on revenge. While that’s happening, Bond begins to rethink everything in her life, including her past relationship with a porn director, before becoming one of them, in this crazy vampire film.
“Pretty Dead Things” is one of the weirdest and most wildest vampire film that you will ever see. Richard Griffin, who’s done very entertaining micro-budgeted films in the past such as “Feeding the Masses”, “Splatter Disco” and most recently “Nun of That”, has done his most outrageous film yet. His direction was for this film was just off the wall. One of the things that make this film entertaining, the film doesn’t take itself too seriously, as it’s a homage to the grindhouse horror and exploitation films of the seventies. Griffin does that by making some of the various scenes very gory, as the screen is covered in blood. It makes the action fun to watch on screen. He also did a very good job moving the pace of the film. By moving the film at a good pace, you don’t get bored.
One of the things that an ultra low budget film needs is a cast that is interested in the material and has fun with it, if the script calls from it. Griffin seems to know when to let his actors and actresses have fun and when to be serious with the material with the material. This film was no different, as the performances were very good and really got me into the flow of the film. It makes a film of this caliber, very fun to watch.
The screenplay also makes this film entertaining. Griffin and screenwriter Sandeep Parkin did a very good job making this vampire film very different to the ones that I’m accustomed to seeing. One of the things that this screenplay does well, the way the writers time the humor with the drama and action that goes on during the course of the film. Some of the jokes and dialogue were written very well that you couldn’t help but laugh. The screenwriters also do a good job developing the main character for most of the film with the backstory and the relationship that she has with another character. It gets lost toward the end, but this is not a serious film because there is enough craziness and violence that goes on that makes you forgive about its misgivings.
I’ve seen countless number of vampire films, but “Pretty Dead Things” is maybe the most craziest vampire film I’ve ever seen and you’ll have a fun time watching this film.
To order this film, you can goto the official Scorpio Film Releasing website at: http://scorpiofilmreleasing.net/
Review Rating: Four Stars
"Pretty Dead Things": Official Trailer
Academy Award®-winning directors Joel and Ethan Coen return to their comedy roots with this original and darkly humorous story about one ordinary man’s quest to become a serious man. Physics professor Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) can’t believe his life: His wife is leaving him for his best friend, his unemployed brother won’t move off the couch, someone is threatening his career, his kids are a mystery and his neighbor is tormenting him by sunbathing nude. Struggling to make sense of it all, Larry consults three different rabbis and their answers lead him on a twisted journey of faith, family, delinquent behavior and mortality in the film critics rave is “seriously awesome!” (Michael Hogan, Vanity Fair)
BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAY™ HI-DEF:
Unleash the power of HDTV and experience A Serious Man with perfect picture and purest digital sound.
BONUS FEATURES (BLU-RAY™ HI-DEF AND DVD):
BECOMING SERIOUS: Explore the creative vision behind A Serious Man and see why it’s the Coen brothers’ most personal film.
CREATING 1967: Take a tour of the Minneapolis neighborhoods and set pieces used in the film.
HEBREW AND YIDDISH FOR GOYS: Unravel the mysteries of the Hebrew and Yiddish language.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION (BLU-RAY™ HI-DEF):
Street Date: February 9, 2010
Copyright: 2010 Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Selection Number: 62106375
Running time: 1 Hour, 46 Minutes
Layers: BD-50
Picture Format: WidescreenAspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Rating: R (for language, some sexuality/nudity and brief violence)Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Sound: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish DTS Surround 5.1, French DTS Surround 5.1
TECHNICAL INFORMATION (DVD):
Street Date: February 9, 2010
Copyright: 2010 Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Selection Number: 62106191
Running time: 1 Hour, 46 Minutes
Layers: Dual layer
Picture Format: Anamorphic WidescreenAspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Rating: R (for language, some sexuality/nudity and brief violence)Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1
CAST AND FILMMAKERS:
Cast: Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Kind, Fred Melamed, Sari Lennick, Adam Arkin, Aaron Wolff, Jessica McManusDirected By: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Written By: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Executive Producer: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Robert Graf
Produced By: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Director of Photography: Roger Deakins
Production Designer: Jess Gonchor
Editor: Roderick Jaynes
Music By: Carter Burwell
Costume Design By: Mary Zophres
Casting By: Ellen Chenoweth, Rachel Tanner
To view the list of cities and states that are hosting this year's horrorfest, you can goto: http://www.horrorfestonline.com/?page_id=796
"2010 After Dark Horrorfest": Official Trailer
Weather Girl
Year: 2009
Director: Blake Weaver
Stars: Tricia O’Kelly, Patrick J. Adams, Mark Harmon
MPAA Rating: R
Studio: Screen Media Film
Running Time: 92 Mins
Official Website: http://weathergirlmovie.com/
“Weather Girl” is a film that I have been personal looking forward to, every since posting the trailer and seeing it on our youtube page back in June. Thankfully, this romantic comedy was worth that wait.
The film is about a Seattle weather girl (Tricia O’Kelly), who’s fired after an on-air incident with her cheating boyfriend (Mark Harmon). Things in her life begin to go downhill, as she is jobless and forced to move in with her younger brother. While stuck there and coping with the fact that her love life came crashing down, she meets one of her brother’s friends (Patrick J. Adams), who offers himself, as a rebound to her past relationship. Can she respond to all the things that are happening in life, in this romantic comedy. The film also co-stars Jane Lynch (“Glee”, “Best in Show”), Kaitlin Olson, Ryan Devlin, Jon Cryer (“Two and a Half Men”) and Blair Underwood (“L.A. Law”).
“Weather Girl” is very fun and entertaining film from actor/director, Blake Weaver. His direction was very solid from start to finish. One of the things that made it good was the way he does a very good job directing the performances. The performances make this film move at a very good pace, as you’re not bored or waiting for something to happen. Weaver makes the performances stand out from with each other. By doing that, it makes the delivery of the humor funny and it also makes the actors that are playing these parts develop a chemistry that needed for a romantic comedy to succeed.
Speaking of the performances, they were very good. Tricia O Kelly was very good, in the lead role. I liked how she does a very good job in making her character, very entertaining. She puts the effort into making her character likable to the point that I cared about this story and everything that was happening. She is not alone here, as there are also a couple of good supporting performances from Mark Harmon, as the womanizing lead anchor of a morning television show and Patrick J Adams, as her brother’s best friend that wants to be in an romantic relationship with Kelly’s character.
Weaver’s screenplay was also very effective. One of the things that make it effective, the screenplay had the ability to balance the character’s struggles with her career while looking for true love. By giving the main character a couple of conflicts, it makes the character interesting, so that you’re interested in the story. Another thing that make it effective, the humor works very well with the material. The humor was timed perfectly, because without it this film becomes boring. Weaver also does a good job creating interesting supporting characters around the main character. Those characters really help the movement of the plot, while bringing humor that makes sense.
“Weather Girl” is a fun little film that you should definitely seek out at your video store. It’s a funny romantic comedy that will definitely keep your interest while in the comfort of your love one.
Review Rating: Four Stars
"Weather Girl": Official Trailer
ONDINE is the enchanting story of Syracuse (Farrell), a lonely fisherman who one day pulls a beautiful woman named Ondine (Bachleda) out of the sea in his nets. His young daughter Annie is convinced that she is a “selkie” —a creature from Irish folklore much like a mermaid. Syracuse has his doubts, but as Ondine brings some luck and joy to his otherwise downcast life, he starts to come around as well. ONDINE deftly blends romance and fantasy with the realism of modern life in an Irish seaside town.
"This film was a labor of love, and I'm looking forward to working with Magnolia to give it the audience it deserves," said director Neil Jordan.
“ONDINE is an incredibly charming work from one of our most original filmmakers,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “Colin Farrell’s performance is fantastic and we’re confident American audiences will fall in love with Ondine.”
Misunderstood upon initial release for its ruthless satire, audiences have since embraced TROMA’S WAR as one of the great anti-war films. The film’s controversial depictions of violence and AIDs, a subject virtually swept under the rug by the media and popular culture in 1988, led to a long battle with the MPAA that resulted in a butchered R-rated cut of the movie. For the upcoming special edition DVD, Troma has lovingly restored the uncut version of the film, making it more than a worthy follow-up to the critically-acclaimed Troma Retro re-release of COMBAT SHOCK.
After achieving major success around the world with the satires THE TOXIC AVENGER and CLASS OF NUKE ’EM HIGH, Kaufman and Herz set out to make the ultimate action satire criticizing Reaganism. Rick Washburn (ANGEL HEART) and Jessica Dublin (FELLINI SATYRICON) lead an ensemble cast of American tourists who crash land on a remote Caribbean island that is home to a ruthless terrorist group. With a multi-million dollar budget, TROMA’S WAR is the famed independent studio’s most expensive and elaborate production. Exclusive bonus features on this special edition DVD include Veteran’s Day: A Post-Tromatic Reunion, “Kill-O-Meter” (all the carnage of TROMA’S WAR with none of the story!), a commentary by director Lloyd Kaufman, vintage interviews with cast and crew, and much more.
“I have long maintained that TROMA’S WAR is our undiscovered masterpiece,” recalls Lloyd Kaufman. “Originally released during the 1980s, a decade of American Cold War machismo, TROMA’S WAR was our answer to Reagan and Rambo… We felt that ‘war’ was a word that seemed to be on everyone’s lips these days. We thought it would be interesting to drop some typical ‘harmless’ citizens of Tromaville into a war environment. We also had some things to say about who is ‘pulling the strings’ concerning war and terrorism.”
After 10 tremendous years of presenting the TromaDance Film Festival (www.tromadance.com) in Park City, Utah, Troma Entertainment recently announced that the 2010 edition of the festival is moving home to New Jersey, home of Tromaville and the Toxic Avenger. The 11th edition of the totally free festival will take place on April 17, 2010 in Asbury Park at the ShowRoom, Asbury Park’s premier independent theater, and the historic Asbury Lanes. Events will include world premiere screenings of truly independent films from around the world, a panel discussion with renowned figures in independent film, live music performances, the iconic TromaDance after-party, and this year for the first time, independent bowling!
Troma would like to convey its immense appreciation for the wonderful people of Park City. Without their support over the last 10 years, the TromaDance Film Festival would never have been possible. For 10 years, TromaDance fought the crass commercialism of Sundance on the streets of Park City. Lloyd Kaufman, TromaDance Film Festival founder, has stated “I believe that TromaDance has had a good effect on Sundance. The Sundance staff are much more supportive of and kinder to independent filmmakers. Also, finally, Sundance is actually presenting an increasing number of truly independent movies – not just those Disney, Miramax, Fox Searchlight, and other vassals of the conglomerates. Furthermore, now that Geoff Gilmore has left Sundance, stirring the soup in Park City just isn’t as much fun.”
Inspired by Trey Parker and founded in 2000 by Lloyd Kaufman, TromaDance is the first film festival wholeheartedly devoted to filmmakers and fans. Unlike every other film festival, TromaDance does not charge filmmakers a fee to submit their films. Entrance to all screenings is free and open to the public. There are no VIP reservations and no preferential treatment of any kind is given regarding admission to films, panels, or parties. The organizers of TromaDance believe films are meant to be seen, especially when it comes to new filmmakers. Art, in all its forms, is for the people!
Funding for TromaDance comes entirely from donations. The festival relies on the generosity of those who believe in its cause. Donations can be submitted online via PayPal, and tax-deductible donations of $100 or more can be submitted online via Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts services organization.
All films submitted to TromaDance in Park City will be considered for the New Jersey festival. The extended deadline for film submissions is now March 20.
Apparition Releasing recently released the teaser trailer and information for the upcoming bio pic, "The Runaways".
Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning star in this music-fueled story of the ground-breaking, all girl, teenage rock band of the 1970s: The Runaways. The film follows two friends, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, as they rise from rebellious Southern California kids to rock stars of the now legendary group that paved the way for future generations of girl bands. Joan and Cherie fall under the Svengali-like influence of rock impresario Kim Fowley, played by Michael Shannon, who turns the group into an outrageous success and a family of misfits. With its tough-chick image and raw talent, the band quickly earns a name for itself—and so do its two leads: Joan is the band’s pure rock’ n’ roll heart, while Cherie, with her Bowie-Bardot looks, is the sex kitten. Written and directed by Floria Sigismondi, the film chronicles Joan and Cherie’s tumultuous relationship on and off stage, as the band starts to break out.
For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at http://runawaysmovie.com/
"The Runaways": Teaser Trailer
We here recently received new character posters and the third official trailer for the upcoming remake of "The Crazies".
Imagine living in a small town where everything is safe and happy…until suddenly it isn’t. Imagine your friends and neighbors going quickly and horrifically insane. In a terrifying tale of the “American Dream” gone horribly wrong, four friends find themselves trapped in their hometown in The Crazies, a reinvention of the George Romero classic directed by Breck Eisner from a screenplay by Ray Wright (Pulse, Case 39) and Scott Kosar (The Amityville Horror, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre).
David Dutten (Timothy Olyphant) is sheriff of Ogden Marsh, a picture-perfect American town with happy, law-abiding citizens. But one night, one of them comes to a school baseball game with a loaded shotgun, ready to kill. Another man burns down his own house…after locking his wife and young son in a closet inside. Within days, the town has transformed into a sickening asylum; people who days ago lived quiet, unremarkable lives have now become depraved, blood-thirsty killers, hiding in the darkness with guns and knives. Sheriff Dutten tries to make sense of what’s happening as the horrific, nonsensical violence escalates. Something is infecting the citizens of Ogden Marsh…with insanity.
Now complete anarchy reigns as one by one the townsfolk succumb to an unknown toxin and turn sadistically violent. In an effort to keep the madness contained, the government uses deadly force to close off all access and won’t let anyone in or out – even those uninfected. The few still sane find themselves trapped: Sheriff Dutten; his pregnant wife, Judy (Radha Mitchell); Becca (Danielle Panabaker), an assistant at the medical center; and Russell (Joe Anderson), Dutten’s deputy and right-hand man. Forced to band together, an ordinary night becomes a horrifying struggle for survival as they do their best to get out of town alive.
The film hits theaters on February 26th.
"The Crazies": Official Trailer #3
KILL THEORY, the eighth and final pick for After Dark Films Horrorfest 4, was announced last week by ADF CEO Courtney Solomon. The national film festival opens January 29, 2010 for one-week in 25 markets.
KILL THEORY was written by Kelly Palmer and directed by Chris Moore (Producer, Good Will Hunting and upcoming Adjustment Bureau). Starring roles are filled by Agnes Bruckner, Patrick Flueger, Taryn Manning, Teddy Dunn, Ryanne Duzich, Daniel Franzese, Theo Rossi, Steffi Wickens, and Kevin Gage. The film was produced by Dan Abrams, Julie Dangel and Amanda White. Adam Rosenfelt, Chris Bender, and Morris Bart also produced.
In KILL THEORY, a group of college friends visit a secluded vacation home to celebrate their impending graduation. The fun doesn’t last long, however. Forced to participate in a deadly experiment by a sadistic psychopath, each friend must kill in order to survive. As tension builds and friendships crack, these friends realize that only one can make it out alive. Loyalties are tested, tensions escalate and hope fades as each one struggles to survive.
Dana Lambert, VP of Acquisitions at After Dark, brokered the deal with Moore, Abrams, and Barry Littman.
States ADF producer Stephanie Caleb, “We have yet another disturbing addition to this year’s Horrorfest. Kill Theory really explores the limitations of friendship and asks the question, ‘What would you do to live another day?’”
Says Director Moore, “The idea in this movie scared the hell out of me. I was so excited to get to make this my directorial debut.” Adds Producer Abrams, “…the psychological grinder that these characters go through is what really grabbed me. It was a great pleasure to work with Chris Moore on his directorial debut and to see him and these fantastic actors tell such an intimately horrifying story.”
Photo courtesy of After Dark Films
Starring: Amy Adams, Matthew Goode
Though a fan of both Amy Adams and Matthew Goode, there is only so much they can do to spruce up a romantic comedy. This is especially true when the direction is as awkward as the direction throughout this movie. There were extra tight close ups when the shot called for a less intense angle, and there were long shots in a scene that required more intimacy. The direction also bounced between a hand held reality feel and something more akin to a travelogue.
On top of the direction was the weak script. There were a few genuinely good moments, but few were because the writing was good. It seemed as if most of the jokes had been recycled from a cheesy cable movie as if no one would have had the intense feeling of déjà vu as they sat threw the viewing like I did. Adams and Goode seemed to be working overtime to do what they could, but there simply was only so far the cast can go to bail out the ship. Though Adams and Goode had chemistry, the writing does not give you much of an inkling as to why they would remotely care for one another. Sure the old romantic comedy adage is that opposites attract but in this instance, it just did not seem like a rational conclusion. The only reason the audience can buy into the story is because Goode and Adams did have chemistry. So my hats off to them for trying to make this thing work.
There is something to be said for the fact that the movie takes place 98% of the time in Ireland and 98% of the dialogue is said with an Irish accent and yet I still felt compelled throughout most of the movie to wonder how much longer I would have to sit through it. I can easily find something positive to say about almost any movie, but I was having great difficulties thinking of things as I sat in that theatre. Perhaps under a different director with another pass made on the script then there could have been something good here. The casting was good and the simple plot a nice one, but there just wasn’t any meat to the tale. The movie felt lifeless and unfinished, like a rough cut or quilt one started sewing in the 8th grade. You can hope it will turn out fine, but neither one of those things will improve unless you work on it.
Unless you are home sick with a broken heart or just need a cheesy little film after a bad week, then I would not give this movie a look. If you do, keep your expectations low and your blood sugar skyrocketing with the euphoria of a sugary treat high.
We recently got ahold of the first and image of the upcoming remake the 80's TV show "The A Team", courtesy of 20th Century Fox.
The film stars: Bradley Cooper(The Hangover), Liam Neeson(Taken), Sharlto Copley(District 9), Jessica Biel(Valentine's Day), and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson and is directed by Joe Carnahan(Narc, Smokin' Aces).
"The A-Team" hits theaters June 10th 2010
"The A-Team": Teaser Trailer
2009 is a year that provided some of the best entertaining and exciting films and some of the worst films where my bottom three films could be consider some of the worst of this decade. Thankfully, I’m here to talk about best films of 09, but first here are my honorable mentions of some of the films that just missed my list.
Honorable Mentions: “Sugar”, “The Badder-Meinhof Complex”, “Ill Divo”, “Our Disappearance”, “9”, “Paranormal Activity”, “Trick R’ Treat”, “The Village Barbershop” and “The Hangover”.
Now on to my top 10 list. This was a big year for Science Fiction films, as I have four of them on my year-end list, starting with the biggest of them all.
10. Avatar
”Avatar” was a film that I was a little wary of going in consider that James Cameron’s last film was possibly the worst film of his career, as “Titanic” was nothing but one boring love story for three hours plus. Thankfully, that was just one movie, as “Avatar” was truly a worth wild movie going experience, as this the first 3D Movie that I could say that you have to see it in 3D. The visuals were truly amazing, as it really adds another depth to the film. Without that, the film is still a very good film, but wouldn’t feel like an event. Without the 3d, there were some very good performances here. I thought that Sam Worthington is much better than in “Terminator Salvation”, even though he did his best to save that film. He does a great job in this film, by getting you invested in the character, so that you’re in invested in the story. I also liked, how this story was told by the point of view of the main character. It makes feel invested in everything that goes on.
When thinking about it a little more in making up this list, I still truly believe that this is one of those rare films, in which the 3D technology it ment for. “Avatar is truly an event film that’s worthy of your time.
“Avatar” is currently in theaters.
9. Away We Go
“Away We Go” is one of those movies that made me feel happy when walking out of the cinema, this past year. Director Sam Mends does very good job getting the directing just right. He gets it that way, by focusing on the two main performances in the film. The way the John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph interact is with one another helps makes this very enjoyable. The reason for that is that they had great chemistry with each other. By having that chemistry, you’re engaged with the story, as they go off traveling.
The screenplay also does a very good with the timing of the humor. This film provides some very funny moments, as they were timed right. It does what most romantic comedies fail to do, offer an entertaining love story to go along with the humor. Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida do a very good job making the love story very entertaining. I was very interested in the story, because they do a great job exploring the main characters relationship though the various cities that they visit. It makes this a fun film to watch while exploring other sombering issues that happen to most of the characters around them, which make the trip more interesting to the characters.
This film is one of Sam Mends best films, as I would put it up there with some of his other work.
“Away We Go” is already out on DVD and Blu-Ray.
8. Moon
It’s amazing that this film didn’t get as much attention, when it first cam out. “Moon” is one those films that really got lost in the shuffle. This is great thinking man sci-fi film. One of the reasons that it worked was it had a great performance from Sam Rockwell, who does a great job with both of his roles. The performances stand out from each other very well, as both of the characters felt different. The screenplay goes a very good job exploring various themes of corporate greed, cloning and space exploration. It’s done in a way that it gets you into the film without hitting you over the head repeatedly. The other thing that made the screenplay very good was the fact that he goes into both of the main character’s state of mind which helps makes, this film engaging.
The film also has great direction from first time director Duncan Jones, who is the son of David Bowe. Jones direction is intense. He manages to bring a lot of tension, through the performances of Rockwell, and Kevin Spacey, with Hal 9000 like voice. It really felt like, I was watching something special. I really think that Jones has a very good career head of him
“Moon” hits DVD and Blu-Ray on Tuesday.
7. Star Trek
At the beginning of last year if you told me that J.J Abrams take on “Star Trek “would be on my best of 09 list, I would have laughed at you. It’s also the film that I had a lot curiosity going into, as I was hoping this film could rekindle my interest in the franchise. It rekindled it, in a big way, as this is the best film of the whole series. This film fits the definition of the great summer blockbuster, as everything was placed nicely. The reason that I like this movie that much is that the screenwriters did the unthinkable, by rewriting the whole mythology and changing the franchise and how it looks. I know, I’ll probably take heat by Trekkies, but this might have been the best thing that has happen to franchise, since the next generation series. Abrams does a great job making this, his own film. I liked how manages to direct everything in a way that you’re mind is glued to the screen. Also I want to give credit, to whoever cast this film, as this is probably one of the most perfectly cast films of the year. Everyone seemed perfect for there roles, as there wasn’t a bad performance in the film. It’s a credit to the talent and to Abrams direction. It been a while to say this, but I can’t wait for the “Star Trek” film.
“Star Trek” is already out on DVD and Blu-Ray
6. A Serious Man
Another year, another Cohen Brothers film on my list of the best films. It’s not like I reserve a spot on my list for everything they direct, but its just that their very good at what they do. They leave you with moments that you remember, when it comes time to write these lists. “A Serious Man” proves why Joel and Ethan Cohen are just true masters of cinema. They did a great job making this very funny while being dark at the same time. Their direction was very good. The Cohen Brothers do a very good job directing the performances, by making each of the character’s quirks funny. This really helped the dark material become funny, as I was laughing a lot. The film also has a great lead performance from its lead actor. He makes the performance come off as Woody Allen like, as the performance works with the film’s tone.
Their screenplay was excellent, as they did a great job making the material funny considering that this is very complex material. They do that, by blending in dark humor and odd elements that make you laugh. The screenplay has some very good stuff like the problems the main character have with the rabbis he sees and the troubles with his marriage. It makes the odd humor work and makes this worthwhile. The film also has their trademark odd ending that has made their films great.
“A Serious Man” hits DVD and Blu-Ray on February 9th.
5. In the Loop
I assume that many people that look back at this past year and consider that “The Hangover” was the year’s funniest comedy. Wrong, even though that was a funny film, “In the Loop” was funnier and more entertaining. Not a lot of people saw this film, as this had a limited release. “In the Loop” is the funniest political satire film in years. This film was a laugh out loud riot from beginning to end. One of the main was reason was screenplay works. It very witty and old school, where the humor relies on vulgar dialogue, instead of having three guys in a room wake up only to find a baby and a tiger in their hotel room. Director Armandio Iannucci and his screenwriters did a very good job keeping the humor witty through out, while making the performances come out as very funny than pain dry. He also has the luxury of having some very talented actors.
Speaking the acting, it’s the reason why everything works so flawlessly, especially Peter Capaldi (Torchwood: Children of Earth) as the scene stealing foul-mouthed spin-doctor for the prime minister. He does a great job making his character so arrogant, which making every thing the character said in the film, so funny and laughable. The film also has some very good performances from Tom Hollander as the bumbling Secretary of International Development and James Gandolfini as sensitive general who doesn’t want to go to war. “In the Loop” is a very funny film that generates a lot of laughs.
“In the Loops” hits DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday
4. District 9
District 9 was clearly the best Science Fiction film of the year and quite possibly out of the last ten years. To me, it was surprising that it was a huge box office hit. If you told me when the first trailer for the film came out that was going to make a 100 million, I would have probably laughed at you considering the style of storytelling and the fact that it has no major names starring. This film didn’t start gaining any buzz until this year Comic Con.
Director Neil Blomkamp does a very good job creating a story that is part faux documentary and part suspense action. He really goes into political subtext, while creating a story that is clearly original and imaginative. I liked how he uses the faux documentary method to give a lot of background of these aliens. By also using this method, you pretty much know the main character fate, in the beginning moments of the film, but its that unique sense of storytelling that makes this film what it is and makes you forget about that fact. This film also has a very good lead performance from Sharlto Copley , whose character is pretty much hateable in the beginning, and then begin to feel sorry for him, as the film progresses. Copley does a very good job making this character very interesting, as he goes through various changes. The performance and storytelling is what makes this film, an event like atmosphere, as this is a very original film compared to the crap that I had to endure like “Terminator: Salvation” and “Transformers: Rise of the Fallen”. Blomkamp and Copley are two people that you should on the lookout for in 2010.
“District 9” is already out on DVD and Blu-Ray
These next two films could be easily be, my best film of the year in any other year.
3. The Hurt Locker
“The Hurt Locker is up there with “Letters of Iwo Jima” as the best serious war movie of the decade. Why is the film coming out on Dvd, so soon is beyond me. This along with my other top two films will receive a Best Picture nomination. This film has great direction from Kathryn Bigelow. The scenes were directed in a way that it was impactful, from the action sequences to the dramatic scenes. It makes this film very engaging and intense. She also a great job getting the performances that she needs, as the performances help sell the drama that’s taking place. The performances from Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty make this war film worth watching, as they really made their characters very interesting through the emotion that they brought into their performances.
Mark Bole screenplay also helps generate an emotional response that many war movies fail to do. One of things that made this screenplay so great, the way he focuses the story on the soldiers, instead of the failed policies that led up to the Iraq war. It makes the story of the war more interesting; as go through the mental scars that the main characters are going through during their tour of duty there. That’s what most war films don’t show, which is a shame.
This is truly the most overlooked film of the year. Hopefully, it will find its audience on Dvd and Blu-Ray.
“The Hurt Locker hits Blu-Ray and DVD, this Tuesday.
2. Up in the Air
“Up in the Air” is a very good film that has a very good script and three very good performances. It’s amazing to me that Jason Reitman might have a better career than his dad, when everything is said and done. He just keeps getting better every film he does. His direction was just great, as this is the best of the three films. Reitrman does a very good job making the performances very low key, so that the film just focuses on the Clooney’s character and the life that his character live. In a way, he feels like the main character in Reitman’s first film “Thank you for Not Smoking”, with the thing about his character being married to his job and loving it. At least, Clooney’s character is more likable than Aaron Eckheart’s character in “Thank You for Not Smoking”. By making him, kind of likable, it really lets you get into the atmosphere and climate of the film. It makes the film more enjoyable. Another thing about his direction was so great that doesn’t get noticed a lot. The fact that he was able to control both Zach Gilifanakis and Danny McBride in their small supporting roles, as they both came off not as their usually obnoxious selves. The time I saw them on screen, I was afraid that both of their usually intense attitude would ruin the flow of the film, but it doesn’t. That’s a credit to Reitman’s direction. I would actually like to see both of those actors tackle some more dramatic roles in the future.
When we look back at the career of George Clooney, this film will be one of his big highlights. This was just great performance. He does a great job making his character feel realistic. Clooney makes his character interesting in the way that he delivers his lines. It makes you immediately thrust into the film with the narration and it keep you interested in everything that is going on. The film also has very good supporting performances from Vera Farmiga as Clooney’s love interest and Anna Kendrick as the person that Clooney is training.
Also, the film had a very good screenplay from Reitman and Sheldon Turner. They did a very good job really adapting the book that it’s based on for this time period. It really does a good focusing on the effects of workplace today. Another thing that screenplay does very well is to fully develop the characters, as they were very interesting and very engaging.
It a very good film that everyone should check, as this I believe is clearly the frontrunner for Best Picture
“Up in the Air” is in theaters now.
Speaking of Best Picture buzz, who would have though during the summer that we would taking about my number one film as a possible Best Picture nominee. But you have the buzz for this film because this has been a down year for cinema with films that are coming out right now with little buzz and to no fanfare. There’s going to be a surprise or two come Oscar time for Best Picture. I wouldn’t be surprised, if this film got nominated because it’s very good film in an odd way. Yes, I’m talking about Quentin Tarantino’s latest film.
1. Inglourious Basterds
Col. Hans Landa: [giddy] That's a bingo!
[Aldo and Utivich stare at him in confusion]
Col. Hans Landa: Is that the way you say it? "That's a bingo?"
One of the film’s most memorable quotes in one of Quentin Tarantino’s best films to date and explains the odd humor that is “Inglourious Basterds”.
When I first saw this film when it came, it was near the bottom of my top ten, but after seeing it a couple of time, it’s truly the best film of 09. This film is more enjoyable, the second and third time around. You can’t say that with a lot of films out there today. I consider this film in the discussion as Tarantino’s best film with “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction”. The reason for that is that you pick up things that you missed the first time around. The first time, you don’t know what to think about the humor or the little things that you would normally pick up because of the nature of the film. It’s the second and third times around that pick up the humor and the little things that you don’t notice the first time around. That what makes this film excellent.
But what really makes this film the best film of 2009, the way that Tarantino is able to hold your interest for a lengthy period of time. This film has at least two very long scenes that are well drawn out and are very essential to the film’s success. You’re talking about scenes that last for fifteen–twenty minutes apiece. The reason for that was that, Tarantino makes the scenes very watchable through the dialogue and the way he directs his actors in those scenes. I’m telling you, if those scenes don’t work to perfection and become boring then that’s almost a good third of the film that is wasted and then we would probably considering this film, a major failure. It’s very ballsy what Tarantino did with the way that he wanted these long drawn scenes to play out, as they keep your interest for the entire time and provide some memorable Tarantino moments.
The film also has the best performance lead or supporting performance of the year from Christopher Waltz. His performance was just great. This is a very complex role, especially when have speak four different languages during the course of the film. It very difficult to keep your character interesting through the different language, but it’s the way that Waltz delivers his performance that makes that makes the character very off balanced and Tarantino like. If he does not win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this then I will go on a major rant about the Academy get everything wrong. To me, it’s him and everybody else in that Supporting Actor field. There is no other performance that matches his performance period.
If people wonder why I keep calling Quentin Tarantino the best director in the history of cinema, it’s the fact that every one of his films has that memorable scene or two that you talk about long after you’ve seen it.
The Open Door
Year: 2009
Director: Doc Duhame
Studio: Unhinged Media
Stars: Cathrine Georges, Sarah Christine Smith, Daniel Booke
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 94 Mins
Official Website: http://www.theopendoormovie.com/
“The Open Door” is a teen horror film, about Angelica, a teenager who plays second fiddle to a popular queen bee, Staci at school. That relationship is getting her into a lot of trouble with her parents. She also has the hots for Brad, a football player at the school. But things start going wrong for her, when her parents grounded her on the night of a big party that one of her friends is throwing. Alone and nothing to do, she comes across a pirate radio station that grants their caller with anything that they desire. Angelica calls that station and makes his wishes known. Unknown to her, her friends are going over to her house to play an unsuspecting prank on her. Little do they know that she released a dark force that is out to all of her friends.
“The Open Door is very creepy and intense supernatural film. First time director and stuntman Doc Duhame does a very good job with his direction, as this was very creepy. One of things that he does right is to keep you on the edge of your seat. He does that effectively by making the tone of the film very dark and intense. That is what makes this PG-13 horror film watchable from most films that carry the same rating. Duhame also makes the scares in the film very effective. He does that, by setting up false scares in the first half of the film, so that you’re invested in the film. The other thing that set up the scares very well, the way he directs the film’s creepy villain. He makes that character scary, by making the actor say the words in a very dark tone. By doing that, it makes you get interested in the story and makes you invested in everything that is doing on during the course of the film. The acting was also very good here. Duhame also does a good job not turning this into another teen fest, where all the characters are annoying and they come off as a bunch of characters that came off the set of “Clueless” or any other teen movie that you can name. He avoids that, by directing his actress as one of those characters that you could possibly relate too. The way Duhame directed the actress’s performance was one of the main reasons that I was interested in the film throughout. It’s direction like that, which makes teen horror films watchable.
Duhame screenplay was just dead on. I liked how the story comes off like an episode of “Goosebumps:” or “Tales From the Darkside” than a crappy supernatural film like “One Missed Call” or “Final Destination”. That helps makes it entertaining, instead of just sitting there and being bored for ninety minutes. Duhame makes this screenplay good, by zeroing in on one character instead of a bunch of characters. He sets the character up very well, as it makes you invested with the character and her dilemma. I wish there were more teen horror films like this, where it focuses on the main character and not a bunch of teen partygoers. Duhame also does a good job writing some of the scenes, in which you are sold on the false scares. There was a couple before the final act, where I was thinking that the action was starting. That what keeps you interested in the story, when the writer is setting up his character in the opening acts. It also what makes you get into the film, where waiting for the villain or entity to show up. Also, I liked how he created the film’s creepy pirated radio broadcast. Every time that played a factor in the film, it was some very creepy moment within itself. I liked how Duhame chose to go that route, because that character gives you a sense of uneasiness every time that voice comes into the film. This was a very good film to watch and hopefully will find distribution somewhere down the line.
“The Open Door is a creepy and suspenseful film that will scare the hell out of you
Review Rating: Four Stars
Dream House
Year: 2009
Director: J.L. Carrozza
Studio: Gen-Y Films
Stars: Kate Noyes, Kevin James
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 12 Mins
I usually find that short films are usually films that are hard to write. You don’t have much time to tell your story and develop everything. You also appreciate the thought that the filmmaker has come with, but the end result is that the movie doesn’t work for its allotted running time. This was the case with “Dream House”
The film is about a newlywed couple that wanted everything that life has to offer. Jessica and Gary move into a suburban home out in the country. Soon Jessica, begins to have visions of one of the home’s former occupants. The visions become strange and haunting. She begins to discover the tragic backstory that the house has, which may end whatever dreams the couple has of starting a new life.
“Dream House” felt like one of those shorts that needed more running time with story and character development, as this feels like a rushed film. I know what writer/director J.L. Carrozza was trying to do here with his ghost short, but the execution of the film was poor. The main reason for that, the story felt more of a fourteen-minute montage of a film that’s incomplete. It’s really sad that this film felt that way, I think that there’s a good script in the idea. But the main problem is, nothing is fully developed to the point that the story grabs you. Every thing was moving at a fast pace to the point that you don’t understand what’s fully going on. I know that this is a short film, but in these films you have to grab the viewer right away because of it’s running time. The film doesn’t do it here, as the story is more suited to be longer. It really would have helped fleshed out the characters more and makes the story clearer, so it’s easier to get into the story.
Even though the script was bad, I liked the way the film was shot. I liked how Carrozza uses different methods like with the scenes, when the main character meets the ghost haunting the house and the flashback scene with the couple. It made the film visual, considering the resources that he had for this film. I just wished that the screenplay and editing didn’t make this a short very mind numbing to watch.
“Dream House” would have been more of an enjoyable film, if the film ran longer and had essential parts more fully developed to the point that into the characters. Instead, this film comes off, as a film with scenes that make no sense to the flow of the film.
Review Rating: One Star.
Welcome to the 216th Edition of my series. This is my first installment on the new year. This week I pay tribute to the late Alaina Reed Hall and Arnold Stang. I also have a selection from the Random Myspace Profile selection process and next week will have none. In this new year I have decided to introduce the DVD review where I will pick one movie featured here and check out the special features and give my analysis on each thing. I will try to do this every week but no guarantees.
You Can't Get Away With Murder (1939): I start the year out with some pretty unknown Bogart where he was pretty famous, he just was not real big as of yet. Here, he plays Frank Wilson who is a veteran criminal. DEAD END KID Billy Halop plays Johnny Stone who is an impressionistic youth and learns the crime business from Wilson. Gale Page plays Johnny's older and concerned sister Madge and John Litel plays her fiance who is a prosecutor. Things become complicated when Wilson commits a murder with the gun of Madge's fiance and in turn frames him to be sent on death row. Meanwhile, Frank and Johnny are sent to Sing-Sing for other things and Frank puts all kinds of pressure on Johnny to not speak about what happened. Henry Travers, most known as Clarence in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, plays a veteran prisoner who runs the library and becomes a much better mentor for Johnny than Frank where he tries to get Johnny to give up Frank. There is quite a bit of suspense and I thought this carried pretty well. It does not rank with others in this golden year for film but we could see that Bogey was meant for big things.
A Countess From Hong Kong (1967): This is Charlie Chaplin's last film and an attempt at a romantic comedy that failed in many ways. Marlon Brando stars as millionaire diplomat Ogden Mears who is on an ocean liner going to Hawaii. Sophia Loren stars as Natascha who is a Russian countess from Hong Kong who is a stowaway trying to seek a new life and seeks refuge in Ogden's cabin leading to many misunderstandings and I'm sure you can guess the next part. Ogden is married however and joins the trip where she begins to suspect things as well. Tippi Hedren plays his wife and Charlie's son Sydney Chaplin plays Ogden's friend who tries to help him hide Natascha. Brando may have been a bit miscast but Loren was very good as well as Sydney Chaplin. Charlie makes a cameo as an old steward. It's unfortunate that Chaplin did not go out with the bang he should have. It was a good effort in his older age where he still did about everything including the music score which was pretty good. Chaplin and Brando apparently did not get along very well during shooting. While this is flawed, I do feel it deserves an appearance here for historical purposes of Chaplin's career and even Brando's career. This is not to be watched in a quest to find the best work of these two film legends because this just is not it.
John Adams (2008): I have possessed this DVD for quite some time and finally got around to seeing it. This is an HBO mini-series of our second President of the United States along with his wife and children. This movie takes a look at a moment of his law career, his joining of the Continental Congress, the signing of the Declaration, his Vice Presidency under George Washington, his presidency, and the last days of his life. It is a great 8 hour series with Paul Giamatti as the title character who is a very out-spoken man looking at the conflict he had with people like Jefferson and even Alexander Hamilton. Laura Linney was very good as his wife Abigail who was at times like an adviser to John. A performance that really stood out to me was David Morse who played George Washington. I really believed him as George, a modest man who did not want to be any kind of king, he just wanted a free country. In research I have done on Washington, he was perfect for what they wanted in the president and it is unfortunate that we don't really have any George Washington's left in this world but I'm willing to be proven wrong. Tom Wilkinson was also very good as Benjamin Franklin. Stephen Dillane plays Thomas Jefferson who was a good writer but did not like to speak very well and had some known issues with John Adams in office. It was interesting to hear him refer to Alexander Hamilton as a con man. Giamatti was great as Adams who at times had a hard time fitting in and feeling left out. My favorite part of it was the last episode where he is proud his son is now president and living his last days out while reconciling his differences with Thomas Jefferson through letter writing. I also liked how they really flawed the teeth in John Adams with age. Even Abigail's teeth looked really bad but a nice touch of realism. This is a great look at how our country came to be and a man that played a big part. I could fill this whole thing with each actor and character but I don't think anyone really wants that so just take a look at it.
Follow That Bird (1985): This is my tribute to the late Alaina Reed Hall who for years played Olivia on SESEME STREET so after a few features of the MUPPETS, I decided to introduce SESEME STREET to my blog. While Big Bird is leading a great life out on Seseme Street, the Feathered Friends Society decide that Big Bird really belongs with his own kind which are birds. He then joins a family of Dodo birds and finds he fits in more with his friends even if they are not birds. Big Bird then runs away and sets out on a trip back to Seseme Street but must avoid a ruthless duo wanting to make a circus act out of him and the head of the Feathered Friends Society. Also in pursuit of Big Bird are all his friends trying to get to him before someone else does. I suppose it stereotypes the Dodo birds some which have been extinct since the 17th century but is a great movie showing that family does not always have to be blood. It also features Kermit the Frog who is the reporter on the story and did not know until then that he voiced both Kermit and Ernie which had some pretty comical moments with Bert and Ernie. There is also some amusing and even moving musical numbers from both the humans and puppets. We also have cameos from John Candy, Sandra Bernhard, even Waylon Jennings who had a cool song. This is a great family-friendly film which I had no problem sitting in my room by myself to watch.
Tribute to a Bad Man (1956): I found this one when I was at my dad's house and looked for some things on his On-Demand and with my little Cagney phase lately decided this is the one. This is a much later and unknown Cagney film which happens to be a western. He plays the man the title describes and his name is Jeremy Rodock. He is a tough horse rancher who is known to be a rather ruthless but complex person. Don Dubbins co-stars as Steve Miller, a passive man who happens to be at the right place at the right time to save Rodock who then takes him in at his ranch. Steve takes an immediate liking to Rodock's greek girl Jocasta which obviously Rodock does not like. Steve then starts to question Jeremy's ways of the west. It's really more of a character study that has some action and a good performance out of Cagney showing he was one of the best of that era if not all time.
Naughty But Mice (1947): This is my short film of this week as I pay tribute to Arnold Stang who voiced the city-slicker mouse Herman and did so in many shorts. He goes to visit his barn-mice friends who are having trouble with the cat which sent a couple of the mice to "mice heaven". Herman does not fear the cat and makes a pretty entertaining 7 minutes. It is interesting to see some of the mice died in this kind of cartoon, but not on-screen. You can probably find this on Youtube.
The Celebration (1998): This is my Danish film for the week I got off Netflix. This movie centers around a family whose father's 60th birthday is being celebrated. It becomes a little more than a celebration when the son Christian, played by Ulrich Thomsen, says some pretty revealing remarks about his father and some horrible things he supposedly did when they were children. The film carries pretty well showing quite a dysfunctional family dealing with some pretty dark secrets. Thomsen is pretty good as the son with a lot of demons. Thomas Vinterberg directed this Dogme-styled film which is a style started by him to save budget and to look real. It was a pretty good effort and deserves a view if you like or tolerate foreign language film.
The Shaggy Dog (1959): This is my live-action Disney film for the week. Tommy Kirk stars as Wilby Daniels, who is a teen trying to become a scientist where things tend to go wrong. He inadvertently becomes a shape-shifter after putting on a ring that he accidentally got from a museum where he goes from his human self into a sheepdog. In order to break this spell, he must commit an act of bravery and as a dog stumbles upon a spy ring that he tries to stop. Fred MacMurray plays Wilby's father who hates dogs which makes things for Wilby even more complicated. Annette Funicello also co-stars. This is the first live-action comedy from Walt Disney which was not the greatest but a good start and something for the family.
Bride and Prejudice (2004): I now give you my Bollywood musical which was made for western audience and for Bollywood lovers. This is the Bollywood version of the Jane Austen novel which I'm sure you can guess which one. This movie centers around an Indian family which has a traditional mother but the father seems to want to break tradition some. There are many subplots but the main story is where a single gentlemen Balraj, played by LOST star Naveen Andrews, and Darcy, played by Martin Henderson, who is an American hotel owner seeing if India is fit to put any of his hotels. Darcy takes a liking to the oldest daughter Lalita but her mother is trying to arrange a marriage. This movie is not for everyone. Like just about any Bollywood film, it has many lavish song and dance numbers, a cliched love story, very colorful, etc. I laughed quite a bit but had a lot of fun with this one I must say. GILMORE GIRLS alum Alexis Bledel and Ahanti both have cameos. It was interesting to see Naveen Andrews dance and play a more light character than his tough character on LOST. I also really liked the fight scene within the movie theater as well. I admit I have a hard time with Jane Austen films but I am a sucker for musicals and jumped right at the chance when finding this on the IFC network.
DVD REVIEW
PREVIEW
Roger and Me: This was Michael Moore's little preview of the film and he gives his own commentary to this preview where he leads into what he is about to talk about.
FILM
Roger and Me (1989): This is a selection from the Random Myspace Profile selection process and for this one I chose Fred. Michael Moore wrote and directed this documentary which was the first of his many controversial documentaries. Here, he went looking for an interview with former head of General Motors Roger Smith. Smith put many people out of a job at General Motors and many were people from his hometown of Flint, Michigan. He wanted to interview Smith about why he did what he did but finds that getting an interview with Mr. Smith was not easy. Michael Moore has garnered many followers and haters through the years with his unbiased style of documentary film making. If you want someone that takes a neutral look at both sides, Moore is not who you want to watch. He has a very strong opinion of what he is making in film and even manipulates some things to get his point across. In my opinion, Moore wants to get his point across by any means necessary but I always find valid points in his movie. The celebrity he targeted in this movie was former Flint resident Bob Eubanks and made him look pretty bad. I have seen Eubanks in an interview discussing this and he seems to laugh it off. It is a pretty comical look on someone trying to get an interview with the man who put many out of a job. He also takes a look at other Flint residents who are being evicted and resorting to unusual things to get by.
COMMENTARY
This is the commentary done by Michael Moore on the making of the documentary and the significance of today. He also talked about his background like when he worked for a local paper. He also talked about what it took to get this film made and his gratitude towards Warner Brothers. It was pretty informative where he ironically commentates what he is already commentating on but explains some things.
FINAL ANALYSIS
This was not some feature-loaded film. All we get is his commentary so it is a rather one-man film. I felt this was enough and it is something that you might watch if you like Moore but if you hate him I doubt you will even check this out.
Well, that is it for this week. Tell me what you like and what you hate and get ready for next week.
