Last night watched the Blu Ray of Sweeny Todd.
I know most of the cast would get laughed off the stage at X-Factor, or even heckled at the local karaoke but for me this film has so much heart it works, and I can get past the poor singing.
Even though Depp does sort of pull it off with his bowie-esq vocals.
But what I like more about this film is just the look of it, from the dirty London aspect to the costumes and the look of the cast. All these look superb on the Blu Ray, and this is a dark film, the blacks look very solid. The scene where the camera pulls back from Todd in his window and we look out over a dark London, looks brilliant.
It's pointless owning this BD if you don't like the musical arrangements and songs in this film. I have listened to some of the original Broadway songs and I much prefer the film versions.
I really enjoyed watching it again - it's been a while. The BD looks and sounds great.
Monday 27 September 2010
Cyrus
At the end of last week, I saw the bitter-sweet comedy which is Cyrus.
With John's social life at a standstill and his ex-wife about to get remarried, a down on his luck divorcée finally meets the woman of his dreams, only to discover she has another man in her life - her son. Still single seven years after the breakup of his marriage, John has all but given up on romance. But at the urging of his ex-wife and best friend Jamie, John grudgingly agrees to join her and her fiancé Tim at a party. To his and everyone else's surprise, he actually manages to meet someone: the gorgeous and spirited Molly. Their chemistry is immediate. The relationship takes off quickly but Molly is oddly reluctant to take the relationship beyond John's house. Perplexed, he follows her home and discovers the other man in Molly's life: her son, Cyrus. A 21-year-old new age musician, Cyrus is his mom's best friend and shares an unconventional relationship with her. Cyrus will go to any lengths to protect Molly and is definitely not ready to share her with anyone...
Cast: John C. Reilly - John, Jonah Hill - Cyrus, Marisa Tomei - Molly and Catherine Keener - Jamie.
Written and Directed by Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass
Soundtrack by Michael Andrews
What I liked? The cast - all of them. The script.
What I didn't like? Nothing
Summary: A strong cast backed up with a strong script helped this dramedy rise above just being a good film or even an average film. Shot with hand held camera's or if not it felt lke it was, which I didn't mind in this case, it also added a sort of documentary style to the film. Not sure if that's what the directors had in mind though.
The acting was superb from the principal players, while I wasn't fully convinced of Hill's move to a more serious role, he still did really well with the part. However Reilly was just brilliant, his emotional range in this film is massive, riding a constant roller coaster of emotions. He never looked out of place once in the role. Tomei also shined with her own emotional turmoils. Both these performances are the center of this film and both worked so well for me I found myself really enjoying this movie.
I have to say though the trailers do make you feel you are going to see a full on comedy. But if you get past that, and find some attachment to these characters I'm sure you'll enjoy it. But if you want another Superbad, then this isn't that film.
Overall - Never laugh a minute, but great performances with a solid script make for an extremely good film (8/10)
With John's social life at a standstill and his ex-wife about to get remarried, a down on his luck divorcée finally meets the woman of his dreams, only to discover she has another man in her life - her son. Still single seven years after the breakup of his marriage, John has all but given up on romance. But at the urging of his ex-wife and best friend Jamie, John grudgingly agrees to join her and her fiancé Tim at a party. To his and everyone else's surprise, he actually manages to meet someone: the gorgeous and spirited Molly. Their chemistry is immediate. The relationship takes off quickly but Molly is oddly reluctant to take the relationship beyond John's house. Perplexed, he follows her home and discovers the other man in Molly's life: her son, Cyrus. A 21-year-old new age musician, Cyrus is his mom's best friend and shares an unconventional relationship with her. Cyrus will go to any lengths to protect Molly and is definitely not ready to share her with anyone...
Cast: John C. Reilly - John, Jonah Hill - Cyrus, Marisa Tomei - Molly and Catherine Keener - Jamie.
Written and Directed by Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass
Soundtrack by Michael Andrews
What I liked? The cast - all of them. The script.
What I didn't like? Nothing
Summary: A strong cast backed up with a strong script helped this dramedy rise above just being a good film or even an average film. Shot with hand held camera's or if not it felt lke it was, which I didn't mind in this case, it also added a sort of documentary style to the film. Not sure if that's what the directors had in mind though.
The acting was superb from the principal players, while I wasn't fully convinced of Hill's move to a more serious role, he still did really well with the part. However Reilly was just brilliant, his emotional range in this film is massive, riding a constant roller coaster of emotions. He never looked out of place once in the role. Tomei also shined with her own emotional turmoils. Both these performances are the center of this film and both worked so well for me I found myself really enjoying this movie.
I have to say though the trailers do make you feel you are going to see a full on comedy. But if you get past that, and find some attachment to these characters I'm sure you'll enjoy it. But if you want another Superbad, then this isn't that film.
Overall - Never laugh a minute, but great performances with a solid script make for an extremely good film (8/10)
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Lord of the Rings- Part 1 - Blu Ray
Another film I've been watching in parts is the first part of the Lord of the Rings. I've watched an hour a night with the twins and Emily.
They sat there transfixed, so I assume they liked it. Tilda asked me tonight when we would be seeing more of it. I think that will be next week now.
The blu ray is stunning, both in picture and sound, the audio rocked the room. I assume the extra's are the same, not ventured to look, then again not watched many of the DVD extras either.
It's a very long time since I've watched the Fellowship, in fact any of them, and I have to say I did enjoy it. Maybe leaving it so long was the trick, I may watch it again in one sitting, sooner rather than later. But for now I'll continue with parts 2 and 3 and watch them in hour segments with the twins.
I wasn't sure I wanted the theatrical cuts on BD, but after watching the first and having a sneak peek at some of Return of the king, I'm glad I did!
Roll on Two Towers!
They sat there transfixed, so I assume they liked it. Tilda asked me tonight when we would be seeing more of it. I think that will be next week now.
The blu ray is stunning, both in picture and sound, the audio rocked the room. I assume the extra's are the same, not ventured to look, then again not watched many of the DVD extras either.
It's a very long time since I've watched the Fellowship, in fact any of them, and I have to say I did enjoy it. Maybe leaving it so long was the trick, I may watch it again in one sitting, sooner rather than later. But for now I'll continue with parts 2 and 3 and watch them in hour segments with the twins.
I wasn't sure I wanted the theatrical cuts on BD, but after watching the first and having a sneak peek at some of Return of the king, I'm glad I did!
Roll on Two Towers!
Zombieland (BD)
I have to admit I really liked Zombieland first time round. I've had the BD some time and was looking for a film around the 90 minute mark last night. So Zombieland fitted the bill.
I nearly watched it last week,but ended up watching the Kick Ass Commentary instead!
The 2nd viewing was just as great, if not better. I was laughing again, the jokes and the visual gags hit the mark every time. The opening titles are just brilliant, and really set me up for the film. Another film which is easy to watch, I like the 4 characters, the brilliant cameo, the script, all the gore and the soundtrack! All in all a super zombie movie (and I don't like Zombie films), but the humour gets me through. Actually I do like Dawn of the dead (Remake), maybe it's because the zombie's run in both films.
The BD looks great, I was impressed with this transfer, the colors looked wonderful throughout the film. The audio track was also really good as well, never thundered but it sound crisp and sharp.
Haven't looked through the extras yet, but there seems to be some worth watching.
I nearly watched it last week,but ended up watching the Kick Ass Commentary instead!
The 2nd viewing was just as great, if not better. I was laughing again, the jokes and the visual gags hit the mark every time. The opening titles are just brilliant, and really set me up for the film. Another film which is easy to watch, I like the 4 characters, the brilliant cameo, the script, all the gore and the soundtrack! All in all a super zombie movie (and I don't like Zombie films), but the humour gets me through. Actually I do like Dawn of the dead (Remake), maybe it's because the zombie's run in both films.
The BD looks great, I was impressed with this transfer, the colors looked wonderful throughout the film. The audio track was also really good as well, never thundered but it sound crisp and sharp.
Haven't looked through the extras yet, but there seems to be some worth watching.
Robin Hood - Directors Cut (BD)
The Blu Ray arrived on Monday, and got watched Monday night.
I think if it had been the original cut I don't think I'd have watched it so soon. But I was curious to find out if this new cut improved it any. I suppose it did in a way, there was one scene which makes a big difference, but I can't remember if it was in the original or not (I must check it out).
I do like this film, even though most of the people I've talked to find it boring, and don't really like it all. I don't think it's amazing, but it's good solid entertainment, and the extra bits do add some more to the story. I do admit the story isn't great, it does the job though, I also feel the final battle is rather lacklustre, never seems to get going, never builds any real excitement, it just does enough. However doing just enough is better than most battles I've seen in other films.
Crowe looks the part for me, though he does seem to be playing the part a little half hearted, maybe this is why the rest of the film just plods along!
But I was able to notice the Soundtrack more this time, and I think it is excellent, but I am struggling to get it from Nokia Music. I might have to buy this one!
The video on the blu ray is superb most of the time, I did notice some scenes where the quality wasn't brilliant, the worst one is when Robin returns to the camp at the end of the film. But bar these slight errors the picture was great. The audio track even on my little amp sounded amazing, the battle scenes stood out, and so they should.
I haven't ventured into the BD disc yet, but I do fancy watching the extras though.
Sarah watched it and enjoyed it as well.
I think if it had been the original cut I don't think I'd have watched it so soon. But I was curious to find out if this new cut improved it any. I suppose it did in a way, there was one scene which makes a big difference, but I can't remember if it was in the original or not (I must check it out).
I do like this film, even though most of the people I've talked to find it boring, and don't really like it all. I don't think it's amazing, but it's good solid entertainment, and the extra bits do add some more to the story. I do admit the story isn't great, it does the job though, I also feel the final battle is rather lacklustre, never seems to get going, never builds any real excitement, it just does enough. However doing just enough is better than most battles I've seen in other films.
Crowe looks the part for me, though he does seem to be playing the part a little half hearted, maybe this is why the rest of the film just plods along!
But I was able to notice the Soundtrack more this time, and I think it is excellent, but I am struggling to get it from Nokia Music. I might have to buy this one!
The video on the blu ray is superb most of the time, I did notice some scenes where the quality wasn't brilliant, the worst one is when Robin returns to the camp at the end of the film. But bar these slight errors the picture was great. The audio track even on my little amp sounded amazing, the battle scenes stood out, and so they should.
I haven't ventured into the BD disc yet, but I do fancy watching the extras though.
Sarah watched it and enjoyed it as well.
Monday 20 September 2010
Kick Ass (BD) - Again
I was hoping to watch this straight after Scott Pilgrim, not to compare but it would be a great double bill. Anyway I didn't because the twins were showing off their dance moves!
So Sunday night, I talked Sarah into watching it!
I laughed so much again, just gets me every time. 3 weekends running now and I could sit down and watch it again.
As for Sarah, she was grinning for a lot of it. She did like it, not in the way I'm obsessed with it, but she liked the characters, the story, the look of it and she loves the music. She said she could see why it's a film you can watch over and over again. I don't think she will be, but I know I'll be watching it again soon.
Just Outstanding!
So Sunday night, I talked Sarah into watching it!
I laughed so much again, just gets me every time. 3 weekends running now and I could sit down and watch it again.
As for Sarah, she was grinning for a lot of it. She did like it, not in the way I'm obsessed with it, but she liked the characters, the story, the look of it and she loves the music. She said she could see why it's a film you can watch over and over again. I don't think she will be, but I know I'll be watching it again soon.
Just Outstanding!
Scott Pilgrim - Revisited
On Saturday, I took my eldest to see Scott Pilgrim. Not just because I wanted to see it again, but I thought she would really dig it.
I was right, she did! Most of the geek jokes went over her head, but she loved the visual look of the film. Laughed alot and really enjoyed it.
It was just as good the 2nd time round, and as I've said it is a easy film to watch over and over again. I've nothing more to add, except I enjoyed the music much more this time.
Roll on the Blu Ray!
I was right, she did! Most of the geek jokes went over her head, but she loved the visual look of the film. Laughed alot and really enjoyed it.
It was just as good the 2nd time round, and as I've said it is a easy film to watch over and over again. I've nothing more to add, except I enjoyed the music much more this time.
Roll on the Blu Ray!
Resident Evil: Afterlife
Number 4 in the series, this time with 3D, using the Avatar engine, if a series of films could use the new format well, it surely be this one.
Alice continues to fight the evil Umbrella Corporation, but all the time looking for survivors. She finds Claire and they both come across a small band of people, who are under siege in a prison.
Cast: Milla Jovovich - Alice, Ali Larter - Claire Redfield, Wentworth Miller - Chris Redfield and Kim Coates - Bennett.
Written by Paul W.S. Anderson
Soundtrack by tomanddandy
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson
What I liked? The 3D, Milla, Ali, Wentworth. The Axemen, the dogs!
What I didn't like? Shawn Roberts
Summary: I don't mind this series, the first one being the standout film, but the others all offer something, and it never gets boring watching Milla kick all kinds of Zombie ass. She fits the role perfectly now, but after 4 films you would hope she does. Most of the action is great even if a lot seems to be borrowed from the first Matrix.
The other problem is the story and the script, the story does enough, but the script is terrible at times, and I'm sure it's this that hampers Milla's performance, as good as she is at the action, her acting needs some work, or a better script.
Ali Larter does well, with what she's got to do. Wentworth Miller looks like he could make a good action star. However Shawn Roberts character was terrible to watch, don't know if he played it this way, but it didn't work for me, he wanted to be Mr Smith from the Matrix, but never came close. I like Kim Coates he always plays his parts well.
As for the 3D I liked it, they used it much more effectively than other horror films have, the dogs looked cool. The fight with the huge axe man was great and looked pretty good.
Overall, while this film was never going to be brilliant, it's not a bad entry in the franchise. (7/10)
Roll on Number 5!
Alice continues to fight the evil Umbrella Corporation, but all the time looking for survivors. She finds Claire and they both come across a small band of people, who are under siege in a prison.
Cast: Milla Jovovich - Alice, Ali Larter - Claire Redfield, Wentworth Miller - Chris Redfield and Kim Coates - Bennett.
Written by Paul W.S. Anderson
Soundtrack by tomanddandy
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson
What I liked? The 3D, Milla, Ali, Wentworth. The Axemen, the dogs!
What I didn't like? Shawn Roberts
Summary: I don't mind this series, the first one being the standout film, but the others all offer something, and it never gets boring watching Milla kick all kinds of Zombie ass. She fits the role perfectly now, but after 4 films you would hope she does. Most of the action is great even if a lot seems to be borrowed from the first Matrix.
The other problem is the story and the script, the story does enough, but the script is terrible at times, and I'm sure it's this that hampers Milla's performance, as good as she is at the action, her acting needs some work, or a better script.
Ali Larter does well, with what she's got to do. Wentworth Miller looks like he could make a good action star. However Shawn Roberts character was terrible to watch, don't know if he played it this way, but it didn't work for me, he wanted to be Mr Smith from the Matrix, but never came close. I like Kim Coates he always plays his parts well.
As for the 3D I liked it, they used it much more effectively than other horror films have, the dogs looked cool. The fight with the huge axe man was great and looked pretty good.
Overall, while this film was never going to be brilliant, it's not a bad entry in the franchise. (7/10)
Roll on Number 5!
Thursday 16 September 2010
The Runaways
The movie chronicles THE RUNAWAYS from 1975 - 1977; an all-girl rock band formed by teenage girls living near Hollywood, CA., and heavily manipulated by their manager Kim Fowley as 'jailbait rock' (all the girls were 16 or younger when the band recorded their first album). The band ultimately succeeds on their own merits as musicians, becoming the first all-girl rock-band to ever break into the world of arena-filling hard rock acts.
Cast: Kirsten Stewart - Joan Jett, Dakota Fanning - Cherie Currie, Scout Taylor-Compton - Lita Ford and Michael Shannon - Kim Fowley.
Writers - Floria Sigismondi
Director - Floria Sigismondi
What I liked? The Cast, The Music
What I didn't like? It was hard making a connection with the characters.
Summary: Not really knowing much about Cherie Currie and Joan Jett, it turned out not to be a bad film, nothing amazing though. It delivered a interesting view of the Runaways, the music, and then finally Joan Jett’s biggest hit I love Rock And Roll.
I don’t know Currie and Jet, either their music or them so really I can’t compare Fanning and Stewart against the real people. They seemed to do a good job.
Cast: Kirsten Stewart - Joan Jett, Dakota Fanning - Cherie Currie, Scout Taylor-Compton - Lita Ford and Michael Shannon - Kim Fowley.
Writers - Floria Sigismondi
Director - Floria Sigismondi
What I liked? The Cast, The Music
What I didn't like? It was hard making a connection with the characters.
Summary: Not really knowing much about Cherie Currie and Joan Jett, it turned out not to be a bad film, nothing amazing though. It delivered a interesting view of the Runaways, the music, and then finally Joan Jett’s biggest hit I love Rock And Roll.
I don’t know Currie and Jet, either their music or them so really I can’t compare Fanning and Stewart against the real people. They seemed to do a good job.
Overall I liked this film (7/10)
Kick Ass - the film and everything else!
***May contain Spoilers – But then this isn’t really a review it’s why this film is now my Number one film**
Watching it on that Saturday, it dawned on me just how good this film really is. Actually good is the wrong word, it’s not good, it’s outstandingly brilliant.
And then the final piece of the jigsaw the music, the score is without doubt my favourite soundtrack ever, amazing pieces of music from start to finish. Uplifting, menacing and each theme works perfectly for each character.
Couple that with the brilliant songs soundtrack as well and this film is pitch perfect.
The chemistry in the cast is amazing. The scenes with Clark Duke, Aaron Johnson and Evan Peters are just superb. They look like they have been friends forever. The scene where they discuss the notion of being a super hero is brilliant and sets the tone for these 3 throughout the whole film.
Cage and Chloe Moretz, need to have a strong daughter father bond for this film to work, and they do it is perfectly. This relationship for me is key; it’s the main drive of the story. If this had not worked, looked fake I don’t think the movie would have worked. One of my favourite scenes is with these two, and I bet it’s one you would never guess.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse is another well cast actor, originally up for the Kick Ass role, Vaughn saw his chance to fill Red Mist’s character. Here again Mintz-Plasse and Strong show a strong father son bond, to compliment Cage and Moretz. Again the chemistry between Strong and Mintz-Plasse is perfect, they really deliver.
Mark Strong is not all about the hard man here. Vaughn gives him some comic moments, as funny as anything else in the film. As much as he is the bad man, you can’t help liking him, same goes for his son, you want to hate them but they both are such well written characters who just like them.
Vaughn plays with the emotions and delivers some brutal scenes, like the stabbing of Kick Ass but has the courage to also deliver some rather touching moments as well. The most touching moment, is the death of Big Daddy and is my favourite scene. The way it’s lit is haunting, it just looks amazing, and for me that really helps deliver this scene.
My 2nd favourite scene is Big Daddy letting rip in the wood warehouse, with a superb piece of music from John Murphy (which I thought was 28 Days Later but is not it’s just a version of it) to accompany it, it’s brilliant.
The Girl who played with fire
As computer hacker Lisbeth and journalist Mikael investigate a sex-trafficking ring, Lisbeth is accused of three murders, causing her to go on the run while Mikael works to clear her name.
Cast : Michael Nygvist - Mikael Blomkvist, Noomi Rapace - Lisbeth Salander.
Written by Jonas Frykberg
Soundtrack by Jacob Groth
Directed by Daniel Alfredson
What I liked? Noomi Rapace.
What I didn't like? The story.
Summary: Part 2 of the Millennium Trilogy, and for me somewhat of a letdown. Having really liked part 1, I was really looking forward to this. A full returning cast, and a great platform to build from, how could this go wrong?
Well it did! It went wrong in the story, it just wasn’t that interesting, it was drawn out and had nothing to offer me. I’ve seen the first one 3 times within the space of a year, and for a whodunit thriller that’s not bad going and every time I enjoyed it as much as the last.
Here the story changes to Lisbeth, again played extremely well by Noomi Rapace, but it’s nearly all about Lisbeth, her back story, and her past catching up with her. But for me it just wasn’t a good story to tell, and so I lost interest 30 minutes in and never recovered. It had started well, with the magazine trying to name and shame various individuals involved in a sex-trafficking ring. I think this might have worked better, but this story seemed to fall into the background, it does have a connection to Lisbeth, but I’d given up on it by then.
Cast : Michael Nygvist - Mikael Blomkvist, Noomi Rapace - Lisbeth Salander.
Written by Jonas Frykberg
Soundtrack by Jacob Groth
Directed by Daniel Alfredson
What I liked? Noomi Rapace.
What I didn't like? The story.
Summary: Part 2 of the Millennium Trilogy, and for me somewhat of a letdown. Having really liked part 1, I was really looking forward to this. A full returning cast, and a great platform to build from, how could this go wrong?
Well it did! It went wrong in the story, it just wasn’t that interesting, it was drawn out and had nothing to offer me. I’ve seen the first one 3 times within the space of a year, and for a whodunit thriller that’s not bad going and every time I enjoyed it as much as the last.
Here the story changes to Lisbeth, again played extremely well by Noomi Rapace, but it’s nearly all about Lisbeth, her back story, and her past catching up with her. But for me it just wasn’t a good story to tell, and so I lost interest 30 minutes in and never recovered. It had started well, with the magazine trying to name and shame various individuals involved in a sex-trafficking ring. I think this might have worked better, but this story seemed to fall into the background, it does have a connection to Lisbeth, but I’d given up on it by then.
Tuesday 14 September 2010
Scott Pilgrim vs. the world.
An Epic of Epic Epicness, reads the tag line, and while that's a big shout, it's not that far away!
Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriends seven evil exes in order to win her heart.
Cast: Michael Cera - Scott Pilgrim, Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Ramona Flowers, Anna Kendrick - Stacey Pilgrim, Kieran Culkin - Wallace Wells and Ellen Wong - Knives Chau.
Written by Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall
Directed by Edgar Wright
What I liked? The cast, the script, the visual look of the film.
What I didn't like? The soundtrack (outside of the film!).
Summary: Another comic book adaptation, at least its original material. Edgar Wright was the man charged with bringing this comic to the big screen.
First off I like Edgar Wright, enjoyed both Shaun of the dead and Hot Fuzz, so had high hopes for this one.
Second I’ve never read the comic books.
Sin City
The cast are brilliant, Michael Cera was superb, well everybody is superb, they all seemed to fit their roles so well. The script is fresh, funny and filled with so many good lines, it’s hard to keep up with them.
The action sequences are way over the top, and so they should be, this is a computer game. A typical coin op in where Pilgrim must defeat the seven evil exes to win the girl of his dreams. I’m not sure how much reality is in this film, maybe not much. There are some, but the rest is all in Pilgrim’s head! A head filled with computer games and music! This is a true pop culture film, it never hides from this and throws reference after reference at me.
It’s a film which I think has so many repeat viewings in it, I reckon I missed so much first time round.
Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriends seven evil exes in order to win her heart.
Cast: Michael Cera - Scott Pilgrim, Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Ramona Flowers, Anna Kendrick - Stacey Pilgrim, Kieran Culkin - Wallace Wells and Ellen Wong - Knives Chau.
Written by Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall
Directed by Edgar Wright
What I liked? The cast, the script, the visual look of the film.
What I didn't like? The soundtrack (outside of the film!).
Summary: Another comic book adaptation, at least its original material. Edgar Wright was the man charged with bringing this comic to the big screen.
First off I like Edgar Wright, enjoyed both Shaun of the dead and Hot Fuzz, so had high hopes for this one.
Second I’ve never read the comic books.
The cast are brilliant, Michael Cera was superb, well everybody is superb, they all seemed to fit their roles so well. The script is fresh, funny and filled with so many good lines, it’s hard to keep up with them.
The action sequences are way over the top, and so they should be, this is a computer game. A typical coin op in where Pilgrim must defeat the seven evil exes to win the girl of his dreams. I’m not sure how much reality is in this film, maybe not much. There are some, but the rest is all in Pilgrim’s head! A head filled with computer games and music! This is a true pop culture film, it never hides from this and throws reference after reference at me.
It’s a film which I think has so many repeat viewings in it, I reckon I missed so much first time round.
The Last Exorcism
Film 26 - (Monday) - The Last Film of the weekend!
Cast: Patrick Fabian - Cotton Marcus, Ashley Bell - Nell Sweetzer.
Written by Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland
Soundtrack by Nathan Barr
Directed by Daniel Stamm
What I liked? Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell, the look of the film.
What I didn't like? The open ending, just missed the point of it.
Summary: And the final film of the weekend, Eli Roth was in attendance and so was the security! Anyway not much chance of getting near of these people, at least they did a proper signing anyway.
I have to say Mr Roth is a very confident man, and he really tried to sell us this film. The problem I have with the film, isn’t with the actual film, I pretty much liked it. My problem is the marketing, its way off target. This isn’t a horror film, certainly not in the style of the Exorcist, it’s a drama with some horror elements. I think people are going into this in the wrong frame of mind!
Another film which I’m not going to dwell on, it’s got some really good performances in and the direction is pretty good in the most part. It wants to be a Blair Witch type but tries to spell out where the story is going. Which in the end does not really come out that well.
The concept and delivery are pretty good. It starts to wander near the end though and loses some of its early momentum.
It also has an end which can be one thing or another depending on what you have interpreted the film to be about. I didn’t get it, until Roth explained it!
Then it made more sense! So I’d have been lost seeing it outside the festival.
I’m in two minds about it though, and still really haven’t decided how much I liked it.
Overall good performance’s out weigh a film trying to be a little too clever (7/10)
A troubled evangelical minister agrees to let his last exorcism be filmed by a documentary crew.
Cast: Patrick Fabian - Cotton Marcus, Ashley Bell - Nell Sweetzer.
Written by Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland
Soundtrack by Nathan Barr
Directed by Daniel Stamm
What I liked? Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell, the look of the film.
What I didn't like? The open ending, just missed the point of it.
Summary: And the final film of the weekend, Eli Roth was in attendance and so was the security! Anyway not much chance of getting near of these people, at least they did a proper signing anyway.
I have to say Mr Roth is a very confident man, and he really tried to sell us this film. The problem I have with the film, isn’t with the actual film, I pretty much liked it. My problem is the marketing, its way off target. This isn’t a horror film, certainly not in the style of the Exorcist, it’s a drama with some horror elements. I think people are going into this in the wrong frame of mind!
Another film which I’m not going to dwell on, it’s got some really good performances in and the direction is pretty good in the most part. It wants to be a Blair Witch type but tries to spell out where the story is going. Which in the end does not really come out that well.
The concept and delivery are pretty good. It starts to wander near the end though and loses some of its early momentum.
It also has an end which can be one thing or another depending on what you have interpreted the film to be about. I didn’t get it, until Roth explained it!
Then it made more sense! So I’d have been lost seeing it outside the festival.
I’m in two minds about it though, and still really haven’t decided how much I liked it.
Overall good performance’s out weigh a film trying to be a little too clever (7/10)
Red, White and Blue
Film 24 - (Monday)
Cast: Noah Taylor - Nate, Amanda Fuller - Erica and Marc Senter - Franki.
Written by Simon Rumley
Soundtrack by Richard Chester
Directed by Simon Rumley
What I liked? How really bleak this was, the story, the acting, Noah Taylor and Amanda Fuller
What I didn't like? Nothing much.
Summary: It seemed they were keeping all the best films till the end of the festival. Another film I’m not willing to share too much about, because the twists and turns are vital to making this film work.
And it does work really well, a very strong performance from Noah Taylor is the key to the success of the film, he is this film, and his presence is perfect throughout. The rest of the cast are also very good, well better than good, brilliant. The script is spot on and so is the soundtrack.
It all adds up to a superb film experience in the end.
Overall – super film (9/10)
Film follows the cool, emotionless Erica, who dives into bed with any man she meets. When she is offered a job in a DIY store in Austin, she discovers the kindness of strangers, but also the gruesome shadowy side of it
Cast: Noah Taylor - Nate, Amanda Fuller - Erica and Marc Senter - Franki.
Written by Simon Rumley
Soundtrack by Richard Chester
Directed by Simon Rumley
What I liked? How really bleak this was, the story, the acting, Noah Taylor and Amanda Fuller
What I didn't like? Nothing much.
Summary: It seemed they were keeping all the best films till the end of the festival. Another film I’m not willing to share too much about, because the twists and turns are vital to making this film work.
And it does work really well, a very strong performance from Noah Taylor is the key to the success of the film, he is this film, and his presence is perfect throughout. The rest of the cast are also very good, well better than good, brilliant. The script is spot on and so is the soundtrack.
It all adds up to a superb film experience in the end.
Overall – super film (9/10)
Bedevilled
Film 23 - (Monday)
Cast: Ji Sung Won, Seo Yeong-Hee, Min-Ho Hwang and Min Je.
Written by Jang Cheol-so
Directed by Jang Cheol-so
What I liked? The bleakness of it all, the acting, the cinematography
What I didn't like? Nothing!
Summary: WOW! This was something out of the blue, going on the title I was expecting a typical Eastern ghost story, you know girls with long black hair or blue kids making you jump!
Oh no!
This was something else, nothing like the normal J-Horror I’d seen over the past few years. This was really clever, extremely well acted and quite shocking in the end.
I’m not going to get into the story much because it would be quite easy to spoil.
So in fact I’m not going to say much about it at all!
Overall – Brilliant (9/10)
When her pleas for help are ignored and cause her daughter's death, a woman seeks revenge on the person she blames
Cast: Ji Sung Won, Seo Yeong-Hee, Min-Ho Hwang and Min Je.
Written by Jang Cheol-so
Directed by Jang Cheol-so
What I liked? The bleakness of it all, the acting, the cinematography
What I didn't like? Nothing!
Summary: WOW! This was something out of the blue, going on the title I was expecting a typical Eastern ghost story, you know girls with long black hair or blue kids making you jump!
Oh no!
This was something else, nothing like the normal J-Horror I’d seen over the past few years. This was really clever, extremely well acted and quite shocking in the end.
I’m not going to get into the story much because it would be quite easy to spoil.
So in fact I’m not going to say much about it at all!
Overall – Brilliant (9/10)
After.Life
Film 22 - (Monday)
Cast: Christina Ricci - Anna Taylor, Liam Neeson - Eliot Deacon and Justin Long - Paul Coleman
Written by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo
Soundtrack by Paul Haslinger
Directed by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo
What I liked? Ricci, Neeson, the concept.
What I didn't like? Not much really.
Summary: Possibly the mostHollywood movie I saw all weekend. Pity its gone straight to DVD, because it’s actually quite a good little film. It does not concern it’s self with flashy over the top visuals and the tight direction holds the film together really well.
It is was another surprise, although it’s not the greatest film, it does have a lot going for it as well. The acting is pretty good along with a clever script, this is the best film I’ve seen Neeson in since Taken. Ricci is superb, and Long in a way reprises his Drag Me To Hell role. But Ricci steals the show, and not for the obvious, but her acting is top notch here, and I believed in her character all the way through the film.
It’s an, is she or isn’t she film, and you are kept guessing till the end, while beyond the end because it’s never made clear, I wanted to believe she was alive but in the end wasn’t 100% sure. Maybe on another viewing I may see something to give it away!
Overall like I said it’s not the worst film, but it’s not WOW either! (7/10)
A young woman caught between life and death... and a funeral director who appears to have the gift of transitioning the dead, but might just be intent on burying her alive.
Cast: Christina Ricci - Anna Taylor, Liam Neeson - Eliot Deacon and Justin Long - Paul Coleman
Written by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo
Soundtrack by Paul Haslinger
Directed by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo
What I liked? Ricci, Neeson, the concept.
What I didn't like? Not much really.
Summary: Possibly the most
It is was another surprise, although it’s not the greatest film, it does have a lot going for it as well. The acting is pretty good along with a clever script, this is the best film I’ve seen Neeson in since Taken. Ricci is superb, and Long in a way reprises his Drag Me To Hell role. But Ricci steals the show, and not for the obvious, but her acting is top notch here, and I believed in her character all the way through the film.
It’s an, is she or isn’t she film, and you are kept guessing till the end, while beyond the end because it’s never made clear, I wanted to believe she was alive but in the end wasn’t 100% sure. Maybe on another viewing I may see something to give it away!
Overall like I said it’s not the worst film, but it’s not WOW either! (7/10)
Amer
Film 21 - (Monday)
Three key moments, all of them sensual, define Ana's life. Her carnal search sways between reality and colored fantasies becoming more and more oppressive. A black laced hand prevents her from screaming. The wind lifts her dress and caresses her thighs. A razor blade brushes her skin, where will this chaotic and carnivorous journey leave her?
Cast: Marie Bos, Delphine Brual, Harry Cleven, Bianca Maria D'Amato and Cassandra Foret
Written by Helene Cattet and Bruno Forzan
Directed by Helene Cattet and Bruno Forzani
What I liked? The visuals, the sound effects, the soundtrack.
What I didn't like? Not understanding it!
Summary: I really didn’t fancy the Video Nasty documentary, even though people said it was very good. So opted for the discovery screen to see the French/Belgium film Amer.
I’ve not really focused much attention to the Giallo film’s of the past, but I think it’s an avenue of foreign film I would like to investigate just based on this film alone. Amer was not an easy film to follow, concerning it’s self with moment’s during a girl’s life as she passes from child to teenager to adult. It looks amazing, and the soundtrack complemented the film perfectly, but trying to piece together a coherent plot line was hard. Maybe it lacked a plot, the killer turned up in the final act, no motive, and no clues to who he/she was, which just added to the confusion of it all.
Maybe all Giallo films are like this, and once I’ve seen a few, the pattern and flow will seem more obvious.
I never disliked anything in the film, all of the imagery, the sounds and the music are amazing, it’s such a different film experience to normal films really and one I must admit I did enjoy in the end.
Overall interesting film making and amazing to look and listen too! (8/10)
Three key moments, all of them sensual, define Ana's life. Her carnal search sways between reality and colored fantasies becoming more and more oppressive. A black laced hand prevents her from screaming. The wind lifts her dress and caresses her thighs. A razor blade brushes her skin, where will this chaotic and carnivorous journey leave her?
Cast: Marie Bos, Delphine Brual, Harry Cleven, Bianca Maria D'Amato and Cassandra Foret
Written by Helene Cattet and Bruno Forzan
Directed by Helene Cattet and Bruno Forzani
What I liked? The visuals, the sound effects, the soundtrack.
What I didn't like? Not understanding it!
Summary: I really didn’t fancy the Video Nasty documentary, even though people said it was very good. So opted for the discovery screen to see the French/Belgium film Amer.
I’ve not really focused much attention to the Giallo film’s of the past, but I think it’s an avenue of foreign film I would like to investigate just based on this film alone. Amer was not an easy film to follow, concerning it’s self with moment’s during a girl’s life as she passes from child to teenager to adult. It looks amazing, and the soundtrack complemented the film perfectly, but trying to piece together a coherent plot line was hard. Maybe it lacked a plot, the killer turned up in the final act, no motive, and no clues to who he/she was, which just added to the confusion of it all.
Maybe all Giallo films are like this, and once I’ve seen a few, the pattern and flow will seem more obvious.
I never disliked anything in the film, all of the imagery, the sounds and the music are amazing, it’s such a different film experience to normal films really and one I must admit I did enjoy in the end.
Overall interesting film making and amazing to look and listen too! (8/10)
The Loved Ones
Film 20 - (Sunday)
Another Austrialian film - and a belter. Late night horrer at it's best!
Cast: Xavier Samuel - Brent Mitchell, Jessica McNamee - Brent Mitchell, Robin McLeavy - Lola and Victoria Thaine - Brent Mitchell
Written by Sean Byrne
Directed by Sean Byrne
What I liked? Everything!
What I didn't like? Nothing!
Summary: Another Australian film, starring a couple of upcoming movie stars. Xavier Samuel some may have seen him in Eclipse, I managed to miss this film! But he does look a promising young actor.
And Robin Mcleavy a very good young actress, well all the cast were very good, these two just had more screen time.
Everything about this film was right, from the cast, the script, and the music. To the twists, the gore and the ending, nothing was every out of place or forced.
The colours throughout the film are striking, for a horror film the picture has such warmth, something typical horror films don’t use. They are all about the dark gloomy atmosphere, but the Loved Ones turns that on it’s head, and the pay off seems so much more shocking!
Samuel is brilliant as the victim, and he also nails his part as well. Both are helped by a brilliant script and backed up by the rest of the cast.
What a great Sunday evening’s entertainment!
Overall another Outstanding film (10/10)
Another Austrialian film - and a belter. Late night horrer at it's best!
When Brent turns down his classmate Lola's invitation to the prom, she concocts a wildly violent plan for revenge.
Cast: Xavier Samuel - Brent Mitchell, Jessica McNamee - Brent Mitchell, Robin McLeavy - Lola and Victoria Thaine - Brent Mitchell
Written by Sean Byrne
Directed by Sean Byrne
What I liked? Everything!
What I didn't like? Nothing!
Summary: Another Australian film, starring a couple of upcoming movie stars. Xavier Samuel some may have seen him in Eclipse, I managed to miss this film! But he does look a promising young actor.
And Robin Mcleavy a very good young actress, well all the cast were very good, these two just had more screen time.
Everything about this film was right, from the cast, the script, and the music. To the twists, the gore and the ending, nothing was every out of place or forced.
The colours throughout the film are striking, for a horror film the picture has such warmth, something typical horror films don’t use. They are all about the dark gloomy atmosphere, but the Loved Ones turns that on it’s head, and the pay off seems so much more shocking!
Samuel is brilliant as the victim, and he also nails his part as well. Both are helped by a brilliant script and backed up by the rest of the cast.
What a great Sunday evening’s entertainment!
Overall another Outstanding film (10/10)
Buried
Film 19 - (Sunday)
A truck driver for a large company in Iraq, wakes up in a coffin, he has a mobile phone, a lighter and a glow sticks and 90 minutes of air!
Cast: Ryan Reynolds - Paul Conroy
Written by Chris Sparling
Soundtrack by Victor Reyes
Directed by Rodrigo Cortes
What I liked? The Concept, Reynolds, the execution!
What I didn't like? Nothing!
Summary:This is what I like about this festival, coming in off the back of a terrible film we have Buried, A Serbian Film’s replacement, and what an outstanding replacement!
Anyway Buried! A film with a simple concept really, 90 minute’s of a man in a coffin, with a mobile phone and some glow sticks! Think it shouldn't’t work, yep I agree.
But Cortes pulls it off, and more than that Reynolds pulls it off. A brilliant piece of acting! Going through a range of emotions he is so believable that he just hauls you into the box with him. If you are claustrophobic I would stay away from this film, and I can understand why people have this fear.
Not only the fear of a small space but also the fear of dying, Reynolds delivers on every emotion, and I never felt anything was overdone, he was brilliant!
A contender for film of the festival!
Overall, Outstanding, simply Outstanding (10/10)
A truck driver for a large company in Iraq, wakes up in a coffin, he has a mobile phone, a lighter and a glow sticks and 90 minutes of air!
Cast: Ryan Reynolds - Paul Conroy
Written by Chris Sparling
Soundtrack by Victor Reyes
Directed by Rodrigo Cortes
What I liked? The Concept, Reynolds, the execution!
What I didn't like? Nothing!
Summary:This is what I like about this festival, coming in off the back of a terrible film we have Buried, A Serbian Film’s replacement, and what an outstanding replacement!
Anyway Buried! A film with a simple concept really, 90 minute’s of a man in a coffin, with a mobile phone and some glow sticks! Think it shouldn't’t work, yep I agree.
But Cortes pulls it off, and more than that Reynolds pulls it off. A brilliant piece of acting! Going through a range of emotions he is so believable that he just hauls you into the box with him. If you are claustrophobic I would stay away from this film, and I can understand why people have this fear.
Not only the fear of a small space but also the fear of dying, Reynolds delivers on every emotion, and I never felt anything was overdone, he was brilliant!
A contender for film of the festival!
Overall, Outstanding, simply Outstanding (10/10)
Damned by Dawn
Film 18 - (Sunday)
Next up an Ausralian film, in the vein of Evil Dead.
During a violent thunderstorm, a family is awoken by piercing shrieks which summon the dead to rise again. Their lives explode in a blood soaked fury as they battle malevolent spirits, whilst fighting to save their souls from eternal torment with... the Banshee.
That may sound a great film idea...................but...........
Cast: Renee Willner - Claire, Bridget Neval - The Banshee, Tayn Eva - Jen and Danny Alder - Claire.
Written by Brett Anstey
Soundtrack by Phil Lambert
Directed by Brett Anstey
What I liked? The Banshee!
What I didn't like? Renee Willner, the CGI reaper and skeletons.
Summary:
Next up an Ausralian film, in the vein of Evil Dead.
During a violent thunderstorm, a family is awoken by piercing shrieks which summon the dead to rise again. Their lives explode in a blood soaked fury as they battle malevolent spirits, whilst fighting to save their souls from eternal torment with... the Banshee.
That may sound a great film idea...................but...........
Cast: Renee Willner - Claire, Bridget Neval - The Banshee, Tayn Eva - Jen and Danny Alder - Claire.
Written by Brett Anstey
Soundtrack by Phil Lambert
Directed by Brett Anstey
What I liked? The Banshee!
What I didn't like? Renee Willner, the CGI reaper and skeletons.
Summary:
The replacement for Kaboom, I wish we had kept Kaboom!
Ok, that’s a little unfair, this is ultra low budget film making. It had some good ideas, well one the Banshee this was pretty good, and she looked pretty good as well. But the rest of the CGI looked horrible! It just stuck out like a sore thumb.
They were on the verge of having an Evil dead-esq film here, but completely missed the mark by simply trying to keep it all too serious, plus adding the terrible CGI reaper and skeletons, which kept flying through the air!
In the end it didn’t really have anything going for it, the story was ok. The script was terrible along with some very stiff acting. Even at just over an hour it seemed to drag!
And I can’t for the life of me remember the ending!
Overall not very good and can’t blame the budget! (3/10)
We are what we are
Film 17 - (Sunday)
We took a little break, didn't fancy the quiz and the short films so went and got some fresh air, coffee and relaxed before the next film.
So a Mexican film was next, this was one strange film.
When the patriarch of the family passes away, the teenage children must take responsibility for the family chores: the preparation of the rituals, the hunting and putting the all-important meat on the table. These newfound responsibilities are even more daunting, however, when you live in the city and happen to be a family of cannibals.
Cast: Adrian Aguirre - Adriana, Miriam Balderas - Sheyla, Francisco Barreiro - Alfredo and Carmen Beato - Patricia.
Written by Jorge Michel Grau
Soundtrack by Enrico Chapela
Directed by Jorge Michel Grau
What I liked? The cast, the acting, the script.
What I didn't like? The ending. Seemed to miss some narrative along the way!
Summary:
We took a little break, didn't fancy the quiz and the short films so went and got some fresh air, coffee and relaxed before the next film.
So a Mexican film was next, this was one strange film.
When the patriarch of the family passes away, the teenage children must take responsibility for the family chores: the preparation of the rituals, the hunting and putting the all-important meat on the table. These newfound responsibilities are even more daunting, however, when you live in the city and happen to be a family of cannibals.
Cast: Adrian Aguirre - Adriana, Miriam Balderas - Sheyla, Francisco Barreiro - Alfredo and Carmen Beato - Patricia.
Written by Jorge Michel Grau
Soundtrack by Enrico Chapela
Directed by Jorge Michel Grau
What I liked? The cast, the acting, the script.
What I didn't like? The ending. Seemed to miss some narrative along the way!
Summary:
I left the cinema wondering what I had just watched. It never comes across what exactly these people are, talking about rituals, and looking for meat (human meat). I was under the impression they were a family of werewolf’s. Two films running I was up for this theme! And again this film proved me wrong.
Technically it was a great film to watch, a film about poverty, making ends meet and providing food for your family. They are not nice characters, they live in a hard world and the Director drove this message home. But they have a darker secret than most!
The more I think abut this film and the message it is saying, the more I liked it. A coming of age movie of sorts, a movie about the system but a movie with a sicker twist than most, that the family are cannibals.
With this in mind it becomes a really dark and well made horror, well acted and scripted. The clues or script may reveal the truth on another viewing, I hope they do.
A sort of sleeper movie for the festival, or at least my sleeper film!
Overall, now I have thought about it a really good horror film. (8/10)
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