Sunday, February 03, 2008
Movie Reviews: SUNSHINE & HATCHET
ON DVD
SUNSHINE
In a scant 50 years, the sun will start dying, and when it goes, mankind will go with it. Eight astronauts are sent into space for a last-ditch effort to save the dimming star, but as they get closer to the giant flaming ball, either their ship starts to fail or their minds begin playing tricks on them. Either way, it's not a pretty situation …
Cast Rose Byrne, Cliff Curtis, Chris Evans, Troy Garity, Cillian Murphy, Hiroyuki Sanada (more)
Director(s) Danny Boyle
Writer(s) Alex Garland
Status On DVD
Genre(s) Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Release Date July 20, 2007
DVD Release Date Jan. 8, 2008
Running Time 107 minutes
MPAA Rating Not Rated
Review:
Sunshine is nearly a classic space opus in the vein of cinematic stalwarts like Kubrick's 2001 and Solaris mixed in with some The Abyss for good measure. Danny Boyle has created a truly spectacular piece cinematic art that is entirely engaging and riveting from the start. Recalling the classic thinking man's sci-fi epics Boyle never presents the references of as clever or pompous; instead he melds parts of those films into the threads of this wonderfully woven tapestry. Boyle's style is visually arresting and just a feast for the eyes. The top notch cast feels so natural in their roles, even if they are the best looking group of astronauts and scientist ever, that it's hard not to be pulled into their characters from the start. The entire ensemble does a wonderful job of projecting the gravity of the situation as every decision and action feels like it does carry the weight of the world. Chris Evans turns in a surprisingly good performance and really shows some dramatic chops, not that he's the sole standout but he's by far the most surprising of the group. While this movie is nearly a masterstroke it diverts wildly in the last act. I'm unsure of the reasoning behind finishing off a thoughtful and cerebral movie with a sudden and unexpected turn to an Aliens and Event Horizon type conclusion. It's a point I'm not quite settled, unsure if I enjoyed it or agreed with the decision but it's a jarring turn for sure. Regardless, Boyle is quickly cementing himself as a true cinematic genius.
A-
HATCHET
All Ben (Joel Moore) wants to do is forget about being dumped by his girlfriend. To help him out, his friends take him to Mardi Gras, which isn't any fun because all the skimpily-clad, inebrieated girls running around end up just reminding Ben of his ex. So instead, Ben goes on a haunted bayou tour on a boat full of strangers. And what do you know, the ill-fated ride turns out to be really scary when the passengers are stalked by a maniacal killer (Kane Hodder).
Cast Joel Moore, Tamara Feldman, Deon Richmond, Mercedes McNab, Parry Shen, Joleigh Fioreavanti (more)
Director(s) Adam Green
Writer(s) Adam Green
Status On DVD
Genre(s) Horror
Release Date Sept. 7, 2007
DVD Release Date Dec. 18, 2007
Running Time 93 minutes
MPAA Rating Unrated
Review:
Hatchet is simply a fun little movie. Adam Green doesn't take his film too seriously and injects the tried and true slasher movie with a great sense of fun. Plot wise it's good old fashion 80's slasher fare, complete with virginal heroin and slutty canon fodder and other stereotypical characters. Green smartly keeps the film moving as quickly as possible and never lingers too long on anything, even though the initial time before the carnage could have been a tad shorter. The cast play up their roles perfectly and deliver some truly funny dialogue throughout. Deon Richmond in particular shines as he just riot through most of the movie. The gore is over the top and played for laughs not scares and in all likelihood, aside from some cheap scares, Hatchet will never terrify. Then again it's not suppose to, it a little treat for horror fans like me who know who Kane Hodder is and love it when Robert Englund pops up. The finale is another great nod to a classic horror movie but injected with one last sight gag that's pretty funny, much like the rest of the movie.
B
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