MOVIE REVIEW: LOOPER

IN THEATERS

LOOPER



A hired gun from the future discovers that his greatest adversary is himself in this twisting sci-fi mindbender starring Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and directed by Rian Johnson (Brick, The Brothers Bloom). In the year 2047 time travel has yet to be invented. Thirty years later, however, it has. Though immediately outlawed, time-travel technology is quickly appropriated by the mob, and used to cleanly dispose of anyone deemed a threat. The process is simple: When the mob wants someone to disappear, they simply send them back to the year 2047, where an assassin known as a "looper" quickly carries out the hit, and disposes of the body. Joe Simmons (Gordon-Levitt) is one of the most respected loopers around. Each kill earns him a big payday, and he's got big plans to retire to France. Then, one day, as Joe patiently awaits the appearance of his next target near the edge of a remote corn field, he's shocked to come face-to-face with his future self (Bruce Willis). When the younger Joe hesitates, the older Joe makes a daring escape. Now, in order to avoid the wrath of his underworld boss (Jeff Daniels), young Joe must "close the loop" and kill his older counterpart. Meanwhile, the revelation that a powerful crime boss in the future has set the underworld ablaze pits the two Joes on a violent collision course, with the fate of a devoted mother (Emily Blunt) and her young son hanging in the balance. Paul Dano and Piper Perabo co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Rian Johnson

Cast: Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, Noah Segan

Release Date: Sep 28, 2012

Rated R for some Sexuality/Nudity, Language, Drug Content and Strong Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 59 min.

Genres: Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Looper is the type of sci-fi film that makes a life long genre fan smile. Smart and well thought out, its world is brought to life with vibrant energy and depth that usually missing from most recent fare. Rian Johnson directs this mind bending film with a steady hand and keeps the action moving at a steady pace. He allows things to unfurl in an authentic manner; it’s a methodical process which settles you into the proceedings. In doing so, Johnson creates an atmosphere which lets you feel the grim and despair of this dystopian future. Joseph Gordon-Levitt performance here is a perfect match for this world. He does a fine job showcasing the characters soulless, aimless nature. The heavy prosthetics which are supposed to make him look like Bruce Willis are a tad distracting, sometimes more than others. Willis as the older version of the same character brings a world weariness to it that incredibly appropriate all while being on full vengeance mode. Emily Blunt’s role is kind of disorienting and against type but effective. Pierce Gagnon as her son is as creepy as he is mature for a child actor. Rian Johnson makes a wise decision in casting the impressive Jeff Daniels and Paul Dano in small supporting roles, rounding out his film. If there is small complaint is the film does start to drag a bit in the early part of the 3rd act. Additionally, it takes a somewhat unexpected turn which may turn off some people. Still as a whole is one of the more impressive films genre films in recent memory.

B

MOVIE REVIEW: THE CABIN IN THE WOODS

ON VIDEO

THE CABIN IN THE WOODS



Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard team up for this bloody horror satire that offers an inventive twist on the familiar stranded-in-the-woods sub-genre. ~ Rovi

Director: Drew Goddard

Cast: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Richard Jenkins

Release Date: Apr 13, 2012

Rated R for strong bloody horror violence and gore, language, drug use and some
sexuality/nudity

Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min.

Genres: Horror, Suspense/Thriller

Runtime: 1 hr. 31 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Cabin in the Woods is a Meta film on steroids. The characters as written are archetypes and played as such just like the usual tropes of any generic horror film. Joss Whedon’s film is full of clever twist and nods throughout even though it thinks it’s a lot cleverer than it actually is. As a film, it’s a mash up of the underrated sci-fi horror film Cube and Wes Craven’s A New Nightmare. It’s an interesting and fun little ride that takes itself less and less seriously as the film moves on. Director Drew Goddard gets what Whedon is going for and they both hit the marks they are looking for. Someone looking for a scary movie though won’t find it here, outside of a few jump scares, it’s never really unsettling. More than anything it’s a love letter to movie fans and horror fans in particular. In the process Whedon turns the mirror back on us as viewers of the horror genre, poking plenty of fun at it to, but pointing out all the tropes we’ve become so accustomed to over the years. It all works fairly well even if it’s not perfect or totally original.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: THE MASTER

IN THEATERS

THE MASTER




Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master stars Joaquin Phoenix as a psychologically damaged war veteran who finds himself working for Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a charismatic figure building his own religion. As the alcoholic, self-destructive former soldier becomes more deeply involved with the leader of this cult-like organization, his natural instincts keep him from embracing his new position as strongly as others in the group would hope. The Master screened at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Laura Dern, Jesse Plemons

Release Date: Sep 14, 2012

Rated R for Graphic Nudity, Sexual Content and Language

Runtime: 2 hr. 16 min.

Genres: Drama

Review:

The Master is an appropriate title for the new Paul Thomas Anderson. His place as the second coming of Stanley Kubrick fully realized with this visually powerful and intense film. Anderson directs his film with such a pronounced definitiveness that I’d be hard pressed to find a flaw. Anderson’s ability to get the most out of his actors is readily evident. Joaquin Phoenix gives a seminal performance which may prove to be a high point in his career. Phoenix utterly dissolves into the character from the start. It’s impossible to tear your eyes away from his ferocious mental disturbed man. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is equally impressive as the charismatic and subtly fiery cult leader. Their scenes together are some of the film’s best each showcasing their impressive talents all at once. Amy Adams is strong in a supporting role, showing off a steely intensity that makes her almost as frightening as the male leads. The actors and Anderson have created a classic film, which should be all over the place on the Oscars list, that requires your attention from the start, it offers very little in the way of clear answers. The Master is the type of film that requires repeat viewing which is a cinematic treat for any film fan.

A

MOVIE REVIEW: CORIOLANUS

ON DVD

CORIOLANUS




Ralph Fiennes' directorial debut, Coriolanus, scripted by John Logan, updates one of Shakespeare's more difficult plays without sacrificing the Bard's original dialogue. Set in modern times, the movie stars Fiennes as the title character, a fierce General able to fight Rome's most dreaded enemies as well as quell civil unrest from a lack of food. When politicians convince Coriolanus to become a political leader, his natural fierceness and lack of political instincts lead to him being disgraced by other politicians and eventually forced to leave Rome after being branded a traitor. He then joins with his former enemies to invade Rome, and the only person who may be able to talk him out of this revenge plan is his mother (Vanessa Redgrave). ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Director: Ralph Fiennes

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Chastain

Release Date: Jan 20, 2012

Rated R for some bloody violence

Runtime: 2 hr. 2 min.

Genres: Drama

Review:

Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut is a study in intensity. As a director he displays a deft hand converting Shakespeare’s Roman set tragedy into the modern world. It works incredibly well feeling timely and fresh. Moving the setting to an Eastern European city in turmoil is a good fit and easy transition. Fiennes, in the titular role, is boiling to the brim with a sense of ferocity that transcends the screen. He’s captivating throughout, making it impossible to tear your eyes away from him as he spouts out the Bard’s dialogue. Vanessa Redgrave is just as impressive as his manipulative mother. Together they are a truly inspired; their last substantial scene could be used as a acting teaching tool. Gerard Butler, Brian Cox and Jessica Chastain are strong in smaller supporting roles. Brian Cox leaves the biggest impression. Coriolanus is the type of film that showcases so many talent and is like mother’s milk for film and Shakespeare fans.

A

MOVIE REVIEW: RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION

IN THEATERS ON DVD

RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION




Awakening in a top-secret Umbrella facility as the T-virus threatens to wipe out the last remnants of humanity, Alice (Milla Jovovich) ventures on a quest to uncover the truth about her mysterious past and seek out the source of the apocalyptic plague. The deeper Alice ventures into the complex, the more she begins to learn about her origins. Later, after escaping to the outside world, she embarks on an epic adventure that takes her to the farthest corners of the globe as she fights the forces of darkness alongside allies both old and new. Sienna Guillory, Michelle Rodriguez, and Kevin Durand co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Cast: Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory, Colin Salmon, Michelle Rodriguez, Kevin Durand.

Release Date: Sep 14, 2012

Rated R for sequences of Strong Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 35 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

There’s a scene near the end of Resident Evil: Retribution, the 5th installment in the series, where Sienna Guillory’s brainwashed Jill is pummeling Milla Jovovich’s Alice. The film as a whole kind of feels like during its mostly plot less and scant runtime. We don’t get a sniff of the plot for this film until about 15 minutes into the film. In those 15 minutes we get one of the better action sequences (an action sequence picking up from the end of the last film shown in reverse), a recap of the previous 4 films done fairly easily in 5 minutes which is a testament to depth of storytelling and a Dawn of the Dead remake like sequence. In essence it’s just a series of vignettes that don’t seem to have any sort of connection. Once the plot and sexy cat suit & dress budget comes into play we get fairly quick exposition that provides the thinnest of a plot to work with, after that it’s a series of action set up after another. I will admit that some of the action sequences are shot with an almost teenage glee, particularly those involving Jovovich which shouldn’t be a surprise since her husband once again directs her. Anderson suffers from the same “I love my wife soo much that I want all hero shots of her” syndrome that Len Wiseman contracted in the Underworld series. This can lead to some laughably bad sequences which look cool for a bit but are ultimately over stay their welcome and come off as silly. The returning cast members are pretty much wasted as their characters aren’t expanded much if at all. The new cast members deliver some lines with an impressive lack of passion or effort. Probably because they all know Anderson doesn’t care about them and just wanted to get to another scene with Jovovich in a cat suit doing wire work fight moves.

D

MOVIE REVIEW: BACHELORETTE

ON DEMAND IN THEATERS

BACHELORETTE



Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, and Lizzy Caplan star in this comedy about three dysfunctional friends who attempt to leave the past behind while serving as bridesmaids at the wedding of a woman they mocked mercilessly back in high school. As teenagers, Regan (Dunst), Gena (Caplan), and Katie (Fisher) used to call Becky (Rebel Wilson) "Pig Face." Years later, Becky is about to tie the knot and asks her taunting former classmates to join the wedding party. And though Regan is determined to give Becky the ultimate bachelorette bash, tart-tongued Gena has already started partying hard well before the big night, and capricious Katie seems to have her head stuck in the clouds. Later, as the ladies cut loose and the booze begins to flow, a mishap with the wedding dress sends the entire event spiraling out of control, leading to a wild night of debauchery that nobody will ever forget. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Leslye Headland

Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, James Marsden, Adam Scott.

Release Date: Sep 07, 2012

Rated R for Drug Use, Sexual Content and Pervasive Language

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Bachelorette is a darkly comedic film that deals with enough dramatics to make for a choppy feel. Writer/Director Leslye Headland peppers her film with enough vitriol to her dramaedy to leave an impression. Her three leads are generally dislikable and overall fairly terrible human beings. Luckily they are played impressively by strong comedic actresses who keep them from being utterly off putting. Kirsten Dunst delivers fine work as the ice queen head of the group. The always dependable Lizzy Caplan and her deadpan delivery make her character more interesting than she actually is. Isla Fisher is still rather adorable as a damaged ditz who bra size is bigger than her IQ. Rebel Wilson is fairly underused and Marsden and Scott mostly relegated to the sidelines. Scott is given the meatiest of the supporting roles with Caplan (a nice Party Down reunion). Leslye shoots an interesting film and directs her actresses with impressive command. Her biggest issue is finding a good rhythm to the film. It never finds a steady feel. It hits its best most consistent marks during its second and final acts. Outside of that the laughs are a bit sparse. The finale feels unearned and too tidy for the characters and general madness involved. Still it’s a film that’s probably closer to The Hangover than Bridesmaid if not nearly as consistent as either of those films.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: [REC]³ GENESIS

ON DEMAND IN THEATERS

[REC]³ GENESIS




The origins of the demonically possessed that inhabit the apartment building from the first two [REC] movies is explained in this prequel from director Paco Plaza, one of the two co-directors of the series. His twice-over collaborator, Jaume Balaguero, returns to helm [REC] Apocalypse, the conclusion to the first-person action/horror franchise. Diego Martin and Leticia Dolera star. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Paco Plaza

Cast: Diego Martín, Leticia Dolera, Javier Botet, Mireia Ros

Release Date: Sep 07, 2012

Rated R for some Language and Strong Bloody Horror Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 19 min.

Genres: Horror, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

[REC]³ Génesis is the third entry in one of my favorite horror franchises around. The first two films delivered a visceral punch that hard to match. Their use of the first person POV worked for the series incredibly well giving it an immediacy and tension that made it stand out from the rest. The first 20 minutes or so play out much like the first two films until director Paco Plaza literally knocks the camera out of the actors hand and changes the perspective along with the general tone of the film. It’s jarring and sure to make some fans of the series question this entry. Taking a more comedic and traditional tone, the third film is still visceral and full of gore and scares but it’s far different from it’s more serious in tone predecessors. Once the turn occurs the film will either win you over or turn you off entirely. Your enjoyment of the film will depend entirely on how much you are willing to accept this version of [REC]. To their credit the 2 leads do fine work with Leticia Dolera, a more attractive Shelly Duvall, leaving the biggest impression. Dolera has some of the better “hero” shots throughout the latter part of the film. Dolera and Martin are given a fairly weak script which doesn’t allow for much in terms of characterizations but by the end of the film I still found myself invested in their story, a testament to their work. [REC]³ Génesis won’t be for everyone and might even turn off some fans of the franchise but it’s still an enjoyable if more traditionally shot zombie film.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: V/H/S

ON DEMAND / IN THEATERS October 5th

V/H/S




A group of criminals scour a secluded country home for a mysterious videotape, and bear witness to scenes of unimaginable terror in this found-footage-style anthology horror film featuring segments from Glenn McQuaid (I Sell the Dead), Ti West (House of the Devil), Joe Swanberg (Silver Bullets), David Bruckner (The Signal), Adam Wingard (You're Next, and Radio Silence). It seemed like a simple job; all they needed to do was enter the home, find the videotape, and deliver it to their boss. But from the moment they arrived, a sinister tension descended. Gaining access to the house, the young thugs discover a rotting corpse amidst a collection of vintage television sets, and stockpiles of VHS tapes. Somewhere amidst the stacks is the tape they seek, but with each new video they watch, the dread continues to build. The sights that they witness are too horrible for words, but the greatest shock is yet to come. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Joe Swanberg, Ti West, David Bruckner, Adam Wingard, Glenn McQuaid

Cast: Joe Swanberg, Adam Wingard, Calvin Reeder, Lane Hughes

Release Date: Oct 05, 2012

Rated R for some Drug Use, Bloody Violence, Pervasive Language, Graphic Nudity and
Strong Sexuality

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.

Genres: Horror, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

V/H/S is a horror anthology that hits far more than it misses. Using the found footage idea as its crux, the collection offers a handful of inventive and impressive horror shorts that are sure to surprise and entertain horror fans. The over reaching story arch is fairly blasé and ends abruptly before the final reel. It feels like the most undeveloped portion of the group, not a terrible flaw but noticeable. Video 1 works well as a more fantastical tale with the main actress providing a fair amount of creepiness. It’s funny but suffers a tad from horror film logic in some very obvious sections. Video 2 feels more like a terror type film, providing a more grounded scare than the first video. It makes solid use of its location, providing some nice vistas to enhance the authenticity. Video 3 feels more like an 80’s slasher film but with an inventive twist. Sadly this entry showcases the anthology’s worst acting, detracting from the overall quality of this particular portion. Video 4 starts off as a ghost story but turns into something far more inventive, making solid use of internet chat screens as a gateway to this portions scares. Video 5 is an impressive haunted house tome with a fun twist. It’s the best of the group and done with such gusto that you can’t help but get goose bump during its trilling climax. As a whole, V/H/S has to be applauded for its overall authenticity which is crucial to any film using the found footage idea. It works impressively well together only occasionally feeling mainly due to a weak overreaching story arch.

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: THE POSSESSION

IN THEATERS ON DVD

THE POSSESSION



Inspired by Los Angeles Times writer Leslie Gornstein's article "A Jinx in a Box," this horror film from Ghost House Pictures and director Ole Bornedal (Nightwatch) tells the tale of a broken family that comes under attack from a malevolent supernatural entity of Jewish folklore. Shortly after her parents (Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick) divorce, a young girl purchases an ornate antique box at a yard sale. In the weeks that follow, the young girl forms an intense fixation on the box, her behavior growing increasingly bizarre as she falls into the grip of a diabolical apparition. When the girl's father discovers that the relic is in fact a holding cell for the disconnected soul of a deceased person who has been denied entry into the afterlife and needs a human host to inhabit, he fights to rid her of the evil that threatens to consume her body and soul. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Ole Bornedal

Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kyra Sedgwick, Madison Davenport, Natasha Calis,

Release Date: Aug 31, 2012

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving violence and disturbing sequences

Runtime: 1 hr. 31 min.

Genres: Horror

Review:

The Possession is a fairly manageable retread of The Exorcist with a Jewish slant. Director Ole Bornedal delivers a well shot if sterile film that’s engaging enough to keep your attention. Its hits the same notes as The Exorcist but never really impresses. Bornedal’s over use of music kills what could be fairly solid sequences throughout, as if he doesn’t trust the audience to pay attention. It’s a shame because there are some decent set ups and moments. A pained Jeffery Dean Morgan does his best to carry the dramatic load throughout, doing yeoman’s work. He does the best he can with a clunky character that isn’t really given an organic feel. Madison Davenport turns in a solid performance as the possessed girl. Some of her work is annulled because of some shoddy CGI. It’s hard to imagine that the film as a whole would have worked better with more practical effects. Kyra Sedgwick is mostly relegated to the background and not really asked to do much. The film is watchable but hardly memorable since the characters and set up feel so familiar. That being said if you’ve seen Hellraiser, you should know not to mess with strange boxes.

C-