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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

[Trailer] MIRROR, MIRROR




About as far removed from the tone of last week’s Snow White and the Huntsman, Tarsem Singh's Mirror Mirror has an almost comedic tone with Julia Roberts chewing up scenery like a crazy. Lily Collins does seem like a more suitable Snow White in my opinion.

Singh’s visuals, as usual, are incredibly impressive but it’s a totally different genre on the same material, should be very interesting to compare and contrast when both projects come out…..


Friday, November 11, 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: IMMORTALS

IN THEATERS

IMMORTALS




A brave young stonemason assembles a fierce band of warriors to prevent an evil king from acquiring the artifact that will permit him to rule the world in this epic mythological fantasy from visionary filmmaker Tarsem Singh. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Tarsem Singh

Cast: Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto, Stephen Dorff, Kellan Lutz

Release Date: Nov 11, 2011

Rated R for sequences of strong bloody violence and a scene of sexuality

Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure,Fantasy, Mythology

Review:

Those looking for that singular Greek Mythology film will probably have to keep looking. Immortals is a visually impressive film that never bores the eyes but never matches its visual intensity with narrative punch. Loosely based from Greek Myths, i.e. they’ve used the time period and some names; the story is an overly complex and occasionally incoherent jumble that doesn’t ever really find any sort of rhythm. Tarsem Singh visual flair is enough to make the film watchable and enjoyable for the better part of its runtime. Singh paints incredible cinematic images that your eyes and mind are occupied for the better part of the run time. Unfortunately with the threadbare script, the dead zones are noticeable and drawn out. The cast isn’t much help as they aren’t asked to do much but show off impressively toned and oiled bodies only occasionally whispering some dialogue. Mickey Rourke chews scenery like he’s angry at it, while Henry Cavill and Freida Pinto are incredibly stiff. The secondary and tertiary, sadly the Gods included, have maybe one or two lines to dialogue to define them. It’s not unexpected and Singh’s films share a lot in common with Julie Taymor and both are far more enjoyable as impressive visual feast for the eyes if not the brain.

C+

Thursday, November 10, 2011

[Trailer] Snow White and the Huntsman

While I have to say I’ve been hearing about this for a good while, my interest was pretty damn low.

This trailer hits me as a bit of a surprise, looks impressively dark and epic. Still don’t care for Kristen Stewart but Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth make up for it, looking forward this now…..





Friday, November 4, 2011

[FULL TRAILER] UNDERWORLD AWAKENING 3D


2nd trailer is out and while I have my reservations I can’t help but say I’m kind of looking forward to it, however I can’t help but laugh a bit as Beckinsale literally burns rubber sans car……




Monday, October 31, 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: LAKE MUNGO

MOVIE REVIEW: LAKE MUNGO

ON VIDEO



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.

Directed by Joel Anderson

Cast: Rosie Traynor, David Pledger, Martin Sharpe, Talia Zucker

Release Date: Jan 21, 2010

Rated R for a scene of sexuality, and brief gruesome images

Runtime: 89 Minutes

Genres: Art House/Foreign, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Lake Mungo is a hidden gem of a horror film. It’s not a horror film in the most standard definition; instead it’s a serious mocumentary that explores ghostly goings on with a family along with their grief and sense of loss. It all done with some a deft hand that it feels real for the better part of it’s run time. Director Joel Anderson really hits on some interesting nerves as he gives his film an emotional center that feels authentic and realistic. Slow to start the plot really finds its footing as the central mystery unravels. Unlike the recent Paranormal Activity series which places you in the actual house for the duration, Lake Mungo makes great use of blurry videos and photos intermixed with talking head interviews with the people involved. It feels like an actual documentary you might see on TV. The plot itself is strong but leaves a lot of open threads that remain unanswered through the films conclusion. It’s the kind of ghost story that really simmers in your mind, percolating well after the film is over.

B


Saturday, October 29, 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: ATTACK THE BLOCK

ON VIDEO
ATTACK THE BLOCK



A group of London teens find themselves in the middle of an alien invasion and fight to defend their tower block from some evil extraterrestrials in this stylish sci-fi romp from the producers of Shaun of the Dead and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Joe Cornish

Cast: John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, Franz Drameh, Luke Treadaway, Nick Frost, Jumayn Hunter

Release Date: Jul 29, 2011

Rated R for drug content, pervasive language and creature violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 28 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Art House/Foreign, Comedy

Review:

Some movies instantly bring a strong sense of energy to the screen. It permeates through the screen the instant it starts. While it doesn’t always mean it’s the best filmed or plotted story out there, it does have that palpable sense present throughout. Attack the Block is that kind of film, far from perfect but imbued with enough cinematic energy to make you over look some of the more glaring flaws. First time director Joe Cornish has an interesting style which gives his low budget alien invasion dramdy a fun sense of itself. Cornish moves the film along at a brisk pace but it never feels rushed. Some of the characters are a flimsily written but the performances from the young cast really helps make it easier to watch. Front and center is John Boyega, his performance is fascinating throughout. Believable for the better part of the film, he has a quiet strength that’s a real treat to watch. Luke Treadaway is a good fun as stoner college student along for the ride. Jodie Whittaker does solid work but fairly forgettable as the female lead. Attack the Block is kind of a modern day amalgam of 80’s type kid adventure films, mix with some 90’s street films, remixed and blended with aliens and a dose of self aware comedy.

B

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