MOVIE REVIEW: THE POSSESSION

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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-

MOVIE REVIEW: THE BOURNE LEGACY

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THE BOURNE LEGACY



The fourth installment of the highly successful Bourne series sees the return of the franchise's screenwriter, Tony Gilroy, this time stepping into the director's seat for an entry which sidelines main character Jason Bourne in order to focus on a fellow estranged assassin (Jeremy Renner). Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz co-star, with Joan Allen and Albert Finney reprising their roles from the previous films. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Tony Gilroy

Cast: Jeremy Renner, Edward Norton, Rachel Weisz, Joan Allen, Albert Finney

Release Date: Aug 10, 2012

Rated PG-13 for Violence and Action Sequences

Runtime: 2 hr. 15 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller

Genres: Comedy

Review:

The Bourne Legacy is one of those films that come into being because of behind the scenes issues. Paul Greengrass had a falling out with the studio which made Matt Damon bow out; the studio didn’t want to let an established franchise die on the vine. It’s just one of those odd births that lead us into The Bourne Legacy which is an effective if slightly bland supplement to the Bourne trilogy. The write around is well done, covering a story that occurs parallel to the 3rd film thereby keeping it firmly established in the world. Tony Gilroy isn’t afraid to reference or even give visual cues to the trilogy, the opening shot and final scene offer some nice symmetry with the Damon led films. The general conceit of the film works fine but the script suffers a tad from over explanation. Lots of expositional conversations occur in the first half, the type were people include their job title and schooling in conversations so the audience is up to speed. It’s a slow waltz up to the crux of the story which might leave some a bit surprised at the lack of actual action in this action film, especially in the first half. Lots of techno babble about pills and back office government agencies with a very upset Edward Norton screaming out orders take us to Jeremy Renner’s Cross. Renner’s conversion into an action star is more or less complete and as Cross he’s effective but outside of being overly chatty Cross is kind of bland. The character feels strangely underwritten, leaving us with an easily forgettable lead. Rachel Weisz is mostly regulated to a constant state of panic intermixed with jogging through Manila slums. Her performance is fine but the character feels incredibly one note. So much so that when the big action set piece hits in all it’s parkour/motorcycle glory I was kind of hoping she die to give Cross some deeper motivation for survival. Legacy isn’t a bad film by any stretch and there are worse ways to spend 2 hours but in reality the only way it would have been worthwhile would have been if Cross ran into Bourne in the final reel, maybe someday.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: THE CAMPAIGN

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THE CAMPAIGN



Two powerful CEOs pit a blundering congressman against an unlikely political newcomer in order to seize control of a crucial North Carolina district in this satirical political comedy starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. On the eve of an upcoming election, incumbent congressman Cam Brady (Ferrell) makes a misstep that threatens to end his career in politics. Recognizing the opportunity to gain influence in the aftermath of the public gaffe, a pair of scheming CEOs handpick credulous tourism-center director Marty Huggins (Galifianakis) as Brady's political rival, quickly shaping him into a viable candidate with the help of a seasoned campaign manager. As Election Day draws near, Brady and Huggins cast ethics aside to engage in the brand of hysterical mud-slinging that's sent contemporary politics straight down the toilet. Jason Sudeikis, John Lithgow, and Brian Cox co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Jay Roach

Cast: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, Katherine La Nasa

Release Date: Aug 10, 2012.

Rated R for Crude Sexual Content, Brief Nudity and Language

Runtime: 1 hr. 25 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

The Campaign is a consistently funny skewering of the American political process with enough silly laughs to keep thing light and easy to digest. Jay Roach keeps the film moving at a brisk pace never lingering on anything to long to let it get stale. He moves his film to set pieces (debates faux campaign ads etc) and lets his stars take over. Will Ferrell and Zack Galifianakis put on wonderful performances, each creating great caricatures. Ferrell delivers a strong turn as Brady, playing his a dumb smug entitled moron who out to win at all cost. He’s all façade with no substance. Galifianakis matches with his well meaning odd duck Huggins, who is strange but always sympathetic. While the two stars dominate the supporting cast really rounds out the film. Sarah Baker, who looks like Wendi McLendon-Covey long lost sister, is good fun as Huggins ignored wife. Dylan McDermott shows that he can do comedy just as well as anyone. Karen Maruyama has a bit role but leaves a great impression while working with a running gag throughout the film.

B

MOVIE REVIEW: THE EXPENDABLES 2

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THE EXPENDABLES 2




The Expendables return with a vengeance in this follow-up to the 2010 surprise hit. The Mechanic's Simon West directed from a script by Sylvester Stallone and David Agosto. Liam Hemsworth heads up the rest of the starring cast, which includes returning members Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, and Terry Crews, along with fellow '80s action icons Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Simon West

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Chuck Norris, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Liam Hemsworth

Release Date: Aug 17, 2012

Rated R for Strong Bloody Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

You can’t accuse the sequel to Expendables of not delivering on what it promised. Stallone’s brain child brought a litany of action stars together for the first film and with this second one he ups the ante across the board. Simon West takes over the director’s reigns this go around but it has a very similar feel to the first. The action is extreme and outlandish, very tongue in cheeks almost bordering on self parody occasionally. During the fast and loose action sequences the film finds its groove, allowing its cast to shine doing what they do best, kick ass. Pacing problems due kind of plague the film as West transitions from huge action set pieces to slower almost glacial story moments which change the films tone from fun to overly self serious. It’s most bothersome in the first part of the film which has more exposition than is actually needed for such a simple conceit. Around the midway point the, once the lone wolf shows up, film perks up again leading to a fun and enjoyable finale which features Stallone, Willis and Schwarzenegger doing what they do best, playing off each other extremely well. Jason Statham is the lone primary star from the first film who gets more than passing face time. As a sequel it delivers bigger bang for the buck even if it isn’t perfect.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: TOTAL RECALL

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TOTAL RECALL



Originally adapted by director Paul Verhoeven in 1990, author Philip K. Dick's classic sci-fi short story We Can Remember It for You Wholesale returns to the big screen in this remake starring Colin Farrell, Bryan Cranston, and Kate Beckinsale, and directed by Underworld's Len Wiseman. The planet has been decimated by nuclear war in the late 21st century, leaving only two nations -- the United Federation of Britain and the Colony. Douglas Quaid (Farrell) is a factory worker with a stable job and a loving wife (Beckinsale), but upon learning that a company named Rekall could grant him the memory of the ultimate espionage adventure, he decides that a virtual vacation is better than no vacation at all. But in the midst of having the new memories implanted, something goes haywire. Still strapped to the chair as the system breaks down, he's branded a spy as the authorities close in, and quickly flees for his life. Later, Quaid discovers that he has a secret identity, and he joins forces with rebel soldier Melina (Jessica Biel) on a mission to track down Matthias (Bill Nighy), the head of a fierce resistance movement that's been labeled a terrorist organization by the tyrannical Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston). Cohaagen seeks to control the entire free world, and now the harder Quaid fights to defeat him, the clearer it becomes that his memory had been altered long before he walked into Rekall. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Len Wiseman

Cast: Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston, Bokeem Woodbine

Release Date: Aug 03, 2012

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, some sexual content, brief nudity and language

Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

The 1990 Total Recall was one of the few Arnold Schwarzenegger films I’ve always had a real affection for, the other being Predator. With Paul Verhoeven inspired direction it was on of those classic 90’s sci-fi films that just worked on so many levels. To say that this remake is pointless and ultimately soulless kind undersells the point. Les Wiseman has made a career of “borrowing” styles from other better films and for this he seems to have just lifted entire visual styles from other directors and films (Minority Report, Blade Runner & J.J. Abrams wonderful lens flare amongst the most obvious). His film has a polish but it’s about as hacky as it gets. The plot is roughly the same from the 1990 film except Mars and air have been replaced with Blade Runner-esque Australia and invasion. Outside of that the plot hits the basic bullet points and even replicates some of the scenes with the shiny new veneer except everything feels rushed, lacking any depth. Colin Farrell is in cruise control for the better part of the film and honestly he isn’t asked to do much, ditto for Jessica Biel whose character is about as one dimensional as they come. Kate Bekinsale works her badass chick routine while looking steely the entire time. Considering her character was the combination of 2 characters from the 1990 film, you’d think there’d be more depth to her but like everybody else in the move she’s just asked to follow the threadbare script and look good posing for the camera. On the bright side, you can make a great drinking game out of the number of time she’s got her mouth slightly open while eye banging the camera. Bryan Cranston’s Cohaagen barely registers, wasting the wonderful talents of a fine actor. Bill Nighy appears and disappears from the screen so quickly you’d barely notice him. There are some visually fun action sequences here but nothing close enough to justify the remake. Occasionally remakes surprise you, other times they remind you that just because it’s new doesn’t mean its better.

D+

[Trailer] Paranormal Activity 4

It should come as no shock that we are going to be four films into this franchise; the series is incredibly cheap to make bringing in a healthy profit as a result.

The 3rd installment expanded the mythology of the story by going back to the past and now this one comes back to the present.

From the trailer it looks like we’ll follow a new family with a teenage girl who’ll play the entry point for the audience. This might sound funny but this trailer feels terribly cheap without the authentic feel of the previous films. We’ll see what happens when it hits theaters….