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-

MOVIE REVIEW: THE BOURNE LEGACY

IN THEATERS ON DVD

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

IN THEATERS ON DVD

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

IN THEATERS ON DVD

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-