Well... the first month in my experiment is almost done.
I've been pretty run down and sick the last week or so, hence the lack of reviews. Staring at a monitor just managed to give me the mother of all migranes.
They'll be filled in soon, I promise. In fact the may have been done so by the time you read this.
I've managed to keep to a schedule pretty well, apart from a few 14 hour days at work, and a day when looking at any bright light gave me motion sickness.
Feel free to add any comments, and to click the ad's at the side :)
--
Top 3 Highlights/Recommendations for January:
Tape
The Fountain
Four Eyed Monsters
--
Phil
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Jan 31st
Alvin and the Chipmunks
Oh Jason Lee...
Why did you have to take part in something that destroyed a little piece of my childhood...?
Mildly entertaining, children will enjoy it and that's the point I guess. Certainly better than some of the dross-ier children's films of recent years.
Oh Jason Lee...
Why did you have to take part in something that destroyed a little piece of my childhood...?
Mildly entertaining, children will enjoy it and that's the point I guess. Certainly better than some of the dross-ier children's films of recent years.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Jan 30th
Saw IV
After the events of the third encounter in the Saw series I was confused as to how exactly a fourth would pan out, but as ever the Hollywood sequel machine churns out more and more.
Saw 4 has definitely toned down the random gore that Saw 3 had, but still manages to produce a vastly inferior film to the original surprise hit.
It's not a bad film per se, and if you enjoyed 1-3 then chances are you'll like this. I suppose I did. Again it tries to tie loose ends up from the previous films, as well as being a stand-alone film in it's own right.
My main gripe was with the storyline and the 'villain's' motivations which weren't really explained. The timeline kind of got slightly skewed at the end too, which confused me.
Four Eyed Monsters
Four Eyed Monsters is a rare film.
It's a very unique concept in that the writers/stars allow it to be freely distributed, asking only for donations or direct dvd purchases to help them pay off the massive debt they undertook in making the film, and the project surrounding it.
The film itself is part of an ongoing project, based upon a true story, and is an amazingly unique look at love, relationships and humanity. I was really entertained and inspired by this film.
Do yourself a favour and check out: http://www.foureyedmonsters.com
After the events of the third encounter in the Saw series I was confused as to how exactly a fourth would pan out, but as ever the Hollywood sequel machine churns out more and more.
Saw 4 has definitely toned down the random gore that Saw 3 had, but still manages to produce a vastly inferior film to the original surprise hit.
It's not a bad film per se, and if you enjoyed 1-3 then chances are you'll like this. I suppose I did. Again it tries to tie loose ends up from the previous films, as well as being a stand-alone film in it's own right.
My main gripe was with the storyline and the 'villain's' motivations which weren't really explained. The timeline kind of got slightly skewed at the end too, which confused me.
Four Eyed Monsters
Four Eyed Monsters is a rare film.
It's a very unique concept in that the writers/stars allow it to be freely distributed, asking only for donations or direct dvd purchases to help them pay off the massive debt they undertook in making the film, and the project surrounding it.
The film itself is part of an ongoing project, based upon a true story, and is an amazingly unique look at love, relationships and humanity. I was really entertained and inspired by this film.
Do yourself a favour and check out: http://www.foureyedmonsters.com
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Jan 27th
Thir13en Ghosts
I'm still not sure what to make of this film...
It was a nice attempt at something new, but wasn't enough to be anything special, really.
Mildly entertaining.
Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back
Let's face it; Kevin Smith is at his best when he's writing gags for himself and Jason Mewes. This is epic for it.
No deep plot, just pure slapstick comedy in Smith's own inevitable style, based upon a throwaway scene in Mallrats that itself was a homage to Every Which Way But Loose.
Hilarious chaos ensues.
You've got to love it.
Reviews To Follow
I'm still not sure what to make of this film...
It was a nice attempt at something new, but wasn't enough to be anything special, really.
Mildly entertaining.
Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back
Let's face it; Kevin Smith is at his best when he's writing gags for himself and Jason Mewes. This is epic for it.
No deep plot, just pure slapstick comedy in Smith's own inevitable style, based upon a throwaway scene in Mallrats that itself was a homage to Every Which Way But Loose.
Hilarious chaos ensues.
You've got to love it.
Reviews To Follow
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Jan 25th
L.I.E.
I picked this film up for cheap simply because it was part of the Tartan line, which is usually pretty solid for independent/foreign films. I didn't read the blurb or anything in detail so it wasn't the subject matter that initially attracted me.
I'm glad I did, because it's a really solid little film that deals with a quite hard and dark subject matter. It's probably a cop-out to compare it to other films, but for me L.I.E works where Mysterious Skin failed to. The ending and resolution surprised me, and was one of the most polished parts of the film.
Definitely worth a viewing, although it may not be some people's cup of tea, for obvious reasons...
I picked this film up for cheap simply because it was part of the Tartan line, which is usually pretty solid for independent/foreign films. I didn't read the blurb or anything in detail so it wasn't the subject matter that initially attracted me.
I'm glad I did, because it's a really solid little film that deals with a quite hard and dark subject matter. It's probably a cop-out to compare it to other films, but for me L.I.E works where Mysterious Skin failed to. The ending and resolution surprised me, and was one of the most polished parts of the film.
Definitely worth a viewing, although it may not be some people's cup of tea, for obvious reasons...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Jan 24th
Thumbsucker
Another film tagged with 'the best film of it's kind since Donnie Darko', another dvd purchase suckered into.
Although that's not a bad thing at all.
Thumbsucker is a pretty uniquely crafted coming-of-age drama focusing on the usual issues of relationships and drugs but without coming across as preachy or condescending. The cast is full of a-listers who take on smaller background roles letting the main character/actor shine.
Another film tagged with 'the best film of it's kind since Donnie Darko', another dvd purchase suckered into.
Although that's not a bad thing at all.
Thumbsucker is a pretty uniquely crafted coming-of-age drama focusing on the usual issues of relationships and drugs but without coming across as preachy or condescending. The cast is full of a-listers who take on smaller background roles letting the main character/actor shine.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Jan 23rd
Dark City
I can remember seeing adverts and reviews for this when it came out back in '98, but I never saw it at the time.
Since then I'd seen bits of it at various times but never seen it the whole way through, or the ending in particular.
After The Matrix came out there was a lot of talk of imitation and parts swiped from this, something which I can see the similarity between, but can't say more than that.
Dark City is a pretty good noir-ish sci-fi though. Definitely worth watching at least once.
I can remember seeing adverts and reviews for this when it came out back in '98, but I never saw it at the time.
Since then I'd seen bits of it at various times but never seen it the whole way through, or the ending in particular.
After The Matrix came out there was a lot of talk of imitation and parts swiped from this, something which I can see the similarity between, but can't say more than that.
Dark City is a pretty good noir-ish sci-fi though. Definitely worth watching at least once.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Jan 22nd
Igby Goes Down
I can see what this film was trying to do. Or maybe I can just almost comprehend what it actually does do. I don't know.
Either way I'm not sure it had it's desired effect upon me.
I know a lot of people rave about this film and the themes it touches upon.
Maybe some repeat viewings will help.
I can see what this film was trying to do. Or maybe I can just almost comprehend what it actually does do. I don't know.
Either way I'm not sure it had it's desired effect upon me.
I know a lot of people rave about this film and the themes it touches upon.
Maybe some repeat viewings will help.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Jan 21st
House of 1000 Corpses
Rob Zombie's debut film pretty much sets itself up from the title alone. Anyone expecting anything other than a gore filled, body count rising horror romp has to be a moron.
Inspired by the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Zombie's love for the genre oozes through and you can see why he was chosen to helm the remake of Halloween.
A very worthy modern 'old school' horror film, something that's lacking in this day and age of twists and troubled villains you can sympathize/empathize with and understand-why-they-do-what-they-do-bullshit.
Rob Zombie's debut film pretty much sets itself up from the title alone. Anyone expecting anything other than a gore filled, body count rising horror romp has to be a moron.
Inspired by the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Zombie's love for the genre oozes through and you can see why he was chosen to helm the remake of Halloween.
A very worthy modern 'old school' horror film, something that's lacking in this day and age of twists and troubled villains you can sympathize/empathize with and understand-why-they-do-what-they-do-bullshit.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Jan 20th
School of Rock
I think this would have been a lot funnier had I seen it when it first came out. After having heard the premise and most of the lines over the last few years, and the existence of the Gene Simmons reality show Rock School where he actually made the comedy concept a reality, the film appeared to fall slightly flat of it's desired outcome. It had some funny elements to it, but just didn't do anything for me.
TMNT
It took me a while to get into this film; firstly to get over the artwork and animation, and secondly to get over the voices.
The artwork worked for the Turtles and the various creatures throughout the film, but something about that humans didn't quite work in my eyes. Only a small quibble that I did get over with. The voices however were a bit more jarring, especially Splinter's. Maybe that's because I grew up on the original cartoon series and expected the same quality, I don't know.
My minor problems aside, the actual film wasn't bad; a standard animated adventure in the Turtle style - it was never going to be an award winning film, but it succeeded in what it was; a light-hearted children's adventure. And who can say fairer than that?
I think this would have been a lot funnier had I seen it when it first came out. After having heard the premise and most of the lines over the last few years, and the existence of the Gene Simmons reality show Rock School where he actually made the comedy concept a reality, the film appeared to fall slightly flat of it's desired outcome. It had some funny elements to it, but just didn't do anything for me.
TMNT
It took me a while to get into this film; firstly to get over the artwork and animation, and secondly to get over the voices.
The artwork worked for the Turtles and the various creatures throughout the film, but something about that humans didn't quite work in my eyes. Only a small quibble that I did get over with. The voices however were a bit more jarring, especially Splinter's. Maybe that's because I grew up on the original cartoon series and expected the same quality, I don't know.
My minor problems aside, the actual film wasn't bad; a standard animated adventure in the Turtle style - it was never going to be an award winning film, but it succeeded in what it was; a light-hearted children's adventure. And who can say fairer than that?
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Jan 19th - VOID
I sort of saw bits of Alien Resurrection, but didn't pay enough attention to actually give it justice. I may well do an Alien 1-4, followed by AvP 1-2 over the next month.
+1 Film tomorrow
+1 Film tomorrow
Friday, January 18, 2008
Jan 18th
Apocalypto
I didn't like The Last of the Mohicans, Braveheart or Gladiator.
There's something about big semi-historical epics that just bore the shit out of me.
Apocalypto was unsuprisingly no different.
I'm amazed I got through it all, without turning it off.
It was just hour after hour of predictable pretentious drivel.
I prefer Mel Gibson when he's drunk.
I didn't like The Last of the Mohicans, Braveheart or Gladiator.
There's something about big semi-historical epics that just bore the shit out of me.
Apocalypto was unsuprisingly no different.
I'm amazed I got through it all, without turning it off.
It was just hour after hour of predictable pretentious drivel.
I prefer Mel Gibson when he's drunk.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Jan 17th
La Jetée
On face value La Jetée is a 29 minute French film from the '60's shot almost entirely using still black and white photographs rather than moving image, with narration over the top. Doesn't sound very interesting or important. A bit too art-house maybe? Not the type of film to entertain or inspire?
Wrong.
La Jetée is the film that inspired 12 Monkeys. It's the film on which it is based, taken from and expanded upon.
However, that doesn't make 12 Monkeys any less of a film, or La Jetée unwatchable.
Where 12 Monkeys focuses a lot upon the science fiction and time travel aspect, and of course the mainstream love story, La Jetée gives a much bleaker vision of the future and the war, due to the black and white still imagery. It seems a lot colder and more desolate. In ways you feel the lead character's pain and suffering at the hands of scientists more.
La Jetée also plays with the idea of visiting the future too, to see if the human race actually ever manages to rebuild itself after the events of World War Three. This was thought provoking for myself, having seen 12 Monkeys before this.
All in all, a great short film and you can see why it inspired Gilliam et al. to create their epic.
On face value La Jetée is a 29 minute French film from the '60's shot almost entirely using still black and white photographs rather than moving image, with narration over the top. Doesn't sound very interesting or important. A bit too art-house maybe? Not the type of film to entertain or inspire?
Wrong.
La Jetée is the film that inspired 12 Monkeys. It's the film on which it is based, taken from and expanded upon.
However, that doesn't make 12 Monkeys any less of a film, or La Jetée unwatchable.
Where 12 Monkeys focuses a lot upon the science fiction and time travel aspect, and of course the mainstream love story, La Jetée gives a much bleaker vision of the future and the war, due to the black and white still imagery. It seems a lot colder and more desolate. In ways you feel the lead character's pain and suffering at the hands of scientists more.
La Jetée also plays with the idea of visiting the future too, to see if the human race actually ever manages to rebuild itself after the events of World War Three. This was thought provoking for myself, having seen 12 Monkeys before this.
All in all, a great short film and you can see why it inspired Gilliam et al. to create their epic.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Jan 16th
Old School
I don't find a lot of mainstream Hollywood comedies funny. I'm not too keen on Vince Vaughn and the only thing I've found Will Ferrell funny in was Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back. Suffice to say that other than a few bits; I didn't really find this too funny at all.
I don't find a lot of mainstream Hollywood comedies funny. I'm not too keen on Vince Vaughn and the only thing I've found Will Ferrell funny in was Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back. Suffice to say that other than a few bits; I didn't really find this too funny at all.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Jan 15th
Party Monster
I always come up short when trying to describe this film to people, as it's kinda hard to say what it's all about. The fact that it's based upon true events makes it even stranger to try and categorize. All you need to know is that it features great performances by Macaulay Culkin and Seth Green and a tale of fabulous proportions.
Team America:World Police
On first viewing, I really didn't find this funny. However it grew on me each viewing since, and while not hilarious in South Park The Movie terms, it's a worthy bastard relation, definitely funnier than Orgasmo.
See No Evil
It's amazing how trailers can make anything look good, isn't it?
Mildly entertaining, but not scary in the slightest. Watch the once and then forget all about it.
Hot Fuzz
The amazing team behind Shaun of the Dead bring you this hilarious British cop buddy movie. More than enough has been said about this already, everywhere. It may not be as good as Spaced or SotD, but it's definitely one of the funniest films you'll ever see.
Carrie
It's quite sad really. This really didn't seem to stand up to how I remember it as a child. Obviously we've become desensitized to violence and horror more in this day and age, and expect more, but I was almost... hurt by how bored I was with this film this time around.
I always come up short when trying to describe this film to people, as it's kinda hard to say what it's all about. The fact that it's based upon true events makes it even stranger to try and categorize. All you need to know is that it features great performances by Macaulay Culkin and Seth Green and a tale of fabulous proportions.
Team America:World Police
On first viewing, I really didn't find this funny. However it grew on me each viewing since, and while not hilarious in South Park The Movie terms, it's a worthy bastard relation, definitely funnier than Orgasmo.
See No Evil
It's amazing how trailers can make anything look good, isn't it?
Mildly entertaining, but not scary in the slightest. Watch the once and then forget all about it.
Hot Fuzz
The amazing team behind Shaun of the Dead bring you this hilarious British cop buddy movie. More than enough has been said about this already, everywhere. It may not be as good as Spaced or SotD, but it's definitely one of the funniest films you'll ever see.
Carrie
It's quite sad really. This really didn't seem to stand up to how I remember it as a child. Obviously we've become desensitized to violence and horror more in this day and age, and expect more, but I was almost... hurt by how bored I was with this film this time around.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Jan 14th
Sin City
Some say that the last ever film noir made was the legendary and iconic Blade Runner. Well, if that's the case, then this is the film that brought noir kicking and screaming back into the 21st century.
The entire film is brilliantly lifted from Frank Miller's groundbreaking comic series of the same name, almost panel for panel, bringing his blunt, brutal graphic images to the screen.
The all-star cast is spot on; Mickey Rourke especially.
Great film, probably knocking Blade off the top of my greatest comic to film adaptation.
Some say that the last ever film noir made was the legendary and iconic Blade Runner. Well, if that's the case, then this is the film that brought noir kicking and screaming back into the 21st century.
The entire film is brilliantly lifted from Frank Miller's groundbreaking comic series of the same name, almost panel for panel, bringing his blunt, brutal graphic images to the screen.
The all-star cast is spot on; Mickey Rourke especially.
Great film, probably knocking Blade off the top of my greatest comic to film adaptation.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Jan 13th
The Reaping
Still not too sure what to make of this film.
For a start it's not the kind of film I'd have imagined Hilary Swank to be in, but fairplay to the girl, it wasn't too bad.
The basic notion wasn't too bad, it just seemed to take a long while to get to the key part of the plot and then ended too soon without a definite clarification or point.
Labyrinth
How can you not love this classic classic film.
Jim Henson + David Bowie = Legendary genius.
I need say no more.
Still not too sure what to make of this film.
For a start it's not the kind of film I'd have imagined Hilary Swank to be in, but fairplay to the girl, it wasn't too bad.
The basic notion wasn't too bad, it just seemed to take a long while to get to the key part of the plot and then ended too soon without a definite clarification or point.
Labyrinth
How can you not love this classic classic film.
Jim Henson + David Bowie = Legendary genius.
I need say no more.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Jan 12th
Black Sheep
What is it with me and zombie films lately eh?
Black Sheep is a spoof horror involving genetic mutant sheep on a murderous rampage killing or infecting people - what's not to love?
It's not the funniest of comedies or the scariest of horror films, but it is a damn good effort. The mutant sheep are hilarious.
Fans of Evil Dead/Army of Darkness and Braindead should enjoy this.
What is it with me and zombie films lately eh?
Black Sheep is a spoof horror involving genetic mutant sheep on a murderous rampage killing or infecting people - what's not to love?
It's not the funniest of comedies or the scariest of horror films, but it is a damn good effort. The mutant sheep are hilarious.
Fans of Evil Dead/Army of Darkness and Braindead should enjoy this.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Jan 11th
The Fountain
Pi is one of the greatest, most mind-blowing, thought provoking films I've ever seen, and remains one of my favourites. Requiem For A Dream was visually stunning and hard hitting.
Anticipating The Fountain was a no-brainer and I eagerly awaited it from the moment I heard about it.
It didn't disappoint; combining the elements I enjoyed from both of the above films.
Essentially the film revolves around one man's inability to deal with the upcoming death of his wife, and his quest for immortality with superb visuals and interweaving timelines.
I wholeheartedly recommend this film.
Pi is one of the greatest, most mind-blowing, thought provoking films I've ever seen, and remains one of my favourites. Requiem For A Dream was visually stunning and hard hitting.
Anticipating The Fountain was a no-brainer and I eagerly awaited it from the moment I heard about it.
It didn't disappoint; combining the elements I enjoyed from both of the above films.
Essentially the film revolves around one man's inability to deal with the upcoming death of his wife, and his quest for immortality with superb visuals and interweaving timelines.
I wholeheartedly recommend this film.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Jan 10th
28 Weeks Later
From one extreme to the next; THIS is how you do a modern zombie film with a twist.
Obviously it's got a bigger budget than yesterday's viewing, but still...
Robert Carlyle is on top form in this, the sequel to 2002's 28 Days Later. Although this isn't as good as 28 Days, probably because of the little involvement of Boyle and Garland, it still puts across an entertaining realistic account of what would happen if a 'zombie' outbreak were to occur in the modern world. Again more of a drama/thriller with social commentary, especially on the armed forces once again, than a horror of old, this is a pretty worthy sequel and well worth a watch.
From one extreme to the next; THIS is how you do a modern zombie film with a twist.
Obviously it's got a bigger budget than yesterday's viewing, but still...
Robert Carlyle is on top form in this, the sequel to 2002's 28 Days Later. Although this isn't as good as 28 Days, probably because of the little involvement of Boyle and Garland, it still puts across an entertaining realistic account of what would happen if a 'zombie' outbreak were to occur in the modern world. Again more of a drama/thriller with social commentary, especially on the armed forces once again, than a horror of old, this is a pretty worthy sequel and well worth a watch.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Jan 9th
Raving Maniacs
I fully admit that I'm a sucker for a terrible horror movie. Especially zombie ones. There's something about being so bad that makes them good.
So, when I saw a shitty horror film set in a rave culture I had to pick it up.
Mistake.
I've seen student films more polished than this. And again, not in a good way. If you can't act - don't try. I can't act, I don't attempt to.
And what a surprise; a film that insinuates every person that goes to clubs takes drugs and become psychotic killers. Big woo.
Although when we're talking drugs in this film we mean glowstick capsules the size of my thumb - an obvious choice for an illegal drug and one that's obviously reaaaaaally swallowable.
Yes; the plot's that bad.
It's not even worth watching in an amusing ironic way.
I fully admit that I'm a sucker for a terrible horror movie. Especially zombie ones. There's something about being so bad that makes them good.
So, when I saw a shitty horror film set in a rave culture I had to pick it up.
Mistake.
I've seen student films more polished than this. And again, not in a good way. If you can't act - don't try. I can't act, I don't attempt to.
And what a surprise; a film that insinuates every person that goes to clubs takes drugs and become psychotic killers. Big woo.
Although when we're talking drugs in this film we mean glowstick capsules the size of my thumb - an obvious choice for an illegal drug and one that's obviously reaaaaaally swallowable.
Yes; the plot's that bad.
It's not even worth watching in an amusing ironic way.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Jan 8th
Secretary
Secretary's one of those 'cult' film's that everyone seems to know the premise about but few have watched. Myself included up until now.
For that reason I knew the themes and details before I got any further than the iconic imagery of the cover.
Maybe this was the reason that the film really didn't do anything for me. Yes it was original, yes it vaguely scratched the surface of exploration into self-harm and domination, but to be fair it just... happened. I wasn't really bothered by the characters plights so the ending had no impact. Maybe I'm missing something, I don't know.
Secretary's one of those 'cult' film's that everyone seems to know the premise about but few have watched. Myself included up until now.
For that reason I knew the themes and details before I got any further than the iconic imagery of the cover.
Maybe this was the reason that the film really didn't do anything for me. Yes it was original, yes it vaguely scratched the surface of exploration into self-harm and domination, but to be fair it just... happened. I wasn't really bothered by the characters plights so the ending had no impact. Maybe I'm missing something, I don't know.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Jan 7th
Underworld Evolution
I didn't mind the first Underworld, it was a new-ish attempt at a take on the old vampire/werewolf genre updated for the post-Matrix era of film going, complete with leather to the maximum and slo-mo 'bullet time'-esque shots and apart from a cheesy ending it was alright.
Evolution however falls swiftly into the trap that is the financial based sequel Hollywood machine.
There's very little of substance here, just more of the same only thinner... I almost switched off at various points throughout the film; it was just that... average. It wasn't even good bad.
However, if you liked the first; you'll like this.
I didn't mind the first Underworld, it was a new-ish attempt at a take on the old vampire/werewolf genre updated for the post-Matrix era of film going, complete with leather to the maximum and slo-mo 'bullet time'-esque shots and apart from a cheesy ending it was alright.
Evolution however falls swiftly into the trap that is the financial based sequel Hollywood machine.
There's very little of substance here, just more of the same only thinner... I almost switched off at various points throughout the film; it was just that... average. It wasn't even good bad.
However, if you liked the first; you'll like this.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Jan 6th
Abominable
You'll enjoy the film if you see it for what it is; a cheesy b-movie-esque horror film about Bigfoot - nothing more, nothing less; no pretentiousness, no attempts at justification or unexpected plot twists. All of the usual horror film trademarks are there including the obligatory topless scene and the crappy looking monster.
I honestly don't believe the creators intended it to be the greatest serious horror film ever made but rather just a piece of entertainment and in that respect it works.
I wouldn't pay money for it, I wouldn't see it again, but it fills that 3am beer-in-hand tv-on wind-down void and to be fair that's all you want.
You'll enjoy the film if you see it for what it is; a cheesy b-movie-esque horror film about Bigfoot - nothing more, nothing less; no pretentiousness, no attempts at justification or unexpected plot twists. All of the usual horror film trademarks are there including the obligatory topless scene and the crappy looking monster.
I honestly don't believe the creators intended it to be the greatest serious horror film ever made but rather just a piece of entertainment and in that respect it works.
I wouldn't pay money for it, I wouldn't see it again, but it fills that 3am beer-in-hand tv-on wind-down void and to be fair that's all you want.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Jan 5th
The Chumscrubber
I should really have learnt from Brick that any film reviewed as 'the best indie debut since Donnie Darko' isn't necessarily going to come anywhere near Donnie Darko in terms of strength, topic or quality.
The Chumscrubber was an odd little beast. Quite quirky and entertaining in the end, it just took a long while to get going. There's a pretty solid star cast within the film, which probably helps it's cause.
I've always grown up in big cities rather than these well-cellulised (I'm sure there's an actual word for what I want to say, but for now I'll revel in my creation of one) small American suburban towns where everyone knows each other and each other's business so the concept always comes across as a bit clichéd to me. The film came off very Desperate Housewives-meets-the aforementioned Brick at some points.
With those genre-bias preconceptions behind me, the film is an enjoyable dark comedy with lots of personality. I'm not sure however, if it'll hold up to multiple viewings. Worth a watch though.
I should really have learnt from Brick that any film reviewed as 'the best indie debut since Donnie Darko' isn't necessarily going to come anywhere near Donnie Darko in terms of strength, topic or quality.
The Chumscrubber was an odd little beast. Quite quirky and entertaining in the end, it just took a long while to get going. There's a pretty solid star cast within the film, which probably helps it's cause.
I've always grown up in big cities rather than these well-cellulised (I'm sure there's an actual word for what I want to say, but for now I'll revel in my creation of one) small American suburban towns where everyone knows each other and each other's business so the concept always comes across as a bit clichéd to me. The film came off very Desperate Housewives-meets-the aforementioned Brick at some points.
With those genre-bias preconceptions behind me, the film is an enjoyable dark comedy with lots of personality. I'm not sure however, if it'll hold up to multiple viewings. Worth a watch though.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Jan 4th
Straightheads
You'd think that any film in which you get to see Gillian Anderson topless within the first five minutes has to be good.
Well, you(or maybe just I)'d be wrong.
From there the plot spirals downwardly into an unbelievable tale of rape, revenge and morality.
Not even Danny 'Fackin lunatics' Dyer could save this one.
The film tries to be too many things and can't seem to decide upon one aspect to focus upon in order to make it a revenge thriller. The elements were there and it could have been a great film, but it just seemed to lack.... direction.
You'd think that any film in which you get to see Gillian Anderson topless within the first five minutes has to be good.
Well, you(or maybe just I)'d be wrong.
From there the plot spirals downwardly into an unbelievable tale of rape, revenge and morality.
Not even Danny 'Fackin lunatics' Dyer could save this one.
The film tries to be too many things and can't seem to decide upon one aspect to focus upon in order to make it a revenge thriller. The elements were there and it could have been a great film, but it just seemed to lack.... direction.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Jan 3rd
Dead Man's Shoes
The only work I'd previously seen by Shane Meadows was Once Upon A Time In The Midlands which whilst I enjoyed, didn't seem to live up to everyone else's hype and glorification, in my eyes. With Meadows being brought to wider acclaim with This Is England I thought I'd catch up on his work with this film.
However, I found that I seemed to have the same problems with it as I did with '...Midlands.' The plot seemed to alternate between being too slow and then too fast; when it came to scenes I enjoyed they seemed to end too quickly. Also the acting seemed jarring in places. I understand, or at least presume, the desired effect by having the acting raw and unpolished to give a more gritty realistic English quality, but there were times when it detracted rather than gave a unique voice.
The film wasn't a bad film, despite my slight quibbles; the 'trip out' scene was superb, and the climax's revelations were a surprise and whilst not as hard hitting as intended worked well as a commentary on salvation and retribution.
I may be in the minority (definitely going by the reviews and comparisons on the blurb) but hey...
The only work I'd previously seen by Shane Meadows was Once Upon A Time In The Midlands which whilst I enjoyed, didn't seem to live up to everyone else's hype and glorification, in my eyes. With Meadows being brought to wider acclaim with This Is England I thought I'd catch up on his work with this film.
However, I found that I seemed to have the same problems with it as I did with '...Midlands.' The plot seemed to alternate between being too slow and then too fast; when it came to scenes I enjoyed they seemed to end too quickly. Also the acting seemed jarring in places. I understand, or at least presume, the desired effect by having the acting raw and unpolished to give a more gritty realistic English quality, but there were times when it detracted rather than gave a unique voice.
The film wasn't a bad film, despite my slight quibbles; the 'trip out' scene was superb, and the climax's revelations were a surprise and whilst not as hard hitting as intended worked well as a commentary on salvation and retribution.
I may be in the minority (definitely going by the reviews and comparisons on the blurb) but hey...
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Jan 2nd
Tape
Linklater caught my eye with Slacker and the amazing Waking Life, before becoming more well known with A Scanner Darkly so I was interested to see this film. Some people might find the camera angles and shot format slightly jarring, but I really enjoyed it, and the fact that is shot purely in one location. You can tell it was taken from a stage play, but for me that doesn't detract at all. The acting is top form as you'd expect given the talent involved. Lots of suspense, twists and turns.
V For Vendetta
I finallybothered got round to watching this, having stayed away for the bashing it was given, the fact that Alan Moore didn't want to be associated with it, and the involvement of the Wachowski's...
I'll fully admit I still haven't read the comic it was based upon so can't judge either way on the adaptation and any justice it may or may not do to it, but for a standalone distopian vision of the future it wasn't too bad a film. Certainly a better film than LXG, which suffered from a lot of the same complaints/criticism as this. Although saying that; I didn't mind LXG either...
Linklater caught my eye with Slacker and the amazing Waking Life, before becoming more well known with A Scanner Darkly so I was interested to see this film. Some people might find the camera angles and shot format slightly jarring, but I really enjoyed it, and the fact that is shot purely in one location. You can tell it was taken from a stage play, but for me that doesn't detract at all. The acting is top form as you'd expect given the talent involved. Lots of suspense, twists and turns.
V For Vendetta
I finally
I'll fully admit I still haven't read the comic it was based upon so can't judge either way on the adaptation and any justice it may or may not do to it, but for a standalone distopian vision of the future it wasn't too bad a film. Certainly a better film than LXG, which suffered from a lot of the same complaints/criticism as this. Although saying that; I didn't mind LXG either...
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Jan 1st
The Illusionist
I'm still unsure about this one; a tad too predictable an ending and the accents began to wear a bit thin towards the end. It's no Prestige. Still entertaining enough though.
Spider-Man 3
I actually enjoyed this, despite the roasting some people gave it when it came out. The musical scenes got on my tits a bit, and the part where 'Venom' suddenly and conveniently enough found Sandman was a bit poor, but it was a fun family film which is what Spidey should be about. And Bruce Campbell was on top form as ever.
I'm still unsure about this one; a tad too predictable an ending and the accents began to wear a bit thin towards the end. It's no Prestige. Still entertaining enough though.
Spider-Man 3
I actually enjoyed this, despite the roasting some people gave it when it came out. The musical scenes got on my tits a bit, and the part where 'Venom' suddenly and conveniently enough found Sandman was a bit poor, but it was a fun family film which is what Spidey should be about. And Bruce Campbell was on top form as ever.
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