*** Scream (1996) *** Review
Scream Starring Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Rose
McGowan and Skeet Ulrich. The film has a great mixed of bone chilling
suspense and witty dialogues. The film is scary, tightly structured, and
often effective as a straight horror film. I really enjoyed the
in-jokes and the self-aware characters and the incredible level of gore
in this film. The script and dialogue
was just very cleverly crafted with well developed characters and very
original killing scenes. The film is also very original and entertaining
with great suspense throughout, great plot, and a smart way of making
fun of itself and all other great scary flicks. The film is directed
with precision by the master of horror Wes Craven, who populates the
film with tons of neat little in jokes as well. The script and dialogue
by Kevin Williamson is very intelligent and smartly written. I just love
the opening sequence with the taunting and eventually brutal phone call
is very gripping and I still have fond memories of Rose McGowan going
out to meet her demise in the garage doggie door. The acting was very
great with intense and very emotional performances by all the actors in
the film. I will give it an A+.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Evil Dead (2013) Review.
*** Evil Dead (2013) *** Review
Evil Dead (2013) Starring Jane levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci and Jessica Lucas. I thought it was a very good film, but It lack the absurd humor that underlined the original. The film does compensate with brutal terror, gory scares, and gleefully bloody violence. The classic original had a sense of atmosphere and brooding tension, which added so much to the terrifying experience. This remake on the hand just suffers from start to finish. The only thing that makes the film stand out is the gore effects, and they are quite good and very well done. However where the film lacks significantly is that it relies too closely on the original film to create its scares. The film was not that scary, but it does have excellently crafted gory violence. The Film looks amazingly good thanks to director Fede Alvarez, and the practical gore effects can be memorable and truly digesting in the best possible way, but it just doesn't feel like an Evil Dead movie. The script and dialogue was written decently, but it overcomplicated the plot way to much especially on the book of the dead. I believe that this film's level of violence is as high as can be without veering into over-the-top territory. Truly horrific things are done to the human body, many of which are guaranteed to make you cringe, and all brought to life by what are easily some of the best makeup and gore effects ever put to film. No CGI here, folks, and only good old fashioned practical effects which are utterly, terrifyingly convincing. The entire cast does an ok job, but it’s not as strong as the acting from the original classic. The breakout member is Jane Levy (who plays Mia, the lead character), expertly infusing desperation into a performance that is truly remarkable. I will give this movie a B+.
Evil Dead (2013) Starring Jane levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci and Jessica Lucas. I thought it was a very good film, but It lack the absurd humor that underlined the original. The film does compensate with brutal terror, gory scares, and gleefully bloody violence. The classic original had a sense of atmosphere and brooding tension, which added so much to the terrifying experience. This remake on the hand just suffers from start to finish. The only thing that makes the film stand out is the gore effects, and they are quite good and very well done. However where the film lacks significantly is that it relies too closely on the original film to create its scares. The film was not that scary, but it does have excellently crafted gory violence. The Film looks amazingly good thanks to director Fede Alvarez, and the practical gore effects can be memorable and truly digesting in the best possible way, but it just doesn't feel like an Evil Dead movie. The script and dialogue was written decently, but it overcomplicated the plot way to much especially on the book of the dead. I believe that this film's level of violence is as high as can be without veering into over-the-top territory. Truly horrific things are done to the human body, many of which are guaranteed to make you cringe, and all brought to life by what are easily some of the best makeup and gore effects ever put to film. No CGI here, folks, and only good old fashioned practical effects which are utterly, terrifyingly convincing. The entire cast does an ok job, but it’s not as strong as the acting from the original classic. The breakout member is Jane Levy (who plays Mia, the lead character), expertly infusing desperation into a performance that is truly remarkable. I will give this movie a B+.
The Call Review.
*** The Call *** Review
The Call Starring Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Morris Chestnut, Michael Eklund and Michael Imperioli. I thought the film was good and very entertaining. I thought the film was taunting, and an exciting thriller. When it comes to the third act of the film it goes flat and very unbelievable. The script and dialogue was very good, but it’s still very formulaic and cliché that follows the same formula of other generic thrillers. Director Brad Anderson gives us a full blown, edge of your seat thriller with a few surprising twists and turns along the way. Anderson, however, ratchets up the tension, aided by a lean, mean script by Richard D'Ovidio, and managed to keep me on the edge of my seat through most of it until the stupid end. I just hated the ending of the film because it just killed the whole movie with an unrealistic and unbelievable ending. The film has terrific performances from Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin which made the film more believable and very convincing. Michael Eklund, who plays the psychotic homicidal maniac, did an amazingly creepy job. The film was an intense, smart, but predictable edgy thriller. That actually makes you cringe a little bit. Although not unique or original in any way shape or form it’s still very entertaining. For the most part it’s that fun guilty pleasure. I will give this movie a B+.
The Call Starring Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Morris Chestnut, Michael Eklund and Michael Imperioli. I thought the film was good and very entertaining. I thought the film was taunting, and an exciting thriller. When it comes to the third act of the film it goes flat and very unbelievable. The script and dialogue was very good, but it’s still very formulaic and cliché that follows the same formula of other generic thrillers. Director Brad Anderson gives us a full blown, edge of your seat thriller with a few surprising twists and turns along the way. Anderson, however, ratchets up the tension, aided by a lean, mean script by Richard D'Ovidio, and managed to keep me on the edge of my seat through most of it until the stupid end. I just hated the ending of the film because it just killed the whole movie with an unrealistic and unbelievable ending. The film has terrific performances from Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin which made the film more believable and very convincing. Michael Eklund, who plays the psychotic homicidal maniac, did an amazingly creepy job. The film was an intense, smart, but predictable edgy thriller. That actually makes you cringe a little bit. Although not unique or original in any way shape or form it’s still very entertaining. For the most part it’s that fun guilty pleasure. I will give this movie a B+.
The Host Review.
*** The Host *** Review
The Host Starring Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons, William Hurt , Jake Abel and Diane Kruger. I thought the movie was decent, but pretty much exactly what you expect it to be; an interesting concept, borrowed from millions of other sci-fi films, watered down by hilariously laughable dialogue and a melodramatic, derivative romantic sub-plot. The script and dialogue was a major problem on this film, it was very slow paced and it was just badly written with inconsistencies. The script and dialogue was very weak, and it was lazy at times, as well as the slow tone of the film that does not match well with the witty dialogued of the film. The cinematography by Roberto Schaefer is crisp with plenty of cool colors to signify the mood of our pleasant overlords. The saddest part for me was that Andrew Niccol directed this movie as well as adapted the screenplay. Niccol who gave us The Truman Show and Gattaca did just a downright uninspired job on this film. The film was entertaining, but the material feels rushed, disjointed and messy. Saoirse Ronan overcomes the odds and delivers an excellent performance as best she can give the material. Saoirse Ronan brings depth and emotion to the embattled alien 'Wanderer' who still has remnants of Melanie, the human she inhabited. For the most part I can't say anything negative about the cast. They did a solid effort and they did the best they could with a poor material they had to work with. The cast is the only aspect of the movie that works, it's a shame the talent that went into this was wasted. I will give this movie a D.
The Host Starring Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons, William Hurt , Jake Abel and Diane Kruger. I thought the movie was decent, but pretty much exactly what you expect it to be; an interesting concept, borrowed from millions of other sci-fi films, watered down by hilariously laughable dialogue and a melodramatic, derivative romantic sub-plot. The script and dialogue was a major problem on this film, it was very slow paced and it was just badly written with inconsistencies. The script and dialogue was very weak, and it was lazy at times, as well as the slow tone of the film that does not match well with the witty dialogued of the film. The cinematography by Roberto Schaefer is crisp with plenty of cool colors to signify the mood of our pleasant overlords. The saddest part for me was that Andrew Niccol directed this movie as well as adapted the screenplay. Niccol who gave us The Truman Show and Gattaca did just a downright uninspired job on this film. The film was entertaining, but the material feels rushed, disjointed and messy. Saoirse Ronan overcomes the odds and delivers an excellent performance as best she can give the material. Saoirse Ronan brings depth and emotion to the embattled alien 'Wanderer' who still has remnants of Melanie, the human she inhabited. For the most part I can't say anything negative about the cast. They did a solid effort and they did the best they could with a poor material they had to work with. The cast is the only aspect of the movie that works, it's a shame the talent that went into this was wasted. I will give this movie a D.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Oz the Great and Powerful Review
***Oz the Great and Powerful Review***
Oz the Great and Powerful Starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams. I thought this film was just a masterpiece and very incredible well made. I thought it was way better than Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. The film’s features visual and special effects that were a true highlight of this film. The film’s visual and special effects were vivid, colorful and enchanting, which Sam Raimi turns Oz into its own wonderland without it ever seeming predictable or tired. It had great character design and it gives audiences exactly what they're looking for. Gems, flowers, waterfalls, mountains, rock formations, sunsets, etc. that are completely breathtaking. Not only that, but the CGI is crisp and clean as well as excellently well done. The film was magical and very entertaining with a great sense of fun, is sometimes surprisingly touching. Director Sam Raimi brought a great sense of style to the movie. From the creative opening titles sequence onward, the film is full of stylistic flair, plenty of heart, and just enough brains to make it all come together beautifully. Danny Elfman's score is excellent. From the eerily beautiful theme used for the music box and Theodora's waltz, to the Wizard's fanfare, memorable melodies abound. James Franco was good in the role of Oz, and he had just the right balance of vulnerability and amiability. Rachel Weisz gives an excellent and villainess performance as the wicked witch of the east. Weisz performance turns Evanora into one of the best villainesses in Disney history. Michelle Williams did Glinda more than justice. She brought the character to life with a wonderfully sincere sweetness, and brings a real sincerity to the role. Mila Kunis was very good as Theodora before and during her transformation, but afterward she looked lost in her performance. She was not believable as the wicked witch of the west. China Girl was a scene-stealer. The effects used to create her were so good that she looked like she was made of real china. Her mannerisms and facial expressions were equally impressive, and was voiced by Joey King. The flying monkey Finley (voiced by Zach Braff) was actually pretty good and very funny. The script and dialogue was good, it had excellent character development especially with the three witch sisters. It does suffer from a story that, although simple and a bit silly. I believe this movie was just great with a few minor flaws, but it stays true to the original classic, while still making changes and feeling a little different. Everyone should watch this movie and walk through the yellow brick road to see the wizard of oz the great and powerful. I will give it an A.
Oz the Great and Powerful Starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams. I thought this film was just a masterpiece and very incredible well made. I thought it was way better than Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. The film’s features visual and special effects that were a true highlight of this film. The film’s visual and special effects were vivid, colorful and enchanting, which Sam Raimi turns Oz into its own wonderland without it ever seeming predictable or tired. It had great character design and it gives audiences exactly what they're looking for. Gems, flowers, waterfalls, mountains, rock formations, sunsets, etc. that are completely breathtaking. Not only that, but the CGI is crisp and clean as well as excellently well done. The film was magical and very entertaining with a great sense of fun, is sometimes surprisingly touching. Director Sam Raimi brought a great sense of style to the movie. From the creative opening titles sequence onward, the film is full of stylistic flair, plenty of heart, and just enough brains to make it all come together beautifully. Danny Elfman's score is excellent. From the eerily beautiful theme used for the music box and Theodora's waltz, to the Wizard's fanfare, memorable melodies abound. James Franco was good in the role of Oz, and he had just the right balance of vulnerability and amiability. Rachel Weisz gives an excellent and villainess performance as the wicked witch of the east. Weisz performance turns Evanora into one of the best villainesses in Disney history. Michelle Williams did Glinda more than justice. She brought the character to life with a wonderfully sincere sweetness, and brings a real sincerity to the role. Mila Kunis was very good as Theodora before and during her transformation, but afterward she looked lost in her performance. She was not believable as the wicked witch of the west. China Girl was a scene-stealer. The effects used to create her were so good that she looked like she was made of real china. Her mannerisms and facial expressions were equally impressive, and was voiced by Joey King. The flying monkey Finley (voiced by Zach Braff) was actually pretty good and very funny. The script and dialogue was good, it had excellent character development especially with the three witch sisters. It does suffer from a story that, although simple and a bit silly. I believe this movie was just great with a few minor flaws, but it stays true to the original classic, while still making changes and feeling a little different. Everyone should watch this movie and walk through the yellow brick road to see the wizard of oz the great and powerful. I will give it an A.
Olympus Has Fallen Review
***Olympus Has Fallen Review***
Olympus
Has Fallen Starring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman and Ashley
Judd. The film was just an excellent actioner with impressive
gun fights, hand-to-hand combat, and it’s very dark and grim. The film was just
so intense and very realistic that I felt that it was really happening. The
action itself is intense and suspenseful. The entirety of the White House's
takeover is a great piece of action. The Film isn't high on originality but
high on some of the best elements to own in an action film. The film does suffer
from a very cliché and very predictable script and dialogue, but it’s packed
with top notch action and a great story to boot. The director Antoine
Fuqua directs the heck out of this film with his aggressive approach and he does
an excellent job of establishing the geography of his action and presenting a
surprising variety. The special and visual effects were just amazing and very
well done. Gerard Butler gives one of his best strong and convincing performances
since 300. The supporting cast which includes Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman,
Melissa Leo, Angela Bassett, Ashley Judd, and Dylan McDermott gave real
convincing performances and they really gave the film a lot of credibility. I
really enjoy this film and it proves to be one of the year’s most entertaining
films of this year when it comes to action films. The film has excellent choreographed
action sequences and some in-your-face jingoism (a character, when faced with
the notion of execution, literally starts reciting the Pledge of Allegiance)
that made the situation more intense and dark. I will give it a B+.