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Red Riding Hood (2011)

Red Riding Hood is an American horror (really not at all a horror film, wikipedia is quite mistaken) film directed by Catherine Hardwicke (what a bad bad mistake… probably as twilight fan bait) and starring Amanda Seyfried (she seems perfect for the role, but its such a bad role..such a bad, bad role..) as the title role, from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson. It is very loosely (very very very loosely) based on the folk tale Little Red Riding Hood[4] collected by both Charles Perrault under the name “Le Petit Chaperon Rouge” (Little Red Riding Hood) and several decades later by the Brothers Grimm as “Rotkäppchen” (Little Redcap).

Set in a medieval village that is haunted by a werewolf, a young girl falls for an orphaned woodcutter, much to her family’s displeasure. <—— that is pretty much it.

I had hopes for this movie. Hopes that it would be good but I was thoroughly disappointed.

Have people forgotten how to make good movies??? Why release such a bad film? WHyyyyyy?? Why ruin Red Riding Hood for me???

Such a shit movie… currently watching it and I really, really want to stop and switch to another movie… it’s just so bad… bad graphics, bad directing, bad acting, cheesy dialogue…worst of all, this movie is just so fake I hate watching it.

They try to make it like a horror movie and suspenseful but it’s just so fake, not even good, funny fake. The film doesn’t even look that great in a technical sense: The exteriors look fake, all clearly shot on soundstages, and not fake in an intentional “this is a dreamy heightened reality, because this is a folk tale” way. They look fake in a “we really suck at our jobs” way.

Red Riding Hood is pretending to be a darker, more adult take on the folk tale, but they just fail. This movie is currently in the process of ruining Red Riding Hood for me, I mean it could have been so good if they had a different director, story, cast, better CGI… but they have none of those things and it’s just quite simply a shit movie.

 

 

(On a side note, I’m free enough to start writing and posting reviews again. YAY)

05.27.11 ♥ 2
Films to review!

- gulliver’s travels
- the tourist
- the kings speech
- tangled
- green hornet
- fat girl
- the fighter
- how do you know
- the next three days
- true grit

I will get around to it soon!!

02.13.11 ♥ 0
Black Swan (2010)

Black Swan is a 2010 American film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, and Mila Kunis. Variously described as a psychological thriller or a psychological horror film.  The director also considered Black Swan a companion piece to his 2008 film The Wrestler, with both films involving demanding performances for different kinds of art.

Its plot revolves around a production of Swan Lake by a prestigious New York City ballet company. The production requires a ballerina to play both the innocent White Swan and the sensual Black Swan. One dancer, Nina (Portman), is a perfect fit for the White Swan, while Lily (Kunis) has a personality that matches the Black Swan. When the two compete for the parts, Nina finds a dark side to herself.

I loved this movie. It is probably my favourite movie of 2010. I was really looking forward to watching this movie and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Where to start..

Black Swan is an enthralling and visceral experience from beginning to end. Aronofsky has used what he has learned from making the raw and unflinching The Wrestler and the cerebral horror and incredibly disturbing Requiem for a Dream, and has crafted a film that you will simply not be able to take your eyes off of.

He builds up rather slow, but right after that first moment of off-the-rails insanity, he delivers one hell of an incredible piece of cinema. One that is not easily able to be classified to any one genre.

He contrasts the colours black and white constantly thoughout the movie, giving the obvious hints of good and evil, innocence and darkness, but also throws in ambiguity, changing the colours of each character depending on the scene.

Also, the use of mirrors and reflections adds  only helps compound these feelings of ambiguity and confusion. It will consistently keep audiences thinking about what is being shown and what is actually going on. The subtle visual effects and astoundingly well done score only help add to the greatness.

All the acting is fantastic. Portman (one of my favourite actresses) delivers an intense and beautiful performance as Nina. She is downright terrifying in many instances, and more than proves her worth as an actress. When she finally dons makeup late in the film, her transformation from a once promising talent to a full blown powerhouse talent becomes simply marvelous to watch.

Cassel is amazing as always as the slimy and twisted Thomas. Kunis delivers a level of depth I never thought was possible for her. The supporting cast only helps to further complement Portman’s extraordinary performance,

Aronofsky manages to throw powerful image after powerful image, making the film truely captivating. It is a masterpiece that is just as much beautiful as it is nightmarish.

01.06.11 ♥ 20
Cube Zero (2004)

Cube Zero is a 2004 Canadian horror film, written and directed by Ernie Barbarash. It is the third and prequel of the Cube film series, and its plot builds on the previous two in the sense that it is primarily about people who are trapped within a maze of cube-shaped rooms, with some of the rooms containing deadly traps.

Whereas the first two films take place almost entirely within the maze, Cube Zero takes place within and without the maze, making significant use of outdoor scenes.

So.. many.. cubes…

I think this film is actually better than the previous two as it actually explains wtf is going on, but its pretty much the same. So I would be repeating myself I continue to explain this movie.

01.06.11 ♥ 0
Cube 2: Hypercube

Cube 2: Hypercube is the sequel of the science fiction/horror film Cube.  Hypercube had a bigger budget than its predecessor, and a new director, Andrzej Sekuła.

The industrial-style rooms of the first film are replaced with high-tech, brightly-lit chambers; instead of traps like flamethrowers and extending spikes, the rooms themselves are the danger as they distort time and move through each other.

Apart from that, same story line. People stuck in a cube and they are pretty much fucked.  IMDb description: Eight strangers find themselves waking up in a strange cube-shaped room with no recollection of how they came to be there. Soon discovering that they’re in a strange fourth dimension where our laws of physics don’t apply, they have to unravel the secrets of the “hypercube” in order to survive… (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285492/)

When I watched the cube movies, I marathoned them, so I watched this right after watching the first cube movie… so many cubes..

A movie that didn’t explain ANYTHING did not need a sequel, unless the sequel explained things.. this movie explained nothing but changed things and added more special effects. Really a bad bad movie. This movie doesn’t really need to exist, it is so very pointless and watching it wasted 90 mins of my life. If you want to watch the cube movies, skip this one.. just avoid it.

01.06.11 ♥ 5
Cube (1997)

Cube is a 1997 Canadian psychological thriller/horror film directed by Vincenzo Natali.

Much of the film’s appeal lies in its surreal, Kafkaesque settings – no extensive attempt is made to explain what the cube in which the characters are confined is, why it is created, or how the “inmates” were selected. Although the world “outside” is referred to, it is presented in an extremely abstract fashion – either a dark void or a bright white light.

Basically, as the title suggests, its about seven complete strangers of widely varying personality characteristics are involuntarily placed in an endless kafkaesque maze (a cube) containing deadly traps. (the short description is bolded) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0123755/)

It is a very low budget, slightly pointless but gory sci-fi movie. Not for a lot of people, but depending on the mood you are in whilst watching this movie it can entertaining. Also, although having an extremely simple plot (people stuck in a giant cube with traps) it attempts to explores human nature and our instinctive urges for survival vs our humanitarianism, which according to imdb is what a lot of cult fans liked about the movie, “it made them think”

I mean, looking at the plot, this movie could have been much, much worse but the fact that they don’t really explain anything about the cube irritates me, and the ending is very unsatisfying. Also the acting and dialogue isn’t very good at all. I mean their bickering is slightly annoying and I didn’t like any of the characters, they all in some way really annoyed me.

The director  has provided us with an interesting, confusing situation, but then shows that instead of truly exploring his character’s attempts to grapple with the situation, he’s more interested in violence, blood, and caricaturish “craaazy” behavior.

01.06.11 ♥ 6
Tron: Legacy (2010)

Tron: Legacy is a 2010 American science fiction film. It is a sequel to the 1982 film Tron. Joseph Kosinski makes his feature film directorial debut with Tron: Legacy, while the previous film’s director, Steven Lisberger, returns as a producer. Jeff Bridges reprises his roles as Kevin Flynn and Clu, while Bruce Boxleitner reprises his roles as Alan Bradley and Tron. Garrett Hedlund portrays Flynn’s now-adult son, Sam. The other cast members include Olivia Wilde, Beau Garrett, and Michael Sheen.

So IMDb says that the movie is about: A virtual-world worker looks to take down the Master Control Program. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1104001/), but it’s more like, Sam gets sent to the grid a while after his dad disappears and has awesome game-fights and rides cool CGI motorcycle like things and then finds his dad and tries to get out.

Story and plot was pretty simple and a bit underdeveloped (I mean I really wish they went more into what happened to Tron and like about Olivia Wilde’s character.. but I guess they were short on time and stuff..) but in saying that, I really, really enjoyed this movie. It was super awesome! Also it did a good job with 3D, really a feast for the senses.

The stand outs of this film were the amazing special effects (just soooo cool) and the soundtrack. I am a bit of a fan of Daft Punk and what they did for this movie was pretty great. It was a fusion of electronic and orchestral music, and it feels ethereal almost and fits perfectly with the world of the programs.

The acting was also quality stuff - not fantasticomgwhoa, but good. I don’t really know what else to say, I mean I can go on about each actor/actress and say that they were good but that is generally implied in saying that ‘the acting was quality stuff’. I guess I can say Jeff bridges was like he was in the original but older, Olivia Wilde was pretty hot, and Hedlund can really hold his own against the more charismatic (and entertaining) younger Bridges of the original.

As I recently watched Tron (1982) - actually it was the last movie I reviewed, but I watched it on Saturday - the links between the two were fantastic. I loved the references to the first movie and how this was pretty much just, in a nutshell, a more modern version. The parallelism is all still there, and the user, mainly Kevin Flynn is seen as more of a god-like figure in this movie. If you are a fan of the original this is a definite must watch, I truly enjoyed it very much.

12.20.10 ♥ 0
Tron (1982)

Tron is a 1982 American cult classic computer-animated/live action science fiction film written and directed by Steven Lisberger. It stars Jeff Bridges as the protagonist hacker Kevin Flynn (and his program counterpart inside the electronic world, CLU), Bruce Boxleitner as Tron (and Tron’s “user”, Alan Bradley), Cindy Morgan as Yori (and her “user”, Dr. Lora Baines), and Dan Shor as Ram. David Warner plays all three main antagonists: the program Sark, his “user”, Ed Dillinger, and the voice of the Master Control Program.

A hacker is literally abducted into the world of a computer and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084827/)

For its time, the special effects are pretty amazing. Nowadays, it’s nothing special, but I am sure back then it would have been mind blowing.

The plot itself was simple, the story line was lacking (too much awesome to fit into two hours - you know how it is).. the way they went about it was technical and so  it took while for anything to actually make sense. But, once you actually understand what is happening it gets pretty awesome. The concept is really cool.

One of its great aspects of this film is the extensive use of parallelism - the world of the user (almost a god-like motif) and the world of the program (possibly a metaphor for our world).

THe acting was also pretty good. Bridges and Warner were great, very entertaining.

I think this movie was pretty before its time, but in a modern context a definite classic and a must watch. I have been meaning to watch it for a long time, but my friend finally made me watch it before we go and see TRON: Legacy in theatres soooon. Hopefully that’s a good movie..but we will see.

Oh yeah that reminds me, the soundtrack was so good. I love 80’s movie soundtracks very much.

12.18.10 ♥ 0
Megamind (2010)

Megamind is a 2010 3D animated superhero comedy film directed by Tom McGrath. It features the voices of Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross and Brad Pitt. 

The supervillain Megamind finally conquers his nemesis, the hero Metro Man… but finds his life pointless without a hero to fight. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1001526/)

I loved this movie! It was really funny, lot’s of laughs that kept me well entertained throughout. I mean when Dreamworks releases a good movie it is REALLY good (like How To Train Your Dragon - such a good movie) - however similar can be said for their misses, generally forgettable.

First off, the animation was pretty great. I saw this movie in 2D but I can see how it will probably also be good in 3D.

Will Ferrell was brilliant voicing the flawed but awesome Megamind. It was such a good character, so very funny. All the characters in this movie infact are just great. This film was casted excellently.

Also the script was great - it is smart, funny, has heart and avoids seeming pretentious. I mean, the comedic moments work because they are just really funny and the serious moments work because they are heartfelt - they balance solemn with sweet with sad, all without losing that honest streak that ties them together. The movie vividly captured many awkward and tragic human situations in a way only animation can.

Definitely a must watch movie.

12.18.10 ♥ 0
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a 2010 fantasy adventure film directed by Jon Turteltaub.

Balthazar Blake (cooool name) (Nicolas Cage) is a sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan fighting against his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina), while searching for the person who will inherit Merlin’s powers. This turns out to be Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a physics student at New York University, whom Balthazar takes as a reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling apprentice a crash course in the art and science of magic and sorcery, in order to stop Horvath and Morgana le Fay (Alice Krige) from destroying the world.

I have to admit, I have a soft spot for this genre of film so I really enjoyed this movie! Jay Baruchel is great, being all awkward and nerdy like (and of course getting the pretty blond at the end of the day after saving the world). Nicolas Cage was also surprisingly good. Before Kick Ass I really didn’t like him much as an actor, but he has gained some respect for these last two films I have seen him in.

This is definitely not an amazingly mind blowing movie, but it was a fun movie with a few laughs annd it has some pretty cool action scenes! I approve of the special effects in this movie, they made the magic lightning and plasma ball battles pretty awesome. Also the cliche moments weren’t painfully cliche (well at least I thought so, depends on your cliche tolerance). So overall, a good, fun movie to watch.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0963966/

12.17.10 ♥ 0
Wild Target (2010)

Wild Target is a 2010 comedy film, directed by Jonathan Lynn, starring Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt, Rupert Grint and Eileen Atkins. 

A hitman tries to retire but a beautiful thief may change his plans. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1235189/)

This movie was goood fun. Really entertaining and funny, kept me laughing.

Bill Nighy was good as expecter, spot on with the humour. Emily Blunt was also suprisingly good and looked pretty in this film. The relationship between the pair was kind of weird because of the age difference but at the same time believable and .. sweet. Annnd Rupert Grint was awesome, shows he can actually kind of act, although I did kept thinking of him as Ron Weasley.

Well its a quirky and light hearted film that is quite a good watch with some good british humour. Also, english accents!!!! <3

12.17.10 ♥ 1
Brick (2005)

Brick is a 2005 American neo-noir film written and directed by Rian Johnson. It stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emilie de Ravin, Nora Zehetner, Matt O’Leary, Noah Fleiss, Lukas Haas, and Brian J. White.

A teenage loner pushes his way into the underworld of a high school crime ring to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0393109/)

I loved its film, it was simply fantastic.  Nearly everything about this movie was just excellent. This film is very unique and refreshing, it captured my complete interest.

Brick is a not a film as much as a symphony where each instrument is tuned to the beat of the conductor. Each frame is carefully orchestrated and composed to perfection. The dialogue is metered and spoken with a contemporary Shakespearean beat. Rian Johnson has created poetry with his first feature length film. It may be tough to understand the speech, but as the film advances you begin to know the characters and the words just make complete sense. Johnson links the sound and visuals in a way that is truley captivating.

The film itself is neo-noir at its best. It is certainly a dark film and has some depth that is missing in majority of films. The wit is there and you will laugh to the seeming absurdity, but the weight of the story holds strong. Well-placed humor helps you realize the gravity of everything even more.

The acting  by the cast in this film is great, but  Joseph Gordon-Levitt shines and his acting is truely superb! He is really one of my favourite actors.. and this is probably one of my top 10 favourite movies. Watch it.

12.16.10 ♥ 0
A Film With Me In It (2008)

A Film With Me In It is a 2008 Irish black comedy film directed by Ian Fitzgibbon, written by and starring Mark Doherty.

Doherty plays an unsuccessful actor and clarinet player who ends up with a large number of dead bodies on his hands. Together with his friend Pierce (Dylan Moran), they attempt to escape their predicament by re-writing the day’s events as if it were a film. As the body count mounts, they pitch ideas back and forth desperately searching for a way out.

This was such a good movie, one of the best black comedies I have seen.

The story is entertaining, a bit mad and rather original. The cast is excellent. There are some good laughs in this film. The ending is great.

FitzGibbon and Doherty get the delicate balance right, and they push the material about as far as it can go without overstepping the boundaries of good taste. It is a serious of outrageous and implausible unfortunate events, but the whole thing ultimately works.

Another great thing about this movie is it’s IRISH! Yes, that means Irish accents!!! So awesome.

I strongly recommend this film, its fantastic.

12.16.10 ♥ 0
13 (2010)

13 is a 2010 English-language remake of the 2005 French film 13 Tzameti (which is on my list of movies to watch next). The film is directed and written by Géla Babluani, who directed and wrote the original film. Is stars: Sam Riley, Mickey Rourke, Ray Winstone, Jason Statham, 50 Cent, David Zayas and some others.

A naive young man assumes a dead man’s identity and finds himself embroiled in an underground world of power, violence, and chance where men gamble behind closed doors on the lives of other men. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0798817/)

This movie started pretty well, and the story was potentially awesome but the ending was a bit of a let down. This movie didn’t really  capture my attention, and I found myself more focused on my dashboard and facebook rather than the actual movie (maybe I was just not in the mood for a serious movie - I feel more like watching a comedy, which I am doing now).

The russian roulette scenes, however, did hold my interest and were quite suspensful, the emotion was captured quite well. Also the acting was pretty good. Kudos to the directing. I think if i were more in the mood for a drama, thriller this may have been more enjoyable.

So, Babluani also directed the original which I been reading great things about. Seeing those, I would probably recommend watching the original rather than this remake, but I havn’t seen the movie for myself yet so I may be able to give a clearer recommendation in the near future. I always recommend the original over the hollywood remake though.

Keep in mind, Babluani got the chance to remake his film on a hollywood budget with a star cast, so if you are a fan of the original this may be worth checking out. So if you prefer French films in black and white, go watch the original, if you are more into hollywood movies with famous actors and colour, watch this version.

12.15.10 ♥ 0
Twelve (2010)

Twelve is a 2010 drama film directed by Joel Schumacher. The film was written by Jordan Melamed, adapted from the novel of the same name by Nick McDonell. It stars Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts, Jeremy Allen, Philip Ettinger, Curtis Jackson, Rory Culkin, Billy Magnussen, Esti Ginzburg, and Emily Meade.

The film tells a story of drug addiction, violence, and sex among wealthy teenagers from Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

This movie is pretty much Gossip Girl, but with drugs.

Chace Crawford was stellar. Apart from being extremely gorgeous, he can actually.. kind of.. act and goes deep into the character portraying him.. pretty well. 

It wasn’t a fantastic movie. If you are into Gossip Girl then watch it. If you are into those darker drug movies, then I don’t think this is for you. It is like a drug movie but with a lighter sort of air and a bit more class. Pretty much just a bunch of rich kids home on break doing drugs…and the drama of being a drug dealer or something… truth be told, I only watched this movie because Chace Crawford was in it and he is just so good looking. If this movie was a bit darker it would have been nice.

And Shumacher… I can’t really forgive him for what he did to Batman.. nippled batsuit, really?!??

12.14.10 ♥ 1