New Release - We Are What We Are

We are what we are is the rarest of beasts, a macabre tale that has the power to delight and disturb in equal measures with its unique take on a family under turmoil. Unlike the majority of horror films that focus on the victims and their struggles against evil, this unflinching portrayal of cannibalism follows a family of killers and their struggle to survive in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Mexican suburbs.

After the head of the family meets a gruesome end, it falls upon his eldest son, Alfredo, to take responsibility for the surviving members; his younger siblings and his grieving mother. Each of them have their own agendas and it is not long before these conflicting issues result in horrifying consequences for both the family and the people they prey on for food. The less known about the storyline the better, which is why my description of the plot is suitably vague, as the majority of the films more unsettling moments come as a complete surprise for the unsuspecting viewer.

Apart from Antichrist, this is the only film I have viewed where audience members have left the cinema during the more graphic scenes, and this certainly confirms that We are what we are is a very powerful film, not for the faint hearted but very rewarding for those that persevere. With cinematography on par to that of the hauntingly beautiful shots seen throughout Let the Right One In and a subject matter as realistically brutal as the gruesome deaths of the unsuspecting victims in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, this is a perfect example of an atmospheric horror that chills you to the core by combining a stark yet realistic situation with unflinching scenes of violence.

The majority of modern horror films rely on cheap scares and shock tactics to batter the viewers senses and it is encouraging to see that there are still directors out there who clearly have a great respect for the genre and shift their focus towards creating a brooding atmosphere and a compelling storyline. This brave and accomplished attempt at reinvigorating a stale genre certainly marks Jorge Michel Grau as a promising director for the future and whilst We are what we are may not be the masterpiece that horror fans are hoping for, it certainly comes pretty damn close.

8/10



If you liked this you will enjoy these:

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1973)
Don't Look Now
Let The Right One In
The Devil's Backbone

Upcoming Films

Sanctum


If the film comes anywhere close to matching the intensity of the trailer we are in for one hell of a ride with Sanctum. Based on the true story of extreme sports enthusiasts whose potholing expedition goes awry, Sanctum has James Cameron on board as producer and with the claustrophobic environments involved, this has the potential to look incredible in 3D.

Like Dandelion Dust

Like Dandelion dust is a an emotional drama centered around two families and the conflict that arises when reuniting a child with his parents. On paper it doesn't sound that great but from the trailer and the positive critical response this is definitely one to watch out for come awards season. Ever since his fantastic supporting performance as Jackson in Saving Private Ryan, it was clear that Barry Pepper was destined for stardom, it has been a long journey, with a knock-out performance in The Three Burials starring alongside Tommy Lee Jones, but his time may finally have arrived with his portrayal of a father in turmoil.

The Way Back

After finally getting round to watching Peter Weir's incredibly haunting 'Picnic At Hanging Rock' I stumbled across the trailer for his latest film while reading up about the acclaimed director. Featuring a stellar cast in what appears to be a more traditional adventure story as opposed to the hugely popular comic book movies that dominate the multiplexes, The Way Back could turn out to be a very welcome breath of fresh air upon its release.

London Boulevard


Any gangster film starring Colin Farrell and Ray Winstone is almost guaranteed to be a sure-fire success, with Farrell's brilliant performance in In Bruges fresh in everyone's minds, this has the potential to be an absolute belter! Add Kiera Knightley to the mix and a fresh take on the ex-con routine drawn back in to his old ways, and then convince me that you don't want to see this film. Somehow, I don't think I believe you.

New Release - The Social Network

At the end of the millennium David Fincher's visceral take on Chuck Palahniuk's novel 'Fight Club' defined a generation and, while it seems like only yesterday that it was released, eleven years have passed since Brad Pitt and Edward Norton contributed towards what is now regarded as a cult classic. Over a decade later the revered director has once more attempted to capture a moment in time, bravely deciding to focus his efforts on real events from very recent history, by filming a compelling drama based entirely on the creation of a single website that quickly became a worldwide phenomenon.

Jesse Eisenberg plays Marc Zuckerberg, the brains behind Facebook, and The Social Network opens with a snappy dialogue between Zuckerberg and a female companion that ends disastrously, allowing the audience to fully comprehend the social awkwardness surrounding the film's lead, and his motivation for the creation of his website. Assisted by a number of friends, most notably Andrew Garfield in a stunning performance that is reassuring to fans of Spiderman (Garfield is scheduled to play Peter Parker in the upcoming reboot), Zuckerberg utilises his computer skills to create an exclusive club for Harvard students that remains accessible to the less sporty members of the prestigious University. In doing so he unwittingly unleashes a social medium that begins to spread across America and  eventually over to Europe, as more and more students become obsessed with their online presence and the ability to check up on their friends, and more importantly their relationship statuses, wherever they are in the world.

There is no denying that The Social Network tells an incredible story, with Fincher's visual flair perfectly matched with the powerful soundtrack by Trent Reznor, especially in a standout rowing scene that is guaranteed to get your heartbeat racing, but the only downside is a lackluster ending which cannot really be levelled as a criticism, after all this is real life and the story will continue long after the credits are rolling. People familiar with Facebook will find a lot to love in this movie, the inspirational story is a great backbone to the character development as well as providing a very personal account of Zuckerberg's rise to fame. The humorous references to situations that most of the sites user's will have found themselves in are very effective and provide a perfect balance to the tension in some of the more dramatic scenes, as well as enabling the audience to connect with the film on a more personal level.

The Social Network is an engaging and provocative drama that may just make you think twice before you update your Facebook status in the future. I would recommend it to anyone who uses Facebook on a regular basis; you are guaranteed to give it the thumbs up.

8/10



If you like this film you will enjoy these:

Frost/Nixon
Roger Dodger
The People Vs. Larry Flynt
12 Angry Men

New Release - The Hole 3D

My first encounter with the world of Joe Dante was almost twenty years ago when i caught a glimpse of Gremlins at the tender age of four. At the time I was horrified, but as I grew up it soon became one of my favourite films, instantly capable of transporting me back to a time when horror films used to scare me. I was hoping that Dante would be able to recapture this magic, and The Hole left me wishing that I was a pre-teen with a wild imagination once again, heading into a horror film for the very first time. This made me very jealous of the younger crowd in the audience as they were clearly stuck fast in their seats, horrified by the visions that unfolded before them - their silence spoke louder than any screams - and desperate for the frightening film to end. 

The nightmare begins when a single sprightly mother, her angst-ridden adolescent son Dane and nervous pre-teen Lucas move into a new house in a strange neighbourhood, only to discover a seemingly bottomless pit locked away under a trapdoor in the basement. Curiosity gets the better of the boys and it is not long before they lower a camera into the mysterious hole in an attempt to film the unknown, but, as video footage shows in one of the films eeriest moments, some things are better left undisturbed. 

After exploring the darkness underneath the trapdoor, the boys begin to be haunted by strange events, with the hole seemingly preying on their individual fears. This provides the basis for a number of scary moments which are quite effective considering The hole is aimed at a younger audience, but it is unlikely to have any impact on those familiar with recent scary films such as [REC] and Paranormal Activity. The story still remains intriguing enough to keep older viewers entertained for the most part, and could well bring back long forgotten memories of their first encounters with the world of the supernatural films. 

Horror fans hoping for a repeat of Gremlins will be disappointed, but that's not to say that The Hole should be dismissed; its constant references to classic horror films cannot replace the dark, warped humour that made Gremlins so watchable, but certainly adds to the experience for fans of the genre. Numerous scenes invoke connections to Poltergeist and The Gate, with the icing on the cake being a homage to the Hands of Orlac - a very under-rated thriller from 1935 - that I imagine will pass by unnoticed by the majority of viewers due to unfamiliarity with the source material, and they all serve to remind us that Dante is  an ardent horror fan and is not afraid  to wear his influences on his sleeve.

As a children's horror film The Hole is excellent but unfortunately it fails to surpass the genre classics such as A nightmare before Christmas and Gremlins due to the lack of appeal to an older audience. The story is fairly entertaining and the references to cult classics are a great addition to the film but they are simply not enough to keep older viewers fully engrossed for the ninety minutes running time. I would definitely recommend this film to families with young teenagers and children eager to be scared, as The Hole is a perfect introduction to horror films for those easily scared, and one of Joe Dante's more accomplished directorial efforts.

6/10



If you like this you will enjoy these:

The Gate
Paperhouse
Poltergeist
Gremlins

New Release - Going The Distance

After a recent resurge in successful and critically well received romantic comedies such as (500) days of summer and the brilliant 'Bromance', I Love you man, I was less sceptical about Going the distance than I would have been two years previously, hoping that Nanette Burstein's directorial debut would continue the trend with a fresh, original take on the genre that would be equally entertaining for both sexes.

Going the Distance is not quite as good as the aforementioned films but still remains fairly enjoyable, despite being overcrowded with cliches and featuring the obligatory story arc that fans of romantic comedies will find all too familiar. Soppy love scenes aside, there were a number of humorous moments that prompted howls of laughter from a number of audience members and even brought a wry smile to my face, which is an impressive feat for any Rom-com. 

Drew Barrymore is Erin, a lonely journalist who encounters Garret (Justin Long), a talent scout for a record company, on the night he is drowning his sorrows after splitting up with his girlfriend. A few drinks later, the singletons find themselves in bed together, with Erin unperturbed by the thin walls separating Garret from his room-mate, despite his attempts to find the perfect soundtrack to accompany their evening, in one of the films more inspired moments. Fast forward six weeks and Erin is due to head back to Los Angeles, putting their relationship in jeopardy, and testing their powers of resistance to the limit.

Whilst the storyline is far from original, the characters and situations feel fresh, with the actors making the most of their roles and breathing life to an otherwise run of the mill story. The pairing of Justin Long and Drew Barrymore was an inspired decision, their on screen chemistry transforms Going the distance into a believable romance, with a supporting cast that enhances their performances by providing the majority of the humour.

Although nowhere near as iconic as the famous scene in When Harry Met Sally, Going the Distance ups the ante with a number of risqué moments guaranteed to offend the more reserved members of the audience. Presumably, this is a clever ploy to make the film appeal to fans of comedies such as Superbad and The Hangover, which are both well known for their vulgar but hilarious comedy. The solid mix of romance and comedy proves that when combined with panache, the genres can be perfectly matched, enhancing a films appeal by providing interests for different crowds and broadening the target audience.

Going the Distance is far from groundbreaking but is still a welcome entry to a genre that often sells utterly dire films purely on the inclusion of crowd-drawing big name actors. It definitely surpassed my expectations and is worth a look if you get the chance, fans of romcoms would do well to check this out.

7/10




If you like this you will enjoy these:

Goodbye Lenin!
Garden State
Wristcutters
(500) Days Of Summer

Upcoming Films

Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark

Being a big fan of horror films, the news that Guillermo Del Toro was involved in producing a remake of Don't be afraid of the dark was a great discovery, and the trailer has finally arrived! I watched the original a couple of years ago and whilst its dated and not in the least bit scary, the story has great potential, and everything that Del Toro touches these days seems to turn to gold. This is an awesome trailer for a film that deserves a remake, here's hoping its as good as his last horror project, The Orphanage.

Devil

M Night Shyamalan has had a rough ride in the past ten years, after the phenomenal success of The Sixth Sense his films have been on a downward spiral in terms of quality and enjoyment, with each attempt to replicate the twist of his debut failing miserably. Despite this, his trailers still tend to look brilliant, and Devil is no exception. Hopefully this is Shyamalans return to form but presumably it will be another duff movie, thankfully he is only producing Devil and has handed directing duties over to the guys responsible for Quarantine. This definitely has potential, we shall have to wait and see...

 

 

Sucker Punch

Zack Snyder's new film sounds like a variation on fantasies such as Pan's Labyrinth and The Fall, with a young girl institutionalised by her stepfather who retreats to a fantasy world in an attempt to escape the facility. Famed more for the incredible visuals he creates than gripping storylines, this could be Zack's first chance to subvert this view and create a cracking thriller that will still appeal to his usual fans. The trailer looks very impressive but I have a feeling this could end up being mindless entertainment, much like 300, thankfully, that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing when you consider the eye candy involved.

The Town

I was one of few who didn't enjoy Ben Affleck's last film Gone Baby Gone, but considering he was one of the writers behind Good Will Hunting, I'm still hopeful that he can make a great film. The trailer for The Town demands your attention right from the start, with its intense musical score and glimpses of some gripping action sequences. Jeremy Renner joins Affleck fresh from his Oscar nominated role in The Hurt Locker, ensuring that The Town will garner attention come awards season.

 

 

  

New Release - Knight And Day

There are some films that you just know you're not going to enjoy before even walking into the cinema. Knight and Day was one such film for me; in the back of my mind I was hoping that I could be pleasantly surprised, but unfortunately it turned out to be as horrendous as I first suspected, with lacklustre performances from actors past the peak of their careers.

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz star in this action comedy which fails miserably in both the action and comedy stakes. Cruise has no problems slipping back in to the role of a secret agent whilst Diaz is the stereotypical Blonde who becomes an unwilling partner in his daring exploits. Although they still have a great screen presence and a definite chemistry, Tom and Cameron have reached a new low with Knight and Day, its only appeal being the reunion of the two actors who must have a lack of good scripts being offered their way.

Billed as a summer blockbuster, Knight and Day can not even be compared to other recent successful blockbusters such as Toy Story 3 and Inception, and doesn't even come close to the duff remake of The Karate Kid. If any other actors were in the main roles, this would be a complete failure at the box office and a film destined for the bargain bin. The action scenes are predictable and grossly unrealistic, for those daft enough to pay the asking price, prepare yourself for a ridiculous bike chase amongst the running of the bulls.

Stay away from this awful film, even though it was a preview screening and my tickets were free, I am annoyed at losing two hours of my life. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz need to realise that their days as respected celebrities will be numbered if their attempts to replicate the earlier successes of their careers continues. Knight and Day could possibly be the worst film of the year so far, although I do have tickets for Step Up 3-D and The Last Airbender so this could soon change...

4/10



If you like this you will enjoy these:

Mission Impossible
The A-Team
Date Night
Mr & Mrs Smith

New Release - Toy Story 3

When it comes to kids films I'm usually the last in line but the prospect of a new Toy Story was a chance I couldn't miss, Pixar have mastered the difficult task of creating films that entertain all generations, and I had been eagerly anticipating a third film since the credits rolled on Toy Story 2 back in 1999. The first one hit the big screens when i was just eight years old and I have grown up with Andy, watching his toys run amok every time he closed his bedroom door, and becoming completely absorbed in the crazy situations they have encountered. 

We join Woody and Co. a few days before Andy packs up his belongings and heads off to college, misplacing his toys who end up donated to a children's daycentre instead of being packed away in the attic. It is down to Woody to convince the toys they haven't been abandoned and return them safely back home whilst avoiding crazy children, tyrannical toys and terrifying trash compactors along the way. 

Whilst the story remains fairly similar to the previous films, the introduction of a wealth of new characters (along with everyone's old favourites) adds to the enjoyment with comic characters such as an eccentric hedgehog, Mr Pricklepants, and the introduction of a hilarious romance between Barbie and Ken fleshing out the storyline with a healthy dose of humour. The eagle-eyed amongst you may even spot a character from one of Miyazaki's movies appearing in a young girls bedroom, a subtle nod to one of the greatest animators of all time.

One of the highlights of the film arrives after the credits have rolled with an alternative rendition of a memorable song from the first Toy Story, making it essential to stay in your seat right until the lights come up. It is also imperative that you arrive on time, as is usual with Pixar films you are treated to a short animation before the main feature and 'Night and Day' is definitely up there with the best of them, giving the audience a taster of the sheer brilliance they are about to behold. 

Toy Story 3 is an emotional ride; much like in Pixars recent releases Up and Wall-E, it is surprising how affecting a cartoon can be, with a number of poignant moments that will overwhelm even the most cynical of viewers.  Even though the human characters only have minor roles in the story, the few lines they do have will resound deeply with everyone, and the mixture of characters at different points in their lives means that there will be a part of the story that relates directly to you on a personal level. It's not just about throwing out the old toys anymore, its about the process of growing up and those that have followed the story from its first incarnation will be saddened by the reminder that their own childhood has passed.

Captivating from start to finish, Toy Story 3 is a triumphant reminder of Pixar's ability to blow all your expectations out of the water and in doing so they have delivered what could possibly be considered their greatest film to date. Essential viewing for everyone, Toy Story 3 is an unmissable extravaganza that is almost guaranteed a best picture nomination at next year's Oscars ceremony. Book your tickets right now, you would be a fool to pass up the chance to catch  the final part of the trilogy in its full cinematic glory.

9/10

If you like this you will enjoy these:

Mary And Max
Wall-E
Watership Down
Pom Poko

New Release - Inception

Imagine if the brains behind Mensa gathered together one day and created their own version of the A-Team, it would probably end up being very similar to Inception. Basically, Cristopher Nolan is a genius; Inception's storyline is an incredible feat of imagination that will simultaneously amaze and disorientate you with each thrilling turn. The acting is impeccable, with an ensemble cast that is bound to provoke a number of Oscar nominations (as long as the Academy realise that at the core of this  science fiction epic there still lies an emotionally draining thriller ) in dramatic roles that will haunt your dreams for a long time to come.

The less said about the plot the better, not because its bad, in fact its awe-inspiring to see the lengths Nolan has gone to in order to make this work , but it would be unfair to spoil your enjoyment of the film and would be quite a difficult feat to summarise concisely the key ideas behind Inception. Despite being a complex beast, Inception remains watchable throughout thanks to the impressive visuals and mind-blowing special effects that despite being physically impossible are still incredibly realistic.
 

Its closet comparison would be The Matrix, another game-changing sci-fi that took special effects to the next level by providing the audience with one hell of a story and not relying purely on the futuristic visuals to create the films success. The action has definitely stepped up a notch in Inception, with events in interweaving dream worlds affecting the consequences in others. It sounds complicated but it is a sheer joy to behold as Dicaprio and his team invade people's dreams and simultaneously assault an arctic fortress, defy gravity in an insane hotel corridor brawl and swerve traffic in a deadly car chase. Anything is possible in a dream, and thankfully Nolan exploits this to its maximum potential; trust me on this, the action sequences will leave you stunned senseless.

The only thing that dwarfs the intense action is the labyrinthine plot, which requires a great deal of concentration to follow. Luckily, Nolan makes this easy for the viewers by creating a visceral plot that completely absorbs the audience's attention - prompting an almost dream like state of consciousness as the action unfolds before your very eyes.

As I left the cinema I was undecided on my opinion of the film, there was just far too much to take in after one viewing. Having said that though, I would definitely consider catching Inception for a second time, the more the film has invaded my dreams since watching it, the more I want to immerse myself in Nolan's incredible imagination once again. 

8/10



If you like this film you will enjoy these:

Waking Life
Dark City
Jacob's Ladder
The Matrix

New Release - The Karate Kid

Let's make it clear from the beginning, The Karate Kid is a blatant vehicle for Jaden Smith, with his all too famous father Will producing the movie in an attempt to bolster his son's acting career. Much like the criticism that Shane Meadow's Somers Town garnered for its association with Eurostar, it could be argued that the Karate Kid is a cleverly crafted two and a half hour long advert for Jaden Smith. That being said, it's a fairly well polished advert with Jaden putting in a solid performance, the only criticism that can be levelled at Smith is his age; the original Karate Kid was much older, broadening the films appeal to a wider audience, but as I watched pre-teens fighting I couldn't help feeling that this would alienate the teen audience as they will struggle to relate to the main character.

Don't get me wrong, the original is hardly a masterpiece, as is clear from its recent relegation to the library of channel five sunday afternoon family films that are usually only worth watching for the memories they rekindle, but in 1984 the influence it had over popular culture was widespread, with teens everywhere desperate to take up martial arts. There is no doubt that the new version will inspire a similar wave of interest and while this may indicate a certain amount of popularity, it is no indication of the film's quality, which doesn't come close to the sheer entertainment of the original.

Without comparing the two versions, The Karate Kid is a fairly entertaining movie, it has its flaws - most notably its length, but children oblivious to the original will love watching Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) start a new life in China while finding his feet with the local gang. Jackie Chan puts in a sterling performance as Mr Han, the caretaker and karate master who dedicates his time to training Dre and teaching him the true art of karate, that shows he can actually act. 

The story arc remains very similar to the original with the main alteration being the setting, which provides some fantastic backdrops for the street battles and a striking training scene on the great wall of China. Visually the film is impressive and the acting is okay, but remakes are never going to compare favourably to their predecessors and a change to one of the most memorable scenes in the film ("wax on, wax off") will be seen as blasphemous by fans of the original.

This is definitely a film for the younger generation, people familiar with the 1984 version should stay well away but those heading into the film without preconceptions formed from viewing the original will find a fairly enjoyable story that is very easy to watch. As i know most people reading this will have seen the original, save your money, and if you haven't seen the karate kid, you're missing out on an eighties classic - go and buy the dvd now and forget about the new version. Some things are just better left alone.

6/10

If you like this you will enjoy these:

The Karate Kid (1984)

Rocky

Pump Up The Volume

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

New Release - Get Him To The Greek

Forgetting Sarah Marshall was a dull, unfunny comedy, in fact I would go as far to say that it wasn't comedy but a boring drama. It pains me every time i hear someone mention how brilliant it was, and I really can't comprehend why anyone commissioned a spin-off, on second thoughts scrap that, Forgetting Sarah Marshall made money at the box office, so of course we are going to get a lacklustre follow-up, none other than Get him to the Greek.

The story follows Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) as he attempts to escort Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) to his long overdue comeback gig but struggles to keep the dishevelled rock star away from drink, drugs and desperate women. It sounds like the perfect recipe for a comedy but unfortunately it appears that the writers created a number of key scenes and then attempted to loosely tie them together with a script, and that will never work.

It's a shame that the majority of the jokes are clearly aimed at a teenage audience when references to The Mars Volta and Lars Ulrich clearly pay off, film-makers should realise that not everyone in the world is a hormonal teenage lad, desperate for a glimpse of nudity or endless toilet humour, but have faith that intelligent people are out there! Maybe they are just too on the ball and realise that anyone with half an ounce of intelligence will probably steer clear of this film. Admittedly, some of the jokes did bring a smile to my face, but this was not nearly enough to redeem the lack of structure and poor characterisation .

If you like your films without meaning, easy to follow and easy to forget, go and watch Get Him to the Greek, the perfect throwaway Summer comedy. Just don't say I didn't warn you!

5/10



If you like this you will enjoy these:

The Hangover
Super Troopers
This Is Spinal Tap
Grandma's Boy

You should move into an Odeon

I've recently moved to a new flat where there was no internet up until now, which is why i've not been updating the blog! On the plus side, it means that I've been able to invest in a huge HD TV and surround sound, prompting my brother to send me a message reading: 'You're such a cinema goon, you should move into an Odeon'. He's probably right.

Anyway, I've seen a few previews recently including Get him to the Greek and The Karate kid, but i'm not going to tell you what I thought of them just yet, you'll have to come back and check out the reviews when I upload them in the next couple of days.

 Here's a few new trailers for films that have caught my eye recently:

Rango

Featuring the voice talents of Johnny Depp, Ray Winstone and Bill Nighy, and with direction from the awkwardly named Gore Verbinski, the mastermind behind the pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, Rango is destined to do well at the box office. But more importantly, will it be any good? This disappointing trailer indicates that the writers have been reading too much Hunter S. Thompson which may have provided them with ideas which are visually impressive but there is a distinct lack of story on show. Hopefully later trailers will address this issue and Rango will live up to the combined potential of the stars involved.



The Last Exorcism

Ever since Cannibal Holocaust was released to a wave of controversy in 1980, the horror genre has often returned to the faux documentary style of filming in order to provide audiences with a fresh take on things that go bump in the night. Recent successes such as REC and Paranormal Activity have spawned a number of awful copycat films but The Last Exorcism looks like it has the potential to scare the crap out of the most hardened of horror fans. When a priest's final exorcism ritual doesn't go according to plan, all hell breaks loose on an isolated farmstead and the camera crew documenting the events get far more than they bargained for. Okay, it does sound like we're on similar territory as the exorcism of emily rose here, but inital reviews have heaped praise on the film-makers, so that may not be a bad thing - definitely one to watch out for.



Paranormal Activity 2

Whether you liked it or not, Paranormal Activity was a groundbreaking low budget horror film and its huge success at the box office was bound to create the demand for a sequel. Horror sequels rarely live up to their predecessors and while the original was entertaining, this concept would be best left as a stand-alone film. Being a horror fan I will be inclined to check this out, I just hope the writers have a few more tricks hidden up their sleeve and don't make a total hash of Paranormal Activity 2. The trailer doesn't reveal much, but fans of the original will definitely be excited at the prospect of more evil possessions.



Let Me In

Chloe Moretz rise to stardom is bound to continue with the recent announcement that Kick-Ass 2 has been given the go ahead and her appearance in Reeve's Let Me In is sure to cement her reputation as a talented new actress. Cast alongside Smit-McPhee, fresh from his stunning role in The Road, this film has a lot of potential but has a very difficult task in bettering the disturbing Swedish original Let the right one in. For those who have seen the original, pray they don't change the swimming pool scene, and keep your fingers crossed that this is one American remake of a foreign film that will actually be worthwhile.



I recently rediscovered this amazing clip, can't believe the lack of views its had on youtube. If you spend far too much time on IMDB like I do, it's definitely worth checking out:

Upcoming Films

Super 8

Combining the talents of Stephen Spielberg and J.J. Abrahams, Super 8 could quite possibly be the perfect amalgamation of the creative geniuses behind some of the most successful depictions of extra-terrestrial life ever committed to celluloid. Just watch the trailer and tell me you're not excited.



Inception

Cristopher Nolan's highly successful re-imagining of the Batman franchise cemented his status as an exceptional director who just can't seem to put a foot wrong and hopefully his reign will continue with Inception, which is almost guaranteed to be this Summer's blockbuster. The plot has so far been shrouded in mystery but with a cast including Dicaprio and Gordon-Levitz, this is bound to be another inspired film, which we can only hope matches the intensity of his earlier features such as Memento and Insomnia.




Black Death

Boromir is back! This time he's swapped middle Earth for Medieval England but once again he is dealing with supernatural creatures and appears to be on a very important mission. Okay, it's not really Boromir but its Ulric, the warrior Knight who is sent on a quest to hunt down a necromancer after the first outbreak of the bubonic plague. It all sounds slightly far-fetched but the reviews have so far been very postitive so this may well turn out to be a decent horror film. Certainly one to watch out for.



Machete

Robert Rodriguez is at his best when tackling violent Mexicans, so Machete has a lot to live up to. Based on a trailer that was shown between the double feature of planet terror and Death Proof, Danny Trejo stars as a federale agent betrayed by his superiors. If this is anything like the El Mariachi trilogy we are in for one hell of a ride.




The Adjustment Bureau

Since Blade Runner there has been an endless supply of films based on Phillip K. Dick's work, most have been diabolical but some such as Minority Report and A Scanner Darkly succeeded by sticking closely to the original material. Hopefully the Adjustment Bureau will follow suit as Matt Damon attempts to prevent his pre-determined fate from being realised by holding on to the woman he loves. Ten points if you can guess which film the trailer's music was stolen from, and I mean the first film it was heard in, not Kick-Ass.

Films of the Decade - Part Four: 2003

10. Kontroll - Kontroll is an exceptional Hungarian movie taking place in the underground Budapest tube system as teams of ticket inspectors patrol the tracks while contending with the appearance of a mysterious serial killer who seems intent on pushing innocent people into oncoming tubes. As Bulcsu attempts to track down the killer, he crosses paths with a beautiful stranger dressed in a rabbit outfit and it is not long before the surreal occurrences take a turn for the worse with disastrous consequences. Fans of head trips such as Memento and Fight Club will find much to like in this unique thriller.

9. Carandiru - This intense crime drama set in the Brazilian prison of Carandiru is based on the real events of the riot in 1992 that cost the lives of 111 prisoners. Told from the viewpoint of the prison’s only doctor, struggling to contend with the constant stream of injured inmates, this gritty and visceral view of life in the biggest prison in Brazil prefers not to dwell on the cruel and violent felons but also touches upon the lives of the prisoners who appear not to belong. Tragic but compelling, Carandiru is a very under-rated film that delivers a powerful message and should not be missed.

8. Save The Green Planet - This Korean Sci-fi is a truly bizarre film that would never be commissioned in Hollywood. Its far-fetched story focuses on an unhinged individual who believes that the world is on the brink of an alien invasion and will do his utmost to prevent the impending catastrophe. After identifying and kidnapping a supposed ‘alien’ with the assistance of his partner, Byeong-Gu proceeds with extreme methods of torture to extract vital information from his captive. Any more information could potentially spoil the film and if you have not yet seen it that would be a great shame - do yourself a massive favour and buy this right now!

7. Oldboy - This cult favourite is infamous for a scene involving a live squid being eaten and a brutal five minute shot of Dae-Su using a hammer as a weapon in close combat. Not for the squeamish, this twisted thriller follows Oh Dae-Su as he is held captive for fifteen years before being released and told he has a week to track down his captor. Relentlessly paced and beautifully shot, this is the second, and most accessible, of Park Chan Wooks vengeance trilogy, a trio of films focussing on the destructive nature of revenge. Oldboy is an essential film for all world cinema fans.

6. Mystic River - Clint Eastwood is a cinematic legend, and his contributions to the world of film show no sign of slowing down despite his age. Mystic River was his finest work since Unforgiven, with the excellent ensemble cast on top form in this emotionally-charged thriller. When his daughter goes missing, Jimmy Markum (Sean Penn) has to confront his past and reunite with two childhood friends, played by Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins,  in order to shed light on a series of disturbing events that have shattered an entire community. If you are a fan of Eastwood’s work this is one of his finest films to date and proved yet again that he is as good behind the camera as he is commanding its presence as an actor.

5. The Return - This minimalist Russian thriller is reminiscent of Ingmar Bergman’s quiet intimate dramas that focus on a small number of characters who are emotionally hinged around tragic events that have been buried in their past. More than just a character study, The Return is a complex drama that rewards the viewers patience with a heart-stopping third act. When a father returns from a twelve year absence to take his two sons on an extended fishing trip in the wilderness it is not long before the past collides with the present as the family try to rekindle their relationships under increasingly difficult circumstances.

4. Kill Bill: Vol 1 - There is no question about Tarantino’s brilliance as a film director, and while Kill Bill was not quite as edgy as his earlier offerings, it still packed one hell of a punch. Almost ten years after he gave the world Pulp Fiction, Tarantino ups the violence with Kill Bill, relying once more on Uma Thurman to take the limelight as a ferocious assassin out for revenge when she is betrayed by her criminal boss. The compelling storyline is balanced perfectly with the stylish ultra-violence, allowing the film to focus on character development as well as intense action. Fans of Tarantino’s earlier work will not disappointed as the reliance on martial arts for the action sequences prove to be a welcome addition to his repertoire. It’s just a shame that the sequel failed to deliver.

3. Dogville - The second of Von Trier’s films to feature in this list (Dancer in the dark was the first),  Dogville is a disturbing crime drama shot entirely in a single location. With a limited amount of props and no buildings as such, the action takes place on a dark surface chalked up with the floor plans of buildings and objects, enabling the viewer to see what goes on behind closed doors. Whilst this set design is basic, the acting is anything but, with thrilling turns from Nicole Kidman and Paul Bettany, who shine as the vulnerable village newcomer and the quick-witted doctor’s son that begins to uncover her disturbed past.

2. The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King - Much like with the original Star Wars trilogy, anticipation for the final instalment of the story was a key factor in the films success, with fans desperate to see the outcome of this epic adventure as soon as it hit the big screens. The return of the king is a true masterpiece, epic in terms of scale, emotional depth and storytelling, Peter Jackson’s labour of love cleaned up at the Oscars with eleven Academy Awards and all of them were well deserved. With the Hobbit in pre-production as we speak, it is not long before we will get another glimpse into the fantastical world of middle Earth.

1. Goodbye Lenin! - Occasionally a film you have never even heard of can take you completely by surprise and I was fortunate enough for that to happen with me on first viewing of Goodbye Lenin! This dark satire on East Germany in the late 1980s revolves around a son’s devotion to his mother that is tested to the limit when she ends up in a coma after witnessing his arrest during a riot. After his fragile mother awakes into a new Germany in 1990, Alex has to prevent her from finding out that East and West Germany have reunited in order to prevent the triggering of a fatal shock which could lead to her death. With clever homages to Kubrick throughout and a story that takes a superb snapshot of life within a politically rife time of Germany‘s recent history, this is a very intelligent and accomplished movie - films this good are few and far between.

It was an extremely difficult task to decide which ten films defined the year 2003 - here are my choices that didn't quite make the list:

Lost In Translation
Underworld
The Last Samurai
21 Grams
Once Upon A Time In Mexico
Zatoichi
X-Men 2
Open Range
Monster
Matchstick Men

New Release - The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans

Whilst many hailed the original Bad Lieutenant as groundbreaking for its time, watching it now just doesn’t hold the same appeal, mindless violence and drug addled cops are no longer as controversial a topic as they were twenty years ago. Abel Ferrara is known for his gritty portrayal of urban life but even with the King of New York, his ventures appear dated and no longer as valid when compared to the back catalogue of auteurs such as the mighty Werner Herzog. Thank god then that it was Herzog who undertook the task of re-imagining one of Ferrara’s works and not the other way round, and by God, he did a bloody good job of it too.

Set in the decaying suburbs of New Orleans after the onslaught of hurricane Katrina, The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans follows the recently promoted police officer, Terence McDonagh, as he investigates the killing of five immigrants whilst struggling to battle his own ongoing problems with hard drugs and gambling. Loosely based on the original Bad Lieutenant released in 1992, Herzog’s version cannot be called a remake. Gone is the volatile and unpredictable Harvey Keitel who starred in the original, and in his place, but not treading on his shoes, is a darkly humorous Nicolas Cage - following on from his extraordinary performance in Kick-Ass with another exceptional turn.

The unconventional plot line may confuse fans of dross thrillers such as Edge of Darkness and Law Abiding Citizen, but is essential to the character development, as McDonagh meanders from one surreal situation to the next without any real progression for the first half hour. That being said, these encounters are exactly what you would expect from a Herzog film, and as the plot begins to unfold,  this warped humour becomes a perfect partner to the depravity of Cage’s character.

As McDonagh grapples with his drug problems, these fantastical occurrences increase, with the appearance of reptiles such as crocodiles and lizards strangely reminiscent of Jonny Depp’s drug fuelled hallucinations as Raoul Duke in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The results of which culminate in a baffling break-dancing sequence that will remain in your mind a long time after leaving the cinema, especially considering the accompanying music is the same Herzog used at the end of his depressing character study Strozek - perhaps echoing the ill construed ideals of society portrayed in Herzog’s earlier film by hinting that Cage’s Bad Lieutenant could well be the antithesis of Strozek..

Although there are fine performances by supporting actors Eva Mendes and Brad Dourif, I cannot help but focus on Cage’s portrayal of Terence McDonagh, his domineering yet eerily charismatic approach to assaulting two old women is twisted humour at its best. This film is the perfect antidote to the mindless Summer blockbusters that are creeping into circulation around this time of year, complete with the drug-fuelled action and sickening violence that thrill seekers expect from your average blockbuster but far superior in terms of direction, Bad Lieutenant is a great example of an independent film-maker beating Hollywood at its own game.

8/10



If you like this you will enjoy these:

The Boondock Saints
Aguirre: The Wrath of God
Wild at Heart
Woyzeck

New Release - Hot Tub Time Machine

Hats off to the person who coined the phrase Hot Tub Time Machine, what a brilliant name for a film! Its just a shame that the concept failed to live up to expectations and left me feeling like I needed my own hot tub time machine so that I could travel back in time and avoid ever watching the movie.

When a disgruntled middle aged man attempts to commit suicide, it is down to  his old friends (through association rather than choice) Adam and Nick, played by John Cusack and Craig Robinson respectively, to restore his faith in humanity with a trip to a ski resort from their teenage years. Joined by Adam’s nephew Jacob, it is not long before the foursome take a ride in a time bending hot tub and wind up twenty years earlier when the ski slope was in its heyday - cue sexy young ladies in 80s gear and an endless stream of crude, unfunny jokes.

This is basically Back to the Future crossed with The Hangover -as the marketing team behind the film have kindly pointed out - but what they fail to mention is that while it may sound brilliant on paper, the amalgamation of the two ideas falls flat as both plot lines meander aimlessly from one dull situation to the next. There are a number of moments throughout where Hot Tub Time Machine goes beyond being a homage to its influences and becomes a blatant rip off, failing miserably to replicate the choicest moments from Back to the Future and instead just ruining the credibility of the film.

I sincerely hope that unlike most comedies the actors were not required to ad lib their own lines, as while this works well with comedians such as Steve Carrel and Will Ferrell, Cusack and co. could not cause a single smile with their laboured gags. If however, the actors stuck rigorously to their lines, then the scriptwriters would benefit enormously from a visit to their local comedy club to gain some fresh ideas, as the jokes could have easily been written by an immature teenager.

For me, the star of the whole film was Crispin Glover, whose mere inclusion is bound to incite comparisons to everyone’s favourite time travel movie involving a flux capacitor. While his screen time is limited, the running gag revolving around the loss of his limb is very amusing, a clear cut above the rest of the humour, but serves only to frustrate the audience as they realise that Hot Tub Time Machine had the potential to be something very special.

Hot Tub Time Machine is a missed opportunity, and while it is not the worst of comedies, the only reason it stands out from a crowded genre is its daft title and a handful of stolen ideas. By cleverly fooling the general public with a brilliant marketing campaign, Hot Tub Time Machine is bound to fair reasonably well at the box office but you would do well to spend your money on something far more enjoyable - go and buy Back To The Future, it's much cooler to travel through time in a Delorean.

5/10



If you liked this film you will enjoy these:

Back To The Future
Beerfest
Superbad
The Hangover

Films of the Decade - Part Three: 2002

10. Bubba Ho-tep - A rare example of a film that successfully traverses a wide range of genres, Bubba Ho-Tep is a dark comedy that delivers on a number of levels. This strange tale centres on Sebastian Half, a worn out Elvis Presley impersonator played by Bruce Campbell as he endeavours to protect his residential home from supernatural forces. Famed for his role as Ash in Sam Raimi's Evil Dead trilogy, Bruce is in familiar territory here as his character faces undead creatures in a somewhat surreal situation. While there are a few fairly unsettling moments in the film, the addition of humour to lighten the tone also brings with it a strange emotional attachment to the main characters. Few people have heard of this film, which is a shame as Bubba Ho-tep is a truly unique cinematic experience that is not to be missed.

9. Catch Me If You Can - Spielberg’s adaptation of this true story is a captivating and inspirational adventure, with Leonardo Dicaprio and Tom Hanks on fine form as the crafty conman and dedicated detective respectively. Frank Abagnale Jr ( Dicaprio) is on the run from the law as he manages to fool a number of unsuspecting victims when he poses a pilot, doctor and legal prosecutor, constantly amassing a wealth of money but longing for a place that he can call home. As pure entertainment, this is an outstanding achievement, but the fact that Catch me if you can is based on real events just makes it even more poignant.

8. He loves me…he loves me not - Following on from the huge success of Amelie, Audrey Tautou appeared in this brilliant thriller as a young student in love with a married doctor. Gripping from start to finish, and complete with an ingenious plot device that is bound to leave audiences reeling, this is a perfect counterpart to Amelie, showcasing the dangers of obsessive love. The first of five foreign films to make the list in 2002, He loves me…he loves me not proves that people who refuse to read subtitles really are missing out on some exceptional films.

7. Infernal Affairs - Far more impressive than its Hollywood remake ( The Departed), Infernal Affairs is a blistering crime drama, with a taut storyline that follows two rival undercover agents and the life-changing decisions they will make when their loyalties are tested to the limits. Featuring spectacular shootouts and unexpected revelations as the plot unfolds, Infernal affairs is a masterpiece that should not be overlooked in favour of its Hollywood counterpart.

6. Irreversible - Unfortunately this film is infamous for the wrong reasons. A fifteen minute rape scene is enough to put off the most liberally minded film fans but it is essential to look past that and experience the whole film to truly understand the powerful message behind the explicit violence. The disturbing storyline is played in reverse, similar in style to Memento, adding to the disorientation and heightening the tension as the film begins with the climax and we are left confused as to how such events occurred. Not for the faint hearted, this is powerful stuff, worthy of your time but a film that is experienced rather than enjoyed.

5. 25th Hour - Edward Norton had an explosive start to his career with Primal Fear and became an overnight A-list celebrity with knock out performances in American History X and Fight Club, however it was 25th Hour that proved he was more than just a flash in the pan, emphasising the emotional depth and intensity he was capable of when portraying characters on the edge. 25th Hour follows the last day of freedom for a convicted drug dealer as he struggles to cope with the impending seven-year jail sentence and confronts friends and family members from his past with devastating results.

4. Lilya 4-Ever - The unforgettable opening scene is still as captivating as it was eight years ago, a foreboding score heightens the tension as a young bedraggled teenage girl contemplates suicide in this brutally stark drama exposing the cruel reality of human trafficking. Left alone in Estonia by her careless mother, Lilya is forced to grow up fast in order to survive. Along with her only friend Volodja, similarly neglected by his parents, Lilya attempts to forge a new life for herself and put the past behind her. This heart-breaking portrayal of innocence being corrupted will stay with you for a very long time.

3. 28 Days Later - Zombie films had become stale and rotten, much like the hideous creatures contained within, and it was down to Danny Boyle to breathe new life into the genre with his fresh take that was highly compelling and very original. From the eerie opening sequence in which a lone survivor awakens from a coma in a post-apocalyptic world to the frenetic pacing of the final confrontations where it is unclear who has been consumed by rage, 28 Days later is a modern horror masterpiece that upped the ante for Romero aficionados everywhere. The believable storyline features moments of sheer terror thanks to the magnificent cast and their creation of characters that we actually care about. Easily one of the most impressive and downright terrifying films of the decade.

2. The Lord of the Rings: The two Towers - The Fellowship of the Rings was a monumental film that left Tolkien fans desperate to return to Peter Jackson’s Middle Earth. Two Towers had a difficult act to follow but didn’t disappoint. With the story in full swing, the second instalment of the Lord of The Rings could focus on huge battle sequences and impressive CGI effects to entertain the audience, culminating in a relentless siege that raised the bar in terms of the sheer scale of the action shown on screen. If the fellowship hadn’t convinced you, the Two Towers was certain to blow you away.

1. City Of God - Nominated for four Oscars but criminally missing out on all of them, City of God is a sprawling crime epic set in a violent neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro as a young group of friends gradually become embroiled with a local gang. Whilst one of the friends ends up as a dangerous drug dealer, his best friend chooses a different path, distancing himself from the grim lifestyle to become a daring photographer. Their lives continue to collide and their friendship is tested to the limit as the crimes escalate out of control. Shockingly brutal and visually stunning, City Of God is a landmark film that is sure to stand the test of time.


It was an extremely difficult task to decide which ten films defined the year 2002 - here are my choices that didn't quite make the list:

The Pianist
In America
The Rules of Attraction
Sympathy for Mr Vengeance
Minority report
The Bourne identity
The Hours
Interstate 60
Confessions of a dangerous mind
24 Hour Party People

Upcoming Films

Heartless

Featuring a great British cast, this gloomy psychological thriller has a lot of potential. Jim sturgess, Timothy Spall and Eddie Marsan are all excellent actors and the inclusion of the gorgeous Clemence Poesy, best known for her performance as Chloe in In Bruges, is a fantastic choice, I've been looking forward to seeing her on the big screen again for quite some time now. As far as the story is concerned it revolves around Jamie Morgans (Jim Sturgess) discovery that there are demons roaming the streets of East London. If the film is as dark and gritty as the trailer makes it out to be - think Harry Brown on acid - this could be a surprise hit when it's released in May.



High School

Finally the first trailer for High School has been released, and although its a great clip, it doesn't really give much away. The story focuses on Henry Burke, a high school valedictorian who takes his first hit of weed only to discover that all students will undergo a compulsory drug test. Only one thing for it; get the whole school stoned!  Early reviews have been comparing High School to The Hangover, which can only be a good thing. Despite the shit title, High School is definitely one to watch out for.





Get Low

Already making waves on the festival circuit, Get low is loosely based on the real events of a backwoods hermit who decides to throw his own funeral party - whilst he is still alive. Starring Robert Duvall as the man in question, along with Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek, we can be assured from the cast involved that this is bound to be a top-notch drama. There has even been the rumours of Oscar noms surrounding this picture, which is a bold claim when the next awards season is over ten months away. We shall have to wait and see.




The Human Centipede (First Sequence)

I would consider myself a nice person, but nothing gets me more excited than a twisted, depraved horror film. Based around the sickening idea of attaching people's digestive systems together to create a series of humans that resemble a centipede, this film is clearly not for those with a weak stomach. It is a very strange concept, and I am unsure how the director can drag the story out for 90 minutes but I am certainly very intrigued. The trailer reminds me of the french horror Eyes without a Face, where a crazy surgeon mutilated innocent victims for his bizarre experiments. Someone get me tickets for the UK premiere of this film and I will be a very happy man.

New Release - Date Night

Imagine if True Romance was a light-hearted Romantic Comedy where two lovers become entangled in a web of crime and you will not be far off the mark. Date Night is remarkably similar to True Romance in terms of plot but replaces the style and panache of Tarantino’s writing with slapstick humour and bumbling criminals. However, don’t let that get your hopes up, True Romance is a classic, Date night is mere popcorn fodder despite being surprisingly enjoyable.

Tina Fey and Steve Carell play the Fosters, a hapless couple whose marriage is on its last legs, and when their attempt to rekindle the flame goes awry they are mistaken for two thieves who have stolen from one of New York’s leading crime lords - and he is not a happy man. Throughout their eventful date night the Foster’s are thrown into one unbelievable situation after another and while most are amusing, some fall flat, but the excellent cameos are sure to keep you entertained when the humour dries up. In fact, Shawn Levy should be glad that he managed to recruit such an appealing cast; the performances improve on what would otherwise be a lacklustre comedy.
Steve Carell shines as Phil Foster, with his warped sense of humour and deadpan acting, and Mark Wahlberg is excellent as the ex colleague who comes to the aid of the Fosters. Most of the humour comes from Carell’s performance, he is on his usual top form, and fans of Anchorman and the 40 Year old Virgin will not be disappointed. As he gains confidence throughout the night, Phil Foster gradually regains the love and trust of his wife, it’s the usual cliché but here it actually works, and you can’t help but empathise with the endearing couple.

 If Date Night was any longer, it would have dragged but thankfully the snappy pacing coupled with a relatively short running time of 88 minutes was perfect for this style of comedy, and funnily enough would make it a perfect film to take a potential partner to see.

Let's say Date Night is a female friend;  I certainly enjoyed spending an evening with her, and it would have been even better with a few drinks. I might save her number, but only with the intention of seeing her again if nothing else was on the cards. In other words, check it out but don’t get your hopes up!

7/10




If you liked this film you will also enjoy these:

The 40 Year Old Virgin
True Romance
The Apartment
The Naked Gun Trilogy