Tag Archives: film to watch

Movie Review: Sinister

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Director:   
Scott Derrickson (known for: The Exorcism of Emily Rose)

Starring:          
Ethan Hawke (known for: Gattaca)
Juliet Rylance (known for: Sinister)

 

What’s it about?

Idiotic true crime writer Ellison Oswalt decides to move himself and his family into a new home, where the previous family was brutally murdered (that’s right, this probably won’t end well!). Upon entering the house attic, Oswalt finds a cache of snuff films that suggest the killer is of the serial kind.

Is it any good?

‘Sinister’ is the kind of movie that lives up to it’s name. It is malevolent, evil, perverse, doomfall, threatning, blackhearted and every other “Sinister” synonym that you can think of. If you view a horror movie called “Sinister” then be prepared for just that, don’t expect anything even slightly happy, if you do then you are an absolute tosser (yes, I’m referring to some comments I’ve read online); just a friendly warning. ‘Sinister’ tries desperately to blend scenes of disturbing shock and supernatural scares, this sounds like the perfect horror cocktail; if only the supernatural element wasn’t so damn predictable. The ghostly dead kids with painted white faces and a mask wearing killer bring nothing new to the table, except for the usual jump-scares. The “snuff” film footage is where it’s at, it is truly terrifying and makes you feel genuinely uneasy, and at times in need of therapy. Ethan Hawke does a great job as the stubborn and a little too curious Ellison Oswalt. Although some of the decisions he makes in the film are completely idiotic, you’ll find yourself throwing random objects at the TV. Overall ‘Sinister’ has some thrills and a nice twist at the end, it won’t surprise hardcore horror fans but folks new to the genre will probably enjoy it.

Best bit?

The snuff film with the lawnmower should be watched with your full attention.

 

ratings are out of 5

 

Did you know?

Writer C. Robert Cargill got the idea for the script from a nightmare he had after watching ‘The Ring’.

 

Free Film Friday: Panic in Year Zero

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Free Film Friday will have the best in public domain and copyrighted films, yet to be ceased and or desisted.

Thanks to North Korea, Nuclear warfare has been in the news recently. Rather than reading propaganda and watching porn on the internet, Kim Jong Un might find it more beneficial to watch films such as ‘Panic in Year Zero!’ to understand nothing good can come from nuclear weapons. Well, unless you survive the war and you live as vigilante, fighting mutants and strutting around like a king. That would be cool.

Panic in Year Zero! (1962)

Director:   
Ray Milland (known for: Dial M For Murder)

Starring:          
Ray Milland (known for:Dial M For Murder)
Jean Hagen (known for: Singin’ in the Rain)

 

What’s it about?

A family of four leaves Los Angeles for a camping trip just before a nuclear bomb destroys the city. As lawlessness prevails, the father must fight to keep his family alive.


Movie Review: Safety Not Guaranteed

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Director:   
Colin Trevorrow (known for: Safety Not Guaranteed)

Starring:          
Aubrey Plaza (known for: Safety Not Guaranteed)
Jake Johnson (known for: New Girl)

 

What’s it about?

Three magazine employees head out on an assignment to interview a guy who placed a classified ad seeking a companion for time travel.

Is it any good?

The film is loosely based on the true story of a weird newspaper ad featuring time travel. In the true story, the advert is run. Nothing happens. This film goes the next step and asks, what if it wasn’t joke. Three reporters arrive in a small town to uncover the mystery of the advert, as some light entertainment in their magazine. Little did they know how big this small ad will impact their lives? The script is solid, making what could have been one trick pony, delves into more significant in terms of relationships and paranoia, whist maintaining a humorous tone. Audrey Plaza is great, and after a quick IMDB search, have come to the conclusion, she really should be in more films. Nick from the TV series ‘New Girl’ plays the senior, albeit wild reporter, who seems more interested in rekindling an old flame and enjoying getting out of the office. Made for only $750,000 one can forgive the 2nd rate special effects towards the end, with enough Light flairs to blind a small child. However, the film is well worth watching.

Best bit?

The film kind of meanders, but the ending is kind of spectacular, both in a good and bad way. Definitely, memorable though.

 

ratings are out of 5

 

Did you know?

Production budget was reported by The Film Collaborative to be $750,000.

 

Movie Review: Ted

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Director:   
Seth MacFarlane (known for: Family Guy)

Starring:          
Mark Wahlberg (known for: Boogie Nights)
Mila Kunis (known for: Black Swan)

 

What’s it about?

As the result of a childhood wish, John Bennett’s teddy bear, Ted, came to life and has been by John’s side ever since – a friendship that’s tested when Lori, John’s girlfriend of four years, wants more from their relationship.

Is it any good?

Firstly, I hate Family Guy and American Dad. There, I said it. I have tried to like it, but can’t bring myself to do it, much to the disgust of my friends and family. Sure, I had reservations about Seth Marclane’s bringing his crass humour to the big screen, but those fears were eliminated quickly. Man, this film is funny. Once again, Mark Wahlberg does a great job, and seems to be finding a niche in the comedy genre. Mila Kunis was admirable as Wahlberg’s wife, but felt her role was a little underwhelming. Ultimately the star is of course the teddy bear, Ted (also voiced by Seth MacFarlane). Most adolescence’s would probably get a kick out of Ted guzzling beer, partying with hookers and smoking pot. But there’s more to it than that. In amongst the pop culture references, car chases and bear vs man fight scenes, there’s a cool little friendship story which ties the whole thing together and ground it (somewhat) in reality. By the end, you almost forget he’s a computer animated character. Weird, I know, but that’s what good writing does. In fact, it is so good that I might even check out ‘Family Guy’ again…wait, on second thought, nah.

Best bit?

Partying with Flash Gordon, what more could you want?

 

ratings are out of 5

 

Did you know?

Ted is the highest-grossing R-rated film of the year, and the highest-grossing original R-rated comedy of all time.

Movie Review: Rubber

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Director:   
Quentin Dupieux (known for: Rubber)

Starring:          
Stephen Spinella (known for: Milk)
Roxane Mesquida (known for: For My Sister)

 

What’s it about?

When Robert, a tire, discovers his destructive telepathic powers, he soon sets his sights on a desert town; in particular, a mysterious woman becomes his obsession.

Is it any good?

Back in the 80’s a movie about a killer tyre would have been seen as cheap, exploitation film, possibly directed by Roger Corman. Rubber, although low budget, makes a valiant attempt at making a ridiculous concept somewhat engaging and believable. Shot in America, with American actors, you definitely feel the euro flavour from the French crew. The first five minutes sees the main character perform an excellent, however bizarre monologue to camera, essentially asking the audience to suspend belief. The rest of the movie sees a normal car tyre go on a kill spree, taking out birds, rabbits and eventually humans that cross his path. The cinematography is very good, using a lot of nice natural light and shallow depth of field to give the film a more artistic feel. However, at points you can’t help but feel the filmmakers were in love with their own work a little too much, best represented by having the beginning monologue played during the end credits again….but this time, from a different angle! Um…why? At the end of the day though, it’s a film about a killer tyre and only has enough material for 75 minutes. Looking for something a bit difference? This is worth a view.

Best bit?

The police try to lure the tyre outside of a house with explosive consequences.

 

ratings are out of 5

 

Did you know?

The film was shown in Toronto at the After Dark Film Festival. Fangoria magazine stated the film “deeply split” the audience reaction saying that Rubber earned “huge laughs and applause as well as the only boos heard by Fango at the fest.”