Directed By: Elza Kephart Written by: Elza Kephart & Patricia Gomez Zlatar Cinematography: Steve Asselin Editor: Miranda Ouellet
Cast: Romane Denis, Brett Donahue, Sehar Bjojani, Kenny Wong, Tianna Nori, Jessica B. Hill, Erica Anderson, Hanneke Talbot
When a possessed pair of jeans begins to kill the staff of a trendy clothing store, it is up to Libby, an idealistic young salesclerk, to stop its bloody rampage.
This horror-comedy is better than the premise might have you believe. As a film about a killer pair of jeans can be.
Obviously, this film is the anti-SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS. As the film has a ridiculous premise but manages to not be as embarrassing as it might seem.
The film is definitely a satire on consumerism. As the main directive to for these characters to sell these jeans and it becomes more of a lifestyle. As we are served a diverse cast who all have more of a liberal outlook, but remain either bitchy or unlikeable.
As this is almost paint by numbers you can tell who is going to die in what order and who the eventual final girl is going to be. Luckily the filmmakers make it fun to go through all the usual cliches and keep the audience entertained and invested.
While the film offers gore it still feels. For like a lite comedy. It feels more full of fluff rather than anything substantial or strong. This is fine as it keeps the film moving along at a fast speed for a movie that is under 90 minutes.
This is the type of film you more watch to see how creative the kills will be.
The first two-thirds of the film is horror with a cynical comedic edge. The third act is where the film all of a sudden tries to be more serious and point out issues of child labor abuses. It is understood the film has been building to that point throughout and chooses to take it more seriously. Though it does make for an abrupt change of tone.
It gives the movie something to stand on with such a silly premise. That makes the film more of a tragedy and gives it the strength of some kind of legitimacy.
Directed By: Kevin Lewis Written By: G.O. Parsons Cinematography: David Newbert Editor: Ryan Libert
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Emily Tosta, Beth Grant, Ric Reitz, Chris Warner, Kai Kadlee, Caylee Cowan, Terayle Hill
A quiet drifter is tricked into a janitorial job at the now condemned Willy’s Wonderland. The mundane tasks suddenly become an all-out fight for survival against wave after wave of demonic animatronics. Fists fly, kicks land, titans clash — and only one side will make it out alive.
This is obviously a film that throws many winks to the audience and expects the audience to know what kind of movie this is.
Nicolas cage gives a wordless performance. Where he comes off like the man with no name. So he seems almost like a western character of sorts. A drifter who wastes no time on any character development.
His character never seems surprised by anything that is going on. He keeps working showing a strong work ethic and moral code to a degree. As long. As it doesn’t interfere with his breaks. As he more fights them in self-defense than seeking to stop them.
His presence makes sense with this kind of film, but cage seems barely invested.
There is barely any blood if there is it is darker, So that it looks like grease or oil representing blood. So not too gory.
The stereotypical teens make it feel like a true horror in the fact that most of them are here only to be victims. Whose fate we know is coming.
It’s a horror film yet the killing/death scenes don’t even feel notable or original. It comes across as workman-like and so basic. it just comes across more as means to an end
The film is not expected to take seriously, more random than the recent THE BANANA SPLITS movie. Which more had something to live up to and something to prove.
The film seems to have lucked into star casting to anchor an audience for a film with more expectations.
The film comes off as more ridiculous than scary or even noteworthy violent. As everything feels strangely expected or goofy
The film is obviously lower budgeted that it feels more like a first film or DIY passion project. One that you never take seriously.
One expected more from the film. As the film comes off as a mainstream Troma film only minus the nudity and sex jokes that This film might even be too tame for them. Even as it feels like a UP ALL NIGHT movie that is trying to be a cult film.
Like an attraction that knows it’s bad and has little to offer. So it tries to dress it up with a star as best it can to bring in an audience.
Written & Directed By: Christian Gudegast Story By: Christian Gudegast & Paul Scheuring Cinematography By: Terry Stacey Editor: Nathan Godley, Joel Cox & David Cox
Cast: Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Pablo Schrieber, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Meadow Williams, Brian Van Holt, Jordan Bridges, Dawn Olivieri, Maurice Compte, Evan Jones, Mo McRae
A gritty L. A crime saga that follows the intersecting and often personally connected lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank of downtown Los Angeles.
I will be the first to admit this film is better than you might think it will be.
While you watch it. It seems to be a film that is inspired by HEAT and wants the audience to see both sides of the fence when it comes to the criminals and the cops chasing them. Though when it comes to the cops we only really see Gerard Butler’s home life and problems. When it comes to the criminals we see glimpses but mainly see 50 cent’s family and Pablo Schrieber’s planning.
At least when it comes to 50 cent’s daily the film adds some humor in the form of a warning to his daughters’ prom date. Which also helps humanize the character and the crew.
The film was in development for roughly fourteen years, where director Christian Gudegast and a writing partner had a blind deal with New Line Cinema in 2003. The project was also later supposed to be distributed by the now-defunct Relativity Media at one point as well. His original cut was 160 minutes long and had a different ending. Which would have added even more brooding to the film I am guessing.
The film is filled with testosterone galore with plenty of muscles up men with tank tops of their shirts off and sweaty. Using the guide or reasoning of working out of a home gym where they plan their caper.
It also seems to want to keep a kind of aggressive Mano e Mano tone. Where all the characters tend to be over the top tough and dangerous and females stay mostly in the background.
Though one is used as a kind of power play against one another. This only adds to the leaders of each side mutual respect but also a kind of sabotage they try against one another. As they know a showdown between them is coming and literally are sizing each other up.
Prior to filming, two separate boot camps were run in order to get the cops and the robbers in shape for their respective roles with both groups training separately to enforce a rival atmosphere. Interestingly, each group was trained differently by military consultant Paul Maurice.
O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s character is our introduction to this film and world as he is trying to be part of this crew as a getaway driver. He is the only new guy on the crew and goes through the ropes of intimidation. While also being forced by the cops to be an informant. He also seems to be our protagonist, but soon he and his storyline seem lost in the shuffle as the film begins to become a passing contest of one-up-manship between Pablo and Gerard.
While we wait for the heist that is promised to ensue. Most of the film is about the build-up of the different diversions and challenges thrown in front of each other and having to defeat or subvert in able to move forward and just as aggressive as the heist is these moves they make before are just as strong and motivated.
The film does offer beautiful visuals and quite stirring action sequences. As the heist fits all the required tension you want and expect. So that by the end it feels like a good modern-day heist caper film. Where we only learn of the logistics of the plan when it happens.
The film is building as it goes while we wait for the eventual showdown and release.
The film leaves you to wonder if the character of Gerard Butler was driven due to his failing marriage. So he seems more amped up and ready to go over the line. As it seems to be what he is good at and more capable of controlling even though supposedly more dangerous and unpredictable than a relationship. As at first he and his crew seem either dirty or more adept at bending the rules then they actually are eventually seen as pretty by the book.
By the end of the film, you have sympathy for the robbers as we meet their families and situations. Only to find out both sides were played against the other. By the end, it seems to try too hard to set itself apart by all of a sudden Introducing a twist. That while it works wasn’t really necessary.
It achieves what it set’s out to prove. It also doesn’t overthink itself or tries to show off for the audience more than what it has. Nor does it gloat or focus on any twists it offers up.
Big city girl Caroline is new to a small town, she disregards her high school classmates, and then just for kicks starts a sexual relationship with her teacher, Mr. A. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer roaming the town, an industrial fire burning on the outskirts, and Thurston is mourning the loss of his best friend. As Thurston falls in love with Caroline, realities quickly catch up to all characters, and they are all going to have to mature or face the consequences.
While this film didn’t love up to the tone that the trailer sets. I still found much to admire in the film.
The film’s mood is a mixed reality for the most part as some scenes feel like we are in a dreamland. The occasional surreal visuals help set that up throughout the film.
At times the film feels a little over the top filled with a ridiculous serial killer side story. That seems to only be there so there can be some kind of structured plot. Instead of having the story be Random. It also sets up to give teenage angst in this film a feeling of true nihilism because literally today could be their last.
It also leaves it to the audience to examine the characters more closely. Maybe their quirks are hiding some real serious mental problem, leaving their behavior as an obvious red flag.
The title comes from the music group Sonic Youth’s classic album. There are numerous nods to the group throughout the film. One Is that One of the leads played by Reece Thompson is names after the music group’s leader Thurston Moore. Like a Sonic Youth album, there are moments of great beauty. While the characters try to have a hardcore edge. They are broke. Like many of the chords the group plays. The only thing missing is the group’s music. It would have been cool if they scored the film, though the soundtrack isn’t bad. Especially its use of the band STARS music throughout the film. They are a Canadian band and this film was obviously made in Canada. Though at least they use the song KOOL THING by Sonic Youth
One of the film’s strengths is the lead Kat Dennings who totally owns this film. She has an off-kilter sexiness. Like Rose McGowan, but with a sharper wit to go along with her looks. She has a classic look as well as being voluptuous. How she wasn’t cast in the lead for the film EASY A. I’ll never know as it seemed to be a role tailor-made for her. Though Emma stone did a good job.
Here her character has a hard shell, but a vulnerable side she only seems to show the audience a she is the narrator.
I like Josh Lucas as an actor, but here he seems wasted playing more of a wounded caricature. Then rather a character. He deserves better as he seems a major actor stick in a supporting role. His character seems to just make no sense, even after learning his back story.
I enjoyed the film’s chapter stops to fully explain situations with a little more insight.
The film at times can be a bit pretentious and hazy as to who is it all for, but it kept up my interest and left me impressed. The film certainly isn’t for everyone. It feels like a PG-13 version of TWIN PEAKS mixed with a sardonic teen movie. Made by David Lynch only not in control of his skills.
Written, Directed, Edited and Cinematography By: Quentin Dupieux
Cast: Jean Dujardin, Adele Haenel, Albert Delpy, Coralie Russier, Marie Bunel
A man’s obsession with his designer deerskin jacket causes him to blow his life savings and turn to crime.
Another tale of a possessed object of sorts
The film could easily be seen as analogue to trying to make a film or in following your dream that seems impossible above all else but you do it anyway. Especially when you try to do it all alone and the crazy situations and deals you find yourself having to manage
Only here though there is filmmaking involved it’s about the destruction of every other jacket in the world and the means he goes through on the way to this impossible task.
While his only confident other than talking to his jacket is hiring a local bartender to edit his films and also since by her to help fund his expenditure.
Though once he goes extreme in his quest it goes overboard but truly by that point it has no more place to go
As even his weapon fo choice is oversized and ridiculously absurd though it does lend itself to showing how a serial killer might think and in his own mind regulate his actions in her make sense to himself
Maybe i just don’t understand french
When it comes to the The films of Quentin Dupieux
I love his style and loved his first film runner and I guess I keep coming back to his films so that there will be another unorthodox one like that but I have also noticed that was his most mainstream and genre film.
His films that have coen after that have stayed absurdist and have elements the to have enjoyed the closest to come to enjoyable since his first has been WRONG. As the other films do far I have found elements of the fun and entertaining but as a whole hasn’t enjoyed the films. A usually there is funny material done awkwardly
Here the lead character is so loathsome in his obsession that is also absurd but half the fun of the fil. Is watching the lengths he will go to achieve his obsession that makes him the singular comedic character while all around are mroe in reality. So it becomes funny to a pony watching his schemes as they get deeper and more outrageous. Though even for a film so short it starts to feel monotonous. Luckily something happens usually to doing them up a bit.
Though there is also that his soundtracks are eclectic and electrifying and the best parts of his films.
The jacket can be seen as his souvenirs/evidence of his kills as well as the reason.
Though also when on This quest for a dream to meet someone who believes in your vision. So that you are. No longer alone. Usually, you attract more people to achieve and believe in the dream but here it becomes so gonzo all it becomes is a team trying to make a great movie that they both believe In.
There is a comeuppance in the end that results in a sequel of sorts or continuation of story, that will not die as easily.
It has a good premise but feels like it falls short maybe because it is small scale.
Directed & Edited By: Lamberto Bava Written By Dardano Sacchetti & Elisa Briganti Editor: Gianlorenzo Battaglia
CAST: Andrea Occhipinti, Anny Papa, Fabiola Toledo, Michele Soavi, Valeria Cavalli
A composer, working in isolation on a score for a horror movie meets two women who used to know his house’s former tenant. When the women disappear, he’s forced to look into the film he’s working on to determine what happened to them, and who’s responsible.
The film is obviously heavily influenced by the movie PSYCHO with a new wave twist.
The film has a good premise. Though could have been worked out a bit better. As it feels like it strives to be artsy yet comes off like a typical slasher in the right hands of a more skilled director. This could have been something worthwhile and noteworthy.
Also the Film seems real into showcasing slitting throats to finish off the female victims
The film does have a good fake-out inventive opening. Which continues throughout the film with plenty of fake scares and mystery suspects and wondering exactly what is going on. It has plenty of set up’s but fails to excite.
The protagonist stays very calm despite his suspicions. The film could have been played up his paranoia stronger to have it be contagious for the audience.
The film has so many pauses and dead moments in between the action. And when the action does happen it feels more schlocky than anything.
The killer’s voice is so creepy and unnerving messes with your thoughts and fears to be much worse than the actual eventual reality
For a movie about a horror movie composer. The main score of this movie is monotonous.
Directed & Story By: Sergio Martino Written By: Sergio Martino & Ernesto Gastaldi Cinematography: Giancarlo Ferrando Editor: Eugenio Alabiti
Cast: Suzy Kendall, Tina Aumont, Luc Merenda, John Richardson, Roberto Bisacco, Ernesto Colli, Angela Covello
A string of appalling lust murders shocks the University of Perugia as a sadistic serial killer strangles to death beautiful college girls with a red and black scarf.
This film is bathed in sex and nudity more than expected. Even though at times the film tries to make it more artistic but still feels excessive.
This should be a teenage boy’s dream in the 1980s and 1990’s before the internet came forward. This is the type of foreign film you were hoping to catch on cable television that the TV guide said contained nudity and sexual situations but was usually more on the artistic side.
This film is more a murder mystery slasher where most of the characters who survive are suspects.
The actors playing college students in this movie all look way too old, but that is to be expected.
In living up to the film’s title, the killer carved up their victims after death. The film makes it feel fetishistic. As the camera and the killers’ hands Roam the victim’s naked body
Usually the torso before dissecting it and poking out the eyes. (Trust me the violence sounds worse in the description than what is shown) other times the camera lingers on the actress’s beauty also bodies.
As a product of The Times when it was released the film is definitely misogynistic. As most of the victims are female and the male victims are either afterthoughts or killed more aggressively and gruesomely. The male characters’ attitudes towards women are just as gruesome.
The final reveal is so ridiculous. As usual with a bit of a far-fetched initial motive for the killer.
As the film seems to maleness the death scenes more iconic while the Women look to live up to the killer’s view of them As living dolls.
With a happy-go-lucky soundtrack and each death explained except for the one person of colors. Who the film leaves as more of a discarded accessory’s. As they all gawk and the female characters are mo resemble fashion models at the time.
The film also has the male characters have ugly attitudes towards women. So that each seems like they could be the Killer. No matter how minor the character. Though her crime might be that she is a lesbian also for the film.
It offers very fun surprises and almost seems to get tired of creating more elaborate Murders.
Also seems that some characters are added to only be victims and up the body count as well as seem fairer in the number of male viewers
Directed By: Dennis Villeneuve Written By: Taylor Sheridan Cinematography By: Roger Deakins Editor: Joe Walker
Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, Jeffrey Donovan, Victor Garber, Jon Bernthal, Daniel Kaluuya, Maximilano Herandez, Raoul Trujillo
An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an elected government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.
This film is where director Dennis Villeneuve style really comes alive. Now while PRISONERS is a well directed film. I always had problems with it. Here Villeneuve’s style is crucial to the story.
It can only be explained as he has a knack for making scenes feel alive with tension. Even simple ones. He manages to catch you off guard so many times. That at any moment in his films anything can happen. Especially in the world the characters inhabit. Violence can break out at any time. Tension which he excels makes everything feel urgent and powerfully delivered. Makes it feel like anything can happen
The film while having violent scenes manages the trick of not really showing any violence but making it feel like there is more in the film then there actually is. The few scenes of violence are either so shocking or graphic. That in other scenes that even suggest it. Your imagination is already at work going overboard.
That is certainly a skill in story telling.
Here Emily blunt is our protagonist so we learn things just as she does and through the first half of the film. We realize we are on a mission, but just like her the rules and true objective are confusing and the rules keep changing. So that we are constantly confused even when the audience thinks it knows where the film is going.
She makes a good lead as her character proves both tougher and more fragile then she is presented. Seeing her in EDGE OF TOMMOROW convinced most audiences of her ability to be tough. Which she uses here, but here she also reminds us of how deep and emotional she can be whole Doing or at least showing so little.
Initially, the director was asked to rewrite Emily Blunt’s part for a man. But, Denis Villeneuve wanted Emily Blunt for the role after he saw her in The Young Victoria.
The film could easily be compared to films like TRAFFIC. For how it mainly shows the government side of taking down drug cartels, but the film also manages to tell small Individual stories of different characters and their position in this trade. What it also manages to do is remind the audience yes we are in this films singular world, but there is a greater real bigger world out there. That is our reality that these characters live in also.
Some night even compare the film to ZERO DARK THIRTY. If they did the only reason I can see is that they both have a female protagonist who learns to become more cautious and tougher as the film goes along. As well as learning more information about her supposed target through various different governmental agencies. As well as working with special teams to extract certain people to get to main targets. Though that film is more fact based. This one deals with a real subject, but manages to create it’s own story. This film is truly it’s own Animal
No matter what is shown and not shown this film is brutal. It is a cutthroat world they operate in.
There are some nitpicking like why at first do they forbid her partner access to go with them. Then throughout they seem to not mind if he is there.
Josh Brolin is good as the charismatic leader of this force. Who seems to operate in bureaucracy and in shadows, but the films MVP is Benicio Del Toro as a badass man of mystery. Though his character is mostly quiet. There is an intensity and toughness about him. That makes him look world weary, but constantly sharp. He takes no prisoners and seems to have no moral guide. I missed this type of performance from del toro. He played this type in SAVAGES, but that character was more of a loud mouth and sadistic for fun. Here he does it because he has to and can. If it helps achieve whatever mission he is on.
Throughout the film. The story plays out slowly only revealing itself when it has to. Even when we are privy of scenes and information that blunt isn’t. There isn’t too much revealed. So we are still just as unsure as she is. History is more reveled slowly about the characters rather then present it as soon as we meet them.
The shots throughout are beautifully composed and framed. That makes the territories they govern and go through come Alive. Even in their plainness. They feel constantly full of mystery even though they are mostly plain.
Though the film is structured well and directed well. It doesn’t feel overly stylized.
This film is a doozy, it is wild, yet calm. Epic and far reaching yet small.
The acting that plays out constantly or at least the threat of it Is not the kind you expect in a film Like this. No big action set pieces that rely on the audience finding a thrill. Like it is a roller coaster. Often the violence is either surprising, quick or just plain unorganized in the manner that it happens. This isn’t a thrill seeking movie. It is a thrill feeling movie.
Though it more relies on a moral meter. Rather than having a clear political message or even discussing the politics of the situation. It is matter of fact, yet offers a deep reserve for the audience to ponder. As it Also doesn’t offer any answers. Leaving it more of an open ended film. It’s not even really too much of a political film More like an extreme procedural.
Now while this film could have been made with any director. I believe the reason the film excels is because of director Dennis Villeneuve his style totally fits in with the story and reminds one of the promise he showed with the film INCENDIES. As with his other films though acclaimed. The style for me never quite fit the stories. Or the stories never quite fit his style. They took too many wrong turns or all there seemed to be was that style and little to no substance at least nothing deep. As the direction seemed to suggest.
Directed By: Guy Ritchie Written By: Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham & Simon Kinberg Story By: Michael Robert Johnson & Lionel Wigram Cinematography By: Phillipe Rousselot Editor: James Herbert
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, James Fox
In London, Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. John Watson captures the follower of black magic and serial killer Lord Blackwood that has already killed five women when he is near to kill his sixth victim. Blackwood is sentenced to be strung up and Dr. Watson attests his death. However, Blackwood mysteriously returns from the afterlife and Inspector Lestrade summons Sherlock Holmes to help the Scotland Yard in the investigation. Meanwhile Dr. Watson intends to get married of the gorgeous Mary Morstan while Sherlock is visited by his former lover Irene Adler that has a secret agenda.
I should have liked this film, but the film is too big, too many action set pieces, Too many explosions. Not enough Mystery. It’s like everything has to be bigger and better like it’s some kind of sequel or Michael Bay movie with better style and some sensibility.
It’s not good enough for Sherlock Holmes to be a good detective but must also be tough by doing bare-knuckle fighting, being a master of disguise, and always having a weapon handy. Like a victorian era super spy.
Once in a while, we get to see how Holmes’ mind works with deductive thinking. While having a semi homoerotic relationship with Dr. Watson, Who he is jealous of because he is not only moving out of the house they share but also getting married. The case they try to crack involves a woman from Holmes past who is lively and almost as cunning as he is and at first the case seems based on the supernatural. Than along the way becomes more logical.
The chemistry between Downey Jr. and Jude Law seems false and more manufactured than it should and makes you wonder if Jude Law was insulted as being the natural-born brit and having to play the sidekick to the American actor taking over a notorious British character.
The film isn’t horrible and it’s nice to see what director Guy Ritchie can do with a sizeable budget, but as I said before everything feels overblown and like it goes out of its way to keep reminding you this is the NEW Sherlock Holmes.
The leads are both charming and mark Strong is a good villain and the film’s more interesting scenes are when he is on the screen or exploring his character and it’s a conspiracy.
While the film is a good popcorn film afterward you start to feel the fat and the grease and wonder why this movie really needed to be made. Again it’s not horrible it’s not bad either. It’s ok and has some things going for it, but the end feels unnecessary and unremarkable. It keeps your attention as any time the film seems to begin to slow down another action sequence pops up. Not always for a good reason, But for the most part everyone involved seems to be having fun.
Directed By: Ant Timpson Written By: Toby Harvard Cinematography: Daniel Katz Editor: Dan Kircher
Cast: Elijah Wood, Stephen McHattie, Madeline Sami, Martin Donovan, Michael Smiley, Garfield Wilson
A man in his thirties travels to a remote cabin to reconnect with his estranged father.
This is a movie that will take you by surprise and keeps you guessing. Don’t expect a big change in your thinking type of film but more than a secretive kid in the corner who shocks you with his talents but still seems creepy. As each time you believe you have it figured out it adds something. A film best to go in blind.
As one of the main desires of the film is to keep you off-center. So that you end up just as confused as the main character. The twists come not only from the plot but from the characters. Though the film does have a dark sense of humor.
This is a movie that gradually adds things as it goes along and still Manages to stay small-scale. Even though at times the film seems to be going towards the supernatural or at least spooky. It still manages to stay somewhat believable though it has its quirks.
It also feels a little hipster-Ish when it comes to the main character and its Style. Even if it had a more pure demented heart.
This film feels full of ideas and imagination that feels lost. As it more feels like an oddity that more belongs in a previous decade but is oddly welcome in this time period and quickly sets itself up in modern-day. Yet managing not to depend on so many modern-day conveniences.
Though ultimately it does leave you a little disappointed because as it keeps building towards bigger things and you expect something huge but after a while, it seems to calm itself and stop. Then You realize this is it and you kind of were hoping it would keep going.
It also feels like at times they are making it up as they go along and try to work more on characters than story.
Have to wonder sometimes if Elijah Wood internationally goes after movies that leave him tortured and somehow mutilated after this and the film PAWN SHOP CHRONICLES.
Cut To The Chase 