A bump in the night takes on a slightly more disturbing connotation after watching 'Paranormal Activity'
The word of mouth marketing for this movie has created its success and the initial comparisons to 'The Blair witch Project'.
Its true this movie wouldn't exist if it wasn't for 'Blair Witch'...but because of 'Blair Witch' this is a much more accomplished movie.
The story revolves around a couple Kate and Micah (not the camp pop star). Completely filmed in a handheld style and documenting the couples midnight paranormal activities! Though the movie is genuinely scary at times all credit goes to the lead actors that are convincing in their portrayal of a couple dealing with issues in their relationship. Issues that might or might not be the cause of the paranormal activity.
This is Oren Peli first feature and its a good effort. The movie has several endings so I'd like to see the rejected versions as the UK cinema release is the weakest aspect of the movie.
A sequel is already in pre-production so lets hope it doesn't go the same way as Blair Witch 2!
6/10
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Friday, 13 November 2009
UP
Even a below standard Pixar movie breezes over its competition.
Most reviews of UP will reveal that the first 20minutes are classic Pixar, full of emotion and deals with some very adult themes and that the middle act loses it way only to finally claw it back towards the end...and I'm afraid i can't disagree.
The beginning is the bravest I've seen in any Pixar movie, bringing the audience to tears in the first 10 minutes is an incredible feet...but you don't want a whole movie full of it.
Its important to note that i saw the UP in 2D...I'm not a fan of the 3D fad and hopefully Avatar will kill it for good!
8/10
Most reviews of UP will reveal that the first 20minutes are classic Pixar, full of emotion and deals with some very adult themes and that the middle act loses it way only to finally claw it back towards the end...and I'm afraid i can't disagree.
The beginning is the bravest I've seen in any Pixar movie, bringing the audience to tears in the first 10 minutes is an incredible feet...but you don't want a whole movie full of it.
Its important to note that i saw the UP in 2D...I'm not a fan of the 3D fad and hopefully Avatar will kill it for good!
8/10
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
The Thing: Digital Presentation
OK, I know this isn't a new movie, but it was recently re-released after being converted to a digital presentation.
John Carpenter classic 80's SciFi horror is given a digital make over and not in the George Lucas/Star Wars kind, where everything is replaced for sparkly new graphics, which don't fit the original...Nothing so crude. This is simply a conversion to digital.
The movie looks better than ever, crisp colours and in crystal clear HD. Unlike many 80's SciFi movies this has stood the test of time. This is due to the lack of CGI for the alien effects. Carpenters insistence on using prosthetics and live effects makes this a genuine classic.
Even if you don't get a chance to see the new digital version, make sure you watch this movie again soon.
8/10
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
District 9
This years has seen lots of Sci Fi movies, from huge block busters like Star Trek to small independents like Moon. Some good some bad and some very bad. I'm happy to say that District 9 is in the 'very good' camp.
The initial story reminded me of the 1988 movie Alien Nation. A ship of alien refuges arrives on earth, Johannesburg in this case.
The aliens (colloquially called 'Prawns' in District 9, due to there unique look) are almost instantly segregated and are penned into a shanty town, District 9.
But District 9 is to close to the city and its decided to movie all 1.5 million of them to District 10.
Neill Blomkamp delivers an accomplished movie on a minuscule budget compared to movies in the same genre this summer, based on his short film 'Alive in JoBerg'
Blomkamps greatest achievement is his ability to create digital characters that you can empathise with. George Lucas should take note.
Most of the marketing for District 9 starts by mentioning Peter Jackson, but his mark can hardly been seen, which is a good thing.
A special mention should go to Sharlto Copley who plays the main human character and gives a great performance, a character you dislike for most of the movie but you feel for by the end.
8/10
The initial story reminded me of the 1988 movie Alien Nation. A ship of alien refuges arrives on earth, Johannesburg in this case.
The aliens (colloquially called 'Prawns' in District 9, due to there unique look) are almost instantly segregated and are penned into a shanty town, District 9.
But District 9 is to close to the city and its decided to movie all 1.5 million of them to District 10.
Neill Blomkamp delivers an accomplished movie on a minuscule budget compared to movies in the same genre this summer, based on his short film 'Alive in JoBerg'
Blomkamps greatest achievement is his ability to create digital characters that you can empathise with. George Lucas should take note.
Most of the marketing for District 9 starts by mentioning Peter Jackson, but his mark can hardly been seen, which is a good thing.
A special mention should go to Sharlto Copley who plays the main human character and gives a great performance, a character you dislike for most of the movie but you feel for by the end.
8/10
Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Street Fighter: The legend of Chung Li
On my recent trip to India had the displeasure of watching (i did fall asleep through both)Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Street Fighter: The legend of Chung Li. I'll keep it short...Rubbish, I'd rather have alopecia then have to watch either again. So if you value your hair, steer clear of both these abysmal movies and if you have an love of film please start a group on FaceBook to force these directors (that I'm not gonna name check) to ever be allowed near, even a web cam again.
1/10
1/10
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Depending on your age you will have either played with Action Man or Action Force. Both are the UK version of G.I. Joe.
Hasbro Toys band of slightly silly named poseable action figures. Children of the 80's will know of Duke, Destro, Dr Mindbender, Snake Eyes etc...Now children of the 'Naughties' will be introduced to G.I. Joe with Stephen Summers new summer action movie, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. An origin story of how 2 elite soldiers, Duke and Ripcord join the Joes and save the day and how the evil Cobra organisation reveals itself to the world.
Its all very silly and all good fun...but more than anything else its probably the loudest movie i have ever sat through (does this make me sound terribly old).
The story is simple but well paced...in fact the action doesn't really let up for the refreshingly short movie.
The Paris sequence is the best action set piece of the summer and the whole movie has a feel of a classic Bond movie on acid...more gadgets than Q could hope to build on a UK Government budget.
7/10
Hasbro Toys band of slightly silly named poseable action figures. Children of the 80's will know of Duke, Destro, Dr Mindbender, Snake Eyes etc...Now children of the 'Naughties' will be introduced to G.I. Joe with Stephen Summers new summer action movie, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. An origin story of how 2 elite soldiers, Duke and Ripcord join the Joes and save the day and how the evil Cobra organisation reveals itself to the world.
Its all very silly and all good fun...but more than anything else its probably the loudest movie i have ever sat through (does this make me sound terribly old).
The story is simple but well paced...in fact the action doesn't really let up for the refreshingly short movie.
The Paris sequence is the best action set piece of the summer and the whole movie has a feel of a classic Bond movie on acid...more gadgets than Q could hope to build on a UK Government budget.
7/10
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