Eastern Promises is a film that I had heard people talk about in a way that I had not heard people talk about a movie before. Everything from the way violence is shown in the movie, to the story, to the acting made me want to see this movie. I just watched it for the first time, and I am very glad that I did.
After a Russian teenager dies during childbirth, her journal is found which reveals that she was raped, with possible links to a Russian mob. The thing that I loved about this movie the most is that I cannot imagine any film-maker but Cronenberg tackling this story. I am becoming a bigger Cronenberg fan the more and more I see his films.
Viggo Mortensen portrays Nikolai in the cold way that only Mortensen can. You can see in his eyes that Nikolai has a great deal of experience and wisdom doing his job, and Viggo plays that very effectively. Viggo Mortensen is an actor who can say so much just by the look in his eyes, and when you see that look you are very afraid of what is coming next.
Naomi Watts plays Anna. Anna is a very strong and independent woman who is quite capable of thinking for herself and marches to the beat of her own drum. After the baby's mother, Tatiana, dies, Anna stops at nothing to find other family members who can take of her child, who Anna has named Christine. The sheer tenacity of this character is not something we find in female characters today, and it was quite refreshing. She also has no hesitation whatsoever about going off on her uncle.
Vincent Cassel plays Kirill, who parties too much and is extremely reckless. You can very effectively see in his eyes that he is disappointed that his father does not approve of the way he lives his life, which is probably why he drinks so much. You can also see that Kirill is jealous of Nikolai because Nikolai and his Kirill's father share a real bond that Kirill clearly does not have with his father. I have not seen much of Cassel's work, but the more I see him in film, the more I see that he is truly a chameleon actor.
What I love about David Cronenberg so much, especially after seeing this film, is that he clearly has his own voice. He pushes boundaries with his movies, particularly in the way violence is shown in his work. Sometimes there are scenes in his films that are difficult to watch, but that is what makes David Cronenberg the director that he is.
I loved this movie simply because of how it was portrayed on screen. I had never seen anything like it before. In an age where film-makers are constantly copying one another, David Cronenberg shows that true talent comes in originality. I also am looking forward to seeing Cronenberg and Viggo Mortensen do more films together.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
A Fresh Feeding
Vampire movies have become somewhat predictable in recent years. However, I just watched the movie Let the Right One In that completely changed all that, and gave me new hope for these kinds of films. Quite often in film, an original take on a particular genre is what is needed to reinvigorate your love of that genre, and that is exactly what this movie did for me.
Let the Right One In is a Swedish film that tells the story of Oskar, a young boy who gets bullied constantly at school who befriends Eli, a girl who just moved in next door. What is particularly moving about this story is that Eli does not desire Oskar in the way she desires other people. Oskar sees Eli as an opportunity to make a new friend, which intrigues Eli. There is also a certain innocence about Oskar that makes Eli believe they can be good friends, even in the face of her horrifying secret.
Tomas Alfredson directed this film brilliantly. Let the Right One In takes place during Winter, thus making the cinematography hauntingly beautiful because it perfectly captures the contrast of the white of the snow, and the red of the blood. I also loved the use of the camera in this film. The shots are just a little longer and wider at times than most films, which really gives you a sense of scope and overwhelming fear.
Vampire films are one of my favorite kinds of movies for many reasons. There is a certain mystery, a certain sensuality about vampire films that has always attracted me to them. After seeing their popularity dwindle within the past several years, it was quite refreshing to watch a movie that completely reinvented not only vampire movies, but horror movies in general.
Let the Right One In is a Swedish film that tells the story of Oskar, a young boy who gets bullied constantly at school who befriends Eli, a girl who just moved in next door. What is particularly moving about this story is that Eli does not desire Oskar in the way she desires other people. Oskar sees Eli as an opportunity to make a new friend, which intrigues Eli. There is also a certain innocence about Oskar that makes Eli believe they can be good friends, even in the face of her horrifying secret.
Tomas Alfredson directed this film brilliantly. Let the Right One In takes place during Winter, thus making the cinematography hauntingly beautiful because it perfectly captures the contrast of the white of the snow, and the red of the blood. I also loved the use of the camera in this film. The shots are just a little longer and wider at times than most films, which really gives you a sense of scope and overwhelming fear.
Vampire films are one of my favorite kinds of movies for many reasons. There is a certain mystery, a certain sensuality about vampire films that has always attracted me to them. After seeing their popularity dwindle within the past several years, it was quite refreshing to watch a movie that completely reinvented not only vampire movies, but horror movies in general.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Sweaty Nerd Fandom: Part 3
I just watched Judge Dredd for the first time all the way through. Overall, I would say that it was not a terribly bad way to spend a Tuesday night. There were things I liked, and things I did not like. Then, there was one thing that should never, ever happen again.
The movie Judge Dredd is about the character Judge Joseph Dredd who is framed for murder. As he being sentenced, the suspect who actually committed the crime escapes. In my opinion, this movie is a great action movie. However, as a comic book movie, this film fails miserably. Stallone spews nothing but law-related puns for a majority of the movie, citing which section and code have been violated. Also, it seems that the actors are struggling to even walk around wearing their outfits. They look so heavy, just looking at them makes me feel weary. It is also stated in the movie that the ABC Warriors can still be collected as long as they are not functioning, yet all it takes is someone to hotwire it for it to be functioning again. Shouldn't there be a way for the robot's non-functionality to be more permanent? As far as The Long Walk is concerned, I am utterly confused by it. The Chief Justice retires, then is apparently banished from the city to live out the rest of his days in the barren wasteland??? You are supposed to retire to a beautiful island somewhere, not be permanently exiled. As if that isn't bad enough, Stallone takes off the Dredd helmet. This completely diminishes the mystery surrounding the character. As far as I know, this never happened in the comics, and it should not have happened in the movie. Period. End of story.
Sylvester Stallone is apparently some kind of cybernetic organism in the movie, because he displays no emotion at all throughout the entire film. He is exactly what you would expect in a movie like this: lots of yelling and ass-kicking. It is what he does best, and it is why he is who he is.
If you look at this movie purely as an action piece, director Danny Cannon actually did a very good job on the film. There are many shots of the city and the landscape that really showcased the dystopian future that these people live in. The action is great as well, and there are a number of wide shots in the film that really let you enjoy it in all its glory. There is a chase sequence that is actually quite good.
Quite honestly, I was expecting Judge Dredd to be a pile of garbage. However, underneath all the puns and the countless times Stallone says, "I knew you'd say that" lies a really good action movie. If you are looking for a good comic book movie, look somewhere else. If you are looking for a typical Stallone action movie, Judge Dredd is right up your alley.
The movie Judge Dredd is about the character Judge Joseph Dredd who is framed for murder. As he being sentenced, the suspect who actually committed the crime escapes. In my opinion, this movie is a great action movie. However, as a comic book movie, this film fails miserably. Stallone spews nothing but law-related puns for a majority of the movie, citing which section and code have been violated. Also, it seems that the actors are struggling to even walk around wearing their outfits. They look so heavy, just looking at them makes me feel weary. It is also stated in the movie that the ABC Warriors can still be collected as long as they are not functioning, yet all it takes is someone to hotwire it for it to be functioning again. Shouldn't there be a way for the robot's non-functionality to be more permanent? As far as The Long Walk is concerned, I am utterly confused by it. The Chief Justice retires, then is apparently banished from the city to live out the rest of his days in the barren wasteland??? You are supposed to retire to a beautiful island somewhere, not be permanently exiled. As if that isn't bad enough, Stallone takes off the Dredd helmet. This completely diminishes the mystery surrounding the character. As far as I know, this never happened in the comics, and it should not have happened in the movie. Period. End of story.
Sylvester Stallone is apparently some kind of cybernetic organism in the movie, because he displays no emotion at all throughout the entire film. He is exactly what you would expect in a movie like this: lots of yelling and ass-kicking. It is what he does best, and it is why he is who he is.
If you look at this movie purely as an action piece, director Danny Cannon actually did a very good job on the film. There are many shots of the city and the landscape that really showcased the dystopian future that these people live in. The action is great as well, and there are a number of wide shots in the film that really let you enjoy it in all its glory. There is a chase sequence that is actually quite good.
Quite honestly, I was expecting Judge Dredd to be a pile of garbage. However, underneath all the puns and the countless times Stallone says, "I knew you'd say that" lies a really good action movie. If you are looking for a good comic book movie, look somewhere else. If you are looking for a typical Stallone action movie, Judge Dredd is right up your alley.
Monday, July 13, 2015
A Movie Great After Midnight
I watched Gremlins for the first time last winter, ironically around Christmas. It is another one of those movies that I had heard great things about, so I was nervous about it being over-hyped. I have to say that Gremlins is another film that proves why 80's movies are so much fun.
Gremlins is a movie about a boy who receives a pet Mogwai named Gizmo for Christmas. He is told that there are three rules for taking care of him:
1. Do not let them near bright lights.
2. Do not get them wet.
3. Do not feed them after midnight.
The boy accidentally breaks all of these rules while playing with Gizmo, thus unleashing mayhem and mischief throughout the town. I love that Gremlins feels like a kids movie, but it is actually not that at all. This movie will make you smile one moment, and make your jaw drop in shock the next (the kitchen scene is particularly gruesome). This movie also has a wonderful cast that perfectly embodies the typical everyday family. You feel that you would be more than welcome into their home.
Joe Dante wonderfully directs Gremlins with a perfect blend of humor and horror. I also want to point out that the use of practical effects is absolutely spectacular. I have always preferred practical effects over digital effects because practical effects look more realistic. It is because of this that we are actually able to care about Gizmo just a little bit more than if were done digitally. Gremlins is also known for being one of the first movies to receive a PG-13 rating (the other being Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). I highly recommend you to watch this movie, especially during the holidays since it takes place during Christmas. However, if you are looking to watch something cheerful and joyful this is not the movie for you.
Gremlins is a movie about a boy who receives a pet Mogwai named Gizmo for Christmas. He is told that there are three rules for taking care of him:
1. Do not let them near bright lights.
2. Do not get them wet.
3. Do not feed them after midnight.
The boy accidentally breaks all of these rules while playing with Gizmo, thus unleashing mayhem and mischief throughout the town. I love that Gremlins feels like a kids movie, but it is actually not that at all. This movie will make you smile one moment, and make your jaw drop in shock the next (the kitchen scene is particularly gruesome). This movie also has a wonderful cast that perfectly embodies the typical everyday family. You feel that you would be more than welcome into their home.
Joe Dante wonderfully directs Gremlins with a perfect blend of humor and horror. I also want to point out that the use of practical effects is absolutely spectacular. I have always preferred practical effects over digital effects because practical effects look more realistic. It is because of this that we are actually able to care about Gizmo just a little bit more than if were done digitally. Gremlins is also known for being one of the first movies to receive a PG-13 rating (the other being Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). I highly recommend you to watch this movie, especially during the holidays since it takes place during Christmas. However, if you are looking to watch something cheerful and joyful this is not the movie for you.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
The Fuse Is Lit
The original Mission:Impossible movie is one of the first Tom Cruise films I ever saw. There was so much mystery, so much betrayal in the film that completely enthralled me. This movie is the perfect blend of action and espionage.
The first Mission:Impossible movie centers around agent Ethan Hunt, who gets framed for the murder of his IMF team. He then must hunt down and expose the real culprit with the help of other disavowed IMF members. This is a very exciting movie, and at times one might have trouble keeping up with who is innocent, who is guilty, who is fooling who and so on. Armed with unique gadgets and amazing action and stunt sequences, Mission:Impossible is a movie that you will want to watch again as soon as it is over.
Tom Cruise is electrifying as Ethan Hunt. He is confident on the outside, but deep down he is on the verge of desperation to see the mission through to end so that the real suspect can be caught. He also displays a unique sense of humor which, combined with his intelligence, helps him outsmart his competition.
Brian De Palma is at the helm for this movie, and he seems to almost take a page from Jonathan Demme and The Silence of the Lambs because sometimes he will almost have the camera in a POV (Point of View) shot on an actor, and they are essentially talking to the camera. This is a very interesting way to shoot dialogue scenes because it increases the tension, and it really feels like you are in the movie. He also tends to shoot action sequences using wide shots which I love because the "shaky-cam" technique is something I find quite awful and not cinematic at all.
The first Mission:Impossible film has tons of replay value in my opinion. There are so many twists and turns along the way that will leave you absolutely breathless. We live in a time now where spy movies are getting more and more popular and with Tom Cruise on as producer, it is no wonder that this movie spawned an awesome and successful franchise.
The first Mission:Impossible movie centers around agent Ethan Hunt, who gets framed for the murder of his IMF team. He then must hunt down and expose the real culprit with the help of other disavowed IMF members. This is a very exciting movie, and at times one might have trouble keeping up with who is innocent, who is guilty, who is fooling who and so on. Armed with unique gadgets and amazing action and stunt sequences, Mission:Impossible is a movie that you will want to watch again as soon as it is over.
Tom Cruise is electrifying as Ethan Hunt. He is confident on the outside, but deep down he is on the verge of desperation to see the mission through to end so that the real suspect can be caught. He also displays a unique sense of humor which, combined with his intelligence, helps him outsmart his competition.
Brian De Palma is at the helm for this movie, and he seems to almost take a page from Jonathan Demme and The Silence of the Lambs because sometimes he will almost have the camera in a POV (Point of View) shot on an actor, and they are essentially talking to the camera. This is a very interesting way to shoot dialogue scenes because it increases the tension, and it really feels like you are in the movie. He also tends to shoot action sequences using wide shots which I love because the "shaky-cam" technique is something I find quite awful and not cinematic at all.
The first Mission:Impossible film has tons of replay value in my opinion. There are so many twists and turns along the way that will leave you absolutely breathless. We live in a time now where spy movies are getting more and more popular and with Tom Cruise on as producer, it is no wonder that this movie spawned an awesome and successful franchise.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Wily, Witty Western
Maverick is another one of those movies that I always wanted to see, but I never got the chance to until just now. Westerns have always been one of my favorite genres, but sadly they are few and far between these days. This is a movie that I loved from start to finish.
The film Maverick tells the story of Bret Maverick who needs money for a poker tournament. The only problem is, he has to travel all over creation to get it, thus suffering in all sorts of challenges and mishaps before he finally gets to the big game. This movie is packed with comedy, action and everything else you would expect from a Richard Donner flick.
Mel Gibson plays Bret Maverick with all the wit and charm that Gibson naturally possesses. Just when the bad guys think they have Maverick right where they want him, he pulls a fast one on them out of nowhere. He is also very particular about his clothes being clean and his name being pronounced properly, and when someone screws that up the bad guys are really in for it.
Jodie Foster plays Annabelle Bransford who is as beautiful as she is deceitful. She will charm anybody she wants with her baby blue eyes...and then she will steal their wallet. It is hard not to love Jodie Foster. She has always been very particular about her roles, and that is very admirable. She has great comedic timing in this film, so much so that I would love to see her do more in movies.
James Garner, who was the original Maverick on the TV series, plays Marshal Zane Cooper. He is a man of honor and respect, and I have a feeling that Garner possessed those qualities in life. Garner, much like Clint Eastwood, almost looks natural sporting a couple of pistols in his cowboy hat. He commands authority with his presence, especially after he throws you over the side of the boat for cheating.
I have to be honest, I had no idea that Richard Donner directed this film. This movie really does have all the humor, excitement and adventure that go along with his movies. Donner flicks are so much fun to watch, and I think that is something that is lost on movies today.
Maverick is a gem of a movie. They just do not make movies like this anymore. It is a rowdy ride for two hours that you will not regret. Keep your eyes peeled for a special cameo, too!
The film Maverick tells the story of Bret Maverick who needs money for a poker tournament. The only problem is, he has to travel all over creation to get it, thus suffering in all sorts of challenges and mishaps before he finally gets to the big game. This movie is packed with comedy, action and everything else you would expect from a Richard Donner flick.
Mel Gibson plays Bret Maverick with all the wit and charm that Gibson naturally possesses. Just when the bad guys think they have Maverick right where they want him, he pulls a fast one on them out of nowhere. He is also very particular about his clothes being clean and his name being pronounced properly, and when someone screws that up the bad guys are really in for it.
Jodie Foster plays Annabelle Bransford who is as beautiful as she is deceitful. She will charm anybody she wants with her baby blue eyes...and then she will steal their wallet. It is hard not to love Jodie Foster. She has always been very particular about her roles, and that is very admirable. She has great comedic timing in this film, so much so that I would love to see her do more in movies.
James Garner, who was the original Maverick on the TV series, plays Marshal Zane Cooper. He is a man of honor and respect, and I have a feeling that Garner possessed those qualities in life. Garner, much like Clint Eastwood, almost looks natural sporting a couple of pistols in his cowboy hat. He commands authority with his presence, especially after he throws you over the side of the boat for cheating.
I have to be honest, I had no idea that Richard Donner directed this film. This movie really does have all the humor, excitement and adventure that go along with his movies. Donner flicks are so much fun to watch, and I think that is something that is lost on movies today.
Maverick is a gem of a movie. They just do not make movies like this anymore. It is a rowdy ride for two hours that you will not regret. Keep your eyes peeled for a special cameo, too!
Friday, July 10, 2015
A Disaster Movie For All Mankind
I have been a huge fan of the movie Armageddon ever since I was in high school. I also have to admit that this movie has always made me wonder if something like this could happen in real life. When I was younger, this movie always moved me to tears. That is one of the reasons Armageddon is one of the biggest box office hits of all time.
Armageddon tells the story of a group of misfit oil drillers who get recruited by N.A.S.A to save the planet from an asteroid the size of Texas. Even though it is probably one of the most scientifically inaccurate movies of all time (the "roadrunner thrust move" is a nice tongue-in-cheek joke"), it is a great action movie that actually has some beautiful character moments. One of things that I love about this movie is the cast because, essentially, it is this great group of indie film actors who team up with Bruce Willis, who is an action movie star in his own right.
Bruce Willis plays Harry Stamper who, as the movie suggests, gets recruited because he is the best oil driller who works with the best team. Willis shines as the smart-mouthed Harry Stamper who does things his way, and everybody agrees with him because he has been doing oil drilling his whole life. He is the leader of the team who commands authority, and nobody does it better than Bruce Willis.
I have been a fan of director Michael Bay for years. In my opinion, he is one of the greatest action movie directors of all time. The thing is, he does great character moments as well (the sequence where The President delivers his speech is particularly moving). He makes movies for teenage boys, and there is nothing wrong with that.
I love Armageddon in all of its cheesy glory. The fact that this was only Michael Bay's third movie speaks very highly of his talents as an action film-maker. It will be interesting to see where his career goes after he moves on from the Transformers movies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)