Abattoir (2016)

If you have read my blog, you would now that Darren Lynn Bousman is one of my favorite directors. Not only is an alumnus of Full Sail University like me, he has also created some of the most visually appealing movies of the past decade. Between his work on the Saw franchise, Repo: The Genetic Opera, and The Devil’s Carnival, there is an artistic flare that is not usually seen in horror. Next up for review is his next movie, 2016s Abattoir, a film that I honestly believe may be his best work.

Plot/ An investigative reporter teams up with a Police officer to solve the mystery of why a seemingly good man murdered her sister's family.

I had been waiting to see this since I first heard about it, and I was not disappointed by what I found. While I can see why this movie could be somewhat polarizing, it is an interesting take on the haunted house/curse genre and is both intelligent and visually appealing. More of a slow burn, as the tension building throughout, I found myself drawn to the main characters and the storyline. The cinematography and visuals are tremendous, the performances are solid, and the atmosphere inside the film is dark and heavy. Yes, I am sure that the scripting will cause some viewers some issue with the way it embraces an almost retro feel with a prose-like style that seems more suited for a vintage film than a modern thriller and the ending is definitely one that is both somewhat predictable and refreshing, but those issues should in no way impact the overall viewing experience of watching this film. In the end, this is one of the most memorable and entertaining films to hit the shelves in some time and left me wanting more. If you have not seen it, you are definitely missing out.

AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

After having an enjoyable birthday dinner last night, I decided to bypass the blog (and twitter) for most of the day today. But, that could only last for so long, and I decided that it was time to enjoy some type of sci-fi/horror flick for the evening. After some debate, I decided to breakdown and watch the 2004 entry AVP: Alien vs. Predator to see two of my favorite characters in action.

Plot/ During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realizes that only one species can win.

I have stayed away from this movie for some time because I had a feeling that I would be disappointed by the results. While I was not very disappointed, I was not overwhelmed either. In fact, while there were some positive aspects, I could not help but think that this could have been better if it would have pushed past the PG-13 threshold into an R category. I did enjoy the storyline, some of the visuals, and the cinematography and pacing, and felt it was really well done. Unfortunately, scripting was an issue where the characters felt flat and much of the dialog was beyond forgettable. In the end, this was not a terrible movie, it just did not move me as much as I expected. If you have not seen it and are a fan of the two franchises, give it a shot. However, unless you are looking for a flick to introduce a younger generation to these classic creatures, stay away.

The Scribbler (2014)

The weather was incredible today, as the upper 80s with humidity was replaced by a cool 73 and comfortable breeze. I was actually able to get some fishing in. Now, I have time to relax and again do some work here on the blog! Next up for review is the 2014 Sci-Fi thriller The Scribbler.

Plot/ A young woman is facing her destructive multiple personalities using an experimental new procedure known as "The Siamese Burn."

It looks like I am continuing my streak of movies the will either fall in a love or hate category, and again, I absolutely love this one. The Scribbler is definitely a movie that sits outside the box, and is more of an experimental art house sci-fi psychological drama than thriller. Based on a graphic novel (one that I have not read), it does have some interesting moments, a solid atmosphere, outstanding pacing, and some decent performances. Unfortunately, there are some characterization issues, and some action/stunt problems that could have easily been improved with a larger budget. In the end, this one is definitely not for everyone, and as mentioned earlier will either be loved or hated. To me, it was an entertaining trip into some surrealistic world, and I loved it!

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)

Over the past couple days; I have been caught up with both a cold and homework for my college class. While I definitely enjoyed my homework more now that I am writing again (math sucks), it was the sneezing that constantly beat me down. Over that time I was able to catch a few films, including the 2014 entry Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.

Plot/ Co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller reunite to bring Miller's "Sin City" graphic novels back to the screen. Weaving together two of Miller's classic stories with new tales, the town's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more notorious inhabitants.

The Sin City franchise is destined to either be loved or hated by the viewers, personally I love the mixture of film noir, violence, and sexual content inside the surrealistic world. While I waited to see this one at home, I was amazed at the detailed CGI and comic book realism that was again developed. The cast is outstanding, the performances solid, the storyline interesting (especially having never ventured into the graphic novel series), and there is an entertaining atmosphere throughout. Sure, there may be some rough transitions between sequences, and while it did have the wonderful contrasts of color, it did lack the overall innovative feel of the initial installment. In the end, you will either love this one or hate it, but it should be seen. This is one of the more entertaining adult themed trips into the bizarre that exists today. Give it a shot!

Snowpiercer (2013)

As I am sitting here laughing at the excuses being made by democrats as to why they are taking a beating today at the polls, I decided that I needed relax and prepare for tomorrow’s #MillionMaskMarch. While I cannot take off to join in the festivities, I will have my mask on hand all day. Next of for review, the 2013 surrealistic flick Snowpiercer.

Plot/ Set in a future where a failed climate-change experiment kills all life on the planet except for a lucky few who boarded the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe, where a class system emerges.

When I saw this, I honestly expected some type of global warming propaganda piece, and while there were some of those overtones, what I found was much better than I would have expected. This post apocalyptic movie has a lot going for it; some of which I definitely did not see coming. The performances were solid, the cinematography works and there are some atmospheric moments. More importantly, it takes on many of the social issues that often go overlooked in films of this type. Sure, there are some head scratching moments with some plot holes, but within this type of surrealistic environment, those are to be expected. In the end, this is a movie that will either be loved or hated. Personally, I found it an entertaining trip into the post apocalyptic landscape that could be created if these global warming nuts get their way. Give it a shot, you could definitely do a lot worse.

 

Found (2012)

Earlier today, I finally finished my last quiz in art history. While it was not the 100 percent that I pulled in the first three, a 96 is not bad. Of course, I believe I know the one I missed and I probably changed it from right to wrong, something that frustrates me on many levels. Now, time to get back to the blog, with a review of the 2012 low budget flick Found.

Plot/ Based on the novel by Todd Rigney, Found centers around Marty, a shy, bullied fifth-grader who takes refuge in horror films... until his life turns into one. After finding a human head in his brother's closet, Marty fears for the safety of his family while making a desperate effort to reconnect with Steve, the big brother whose homicidal cravings threaten to destroy life as Marty knows it

I love finding no-budget indie flicks that surpass all expectations and leave you wanting more. That is exactly what this movie does. This twisted flick works on many levels with great atmosphere, decent acting, plenty of blood, and solid effects. On top of that, it does a great job at exploring many of the issues that plague society in a subtle socially conscious manner, so to draw you in and allow the issues to take hold. Yes, as with all low budget indie flicks there are some problems with sound quality and there are a few moment with technical difficulties, but those do little to bring this movie down. In the end, this coming of age horror flick hits on many levels and is a joy to watch. Sure, it may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy well-done indie horror, you must check it out!

I, Frankenstein (2014)

Ever since watching Jericho and subsequently reading the graphic novel, I have been hooked. I love the feel of graphic novels, and am always interested in finding movies based on them to see how well they translate. That was exactly what I found to watch tonight, 2014s I, Frankenstein.

Plot/ Frankenstein's creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans.

Movies based on graphic novels can be difficult to replicate on the screen, and I, Frankenstein was no exception. This CGI driven action flick was simple and effects driven. In no way did it make you thing when you were watching it. While some of the action sequences were impressive, the acting solid, and even the general idea interesting, there was too much packed into the 90 minutes to make it really hit home. Between the plot holes, uneven dialog, and an somewhat confusing timeline, it was easy to just block everything out and enjoy the action. In the end, it may be somewhat entertaining for a CGI film, but the is nothing new to make it memorable. At PG-13, it was fun to watch with the daughters, but that is about all I would recommend it for-Scary Movie Night with the kids.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Today has been a long day. Between a field trip to the ATC Tower, softball, Soccer and a miserable storm, I could not wait for the day to end. Once I finished my stuff for Steelers 101 and posted a short story in my class, I decided it was time to finish the review for one of the last flicks I watched, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen from 2003.

Plot/ In an alternate Victorian Age world, a group of famous contemporary fantasy, Sci-Fi and adventure characters team up on a secret mission.

Having not read the comic or graphic novel, I had no preconceived notion about this movie. What I found was a fun and interesting journey into a fantasy world that I would love to be a part of. Sure, some may not like the over-the-top storyline, the strange mixture of characters, and the crazy steampunk influenced weaponry, but those are off base and extremely too serious. This movie is entertaining with some solid performances, a great cast, and a fun atmosphere. In the end, it is definitely not for everyone, but it is an entertaining movie that should not be taken seriously. Open your mind, suspend reality, and give it a shot!

Kick-Ass 2 (2013)

Last night I decided to take a day off from the blog. As these past few weeks have been going by, I have been attempting to find a variety of flicks to review as the end of year creeps closer. One genre I have neglected has been the super hero / fantasy arena. To change that trend, I decided to sit back and watch Kick Ass 2. 

Plot/ The costumed high-school hero Kick-Ass joins with a group of normal citizens who have been inspired to fight crime in costume. Meanwhile, the Red Mist plots an act of revenge that will affect everyone Kick-Ass knows.

Not being a fan of the typical super hero flicks, I will admit that I thoroughly enjoy the Kick Ass franchise. Yes, these are not for everyone, but they are fun. This one is entertaining with solid performances, blood, violence, action, and everything you need for a fun flick. Sure, it is not perfect, as there were some uneven pacing issues and some strange charactizations, but those were somewhat expected. In the end, it may not reach the level of the first movie in the series, but it is an outstanding movie and one of the better sequels to come out in some time. If you like this type of movie, check this one out! It is fun, entertaining and a blast. 

From Hell (2001)

In between my continuing journey into the world of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries, I decided to venture back into one of the mysteries that has always intrigued me, the case of Jack the Ripper. While there is a lot of material out there, one of the more interesting to watch is From Hell. 

Plot/ In Victorian Era London, a troubled clairvoyant police detective investigates the murders by Jack The Ripper.

This is an interesting vision of what transpired during the famous Jack the Ripper killing spree. There is a lot to like with this flick, as it created a dark and atmospheric tale. Most of the performances were solid, with Johnny Depp taking working wonders in the lead. Unfortunately, Heather Graham did not follow suit. The setting and scenery were outstanding, the storyline interesting and there was a realism that was better than expected. Yes, the pacing was uneven and there were some sub-par performances, but that did little to bring it down. In the end, this unique take on Jack the Ripper is better than I expected and an entertaining journey into one of the most historic events ever known. If you have not seen it, check it out!

V for Vendetta (2005)

I decided last weekend that it was time for a small vacation from blogging. It seemed as though everything I had been watching had started to run together in my mind. When you couple that with trying to buckle down to finish the scripting for my Operation Paul Revere short, I just needed the break. That being said, it was time to jump back in. My evening selection is the 2005 action classic V for Vendetta.

Plot/ A shadowy freedom fighter known only as "V" uses terrorist tactics to fight against his totalitarian society. Upon rescuing a girl from the secret police, he also finds his best chance at having an ally.

Let me start by saying that watching this today was even better than the first time I watched it. Honestly, there were some elements that seemed more important in the social construct today than years before. Maybe is was the sense of liberty, or maybe the lawless totalitarian oppressive nature of society. This was one of the best action films I have seen, as it had a tremendous script to match the rather intelligent and political storyline. The acting is solid and combined with the tremendous visuals and action, this is a movie that must be watched and enjoyed. In the end, this is a movie that will stand the test of time as a true piece of action history. If you have not seen it, what are you waiting for!