Sunday, February 28, 2010

The Wolfman (2010)

"I am what they say I am - I'm a monster."

- The Wolfman


I had been really looking forward to checking out this film remake based on the 1941 classic horror film.

Though I've never seen the original film, it's pretty much your classic horror remake. There's a terror in town - part man, part wolf who goes around feeding on the townspeople whenever there is a full moon (aka when the "werewolf" transformation takes place).

The movie is set back in the past - close to the early days of Scotland Yard where there is much superstition and fear among society. (If you enjoyed this film, it's very similar in nature).

Since I enjoy period pieces, I really liked the setting and tone presented in the film. There was a sense of eeriness in the movie, a feeling of terror and fear. And, the terror and fear presented was one that showed two sides of the story. One, from the townspeople themselves. And, the other from the terror itself - The Wolfman.

The movie presented a moral dilemma, "What constitutes killing a beast? And, what defines a man from a beast? Where does it end, and where does it begin?" What is The Wolfman, man or beast?

Overall, I enjoyed the film. I felt it played true to the movie. Throughout the film, it had my attention - it had action, drama and suspense. With the film being a period piece, it really gave me a sense of the time period and the eeriness during that time in history.

This is a very straightforward movie, no real major twists and turns except for a few minor ones. (If you've seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about). Though, I did enjoy it and felt it was worth the time.

If you're in the mood for a classic horror remake film, I recommend this one.

(Note: For another perspective on the movie, check out the following review from my tweep:

Action Flick Chick - Review Link


Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Monday, February 22, 2010

Indie Film Spoof - Issues: That's Entertainment

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up this indie film spoof by my tweep, Jeffrey Blake Palmer, titled Issues: That's Entertainment. This is a short improvised comedy about independent filmmaking in four parts. This is Part 1. Check it out!

Note: For more info and to see the rest of the videos in the series, check out the website. Thanks for reading!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



Video Link

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Shutter Island (2010)

"Is it better to live as a monster or to die as a good man?"

- Shutter Island


Since I'm a big Martin Scorsese fan, I was really looking forward to seeing this film based on the novel by Dennis Lehane.

The film started out kind of slow - it had a lot of dialogue in the beginning. Now, this is the type of movie that you need to pay attention to as there are many characters being introduced. Also, it's also set up as a sort of detective type movie.

From an audience perspective, it had kind of an eerie feeling and was very Alfred Hitchcock in style. (If you've seen this Hitchcock movie, which is among my favorites, the style is very similar).

While watching the movie, I felt that I had to be alert the whole way through. There were times where characters were being talked about and I had to think back to a prior scene to remember who the character was. Again, there is a lot of dialogue in the beginning and it contributes a lot to the film.

Let me be honest, I had very high hopes for this film going in. And, let me tell you - it just wasn't as great as I had hoped for. It wasn't a bad movie, it was just ok.

It kind of just left me hanging - it just didn't have the "punch" I was expecting. (If you're into psychological thrillers like me, you'll know what I'm talking about - those twists, turns and unexpected endings that make me just want to watch these movies time and time again).

Throughout the movie, there are bits and pieces of the puzzle presented through flashback scenes. While watching the film, I felt more like a detective trying to put the pieces together.

In the end, the pieces seemed to come together. But, I still wasn't that satisfied with it. (If you've seen this movie (among one of my favorite psychological thrillers), it's very similar in it's style of trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together).

The end really just left the audience hanging. I wasn't quite sure if the message was clear enough. It was more of a "draw your own conclusion" type of ending.

Overall, the movie was ok. Since I'm a fan of Alfred Hitchcock, I did enjoy the "Hitchcockian" feel of the movie. It really did remind me of his work.

If you're a big fan of Martin Scorsese and just have to see all of his films when they first come out, I'd say go for it. If that's not the case, I'd say this one is better if you wait to check it out on DVD.

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Monday, February 15, 2010

Indie Film Trailer - The Sensation of Sight

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up a trailer by my tweep, Either Or Films, for their indie feature film, "The Sensation of Sight." Check it out!

Note: For more info on the film, check out the website. Thanks for reading!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



Video Link

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Brothers (2009)

"There are two sides to every family."

- Brothers

I had the opportunity to see this film recently. Let me just say, it's a very powerful and thought provoking film.

Basically, it's about family and realizing who you are is not necessarily who you will be in the future. There are two brothers, Sam (played by Tobey McGuire) who is the "good son" and Tommy (played by Jake Gyllenhaal ) who is the "bad son."

Now, the movie opens up as Sam goes to pick Tommy up who has been in jail for armed robbery for the past couple of years. Unlike Tommy (aka the "bad son"), Sam is the opposite - he is a military soldier serving his country and devout family man married to his high school sweetheart, Grace (played by Natalie Portman).

Though both Sam and Tommy are complete opposites, they are still family - still brothers by blood. And, because of this they are still bound.

As Tommy is reunited with his family after being release from jail, there is a lot of tension within the family. Mostly due to his conviction and life of crime. Though, they are still family nonetheless.

The turning point in the film was when Sam (who is a Marine) was called to his fourth tour of duty. He knew he would have to go and serve his country - even if it meant giving up his life. I don't want to ruin the movie for you, but let's just say this part of the film was a really life changing event for Sam. (If you've seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about).

While overseas, Sam witnessed things he never had to deal with being back home. It truly was a life altering experience and had an effect on him thus changing his life forever.

While Sam is gone, Tommy and his family learn to cope with life without Sam. In a sense, life went on. And, in the long run - life had changed. So, when an event takes place after Sam's absence that forces life to go back to how it was before - it could not. The change in events had altered the course of their lives forever.

This is a film about oneself and knowing oneself. It's a very powerful film that makes a bold statement - who you are is not necessarily who you will be in the future. Things change. Life changes. And, people can change - your destiny is not written.

Overall, I really enjoyed the film. It was very powerful and thought provoking. And, I think there are some people who can relate to some aspects of the movie.

If you're in the mood for a drama type film, I highly recommend this one. Check it out!

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Monday, February 8, 2010

Indie Trailer - Une Chanson D'amour

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up the trailer for the Indie Rock Opera, "Une Chanson D'amour" (a love song) by writer/songwriter/lead vocalist and guitarist Amadeo L. Gauthier. Check it out!

Note: For more info on the rock opera, check out the website. Thanks for reading!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



Video Link

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Moon (2009)

"Where are we now?"

- Moon


Recently, I had the opportunity to see this film which premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Let me just say, rarely do I see films like this one that really challenge our minds and intellect. This is a film that really raises some ethical questions about the human race and its impact and affect on artificial intelligence. (I don't want to spoil it for you, but let's just say it's similar in nature to this movie).

This is a film that makes you think and question what it will be like in the future. The above quote sums it all. Though, I would like to add in addition we should also be asking ourselves the question, "Who are we now?"

It seems like the human race has come a long way advancing technology. But, at what cost? At what point do we say, enough is enough. And, who determines what is right and wrong?

Sometimes advancements in technology can go too far. And, when things go too far there are serious consequences.

I really enjoyed this film from beginning to end. It kept my attention throughout the movie. I especially liked the twists and turns with the plot, which really surprised me. (If you've seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about).

Also, I enjoyed the special effects and the music in the film. There were a few scary images (especially in the beginning), which I really liked as well. (Note: If you've seen the film, I highly encourage you to watch the Q & A sessions about the film
(in the "Special Features" section), with the filmmaker, Duncan Jones, as it will help to answer questions about certain elements of the movie).

Overall, I really liked this film. It is a bit slow paced, it is not an action movie. Though, I liked the story and the way it challenged questions about humankind - it really made me think.

If you're in the mood for a sci-fi type of film, I highly recommend this one. Check it out!

Happy movie watching!



Video Link

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Apple iPad Spoof (MadTV)

With the new launch of the iPad, I thought I'd post up this funny spoof. Check it out!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



Video Link

Monday, February 1, 2010

Indie Film Trailer - The Waterhole

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up a trailer by my tweep, Waterhole Movie, for their indie feature film, "The Waterhole." Check it out!

Note: For more info on the film, check out the website. Thanks for reading!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



Video Link