David M. Brown's Blog, page 24
May 14, 2014
Masterpieces #18: The Motorcycle Diaries
About The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
Based on the journals of Cuban revolutionary Ernesto ‘Ché’ Guevara, this coming-of-age road movie by Brazilian director Walter Salles follows the adventures of the young medical student Ché (Gael García Bernal) and his friend Alberto Granada (Rodrigo de la Serna) as they cross South America on motorbikes in the early 1950s, on their way to take up their medical residency at a leper colony in Peru. Along the way, the men discover much about life and about their own views on the world – and begin to realise just how different their individual destinies have become. The film premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival.
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The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
Those who haven’t heard of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara will undoubtedly have seen the iconic image of him, donning a beret while his eyes are focused directly ahead. Since his death in 1967 Che has become a legend, symbolic of the spirit of revolution and was once described by Jean Paul Sartre as “the most complete human being” he had ever met. In recent years there have been three films about Che’s life. Steven Soderbergh’s Che: Parts One & Two (2008) depict the two key moments in Guevara’s life as a revolutionary. As good as Soderbergh’s films are they don’t match up to Walter Salles’ The Motorcycle Diaries (2004), which depicts Che in his days before he took up arms as a revolutionary.
The Motorcycle Diaries is set in 1952 and begins with a young Ernesto Guevara beginning a journey on a motorcycle named “The Mighty One” with his best friend, Alberto Granado. Leaving their home in Argentina, Ernesto and Alberto head north, travelling through the Andes, Chile, Peru and onto Venezuela. Their journey is beset by problems, not least the unreliable motorcycle they have put their faith in but also Ernesto’s bouts of asthma that hindered him throughout his life. At the start of his journey, Ernesto had one semester to complete before gaining a medical degree. By the end of his time on the road with Alberto he is changed beyond recognition by the many things he has seen and the slumbering revolutionary deep inside his heart has awoken. When Ernesto and Alberto part at the end of the film they don’t see each other for many years. Eventually reunited, Alberto is stunned to find Ernesto is a commander in Fidel Castro’s army and has played a pivotal role in the Cuban Revolution.
There is nothing of Ernesto taking up arms for the first time in this film. This is purely about one journey and along the way we are treated to some breathtaking scenery as the two friends negotiate the varied landscape of South America. Ernesto and Alberto intended their journey to be filled with fun but encounters with the poverty-stricken inhabitants of Latin America affects both men deeply, particularly Ernesto who is abhorrent to the injustice visible all around him.
For those who wish to learn about Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara then The Motorcycle Diaries is the perfect place to start before moving onto Steven Soderbergh’s two films. Seeing the poverty and injustice that Ernesto did, it’s understandable why he chose a different path in life. Though some of his methods as a revolutionary may have been questionable, his ideals were always for equality and justice for all, something we sadly don’t see very often today.
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May 11, 2014
This Week’s Films (11/05/14)
Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000)
Meet Jesse (Ashton Kutcher, TV’s “That ’70′s Show”) and Chester (Seann William Scott, American Pie), two dimwitted yet lovable party animals who wake up one morning with a burning question: Dude, Where’s My Car? Their only clues are a matchbook cover from Kitty Kat strip club an a year’s supply of pudding in the fridge. As they retrace their steps, these dudes are in for the ride of their lives, encountering hot alien chicks, dodging killer ostriches, and trying to score “special treats” from their ticked-off twin girlfriends. It’s an outrageously sweeeeeet comedy adventure that’s “totally entertaining all the way through… totally!”
Verdict: 3/10
Apartment 4E (2012)
Piper (Nicole Beharie, The Last Fall, 42) is a beautiful, intelligent young woman with everything to live for…but she’s trapped in a dark world of her own making. Deeply troubled, desperate and clutching a handgun, Piper has not left her apartment in a long time, and when there’s a knock on the door, she will face a choice that will make the difference between life and death. This stranger may have the answers to the mystery at the center of Piper’s world, or he may have his own reasons for tracking her down. The truth lies up the stairs and down the hall in APARTMENT 4E.
Verdict: 4/10
Ginger & Rosa (2012)
Two teenage girls – Ginger (Elle Fanning) and Rosa (Alice Englert) – are inseparable: they play truant together, discuss religion, politics and hairstyles, and dream of lives bigger than their mothers’ frustrated domesticity. But, as the Cold War meets the sexual revolution, and the threat of nuclear holocaust escalates, the lifelong friendship of the two girls is shattered by the clash of desire and the determination to grow up.
Verdict: 8/10
uwantme2killhim? (2013)
When 16-year-old Mark, handsome, popular with girls, meets local girl Rachel on the Internet, he quickly finds himself in an intense online relationship. Besotted, he will do anything for her – even befriend and defend – her awkward, loner brother, John, the perpetual target of school bullies. When Rachel, who is trapped in the grips of an abusive relationship, is murdered, Mark and John are determined to avenge her death. Their actions draw the attention of a female MI5 agent as they unwittingly stumble into an on-going operation. Soon, Mark is recruited to commit a devastating crime, one that made British legal history. Based on true events, Uwantme2KILLhim? is a fascinating and disturbing psychological thriller which exposes the internet as the crime scene of the 21st century.
Verdict: 6/10
My Boss’s Daughter (2003)
Sizzling hot Ashton Kutcher (JUST MARRIED, TV’s THAT ’70s SHOW, PUNK’D) and sexy Tara Reid (AMERICAN PIE 1 & 2, VAN WILDER) star in the outrageous comedy from the director of SCARY MOVIE 3 and in the irreverent style of OLD SCHOOL and AMERICAN WEDDING! When ambitious junior executive Tom Stansfield (Kutcher) accepts an invitation to the stately home of his grouchy boss (Terence Stamp — THE HAUNTED MANSION), he thinks it is for a big date with his boss’s sexy daughter (Reid). But Tom gets a big surprise when he’s expected to house-sit! And while he’s left to hold down the fort, Tom’s out-of-control co-workers begin showing up ready to party! Also featuring Molly Shannon (SERENDIPITY, TV’s SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE) and Carmen Electra (SCARY MOVIE 2, TV’s BAYWATCH) –– it’s the longer, funnier, and R-rated version that you have to see to believe!
Verdict: 2/10
American Graffiti (1973)
From director George Lucas (Star Wars) and producer Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather), American Graffiti is a classic coming-of-age story set against the 1960s backdrop of hot rods, drive-ins and rock n’ roll. Starring Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips and Suzanne Somers in their breakout roles, this nostalgic look back follows a group of teenagers as they cruise the streets on their last summer night before college. Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, American Graffiti features the howling sounds of Wolfman Jack and an unforgettable soundtrack with songs by Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys and Bill Haley & His Comets.
Verdict: 8/10
Dark Skies (2013)
From the producer of Paranormal Activity, Insidious, and Sinister comes Dark Skies: a supernatural thriller that follows a young family living in the suburbs. As husband and wife Daniel and Lacey Barret witness an escalating series of disturbing events involving their family, their safe and peaceful home quickly unravels. When it becomes clear that the Barret family is being targeted by an unimaginably terrifying and deadly force, Daniel and Lacey take matters in their own hands to solve the mystery of what is after their family.
Verdict: 5/10
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Acolytes (2008)
A tension soaked stalk and chase thriller. In their senior year of high school, James and Mark find a way to stop being the victim, they’re going to kill their nemesis… That is when they stumble upon the serial killer who will do the killing for them. The chase of their lives begins into graves of the killer’s victims…
Verdict: 5/10
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Night of the Creeps (1986)
In this campy chiller, a college couple, in 1959, see an object plummet to Earth like a meteor. The boy accidentally swallows a space-slug that shoots out. In 1986, two freshmen roam the campus and stumble across the corpse of the boy who swallowed the space-slug. Once thawed out, the corpse comes to life.
Verdict: 6/10
The Other Man (2008)
A taut thriller, THE OTHER MAN is an intimate tale of a man who discovers his wife’s infidelity and sets out to track down his rival. Driven to pursue the mystery surrounding his wife’s adultery, Liam Neeson embarks on a global pursuit with a haunted passion that begins to probe the nature not simply of jealousy, but of loss and forgiveness. The film is beautifully shot on location in Milan and Lake Como as well as in London and Ely by renowned cinematographer Harris Zambarloukos (Mama Mia!, Heart in the Sand.)
Verdict: 4/10
Forbidden Ground (2013)
When an allied charge on the German lines goes horribly wrong, one man finds himself stranded in No Man’s Land. Reuniting with two other survivors, together they must help each other as they charge into the unknown across the muddy wasteland as the Germans quickly hone in on the desperate trio. Tensions rise between the soldiers as they are surrounded by explosions of grenades with the constant rattle of machine guns in their ears. Time is running out as they make their way back over enemy lines as an impending attack could soon take them out.
Verdict: 4/10
Renaissance Man (1994)
Expect big, big laughs when funnyman Danny DeVito (TWINS, RUTHLESS PEOPLE) joins forces with talened director Penny Marshall (A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, BIG) to deliver a lively five-star comedy you’re going to love! DeVito plays a down-on-his-luck businessman who desperately takes the only job offered — a teaching position in the U.S. Army. His mission: keep a ragtag bunch of underachieving misfits from flunking out of basic training! Be on alert for laughter as this unlikely new teacher and his underdog class unexpectedly inspire one another to be all that they can be!
Verdict: 7/10
People Like Us (2012)
From DreamWorks Pictures, the studio that brought you The Help, comes the smart and witty drama People Like Us, featuring an all-star cast, including Chris Pine (Star Trek), Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games), award-winning Michelle Pfeiffer and Olivia Wilde. Sam (Pine) is a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman whose latest deal collapses the day he learns his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home to put his father’s estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. While there, he uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down — he has a 30-year-old sister he never knew existed. Complete with bonus material that reveals how people like us became People Like Us, this is an inspirational and touching movie everyone can relate to.
Verdict: 8/10
Let It Ride (1989)
Joe Pytka’s comedy stars Richard Dreyfuss as Trotter, a cab driver who gets a hot tip on a horse race and soon finds himself on the gambling hot streak of his life.
Verdict: 6/10
The Black Cauldron (1985)
Fantasy, magic and fun are all brewed together in Disney’s legendary adventure The Black Cauldron. Created from a new digital master this 25th Anniversary Edition features vibrant picture presentation and includes exciting new bonus features!
Whoever releases the mysterious Black Cauldron’s power will be invincible! The fearsome Horned King will do anything to possess it, but he is challenged by the most unlikely adversary: a young assistant pig keeper named Taran, who dreams of doing heroic deeds. With a motley team of the brave Princess Eilonwy, a minstrel named Fflewddur Fflam and Hen Wen, a remarkable pig who can predict the future, Taran embarks on a quest to stop the Black Cauldron’s evil once and for all. Will he have the courage to succeed?
Verdict: 6/10
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Superbad (2007)
From the guy who brought you Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin comes SUPERBAD. Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) want nothing more than to lose their virginity before they head off to college. To do that, though, they need to get liquor for the big party that night. With the help of their friend Fogell, a.k.a. McLovin (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), and his fake I.D., the three of them go on a hilarious chase for that elusive booze, dodging incompetent cops (Knocked Up’s Seth Rogen and “Saturday Night Live’s” Bill Hader), angry neighbors and jealous boyfriends. Hailed as an “iconic comedy…a true classic of its times” (Pete Hammond, Maxim), SUPERBAD is a laugh-out-loud masterpiece!”
Verdict: 7/10
Gothika (2003)
A brilliant and respected criminal psychologist, Dr. Miranda Grey (Halle Berry) is an expert at knowing what is rational. Under the direction of her husband (Charles S. Dutton), Miranda treats dangerously disturbed patients at the Woodward Penitentiary for Women. But Miranda’s life is thrust into terrifying jeopardy after a cryptic encounter with a mysterious young girl leads to a nightmare beyond her wildest imagination.
Verdict: 3/10
Where the Buffalo Roam (1980)
Comic star Bill Murray is at his wildest as America’s leading “Gonzo” journalist, Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, the legendary underground reporter whose passion for writing was second only to his love of weird chemicals, alcohol, violence and insanity. Along with best friend (Peter Boyle), Murray offers a manic look back at the Sixties and Seventies as an eyewitness to everything from a free-for-all San Francisco drug trial to a one-on-one bathroom interview with then Presidential candidate Richard Nixon. This off-the-wall comedy also boasts a musical score by rock superstar Neil Young.
Verdict: 5/10
Orange County (2002)
A brainy high school senior wants desperately to get into Stanford University, but things get off on the wrong foot when his bumbling guidance counselor accidentally sends in the transcript of the worst student in school as his own.
Verdict: 6/10
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The Dictator (2012)
The creators and star of Borat bring you the hilarious comedy about what happens when the world’s worst dictator is stuck in New York and forced to live his worst nightmare…the American dream.
Verdict: 5/10
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Hoop Dreams (1994)
Two ordinary inner-city kids dare to dream the impossible – professional basketball glory – in this epic chronicle of hope and faith. Filmed over a five-year period, Hoop Dreams follows young Arthur Agee and William Gates as they navigate the complex, competitive world of scholastic athletics while striving to overcome the intense pressures of family life and the realities of their Chicago streets. The Criterion Collection is proud to present this landmark documentary chronicling two remarkable families who challenge the American dream.
Verdict: 9/10
Bad Company (1995)
A former CIA agent, at a loss for what to do after the Cold War’s demise, joins a private industrial firm that specializes in business espionage activities. But what at first seems to be a matter of simple spying turns into something more deadly.
Verdict: 6/10
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The Possession (2012)
Clyde (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Stephanie Brenek (Kyra Sedgwick) see little cause for alarm when their youngest daughter Em becomes oddly obsessed with an antique wooden box she purchased at a yard sale. But as Em’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, the couple fears the presence of a malevolent force in their midst, only to discover that the box was built to contain a Dibbuk, a dislocated spirit that inhabits and ultimately devours its human host.
Verdict: 3/10
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The post This Week’s Films (11/05/14) appeared first on News of the Worlds.
May 9, 2014
Dave’s Odyssey #22
In May 2008, I went travelling on my own for the first time and was out of England for a month. Along the way I took in Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and Thailand before coming home. I kept a journal of my time on the road, so here’s a day by day account of my trials and tribulations that has the undeserved title of Dave’s Odyssey.
Day 22 – Ayers Rock – Cairns
Walpa Gorge
The drama began first thing when pretty much the entire group struggled to find the restaurant where we’d be having breakfast. To be fair it was still dark with only dim lights offering us any illumination. We made it in the end.
Alex wanted us off at 8.00 a.m. for our morning sightseeing. Worryingly, we had to leave our cases outside the rooms, check out and trust someone wouldn’t steal them before we came back. There was no pilfering thankfully but it’s not a system I approve of when it comes to security of one’s bags.
After the exciting tour of Ayers Rock we followed up our journey with sightings of the Olgas. First off we went for an hour-long stroll in Walpa Gorge which offered an impressive view of the towering rocks, particularly of the eroded face. The walk was overshadowed by one of our party losing her footing and landing heavily. The walk in Walpa Gorge was hard work in general so for the elderly members of our group it must have been tough. The path itself was unpredictable in places and contributed to the accident. Luckily, the woman in question wasn’t seriously hurt but she was still later taken to the Flying Doctors Building as a precaution. I don’t mean to sound disrespectful to elderly people but surely there are some easier walks for them in the Northern Territory. The majority of the group didn’t complete the Walpa Gorge trek.
Ayers Rock
We had a brief stop at some toilets but the photographers were given the chance to snap the Olgas from distance. The toilets themselves were worth a mention, being the usual design only with the addition of a hole in the ground rather than the U-bend. My sympathies went out to the women with most being petrified of a snake waiting to pounce!
Our last stop was a lookout point offering distant views of both the Olgas and of Ayers Rock. It was a bit of a walk to get there but mercifully this path was more even. The annoying characteristic of the Northern Territory was in evidence once again – the flies. Any one of us that left the coach would come back with a dozen of the pests on their back. Even insect repellent had little effect against this lot.
The coach wasn’t due to take us to the airport until 2.00 so most of us headed for the village to have a look around. It was a very brief tour. The handful of shops were arranged in a small square and it took little time to walk round, so I got the shuttle bus back to the hotel to wait for the coach.
The Olgas
In the run up to 2.00 a group of us enjoyed a simple lunch of chips at a shop with bizarre ordering techniques. I’d seen this in a few other places and what happens is you place your order, you’re then given what looks like a remote for the television before being sent to your table. When your order is ready the device vibrates and plays a little tune letting you know your food is ready. Not bad technology for the Outback!
Alex warned us of rigorous security at Ayers Rock Airport. I found it to be the same as usual. The airport itself must have been smaller than Alice Springs and only had two gates. The best bit was the flight ticket advising to allow plenty of time to reach your gate before departure. A snail would have had little trouble getting to the gate on time!
As usual Quantas were eager to keep us well fed. Despite a flight of just over two hours we had a snack and a cooked meal before touching down in Cairns, which was in the midst of heavy rainfall. It was tropical weather in Queensland and took some getting used to after the Northern Territory.
The Olgas
Our hotel was, according to Alex, the best on our Australian tour. I couldn’t deny it was very nice with a flat screen TV, a fancy propeller-like fan, venetian blinds and lots of furniture. The guidelines for the hotel didn’t, however, fill one with confidence. Apparently the sight of ants, cockroaches and geckos were a frequent occurrence in one’s room! I soon witnessed the ants but not the other two thank goodness.
Tomorrow promised a full day at the Great Barrier Reef. I chose not to go swimming for a few reasons. 1) I’d never scuba dived before and despite a guide there to train us I preferred more practice. 2) The last time I swam on holiday I struggled to stay afloat and quickly abandoned the sea. It would still be a grand experience even without an underwater camera.
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May 8, 2014
Masterpieces #17: Brave New World
About Brave New World (1932)
Far in the future, the World Controllers have created the ideal society. Through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational sex and drugs, all its members are happy consumers. Bernard Marx seems alone harbouring an ill-defined longing to break free. A visit to one of the few remaining Savage Reservations, where the old, imperfect life still continues, may be the cure for his distress…
Huxley’s ingenious fantasy of the future sheds a blazing light on the present and is considered to be his most enduring masterpiece.
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Aldous Huxley – Brave New World (1932)
While 1984 is probably the most famous of the dystopian novels my personal preference for the best book in this area is Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Written in the early 1930s Huxley’s vision of the future, like Orwell’s, has some elements that are likely to come true given the direction modern society is heading.
The novel is set in London in AD 2540 but time in this society is known as A.F. (After Ford, as in Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company) so the year is actually A.F. 632, or 632 years after the introduction of Ford’s first Model T in 1908. There are no marriages, parents, relationships or emotional ties here. Children are manufactured in labs, divided into groups and grown with specific roles and careers already pre-determined by their genetic structure. Opposition to such ways of life is taboo and there is little danger of rebellion as everyone is happy. To avoid stress and anxiety the population, kept to a strict limit to ensure continued supply of resources, are given soma pills, which induce hallucinogenic effects without any damaging impact on the user. These drug induced experiences keep the population happy and loyal to the World State.
The fly in question is Bernard Marx who is something of a loner and has no friends save Helmholtz Watson who joins Bernard in being critical of the World State. While Watson simply desires to be doing more, particularly writing poetry, and is frustrated by the restrictions bestowed by the World State, Bernard is simply struggling with his inferior physical appearance and though he lashes out at social activities and the other expected norms of society he would happily be indulging in them all if it wasn’t for his feelings of worthlessness. Bernard finds himself attracted to Lenina Crowne, a woman who is criticised for her lack of promiscuity despite being desired by many men. The small cracks in the society of Brave New World are augmented when Bernard tries to impress Lenina by taking her on a trip to a Savage Reservation in New Mexico where a frightening discovery awaits.
Huxley’s novel is very detailed and complex, particularly when describing the background to the World State. The earliest part of the book with the introductory segments will be the most challenging for many readers but having negotiated this section there is one of the great novels waiting just round the corner. This dystopian society is impossible not to picture in your mind, so precise and vivid are the images Huxley conveys on every page. That he can make a society akin to our own in the Savage Reservation seem more like a prehistoric land is a terrifying prospect. The human race is certainly advanced but this future society is far ahead of ours with human emotion almost subdued in favour of scientific and technological advancements.
If you have read or are going to read 1984 then you really should read Brave New World as well. As dark as Orwell’s novel is, I think Huxley’s is by far the darkest dystopian novel I have ever read. This Brave New World, one that can be perceived to be better in advancements than previously but at the expense of humanity, is far more repugnant than our currently flawed society.
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May 4, 2014
This Week’s Films (04/05/14)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
AFTER A DECADE OF SILENCE… THE BUZZZ IS BACK!
In 1974, Tobe Hooper quite literally changed the face of horror with his landmark film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Although the hulking Leatherface and his trusty power tool left an indelible mark upon the cinematic landscape, it wouldn t be until 1986 that the buzz came back… in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2!
Relocating the cannibalistic Sawyer clan to a cavernous, labyrinthian dwelling beneath an amusement park, Hooper s deliciously demented sequel sees Leatherface and Co. continue their murderous exploits afresh. This time around, local DJ Stretch runs afoul of the Sawyers when she gets mixed up in the brutal slaying of two youngsters. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Lefty Enright, is hell-bent on avenging the murder of his nephew Franklin in the first movie.
A cult classic in its own right, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 serves up a heady blend of gratuitous gore, socio-political critique and jet-black humour whilst Dennis Hopper s unhinged turn as Lefty needs to be seen to be believed! Whichever way you skin it, Leatherface s second cinematic outing is an uncompromisingly delirious vision from one of horror s great directors.
Verdict: 5/10
Blue City (1986)
Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy rekindle their chemistry from The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire in this taut thriller. After learning that his father, the mayor of Blue City, has been murdered, Billy Turner (Nelson) must track down the killer. Nelson excels as a wisecracking hero who isn’t afraid to bust a few heads to get the information he needs. Supporting work from David Caruso and a standout score by Ry Cooder keep the excitement level high until the explosive conclusion.
Verdict: 3/10
Treasure Planet (2002)
An updated science fiction version of the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale ‘Treasure Island’. Jim Hawkins is a young man who is given a holographic map by Billy Bones and is warned to beware the pirate Cyborg. Upon further inspection Jim realises that the map shows the location of some hidden treasure. Jim joins the crew of the space galleon RLS Legacy in search of distant planets and buried loot…
Verdict: 7/10
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Red Eye (2005)
Fear takes flight at 30,000 feet in this non-stop action thriller! An overnight flight to Miami quickly becomes a battle for survival when Lisa (Rachel McAdams) realizes her seatmate (Cillian Murphy) plans to use her as part of a chilling assassination plot. As the miles tick by, she’s in a race against time to warn the potential victims before it’s too late. Get ready for the non-stop, adrenaline-pumping thrill ride that Peter Travers of Rolling Stone claims “will pin you to your seat.”
Verdict: 6/10
Cleaner (2007)
Thriller starring Samuel L. Jackson as ex-cop Tom Cutler. After leaving the police force, Tom now earns his living cleaning up crime scenes in New Jersey. Tom’s latest job requires him to go to an upper class neighbourhood to clean up after a murder. When he returns to the house the next day to return the key, he encounters the house’s owner Ann Norcut (Eva Mendes), who has no idea what has happened. When Tom discovers that Ann’s husband, a key prosecution witness about to testify about corruption in the police force, has disappeared, he suspects a setup and looks to his old partner, Eddie (Ed Harris) for assistance.
Verdict: 6/10
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The Pixar Story (2007)
Pixar’s turbulent beginnings from its days under the wing of George Lucas, to its independence, and subsequent purchase by Disney…
Verdict: 8/10
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True Confessions (1981)
Detective Tom Spellacy (Duvall) and Catholic Monsignor Desmond Spellacy (De Niro) find their worlds colliding amidst a flurry of political finger-pointing and public outcries over a scandalous, headline-making murder. As Tom hunts down the elusive killer, his investigation threatens to expose secrets that could ruin his brother…and rock the foundation of his beloved church.
Verdict: 6/10
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Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005)
Hard-hitting documentary looking at the business practices of American retail giant Wal Mart. Interviewing current and former employees, director Robert Greenwald assembles evidence that demonstrates the ways in which the company is forcing small businesses to close, as well as attacking its restrictive, anti-union employment policies.
Verdict: 7/10
The Deep End of the Ocean (1999)
The Deep End of The Ocean is a film about a family’s reaction when Ben, the youngest son is kidnapped and then found nine years later, living in the same town, where his family had just moved.
Verdict: 5/10
Demons Never Die (2011)
Stylish teen slasher film Demons Never Die follows eight very different London students with one deadly secret: they have all made a pact to end their lives together. However, a mysterious masked killer emerges from the shadows to grant their death-wish in more terrifying fashion than they could ever have imagined. Misfit Archie (Robert Sheehan), model Samantha (Emma Rigby), wide-boy Kenny (Jason Maza), star pupil Ashleigh (Shanika Warren-Markland), conflicted Ricky (Jacob Anderson), goth-girl Jasmine (Jennie Jacques), and weakling James (Jack Doolan) are all battling their own private demons, from eating disorders to lost parents. But as a much deadlier assailant hunts them down one by one, their quest for death becomes a desperate fight for their lives. Can these friends survive long enough to discover what they have to live for? Or will their bleeding hearts be brutally slashed wide open?
Verdict: 2/10
Masquerade (1988)
Orphaned heiress Olivia Lawrence (Meg Tilly) has a huge Easthampton estate, a $200 million fortune, and a tendency to fall for the wrong man. When she meets handsome sailing instructor Tim Whalen (Rob Lowe) the two of them embark on a passionate affair, but something’s not right: does Tim really love her or is he just after her money?
Verdict: 6/10
Party Monster (2003)
When smalltown boy Michael Alig (Macaulay Culkin) moves to New York he meets James St. James (Seth Green). In awe of this larger-than-life character and his decadent lifestyle, Alig determines to learn all he can from St. James and aspires to be even more fabulous. Soon his dream becomes a glittering reality. With his increasingly outrageous behaviour and the wild antics of his infamous ‘Club Kids’, the charismatic Alig becomes the number one promoter in clubland and a media celebrity. Before long however, the hedonistic parties and drug-fuelled existence take their toll. In a last-ditch attempt to recapture the spirit of excess, Alig makes one final outrageous gesture. But can he get away with murder?
This unbelievable but true story of the man who reinvented New York nightlife in the early 90s is a fascinating and outrageous expose of good times-turned-sour featuring brilliant performances from Macaulay Culkin and Seth Green as you’ve never seen them before.
Verdict: 5/10
Cold Creek Manor (2003)
Mike Figgis directs this tense thriller in which husband and wife, Cooper (Dennis Quaid) and Leah (Sharon Stone), decide to opt for a quiet life in the countryside to bring up their children and get away from the frantic pace of New York. The family moves into a sprawling ramshackle house which has been repossessed and needs a lot of renovation work. They soon turn the house into their own ideal family home but when the previous owner, Dale Massie (Stephen Dorff), turns up on their doorstep after serving time in prison, he makes it clear that he still considers the house his. What the family also discover is that there is a sinister history to the house and that newcomers to Cold Creek are not as welcome as at first appeared.
Verdict: 4/10
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Irresistible (2006)
Drama starring Susan Sarandon and Sam Neill. Sophie Hartley (Sarandon) is convinced that she is being stalked and becomes increasingly certain that her husband’s (Neill) beautiful co-worker, Mara (Emily Blunt), wants her children, her husband and her life. Sophie receives nothing but incredulous stares when she voices her concern to her disbelieving family and friends. Sophie struggles to maintain her sanity as the grip of paranoia continues to tighten its constricting grip.
Verdict: 7/10
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
When New York fashion designer Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) becomes engaged to the city’s most eligible bachelor, she neglects to tell him she is still married to her high-school sweetheart Jake (Josh Lucas), who refuses to divorce her. However, when she returns to Alabama to try to sort things out, the old feelings start creeping in.
Verdict: 4/10
Not Easily Broken (2009)
Romantic drama based on the novel by T.D. Jakes. Dave and Clarice Johnson (Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson) have been growing apart within their marriage for years, a fact that is sorely exposed when Clarice is hurt in a car accident and it becomes apparent that healing is needed for more than just her physical injuries. Meanwhile, Dave develops a friendship with beautiful single mother Julie (Maeve Quinlan) and her teenage son Bryson (Cannon Jay), stirring up his long-buried wish to have children and a loving, supportive partner. Can the couple resist temptation and remember the vows they made to each other over a decade earlier?
Verdict: 5/10
Gung Ho (1986)
When Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice, Batman) persuades a Japanese auto firm to reopen his hometown’s defunct auto factory, he’s a hero. But when the Japanese hire him to enforce their policies among his American coworkers, he goes from hero to zero in seconds flat. See how really crazy things can get when Michael Keaton’s in charge in Gung Ho – another great comedy by director Ron Howard (Splash, Night Shift, Cocoon, Parenthood).
Verdict: 6/10
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Homecoming (2009)
Revenge thriller starring Mischa Barton. When college student and star football player Mike (Matt Long) takes his girlfriend Elizabeth (Jessica Stroup) back to his Pennsylvania hometown for the weekend to introduce her to his family, they run into Mike’s ex-girlfriend Shelby (Barton) – who cannot let go of the belief that she and Mike are meant only for each other. When Shelby meets Mike’s new girlfriend, she hatches a vicious plot to destroy their relationship and win Mike back.
Verdict: 4/10
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Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)
A documentary that exposes what corporations and governments learn about people through Internet and cell phone usage, and what can be done about it … if anything.
Verdict: 7/10
The Iceman (2012)
Ariel Vromen directs this gritty biopic tracing the career of New York contract killer Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon). After convincing his Catholic wife Deborah Pellicotti (Winona Ryder) that he works for Disney when he in fact produces porn videos, Polish-American Kuklinski soon finds himself on the payroll of local mobster Roy Demeo (Ray Liotta) as an ‘enforcer’. As he warms to his new role amidst the New Jersey underworld, despatching ‘contracts’ with clinical precision, a striking contrast begins to build between that of the outwardly devoted family man and the ruthlessly efficient, emotionless killer.
Verdict: 8/10
Gone Fishin’ (1997)
‘Lethal Weapon’ stable-mates Joe Pesci and Danny Glover star as two buddies out on a fishing holiday in Florida, dreaming of catching the elusive ‘big one’. However, when the guys’ car is stolen they find themselves caught up in a search for stolen jewels with two glamorous ladies.
Verdict: 2/10
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Good Ol’ Freda (2013)
Freda Kelly was just a shy Liverpudlian teenager when she was asked to work for a local band hoping to make it big: The Beatles. History now notes that The Beatles were together for 10 years, but Freda worked for them for 11. Many people came in and out of the band’s circle as they grew to international stardom, but Freda remained a staple because of her unfaltering loyalty and dedication.
In GOOD OL’ FREDA, Freda tells her personal stories for the first time in 50 years. One of few films produced with the support of the living Beatles and featuring original Beatles music, the film offers an insider perspective on the beloved band that changed the world of music.
Verdict: 8/10
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Pegasus Vs. Chimera (2012)
A father hunts with his son, slays a monstrous dragon and is confronted by a corrupt tyrant who forces them into battle.
Verdict: 1/10
Patton (1970)
The life and times of America’s most famous modern general, George Patton (George C. Scott), are recreated in this screen biography which focuses on Patton’s controversial exploits during the Second World War, where he eventually gave up command of the Seventh Army after slapping a soldier and accusing him of being a coward – Patton was highly successful in his campaigns over North Africa, Sicily and parts of Europe. Scott won an Oscar for his performance but didn’t accept it, and the film won a further six Academy Awards.
Verdict: 10/10
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Detention (2011)
Josh Hutcherson, Dane Cook and Spencer Locke star in Detention, a hipster, teen horror-comedy where the local students of Grizzly Lake must survive their final year of high school. Standing in their way is Cinderhella, a slasher-movie killer who has seemingly come to life and is preying on the school’s student body. As the clock ticks and the bodies pile up, the likely suspects are embroiled in a race against time to stop Cinderhella and ultimately save the word… if only they can get out of detention.
Verdict: 3/10
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I.Q. (1994)
The head of campus security falls in love with Albert Einstein’s beautiful niece and masquerades as a genius (with Einstein’s blessing and help) in order to interest the girl.
Verdict: 5/10
Like Crazy (2011)
A British college student falls for an American student, only to be separated from him when she’s banned from the U.S. after overstaying her visa.
Verdict: 7/10
Retreat (2011)
Taking an isolated break on an uninhabited island Martin (Cillian Murphy) and Kate (Thandie Newton) are about to find that their island retreat is about to become a stone prison of unimaginable terror. When a blood-soaked stranger (Jamie Bell), stumbles through their door with an apocalyptic story of a virus sweeping across Europe decimating all in its path, their lives are turned upside down as they face the end of everything they know. Using all means necessary, they must fight to escape the approaching threat. But escape is only the beginning of their terrifying fight for survival…
Verdict: 7/10
A Perfect Getaway (2009)
Hawaiian-set thriller from ‘Pitch Black’ director David Twohy, starring Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich. When newlyweds Cliff (Zahn) and Cydney (Jovovich) head off to Hawaii’s remotest beaches for their honeymoon, they believe they’ve found paradise on Earth. However, when they meet a group of scared hikers who inform them of the gruesome murder of another young married couple, they begin to doubt their original assessment. Teaming up with two other couples seems like the safest way to go, but when you don’t know who to trust, everyone is a threat. It’s not long before an adventurous, romantic honeymoon turns into a bloody battle for survival. Timothy Olyphant, Chris Hemsworth, Marley Shelton and Kiele Sanchez co-star.
Verdict: 6/10
Clueless (1995)
If anyone in Beverly Hills is “clued in” it’s Cher. She’s almost 16, rich, way popular, and loves letting the world benefit from her expertise in life’s important issues – like dating, fashion and looking good. She believes in “doing stuff for other people” but when it comes to matters of the heart, especially her own, she’s well – clueless.
Verdict: 7/10
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Phantoms (1998)
Sci-fi horror based on the Dean Koontz novel. When the people of Snowfield suddenly go missing – 700 of them – only five are left behind: two sisters (Rose McGowan and Joanna Going); the sheriff (Ben Affleck) and his deputy (Liev Schreiber); and an elderly professor (Peter O’Toole). Together they discover that an ancient evil, which for centuries rested beneath the Earth’s crust, has revived to destroy every human in the town… and they are next on the list.
Verdict: 4/10
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Brokedown Palace (2000)
Alice Marano (Claire Danes) and Darlene Davis (Kate Beckinsale) are childhood friends who graduate from high-school together. They celebrate by holidaying in Thailand, where they meet attractive young Australian backpacker Nick. Darlene sleeps with him, much to Alice’s displeasure, but the girls agree to meet Nick again in Hong Kong, only to be arrested before their departure flight when heroin is found in their luggage. Their only hope for freedom lies with American expat lawyer Henry Greene (Bill Pullman), who agrees to help the girls – for a price.
Verdict: 6/10
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The post This Week’s Films (04/05/14) appeared first on News of the Worlds.
May 2, 2014
Dave’s Odyssey #21
In May 2008, I went travelling on my own for the first time and was out of England for a month. Along the way I took in Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and Thailand before coming home. I kept a journal of my time on the road, so here’s a day by day account of my trials and tribulations that has the undeserved title of Dave’s Odyssey.
Day 21 – Alice Springs – Ayers Rock
Camel Farm, Stuart’s Well
I was awake before the 6.30 a.m. wake-up call and soon prepared to say farewell to Alice Springs. The guy at reception seemed reluctant to let me go. First he wanted to know whereabouts in England I was from, then who I supported in the soccer world – it’s football for god’s sake! He knew Barnsley and had heard of our FA Cup heroics. Pity he thought it was us that played Portsmouth in the final but you can’t have everything, right?
Leaving Alice Springs behind, our coach headed for the characteristic isolation of the Northern Territory. Worryingly, Alex informed us we would see around eight farms in total before reaching Ayers Rock. It was quite alarming just how isolated we were. The Northern Territory had more vegetation than I expected while one farmer’s land, we were told, was bigger than Belgium! I hope that was an exaggeration.
Paintings at Ayers Rock
Being in such remote land meant there were few stops while the road was a perfectly straight line, no corners or anything to worry about. Our first stop was Stuart’s Well which was a small settlement comprised of a café and camel farm. The more daring members of the group went for a camel ride, but I found solace in the café with a cold drink. There was a gift shop adjacent to the café while a nearby cabinet was filled with trophies from camel racing. I couldn’t quite picture the spectacle but it seemed popular out here.
Another drive through the unchanging land continued before our next stop at Mt. Ebenezer Roas House for lunch. With Alex predicting we wouldn’t reach our hotel till after 2.00 most opted to stock up on food there and then.
This is me at the base of Ayers Rock!
The last leg of our drive to the hotel was aided by a general knowledge quiz. 30 points were on offer but I found most of the questions tough. Two answers I was told by groups conferring around me but I opted to leave those questions blank. If you can’t win on your own what’s the point? While Alex marked our quizzes we stopped off for a photo of Mt. Connor. Back on the couch the results of the quiz had yours truly score a pitiful 15/30 while the winning couple managed 22/30. Most amusing was that Alison – The Lord of the Rings enthusiast – didn’t know the British actor that appeared in both the Rings trilogy and Troy. She put down the wrong answer as did two friends she was conferring with. The winning couple received a pair of cuddly toys so I wasn’t too heartbroken to have lost out. So much for my university education though.
Now, with Alex we constantly seem to be rushing and today was no exception. On reaching the hotel we had 20 minutes to get our suitcases, take them to our rooms and be back on the coach. Everyone managed it but the consensus view was one of annoyance.
Sunset at Ayers Rock (5.00 p.m.)
We’d already sighted Ayers Rock from a distance but now we saw it up close for the first time. I have to say it exceeded all my expectations. I didn’t realise it was so big, more like a mountain than a rock. Alex gave us a tour of the base pointing out a few key areas including some wall paintings and clear imprints where waterfalls have eroded the surface of the rock. It truly was as impressive as I’ve heard from various sources.
We had a breather from Ayers Rock to visit an Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Here we learned more about these fascinating people though once again we were on borrowed time trying to learn as much as we could. The sanctity of Ayers Rock was further emphasised here and Alex informed one member of our group – Alan – that we wouldn’t be allowed to climb it. This didn’t matter to me because I had already made the decision not to climb the Rock out of respect for the Aborigines.
Sunset at Ayers Rock (6.00 p.m.)
The group had another brief stop at the base of Ayers Rock where the daring enthusiasts were climbing. Dozens of people have been killed climbing Ayers Rock but still the adventurous persevere. Some members of my group let me down by climbing the first bit of the sloping path before heading straight back down rather smugly. I didn’t see the point. Either you go home saying you climbed it or you don’t bother. Seems pitiful just to say I stepped on it. So much for respecting the Aborigines. I stuck to my guns on this one and stayed well clear.
Our final stop became another undoubted highlight of the entire tour. A lookout spot packed with coaches and tourists was our location for the next hour. Our coach captain had brought stools for most of the group but not all. Those at the front of the coach – young and old – grabbed their seats and weren’t concerned about those at the back whatever their age. I was fine but some of the more elderly members of the group simply had to make do with standing.
Skyline at Ayers Rock
The tour company had put on a fine spread for us despite the stool fiasco. An assortment of snacks washed down with champagne or orange juice were on offer while we watched the changing colour of Ayers Rock as the sun began to set. Alex advised us to take a photo as soon as we arrived then another at ten-minute intervals to see the true effect. I took five pictures in total but didn’t see much change until the very end. It was only when I looked back through my photos that I saw the contrasting colours. Truly amazing. Even the skyline was worth a photo or two before the sun finally set and we made our way back to the hotel.
Due to our brief stop early in the afternoon, I still didn’t know how the hotel looked in daylight. We would leave Ayers Rock tomorrow for Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. The last leg of Australia was upon us as we worked our way down the east coast. It had been an absolute pleasure being in Australia and there was still more to come.
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April 30, 2014
Masterpieces #16: Casshern
About Casshern (2004)
After 50 years of bitter warfare in the late 21st century, a new crisis looms. A threat to the future and the overall existence of mankind. But, there is hope a savior will emerge… Casshern. Casshern is an action-packed, sci-fi thriller that blends Japanamation and manga-inspired live action to create a new hybrid form of filmmaking that is both visually stunning and thought provoking.
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Casshern (2004)
Kazuaki Kiriya’s 2004 adaptation of an anime series that first aired in the mid-Seventies contains the feel of a comic strip in places but the overall theme is of a future depiction of our world devastated by war. Two forces, the Eastern Federation and Europa, have fought for 50 years, with the Eastern Federation prevailing and holding sway over a ruined world. Amidst the aftermath of this endless struggle appears a new kind of hope for the future but one that only brings further carnage rather than the intended benefits.
The focal point to the film is the Azuma family. At the start, Dr Kotaro Azuma (Akira Terao) reveals research he has conducted into neo cells, found only in a small ethnic group, but capable of being manipulated and transformed into any organ or part in the human body for donation purposes. Dr Azuma is eager to make his research work to save his ill wife, Midori (Kanako Higuchi), but also has to contend with his son, Tetsuya (Yusuke Iseya), who against his father’s wishes joins the army to help clear up lingering insurgence against the Eastern Federation. When Tetsuya is killed a year later his body is brought to Dr Azuma’s lab for a funeral procession. After a year of work, Dr Azuma has created body parts from the neo cells but hasn’t made the necessary breakthrough to adapt them to humans. When a mysterious bolt of lightning strikes the lab and filters down into the lab, the body parts join together to form undead people who emerge from the red pools and proceed to escape into the city. The group leader, Burai (Toshiaki Karasawa), declares war on mankind and dubs his race “Neoroids.” The only hope for mankind is Dr Azuma’s son, Tetsuya, who is revived by his father after immersion in the same red pools the Neoroids emerged from. What follows is another bloody war for an already exhausted world.
Casshern boasts some impressive effects but also plays out like a comic. The battles themselves are plentiful but the film plays out mostly as a drama, reflecting the impact war has upon the land and its people. In one beautiful scene, Tetsuya and his fiancé, Luna (Kumiko Aso), are alone in a beautiful forest when Luna speaks of the events that have unfolded and questions why there is the need for war. It’s a brief moment of poignant reflection amidst the fast-paced action. Throughout, the image of the future is bleak, offering no glorifying element to war and reminding us it leaves behind only misery for those that have lived through it.
Women are portrayed as angelic in Casshern with Tetsuya’s mother, Midori, being hailed by Neoroid leader, Burai, as their saviour. Luna is constantly caught in the midst of the conflict, never resorting to violence herself, but always questioning the reason behind the atrocities. The men who take centre stage are all flawed. Dr Azuma is aiming to do good with his research but in the end he is driven to obsession in saving his wife, forsaking his son in the process. Burai only appears tender when speaking to Midori who tries to ground his hatred and need for revenge, and make him try and feel compassion. Tetsuya may be the hero of the film but he carries a dark secret, one that is revealed right at the very end. Casshern combines some great effects with a very sincere depiction of war in all its brutality. It’s a truly unique film, harshly marked down by critics but more than worthy of a place as one of my masterpieces.
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April 27, 2014
This Week’s Films (27/04/14)
The Shock Labyrinth (2009)
SHOCK LABYRINTH follows a group of teenagers dealing with the disappearance of one of them, Yuki, at an amusement park s ghost house. On a rainy day 10 years later, Yuki inexplicably returns. However, no sooner is she united with her former friends than she collapses, and the group rushes Yuki to a nearby hospital. But after checking in, they discover that things are not quite as they seem at the medical center. As the night wears on, the group sinks deeper and deeper into the events from a decade ago that led to Yuki s disappearance.
Verdict: 6/10
The Deep Blue Sea (2011)
Hester Collyer (Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz) leads a privileged life in 1950s London as the beautiful wife of high court judge Sir William Collyer (Simon Russell Beale). To the shock of those around her, she walks out on her marriage to move in with young ex-RAF pilot, Freddie Page (Tom Hiddleston), with whom she has fallen passionately in love. Set in post-war Britain, this adaptation of Terence Rattigan s classic play, The Deep Blue Sea is a study of forbidden love, suppressed desire, and the fear of loneliness but is at heart a deeply moving love story. Stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea, what – or whom – should Hester choose?
Verdict: 8/10
Stevie (2008)
After a long and unsuccessful period trying to have a family, Claire and Adrian finally adopt a girl. The coming of Isabel is desired by almost the whole family but making a eight-year-old girl with a past of her own fit into her new life might be something more complicated than they expected. Strange things start to happen from the moment Isabel “and her imaginary friend, Stevie”, come to live with them.
Verdict: 4/10
The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973)
This is a spectacular adventure set in mysterious ancient lands inhabited by incredible creatures! Sinbad (John Phillip Law) – Prince of Baghdad and legendary sailor – finds an intriguing map and sets sail for a previously uncharted island of Lemuria with a beautiful slave girl, Margiana (Caroiline Munro), and the Grand Vizier of the land of Marabia. Prince Koura (Tom Baker), an evil wizard who is trying to gain control of Marabia through his manipulation of malevolent sprits, follows in an effort to thwart Sinbads quest. Sinbad reaches Lemuria in spite of an enchantment Koura casts upon the giant figurehead of Sinbad’s ship which brings it to life. On Lemuria, Sinbad and his stalwart crew encounter a six-armed sword brandishing statue, a one-eyed centaur and a griffin. Finally, Sinbad confronts Koura in a face-to-face duel to the death!
Verdict: 5/10
Sinister (2012)
Desperately in need of a best seller to revive his struggling career, true crime writer Ellison (Ethan Hawke), moves his family to the scene of his most recent story; the unsolved, gruesome murder of a loving, happy suburban family.
Shunned by the local community and strained by his obligations to his family, the discovery of a batch of home movies in the attic offers Ellison shocking proof to the crime he is investigating and the terrifying realisation that his investigation may be putting his family in mortal danger.
Verdict: 6/10
The Newton Boys (1998)
The four Newton brothers have become America’s most successful outlaws, holding up eighty banks from Texas to Canada. Their next robbery is planned for the Federal Reserve train, but this audacious stunt comes under threat when the Feds themselves start closing in on the notorious siblings.
Verdict: 7/10
Arena (2011)
How do you make a fortune from the bloodlust of millions? One sadistically savvy businessman (Samuel L. Jackson) has created an empire with his brutal, fight-to-the-death gladiator website. His newest warrior is David Lord (Kellan Lutz), a kidnapped fireman, now imprisoned and forced to fight for his life. To buy his freedom, Lord agrees to do a series of lethal bouts. But as the body count escalates, and with his most challenging battle remaining, Lord unleashes a torrent of bloody carnage and reveals a secret that threatens to tear down the entire enterprise. Also featuring Daniel Dae Kim (TV’s Lost) and Nina Dobrev (TV’s The Vampire Diaries).
Verdict: 4/10
The Traveler (2010)
On Christmas Eve, a small town is cut off from the interstate by a wreck, right after a mysterious stranger appears in the local police station to confess to murder. The police think he looks like a drifter they thought was responsible for the disappearance of Detective Black’s daughter a year ago. When cops start to die after each confession of murder, Detective Black discovers that Mr. Nobody is a revengeful spirit that has come to kill them for what they did to the drifter and they are doomed to die.
Verdict: 4/10
Entrance (2012)
Suzy is a young woman in Los Angeles who can’t get comfortable in her own skin. Friendless and alone, her sense of alienation begins to stretch into the deepest corners of her life. Before long her anxiety grows into a gnawing suspicion that a true menace lies just outside her field of vision. Scrambling to take control of her life, she discovers to her horror that the harder she tries to break free of her entrapped existence, the stronger her surroundings manage to close her in. A psychological thriller about the destructive nature of paranoia, ENTRANCE shows how the simple darkness on the edges of our lives can so easily give way to the naked horror of being.
Verdict: 3/10
Boo (2005)
Some hospitals don’t have the 13th Floor. Santa Mira Hospital shouldn’t have had a third. It’s something a group of five college students discover when they enter an abandoned hospital on Halloween night only to discover that rumors about the place being haunted are very real. Running into other people who are trapped in the hospital, they uncover the truth about a vengeful spirit who is hell bent on making sure no one, except himself, gets out alive.
Verdict: 3/10
Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1 (2008)
Now back in France, Mesrine is finally in police custody and facing justice for his crimes. After escaping a courtroom and kidnapping the judge at gunpoint, Mesrine is declared Public Enemy Number 1 and is eventually condemned to a maximum-security prison where he writes his memoirs, establishing himself as a household name and the anti-hero across France. Mesrine stages another daring escape and disappears into the lawless underworld, taunting the police and reinventing himself as a celebrity criminal through his savvy manipulation of the media. After such a monumental rise, comes the inevitable fall as the police close in, bringing the life of Jacques Mesrine to full bloody circle.
Verdict: 8/10
Silent Hill: Revelation (2012)
Heather Mason (Adelaide Clemens) and her father, Christopher (Sean Bean), have been evading for years forces of a nature that she does not fully recognize. On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, plagued by nightmares and Christopher’s disappearance, she discovers that her presumed identity is false, leading her to an alternate dimension existing in the strange town of Silent Hill, and a cult led by Claudia Wolf (Carrie-Anne Moss) and the insane Leonard Wolf (Malcolm McDowell).
Verdict: 2/10
The Beverly Hillbillies (1993)
Adaptation of popular sixties American series. Jed Clampett is the pot hunter who takes a shot at a rabbit and strikes oil thus making the hicks-from-the-sticks family instant millionaires. Jed’s nephew then announces on TV that Jed is looking for a new wife, there is a rush of female gold-diggers and it is up to Granny to protect the family fortune.
Verdict: 3/10
The Yards (2000)
Hot stars Mark Wahlberg (The Fighter), Joaquin Phoenix (Im Still Here) and Charlize Theron (Hancock) power this riveting crime thriller. Released from prison after taking the fall for a group of his friends, Leo Handler (Wahlberg) just wants to get his life back on track. But when he takes a job with his powerfully influential Uncle Frank (James Caan) and reconnects with his old friend Willie (Phoenix), Leo finds himself unwittingly drawn into a world of sabotage, high-stakes payoffs and even murder. Then, he discovers a secret that makes him the target of the citys most ruthless familyhis own.
Verdict: 7/10
Driving Lessons (2006)
Shy London teen takes job as PA for retired actress and has his eyes opened to the world at large. Rupert Grint of Harry Potter fame, plays Ben Marshal, withdrawn son of a dictatorial mother (Laura Linney). Ben harbours the conventional dreams of any teenage boy but wonders why the world just isn’t happening to him. Taking a job as assistant to retired actress Evie, played by the indomitable Julie Walters, he is quickly taken on a hair raising crash course in life. The pair set off on a trip to Edinburgh despite that Ben has never driven. Along the way, the riotous Evie introduces the youngster to life’s excesses whilst he, in return, teaches her a few basic manners.
Verdict: 6/10
Aileen – Life and Death of a Serial Killer (2003)
Nick Broomfield’s second documentary on Aileen Carol Wuornos, a highway prostitute who was executed in 2002 for killing seven men in the state of Florida. This second installment includes the filmmaker’s testimony at Wournous’s trial.
Verdict: 8/10
The Roommate (2011)
She’s cute. She’s loyal. She’s psychotic. And, unfortunately for college freshman Sara (Minka Kelly) she’s The Roommate. When Sara arrives at school, she finds new romance with Stephen (Cam Gigandet) and forms a fast friendship with her roommate Rebecca (Leighton Meester). What begins as camaraderie soon turns creepy, and Sara comes face-to-face with the terrifying realisation that her new best friend is obsessive, unbalanced…and maybe even a killer!
Verdict: 2/10
Young Adult (2011)
A divorced writer from the Midwest returns to her hometown to reconnect with an old flame, who’s now married with a family.
Verdict: 8/10
Hell Comes to Frogtown (1988)
Hell is the name of the hero of the story. He’s a prisoner of the women who now run the USA after a nuclear/biological war. Results of the war are that mutants have evolved, and the human race is in danger of extinction due to infertility. Hell is given the task of helping in the rescue of a group of fertile women from the harem of the mutant leader (resembling a frog). Hell cannot escape since he has a bomb attached to his private parts which will detonate if he strays more than a few hundred yards from his guards.
Verdict: 5/10
Interview with a Hitman (2012)
Trust No one. Feel nothing. Never lose: this is the mantra that has helped a ruthless Eastern European assassin rise to the pinnacle of his profession. Raised in the harsh slums of Romania, Victor knows the value of life more than most, which makes him the perfect killer. But after being betrayed by the very men who made him, he must fake his own death and escape to London. Here he joins a new gangster family and finds his rules are again put to the test in the midst of a vicious underworld power struggle. Viktor is now better, faster and more ruthless than ever before. With the secrets of his past refusing to fade away, an encounter with a dark beauty turns his world on its head and offers him the chance for a new life. But can he ever escape the existence he was born into? It is not long before a deadly threat from a past he thought long buried surfaces and he is forced to change his path. It is time to face that which cannot be forgotten.
Verdict: 4/10
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A Guy Thing (2003)
Who will Paul marry? After his stag night, Paul (Jason Lee) wakes up next to exotic dancer, Becky (Julia Stiles). In an effort to hide the truth from his intended, Karen (Selma Blair), he panics and tells lies. This only leads to further trouble and mayhem.
Verdict: 4/10
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Welcome to the Punch (2013)
Eran Creevy writes and directs this British gangster thriller set in London’s docklands. Ex-con Jacob Sternwood (Mark Strong) is forced to return to London from his hideout in Iceland when his son gets caught up in a heist gone wrong. His reappearance gives detective Max Lewinsky (James McAvoy) the chance he has long been waiting for to take down his old nemesis. But as their cat-and-mouse game unfolds, the two men end up becoming unlikely allies and working together to expose a deeper and more sinister conspiracy.
Verdict: 6/10
Farmageddon (2011)
Farmageddon tells the story of family farms that were providing healthy foods to their communities and were forced to stop by agents of misguided government bureaucracies.
Verdict: 7/10
Hope Springs (2012)
Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) are a devoted couple, but decades of marriage have left Kay wanting to spice things up and reconnect with her husband. When she hears of a renowned couple’s specialist (Steve Carell) in the small town of Great Hope Springs, she attempts to persuade her skeptical husband, a steadfast man of routine, to get on a plane for a week of marriage therapy. Just convincing the stubborn Arnold to go on the retreat is hard enough – the real challenge for both of them comes as they try to re-ignite the spark that caused them to fall for each other in the first place.
Verdict: 7/10
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Open Graves (2009)
A group of surfers find themselves fighting an ancient curse in this horror starring Eliza Dushku and Mike Vogel. In Spain, American expat surfer Jason (Vogel) is given an ancient board game called ‘Mamba’, which dates from the Spanish Inquisition. Little does he know that the board and pieces are in fact the remains of a medieval witch, Mamba Masamba. Later, when their beach party is washed out, Jason and his friends’ curiosity gets the better of them, and they decide to play the game. While the rules state that the winner shall have his wish granted, the losers are doomed to die as foretold in the cards. Choosing to ignore the warnings, the group play on, until the death of the first loser of the night forces them to try to find a way out of their cursed nightmare.
Verdict: 3/10
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
From the studio that brought you PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN … here’s the fright-filled comedy adventure loaded with hair-raising laughs and eye-popping special effects! Eddie Murphy (DADDY DAY CARE) stars as a real estate agent whose family comes face-to-face with 999 grim, grinning ghosts in the creepy old Gracey Manor! Now with the help of supernatural psychic Madame Leota (Jennifer Tilly, LIAR, LIAR) they must hilariously battle to break the mansion of its age-old curse … and do it before the clock strikes 13!
Verdict: 2/10
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Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)
Tucker & Dale Vs Evil is a hilariously gory, horror comedy, doing for killer rednecks what Shaun of the Dead did for zombies. Tucker and Dale (Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine) are two best friends on vacation at their dilapidated mountain house, who are mistaken for murderous backwoods hillbillies by a group of obnoxious, preppy college kids. When one of the students gets separated from her friends, the boys try to lend a hand, but as the misunderstanding grows, so does the body count.
Tucker & Dale Vs Evil was a hit on the festival circuit, debuting at Sundance, and winning the Midnight Audience Award at SXSW, the Jury Prize for First Feature at Fantasia, the Best Director award at Fantaspoa, and the Best Motion Picture Award at Sitges.
Verdict: 8/10
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Along Came Polly (2004)
Opposites are forced to attract in Along Came Polly, a dose of featherweight fluff that couldve been better and couldve been worse–surely no pairingof Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston can be a complete waste of time, right? Faint praise indeed, but fans of these mainstream funny-folk will enjoy this movie as a lazy-weekend distraction. Bens a newlywed insurance risk-assessment analyst whose wife (Debra Messing, in a throwaway role) betrays him on their honeymoon. His uptight, play-it-safe lifestyle (which includes acute aversion to germs and irritable bowel syndrome) makes him seemingly incompatible with the spontaneous, free-spirited Polly (Aniston), but writer-director John Hamburg (whose writing credits include the previous Stiller hits Meet the Parents and Zoolander) is determined to give them at least the appearance of romantic potential. No such luck. You will, however, get a few laughs from supporting players Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bryan Brown, and Alec Baldwin.
Verdict: 6/10
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Last Ride (2009)
This drama from Australia hones in on a troubled adult man and a young boy fleeing from the law. The pair in this case, however, are a father and son. Kev (Hugo Weaving) and his ten-year-old boy Chook) journey deep into the recesses of the Australian outback, first abandoning their car, then riding by bus, and finally, hitchhiking across the wastelands. Their past is a deeply dysfunctional one, marred by ex-convict Kev’s periodic absences from home while serving time, and Chook’s only fleetingly successful attempts to understand his conflicted dad. The relationship comes to a head, however, when Kev visits a pub and hears about the murder of a close friend, Max (John Brumpton) . When Kev informs Chook of Max’s death, Chook explodes with anger against his dad, forcing father and son into a series of life-changing confrontations.
Verdict: 8/10
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Biggie and Tupac (2002)
Acclaimed documentary director Nick Broomfield follows his film about Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love with this investigation into the murders of rap superstars Biggie Smalls (the Notorious B.I.G.) and Tupac Shakur. Travelling from East Coast to West Coast, visiting those connected to the killings, and braving dangerous confrontational situations, the film uncovers new evidence pointing to the involvement of the LAPD and Death Row Records boss Suge Knight. Includes interviews with Suge Knight, former LAPD detective Russell Poole, Biggie’s mother Voletta, and many others involved in the case.
Verdict: 7/10
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Conversations with Other Women (2005) 
At a New York City wedding reception, two guests, seemingly strangers, become entangled in a sexually-charged battle of wits. But as the night carries on in a cigarette smoke haze, the nameless couple’s repartee deepens to reveal the passion of their two decades past love affair. Unfolding entirely in split-screen, director Hans Canosa’s feature debut is an unconventional and poignant love story.
Verdict: 7/10
The post This Week’s Films (27/04/14) appeared first on News of the Worlds.
April 25, 2014
Dave’s Odyssey #20
In May 2008, I went travelling on my own for the first time and was out of England for a month. Along the way I took in Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and Thailand before coming home. I kept a journal of my time on the road, so here’s a day by day account of my trials and tribulations that has the undeserved title of Dave’s Odyssey.
Day 20 – Alice Springs – Western McDonnell Ranges
John Flynn Memorial
Alex arranged a 7.15 a.m. wake-up call for those of us on the Western McDonnell Ranges tour, but I was up and at breakfast before then! We set off at 8.20 and our tour guide – John – was the stereotypical Aussie although his hat was missing those corks on strings. He was one of the best tour guides yet; knowledgeable, enthusiastic, friendly and had a cold supply of water for us and didn’t charge a single cent. Top bloke.
We started the tour at Anzac Hill, which our tour group had seen already, but the other tourists were given a great view of Alice Springs. After that we had a drive through the town and John pointed out some interesting landmarks and surprised us by pointing out the seemingly dry riverbed has an ample supply of water underground and is aptly named ‘an upside down river’ by the locals.
Can you see the Rock Wallabie?
Outside Alice Springs we stopped off at the John Flynn Memorial. Flynn was the founder of the Flying Doctors Service and had specified on his death that he wanted a particular kind of stone to adorn his grave. This was at a time when the Aussies didn’t understand the Aborigine culture and customs, and the stone they used for Flynn’s grave was known as a ‘dreamstone,’ sacred to the Aborigines. They, of course, wanted it back and for years the debate raged on about ownership. Eventually the courts interfered and a compromise was reached. The original stone was returned to the Aborigines who agreed on another stone to be used for the memorial.
Next up we headed for Simpson’s Gap. The original settlers named this landmark but left no explanation as to who Simpson was. It was formed by a river that over time forced its way between the mountains to create the huge gap of today. Our approach was through a dry river bed of sand and sediment that dusted my shoes and found a way inside as well. The odd patch of the bed was deep enough to reveal small puddles but generally it was dry in the early stages of the walk.
Simpson’s Gap
The highlight of Simpson’s Gap came in the form of a group of rock wallabies that hopped along the mountainsides. With a careful approach and lots of patience I was fortunate enough to photograph a couple of them. While the group continued to be distracted by the camera-shy residents I headed through the Gap and found a body of water towards the end. The red mountainsides were amazing and it was tempting to keep on photographing the Gap but there was still a lot to see in Australia.
Our next stop was at Standley Chasm. This was christened by the Aborigines in recognition of the first European teacher in the Northern Territory that built a school nearby and educated dozens of children. Miss Standley was well-respected by the Aborigines who paid the ultimate tribute to her in the naming of this chasm.
Standley Chasm
John sent us on our way while he prepared a barbecue lunch for us which he promised would be ready within an hour. I pressed ahead along the path to the chasm. The walkway began fairly flat and even but soon rocks became boulders and the path proved too much for some of the older members of the group. There were a few different walks throughout Standley Chasm but at least one was restricted to experienced walkers and considered quite dangerous. I somehow resisted the challenge!
I eventually reached the chasm and found that we were situated at the very bottom rather than looking down into the depths. A few tourists made decent photos tricky but I still managed some worthwhile snaps. I would have liked to venture further but the path ahead involved a spot of climbing and I didn’t want to stray too far ahead.
Standley Chasm
Back at the coach park we enjoyed a small lunch prepared by John. The barbecue was actually his boiling water in a pot so we could enjoy tea or coffee. He’d brought along sandwiches, biscuits and fruit cake for us to savour with our hot drink. It was great to have dinner in the Outback, thankfully in the shade as the day had grown steadily warm and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky.
After lunch our group had to split up. Some had paid only for a half-day tour while the rest of us still had the afternoon to go. John dropped my group off at the Alice Springs Desert Park while he took the rest back to town.
The Desert Park was a pleasant walk through the varying terrain and wildlife of the Northern Territory. Bird houses dominated the park and our group quipped that most seemed to be empty, or that the birds had simply got wise to tourists and stayed out of sight. The highlights were the Nocturnal House containing lizards, scorpions, snakes etc and also the kangaroo enclosure. The latter was pretty bizarre as you wandered a winding path inside the actual enclosure. The kangaroos, had they not been snoozing, could have hopped right up to us. The poor fellows are nocturnal so were sleeping it off when I wandered by but they were just about visible on the outskirts.
It was late afternoon when a coach with a different driver picked us up. It didn’t take long to get back to Alice Springs and we were soon at the hotel. Tomorrow we would leave the town and begin the long drive to Ayers Rock. Along the way we would get to see camels from Afghanistan and even get the chance to ride them if we wish. I don’t think I will. They always look like they’re up to something and don’t seem trustworthy. Ayers Rock promised be a unique experience. We were set to get there before dusk to get the obligatory sunset photo. After Ayers Rock we only had Cairns and Sydney left. Australia seemed to be flying by quicker than New Zealand!
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April 24, 2014
Masterpieces #15: Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
About Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver (1999)
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver pushes the limits of adventure gaming with incredibly fluid graphics and realistic environments. As Raziel, stalk Nosgoth feeding upon the souls of your enemies as you seek to destroy your creator–Kain. Battle five different clans of vampires as you explore a vast 3-D world dominated by a ruthless dynasty. Master complex puzzles with your unprecedented ability to interact with objects. Features real-time morphing, shift between the material and spectral realms. Discover the mysteries of Nosgoth, a millennium after Kain’s ascension, as you uncover your own twisted past. Also features seamless game play, No load times, Grim gothic story supported with full-motion animation, and in-game cinematic events and compelling voice-over.
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Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver (1999)
In 1999 Crystal Dynamics and Eidos released Soul Reaver, the second in a series of Legacy of Kain games and still regarded by many as the best. Set in the vampire kingdom of Nosgoth, Soul Reaver opens with a stunning cinematic sequence where Kain, the unopposed vampire monarch, has called his six `sons’ or lieutenants to a meeting. The last to arrive is Raziel, Kain’s second in command, who dons a freshly grown pair of wings, a gift that not even Kain possesses. As Raziel narrates the opening sequence we learn that vampires are constantly evolving and that as king, Kain enjoys such advances decades before his sons until Raziel overtakes him that is. For this act of betrayal, Kain rips Raziel’s wings off before throwing him into a whirlpool known as the Lake of the Dead where water is like acid to vampires. After enduring an agonising and burning descent to the bottom of the lake, Raziel awakes centuries later to find he has been revived by a mysterious Elder God whose blessing is to give Raziel the means to seek revenge against his brothers and ultimately against Kain.
In Soul Reaver, Raziel must explore a series of landscapes and ruins throughout Nosgoth in pursuit of vengeance. An added element to the game is that Raziel begins as a spirit dwelling in the Spectral Realm and only after completing some initial training at the Elder God’s behest is he able to transport himself into the Material Realm or the land of the living, if you prefer. To remain in the Material Realm, Raziel must keep his energy topped up or face being transported back to the Spectral Realm. To maintain his energy levels Raziel must kill the vampire children of his brothers that roam Nosgoth and consume their souls. Anyone familiar with vampire myths will enjoy the variety of ways you can dispatch your enemies – impaling them with spears or on spikes protruding from walls, hurling them into water or onto fires, and exposing them to sunlight.
As Raziel wanders Nosgoth, the Elder God is on hand to describe the different locations and offers guidance of where you need to go to find each of your brothers before eventually meeting Kain. At the start, Raziel has numerous abilities such as being able to perform high jumps or use his ruined wings to glide across gaps but only in slaying your brothers and devouring their souls do you acquire unique abilities, such as climbing walls and invulnerability to water, that help unlock previously inaccessible areas. Raziel’s treacherous brothers can be found in some fantastic settings, including a derelict cathedral, a remote fortress and, my personal favourite, a drowned abbey where one slip will see Raziel fall into deadly water and be plunged back into the Spectral Realm. To progress, you will face numerous puzzles often involving the moving of blocks and flicking switches, while a boss fight with your siblings involves you having to decipher some cunning means to kill them. An added element to the game’s appeal is the need for Raziel to voluntarily return to the Spectral Realm, for in doing so often manipulates your surroundings creating openings or ledges that are not available in the Material Realm.
Soul Reaver has few flaws fifteen years after its release. The main issue is that the brilliant story is cut somewhat short by an abrupt and unsatisfying ending. This was such a concern that Crystal Dynamics were compelled to deny that the game was released unfinished. The story continued into Soul Reaver 2 and Legacy of Kain: Defiance and though it retained its appeal, it is a shame Soul Reaver couldn’t have ended with a more satisfying denouement. That said, Soul Reaver remains the best of the Legacy of Kain series. Despite the unfortunate ending this is still a terrific platform game with some great voice acting and it begins one of the most memorable storylines I have ever enjoyed.
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