The Collection (2012)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is a sequel to The Collector. The Collector attacks a nightclub where a girl named Elena is captured and Arkin escapes. Lucello is sent in with a small team to rescue Elena. Arkin is un-expectantly pulled into the rescue. They quickly find themselves trapped within a booby-trapped hotel. 

This film was directed by Marcus Dunstan-the director of the original. This film continues where its predecessor left off. Unfortunately  being a sequel means that this film has lost its originality appeal. This films story is similar to the original but with enough variations to offer a new perspective on the killer. The story keeps the large amounts of gore and bodily dismemberment, but it lacks the full suspense of the first. The gore lies mostly in the use of blood, but there are no slow torturous deaths like the first film. The traps remain as brutal as ever. The story was simple but effective. It hinted at what happens to the one he captures. Sometimes, it did fell slightly over the top, but it was somewhat fitting for this villain character. This continues to be the start of a probable B horror franchise depending on if the villain can make a great comeback. 

The cast worked good together. Josh Stewart returned to his role of Arkin. It was good to see a familiar face returning in the series. He was good in his returning role keeping the innovation of his former self. His character took several unexpected turns. Emma Fitzpatrick played the role of Elena. She was good in her role. She was an intelligent female character capable of fighting The Collector. Lee Tergesen played the role of Lucello. He was good in his role. He was able to create a new heroic face. Randall Archer played the role of the Collector. A new actor was brought in to create the villain. He was good in the role, but lacked the presence of a sick demeanor of the original. Shannon Kane played the role of Paz. She was good in her small role.

I give this film 4 stars out of 5 stars. It's a good gory horror film. However, it lacks the intense suspense and sickening atmosphere of the original.

Answer to last blog: Director Joseph Kosinski, Oblivion, also directed the film Tron: Legacy.

Question: What 2010 film did actress Emma Fitzpatrick star in?

The Wolfman

The Social Network

Black Swan

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Oblivion (2013)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy this blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based off director Joseph Kosinski's and Arvid Nelson's unpublished graphic novel of the same. In 2077, the moon has been destroyed in a war against an alien race (known as Scavengers, or 'Scavs') ruining the Earth's ability to support life. Survivors have migrated to a tetrahedral space station called the Tet, and have an established colony called Titan. Technician 49, Jack Harper is left with his partner (officer and lover) Victoria to extract Earth's remaining resources, particularly water. Having undergone a 'security wipe' of their minds, all memories prior have been lost.

"Are you an effective team?" This film was directed by Joseph Kosinski. This film was made to play homage to science fiction films of the 1970's, and is not a reboot or a remake from a former film. This film's story is complicated, because a lot has already happened in the very beginning of the film. There is limited open dialogue to explain all the twists and turns in the story as they are happening. The limited dialogue keeps the films twists a surprise to its audiences. This film is worth a second viewing to better understand everything. However, this does leave the film for a great prequel. The visual effects are stunning in this film. It creates a very different variation of Earth-one that still exists but is close to destroyed. The computer animation was great to watch. The drone effects were great to watch. It is easy to see how the drone could be an effective weapon. The costume effects are a great expression of the characters positions and characterization. 

The cast worked great together. Tom Cruise played the role of Technician 49 Jack Harper. He was great in his role-proving the stranger the role the better he is. He created a unique who was driven by his curiosities. Andrea Riseborough played the role of Victoria. She was great in her role. She created a character that your not entirely sure what her motives are until the end. Olga Kurylenko played the role of Julia. She was great in her limited role. She is vitally important to the story, but remains a limited character. It would've have been nice to know more of her character's personality. Morgan Freeman played the role of Beech. He was great in his role as usual. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau played the role of Sykes. He was good in his limited role. It is good to see him getting more roles in Hollywood now.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! This is a great science fiction film that resonates with classic stylings of science fiction. The story is refreshingly not predictable.

Answer to last blog: Director Keenan Ivory Wayans directed the first Scary Movie.

Que: Director Joseph Kosinski also directed which science fiction film?

Atlas Shrugged Pt. 1
Inception
The Darkest Hour
Tron: Legacy

Scary MoVie... (5)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

A young couple, Jody Sanders and Dan, are haunted by a strange spirit that followed their three recently adopted (Dan's brothers) children. They set out to find ways to stop the spirit, while Jody tries to be the lead in the ballet show and Dan tries to make monkeys smarter.

This film was directed by Malcolm D. Lee. This is the first Scary Movie to not feature the popular actress Anna Faris (whose name has become synonymous with the franchise). Instead, this film posts several well known actors into bad bit parts through the film. The previous Scary Movies have only focused on the horror genre, but this one also takes from other popular films. Previous films have also relied more on slapstick humor. This one does some slapstick humor, but its mostly based on fart, nut, and drug jokes with one reference to Benny Hill. It's attempt to make fun of modern culture just fell apart. Although  it was great to watch them make fun of a popular novel (Fifty Shades of Grey) before its film release. Most of the humor feels forced making it dry. Nothing new is presented in this film. The ending bloopers at the end of the credits were the funniest part of the film. The monster and computer animated effects were fairly decent.

The cast worked all right together. Ashley Tisdale played the role of Jody Sanders. She was decent in her role. She really came off as monotone during the course of the film. I think she tried too hard to be Anna Faris' replacement. Simon Rex played the role of Dan. Not being his first Scary Movie film, he played a familiar character. He did as good as he could make the character. Lidia Porto played the role of Maria. She was good in her role. She actually provided most of the background humor in the film. Erica Ash played the role of Kendra Brooks. She was good in her role.

I give this film 1 out of 5 stars! This film missed the mark on being a great comedic horror film. It feels as if any creative, or good, ideas have been lost.

Answer to last blog: Actress Taraji P. Henson, The Good Doctor, also starred in the film Date Night.

Question: Who directed the first Scary Movie?

Shawn Wayans
Keenen Ivory Wayans
Marlon Wayans
Dwayne Wayans

The Good Doctor (2011)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Page!

Dr. Martin Blake is a young doctor who develops feelings for a patient, Diane Nixon. Driven by his desires, he goes to extreme actions to keep Diane under his care. 

This film was directed by Lance Daly. This is an interesting film in that it's a dramatic thriller. The film's story moves at a very slow pace, and keeps from being too over the top. Every action is done subtly to an almost unnoticeable movement. It does become clear how far the main character is willing to go to keep his reputation. The visual effects are fitting for the characters. The use of a light, to nearly no color, pallet is fitting. There is no gore or sex in this film. This film doesn't provide much in the way of thrills, but is very fitting for drama. It does leave audiences with a feeling that not all doctors should be trusted.

The cast worked good together. Orlando Bloom played the role of Dr. Martin Blake. He was great in his role. Very different from his popular action roles, he creates a secretive character whose emotions are told though his surprising actions. Riley Keough played the role of Diane Nixon. She was good in her role. Her character didn't stand out as much as she should've. Michael Pena played the role of Jimmy. He was great in his role. He created a slimy character suitable for this film.Taraji P. Henson played the role of Nurse Theresa. She was great in her limited role.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! This film is a great drama that relies on its subtle storytelling. It is not a great thriller, because there are no real terrifying moments.

Answer to last blog: Director Sam Raimi directed the 1981 original Evil Dead.

Que: What other film has actress Taraji P. Henson starred in?

The Ghostwriter

Date Night

Winter's Bone
The Fighter

Evil Dead (2013)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is the fourth installment to the Evil Dead franchise. Four friends, David, Eric, Olivia, and Natalie stay at a remote cabin in the woods to support Mia. They unwittingly summons demons that live in the woods. The demons posses them slowly killing them off until one is left. 

This film was directed by Fede Alvarez. This film is both a reboot and a loose continuation of the franchise. It is different than the original, but familiar. It keeps true to the story, but does not continue the same humor in the original. It's also different without the popular character Ash. This film does offer several simple and effective jumps and scares. It is also a great gore-fest. It is comical in that the gore is sometimes over the top, and the characters make every mistake possible. This films cinematography has a dark ambiance familiar to horror movies. The monster effects was great. It was great to watch the changes the characters go through. Naturally this film isn't suitable for children, because of the violent gore in it. Interesting enough, there isn't any sex in this film but there are some hints. 

The cast worked great together. Jane Levy played the role of Mia. She was great in her role. She was great in creating a monster, and a hero. Shiloh Fernandez played the role of David. He was great in his role. He created a recognizable hero. Lou Taylor Pucci played the role of Eric. He was good in his role. Jessica Lucas played the role of Olivia. She was good in her role. Elizabeth Blackmore played the role of Natalie. She was good in her limited role. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! This is a great gore horror film. It fails to provide the over the top humor the original provided. 

Answer to last blog: Actress Carice van Houten, Intruders, also starred in the film Repo Men.

Que: Who directed the original Evil Dead films?

Wes Craven

John Carpenter

Sean S. Cunningham

Sam Raimi

Intruders (2011)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

Based off a story written by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. Two different children, Juan and Mia, are living in two different places. Both Mia and Juan are haunted by a faceless creature called Hollow Face. Hollow Face wants to steal away these children's faces to replace as his own.

This film was directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. This film is mixture of british and spanish. There are parts of this film spoken entirely in spanish with subtitles to translate. That alone makes this film moderately unique. It makes both lives feel very far apart. It is also unique in that this film has two variations on the same monster. Each monster is created within the child's imagination, and are creepy on screen. This 100 minute film, follows the story of these two different children and provides one major unexpected twist. It can be somewhat complicated to understand at first, but it does work for the film. This film's cinematography helps to create two very different worlds. The computer animation in this film is moderately obvious, but it isn't detrimental to the film. There is no gore in this film. It's just creepy to watch.

The cast worked great together. Clive Owen played the role of John Farrow. He was great in his role. He created an usual father trapped in the center of the fear. Pilar Lopez de Ayala played the role of Luisa. She was great in her role. She created the general image of a mother trying to protect her child. Ella Purnell played the role of Mia. She was great in her role. She gave shape to the monster's world. Izan Corchero played the role of Juan. He was great in his role. It could've built more on his character, but it worked. Carice van Houten played the role of Susanna. She was great in her small role.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It's a great thriller to watch. It has a unique storyline, but it isn't the most terrifying film to date.

Answer to last blog: Actor Tom Hulce, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, performed as classical musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Que: What other film has actress Carice van Houten starred in?

Tooth Fairy
Creation
Valentine's Day
Repo Men

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my facebook page then you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is loosely based on the novel, of the same name, written by Victor Hugo. Quasimodo, a deformed bell ringer living in Notre Dame, finds himself conflicted between his master's, Frollo, wishes and protecting a gypsy, Esmeralda, girl. 

This film was directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. This 34th animated Disney film is much darker than other animated Disney films. This film isn't as dark as the original novel. This film has several adult undertones, such as religion and its abuse, sexuality, and acceptance. It keeps a child like perspective with its musical and colorful sequences. Mixed in with several colorful sequences are gothic sequences befitting the cathedral and old Paris. The music is great for pulling audiences into the current theme of the film. The gothic and colorful sequences are so interspersed and quickly changed that its unexpected. The characters are also unique in their behavior and styles. Many of the characters keep the story lighthearted.

The cast worked great together. Tom Hulce voiced the character Quasimodo. He was great in his role. He gave a new voice to the popular character Quasimodo. Tony Jay voiced the character Frollo. He was great in his role. He created a great villain for this film. Demi Moore voiced the character Esmeralda. She was great in her role. She created a strong female character that was unique to Disney animation. Kevin Kline voiced the character Phoebus. He was great in his role. He created the general strong handsome soldier. Jason Alexander,  Charles Kimbrough, and Mary Wickes voiced the characters Hugo, Victor, and Laverne. They were great in their limited roles. Paul Kandel voiced the character Clopin. He was also great in his limited role.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! This is a great film, but it might be considered to adult for some children.

Answer to last blog: Director Joe Jonathan, Jamanji, directed the film Captain America: The First Avenger.

Que: What classical musician did voice actor Tom Hulce perform as?

Ludwig Van Beethoven
Johann Sebastian Bach
George Frideric Handel
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Jumanji

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based off the 1981 children's picture book, of the same title, written  and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. Two kids, Alan and Sarah, play a magical board game that changes their lives. 26 years later, two other children, Judy and Peter, discover and begin playing the board game. After releasing a jungle man they learn that they must finish what was started.

This film was directed by Joe Johnston. In 1995, this film was a very unique story. Without explaining the history of the magical board game, it presents the game's magical qualities. The characters stories give the film its heartfelt quality. It can be cheesy at certain moments, but its not the worst seen in most children films. There is a great story about facing your fears and growing up within this film. This did show at the start of computer animation's popularity. The computer animated animals were good for their time of creation. The robotic animals were decent. It was noticeable that they weren't entirely real-at least on blu ray. Some of the costumes were over the top, but it works for a children's film.  

The cast worked great together. Robin Williams played the role of Alan Parrish. He was great in his role. He gave his character a childish charm. Bonnie Hunt played the role of Sarah Whittle. She was great in her role. She gave the film a slight romantic angle. Kirsten Dunst played the role of Judy Shepherd. She was great in her role. Bradley Pierce played the role of Peter Shepherd. He was great in his role. Jonathan Hyde played the role of Sam Parrish and Van Pelt. He was great in his dual roles. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! This is a great classic family friendly film. It is a cheesy heartfelt film that everyone can enjoy.

Answer to last blog: Writers/directors Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal co-wrote the film TRON: Legacy.

Que: What recent superhero film has director Joe Jonathan directed?

Captain American: The First Avenger
Iron Man
Thor
Iron Man II

The Words

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

Clay Hammond has discovered a price for his success as an author. He tells the story, The Words, that is about Rory Jansen. Rory Jansen, a struggling wannabe author discovers a masterpiece of fiction that he decides to claim as his own. Only, this piece of fiction is haunted by its past.

This film was written and directed by Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal. Naturally, this film will be most popular amongst struggling authors. This film will not interest everyone, because it does not have intense action and it merely tells a simple stories. There are three stories told in this 97 minute film. Unfortunately  there isn't a lot of time to really build on two of the stories. Each of them involve very complex characters that are driven by this single story. It is emotionally deep, but it is also hidden in ambiguity. In the beginning, it can feel as if the story is not going anywhere, but it all ties together in the end. The film feels like its emphasis could've been better put to use to make it connect more to its audience. Some of the cinematography is great to watch, but not amazing. 

The cast worked great together. Bradley Copper played the role of Rory Jansen. He was great in his role. He created the image of a writer blurring lines of his dreams. Dennis Quaid played the role of Clay Hammond. He was great in his role. He created a very conflicted character. Ben Barnes played the role of the Young Man. He was great in his limited role. He pulled through some tense emotion, and kept it from being too over the top. Jeremy Irons played the role of the Old Man. He was great in his limited role. With only his voice and a few minutes on screen his presence is impossible to ignore. Zoe Saldana played the role of Dora Jansen. She was great in her small role. Olivia Wilde played the role of Daniella, and Nora Arnezeder played the role of Celia. They were great in their small and limited roles. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great dramatical film. It has highly complex characters and a great story. 

Answer to last blog: Writer/director Andrew Niccol also wrote and directed the film In Time.

Que: What other film did Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal write together?

Daybreakers

Legion

TRON: Legacy

Creation

The Host (2013)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is an adaptation from the novel, of the same name, written by Stephenie Meyer. An alien species, known as "souls", have taken over planet earth. Melanie Stryder has been taken and injected with one of the 'souls' known as Wanderer. Wanderer wakes up in a new body with its host (Melanie) who refuses to let go of her body. Melanie will risk everything to protect her family and friends.

This film was written and directed by Andrew Niccol. This film is loyal to the novel, however the interpretation is off. The story is great, but it does take a while to get to the actual story. The opening sequences were meant to explain Melanie's character more than Wanderer. Unfortunately, the opening sequences focus to much on the sexuality. It gives the feel that this film attempted too hard to be like the popular Twilight saga. It's unfortunate  because this film's story hints at a lot of philosophical undertones. Once you get past the opening sequence, the story becomes very good. In the second half of the film the story is very heartfelt-very cheesy though. The special effects were not the best seen in modern films, but it wasn't bad. There are a few small details overlooked, but most of it was to give the film a more science fiction feel. This film does have some action, but not a lot. This film was defiantly made to be a chick flick. The secondary characters are not fully explained as the main character. It makes them less dimensional.

The cast worked good together. Saoirse Ronan played the role of Melanie Stryder, Wanderer (Wanda). She was great in her dual roles. She made both characters believable. Diane Kruger played the role of the Seeker. She was great in her role. She created the only hated soul in the film. Jake Abel played the role of Ian O'Shea. Max Irons played the role of Jared Howe. They were great in their roles. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to distinguish between the two male characters. Chandler Canterbury played the role of Jaime Stryder. He was good in his small role.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! This film has a bad opening, but it does improve.

Answer to last blog: Actress Lea Salonga, Mulan, starred in the Hayao Miyazaki film My Neighbor Tortoro.

Question: What other film did writer/director Andrew Niccol also write and direct?

The Artist
I Am Number Four
In Time
Fast Five