Deliver Us From Evil (2014)

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This is very loosely based off the non-fiction novel entitled Beware the Night written by Ralph Sarchie and Lisa Collier Cool. New York Police Officer Ralph Sarchie, stumbles upon a very strange set of cases that appear to be connected. What connects them appears to be an evil force searching for recruits. Ralph and his partner join forces with a priest to combat this evil.

This film was directed by Scott Derrickson. This film is unique in that, even though it is based off a novel, it features non of the actual accounts mentioned in it. The entire plot has been altered for the film. The telling of an possession has become slightly more creative in this film. There are multiple incidents happening within a single film. Each one combines to create an in depth story. It also keeps away from using hand held cameras to showcase these events. There are handheld cameras used, just not very often. The jump scares and the exorcism itself is not original, but work for the premise of the film. It is humorous to know that an exorcism can be broken down into five easy steps. This film does boast a creepy atmosphere, and several intense sequences. There is plenty of violence, but not a ton of gore. Eric Bana played the role of Ralph Sarchie. He was able to carry much of the films intensity and emotion. Edgar Ramirez played the role of Mendoza (the priest). It is unusual for a film like this to have an unclean and perfect priest. He managed to pull the role off very well. Joel McHale played the role of Butler. Surprisingly, he was nearly unrecognizable in this film. He was good offering the non-believer support to Bana. Sean Harris played the role of Santino. He created the perfect intimidating villain that unites everything. It is a shame that he wasn't on screen more.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! Even if the scares are not original, the story is. It is upsetting that this film has no actual truth to it, but it does work.

Answer to last blog: Actress Alfre Woodward, Annabelle, stared in the film The Family That Preys.

Que: What other film did actor Edgar Ramirez star in?

Clash of the Titans

Argo

Wrath of the Titans

Shutter Island

Annabelle

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This film is a prequel and a spin-off from the film The Conjuring. In the 1970's, Mia and John Gordon are preparing for their first child is Santa Monica, California. As a gift, John gives Mia a rare and unique doll for the baby's room. Shortly after, the people who murdered their neighbors entered theirs house. One of the assailants (Annabelle Higgins) manages to enchant the doll with evil. Even after Mia and John move, strange events continue to occur around the doll.

This film was directed by John R. Leonetti. This film is more of a spin-off than it is a prequel. There is only a few references to its predecessor. This story is a statement about the changing of an era. It shows how the culture was changing for the worse. This film offers a more detailed explanation about the infamous doll that appeared in The Conjuring film. This origin story shows how it was created and briefly explains what it is. Although, this film could've remained as a success with only a powerful ghost attached to it. The addition of a demon seems like over kill. There has been talk of making sequels to this film, which would be difficult due to the films ending. Unless they were to reveal the exorcism of the doll. Much of this film scares and chills feels taken from other popular supernatural horror films. But the jump scares do work with very minimal special effects. What is awesome to witness is how scary the doll is when it barely moves. There is very little gore in this film-since it relies more on its jump scares. This film begs the question: Why would anyone want to own a creepy doll? Annabelle Wallis played the role of Mia Gordon. She served a purpose for the film, but her performance feel flat most of the time. Ward Horton played the role of John Gordon. For the brief time that he was on screen, he was decent. Alfre Woodard played the role of Evelyn. It is unfortunate that he performance was also flat, because she is a talented performer. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a good horror film that offers several jump scares, and a few chilling sequences. 

Answer to last blog: Actress Zoey Deutch, Vampire Academy, starred in the film Beautiful Creatures.

Que: What other film has Allfre Woodard stared in?

The Family That Preys

Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor

Good Deeds

For Colored Girls

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters)

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This film is based off Richelle Meads novel with the same title. Rose Hathaway (a dhampir/half-human and half-vampire hybrid) is training to become a Moroi's guardian. The Moroi are peaceful mortal vampires that need to be protected against those vampires who would drink their blood. Lissa  Dragomir is a Moroi vampire struggling to learn her magical abilities. Rose is destined to become Lissa's protector, but they need to survive high school first.

This film was directed by Mark Waters. This film was made entirely for the fans of the book franchise. This is very much as advertised-Mean Girls meets Twilight. In the fashion of another set of teenage vampires stuck in high school, the story is told from the perspective of one. The real joke is that this film spends a good amount of time making fun of its predecessors like Twilight. There are other moments of humor that keep the film from completely dead panning itself. But its poorly written script does not keep afloat for very long. Sadly, the film turns out to be more of an anti-bulling campaign than anything else. It also raises a few general questions: When did all teenagers become so slutty? When did vampires need protecting? Fortunately there is some explanation, but there isn't enough film time to explain all the necessary backstory. There is nothing scary about this film, nor is there any gore. The action sequences, when they're present, are weak. The computer animation is enough to offer the film what little magic there is. The actual disappointment comes with the vampire effects since their can't be any. These vampires are essentially humans with magical abilities and an blood craving. There is also no real reason for a dhampir to want to protect them. A dhampir is nothing more than a trained human. The only creatures with true power are the insane vampires that are barley seen. Zoey Deutch played the role of Rose Hathaway. If the film didn't depend entirely on her perspective, it would have been better. Her performance as the character suited the film. Lucy Fry played the role of Lissa Dragomir. Her character wasn't particularly fascinating, but it worked for the film. The script took away anything that could be deemed as likable for this character. Gabriel Byrne played the role of Victor Dashkov. He was good for the limited time he was on screen. He wasn't an amazing villain, but he was there.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! This film is purely for those fans of the novel series. As a general film, it falls flat. It also fails to stir enough interest to become a trend.

Answer to last blog: Actor Charles Dance, Dracula Untold, was not featured in the show House of Cards.

Que: What other film has Zoey Deutch stared in?

Beautiful Creatures

Fault in Our Stars

The Hunger Games

The Amazing Spider-Man

Dracula Untold (2014)

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This film is based off the Dracula character created by Bram Stoker (1897). Prince Dracula, Vlad III Tepes, had been taken by the Turkish army to become one of its most deadly soldiers (a Janissary). Years later, he returns home to rule over Transylvania. However, his family is threatened by the return of the Turks wanting to take children (including his son) once again. After Dracula refuses the unbeatable war begins. Dracula decides to use a dark weapon (hidden within his land) to defeat them.

This film was directed by Gary Shore. Okay, this film tells a different story about Dracula. It therefore recreates the familiar horror character. The horror character is turned into a classic hero who plays with darkness. Many fans of classic Dracula ideals would despise this film. This film also plays the familiar tune of off-beat recreated classical tales with a good anti-hero. The story, albeit very predictable, is darkly heartfelt. It gives Dracula his only bad quality, in that he chooses ultimate vengeance over anything else. Since he is given his abilities early, there is hardly any suspense or actual horror. Which makes the film more emotional. With his only weakness being the sunlight, he destroys these armies within minutes. The film does present several great visual effects sequences. There is plenty of violence though. There is also a small possibility of a potential sequel. Luke Evans played the role of Dracula/Vlad. He created the perfect anti-hero that audiences could feel sympathetic for. His performance carried the films emotionally dark tone. Sarah Gadon played the role of Mirena. She was a could companion actor to Evans. Dominic Cooper played the role of Mehmed II. More could've done with the character to make him even more vile than he already was. Nevertheless, he is a good opposition for Evans. Charles Dance played the role of the Master Vampire. This is the monster variation that most audiences were expecting Dracula to be.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a good basis for a modern dark film. However, fans of the original Dracula will be disappointed.

Answer to last blog: Voice actress Allison Janney, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, also voice acted in the Pixar-Disney film Finding Nemo.

Que: Which television show does not feature actor Charles Dance?

Game of Thrones
Secret State
House of Cards
Bleak House

Mr. Peabody and Sherman

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This film is based off the cartoon characters Mr. Peabody and Sherman from the The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. Mr. Peabody has raised his adoptive son, Sherman, to the best of his dog capabilities. He also has created a time machine called the WABAC, which he uses frequently to show Sherman the truth of history. After a fight in school, Mr. Peabody must prove to the world that he is a capable and loving father.  

This film was directed by Rob Minkoff. I have not seen the classic animated series, nor did I watch this film in 3-D. That aside, this film has a complex plot that might often make children feel like Sherman. However, the focus on the characters development gives the film its family heart. There is an assumption that its audience knows what to expect, and quickly pulls audiences into the story with very little introduction. The film does have some uneven pacing, because each segment in time feels like it should be an individual episode. The film also struggles between offering a brief entertaining history lesson, its character humor, and its emotional depth. The humor for this film is mainly puns and physical humor. There is also some adult humor added for older audiences. The history segments are fairly truthful-even if they are dark. The story does make light on some of the darker moments in history. Ty Burrell voiced the character Mr. Peabody. He managed to make a highly intelligent character feel sincere. All lot about this character is subtle, but it works for the film. Max Charles voiced the character Sherman. He created a likable child character that did not become overly annoying throughout the film. Otherwise, his role was predictable but fitting. Ariel Winter voiced the character Penny Peterson. She succeeded in her only purpose-to create the changing character obstacles. She was the perfect secondary character for Sherman. Allison Janney voiced the character Ms. Grunion. It is unfortunate that her role was highly limited, but she was a very humorous villain.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! For all of its faults, it is still a great family film. The use of humor and character story works to make a great animated feature.

Answer to last blog: Director James Watkins, Eden Lake, directed the film The Woman in Black.

Que: What Pixar-Disney film featured voice actress Allison Janney?

Tangled
Finding Nemo
Wall-E
Cars

Eden Lake

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Jenny and Steve decide to spend a romantic weekend in Eden Lake. However, their confrontation with a group of loutish teenagers proves to have deadly consequences. 

This film was directed by James Watkins. This films story follows a stereotypical horror survival plot and uses stereotypical characters, but adds in a few unexpected twists. The story begins as predictable, but progresses into something unique. This story takes a close look at how troubled youth is created and nurtured through bad parenting. It is entertaining to watch the main character trusting the wrong people and murdering the wrong people-as is typical in these kinds of films. This foreign horror film has stirred some controversy with its story. Now, the story takes a questionable look at corrupted youth and contemplates the reason for this behavior. However, this has been viewed as a prejudice against working class people in Britain. Tossing all that aside, this film does contain some gore but nothing too over the top. There is some sexuality in it, but not much nudity. This horror film is more about the struggle for survival. It relies more on an unnerving technique than on using jump scares. Kelly Reilly played the role of Jenny. She did great carrying the film in a very low-cut dress. Her character was very stereotypical, but her performance gave the film a sympathetic heart. Michael Fassbender played the role of Steve. His character is highly stereotypical in his stupidity. Anyway, he offered a slight horror change in that he was more helpless than Reilly's character. His performance did the job that was intended, but the story did not allow his character to progress. Jack O'Connell played the role of Brett. He was a great teenage villain to oppose Reilly and Fassbender. 

I give this film a 4 out of 5 stars! This is a great cultural horror film that can be seen by horror and non-horror audiences alike. 

Answer to last blog: Seth MacFarlane, A Million Ways to Die in the West, did the voice acting for Hellboy II: The Golden Army.

Que: What other film has James Watkins directed?

This Is England

The Woman in Black

Me and Orson Welles

Blood Creek

A Million Ways to Die in the West

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Albert Stark, a cowardly sheep farmer, decides to fight to win his lost love with the help of an attractive and mysterious stranger. All the while, they struggle just to survive in the old west.

This film was directed, written, and staring Seth MacFarlane. This film was obviously made for MacFarlane fans, and fans of modern comedy. The story has some heart to balance out some of the raunchy and toilet humor. However, the film's heart does become overshadowed by the unnecessary raunchy and toilet humor. There is a lot of lazy writing done to create a quick solution; which the film does use in satirical method. Much of the comedy is juvenile with some some occasional wit mixed into it. What is enjoyable is to watch how it makes fun of awfulness of the Wild West. The film makes amends by packing in several celebrity cameo appearances and cramming in nerd references (such as Back to the Future and Django). There are some gruesome moments, but nothing to extreme. In truth, the few moments of gruesomeness was done to keep humor in a slow part of the film. There is a lot of perversion in the film, but no real nudity. Seth MacFarlane played the role of Albert Stark. He spent a lot of time making this character into a cowardly nerd that does not belong in a western film. He did give the film its heart and its occasional humor, but felt emotionally unconnected to the character. Charlize Theron played the role of Anna Barnes-Leatherwood. She carried the films heartfelt story. Liam Neeson played the role of Clinch Leatherwood. Everything about his character was a great parody on himself as an action star. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It has some great humor that MacFarlane fans will recognize and enjoy. However, the film could've allowed for a better general story.

Answer to last blog: Director David Michod and actor Guy Pearce, The Rover, worked together on the film Animal Kingdom.

Que: What film has Seth MacFarlane done voice acting for?


Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Kung Fu Panda
Hellboy
Shrek 2

The Rover

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This film is based off a story created by Michod and Joel Edgerton. 10 years after a global economic collapse, Australia has become a wasteland to crime. Eric's vehicle is stolen by three men trying to escape their recent crime. Eric sets out to reclaim his stolen vehicle by any means necessary. 

This film was directed by David Michod. This film relies heavily on the action its characters do more than what they verbally speak. If there are any words used then it is used to further a plot point. The story follows two characters during this post-apocalyptic time, Eric and Rey. The two characters are warring opposites on screen. The film's tension stems from these character behavior towards each other and the world around them. However, it feels more dramatic than it does a thriller film. The story feels like its moving very slowly because of all the traveling images. It loses itself in the center, but brings itself back with unsettling conclusion. The cinematography is great for showing the desolation this economic collapse has caused. Through everything, the acting made the film worth a watch. Guy Pearce played the role of Eric. Through his actions he presented an angry and depressed character that has nothing else to live for. His performance kept the film from being dry. Robert Pattinson played the role of Rey. Pattinson changed everything known about himself to create this sympathetic character. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a good film with great acting, but its sluggish storytelling can make it difficult for some viewers.

Answer to last blog:

Que: What other film has director David Michod and actor Guy Pearce worked together on?

The King's Speech
Hesher
Maps to the Stars
Animal Kingdom

Heaven is for Real

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This film is based off the novel, Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, written by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. Pastor Todd Burpo and his family have fallen on hard times. Things become even more difficult when their son, Colton Burpo, has to undergo an emergency surgery. During the surgery, Colton claims that he went to heaven and explains what he saw to his father. The story becomes troubling for their local community church.

This film was directed by Randall Wallace. This film is a unique adaptation for a religious story. Its main focus is on the family problems and the church's problems. Colton's visit to heaven is a side not to this focus when it should have been film's main focus. What makes this unique, is that it remains open to interpretation. It leaves room for an audience debate as to rather Colton's visit was real or a fabrication. The only segment that takes away from that is the film's segments that show what Colton tells his parents. Which the film could have survived without. It is a heartfelt story without sentiment. There is some emotional tones but it is limited to give the film a more hopeful feeling. The few uses of computer animation worked for the film, but didn't look aesthetically great. In a whole this film was made for believers of the Christian faith than any other audience group. Greg Kinnear played the role of Todd Burpo. He created a role of a paster who was desperately seeking a new reason to renew his faith. His performance is what gives the film its doubt. Its hard to legitimately believe in such a desperate character. Kelly Reilly played the role of Sonja Burpo. Her role was typical, but it gave the film its heart. She was great a counter to Kinnear's desperation. Connor Corum played the role of Colton Burpo. He played the role of a child, and was only there to serve a single purpose-to remind people why faith is important. It is a shame that his important was kept very limited.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! This film serves the purpose it was made for. However, it does surpass its need to become a great religious film.

Answer to last blog: Voice actor Steve Whitmire, Muppets Most Wanted, did not lend his voice talents to the film MirrorMask.

Que: Which film has actress Kelly Reilly starred in?

The Soloist

Secretariat

Sherlock Holmes

Ghost Town