Big Driver

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This film is based off the novella, of the same title, written by Stephen King. Tess Throne is a popular mystery author who gets attacked after meeting with her fans. Fearful of telling anyone about the incident, she decides to get revenge.

This film was directed by Mikael Salomon. This was a made for television film. This film has a strange feminine humor that makes this dark tale that much more twisted. However, this also gives an unforgiving light to a very dark situation. Some of the cinematography and the use of alter egos is reminiscent of A Good Marriage (recently released). Even though the story is darkly comical it remains all too familiar with secondary characters that can be easily forgotten. The villain used for this film is typical for this type of scenario. However, the central character's behavior is unexpected and gives the film its sincerity. Maria Bello played the role of Tess Thorne. Her portrayal of this empowering character was perfect for the film.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! Even with its dark humor its a bland over told story.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Anne Hathaway and Director Christopher Nolan, Interstellar, worked together on the film The dark Knight Rises.

Que: What other Stephen King work has director Mikael Salomon directed?

Children of the Corn (2009)

Desperation (2006)

Salem's Lot (2004)

Rose Red (2002)

Interstellar

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This film is based off the work of Kip Thorne. As the world continues dying, Cooper discovers a hidden NASA base that is seeking a way for humans to survive. They decide that the best option is to find a new home in the distant galaxy.

This film was directed by Christopher Nolan. For all those unfamiliar with Christopher Nolan's work, this film has a simple idea that is surrounding by much thought and theory. This is a science-fiction film that keeps to facts more than storytelling. It takes the various elements for theoretical time travel and presents them in a way some audiences can understand. However, where the script is not talking about love or human forgiveness is all science. This can easily bore audiences and make it difficult to comprehend. The science also frequently drowns out the human aspects of the film instead of aiding it. Even though this is a familiar plot, it has great symbolism. The idea that humans aren't only physically dying but are also mentally dying was a great ironic pull. The visuals are astounding even if the planets are not. Matthew McConaughey played the role of Cooper. He was great at playing the role of the scientist, but wasn't fully able to show the deep emotion this character needed. Anne Hathaway played the role of Brand. She was great at being the opposite of McConaughey's character; where she was more emotion than science.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great intellectual science fiction film that not all audiences are going to enjoy.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Kate del Castillo voiced the character La Muerte in the film The Book of Life. (Christina Applegate voiced the character's alter ego.)

Que: What film did actress Anne Hataway and director Christopher Nolan work together on?

The Dark Knight

Don Peyote

The Prestige

The Dark Knight Rises

The Book of Life (2014)

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Manolo Sanchez and his best friend, Joaquin Mondragon, both fall in love with their childhood friend, Maria Posada. This relationship allows Xibalba and La Muerte to bet on who will win Maria's heart. However, Xibalba schemes to win the bet.

This film was directed by Jorge R. Gutierrez. This film is obviously based off a Mexican folklore and culture. This culturally driven film introduces the world to the Day of the Dead holiday. The story of this film mainly features death, and characters representative of death, in a kindhearted way that children can understand and enjoy. There are a lot of levels to this story and the characters that don't get fully addressed, because the film needs to explain the worlds they encounter. Unfortunately, there is one true villain in this story that is barely featured making him seem unimportant. Everyone else is redeemable. What I did enjoy was the unexpected relationship between Xibalba and La Muerte. The music used works to offer the film some modern influence, but it would've been better had the songs been original. The visuals for this film are vibrant and stunning. For those wanting more, there are promises of possible two sequels for this film. Diego Luna voiced the character Manolo Sanchez. He is the perfect sweetheart character that is very lovable. It is easy for younger audiences to sympathize with this character. Zoe Saldana voiced the character Maria Posada. They attempted to make the familiar feminine character not helpless and strong, but it was executed poorly. Channing Tatum voiced the character Joaquin Mondragon. In the beginning, it feels like he's meant to be a villain. However, the film keeps him as an understanding good guy with some misguided dreams.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a great animated film for children. It introduces the world to a culture they might not fully understand.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actor Daniel Huttlestone, Into the Woods, also starred in the musical Les Miserables.

Que: Who voiced the character La Muerte?

Kate del Castillo

Christina Applegate

Ana de la Reguera

Genesis Ochoa

Into the Woods

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This film is based off the musical of the same name. A witch convinces a baker and his childless wife to capture various items that will remove their childless curse. However, traveling into the woods to collect these various items collides them with other popular fairy tale characters.

This film was directed by Rob Marshall. Ever since the success of Once Upon A Time, our interest in retelling fairytales has been renewed. This is another attempt at changing their familiar characters, and placing them into a darker setting. Interestingly, a lot of this feels more like a Grimm fairytale than a Disney retelling. It combines morbidity, music, and a clouded message for an older generation. Humorously, the violence is unexpected and dark but there is no blood. What morbid portions exist are ended before your mind can process what happened. However, I would take precautions showing this film to younger audiences. The music in this film was well sung, but the lyrics weren't as enjoyable. If you don't know that they're going into the woods within the first few minutes, you well be frequently reminded. The songs for the wolf make him sound highly perverted-even if the lyrics are intended to make him into a human eater. The other songs, while revealing the characters, turn them into very flawed humans. There are several tone shifts from comedic to drama; particularly from the first act to the second act. James Corden played the role of the Baker. He made a great coward, but he did not generate a feeling of undying love for his family. Emily Blunt played the role of the Baker's Wife. Unfortunately, she isn't the central character of the story. She was great in her conflicted role of a housewife. Meryl Streep played the role of the Witch. She gave a truly amazing performance in this film. She gave the film its true character. Daniel Huttlestone played the role of Jack. He was an adorable child. Lilla Crawford played the role of Little Red Riding Hood. She did get annoying from time, but was entertaining to watch. Anna Kendrick played the role of Cinderella. She was great as a comedic relief, but never went beyond that.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a well produced film, but just falls short of being great.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Delaney Raye played the role of younger Jane.

Que: What other musical film has Daniel Huttlestone starred in?

Sweeney Todd 

Les Miserables

Annie

Hairspray

Big Eyes

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This film is a biographical drama based off the life of Margaret Keane. After leaving her husband, Margaret begins street painting to earn extra cash. She meets and marries Walter Keane. Through a mistake Walter receives credit for Margaret's art work. Margaret reluctantly agrees to continue the con, because Walter is the perfect salesman. 

This film was directed by Tim Burton. This film is very different from Burton's previous works, because it is grounded in reality instead of pure fantasy. The biographical story is told like someone is reporting a life narrative; which gives the film a more realistic appeal. It is easy to see how the con worked so well until the truth was revealed-a painter and a salesman. It is also a statement for female empowerment, and artistic rights. The performances really drive the story. Amy Adams played the role of Margaret Keane. This role is difficult to perform, because she's a silent and uninteresting person. However, Amy has enough charm to make the character lovable. Christoph Waltz played the role of Walter Keane. This over the top character could've easily been cheesy. However, he performs it with charisma that you can't stop watching. Madeleine Arthur played the role of Jane. She was a great supporting actress for Adams and Waltz.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great biographical story to watch on screen. The terrific cast makes it worth the watch.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Jennifer Kent, the Babadook, starred in the television show Murder Call.

Que: Who played the role of young Jane?

Emma Engle

Gracie Prewitt

Delaney Raye

Ariel Gade

The Babadook

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This film is based off the short film Monster. Amelia is a single mother plagued by the death of her husband discovers a mysterious book entitled the Babadook. Shortly after reading it, Amelia discovers that the monster is haunting her and her son.

This film was directed and written by Jennifer Kent. Okay, the plot for this story is highly metaphorical. It uses the monster to represent certain anxieties such as death, grief, and anger. Naturally, the underlining meaning of the story can be analyzed to make the film more terrifying.  That thought really brings the question of how real is the monster? Anyway, the actual plot is very sentimental. Unfortunately, as great a story it produces it also showcases on of the most annoying children in film history. Oh man, I wanted to strangle that child myself by the end of the film. This film was obviously short budget, but I think it worked for this film. It kept away from the over gimmicky computerized scares. There subtle tricks on the eye were amazing to watch. Essie David played the role of Amelia. She was a perfect portrayal of a grief-stricken mother. Her performance really carries the film. Noah Wiseman played the role of Samuel. Okay, I know troubled children shout and say things out of spite. But this child's entire script is screaming.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a great horror story with some major symbolism attached. However, the screaming child just destroys it.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Paul Verhoeven directed the original 1987 version of RoboCop.

Que: What television show has director Jennifer Kent stared in?

Call the Midwife

Murder Call

The IT Crowd

Home and Away

RoboCop (2014)

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This film is a reboot to the RoboCop franchise, and is the fourth installment. In 2028, Detroit policeman Alex Murphy suffers severe injuries from an unexpected attack. To repeal a political act that prohibits a robotic police force,  OmniCorp transforms Alex into a humanoid robot. Alex finds himself confronted with his robotic programming and his past memories.

This film was directed by Jose Padilha. Okay, any true hearted fans of the original will despise this remake. This film turns more to the sociological and emotional aspects of the story rather than the action (unlike the original film). The film also follows the reactions of its secondary characters more than the central character. In many ways, the central character (Alex) is merely there as a result of corruption. There was also some controversy with the films opening, because it appears to support America against Iran terrorists. Iran is shown in a negative light. However, I think its more a comment against the stronghold that America attempts to maintain over the globe. Naturally, that's debatable. Since the story is much darker the action has become tamer. There is plenty of shot 'em up violence, but not as much as the original. Joel Kinnaman played the role of Alex Murphy/RoboCop. Okay, it is difficult to portray a robot on screen. His performance fit the role, but remained very bland throughout the entire film. Gary Oldman played the role of Dr. Dennett Norton. He was great in this emotional role. Michael Keaton played the role of Raymond Sellars. He was good as the power hungry mogul, but he didn't feel wicked enough to be fully hated. Abbie Cornish played the role of Clara Murphy. She was a great support to the rest of the cast.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a good reboot to the original, but it lacks some of the action edge that older fans appreciated.

This film can be be found on Netflix Instant Que.

Answer to last blog: Actress Melanie Papalia, The Den, starred in the film Smiley.

Que: Who directed the original 1987 version of this film?

Richard Donner

John McTiernan

Fred Dekker

Paul Verhoeven

The Den (Death Online)

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Elizabeth Benton is studying that habits of web chat users. During her research, she stumbles upon a deadly user that starts attacking her and those closest to her. But, what else could this deadly user be hiding?

This film was directed by Zachary Donohue. This is a found-footage horror film with a new twist to the traditional style. The entire story is shown through webcams and a computer. Admittedly, it is nice to see that a familiar trend can be minimally altered. This film was first released in Russia, but its all english (nu subtitles needed). The story obviously follows the familiar fears of the internet and not knowing whose on the other end. However, it does have a creepy ending. Now, this film does provide some thriller type scares, but it doesn't provide any horror scares. There is some gore, but nothing too brutal. There is also sex, but no nudity (which is an accomplishment). The characters are very familiar. The various internet chat fillers shows the annoying videos/photos that we've all stumbled on before. Melanie Papalia played the role of Elizabeth Benton. She plays the familiar naive girl well. Even through webcam footage it is easy to feel sympathy for her character. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It might not offer anything new, but it is still an unnerving film. The bend on found-footage was also a nice touch.

This film can be found on Netflix Instant Que.

Answer to last blog: All the actors have been featured in a superhero film. (Naomi Watts-Tank Girl, Edward Norton-The Incredible Hulk, Emma Stone-The Amazing-Spiderman, and Michael Keaton-Batman)

Que: What other film has actress Melanie Papalia stared in?

Carrier

Smiley 

The Killing of Leonard Riley

Summer of Blood