We Are What We Are (2013)

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This film is an english remake of the 2010 Mexican film with the same title. After the unexpected death of their mother, Iris and Rose Parker must perform the grisly annual family tradition that their father enforces.

This film was directed by Jim Mickie. The story for this film has a lot of slow moving build-up, but makes up for it with its sinister conclusion. Its told from the perspective of two teenage girls rebelling against their father's insane religious and family practices. Un-expectantly, audiences can easily relate to the various characters and their dilemma's (even if they deny being able to do so). There isn't much gore in this film, nor is there much nudity. However, this film finds a silent method to being morbid. Its use of subconscious horror makes up for the lack of straight out scares. They have announced a sequel and a prequel to this film already; which is surprising because it felt pretty finished as is. Ambyr Childers played the role of Iris Parker. She was great at showing the hidden emotions within the character. Julia Garner played the role of Rose Parker. She was a great supporting actress for Childers, and good at driving the stories depths. Bill Sage played the role of Frank Parker. He gave an amazing performance that could easily be feared and respected.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a good horror film that doesn't rely on gore or jump scares.

This film can be seen on Netflix's Instant Que.

Answer to Last Blog: Actress Heather O'Rourke played the role of Carol Anne Freeling in the 1982 Poltergeist film.

Que: Who directed the Mexican version of We Are What We Are?

Gael Garcia Bernal

Diego Luna

Carlos Cuaron

Jorge Michel Grau

Poltergeist (2015)

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This film is a reboot of the 1982 film Poltergeist. Shortly after moving into a new suburban house, the Bowen's youngest daughter (Madison) is taken into the spirit realm by violent apparitions. The remaining Bowen family members have to work together to rescue Madison.

This film was directed by Gil Kenan. This film pays plenty of homage to the original story, but really gives the oppression that it's making fun it as well. The story remains pretty much the same to the original with a few alterations made to tell its story faster. The frequent use of dark humor often breaks the film and takes away from any horror present. But, many of the effects used in the original were brought back with better computer animation. The sympathetic characters from the original were presented as familiar and flat in this rendition. They even removed the deep feeling of love that kept the family alive in the original. That being said, the computer animated effects were great to watch. The trick with the moving lights was beautiful to watch. The view of the trapped souls in the afterlife was terrifying to watch. The beast creature from the original did not make an appearance in this film. There are plenty of jump scares that have removed any trace of gore. The idea of sex has also been removed from this film. Which, I accredit the changing standard of PG-13 from 1982 to now. There is another short sequence that appears shortly after the credits begin, but it dose not offer much to the story. Sam Rockwell played the role of Eric Bowen. He played the very typical broke father, and offered some sharp humor to the film. Rosemarie DeWitt played the role of Amy Bowen. She was the very typical wife that did not stand out from the rest of the cast. Saxon Sharbino played the role of Kendra Bowen. She the ideal of a typical teenager who pretends to hate life. Kyle Catlett played the role of Griffin Bowen. There should've been more depth to his character other than being afraid of everything all the time. Kennedi Clements played the role of Madison Bowen. For the short time she was on screen she was adorable. However, there wasn't enough to make audience's worry for her character. Jarred Harris played the role of Carrigan Bruke. This character came off as nothing but a joke on the original film's medium (Tangina Barrons).

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a decent reboot to a cult classic that provides amazing effects. However, the humor and the flat characters keep it from progressing into a great reboot.

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to Last Blog: Director Jean-Marc Valle, Wild, also directed the film Young Victoria.

Que: What is the name of the little actress that played the role of Carol Anne Freeling in the original Poltergeist?

Susan Swift
Danielle Harris
Heather O'Rourke
Linda Blair

Wild

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This film is based off the 2012 memoir Wild: Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail written by Cheryl Strayed. After the loss of her mother, Cheryl falls into bad habits that ruin her life. To clean herself up, she decides to take a 1,100 mile hike alone.

This film was directed by Jean-Marc Vallee. This film chooses to tell its character driven story by using images (and emotions reflected in those images) instead of a wordy script. That being said, the film follows a girl walking through various wilderness as her thoughts run wild with her past. So, this film would not be enjoyed amongst audiences who enjoy fast paced action or humor. The way the cinematography reveals her thoughts was a great reveal of her misery. With those images added, the hike becomes a symbolism for overcoming her life struggles in all forms. The subtle reminder of the days traveled reminds audiences of the amount of commitment that was needed to finish this hike. The added use of literary quotes also gave the story more impact. There are several create images of open wilderness ranging from the desert to snow. There is nudity, sex, and drug use present in this film. Reese Witherspoon played the role of Cheryl Strayed. Her performance with this character was so open that its hard to not to feel for her. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great character and survival story.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to Last Blog: Actor Brad Johnson played the role of Rayford Steele in the 2000 adaptation of Left Behind.

Que: What royal based film has director Jean-Marc Valle directed?

Young Victoria

The Queen

Belle

Anna Karenina

Left Behind (2014)

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This film is based off the novel, of the same title, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, and is also a reboot to the film series. Millions of people mysteriously vanish. Rayford Steele is caught trying to rescue the people left behind on his plane. Chloe Steele, Rayford's daughter, is left trying to survive the chaos on Earth.

This film was directed by Vic Armstrong. Okay, the only people who truly seemed to enjoy this film were the authors of the novel franchise. This film was meant to be highly dramatic, but the effects and the writing only make it come off as cheesy and unbelievable. It keeps to the over the top dramatics 'til the very end. Watching the world plunged into chaos was enjoyable to watch though. Much of this film's plot is very unbelievable. There's no way that any of these characters should've survived. This film tries to push the religious threat onto its audience. However, its approach further shows Christians as insane or annoying. It also gives off this idea that all Christians just know that the end is coming like they each had a premonition or something. The special effects for this film were very poorly done. Somehow, this film might produce another sequel. But that's only if they can raise enough money to do so. Nicholas Cage played the role of Rayford Steele. This film is another knock against his falling career. His performance is familiar to his previous uninterested performances. Cassi Thomson played the role of Chloe Steele. Her performance was way to over the top to be enjoyed. Chad Michael Murray played the role of Cameron "Buck" Williams. He was good at supporting Cage, but remained unappealing.

I give this film 1 out of 5 stars! With a film such as this, its a wonder how the book series became so popular. 

This film can be found on Netflix instant que.

Answer to last blog: Actor Charlton Heston played the role of Moses in the 1956 film The Ten Commandments.

Que: Who played Rayford Steele in the 2000 version of Left Behind?

Kirk Cameron

Gordon Currie

Brad Johnson

Thomas Hauff

Exodus: Gods and Kings

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This film is a loose interpretation of The Exodus. Even though it is not a direct remake, its also got some familiarities from the film The Ten Commandments (1923/1956). Like most recent religious films this one has gotten banned from certain countries because of their portrayal and "inaccuracies". Now there are several inaccuracies that go against the biblical text, that its based off. It also had some minor historical inaccuracies, because of its use of various tools and weapons that did not exist during that time. Other issues arose from this film; such as their casting white actors into main ethnic roles to gain a budget. Christians were also upset with how the plagues were portrayed, because they are appear as a more realistic coincidence than the hand of God. However, I enjoyed this approach because it made the story a little more believable. While presented with a plausible scientific explanation, they also appear very miraculous to be just coincidence. This film also shows a much darker version of God than most modern audiences are used to. In many ways God appears more vengeful and unforgiving; which would best explain the events that happened in this story. Now, the story of the film is meant to be an epic tale. Because of that, some of the character appeal can be lost amongst the spectacle of battle. I did not see this film in 3D, but the cinematography is still great to watch. What is comical is that having too much magic killed the film Noah, but a lack of magic killed Exodus. Christian Bale played the role of Moses/Moshe. Okay, the actor's take and the script made this character appear more insane then blessed. Comments from the actor had already given some audiences a bad taste in their mouth. However, I did enjoy the portrayal because it left you questioning a familiar character. Joel Edgerton played the role of Ramses II. This might not have been his greatest performance, but it worked for the film. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It has stunning visuals to excite modern audiences. However, there was too much negativity following this film before its released. It darker take on the classic tale will anger many active church goers.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Xavier Gens and actor Ivan Gonzalez worked together on the ABC's of Death.

Que: Who portrayed Moses in the 1956 film The Ten Commandments?

Yul Brynner

Charlton Heston

John Derek

John Carradine

The Divide

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A bomb explodes in a city, and a group of survivors are trapped within a basement shelter. Paranoia and aggression grows after they discover that soldiers are keeping them entrapped inside the basement.

This film was directed by Xavier Gens. The beginning of the film is kind of dramatically cheesy. Once, you've gotten past that there is a major plot convenience that kind of just appears and disappears as needed. The scientists that very rapidly create tunnels and experiment labs to entrap these survivors. Its also strange that they show such rapid signs of being contaminated so quickly. The soldier scientists where highly unnecessary. However, this film does showcase some great character development. They might begin as uninteresting, but the further they delve into madness the more interesting they become. There is a lot of sex and nudity in this film. There is violence, but not a ton of gore. There are also some great effects done with little effort. Lauren German played the role of Eva. She was a decent by creating the familiar innocent female lead. But there isn't anything pulling audiences to her performance.  Michael Eklund played the role of Bobby. His character transformation was amazing and disturbing. Milo Ventimiglia played the role of Josh. Another great transformation performance even if it was familiar. Michael Biehn played the role of Mickey. He was great at playing the asshole character. He leaves you wondering just how asshole is character is. Ivan Gonzalez played the role of Sam. He was a good supporting actor for German. However, until the end he is unnoticeable. Rosanna Arquette played the role of Marilyn. She was great at playing the emotionally broken and somewhat insane character. Ashton Holmes played the role of Adrien. He was a great supporting actor, but didn't do anything to stand out.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a good horror survival story once you get past all the plot holes. The character development makes this film work.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to Last Blog: Actress Gretchen Lodge, Lovely Molly, starred in the film The Rangers.

Que: Director Xavier Gens and actor Ivan Gonzalez worked together on what other film project?

The ABC's of Death
Chimeres
The ABC's of Death 2
Frontier(s)

Lovely Molly

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Newly weds, Molly and Tim move into her old family home after their honeymoon. However, her life unravels as she is reminded of her dark past. 

This film is directed by Eduardo Sanchez. This film is a mixture of found footage and standard film. The way they used the found footage works to add a creepy insight into the mindset of the demented. The way the cinematography works alongside the story makes you wonder until the very end of the film how much of this was in her head and how much was real. The story does leave a lot of unanswered questions about the character's past and about the situation, but it is very open for a sequel. Although, I have to ask what was the purpose of the kidnapping a dead deer? Even though it doesn't bring anything new to the possession horror genre, it is unsettling to watch in its own right. The song randomly sung is another layer of creepy that also feels perverted. The creature design, from what is briefly seen, looked great on screen. This film isn't highly morbid, but there is violence. There is plenty of nudity and sex to compensate. Gretchen Lodge played the role of Molly. She did manage to create a great transitional performance on screen, even if it felt a little dry. Johnny Lewis played the role of Tim. He was a great supporting actor. Alexandra Holden played the role of Hannah. She was great at creating the emotional aspect of this film for the brief time that she was on screen.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a good low budget horror film for a few quick scares.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to Last Blog: Actor Josh Brolin played the role of Thanos in the after credits of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Que: What other film has actress Gretchen Lodge starred in?

V/H/S

The Runaways

Let Go
The Rangers

Avenger's: Age of Ultron

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This film is based off the Marvel comics Avenger characters, and is the sequel to The Avenger's. It is also the eleventh installment of Marvel films. In hopes of creating peace, Tony Stark and Bruce Banner work together to create Ultron (an artificial intelligence robot) that will protect the world from dangerous foes. However, Ultron's heightened intelligence makes him view the Avenger's as a threat, and tries to destroy them.

This film was directed and written by Joss Whedon. This story can be difficult if you haven't seen the previous Marvel films, because there are a ton of character references, and past story references. However, most of them a little nods so you shouldn't miss too much. Okay, this film has gone a tone darker than its predecessor. The humor is more adult, but it's difficult to catch. This film also focuses more on character development than action. It uses flashbacks to explain secondary characters in more detail, and even finds a way to make audiences like Hawkeye. The romance between Banner and Natasha is a little strange, but it works to give the story more meaning. It introduces four new characters (three heroes, one villain, and one minor), and re-introduces secondary characters from other films. Needles to say, there are a ton of characters running around; Unfortunately, one of them isn't Phil Coulson. However, this film manages to keep a balance through all this chaos by picking the right moments to showcase them. It also works in that it shows that the Avenger's series can continue without the same characters being recycled. Ultron isn't the charismatic Loki, but he is still perfect on film. Although he is too emotional to be the comic Ultron, he still brings tension on screen. I also enjoyed how this was another villain that had a troubling version of peace. Vision is the perfect counterpart for Ultron. In the short time that he is on screen, he unique to watch. What truly makes the story emotional is that a character actually dies! The first within this franchise, as far as I can tell. A strange faucet of the story is that Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are referred to as Enhanced people instead of the mutates they actually are. This is in large part thanks to the legal disputes with Fox, but still remain annoying. The action is similar to the original, but it is cinematically great to watch. 3D graphics make it even more enjoyable. There is only one after the credits sequence that is another Thanos teaser. But, the two promised sequels will finally use him.

Robert Downey Jr. played the role of Tony Stark/Iron Man. He portrayed the familiar character that audiences have loved in the past, but might be getting tired off. Although, it is curious as to whether he will continue as Iron Man or only make cameo appearances. Mark Rufflo played the role of Bruce Banner/The Hulk. This film went far more in depth with the conflicted nature of his character. Fortunately, the actor continued to play the character so much better than his predecessors. Scarlett Johansson played the role of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. They explained a little more of her backstory in this film, and she pulled on the emotional strings well. Chris Evans played the role of Steve Rogers/Captain America. His character keeps the role of unexpected leader, but isn't as needed in this film. Chris Hemsworth played the role of Thor. He played the familiar role well, but also felt unnecessary except for future film plot progressions. Jeremy Renner played the role of Clint Barton/Hawkeye. He was able to do a lot more in this film than the previous. He also made you feel for the most un-liked character in the series. James Spader voiced the character Ultron. Even if his character isn't the comics Ultron, he was still great in the role. He might not have the appear that Loki held, but he was still a great villain. Elizabeth Olsen played the role of the Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch. She was good at being the emotional character, but wasn't too exciting to watch. Aaron Taylor-Johnson played the role of Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver. Much of this character was similar to the X-Men: First Class version, but he was more emotional. Paul Bettany voiced and played the role of Jarvis and Vision. He was as perfect as ever being the voice of Jarvis, and was great in the role of Vision for the short time he was on screen.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! I think it is a great sequel to a popular franchise. 

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Actor Isaac Hempstead, The Boxtrolls, is known for his work in the television show Game of Thrones.

Que: Who played the role of Thanos in the after credits clip?

Josh Brolin

Jim Cummings

Isaac C. Singleton Jr.

Gary Krawford

The Boxtrolls

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This film is based off the novel Here Be Monsters! written by Alan Snow. Eggs is a human child raised by trash collecting trolls that live within the cities sewers. As he grows older, Eggs decides to fight to protect the trolls from a troll exterminator, Archibald Snatcher. In doing so he learns about the human world and his own past.

This film was directed by Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi. This film is a stop motion animated film. This animated film exceeds at being strange and grotesque; which has become common amongst Laika's stop motion animation. Naturally, there is something to be enjoyed about stop motion animation when all other cartoons are being done with computers. The visuals for this film are stunning, and offer the film its true grotesque and quirkiness. However, the messages are clearly warnings about the conquest of wealth, ignoring your children, and changing yourself to survive. But, a lot of this is lost with its absurd method of presenting it. Which is unfortunate because it makes it not only hard to believe but unenjoyable. A lot of it falls on the part of the strange ruthless villain who is both cunning, idiotic, disgusting, and desperate. It also doesn't help that he cross dresses in this film. I did enjoy the feeling of being an outsider discovering a strange world of humans. The humor is mainly dark and slapstick. The boxtrolls themselves were adorable to watch on screen. Another great feature was that this film is mostly silent in the beginning, save for noises and grunts. Isaac Hempstead Wright voiced the character Eggs. His performance made you feel for the youngster caught in a troubling time. Elle Fanning voiced the character Winnie. Admittedly, she was a great supporting actress but the character was unlikable. Ben Kingsley voiced the character Archibald Snatcher. He was amazing at creating the disgusting and despicable character. However, there was nothing to be liked or enjoyed from this character. Dee Bradley Baker was voice of Fish. He was a great support for this film.

I five this film 2 out of 5 stars! It has great visuals. But, its unlikable characters and its sloppy storytelling crush the enjoyment out of it. 

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Angelina Jolie, Unbroken, directed the film In the Land of Blood and Honey.

Que:What television show is actor Isaac Hempstead Wright known for?

Once Upon A Time

Gotham

Game of Thrones

The Walking Dead

Unbroken

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This film is based on the non-fiction novel Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption written by Laura Hillenbrand. Olympic runner, Louis "Louie" Zamperini, gets captured by Japanese forces after his plane crashes into the ocean.

This film was directed by Angelina Jolie. This film keeps its focus on his imprisonment and the reasons for it instead of his childhood or his Olympic accomplishments. Obviously, since this film is about a prisoner of war during Wold War II, the Japanese are not shown in a positive light. So much so, that this film has been banned by Japanese Nationalists. Which is to be expected when it comes to military prisons. There has also been some disappointment from the Christian community, because it didn't focus enough on his Christian transformation. All that aside, there are several long stretches in this film, mainly because of the 47 days lost at sea, where the story feels stagnant. It also hits a lot of familiar notes with other military movies without deeply affecting its audiences. There are a few moments where you are truly motivated by the main character. However, I greatly enjoyed the 1950's feel that the cinematography provided. Jack O'Connell played the role of Louis "Louie" Zamperini. His performance made you sympathetic to the character's plight. It also presented the strength of the broken man. Takamasa Ishihara played the role of Mutsuhiro "Bird" Watanabe. He was a great military villain for O'Connell. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a good military film that brings Zamperini's life to modern audiences.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game, also directed Headhunters.

Que: What other film has Angelina Jolie directed?

The Thin Red Line

Lone Survivor

Taegukgi

In the Land of Blood and Honey

The Imitation Game

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This film is based off the biography Alan Turing: The Enigma written Andrew Hodges. During World War II, Alan Turing agrees to help crack the German's enigma machine. Later, he decides to build a machine that will solve the puzzle.

This film was directed by Morten Tyldum. This film is not very historically accurate, but it gets its point across. It also introduces audiences to a brilliant mind. This biography wanted to add more emotion to the character Alan Turing, and make his life more dramatic than it might have been. One of the major issues that were changed to heighten emotion where his personal relationships with others. However, it is enjoyable watching this character fight against establish norms and prejudices to manufacture something that changed the course of the war and our own personal lives. The story also provides an alternative perspective on World War II. It shows the war from the home front instead of the combat, but keeps subtle reminders how devastating it was. The story is also takes a look at the spy game during that time. This film has made a statement for homosexual rights. Benedict Cumberbatch played the role of Alan Turing. Cumberbatch changed his behavior and appearance enough to embody a very different character. He took a very unlikable secluded character and made him approachable and sympathetic. Keira Knightly played the role of Joan Clarke. She was a great supporting actress for this film. Her character offered a better heartfelt side of Turing.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great biographic film, even if it is not historically accurate.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Mikael Salomon, Big Driver, also worked on the Stephen King adaptation Salem's Lot (2004).

Que: What other film has director Morten Tyldum directed?

Headhunters
I Travel Alone
The Monitor
The Mountain