Chappie

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This film is based off Neill Blomkamps 2004 short film Tetra Vaal. In the near future, police officers are assisted by a mechanized police force. Desperately wanting to test his new software, Deon Wilson steals a malfunctioning robot and updates him with the new software. This gives the robot, Chappie, the ability to think and feel for himself (A.I.). 

This film was directed by Neil Blomkamp. From start to end, it is apparent who directed this film. Fans of his previous works will enjoy this one as well. There are lot of scientific a philosophical concepts that get thrown out in single liners and questions. It opted for a senseless violence and comedy over a deep and understandable story. The comedy did work for the beginning of the film, but should've stopped halfway through. A lot of this film's story feels more like plot convenience than anything else. Parts get used to further the story in one direction until its no longer needed. So much of this film feels like watching a cartoon, which in large part is due to its cast choice and script writing. It is also odd that this film begins with no violence, but turns to it during its ending. But, there is no sexuality in the film. The animation in this film was great on screen. There is a potential for two sequels depending on things work out. 

The talented cast gets wasted while the average performances get the most screen time. Sharito Copley voiced and acted the character Chappie. He was great in this role of a confused robot fighting for its own survival. Its reactions to a harsh world were great. Ninja and Yo-Landi Visser played the roles of Ninja and Yo-Landi Vi$$er. Okay, these are two popular rappers in the films location, and should not have been used as two of the secondary central characters. The entire thug life was based around their outlandish style and behavior. Their performance hurt the film badly. I also be honest in that Yo-Landi's character felt fairly useless in the gang situation. Dev Patel played the role of Deon Wilson. It is a shame that his character didn't get more screen time, especially since he created Chappie. Hugh Jackman played the role of Vincent Moore. His character is a disgruntled engineer of another type of a failed police robot. His character was too stereotypical military to be fully appreciated.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! There is a lot of great things that can be scraped from this film, but is casting choice brought it down. Perhaps the sequels will improve on its shortcomings.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog:

Que: How many films directed by Neil Blomkamp feature Sharito Copley?

3

1

2

4

Focus (2015)

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During conman Nicky's latest scheme with a billionaire sport's owner, a woman, Jess, from his past returns. Nicky finds himself unable to maintain his full focus on the situation as he attempts to reclaim her love.

This film was directed and written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. This film has very shallow and sincere characters that are buried within a love story. All attention was spent on the characters, and their backstory, that nothing was spent to make an impactful following story. The actual story was so non-existent that they didn't even truly establish a decent villain. There was very little focus on the actual cons that they weren't as important or interesting as they should've been. In the beginning Nicky uses Jess for his own gain, and ends up repeating the trend to the point where it is obvious that neither learned their lesson and shouldn't have wound up together. There was also a lot of plot twists that didn't all need to be used. The chosen backdrop locations were beautiful to watch on screen. Will Smith played the role of Nicky. He delivered a great performance to a dead story; however shallow his character remained. Margot Robbie played the role of Jess. She was a great supporting actress for Smith. Her ignorance and naivety gave the film its mystery.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! The performances, from the two leading actors, give this film enough support to overcome its story flaws.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Kyle Balda, Minions, directed the animated film The Lorax.

Que: What other film did directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa direct together?

Cats & Dogs

I Love You Phillip Morris

Bad Santa

Bad News Bears

Minions

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This film is a prequel/spin-off from the Despicable Me franchise (it's the third in the series). The minions evolve to serve the greatest villain they could stumble across-even if they frequently lose their masters. After finding that their lives have lost meaning without a master, Stuart, Bob, and Kevin leave their community and discover Scarlet Overkill. The minions struggle to help Scarlet attain what she wants (the British crown) and keep themselves alive.

This film was directed by Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin. This film takes the minions, the lovable little villain characters, and places them as the central characters in a full length film. Even though there are some historical cultural references used in this film, its humor mainly applies to children. The unintelligible likable characters (language is french, spanish, and bits of english) don't mature into heartfelt characters. There are some cute moments in the film, but its general created for very young audiences with a short attention span. Although, old audiences might enjoy the oldies rock songs used in this film. Gru, from the original two, does make an appearance in this film. Pierre Coffin voiced the Minions characters. Since one person voiced all the Minions it is easy to see where there is very little differentiation between them. However, he was good at re-creating these characters for the film. Sandra Bullock voiced the character Scarlett Overkill. Even though she lives in Britain and seeks to steal the royal crown, she never uses a British accent. There is nothing about her character that is likable.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! This is the perfect film for your young children to enjoy, but it doesn't offer anything for older audiences.

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Actress Sarah Bolger, The Lazarus Effect, starred in the television series The Tudors.

Que: What other animated film has director Kyle Balda co-directed?

Monsters, Inc.

Despicable Me

Home

The Lorax

The Lazarus Effect (2015)

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Eva decides to begin filming the experiments created by college medical students. They've devised a serum that will resurrect the deceased, but it comes with some unexpected side effects.

This film was directed by David Gelb. Taking this film at face-value it creates a familiar story about resurrecting someone from the dead. Its basic idea is that, she traveled to hell for her past wrongdoings and was brought back from it. This films keeps a predictable plot with familiar scientific characters. I did enjoy the question that this film poses as to rather or not she truly went to hell, or is it all within ones own mind. It also poses questions about the resurrection of animals, and what lies within their brains. Unlike other horror films of this type, there isn't any overbearing religion used. The scares in this film are all jump scares that do not provide any real thrill for its audience. There isn't any sexuality in this film, and there is very little gore. There are a few creepy images created for the screen. There is some found footage material used in the beginning of the film, but its only used in very brief fragments. Sarah Bolger played the role of Eva. She is the very typical innocent girl brought into a nightmare that she doesn't understand. She was good on screen for creating the frightened mouse, but she didn't stand out from the rest of the cast. Mark Duplass played the role of Frank. He was good working alongside Wilde. I think more could've been done with this character to improve the film. Olivia Wilde played the role of Zoe. She was decent as the scientists, but wasn't able to really leave an sympathetic impression on the audience. As a resurrected entity she was intimidating, but not quite frightening.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It has all the basics in place for a decent science fiction horror film, but it falls to much on familiar territory.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog:The Wachowskis, Jupiter Ascending, directed the television show Sense8.

Que: What television show has actress Sarah Bolger starred in?

Rome
Vikings
The Tudors
Camelot

Theory:

This will contain spoilers! This isn't part of the review, its just an idea and how its supported. Okay, after watching this film I am more convinced that it is more based on scientific theory than it is a demon resurrection film. (I do not think Zoe went to hell.) Following this idea makes the film more complicated and more enjoyable to watch. Firstly, they mentioned that once you die a certain gland kicks in that causes you to see the white light tunnel and to hallucinate. We also commonly know that the brain can continue to live beyond its time of death for a few additional minutes. It is also known that within the brain a few minutes can span centuries.  Well, when the dog becomes resurrected we learn that his cataracts have healed which gives this formula healing properties that extend beyond death. It also gives the brain some additional abilities; which can be attributed to healing the brain. When Zoe wakes up she believes she had gone to hell, because she relived her haunting dreams repeatedly for what felt like years. At her moment of death, she was hallucinating a dream that always lingered on her subconscious. This could be attributed to the gland going off its hinges for the few additional minutes she had left. This would naturally give her a fearful element when she awoke. Even if they passed the minutes where the brain would still be functioning, the formula has healing properties to repair damage. The chemical they introduced into her was shown to open the brain's abilities. Since the formula doesn't dissolve, and is constantly healing, it would continue to resurrect her. They did mention that human evolution takes centuries. Her massive evolution took minutes. With her brain going through massive changes quickly it started tearing her mentally apart. When nobody accepted her she lashed out. The rapid change, the fear, and the natural aggressiveness of the drug caused her to violently attack others.

Jupiter Ascending

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Jupiter Jones, an ordinary girl living with her family, discovers that she is an heiress of intergalactic nobility. The royal family seeks to keep her from claiming her title through any means necessary. Caine Wise, an human-wolf soldier decides to protect and aid her. After Jones discovers that the Earth is in danger, she struggles to protect it.

This film was written and directed by Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski (The Wachowskis). Okay, this film has a decent concept but fails to tell it in its delivery. Essentially, Jupiter is the reincarnation of the royal families mother. This being a common occurrence means that people within this society plan for it and place reinstatement claims within their wills. One of the things the family owns are planets. They create life on other planets by mixing their DNA with that of the native life found on that planet. Once that planet has produced enough humans, they are killed. The humans are then turned into the most basic of their DNA structure, so that it can be used to repair dead cells within the human body. Through this process humans can live forever. Naturally, this has become a very lucrative business that Jupiter Jones can reclaim from the three royals (who are sharing their inheritance). I do find it interesting that The Wachowskis are persisted on using the idea that humans are nothing more than a tool for something more sinister in the universe. The concept is great, but the plot that tells the story crumbles from the central character's confusion. A half-hearted written script doesn't help it either. Although, it is great to witness an original science fiction film come to the big screen. This film has gotten a lot of praise for its portrayal of women, its lack of sexism, and teenage wish fulfillment. Visually the film is stunning to watch (even if it is nothing more than computer animation wonder). There is some unique technology used in this film. 

Mila Kunis plays the role of Jupiter Jones. Her portrayal of the character was different from modern films where the woman becomes an action star. She remains a fun clutzy nobody throughout the film; which works. However, I think this representation choice hurt the film's deep concept. Channing Tatum plays the role of Caine Wise. He played the typical outcast action hero who falls in love the main character. The very familiar role gives the film its action. Eddie Redmayne played the role of Balem Abrasax. He was a great villain to oppose Kunis on screen. Even though the story gives him perplexing motives. Douglas Booth played the role of Titus Abrasax. He is the attractively sly character that you could love to hate. However, his character felt too unnecessary and only added to the stories confusion. 

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! The convoluted story and all to familiar characters ruin this original science fiction film. 

This film can be seen through DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Eric England, Contracted, directed the film Roadside.

Que: What television show have The Wachowskis directed?

Dollhouse

Sense8

Powers

Alphas

Contracted

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After being date raped at a friend's party, Samantha quickly learns that she has contracted some kind sexually transmitted disease. As the infection worsens, Samantha's life is turned into chaos.

This film was directed by Eric England. The story of this film is a simple story of girl gets infected with a deadly virus that she must find some way to spread and destroy the world. Sort of like her punishment will be forced onto everyone else type deal. Anyway, there is some controversy about this film. It was marketed as a one night stand, and the story gives Creedence to that ideal. However, she was drugged and raped. There is no other view to it. In some ways it also feels like a punishment for being female, lesbian, and a druggie past. This film also tends to make a statement by making itself a poster ad for unprotected sex. Now, Samantha progresses in this film's story has having self denial and constant loneliness. It is humorous that she must find someway to transfer this disease before the film ends: almost feels like mission impossible. I am just left wondering if she became a zombie at the end of this film, or what? This is a gross-out horror film with elements of body horror attached. What I did enjoy was that a lot of the real gross-out horror happened off screen. There were hints about what happening to her bodies tender parts, but its never fully shown. The make-up effects for this film were great because they offered a creepy edge to this virus. However, I think they didn't pay full attention to what stage of the infection she was at when they filmed certain scenes. This film has become popular enough for a sequel. The acting in this film was very flat and emotionless from all the actors. Najarra Townsend played the role of Samantha. She was able to get the character's point across, but felt as lifeless as her infection.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! This is an unsettling horror film that brings about the human fears of unprotected sex.

This film can be seen on Netflix Instant Que.

Answer to last blog: Director Erik Van Looy directed both Loft (2008) and The Loft (2014).

Que: What other film has Eric England directed?

Delivery: The Beast Within

Shut In

Roadside

Uncaged

The Loft (2014)

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This film is a remake of a 2008 Dutch film entitled Loft. Architect Vincent Stevens tells his friends about a Loft that has five keys. Vincent gets his friends to accept these keys to hide away their secret affairs. After discovering the body of a deceased woman in the loft, the five friends are forced to solve the mystery of who murdered her.

This film was directed by Erik Van Looy. Okay, I have not seen the original so I cannot compare the two films. This story is very sleazy with a group of the most unlikable characters you could find. The story had to give each of these men a reason to accept a key that will hide their love affairs. It does attempt to make an unlikable character the hero by giving him the worst wife and finding a way to say that his hand was forced into an affair. There is some good mystery to it. But, the story kept adding twist after twist to heighten an unexpected ending that it became over the top. There is also a lot of time jumps. It begins in the present, then jumps into the past (a police interview), only to further jump into the past (solving the mystery), and then even deeper into the past (their history) to tell its story. This can make it very confusing if you are not paying full attention to it. I will comment that this film is more for male audiences than female audiences. Fortunately, there is some great performances in this film. Karl Urban played the role of Vincent Stevens. His character was very sleazy in an appealing way. It worked wonders for his character. James Marsden played the role of Chris Vanowen. It is easily apparent that he's meant to be the most liked character. He does gain some points for creating a sympathetic appeal. Wentworth Miller played the role of Luke Seacord. This character is not only unlikable, but is also nearly nonexistent. Eric Stonestreet played the role of Marty Landry. This character is easily the most hated in the entire film. Matthias Schoenaerts played the role of Phillip Trauner. The troubled bad boy in this film is distasteful, but well played.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! There is a great base for an awesome erotic mystery, but its unlikable characters and its sleazy story destroy it.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Aileen Quinn played the original role of Annie in the 1987 musical film.

Que: Who directed the 2008 film Loft?

Paul Verhoeven

Erik Van Looy
Bert Haanstra
Anton Corbijn

Annie (2014)

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This is contemporary adaptation of the 1977 Broadway musical production of the same name. Annie Bennet is a foster child living with her cruel foster mother, Miss Colleen Hannigan. As political campaign move, Will Stacks decides to take care of Annie Bennett for a short period of time.

This film was directed by Will Gluck. In my youth, I watched the 1987 version of Annie and was very curious about this new rendition. I will say that this film is good for modern children audiences but doesn't offer anything for its older audiences. Okay, the film's story is old and familiar to older audiences. So this film's retelling and moderate changing of the original can be troubling. The heart of the story does remain intact, but getting to it is very different. In the opening they present an original image of Annie (a little white girl with red hair) and then presents the new image of Annie (a African American girl). There are also a lot of contrasts between the depression in the 1930's and the modern lower class families in today's society. However, in its transfer this film feels more materialistic than the original story. Another change comes from the female dog Sandy who doesn't feel necessary in this film. As a contrast the character of Miss Hannigan is much softer and more cartoony; which makes her highly unbelievable. I did enjoy the little jib at modern popular teenage films. This film takes several of the old songs and remasters them by changing most of the lyrics and their sound. It also feels highly choreographed in its musical sequences. Unfortunately, it keeps the film from feeling natural. Interesting, this was one of the films that had an early leak by Guardians of teh Peace group. Quvenzhane Wallis played the role of Annie Bennett. Her performance pulled on the emotional heartstrings of all audiences. In comparison, her performance from the original Annie was more adorable than emotional. Jaime Foxx played the role of Will Stacks. He was good in his very cliched role. In comparison, he was more likable and relatable. Cameron Diaz played the role of Miss Colleen Hannigan. Her performance was just so over the top comical that it wasn't funny or believable. 

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! Even with all of its cliched cuteness and materialism, it still maintains an emotional story. It just tears apart the original in some unfortunate ways.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Directors Helene Cattet and Bruno Forzani, The Color of Your Bodies Tears, directed the segment O is for Orgasm in The ABC's of Death.

Que: Who played the role of Annie in the 1987 film?

Candice Cameron

Danielle Harris

Aileen Quinn

Drew Berrymore

The Strange Color of Your Bodies Tears (L'etrange Couleur Des Larmes De Ton Corps)

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Dan Kristensen returns home after a business trip to discover that his wife had gone missing. He searches the apartment to find her with the help of a detective. In doing so, he begins to uncover the secrets of his apartment and the people living within it. 

This film was directed and written by Helene Cattet and Bruno Forzani. Okay, this film applies to audiences interested in the Giallo film style; an Italian style of filmmaking that falls into the crime fiction/mystery genre with elements of horror and eroticism sewn in. Essentially this film relies more on its images to tell a story, or stories, rather than its narrative or script (like Under the Skin or Mulholland Drive-for an American reference). That being said, the narrative is terrible for this film. The stories go every which way and don't ever meet for a comprehensive ending. Although, I do get the feeling that these images could be hte hallucinations of a drunken and desperate man (its a theory). That being said, the film style was very imaginative to watch on screen. The images combined to create some gruesome, erotic, and mysterious imagery. This film does some experimentation with its style to offer a unique experience from one sequence to another. So, yes, I would definitely keep this film away from children. Klaus Trange played the role of Dan Kristensen. He was good at keeping audiences emotionally entangled within the varying moments of the film.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! I am not of a fan of this film style, or storytelling. However, I think there are still some people who would find it enjoyable.

This film can be seen on Netflix Instant Que.

Answer to last blog: Actor Bradley Cooper and Actress Jennifer Lawrence have worked together on 3 films (including Serena).

Que: Which film segment of The ABCs of Death did directors Helene Cattet and Bruno Forzani work together on?

D is for Dogfight

O is for Orgasm

Y is for Youngbuck

V is for Vagitus