Dark Places (2015)

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 novel of the same title written by Gillian Flynn. Libby Day, a survivor of family murders, is convinced to take a second glance at the crime scene with assistance from a specialized club. While revisiting her past, she discovers that the wrong killer was arrested for the crime.

This film was directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner. I cannot tell how true this film was to the novel. However, the written story is unique and a decent mystery. The characters motivations, and histories, are very poorly explained; which leads to a poorly devised ending. I did enjoy how it told a past story, and present story. Even tough it felt that the audience was learning more than the central character. It was also unfortunate that in hte past story there was very little focus on young Libby Day. The use of a murder investigators club was cool, but they didn't feel necessary. There is some violence, but not a lot of gore. Charlize Theron played the role of Libby Day. She was good in her brooding character. Nicholas Hoult played the role of Lyle Wirth. He was a good supporting actor.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a decent mystery even if its poorly devised.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actor Adam Sandler and Kevin James, Pixels, stared together in the film Hotel Transylvania.

Que: Who played the role of young Libby Day?

Natalie Precht

Sterling Jerins

Chloe Grace Moretz

Madison McGuire

Pixels (2015)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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

Film Code Link!

In 1982, messages are sent into space to contact alien species living in the universe. However, the message becomes misinterpreted as a threat of war, so they use classic video game characters to challenge Earth, and defeat it. However, Sam Brenner and his friends use their old gaming talents to aid Earth.

This film was directed by Chris Columbus. This film was made for classic video gamers, or current gamers looking for a glimpse into the past. However, the cheaply written story lacks any real enthusiasm for its subject matter. The performances do nothing to improve that. This film also has some chauvinism, and is very bro focused. With all that said, the animation was great to watch. The animation and the gaming aspects made the film somewhat enjoyable. Adam Sandler played the role of Sam Brenner. At this point in his career, he should've been able to at least provide some humor, or at least appear interested. Kevin James played the role of William Cooper. He was good at supporting Sandler. Michelle Monaghan played the role of Lieutenant Colonel Violet Van Patten. Despite being in a powerful position (even if its not the most powerful), there are several moments when she's shown as the typical man-hating woman. Peter Dinklage played the role of Eddie Plant. Even though his character has the most life, he portrays one of the worst character types in this films. Josh Gad played the role of Ludlow Lamonsoff. He was decent at supporting the supporting actors. 

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! It is a great film for teaching younger generations about classic gaming, but not great entertainment for general audiences.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady, portrayed Julia Child.

Que: Which other film has Adam Sandler and Kevin James stared in?

Hotel Transylvania

Men, Women, & Children

Here Comes the Boom

I Love You, Beth Cooper

The Iron Lady

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 life of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013). Margaret speaks with her deceased husband, Denis Thatcher, while she tries to cope with her past and present. 

This film was directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Yes, there are some historical inaccuracies used to provide a more dramatic flair. This film shows enough of her history for all audiences to understand without going into deep detail. It focus' more on Margaret confronting old age with the fierceness that she had in life. Unfortunately, the films focus also made her appear regretful and weak as opposed to how she was popularly known. It also shows a harsh side to her political views (mainly believing that the poor could achieve success without government assistance). It also takes time to show how she behaved in her day-to-day life. The make-up effects were great for making this film convincing. Meryl Streep prominently played the role of Margaret Thatcher. She was amazing in this performance. She gave a strange kindness to a woman who could be seen as stone-hearted. Jim Broadbent prominently played the role of Denis Thatcher. He was a great supporting actor.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! Even if it was poorly written, Streep's performance makes it worth a watch.

This film can be seen on Netflix Instant Que.

Answer to last blog: Director Christian Cantamessa, Air, directed the video game Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. 

Que: What other historical character has actress Meryl Streep performed as?

Julia Child

Dian Fossey

Madame Curie

Helen Keller

Air

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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

Film Code Link!

After chemical weapons have ruined the Earth's air supply, the government kept a group of talented humans alive within a well built sanctuary. They sleep as two men, Bauer and Cartwright, wake for a brief time of span protect these humans. While they are awake they have to fall asleep in a specialized chamber before the air runs out.

This film was written and directed by Christian Cantamessa. The predictable plot of the story remains fairly simple, but this relies heavily on its characters and their backstory. However, I think it would've done better had they switched a few things about the characters. It also would've helped if the story opened itself to more philosophical questions instead of trying to create more action. The backdrop used for this added the tension the film needed. The music and the backdrop images give this film an old science fiction feel. Fortunately, the performances of its leading actors rescues the film. Norman Reedus played the role of Bauer. His performance created the perfect character that you enjoy hating. Djimon Hounsou played the role of Cartwright. His emotional performance balanced Reedus'. 

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! There are some great qualities in this film; like its performances and its backdrop. However, the story hinders it.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actor Sean Connery was the first actor to portray James Bond in the film Dr. No.

Que: What videogame did director Christian Cantamessa direct?

Dragon Age: Inquistion

The Evil Within

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Thief

Spectre (007)

Caution: This may contain spoilers!

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

Film Code Link!

This film is the 24th installment of the film franchise, and is based off Ian Fleming's character rendition. A cryptic message from the former M sends him on a mission to uncover a mysterious organization. Bond discovers the hidden truth of Spectre (the secret organization) and its deceit.

This film was directed by Sam Mendes. The opening credit sequences was as sexual as it was entertaining to watch. The music added to the opening. This film combines the modern variation of Bond with classic Bond. Which means that the film keeps classic Bond behavior and recent humanization. The story ties in with the other three films that Daniel Craig has starred in-even if it was a tad forced. This film also relies heavily on the 007 formula to tell its story. The infamous villain was perfect for the film, but certain parodies have ruined his image. The action is thrilling to watch on screen-even if it is unbelievable. Daniel Craig played the role of Bond... James Bond. It was difficult creating a balance between classic Bond and modern Bond. His performance didn't feel as strong as previous performances, but it worked for the film. Christoph Waltz played the role of Blofeld. He was a perfect villain, because he was insane but did not go to overboard. Lea Seydoux played the role of Madeleine Swann. She was a good Bond girl that worked great with Craig.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a great Bond film, but it isn't the best to have been recently created. 

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Actress Mia Wasikowska, Crimson Peak, starred in the film Stoker.

Que: Who was the first actor to portray James Bond?

Roger Moore

Timothy Dalton

George Lazenby

Sean Connery

Crimson Peak

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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

Film Code Link!

After the tragic death of her father, Edith Cushing/Sharpe finds herself swept away to a terrifying mansion by her love of a strange man (Thomas Sharpe). The longer she spends at the mansion, the more she is reminded of the warnings of her past.

This film was written and directed by Guillermo del Toro. This film was made for Toro fans and fans of classic gothic horror. The story, at its core, is a great suspenseful story that both shocks and terrifies. However, due to the characters behavioral choices and unclear motives the story falls apart. The needed romance required for this film, in all its forms, feels awkward and forced. This film also enjoys overstating its main plot points-even when its not necessary. There are moments when the film becomes unnerving and moderately scary. The ghost images are creepy and great animation to watch. This film's prominent treat is its gothic visual style. Visually the film gets most of its scares with symbolism and a house that feels like its alive. Mia Wasikowska played the role of Edith Cushing/Sharpe. Unfortunately, her performance remained as lifeless as her previous films. She was able to generate enough sympathy for the character. Tom Hiddleston played the role of Thomas Sharpe. His emotional performance gave the story its depth. Jessica Chastain played the role of Lucille Sharpe. Her performance was a great compliment to Hiddleston. However, on occasion it becomes a little overplayed.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! The visuals and creepy computer animated effects provide for an unnerving film. Despite the story being poorly devised.

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Director Scott Glosserman, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon, directed the film Truth in Numbers? Everything, According to Wikipedia.

Que: What other film has actress Mia Wasikowska stared in?

The Conjuring

Stoker

Rush

Blue is the Warmest Colour

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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

Film Code Link!

A documentary crew follows Leslie Vernon. Leslie Vernon is a man who aspires to become the next great slasher killer like Jason Voorhees, Freddie Krueger, and Michael Myers. The documentary crew finds themselves morally conflicted.

This film was directed by Scott Glosserman. This film was created to poke fun at the slasher genre while paying its homages. This film kind of starts like a found footage. It continues like that for a while, but as it stops as it approaches the ending. The opening was an awesome reference to old slasher films as are most of the cameo actors. The ending becomes and expected twist that kind of becomes a disappointment. There is plenty of dark humor that fans of genre can enjoy. There really isn't much gore, but there are some small thrills. Angela Goethals played the role of Taylor Gentry. Her heartfelt performance was typical of the heroine character. Sadly, she felt more like a supporting actress than a lead. Nathan Baesel played the role of Leslie Vernon/Mancuso. His dark humor and unexpected bursts of rage were great for this character. He made the film creepy and entertaining.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is an enjoyable film that pokes fun at the cliches of slasher films.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Miranda Cosgrove, The Intruders, voiced the animated character Margo (Despicable Me).

Que: What other film has director Scott Glosserman directed?

The Singularity

Code 2600

Truth in Numbers? Everything, According to Wikipedia

Softwaring Software

The Intruders

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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

Link!

After the loss of her mother, Rose Halshford moves with her father to a strange home in a small town. Rose quickly learns that their new home contains dark and deadly secrets that could harm them. Rose struggles to reveal the truth of their new home.

This film was directed by Adam Massey. This film uses the main character's probable insanity to make the film more terrorizing. The dark story allows the character to be established amidst the terror, so that she is not just another victim. Due to its strange focus, the ending becomes very random and unexpected. This film focus' more on suspense, so there isn't a lot of gore or death. Miranda Cosgrove played the role of Rose Halshford. Her performance made the character believable and sympathetic. Donal Logue played the role of Jerry Halshford. He was a great supporting actor for Rose.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a decent film for suspense.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Ron Stefanluk was the television voice for Slappy.

Que: Which animated character has actress Miranda Cosgrove voiced?

Riley (Inside Out)
Margo (Despicable Me)
Go Go (Big Hero 6)
Winnie Portley-Rind (Boxtrolls)

Goosebumps

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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

Link!

This film is based off the various book series, of the same title, written by R.L. Stine. Zach moves into a new town with his mother. After accidentally releasing monsters from R.L. Stine's books, he teams up with a friend, the author, and the author's daughter to rescue the town from these monsters.

This film was directed by Rob Letterman. The story of this film uses several monsters from various R.L. Stine novels. Since there are so many featured monsters the film moves frantically, and the humor is very over the top. However, the main monster that drives the film is the popular Slappy doll. The story is more kid friendly than some of the original novels. There was a great basis for the plot, but the choice to keep it child friendly hinders it greatly. There are a lot of homages to other horrors stories and authors. The monster effects were great on screen, and the backdrop added to its mild horror feel. Very young audiences might be afraid, but there really isn't anything terrifying about this film. Yes, there may be a sequel. Dylan Minnette played the role of Zach. His performance was very average for this type of ordinary character. Odeya Rush played the role of Hannah. She was good at supporting Minette and Black, but didn't pull the deep emotions needed for the character. Ryan Lee played the role of Champ. His character hurt the film. He was meant to be the comedic relief, but it ruined any tension that this film had. His character was also more annoying than likable. Jack Black played the roles of R.L. Stine/ Slapy/ Invisible Boy. As R.L. Stine his performance was too over the top to be believed. As Slappy he was a surprisingly good fit. Even if all the puns got tiring, he was a great villain for this film. I enjoyed how Slappy was shown as the authors darker half.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! Its a great horror film for children and fans of the book series, but there isn't anything for older audiences to enjoy.

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Director Breck Eisner, The Last Witch Hunter, directed the film Sahara.

Que: Who first voiced Slappy in the Goosebumps television series?

Ron Stefanluk
Ben Cook
Alex Fallis
Paul Miller

The Last Witch Hunter

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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

Film Code Link!

800 years after his first death, Kaulder finds himself the last witch hunter who works for a religious organization. Kaulder finds his haunting past with the Witch Queen endangering the world again.

This film was directed by Breck Eisner. This film's story is heavily ingrained with fantasy, because the central character was inspired from a dungeon and dragons character created by Vin Diesel; so not all audiences are going to enjoy it. The film tells its story with past and present sequences. Both segments feel very different, but are enjoyable. Apart from that, the story is full of unexpected turns. However, the ending is where it falls apart; although it does leave it open for a sequel (which could be in the works). The computer animation visuals were great to watch on screen. It added a layer of magic to an ordinary world. Vin Diesel played the role of Kaulder. This is not the typical Diesel character that audiences are used to, and he pulled the performance off very well. His subtle emotions made the film. Rosie Leslie played the role of Chloe. She was a great supporting actress for Diesel. Elijah Wood played the role of Dolan 37th. His performance worked for the film, but there wasn't enough screen time to fully develop his character.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great fantasy film even with its faults.

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Actor Dermot Mulroney, Insidious: Chapter Three, starred in the film Stoker.

Que: What other film has director Breck Eisner directed?

Pride and Prejudice
Sin City
War of the Worlds
Sahara

Insidious: Chapter Three

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If You Enjoy My Blog, You May Enjoy My Facebook Page!

Film Code Link!

This film is a prequel to the previous two Insidious films. while searching for her deceased mother, Quinn Brenner accidentally attracts a deadly spirit. Quinn and her family seeks the assistance of Elise Rainier to survive this encounter.

This film was directed by Leigh Whannell. This is a horror film that you will either love or hate; much like its predecessors. The story takes place before the Lambert family hauntings, but shows how Elise Rainier found her place among physics. Its works for its purpose, but fails to provide any true scares. The scariest parts were shown in the commercial. Some of the monsters were creepy, but nothing as terrifying as the other films. The spirit world remains true to its origins. It is also another sequel that doesn't have any real deaths. This film has a few jump scares and creepy imagery, but nothing very frightening. There might be another sequel. Stefanie Scott played the role of Quinn Brenner. She was good at creating a troubled innocent teenager, but did not have enough emotional appeal to stand out from the rest of the cast. Dermot Mulroney played the role of Sean Brenner. He was a great supporting actor for Scott. Lin Shaye returned to the role of Elise Rainier. Another great performance from Shaye, and stole the entire film from the other performers.

This film can be seen on DVD.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! It is a suitable prequel, but its a horror movie that doesn't offer any true scares.

Answer to last blog: Director Ridley Scott, The Martian, directed the film Hannibal.

Que: What other film has Dermot Mulroney stared in?

Stoker
Gravity
The Conjuring
Prisoners

The Martian

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If You Enjoy My Blog, You May Enjoy My Facebook Page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based off a novel, with the same title, written by Andy Weir. Astronaut Mark Watney finds himself stranded on Mars after a fierce storm forces his crew to depart. Watney struggles to survive on Mars with what supplies were left behind on the planet, and to send a message to Earth.

This film was directed by Ridley Scott. I cannot compare it to the novel, but its science is moderately exaggerated to better fit the story; however, its science is one of the most accurate. It was great to know that NASA had a hand in helping create the film. The film's story gives a lot of heart to a survival and rescue adventure. There are some questions about his method of doing things, but the actor's performances can make you easily forget it. There is tons of humor to balance out the drama-even if it can sometimes overpower it. There is a lot of science used to explain what is happening, but it is understandable for all audiences. Sometimes the story jumps around to explain why something is happening, but all the little details are needed to make the story whole. The backdrops of Mars, space, and Earth worked together wonderfully to make the movie believable. The performances gave the film its warmth, but there were too many characters that weren't given enough time to be fully developed. Matt Damon played the role of Mark Watney. His performance made the film has emotional and tense as it was. He also provided most of the films humor. Jessica Chastain played the role of Melissa Lewis. She was a great supporting actress who gave the film additional heart. Jeff Daniels played the role of Theodore "Teddy" Sanders. He was another great supporting actor.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great science fiction that all audiences can enjoy.

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Actress Shelley Hennig, Unfriended, starred in the television series Teen Wolf.

Que: What film did director Ridley Scott direct?

Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal Rising
Hannibal
Red Dragon

Unfriended (Cybernatural/Offline)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If You Enjoy My Blog You May Enjoy My Facebook Page!

Film Code Link!

A group of friends enter an online chat. They discover that they're being haunted by their past sins through a stranger using a deceased friend's account.

This film was directed by Levan Gabriadze (Leo Gabriadze). This film brings a new style of found footage filmmaking to America. Watching a horror film through online interaction is not new, but it does offer something different to the genre. It can become tiring, because everything is told through browser multitasking and reading computer text while listening to off screen chatter. The story is centered around revenge against "cyber" bulling, and the effects it has. I enjoyed the slow reveal of the character's past transgressions.  It was also intriguing that none of the characters are likable-even the villain. Which also kind of hinders it. The story is decent at building suspense. There are segments of horror, but nothing too gory. Unfortunately, the moments are too brief to be truly frightening. There are plans for a future sequel to come out next year. Since so much of this film's story is told through web browsing there is a very limited time for the actor's to perform on screen. Shelley Hennig played the role of Blaire Lily. From the few moments she was on screen, she was good at generating panic.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a decent horror/thriller film that offer some changes to the supernatural teen slasher films.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Neil Burger directed the film Divergent.

Que: What television series has actress Shelley Hennig starred in?

The Originals
Teen Wolf
Vampire Diaries
The Secret Circle