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There are a few different types of bad horror films and the 80's was the perfect decade to make all of them and have them be successful, for the most part. There were flicks that were so bad they're good, some that are just plain bad and a few other categories in between. Pieces, a slasher flick trying to capitalize on the success of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the Friday the 13th franchise, falls a little closer to the just plain bad end of the spectrum. But, a few decent effects and some horribly bad dialogue as well as a kung fu attack that literally comes out of nowhere and leaves just as quickly raises Pieces to a mark just above plain bad.
A little boy kills his mother with an axe after she finds him putting together a jigsaw puzzle of a nude woman. Cut to 40 years later, someone is killing beautiful college coeds and taking their body parts to create the perfect woman. It's up to two detectives, and few unlikely allies, to stop the maniac that's on the loose.
After that promising opening, the film quickly goes down hill. The plot gets ludicrous when the police recruit one of the college students to help. Then, if that wasn't insane enough, they bring in a famous tennis star to help as well. Again, the effects are what raise the bar a tad with decapitation in broad daylight, and a halving complete with pants wetting, which is a nice realistic touch to me. I mean, if someone's coming at me with a chainsaw, you can bet your ass that I'm gonna piss my pants.
On to the acting. Even with the bad dialogue, most of the actors deliver it with a straight face, which is surprising given some of the situations they are in. Oh wait, nevermind, that's just bad dubbing. By far the best character is the groundskeeper Willard, played by Paul Smith. Many readers may remember him as Bluto from the live action Popeye movie, or possibly as Rabban in Dune. Anyways, he is absolutely hilarious every time he comes on screen. He seems to be the only one who gets how ridiculous this movie truly is.
How ridiculous you ask? The best example is when our undercover tennis star runs into some guy who busts out with all kinds of kung fu, then when she knocks him down, says he doesn't remember what happened, just that he was jogging and the next thing he knows he's on the ground. "Must be bad Chop Suey." And that is a direct quote. Followed closely by a scene in which our villain hides a chainsaw behind his back while in an elevator with his victim, and she doesn't notice!
Pieces tried very hard to capitalize on the success of such genre classics as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Friday the 13th, yet would have worked better as a parody instead of a serious film. But if you love 80's horror, it may be worth your while. For all others, grab a few friends and a lot of beer and sit back and take potshots at this horrible yet funny film.
One final note. For those in the Detroit area, be sure to keep a lookout for future screenings by 42nd St Drive-In at the Novi Emagine theater. Kind of sporadic in their scheduling but these guys love there horror and have provided a semi-regular opportunity to showcase some of the best (and worst) horror movies from the 70's and 80's. Many thanks to Jason Buchanan, Bob Felts and Brad Torreano for helping to broaden Detroit's horror fanbase.
4/10
Keep reading,
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Movie/DVD Review: Pieces by ME
Saturday, September 13, 2008
DVD Review: The Nines by Mitch Emerson
I love movies that mess with your mind; that keep you guessing what is real and what is not. I am also a big fan of movies that have twists in them that change everything you thought you understood up until that one moment, that one situation or piece of information that usually comes out of nowhere and either brings realization to you and the characters, or turns their world and your perspective upside down. When they are done well, such as Donnie Darko, Memento, A Beautiful Mind and even the first Matrix film, we love them. When they are done badly – Nic Cage's Next is the first that comes to mind - they are such a let down. Bad “mindfuck” films, as I call them, leave you feeling cheated in the end. The Nines doesn't. It leaves you with questions for sure, but can also start some interesting conversation as it did with my wife and I.
The Nines is one of those that plays things a little different. You don't know what is happening pretty much from the get-go. Ryan Reynolds, Hope Davis and Melissa McCarthy play multiple roles in a film containing three separate, yet connected stories. The first, The Prisoner, is about an actor who is placed under house arrest. The second, Reality Television, follows a creator/showrunner of a television show in the style of it's own reality TV show, and the last, Knowing, is the story of a man trying to get help for him and his family whose car has broken down.
John August brings all of these actors together with a story that goes from cute to creepy, to confusing back to cute again almost effortlessly. There are only a few times that would be considered WTF!? and those moments still keep you interested instead of pulling you out of the movie. There is also an underlying (well not so underlying - it kind of smacks you in the head at one point) spiritual message that can be interpreted many different ways and yet not be preachy. Hell, I'm not even sure if it was meant to be spiritual or sarcastic or just thought provoking.
This is a film that will take multiple viewings to make complete sense of, but is enjoyable enough that I won't mind watching a few times.
9/10
Keep reading,
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com
Monday, August 25, 2008
What I watched This Week- 08/15-08/22 by ME
136. 08/14/08 – Oldboy – 9/10 – Great foreign movie about revenge. Confusing at times but a super dark ending, but a great story.
137. 08/16/08 - Juno - 10/10 - My mother wanted to watch it, she had never seen it. See full review.
138 - 08/17/08 - Bird on a Wire - 6/10 - Mom bought it at a garage sale. i twas this or Pretty Woman. Easily forgettable.
139. 08/20/08 - Secretary - 7/10 - Another that is a second viewing. It takes a leap of faith when their relationship crosses the line of appropriateness. Otherwise a decent if unorthodox love story.
Movie Review: Star Wars: Clone Wars by ME
Clone Wars follows Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi's exploits during the period between Episode II and Episode III. The lead off for an animated TV series which will air on the Sci-Fi Channel as well as TNT this fall, Clone Wars holds up in the well established Star Wars universe, with a few grievances. It's not a bad film, there are just a few things that really hurt this ambitious project.
The story goes like this – Darth Sidious and Count Dooku have kidnapped Jabba the Hutt's son in order to fake a rescue so they can get Jabba on the side of the Separatists. Obi-Wan and Anakin, along with Anakin's precocious new padawan, Ahsoka Tano, must actually rescue Jabba's son for the same reason, as well as to expose Dooku and his apprentice Asajj Ventress for what they truly are.
I know it isn't a very strong plot but this is the lead off for a TV show that is aimed at children as well as hardcore fans. And that is where the problem lies. Amidst rather brutal scenes of clone trooper deaths and massive destruction, scenes of over humanized and way, way over the top humorous battle droids have been added for comic relief. If the pendulum didn't swing so fast and far between brutal and humorous, it might have worked. Well, at least Jar Jar Binks doesn't show up. Another point of contention is the lack of John Williams famous score. It's there, but “re-imagined” or “updated” some may say, but it didn't work for me, at least for the beginning and end credits, that is. When I go to a Star Wars film I want that first, familiar, blaring note to blast out at me and make it feel like I am returning to something familiar and well loved.
Most of the voice acting is spot on, however, the voice used for Chancellor Palpatine stands out like a sore thumb among voices who at least try to match their real life counterparts. Which is really too bad as the voice actor who plays him – Ian Abercrombie, does a decent Darth Sidious, but as Palpatine is sorely lacking. Anakin's voice, provided by Matt Lanter is even better for Anakin than Hayden Christensen, less whiny and a tad more serious while still retaining some of the impertinence from Christensen's performance. And James Arnold Taylor's Obi-Wan brings forth a well set tone of authority and wisdom that fits Obi-Wan to a T. Some of the best work was for Yoda and Padme, Tome Kane and Catherine Tabor respectively. I was surprised to find it wasn't Frank Oz and Natalie Portman voicing them since they had gotten Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Daniels and Christoipher Lee to reprise their roles.
As well as as decent voice cast, Clone Wars has some great animation, even if some of the character design is slightly lacking. The battle scenes are gorgeous, continuing what was previously showcased in Episode's II and III. The lightsaber duels were tight and beautifully choreographed except for the fight between Obi-Wan and Asajj Ventress which seemed a little jerky at times. But, ever since the original trilogy, I have always been excited to see what a Jedi in his/her prime can do and I have not been disappointed with the prequels, and Clone Wars continues to wow me with the feats of the Jedi.
All in all. Clone Wars may not be a perfect Star Wars film, but I will be watching every episode that is aired, if only to see how Ahsoka fairs by being trained by the future Darth Vader. I mean, you know it isn't going to end well right? Some have said that giving Anakin a padawan ruins established continuity, but I believe we will just have to see how everything turns out.
7/10
Keep reading,
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com
Friday, August 15, 2008
New Feature: What I Watched This Week by ME
Now I don't review everything I watch. If I did, I would never stop writing. I have, however, started a list of movies that I have watched for the entire year. I won't bore you with the entire list so far, but I will start posting each weeks additions with a thought or two on the film. And actually, this first post will cover the last two weeks as I had some minor surgery last Thurs. and wasn't up to posting.
Also, I am not including TV shows here either, that's why the list is a little lean as I have been catching up on season 1 of Burn Notice, series 2 of Spaced and seasons 2 and 3 of Weeds. Feel free to post comments or ask me to expound on any of the movies.
Mitch Emerson
127. 08/01/08 - POTC: At World's End – 8/10 - Less confusing than the first time I saw it, but the effects more than make up for minor bitches about the convoluted plot. Some of the humor takes you away from the darker tone of the third film.
128. 08/02/08 - Charlie Bartlett – 8/10 - Entertaining and fun film that lets Anton Yelchin finally lead, instead of being upstaged by Justin Timberlake. See full review
129. 08/05/08 - 28 Weeks Later - A decent sequel. Minor issues with zombie dad which were sort of explained as he holds on to some logic. See full review.
130. 08/06/08 - Batman (1966) – 3/10 - Way too campy for even a big Batman fan like myself.
131. 08/06/06 - Stand By Me – 10/10 - One of the best adaptations of a Stephen King story.
132. 08/07/08 - Jumper - 6/10 - Not as bad as most have said. Seriously missing character development as well as being badly edited. See full review
133. 08/07/08 - Bicentennial Man - 8/10 - It feels a little long, but nothing really feels extemporaneous. The love story seems a tad weird, but helps set up a wonderful ending.
134. 08/08/08 - The Bank Job – 7/10 - Rented it for Jason Statham, sadly he doesn't kick any ass. Not a bad heist film, a little convoluted for my taste.
135. 08/10/08 – 1408 – 8/10 - Decent adaptation of a Stephen King story. Dragged a little in the middle.
136. 08/14/08 – Oldboy – 9/10 – Great foreign movie about revenge. Confusing at times but a super dark ending and a great story.
DVD Review: Jumper by ME
In Jumper, David Rice (Hayden Christensen) is a guy who can teleport. Does he use this skill to help the world? No, he uses it to rob banks and get the girl (Rachel Bilson). But does this make him a bad guy? Not really, although it seems to me that he does have some moral issues which make him a questionable “hero” for the film. Anyways, enter Roland (Samuel L Jackson), leader of a group of fanatics called Paladins, who just want to kill all jumpers since they believe no one should wield such power. Jamie Bell pops in as a mentor who is also a lone wolf type.
Now it's established early on that David has had a rough childhood, which explains why he isn't a nice guy, but there could have been more. Also shown is him watching people trapped in a flood on tv and he does nothing to help. Even though Christensen's acting has improved over his stint in the Star Wars prequels, as a character, I still have more sympathy for Anakin. I mean, David is technically a criminal even though the Paladins that are after him seem to be zealots themselves.
It seems to me that Sam Jackson was just collecting a paycheck on this one if we hadn't already known about his big interest in comic books and sci-fi. I mean Unbreakable and the Star Wars prequels should be hint enough. And as much as Hayden's skills as an actor have improved and Sam Jackson is, well, Sam Jackson, the most believable is Rachel Bilson, who is confused for most of the film. But with the story as confusing as it is, she may not actually be acting. Then she decides she doesn't want any part of David's predicament, which hopefully mirrors her feelings for her involvement in the film or any sequels that may or may not happen.
I know the movie is called Jumper, but does it have to jump from scene to scene? At times, Jumper seems hastily put together and edited. And all the jumping to and from public places, not exactly a smart thing to do when the “badder” guys are after you. I say “badder” as we have already established that David isn't a saint himself, even though he is trying to save the girl. He treats her like crap, but hey, it's the thought that counts right? Some missed opportunities include the dynamic between David and his mother, which would help any sequel that gets made. Hell any kind of character development would help.
While the effects are nothing super special, their use is. The choreography of the fight scenes incorporating the jumping technique adds a little oomph to an otherwise lackluster film. After watching the special features, I learned that the effects were toned down on purpose, which makes sense. As well as the fact that it was planned from the get go that there was going to be three movies, if the first did well enough. Most interesting though is a section called Previz: Future Concepts, which were animatics that seems to be from future movies since they didn't look familiar at all. The action in those sequences is gonna be pretty interesting and should bring the action to the next level if future movies are made. Also a few trailers and commentaries, but since this was a rental I didn't get the chance to listen to.
Jumper is, at best, a way to waste some free time, if you don't have anything better to do.
5/10
Keep reading,
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
DVD Review: Charlie Bartlett by ME
Charlie just wants to fit in, that's all. But having been raised in a wealthy family and having gone to private schools his whole life, it's no surprise that he has problems when he has to go to public school. When the family doctor prescribes Ritalin needlessly, Charlie sells them and instantly becomes the man to know. This somehow leads to him becoming the school "shrink". Now in real life I think he would just become a straight up dealer, but Yelchin's Bartlett is a nice enough kid that it might happen. And then the inevitable fall comes and Charlie must redeem himself, but it seems to get harder at every turn.
The main reason I wanted to see Charlie Bartlett was because of Anton Yelchin's performance in Alpha Dog. The boy was phenomenal (except for his singing), and he was only upstaged by a surprisingly good performance by Justin Timberlake, and is instantly likable in this as well. As we all know, Robert Downey Jr. may not be the best person to portray a person of authority, especially a principal, but he is pretty much believable, if unconventional. Kat Dennings is interesting here. I really like her and she does admirably in Charlie Bartlett, but I can't really see her as a leading lady. Great as a love interest, but I don't think she could carry a film all by herself. After those individual observations, I must say that the chemistry between all of the cast works remarkably well.
Special Features include two commentaries, one with the director and writer, and one with the director and Anton Yelchin and Kat Dennings. There isn't much besides those, just a music video and a strange little thing called "Restroom Confessional", which seems to be the cast and crew ad libbing confessions like in the movie. Not much here, but it's not a big budget, effects laden film that deserves a ton of features, but a making of would have been nice.
In the end, Charlie Bartlett is the story of a reluctant hero who must take responsibility for his action and become the real hero that everyone thinks he is. Do I recommend it? Yes I do. Why? Because it's an entertaining movie with a cast that really works together and has just enough of a serious undercurrent to keep it slightly grounded in semi-reality.
If they ever decide to remake Ferris Bueller's Day Off (Please don't!), they could do worse than casting Anton Yelchin as Ferris.
Keep reading,
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com
Don't forget to Digg it!
So my wife and my best friend have gone off and...
... created their own blogs! You thought that my marriage had gone down the toilet didn't you?
Seriously, my wife has been told by many, many of her online friends that she should write an advice column for years. Well, she finally did and now needs readers and people to help. It's over on Blogger so you know you can comment anonymously if you would like to keep some privacy and she is working on different ways to submit/comment so you don't have to sign up if you don't want to. I know it seems like I am just advertising for her but she truly has her feet planted on the ground and gives good, straight from the heart advice, but don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself at Judi's Relationship Advice.
As far as my best friend, Odd goes, he has a radio show called Mad World Radio which is about to begin it's third season on September 5th. It's mostly a talk show with music thrown in. Topics have ranged from parenthood to local Detroit musicians. From books and movies to personal rants to some relationship advice. And! And! I will be joining him at least once a month for Mitch's Movie Minute, so if you don't want to listen to him, then listen for me, lol. Just kidding. The dude has a great personality and some slightly off-kilter opinions but he will always entertain as well as make you think. His blog can be found on Blogger as well - Mad World Radio - The Blog
So there you have it.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Motor City Nightmares Convention Report by ME
By Mitch Emerson
The Motor City Nightmares convention was held this past weekend and yours truly was able to attend this fledgling event on Saturday. Even though George Romero had to cancel his appearance to do a film project, there was no shortage of famous guests. We had Jason himself (Kane Hodder), Michael Myers (Tony Moran) and even the Candyman (Tony Todd)! Surprise last minute addition was Tobe Hooper, director of the classic Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Poltergeist. For the classic horror fans who could resist a 40 year reunion for the cast of the original Night of the Living Dead? In attendance was Kyra Schon, Bill Hinzman, Judith O"Dea, Marilyn Eastman, John Russo, George Kosana and Russell Streiner. Other attendees included James Russo, Caroline Williams and Monique Dupree.
[READ MORE AT FATALLY-YOURS.COM]
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Movie Review: The Dark Knight by ME
Wow, just holy jeez wow. The Dark Knight has exceeded any and all expectations that I had, which actually weren't that high because I avoided as much hype and spoilers as possible. My intrigue was only piqued by the trailers and some of the ingenious, if not overdone viral marketing. The best Batman film, if not the best comic book movie of all time. Scratch that, I'm sticking to my guns, The Dark Knight IS the best comic book movie ever, and this is coming from a guy with comic book character tattoo's and a closet filled with longboxes.
How can I convince you of that? Sadly, I don't think I can. This is one that you will just have to trust me on and see for yourself. The story has plenty of twists and turns that spin a web of a story that weaves tightly together and comes to a seat gripping climax. Everything builds up nicely, but not slowly. We start with a bang of a bank robbery that introduces us to the Joker and shows just how ruthless he is. And it only gets better. Even things from the trailer that didn't work for me redeem themselves. Take the Bat-Pod for instance. Stupid name, and with those huge tires it looks almost unbelievable, but when this thing bursts onto the screen and you really get to see it in action, it's pretty slick. We also get to see more of the evolution of the Batsuit itself. I won't say anything as I don't want to spoil anything, but it is an interesting thing to see that Batman doesn't know everything about everything even after doing this for a year or so.
Yes it was a shame that Heath Ledger passed on shortly after completing filming, but we have heard all about that that we really need, or care to. I am only going to judge his performance based on his performance and he really does become the Joker. Not one single speck of Heath Ledger comes through here. He really is a psychotic mad dog that has been taken off his leash to wreak havoc. I can understand why he had issues sleeping during and after filming. Hell, I'm gonna have trouble sleeping after watching it! Christian Bale proves his worth once again both as Bruce Wayne and Batman. Both have grown in ways. We see Batman come to the realization and acceptance of just what his role as Gotham's “Dark Knight” truly needs to be. Watching Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent is just as awesome. His character's rise and fall really hits you because he truly is a hero in the true sense of the word, even Batman admits this at one point. And to see his fall from grace is just heartbreaking. Maggie Gyllenhaal is 100% stronger as Rachel Dawes than Katie Holmes was and that's all that really needs to be said about her, right? Gary Oldman gets a more interesting chunk of the story to work with this time as we see how he comes to be the Police Commissioner, team him with Harvey Dent and Gotham wouldn't need a Batman. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman round out the cast but are little more than supporting characters this time around. It was also nice to see Scarecrow again, albeit only briefly, to help tie up one loose end from Batman Begins.
In a nutshell? The Dark Knight is the end all Batman movie, plain and simple. No real flaws to speak of. Great story, great pace, great acting, great action, just plain great.
10/10
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com
Thursday, July 17, 2008
DVD Review Link: Otis by ME
Otis is a welcome addition to the horror-comedy genre without tipping over into the land of parody such as films like Black Sheep and Shaun of the Dead. Otis is at first, instilled with just enough humor to take the edge off while letting us inside the head of two types of people: The psychopath Otis (Bostin Christopher) himself, who just wants to have his perfect Prom night (at least 25 years too late) and the Lawsons, his latest victims family played wonderfully by Daniel Stern, Illeana Douglas, and Jared Kusnits. Kevin Pollak turns in a different performance as Otis's older, meaner brother whose life Otis is trying to emulate, something that isn't directly addressed but you pick up along the way. What makes this film different than other psychopath/serial killer flicks is that the Lawsons get their revenge, which is where the fun really begins. Taking a few unexpected turns is always a good thing in these types of movies, and Otis pulls darkness, humor, tension and a great soundtrack into a tight and different type of film.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Movie Review: The Incredible Hulk by ME
I may be one of the few who actually liked Ang Lee's version of the Hulk. Sure, we didn't see the Hulk until an hour in. Sure I was lost by the end, just as everyone else was. I liked the comic book transitions between scenes, even if it was over used a bit. And the Hulk himself was pretty awesome. Too bad the best fight was against a pack of ridiculous looking giant radioactive dogs, including a poodle. In a nutshell Ang added a little too much Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon to a film that should have been “HULK SMASH!” for an hour and a half or so.
Well, Louis Leterrier has fixed just about everything that needed fixing. For those not in the know, Marvel chose to “reboot” the Hulk franchise instead of doing an out and out sequel. This movie is a tale of a Bruce Banner on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of General T. “Thunderbolt” Ross, while trying to find a cure, while also trying to avoid situations that would cause him to turn into the Hulk. I swear, it's not easy being green. And to add to it, Ross has brought in Emil Blonsky and given him a “Super Soldier Serum” (Yes, it's the same stuff that creates Captain America) which makes him stronger and faster so he can get a rematch with the Hulk. Things go wrong (of course!) and Blonsky becomes The Abomination, a monster that only the Hulk has the power to deal with.
Edward Norton may be seen in the press as a prima donna with his insistence on having creative control as well as shunning all publicity for The Incredible Hulk, but I'll forgive him for that since he has helped to deliver a great Hulk film. Performance wise, he is just about perfect. All of the cast is. Liv Tyler, William Hurt, and Tim Roth all deserve a pat on the back.
I have to say that The Incredible Hulk has the best cgi since The Lord of the Rings. Ok, well, the hair on the Hulk does need a little work but watching the Hulk's muscles ripple and his hands shake as he screams his rage is something you have to see on the big screen. Gone is the pretty, artistic Hulk that Ang Lee brought us. This is a down and dirty Hulk who just wants to be left alone. And that is what really got me in The Incredible Hulk, we get to see two giant creatures beating the living crap out of each other until only one is left standing. THAT is what comic fans in general, and Hulk fans in particular, have been waiting for.
With little nods to the comics and the TV show, Hulk is an action packed slugfest peppered with feeling and comedic bits that don't go over the top. A must see for any comic or action movie fan. If Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk is what Marvel comes back with after let downs like X3, Ghost Rider, Daredevil and Electra, and with the promise of Captain America, Thor, and The Avengers on the distant horizon, then make mine Marvel!
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Review Link: The Mental Dead by ME
Fatally-Yours.com has sent me a screener for a no-budget horror flick ($80, no kidding) called The Mental Dead. I must have been Mental for watching it. Here is a portion of the review. A link to the full review follows.
I am usually pretty hard on low budget horror films even though I admire the courage it takes to pick up a camera, get out there, and shoot a movie. Due to a recent discussion with Fatally-Yours.com’s own Dr. Royce Clemens, I learned that production values should not be the focus of a review of a film of this type. Unfortunately The Mental Dead lacks the other attributes as well, namely a plot and acting. So I will “discuss” all three aspects.
The film opens with four college kids in a car, one injured, in front of a high school overrun with zombies. Our heroes, Crash and Tyler, show up, convince the kids to go into the school where a lame game of cat and mouse begins. Will they survive? Who cares…
First – When a German actor has one of the most fake sounding German accents of all time it cannot be a good thing. Konrad Brattke’s death could not come soon enough, and I mean that literally. When we first meet him, he has already had his throat cut or bitten, which is spurting blood and yet it took him ten minutes to die.http://www.fatally-yours.com/horror-reviews/the-mental-dead/
Keep reading,
Mitch E
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Movie Review: Cloverfield by ME
Title: Cloverfield
Starring: Lizzy Caplan, T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Michael Stahl-David
Directed By: Matt Reeves
Produced By: Sherryl Clark, Guy Riedel, J.J. Abrams
Genre: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Drama and Thriller
Running Time: 1 hr. 24 min.
Release Date: January 18th, 2008 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, terror and disturbing images.
Distributors: Paramount Pictures
9/10
Cloverfield is a Godzilla type movie yet both less and more at the same time. Innovative story telling told through the lens of a video camera found in Central Park by the Department of Defense with no narration, explanation or anything. The whole story is told by the videotape recorded by a group of friends in an eight hour period as they try to rescue another friend and escape the city when a creature attacks New York.
The “acting” is phenomenal when taken in context. No deep conversations or useless dialogue to continue the story. Nope, this is just four young adults scared out of their minds and doing the best that they can. Due to the lack of character development you don't really care who they are, the raw emotion of the situation is enough to make you care what happens to these people who just happen to live in the wrong city at the wrong time.
Except for those two minor issues Cloverfield is one hell of an creative movie that delivers the scares and tension in a whole new way.
I'm Mitch Emerson, and I approve of this movie.
Keep reading,
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Theater Review: Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street by JR
With the big screen, award winning release of “Sweeney Todd” this holiday season, we should all at least have an idea of what the story is about. Just in case you’ve missed it, I’ll summarize. Sweeney Todd is a barber with a wife and baby girl when he is thrown in jail for a crime he did not commit. Upon his release fifteen years later, he returns to his former house and barber shop in London to hear that his wife has committed suicide and his baby girl is living in the house of the Judge who wrongly accused him. The Judge has adopted her and she thinks that he is her father. Naturally, Mr. Todd wants to exact revenge on the Judge who locked him away and stole his daughter, so he opens his barber shop to give his customers, and hopefully the Judge, the “closest shave they’ll ever know”.
I had never seen a stage production of “Sweeney Todd” before the movie came out this past December, but I had seen stills from it. I had also seen “Jersey Girl”, which has a scene from the stage production. These images combined along with what I had seen in Tim Burton’s film version were what I was expecting for the stage production. Boy was I wrong.
The 2005 Broadway revival is quite different than the original 1979 production of “Sweeney Todd”. The most important and challenging change is that there is an absence of an orchestra section. The cast plays each instrument in the orchestration and carries the instruments with them as they play their characters onstage. The small cast of 10 never goes off-stage. They are on the stage the entire length of the musical, with the exception of the intermission of course. This was a truly remarkable thing to watch. The pianist also happened to be playing the Beadle, and while he was in center stage as the Beadle, the Beggar Woman put down her oboe and played piano. Then when the Beadle was done with his lines, he would go back to the piano while Mrs. Lovett came out playing the tuba. Johanna plays the cello while singing “Green Finch and Linnet Bird”. It’s something I’ve never seen before and really speaks to the talent of the cast.
Another surprise was the set design. Gone is the crude two story barber shop/meat pie shop from the photos for the original Broadway production. Instead, there is only a wooden platform raised approximately 6 inches off of the floor that the cast uses as their stage. This wooden platform also ascends behind them, reaching all the way above the rafters. They’re more like wood slats than a platform, actually. Resembling a picket fence with openings between the wood. This allowed light to shine through to give more mood to the scene. When the mood is light, a white light shone through the slats. When Sweeney was killing, a red light shone through. This was a very unique way to give off the very unique feel of this musical. Other than the platform/wood slats, there was no set. The characters had a few chairs, a ladder and a coffin onstage to stand in as other things. For example, the coffin would stand upright and open to act as the doorway to the Judge’s home. Or Anthony would stand on a ladder to proclaim his love for Johanna.As beautiful and captivating as it was to watch, one must really be familiar with the story to understand what was going on. The actors are all moving all over the stage and without any set and with their fellow actors playing the instruments around them, aren’t always able to speak directly at each other when having a conversation. In fact, it was rare when they were actually together in the same area of the stage. The only characters who shared some true alone time were Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd. This is of course essential for those two characters in particular. If Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd have no chemistry, the musical wouldn’t flourish the way it has.
The cast obviously has to be talented to pull this off. The score for ”Sweeney Todd” is said to be Steven Sondheim’s most challenging and anyone who’s ever had to sing it knows this firsthand. One can easily be out of breath and out of energy simply by singing and standing in place. These actors have to not only sing the challenging score, but they also have to play the entire orchestration and act the entire musical. Judy Kaye, who filled in for Patti LuPone on Broadway for the 2005 revival, plays Mrs. Lovett in the touring production and she is the heart and soul of the group. She’s no stranger to the character and can act this part without a hitch. She’s amazing. David Hess plays Sweeney Todd with an agony and emotion that was so different from Johnny Depp’s Sweeney Todd. I can’t say one was better than the other; they each bring so much to the role. Needless to say, I loved Mr. Hess’s performance. The rest of the cast was astounding as well, naturally. I just can’t imagine having the range of talent that each member of this cast has.
The stage production of “Sweeney Todd” is simply phenomenal. Even if you’ve seen the movie, it’s an experience completely unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Trust me.
If you’d like to experience the tour of “Sweeney Todd”, click here for more information:
http://www.sweeneytoddtour.com/photo.htm
Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com
Monday, January 14, 2008
Movie Review: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by JR
“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is based on a true story. Jean-Dominque Bauby was the editor of Elle magazine in Paris when he had a completely debilitating stroke at the young age of 43. He was paralyzed from head to toe, what doctors call “locked-in syndrome”, unable to walk, talk, or communicate. He could only blink his left eye, which later a nurse uses to help him communicate. What is remarkable about this story is that as dire as the situation, Jean-Do (as his friends call him) eventually sees hope. Before his stroke, he had arranged a book deal with a publisher and he wants to write his book, with the aid of his nurse, written entirely by his communicating with his left eye.
Every time I’ve tried to recommend this film, I’ve heard the same things, “Wow that sounds depressing”. Yes, it does sound depressing. I mean, the story is very tragic. If you look closer, you’ll find that it’s a tremendously emotional and at times uplifting film. It’s a story of great loss and then great triumph over that loss. There’s nothing like this film. You could compare it to films like “My Left Foot” I suppose, but the comparisons are slim. “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” captivates you, paralyzing you for the entire duration of the film as you sit in awe and wonder at the reality of the events unfolding.
A great majority of the film is told from the point of view of Jean-Do through his one blinking eye. The audience is put in his position as much as possible, even allowing us to hear his internal monologue as he learns of his stroke and finds out he cannot speak. We get to hear his reactions to his visitors and his nurses and doctors. A great deal of it is humorous. Even in his state, he hasn’t lost his sense of humor.
It’s not easy to even imagine yourself in a similar situation. You can imagine all day being locked in a room or in a straightjacket or something, and the feelings of panic, paranoia, claustrophobia that come with it. Still it isn’t close to how Mr. Bauby must have felt. Being trapped in your own body...Wow. It’s a living nightmare.
“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is an amazing film, an experience not to be missed. It’s the ultimate story of overcoming obstacles.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Update: “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” won two Golden Globe awards. One for Best Director, beating out the Coen Brothers for “No Country for Old Men”, Tim Burton for “Sweeney Todd” and Ridley Scott for “American Gangster. Quite a feat! It also won for Best Foreign Language Film, beating out Ang Lee’s “Lust/Caution”.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Movie Review: The Orphanage by ME
Title: The Orphanage
Starring: Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Príncep, Geraldine Chaplin, Montserrat Carulla (II)
Directed By: Juan Antonio Bayona
Produced By: Guillermo del Toro, Mar Targarona, Álvaro Augustin
Genre: Art/Foreign, Suspense/Horror and Thriller
Running Time: 1 hr. 45 min.
Release Date: December 21st, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for some disturbing content.
Distributors: Picturehouse
My rating: 9/10 (Only because I don't like subtitles, lol)
With the intention of opening a home for sick and disabled children, Laura (Belén Rueda) moves into the orphanage she grew up in, along with her husband, Carlos (Fernando Cayo), and their son, Simón (Roger Príncep). As the opening of the home approaches Simón's small group of imaginary friends grows, hinting at something more than child's play. Before opening day is over Simón disappears, pulling Laura into a dark game that threatens to destroy her sanity.
A quick review for a movie that really needs to be seen in order to believe just how good it is, The Orphanage is by far the scariest movie I have seen in a long, long time. Director Juan Antonio Bayona takes his cues from producer Guillermo Del Toro using the same dark fantasy storytelling that was prevalent in Del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth, making me wonder if Del Toro pulled a Poltergeist and had more to do with the film than we are led to believe, just as Steven Spielberg “lent a helping hand” to Tobe Hooper in directing Poltergeist.
Speaking of Poltergeist, the best way to describe The Orphanage would be to take Poltergeist, The Haunting and Pan's Labyrinth and put them in a blender, mix, and then sprinkle a little bit of The Others on top. Bayona uses suspense like a master, building tension out of nothing at all. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat for no reason at all. Low angles are used where you would expect to see a hand snake out of the darkness. Or a far away shot where you expect someone to step into frame watching the lead characters. Those are just a few examples of how he creates tension and keeps it up by not using those moments, instead opting to keep the tension tight. The creepy sound design and eerie music add to the overall tone of the film quite nicely.
For once there is a movie where the performances take a backseat to the story itself, which is a good thing, because as with Pan's Labyrinth, it is hard to judge an actors ability when you can't speak their language. You don't get the cadence and tone and inflection that we use to judge the actors ability to project emotion. On the other hand, a performance can also be graded on body language and the ability to express emotion with your eyes, and that is how I judged the actors in The Orphanage. We spend most of the movie with Belén Rueda, who plays Laura. She carries the film well as a distraught mother who knows her son is still alive. Her anguish comes across quite clearly as she knows what to do, but not how to do it. While Fernando Cayo,as Laura's husband, has a few scenes where you can see in his eyes how much he cares for Laura and how helpless he feels because he doesn't know how to help her while in other scenes, it seems he's just going through the motions.
If you liked the Pan's Labyrinth, you will like The Orphanage, trust me. Even if you haven't seen Pan's Labyrinth, like horror films and can handle subtitles, then see The Orphanage. With scares, plot twists, atmosphere and just all around plain creepiness, The Orphanage is what I consider to be a prime example of suspense/horror.
Until Guillermo Del Toro and Clive Barker collaborate,
keep reading
Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Emagine Canton Announces a Price War!
(and area moviegoers
will be the big winners!)
(Canton Township, Michigan – January 11, 2008)…Emagine Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to announce that it is reducing its ticket prices at Emagine Canton below that of its nearby competitor, effective today, in response to its competitor’s discount pricing policy. Emagine Canton will lower its admission fees, across the board, to prices just below that of the Canton 7 Cinema.
The decision to lower ticket prices at Emagine Canton was precipitated by the pricing policies of Emagine’s competitor located a mere 2 miles away. In order to compete effectively, Emagine management decided to not simply match prices, but to beat them and give the consumer the best movie going experience at what metropolitan Detroit consumers have voted the best movie theatre in Michigan in several local publications. Emagine Canton will continue to provide its patrons with the best movie value in metropolitan Detroit . In commenting on the new pricing policy, Paul Glantz, Founder/Chairman of Emagine Entertainment, declared “Our guests will enjoy a superb movie-going experience at a rock bottom price. We will not be undersold.”
NEW ADMISSION PRICES
Children (11 and under) - $3.75 All Day, Every Day
Seniors (55 & over) - $3.75 All Day, Every Day
Students (with I.D.) - $3.75 All Day, Every Day
Adults - $3.75 Matinees Every Day
Adults - $6.25 Evening Shows Every Day (all shows beginning at 6 p.m. or later)
Emagine’s 87,000 square foot Canton Township facility opened in October, 2004 and features nearly 4,000 seats along with cutting-edge projection and sound technology. All 18 auditoriums offer stadium seating, wall-to-wall screens, digital sound, digital projection, plush high back rocking chair seats with cup holder armrests, and minimum 46” row spacing. Emagine guests enjoy a wide variety of film choices and a dramatic 23,000 square foot dramatic lobby. Its full service concession stand offer all popular movie-going fare including hot fresh popcorn served in popcorn buckets, real butter, soft drinks, candy, nachos, and pizza plus specialty items including stuffed pretzels. Talk about innovations? Emagine is the only theatre chain in metropolitan Detroit to offer its guests a full array of beer, wine and cocktails that may be enjoyed at their seat during a show.
Emagine Canton is located just east of I-275, on the south side of Ford Road. Emagine Entertainment, Inc. operates 46 screens at three Michigan locations.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Start the New Year with ODD
http://68.41.19.146:8000/live.m3u
Be sure to check me out tonight at 8:00pm EST
Tonights show A Brave New Year! Find out what I think 08 will hold.
You can contact me on my messengers, AIM YAHOO AND MSN
madworldradio on AIM
madworldradio on YAHOO
MADWORLDRADIO@hotmail on MSN
