While part of the Everyman Critics is broadening each others movie viewing there are some movies that i watch that may not be suitable for everyone's viewing. Rather than subject everyone to some of my more provocative movie viewing habits i will post reviews in the blog of some movies that won't be discussed with everyone else. This will also help to cut down on talking about 7 or 8 movies i watched during the week. (This way hopefully Nolan won't be so pissy. ;)) This does not mean though that i won't push the boundaries every so often and make my fellow Everyman Critics watch movies they really don't want to watch. :)
-dan
This time i'm going to do a review of a movie that was based on one of my favorite short stories. I give you:
The Most Dangerous Game (1932)
TIME: 63 minutes
GENRE: Suspense
MPAA RATING: NR
LANGUAGE: English
DIRECTOR: Irving Pichel, Ernest B. Schoedsack
STARRING:
Joel McCrea, Fay Wray, Leslie Banks
RATING: 7/10
OVERVIEW:
The Most Dangerous Game is a cinematic retelling of Richard Connell's short story of the same name. It tells the story of a man who survives a shipwreck and is stranded on an island. An eccentric hunter lives on the island who has bored of hunting animals and has stumbled on the most dangerous game.
REVIEW:
This movie is a fairly faithful adaptation of one of my favorite short stories. There are a few things missing here and there that i recall, but then if they put them in it wouldn't have gotten past the standards board at the time. There is nothing really scary here or surprising if you know the story, but it's great fun to watch the story come to life. All of the characters are pretty much cardboard cutouts in a similar vein to all of the monster movies of the time, but again it's all fun. Definitely recommended if you enjoy the 1930's horror movies Frankenstein, Dracula, The Invisible and the ilk.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Shutter Island
Martin Scorsese has often been called the greatest living director and with his vast output of classic films this title is well deserved. Scorsese’s films have always been great examples of perfect storytelling. Some people prefer lots of hidden subtext and a “deeper” meaning but Scorsese simply tells a story with perfect direction and cinematography, the fact that his actors give great performances as well certainly doesn’t hurt.
Shutter Island is Scorsese’s newest film starring his new protégé Leonardo Dicaprio. This film is being marketed as a Horror film and while it certainly can fit into that category it transcends Horror to become something else, a psychological thriller that tells a great story.
The premise is simple enough, two federal marshals (played by Dicaprio and Mark Ruffalo) visit Shutter Island, home to a mental institute for the criminally insane, to search for a violent patient who has mysteriously escaped. Of course, during their investigation the marshals soon discover that nothing is as it appears and various devious plots are afoot. Some people may think that this is just generic horror plot #2 and “oh, I’ve seen this before” but they may be right but sorely mistaken at the same time.
During their stay at Shutter Island Dicaprio’s ulterior motives are revealed and in his quest to solve the mystery of Shutter Island you can see his character fall into madness. Is he going crazy? Is it all a conspiracy? Who knows, but the back story and various hallucinations he has might make you think either is possible. As Dicaprio searches for the truth he climbs deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole and the supporting cast continues to up the ante and propel this story forward, deeper into the mystery.
Scorsese pay homage to all the truly great horror/thrillers of yore. Alfred Hitchcock is a name that comes to mind because the tension and transformations of the characters throughout the course of the movie were his trademarks. During the opening scene where Dicaprio and Ruffalo are traveling on a ferry to the island I was thoroughly amused at the way the scene was shot, the dress of the characters (the movie takes place in 1954), and even the classic Boston accents as it really reminded me of classic Film Noir. Hell, the only thing that could have made the first half of this movie better would be if it was shot in black and white. This is a classic 50s film presented to a modern age!
One thing that cannot go unnoticed is the film score. The music was so appropriate in setting the mood it really harkens the classic noir and Hitchcock feel. This movie is all about atmosphere, from the style to the music and the character portrayals; you are involved with this film. Sure I never felt truly emotionally attached to the characters but the movie sucked me in to where I was right there alongside them trying to uncover the mystery of Shutter Island. What is better than feeling for characters than being a part of the story yourself? That depends of the movie and with Shutter Island being a part of the story is much more fun than feeling for the characters.
The performances are spot on and unlike other directors who try this type of story and fail, the execution and timing were perfect! As the story unfolds you know something isn’t right, secrets are being kept and something sinister is afoot; you (the viewer) feel like Dicaprio’s character and he shows this emotion and transition well. This film continues with the suspense and mystery all the way up to its dizzying climax and even then it doesn’t fail to enthrall.
It never goes for cheap scares, there are no boogiemen or supernatural killers, or any of the other tropes that many people dislike Horror for; there is only suspense, tension, timing, and great storytelling. This is why this is more Noir than Horror and also why this is a great movie that will be remembered as another Scorsese classic.
9/10
Am I being biased because it's Scorsese or is this a really enjoyable film that connects with what I like to see in movies? Let me know be sounding off in the comments or by emailing us at feedback@everymancritics.com.
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Shutter Island is Scorsese’s newest film starring his new protégé Leonardo Dicaprio. This film is being marketed as a Horror film and while it certainly can fit into that category it transcends Horror to become something else, a psychological thriller that tells a great story.
The premise is simple enough, two federal marshals (played by Dicaprio and Mark Ruffalo) visit Shutter Island, home to a mental institute for the criminally insane, to search for a violent patient who has mysteriously escaped. Of course, during their investigation the marshals soon discover that nothing is as it appears and various devious plots are afoot. Some people may think that this is just generic horror plot #2 and “oh, I’ve seen this before” but they may be right but sorely mistaken at the same time.
During their stay at Shutter Island Dicaprio’s ulterior motives are revealed and in his quest to solve the mystery of Shutter Island you can see his character fall into madness. Is he going crazy? Is it all a conspiracy? Who knows, but the back story and various hallucinations he has might make you think either is possible. As Dicaprio searches for the truth he climbs deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole and the supporting cast continues to up the ante and propel this story forward, deeper into the mystery.
Scorsese pay homage to all the truly great horror/thrillers of yore. Alfred Hitchcock is a name that comes to mind because the tension and transformations of the characters throughout the course of the movie were his trademarks. During the opening scene where Dicaprio and Ruffalo are traveling on a ferry to the island I was thoroughly amused at the way the scene was shot, the dress of the characters (the movie takes place in 1954), and even the classic Boston accents as it really reminded me of classic Film Noir. Hell, the only thing that could have made the first half of this movie better would be if it was shot in black and white. This is a classic 50s film presented to a modern age!
One thing that cannot go unnoticed is the film score. The music was so appropriate in setting the mood it really harkens the classic noir and Hitchcock feel. This movie is all about atmosphere, from the style to the music and the character portrayals; you are involved with this film. Sure I never felt truly emotionally attached to the characters but the movie sucked me in to where I was right there alongside them trying to uncover the mystery of Shutter Island. What is better than feeling for characters than being a part of the story yourself? That depends of the movie and with Shutter Island being a part of the story is much more fun than feeling for the characters.
The performances are spot on and unlike other directors who try this type of story and fail, the execution and timing were perfect! As the story unfolds you know something isn’t right, secrets are being kept and something sinister is afoot; you (the viewer) feel like Dicaprio’s character and he shows this emotion and transition well. This film continues with the suspense and mystery all the way up to its dizzying climax and even then it doesn’t fail to enthrall.
It never goes for cheap scares, there are no boogiemen or supernatural killers, or any of the other tropes that many people dislike Horror for; there is only suspense, tension, timing, and great storytelling. This is why this is more Noir than Horror and also why this is a great movie that will be remembered as another Scorsese classic.
9/10
Am I being biased because it's Scorsese or is this a really enjoyable film that connects with what I like to see in movies? Let me know be sounding off in the comments or by emailing us at feedback@everymancritics.com.
8½
While part of the Everyman Critics is broadening each others movie viewing there are some movies that i watch that may not be suitable for everyone's viewing. Rather than subject everyone to some of my more provocative movie viewing habits i will post reviews in the blog of some movies that won't be discussed with everyone else. This does not mean though that i won't push the boundaries every so often and make my fellow Everyman Critics watch movies they really don't want to watch. :)
-dan
This time i'm going to go back and post a review of a movie i watched awhile ago and was referenced in the 'Wristcutters: A Love Story' podcast, '8½'. It was only mentioned in passing, but it's such a great movie that i feel that it deserves more recognition from me. Oh, just so you don't think i'm going to go soft on my fellow everyman, we will most likely be watching this one in the future. On to the review:
8½ (1963)
TIME: 138 minutes
GENRE: Drama
MPAA RATING: NR
LANGUAGE: Italian
DIRECTOR: Federico Fellini
STARRING:
Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimee, Sandra Milo
RATING: 10/10
OVERVIEW:
A director fresh off a previous film which was a smash hit, prepares for his next film. However, the last film took much out of him so he heads to a spa for relaxation and recovery. While there he begins to become hounded by actors, producers, his mistress, his wife and retreats into a fantasy world. It was recently remade into a musical titled 'Nine'.
REVIEW:
8½ is a masterpiece! It is a semi-autobiographical film by Fellini on his own trials as a filmmaker. Mastroianni's performance made me very sympathetic to him even though his character is little more than a womanizer. For the most part it may seem that Fellini has just thinks of women as merely objects for his amusement, but by films end one can see that he has a deep love and respect for women – he just doesn’t know how to show it. After seeing this I know that I must see 'La Dolce Vita' as it is hailed by many as Fellini’s greatest film.
-dan
This time i'm going to go back and post a review of a movie i watched awhile ago and was referenced in the 'Wristcutters: A Love Story' podcast, '8½'. It was only mentioned in passing, but it's such a great movie that i feel that it deserves more recognition from me. Oh, just so you don't think i'm going to go soft on my fellow everyman, we will most likely be watching this one in the future. On to the review:
8½ (1963)
TIME: 138 minutes
GENRE: Drama
MPAA RATING: NR
LANGUAGE: Italian
DIRECTOR: Federico Fellini
STARRING:
Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimee, Sandra Milo
RATING: 10/10
OVERVIEW:
A director fresh off a previous film which was a smash hit, prepares for his next film. However, the last film took much out of him so he heads to a spa for relaxation and recovery. While there he begins to become hounded by actors, producers, his mistress, his wife and retreats into a fantasy world. It was recently remade into a musical titled 'Nine'.
REVIEW:
8½ is a masterpiece! It is a semi-autobiographical film by Fellini on his own trials as a filmmaker. Mastroianni's performance made me very sympathetic to him even though his character is little more than a womanizer. For the most part it may seem that Fellini has just thinks of women as merely objects for his amusement, but by films end one can see that he has a deep love and respect for women – he just doesn’t know how to show it. After seeing this I know that I must see 'La Dolce Vita' as it is hailed by many as Fellini’s greatest film.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Suicide is funny??
Welcome back everybody! Thanks for sticking around through our little break there but your patience has paid off! Episode 8 is now available.
Download the episode here!
Introduction 0:00 - 37:18
Dan watched a lot of movies, Nolan acts like a dick, Garrett watched a lot of movies, Nolan acts like a dick, I watched goddamn Zombieland, Nolan acts like a dick. See a pattern?
Oscar Predictions 37:18 - 55:48
We provide a mostly uninformed opinion about the 2009 Academy Awards. We do a round table discussion on who we think will win and who we feel should win. Will we be correct? Only time will tell so in the meantime check out all the nominees yourselves and give your opinions here!
Wristcutters: A Love Story 55:48 - 1:30:10
Such a great movie! Funny, sweet, thoughtful and also starring Nolan and Garrett (kinda sorta). Take a listen and definitely take a look!
Closing 1:30:10
So it's Garrett's turn, what fate will await us?? He says Oscar with Sylvester Stallone but....we shall see!!!
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Download the episode here!
Introduction 0:00 - 37:18
Dan watched a lot of movies, Nolan acts like a dick, Garrett watched a lot of movies, Nolan acts like a dick, I watched goddamn Zombieland, Nolan acts like a dick. See a pattern?
Oscar Predictions 37:18 - 55:48
We provide a mostly uninformed opinion about the 2009 Academy Awards. We do a round table discussion on who we think will win and who we feel should win. Will we be correct? Only time will tell so in the meantime check out all the nominees yourselves and give your opinions here!
Wristcutters: A Love Story 55:48 - 1:30:10
Such a great movie! Funny, sweet, thoughtful and also starring Nolan and Garrett (kinda sorta). Take a listen and definitely take a look!
Closing 1:30:10
So it's Garrett's turn, what fate will await us?? He says Oscar with Sylvester Stallone but....we shall see!!!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Last House on the Left (1972)
Horror movies are an iffy subject when it comes to most people. Some people don’t mind them while others hate them with a pure and unbridled passion! I however LOVE horror movies and try to make it a point to watch as many as possible to gain knowledge on the development of the genre as opposed to just wanting to see the wonderful violence.
The Last House on the Left was Wes Craven’s first film as a director so I could not resist checking this movie out. So what do I do? I rent the original and the 2009 remake for comparison’s sake.
What follows is a true story, only the names have been changed to protect the survivors.
The Last House on the Left (1972)
Mari and her friend Phyllis go into the city (NYC) to celebrate Mari’s 17th birthday before returning home. Mari’s parents are preparing a wonderful birthday party for their perfect, sweet little angel.
This movie starts off so joyfully, it really goes to show you how good of a person Mari is and how much she is loved by everyone around her. It really makes the viewer see her as an angel, one that should be kept precious and protected.
Then Mari and Phyllis decide they want to smoke pot (as everyone knows: drugs = death in a horror film) and come across some people that might be able to help them out. Too bad the people they find are 3 escaped criminals and their psychopathic friend/jail breaker!
What follows is approximately one hour of true horror. The girls are kidnapped and taken to the middle of the woods were they are, quite frankly, brutalized. The best I can akin this portion of the movie to is that of a snuff film. It may be Wes Craven’s masterful direction or the type of film used to shoot the movie, but it looks horrifyingly real. If I was asked while watching this movie if I thought the people on screen were actors, I would have said “NO!” Everyone does a terrific job of portraying their roles in a manner that I don’t think I have seen before. Usually you know that it is acting and that an actor is doing a good job or a shitty one. These people WERE their characters, and once again, great direction and/or 70s style grainy film really gives a home video touch that reaches out and grabs the viewer.
I felt for these girls, I was shocked at what I saw, and even felt a little guilty for watching it. If the entire movie was this portion…GREATEST HORROR MOVIE EVER!! But sadly, it’s not.
Throughout the film, we also follow the “adventures” of a couple of ignorant, worthless, idiotic cops. None of the scenes with the cops are funny in the least bit! I think their presence is meant to break the realism of the film, otherwise it would be practically impossible to watch, but these scenes are so stupid they simply upset the viewer and when it gets back to the main movie the viewer has lost most of their anxiety and intensity (don’t worry, wait 5 minutes and it will return).
The final act of the film centers on Mari’s parents with whom the killers have decided to (unknowingly) pay a visit to. While this act has moments that really make the viewer feel good, as well as horribly wrong, it is quite short and after the hour long snuff film we just saw, comes as quite a disappointment. If the intensity could have held up and we felt more suspense as the climax unfolded…the only gripe would be those damn cops!!
Justice is sweet, but after what we just went through we deserve to feel more vindicated than we ultimately do! 6/10
Stay tuned for my review/comparison of the 2009 remake of The Last House on the Left!
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The Last House on the Left was Wes Craven’s first film as a director so I could not resist checking this movie out. So what do I do? I rent the original and the 2009 remake for comparison’s sake.
What follows is a true story, only the names have been changed to protect the survivors.
The Last House on the Left (1972)
Mari and her friend Phyllis go into the city (NYC) to celebrate Mari’s 17th birthday before returning home. Mari’s parents are preparing a wonderful birthday party for their perfect, sweet little angel.
This movie starts off so joyfully, it really goes to show you how good of a person Mari is and how much she is loved by everyone around her. It really makes the viewer see her as an angel, one that should be kept precious and protected.
Then Mari and Phyllis decide they want to smoke pot (as everyone knows: drugs = death in a horror film) and come across some people that might be able to help them out. Too bad the people they find are 3 escaped criminals and their psychopathic friend/jail breaker!
What follows is approximately one hour of true horror. The girls are kidnapped and taken to the middle of the woods were they are, quite frankly, brutalized. The best I can akin this portion of the movie to is that of a snuff film. It may be Wes Craven’s masterful direction or the type of film used to shoot the movie, but it looks horrifyingly real. If I was asked while watching this movie if I thought the people on screen were actors, I would have said “NO!” Everyone does a terrific job of portraying their roles in a manner that I don’t think I have seen before. Usually you know that it is acting and that an actor is doing a good job or a shitty one. These people WERE their characters, and once again, great direction and/or 70s style grainy film really gives a home video touch that reaches out and grabs the viewer.
I felt for these girls, I was shocked at what I saw, and even felt a little guilty for watching it. If the entire movie was this portion…GREATEST HORROR MOVIE EVER!! But sadly, it’s not.
Throughout the film, we also follow the “adventures” of a couple of ignorant, worthless, idiotic cops. None of the scenes with the cops are funny in the least bit! I think their presence is meant to break the realism of the film, otherwise it would be practically impossible to watch, but these scenes are so stupid they simply upset the viewer and when it gets back to the main movie the viewer has lost most of their anxiety and intensity (don’t worry, wait 5 minutes and it will return).
The final act of the film centers on Mari’s parents with whom the killers have decided to (unknowingly) pay a visit to. While this act has moments that really make the viewer feel good, as well as horribly wrong, it is quite short and after the hour long snuff film we just saw, comes as quite a disappointment. If the intensity could have held up and we felt more suspense as the climax unfolded…the only gripe would be those damn cops!!
Justice is sweet, but after what we just went through we deserve to feel more vindicated than we ultimately do! 6/10
Stay tuned for my review/comparison of the 2009 remake of The Last House on the Left!
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