Gone? Go find it!

I finally managed to get round to watching Amanda Seyfried's new movie 'Gone' this weekend, and I have to admit it was pretty good. The trailers for this psychological thriller, in my opinion, do not do it justice, building it up as a bit of a predictable storyline and giving the impression that the trailer is simply a collection of the films best bits. In reality, it had likeable characters, plenty of twists and lots of tension. Just like 'Jennifer's Body' this movie shows us Seyfried's tough side, proving she is more than just a rom-com blonde. 

Another aspect which really made it stand out to me, is the fact that this is a serial killer flick, but for a change we do not just see things through the eyes of the police/killer/victim. Instead it offers you the chance to watch the family members that are left behind, and more importantly to watch how they act.

If you like anything like 'Kiss the Girls', you will like this one.

The Cream of the Crop:

Just another little top 5:
This time my top 5 all time favourites, things I have literally watched over and over.

1. The Mummy.
Everyone tends to raise their eyebrows when I tell them my favourite film of all time is 'The Mummy'.  But, its like I tell 'em: you can't change your first love, and this was mine.
I still love everything about this film, I love the characters, I love the comedy, I love the strangeness,  I love the fear, I love the romance. Its a real all-rounder, something for everyone. If you haven't seen it before, or its been more than a year since you have, please please watch it again! Accept its cheesiness up-front and ENJOY.

2. The Godfather Part II.
Whenever I'm having a crisis of faith, I'm stuck with some moral decision, or I just need some general life guidance: I turn to the Corleones.
I simply never, ever get tired of watching the Godfather Trilogy, Part II in particular. The values, the loyalty, the revenge, the violence, the food! What is not to love?
In my opinion, Michael Corleone is one of the greatest anti-hero's of cinema.

3. Silence of the Lambs.
Yet again, this is a close call between itself and the rest of the Hannibal films, but I love the friction between Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins in this one. I think it is this type of Love/Hate relationship that can really add to a film; the power battle between the two, for information, is often more suspense-filled than the actual violence! One of the first films that brought us into the lair of the serial-killer, If you have never watched this film: don't wait a moment longer.

4. Lolita.(1997)
After loving the book, I didn't really expect to love the film, half expecting America to tone it down too much. However, I was wrong. The 1997 version starring Jeremy Irons, is a fantastic film, set against a brilliant soundtrack. The loveable paedophile Humbert Humbert and his daughter Lolita embark on a road to disaster as they begin an illicit affair. Don't be fooled though, this isn't a kinky film; it's a love story in many respects, and a challenge in the other. Pushing the boundaries we so tightly grasp onto, Lolita asks us to consider what would happen if the 'what if's' we all imagine actually did happen.
One little warning, if you currently have a daughter in the teens, give it a miss for a couple of years, and save your self the worrying that will ensue.

5. High Society.
Last, but by no means least, the glorious 'High Society'. An all star cast leads this musical number; following two working class magazine writers into the heart of the socially elite as they encounter: alcohol, lies,plenty of parties, a wedding scandal, love and friendship. As you can imagine with Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong (just to mention a few) there is never a dull moment in this film. You will recognise some very famous songs in this jazzy number, its the perfect remedy when your feeling blue.

An American Horror Review:

After stumbling upon this new series by accident, I was Googling spoilers for The Walking Dead,  I thought I would give it a shot as the promo trailer seemed pretty cool.
It turns out I was right. This new horror show is a refreshing bolt from the blue. An amazing mix of old and new: with a 1920's Art Deco house (complete with creepy maid) thrown together with the strenuous side-effects of the LA suburbs, this television show scares
its unsuspecting audience in more ways than one.
The characters are all flawed, but comfortingly realistic, the storyline has plenty of bizzare twists and turns to keep you hooked, and the actors are perfect fits to their parts (note Dylan McDermott's cool 'dad hat'). My favourite part, however, has got to be the Anne Rice-ness throughout the whole thing. Being a huge fan of The Mayfair Family novels, I can't help but notice that same frighteningly-creepy-but-at-the-same-time-I-want-more feeling present throughout this television show. 

I won't give to much away as it isn't officially out in the UK yet, but If you like Anne Rice, Supernatural, Salems' Lot, The Amityville horror, or just haunted houses and creepiness in general you will LOVE American Horror Story.


                                          This one will be big...
                                          WATCH THIS SPACE.

5 Movies to Sink Your Teeth Into:

In honour of this months Film Four Vampire Season I though I would offer up my opinion on vampire flicks.
I have loved watching vampire movies since I first read Dracula, and simply can't get enough of them, here are my all time top 5:

1. Bram Stoker's Dracula.
An absolute classic, I love everything about this film.
From Gary Oldman's sunglasses and  top hat to Keanu Reeves' English accent, not to mention Anthony Hopkins dazzling, if not eccentric, portrayal of Van Helsing.This version of the infamous vampire is the stuff real nightmares are made of a true mix of love and the macabre, it draws you in but terrifies you at the same time. Makes Twilight tremble in its boots.

2. An Interview With The Vampire.
I'm a huge Anne Rice fan, so perhaps I am a little biased, but this has got to be one of the greatest vampire stories ever told. Not necessarily frightening or terrifying but it humanizes these monsters and brings them up close and into our world, giving us a glimpse into the ethical and moral issues encompassed by these creatures . And by allowing us to empathise with them we are able to relate with, and even love the characters, most of all the glorious Lestat.
Its a bit long but definitely worth it.

3. The Lost Boys.
This is 80's horror at its best. With a tagline like  'Sleep all day, party all night, its fun to be a vampire' what is not to love. With a killer (sorry for the pun) soundtrack, this movie transforms the vampire into cool, motor-bike riding, police man taunting, well-dressed teenagers with the ultimate mean streak. Corey Haim and Corey Feldham team up the slayer pack and add comic value,  making it a well-rounded horror-com.

4. Fright Night.
Continuing on the 80's theme, and similarly on the mixed genre theme, we have Fright Night. The classic 'Vampire next door' story in which a teenage boy believes his new neighbour may be more than he appears. This film offers laughs for light relief, but don't let that fool you, it also has an eerie feel to it and a strange sense of helplessnesses without.

5. 30 Days of Night.
Last but not least, the most frightening of the 5 films. This is vampire horror at its finest, with a real sense of claustrophobia and blood galore. If vampires exist I think this is the closest anyone has come to portraying them, they are animalistic and unrelenting in their pursuit of their prey. Don't watch it alone.

Step Into The Grey...

I admit, I might be a little biased when it comes to Liam Neeson Films.
Since 'Schindler's List' I have been amazed by the Irish actors chameleon abilities to take on any role, and yet still remain effortlessly cool.

His new film 'The Grey' is no exception. Following a group of men flying home from work ,who subsequently survive a terrifying plane crash. (The special effects are brilliant, you can practically feel the turbulence from your seat.) As the men assemble food and wood for a fire, while still trying to get their heads around the situation and loss of their friends, they begin to realise that the extreme weather is not their only problem:
While looking for fuel Neeson discovers the presence of wolves, a large pack to be exact, and the film spirals into a nail-biting cat and mouse game.

I must say, though, that 'The Grey' isn't just your typical survivor movie. Underneath its tough exterior harbour several deep philosophical and moral questions: the overwhelming feeling of loss, the harshness of death, the cruelness of nature and overall the question of the existence of God.If you like Neeson watch it. If you don't; watch it anyway. Probably one of the best films of the year.

   

Watch This Space...

The movies I can't wait to see:

1. 'The Devil Inside'
A relatively cheaply made horror, but none-the-less tipped to be one of the scariest films of the year.
A young girl whose mother was imprisoned for the murder of three people, during an exorcism, strives to learn the truth about what really happened. Expect plenty of jumps.

2. 'A Dangerous Method'
The story of 'Anna' the first female patient treated by Freud and Jung and her subsequent affair with Jung.
This film is set to be a turbulent one and probably not easy-to-watch , it will, however, fill you with insight about the birth of the psychoanalytical movement.

3. 'The Hunger Games'
I don't know much about this film just yet, and haven't had a chance to read the book yet.
However from what I have seen in the many trailers circulating, and heard from people that have read the book, this movie will be one to be remembered: a cross between 'Avatar' and 'Battle Royale'

Time To Find Another Sitter...

I don't enjoy giving bad reviews but Jonah Hill's new comedy 'The Sitter' should probably change its tagline from 'WORST. BABYSITTER. EVER' to the more believable 'WORST. FILM. EVER'.
Don't get me wrong, he is probably the worst babysitter ever, but the film doesn't really progress from there. The concept is decent: lazy student babysits kids with disastrous results, but the execution was poor to say the least. Hill's character is flat and incoherent in his behaviour, the children are just plain odd, and the drug related antics are as unbelievable as the fact that Hill was paid for this film. A drug baron on roller-skates, a child that blows up toilets, with the added bonus of paedophilia jokes: If you don't like the sound of any of these factors, give this one a miss.

Jack and Jill Went up The Hill...

Although I am never normally a fan of Adam Sandler, I decided to give his new movie 'Jack and Jill' a chance, despite the fact that he plays both of the main characters.The film has a slightly complicated plot for a comedy: Jack has a pleasant life as a Jewish advert producer, married with children and one (pain in the arse) twin sister Jill. Fortunately for Jack though, Jill lives all the way in New York, the Bronx to be precise, that is until she comes to stay for a 4 day trip that turns into a 4 week trip, due to Jacks cruel treatment of her.

From the beginning of Jill's stay their are hilarious problems to be encountered: Jill's activities-to-do-before-I-leave-list covers everything from horse riding to featuring on a game show, her attempts at online dating are obviously problematic but side-stitchingingly funny, as are her constant stream of insults to Jack's friends and co-workers including the cringe worthy "Maybe if you believed if God, he wouldn't have given you a rat face".

The best part of the movie for me, by far, was the cameo appearance by the ever brilliant Al Pacino. Playing himself during a break-down, also being pursued by Jack to star in a Dunkin Doughnut's advert, he sees Jill as a reminder of his past in the Bronx and a ticket to love and sanity. Needless to say his attempts at courtly love are cleverly comical: at one point he sends Jill a hot dog with his number penned in mustard and the message 'call me', I have to admit that Al's appearances are reason enough to see this film.
So regardless of whether you like Sandler or not, you will most likely enjoy this movie, very funny, very entertaining.

To Get Things Started: The Woman In Black

I have been waiting in anticipation, for months it seems, for the release of Daniel Radcliffe's new movie 'The Woman In Black'. A revamped version of the novel and stage show, the film boasts plenty of jumps and thrills along with a classic 'ghost story' feel. And I have to say after watching the new release on Friday, that I was surprisingly impressed.

The plot was interesting, with Radcliffe portraying a widower with a young son whose job in a law firm is on the line. In order to prove his commitment to the company he has to journey to a rural manor house in north east England,with the intent to sort-out the paperwork of its late tenant.
The bizzare behaviour of the local residents should be enough to scare anyone, I think we have all had those awkward encounters of a 'local' town and its 'local' pub, and the constant rain and fog add the right sort of atmosphere throughout. Radcliffe's acting is decent, much improved since Harry Potter, but his best quality throughout has got to be his ability to pull of a three-piece suit.

Ciarán Hinds steals the acting stakes, playing Radcliffe's only friend and confidant in the village, his overall demeanour and accommodating charm, give his character a very likeable and very real feel.
As for the thrills, I would say it was reasonably frightening for a 12a, I jumped more than once (and frequently watched the screen through the gaps in my fingers). So if you like ghost stories and you like jumping out of your seat, then give it a try.
A perfect little winter chiller.

Good Afternoon...

After much deliberation on whether to impose yet another opinionated blog on, the already over-crowded, internet; I have finally decided to jump on the bandwagon. Mainly due to the fact, that since Christmas my cinema trips have become more and more frequent, and the lack of decent reviews out there was becoming increasingly annoying. So I have taken it upon my self to start reviewing whatever I am currently reading or watching, in the hopes of educating anyone considering reading or watching said articles themselves.