Friday 11 February 2011

Blu-ray Review: AMER


AMER

Starring: Cassandra Forêt, Charlotte Eugéne Guibeaud, Marie Bos

Directed by: Hélene Cattet, Bruno Forzani

Plot: A story that takes place over 30-something years in the life of Ana, detailed in exquisite, colourful fantasies that all define key elements, all of which are sensual.

Verdict: An astoundingly beautiful but somewhat uneventful film that starts off with a perfectly uneasy tone but shifts drastically into something a little more complex. For fans of giallo without a doubt, but for those unfamiliar with the genre, the point may be lost.

Read the full review here!

DVD Review: Sinbad and the Minotaur


Sinbad and the Minotaur

Starring: Manu Bennett, Steven Grives, Holly Brisley

Directed by: Karl Zwicky

Plot: The legendary sailor Sinbad takes on yet another adventure, battling evil sorcerer Al-Jibar for the map that will hopefully lead his crew to the ancient labyrinth that holds a priceless gold statue. Sadly, the mythical beast that guards said temple proves incredibly difficult, as do the psychotic island-dwellers.

Verdict: A truly pitiful, lazy and excruciatingly painful ninety minutes that displays a script written by some inept adventurist whose admirations towards Indiana Jones proves too apparent. Poorly acted, severely dodgy effects and a villain that's so OTT that Austin Powers' villain Dr. Evil is a substantial amount more terrifying. Avoid at all costs.

Read my full review here!

Cinema Review: A Little Bit of Heaven


A Little Bit of Heaven

Starring: Kate Hudson, Gael García Bernal, Kathy Bates, Treat Williams

Directed by: Nicole Kassell

Plot: A high-flying ad executive re-arranges her life after the shock discovery that she has colon cancer. While she takes the news with ease and continues her free-spirited ways, her friends and new love interest, Dr. Julian Goldstein, attempt to aid her in any way they can.

Verdict: A generic but sweet, warm-hearted plot with an effervescent, gorgeous Hudson gliding aimlessly in a role that she knows all too well, culminating in 2011's earliest weep-fest. A sure hit for this Valentine's Day.

Read the full review here!

Tuesday 1 February 2011

Movie News: Ghostface Racks Up The Anticipation!


Right, that's it. I can completely understand how my enthusiastic, often psychotic, behaviour towards the franchise can annoy, but can you blame me with a trailer (BELOW, EEK!) as hilariously entertaining as this? And, as of yesterday, the brand spanking new poster (ABOVE!) that continues the tradition of the previous entries?

Whether or not you find Ghostface scary, whether you give two shits about Sidney, Gale or Dewey or whether you simply want to see Hayden Pantene-Pro V fall victim to Ghosty's knife-happy activities, there's bound to be something in this new chapter that ignites intrigue.

As a die hard fan of the franchise, my heart skips multiple beats at the thought of April 15th being a mere 73 days (please, don't judge) away, therefore you'll also understand my clearly apparent (if you follow my Twitter, it'll appear even more clear) addiction. To list a couple of positivities in regards to the second trailer to Wes Craven's newest addition is difficult, but if i must, i will:

1) DEWEY. GALE. And, of course, SID! They're all back and look as glamorous, as gorgeous and as young as ever. Hopefully -- and my fingers are truly crossed with this one -- they'll maintain their same vigorous attitudes that made them so explosively fun to watch back in the 90's.

2) Hot new cast. Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Nico Tortorella, Rory Culkin, Adam Brody, Marley Shelton and cameos by Kristen Bell and Anna Paquin. Clearly the film is owned by bodacious babes, but that doesn't necessarily pinpoint it as a purely male-based target audience. Well, females enjoy blood don't they? Only the cool ones.

3) While it's most probably cut down to a miniscule second in the film, Hayden's panicked answer when speaking to Ghostface him/herself is genius and, i hope, is a heavy hint of how spot-on Kevin Williamson's writing is for the fourth chapter. Keep your toes crossed!

Read below for the official synopsis of Scream 4;

"In theaters April 15, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey (David Arquette) and Gale (Courtney Cox), who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill (Emma Roberts) and her Aunt Kate (Mary McDonnell). Unfortunately Sidney’s appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface, putting Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, along with Jill, her friends, and the whole town of Woodsboro in danger."

New Decade, New Rules. The tagline for one of my most anticipated films of '11. If all lives up to the hype, i'll be one very, very happy horror fan.

Cinema Review: Tangled

Disney's 50th animated feature, Tangled, hits UK screens this week, and all of you know, or should at very least, how much i adore Disney.

My review for the studio's latest is being hosted by the very generous movie/games site Dog Ate My Wookie. I've kindly been asked to host various reviews on their site, and of course i can't decline such a kindhearted offer.

In regards to the film itself, well, here's a snippet:

"A true beauty with every scene...as near perfect as Disney has been in a long, long time."

Read the full review here!