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Reviews
Tusk (2014)
Good, but needless to say not for everyone.
While I have seen an abundance of films like these, gory horror and body horror isn't really my thing. I prefer paranormal based on a true story types, but this film - while I can't say I enjoyed it - was certainly impressive on an epic scale as a minimalist horror film. I definitely heard about Kevin Smith's Red State which caused quite the hurrah a couple years back. When I saw the trailer to this film, they slyly didn't show ANY of the transformed Justin Long - something in marketing that is pretty much unheard of these days. Not a single frame of what he becomes was in any of the marketing campaigns. That sparked my interest. What were they hiding? What did it look like? What had crazy cat Kevin Smith cooked up as the humanoid walrus hybrid? It also seemed like one of those talk of the town movies, a la The Human Centipede, where you just had to see it to stay in the social loop (in my case tortured artists and theatery people). Well, well, well. What an interesting viewing experience it has been. I can say - without giving ANYTHING away - the sight of one of the most bizarre duels in movie-making history is worth the wait. The images are shocking - and I remember people both laughing and gasping when the curtain is lifted and we see the film's "walrus." Michael Parks is a true sadist - charming, unreliable, hilarious, and sick. Justin Long's hatable nature as a self-involved, raunchy podcaster is still something we can kind of miss once the transformation begins. The film is an odd allegory for how, as human beings, we have lost our humanity. Oddly enough, without giving anything away, humanity is achieved like never before at the end - while not exactly in the way everyone was expecting. It's not too disturbing but then again I'm pretty desensitized so horror virgins beware. This could give you nightmares. Funny, disgusting, ridiculous, insane, intelligently inane, and absolutely first class independent film midnight movie making that was backed by a major studio. Just go see the thing. Of all the things Kevin Smith has done, it may just be his masterpiece.
The Possession of Michael King (2014)
Excellent. The hardcore, graphic, disturbing film we need.
Horror fans, gore hounds, thrill seekers, chill seekers - listen up. This film ROCKS. It's got disturbing deaths, frightening images, and truly horrifying moments that made my blood boil. The Possession of Michael King doesn't break any new ground, but what makes it above average - and therefore the frightening scenes much scarier - is that we are invested in the story. In many ways, the film is a horror-bloated allegory for a man coming to terms with the death of his wife. Throw in a daughter in peril, an insidious demon, several horrific voodoo and satanic rituals, several horrifying deaths, and buckets of blood and terror and you can still see the actual emotional meat of the story shine through. Shane Johnson did a solid job as the titular character, whoever played the wife did a great job although her scenes were obviously limited, the little girl was very good. But I have to hand it down to the director. With sparsely used but effective graphic images and effects, this low budget film delivers classic, old-school, emotional suspense that typically doesn't make it into the Hollywood sandwich. An awesome job from a bunch of creative and unique people who like to ask questions and push the envelope.
Cold Mountain (2003)
A flawed film indeed
It's good for what it is, but Cold Mountain eradicates a lot of things that made Charles Frazier's novel more grounded. There is barely any attention paid to the slavery and atrocities that made the South so hell-like for those unfortunate to be born and sold into slavery. Inman is never shown to be remorseful except once ("I don't want to fight for a cause I don't believe in") but there is nothing more shown for that. He is portrayed as a pretty vapid, shallow mystery man of few words and even fewer perceptive thoughts. This works, and it makes his heroism all the better because of its stark contrast to his otherwise nondescript character. Renee Zellweger does a fine job as Ruby, and really is the heart and soul of this film. Nicole Kidman is excellent as always, although almost too otherworldly as a presence to be perceived as a riches-to-rags girl from the city. It makes her a joy to watch, though. Charlie Hunnam really steals the show with the few scenes he's in as a reinvention of Birch, this time around named Bosie, an albino with a hobby of inflicting serious pain on unlucky victims. Ray Winstone is effective as Teague, although he always plays sleazy, sneaky villains so this is no exception. The battle scenes and violent moments in the film are the most effective parts of the film. They really draw you in, and although are nowhere near as graphic or realistically gory as Saving Private Ryan (indeed, I would have appreciated more gore for realism's sake, people get gunned down and they have no wounds or blood sometimes) the drama is truly jarring as we see humanity at its very worst (boys and men being killed in the blink of an eye, stepped on, and crushed). The torture of Sally Swanger (Kathy Baker) is also an effective look at the brutality of the home guard, these scenes really work because the violence - although lacking in realism at times - is still well played in terms of shaking you up and reminding you times are grim. All in all, the emotional scenes are beautiful (if not a little hammy), the supernatural elements effective, the battle scenes excellent, the photography beautiful, and the performances more or less right on target. It's one of those trendy "epic violent movies" of 2003, which seemed like a real hot year for violent, fast-paced epic movies. Check it out, but don't expect a masterpiece of modern cinema. But it definitely hits the mark in a way that few filmmakers can do.
The Missing (2003)
A very flawed, but overall enjoyable western horror film
There's a snake-wielding sorcerer (Eric Schweig) who kidnaps a group of girls to sell into prostitution in Mexico. A determined mother (Cate Blanchett) and her estranged, honorary Native father (Tommy Lee Jones) set off hot in pursuit. The supernatural edge to this film raises the tension - in a very effective and creepy way. The fact that it is seamlessly woven in with the factual events (female kidnapping and sexual slavery, the ethics and politics of Native Americans and Americans unfairly co-existing, etc.) is very cool. The shots are well put together and the film as a whole becomes more emotionally involving by the climax. The acting is both superb and then a bit hammy here and there. The villain is very well portrayed by Schweig, but some of the dialogue is pretty ridiculous ("what does this squashed penis want?"). The images and effects, plus the occasional gore (this film is mostly bloodless in its depictions of violence - albeit a few gory moments) is well put together and disturbing. The film has a pseudo-epic feel, which I felt took away from the tension of it being a rather small story as a whole. It came out in 2003, which seemed like the year "violent, epic movies" were quite a trend (take, for example, Cold Mountain and Snow Falling on Cedars). If Ron Howard hadn't been going for the "epic" approach I think the film would have benefited a bit more. That being said, all in all, it's enjoyable, but it's no masterpiece. I was invested, however, and that's saying a lot as I am a pretty jaded moviegoer.
Martyrs (2008)
Hands down the best movie I've seen in the last 21 years
All I can say is : WOW. This film lives up to the hype. It is a superbly acted, beautifully realized, gruesomely violent, brutally beautiful saga divided into three "windows" if you will - each of which is so vividly realized you feel you are right in there with the action. Everyone will be talking about what a sadistic, graphic, brutal, violent, dehumanizing, misogynist, creepy, f***ed up experience this is...and they're right...sort of. Not on the misogynist part. It's an exploration of misogyny, but so much more than that. Pascal is a genius. This film is very French too, nothing like the down-and-dirty American Hostel or Australian film Wolf Creek (both of which, for their respective sub genres of horror, were very effective too). I felt for each and every character, and just like life - each character is multifaceted and not one dimensional. There are villains in this story, victims, bystanders, creatures, monsters, misogynists, kidnappers, and traumatized children - sometimes all rolled up into one, extraordinarily interesting character. The cast really do their homework - even the guys who quickly exit the story in a surreal, ultra-violent first sequence of action. Would I recommend this to anyone? Yes! If you have the stomach for it, if you are really willing to take a trip to see a thoughtful view on the horrors of human depravity - which as ugly as it is, is so brutally beautiful in its realization because it does not flinch for an instant - that you will be mesmerized, as much as disturbed.
Ang-ma-reul bo-at-da (2010)
Thinking Man's Torture Porn
This movie is not normally my cup of tea. Sure, I've seen a lot like them - horror and the gore fest to me should not be labeled as the same genre. I prefer psychological horror and paranormal horror movies anyway over gory horror, but this movie still blew my socks off. It's a genuinely unique, thoughtful, and even torridly touching gore fest. After his wife is dismembered while pregnant, a man sets out to avenge her death by torturing her killer to the point of redemption, or of death. The killer (the obvious Devil, although the title is far more complex and open to interpretation) clearly isn't repentant, and so begins a journey through hell. You'll meet weird cannibal siblings, a man whose balls are literally broken, young women with no gumption or sense of empowerment, helpless victims, a female assassin who dies within seconds of her assassination attempt, a man with a barbell rammed through his eye, among others. The only thing that holds this whole gory story together is the flawless execution, while blood soaked, it is still a moving drama while presenting us with some of the most offensive and obscene images I've seen in a while. Some of the things presented here will give Dario Argento a run for his money (and are on par with his film Mother of Tears). I'll give this gobbler a good 10/10 for sheer excellence in execution, and for truly haunting and harrowing themes that will stay with you long after the last, blood-soaked reel has finished.
Believe (2014)
The kind of show that will attract a cult following, but tank horribly while it airs
This is the kind of show I wouldn't be surprised to see earns a small cult following after its DVD release, despite tanking horrifically on the air. If you're a macho man who is not in touch with his sensitive, TLC side don't bother. If you are an intelligent viewer who is willing to lower a few expectations and suspend your disbelief - this is a show for you. One of the things I loved about Believe is it has the same, melancholically cozy vibe as other "magic child" productions - The Lovely Bones, Steven Spielberg Presents Taken, The Possession, Chronicle, etc. etc. I really am a big fan of that vibe mixed with the vibe of a thriller, or a horror. It makes for an interesting experience because such an approach is very character-driven and makes you get attached to the character go through the various ordeals scripted by the writers. Now onto the Pros:
-Solid cinematography, gives the film a CSI: Miami feel which is an interesting approach because of the fantastical source material. The shots are not glamorous or overly stylish. The ordinariness of New York City and the photography is part of the interesting grounded aspect of this show.
-Solid acting. Nothing Oscar worthy here, but genuinely beautiful and emotional performances. Jake McLaughlin does a solid job as Tate, Johnny Sequoyah completely embodies Bo, and Jamie Chung and Delroy Lindo add sparkle. Kyle MacLaughlin makes a hatable villain, and whoever plays the newest addition to MacLaughlin's team does a good job of being Bo's dark negative.
-The music is extremely fitting given the atmosphere, visuals, and acting. Not amazingly gorgeous, but nonetheless very fitting and therefore effective.
The cons:
-Thus far (four more episodes to go) you won't find anything that hardcore in here. The violence is quick, bloodless, and very tame. In some ways I think this vitally damages the tension. We don't need to go Texas Chainsaw but a bit of blood here and there I think would strengthen the tension and show Kyle's evil side even more, and the necessity to not let Bo get swirled back into the shady facility she came from.
-The government conspiracy problem. This is a bit hokey, understandable, but hokey. It almost feels like they ripped off The Syndicate from The X-Files, replace aliens with psychics.
-The show can become so sickeningly sweet that at some points you almost have to laugh. It gets a little hammy here and there. What I do like however is that it isn't a bombastic show about famine, murder, rape, and horrors around the world. Bo can't get to that yet. So she helps this people in all these small, but fundamental ways. However some of these people who are "helped" are cardboard cut out clichés.
Overall: A very good show. I'm sad to see it go, as I think things were just starting to kick off in Season 1. The show may never realize its full potential, but thus far if you have a soul you'll be hooked instantaneously.
The Possession (2012)
An excellent horror film. And film.
The Possession had a lot of hype surrounding it, considering that the material it covers is real. Whether or not "real" is as real to you as it is to me is a matter of perception, and of those involved with the events surrounding this menacing dybbuk box. While weird things happened on set in real life, even weirder things happen in this movie. Yet what ties the knot is the stellar casting, tour-de-force performance of Natasha Calis, and the amazing heart at the center of this story. We're very emotionally invested in this film. It is by no means a great masterpiece of horror, but it is a great horror film and a great movie overall. Ole Bornedal captures these pivotal small moments everyone who has suffered divorce can relate to. Divorce is an excellent conduit for the possession young Emily Brenek (Calis) suffers. Matisyahu, the dybbuk, the box, Madison Davenport, Kyra Sedgwick add sparkle. Some handsome graphic effects add dazzle. Atmosphere adds creepy-as-f****. But in the end, what ties the knot is Calis and Jeffrey Dean Morgan's journey as father and daughter to hell and back. That is what makes this small story about demonic possession so worth telling and so resonant as an experience.
The Lovely Bones (2009)
Probably the best work from Peter Jackson. Ever.
Many people have slammed this movie upon its release. I have heard some of the most atrocious things said about it. Naturally I didn't read the book before I saw the film, I have since. Indeed, these two works could not be more different - the only similarities between them being the name of the story they depict. Anyone who is a fan of Alice Sebold's unflinchingly graphic, brutally honest, and pull-no-punches approach will be disappointed. That is one way to tell the story. In terms of putting the tragic yet triumphant tale of Susie Salmon's ill-fated, premature departure from life on paper - her approach was the best, and absolutely mandatory. Sebold took a horror that happens to young women all over the world, including herself, and created not only art but something drawing attention to such matters. The Lovely Bones as a book is crucial not only because of the amazing views it draws on such a taboo subject, but because of the attention it incites in people. Rewind the clock and it's very true - people simply didn't want to believe things like Susie's murder could come into fruition. My mother, a child in around the same time period as the Salmons, was almost a victim of the same crime. Luckily she turned the other way when such an invitation was presented. As a movie, a doggedly faithful adaptation would not only not work - it would ruin what the book intended to maintain: a spirit of positivity despite the horror. While on paper horror and then stunning beauty can live side by side, in a film they cannot. As a filmmaker myself, I have to say I think Peter Jackson did the best job any director could do in telling this story. Had Susie's rape and murder been depicted in a Last House on the Left-style way, that would have overwhelmed the whole movie and ruined the pacing. The movie is faithful in its maintaining the grim beauty and positive spirit of the book, but to do that - and to do that in a way that many people across the globe can experience - takes tweaking. The result is an imperfect, overlong, yet undeniably beautiful film. Aside from the necessary evil of excessive heavenly CGI, the film feels like a dream captured on celluloid. I have yet to experience something as magical and affecting on screen as this film. A movie in my book doesn't need to be perfect - but it needs to make you think and feel. This really will make you think and feel, if you're the right sort of person for this movie. Altogether, an amazing if flawed film. Not a masterpiece, but something very special. Kudos to everyone involved - this is the best adaptation possible in my opinion. And probably the best and bravest PG-13 work we'll get from ultra-talented Peter Jackson post-Braindead/Heavenly Creatures.
Myst IV: Revelation (2004)
The best game in the Myst franchise
I remember the agonizing years it took (middle school to the end of freshman year in high school) for me to beat this beautiful, richly compelling game. Over the years I have had the drive - and really just pure luck - to beat all five of the Myst games. By far, this is the most compelling one out of all of them. Myst was good, Riven was great, Exile was ambitious, and this is just the top of the cherry. I like that they made it dark, that it had significantly more disturbing elements and violence, and I loved the real life themes of spirituality and shamanism seamlessly woven into the game play. Peter Gabriel as the spirit guide who in the end plays a key role in the climactic events is a soothing and vibrant character amidst all the chaos. But this one really keeps you going. Juliette Gosselin, who plays the mcguffin, is charming and genuine enough so you really want to see her to safety. The reluctant actor, Rand Miller, is iconic as ever as the timeless Atrus. But I have to hand it down to Guy Sprung and Brian Welch. They did a wonderful job giving humanity to the otherwise faceless characters of Sirrus and Achenar. This is a very character-driven game, and really an experience unto itself apart from the Myst universe while still being a part of it. It's currently out of date for the updated Mac OSX which is a real shame. I hope Ubisoft follows Cyan Worlds and ends up posting it and Exile online. I give it a solid 10/10, probably the best game in the entire Myst series, and excellent because all the other games built up to it and with it here it's all the more special. If the opportunity arises for you to play it, follow my advice. Just play it. Bring a cheat guide just in case, though. As it is the most stimulating it also features some of the most difficult puzzles I have ever encountered, makes Riven look like tic-tack-toe.