The Wolf of Wall Street is yet another film about people trying to live the American dream by doing bad things, and the character of Jordan Belforte emerges as an American hero of sorts.
The Wolf of Wall Street follows Jordan Belfort (Leonardo Dicaprio), as he makes a spectacular rise on Wall Street, earning untold amounts of dollars scamming rich people via penny stocks and using the money he earns in various debauched ways. Along for the ride is his new best friend, Donnie Azof (Jonah Hill) and Jordan's new hyper-sexual wife, Naomi (Margot Robbie).
The Wolf of Wall Street is a decidedly different film for master director Martin Scorsese. In Wolf of Wall Street, Scorsese lets loose. The focus is more on wild fun than anything else. The film is extremely funny (It's a comedy! definitely the best and most funny comedy of the year) and we get countless scenes of full frontal nudity (probably most nudity I have seen in a film), sex, heavy drug usage, and various other acts of insanity that you must see to believe (what's crazier, this film is indeed based on a true story). You can tell that the talented cast and director had a blast making this film, and we have just as much fun watching them have fun.
Leonardo Dicaprio stars as Jordan Belfort, who steals from the rich and gives to himself and his friends. He's definitely not a nice guy, but amazingly I loved him and rooted for him. Not once did I want to see him get caught. Dicaprio puts on one of his best performances hands down (he is completely uninhibited here, and plays the role with a primal energy), and if he doesn't walk away with the Oscar for Best Actor then something is seriously wrong. This guy definitely deserves it. Jonah Hill also wows as dweeb-ish Donnie Azof, best friend to Jordan. He is every bit as insane and depraved as Jordan is, if not more so. Jonah plays against type here, and is very memorable. This is easily his best role to date. I fully expect him to win Best Supporting Actor. Margot Robbie manages to impress as Naomi, Jordan's beautiful and sexy wife who gets fully nude a few times and has no problems showing off her body. Matthew McConaughey shines in a small role as well, and Kyle Chandler is great as the dick of a FBI agent that is hot on Jordan's tail. Every actor is on their A game here, no matter how big or small their role.
Wolf of Wall Street is a 3 hour film (originally it was 40 minutes longer and had even more sex and nudity in it, if you can believe that. That was the cut that received an NC-17, forcing Scorsese to trim the extra 40. As is, the film is still pretty close to an NC-17), and thus you really start to feel it after a while. I struggled through the last 45 minutes. Most of the film is a fun joyride through debauchery and naughtiness, but the end gets surprisingly dark and even a bit sad.
The Wolf of Wall Street is superbly shot, it's got a fantastic script, and top notch performances from all of it's cast. While it does run a bit long, every single second of this film is necessary. For most of the film you will be having so much fun watching all the depraved insanity that you shouldn't notice the running time except for when the last 45 minutes rear their head. Wolf of Wall Street is the most fun you will have in a movie theater this year, it deserves a Best Picture nom, as do Leo and Jonah for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. The Wolf of Wall Street is another out of the park home run for Martin Scorsese. SEE IT!!!
5 STARS
Friday, December 27, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
FROZEN GIVES SMALLS FAITH IN THE MODERN DISNEY MUSICAL
Most Disney musicals these days just can't get it right. Princess and The Frog was more of an attempt to revitalize the hand drawn animation style than anything else (sadly, it didn't work. It's main character was a tiny bit stereotyped, and the songs were just ok with the exception of a notable few. Really the only thing memorable about that film was it's main villain Dr. Facilier). I LOVED Tangled, but more as a film than a musical. The story and characters were great (as was it's animation style), but the songs were way too poppy and also not very memorable. While Disney announced that Tangled was to be the last Disney animated fairy tale musical, that didn't mean that it was to be the last Disney musical. Luckily for us, Frozen carries the torch onwards in quite a fantastic way.
I don't have many complaints with Frozen (there's a sudden change of motivation for one character, it felt like it was moving a bit too quickly at times, the way it's going to end is kind of obvious minutes in advance, it all ties up a bit too neatly), but it's so damn good I'm willing to overlook them. There are a total of 9 original songs (Guarantee you AT LEAST one, maybe more, of these songs will be nominated for best original song), and each is just great (I've already purchased 4 songs, and am seriously considering buying the rest). Frozen is the rare Disney film to give me hope that it could, one day in the hopefully near future, become a full fledged Broadway musical. It's clear that this may have been what Disney was setting up. After all, each of the main voice actors (Santino Fontana, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Kristen Bell) has Broadway experience and as I've already stated the songs have a Broadway flair and quality to them. All that's needed is to extend some of their songs, add some new songs, flesh out the characters a bit more (one character in particular), and BINGO! we have Broadway musical. I could see it working out beautifully (I can actually envision how it would look and work on stage). So, MAKE IT HAPPEN DISNEY.....please?
Frozen is one of the best Disney musicals out there today. I'm going to go so far as to say that it could easily become a new classic (I could see it being mentioned in the same breath as Lion King, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and the other Disney classics). It's themes about family and true love and the mature way it handles these topics make it a notch above other recent Disney films (plus, it's so pretty!). In my own personal opinion it's a shoe-in for best animated film (can't think of any other animated film this year that was as great). Frozen is sure to cast it's spell over any movie-goer. The settings are mythical and mesmerizing, the voice talent is tops, the songs are superb, the 3-D is great, the visuals and animation are jaw-dropping, the characters are memorable and the story has the makings of a classic. Frozen isn't just a great Christmas film (you know, because lots of snow and stuff), it's a great film PERIOD and it's just about guaranteed to warm the most icy of hearts. I would HIGHLY recommend it.
4 STARS
Frozen follows the journey of two sisters, Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell), who live in the kingdom of Arendelle (a clear stand-in for Norway). Elsa, who is blessed/cursed with magical snow powers, is forced to hide her gift after a tragic accident almost takes Anna's life. The two sisters slowly drift apart (emotionally, not physically) over the years. On the day of Elsa's coronation as Queen, Anna inadvertently causes Elsa to reveal her icy powers to a terrified kingdom. Elsa flees in fear, in the process accidentally freezing the whole kingdom. With the kingdom crying for Elsa's head, Anna volunteers to find Elsa and convince her to thaw the Arendelle while Anna's new squeeze, Hans (Santino Fontana), stays behind to take care of things. During her journey Anna teams up with Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his reindeer Sven, and a friendly snowman named Olaf (Josh Gad) who loves warm hugs and dreams of frolicking around during summer (unaware what happens to snow when heat is involved). Together, they discover the true meaning of love, family, and sacrifice.
Frozen is easily the best Disney musical I have seen in a VERY long time. Most of the songs are of a Broadway quality, the characters are pretty strong and memorable, and the plotting is fairly strong. The film takes place in an icy winter wonderland, and the visuals are downright breathtaking. All the snow is beautifully animated, as are all the frozen landscapes Anna journeys through. The 3-D sampled here is also of a surprisingly high quality. Snow pretty consistently flurries in front of audience's faces (the numerous snowstorms are all breath-takingly beautiful and in your face, and the different icy environments all look gorgeous in 3-D). Apparently, Frozen was planned to be released in 3-D, so Disney took the appropriate steps to plan properly....and it shows! Not only are there plenty of in your face moments (like the previously mentioned snowstorms, and Olaf's carrot nose), but the added depth is also pretty fantastic as well. I'd say Frozen is well worth the extra dough for the 3-D experience to be had here (it's not necessary, but it is altogether a delightful experience). Not to mention, the short that accompanies the film (entitled Get A Horse) MUST be viewed in 3-D in order to fully appreciate it (it's easily one of the best Disney shorts in recent memory. It's innovative and creative in surprisingly new ways. Guarantee you will love it!).
I don't have many complaints with Frozen (there's a sudden change of motivation for one character, it felt like it was moving a bit too quickly at times, the way it's going to end is kind of obvious minutes in advance, it all ties up a bit too neatly), but it's so damn good I'm willing to overlook them. There are a total of 9 original songs (Guarantee you AT LEAST one, maybe more, of these songs will be nominated for best original song), and each is just great (I've already purchased 4 songs, and am seriously considering buying the rest). Frozen is the rare Disney film to give me hope that it could, one day in the hopefully near future, become a full fledged Broadway musical. It's clear that this may have been what Disney was setting up. After all, each of the main voice actors (Santino Fontana, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Kristen Bell) has Broadway experience and as I've already stated the songs have a Broadway flair and quality to them. All that's needed is to extend some of their songs, add some new songs, flesh out the characters a bit more (one character in particular), and BINGO! we have Broadway musical. I could see it working out beautifully (I can actually envision how it would look and work on stage). So, MAKE IT HAPPEN DISNEY.....please?
Frozen is one of the best Disney musicals out there today. I'm going to go so far as to say that it could easily become a new classic (I could see it being mentioned in the same breath as Lion King, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and the other Disney classics). It's themes about family and true love and the mature way it handles these topics make it a notch above other recent Disney films (plus, it's so pretty!). In my own personal opinion it's a shoe-in for best animated film (can't think of any other animated film this year that was as great). Frozen is sure to cast it's spell over any movie-goer. The settings are mythical and mesmerizing, the voice talent is tops, the songs are superb, the 3-D is great, the visuals and animation are jaw-dropping, the characters are memorable and the story has the makings of a classic. Frozen isn't just a great Christmas film (you know, because lots of snow and stuff), it's a great film PERIOD and it's just about guaranteed to warm the most icy of hearts. I would HIGHLY recommend it.
4 STARS
Thursday, October 31, 2013
SMALLS' FRIGHT FEST: MOVIES TO WATCH ON HALLOWEEN
Well, Happy Halloween night everyone! Tonight, instead of reviewing one film I will post a list of movies that are perfect watches on Halloween. These films are listed in no particular order.
John Carpenter's Halloween
Halloween 2 (NOT the Rob Zombie one)
Re-Animator
Carnival of Souls
Psycho
Phantom of the Opera (Lon Cheney version)
Frankenstein
Bride of Frankenstein
The Mummy
The Wolfman
Dracula
Night of the Creeps
Killer Klowns From Outer Space
Beetlejuice
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Dead Silence
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Return of the Living Dead
Halloween 3: Season of the Witch
John Carpenter's The Thing
John Carpenter's The Fog
Hocus Pocus
The Goonies
The Exorcist
Cabin In The Woods
Shaun of the Dead
That's it for the list! Now, to commemorate the holiday I'm going to watch my favorite horror film: John Carpenter's The Thing. Till next time, stay safe and don't sit too close to that tv set kids. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
John Carpenter's Halloween
Halloween 2 (NOT the Rob Zombie one)
Re-Animator
Carnival of Souls
Psycho
Phantom of the Opera (Lon Cheney version)
Frankenstein
Bride of Frankenstein
The Mummy
The Wolfman
Dracula
Night of the Creeps
Killer Klowns From Outer Space
Beetlejuice
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Dead Silence
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Return of the Living Dead
Halloween 3: Season of the Witch
John Carpenter's The Thing
John Carpenter's The Fog
Hocus Pocus
The Goonies
The Exorcist
Cabin In The Woods
Shaun of the Dead
That's it for the list! Now, to commemorate the holiday I'm going to watch my favorite horror film: John Carpenter's The Thing. Till next time, stay safe and don't sit too close to that tv set kids. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
SMALLS' FRIGHT FEST: HOCUS POCUS
"It's just a bunch of Hocus Pocus"
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
To celebrate the day we have all been waiting for, I take a fond look back at one of my personal favorite Halloween films: Hocus Pocus.
Hocus Pocus follows 8 year old Dani (Thora Birch, who went on to appear in American Beauty), her older brother Max (Omri Katz), and his crush Allison (Vinessa Shaw). Max moves from California to Salem and is none too happy about it. It's Halloween, a holiday Max feels he has outgrown, and in an effort to impress Allison, Max breaks into the old Sanderson House (a group of child eating witches that died 300 years ago) and inadvertently reawakens Mary (Kathy Najimy, who also appeared in Alien Encounter at WDW), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker, who is as hot as she ever was), and Winnifred Sanderson (Bette Midler) who immediately restart their old witchy habits, setting their sights on Dani and all the children of Salem. Now, it's up to Max to stop the witches three before they can complete their evil plan. Along for the fun is Thackary Binx (voiced by Jason Marsden), a boy cursed by the witches to live out the rest of eternity as an immortal black cat, and Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones, who appeared in Hellboy's 1 and 2, Pan's Labyrinth, and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer), a bumbling zombie.
Hocus Pocus is NOT a perfect film. Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker can be amusing at times but they mainly ad lib and mug for the camera (which can be a bit annoying). Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, and Thora Birch do pretty good acting jobs here. They aren't amazing, but they fit their roles surprisingly well and are likable.
I actually grew up with this film, and while I was never too big on it when I was kid (didn't like how dark it was) now that I'm older I find myself thoroughly enjoying the hell out of this flick whenever I re-watch it. This was actually a Disney Channel Original Movie that was somehow green lit for release in theaters instead. What's most perplexing about this though, is that despite how silly it can be at times it's actually one of Disney's darker films .
The film was made in 1993, and it kind of shows. It makes dated pop culture jokes (Vanilla Ice, Tubular, etc.), and the effect used for the talking cat is pretty lackluster (bad CG, speaking of which I'm pretty sure I spotted Pixar listed somewhere in the credits). The film is stuck in the 90's, and that gives Hocus Pocus a charming nostalgic quality. Surprisingly, Hocus Pocus does excel at creating a good Halloween atmosphere though. It does feel like the film takes place on Halloween, and we get to explore a cemetary, an empty school, and a Halloween costume dance (all good settings for a Halloween film).
It can not be denied that Hocus Pocus is a kids film, but that doesn't mean that the young at heart can't enjoy it as well. It's one of the rare films where it's faults actually make the film a bit more fun to watch. In fact, I'm going to say that Hocus Pocus is a perfect Halloween film, and naturally it's recommended viewing on a Halloween night.
3 STARS
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
To celebrate the day we have all been waiting for, I take a fond look back at one of my personal favorite Halloween films: Hocus Pocus.
Hocus Pocus follows 8 year old Dani (Thora Birch, who went on to appear in American Beauty), her older brother Max (Omri Katz), and his crush Allison (Vinessa Shaw). Max moves from California to Salem and is none too happy about it. It's Halloween, a holiday Max feels he has outgrown, and in an effort to impress Allison, Max breaks into the old Sanderson House (a group of child eating witches that died 300 years ago) and inadvertently reawakens Mary (Kathy Najimy, who also appeared in Alien Encounter at WDW), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker, who is as hot as she ever was), and Winnifred Sanderson (Bette Midler) who immediately restart their old witchy habits, setting their sights on Dani and all the children of Salem. Now, it's up to Max to stop the witches three before they can complete their evil plan. Along for the fun is Thackary Binx (voiced by Jason Marsden), a boy cursed by the witches to live out the rest of eternity as an immortal black cat, and Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones, who appeared in Hellboy's 1 and 2, Pan's Labyrinth, and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer), a bumbling zombie.
Hocus Pocus is NOT a perfect film. Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker can be amusing at times but they mainly ad lib and mug for the camera (which can be a bit annoying). Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, and Thora Birch do pretty good acting jobs here. They aren't amazing, but they fit their roles surprisingly well and are likable.
I actually grew up with this film, and while I was never too big on it when I was kid (didn't like how dark it was) now that I'm older I find myself thoroughly enjoying the hell out of this flick whenever I re-watch it. This was actually a Disney Channel Original Movie that was somehow green lit for release in theaters instead. What's most perplexing about this though, is that despite how silly it can be at times it's actually one of Disney's darker films .
The film was made in 1993, and it kind of shows. It makes dated pop culture jokes (Vanilla Ice, Tubular, etc.), and the effect used for the talking cat is pretty lackluster (bad CG, speaking of which I'm pretty sure I spotted Pixar listed somewhere in the credits). The film is stuck in the 90's, and that gives Hocus Pocus a charming nostalgic quality. Surprisingly, Hocus Pocus does excel at creating a good Halloween atmosphere though. It does feel like the film takes place on Halloween, and we get to explore a cemetary, an empty school, and a Halloween costume dance (all good settings for a Halloween film).
It can not be denied that Hocus Pocus is a kids film, but that doesn't mean that the young at heart can't enjoy it as well. It's one of the rare films where it's faults actually make the film a bit more fun to watch. In fact, I'm going to say that Hocus Pocus is a perfect Halloween film, and naturally it's recommended viewing on a Halloween night.
3 STARS
SMALLS' FRIGHT FEST: ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
"I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey."
In 1975 a movie was released that would make waves, divide audiences, and ultimately change the world. The film was called The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a unique motion picture that most critics didn't like at the time. Almost immediately upon release, the film gained a cult following through interactive midnight shows and the cult continues to grow and expand to this day. Much controversy and talk has always surrounded this film, from the day it opened to today. What is all the talk about?
In Rocky Horror, we follow young virginal couple, Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon in what is arguably her most memorable role). On the night that Brad pops the question, they decide to go visit their old college professor Dr. Everett Scott (Jonathan Adams). On the way there, they get caught with a flat and are forced to seek shelter from an intense storm. They find presumed safety inside a mysterious castle owned by the eccentric and flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter (The always fantastic Tim Curry). During the night, Brad and Janet come face to face with dark temptation that threatens to corrupt them both. Along for the wild ride is Rocky (Peter Hinwood); Frank's creation with the body of a body builder; Riff Raff (Richard O'Brien, who created the Rocky Horror Show which this film is based on.) and Magenta (Patricia Quinn); Frank's servants who are brother and sister; Columbia (Nell Campbell); one of Frank's groupies; and Eddie (Meat Loaf); a rock n roll loving ex-delivery boy. Our guide through the ensuing crazy events is a criminologist-turned-narrator (Charles Gray).
Tim Curry is the star of the show here as the completely insane but still lovable Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist and party host that spends his time as a transvestite. He is a fun character that enjoys continually breaking the fourth wall (he looks directly at the audience, and even acknowledges us at times) and seeing how far he can push Brad and Janet until they finally give. This is without a doubt Curry's best role,and he tackles it with glee, humor, and a complete lack of fear (he even seems to enjoy the effeminate outfits he gets to wear). He throws himself out there and goes-for-broke with his portrayal of Frank, and it works. Even those who don't enjoy the film will have to admit his acting here is some of his best. Frank isn't the only memorable character here though, in fact all the characters here are classics, like Riff Raff, who is my personal favorite character here with his hump, crazy voice, and perfect acting. Riff Raff certainly makes a lasting impression, and he tends to be a fan favorite (also love his character arc).
Why is Rocky Horror so controversial? It's simple, really. The whole controversy can be summed up in one word: sex. Rocky Horror is a film that is all about sex, exploring your own sexuality,and having fun while experimenting with new extreme lifestyles. The film contains heavy themes of cross-dressing, homosexuality, perversion, and incest. I can easily understand why some are turned off by this film, but it can not be denied that watching Rocky Horror either during a midnight show or at your own home is a fun experience that is quite unlike anything else.
I've been to a Rocky Horror midnight show, so I'm not a Rocky Horror virgin anymore (yes, there is an initiation you have to go through in order to get your "cherry popped"). The crowds that go tend to be dressed in different crazed outfits including some inspired by the film. The audience is encouraged to yell at the screen, make comments, sing-along, dance, and even throw stuff and interact with the film. It's basically a big, long party with people that are there to celebrate something they love. It's a great environment to be stuck in for several hours.
Rocky Horror Picture Show is a fun film to watch. The songs are some of the best and are extremely memorable (this is the film that created The Time Warp, just to name one), all the characters are screen classics, the castle/mansion the film takes place in is a great setting with wacky set pieces and rooms inside, and the story itself is great. Rocky Horror may turn quite a few off, but I'm happy to say that I am part of that ever-growing cult that shamelessly loves this film and everything about it. It's not just a send-up of sci-fi B films like it looks like it's going to be for the first 20 minutes, it's also a sexual fable and something else entirely. If you do decide to check out this film (I would highly recommend you do so), tread carefully. This film is extremely sexual and focuses on a lot of deviant themes, but that's not to say you won't like it...at least, let's hope you do. For myself, Rocky Horror Picture Show continues to be a fully satisfying and super fun experience I always enjoy getting to re-watch. It's also an ABSOLUTE MUST during the Halloween season.
5 STARS
In 1975 a movie was released that would make waves, divide audiences, and ultimately change the world. The film was called The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a unique motion picture that most critics didn't like at the time. Almost immediately upon release, the film gained a cult following through interactive midnight shows and the cult continues to grow and expand to this day. Much controversy and talk has always surrounded this film, from the day it opened to today. What is all the talk about?
In Rocky Horror, we follow young virginal couple, Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon in what is arguably her most memorable role). On the night that Brad pops the question, they decide to go visit their old college professor Dr. Everett Scott (Jonathan Adams). On the way there, they get caught with a flat and are forced to seek shelter from an intense storm. They find presumed safety inside a mysterious castle owned by the eccentric and flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter (The always fantastic Tim Curry). During the night, Brad and Janet come face to face with dark temptation that threatens to corrupt them both. Along for the wild ride is Rocky (Peter Hinwood); Frank's creation with the body of a body builder; Riff Raff (Richard O'Brien, who created the Rocky Horror Show which this film is based on.) and Magenta (Patricia Quinn); Frank's servants who are brother and sister; Columbia (Nell Campbell); one of Frank's groupies; and Eddie (Meat Loaf); a rock n roll loving ex-delivery boy. Our guide through the ensuing crazy events is a criminologist-turned-narrator (Charles Gray).
Tim Curry is the star of the show here as the completely insane but still lovable Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist and party host that spends his time as a transvestite. He is a fun character that enjoys continually breaking the fourth wall (he looks directly at the audience, and even acknowledges us at times) and seeing how far he can push Brad and Janet until they finally give. This is without a doubt Curry's best role,and he tackles it with glee, humor, and a complete lack of fear (he even seems to enjoy the effeminate outfits he gets to wear). He throws himself out there and goes-for-broke with his portrayal of Frank, and it works. Even those who don't enjoy the film will have to admit his acting here is some of his best. Frank isn't the only memorable character here though, in fact all the characters here are classics, like Riff Raff, who is my personal favorite character here with his hump, crazy voice, and perfect acting. Riff Raff certainly makes a lasting impression, and he tends to be a fan favorite (also love his character arc).
Why is Rocky Horror so controversial? It's simple, really. The whole controversy can be summed up in one word: sex. Rocky Horror is a film that is all about sex, exploring your own sexuality,and having fun while experimenting with new extreme lifestyles. The film contains heavy themes of cross-dressing, homosexuality, perversion, and incest. I can easily understand why some are turned off by this film, but it can not be denied that watching Rocky Horror either during a midnight show or at your own home is a fun experience that is quite unlike anything else.
I've been to a Rocky Horror midnight show, so I'm not a Rocky Horror virgin anymore (yes, there is an initiation you have to go through in order to get your "cherry popped"). The crowds that go tend to be dressed in different crazed outfits including some inspired by the film. The audience is encouraged to yell at the screen, make comments, sing-along, dance, and even throw stuff and interact with the film. It's basically a big, long party with people that are there to celebrate something they love. It's a great environment to be stuck in for several hours.
Rocky Horror Picture Show is a fun film to watch. The songs are some of the best and are extremely memorable (this is the film that created The Time Warp, just to name one), all the characters are screen classics, the castle/mansion the film takes place in is a great setting with wacky set pieces and rooms inside, and the story itself is great. Rocky Horror may turn quite a few off, but I'm happy to say that I am part of that ever-growing cult that shamelessly loves this film and everything about it. It's not just a send-up of sci-fi B films like it looks like it's going to be for the first 20 minutes, it's also a sexual fable and something else entirely. If you do decide to check out this film (I would highly recommend you do so), tread carefully. This film is extremely sexual and focuses on a lot of deviant themes, but that's not to say you won't like it...at least, let's hope you do. For myself, Rocky Horror Picture Show continues to be a fully satisfying and super fun experience I always enjoy getting to re-watch. It's also an ABSOLUTE MUST during the Halloween season.
5 STARS
Thursday, October 24, 2013
SMALLS' FRIGHT FEST: MANIAC
In Maniac, Frank (Elijah Wood) is the owner of a mannequin store. During the day, he keeps to himself but at night his true colors are revealed as he goes about town murdering random girls and then collecting their scalps to use as hair for his mannequin collection. One day, he enters into a semi-relationship with the beautiful Anna (Nora Arnezeder) and the wheels of fate begin to slowly turn.
There's not much of a plot to Maniac, most of the film is us following Frank as he murders girls and tries to keep his cover. So, what exactly is the appeal of the film then? Well, for starters Maniac is filmed completely from the POV of Frank, putting the audience right into his shoes as we essentially become him and get to learn what exactly makes him tick. It's a unique gimmick that works surprisingly well and easily helps to carry the film.
Frank is portrayed by Elijah Wood, who takes on a more unusual role than we are accustomed to seeing him play. While we are seeing things directly through his eyes for the whole film, Wood still appears in the film a good deal through mirrors, reflections, and sometimes through out-of-body experiences. This is probably his best role to date. He makes for a believable and sympathetic monster here. Frank is indeed a sick puppy, but he's not just your typical slasher, he himself is a victim. He can not control his behavior, and kills girls mainly due to an extremely messed up childhood that created some severe mental trauma, and his whore of a mother didn't help things either as he was left to watch her have random sex and orgies with unknown males. I really liked Wood here, and I also really dug his character of Frank. I was surprised to find I was actually on his side for most of the film (though I wasn't rooting for him to kill girls), and I was hoping his semi-relationship with Anna would possibly provide him with a shot at redemption and a chance to right his wrongs. Naturally, not everything works out the way you would expect it to, which is part of the thrill of watching this film.
Anna is portrayed by the beautiful and sexy Nora Arnezeder, and she does a pretty great job at her role here (also really loved her french accent, so hot). She is a fashion photographer that stumbles upon Frank one day and almost immediately takes a liking to him. She is in the film a good deal and does leave a lasting impression.
Maniac is a very brutal, bloody and gory film.The deaths witnessed within aren't the easiest things to watch, but they are very well done and are quite memorable and different. Maniac is not an easy viewing experience, it's downright unsettling, uncomfortable, and disturbing to be transported into the shoes of a severely disturbed individual. The film is directed by Franck Khalfoun who also directed Christmas horror film P2, I think it's safe to say Maniac is his best directorial effort thus far and he proves to be more than competent here. One of the producers and screenwriters of this film was Alexandre Aja, who I am a fairly big fan of. He is no stranger to the horror genre and has proven that he understands audience's expectations and what they want to see in a horror film. The script is great, and so is the poppy synth score (think of something similar to Drive's score.....Maniac's also has a very neon city vibe to it that I really dug. I'm actually seriously considering buying it off ITunes).
Maniac is one of the best slasher films that I have seen in a while, and it's disturbing enough that it will stick with you long after the credits have rolled. It's not what you would expect from the slasher films of today. It dares to do a lot of things differently, and I always love it when a film has the balls to step outside of the norm. The cinematography is superb, the gimmick is an interesting one, the score is tops, the two leads do a fantastic job, the characters/character development is great, and the kills will certainly stay with you (all very memorable). If after the first 7 minutes (an amazing opening) you aren't on board then maybe you should turn it off. Maniac is the rare remake that doesn't just get it right, it also far surpasses the original film it was remaking. I'd say definitely see it!
5 STARS
There's not much of a plot to Maniac, most of the film is us following Frank as he murders girls and tries to keep his cover. So, what exactly is the appeal of the film then? Well, for starters Maniac is filmed completely from the POV of Frank, putting the audience right into his shoes as we essentially become him and get to learn what exactly makes him tick. It's a unique gimmick that works surprisingly well and easily helps to carry the film.
Frank is portrayed by Elijah Wood, who takes on a more unusual role than we are accustomed to seeing him play. While we are seeing things directly through his eyes for the whole film, Wood still appears in the film a good deal through mirrors, reflections, and sometimes through out-of-body experiences. This is probably his best role to date. He makes for a believable and sympathetic monster here. Frank is indeed a sick puppy, but he's not just your typical slasher, he himself is a victim. He can not control his behavior, and kills girls mainly due to an extremely messed up childhood that created some severe mental trauma, and his whore of a mother didn't help things either as he was left to watch her have random sex and orgies with unknown males. I really liked Wood here, and I also really dug his character of Frank. I was surprised to find I was actually on his side for most of the film (though I wasn't rooting for him to kill girls), and I was hoping his semi-relationship with Anna would possibly provide him with a shot at redemption and a chance to right his wrongs. Naturally, not everything works out the way you would expect it to, which is part of the thrill of watching this film.
Anna is portrayed by the beautiful and sexy Nora Arnezeder, and she does a pretty great job at her role here (also really loved her french accent, so hot). She is a fashion photographer that stumbles upon Frank one day and almost immediately takes a liking to him. She is in the film a good deal and does leave a lasting impression.
Maniac is a very brutal, bloody and gory film.The deaths witnessed within aren't the easiest things to watch, but they are very well done and are quite memorable and different. Maniac is not an easy viewing experience, it's downright unsettling, uncomfortable, and disturbing to be transported into the shoes of a severely disturbed individual. The film is directed by Franck Khalfoun who also directed Christmas horror film P2, I think it's safe to say Maniac is his best directorial effort thus far and he proves to be more than competent here. One of the producers and screenwriters of this film was Alexandre Aja, who I am a fairly big fan of. He is no stranger to the horror genre and has proven that he understands audience's expectations and what they want to see in a horror film. The script is great, and so is the poppy synth score (think of something similar to Drive's score.....Maniac's also has a very neon city vibe to it that I really dug. I'm actually seriously considering buying it off ITunes).
Maniac is one of the best slasher films that I have seen in a while, and it's disturbing enough that it will stick with you long after the credits have rolled. It's not what you would expect from the slasher films of today. It dares to do a lot of things differently, and I always love it when a film has the balls to step outside of the norm. The cinematography is superb, the gimmick is an interesting one, the score is tops, the two leads do a fantastic job, the characters/character development is great, and the kills will certainly stay with you (all very memorable). If after the first 7 minutes (an amazing opening) you aren't on board then maybe you should turn it off. Maniac is the rare remake that doesn't just get it right, it also far surpasses the original film it was remaking. I'd say definitely see it!
5 STARS
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
SMALLS' FRIGHT FEST: THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
What happens when Christmas and Halloween collide? Is the ensuing product more jolly or scary, or is it a perfect blend of both? In this very special edition of Fright Fest we take a look back at a childhood favorite of mine: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.
First thing's first: it's time to give credit where credit is due. While Tim Burton has his name plastered on the title of this film, he did not direct it. He was the one of the producers and writers (he is creditied with story and characters), so he was definitely involved with this film but the great Henry Selick directed it, so just as much credit for this films success should go to him as well. Selick has gone on to prove that he's got the shine when it comes to stop-motion animation, directing other fantastic films in this category including Coraline, Monkeybone, and James and The Giant Peach all of which share a certain darkness that elevates them beyond your typical kiddie fare (in fact, Monkeybone is a legitimate film for adults. Certainly not meant for kids).
The story of Nightmare Before Christmas is that of Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon and Danny Elfman), the king of Halloween Town. He excels at making Halloween scary and fun, but has lately grown tired of doing the same old thing over and over and over again. When he inadvertently stumbles into Christmas Land, he immediately falls in love with the jolly holiday and decides that this year he's going to take over Christmas and re-shape it into his own well-meaning but still warped vision. Naturally, things go very wrong and it's up to Jack and rag doll Sally (Catherine O'Hara) to rescue Santa (Edward Ivory) from the evil clutches of Oogie Boogie (Ken Page).
The film is done with stop-motion animation, one of my absolute favorite art forms, and the effects sampled here are still superb and impressive today. The whole film has a beautiful, dark and twisted look to it and the citizens of Halloween Town are creepy creations that are still very much lovable. The settings found within the film are also extremely memorable (such as the pumpkin patch, Oogie's lair, Jack's house, and Christmas Land).
Jack Skellington is the misguided hero of the story, and he is still one of the best screen characters today. He is voiced by the great Chris Sarandon, with Danny Elfman taking over for vocals. Both do a phenomenal job here, and if you didn't know the singing and speaking voices for Jack were done by different people, I'd dare say that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. They both blend together surprisingly well. The other super notable character here is that of Oogie Boogie as voiced and sung by Ken Page. Oogie is one of the great screen villains, although he isn't in the film a whole lot. While he is certainly quite evil, he is still a very fun character. Sally is also pretty memorable and is performed with ease by Catharine O'Hara.
I always used to find The Nightmare Before Christmas a bit weird, but now that I'm older and have re-watched it I find that I love the film even more than I used to. The stop-motion animation and character design are superb, the songs are fantastic, the story is unique, and I LOVE the ideas the filmmakers had for what a combination of the Halloween and Christmas holidays would be like. The film is creepy, jolly fun. I'm surprised to say that this film actually gets better the older you are. Even today, I can still say that I haven't seen another film quite like Nightmare Before Christmas (although Burton has tried to replicate the look and feel of this film many times with only middling results, Corpse Bride anyone?)
In an age where we consistently get the same old thing over and over again, it's not hard to feel like Jack Skellington does at the beginning of this film. Luckily, Nightmare Before Christmas remains as one of the more unique and different films you can sample today which is one of the reasons why it is still such a breath of fresh air today. It's not a Halloween film and it's not a Christmas film, it's actually both. If anything, I would say the best time to watch this little beauty is a few days-weeks after Halloween has ended but before Thanksgiving has begun. It's been 20 years since Nightmare Before Christmas was first released, but even today it hasn't aged one bit. It's just as magical and unique as it ever was, thank God.
5 STARS
First thing's first: it's time to give credit where credit is due. While Tim Burton has his name plastered on the title of this film, he did not direct it. He was the one of the producers and writers (he is creditied with story and characters), so he was definitely involved with this film but the great Henry Selick directed it, so just as much credit for this films success should go to him as well. Selick has gone on to prove that he's got the shine when it comes to stop-motion animation, directing other fantastic films in this category including Coraline, Monkeybone, and James and The Giant Peach all of which share a certain darkness that elevates them beyond your typical kiddie fare (in fact, Monkeybone is a legitimate film for adults. Certainly not meant for kids).
The story of Nightmare Before Christmas is that of Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon and Danny Elfman), the king of Halloween Town. He excels at making Halloween scary and fun, but has lately grown tired of doing the same old thing over and over and over again. When he inadvertently stumbles into Christmas Land, he immediately falls in love with the jolly holiday and decides that this year he's going to take over Christmas and re-shape it into his own well-meaning but still warped vision. Naturally, things go very wrong and it's up to Jack and rag doll Sally (Catherine O'Hara) to rescue Santa (Edward Ivory) from the evil clutches of Oogie Boogie (Ken Page).
The film is done with stop-motion animation, one of my absolute favorite art forms, and the effects sampled here are still superb and impressive today. The whole film has a beautiful, dark and twisted look to it and the citizens of Halloween Town are creepy creations that are still very much lovable. The settings found within the film are also extremely memorable (such as the pumpkin patch, Oogie's lair, Jack's house, and Christmas Land).
Jack Skellington is the misguided hero of the story, and he is still one of the best screen characters today. He is voiced by the great Chris Sarandon, with Danny Elfman taking over for vocals. Both do a phenomenal job here, and if you didn't know the singing and speaking voices for Jack were done by different people, I'd dare say that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. They both blend together surprisingly well. The other super notable character here is that of Oogie Boogie as voiced and sung by Ken Page. Oogie is one of the great screen villains, although he isn't in the film a whole lot. While he is certainly quite evil, he is still a very fun character. Sally is also pretty memorable and is performed with ease by Catharine O'Hara.
I always used to find The Nightmare Before Christmas a bit weird, but now that I'm older and have re-watched it I find that I love the film even more than I used to. The stop-motion animation and character design are superb, the songs are fantastic, the story is unique, and I LOVE the ideas the filmmakers had for what a combination of the Halloween and Christmas holidays would be like. The film is creepy, jolly fun. I'm surprised to say that this film actually gets better the older you are. Even today, I can still say that I haven't seen another film quite like Nightmare Before Christmas (although Burton has tried to replicate the look and feel of this film many times with only middling results, Corpse Bride anyone?)
In an age where we consistently get the same old thing over and over again, it's not hard to feel like Jack Skellington does at the beginning of this film. Luckily, Nightmare Before Christmas remains as one of the more unique and different films you can sample today which is one of the reasons why it is still such a breath of fresh air today. It's not a Halloween film and it's not a Christmas film, it's actually both. If anything, I would say the best time to watch this little beauty is a few days-weeks after Halloween has ended but before Thanksgiving has begun. It's been 20 years since Nightmare Before Christmas was first released, but even today it hasn't aged one bit. It's just as magical and unique as it ever was, thank God.
5 STARS
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