(Not So) Weekly Review #17: Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Greetings, boys and ghouls!

     Optiluiz here for a special Halloween review! Today's film really takes me back, and though it's not particularly "October-ish" like most movies I usually review on Halloween, I still think this is a great addition to whatever seasonal marathons you maybe be planning for the creepiest month of the year! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, today we shall be reviewing our blog's Lord and Savior, THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE!
     The first time I got a hold of this film was half a decade ago, as a Christmas present for myself, and I still wish that I could travel back in time and give Past-Optiluiz a hug for it. Tobe Hooper's slasher-masterpiece, originally released in 1974, is by all means my favourite horror film, and I'll try to convey my feelings for it into somewhat-digestible words. On the surface, it's basically just a film about some friends on a road-trip through Texas meeting a deranged cannibalistic family and becoming their next meal. The innards of the movie, however, are much more than that.
     During my initial viewing of TCM, I was conflicted. Although I couldn't take my eyes off the screen (due to masterful direction and incredible photography even when faced with a hideously small budget), the entire experience was so intense that it had me wanting to turn off the DVD and continue another time. This is a true horror film, not just a "scary movie", as some call it. At times it can truly be unpleasant to watch, but to those strong enough to soldier on towards the end credits, it is totally worth it. Once I finished watching for the first time, I actually couldn't decide on whether or not I even liked the film. However, the haunting imagery and visceral themes stayed with me indefinitely, and I eventually decided on loving the film to death.
     Technically, this was the perfect example of how low budget isn't an excuse for shoddy film-making. The sub-par film stock was used to make the screen look genuinely hot, adding to the overall effectiveness of the story-telling  (you will need a glass of water by the end of the movie), and the simple locations and camerawork were real and dirty enough to make the atmosphere truly terrifying. Even the actors did their part well, with a huge part of the film's tension depending on Marilyn Burns' reactions to the horror around her. Leatherface, however, was my favourite (and probably most horror buffs') part of TCM, and I still dream of cosplaying as him on Halloween night in the distant future.
     I think that any further description of the film would be doing the reader a disservice, for this is one experience you should go into knowing as little about as possible. Tobe Hooper has said that this is a just film about meat, while critics argue over its discussion of modern American family values. I, however, think that this is a landmark in horror, that should be experienced by all who aren't squeamish enough to give up before the ordeal's through. 10/10 for me.
     That's all I'll say about the Texas Chainsaw Massacre today, but I encourage our braver readers to check out the sequels as well, which, despite their vastly inferior quality, are quite fun. In any case, I hope you all have lots of fun with candy, movie marathons and general creepy goodness this week! I'll leave you with the trailer to the TCM restoration that came out recently, and which I will someday own.

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

(Not so) Weekly Review #16: Grave Encounters (2011)

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here once more for another edition of our (not so) weekly movie reviews. Well, let's get to it, then. Today I shall review Grave Encounters, yet another found-footage movie. It's directed by the Vicious brothers and stars... people you've never heard of before. And that's a good thing. It's basically an edit of footage taken by a reality television show searching for paranormal activity in an abandoned insane asylum... or is it?
    I actually do love found-footage films when they're done properly, though so few of them are. I'll probably talk more about this in future posts, but for now you should just know that I think Blair Witch Project is still the only film to fully utilize the concept in a good way.
     In any case, Grave Encounters starts out like any ghost-hunting show. People trying hard to make a seemingly abandoned place seem creepy and off-putting. It's all intentional, and the humor really contrasts with the horrible events to come, but in a good way. The characters are genuinely interesting, so this first half-hour isn't boring or lackluster. Things quickly start to pick up once- Well, I guess I shouldn't spoilt it for you. Let's just say that you owe it to yourself to watch this one to the end.
     Technically, the film really does look like a reality TV show. At least in the beginning. Eventually, however, once things start to go really bad, the filming gets more chaotic and movements become more erratic. The overall atmosphere is impeccably creepy. Stories of the dead patients and Lovecraftian writings on the walls really help to keep you on the edge of your seat during the entire feature. I'll admit that a few found footage clichés find their way into the film, but it's mostly some overused camera angles and some reactions. One thing is for sure, this movie is more The Shining than it is The Blair Witch Project (Though not in terms of quality).
     Alas, as I've repeatedly said before, nothing is truly perfect. Some digital effects look very amateur-ish, and some of the acting is quite stilted. The ending is predictable, but this is a found-footage film, so by this point, that's a given. What really makes it worthwhile is the despair that kicks in after certain events. The actors really conveyed a sense of terror that (ironically) is absent in many horror movies these days. Grave Encounters is a scary film, with great atmosphere working alongside jump scares and unexplainable phenomena. All accomplished with little to no gore.
     Overall, I give Grave Encounters a solid 7.5/10. It may not be a classic, but the memorable chills and intriguing story more than make up for the film's flaws. I highly recommend it. It's not that easy to find, but if you do happen to stumble upon it, watch it. That concludes today's movie review. I hope it's been of use to you, and don't forget to check back for more soon. For now, here's the trailer for Grave Encounters.

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

PS: I'll eventually post a review about the sequel, which I also enjoyed.

(Not so) Weekly Movie Review #15: Insidious (2010)

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here again for another movie review. Today's movie is Insidious, as suggested by our reader Amy. Insidious is directed by James Wan, the creator of the Saw franchise, collaborating with Oren Peli, the creator of the Paranormal Activity franchise. 'Tis a so-called independent horror film about... Well, Poltergeist on steroids, basically.
     Haunted house films are all very similar. Especially ones dealing with families. With tropes such as the skeptic dad, the psychic with pages of expositional dialogue and the kid that communicates with supernatural forces, it's easy to see that this is a very innovative genre (Sarcasm, ha-ha!). Insidious promises to be different, boldly claiming that it's not the house that's haunted! That kid must be the hell-spawn of Satan himself right? Could this be the breath of fresh air that horror films desperately need? In short, yes and no. Mostly no.
     The film does innovate in some aspects, such as the, rarely explored in film, astral projection phenomena, and some truly insidious creature designs (See what I did there? Ha-ha!) The general atmosphere is ultimately very unsettling, with production value not at all hinting at this being an independent film. However, bits of mediocre story-telling and an almost unsatisfying climax come close to ruining the experience. I still found it to be better than Saw, though.
     The acting is great for a horror film, though the character arcs are predictable. The special effects department definitely deserves a pat on the back for the great work with creature and set designs. The reptilian-spider-monkey-demon-thing was pretty much constructed purely out of nightmare fuel. This is a scary film, no doubt. That's a trait that, oddly enough, many horror films lack these days, though it doesn't always guarantee quality.
     If you think of the film more as a thrilling theme park ride than a visual story, it succeeds in everything it sought out to do. It scares and shocks you, leaving you a bit dazed by the end. In general narrative terms however, it feels lacking. With some more polish, specially in the third act, it could have been a genre classic. As it stands, it's still good, but not as much as it should have been. Overall, 7.5/10.
     That concludes today's review. Thanks for the suggestion, Amy. I hope you've enjoyed reading, and stay tuned for our next review of... Grave Encounters! I'll post it soon. For now, I leave you with the trailer for Insidious.

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

PS: So many 7.5s in a row... Could it be a mere coincidence? Actually, yes.

PPS: I actually do love most of James Wan's work, just not the Saw franchise.

(Not so) Weekly Movie Review #14: Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace 3D (1999/2012)

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here once more for our (not so) weekly movie review. It's no secret that I love Star Wars. George Lucas may tinker too much with the saga, but I enjoy all the films in some way. However, I've always regretted not being able to see any of the them in theaters. I finally had the chance today. The Phantom Menace, written and directed by George Lucas and originally released in 1999, is the first film in a trilogy of prequels to the original Star Wars trilogy. Now, in 2012, it's being re-released in 3D.
     I've seen all of the Star Wars films, and The Phantom Menace is, by far, not the worst of them. George Lucas is a real visionary, but sometimes the human themes behind the story get lost amongst the stilted acting and over-used visual effects. There is an underlying theme of demystification of the Star Wars universe throughout the film, with thorough explanations of political themes and even the biological nature of The Force that were only hinted at in the original trilogy. This kind of exposition ends up only hurting the film, though it is clearly meant to attract a different, more modern, kind of audience.
     At the same time, the first film of the new trilogy doesn't show the same elegant manner of story-telling which, in the original films, reached out to kids, adults and everyone in between. It all seems a bit childish, to say the least. Not that the original films were hard-boiled, gritty tales of war, but a little subtlety goes a long way. Even so, I can understand what Lucas intended here. The prequels were never meant to only please fans of the original films, but to make new ones with a younger generation. With that in mind, I believe this film was a success.
     There have been many in-depth reviews of Episode 1, and I guess there's only so much the internet can say about it. Sure, there is no true protagonist in the story, sure, the slapstick humor gets old really fast, and sure, the pacing is off coupled with a tone vastly different from the older films. But it works. Not as well as it should, but it does, in its own way. It's not the horrible movie many hardcore fans make it out to be. It doesn't make the older films any worse either. It just exists in its own little bubble of the Star Wars universe, despite me joking about how bad it was in previous posts.
     The Phantom Menace also has its merits, with a really great villain and a really cool climactic battle. John Williams is as brilliant as ever, sometimes bringing life to what might otherwise have been just CG cut-scenes in some sci-fi video game. Liam Neeson was great, and there were actually some deep themes surrounding the story. The 3D was the best post-converted kind I've ever seen, although, sadly, that doesn't say much. If you've never seen Star Wars in theaters, or haven't seen The Phantom Menace in a really long time, give this one a go. Bring your kids too, if you have 'em. It'll be worth it in the end. Overall, 7.5/10.
     That concludes today's movie review. The original trilogy is still miles better, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the prequels. I hope you liked this review, and keep an eye out for my future reviews of both Insidious and Grave Encounters. One of these I loved, the other I thought was pretty lackluster. Guess which is which. I leave you with the best scene of the film. This made me forget most of the film's faults. Duel Of The Fates indeed.

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

PS: People still cheer when Darth Maul appears for the final battle.

PPS: Making Anakin the same age as Padmé would have fixed 60% of this film's problems.

PPPS: Jar-Jar was less annoying than Anakin, but this film sucked less than Attack Of The Clones as a whole.

PPPPS: A New Hope is the only perfect film in the Franchise. Yeah, I said it!

(Not So) Weekly Movie Review #13: Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

Merry Christmas, Epic Clubbers!

     Optiluiz here once more for our (Not So) weekly movie review. So, what movie would be better to review this holiday season than the Finnish horror/comedy/fantasy/yuletide film Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, directed by Jalmari Helander. It chronicles the adventures of a boy and his father, having discovered what may be the real life Santa Claus, and he isn't as nice as we think.
     Christmas movies come in all shapes and sizes, but this is a very peculiar one. An evil Santa Clause may not be unheard of, but what really makes this movie good, with lots of original fun is the tone; at times horror, at times a family film. In theory, this would make it very inconsistent, but somehow, it works, making it a unique story told in a unique way.
     Child actors can easily ruin films, but every now and then, there is one that has a real vocation for acting, and actually makes the film better. Such is the case with Onni Tommila, playing a lonely, but brave child caught in the middle of things. The acting in general in this film is fine, but Onni really stands out. However, it must be noted that I don't speak Finnish so I can't judge the acting as accurately as something in english or portuguese.
     In any case, no film is perfect. The script gets pretty hammy at times, especially towards the end. Something about it just doesn't click with the rest of the movie, and not just tone-wise. However, it's easy to overlook these details because, at heart, it's a fun little family film which might give your naughty kids some well-deserved nightmares on Christmas Eve. It's a queer little movie, but a nice one at that. Overall, I give it an 8/10. It could have been better, but then again, most movies could.
     That concludes today's Christmas movie review. There will be more special christmas reviews this week, so stay tuned. Also, prepare for a special Christmas banner as well. I leave you with a trailer for Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale.

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

(Not So) Weekly Movie Review #12: Solomon Kane (2009)

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here once more for another (Not So) Weekly Movie Review. Today I review Solomon Kane, adapted from the stories of Robert E. Howard about the titular demon hunter and directed by Michael J. Bassett. I'm actually a fan of Mr. Bassett, having really liked Deathwatch. I follow his blog as well, and am pretty excited for Silent Hill 2. So, when this movie finally showed up on Blu-Ray here in Brazil, I couldn't resist.
     Like Deathwatch, Solomon Kane is all about atmosphere. There is something ethereal to the film, regarding the lighting and enviroments surrounding the story. It really captures the tone of what a "sword and sorcery" tale should be. Michael really shows love towards the genre, by capturing the essence of such stories and bringing his own original view of Kane's journey. Sure there are quite a few clichés on display, but most of the time they don't detract from the experience.
     Speaking of Kane, James Purefoy was perfectly cast. He nailed the role like... I can't really think of an appropriate metaphor here. Anyway, he brought a certain depth to the character that made the movie much better. This is, after all, a character-centric piece. The acting in general was also pretty good, but James really stole the spotlight as the hero with a dark past.
     The score was great as well. It's not as memorable as it could have been, but it served its purpose. The soundtrack helped add a sense of scale that the film's budget would not allow, much like the original Star Wars. More on that later. The end theme in particular was also pretty nice.
     Well, I'd like to say that this a perfect movie, with everything a fan of the genre could want, but alas, it's not. Mr. Bassett has proven that much can be done with a smaller-than-usual budget. However, the end of the film could have been better with a bigger budget and greater sense of scope. Even so, it was a decent finale for a great movie.
     Michael really did Howard's character justice with this film, and he deserves credit for that. This is a must-watch for fans of the original Conan The Barbarian, and fantasy literature/film in general. I regret that it had such a limited release. Sure it made a few slips towards the end, and it could have been amazing with a bigger budget, but overall, I give it a 7.5/10.  I just can't wait for Silent Hill 2. Could it finally be the one to break the video-game movie curse? Now here's a trailer for Solomon Kane.

Chainsaw Cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

PS: The film's narrative progression actually felt like that of a tabletop RPG. I like that.

PPS: Reposting this review in the future, I'm sorry to say that Michael J. Basset has driven the Silent Hill sequel intro a shallow grave.

(Not So) Weekly Movie Review #11: Harry Potter (2001-2011)

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here once more for another (Not So) Weekly Movie Review. I thought about doing something different this week, since I haven't watched anything in theatres since Paranormal Activity 3. That's why today I'm reviewing the entire Harry Potter series. So... yeah, get ready for that.

     Well, I won't lie to you, I did not look forward to watching the movies as they came out and I was never a fan of the series. I never even touched the books. Heck, I have admitted to hating Harry Potter on several occasions. Up until this point, I had only watched the first two because someone practically tied me to a chair and made me watch them on VHS, years ago. 

     However, when the last one came out, I was writing  the first part of my epic post-apocalyptic adventure saga script, and I noticed a few similarities between my story and that of Harry Potter. Then, after a friend of mine revealed that he was a big fan, I decided I would watch them all. So in three days, I marathoned all of them. All eight films in a row. 

     I did not have high expectations regarding this series. I was always more of a sci-fi kid than a magician or sorcerer, so when I watched the first two, I was prepared to not like them before they even began. This time, however, it was different. On the first day, I watched the first three films, and my first impression was: "How the heck did I miss this?" It wasn't quite Lord of the Rings, but it was still something unique. It seemed as though the films were getting better with each installment. My favourite of the first three was the Prisoner of Askaban, which seemed to have more style than the previous ones. However, I still don't like the first one very much. It reeks of BBC afterschool specials...

     Anyway, the next day, I proceeded to watch the next three films, and was once again blown away. Things got a bit convoluted, yes, but it seemed that everyone had gotten used to their roles, and everything moved along more smoothly than before. The story slowly got better, and even though the telling of it was kind of heavy-handed at times, I was enjoying myself. Harry, Hermione and Ron are all very likeable, and you really root for them during their adventures in and out of Hogwarts. Not to mention the excellent supporting cast, which really brings life to their magical universe.

     And then came the last day. It took me a while to find the penultimate film, but I eventually managed to do so. Suddenly, everything went dark and gritty on me. This wasn't the same world as the other films, it couldn't be. But then I stopped to think, and I realized that the characters weren't the only things maturing and evolving as time moved on. The world had grown up with them, and I, as a viewer, didn't want to accept it. It was a beautiful feeling of nostalgia (even though I didn't really grow up with these characters and their universe), and then I realized what the heart of the series is. It's about growing up, maturing, and ultimately, facing the loss of loved ones. Then the movie was over. And I remembered I had five minutes to get to the theatre so I could see the last one.

     It was quite a run, but I made it in time. There were some people wearing wizard hats sitting in the last row, and a few kids. Other than that, the theatre wasn't really full. I then proceeded to watch the end of an era, the end of a part of many people's lives. It was awesome. In every sense of the word. Sure, there were pacing problems, and at times it felt like a really drawn-out and expensive mini-series, but it had heart. I heard some girls crying in the corner by the time the film was over, and I felt kind of sad that I had almost missed this experience.

     Harry Potter was the embodiment of the movie franchise concept done right. Every form of story-telling rolled into one mostly cohesive tale. It's sad to think that this is the last time that we'll visit Hogwarts, but at the same time, it was one heck of a ride. One that I almost missed. Overall, I give the Harry Potter series 8/10. And that concludes today's review. I leave you with the trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Have a nice week.

Chainsaw cheers,

Optiluiz out...

PS: The 3D wasn't very good, but maybe it was the theatre's problem, not the movie's. 

PPS: I did not read the books. Sorry.

PPS: My favourite character was Snape, obviously.

(Not So) Weekly Movie Review #10: Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)

Greetings!

     Optiluiz here once more with another (Not So) Weekly Movie Review. This week, I review Paranormal Activity 3, directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, and based on a true stor- Oh come on, what kind of sucker falls for that these days? You'd think people would be less gullible a decade after Blair Witch. Oh well. Anyway, this film is"found footage" from the 80s regarding mysterious events in the same family from the other Paranormal activity films.
     I actually do like the Paranormal Activity series. I actually like the whole "Found-footage" genre (when it's used right), mostly because it adds a layer of immersion that's very hard to emulate with regular movies. I think that it's slowly starting to stagnate, but that doesn't mean there can't be anymore Blair Witch Projects in our future.
     I've seen all the PA movies in theatres (As of 2015 this is no longer the case, I missed the 4th one, and I don't regret it). I loved the first one and found the second one to be just watchable. I went into this one expecting more of the same, but in a good way. I guess that's exactly what I got. These films are very formulaic, but the demented game of "Where's Wally?" that they play with the spectator is quite the experience. Yes, this movie is scary. Yes, you will hear screams in the theater. Or laughs, if that's how they deal with that kind of thing. Maybe both if it's a weird day.
     What I loved about the first Paranormal Activity was the mystery aspect of it, and how unexpected the events taking place were. The second film was scarier, but lacked that sense of expectation, and the wish to know more about what is going on. This film, however, finds a nice balance between the two, though it never quite lives up to the first one. The story is fine but, with some revisions, and a better ending, it could have been better. At least it's better than the Poltergeist rip-off that was the second film.
     The acting is believable and the effects are used subtly enough to seem realistic most of the time. The overall execution may be fuzzy overall, but this is a solid movie. I think the series should just give it a rest now, though. I doubt it could survive another round of sequelitus. It may not be that original, but I think Paranormal Activity 3 deserves a watch, if not in theatres in your living room, as this is one of the few franchises that doesn't lose impact when watched at home. I still think that there were some themes in the film that could have been explored a bit better, but all in all, I give it a 7/10.

     That concludes this week's review. I'll leave you now with Paranormal Activity 3's trailer. Have a nice week.

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

PS: Most of the scenes from the trailer aren't in the movie. Go figure.

(Not So) Weekly Movie Review #9: In Time (2011)

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here once more with a Weekly Movie Review. After much commotion, I've finally decided that this week's movie will be the sci-fi thriller "In Time", written and directed by Andrew Niccol and starring Justin Timberlake opposite Amanda Seyfried.
     In Time chronicles a future where no one ages past 25, and so, to avoid overpopulation, time (i.e. the time that's left for you to live) replaces money as currency. In that scenario, the rich can live forever while the rest of the population earns only enough for subsistence. When Timberlake's character uncovers a conspiracy regarding the distribution of time, he tries to fight the system and change the oppressive status quo.
     You've probably noticed by now that I love science fiction. I think you can express a lot more through fiction, futurism and allegory than through direct story-telling. The story of In Time is, obviously, a very old one. With a working class hero fighting against a faulty system which ignores the vast majority of the populace. It's a tale as old as time, but still relevant today.
     Despite the interesting concept, In Time isn't the solid sociopolitical allegory it could have been. Though the acting was pretty good (I'm only now learning to accept Timberlake as an actor and not just a pop music idol) and the overall story was decent, It wasn't enough to create a a good movie. It's not so much the individual elements themselves that were bad, but the execution of the film as a whole.
     My biggest gripe was with the script. The dialogue felt forced at times, and there were way too many time puns. Seriously, you could have a drinking game in which you would take a drink each time someone makes a joke (intended or not) regarding time, though alcohol-poisoning would be inevitable. Other than that, the directing was pretty bland, and so was the production design. The future never looked so much like the present. Actually, I don't think technology evolved much after hundreds of years (the anti-aging technology and organic wrist-watches aside).
     I've always said that I get angrier at mediocre films than bad ones, because the mediocre ones had a chance at being great, but failed. I'm angry with this film. There was so much wasted potential for the story, so many concepts to be further explored, but in the end we get a rather cliché rags-to-riches/Robin Hood mix with some romance thrown in. This is one of those cases where the source material wasn't bad at all, but the people in charge weren't creative enough to do something special with it. Oh well.
     Even so, it's not an exceptionally bad movie by any means. It's thought-provoking at times, and the action scenes were okay, othar than this one car crash with horrible cgi which I would rather forget. Timberlake's, Seyfried's and Murphy's performances were pretty good, and I expect great things from them in the future. Overall, I recommend this if you've got nothing better to watch, at least it's better than most things in theatres at the moment. I give it a 6/10.
     That concludes this week's review. Have a good one, readers. Be back on Friday for more humorous shenanigans. I leave you with the trailer for In Time.

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

(Not So) Weekly Movie Review #8: Attack The Block (2011)

Greetings!

     Welcome to yet another edition of our (Not So) Weekly Movie Reviews. This week, I'm reviewing Attack The Block, a British sci-fi/horror/comedy mash-up of pure joy. It's directed by Joe Cornish and stars... People you've probably never heard of before (Besides Nick Frost's brief but memorable role). But that's okay, it's better to be taken by surprise when it comes to good movies.
     Like most films about alien invasions, this one starts in a lower class neighborhood of London, where a gang of racially diverse teenage boys are wrecking havoc upon th- Oh wait. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie begin like this. Oh well, a few points for originality!
     The overall plot is pretty simple; a group of youngsters try to defend their lower-class neighborhood from an invasion of hostile (but primitive) alien creatures. What's special here, originality notwithstanding, is the execution of the premise. The humor, gore and drama all fit together nicely, and form a very coherent film. However, it should be noted that I may have a slight bias towards British humor and British films in general, so it may be that this is just an acquired taste. One thing I should note is that this is not that similar to Edgar Wright's films, unlike what many critics have claimed. It's a very different blend of genres this time around. I think Wright's movies focused more on the comedy, but Cornish's film is equal parts funny, scary and dramatic.
     The direction here is top notch, and so is the acting. Everything seems believable and down to earth (pardon the pun). The aliens themselves are creatively designed, and are menacing at the same time they are kind of funny and weird. Another strong point is the soundtrack, which blends traditional sci-fi cues with hip-hop. It may be a light-hearted film at times, but it's a good one, and you can tell everyone had a good time making it.
     I can't really find that many faults in it, other than the whole subjectiveness of the humor. I really liked it, and I recommend it to people who like comedy, sci fi or just creative films in general. I'm looking forward to watching Cornish's future movies. Overall, 9/10, and great for days when you're feeling jaded with Hollywood's usual crap.
     That concludes this week's movie review. I hope it was informative. Thanks for reading. And now I leave you with the trailer for Attack The Block.

Chainsaw Cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

PS: The Warriors + Alien + Boyz In Da Hood = Attack The Block!

(Not So) Weekly Movie Review #7: Contagion (2011)

Welcome!

     Here we are once more for yet another (Not so) Weekly Movie Review. This week, I'm reviewing Contagion. Contagion, directed by Stephen Soderbergh, is a sci-fi/disaster movie about how society reacts to a deadly new virus. It stars Matt Damon, Jude Law, Marion Cotillard, Lawrence Fishbourne and a few others which I will not mention due to lack of time. Well, if you really want more on the ensemble cast you can just visit IMDB (but like a wise woman once said 'ain't nobody got time for that').
     Well, I went to see this one with an open mind. I love apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, so I thought this would be right up my alley. In the end, I guess it is and it isn't. This isn't as much of a science fiction film as it is a scientific film. Everything, down to the *ahem* microscopic details is thoroughly researched and realistic. That applies to the acting, script and even direction. This movie is meant to play with our very real fears of viral infections and even terrorism.
     Sure, that sounds like a novel approach. Many movies pretty much ignore the scientifical aspects of their stories in favor of more drama. However, this novel technique doesn't always work in the film's favour. At times, Contagion has the pacing of a documentary, and not a very interesting one at that. There were a few moments where I thought "Whoah, shit just got real", only to be disappointed when nothing happened afterwards. It really feels like a missed opportunity. It builds up a lot of tension but ultimately does nothing with the payoff.
     Another problem I had with the film was the character development. I know it's hard to keep track of what's going on with who in a film with a large cast, but overall, I didn't feel like anyone changed much during the course of the film. With the exception of Jude Law's blogger character, who was, for some mysterious reason, my favourite character in the movie, there wasn't much character development. You'd think an event like this would change people, even if just a little bit.
     Even so, it was a good movie. The acting was great, even if the script didn't do the characters justice. Watching society slowly crumble is pretty fun, even if it just halts in the end. Fuzzy pacing aside, I think I can recommend this to biology fans and people who like their disaster movies with a large dose of realism. I think you'll leave theaters feeling a bit dirty, and thinking about how well you washed your hands before lunch. Overall, I give it a 7/10.
     Thanks for reading, and sorry for not keeping my promise. I'll review Attack The Block next week, okay? For now, here's the trailer for Contagion.

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

PS: Does anyone remember the Andromeda Strain? God, I loved that one.

(Not So) Weekly Movie Review #6: Stake Land (2011)

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here on this spooky Monday for yet another Weekly Movie Review. This week, as a special halloween treat, I'll review 'Stake Land'. Stake Land is a post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Jim Mickle. In this movie, civilization has been destroyed by a vampire epidemic, and a young boy is 'adopted' by a man named 'Mister' who proceeds to train him in the art of vampire hunting.
     Apparently, this is an indie film, and didn't geta very wide release, although the overall production value does not hint at the modest budget at all. However, don't go in expecting your usual aristocratic vampires. The vampires here are more like zombies if anything else, but with some "30 Days of Night" elements. I guess you could say that Stake Land is Zombieland without the sense of humor, and that's a good thing (although I enjoyed Zombieland very much).
     This was a refreshing story in what has become an over-saturated genre. The direction was solid, and so was the acting, for the most part. The script was pretty good too. Things got a bit flimsy towards the end, but the film still ends on a strong note. It's a real shame that this didn't get a bigger release. It's not that scary, but the movie has an overall dreary atmosphere, and is really effective in the special effects department.
     If you're looking for some quality frights this Halloween, I highly recommend Stake Land. It's not perfect by any means, but it's great, gory fun. All in all, 7.5/10. It would be an 8 purely for  the good time I had watching it, but as a critic I had to take some points off. That concludes today's movie review. I leave you with Stake Land's trailer.

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

(Not So) Weekly Movie Review #5: Drive (2011)

Greetins, readers!

     Optiluiz here for yet another (not so) Weekly Movie Review. This week, we review Drive; starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. It's a retro-styled tale about a part-time getaway driver getting involved with the wrong people after falling for a married woman.
     Well, I'm listening to the soundtrack as I write this, in a futile attempt to make up my mind about the film. For now, I'll say that it's one of the (if not THE) best movies of the year. Every area of the film just comes together beautifully, under stylish direction and including great retro-synth soundtrack. I suggest you watch this with an open mind, and don't watch too many trailers or interviews.
     Don't let the marketing fool you. This is not an action movie. This is not a racing movie. This is not a gangster movie either. This is a suspenseful character study with some thriller elements thrown in for good measure. The film starts out slow, at least after the nail-bitingly suspenseful opening credits. Some people may find the slow burn boring,and though I can understand why some might feel like that, the build-up is necessary for what comes later. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but such quiet and sentimental moments serve to leave you unprepared for the shocking scenes to come. The script is exceptionally tight, yet contemplative and emotional.
     The acting is perfect, just perfect. Every single actor was inspired by the gods of acting to do their best. Even so, Ryan Goslin steals the show as the enigmatic, nameless protagonist (whom I call 'The Man With No Name', despite his being credited as 'Driver'). He has very little dialogue, but gives such a powerful performance that we are left thinking that more words would destroy such a beautiful role. Though it gives off a very different vibe, some might say that the story can be classified as a classic western, and they wouldn't be wrong.
     There isn't much more I can say without spoiling the film, so that's it for the specifics. However, I should add that this has one of the best movie soundtracks in recent memory. Just listening to the great music in theaters is worth the price of admission. But now, the complicated part.
     I always say that a movie has two pivotal moments that define it. The beginning and the end. The beginning draws the viewer into the film's universe, and the end makes it memorable. At least in theory. Minutes after finishing 'Drive', I gave it 7.5/10, because it builds up so much momentum during the course of the story, and then ends on such a subtle note, which left me frustrated. But then, I started to think about it, and I have been thinking for a while. This film is a masterpiece, one which I will watch again and again. The ending is beautiful, you just have to make all the necessary connections, though it may take a while.
     Overall, this is becoming one of my favourite movies, and I think I'll like it more with every subsequent viewing. All I can say is that you should watch it with an open mind. Expect Sergio Leone, not Scorcese. I give it a 9.5/10. That concludes today's review. Now here's the misleading trailer:

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

PS: I rewatched this in theaters a few months after the review, and it was even better.

(Not so) Weekly Movie Review #4: Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2011)

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here once more with another weekly movie review. So, this week I went to the movies in order to could get you guys a review of something recent for a change. I'm a fan of Guillermo Del Toro, so I thought this would be alright. Sure, it's directed by Troy Nixey, but Del Toro's style seeped in even though he's not directing. Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark is about a little girl who moves in with her father after he remarried. He's trying to renovate an old mansion that once belonged to a mysterious artist and, naturally, something evil resides in the bowels of the house.
     I stepped inside the theatre with an open mind, having only seen a trailer or two of this movie. I thought it would be your usual fairy-tale reinvention, the kind Guillermo usually endorses, but it wasn't. Troy's direction really stood out in this film, and imagine my surprise when I realized how Lovecraftian the whole tale was. Sure it's a horror film about 'tooth fairies', but the Lovecraft vibe is still there, hidden in the shadows.
     It's funny really, I found out later that this was filmed in the house that inspired Lovecract's 'Rats In The Walls'. Aiding the classic horror tale that is the backbone of this movie, is a very retro atmosphere, aided by a great (albeit eerie) musical score. Everything in this movie just fits together to form a great creepy adventure. Well, almost everything.
     You see, there are some unforgivable plot holes in this film. And the script isn't as strong as it could (and should) have been. There are a few scenes where the dialogue just feels unnatural and phoned in, but maybe that's just me. Overall, what saves most of these shortcomings are the great performances, especially by Bailee Madison and Katie Holmes. I give this movie a 7.5/10.
     Thanks for reading yet another movie review, and check back Friday for comics and laughs, and next Monday for more reviews. Check out the trailer before you go:

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

(Not so) Weekly Movie Review #3: The Midnight Meat Train (2008)

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here once more with your (not so) weekly movie review. Today's movie is The Midnight Meat Train. I've been only reviewing movies which I think are underrated or just plain unknown to most people so far, and this one is no exception. This little gem is directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, and based on one of Clive Barker's tales from his Books Of Blood series. I have a certain affinity with Clive Barker's stories, even though they pretty much always leave me disturbed at night and slightly confused. I guess he likes it like that.
     Honestly, I think this and Candyman are the best adaptations of Clive's work. He directed Hellraiser himself so I don't think it doesn't count. This whole film reeks of style AND substance; Kitamura has woven something that entertains on various levels. The plot revolves around a New York photographer's dive into madness and obsession as he tracks down a serial killer in the city's subway.
     It's a crime that this had a limited release in theaters. The cinematography is beautiful, and even the gore has a surrealistic/artistic touch to it. The entire film feels like a dream, or rather, a nightmare.
      Bradley Cooper is great in this film, having become one of my favourite actors between this and 'Limitless'. Vinnie Jones also conveys a lot of emotion in his scenes, though very subtly. Everything in this movie, from the soundtrack to the editing, meshes together to form a sterile and menacing atmosphere, making it a consistently interesting spectacle. It does get somewhat corny at times, however, and the exagerrated violence actually makes it more cartoonish than horrifying.
      The ending has been criticized for practically coming out of nowhere, but there are many clues hidden throughout the film, and I found it to be a nice twist to the story. Sure a few more clues would have helped, but it really is a great finale. I really liked it, and highly recommend that you give this one a watch if you don't mind the subsequent nightmares (or perhaps even veganism!). Overall, a solid 7.5/10.
     That concludes this week's movie review of The Midnight Meat Train. Hope you've enjoyed it. Here's the official trailer:

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

PS: This one I actually do own! The commentary with Clive and the director is great!

(Not So) Weekly Movie Review #2: Los Cronocrimenes (TimeCrimes, 2007)

Greetings,

     Optiluiz here once more with a (not so) weekly movie review. Yesterday, I watched Final Destination 5 in 3D, after having heard it was one of the best in the franchise (Not that that's saying much). However, I really didn't feel that it warrented a review. I like to review lesser known movies, even if I get less views from them, as long as they're worth it. You see, I really enjoy the feeling you get when you recommend an obscure movie to someone and they love it. Anyway, on to the review.
     Timecrimes (Cronocrimenes), is a spanish sci-fi thriller from 2007. It is yet another one of my favourite movies, and with good reason. Nacho Vigalondo deserves all the credit he can get for this film, as it's one of the most stylish sci fi stories in recent memory. The overall atmosphere reminded me of Donnie Darko, though it wasn't as surreal. I watched this film for the first time about a year ago, and it still affects me the same way every time I rewatch it.
     Nacho has created an enjoyable narrative labyrinth, which continues to be fun no matter how many times you go through it. At all moments there is a peculiar vibe to the movie, as if things aren't exactly as they seem. I wish I could say more about the movie, but that would ruin the plot, and I'd prefer it if you saw this movie the same way I did, having only seen one trailer and some guy commenting on how good it was. I guess the only thing I can say is that it's a film about the emotional effects of Time Travel, and how every choice can have strange consequences down the line.
     The cinematography is efficient, yet breathtaking, as is the whole film. This may be a low-budget thriller, but the overall quality doesn't suggest that. Even so, there are some of you that have a certain xenophobic response regarding foreign films. I understand that, however, you'll be the only one missing out on this great film. I'm not sure about the dubbing, but I watched this one subtitled just fine. Then I watched it again. And again. It's that good. I have heard that an american remake is on the way, but I don't think that's really necessary, and I doubt they will be able to achieve the same atmosphere that the original did.
     I really can't find an actual fault in this film. The acting was great, the story made sense, and it was, overall, a great ride. Sometimes, however I did get the feeling that this could have been a bigger movie, with the story working on a larger scale. I'm not sure why, though, because it seems perfect as is. Not every movie needs to about saving the world, right? Well, this one definitely deserves a watch, or maybe even a buy. An outstanding 9/10.
     That concludes today's movie review. Thanks for reading, and here's the trailer for Cronocrimenes:

Chainsaw cheers,

-Optiluiz out.

(Not So) Weekly Review #1: Dark City (1998)

Greetings, readers.

     Optiluiz here once more. This is our first-ever "weekly" movie review, so why not start big? Here is my review of Alex Proyas's excellent retelling of the philosophical cave myth. Enjoy...
     First, I'm obligated to tell you that my opinion is a bit biased here... This is one of my favourite movies of all time and I loved The Crow as well, so don't expect any deep negative criticism.
     Now, in case you haven't heard of this movie before, it's basically the Matrix with more brain and less brawn. And it came out a year earlier. A more recent similar film would be "the Adjustment Bureau". Dark City slaps those movies around in their own feces, however, and I still do love the Matrix.
     I won't spoil the plot for you, as this movie works better if you watch it open-minded. Just catch a glimpse at a trailer and go for it. The story is as deep and layered as these things can be, and though I'd love to spoil it here and discuss the minutiae, I think it's best if I just comment on the technical aspects for now.
     This film has the best neo-noir ambience I've ever seen; everything is stylish, yet consistent with the story. The acting is great as well, and the soundtrack was pretty much perfect. I regret not having seen this one in theaters (though I was a child when it came out). It seems as though everyone involved with the film as at the top of their game at the time, and gave this their best.
     Unlike The Crow (which, all things considered, was also a great film), Dark City's qualities go beyond style and slick direction. The running themes of what makes up human identity, and how faulty our memories are make for great post-movie conversations. This is a brainy film if I ever saw one. Another great thing about it is how subtly the subject matter is treated, leaving you to make your own conclusions from what has been presented, and not slathering the viewer in exposition or telling you what to think.
     The climax of this film gets to me every time, the emotional resonance is outstanding. The special effects are also great, and not just for the nineties. This is a different kind of film, one that you'll remember for a long time after you've seen it, and not just for the visuals. I hope everyone gets a chance to watch it at least once. Sadly, I don't own this movie on Dvd or Blu-Ray, but if I ever find it, it's mine. A solid 9.5/10.
     I leave you now with the trailer to Dark City. Also superb.

Chainsaw Cheers,

-Optiluiz out...

PS: If you get the chance, check out the Director's Cut first!

PPS: Actually, the Soundtrack is worth getting as well...