Film Review: Evil Dead

     Despite being a remake of the 1981 cult classic, Evil Dead is a fun, respectable homage to the original supported with Sam Raimi's and Bruce Campbell's blessing that in the end turns out to be one of the most entertaining and gruesomely awesome low budget horror film of the last few years.

     The film introduces the viewers to a group of long time friends who meet in an oh so cliche cabin deep in the woods where they plan to use this isolation as a way for one of their members, a girl named Mia, to quit her heroin addiction. While exploring the cabin, they come across a hidden cellar door where they find a Sumerian version of The Book of the Dead. Despite multiple warnings in the book to not read from it, it is revealed that a demon must take five souls in order to enter the world of the living. The demon then takes possession of Mia after she attempts to escape the woods and her plans of cold turkey. After they find her in the woods and take her back to the cabin, Mia with the demon attached to her soul proceeds to kill the other members one by one.

     Horror fans can expect the usual slow camera pans and the creepy pop up moments that reveal the antagonist usually standing behind a character or in a mirror as well as the cliche characters such as the man of science, the dumb blonde, the pretty boy and the African-American girl but what Evil Dead brings so fantastically to the table is the gore. There are many, many bloody cringe worthy moments that would more than well make the squeamish very uncomfortable. With the exception of Mia (Jane Levy), the other cast members are easily forgettable but they do serve their purpose as horror movie characters well. Some lines and moments can be quite corny, possibly even killing the mood, but those are really small gripes in an otherwise entertaining film.

    The original The Evil Dead/Army of Darkness Trilogy has reached such cult-status among fans, the idea of a remake was not well received at first but given that the original director and lead actor gave the film their blessing as well as lending a hand in writing and producing the film, fans should feel at ease knowing this. It may lack the absurd humor of the original and have a more serious undertone but like the original, it is best not to take this film too seriously. There are a number of nods and references seen that have become synonymous with the series such as the Oldsmobile, the chainsaw and of course the double barreled "Boomstick". Some of the most memorable scenes from the original have been re-imagined like the Tracking Shot in the woods and the forest rape but it would not be considered an Evil Dead film without a few bodily dismemberments, which thankfully there are.

     While it boasts to be "The Most Terrifying Film You Will Ever Experience" as seen sprawled across the posters, it most certainly is not. It is quite terrifying and creepy at times but to call it "The Most Terrifying" is a bit of a stretch. Despite that there are plenty of fantastic scare moments and gruesome gore scenes that are definitely not recommended for the squeamish. With two sequels already in development and the possibility of Mia and the original trilogy's iconic hero Ash Williams teaming up in one of those sequels, it will be interesting to see where the series goes from here. One of the better remakes in recent years Evil Dead is a wonderful, fun, respectable homage to 1981's The Evil Dead that horror fans will either love, hate, enjoy equally as much as the original or find it to be just plain "Groovy".

Game Review: Bioshock Infinite

      A Breathtaking Experience. Is all that can be said for Irrational Games' and Ken Levine's Bioshock Infinite; story, visuals, combat and characters are all blended so perfectly, it should not come as a surprise if  this Masterpiece takes the Game of the Year Award.

 

   
     "Bring us the girl, wipe away the debt." is what disgraced ex-Pinkerton agent and former war hero Booker DeWitt is told when accepting a job to rescue a mysterious young woman named Elizabeth from the floating city of Columbia. Upon first exploring the City in the Sky, Booker learns that it is in a current state of Civil War between the rich, white supremacists and the multi-racial working class. He also finds it's citizens hold high praise to a religious leader and self-proclaimed "Prophet" named Father Comstock, who predicts the arrival of the "False Shepard" that the bears the letters "AD" on their hand, which Booker has. Elizabeth, who has been locked in a tower for most of her life, possesses the ability to open "Tears", which are essentially doors to another universe or time period. With their own personal reasons; Booker and Elizabeth help each other escape Columbia from those who want to use Elizabeth's power for various reasons, while uncovering the dark secrets of the city and themselves, in a plot much bigger than anyone can imagine...

     The gameplay is pretty much that of  first-person shooter with role-playing elements but with its own uniqueness. Players have access to the usual handguns, rifles and shotguns that can be upgraded. "Vigors" are Infinite's version of Bioshock 1 & 2's "Plasmids", which give the player special abilities such as: Sending a flock of crows to attack an enemy or briefly incapacitating enemies in midair. As fun as it is, there are some downsides to "Vigors"; Salts are required to power the abilities and there is a maximum of 2 out of the total 8 "Vigors" that players can equip. Players can ride the "Skyline", Columbia's rail transport system, during combat and use the  "Skyhook"  for melee strikes and executions. Easily the most important part of gameplay is Elizabeth; during Combat she will hide from attackers and restock players with health, ammo and salt by calling Booker's name and tossing supplies to him. The most important part is Elizabeth's ability to open "Tears" during combat, where she can materialize cover, turrets, health kits, ammo stocks and allies to the players aid.

      The game is so polished and so perfectly crafted with stunning visuals, fun combat, amazing characters and a story so vast and thought out, it more than well makes up for the several delays gamers had to go through for this astounding experience. The revolutionary AI and story behind Elizabeth gives a companion that not only needs no hand holding but is also a vital part to gameplay and by delving farther into the plot, players should not be surprised if they find themselves doing everything they can to protect and to care for Elizabeth. Blurring the line between religion and politics and exploring themes such as racial equality, social class, alternate realities and the price of freedom are all part of a marvelous, thought-provoking story-line with an ending that will be sure to shock and dumbfound those playing it.

     Bioshock Infinite is such a masterpiece that it would be shame for people to overlook this as a simple shooter and possibly miss out on one of the most ambitious, groundbreaking games of the decade. The sky is the limit so "Would You Kindly" pick up this game...

Game Review: Tomb Raider

     "A Survivor is born." That is the tagline for Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix's well executed re-imagining of one of video games' most iconic heroines of all time; providing gamers with a compelling plot, a beautifully rendered open-world environment and an easy to follow gameplay system.

     Tomb Raider is a complete reboot of the franchise and therefore the previous installments are not considered canon to this reboot's universe. The game follows a young, naive and fresh out of college Lara Croft as she attempts to make her "mark" on the world of exploration and archaeology. On her first expedition aboard the Endurance, Lara and her fellow crew are in search of the ancient Japanese kingdom of Yamatai when their vessel is struck by a storm and ultimately shipwrecked on the island. Stranded, alone and inexperienced; Lara must find a way home, rescue her friends and learn to survive from the elements, the savage wildlife and the mysterious, hostile inhabitants of the island.

     The initial gameplay is a mix of exploration, platforming and combat implemented with a system to upgrade Lara's skills and abilities in Survival, Hunting and Brawling. Lara's arsenal which consists of a bow, a climbing axe, a shotgun, an assault rifle and a pistol can also be upgraded to help her in combat and exploration. Traversing the open world island of Yamatai is so fleshed out that it requires players to be quick on their feet, utilizing all of Lara's tools and abilities, otherwise she could be plunging to her death by sharp rocks in rough waters, just to name at least one brutal death sequence. Also for those players who absolutely despise "Quick-Time Events", it should be noted that there is a fair amount of that throughout the game however most of those sequences are in the opening chapters while the rest are merely for combat and platforming purposes such as counter killing.


     The game is so beautifully rendered; with the peaking sunlight through a coastal forest or the ominous sight of a shipwrecked cove, players should not be surprised if they find themselves enjoying the scenery and taking screenshots. The set pieces provide some very impressive awe-inspiring moments that, without a doubt, rival another certain game franchise about an adventurer, that is well known for it's wonderful set pieces. The story, while can be predictable, is so engaging  that it's hard for players to put their controllers down for those 12-15 hours worth of gameplay, offering many twists, turns and character development rounded off with excellent portrayals by the voice and motion capture actors, especially Camilla Luddington (Californication, Grey's Anatomy) who is the new voice of Miss Croft.

     Tomb Raider is a fresh, new start for the long time video game franchise, breaking down the character of Lara Croft into a vulnerable, naive and a realistic young woman who, while perfectly proportioned unlike her other incarnations, is still very sexy in her own right. Older fans of the original series might feel alienated due to the lack of over the top gymnastics and the grittiness, brutality and realism of the story but it should be noted that this is merely the start for Lara and there is no doubt we will eventually see her become the heroine we know and love, albeit with several differences in order to fit this new reboot. Watch out Nathan Drake, Lara Croft is back...

   
   

Film Review: Warm Bodies

 A classic love story with an undead twist. Based on the debut novel by Isaac Marion comes a very fun film with a different take on falling in love with the undead, forbidden romance and learning to feel alive again.

In a post apocalyptic world the population has dwindled down into three different categories: Humans, who are now very few in number. "Corpses", the traditional zombie but still retaining some memory of their former life and "Bonies", who are a more evolved terrifying, skeletal form of "Corpses" where they do not have any traces of humanity at all. The story is narrated by one "corpse" in particular simply named R, who spends his time in an abandoned airport, wandering aimlessly, having somewhat near conversations with his friend M and collecting objects for his so-called home in an old airliner. During a hunt for food, R, M  and a few other members of the undead, encounter a group of human teenagers who are on a medical supply run. As the two groups clash, R comes across a beautiful human girl named Julie and after eating her boyfriends' brains, begins to fall in love with her. Keeping her alive and safe from the other "corpses", R takes Julie back to his home, where the two begin a very strange relationship and R finds himself slowly but surely coming back to life.

 

English actor Nicholas Hoult heads the cast as R, giving a very amusing performance, particularly with his interactions with other characters,  through his actions, expressions and mannerisms of the undead. Australian Native Teresa Palmer as Julie Grigio is the more serious character between the two star-crossed lovers but occasionally has moments of high spirited fun, making the beautiful young actress a delight to watch. John Malkovich rounds off the cast as Julie's father, General Grigio, in a disappointingly small but well performed role as expected from the veteran actor.

 

Complete with a great soundtrack, the sounds of Guns n' Roses, John Waite, Scorpions, Bon Iver and many more, complements this very fun, supernatural romance film which thankfully doesn't take itself too seriously. The film has all the elements of a classic cliche love story: boy meets girl, falls in love with girl but are both from very different backrounds, can be a reason for viewers not to see this film as they have all heard that story countless times. However due to the setting within a zombie apocalypse, movie goers should consider this a fun twist as a backdrop for an otherwise predictable story. Keeping along the lines of a love story, there are many allusions to arguably the most well known love story of all time, Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet", including the names of the two characters, R and Julie, and a certain balcony scene...

 

Falling in love with a supernatural, undead creature is nothing new in Literature and Hollywood but unlike some certain undead love stories of the past few years, "Warm Bodies" is a fresh take on the subject as it does not take it self too seriously, which in return brings a delightfully fun, comedic film that both men and women can enjoy and relate to, (yes guys you can accompany your girlfriends to the theatre and not feel embarrassed to do so),  all the while making viewers wonder what it truly means to feel alive again.

 

 

 

 

 

Film Review: Silver Linings Playbook

 

    Based on the debut novel of the same name by Matthew Quick comes this incredible romantic, comedy, drama film about true love, second chances, family bonding and having faith for the bright side of life. Currently nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and all four Best Acting Categories, "Silver Linings Playbook" is easily one of the best and disappointingly overlooked films to come out of 2012.

Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper) is a recently released mental health patient suffering from Bipolar Disorder and episodes of violence after walking in on his wife, Nikki, having an affair with another teacher. Released after 8 months into the custody of his parents Pat Sr. and Dolores Solitano (Robert De Niro & Jacki Weaver), Pat begins to "better" himself by training mentally and physically for his supposed reunion with Nikki. Along the way he develops an odd friendship with the young, beautiful, recently widowed Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence) who is also a recovering sex addict and has gained a reputation as the "town whore". Discovering their shared emotional struggles, Tiffany agrees to give a letter to Nikki, as Pat's restraining order prevents him from contacting her, but only if he will be her partner in an upcoming dance competition. In between all this Pat struggles with his condition, holding back violent tendencies every time he hears his old wedding song, being his father's "good luck charm" for the Philadelphia Eagles and looking for the "silver lining" in his life.

 

 

Bradley Cooper is at his manic best as a character who in one second can turn from a shy, respectable man driven by love into a raging powerhouse destroying anything and anyone in his way. Cooper, who is best known for his role in "The Hangover" quite possibly gives his best performance to date. Playing Tiffany, Jennifer Lawrence proves that she is without a doubt one of Hollywoods' youngest and obscenely talented stars. Despite being sixteen years junior to Cooper, Jennifer more than well holds her own on screen as a woman who has many neurotic, foul mouthed and manipulative tendencies on the surface but internally suffers from insecurities and demons from her past. Legendary actors Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver play very loving but fair parents who want nothing more than to see their son find happiness...and to see the Eagles win.

 

 

Despite several differences between the original novel such as the time period Pat spent in treatment, the significance of his therapist Dr. Patel, Stevie Wonder haunting his thoughts instead of Kenny G. and the age of Tiffany who in the novel was a women a few years older than Pat was changed to someone who is considerably younger, are all minor gripes in an otherwise fantastic and very moving film. It is not without its moments of light hearted-ness specifically the banter and quips between the two main characters as well as portraying how seriously a city can take a national sport. But unlike so few romantic comedies there are plenty of serious heart wrenching scenes that would be enough to make one start shedding tears and reconsider one's life.

 

 

In a year glorified with superpowered teams, caped crusaders, wizards, secret agents and teenagers fighting eachother to the death, "Silver Linings Playbook" was a severly overlooked film that did not get the proper recognition it deserved when it was released in the fall of 2012. Powerful, driven but yet witty and depressing with superb acting, this film should be watched by those who missed their chance before, fans of the novel and movie audiences that are looking for something different.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film Review: Gangster Squad

  At the height of his power, former professional boxer turned Jewish Mafia member Meyer "Mickey" Cohen moved from Chicago to Los Angeles in attempt to take the city for his own, started to set up shop on the West Coast with business in drug trafficking, extortion and brothels. In hopes to keep the City of Angels safe, an anonymous group of honest LAPD officers and detectives form a unit tasked with targetting Cohen's businesses and the gangster himself.

  The film originally was supposed to be released in September of 2012 but in wake of the Aurora Shooting in Colorado, the film and its trailer was pulled and pushed back at a later release date due to a scene in which several characters open fire inside a movie theatre. That scene was ultimately scrapped from the final cut. Featuring an ensemble cast and director Ruben Fleisher brought a film in what was supposed to be a nice ode to classic gangster films set in the 1940s and 1950s, instead turned out to be a slightly disappointing and cliched movie.

The ensemble cast which features quite a few talented Academy Award Winners/Nominees, young and old, were somewhat wasted. Rounding off the cast is Sean Penn who as usual gives a role that is nothing short of well done, with plenty of malice, anger and intimidation as the head of a powerful criminal organization. Starring opposite him as Sergeant O'Mara is Josh Brolin who once again shows off his versatility as an honest cop and loving husband who's sense of duty and concern for the safety of his city leads the squad
against a rising crime lord. Current It-Boy and Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling plays a young Sergeant who is essentially O'Mara's right hand man of the team, proving once again that Gosling can more than well hold his own against veterans like Brolin and Penn. The always lovely Emma Stone plays Grace Faraday, Cohens' girlfriend but has won Wooters' (Gosling) heart. Emma is reunited with "Zombieland" director Ruben Fleisher and former on-screen love interest Ryan Gosling in their second movie together since "Crazy, Stupid, Love.". While she has shown that she can do serious and dramatic just as well as she can do comedy, it was disappointing to see her in what was nothing more than a simple 'damsel in distress'. Also in the cast is Oscar Nominated Nick Nolte as LAPD Chief William Parker, Anthony Mackie as Det. Rocky Washington, Giovanny Ribisi as Det. Conway Keeler, Michael Peña as Det.Navidad Ramirez and "X-files" alum Robert Patrick as Det. Max Kennard.

Despite being a disappointing film, there are still many set pieces and moments that make this an enjoyable movie. The shoot-outs and gun-play are fun scenes in which firearms are currently a touchy subject in news today. The ending battle between the squad and Cohen's men, the car chase in the second act and the shooting practice scene in which Kennard (Patrick) shows off his skill with a Colt Single Action Army on a beer can in mid-air are some of the highlight action sequences. Some of the softer moments are well done, for example a scene where O'Mara (Brolin) comforts a young boy who just lost his father and when a hit takes place on O'Maras' house late at night, whos pregnant wife is home alone amidst the gun fire.

While not as good as it was hoped to be, Gangster Squad is still a very watchable fun action crime film with great performances from a well rounded ensemble cast and great set pieces. Movie goers who want a fun friday night film with plenty of gun play and bullets would enjoy this. Those who were hoping for something deeper and more dramatic should just skip this and wait for what should be a very exciting year for films.

 

 

Film Review: Skyfall

"Bond.....James Bond."

There is not a single movie goer, casual or hardcore, that does not know that name or his code number, 007. And after 50 years and 23 sequels later, he returns in one of the best films of the entire series.

Skyfall starts off in typical Bond fashion, on a mission in Istanbul in pursuit of a mercenary alongside new MI6 Field Agent Eve. The mercenary in question has stolen a hard drive containing the names of all currently undercover agents so it is vital for James to retrieve the drive in order to keep those identities safe. The chase ensues eventually making its way atop a train where Bond and Patrice fight, in an attempt to aid her partner, Eve grabs an Assault Rifle and takes aim at the two men however amidst a moving train and two agents throwing punches, she misses her mark and shoots her partner who falls into a river below. The mission fails with the drive in terrorist hands and an agent presumably dead....

However as we know in Hollywood that is never the case as Daniel Craig returns, not just in narrative but also in portrayal as the famous British Secret Service Agent. Craig's Bond is aging and that is certainly explored in the plot, with the new Q and Ms. Moneypenny, played respectively by Ben Winshaw and Naomie Harris, being mere kids compared to Bond. James is not the only character dealing with age as M played by Dame Judi Dench is gearing towards retirement. Daniel Craig is at his best portrayal yet in the role trading in the arrogant newly appointed Double-0 Agent in Casino Royale or the hell bent on revenge lover in Quantum of Solace for a more aged, cynical and depressed personality. Javier Bardem as Raoul Silva draws similarities between Hannibal Lecter and Heath Ledger's Joker finally gives the Craig-era a memorable villain. Ben Winshaw as Q brings the classic Q and Bond banter back with a more youthful flair. Berenice Marlohe as the film's lead "Bond Girl" gives a very Xenia Onatopp-esque performance to a very short and somewhat wasted role as Severine. As far as "Bond Girls" go, many would argue that the films true "Bond Girl" would be M. Dame Dench gives her final outing as Bond's Senior and MI6 Head a truly memorable one with more overlying undertones of a Mother-Son relationship between Bond and M.

Visually this was one of the most beautifully shot films of the year, from the entire sequence in Shanghai to the third act at Skyfall Lodge to one of the final shots of James overlooking the rooftops of Britain, provides some of the best cinematography of 2012 and in the entire franchise. If fans of the series claim that Sean Connery's best film was Goldfinger and Pierce Brosnan's was Goldeneye then Skyfall is certainly Daniel Craig's best film yet as he has signed on for another two films. Casual movie goers will not have need to have seen the previous 2 films before seeing this one as unlike Quantum of  Solace being a direct sequel to Casino Royale, Skyfall is a completely new storyline and a new beginning for the Craig era. Longtime fans willl appreciate the elements and callbacks to previous films such as bringing back the classic Aston Martin DB5, Bond giving information "For her eye's only" or the playful banter with Moneypenny in what is a classic 007 film set in a modern age.