Film Filter: Off - Since its debut in 2007, I had heard many mixed reviews of this film. Most of them fell into two categories: hated it, or loved it. Curious as to which group I fell into (and desperate to say I'd at least seen one of the franchise before Paranormal Activity 8 comes out) I felt I ought to peruse it.
Pros: Well, depending on how you like your films, the perspective of the camera was in first person, so that could really be a pro, or a con. I happened to like it for the style of this film. Sometimes this technique can get utilized poorly, but if you get the right cast in the film it can be highly successful i.e. Cloverfield, The Last Exorcism. I'd also like to note that, love or hate the film, it was successfully completed with a cast of five people and under an $11,000 budget. Now if only the U.S. could operate that efficiently...
Speaking of cast, I often like it when the character names coincide with the actors' names. It seems to, in my mind at least, add a little realism and credibility to the film, especially when an attempt at an "inspired by true events" movie is made. (Paranormal Activity, for the record, does not make this claim...but it was believable enough that I had to look it up in order to know that) My point is, names being identical to characters or not, Katie and Micah did a nice job being actors portraying "non-actors". Now, before you jump down my throat about all actors striving to appear as such, I have to clarify that this movie, and other first person perspective films, have a more difficult task in that their actors have to appear ignorant of the camera. Maybe other actors in other films aren't literally aware of the filming while they're in character, but THESE actors need to remain in character AND pretend like they're unaware of what's going on. It's sort of like a sane person portraying the role of a crazy person pretending to be sane...or something.
Say what you will about the lack of action in the film (and believe me, there was pretty much none) but the pacing of the action (or lack thereof) made you literally sit on the edge of your seat anticipating when it would come. Granted, it really never came, so you'd probably be sitting awhile, but I'd like to think the directors had a different mental approach to this film. Scary movies usually end up being "visually striking" (as Netflix likes to categorize them) which can sometimes cause films to bastardize the concept of monsters, gory details and frightening moments that could occur. The beauty of ghost, paranormal, and demonic stories is that oftentimes less is more. That gripping, edge of your seat, pull the blanket over your eyes, stone-cold terror comes from anticipation of creepy things in the realm of the unknown. What's NOT visible to us is usually what is most frightening, so I'd like to think that the directors are trying to channel in on that realistic fear that is inside us all. If so, job well done. If not...well, I expect better from you in the next two films. If the former was indeed the goal, they did an excellent job showing the evolution of the demonic presence, and gave us just enough to freak us out, but not so much that it seemed over the top or unrealistic.
Cons: This movie is a toughie to dissect, because it was a little hard for me to decipher the intent of how the movie was to be perceived. One thing is for certain, though, and that is that this movie is NOT for you if you're looking for a lot of action, a lot of plot driven circumstances, or pop-up scary moments. There were an ample amount of opportunities for all of the above to occur, but none of them were taken. I can understand why, if the director wants to maintain integrity for the direction of the film (should my hypothesis be accurate) but there's always a little bit of wiggle room to toss in a couple of those moments that make scary movies, well, scary.
Since we've established that this film is not based on true events, I feel I can rip on the two leads a little more relentlessly. What kind of person neglects to mention the fact that they have been haunted by a demon for the past 12 years before moving in with their boyfriend? Yeah, yeah "B-b-but sweetie! Wh-what was I s-s-supposed to say?" Ummmm, how about anything? That's like waiting until after you sleep with someone to tell them you have an STD. So not cool. Yeah, maybe he will leave you, but do you blame him? Then she gets really upset with him when he doesn't take it "seriously". Well, you sort of unwillingly dragged him into the scenario, didn't you? So how on Earth can you expect an unwilling participant in an extraordinarily freaky situation to be completely calm and serious about it? It seems like she's waaaaay too high maintenance a broad, above and beyond the whole demon stalker scenario.
Lastly, the time stamp on the camera was inconsistent. It was only on some of the time and, if you watch carefully, they accomplish tasks in much too short a period of time. Like, he phases from one side of the room to the other in two seconds, or goes from PJs to completely clothed in a minute flat without seeing him change. Not the end of the world by any means, but if you're going to do it, do it right people.
Wrap up- So what category am I in: love it or hate it? Neither. It's pretty much a middle of the road, mediocrely made low-budget scary movie.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Film Filter:Off - Red Riding Hood
Film Filter: Off- I had seen this movie on the shelf at Blockbuster and thought it looked like a waste of money, so I passed it over and waited until I could get home and watch it on HBO on demand for free. I have to say, I was more than pleasantly surprised with the film for many reasons.
Pros- First of all, there's a lot of male eye candy for any females interested in watching the film, and Amanda Seyfried certainly isn't an eyesore for the males. Not that an attractive cast makes or breaks a film, but shitty films can almost be pseudo-tolerable if the people you're watching are hot.
I like the appeal of recreating a well known fairy tale and darkening it. It's no secret that many fairy tales have dark tendencies to begin with, but this film takes that, feeds off of it, and twists it a bit as well. In addition to the stereotypical Red Riding Hood plot, they also tie in historical elements of witchcraft and black magic, romance and arranged marriage, and community values. There really seemed to have been a lot of thought that went into just the structure of content in the film, and it made a difference for sure.
I also loved the murder mystery aspect in trying to figure out who the killer is, which is a predominant theme in the film. By turning the wolf into a werewolf, the stakes are raised in that the antagonist takes the form of a human as well. A lot of the time murder mysteries don't adequately cover up who the killer is, or are too deliberate in leading you away from who it is. This film was a pleasant surprise by getting it just right, which is very refreshing. There's nothing better than seeing the killer for the first time and thinking, "NO WAY!" Going off of the killer-identification theme, this movie also smoothly scratches suspects off the list, leaving just enough people plausible at the end to make it really interesting, but not overwhelming.
It didn't hurt that the scenery of the village was gorgeous, and the movie did a good job of staying true to an older, unmodernized civilization. The perspective of the wolf was also interesting, as the camera took a break from the clean, traditional third party perspective and became a shaky, hectic window from the wolf's point of view.
Cons- I plead the fifth.
Wrap up- This film was not only entertaining to watch from beginning to end, but it was also really well done artistically. I strongly recommend it for any movie lover.
Pros- First of all, there's a lot of male eye candy for any females interested in watching the film, and Amanda Seyfried certainly isn't an eyesore for the males. Not that an attractive cast makes or breaks a film, but shitty films can almost be pseudo-tolerable if the people you're watching are hot.
I like the appeal of recreating a well known fairy tale and darkening it. It's no secret that many fairy tales have dark tendencies to begin with, but this film takes that, feeds off of it, and twists it a bit as well. In addition to the stereotypical Red Riding Hood plot, they also tie in historical elements of witchcraft and black magic, romance and arranged marriage, and community values. There really seemed to have been a lot of thought that went into just the structure of content in the film, and it made a difference for sure.
I also loved the murder mystery aspect in trying to figure out who the killer is, which is a predominant theme in the film. By turning the wolf into a werewolf, the stakes are raised in that the antagonist takes the form of a human as well. A lot of the time murder mysteries don't adequately cover up who the killer is, or are too deliberate in leading you away from who it is. This film was a pleasant surprise by getting it just right, which is very refreshing. There's nothing better than seeing the killer for the first time and thinking, "NO WAY!" Going off of the killer-identification theme, this movie also smoothly scratches suspects off the list, leaving just enough people plausible at the end to make it really interesting, but not overwhelming.
It didn't hurt that the scenery of the village was gorgeous, and the movie did a good job of staying true to an older, unmodernized civilization. The perspective of the wolf was also interesting, as the camera took a break from the clean, traditional third party perspective and became a shaky, hectic window from the wolf's point of view.
Cons- I plead the fifth.
Wrap up- This film was not only entertaining to watch from beginning to end, but it was also really well done artistically. I strongly recommend it for any movie lover.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Film Filter: Off- Blitz
Blitz
Film Filter: Off- Really, Jason Statham? It's 2011 and THIS is the best you can do? Tsk, tsk...
Pros- Well, Jason Statham is major eye candy, for one. Did you know he was a professional model and an Olympc diver before he began acting? Well, this movie makes me think he should perhaps put the Speedo back on... Other pros? Some of the acting was pretty decent, but it's hard to notice when the characters are watered down and lifeless.
Cons- *sigh* Ok. Let's start with the overall feel of the film. It's a serial killer/thriler (without Ashley Judd?) and yet they're casting Statham and trying so desperately to make it an action packed chase movie where people beat the living hell out of each other. There's a reason they don't make animated Disney films with lewd drug references, so pick a genre already and stop messing with my head. Despite the contrasting feel of the type of film, Statham did okay, although would it kill him to expand his character horizons?
Next we shall discuss the lack of any meat in the story. No motive, no background on any characters, no relationships between characters, no personal dialogue. Seriously, this movie has as much substance as Benefiber. Even the few circumstances where things outside the direct plot occur end up sucking and making no sense. The one cop goes out on a date with a guy and FREAKS out as he drops her off about calling her the next day. A man's wife dies at the beginning, and we don't know why and it doesn't further the plot along. The female cop has a young gang member buddy who she looks out for, though we don't know what their relationship is or why. Arrrghghhg. I could go on and on.
Waitress, I'd like to order a diet serial killer thriller with a side of unrealistic scenarios, please. The main suspect for the murder is pretty much a moron cop-killer who rides a bike. Shockingly, every time he offs a cop they are: alone, awkwardly cheerful, unaware of ANYTHING around them, and in a dark alley with absolutely no one around. Because that's how trained officers roll.
Lastly, I'd like to point out the stupid music. There's a death scene in which each time the victim gets thrown against a wall, kicked, or bashed in the face, the music resounds at the exact moment of impact with a loud orchestral accent. Really? Are we reeeeaaaaalllly going to choreograph a death scene like we're in the middle of The Producers? Music has its role in films in different ways, but I don't think I should be waiting on bated breath to see a step-ball-change after someone pulverizes one's face in with a hammer.
Wrap-up- No. Just...no.
Film Filter: Off- Really, Jason Statham? It's 2011 and THIS is the best you can do? Tsk, tsk...
Pros- Well, Jason Statham is major eye candy, for one. Did you know he was a professional model and an Olympc diver before he began acting? Well, this movie makes me think he should perhaps put the Speedo back on... Other pros? Some of the acting was pretty decent, but it's hard to notice when the characters are watered down and lifeless.
Cons- *sigh* Ok. Let's start with the overall feel of the film. It's a serial killer/thriler (without Ashley Judd?) and yet they're casting Statham and trying so desperately to make it an action packed chase movie where people beat the living hell out of each other. There's a reason they don't make animated Disney films with lewd drug references, so pick a genre already and stop messing with my head. Despite the contrasting feel of the type of film, Statham did okay, although would it kill him to expand his character horizons?
Next we shall discuss the lack of any meat in the story. No motive, no background on any characters, no relationships between characters, no personal dialogue. Seriously, this movie has as much substance as Benefiber. Even the few circumstances where things outside the direct plot occur end up sucking and making no sense. The one cop goes out on a date with a guy and FREAKS out as he drops her off about calling her the next day. A man's wife dies at the beginning, and we don't know why and it doesn't further the plot along. The female cop has a young gang member buddy who she looks out for, though we don't know what their relationship is or why. Arrrghghhg. I could go on and on.
Waitress, I'd like to order a diet serial killer thriller with a side of unrealistic scenarios, please. The main suspect for the murder is pretty much a moron cop-killer who rides a bike. Shockingly, every time he offs a cop they are: alone, awkwardly cheerful, unaware of ANYTHING around them, and in a dark alley with absolutely no one around. Because that's how trained officers roll.
Lastly, I'd like to point out the stupid music. There's a death scene in which each time the victim gets thrown against a wall, kicked, or bashed in the face, the music resounds at the exact moment of impact with a loud orchestral accent. Really? Are we reeeeaaaaalllly going to choreograph a death scene like we're in the middle of The Producers? Music has its role in films in different ways, but I don't think I should be waiting on bated breath to see a step-ball-change after someone pulverizes one's face in with a hammer.
Wrap-up- No. Just...no.
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