ParaNorman (2012)

A horrific animated comedy that touches the heart, reaches for your souls and still wants to devour your brains!

Focus Features in association with Laika and Universal Pictures present…

“Once upon a time, long ago there was a little girl, a little girl who’s different from the other people in their village. She could see and do things that no one else understands that made them scared of her. She turned away from everyone and became sad and lonely and had no one to turn too!

The more she turned away from people the more they got scared of her and they did something terrible, they became more scared and they took her away and they killed her! Even though that she was dead something in her came back and this part of her that would not go away even for 300 years and the longer it stayed the less there was of the little girl!”

It was the 1700’s and her name was Agatha “Aggie” Prenderghast from frequent horror film enthusiast Jodelle Ferland (Silent Hill), a Puritan girl condemned to die by her accusers, from here on the curse begins…

Co-Directed by Sam Fell (Flushed Away) and Chris Butler (The Tigger Movie) and also written by guy on the right! The film was produced by stop-motion animated studios from Laika the same company that gave us the multi-nominated “Coraline”. Since capturing the movements of characters together with its environment took much more time to process, these feature films does take years to create, they began production since 2009.

The story is about a boy who can see and talk with dead people, his name is Norman who was voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee (Let Me In),alone and secluded he escapes into his own imaginary world full of zombies, ghosts and anything that creeps and crawls in the night! Distant with anyone else except his Grandma Babcock from Elaine Stritch (Cocoon: The Return) who he prefers to converse with and have time to watch his macabre movies and together with his new “kindred spirit” pal Tucker Albrizzi (Spooky Buddies) as Neil, a boy with bullying issues soon find some solace with his friend.

Norman is often ridiculed especially by his Father Jeff Garlin (Daddy Day Care) as Perry Babcock, trying to keep his son at bay and to make him stay out of trouble or was it just to emphasize intolerance just because for being different. While his Mother Leslie Mann (Freaks and Geeks) as Sandra Babcock who tries her best to be supportive and just tells her son to be strong while trying to make him realize that she loves him even if his peculiarity makes her afraid for her child as well!

Little did he know that with his uncanny abilities he was destined to be something more! So enter Blithe Hollow, Massachusetts very own lunatic Mr. Prenderghast from the voice of John Goodman (Monster’s Inc.) who has been searching for his successor to continue the fight to make their town safe from the coming awakening of the undead!

While Hollywood’s rising star Anna Kendrick as Norman’s sister Courtney played by Anna Kendrick (Twilight Saga: New Moon), a typical teenager who just wants to live her life of a cheerleader while finding the “right man” and clearly she founded Casey Affleck (The Killer Inside Me) as Mitch the Football Player who has his own little secret! Christopher Mintz-Plasse as aimless Alvin the bully who had a change of demeanor and turned into a good guy for the latter part of the film!

Beautifully animated in its own kind of way, as we give our applause to the people behind this aspect are Lead Animators Travis Knight, current President and CEO of LAIKA, Inc., with Jeff Riley and Payton Curtis while chores for Animation Supervisor are take cared of by Brad Schiff (Corpse Bride). On the other side of the lens is Tristan Oliver (Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit) for his Director of Photography, Production Designer Nelson Lowry (Fantastic Mr. Fox) and Academy Award and BAFTA Winner Visual Effects Supervisor Brian Vant’ Hul (King Kong).

Most of these guys came from LAIKA and without a doubt has brought in absolute ingenuity from this ventured genre of film making. It takes a lot of time and effort to make these films come into fruition and with the creativity and imagination of these certified talents you will definitely have a long running list of Award Winning projects and shows!

The film covered various topics in terms of society’s underlying flaws besides the fact that it was done in animation intended to merely entertain kids and adults alike. As it gave meaning on how children are given the right kind of upbringing despite of their odd behavior and how the community respond in these circumstances. It starts from the family, our homes and extends to our schools and work place.

The story was short spanned but full of lethargic energy from the gloomy neighborhood and its people. All characters have their part to share for the audience to see how life can be difficult for Norman to cope with while Screenplay was never diminutive of content considering that the main character was able to uplift the message and being able to bring the best in people no matter how frustrating and dismissive life can be!

Another elephant in the room was how is Mr. Prenderghast related to Agatha where in fact he is Norman’s Uncle? I guess it would be nice if they can make a sequel with a more accepting towns folk and a hero that is well deserved to stand his ground against the forces of evil, he might even have a little help with his pseudo “Mystery Incorporated”!

Sleep tight Agatha…

Lady in the Water (2006)

Can you please just leave the “Story” in the swimming pool?!?

Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Legendary Pictures and Blinding Edge Pictures present…

It all started with a bed time story…

M. Night Shyamalan was fantastic and then it’s all downhill post-mortem “The Sixth Sense”. Every time he makes a film it always indoctrinate the weird twist and the supernatural. Of course every Director has his forte and weaknesses but his take on his projects made on the big screen has been so much criticized for being…let’s just say out of this world!

I’m not saying it’s a bad thing and I did not mean it to be good either! He always wants his viewers to feel something different, something palpable and yet, it draws more pessimism.  I hate to think that this is all he can do where in fact, his work entails so much envisioned thought as well as wonderful ideas that can be further elaborated, I believe that stories can be in-depth plus still have the element of being enjoyable rather than having it in a whirlpool of conundrums… I don’t need to compare nor make him less commendable from other Directors right? But the fact is, he is into a mass media field of expertise and I think it is imperative to be direct to the point in his work.

It’s a first time I have reviewed his films and it still keeps me guessing, what makes it work? What makes him tick? All the cast and crew had fun and a great time shooting the film, then why do I find it meaningless? I’m trying to get a point here, even my statements are heading towards questions that still need answers.

To put it lightly, there are given sequences that were dense, diving into the pool with clothes and shoes on! Discrepancies about after being rested into bed the sheets were dry and while in fact he was still soaking wet? Furthermore, of all people who needs to have the coveted role, it was him that needs to be the philosophical, gifted character! He even leaves a subliminal in specific sequences stating how he should be taken seriously to think he was not even special … how egocentric can you get?!? Another area was, I know it gives more levity to the myth and lore of the title character and have a Chinese explain this maybe for some reason that they are more inclined in these types of stories and run through its history. But come on, I can’t even understand their English! This is a crucial part of understanding the origins that furthermore made it more complex!

These instances and the people who support the premise made me think about Steven Spielberg’s film “Batteries Not Included”, yes it was a sci-fi, fantasy flick but with greater purpose for the neighbors to work out their problems. Here, I was still at the mid-point of the film and I’m already bored! Even the two lead characters were on the spotlight 90% of the time, which leaves Heep in a predicament that made him carry the work load more. To add, the plot became more of a muddle since patched up lines are left to supporting casts leaving them standing on the side lines, in short they were mere props! (the cereal boxes in the cupboard had better screen time).

The fiction was so shallow and with the screenplay running, there was not enough material to spread the entire fairy tale! Its proof enough how bad it was, not terrible but it was inclined into that detestable direction. The reception of the box office receipts were a measly $42 million not even enough to cover production expenses.

Paul Giamatti‘s (Shoot ‘Em Up) work ethic is without question full of vigor and vibrancy from a reluctant hero and especially to villains in most films that he has made. But playing Cleveland Heep, was over reacted his voice impediments were not authentic at all. I would not know entirely the reason why? But maybe it’s how M. Night Shyamalan envisioned the aforementioned main protagonist from his story. He runs around to find answers while at the same time searching for clues for this girl to be saved, it’s like going in circles in a labyrinth and the Minotaur is closing in!

Bryce Dallas Howard (The Village) plays Story the water nymph. In my opinion she is still an underrated actress who needs to present real acting! She can play a diversity of roles while keeping it intact and yet, it’s less appreciated. Her portrayal was too human, voice, delivery, not believable of being a nymph or otherwise. Also, what’s with her hair color changing now and then even at one point she looked like an albino!

The connection of the film’s talent was abysmal, scattered and without any congruence at all! I would not even dare to discuss or elaborate the supporting casts it’s not worth it.  As if they were hypnotized to say and do their parts when the time arises.  I even can’t believe I’ve said “WOW” four to five times (with sarcasm!!!)

To the kids of the Director, I can’t blame you he’s your Dad and his words will always inspire your dreams and imagination in time! The film‘s intention was heartfelt albeit the nonsensical innuendo of charades that can’t be solved in spite of a lot of players!  But for the rest of us…we have our own parents to tell our bed time stories!

Bad Night!!!

Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Mind numbing action that was convoluted with mediocre SFX and casting but redeems itself with fated lovers however lost they were able to open another chapter for a new species to awaken!

Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment in association with Sketch Films present…

The story so far…

Creatures of the night, scarred by hundreds of years of hatred and vengeance had never found its way to redemption! Masquerading endlessly through a conflict where no faction can be seen as a clear victor, the repercussions of a seemingly paradox ripples out from both bloodlines…they say history repeats itself! From Sonja and Lucian to Selene and Michael, lovers who cannot escape fate or was it destiny?

The film makers brought in a new breed of hunters who can definitely run around amidst the feuding clans, humans as they are called seem not to fully understand what they’re up against! A saying goes “don’t bite more what you cannot chew” unlike the latter, their newfound enemies have a different point of view, let’s just say they have a more voracious appetite!

Directed by Marlind and Stein, they were able to shed more light for the franchise to ante-up the level with not just focusing on the love affair of the two main protagonists but keeping audiences happy with fan service intricacies more so with a post-modern society take on this on-going war while dragging a third party with them! Swedish Directors Mans Magnus Marlind and Bjorn Stein (Shelter) has collaborated for the past ten years serving the general public with commercials though shortly timed gives compelling and thought provocative messages with strong brands names like Reebok, Nike, IKEA and UNICEF!

If there is Kate then there is Len Wiseman (Die Hard 4.0) at her side! Only now he’s in the film through Producing, Story Telling and Screenplay assignments! With the help of John Hlavin (Flattered), Allison Burnett (Resurrecting the Champ) and multi-media Writer from comic books, TV series and films J. Michael Straczynski (Changeling). They all pitched in to bring the series into the same platform with the slightly different concept of a chaotic world where vampires and werewolves are not the only creatures in the planet! The plight for extinction is growing thinner for both species hunted down, exposed to the public and thus creating martial law was inevitable!

The action was fast paced you can feel that the story is getting straight away! It was more surreal, direction, lighting and camera angles. To add levity to the environment which was done in an urban landscape, they were able to mix it with CGI and wirework which was definitely obvious but it worked nevertheless! The story’s premise was intentionally violent even for “The Purge” that commenced was absolute, cold and brutal! Bouncing back and forth with the military’s operations, furthermore the news reports does set in the backdrop involving a scientist in a verge of a cure but suddenly the project collapsed!

It was a mixture of “Daybreakers” another vampire flick in 2010 and “Resident Evil” which stars another action heroine in her own right Milla Jovovich! I still enjoyed it in spite of obvious flaws from producing the era’s angst, violence and gore leading the way to rebellion not just for their respective species to continue the fight but more importantly for their survival!

Obviously Scott Speedman who played Michael Corvin was not around for the fourth installment seeing that he has better things to do than run around with the love of his life Selene, leaving her hanging dry but on the contrary she was left cryogenically imprisoned and was freed by a certain “Subject 2”! Speaking of waking up at the wrong side of the bed, Selene thawing from the ice, quickly suits up her leather spandex to do away with her nuisance detractors in just in a wink of an eye! Besides her traditional outfit, Kate Beckinsale (Whiteout) was able to bring in her British attire just to cover up for the cold nights ahead! Lost and alone (sob, curse you Michael!) in a city where she needs to find the answers of how she can stay alive in this “brave new world”!

Actigen, a laboratory that delves into years of research for a vaccine unknowingly to the public it has a more sinister clandestine operations brought forth by Dr. Jacob Lane the Director for Research! Stephen Rea (V for Vendetta) lives a double life, flawed by a tragic history he and his son shares has been conspiring for years that would serve a greater purpose, unfortunately for the humans and vampires if you know what I mean! While “an apple never falls far from its tree”, Kris Holden-Ried (A Broken Life) is the genetically altered monster Quint who gives enormity of ego a juxtaposed simplicity to what he has become!

After more than 20 minutes of backstory, mass cleansing, capture and escape, the mood settled down to contemplate on research from Michael Ealy (Never Die Alone) he portrays the “always looking up” Detective who seemed too serious while the camera pans in to the crime scene and then he answers an incoming radio dispatch with a gallant voice “Detective Sebastian”, I hate it when they introduce characters this way especially for the heroes it’s so cheesy! On the other side of town, once they were a proud race of aristocrats’, they tackle their own concerns with new “visitors” holding the possible key to end this bloodshed (how ironic). India Isley (Headspace) is the 12 year old daughter of Selene, her name is Eve! She serves as the eyes for her Mother in the early scenes to see what’s truly happening around them!

Supporting actors Charles Dance (City and Crimes) and Theo James (The Inbetweeners Movie) is Thomas and David gone in separated paths. Reclused from the outside world, the former mighty coven of the “Death Dealers” humbled and no longer with wealth and power live beneath a Dam like rats in a rotting hole! Thomas’s cowardly demeanor abhors his son while they stand up and fight against a horde of Lycans gate crashing in…

Editing needs a lot of work, even coming from the simple cuts from the fight scenes while transitioning from dialogue as well in another sequence was lazily done! Editor Jeff McEvoy (The Long Kiss Goodnight) needs to assert himself on the given time frame and deadlines being met, the rough cuts were abrupt and unnecessary! It was still commendable enough though not as efficient in using their finances wisely!

They employed stop motion capture for the werewolves to move around the streets and to at least not hamper production over budgeting! I remember these monsters in the fan favorite and classic films of the 80’s “Evil Dead II: Army of Darkness” and “Ghostbusters” as well! To add, I applaud the action sequence director who delivers enough exclusive takes combining slow motion capture while adding on it a very unique delivery!

I really thought that this was going to blow the franchise out of the water; it was alright nothing was absolutely spectacular especially the CGI effects that was mediocre coming from a limited source of Producers. At least they made it happen; they also kept the history intact although a significant better half was missing! Another thing to consider was they evolved it from lovers to a mother and child tandem instead which I like personally since the paramour effect does not “sink in” anymore!

I believe (of course it’s obvious) that there will be a fifth outing in the series, hopefully Kate can still handle the wire work and dish out the quick kills otherwise India is next in line to look at the future whether if its bane or bastion…wake me up until then!

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

There is an old saying that “those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”, obviously this one had it coming!

Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment present…

An ominous introduction by a woman carrying a burden for hundreds of years, her pleas are still left unanswered! A tale which brings forth a world where beings of the supernatural order rein their iron fist upon those who they only see either as “pet” or “cattle”!

From here, they say that in every beginning there will always be reasons for love to illuminate even if in every darkest corner, it will creep out and find its way eventually but unfortunately pain always follows…

SFX Frontman and now turning his eye on a new “leash”, Director Patrick Tatopolous (Suspension) helms the aforementioned project in its third installment! Usually involved in making low budget B rated movies to spectacular box-office hits, he now ventures into this gothic and forlorn era where monsters do literally exists!

He makes the endeavor to create realistic fantasy oriented beasts to be part in yet again a bigger picture of the Underworld franchise! Unfortunately, his skills are still green in the aspects of directing making this film rank lowest in terms of returned receipts from years of past film projects including the recently released Awakening this Winter of 2012!

His rag tag team of Writers is still intact from Kevin Grevioux (your Majesty), Len Wiseman (also the Producer) and Danny McBride (not to be confused with the foul mouthed comedian)! The latter had the most bearing this time for the duties since he was tasked to deliver on and off-screen supervising for its Screenplay while having some adequate help from both Dirk Blackman and Howard McCain (Outlander) to bespoke the continuity and to please both audiences and fans alike!

The story was more inclined to being emotionally reflective as it narrated the origins of these two clans locked in an inevitable collision course in history! The actual backdrop was a definite action with tints of horror genre (not quite). Being said, star-crossed lovers Rhona Mitra (Skinwalkers) who plays the juvenile Sonja, daughter of the Vampire King and Michael Sheen (The Damn United) as the underrated gung-ho rebellion leader Lucian from the family of wolves who returns in his third outing already! His performance was the note worthy praise in the film, sighting his character’s blight for his tormentors as he seeks out justice one way or the other! Michael has been outstandingly consistent in providing very well performed credits not just for his home country but also for international cinema as well which includes “Frost/Nixon”, “Tron” and recently “Midnight in Paris”!

He was taken by the Ruler coming straight from his mother’s womb to be his slave and a “prodigal son” at the same time! As he toils and endures endless days guarding the people of his “surrogate father” without any compromise for his services, except for the only reason that he lives for the time being, this is the predicament he faces despite the cruelty towards him and his fellow men! With Sonja’s affection grew with the man while they were in their adolescence, their secret affair has led into conspicuous undertakings and will further give more reason for their misfortunes!

The fixation of Lucian’s anger not only comes forth from the maltreatment that the Vampires gave to his species but more importantly denying him of his existence to be happy with the woman that he loves! It was an infectious decrepit premise, but still you can feel the main protagonist’s pain from tyranny knowing that a day would come Victor will answer for his misdeeds moreover the final retribution will fall with the oppressor and his legion of “Death Dealers”!

Supporting Casts from the likes of Steven Mackintosh (The Escapist) as the two headed Andreas Tanis who seems to have penchant for betraying anyone including his King with the right price! Not to be counted out is the creator himself Kevin Grevioux (Quicksilver Highway) as Lucian’s lieutenant who got caught in the war only to be turned into one of them (he chose the ones with the metal collars) that will be his eternal damnation!

Since Patrick is out of the wood work, the Production together with the Visual and Special Effects Departments began under the tutelage of Dean Clarke as SFX Workshop Supervisor from the same group Tatopoulos Studios that produced the creatures from the earlier films. The shooting began in 2007 covering New Zealand and North Carolina as the forefront in the environment set-up!

The story undertaken was laid out nicely as intended, no stir-ups nor instances of discretion to hamper the film’s backstory! It was entertaining and intriguing to know additional information that will give levity from the two first films! As it falls in the box-office, garnering only an amount of $91 million in the worldwide accumulated earnings, it failed because primarily because it did not have the original characters coming back, implying on its star power comparison which was left and carried by Michael and Bill Nighy (Shaun of the Dead) as the cruel King in my honest opinion, secondly the prequel came in the third on-set of the saga which made it rather inadequate seeing that the films will have a continuing story coming from the Evolution sequel.

Despite the low returns, it still managed to brought in audiences to the movie houses, expecting it to earn way better seeing that competition were the pathetic “Paul Blart: Mall Cop”, “Taken” which stars Liam Neeson, Unborn, a horror and suspense film which was mediocre especially with Gary Oldman tied up with it, “Kill Shot”, an pitiful assassin blunder which stars Mickey Rourke, Diane Lane and Thomas Jane! I guess after all the hype of summer blockbusters and Christmas Holidays, Hollywood got tired to run the extra mile for the remaining days of mid-winter!

And so it went, from Lucian and his army’s rise to freedom, victors for the day but the war looms that will last for six centuries! Nothing lasts forever…or so it would seem!

Underworld: Evolution (2006)

A stunning sequel of a back-story which continually “evolves” with family ties, fatal lies and with more nail biting CGI!

Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment present…

They say that love conquers all…even immortal creatures of the night have not been exempted to the rule! Paramour lovers escape a harrowing experience of reckoning as dawn catches up with them, so has fate that will decide the future of two warring clans destined to stop this indecent affair…

1202 A.D.

A blue eye mirrors a fire as it slowly burns down a village, a pale looking man in armor utter words of grief as happenstance have stricken him and prays that the worst has not befallen their lands! With two others commandeering at his side, they must quell the “Beast” and destroy everything that was left as part of damage control!

END PROLOGUE

For eight centuries, the continuing saga of vampires and lycans deadlocked in an endless battle and an inevitable war has found their answers…or so it would seem! “Death Dealer” Kate Beckinsale (Van Helsing) and “Hybrid” Scott Speedman (The Strangers) returns as Selene and Michael to this anticipated sequel of visceral animosity, gutless gore and forbidden passion! Picking up from the last movie’s unexpected demise of a King, a new and more savage Ruler has been awaken by blood and deception!

How does one feel waking up for over thousands of years with so much hate? Tony Curran (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) needs to express his anger for those who deserve his unforgiving talons of torment! Few actors can give that emotional grit and grip to characters that embodies both omnipotence and at the same time vulnerable! As they are considered outcasts from a society which they see only as a source of “nourishment”!

His brother William is the big, bad white wolf! The first of its kind and the one who spreads the virus that coursed through his veins the moment he was bitten that fateful day! He is played underneath the “skin” by Brian Steele (Monkeybone) at 6 foot and 7 inches tall, he brings to life humongous monsters and demons since the late 90s’in such films: “Creature”, “Bless the Child”, “Hellboy”, “Men in Black II”, “Resident Evil: Extinction” and the most recent Minotaur in 2011’s slapstick comedy “Your Highness”! His acting and stunt work is quite impressive coming from films that rely heavily on prosthetics and heavy costumes. He reminds me of another tall guy who is definitely more pleasant and plays his roles with valor and heroism, his none other than Duncan Jones!

One of my favourite actors since Dawn of the Dead! Bill Nighy (Notes on a Scandal) stars as Viktor (pre-modern times) he comes back doing brief scenes since the “Queen” said “ off with his head!” and was taken out of the equation by a very naughty surrogate daughter! He always have that perfect accent to play the Vampire King it makes it even more flawless with his delivery of tones let alone when his disappointed at someone…

Knighted in both Danish and English customs for his services in theatre acting, Derek JacobI (Gladiator) is the grand daddy of it all! He plays Alexander Corvinus the primordial being cursed with his two son’s bloodlust! His back-story will tell how these war began as it presides on the star crossed lovers just trying to outlive anyone, everyone on a daily basis!

In history, even way back in the Egyptian times, the ruling Pharaoh had his Advisors to keep him on his feet and update whatever it is necessary to run his kingdom! Steven Mackintosh (The Jacket) is Tanis and is the one I’m talking about, but it has never been denied that traitors are always in the midst in order to survive, to thrive for the next successor, to serve their will…depending on the “benefits” provided! His loyalty has been tested and that’s why he is in prison with some perks! His purpose will serve more meaning through the course of the story as with the “key” that Marcus has long been denied!

Director Len Wiseman (Die Hard 4.0) makes another stint from his 2003 film “hit” Underworld! Together with Kevin Grevioux (Planet of the Apes) and Danny McBride (Underworld) the three continuously inspire the needed screenplay and at the same time develop the creatures’ looks, change and transformation processes and give them that authentic look!

Production Design Head is none other than Patrick Tatopoulos (I Am Legend) from his own Studio returning to instil his imagination to put to the test. In my opinion it was weak, the burning village at the start of the film was too “clean” in other words it doesn’t look real enough for a place being burned down to the ground, though I still give him credit for his hard work you can do much from so little financing! At least Simon Duggan (Knowing) has set in the crucial takes as the Cinematography in Vancouver, Canada which helps give levity to the scenarios that were captured just inside a studio!

On another hand, they impressed me with camera positioning, combining it with CGI specifically with Marcus in vampire mode! Luma Pictures, Furious FX and NTROPIC were able to get the best screen shots in piercing Sentries (Royal Guards of the Vampire Clan), soldiers and the like. Manipulating both the props with close up shots and visual effects when he is flying or hanging somewhere upside down!

Casting was another factor I consider to be well done! Tricia Wood, Deborah Aquila both C.S.A with Jennifer Smith found the right people to portray these awesome supernatural pre-modern fiction! Inclusive on my list of well deserved applause were Tony Curran and Derek Jacobi and of course from the original film Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy and Kate Beckinsale who rises up as one of the new generation of heroines depicted on the big screen!

Some aspects of being “monsters” got me intrigued, I would not know if it was just the way the Creators made them, an example was Selene and Michael were in a safehouse and there was no lights that time, but upon scanning her flashlight to a dead test subject, she got giddy and shot rounds from her gun! Do vampires get surprised? What’s up with that?

Another thing was why are aristocratic blood suckers afraid of the werewolves? Seriously, why do they fear them? Is it because of their superior strength, cannot they fight them from toe to toe? The film was entertaining with more action and back-story to keep the franchise running up to its fourth installment namely Underworld 4: Awakening which was released in Winter 2012 and with another species that wants to join the war!

Underworld (2003)

A supernatural slugfest with “Romeo and Juliet” on the forefront but only this time, they have fangs and claws to keep you at striking distance!

Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment present…

These are the days where “monsters” literally walk the streets, surveying and hunting; though ironically, not humans! They are like two mob rings trying to eradicate every single abomination on the face of the planet where one clan longs for freedom and retribution while the other just wants pure domination!

They are Vampires and Werewolves and they are amongst us…

THE PROGINATORS

Creator, Writer and Actor Kevin Grevioux (Men in Black II) brings to life a society where the supernatural forces of darkness becomes urbanely oriented with the same gritty, sinister and foreboding treatment but not like this grandiose! To add, another thing you need to know about Kevin is he owns a company named Darkstorm Studios which he started in 2003 and produces his own comic books!

Seriously, how can you make these creatures of the night still use guns, drive cars for mobility, blend in the crowd as normal humans and not liking the idea? Though ironic isn’t it, underworld also means shady dealings, profit racketeering and anything illegal that is usually run by mobs and gangsters who wants to control the territory or even more the city which correlates to the plot of the film!

Directed by Len Wiseman (Die Hard 4.0) makes use of his time converging with Kevin and Danny to bring us a spectacular new take in the lives of the supernatural with a lot of twists! After meeting in 2000, Danny McBride (Underworld: Evolution) joins the bandwagon and contributes to the story with Kevin and Len who does the Screenplay as well, definitely burning the candles at both ends!

Creature Designer Patrick Tatoupolus (Transformers) incessantly provides the best for the project and cast to use the combined practical props like pupeteering, animatronics with visual effects and CGI to bring an authentic look on the creature’s features and movements!

The Production and Costume Design was commendable, having the kind of vision for these two warring clans fight in a post-modern era. The detailed set-up from the murky underground subways hosting the scattered Lycans while the aristocratic Vampires live in mansions with exquisite wine, clothing and luxury was greatly infused. I liked the coffins lock system, even these centuries old Lords have state of the art resting places while the once upon a time slaves just have tattered jumpers and “underground boxing” for amusement

DEATH DEALERS

Fan favorite Kate Beckinsale (Nothing but the Truth) as the surrogate daughter Selene, she delivers her physical prowess in the film shooting silver bullets in a rapid fire pistol (kindly change the magazines once in a while please) these handgun is called a Beretta 92FS which was modified to be fully automatic in firing rounds, jumping from towers and trains and beating the crap of everyone in this male testosterone dominated flick!

Kate doesn’t mind much having his ex-lover and current hubby on the same film since she is too busy putting together the pieces in the puzzle while dealing with a traitor and trying not to fall in love with an intern who unfortunately belongs to the opposing team!

From history, it was told that there were three rulers namely Markus the first to be bitten by a bat, Amelia the first lady and Viktor who was abruptly awoken from his slumber, Bill Nighy (Shaun of the Dead) barely stands up with not much strength while still attached to a series of hoses supplying blood for him to deal with the problem at hand! His delivery in every movie is full of intensity and purpose, Bill usually takes the comedic roles then jumps into thrillers which suit him very well. One of the best in the industry, his performance here has served the franchise really well!

Supporting actress Sophia Myles (Tristan + Isolde) is the promiscuous but feisty Erika who constantly flaunts with Kraven the current interim Principal for the house of blood! He is played by Shane Brolly (Imposter) who I think was a poor choice for the character, his performance was stale and without any energy (he needs to drink a bit more…) keeps on babbling to Selene to zip her lips and still get’s socked in the jaw!

LYCANS

New comer Scott Speedman (Dark Blue) is the confused descendant of a long line of “virus carriers”. Constantly kidnapped, tied down, beaten up and a lot of syringes work up his skin. What an unlucky guy, he makes a clearer understanding when he finally meets Lucian (Maynard says “chew”) where it gives him rummaged images on what actually happened hundreds of years ago and how the war originated!

The always applaudable Michael Sheen (The Damned United) the de-facto Top Dog! For centuries he has been waging war to fight for the right of his people. His story is not actually farfetched from the classic tale of the Montague’s and the Capulet’s where a young man falls in love with a young lady but it was never meant to be since both clans wants to rip each other’s throats! He hasn’t gone tired of fighting even for an eternity just to avenge his beloved Sonja and once and for all unlock the chains of their tragic past!

Earlier we mentioned Kevin who also stars in the film as Raze the right hand man of Lucian. Their friendship is currently in a quagmire since the latest blood prospect has gotten out of their hands due from a previous encounter with the blood suckers! Despite his failure, his loyalty never ceased as he fights for him until the end! Kevin has a very low voice which is quite fascinating making his performance gives more levity to his character!

POST-MORTEM

The film was not a certified blockbuster hit but what it did was garnered a definite huge fan base which gave way to a sequel! I find these films fantastic; the amalgamation of monsters of legend into a post-modern environment which gives something more to discuss, to elaborate their long history of rivalry and hatred! Setting the tone to make it an action packed fiction embedded with a tragic love story gives adequate reasons even though shallow to still be worthwhile to watch!

The trio will be back to continue the story of Michael and Selene as they need to go as far away as they can for they know this is only the beginning as another chapter will be added to this forbidden love while still picking up the pieces of their past that will “evolve” their future!

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)

I say, retribution for those witches who were burned! There goes the manhunt…

Paramount Pictures in association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, MTV Films, Siebzehnte Babelsberg Film and Gary Sanchez Productions present…

From the book “Children’s and Household Tales” written by The Brothers Grimm comes “Hansel & Gretel”! It was published in 1812 and was included with stories like “Cinderella”, “Snow White”, “The Frog Prince” and “Rapunzel”! The folktale was based on two children who lived in an era that recognizes survival as the primary reason for their parents to leave them in the woods so that they won’t starve or even worse resort to cannibalism in which was the Authors basis from real events of “The Great Famine” in the years 1315 to 1321.

So after, “Red Riding Hood”, “Snow White & the Huntsman” and the recent “Jack the Giant Slayer” comes these siblings who had a really bad childhood! After considerably exhausted mining for properties to be developed on screen from the lucrative space epics, to the ever evolving treasure hunters, fan favorite deranged serial killers, the never can get a break video games, hit and miss novels and today’s hottest money makers the comic book superheroes!  Hollywood now has been finding another genre that can stimulate the masses curiosity and appetite to hand over their dough!

It was fascinating and maybe more interesting to invest on monster movies from Universal Pictures back in the day. Great actors who were primordially responsible to make these creatures born by folklore, legends, myths and even with facts has helped capture the imagination of the movie going public.

Hansel and Gretel was directed and written by Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow) not much credentials in his resume so for those who have not watched this film it may give him a little more benefit of the doubt than what he can actually do. His tempo is fast paced, knows a bit of action and placing his casts in the spotlight when needed. But his screenplay was in a definite quagmire, he could have done better since this was just an adapted screenplay and with the long history of the folklore. Twisting the premise into his own liking, the story would not have suffered that much in terms of mediocrity with petty one liners and self-absorbing characters that hogs their own scenes forcefully just to get enough screentime! In another aspect, placing elements from a fantasy oriented but contemporary setting with a steampunk backdrop was obligatory but useful nonetheless!

Along with Producers Will Ferell (The Other Guys) and Adam Mackay (The Land of the Lost) who operates Gary Sanchez Productions to finance their own brand of mischief (I mean work) and has a profitable films under their belts! But why did they made this type of project without the right intentions to make it directly oriented through action or with comedy and spoof it like “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” since they are into that type of business anyway? The film could have been much better if it was collaborated or was taken over by Guillermo Del Toro or by Tim Burton since they have the kind of mindset and imagination when it comes to these types of projects.

So, Famke Janssen (X-Men) is a Witch named Muriel and by that implication she leads a coven of spellbinders to unleash hell on Earth (well, the village is a start…). The acceptance of her role has probably by chance seeing that there are other new stars that can garner box-office results, although, she can still be considered a crowd pleaser but the rope can only extend so far…

While our leather clad heroes who had an epiphany to hunt down her kind since they were left to die purposely or with a given reason. The bewitching and feisty Gemma Arterton (Tamara Drewe) coming off from another monster mash vampire film “Byzantine”! She plays Gretel a no non-sense femme fatale who lets her brain do the work while the joker Jeremy Renner (28 Weeks Later) is her brother Hansel who is also not a stranger in these types of films coming from a zombie infested city as a sniper for the military! Both had extensive training since the Director wanted a no-holds barred in your face bloody action sequences and that was an understatement…

Now, Edward the Troll was a scene stealer, he may not be perfect in terms of using animatronics or puppetry but still made an impression as Derek Mears (Friday the 13^th) handling the suit while Robin Atkin Downes (How to train your Dragon) takes care of the voice. Both are reputable performers and have been linked to films and tv series. The latter even had various stints with Warner Bros. and DC Comics in their direct to video animated films!

With bankable stars like Jeremy and Gemma can only do so much for the audience which is one of the reasons why they would flock the cinemas. Although with a limited budget, it was quite profitable even with the critics overwhelming lip service. Considering this was released with mockbusters that rely on box-office trends and piggybacking on their supposed intended profitability.  The aforementioned financing did little work on special effects and wire works which shows especially the embodiment of witches from how they move, the broom aerial maneuvers and how they sound like! At some point they were like jungle cats leaping and running on four legs while snarling like beasts at one point and at other times like aliens!

Well, it was another pop corn flick with whole sense of being dreadful in both dialogue and in its production standpoint which is clearly a high school play has better chance of competing while on the good part, this was way better than Stephen Sommers’ “Van Helsing” and Stephen Norrington’s “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (talk about minds that think alike). In closing, the talent here was commendable enough to do their work but it does not change my mind in saying: everyone “get your pitchforks and torches we’re going hunting!”

 

The Crow (1994)

“If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever.”

Crowvision Inc., Edward R. Pressman Film, Entertainment Media Investment Corporation with Jeff Most Productions in association with Miramax Films present…

Losing someone you love will set you on a collision course to a life full of pain! That’s where James O’Barr found himself after Beverly his fiancée was killed by a drunk driver in 1978. Alone and grieving, he joined the Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany doing illustrations for Military Manuals. From there, he started using his gifts to work on his book titled The Crow!

From the 1980’s, the Creator and Writer bounced from one publisher into another to give the comic series a mainstream transition and get more readers in the market. It got published initially in Caliber Comics in 1989 and then was transferred to Kitchen Sink Press from 1996 to 1998. They even had different writers and artists to pitch in a partnership of sort with other another character named Razor from London Night Studios then moved again to Random House with another interpretation of the story named The Crow: Shattered Lives and Broken Dreams. The following year, it got shipped to Image Comics with Eric Draven as the main protagonist running just for ten issues.

In July 2011, an announcement was made at SDCC which confirms that The Crow will be landing on IDW Publishing in 2012 as Ted Adams Co-Founder and CEO of the company will take it into new heights hoping they can push through with a permanent contract and produce better stories compared to its previous “landlords”!

“People once believed that when someone dies, a crow carries their soul to the land of the dead. But sometimes, something so bad happens that a terrible sadness is carried with it and the soul can’t rest. Then sometimes, just sometimes the crow could bring that soul back to put the wrong things right.”

A man and a woman engaged were preparing to take their wedding vows the following day. Instead, all dreams died on October 30^th as they were found by an insidious gang of war freaks. Shelly Webster played by Sofia Shinas (Terminal Velocity) was brutally murdered, raped and tortured in their apartment while lying on the street pavement was her fiancé Eric Draven who was portrayed by the late Brandon Lee (Rapid Fire) lead vocals from the rock band Hangman; he was shot and thrown out of the window…

Halloween never went this far, as if it was tempting fate to finally end all its madness! Raised from the dead from unseemingly supernatural forces: The Crow, an entity from the land of the dead, gives Eric a chance to avenge their horrible past, as you can see redemption is coming one way or the other! One by one he took the lives of those who have wronged them while on the trail of his vendetta is Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters) as Sergeant Albrecht a good hearted police officer who was the last person Shelly’s with before she died in the hospital. It’s kind of ironic that Ernie was tracking down a “dead” guy without his Proton Pack!

Michael Wincott (Metro) leads the pack of his ravenous killers and goes by the name Top Dollar who provides mayhem and chaos especially for the upcoming celebration of “Devil’s Night” commemorating a yearly festivity of arson across the city! This guy has proven time and again to excel in villainous roles which compliment his demeanor for his acting strange, smart and obsessive characters on film! Together with his half-sister Bai Ling (Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow) is Myca, a silent and yet ruthless psychopath who takes pleasure sleeping with her sibling! Both actors together with the local gang members were the focal points of making the story come full circle; it’s the life so precious taken away by reckless abandon, pretense and wickedness to absolute no value for humanity!

I admired James work and how much he gave his time and devotion to accomplish this book, his story based in his misfortune. He brought these melancholic pedigree and gothic emotions harboring for an answer to substantiate his inconsolable pain! There was the right amount of synergy in the film that focuses on back story, love, loss, revenge and music with a darker tone set to captivate both fans and movie goers alike!

Directed by Alex Proyas (Dark City) my personal preference in making these types of films! He was able to present an unforgettable tragic adaptation together with Screenplay writers David Schow and John Shirley. Another fascinating take on the comic book genre but with real life elements of notoriety, crime and death! The Soundtrack was awesome having Graeme Revell (Daredevil) do the background music where it catapults the eerie and fast paced hunt of the main protagonist! To add, bringing in the noise are best in the business from Stone Temple Pilots, Pantera, Nine Inch Nails and The Cure and a whole lot more!

The man from Malaysia, Alex Mcdowell (Minority Report) brought in his expertise in the Production Design with the help of Art Director Simon Murton (Sleepy Hollow). The collaboration took essentially the actual groundwork on the environment of the main protagonist, dark, sullen and filled with the right amount of special effects from resurrection to the regenerative powers of the anti-hero. The city landscape, buildings on fire and motion capture of the Crow was fantastic while synergizing it with the narrative and intended targets for retribution.

As the origins itself was foreboding enough already, the film was made to let the public realize the story being brought to life to the extent of even incorporating these events from the pages of a comic book. Powerful and enigmatic! It was a stunning and visual undertaking indeed. Brandon captured the character’s essence of the anti-hero who delved deeper into his soul to let him and Shelly find their solace from the grave. Not much came out from the supporting casts as they were just out there to bellow their angst, cavorting with heavenly bliss and be the villains as they are! It might have given a little contribution to the premise as the screenplay would dictate, but it was great to watch nevertheless especially for the fans of the comic book remembering the demised actor!

Some cast members like Michael Massee (Catwoman) was stricken with bad luck as well! He portrayed the rogue named Funboy, the one who pulled the trigger that set off the dummy bullet that took the life of Brandon; unknowingly there was still a stucked primer which dislodged as well after shooting the scene. It was carefully checked by the firearms specialist and was later transferred to the property assistant later that day but no one was blamed for the incident. Rochelle Davis who played Sarah, the young juvenile who became friends with the couple even came back for the last take, in which she visited the grave of Eric but now was portrayed by a body double. Michael went on a whole year not acting due to his trauma while Rochelle has been out of work ever since. I really don’t believe in curses, but to think that it took a long standing predicament for the Lee family to carry this burden taking away the entire male census of the Lee’s as from Father to Son!

Rest in Peace Brandon and Happy Halloween!