The Village of Shadows (2010)

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A well made, atmospheric French horror. The story seems bit interesting at the beginning but didn't offer anything new after unfolding the mysteries. Overall, quite ordinary.

>>: B-

The Revenant (2009/2011)

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Surprisingly good. A darkly funny & moving story, recommended.

>>: A-

The adventures of Tintin.

Note -
Never once read the comic/s of this one...at the time I last really had access to them in high school, I was rather into marvel/image stuff so of course something like Tintin had too much dialogue, not enough people getting hit.
I'll admit that. It's not like taste counts for much in more under 18's.

The movie was fun. I can see what they mean when they draw similarity between this and something like Indiana Jones, but it did so without actually BEING a similar film.
It's got a decent servicable plot that keeps things moving along, the characters are likeable for the better part, the voice acting is above par, and the dialogue is actually pretty funny.
In terms of how it looks, it's maybe the best looking animated film I've ever seen. Also in terms of the 3D bits, it's right up there as well.
I'd say this would be suitable for all ages, I mean if you took your kids to the shitty "Pirates" sequels this will entertain them without making you want to stab your eyes out with screwdrivers.
I felt that perhaps the "after the adventure" scenes towards the end fell a little bit flat, though as an entirety I really enjoyed this film, I honestly feel like that to *find* something wrong with this film, you'd be grasping as straws.
8/10

Cronos: One of my favourite 'vampire' films, great example of how a subtle adjustments to a common theme can create something fresh and unique.... Probably my favourite film from Del Toro.

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Vicious Lips

Now normally I love 80s cheese but this one I just couldnt get any enjoyment out of. Took me 4 or 5 viewings to finally finish it.

We Need To Talk About Kevin
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This was really good. The bits and pieces/flashback style of storytelling done to the point of not knowing much of what is going on especially in the first hour and the strange out of place music really makes the beginning intriguing. After that, the story becomes more linear but it still doesn't reveal everything until the very end and when it does, it doesn't disappoint. The whole movie i just wanted answers and i was anticipating the ending. I liked how they didn't leave things vague but also didn't shove the facts down your throat. The last few moments were amazing especially.

I recommend this.

Klass (2007) This estonian drama is completely nightmarish but what's truly horrifying is that it could be all too real. I regret watching it. If you want to-make sure you read reviews first so you know what you are letting yourself in for-I don't think I will ever forget it-scarring viewing.

My Son My Son What Have Ye Done

ya got Werner Herzog directing...David Lynch Producing...throw in actors Michael Shannon, Willem Defoe, Brad Dorif and Udo Kier....you gotta expect a little weird.

"Jack & Jill" 0/10

Worst Sandler movie to date and a very strong candidate to the most unfunny comedy i've ever seen.

I was bored for what seemed like at least 2 hours.

And he chooses to watch this on his birthday...:rolleyes:

Vikings can be so gay sometimes. :mad:

I actually saw it yesterday. And yes... it's quite gay.

Kill List (2011)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1788391/

Takes a while to get going but once it does, it's really creepy.:eek:

8/10.

Septien (2011)

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A truly bizarre, dreamlike, and pretty funny story of three reunited brothers dealing with repression in various forms, portrayed as a kind of spiritual evil. It wasn't hard to get pulled in, taking on the twisted psuedo-naturalism and pace of Gummo, and feeling like an American Southern Gothic novel (which director Michael Tully cites as an influence). It's streaming on Netflix, and I'd at least recommend checking it out for anyone interested in ambitious independent cinema.

Extinction - The G.M.O Chronicles (2011)

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>>: C

Kill List (2011)

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The 1st act of the film is a downbeat Britt family drama about a "retired/job less" hit man. In the 2nd act after getting an assignment from an ominous employer we see some torture & gore contents and 3rd or final act comes somewhat with a 'wicker surprise' & everything finishes suddenly.
It tired to be an arty horror film but their effort was actually wasted. The main idea or concept behind the story was fine but the way the film maker executed it was really disappointing. The cast & their acting was good but it was another (somewhat less) boring piece like Matha Mercy May Marlene.

>>: C-

Cropsey (2009)

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>>: B+

Nightmares in Red, White and Blue: The Evolution of the American Horror Film (2009)

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>>: B+

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Fantastic film. A mind-blowing script (based on the book by John Le Carre, no less) is complimented by gritty performances, really brilliant cinematography and outstanding direction by the man who gave us Let the Right One In. This should be considered as a landmark in 2011 cinema, heck maybe all cinema in the 2000s.

Highly recommended to anyone who loves espionage thrillers and brilliance in cinema story-telling. Be warned though, some of you might find it a bit of a slow-burn.

* * * * ½

^Really want to see that one.

Me too. Gary Oldman is my favorite actor.

Me three! Love Gary Oldman AND Colin Firth!

Super 8: Thought it was a decent movie, kinda too close to a spielberg homage to be taken seriously, but it has its moments.

Nothin' wrong with Spielberg.

Now, I'll just sit back and wait for the contrary opinions to roll on in.

Not gonna disagree. Spielberg is the man and unlike some people, he hasnt lost his touch.

Downloaded the 1979 TTSS Britt TV mini series few days ago. Hope to see it soon.

Capote (2005)

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>>: A-

Infamous (2006)

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>>: B+

Wanted to see them both after watching In Cold Blood (1967) few weeks ago.

And you all are going to love it. Trust me.


Tracking that one down as we speak. I am a fan of John Irvin ever since I watched Hamburger Hill, his version of Frederick Forsyth's The Dogs of War with Walken/Berenger, and I thought Widows' Peak was a superbly made suspense thriller.

The TV adaptation has gotten some pretty rave reviews in it's time and stars Sir Alec Guinness, no less!

Scream 4! Such an avid fan of the saga.

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"Super" 9/10


Right up there with my other anti superhero favorites "Bad-Ass" & "Watchmen".

I didnt say there was anything wrong with Spielberg, just that the movie, at times, bordered on pastiche.

I really liked Super. A lot. Have you seen Defendor? I think you'll really dig it as well.

...

The Thing (2011)


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FINALLY got around to watching the prequel... and I really really wish I had seen it in the theater and not a crappy hotel TV.

I was pretty floored by this movie. Granted, I went in with incredibly low expectations, but there were some fantastic scenes of the monster that honestly made my jaw drop.

It was really smart that they took the "prequel" route instead of the "remake" route, and the script did a great job dovetailing the two together (in fact, it makes me want to watch this movie again and then follow it up immediately with John Carpenter's).

The direction is fantastic, the action scenes believable, and the monster... WOW the monster was absolutely spectacular. Wish I had seen all of its glory on the Big Screen and I want to buy it immediately on Blu-ray. I'm a sucker for good looking, creepy beasties, and this movie did a great job to follow in the style of the original without completely ripping it off. This was a great, fun, monster flick.

If I have to pick on anything it would be that there are probably too many characters, and very little character development, so I found myself sitting and waiting for the monster to appear instead of actually caring who lives and who dies. Also, if you dissect one of the events of the end with some of the events earlier in the film, the reveal doesn't really make sense (sorry to be vague but I want to avoid spoilers here)... But that's OK.

I had a really, really good time watching this and I can't wait to get it on blu-ray and watch it back-to-back with John Carpenter's.

I recommend this if you're looking for a solid little monster flick. Purists, suspend your cynicism. It's really enjoyable.

3.75/5.


...


Also watched a couple of the...

Six Films to Keep You Awake


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The Baby's Room (2006)

Good, creepy little flick. A great super natural slow-burner that honestly went in a different direction that I expected. Great acting and solid direction. For better or for worse, these episodes are on average better than your typical Masters of Horror.


3.25/5.


To Let (2006)

Ok - The acting was fantastic, the direction phenomenal, and I love the set... HOWEVER, this unfortunately turned into one of those flicks where our victims have numerous opportunities to turn the tables on our assailant and they just failed to do so. Also, the assailant wasn't really a believable threat to me, honestly. I'd say the first half was great - Built suspense really well, but once it took the turn of the slasher, I just could not understand why our heroes did what they did. It was really too bad. Would have been spectacular with a better script.


2/5.


Of this series, I've also seen A Real Friend, which was delightfully bizarre and charming. The ending was disappointing, but getting there was a strange fun little journey that kept me wondering what would happen next.

3.5/5.


I recommend picking up this little collection if you can find it cheap.


...


Burke and Hare (2010)


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To be honest, I was very disappointed in this movie, especially considering the director (Landis) and the all-star cast. Lots of potential, but I found it dry, boring, and throughout most of it Pegg and Serkis seemed as though they were just going through the motions.


2/5.

Nightmares in Red, White and Blue: The Evolution of the American Horror Film (2009)


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Really solid, interesting and definitely broad documentary. Highly recommended to any and all genre fans.

4/5.

I saw The Baby's Room a little while ago. It was pretty creepy, and I appreciated the philosophical twist, but it still felt kind of flat. I'm a fan of de la Iglesia's work, but that one just seemed rushed.

I've really wanted to see Xmas Tale for quite a while now. Did you see it?

Thanks. I'll definitely check it out. :)



About The Thing...

Am I the only one who was thinking, put on a full beard on Joel Edgerton and he could pass as R.J. MacReadys (Kurt Russell) twin brother. :D I was quite surprised he didn't have the lead role, but only a smaller one.

AND am i the only one who didn't understand half of what all the Scandinavians were saying when they spoke english?

And seriously, did ANYONE notice the earring??

Nah man I was thinking the same thing about Joel Edgerton. They made Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje a dead ringer for Keith David too.

Defendor is excellent I really dug it. It's a shame it tends to get overlooked it's a much better film than Super or Kick-Ass IMO. I like how it's grounded a lot more in reality. Watched a documentary on real life super heroes that I forget the name of and it made me think how dead on they got it with Defendor.

Super was ok but the storyline has just been done to death for me and Ellen Page tends to get on my nerves.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - for the second time!

Amazing movie!!!!!!!

Ditto.

The Hunters (2011)

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>>: C

I get what you're saying about The Baby's Room - I guess I kept comparing Films to Keep You Awake with Masters of Horror and I'm just ridiculously impressed with the quality of the directing and acting... And even though it was a little flat (I do agree) I appreciate that it took a different direction than I was expecting (something that doesn't seem to happen very often - I'm always a more sympathetic reviewer when the film surprises me, even if it's just a little).

Also - Thanks for saying that you like the director; I just put two and two together and realized that he's the Last Circus guy!!! Have you seen his other work? Anything you want to recommend (other than Last Circus, which hopefully we'll watch today)? I've been in the mood for more Spanish horror after watching these shorts.

Haven't seen Xmas Tale yet - I have the discs kicking around somewhere and I need to dig them up because I want to see that along with Spectre (I just watched these last two on Netflix Instant).

YES! I thought that Edgerton was a DEAD RINGER for Russell - It was actually a bit distracting at times as I had to keep reminding myself that he wasn't the main character in this one.

And, no, I did not notice the earring, though I assumed it was because I watched it on a crappy TV.

Regardless, I did think the beasties were ridiculously cool and ultimately I had fun watching it.

Cold Prey.

I'm always looking for a good cold weather slasher movie. I still haven't found a perfect one. At first, this felt like Dead Snow. But Cold Prey came out first. Also, Dead Snow becomes a bit of a comedy in the end. Cold Prey is pretty good. I wish they made more use of the hotel. It seemed like only a few main rooms and a long corridor. Which made it interesting at times but I would have liked more exploration. The roof, maybe a hot tub or exercise room, etc. But the movie is good enough for me to check out parts 2 & 3. It also has a few good shots with the killer popping up and perhaps the best modern horror origin twist. I'll probably re-watch this again as I watched the dubbed version. I still don't get why movies get these lackluster dub tracks. The only thing worse than a bad movie is one with bad voice overs.

I definitely appreciated that, too. I thought the Schrödinger's cat angle was a pretty inspired take on the genre. I never thought I'd see a haunted house film that incorporated quantum mechanics, haha. He definitely deserves credit for thinking outside the box (no pun intended).

Yeah! He has a bonkers imagination. I would recommend Dance with the Devil (aka Perdita Durango), The Day of the Beast, and Mutant Action. As you'll see with The Last Circus, he has a fantastically gruesome and goofy creativity; his films always have a strong sense of dark humor to them. Unfortunately, The Last Circus is the only film that's available on Netflix Instant. You may have to search elsewhere for the other ones.

Definitely let me know what you think if you see it. I always thought it looked really crazy.

I don't wanna piss people, coz.. you know me. That's not my style at all. BUT i honestly got a tiny little bit bored at the middle of the movie. Sure, it was very well made, but it was basically the same things happening over and over again until the end. Not saying it was a bad watch tho.

Thanks for the recs! Looks like the only one available on Netflix is Dance with the Devil, so I'll have to check that out at some point soon.

I get that - I probably disproportionately enjoyed it because I'm such a sucker for good looking special effects beasties. :D

...

Ok, so here goes...

The Last Circus (2010)


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Well, it's definitely an over-the-top, sweeping absurd epic... I'm just not sure that I care for over-the-top, sweeping, absurd epics.

I thought that the movie definitely started strong, and I really liked the dark absurdest humor... But it lost me about half way through and by the time we reached the fantastically epic finale, I just wasn't into it.

Sorry, J.

I bet a lot of people on here will enjoy it, but it wasn't really for me. Well-made and acted, but felt a bit long.

Apollo 18....

Story of a Cloistered Nun: Well filmed, visually impressive, doesnt really feel like it qualifies as a nunspolitation flick though.