Evil Dead

IMDB
First time viewed: No
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Tyler, Aaron

Write Up.

Well it turns out the missing frames were just another projection issue from last night, because they were in the film tonight.

Some funny reactions tonight. One scream in particular.

Evil Dead

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Kate

Opening night of Fede Alvarez's Evil Dead rehash was most fun indeed, once the projection issues were sorted out. Still it's very upsetting that it's only playing for a very limited run in just a handful of theatres in Australia. I would have loved to have seen in a cinema with a big screen and decent sound.

But the atmosphere more than made up for that. There are some great gags (most of which are unfortunately spoiled in the trailer) and a few moments of suspense but over all this is more of a gorefest than anything actually scary.

Have the Australian Classification Board cut out some frames from the film? Our screen went black during some blood vomiting, but perhaps it was just a faulty projector? I shall see if it happens again.

Jane Levy give it her all. That is one tough performance. I did not recognise her from Fun Size at all. The carnage is all built up and paced quite well. There are a few nods to the original series here and there. (Fans should stay through the credits.)

Apart from all the great practical make-up fx, I really loved the lighting. There are some beautiful  moments sprinkled throughout. They got some great crunchy sounds to go with the gore too.

I'm talking a lot about gore. That's really what the majority of the film is. I can complain about characters but really I'm not sure there's much point. The way the set up has been tweeked is nifty but it doesn't take long for the carnage to start and when it does, it doesn't stop till the last frame. 

I felt it was very much in line with the original Evil Dead. It takes itself seriously but some moments are so outrageous you can't help but laugh. At least that's how it played with this crowd. Here in Perth it is only playing for 4 days, so get to it while you can!

Star Trek Into Darkness

IMDB
First time viewed: No
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Donna, Belinda, Kelly, Matt, Aaron, Ant, Xoe

Write Up.

3D at IMAX was, as usual, much better. Post converting all those lens flares much have been a nightmare. Sound was excellent too. There were many instances of the frame opening up to fill the IMAX screen which was cool.

Dark Horse

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Tyler

Always up for a new Todd Solondz film. This one crosses over with Storytelling, with Selma Blair reprising her role from that film. But knowing that isn't necessary, the film stands on its own.

It's far more slight than his previous efforts, lacking in the usual bite but still has some very funny moments and interesting characters portrayed by a good cast.

Womb

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

A beautiful little character drama, slow and understated and set in a strikingly bare landscape. It's also the kind of science fiction that less preoccupied with the science and more with exploring the ideas and emotions involved. Certainly raises some interesting questions.

There's barley any dialogue but Eva Green and Matt Smith are engaging in a very unique relationship. Slow and melancholic but beautifully crafted and intriguing nonetheless.

Jason and the Argonauts

IMDB
First time viewed: No
Current Release: No

Write Up.

Today we have lost a true giant of the film world. To honor the great Ray Harryhausen I watched this today and listened to the man himself talk me through the creation of the film on the very informative bluray commentary track.

The first thing he talks about is how todays action films are all so dark and perhaps the reason his films have stood the test of time so well is that they are full of hope and adventure. Amen to that Ray. Your legacy will live forever.

Star Trek Into Darkness

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Tyler

Pew pew pew!

The first J.J. Star Trek was fun. This time around the humour didn't always work as well, though it has its moments. The drama works well enough but it was very predictable which didn't help much with the tension they were trying to maintain.

A few twists that just didn't hold much impact given all the speculation and rumours. They play a little with expectation but hard-core fans that didn't like the first treatment will be positively fuming by the end of this one.

It's only the second film in this new series but already playing with the emotional vulcan thing is getting tired.

But there's still a lot of fun times and space battles and Robocop and Smaug fighting each other. Simon Pegg is MVP. The others crew members pretty much get shafted.

Memories of Galaxy Quest destroyed any emotional impact the climax might have had. Instead I was stifling giggles.

So brush up on the original sequel and be prepared for the onslaught of lens flares (in 3D!) and if you can look past some misguided fan service you'll more than likely have a great time.

Spring Breakers

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Tyler

Ahhhwwww yeaaaaaaayyaaahhhh. Spring Break 4eva biatchz!!!!!!!

Harmony Korine's latest is a joyous ride. A hypnotic tour through a neon dream world of feverish hedonism.  And our guides consist of no less than 2 formerly squeaky clean Disney teen idols that more than successfully subvert their image, to great effect.

Benoît Debie's amazing cinematography is reminiscent of his work in the epic Enter The Void. A hyper-coloured landscape with a indie doco feel. Cliff Martinez work with Skrillex on the soundtrack makes for a pumpin ride. Lovely use of Britney Spears. Seeing this in a cinema that cranked the volume was an added bonus. 

The basic story is this. 4 girls go on spring break to have a great time and then, once they've had their fill, they return home. It's a very simple story but a delight to watch unfold. James Franco has a role he can really sink his teeth into (no pun intended) and looks to be having a great time too.

As perverse and dark as it can get, I couldn't help but be delighted by the film from beginning to end. So the exact opposite to something like The Hangover, Project X or 21 & Over. Whilst the film did lead my friend to cry "Ow, my morals" upon the films completion I couldn't help  but appreciate the satiric representation of this corruption. Korine has done this before and succeeds again here. Makes a nice change from just making light of it for the sake of comedy. 

See this one on a big, loud screen. It's a wild ride.