Friday, September 26, 2014

Life of Crime


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

They are going to run out of Elmore Leonard novels. But once again we have a really fun crime tale, this one set in the 70's and full of fun period style too. This one has a great cast too and a story that keeps turning, all leading to an unexpected but funny end point. Very enjoyable.

Step Up All In


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

The pretty boy from Step Up 4 and the chick from Step Up 2, both now broken up with their significant others that we were so invested in, come together to try and prove that dancing is a viable source of income.

It's more of the same, the terrible acting and unsubtle story beats that land with a thud are all here as well as the dance crews doing what they do. Unfortunately I missed out on seeing this one in 3D which would have been the biggest drawcard for me. It can't be that hard to write something with the slightest of substance? Maybe they don't trust their dancers to deliver on the acting front. Whatever the case, I'm hoping the next film is set is space.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

The Equalizer


IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

I don't know the source material. But I can only imagine it's better than this, the epitome of modern generic action/revenge films. The only thing this film really has going for it is the brand name recognition and a few stars. Denzel Washington does what he does. ChloĆ« Grace Moretz wishes she had a character written half as well as Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver. They do what they can, and the film looks alright. But this is just run-of-the-mill and forgettable. Not even offensive or bad, just, meh.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Princess Mononoke


IMDB
First time viewed: No
Current Release: No
Watched With: Erin

Write Up.

Great film for a lazy afternoon.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

The Boxtrolls


IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

Laika Studio's latest is a really fun little flick with their usual detailed stop frame animation on full display, looking amazing in 3D as well. They've added in quite a lot of CG atmosphere and some motion blur in this one which does take away a little from the stop frame look, but overall it's a stuffing film visually. 

It's got a really fun story and an amazing voice cast bringing all these ridiculous characters to life. I didn't even recognise Ben Kingsly. It's also very funny, there were a few moments I was laughing out loud at jokes that went over the kids heads.

It doesn't quite have the same appeal as Paranorman for me, simply because the subject matter in that film is right up my alley, but it's well worth a look on the big screen in 3D. Really fun time. And there's a beautiful shot midway throughout the credits that pulls back the curtains a little, that was amazing.

Monday, September 22, 2014

The Infinite Man


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

Write Up.

Great film! Check it out now. After seeing it a second time I have one or two questions about how certain bits link up but that's just me getting really nit-picky with the time travel.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist


IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Tyler, Tamara, Erin

I really like this teen night out film from a few years back. It's got a great cast and a fun vibe that's I felt managed to avoid being too hipster for its own good. It's also the first time I remember seeing Ari Graynor. Her subplot and the chewing gum make quite an impact. Fun times.