Archive

Archive for the ‘Movies’ Category

Red Letter Media – Movie Reviews With A Difference!

July 18th, 2010 No comments

Red Letter Media

When I came across Red Letter Media on YouTube I was hooked. Any he’s definitely deserved of a full blog post. So who the hell are Red Letter Media?

A few months ago, much of the geekier side of the movie world, made reference to a 70 minute review of Star Wars The Phantom Menace (TPM) that was an indepth review. Now given my feelings on TPM, thats is awful and the fact this chap was posting a 70 minute review many years after the movie’s release, much to my shame I skipped his review.

Until recently. I so it mentioned on a site yet again and though, “not this thing again”. However I had some time to kill so I have a look. What started as a brief look ended up being a 3 hour marathon of watching as much Red Letter Media movie reviews that I could! The chap has a wildly entertaining, geeky yet completely sensical (is that a word???) view of how movies and story telling work. However the key word here is entertaining. His reviews are WILDLY entertaining.

Granted Mike from Red Letter Media doesn’t have many reviews uploaded and the reviews centre on the Star Wars and Star Trek world predominantly but once you watch his reviews you’ll be dying to see whats next. Even Mike himself is feeling the pressure, which we get a taste of with some of the other comical video’s he has uploaded.

To visit Red Letter Media’s website, click here!

Categories: CLinks!, Movie Reviews, Movies Tags:

[REC]2 Competition Winners!

June 9th, 2010 No comments

A big thanks to all the entrants to the [REC]2 competition! The winners of the goodie bags are as follows:

Brian Keenan
Brendan Pollard
Maria Dillon
Damien Holmes
Amber Power

Categories: Movies Tags:

Promotion & Win Stuff! – [REC]2

May 19th, 2010 No comments

PROMOTION:

E1 Entertainment Presents

‘The most frightening film of the year.
You will not sleep after watching this’
Nuts Magazine

After terrifying audiences with their nerve-shredding cult hit, [REC], acclaimed filmmakers Jaume Balaguero and Paco Plaza take fear to another level with the highly anticipated screamquel to the scariest camcorder horror since Blair Witch.

Only minutes have passed since the authorities lost contact with those trapped inside the virus-stricken apartment block, now completely sealed off from the outside world. Chaos reigns outside and a SWAT team, equipped with video cameras, has been sent in to try and control the situation. However, no one is prepared for the evil that awaits them and, once again, they must keep recording…no matter what!

FEAR IS REVISITED ON MAY 28TH 2010

For further information please contact:

KATE BOWE PR on 01 652 01 43:
maud@katebowepr.ie/niamh.regan@katebowepr.ie
Images – www.picselect.com

/PROMOTION

Ok now that the promotional bit is out of the way, lets get to the stuff you really want! Goodie bags! Ive a number of goodie bags up for grabs! You want to win one? Easy as eating cake. All you need to do is to email me with the name of your favourite horror movie and I will pick at random the lucky winners the day before the movie is released. Thats the 27th May! So get emailing, there are no wrong answers!!

I haven’t seen the movie yet but I’m a fan of the first one. Will post a review of this movie next week!

Categories: Movies Tags:

A Date With The Devil

April 20th, 2010 7 comments

Michaly Zichy
Those of you have read some of my earlier posts will remember be talking about an Irish horror film called Seer and its director, Eric Courtney. (I swear, that interview is coming soon!) Eric contacted me a few months ago asking if I could help him out with a new film he is directing on a somewhat not-often-touched topic; an exorcism.

We all remember that film from 1973. Banned in Ireland from many years due to its content, the film had a stigma attached in many corners, curses, strange things going on set, people dying, and all that hokey pokey good stuff.

The Exorcist is one of my favourite films, something that many friends question. It wasn’t the fact of having studied film in college back in the day or written a piece about what the film represents as a piece of art that drew me to it. It was the fact that when I saw it, 16 years of age, it scared the pants off me. For the 122 minutes the film displayed on my TV, I was glued to my seat in a lather of sweat and white knuckles. I was alive for those 2 hours and William Friedkin ensured that I would remember that film for a long time.

Exorcist

Nowadays, with our desensitised view of the world the film is somewhat dated, as horror films have been permitted by censors to be more shocking that they were in the 70′s and of course, the film has been imitated and parodied regularly. But never recreated. Even John Boorman couldn’t bring his charm to it’s sequel (and interestinly enough, Boorman apparantely turned down the chance to direct the first film, as the story goes, because it was a nasty piece of work). The original novel’s writer, William Peter Blatty, tried his hand at directing the third film, which focussed moreso on a spate of killings with satanic overtones. While the film had its moments, it wasn’t a patch on the original. I’m not going to mention the 2 prequels at this point.

Cut to today, Eric asked me if I could help out with some of the logistically elements of the film so with my background in No Drama Theatre, I set about sourcing potential actors that would potentially meet his criteria. The film will centre around an exorcism of an Irish girl but rather than focus on the horror of the piece, the film will focus on the psychological aspect. A good decision in my opinion.

As part of my research for the project, I read a number of modern non fiction books on the subject material; The Rite; The Dark Sacrement and Hostage Of The Devil. The books brought me into a world that I have to admit, should really only reside on the top shelf of the horror section down at your local Xtravision. The books were fascinated but equally frightening. Unlike Friedkin’s movie, the books didn’t offer tales of spinning heads, mass disfigurations or mutations but instead offered an insight into the modern Catholic Church that appears to have been brushed under the carpet for a long time. But books are books so the production team set out to meet with Ireland’s leading Exorcist. A priest named Father Pat Collins. Fr. Collins was difficult to track down but he did agree to meet with the team and share his insight into his world. Fr. Collin’s tales and explanation as to what happens during an exorcism would make the hairs stand up on your neck. His stories mirrored many of the stories we read about in the books. He wasn’t a troubled man, he came across as a very strong man mentally and spiritually. Perhaps his experiences, as nasty as some of them were, offered him a renewed sense of faith. As William Peter Blatty once said, “God never talks. But the devil keeps advertising, Father. The devil does a lot of commercials.”

I should point out that Fr. Collins did not object to the project nor try dissuade the project from proceeding. He did however warn the team to thread carefully. Almost like your mother telling you to look in both directions before crossing the road. One thing that the research has shown is that the subject matter is distressing and regardless of what anyone’s religious beliefs are, it’s not a pleasant topic in any shape or form.

But the show must go on. Eric and his screen writer, Martin Robinson, are pressing ahead with writing the story and almost a whole production team is now in place. Some actors have been already been cast and there is a sense of excitment already building. Eric plans on showcasing the film in the film festivals, similar to Seer, and hopefully a distributor will pick up film at that point.

The film is yet untitled and shooting is planned for early summer. I hope to blog about it more as things move along.

Oh and to pre-empt the question that is always asked when movies like this are being made, “has anything strange happened yet?” Yes it has. But you’re not really going to believe me, are you?

“Invasion Of The Not Quite Dead” – The Indywood Project

February 1st, 2010 No comments

Ad Lane and Ken Russell

Quite some time ago, I came across a chap called Antony Lane on twitter with the username @indywoodFILMS. Antony had set out to independently raise funds to make a feature film, “Invasion Of The Not Quite Dead”, which is a spin on the zombie movie genre. You might be saying, “Nothing new there” and would be forgiven for thinking that but when you dig deeper you realise that Antony, or should I say, AD Lane, is doing it a bit different than everyone else.

For a start, he’s really pushing the project as hard as he can. He’s not talking about it, he’s doing it. Through the power of Twitter and other social media sites, AD Lane, has managed to raise UK£16,340 (as of today) from 446 sponsors. And by sponsors, I mean regular people. That’s quite an achievement.

The concept is simple. On visiting the website, theindywoodproject.com you are given the option to take our a producer package. Their are producer packages that range from UK£10 to UK£500, each offering a number of unique perks such as signed DVD, posters, t-shirts and a chance to be a zombie on set for a day.

After following AD Lane’s progress for some time, I took out a producer package. I saw how much he wants this to work and how committed he is to it. But don’t just take my word on it, Jonathan Ross has also taken out a producer package and as you can see from the website, the project carries a number of celebrity endorsements.

So why am I only blogging about this now? Well the teaser trailer has just gone live on the web, giving a brief snapshot of what we can expect!

The teaser was shot on S16mm film on location at a small farm in Kent and stars horror veteran Leslie Simpson (Dog Soldiers, The Descent, Doomsday), Efisia Fele and Frank Jakeman. I’m looking forward to seeing how this project progresses!

Like what you see or even just a little bit curious as to what its all about?
For more information on how you can help the production of ‘INVASION OF THE NOT QUITE DEAD’ please visit: http://www.theindywoodproject.com or http://www.invasionofthedead.com

For real time updates you can add them on Twitter: @indywoodFILMS

The official facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Invasion-of-the-Not-Quite-Dead/16091146970

Contact writer/producer/director Antony Lane: adlane@indywood.co.uk

Scorcese’s new film – “Shutter Island”

June 11th, 2009 No comments

Came across this trailer today, a bit of a departure for Scorcese? (Sorry, couldn’t resist!) Based on a book, Scorcese is leaving the mafia at home but taking Leo with him. Looking forward to this one.

Transformers meets Terminator Salvation

June 10th, 2009 No comments

This summer’s movie blockbusters feature alot of robots. And John Connor. But why watch 2 movies when you only need to watch one?

Anybody Out There? (Christian Bale?)

February 20th, 2009 No comments

Its being rather quiet around here lately. “Hmmm” says you, “no shite mister”. My neglect can be attributed to a number of things, the main one being lack of diffidence. I dont know what lack of diffidence really means, but when I was in school it was something a teacher said to my parents to describe my inability to work harder.

Anyway, its 2009 and Im all growed up. So to demonstrate my maturity, Im going to share my favourite of the “Christian Bale goes doo-lally on a film set” parodies I have found on the net. Those of you with your head in the sand who don’t know the background; Bale on the set of Terminator Salvation had a mickey fit with the Director of Photography during an intense emotional scene (making love to terminators? Its McG for God sake!) and the DoP was more interested in adjusting his lights. Or something. Anyway, enjoy!

The A-Team has a new Director – Ridley Scott!

January 31st, 2009 No comments

Ridley Scott, serious man
Those of you who were arsed to read one of my first posts on the site will remember I put up a story about John Singleton directing the A-Team movie. Well it has now been 100% confirmed by Fox and Ridley Scott, that the director of Alien and Blade Runner will be looking after one of the most popular TV shows of the 80′s.

In an interview with Variety magazine that they plan was to boot a franchise that he hoped would be around for “many years to come”. The film will be modernised, taking the action away from Vietnam and updating it with the Middle East. Scott also wants to dump the “campiness” of the TV show and bring to us a “fast paced” show that is “emotional, real and accessible as possible without cheesing it up.”

Co-creator of the original series Stephen J Cannell is also on board as a producer. Release date is June 2010.

Categories: Movies Tags: ,

“Slumdog Millionaire”

January 19th, 2009 No comments

Slumdog Millionaire
Many of you have probably seen this movie by now, so I will keep this post brief. If you haven’t seen it, stop reading this and go see it now.

I get very antsy at this time of year when if comes to what is advertised as “Oscar”movies or “feel good” movies. At this time of year those kind of movies are no different than drunken men in a Dublin pub on a Saturday night. Except instead of looking for the ride, they’re only after awards.

When Danny Boyle’s latest film was being tagged as a feel good movie and award worthy material, I was nervous. BUT it is Danny Boyle and he has demonstrated his mastery of story telling on screen. I gave it a look.

In summary, the film opens with a young man as a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, one question for hitting the jackpot. He is arrested for attempted fraud and the story then intercuts with his explanations as to how he knows the answer, which in essence translates to his life story.

The movie is being badly touted in the media. There are far better feel good movies out there. There is no melodrama here to warrant being called an “Oscar” movie. Instead, what we have is a fine example of film making, story telling and character development. The performances are top notch.

Oh and it has this girl…
Frieda Pinto

An excellent film and it has given 2009 a nice start. Although things get remarkably worse if you go see Bride Wars afterward….

Categories: Movies Tags:

Ghostbusters 3! Coming to a… games console near you!?!

December 9th, 2008 1 comment

Do you hear strange noises from your attic? Do you think you see something move in the corner of your eye when home alone? Do you often get the feeling of dread when you enter the attic? If the answer is yes, then you probably have mice or something. However there was a time when the only people you could call were called the Ghostbusters.

Back in 80-something, Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis graced our screens alongside Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis with a massive hit of a movie, Ghostbusters. Its also featured Ernie Hudson, but no one remembers him. It offered great special effects, groovy tunes, marshmallows and the one and only Bill Murray. There is no denying; it was great.

Then in 1989, the 80′s were coming to an end and Ghostbusters 2 hit our screens. It wasnt a patch on the original despite the spooky Vigo the Carpathian possessing a painting. Lets be honest, we’d much prefer Sigourney Weaver haunting our fridge.

There was talk of a third movie, loosely titled “Ghostbusters Go To Hell” but it became more and more apparant that the team weren’t happy with Ghostbusters 2 and went on to other things.

But the idea never died. Speculation of a third movie grew over the years and talk of a CG movie was abound fueled by Ackroyd. Fortunately that died a death too.

However rumours abound of something Ghostbuster-ish abound in 2009 featuring the voices of the original cast. What resulted was the following trailers…


Excited? Probably not, unless you like your video games. While it will be nice to hear the original team back in the roles, it wont be the same as watching them on the big screen with a bucket of popcorn.

Then again, its probably better than watching “old guy” Ghostbusters pass the reigns to new up and coming actors like, um, Josh Harnett and er, some dude from Superbad.

Captain Picard VS Darth Vadar!

November 29th, 2008 No comments

Given the latest excitement (or non excitement depending on your tastes), I thought it would share this clip with you. Its a fan made clip of what would happen if Star Trek met Star Wars.

Enjoy!

New Star Trek movie: “Star Trek Kids”?

November 28th, 2008 1 comment

Um ok, so it looks like I was on holiday the past week or so. But Im back. Although I wasnt on holiday. I was busy in a non bloggie way. Um indeed, anyway back on topic….

So some of you have probably seen the new Star Trek trailer. (see trailer below)

Wow says the trekkies out there. Or are you called Trekkers now? After the nut bar? Hmmm. Yes it does look interesting. I was never a big Trek fan. My brother was into it growing up. He bought Technical Manuals, pretend communicator badges and phaser rifles. Yet he never built a warp engine or even a door that went “schwooosh”. Now he fixes photocopiers. Spooky.

I will admit to enjoying some of Star Trek The Next Generation, and it is credited to one man.

Patrick Stewart. His performance brought an heir of credibility to it. A token mention to John DeLancie who played “Q” from time to time.

Then we had Deep Space 9, which only gained credibility when Sisko (not the rapper) became a captain, shaved his head and grew a goatee. It really took on its own when the Dominion war kicked off, which kicks the pants of the modern Battlestar Galactica nonsense people rave about it. (please, human cylons?)

Star Trek movies on the other hand suffered with “every second one is shite” syndrome until recently when they all went to the dogs. Then along came J.J. Abrams again. He took the reins and decided to inject new life into the series. When he first announce he would focus on the original crew, Kirk, Spock etc, we began to wonder if he had gone mad until it became clear he was going to do a prequel to the original series. Plot details and still very tight we have seen crew photos of who is playing who.
Star Trek Teaser Poster

Something still didn’t sit right me over this whole rethink of the series. I can accept younger actors taking on roles that in many ways are bigger than them. So on watching the trailer again last night it dawned on me. It all makes no sense.

Not in a men in jumpsuits fighting aliens in space kind of way, but in a they all look like teenagers yet they captain and command starships.

Look Im not getting geeky. Films don’t have to be based in reality. But in order for them to be believable, they must maintain faithful to the physics of the reality of which they create.

Therefore having a crew that look no older than 21 commanding a starship just doesnt sit right with me.

I guess I will reserve judgement until the movie comes out. Chris Pine as Kirk, hmmmm, we’ll see…

Winston Churchill is an Irishman?

November 16th, 2008 No comments

Any idea who that is in the picture? Go on have a guess…
*
*
*
*
Its no other than Brendan Gleeson. I kid you not. Gleeson plays Winston Churchill in the upcoming movie, Into the Storm which is currently in post production. It seems Gleeson may have taken a few leafs out of Lee Strasburg’s school of acting as he seems to have really gotten into the part. The film is directed by Thaddeus O’Sullivan.

Thanks to vincenzo1975 from boards.ie who first posted the story here.

Zack Snyder confirms “Watchmen” Movie Ending changed from Novel

November 15th, 2008 No comments


Fanboys erupted during the week, and Alan Moore rolled his eyes as 2009′s “Watchmen” director, Zack Snyder confirmed that the ending of the movie is different from the novel. You may recall my origina article linked here, where there rumours abound, well those rumours have been confirmed by Snyder.

Synder in an interview claims that the ending had always been different from the novel in every draft of the script he read. He also debunked rumours that a number of endings were films and tested. He went on to say that he “embraced” the revised ending. Which of course he would, with the paycheck he’s getting to direct!

My own personal view on it is mixed. I’m not a purist when it comes to these things. Despite many discussions when Transformers was being released about the robots looking more like Lego Bionicles and exo-skeletons, I was of the belief that it was the best template given we dont live in 1980 something anymore.

However, when I read the graphic novel, there were themes and the pirate sub plot which I felt did carry great meaning when reviewed in context of the ending. Sure the ending is a bit of the wall and one of the arguments for the side who welcome the change is that its not a realistic/believable ending in the vein of the realism in the story up that point. My counter argument is that superhero blue men making themselves big and small at random, who take holidays on Mars, is no less realistic than the novel’s ending!

OK nerdyisms aside, Im not put off by a revised ending. I’m not the type to picket the cinemas with Fr. Ted “down with this sort of thing” banners. I do hope though, that one of the rumoured endings surrounding Dr. Manhattan does not come to fruition.

Maybe I am a nerd afterall?

Latest Mad Movie News!

November 10th, 2008 2 comments

So its all about the sequels and remakes this week!
.

“Wonder Woman” to hit the big screen with Beyonce?

Beyonce Knowles has revealed that she has been approached by DC Comics and Warner Bros to don the sexy outfit and whip to fulfill many fanboy fantasies. Yes and I know, that’s not Beyonce but having seen the picture above created by some fanboy somewhere, there is only one woman for the role if you ask me, hence why there is no picture of Beyonce in this article…

28 Months Later

Danny Boyle was interviewed during a promotion for his latest flick, “Slumdog Millionaire” and indicated he would like to direct the ‘threequel’ to the successful series. He went on to say “”I feel the idea is quite a strong idea, and it could well involve directing it. Yeah, absolutely.”

“Conan” – to be remade?

Well, yes actually. Its been in the news in recent months that iconic ‘Conan’ would be remade. Now it has a director. (sit down please) X-Men 3 direct Brett Ratner is close to signing. However Ratner is going to produce Beverly Hills Cop 4 first… Love him or hate him, its going to be shite in my opinion! More here.

“Oldboy” to be remade by Spielberg

According to Irish movie site, movies.ie, Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are eager to remake Korea’s Chan Wook-Park’s excellent 2003 film. Check out the trailer for the original below.

Read more…

Lando Calrissian for President!

November 5th, 2008 No comments

With all the furore on the US election at the moment, it gives me a great opportunity to plug this extremely nerdy yet somewhat relevent ad campaign for the “Vote Lando Calrissian” campaign! Enjoy!

Clip courtesy of funnyordie.com

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

“Angels and Demons’ Teaser Trailer now online

November 1st, 2008 No comments

We all remember the train wreck of a movie that was the Da Vinci code following from the overwhelming success of a badly written book?

Well despite the lackluster response to the movie and the panning by the critics, director Ron Howard has pressed ahead with a sequel (or prequel to be more accurate) and Angels and Demons will be released next year. Personally I never really liked Howard as a director. Sure he has some blockbusters but I never found his movies edgy enough. Sorry Ron.

The book is very similar to Da Vinci Code in its style and dramatic coincidences! Anyway the teaser is below as well a a link to the official site with HD trailer.

Official site with HD trailer

Trailer:

Top 5 Hallowe’en Non Horror Disturbing Movies

October 30th, 2008 No comments

This time of year every movie site and blog has lists of top horror movies and films to make you hide behind the sofa. In an effort to be that little bit different, I have compiled a list of 5 “scary” movies that are not horror films (i.e. no monsters, ghosts or slashers) that still have the same effect! The list is no particular order. Not doubt this list will spark controversy, disagreement and hopefully, downright anger!

Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

A film starring Tim Robbins and an uncredited Macauley Culkin that we dont often here much about nowadays, it is still a worthy contender for it’s creepy imagery and it’s use of now common place photography technique which has the effect of creating a “body horror” effect. (An actor is recorded waving his head around at a low frame rate, resulting in horrific fast motion when played back.)

Robbins plays a traumitised Vietnam vet who suffers awful hallucinations and flashbacks of his failed marriage and dead son (Culkin). The line between reality and fantasy runs very thin and we are left wondering just how real his fantasy is throughout the film. The film is riddled with religious undertones throughout, the movie title of course a reference from the bible and his new wife, Jezabell, also taken from the bible. She’s not a very nice woman really.

Directed by Adrian Lyne (Yep that’s Adrian “Flashdance, Fatal Attraction and Nine 1/2 Weeks’ Lyne.), still a movie worth a Hallowe’en watch today.

Trailer:

Se7en (1995)

There are very few movie lists, be it top film, top horror, top blah blah, that doesn’t include Se7en in some part. Every movie fan in the world has seen it at this stage. (* Not a factually based statement). Se7en follows the story of 2 homicide detectives on the chase after a Serial Killer who takes his inspiration from the 7 Deadly Sins. Shot beautifully in a Film Noir style, the performances are top, even Pitt who at the time was the latest “pretty boy” to enter the movie world yet manages to pull off a convincing performance as the ambitious, young and cocky detective.

Despite the heavily gloomy theme throughout, the ending offered a contrastig opposite setup to the film noir style of the film but did not fail to deliver with its carthatic finale.

Interestingly enough, despite the horrific nature of the murders in the film, at no point do we witness the serial killer committing a murder. But the imagery of what the killer has done to his victims is enough to wake us wince and/or vomit. And as for our friend above, left to rot on the bed, it was an actor playing the part and not animatronics…

Rather than show a trailer of the movie, I will instead show you an excellent parody filmed by the band Radiohead as a video for the song 15 Steps from the album In Rainbows. Enjoy!

Bug (2006)

Despite Friedkin rarely pulling off a cracker of a movie nowadays, he still remains one of my favourite directors. HIs 2006 film, Bug had a limited release in Europe despite the extended run in the theatre in the US. Starring Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jnr and Michael Shannon, the film is based on a stage play of the same name.

Mostly shot inside a motel room, we follow an unstable war veteran as he drags a lonely woman into his world of paranoia when the bugs arrive. The loser waitress, getting grief from her ex-con husband starts to fall in love with this very strange war vet. The vet find bugs in the motel room and believes them to be an experiment of the American government.

The film is riddled with psychological warfare often putting the viewer in a state of unease and invoking bouts of depression! The performances are outstanding, particularly from Judd who appears to have put in much effort both mentally and physically for the role. I was also impressed by Michael Shannon’s performance and the convincing nature of his role as the war vet. Shannon however did play the same character in the stage version which probably explains his natural flow with the character.

Despite the performances and script, Bug was only given a limited release and took Friedkin a number of years to fund the project. I expect the grim nature and often “shlocking” nature of the film played a part in this. Well worth a watch though.

Trailer:

Funny Games (1997)

Directed by Michael Haneke, you would be mistaken from thinking my date above should have read 2007 but my preference of the 2 movies is the ’97 Austrian original. In summary, 2 psychotic young men take a family hostage in their holiday home and force them to carry out sadistic games for amusement.

In line with with the themes of the previous films I’ve listed, Funny Games often blurs the line between reality and fantasy as at many points it appears the 2 psychos (sorry I dont know what else to call them!) address the camera directly. When the film was originally screened in Cannes in the year of it’s release, many people walked out, including critics in disgust. Haneke claims he never intended to make the film a horror, but his idea was to make a point about violence in the media.

The film is an unsettled watch and the performance of leading lady, Susanne Lothar help to solidify the unsettled nature of the ordeal. Haneke claimed that Lothar would often cry for 20 minutes before takes which would result in her being physically drained on camera heightening the effect.

The reason why I selected the original movie over the remake is because I believe it to be the stronger of the 2 (Despite an almost shot for shot remake).

Trailer:

Audition (a.k.a Ōdishon) (1997)

Somewhat a controversial choice. But a good one none the less. Apparently at a screening in Dublin’s IFI cinema, a number of viewers walked out, including some plonker who checked himself into hospital but was later discharged.

Sitting in on a special audition seeking an actress, Aoyama becomes besotted with one auditonee and persues her after the interview. However the auditionee, Asami, is quite perculiar, her CV doesnt completely check out and one of the co-panel finds something uncomfortable about her.

It turns out that she is a bit of a whack job, having been sexually abused as a child, she now likes to torture and cut up people. There is no really nice way to say that on your CV I guess.

Back to the controversy I hinted at, well the film isn’t all that disturbing until you reach the final 15 minutes or so. The less said about it the better, just go watch it. But not as a date movie!

Trailer:

And that completes my list. Hopefully there has been something of interest there for everyone. But no doubt there are many who feel the list is incomplete, shite or they could do it better. So what do you think?

Who watches the “Watchmen”… ending?

October 29th, 2008 No comments

To many fanboys, the forthcoming screen adoptation of “Watchmen”, has internet message boards alight with “Please dont screew it up” and “It cant be done” talk. Even one of the original graphic novel (a really long comic to those of us unfamiliar with comicbooks) author’s, Alan Moore, has distanced himself from any adoptation of his novel, listed in the New York Times, Top 50 novels of the 20th Century.

Zack Synder who brought us a previous comicbook adoptation with 300, has really immersed himself in the material. Video diaries from the set show us landscapes that look like they were directly lifted from the novel. Actors being interviewed speak of the enthuaism on set, their new found love for the source material. And all that good jazz.

What is interesting for me, is that when I first watched the trailer many months ago, I hadn’t read the novel. The movie to me just looked like a bunch of Batman wannabes. It wasnt until a friend begged me to read the novel (and I make no apologies at this point for calling it a novel, although it might be just laziness on my part), that I picked it up. And I didn’t put it down until I read the last page. It was definitely like no other hero story I had read previously. So I myself join the fanboys in anticipation of the movie’s release.

Recently another panic hit fanboy world. A secret press screening rumoured that the ending of the movie differs greatly from the novel’s ending. And while Kevin Smith on watching an early rough cut commented that the ending had changed slightly, this “new” rumoured ending was very different and for the most part non sensical.

I will avoid entering into any commentary that would reveal either the novel or rumoured movie ending, a simple internet search will bring you that information. In my opinion, I believe Synder either filmed the alternate ending or has plants to throw off the fanboys rather than go for such a dramatic change to the story. After all all his interviews do allude to his desire to stay close to the original source material. When you consider some people’s arugement the novel’s ending was too far fetched, you only have to point at the Dr. Manhattan character, who is really the only “super” hero in the story. And he is blue and, er, floaty.

Assuming the the 2 studios can reach a happy resolution in court next year to avoid delaying the movie release (Fox claims they had the rights to release this), next year we all will be watching the Watchmen, assuming of course its any good.

Trailer below.