Erik Childress says... "You will often hear of films of the thriller variety referred to having a ‘70s sensibility. Many of the thrillers of that era were often influenced in the events surrounding Watergate and the sins inherit in Vietnam; many of which resulted in the aftermath of the JFK assassination. Jim Garrison was helping fuel the national paranoia over a shady element in our government and it resulted in favorites of the time like Three Days of the Condor, The Parallax View and, of course, All the President’s Men. Paranoia being the key word in everything above; the fear of the threat more than the direct involvement in shootouts and chases. Anton Corbjn’s ultra-spare thriller, The American, shares a direct link with that time even though it is set, as far as we can tell, today. Without making any sudden movements to call attention to its own intentions, the film becomes an interesting statement about our more recent government’s involvement in global affairs and an intimately tense tale of a man capable of more than just the violence he causes." (more)
"A 2nd-century 'Expendables' with better action and more expending."
Jay Seaver says... "I suspect that Neil Marshall will never break through to doing big Hollywood movies, assuming that holds any interest for him, despite just how good he is at every aspect of the job. The man is just too fond of his blood and guts to go to the world where producers are always looking for a PG-13, and he's not content to stick to horror movies, where that's a niche one can settle into. That's why his new movie, "Centurion", is premiering in boutique theaters in the United States alongside a video on demand run despite being a big, brawny action/adventure." (more)
Rob Gonsalves says... "Exorcism movies shouldn’t be rated PG-13, because demons shouldn’t be rated PG-13. They’re supposed to be vile, ghastly, unholy creatures that revel in obscene sacrilege so grotesquely they can test the faith of the most devout. If you can’t show that, you’re wasting our time." (more)
brianorndorf says... "The goal for a “found footage” horror film is to achieve realism. There has to be a sense of authenticity to the chicanery, otherwise it’s nothing but community theater leftovers covered by lousy camerawork. Picking up where “Paranormal Activity” left off, “The Last Exorcism” travels even further into absurdity, unable to construct a genuine mood to make the nightmare standout. Instead, it’s a film that spends 80 minutes calling attention to its own artificiality, when the intent is clearly to draw viewers in using the suggestion of reality." (more)
brianorndorf says... "As junk food cinema goes, “Takers” has a few highlights worth viewing, and a nice breezy pace for the first half of the picture. It’s a heist flick of shoddy craftsmanship, abysmal performances, and meaningless conviction, but the movie knows how to cook on occasion. If it didn’t take itself so seriously, perhaps there might’ve been something celebrate here. Instead, it’s a misfire with a few cracking action sequences, best viewed at home with a mute button safely within reach." (more)
brianorndorf says... "As tales of sadistic criminal behavior go, the French picture “Mesrine: Killer Instinct” is one of more vividly paced offerings I’ve seen in recent memory. Crisply assembled by director Jean-Francois Richet, the feature is a sprawling tale of violence, audacity, and desperation, funneled through an electrifying performance from star Vincent Cassel, who plugs directly into the sickness of the titular character, communicating his rage and quest for infamy with some of the most impressive acting of Cassel’s career." (more)
Jay Seaver says... "SCREENED AT THE 2010 FANTASIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: "The Revenant" is nearly two hours, long for a splatter-comedy, and if I could come up with a good suggestion for trimming it, I would probably offer it. The trouble is, the scenes which could probably survive a little tightening-up - the ones that are mostly David Anders and Chris Wylde talking - actually have a really nice rhythm to them. If the movie was mostly that, it would be a real low-budget delight." (more)
"But Hopefully The First Of Many Films For Stamm & Fabian"
Erik Childress says... "Once the subgenre of demonic possession in horror films was delivered The Exorcist by William Friedkin, there were very few places for it to go. Direct sequels (and prequels) have been derided over the years and even the most successful attempt (dollar-wise) to recreate that brand of horror, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, devolved into an insulting courtroom debate. Possessed characters will always find their way as obstacles of terror, but the prospect of saving these people were often lost under the assumption that evil had already won and their vessel must be destroyed. Daniel Stamm, who made an impressive debut with the faux documentary, A Necessary Death, about a film crew chronicling a man's willing suicide, now blends that subgenre with horror's toughest nut to crack over the last 25-plus years and when its all over you can't imagine it being done any other way." (more)
"Star Wars Celebration is the big show for anyone with a major hankerin’ for sparkly Lucasian action, assuming control of a vast space and filling it with all matters of Jedi and Sith-related material. It’s an astounding presentation of hot-blooded fandom, bringing together a swirl of admirers from all over the planet (perhaps a few alien nations as well) to discuss the infinite “Star Wars” universe, hobnob with aging media stars, and buy gobs of merchandise from excitable, finger-rubbing merchants. Because it wouldn’t truly be a “Star Wars” experience without an opportunity to give George Lucas your every last cent." (more)
'I LIKE SIMPLE PLEASURES, LIKE BUTTER IN MY ASS, LOLLIPOPS IN MY MOUTH. THAT'S JUST ME. THAT'S JUST SOMETHING THAT I ENJOY.'
- Floyd Gondolli, Boogie Nights
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8/24/10: THURSDAY, AUGUST 26
"FLIPPED" LIVE VIDEO CHAT WITH ROB REINER & MADELINE CARROLL!
Rob Reiner and actress Madeline Carroll will be featured on a live video chat this Thursday, August 26 at 7pm ET on Facebook
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