In the early 1990s, Sam Raimi was a low-budget horror maestro who'd made the leap to studio filmmaking without sacrificing his gonzo visual style. Riding high off the commercial success of 1990's "Darkman," a deliriously fun and funky comic-book riff that still stands as one of the best superhero movies ever made, Raimi could pretty much call his shot. So he did. And that's how Universal Pictures bankrolled the third installment of a horror series that most people had never heard of, let alone seen.
The ending of "Evil Dead 2," which dropped the modern-day hero of the first two, tenuously linked movies, in the Middle Ages was an unexpected howler of a punchline. Under no circumstances did I expect Raimi would actually make a third movie set in medieval times. That would be expensive. And silly. But if you could suddenly afford to make an expensively silly movie, would you not?...
The ending of "Evil Dead 2," which dropped the modern-day hero of the first two, tenuously linked movies, in the Middle Ages was an unexpected howler of a punchline. Under no circumstances did I expect Raimi would actually make a third movie set in medieval times. That would be expensive. And silly. But if you could suddenly afford to make an expensively silly movie, would you not?...
- 2/16/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
In the wake of the first two Evil Dead movies coming to 4K Ultra HD, Sam Raimi‘s Army of Darkness is getting a 4K upgrade from Scream Factory on October 4, 2022.
Special Features for the release have been revealed today, including…
Disc One (Theatrical Cut – 4K Uhd):
New 2022 4K Scan Of The Original Camera Negative Approved By Director Sam Raimi, Director Of Photography Bill Pope, And Editor Bob Murawski In Dolby Vision (Hdr 10 Compatible) DTS-hd Master Audio 5.1, 2.0
Disc Two (Theatrical Cut – Blu-ray):
New 2022 4K Scan of the Original Camera Negative approved by director Sam Raimi, director of photography Bill Pope, and editor Bob Murawski DTS-hd Master Audio 5.1, 2.0 Medieval Times: The Making of “Army Of Darkness” – A Feature-length Documentary With Over 20 people Interviewed Including Star & Co-Producer Bruce Campbell, Actors Ted Raimi, Bill Moseley, And Patricia Tallman, And Many More… Original Ending Alternate Opening With Optional Commentary By Sam Raimi...
Special Features for the release have been revealed today, including…
Disc One (Theatrical Cut – 4K Uhd):
New 2022 4K Scan Of The Original Camera Negative Approved By Director Sam Raimi, Director Of Photography Bill Pope, And Editor Bob Murawski In Dolby Vision (Hdr 10 Compatible) DTS-hd Master Audio 5.1, 2.0
Disc Two (Theatrical Cut – Blu-ray):
New 2022 4K Scan of the Original Camera Negative approved by director Sam Raimi, director of photography Bill Pope, and editor Bob Murawski DTS-hd Master Audio 5.1, 2.0 Medieval Times: The Making of “Army Of Darkness” – A Feature-length Documentary With Over 20 people Interviewed Including Star & Co-Producer Bruce Campbell, Actors Ted Raimi, Bill Moseley, And Patricia Tallman, And Many More… Original Ending Alternate Opening With Optional Commentary By Sam Raimi...
- 8/24/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
"This is my boomstick!" Giving horror fans a new way to collect Ash's Deadite-slaying adventures in the Middle Ages, Scream Factory is releasing a limited edition Steelbook Blu-ray of Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness, and as a very special treat for Daily Dead readers, we've been provided with three copies to give away!
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Prize Details: (3) Winners will receive (1) limited edition Steelbook Blu-ray copy of Army of Darkness.
How to Enter: We're giving Daily Dead readers multiple chances to enter and win:
1. Instagram: Following us on Instagram during the contest period will give you an automatic contest entry. Make sure to follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/dailydead/
2. Email: For a chance to win via email, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with the subject “Army of Darkness Steelbook Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at...
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Prize Details: (3) Winners will receive (1) limited edition Steelbook Blu-ray copy of Army of Darkness.
How to Enter: We're giving Daily Dead readers multiple chances to enter and win:
1. Instagram: Following us on Instagram during the contest period will give you an automatic contest entry. Make sure to follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/dailydead/
2. Email: For a chance to win via email, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with the subject “Army of Darkness Steelbook Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at...
- 8/13/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Coming out on August 14th, the new Army of Darkness Steelbook from Scream Factory contains three discs—each with a different cut of the movie—and is also packed with other cool bonus materials such as a gallery of rare photos from an Army of Darkness super fan. Ahead of the Steelbook's release, Scream Factory revealed a festive new video for the limited edition release, giving horror fans an up-close look at the Steelbook and disc artwork:
Army of Darkness Limited Edition Steelbook: "Trapped In Time. Surrounded By Evil. Low On Gas.
Bound in human flesh and inked in blood, the ancient "Necronomicon" – the Book of the Dead – unleashes unspeakable evil upon mankind in director Sam Raimi's outrageously hilarious third chapter in his Evil Dead Trilogy.
Back to do battle with the hideous "Deadites," Bruce Campbell returns to the role of Ash, the handsome, shotgun-toting, chainsaw-armed department store clerk from S-Mart's housewares division.
Army of Darkness Limited Edition Steelbook: "Trapped In Time. Surrounded By Evil. Low On Gas.
Bound in human flesh and inked in blood, the ancient "Necronomicon" – the Book of the Dead – unleashes unspeakable evil upon mankind in director Sam Raimi's outrageously hilarious third chapter in his Evil Dead Trilogy.
Back to do battle with the hideous "Deadites," Bruce Campbell returns to the role of Ash, the handsome, shotgun-toting, chainsaw-armed department store clerk from S-Mart's housewares division.
- 8/7/2018
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Welcome back to the second day of Daily Dead’s 2015 Holiday Gift Guide- hope everyone survived Turkey Day and is ready to save some cash on more Black Friday deals and many other gift ideas I have rounded up for you all today.
We’re starting off today with more Black Friday sales that might be of interest to you and a bunch more gift ideas perfect for genre fans of all ages, including two recent visual histories of iconic films from the 1980’s, one of Scream Factory’s awesome recent releases, apparel from Dark Bunny, horror-themed cross stitch and more!
This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is being sponsored by Rlj Entertainment and their recent terrifying yuletide release, A Christmas Horror Story, and to help you guys get into the spirit of the season, we’ve put together 10 amazing prize packs filled with goodies, a t-shirt and your very...
We’re starting off today with more Black Friday sales that might be of interest to you and a bunch more gift ideas perfect for genre fans of all ages, including two recent visual histories of iconic films from the 1980’s, one of Scream Factory’s awesome recent releases, apparel from Dark Bunny, horror-themed cross stitch and more!
This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is being sponsored by Rlj Entertainment and their recent terrifying yuletide release, A Christmas Horror Story, and to help you guys get into the spirit of the season, we’ve put together 10 amazing prize packs filled with goodies, a t-shirt and your very...
- 11/27/2015
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
The boomstick takes aim again on home media today with Scream Factory's Collector's Edition Blu-ray of Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness, and we've been provided with three copies to give away to Daily Dead readers.
------------
Prize Details: (3) Winners will receive (1) Collector's Edition Blu-ray copy of Army of Darkness.
How to Enter: For a chance to win, email contest@dailydead.com with the subject “Army of Darkness Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at 12:01am Est on November 2nd. This contest is only open to those who are eighteen years of age or older that live in the United States. Only one entry per household will be accepted.
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Army of Darkness Collector's Edition Blu-ray: "Back to do battle with the hideous "Deadites," Bruce Campbell returns to the role of Ash, the handsome, shotgun-toting, chainsaw-armed department store clerk from S-Mart's housewares division.
------------
Prize Details: (3) Winners will receive (1) Collector's Edition Blu-ray copy of Army of Darkness.
How to Enter: For a chance to win, email contest@dailydead.com with the subject “Army of Darkness Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at 12:01am Est on November 2nd. This contest is only open to those who are eighteen years of age or older that live in the United States. Only one entry per household will be accepted.
------------
Army of Darkness Collector's Edition Blu-ray: "Back to do battle with the hideous "Deadites," Bruce Campbell returns to the role of Ash, the handsome, shotgun-toting, chainsaw-armed department store clerk from S-Mart's housewares division.
- 10/27/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Hope everyone has their boomsticks ready, as this final week of October is looking to be yet another banner week for genre Blu-ray and DVD releases, highlighted by the anticipated Collector’s Edition set for Sam Raimi’s cult classic Army of Darkness from Scream Factory. The recent thriller, The Gift, is also making its way to multiple formats on October 27th and for those of you fans of The Fifth Element out there, Sony is putting together a nifty Cinema Series release that arrives this Tuesday.
Olive Films is also keeping themselves busy this week with several cult classic releases including Breeders, Sometimes They Come Back, Dr. Terror's House of Horror and Saul Bass’ Phase IV, with Warner Home Video resurrecting several classics in HD as well—The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, Son of Kong, Them! and the Special Effects Collection box set.
Other notable titles coming out on...
Olive Films is also keeping themselves busy this week with several cult classic releases including Breeders, Sometimes They Come Back, Dr. Terror's House of Horror and Saul Bass’ Phase IV, with Warner Home Video resurrecting several classics in HD as well—The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, Son of Kong, Them! and the Special Effects Collection box set.
Other notable titles coming out on...
- 10/27/2015
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
The boomstick takes another shot on home media next Tuesday when Scream Factory unleashes their three-disc Collector's Edition Blu-ray of Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness. Ahead of the anticipated release, we have clips and trailers from the film to help hold fans over and keep the Deadites at bay.
Army of Darkness Collector's Edition Blu-ray: "Back to do battle with the hideous "Deadites," Bruce Campbell returns to the role of Ash, the handsome, shotgun-toting, chainsaw-armed department store clerk from S-Mart's housewares division. Demonic forces time warp him – and his '73 Oldsmobile – into England's Dark Ages, where he romances a beauty (Embeth Davidtz, The Amazing Spider-Man) and faces legions of the undead. Can Ash save the living from the evil dead, rescue his girlfriend, and get back to his own time?
Disc One (Theatrical Version – 81 min.) – 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (1.78:1), DTS-hd Master Audio 5.1 & 2.0
New Medieval Times: The Making Of "Army Of Darkness...
Army of Darkness Collector's Edition Blu-ray: "Back to do battle with the hideous "Deadites," Bruce Campbell returns to the role of Ash, the handsome, shotgun-toting, chainsaw-armed department store clerk from S-Mart's housewares division. Demonic forces time warp him – and his '73 Oldsmobile – into England's Dark Ages, where he romances a beauty (Embeth Davidtz, The Amazing Spider-Man) and faces legions of the undead. Can Ash save the living from the evil dead, rescue his girlfriend, and get back to his own time?
Disc One (Theatrical Version – 81 min.) – 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (1.78:1), DTS-hd Master Audio 5.1 & 2.0
New Medieval Times: The Making Of "Army Of Darkness...
- 10/22/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Scream Factory's revealed the impressive list of special features for their three-disc Collector's Edition Blu-ray of Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness (hitting shelves October 27th), which includes a new interview with boomstick king Bruce Campbell, four versions of the film, and much more.
Press Release: Bound in human flesh and inked in blood, the ancient "Necronomicon" – the Book of the Dead – unleashes unspeakable evil upon mankind in this outrageously hilarious third chapter of Evil Dead Trilogy from legendary director Sam Raimi (Darkman, Drag Me to Hell) and producer Robert Tapert (Ash vs. Evil Dead). On October 27, 2015, Scream Facotry™ is proud to present Army Of Darkness Collector’s Edition, featuring the Theatrical Cut of the film, the Director’s Cut (with 15 minutes of extra footage), the International Cut and the TV version (in standard definition). This definitive collector’s edition of Army Of Darkness is jam-packed with a wealth of bonus content,...
Press Release: Bound in human flesh and inked in blood, the ancient "Necronomicon" – the Book of the Dead – unleashes unspeakable evil upon mankind in this outrageously hilarious third chapter of Evil Dead Trilogy from legendary director Sam Raimi (Darkman, Drag Me to Hell) and producer Robert Tapert (Ash vs. Evil Dead). On October 27, 2015, Scream Facotry™ is proud to present Army Of Darkness Collector’s Edition, featuring the Theatrical Cut of the film, the Director’s Cut (with 15 minutes of extra footage), the International Cut and the TV version (in standard definition). This definitive collector’s edition of Army Of Darkness is jam-packed with a wealth of bonus content,...
- 9/9/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page in Christopher Nolan's Inception Visual Effects Oscar Favorite Inception Topped Ves Awards Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual-Effects Driven Feature Motion Picture Inception Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Mike Chambers, Matthew Plummer Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture Hereafter Michael Owens, Joel Mendias, Bryan Grill, Danielle Plantec Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture How to Train Your Dragon Simon Otto, Craig Ring, Bonnie Arnold Outstanding Visual Effects in a Broadcast Miniseries, Movie or a Special The Pacific John Sullivan, David Taritero, William Mesa, Marco Requay Outstanding Visual Effects in a Broadcast Series Caprica Michael Gibson, Gary Hutzel, Davey Morton, Jesse Mesa Toves Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Broadcast Program Boardwalk Empire Robert Stromberg, Dave Taritero, Richard Friedlander, Paul Graff Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Short Day & Night Teddy Newton, Kevin Reher, Michael Fu, Tom Gately Outstanding Visual Effects [...]...
- 2/6/2011
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
Christopher Nolan's "Inception" dominated the 9th annual Visual Effects Society Awards winning the top prize of Outstanding Visual Effcts in a VFX-driven feature. The mind-bending film won all four categories that it was nominated for.
DreamWorks Animations' "How to Train Your Dragon" also received love from the Ves sweeping the feature animation categories including Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature.
The ceremony, held at the Beverly Hilton, also paid homage to Nolan by giving him the inaugural Ves Visionary Award. The great Ray Harryhausen was given the much-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.
Here's the complete list of the winners of the 9th annual Visual Effects Society (Ves) Awards (Check our Awards Avenue for complete winners/nominees for all award-giving bodies):
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual-Effects Driven Feature Motion Picture
Inception
Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Mike Chambers, Matthew Plummer
Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture
Hereafter
Michael Owens,...
DreamWorks Animations' "How to Train Your Dragon" also received love from the Ves sweeping the feature animation categories including Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature.
The ceremony, held at the Beverly Hilton, also paid homage to Nolan by giving him the inaugural Ves Visionary Award. The great Ray Harryhausen was given the much-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.
Here's the complete list of the winners of the 9th annual Visual Effects Society (Ves) Awards (Check our Awards Avenue for complete winners/nominees for all award-giving bodies):
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual-Effects Driven Feature Motion Picture
Inception
Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Mike Chambers, Matthew Plummer
Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture
Hereafter
Michael Owens,...
- 2/2/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The Visual Effects Society (Ves) has announced the nominees for the 9th Annual Ves Awards ceremony recognizing outstanding visual effects artistry in 24 categories of film, animation, television,
commercials and video games.
Christopher Nolan's "Inception" dominated the nominations receiving four nods. Nolan will also be honored at the event with the inaugural Ves Visionary Award. Ray Harryhausen will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Ves Awards will take place on Tuesday, February 1 and will air exclusively on Reelzchannel Saturday, February 19 at 10p Et/Pt with encore presentations throughout February.
Here's the complete list of nominees for the 9th Annual Ves Awards:
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual-Effects Driven Feature Motion
Picture
Inception
Paul Franklin Visual Effects Supervisor
Chris Corbould Special Effects Supervisor
Mike Chambers Visual Effects Producer
Matthew Plummer Visual Effects Producer
Iron Man 2
Ben Snow VFX Supervisor
Ged Wright VFX Supervisor
Janek Sirrs VFX Supervisor
Susan Pickett VFX...
commercials and video games.
Christopher Nolan's "Inception" dominated the nominations receiving four nods. Nolan will also be honored at the event with the inaugural Ves Visionary Award. Ray Harryhausen will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Ves Awards will take place on Tuesday, February 1 and will air exclusively on Reelzchannel Saturday, February 19 at 10p Et/Pt with encore presentations throughout February.
Here's the complete list of nominees for the 9th Annual Ves Awards:
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual-Effects Driven Feature Motion
Picture
Inception
Paul Franklin Visual Effects Supervisor
Chris Corbould Special Effects Supervisor
Mike Chambers Visual Effects Producer
Matthew Plummer Visual Effects Producer
Iron Man 2
Ben Snow VFX Supervisor
Ged Wright VFX Supervisor
Janek Sirrs VFX Supervisor
Susan Pickett VFX...
- 1/10/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
One project you may or may not have heard about by now is Danny DeVito's Blood Factory. Fans in attendance at Comic-Con are getting a panel this Friday to tell them all about it, and we have a look at the project's very sticky booth for you!
Friday's Comic-Con Panel
July 23rd, 9:30-10:30 pm — To unlock the bone-chilling secrets of The Blood Factory, join Danny DeVito (actor/director/star of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), John Albo (writer/director of Flexing with Monty), Nick Bonamy (art director of The Blood Factory), "Tkay" Raul Garcia (website developer), Frank Ippolito (effects makeup, Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3), and William Mesa (visual effects, Army of Darkness). Relish new short films from The Blood Factory: tales of horror that will conjure nightmares to disturb your sleep for nights to come. Room 5Ab.
Dig on the imagery below!
- Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Friday's Comic-Con Panel
July 23rd, 9:30-10:30 pm — To unlock the bone-chilling secrets of The Blood Factory, join Danny DeVito (actor/director/star of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), John Albo (writer/director of Flexing with Monty), Nick Bonamy (art director of The Blood Factory), "Tkay" Raul Garcia (website developer), Frank Ippolito (effects makeup, Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3), and William Mesa (visual effects, Army of Darkness). Relish new short films from The Blood Factory: tales of horror that will conjure nightmares to disturb your sleep for nights to come. Room 5Ab.
Dig on the imagery below!
- Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
- 7/22/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Friday is Star Wars Day at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con, but that doesn't mean horror hounds won't find a lot to do there as well. In fact, if you're lucky enough to get into Hall H early in the morning, you'll have a chance to see Nicolas Cage and Nicolas Cage's hair!
Friday – July 23
10:00-11:00 Comedy Central: Ugly Americans — David M. Stern (showrunner and executive producer), Dan Powell (executive producer), Jeff Poliquin (supervising producer), Devin Clark (producer and series creator), Aaron Augenblick (director of animation), Matt Oberg (voice of Mark Lilly), Kurt Metzger (voice of Randall Skeffington), and Randy Pearlstein (voice of Leonard) take you behind the scenes at this animated series sensation. Featuring a sneak peek of the new season, Q&A, and more. One audience member selected will be drawn into an upcoming episode! Room 25Abc
11:15-11:45 Summit Entertainment: Drive Angry 3D...
Friday – July 23
10:00-11:00 Comedy Central: Ugly Americans — David M. Stern (showrunner and executive producer), Dan Powell (executive producer), Jeff Poliquin (supervising producer), Devin Clark (producer and series creator), Aaron Augenblick (director of animation), Matt Oberg (voice of Mark Lilly), Kurt Metzger (voice of Randall Skeffington), and Randy Pearlstein (voice of Leonard) take you behind the scenes at this animated series sensation. Featuring a sneak peek of the new season, Q&A, and more. One audience member selected will be drawn into an upcoming episode! Room 25Abc
11:15-11:45 Summit Entertainment: Drive Angry 3D...
- 7/9/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
There are few character actors so recognizable as Danny DeVito. From Taxi, to Batman Returns, to L.A. Confidential, DeVito has made his mark on so many famous films and TV shows that he is a personality unto himself, much like actors such as Steve Buscemi and John Tuturro.
However, while all three of these actors can claim to have also directed respected films, only DeVito can claim to have directed gory, R-rated horror shorts (or “splattercuts”) for the internet, in addition to his more mainstream fare like Hoffa, Death To Smoochy, and The War Of The Roses. On top of this, DeVito has thrown his love of the genre into the indie ring only after finding the mainstream success that has made him a household name.
With a series of very short horror stories featuring cannibalism, prostitution, incest, human skinning, and good clean moral values, DeVito has made Lucio Fulci...
However, while all three of these actors can claim to have also directed respected films, only DeVito can claim to have directed gory, R-rated horror shorts (or “splattercuts”) for the internet, in addition to his more mainstream fare like Hoffa, Death To Smoochy, and The War Of The Roses. On top of this, DeVito has thrown his love of the genre into the indie ring only after finding the mainstream success that has made him a household name.
With a series of very short horror stories featuring cannibalism, prostitution, incest, human skinning, and good clean moral values, DeVito has made Lucio Fulci...
- 7/30/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Cameron Koller)
- Fangoria
The well-worn Hollywood formula of the crusty-but-soulful military instructor butting heads and melding hearts with a brash young recruit gets another work over in Disney's well-intentioned "The Guardian". This time the arena is the Coast Guard and its elite Rescue Swimmers, the unsung heroes of watery disasters big and small -- from Hurricane Katrina to errant kayakers. With the film's familiar story line and too-long running time, commercial prospects do not look to match director Andrew Davis' previous megahit, "The Fugitive".
That the film doesn't rise above the formulaic is a particular disappointment as these stunningly brave Rescue Swimmers deserve a film as daring as they are. Unfortunately, first-time screenwriter Ron L. Brinkerhoff just doesn't dive deep enough. The film could have benefited from a darker, more nuanced approach. Certainly, star Kevin Costner has gone there in other roles, and here he gives the story what little gravity it has.
Costner plays veteran rescue swimmer Ben Randall of cold, harsh Kodiak, Alaska. A spectacular opening rescue scene, where his experience and smarts pay off, establishes his superhero credentials. However, back on dry land, he is predictably dumped by his wife (Sela Ward, wasted in an underwritten or perhaps heavily edited role). He also develops a bad case of post-traumatic stress after the death of his crew. Costner has the perfect, pain-soaked eyes and weary voice to draw the audience in, but the story doesn't give him anywhere interesting to go with the character.
After the loss of his crew, Randall is sent to the killer "A" Training School in more temperate Shreveport, La., to instruct the usual motley group of raw recruits. Inevitably he encounters his young doppelganger there, Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher). Reminiscent of Richard Gere's character in "An Officer and a Gentleman", right down to the local girl (Melissa Sagemiller) whom he seduces and might abandon at the end of training, Kutcher has the impressive physicality for the part but not the emotional weight.
It's obvious that hotshot Fischer is going to have some dark secret hidden beneath his bravado, but Kutcher's performance doesn't embody that secret. When the big truth-spilling scene arrives, he cries convincingly, but it's unlikely the audience will.
Davis seems more engaged by the arduous training regimes and daring rescue operations than by the complexity of the characters. As has become standard for post-"Titanic" films that take place on the water, a massive wave tank was utilized to create a realistic, visceral experience of being at sea under the worst possible conditions. Credit here also goes to visual effects supervisor William Mesa and visual consultant Thomas L. Fisher.
The rescue episodes are spectacularly well-staged and engender feelings of awe and admiration for the real-life Rescue Swimmers. (The Coast Guard cooperated extensively on the production, and it definitely shows.) The documentary-like feel of in-the-water sequences makes one long for a less-polished approach to the rest of the film. There is a moment at the end that suggests what the movie could have been if predictability had been cast aside and the unexpected heartbreak of real life allowed to seep in, but it is too little, too late.
Cinematography by Stephen St. John, especially for the at-sea sequences, is state-of-the-art. Other tech credits are superior all around, though the film could have benefited from more judicious editing, especially in the final third, where multiple climaxes -- a common pitfall of this genre -- seem to go on forever.
THE GUARDIAN
Buena Vista Pictures
A Contrafilm/Firm Films production
Credits:
Director: Andrew Davis
Screenplay: Ron L. Brinkerhoff
Executive producers: Charlie Lyons, Peter Macgregor Scott, Armyan Bernstein, Zanne Devine
Producers: Beau Flynn, Tripp Vinson
Director of photography: Stephen St. John
Production designer: Maher Ahmad
Music: Trevor Rabin
Visual effects supervisor: William Mesa
Costume designer: Mark Peterson
Editors: Dennis Virkler, Thomas J. Nordberg
Cast:
Ben Randall: Kevin Costner
Jake Fischer: Ashton Kutcher
Helen Randall: Sela Ward
Emily Thomas: Melissa Sagemiller
Jack Skinner: Neal McDonough
Frank Larson: John Heard
Capt. William Hadley: Clancy Brown
Hodge: Brian Geraghty
Maggie McGlone: Bonnie Bramlett
Kim Weatherly: Dule Hill
Cate: Shelby Fenner.
Running time -- 136 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
That the film doesn't rise above the formulaic is a particular disappointment as these stunningly brave Rescue Swimmers deserve a film as daring as they are. Unfortunately, first-time screenwriter Ron L. Brinkerhoff just doesn't dive deep enough. The film could have benefited from a darker, more nuanced approach. Certainly, star Kevin Costner has gone there in other roles, and here he gives the story what little gravity it has.
Costner plays veteran rescue swimmer Ben Randall of cold, harsh Kodiak, Alaska. A spectacular opening rescue scene, where his experience and smarts pay off, establishes his superhero credentials. However, back on dry land, he is predictably dumped by his wife (Sela Ward, wasted in an underwritten or perhaps heavily edited role). He also develops a bad case of post-traumatic stress after the death of his crew. Costner has the perfect, pain-soaked eyes and weary voice to draw the audience in, but the story doesn't give him anywhere interesting to go with the character.
After the loss of his crew, Randall is sent to the killer "A" Training School in more temperate Shreveport, La., to instruct the usual motley group of raw recruits. Inevitably he encounters his young doppelganger there, Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher). Reminiscent of Richard Gere's character in "An Officer and a Gentleman", right down to the local girl (Melissa Sagemiller) whom he seduces and might abandon at the end of training, Kutcher has the impressive physicality for the part but not the emotional weight.
It's obvious that hotshot Fischer is going to have some dark secret hidden beneath his bravado, but Kutcher's performance doesn't embody that secret. When the big truth-spilling scene arrives, he cries convincingly, but it's unlikely the audience will.
Davis seems more engaged by the arduous training regimes and daring rescue operations than by the complexity of the characters. As has become standard for post-"Titanic" films that take place on the water, a massive wave tank was utilized to create a realistic, visceral experience of being at sea under the worst possible conditions. Credit here also goes to visual effects supervisor William Mesa and visual consultant Thomas L. Fisher.
The rescue episodes are spectacularly well-staged and engender feelings of awe and admiration for the real-life Rescue Swimmers. (The Coast Guard cooperated extensively on the production, and it definitely shows.) The documentary-like feel of in-the-water sequences makes one long for a less-polished approach to the rest of the film. There is a moment at the end that suggests what the movie could have been if predictability had been cast aside and the unexpected heartbreak of real life allowed to seep in, but it is too little, too late.
Cinematography by Stephen St. John, especially for the at-sea sequences, is state-of-the-art. Other tech credits are superior all around, though the film could have benefited from more judicious editing, especially in the final third, where multiple climaxes -- a common pitfall of this genre -- seem to go on forever.
THE GUARDIAN
Buena Vista Pictures
A Contrafilm/Firm Films production
Credits:
Director: Andrew Davis
Screenplay: Ron L. Brinkerhoff
Executive producers: Charlie Lyons, Peter Macgregor Scott, Armyan Bernstein, Zanne Devine
Producers: Beau Flynn, Tripp Vinson
Director of photography: Stephen St. John
Production designer: Maher Ahmad
Music: Trevor Rabin
Visual effects supervisor: William Mesa
Costume designer: Mark Peterson
Editors: Dennis Virkler, Thomas J. Nordberg
Cast:
Ben Randall: Kevin Costner
Jake Fischer: Ashton Kutcher
Helen Randall: Sela Ward
Emily Thomas: Melissa Sagemiller
Jack Skinner: Neal McDonough
Frank Larson: John Heard
Capt. William Hadley: Clancy Brown
Hodge: Brian Geraghty
Maggie McGlone: Bonnie Bramlett
Kim Weatherly: Dule Hill
Cate: Shelby Fenner.
Running time -- 136 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 9/18/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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