Reviews

What we do in the shadows was a witty and entertaining movie that covered a large amount of ground, and was filled with plenty of genuinely funny humor. Being some what of a fan of the directors prior movie "eagle vs shark," i found "What we do in the shadows" to be significantly better, all the while keeping the dry sense of humor and laid back style of storytelling.

This movie was well shot, and did not seem overly cheap in production value. The satire found throughout was well executed, and it felt that no stone was left unturned in its analysis of the vampire mythos.

Being a mockumentary, everything was done right and explained, and a feeling of realism emanated as the movie progressed. A degree of true horror aspect was held throughout the main backdrop making the humorous aspects all the more enjoyable.

Exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend giving this one a watch for any fans of mockumentary films, vampire/horror movies and comedies.

8/10

Based on prior reviews, i was expecting a mediocre drama that was going to be more boring than anything, but "Maps to the Stars" turned out to be a deep, dark and mentally provocative film, that mastered the art of building atmosphere and capturing the attention of the viewer.

While the large majority of people who watch this will find it to be a highly estranged and seemingly pretentious affair, lying beneath the surface is a deeply esoteric premise seeming with gritty realism, and plenty of witty humor strewn throughout.

Mia Wasikowska was excellent as always, and i could not help but draw parallels between her performance in "Maps to the Stars" and the movie "Stoker," which is an equally dark and gripping movie, making the two a must watch in precession.

I loved the atmosphere that was built up in this movie, it was teeming with high strangeness that was perfectly executed with the sound, set and bizarre, yet all too real storyline.

"Maps to the Stars" is a more watchable and entertaining movie than Cronenberg's prior movie "Cosmopolis", and while it may not appeal to the masses; for any 'cinephile,' this movie is simply a must watch!

9/10

Having gone into watching "The Boxtrolls," i was hearing more negative reviews. Some were saying that it was not as good as other stop animation movies, while others were saying that it was too childish and not as dark as other movies like paranorman or Coralie.

What i got instead was the best stop animation i have seen to date, with a very relevant story, that even adults will thoroughly enjoy! I am not sure if this movie was one hundred percent stop animation, but the effects are superb, this movie clearly had masters of their art painstakingly creating every frame, which truly looks and feels like actual moving characters.

As for the story, it was actually quite deep, and there was plenty of witty humor to be found throughout, and interesting paradigms to be drawn. The story also showed how easily man can turn out to be the true monsters in the world.

The set and tone was all very pleasing to look at, and fit the subject manner of the movie perfectly.All in all, do not miss out on this movie as it is truly superior to the majority of all animated movies to date!

I liked the style of "Wish I was Here" and it seemed promising at the start, but it was far too derivative with no impacting storyline aside from a few ponderings throughout.

It felt as though twenty percent of the movie was actually scenes just thrown in as a requirement by the funders (outside kick starter). This being said, these random scenes did give one something to ponder about, concerning things that had to do with real life and nothing to do with the movie.

I liked the style and colouring, but Garden State was better, and I like Zack Braff's goal and vision for his movies. But with this one I think he had to deal with too many things being added to his movie, probably against his liking, in order to secure funding for it. Which in the end left us with a lukewarm, relatively non eventful, fairly boring movie.

Kudos to Zack and crew though, for making a well shot movie based predominately off of crowd funding sources, but guess the crowd funding did not add quite enough, and he had to let a bit of the muddy waters into the movie.

I was not expecting an overly good movie, but what I got in turn was an rollicking thrill ride. The Movie "Stretch" Takes place over the course of one night, and is about a man whom is a Limo Driver that owes six grand by the end of the night.

At times this movie reminded be a bit of "eyes wide shut" and "Hanna," with similar colouring and locations to the movie "cosmopolis," but with a much more light hearted and humorous tone. I did not view the credits beforehand, but was surprised with several cameos, and quite a few recognizable faces throughout the movie.

Some parts are a little mediocre, but as a whole the movie is a fun ride, and offers some good entertainment while contemplating on things like fate and taking action.

It was beginning to feel like Chris Pine was becoming a bit type cast, but in this movie he effectively breaks those bonds, portraying a wild, unpredictable man with a sense of mystery and insanity.

At first appearance, it looks like it will be another run of the gun, 'wild night' movie, but instead "Stretch" offers some truly unique aspects, with plenty of creative and funny scenes throughout.

Definitely a good movie to watch if your looking for some fun entertainment that doesn't take itself too seriously. Probably one of the directors best movies, if not the best. If you like wild adventure movies with comedy and action, then don't miss out on this one!

I wasn't sure what to expect from the pictures of this movie. Having watched it I would say at points it does have a bit of B movie appeal to it, while other parts are well shot. Overall I liked the look of the whole movie. Lots of colors and a few psychedelic scenes. This being said, some of scenes were stretched out and seemed a little redundant.

I would say this is Daniel Radcliffes best role since the "harry potter" movies, though I am not a fan. The role he plays in "Horns", offers a polar opposite to what he played in "kill your darlings," and I think he did a pretty good job.

The philosophy behind this movie is interesting, and provides a fresh change on what constitutes an image of both good and evil. I liked the progression of experiences the main character went through, and i always enjoy watching Juno Temple in all the work she does, as she brought a nice light hearted, feel good energy to the movie (as usual).

At times this movie reminded me of "stand by me," with a touch of Steven Kings "needful things." Otherwise was a 'fairly' interesting (psychologically accurate) murder mystery, while at the same time offering enough to ponder with the spiritual aspects taking place.

As the movie continued to progress, I was thinking that it was just going to be another generic murder case movie, with some supernatural stuff thrown in at a surface level in order to try and make it seem like something new. But, while it was another murder case solving mystery, there were enough other elements added to mix to make a good stand alone film, and make it one that is worth the watch for a good time at the movies!

I had been putting this movie off for about a year, and finally having got around to watching it, I can say Spike Jonze is at his best. I am a big fan of one of his prior movies "Adaptation", and that was a movie that delve real deep into the human psyche. The Movie "Her" continues that journey venturing even more deeply into the human emotions, this time looking at the need to feel love and experience relationship.

I am not sure why the director does not make more movies, as he is clearly at the forefront of American cinema. I think the reason i put this off for so long, was because like many people, at a certain level I felt that it could only venture so deep; as it is about a guy having a romance with a computer. I knew it was going to be smart, and masterfully filmed, but just felt I would wait a bit. Having watched it now, i can say it is not in the least bit boring, and does actually cover more ground than what one would expect.

Certainly a movie that will make the top lists of many movie fiends. Don't expect to have it all figured out beforehand, and miss out on it. As this is a warm feel good movie that should certainly be viewed by people from all walks of life.

Blue is the Warmest Color, was a painful to watch movie, and not for the right reasons. This movie was completely lukewarm, and really did not have anything to justify it being made into a movie. It was pretty well just a base, non creative love story with the only things changed being its now about some lesbians, with gratuitous nudity thrown in and conversations about art throughout the film.

I think the major problem with this film was not the actresses or the premise, it was the lacklustre hack of a director, who is clearly just some straight guy making a movie on what is mainly accepted to be a love story and trying to be edgy. There really is no food for thought in this film, and the storyline is almost bordering on one that would be equal to a porn movie.

There was no *true* conflict or struggle in the film. The movies "Brokeback Mountain" and "Boys Don't Cry" are far superior to this movie, and deal with similar story lines.

Now what did provide food for thought was Adèle Exarchopoulos's role in all of this. While the movie storyline was utterly forgettable, what did somewhat hold my attention was wondering what kind of effect the making of this movie had on this young, innocent girl. I hope she gets recognized, as she did a great job, and has shown to be willing and quite malleable, unfortunately she was caught up in a lacklustre storyline, with a b-movie script.

The director is someone who is just trying to imitate actual artistic and deep movies, while throwing in nudity to try and wriggle his way into being noticed. The reason I am coming down so hard is because I was expecting at least a good movie, but within the last hour and half (of a 3 hour film) the movie consistently got worse and worse. The movie fully consists of teaching in a classroom, talking about art, and sex/kissing.

If you want an edgy, nonrated/nc-17 movie then watch "Nymphomaniac," or "Enter the Void," of which the latter, interestingly enough, is playing in this movie during the theatre scene.

Worse movie I have seen in a long time...

Having been a fan of Lars Von Trier for quite some time, I thought that he had fallen off into the deep end when I saw the poster ads and tagline for this movie. Despite the posters for this movie, it is not one big orgy featuring any stars crazy enough to sign up, as one might of thought.

This movie delves into the deep recesses of the human psyche, and features plenty of existential substance throughout, making one ponder the human condition. Of course throughout the entire movie, safe guards are in place in the form of graphic sexuality to separate the children from the adults, then there is ample chit chat to bore the people expecting a porn flick. Those left watching, will be ones who are familiar with all of Triers previous work, and who like very mature, heavy and thought provoking movies.

The editing was done in an almost amateur way at a few small parts, more than likely on purpose to give the movie a voyeuristic feeling at times. I could hardly believe the opening song of Part one, which was a heavy rift from Rammstein, a strange choice to be sure, but with thought I suppose it was to fire up some energy for the heavy, 'low key' ride that was to ensue. The majority of the movie is narration of a story, and while some consider it to be boring, aside from maybe a scene and half in part one, I felt the movie moved at a great pace and I did not find myself getting bored or my attention wandering throughout the four hours split between two movies.

This movie focuses on several negative aspects, and is reminiscent of Gasper Noels "Enter the Void". This being said I felt myself being reminded of the movie "Salo" at times, though this movie has a lot more humanity and substance than that.

I was quite intrigued in the second part to find a link to one of Triers prior movies, in turn making this movie a possible prequel of sorts. In the end, it appears Von Trier is carrying out some master plan legacy of film. No doubt he is leaps and bounds ahead of his old days with "The Kingdom" and "Dancer in the Dark," though "Dogville" still remains a personal favourite of mine.

A recommended watch to be sure, but clearly not a movie made for the masses. Instead Lars Von Trier has done what he does best, that is, whatever he so chooses to do, despite what anyone else has to say or think. And He is a master in the realm of film because of it.

8/10

Having been a fan of Lars Von Trier for quite some time, I thought that he had fallen off into the deep end when I saw the poster ads and tagline for this movie. Despite the posters for this movie, it is not one big orgy featuring any stars crazy enough to sign up, as one might of thought.

This movie delves into the deep recesses of the human psyche, and features plenty of existential substance throughout, making one ponder the human condition. Of course throughout the entire movie, safe guards are in place in the form of graphic sexuality to separate the children from the adults, then there is ample chit chat to bore the people expecting a porn flick. Those left watching, will be ones who are familiar with all of Triers previous work, and who like very mature, heavy and thought provoking movies.

The editing was done in an almost amateur way at a few small parts, more than likely on purpose to give the movie a voyeuristic feeling at times. I could hardly believe the opening song of Part one, which was a heavy rift from Rammstein, a strange choice to be sure, but with thought I suppose it was to fire up some energy for the heavy, 'low key' ride that was to ensue. The majority of the movie is narration of a story, and while some consider it to be boring, aside from maybe a scene and half in part one, I felt the movie moved at a great pace and I did not find myself getting bored or my attention wandering throughout the four hours split between two movies.

This movie focuses on several negative aspects, and is reminiscent of Gasper Noels "Enter the Void". This being said I felt myself being reminded of the movie "Salo" at times, though this movie has a lot more humanity and substance than that.

I was quite intrigued in the second part to find a link to one of Triers prior movies, in turn making this movie a possible prequel of sorts. In the end, it appears Von Trier is carrying out some master plan legacy of film. No doubt he is leaps and bounds ahead of his old days with "The Kingdom" and "Dancer in the Dark," though "Dogville" still remains a personal favourite of mine.

A recommended watch to be sure, but clearly not a movie made for the masses. Instead Lars Von Trier has done what he does best, that is, whatever he so chooses to do, despite what anyone else has to say or think. And He is a master in the realm of film because of it.

8/10

"Edge of Tomorrow" was a very well done action movie, that played things safe as far as generic action and sci-fi go. In doing so, it did a very good job and even added a few new things to the genre.

This movie bears a strong resemblance to Groundhog day, and has a lot of good humor in it along with great action sequences and effects. Interestingly enough, this movie also slightly resembles the movie "The Notebook." One will likely not come to this conclusion until after finishing the movie, though.

While everything was done very well, one can not help be annoyed with the background premise of the movie, as it is pretty well one huge multiplying plot hole. With sci-fi movies, it is a requirement that one lets down there logical mind to an extent in order to enjoy the fictional story being told, but with this movie in particular, one cannot help but become lost in what exactly the implications truly are of all the happenings on the screen.

Just focusing on the movie, and enjoying it without putting a great deal into the "reality" of what is coming to pass, one will get a movie that awakens emotions of romance and what it is to be human, all the while, being wildly entertained with seamless action sequences and witty humor.

A very enjoyable, feel good movie. Recommended!

Upon the first viewing of Spring Breakers, while I loved it, I wasn't sure if the director had focused on the serious tones of the movie enough as opposed to the wild drunk teenagers just partying in slow motion.

Now having watched it a second time, I believe it was very well balanced. I have been a fan of Harmony Korine for a long time now. Though I have only seen one if his movies, "Gummo". Not sure how many times I have seen Gummo, but at least ten. For some odd reason I watched it a lot in my younger years, also watched a couple of movies Harmony wrote the screen play for. And you can see that Harmony has better mastered his style, the similarities in his shooting style from his earlier years are well noticed (and appreciated).

Loved the actors, the premise and the style. The colours are vibrant, and the movie is an entertaining ride. This is one of those 'experience' movies, where the viewer gets to experience things they may or may not want to. This movie, i would say, is not so much for entertainment, but more for provoking emotion and meditation. Would make a good watch along with Gasper Noel's "Enter the Void" and Nicolas Refn's "Only God Forgives." This being said, the ending is unexpected, but fulfilling.

Highly recommended!

The Purge: Anarchy was everything the premise should offer. The first was just another home under attack movie, and a weaker one at that. This movie was far more 'creative,' covered lots of ground, and viewed what this scenario would be like from many different perspectives and points of view.

The movie actually provided more food for thought than one would of expected. While it is a sadistic idea in general, both the pros and cons were weighed out in the movie, and it did not seem like some sort of propaganda film veered towards one side or the other, as one might of suspected.

If you haven't seen the first, no need to bother, as this movie clearly stands on its own. The actors were lesser known, but they did a fine enough job so as to not distract from the action and storyline. It was not a riveting storyline, but was a good layout for imagining what one would do in a similar situation, which I think is ultimately this movie's goal.

Was better than a lot of post apocalyptic/zombie movies, and if you like survival genre movies, this is one of the better ones. Also bears an uncanny resemblance to the game "Manhunt," though surprisingly, there is no gore or gruesome scenes.

7/10

Reading all of the negative reviews, and having watched the mediocre trailer, I was expecting a major let down, in fact I was already feeling let down. Instead, this movie delivered! I could watch this style of on screen story telling and action for ten hours straight; love the film noire aspects mixed with the modern gritty flavour.

Not as fulfilling as the first Sin City, but was shot in very much the same flawless style. Just missing some of the stranger supernatural aspects of the first movie such as the soul eating kid Kevin, and it was not quite as 'dark' as the first. They added some new story elements to the movie not from the original material, and it was pretty good, and while the mini story didn't end that strongly, it added good filler and style to the movie, along with something to ponder.

Certainly not as "meaty" as the first, but for the first twenty minutes I had a semi nostalgic grin on my face, as it brought back memories of how great the first Sin City was and how much I love this sort of movie style. They should seriously make a few more in this vein of slightly 'B' 'movieness', and together, they will be able to make up for the lost time waiting for a nine year held up sequel.

Should they have made this movie after that much time passing? Yes, but they should strongly consider make one or two more equally as good as this one.

Don't listen to all the negative reviews, if you liked the first one, give "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" a watch and some support, and hopefully we can get some more!