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Reviews
Serenity (2005)
Joss did it again (best BDM ever!!)
I saw this at an advanced screening and when I walked out I was in shock. Fans of the TV series will probably have to see the movie a couple of times to absorb everything that happens.
As for the non-fans, the ones at the screening I attended seemed to like Serenity as much as us Browncoats. They laughed in all the right places, gasped in all the right places ... were stunned into silence in all the right places. Sure, they didn't have the same level of emotional attachment/reaction as we Browncoats, but the one thing that was heard repeatedly when the end credits rolled was: "Now I have to see the series." All in all it was an amazing roller-coaster ride, true to the series so many of us loved, and containing the brilliant dialog we've come to expect from Joss Whedon.
Now we just have to start working on getting our Big Damn Sequel made and we're all set...
The Dark Hours (2005)
Best Canadian horror movie in ages!!! (**SPOILERS**)
I just saw The Dark Hours at Fantasia and I have to say, it blew my mind!
It was extremely well made & amazingly acted, with an especially good performance from Kate Greenhouse as Sam. The plot twist, somewhat reminiscent of Hide & Seek, was great, and unlike many plot twists didn't spoil the movie (i.e. : Haute Tension, where the twist didn't just "twist" the plot, it blew Mac truck-sized holes in it!).
I do have to say that the scene near the end where Sam cuts off her own pinkie was very powerful ... in a disturbing way. The entire audience gasped & squirmed in their seats during that one.
I highly recommend this movie, partly because it's Canadian (like me), but mostly because it's a genuinely good horror flick that'll get your heart rate up to a nice, fast pace.
Can't wait for the DVD!
Zombie Honeymoon (2004)
Not your average zombie movie!!!
I just came back from seeing Zombie Honeymoon at the Fantasia festival. In my opinion this is the movie to beat this year, granted the festival is only 1/3 done, but this is the first movie that I've walked out of as happy to have seen it as I was excited to see it beforehand.
The title brings to mind a Shaun of the Dead-esquire type of comedy/parody, and if that's what your looking for I suggest you head for your video club and rent Shaun of the Dead. This movie, while it did have a couple of laughs, is more of a drama than a comedy.
In fact, this isn't so much a zombie movie, as it is an exploration of how far we'll go for someone we truly love. Without going into anything spoilery I will just say that the ending is very touching, and the movie as a whole is romantic without being sugary. I challenge anyone who sees this movie not to get a little emotional during the candle-light dinner scene ... you'll know what I mean when you've seen it.
I, for one, can't wait till this comes out on DVD, it's got to be added to my collection ... soon.
2001 Maniacs (2005)
Good times!
I saw "2001 Manacs" last night at a midnight screening at the Fantasia Festival and I really enjoyed it ... so did the 300-400 other people in the theater with me. Tim Sullivan and Christa Campbell introduced the movie and held a Q&A session after (I had to leave, it was 2am) but I'm sure they were pleased with the audience response. It was great to see Robert Englund again, he always does a great psycho. The movie was funny and gory ... sure the plot wasn't Oscar caliber, but anyone looking for that is going to the wrong movie. If you want to see a good horror movie, the real 'guts & glory' kind, this is the movie for you. I feel confident in recommending this movie and plan on picking up the DVD (especially since the version that was screened hasn't gone to the ratings board yet, so the DVD will probably be the only place to see this exact version).
Den osynlige (2002)
This movie is nothing like Friday the 13th
**Possible spoiler ahead** I had the opportunity to see this movie at a film festival last summer and I was blown away. This is so far removed from the usual teen horror stuff that is pumped out by major studios that it should never be compared to them. It was amazingly well done & reduced an entire theatre at Fantasia to tears. The acting was great & the ending heartbreaking, it is by far the best movie I've seen in way too long. In fact, I would love nothing more than to find out the DVD will be available in Canada. Definately a strong 9.5 out of 10.