Saturday, December 22, 2012

"True Grit" (1969)

What an absolutely beautifully shot movie this was. Granted, it had the benefit of being shot mostly outdoors in the sunshine on film, but I was surprised by the high quality production design, fantastic scenery, and good cinematography. The movie is pretty hokey just because of the time it was made, but the hokey nature fits the hokey script. It's meant to be sort of dry humor and it lent well to this movie. John Wayne was John Wayne, but often quite funny as the U.S. Marshall "Rooster" Cogburn. Mattie, the little girl, was more annoying than sassy, which is too bad considering it seemed like it was supposed to come off as sassy. Not to mention she looked a lot like Justin Bieber. La Boeuf was silly enough, but the actor often delivered his lines too quickly, losing their humorous effect. The music was sometimes good, but more often than not was ill-fitting. A couple of the most enjoyable elements were the on-screen chemistry between the three main characters, Cogburn, Mattie, and La Boeuf, and the showdown between Cogburn and Ned Pepper. This was a fun story with good things about a hokey movie that was just a little too long for my liking considering the story it contained. A few too many unnecessary scenes that stretched too long.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065126/

Thursday, December 20, 2012

"Ned Kelly"

"Ned Kelly" is the Australian film about, surprise, surprise, Ned Kelly, an Australian outlaw that is roughly the equivalent of the American Billy the Kid. The movie itself is a sort of poor-man's version of "The Assassination of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Ford." All the things that made that movie amazing, were the same things that made "Ned Kelly" good. Heath Ledger as the title character and Orlando Bloom as his fellow outlaw Joe Byrne gave extremely solid acting performances. The cinematography was beautiful, aided by the beautiful country of Australia. The story itself wasn't original, but the beginning of the film was extremely calm and poignant, then decided to take a stereotypical turn shortly after Ned became an outlaw. Luckily the last thirty minutes or so had a very strong end to the story. Special note should be made about the music that was quite fitting to the emotions of the movie. Overall, I really liked this movie, and would have probably really, really liked it, had I not seen the superior film concerning Jessie James. Though, Brad Pitt never had a beard like Heath Ledger did in this movie. I may or may be slightly jealous.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277941/

A History of Horror: Conclusion

I'm not going to say that I've become some expert or aficionado when it comes to horror films. In fact, I still see myself as a fairly casual movie watcher in general. Part of the exercise of me doing this blog, as well as one of the purposes of "A History of Horror" movie marathon, is to be a more educated and considerate movie watcher. So with the conclusion of this movie marathon, I feel I have gained a better appreciation of horror movies. Different than the affinity I had before for them, but a stronger love for them now that I can appreciate the genre's beginnings and progressions to where horror movies are today. The biggest, most pleasant surprise was definitely the silent film, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." The biggest disappointment was "The Bride of Frankenstein," especially when compared to its overwhelmingly positive reviews. I really like the slasher era of the 70s and 80s. Ridiculous movies that are meant to be ridiculous have a very special place in my heart. Ridiculous movies that aren't meant to be so have a very not-so-special place. Despite a few great ones in recent years, I'm not sure we'll ever see great horror movies like we saw from the 30s through the early 80s. But unlike other genres, a horror movie doesn't necessarily have to be horrific or scary or cause me to jump to be good. Proficient filmmaking in creating even subtle tension and emotional character interaction can lead to a good horror movie. I would never again try to watch so many movies in such a short amount of time (usually watching a movie six out of the seven days in a week, sometimes two movies a night) but I am definitely more excited about the genre as a whole. And I look forward to seeing where it will go in the future.

A History of Horror: 5-Stars

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"
This is silent film at its best. Granted, I haven't seen a lot, but this movie is incredible. So we'll say silent film at its best according to Nathan. The effects of the transformation between the two title characters is fantastic. The creature of Mr. Hyde is amazingly creepy. But these great elements take second stage to the moral dilemma of the virtuous doctor and how this story is told with the moving picture. This was by far the biggest and best surprise of the entire horror movie marathon.


"Arsenic and Old Lace"
This is an all-time great movie and one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Anything else I say would just diminish that fact.


"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956)
This is a solid movie all the way around. Great story and great acting. You have well developed escalation and progression that lead masterfully to the final, climatic cliffhanger like ending. This is one movie that I remember enjoying as a kid thanks to my dad, but it's not until now that I realize just how great a film it is.


"Psycho"
This is the quintessential horror/thriller movie, a movie that holds up even today. The true greatness of "Psycho" lies in its defiance of the principle of horror movies. Horror movies are looked upon as cheap investments seeking high return, no care for quality of filmmaking. All of the sudden you pair that same beginning principle of cheap investment with a top-tier director, and you get a cinematic masterpiece. This truly goes to show the brilliance of Alfred Hitchcock. You don't need a large budget, an artful story, or mind-blowing effects. A talented director can make a movie great, and that's what Hitchcock did with "Psycho."


"The Omen"
I was surprised how much I loved this movie. You have this religious themed story, a creepy boy, cinema's first on-screen decapitation, and delightfully dramatic music that fit so well together. Gregory Peck gives a great performance, despite seeming too old, and the hired nanny may be even creepier than the little boy. Richard Donner further displays his ability to direct, and direct well, diverse genres.


"Shaun of the Dead"
This movie is the ultimate, best tribute to horror films. If you do not like this movie, then we are not friends.


"The Strangers"
I sometimes feel like I'm the only one who loves this movie, and I don't know exactly what it is about this movie, but it just does it for me. From beginning to end I feel tense and ready to jump at any moment. I love the masks and burlap sack worn by the Strangers, I love the realistic setting and circumstances, I love the long tension building cinematography, and I love the ending. I just love it. It gets me every time.


"Drag Me To Hell"
Guilty pleasure? Definitely this movie. This movie is gross, over-the-top, weird, and ridiculous. And I love every minute of it! Sam Raimi fantastically directs this shock value horror and expertly makes anyone who watches this movie want to throw up. The only thing more ridiculous than this movie is the ridiculous amount of love I have for it.


"Cabin in the Woods"
This movie is so unbelievably unexpected. It builds on the stereotype of teenagers going to a cabin or lake or whatnot for the weekend and they unknowingly release or stumble across this danger that starts to kill them off one by one. But this cliche is surrounded by this unexplained yet connected story line that pretty much leaves you confused as to what's going on. These two stories finally accumulate in the most unexpected ending that I don't want to say too much about, but that I will say I absolutely loved for its unexpected and ridiculous nature.

A History of Horror: 4-Stars

"Frankenstein"
There is a reason this movie is a classic. The production design is incredible, Boris Karloff is fantastic, and the journey of Dr. Frankenstein is enjoyable.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021884/

"The Thing from Another World"
There is so much in this movie that reminds me of John Carpenter's "The Thing" which is one of my all-time favorite films. For this reason I really liked this movie and allowed me to overlook what I did not like. But, if push comes to shove and you have to choose one or the other, choose the 1982 "The Thing." Since I'm sure you have time to see both in your life, watch both.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044121/

"House on Haunted Hill"
This movie is fantastic. I love Vincent Price. I love the over-dramatic, drunk guest. I love the cheesy ending. I don't care about how dated this movie is, it's just a great watch.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051744/

"The Haunting"
I'll admit that I watched this movie over two days because I fell asleep the first night I watched it. So, I'm not sure if I was really just tired or if the first half was really just boring. Either way, the second half of this movie is absolutely incredible and the practical effects in this movie are often times amazing. For what it's worth, I hear this is Martin Scorcese's favorite horror film, but don't quote me on that.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057129/

"Bloody Pit of Horror"
This is Italian horror cinema at its finest. Make no mistake, this is terrible filmmaking, but you are unable to tear yourself away from it. You are unable to not appreciate its horribleness.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058983/

"Night of the Living Dead"
Considering the small budget this movie had and the effect it had on horror movie history in catapulting the zombie sub-genre, you can't help but appreciate it. Setting that aside, you see great human interaction in the face of catastrophe, feel tension in the ever-approaching threat, and see the great beginning that modern zombie films sprouted from.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063350/

"Halloween"
Michael Myers makes for a great, menacing antagonist. This start of the slasher genre is an amazing beginning. There are drawbacks to this film (an under-developed origin of Michael Myers and a prolonged stalking by Michael Myers), but when you first arrive at the mental institution and see the first gowned patient escaped in the dark, rainy night, you realize you're in an unsafe environment and the tension grows from there. Despite it being literally the only musical score in the entire movie, you realize why this movie and its theme is so iconic.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077651/

"Poltergeist"
The single greatest element of "Poltergeist" is the increasing and progressive nature of the film. We start with a rather thunderous event, but after that we start small, increase subtly, and climax with a full on creature feature from the 80s which is nothing short of terrific. This movie is borderline 5-stars, and I would not be surprised if with further viewing it became that.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084516/

"The Monster Squad"
You know how I mentioned that there are other movies in the same vein as "The Gate" that are good, silly, cheesy, fun times but that I like better? "Monster Squad" is one of them. You know how "Van Helsing," starring Hugh Jackman, tried to make a movie that combined the classic Universal Monsters but failed miserably? This is the movie that did that concept right.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093560/

"Scream"
Holy crap! Where did this movie come from? I remember seeing it when it came out, and yes, it was scary enough. But watching this time around, this was borderline brilliant. From the opening, tense scene, you are taken on a ride of constant tension, genuine scares, and a smart play on horror movie cliches. Wes Craven made this movie as almost a tribute to horror, what he himself made his name on. It's unfortunate that the sequels slowly descended into stereotypical cliche whereas this first one's brilliance is found on its deliberate, homage cliches.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117571/

"Sleepy Hollow"
I don't care what anyone says about this movie. I don't care if this movie really is bad. I really like this movie. It's true that the production design vaults this movie despite its campy acting and story, but how can you not like a movie about a headless horseman with the tagline, "Heads will roll?"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162661/

"What Lies Beneath"
This movie has absolutely nothing new in it. However, all the cliches and stereotypes of horror/thriller movies that are in "What Lies Beneath" are done so incredibly well, that you can't help but enjoy it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0161081/

"28 Days Later"
As much as I like to see Scarecrow naked on a hospital bed, the true beauty of this movie is how it changed the zombie genre. Danny Boyle's zombie apocalypse movie moved us from the slow, ever-present, ever-approaching zombie to the fast, unexpected, sudden-approaching zombie. This shift was handled beautifully by Mr. Boyle and made for an exciting, enjoyable, tense movie watching experience.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289043/

"1408"
John Cusack was serviceable enough. Sam Jackson was  great. And the best part of this supernatural themed movie is the control they exercise in the use of that supernatural. They don't go overboard in doing whatever they want just because they can because all things are possible when the supernatural is present. They used it within the confines of the hotel room and the events that happened there.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450385/

"The Orphanage"
Knock on the wall game. That's all I have to say.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0464141/

A History of Horror: 3-Stars

"The Mummy"
This movie is probably better than I think, but when it's compared to its contemporaries, it lacks the menace of the other classic Universal Monsters. But like its contemporaries, the sets are incredible and its production value for the time is fabulous. Not to mention Boris Karloff is, of course, fantastic.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023245/

"The Wolf Man"
This movie was definitely fun and enjoyable, it just wasn't great. Lon Chaney Jr. was a little cheesier than I would have liked, but the idea of a werewolf and gypsies and the foggy forest were way good. Definitely a good Halloween time movie.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034398/

"The Night of the Hunter"
This movie is probably the movie I am most indifferent on. It was creepy at times, and just plain weird at others. There was stuff that I liked about it, stuff that I didn't like. But even using those terms seems too strong of feelings. The Preacher was good, the wife/mother was bad. If "meh" was ever to describe my thoughts on a movie, this one would be it. I would be interested to learn of why others think so highly of it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048424/

"The Changeling"
This is one of those movies that had great moments (the séance, the well under the house, and the whole use of the wheelchair) which make it a very enjoyable watch. It unfortunately is missing that certain, undefinable something that takes it beyond a string of great moments connected by mediocrity.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080516/

"Friday the 13th"
You know those movies you watched when you were younger and you thought were so good and so scary, but you watch it when you're older and you wonder what you were thinking ("The Rock" anyone?)? This is one of those movies. But maybe if Mrs. Voorhees hopped up after being knocked out one more time I might find it better and scarier.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080761/

"The Fog"
This is a movie I'm torn by. I liked a whole lot about it. The Fog, the creatures, the journey throughout, the ending. But it just didn't leave an amazing taste in my mouth afterwards, just an okay taste. It probably just needed Tom Welling in it to change that.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080749/

"The Gate"
If you like good, silly, cheesy, fun times with dated and over the top effects when watching a movie, then you'll love Stephen Dorff in "The Gate." I think the reason this movie isn't higher for me is that there are other movies in this same vein that I like better.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093075/

"Mary Shelley's Frankenstein"
This movie is the definition of over-done. Over-acted, over-dramatic, and over-the-top (and not in the Sylvester Stallone winning arm-wrestling matches type of way). Whilst it is this way, there are menacing elements that are enjoyable, Robert De Niro is great as the Creature, and Kenneth Branagh is good when he's not busy over-acting.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109836/

"When a Stranger Calls"
This is nothing new, nothing groundbreaking, and nothing original. In fact, it's quite cliche. This does not take away from the good time that it is. It has a good opening scene, some good moments, some good scares, and a good bad guy. So, I guess I would say this movie is good.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455857/

"Paranormal Activity"
I'm not a huge fan of the reality show style that this movie is filmed in, but I cannot deny the effectiveness of many parts of it. I jumped when I was supposed to jump, felt tense when I was suposed to feel tense, and hesitated when I walked to my room after watching it. But I in no way felt connected, sympathetic, empathetic, or invested in the characters or story.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1179904/

"Let the Right One In"
I honestly don't know what to say concerning what I think about this film. I want to like it and I'm pretty sure I do like it. There are things I don't like about it. But I like the relationship between the vampire girl and human boy, I like the cinematography, and the ending leaves me smiling. But for some reason there's something that leaves me unable to really like this movie.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139797/

"Paranormal Activity 3"
This has similar elements from the first that I liked. The bathroom scene with the step-father's friend babysitting was incredible! This also repeats a lot from the first "Paranormal Activity" that are just redundant, therefore losing effectiveness. And whilst the ending was building in tension and was very effective on me, the payoff was silly, meant to outdo the first, and left an unsatisfying feeling despite my positive feelings throughout the rest of the movie.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1778304/

A History of Horror: 2-Stars

"Creature from the Black Lagoon"
This was another of the most disappointing because of how much I loved it the first time I watched it. The second time (and granted I watched it second in a double feature late at night) I found it to be boring, slow, and far too many dragging minutes of underwater shots. This is one of the rare exceptions  low on my list of these movies I am keen to watch again under more favorable circumstances to see if it was great like the first time I watched it, or boring like the second time I saw it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046876/

"The Amityville Horror"
This is another one that I enjoyed the first time and it fell flat the second viewing. This movie had a lot of good elements that I enjoyed, but as a whole it was seriously lacking with an abrupt and uneventful ending.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078767/

"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"
The opening scene to this movie was brilliant. The rest of the movie had too disturbing of a theme to really enjoy. Despite what good elements exist in this movie, they are overshadowed by the disturbing nature which leaves you feeling dirty at its end.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072271/

"The Devil's Backbone"
Forget that the title of this film has nothing to do with the movie itself (unless you count the one scene that references spina bifida), the movie itself is the definition of unmemorable.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0256009/