Viy3D (2014)

       

     Viy is a 2014 dark fantasy adventure film produced by Russian Film Group in collaboration with Marins Group Entertainment which is loosely based on a story by Nikolai Gogol. This film was released in movie theaters in Russia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan on January 30th, 2014. Set in the 18th century, English cartographer Jonathan Green (Jason Flemyng) out to make a name for himself as a scientist sets on a quest to map out the untraveled paths of western europe. It is during his travels that he stumbles across a small village deep in the impassable woods of the ukraine. The villagers live in seclusion believing that if they shield themselves from the rest of the world evil will not set foot into their settlement. They shall soon learn that evil is set deep within their own minds waiting to manifest itself.
     It consists of a largely russian cast with some notable exceptions being Jason Fleming who plays Jonathan and Charles Dance who makes an appearance as Lord Dudly, although the movie could do without him since it is not overly relevant to the rest of the film. Jonathan Green serves as our entry point into a much more broader tale of death mystery and witchcraft. For a non hollywood film, the special effects used in the film are of high quality utilizing a combination of make-up, animatronics and cgi and these effects really stand out 2/3 into the film where some interesting events manifest themselves. The sets themselves are top notch with lots of attention to detail prevailant such as in the clothing and the props used by the actors. The editing could have been done better to help weave a more coherent story. There are moments when it jumps from the actual tale to jonathan's back story so that we may understand his quest but it could easily be put somewhere in the beginning of the film instead of mixed in with the rest. It is worth noting that the version seen was a dubbed english version and not the one spoken in russian which could mean that some things might have been lost in translation hence the odd moments in the film.
    Viy is a foreign, incoherent tale with some unusual storytelling which is unclear what type of audience it was made for. The majority of the audience will not find it suitable to their tastes who are used to big budget Hollywood extravaganzas but will easily peak the curiosity of film lovers that like strange and curious tales of stories from other parts of the world. It could in some way be compared to the likes of Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow but more in concept that premise. If your able to find the movie and are into odd and strange tales from other continents then this should be right up your alley. Below is the international trailer, click on it and judge for yourself and see if it peaks your curiosity.

     

BIG HERO 6 - REVIEW

     A perfect example of what happens when you combine the expertise of superhero storytelling from Marvel comics with the extraordinary talents of the team behind Pixar studios and the king of all animated studios, Disney, you get this spectacular family friendly tale. Set in the fictional city of San Fransokyo (an amalgamation of San Francisco and Tokyo), it is the story of a young robotic genius named Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) who forms a special bond with his older brother's robotic construction Baymax (Scott Adsit) and later team up with a group of friends to form a team of techno-superheroes.

   Baymax is not your run of the mill robot, he is a vinyl based inflatable droid that is built for medical assistance and his design clearly serves as  the cute factor of the film. Hero is the brains of the outfit and focal point of the story. Hero and Baymax make for the perfect onscreen dynamic duo where each serves as part of a whole kind of like Ash and Pikachu or Michael Knight and Kitt. The rest of the team consist of Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez), Wasabi ( Daman Wayans, Jr.) GoGo Tamago (Jamie Chung) and Fred ( T.J Miller). They each have their own unique talent and serve as support to the big two though they could have had more screen time. The stand out of the group is of course Fred, he is the non tech member whose sole purpose in the film is to be the comedy relief element and can easily be compared to Shaggy from Scooby Doo.  The villain is more two dimensional and his nefarious scheme is the timeless old tale of revenge against those that have caused an injustice but the film makes good use to hide his identity until the third act to further add a pinch of mystery to the mix.

     This digital cinematic masterpiece is charming and full hearted, blended with the right amount of humor mixed with PG action. It benefits from Pixar's long standing concept that each story should have characters that resonate with the audience and keeps them more invested. The young children will love all the technological attributes of the film and so will the adults. While some animated films tend to feel long and time consuming, this one does not suffer from it since the pacing is adequate to get the wheels rolling along. It is worth noting that this is the third highest grossing film right behind The Lion King and the world smashing hit Frozen. Personally it should do nicely in anyone's home video collection and can't wait to see what they have in store when the sequel comes along.

   

Crimson Peak Official Trailer Release -

     A new cinematic horror gothic tale from the mind of Guillermo del Toro. The film stars Mia Wasikowska,Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, and Charlie Hunnam. In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds...and remembers. This film is scheduled to be released in the month of October of 2015.  

     Im looking forward to seeing this tale since it looks to be a promising addition to the horror genre. Guillermo del Toro is one of the few cinematic geniuses who takes great delight in crafting tales to astonish his audiences. Whatever story he is trying to tell , it takes a life of their own and we are just witnesses to these fascinating worlds.  

Jupiter Ascending - The Review

Jupiter Ascending is an sci -fi, fantasy space opera written and directed by Lana and Andy Wachoswki. It stars Mila Kunis as Jupiter Jones and Channing Tatum as Cain Wise. Jupiter Jones is an ordinary earthling who lives the life of a cleaning lady constantly complaining how much she detests her life. Cain Wise is a genetically engineered galactic soldier whose genes have been spliced with a wolf. When Cain is sent to earth to find Jupiter , her life is quickly changed around when she learns that she is the genetic incarnation of  the queen of an intergalactic empire whose siblings are in a power struggle for the inheritance of which earth is considered to be one of their most valuable assets. Of course word of her existence reaches the royal siblings and she is suddenly put in imminent danger.

     Channing and Kunis's onscreen  chemistry feels a bit lacking in the affection department where each could have easily been replaced by any other actress or actor which could help strengthen the relationship that develops as the story unfolds. Sean Bean who plays stinger, an old acquaintance of Cain , seems to invoke the presence of any of his previous roles of disgraced figure looking for some sort of redemption. The royal heirs Balem, Titus and Kalique Abrasax themselves come off as one dimensional spoiled brats that seem to be quarreling over who gets to have the cherished shiny jewel of the universe. It seems to be that even though Balem is the main villain of the film Titus could easily have been a far more engaging adversary. 

       The Film itself is, as one would expect from the Wachowski's, visually stimulating eye candy whose VFXs push the boundaries of what is capable when one has the financial backing of a Hollywood studio. Story wise though it is rather simple take of what happens when you mix a Disney princess film with Star Wars. There are moments of comedic elements that one can easily compare to The Hitchhiker's Guide of the Galaxy or the scene from the Harry Potter where they enter Gringotts. Clearly the Wachowskis have been on a quest to try and replicate the enormous success of the movie that put them on the map, The Matrix, yet for each endeavor they fail to live up to the expectations of the audience and cant seem to create that one pivotal groundbreaking film that would set the basis for all other films to come. Despite some shortcomings here and there , it is not a bad film and while the story itself is not depth defying it does serve it's purpose to at least entertain the viewers through it's incredible visuals and good use of action and stunt work. 

 

The Imitation Game - Movie Review

    The Imitation Game is a Historical Biography Drama set during World War 2. The British Government enlists Alan Turing (Cumberbatch), a mathematician , into the fold to help them crack the code of the Enigma machine used by the Germans in order to send and recieve encrypted messages using a cypher. The timing is crucial for the code is changed every 24 hrs hence all efforts to crack the code have been in vain. Alan Turing suggests that in order to win one must fight fire with fire and develops a machine of their own that can compute the complex calculations and crack the enigma before all is lost against the germans. 

     Upon seeing the film one can see why Benedict Cumberbatch was chosen to play Alan Turning. He easily channels the persona of a brilliant and cunning scientist in a way that one can't help but remind the viewers of another equally brilliant but fictitious character Sherlock. The cast themselves are superb with notable performances by Keira Knightley, Mark Strong (Frank D'Amico in Kick-Ass) and Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones). The film focuses on his moments while in service to The British Government's Top Secret Cypher Facilty at Blechley Park. We bear witness to moments of his youth during flashback scenes to help us comprehend his ordeal. The tension of the film manifests itself as the team try to decypher the key code failing day after day when the enigma resets with a new one every night at midnight.  

     There are plenty of movies out here that deal War World II depicting the gruesome and harsh reality that all soldiers have fenced at one time or another on the battlefield. This movie is one of those rare gems that showcase the people involved behind the scenes that helped contribute to the defeat of Hitler and his Hostile Regime. This movie serves to honor the memory of Alan Turing who years shortly after the events of the war was convicted of nothing more than being a homosexual and the goverment simply turned their backs on him despite all he had done to ensure victory and save the lives of millions of people that would have perished if not for his efforts. For those that seek to learn of the movers and shakers behind one the most devastating events in history this one should be right up their alley.

The Book of Life - Movie Review

     The Book of Life is surprisingly pleasant CG Animated Tale from 20th Century Fox Animation and directed by Jorge Gutierrez. This classical tale revolves around childhood friends Maria (Zoe Saldana), Manolo (Diego Luna) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) that live in a small town called San Angel. Though always together during their youth  their life's take on different paths where Maria is Sent to Spain, Manolo studies to become a bullfighter like his ancestors and Joaquin ended up joining the military. As with these types of relationships the two boys of the group end up in love with maria and each vows to find a way to woe her and eventually marry her. However the spiritual deities have made a wager over who will really marry maria with the cost being one deity ruling the realm of the other forever.

    The pacing of the film starts off a little slow but once the story unfolds it picks up and becomes quite an enjoyable tale. There is lots of comedic humor intertwined with the story though some of the jokes appear to be more tailored to the Hispanic community. The unexpected incorporation of modern pop and rock hits covered in the film using their own unique style will delight most audiences. The film uses color to help set the tone of the film depending on which setting the protagonists are currently involved in.

    There is an abundance of  cg animated tales available today, some which are clearly just created as a money grab where they lack any coherence and sense of direction then there are films like this one which help set the bar for cg animated storytelling where even though it is aimed at children it also has elements that will satisfy adult viewers. So need something to watch for a family night , This one will nicely fit the bill and add it to your collection of animated films.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Trailer - Looks energetic and fun....

     The Official Trailer for Guy Ritchie's Next Film is Online and this time the director has made an adaptation of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. which was an 1960's spy series that ran from 1964 to 1968.  The Movie itself will be set during that same time period which is perfect given how it was set during the Cold War. Starring Henry Cavil as Napolean Solo and Arnie Hammer as IIlya Kuryakin with Solo being an american spy and Kuryakin  as a Russian spy.

      Personally i'm totally digging the whole 1960's retro vibe in the film and it looks to be a lot of fun. Guy Ritchie's energetic movie direction is clearly visible through out the trailer and if it lives up to his old films should satisfy those that love this kind of genre. The Movie is scheduled to be release sometime in August.

Spiderman in Marvel Cinematic Universe-FINALLY!!!!

"Heads Up Guys, We Got a Bug Problem"

"Oh Hi, Saw You Guys Eat at
Schwarma's and Wanted to Join
the Party"

I'm sure by now many of you have read that Sony and Marvel have come to terms in a mutually beneficial agreement to use Spiderman in The Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is an exciting moment given that Sony hasn't been able to recreate the same success and buzz that their first foray. The First Spiderman films minus the Third (for obvious craptastic reasons) which was directed by Sam Raimi and Starring Tobey Maguire were solid films despite their one or two gripes. The Reboot of the series starring Andrew Garfield and helmed by Marc Webb were to some degree good but lacked the impact that the previous films. Sony will be retaining their film rights and benefit from marvel's input in to how to handle the character and marvel will be able to use spiderman and weave him into their big and upcoming storyline Civil War plus selling lots of potential merchandise (added bonus). Now when he does come aboard it is understood that Andrew Garfield will not be returning and will be recast with someone else donning the mask. It is doubtful that they will go and use miles morales (ultimate universe spiderman in the comics) instead of peter parker.

Overall It is a very exciting time that we will be able to see the characters interact with one another and spidey's personality will mesh perfectly with tony stark's. I can picture them now throwing one liners at each other as they fight alongside the rest of the team against some unknown adversary. If only Fox and marvel can come around and have the same beneficial relationship that was embraced by Sony. I'd Love to see Wolverine  do what he does best against the Hulk on Screen as the xmen battle with the avengers but guess it wont happen for the foreseeable future. As always make mine Marvel and give us the home run we can expect the house of ideas to churn.

Project Almanac - review

 

I participated a while back in an amc screening of a movie called project almanac, a soon to be released sci fi film about time travel in the vain of camera footage films such as chronicle, blair witch etc.. wheni first heard of the film I wasnt all to excited about it but since the screening was free i thought why not. The movie is produced by platinum dune' michael bay's production company  so I naturally thought oh no it is going to be a mindless explosion fest with little to offer.
 

The film is about a group of teens who discover a secret government project involving time travel and as all teens tend to do use the device for their entertainment without thinking of any repercussions.  In defense we would probably do the same in their shoes. The film does establish basic time travel rules as well as some that are known to scifi lovers that watched other time travel films. In fact some films are mentioned in the movie as a shout out to help convey the idea behind said time travel.

As with eveything else in life there will always be consequences with the choices one makes and this film serves as a warning to the perils of time travel if one is not careful of what they do for any minute change can have a ripple effect.
 

Personally I think the movie worked and all the main characters meshed well with each other and makes one feel like part of the movie as we watch their world through their eyes.  Given that it was produced by michael n bays platinum dune im glad to say that no unnecessary explosions were used in the film. So go on and watch the film. It is a fun ride all the way through.

The Maze Runner - Movie Review

After the Huge and Astronomical Success of The Harry Potter Books , Hollywood has been on a relentless search to find their next golden goose. This Time around they produced The Maze Runner, based on the best selling novel of the same name by James Dashner. The Story begins with Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) waking up in an elevator that has ascended onto a gorge surrounded by a ragged group of young boys and huge towering walls that embrace the perimeter. Every single person inside the walls have gone through the exact same ordeal upon arriving, none of them remember who they were except their name or why they were put there and for what purpose. As Thomas is our entry point into the whole ordeal we find out that behind these walls is a maze. The only ones that are allowed to venture into the maze are called Runners (hence maze runner). Thomas joins forces and becomes a runner himself in order to find a path through the maze and escape. 

Even though the film is aimed at the young crowd, there are many elements within the film that should appease the older crowd. The acting quality is quite good with each of the main characters able to express themselves in a manner that helps us as the viewers relate to them. For those of us that may remember it the film will invoke memories of Lord of the Flies mixed with the TV Series Lost.  The movie does a good job at keeping the viewer entwined into the tale as they slowly solve a few of the mysteries behind their imprisonment while at the same time leaving audiences with new ones. The special effects are of good quality though it is easy to tell what is cgi but that is just a minor gripe and it does not take away from the story.

Out of the many films spawned from the pages of Young Adult Novels, this adaption is of sound quality and director Wes Ball has helped create a dystopian tale worthy of the genre. The film itself was filmed on a 34 million dollar budget and grossed 340 million dollars worldwide. There will be a sequel to this film to be released in September 18, 2015 titled The Maze Runner:Scorch Trials. Overall im very hopeful that this film will be just as enticing as the first and not subject to the pitfalls of other movie trilogies that end up killing the momentum of the first.