THE CONJURING (2013)

July 22, 2013

conjuring Greetings again from the darkness. The overdose and saturation of reality TV the past decade has resulted in at least a couple of Ghost Hunter type shows. Surely you have stumbled on at least one of these. Director James Wan kicks off this latest haunted house adventure with the all-too-familiar “Based on a True Story” and then proceeds to fill the next couple of hours with scene after scene of horror film staples … things we have jumped at many times over the years. However, this one is bumped up a notch thanks to atmosphere, direction and acting ability, and the fact that yes, the ghost hunters are/were REAL.
The Perron family has moved to the country for a “fresh start” and here is what we learn:

1. If the family dog won’t enter the new house, then neither should you or your kids. It’s time to move out. How many dogs aren’t dog-wagging thrilled to follow the kids right in through the front door?

2. If all the clocks (electric and wind-up) stop at exactly the same time, it’s time to move out.

3. If you stumble on a boarded up cellar/basement, just leave it boarded up … and it’s time to move out.

4. If multiple birds fly full speed into your house, breaking their necks, it’s time to move out.

5. If your daughter discovers an antique toy that she carries around while talking to her new imaginary friend … it’s time to move out.  If she brings her “old” imaginary friend with her to the new house … see The Shining.

6. If, over two consecutive evenings, your sleepwalking daughter bangs her head into the armoire left by the previous owners, it’s time to move out.

7. Having 5 daughters seems to make parenting exceptionally difficult, but this in itself is no reason to move out of the house.

8. Playing blindfolded ‘Hide and Clap’ is not an appropriate game when you live in a 3 level home. This is no reason to move out, just find a game that doesn’t require a blindfold … or an Ouija board.

9. If you ever have to call demonologists to your home, don’t get defensive about not being a religious family. Just move out of the house.

conjuring3 Director Wan gives us tastes of the haunted house/possession Big 3: The Exorcist, Poltergeist and Amityville Horror. It’s not at the level of these, but it’s certainly better than most horror films of the past two decades … at least we don’t get any stupid teenagers wandering through the woods. In fact, this one plays right off our natural tendency to feel safe and secure while surrounded by our family within the confines of our own home. The biggest scares come from the moments we are most relaxed.

It’s Rated R for being frightening.  There are no spinning heads or pea soup, and the gore factor is exceptionally low considering Mr. Wan directed Saw, the film that kicked off torture-fest movie genre. The acting here is really good for a horror film. Patrick conjuring4Wilson also starred in Wan’s Insidious, and here he plays Ed Warren. With his clairvoyant wife Lorraine (Vera Farmiga), the Warrens are well known ghostbusters, ghost hunters, demonologists, or whatever label you care to apply. We learn about their most famous case regarding Annaelle the creepy as heck doll, and we also see how they save a trophy from each of their cases … and store it in their home (a seemingly dumb move). Lili Taylor and Ron Livingston are also strong in their roles as the Perron parents. Another thing I liked was that the kids seem like real kids … especially the recognizable Joey King and MacKenzie Foy.

conjuring2 Horror and Comedy are both at the mercy of personal taste.  What makes you laugh and what makes you jump is probably different from others, so these two genres are difficult to recommend.  Still, it takes talent to direct a horror movie and not really introduce any new “gotcha’s”, while still keeping the viewers grabbing the armrests. So enjoy the jumps, cover your eyes, and keep in mind … if your dog won’t enter your new house, it’s time to move out!

**NOTE: an interesting side note … Ryan Gosling co-wrote the song that plays over the closing credits

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: your favorite horror films are the haunted house types

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you have 5 daughters and think moving to the country is a good idea

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejMMn0t58Lc

Leave a Comment » | Horror | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

WORLD WAR Z (2013)

June 24, 2013

wwz1 Greetings again from the darkness. Max Brooks’ hugely successful novel was put through the proverbial wringer on it’s road to the big screen. Numerous script re-writes, many scenes re-shot, a re-worked third act, an all new ending, and a 6 month delay in release date. The final product is something that fans of TV’s “The Walking Dead” will probably appreciate and many others will find it entertaining enough.

Brad Pitt gives an earnest effort as a former United Nations investigator who now enjoys his new role as house-husband. In fact, director Marc Foster (Quantum of Solace, Monster’s Ball) zaps us with the first zombie action just after Pitt serves up pancakes to his two daughters and wife Karin (Mireille Enos, “The Killing”). It turns out Pitt is more than just an expert at flapjacks. His expertise is needed in this global zombie crisis brought on by a wwz2virus …or bacteria, that started in India … or Israel … or Asia. See, those details don’t really matter because the infection has spread to every corner of the globe.

I actually enjoyed Pitt more in the “quiet” moments than in the big CGI action sequences. He is quite believable as a doting husband and father, less so as the world’s savior. Still, the issues with this movie are not on Mr. Pitt. Four writers (in addition to the novelist) rarely deliver a coherent script’ however, since it’s an apocalyptic zombie thriller, they almost get away with it! If you haven’t visited the zombie genre in a few decades, be prepared … these aren’t wwz3the sluggish zombies made famous by George Romero. Instead, these are blazingly fast and able to leap tall buildings, flying helicopters … and the great wall of Jerusalem. Yes, Jerusalem. In one of the more unusual movie features, this one plays like “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?”. Pitt globe trots more than James Bond or Jason Bourne.

For many, the zombie sequences and global apocalyptic theme will provide sufficient cinematic entertainment. For the rest of us, it’s fine, but will forgotten as quickly as I am Legend. (06/24/13 UPDATE: the very talented and influential writer Richard Matheson passed away yesterday.  Among his work was the novel I AM LEGEND, which was the basis for the Will Smith movie that I referenced in my ending wisecrack.  I don’t blame Mr. Matheson’s fine work for that lackluster film.  His death is a great loss.)

**NOTE: Israeli newcomer Daniella Kurtesz (age 23) has an interesting screen presence and I look forward to seeing more of her work

**NOTE: Matthew Fox has a blink and you’ll miss him scene as part of the rooftop helicopter rescue team. The original third act had him playing a bigger role.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you are a fan of the Zombie craze OR you never miss a chance to see a long-haired Brad Pitt

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you are bothered more by muddled story-telling than the global threat of a rapidly spreading zombie virus.

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md6Dvxdr0AQ

4 Comments | Action, Horror, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

JOHN DIES AT THE END (2012)

February 10, 2013

john dies Greetings again from the darkness. It’s been more than a decade since writer/director Don Coscarelli added quirky humor to his toy box with the wonderful Bubba Ho-Tep. Previously Coscarelli was known for his classic horror franchise that started in 1979 with Phantasm (and three sequels). Coscarelli has a real knack for oddball humor and along with the source material from David Wong’s book, he delivers a comical, cross-dimension, alternative universe, “alien”-fighting, time travel buddy film that draws recollections to Men in Black 3, Big Trouble in Little China, and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

Coscarelli has had his opportunities to join “big budget” Hollywood, but has always chosen to remain true to his roots in horror/fantasy for his loyal followers, resulting in many cult films and midnight movie favorites. In this newest story, Dave (Chase Williamson) and John (Rob Mayes) are slacker buddies who end up feeling the effects of a new street drug called soy john dies3sauce. The story is told in semi-flashback form as Dave meets with a reporter played by the great Paul Giamatti. As Dave tells the story, we get the visuals as if they were currently happening. This works because it’s never really clear when we are in the present, past or future.

This is one big fun and entertaining ride if you let it be. Terrific characters are provided by Clancy Brown (Shawshank Redemption) as Marconi, some type of powerful mystic (or something else); Glynn Turman as a relentless, yet beaten down detective; Doug Jones (Pan’s Labrynth) in yet another creepy role; and Fabianne Therese as Amy, whose missing limb plays a vital role.

Further analysis would prove meaningless as the sole purpose of this film is to entertain and engage. It’s escapism at its finest and yet another creative gem from Don Cascarelli.

**NOTE: cult favorite Angus Scrimm does make an appearance as a “Priest”

**NOTE: special thanks to Paul Giamatti who not only appears in the film, but also produced.  Gotta love when a major star keeps the “little” films alive.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you are a fan of Bubba Ho-Tep OR you are open to quirky, alt-universe fantasies

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: the “Men in Black” movies are as far out as your imagination prefers to venture

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ot7kFjUcrs

 

 

 

Leave a Comment » | Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE SHINING (1980) revisited

January 29, 2013

shining Greetings again from the darkness. One of the keys to my love of cinema is what I term the “three D’s” – Dispute, Discussion and Debate.  Legendary director Stanley Kubrick directed only eleven feature films, each a perfect fit for the “three D’s”.  Now combine Kubrick with renowned author Stephen King, and the result is 33 years (and counting) of ongoing dispute, discussion and debate.  The Shining is considered one of the best horror films of all-time and limitless in its ability to entertain … even after the closing credits.

Kubrick and his co-writer, novelist Diane Johnson, took the already twisted source material and delivered a film focused more on the downward spiral towards madness than King’s supernatural story.  Sure Kubrick gives us ghosts (Lloyd the bartender, Grady the butler, the two girls and the women of Room 237), but the bulk of time is spent watching the three members of the Torrance family each breakdown in their own special manner.

shining7 The ambiguities of the story are intensified on the closing shot of the 1921 photograph featuring the likeness of Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson). The various interpretations over the years have only added to the cult status and overall perplexity associated with this masterpiece.  The historic Texas Theatre in Dallas presented a 35 mm print this past weekend and it was a thrill to once again watch the movie on the big screen with a full house.

There are so many elements that elevate this one above most horror films. The claustrophobic feel that comes with an isolated hotel snowed off from society is complimented by a cast of actors who fully commit to what must have appeared ludicrous on the script pages.  Jack Nicholson was at the peak of the acting profession (just a few years after Chinatown and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) and really creeps us out with his aggressive descent into insanity.  Shelley Duvall survived an actor’s nightmare during filming as Kubrick was relentless in his efforts to make sure she shining5was constantly hysterical and on the verge of tears.  Yet, she never fails in convincing us that she is frantically grasping for sanity as she works to save herself and her son.  Despite having no previous acting experience, six year old Danny Lloyd won the role of Danny, who is blessed/cursed with “the shining” – a psychic ability to see the past and the future.

Over the years, conclusions have been reached that Kubrick was making a statement on topics ranging from the slaughter of Native Americans, the Holocaust, the supernatural, alcoholism, and the hollow institution known as family. Regardless of your interpretation, it’s impressive that a horror film can generate such divisive thoughts. Even more impressive is how the movie sucks you in with a methodical pace and  deliberate build-up to a wild ending … an ending missing a key hospital scene that was cut by Kubrick AFTER the film was initially released.

Known as The Overlook Hotel in the movie, it’s really a conglomeration of many different hotels. The exterior shots are of Timberlake Lodge in Oregon.  Much of the interior, including the Colorado room where Jack writes, is patterned after Ahwahanee Lodge in Yosemite, though the red bathroom is courtesy of the Arizona Biltmore (and Frank Lloyd Wright).  The giant set was built shining3in England and included the shrubbery maze that is front and center come climax time.  Stephen King was inspired to write the story after staying at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. In 1997, he personally oversaw a TV mini-series that stayed true to his original story … and was filmed at The Stanley.

Scatman Crothers is best known as a musician and composer, but immediately became well respected for his role as Dick Hallorann, the hotel’s chef.  The scene where he discusses the meaning of “the shining” with Danny became infamous for the 148 takes demanded by Kubrick. His penchant for multiple takes nearly broke the actors and the crew, but most since then have acknowledged the grueling approach provided the edge needed for the dramatic effects seen in the movie.

Some other interesting aspects of the movie include the numerous “classic lines” such as Nicholson’s ad-libbed “Here’s Johnny!” and “Little Pig, Little Pig”; the controversial line from Grady (Philip Stone) stating Torrance has “always been the caretaker”; Torrance’s exchange with Lloyd the bartender (Joe Turkel) when he calls alcohol the “white man’s burden”.  It’s also interesting shining2to note that the visual of the two girls was influenced by Diane Arbus’ famous photograph.  Ask yourself; prior to seeing this movie, would you have recognized REDRUM?  Since this was in the days before computers, a secretary spent months typing up (yes on a typewriter) the hundreds of pages that read “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy”.  In the Gold Room party scene, that’s 17 year old Vivian Kubrick (daughter of Stanley) smoking a cigarette while sitting on the sofa. And a special note to my fellow baseball lovers, Shelley Duvall whacks Nicholson with a Carl Yastrzemski model Louisville slugger.  Of course, Stephen King is a lifelong Red Sox fan, so this was a nice touch.

It’s understandable if you consider the movie more disturbing than horrifying. Kubrick would take that as a compliment.  As for the complexities and contradictions, nothing is more frightening than the unexplained and the unreasonable. Without an obvious roadmap to a tidy conclusion, Kubrick keeps us guessing and leaves us uncomfortable by what we have seen. Maybe most remarkable is the incredible way this movie impacts you EVERY TIME you watch.  This is quite an accomplishment for the horror genre, since most depend on visual tricks, cheap scares and over the top gore.  If you are waiting for more, Stephen King is scheduled to release “Dr. Sleep”, which is the story of an adult Danny (no word on whether Tony is with him) who now works with those who share “the shining”.  Just don’t expect Danny Lloyd to reprise his childhood role.  He hasn’t acted in over 30 years and is enjoying his career as a science teacher.

check out Danny’s big wheel scene:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCeBeS_OGso

6 Comments | Articles, Classics, Horror, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

MAMA (2013)

January 20, 2013

mama2 Greetings again from the darkness. Ever since The Blair Witch Project and the influence of “found footage”, which then transitioned into the endless sequels for Paranormal Activity, true creativity and ingenuity has been mostly lacking from the horror genre. One of those still devoted to creeping us out and generating seat jumping is Guillermo del Toro, who produced this film after seeing writer/director Andres Muschietti’s three minute short film (see below).

Since the real joy in experiencing a horror film comes from the surprises and twists, very few details will be revealed here. Worth noting is the lead role of Annabel played by the incredibly talented Jessica Chastain. Yes, the same one who is currently nominated for her role in Zero Dark Thirty. This time out, Ms. Chastain is a tatted up bass player in a (lousy) punkish band and sporting a Joan Jett hairdo. Annabel is living a bohemian lifestyle (translation: nearly starving with mama3no responsibilities) with her artist boyfriend Lucas, played by Nikolaj Coaster-Waldau, whom many will recognize from “Game of Thrones”, and who appeared in the superb Headhunters (one of my favorites of 2012).

Many horror film clichés are presented here including a cabin in the woods, a portal to the afterlife, buzzing bugs, unexplained lullaby singing through the air vents, an untimely “fall” down the stairs by a main character and ties to a long ago tragedy that holds the key to this current mess. Notable is the welcome absence of gross-out and gore-out special effects. Despite the clichés, Muschietti and his co-writing sister Barbara, and Neil Cross provide us with some new touches mama5(uncovering maternal instincts) and such a great looking movie that our attention is firmly held … especially for the first 80%. As happens so frequently, the final act is a bit disappointing, but not enough to ruin the experience.

Chastain is top notch here, though Coaster-Waldau is underutilized. The two young girls are effectively portrayed by Megan Charpentier (Victoria) and Isabelle Nelisse (Lily). In fact, Lily scampering about on all fours may be as frightening as the spooky Mama, played by 7 foot actor Javier Botet. It’s an unconventional horror film with an atypical ending … and one of the few movies to ever raise the question of whether one can survive for 5 years on a diet of cherries.  This one is certainly worth a look if you are a fan of the genre.

take a look at the 3 minute short film that inspired the movie – plus the intro from Guillermo del Toro:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRqS6pBC42w&feature=youtu.be

Watch the feature trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2nwknMmvdc

Leave a Comment » | Horror | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

FRANKENSTEIN (1931) BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935)

October 26, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. It’s pretty easy to underestimate the importance of a couple of monster movies from 80 years ago.  Since TCM and Cinemark teamed up for this double-feature, it seemed worth revisiting and discussing.  Most people are aware of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel (published when she was 21) and have probably seen some of the many screen versions throughout the years. It is interesting to note that while the brilliant (and often misunderstood) novel was the source, it was really these two films that jolted the monster film genre to life … and careers for many actors, directors, make-up artists and set designers.

When Carl Laemmle, Jr assumed control (from his father, the legendary producer and studio founder) of struggling Universal Studios in 1928, he was very aware that something special and different was needed to save the business. A string of Universal horror movies soon followed: Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932), The Old Dark House (1932), The Invisible Man (1932) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935).  Two driving forces of this period were director James Whale and actor Boris Karloff. While Dracula with Bela Lugosi hit theatres first, it was Karloff as “The Monster” who really captured the interest of the movie-going public.

Frankenstein was Karloff’s 81st film and he was only cast because Lugosi turned down the non-speaking role.  Wearing over 60 pounds of make-up, prosthesis and padding … including 26 pounds of shoes to make him over 7 feet tall …Karloff still managed to bring personality to the creature created by Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive).  Yes, HENRY.  Though named Victor in the novel, the name was “softened” for the film.  In the film, Dr. Frankenstein is on a mission to create life from body parts and organs of the dead. His stated goal of a man-made race at his beck and call was a clear indication that his God complex was out of control.  His fiancé is played by Mae Clarke.  Ms. Clarke went on to Hollywood infamy when she took a grapefruit in the face from James Cagney in Public Enemy.

 The enormous success of Frankenstein begged for the first real sequel.  Bride of Frankenstein was released in 1935 with Karloff and Clive reprising their roles. Elsa Lanchester was cast as Mary Shelley (the writer of the Frankenstein novel), and we even get a scene with characters representing her husband (the poet Percy Shelley) and Lord Byron.  Of course, Ms. Lanchester became famous for her Bride’s iconic hairstyle, as well as her hissing and screaming.  Taking Mae Clarke’s place as Elizabeth was Valerie Hobson. Ms. Hobson later became famous as the stand-by-her-man wife of disgraced British Secretary of War John Profumo. Profumo lied to the House of Commons about his relationship with Christine Keeler, the mistress of a Soviet Spy. The “Profumo Affair” forced his resignation in 1963 and was the source of the 1989 British film Scandal.  Bride of Frankenstein is also renowned for the mad scientist Dr. Pretorius played by Ernest Thesiger. Much was made at the time of his “probable” homosexuality and, combined with the multiple crucifix imagery, the film was banned in some markets. It should also be noted that the film utilized a full score … just the second film after King Kong to do so. Previously, film music was thought to be distracting to viewers.

 When discussing these early monster movies, revolutionary make-up artist Jack Pierce must be noted. He created the bolts/electrodes and flat head look for the monster, and even came up with the now-famous green make-up that looked ash gray in Black & White films. Mr. Pierce is easily the most famous of the early movie make-up artists and made his mark during the Universal horror period of the 1930’s-40’s.  Director James Whale turned to monster movies after tiring of war films. His impact was felt as he turned the Frankenstein monster into a sympathetic character, and later added much humor to Bride of Frankenstein.  Unfortunately, once he tired of monster movies, his career and life took a dark turn, and he took his own life in 1967.

Numerous remakes, spin-offs and spoofs have been released over the years and, tip of the cap to Abbott and Costello, the most famous is probably Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. It is a brilliant tribute and spoof, while also standing on its own as one of the best all-time comedies. With such creative works based on her writings, Ms. Shelley would surely be impressed to know that nearly 200 years after her novel; this can still be said about her monster …. “It’s Alive! It’s Alive!”

watch the trailer to Bride of Frankenstein:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9t6NHlPJHA&feature=related

Leave a Comment » | Articles, Classics, Horror, Sci-Fi | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE BIRDS (1963) revisited

September 20, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. Sure, I have seen this film many times over the years, but just couldn’t miss the chance to see it on the big screen courtesy of Fathom Events and Cinemark. Many critics consider this to be Alfred Hitchcock‘s last great film, while a few dismiss it as a lark (get it?). Hitchcock is known for his sterling career of suspense films, though this one is really categorized as horror.

The writing pedigree is beyond reproach as it’s based on a story by Daphne du Maurier with a screenplay from Evan Hunter. Dame du Maurier is considered one of the best writers of the twentieth century, and you might recognize Mr. Hunter’s pen name – Ed McBain. He was quite famous for his detective stories (including the foundation for TV’s “Hill Street Blues”).

 There are really two parts to the film. The set-up involves some playful grown-up flirting between lawyer Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor) and socialite Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren). The scene in the pet store is a treat to watch thanks to the banter between two attractive, intelligent, confident people. The tie-in with the love birds for Mitch’s sister (Veronica Cartwright) is simple, yet brilliant. The extreme playfulness takes Hedren to Bodega Bay, California via her sleek Astin Martin.

Hitchcock includes his common elements of feminine mystique as Mitch Brenner’s world revolves around his omnipresent mother (Jessica Tandy), his younger sister (Cartwright), his ex-lover (Suzanne Pleschette) and now a new love interest in Hedren. There are some terrific scenes between Tandy (26 years prior to Driving Miss Daisy) and Hedren, but my favorites are those with Hedren and Pleschette. Pleschette was an underrated actress and is best known for her role in TV’s “The Bob Newhart Show”. Watching her face as Hedren talks on the phone to Taylor is classic frustration from an ex-lover.

The second half of the film involves the terror of the bird attacks. Of course, the infamous scene of the kids running down the street being pecked by birds will make your skin crawl, and the scene where Hedren gets attacked in the bedroom is horrific and sends her into a breakdown. I really enjoy the scenes with the townspeople in the café. Some wonderful interchanges as they each tell bird stories. My favorite bird sequence in the film involves the empty playground equipment slowly taken over by birds as Hedren sits on the bench. Great stuff.

 Another interesting aspect of the film is the cast. Ms. Hedren (mother of Melanie Griffith) is still acting today (in her 80’s), though I have never considered her anywhere near the level of actress of other Hitchcock blondes: Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Kim Novak, Janet Leigh, Doris Day, etc. Rod Taylor is also in his 80’s now and was last seen on screen as Winston Churchill in Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds. Jessica Tandy had a long career and is best known for Driving Miss Daisy, and Veronica Cartwright went on to star in such films as Alien and The Right Stuff). The supporting cast is filled with familiar faces including a very young Morgan Brittany (“Dallas”), Malcolm Atterbury (as the Deputy), Ruth McDevitt (as the pet store owner) and one of my favorite actor names, Doodles Weaver (Sigourney’s uncle).

As you watch the film, you will notice that there is no traditional score. Instead, we are treated to an assortment of bird effects which cue us in to the level of danger. Hitchcock was always a master of guiding the viewer right along the path he wanted. This film has some unusual pacing and a few wide shots that are quite rare for his films. To me, it proves that he was always experimenting, yet with an innate ability to know how the audience would react. A true craftsmen.

** NOTE: Hitchcock’s cameo occurs as Hedren walks into the pet store … he is seen walking out with his two dogs

here is a clip of the playground scene – that’s the school kids you hear singing.  Don’t watch this if you haven’t seen the movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLJtKlVVZw&feature=related

 

4 Comments | Classics, Horror, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

DARK SHADOWS (2012)

May 21, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. If anyone ever asks “What was the name of that late 60’s goth, supernatural soap opera with the cult following?“, it’s safe to assume they mean the TV series “Dark Shadows“. It ran from 1966-1971 for a remarkable 1225 episodes. For those who remember it, the image they recall tends to be actor Jonathan Frid as Barnabus Collins … the first vampire most of us ever saw outside of a Friday night horror film. The series made quite an impact on two young boys in particular: Tim Burton and Johnny Depp.

There are many reasons that movies get made. Pet projects or labors of love are not as common these days because of high production costs. But that’s exactly what this movie is – a pet project for Burton and Depp. They clearly have fun with the characters, and the film dallies ever so closely to the parody line. The initial set-up is brilliant and dark and ominous, leading us to believe this film will be in line with Burton’s Sleepy Hollow or Corpse Bride. Instead, the rest of the movie is more in line with Beetlejuice. Definitely not a bad thing – just different than what we were prepped for.

 Johnny Depp gives a wonderful performance as Barnabus Collins, the rich young man cursed by Angelique, the witch he spurns in love. His curse is to be turned into a vampire and buried alive. When his casket is discovered 196 years later, the world of 1972 is quite different than the one he left. He comically struggles to fit in and make sense of it all … not the least of which is his remaining family. At his beloved Collinswood Manor lives Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer), Roger Collins (Jonny Lee Miller), Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Grace Moretz), David Collins (Gulliver McGrath), the live-in child psychiatrist Dr Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), and their recently hired nanny Victoria (Bella Heathcote). While he was buried, the wicked witch Angelique (Eva Green) becomes the most powerful figure in town.  Ms. Green holds nothing back in her over-the-top jealous witch fun.

 Burton does a nice job poking fun at the 1970’s with comedy that won’t mean much to today’s youngsters, but will hit home with those from the era. The art direction and sets are terrific, especially Collinwood Manor. The music of the 70’s is used to comic effect, including a live performance by Alice Cooper. Michelle Pfeiffer does the best job at capturing the look and feel of the original series, but her daughter’s character (Moretz) takes an unnecessary turn as Burton tries to cram as much in as possible. In fact, the film is actually quite fun to watch, but is lacking real substance in the story department … not dissimilar to the original series.

 This is the 8th film collaboration between Burton and Depp. They make a wonderful team, and Depp has added another entertaining character to his Captain Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, Mad Hatter legacy. His movements and speech pattern are especially entertaining as we are mesmerized by his milky white complexion. His dialogue (written by Seth Grahame-Smith) demands attention and is both comical and majestic simultaneously. Burton’s tribute to the TV series includes cameos by four of the original actors: Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker, David Selby, and the recently deceased Jonathan Frid (pictured left) as guests at the ball. It’s a classy touch. Danny Elfman’s score is a bit overwhelmed by the use of numerous 70’s classics, and it was disappointing to hear The Killers version of “Go All the Way” rather than The Raspberries as the closing credits rolled.

Burton is one of the more visual directors and even though the story is a bit lacking, each scene gives us plenty to absorb. The ghosts are especially well done, as is the fishing town of Collinsport which was built just for the movie. It has many similarities to Bodega Bay, which film lovers will recognize as the setting for Hitchcock’s The Birds. Lastly, Burton gives us another scene with the great Christopher Lee – this time as a boat captain caught between Angelique and Barnabus. Good stuff.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you are a fan of the original TV series OR you enjoy Burton/Depp collaborations OR you “get” 1970’s humor

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: in your mind, the 1970’s have as much relevance as 1870

watch the trailer:

2 Comments | Comedy, Fantasy, Horror | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE CABIN IN THE WOODS (2011)

April 22, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. Well I was not ready for the horror/zombie/slasher genre to be turned on its ear, but that’s exactly what co-writers Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard (also director) have done here. Rest assured that your favorite aspects of horror films will be lampooned, or at least parodied. There are times you will jump and laugh simultaneously, but mostly I found myself checking off the influences/targets of the filmmakers.

There is no way to comment on this film without offering up spoilers, and I will not do that. What I can tell you is that you’ll be reminded of films such as Scream, Friday the 13th, Bubba Ho-Tep, Night of the Living Dead, The Evil Dead, Saw, and dare I say, elements of the classic TV series The Twilight Zone … you know the parts where you know there is more going on than you are seeing, but you can’t quite put it all together.

 The movie starts out with a tongue-in-cheek assembly of generic characters from most horror films: the fun-loving jock (Chris Hemsworth, pre-Thor), the “bad” girl (Anna Hutchison), the “good” girl (Kristen Connolly), the brainiac (Jesse Williams), and of course the comic relief stoner waxing philosophical (a very effective Fran Kranz). This group piles into a borrowed RV and heads to the cabin. And yes, we get the obligatory stop at the run down gas station manned by the straight-from-Deliverance attendant played by tobacco-spitting Tim De Zarn.

 We learn quickly that something odd is going on and our heroes are really playthings in some kind of cosmic game being conducted at an underground lab run by Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford. That much is shown in the trailer and that’s the end of what I will say. After that, the choice is yours … just like in the basement.

I have no idea whether to recommend this movie, and if so, to whom.  The last 15 minutes are pure mayhem, and you will either be fully onboard with this Disneyland ride gone bad, or you will have wanted to leave for the past hour. Filmed three years ago, but caught up in studio legalities, the movie was selected for opening night at SXSW and it truly is a twisted, even demented jab at all things horror. Only you can decide what comes next.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: your twisted, demented movie-watching personality has made you a horror/zombie/slasher expert and you don’t mind Whedon and Goddard poking a little fun at your genre … just don’t blame me.

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: I didn’t just describe you in the “See” section

watch this trailer … or don’t, if you are planning to see the movie:

Leave a Comment » | Comedy, Horror | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

SILENT HOUSE

March 11, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. On my never ending trek to find quality horror movies, this one had a couple of interesting things going for it. First, it stars Elizabeth Olsen (sister of the twins) who was so impressive in last year’s Martha Marcy May Marlene. Secondly, the film was reported to have been shot in one continuous take/shot. From a technical aspect, this is one of the more curious claims and brazen filmmaking attempts one can imagine.

Let’s start with the fantastic Ms. Olsen. With very few lines of dialogue and being on screen for 95% of the film, she doesn’t disappoint. The camera loves her face … even when that camera is mere inches away and the lighting is provided by a kerosene lamp or flashlight. She proves very expressive in fear and isn’t afraid of quiet; and more rare these days, she isn’t afraid to look less than glamorous. Ms. Olsen’s future is much brighter than the lighting in this bleak house in which she is stuck.

 The basic story has Sarah (Olsen), her dad (Adam Trese) and her uncle (Eric Sheffer Stevens) returning to the family lake house for some simple rehab and packing, with the goal of putting the place up for sale. Next thing you know, strange noises, a lost key, and dad lay bloodied on the floor. The house itself is a maze of doors, floors and staircases, and because the windows are boarded up and the electricity is dead, the limited lighting will have you straining your eyes to make out location and shapes.

 Directed by the husband and wife team of Chris Kentis and Laura Lau (Open Water), the first 30 minutes of this movie captured my interest and had me on edge. Unfortunately, it kind of unravels and ultimately ends with a disappointing and rather cheap explanation. It’s a remake of a 2010 Uruguay film, which was based on a true story from the 1940’s. I am not sure if the ending to this one follows the “true” ending. As for the single take, I call BS. There were changes to the blood spatters on Olsen, not to mention numerous times where a “blackout” proved convenient to shift camera location. Still, the real time feel is a nice touch, as is the minimal use of music … a rarity in a genre known for blasting crescendos to cue our screams.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you want to follow the evolution of Elizabeth Olsen on her way to stardom OR you have a “Rainman” fetish for doors

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you prefer your horror films to have a satisfying ending OR you want to believe the filmmaker claim that it was shot in a single take

watch the trailer:

Leave a Comment » | Horror | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »