TRAILER - The Fourth Kind

What works: "The Fourth Kind" looks like its that very special kind of horror. There's no man chasing down underdeveloped teenage whores. There's not a psycho behind a current getting off to all the the inane "jigsaw" traps his victims fall in. All the horror is staged within the minds of the characters. Because of this, the trailer only shows the horrific reactions to these memories and why what you don't see is far scarier than what you do see.

What doesn't work: Though the trailer claims to use achieved footage from a real life investigation I've found next to zilch on the subject-- That doesn't mean the footage isn't real, but I'm wondering if this "based on true accounts" stuff is nothing more than a marketing ploy. Or perhaps the lack of information is simply part of the horror? You decide. For me, "The Fourth Kind" trailer is far scarier than any feature I've seen in the last half decade.



Theaters, March 2010.

REVIEW - "District 9" (2009)

Just when I thought this weak summer had nothing more to offer. Of course, when I say “more,” what I mean is something with substance and a show of talent. “District 9,” at the very minimum, is an illustration of new talent oozing with relevance. The masses are correct: Neill Blomkamp is a name to watch for. If “District 9” is any indication, Blomkamp’s future looks very promising indeed.

The film opens with a brief history about the aliens reaching Earth. Labeled as workers with missing leadership, the aliens are “given” a home on Earth outside Johannesburg, South Africa. After twenty-years in their slum home of District 9, MMU, the aliens’ governing body on Earth, decides to relocate them further away from the city. During the process a strange alien container infects relocation operative Wikus van der Merwe; the event spirals him in to the greatest fears of his life and the revelation of the aliens’ salvation.

“District 9” sets itself up as a docudrama, but continues with linear storytelling filling the gaps between the camcorder and security footage. What sounds like a pathetic attempt at innovation actually joins the two styles seamlessly. For those in fear of keeping up with jarring camera instability, fear not. The documentary style is steadier than most Michael Bay films and while the cinematography doesn’t have the cleverness of “Cloverfield’s” handheld shots it frames everything believably for every any given situation. (Security recordings, handheld interviews, P.O.V. shots.) Unfortunately Blomkamp’s photography slowly seeps in to fast summer action shooting, sporting all the cliché framing and filters we’ve become accustomed to when watching a soldier walk in slow motion.

But enough with my film-student wanking of Blomkamp’s intriguing style. Is the movie any good outside a photography major’s knowledge? “District 9” is, without a doubt, everything that makes up good science fiction: Originality, spectacle, well-developed characters and a large mirror reflecting a critique on the human condition. Like a long episode of “The Twilight Zone,” “District 9” provokes wonder and promotes thought.

Wikus, who begins as the most despicable offenders of human rights, (even though these creatures aren’t exactly human) discovers the humanity in these aliens when he’s forced to hide among them. Though his infection curiously reeks of Jeff Goldblum in “The Fly,” it’s (thankfully) used as an outlet to learn more about the visitors. Befriending a rather lovable alien, Christopher, Wikus’s selfish needs grow in to a compassion that inspires the type of aggression needed to fight a world littered with prejudice and poverty.

Set in South America, a country that triggers all the images “District 9” produces, it’s interesting to feel concern for these otherworldly creatures in their cramped slums. The footage of aliens facing street executions and torture is a vague reminder of events that happen throughout that particular continent. As Wikus begins to feel for these creatures there’s a bitterness left with me. Is the film’s reality so powerful because there’s only a handful of Wikus in the audience? If it at all? I feel as if the irony behind caring for these fictional creatures was purposefully left by Blomkamp to be pondered over. If this idea goes over some people’s heads then at least the subtext of valuing all individuals is left loud and clear.

After struggling with the images and characters that grace the film’s stronger messages, the epic ends with what we expect in modern science fiction: A climatic blowout of visuals and explosions. While the CGI was already impressive throughout, topping the rather poorly aged renders of Gollum and Jar-Jar Binks, the finale flexes all the right muscles to keep the thrills sharp and the multiplexes’ arm rests in business. Although it could use a little editing, “District 9” delivers in ways very few summer flicks did this year. (If any.)

It’s not that “District 9” is a perfect movie or even the greatest science fiction story ever. It’s the fact it clings to what little originality is left in Hollywood and pushes it to the forefront of mainstream ideas. Connecting with age-old human issues and using it to create a very engrossing world, “District 9” is haunting and stimulating. But if you really want a one word sum-up of "District 9," here it goes: "Cool!" Blomkamp has some interesting potential. I look forward to his future endeavors.

*** out of ****

Legendary Pictures to Produce New Godzilla?

And let the rumors begin. A little fly on the wall has released news that Legendary Pictures (the company partially responsible for the little movie known as "The Dark Knight") is in negotiations to produce a brand new Godzilla film. Is this true?

When an insider asked Toho if this report had any legitimacy to it, they simply responded, "No comment." And added, "We're currently shopping around..." It sounds like Toho would have denied this outright if it weren't true. They're good at doing that. Even if it's true, however, this project is still a long way off as negotiations will no doubt take awhile if Toho is wanting to avoid another disaster like the 1998 movie.

There's also a fly on the wall spitting something about Weta hoping to do the effects work for Godzilla. For those keeping tabs on visual effects, that's the company that ditched out "The Lord of the Rings" beasts. But lets ignore that rumor based on the fact we don't even know if this movie is being made yet.

So why should I, a lifelong Godzilla fan, be excited about this? Am I not afraid another mistake like the 1998 debacle will be born? A few things to divert that fear: First, we've reached a point in film making where studios, crew members...etc... are actually paying attention to what fans want and thus, to avoid scrutiny, stay close to the source material. Why would it be much different for this new Godzilla, especially after the source-straying movie from 1998 bombed with both critics and fans?

The next fear stopper is simply the charm that some franchises have today. "Star Trek," "Iron Man," and yes, even that "Transformers" seem to have a spark audiences really take too and embrace. Whether they should or not is a different discussion altogether. But I can see a Godzilla movie, if done right, that can grab that same attention from audiences and receive enough love to continue as a franchise.

And finally, it's been nearly five years since the last Godzilla outing "Godzilla: Final Wars." Being use to the franchise's long list of movies, it feels uncomfortable to not add more titles on a regular basis. Similar to the James Bond franchise, you just can't go too long with out adding another Godzilla title. In short, I hope this Legendary Pictures deal moves forward and I hope I, and my fellow G-Fans, receive the American Godzilla movie we dreamt of over a decade ago.

Poll - Movie You're Looking Forward to the Most Next Year

Surprised as I am, I'm also a little delighted. I would have guessed "Iron Man 2" had this poll in the bag by a long shot, but I suppose with the excitement surrounding the recent Harry Potter flick this makes sense. On the other hand... It's not like a fat amount of people vote on these sorry things. And the poll results are:






Iron Man 2 - 1 Vote (16%)

Alice in Wonderland - 0 Votes (0%)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 - 4 Votes (65%)

Tron Legacy - 1 Vote (16%)

Boondock Saints 2 - 0 Votes (0%)

Toy Story 3 - 0 Votes (0%)

Other - 0 Votes (0%)

Harry Potter and the Extended Editions

Don't jump up and down too high. While there will in fact be extended editions of the Harry Potter films released soon (presumably on DVD, but a special theatrical release isn't out of the question) the fact is there really aren't that many deleted scenes to insert per movie.

Although I would love to see a "Lord of the Rings Extended Edition" length Harry Potter series, it's not exactly going to be that big of a cut. Simply a handful of scenes, or extended scenes, will likely be littered throughout the series and passed off as longer versions.

So, I ask the Potter fans, is it worth the extra dough? The answer depends on what type of fan you are I suppose. The "extended" cut I'm most interested in is the fifth film, (my favorite entry) although I feel heavy additions to the sixth film could enhance it greatly. Perhaps there's more to these extended cuts than we think? Wait and see.

Can "Wolverine 2" Save the X-Men?

I'm not sure why I keep holding out hope for the X-Men franchise. If Bryan Singer's approachable vision of people with extraordinary gifts wasn't destroyed in "X-Men: The Last Stand," then it was finished off in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." But yet, Fox is throwing us a glimmer of hope! Oh what could it be? Tom Rothman's resignation? Sorry. That's just false hope.

Oscar winning scribe Christopher McQuarrie is selected to adapt the Japanese saga of Wolverine's life. McQuarrie was an uncredited writer of the first "X-Men" which was mostly the work of David Hayter. So the good news is he knows how to write the characters properly.

But what oh what can become of a script, or film, when Tom Rothman is looking over the staff's shoulder? The first "Wolverine" looked promising, but left nothing notable outside its pretty looking trailer. Besides, we've seen Oscar caliber talent fail at franchise material before. (I'm looking at you John Logan. "Gladiator" was great, but "Star Trek: Nemesis" needed some work.)

Okay, so we have a credible writer with some experience in the franchise. That's good. What else? Brace yourself for a long reach. Bryan Singer, director of "X-Men" and "X2: X-Men United," has expressed some interest in returning to the franchise. Seeing as he and McQuarrie have worked before ("X-Men," "The Usual Suspects") would it be out of bounds to hope Singer could return? Furthermore, can Fox bury the hatchet with Singer?

He left years ago to direct "Superman Returns" for Warner Brothers, leaving Fox high and dry with the unfinished X-Men franchise. There were some unprofessional grumblings that Singer's future with Fox was over, but is that really true? Can Fox reel back in the man who birthed them the cash cow? Are they willing?

If all of these pieces were to come together I could see a very promising continuation of the X-Men franchise. Until then fingers remain crossed.

Selene's Return?

For a franchise I thought was dead it sure is making a quick comeback. Not only is there news of a new Underworld movie, but of a new trilogy planned complete with the 3D gimmick.

Okay. Big deal. 3D. Do I care if Kate Beckinsale isn't in it? Nope. Good thing the plan is to bring her back then, eh? In what is arguably her most famous role (Selene), Kate Beckinsale is rumored to return to the franchise in what would undoubtedly be a sequel to the action packed "Underworld Evolution." No, it's not confirmed yet, but if the folks at Lakeshore Entertainment are serious about extending the franchise, it's time to bring back the player that made it the semi-cult brand it is.

Years ago, after "Evolution's" release, Beckinsale declared she wouldn't dawn the vampire teeth and tight leather to play Selene again. If Sean Connery has taught us anything, it's never say never. Money talks and Beckinsale's schedule doesn't exactly look like it's full of dazzling projects.

My take? The "Underworld" franchise is something that took me awhile to warm up to. At first I was put off by it, but looking back at the original two films I've found it easy to enjoy the light entertainment supplied by standout characters and over-the-top action. Lets not bash it for what it's not. They're fun films with a sleek, sexy style and they work. Besides, there aren't too many good vampire flicks out there-- For what it's worth I'll take Beckinsale's Selene over the nauseating players in "Twilight," or "30 Days of Night" any day.

REVIEW - "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (2009)

As I sat through “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” I released what an incredible uphill struggle this series has been. Lets face it, it is/is going to continue to be hard to make eight good movies. (Although it should just be seven.) After series highs with “The Prisoner of Azkaban” and, my favorite entry, “The Order of the Phoenix,” one becomes to expect certain greatness from these films. Anything less is simply unacceptable. With this in mind, as “The Half-Blood Prince” struggled to remain relevant halfway through, I began to feel cheated by this latest entry in the series.

Voldemort’s power is finally seeping in to the muggle world and Harry must work with Dumbledore to find the secret to Voldemort’s power. Harry’s sixth school year invites a new potions teacher that may hold the truth behind Voldemort, but first he must battle something far more dangerous: Teenage hormones.

At first “The Half-Blood Prince” really comes out of the blocks. The first third of the film lends the audience to the idea that Hogwarts is more dangerous than ever and Voldemort’s presence is becoming more and more threatening to the world. Furthermore, Draco Malfoy has been welcomed by Death Eater ranks to fulfill a mission for Voldemort-- This plot device is evident even throughout the film’s weaker moments and is a welcomed reminder when things start to resemble One Tree Hill.

I’m rather vocal about my dislike for “The Goblet of Fire;” while its not a terrible movie it’s one that spends too much time with current trends and teenage hormonal banter. While I don’t think “The Half-Blood Prince” sinks quite that low, there’s certainly an amount of awkward tension among these characters’ love lives. On the one hand it has lent to some of the more comical moments in the Harry Potter series. A personal favorite of mine is Harry’s reaction to Ron’s over-the-top girlfriend Lavender. On a train ride she spends a great deal of time drawing a heart around her and Ron’s name on a window. Harry, fittingly, can only say so much.

On the other hand, these romantic squabbles and comedic elements begin to distract from the larger problem: Voldemort is out there and the danger level is rising. The more we dive in to Harry’s love life with Ginny, or Hermione’s feelings for Ron, the less fear I have for Hogwarts and its school of wizards. The poor pacing between romance/comedy to mystery/fear makes it hard to enjoy the films’ more serious elements, thus making me wish much of the hormonal jousting was toned down.

Surprisingly, The Half-Blood Prince’s stronger moments come back to Tom Felton’s performance as Draco. Finally, the school bully has more on his mind than antagonizing Harry’s friends. One of the film’s absolute highlights includes a brief wand battle between him and Harry. Draco’s presence has newfound meaning in this film, and therefore invites a level of pity for him. Truly, Draco seems like an unfortunate pawn.

Another strong highlight is Dumbledore’s journey to a seaside cave with Harry. The following sequence results in director David Yates’ finest work since “The Order of the Phoenix” finale. Although the cave sequence, for all its suspense, doesn’t follow through the film’s peak. In what is perhaps the most anti-climatic ending in the entire Harry Potter franchise, Yates drops the ball in delivering what should have been the movie’s most important moment. Rather, the finale is dull and utterly disappointing.

Despite these shortcomings it’s inspiring to know that these actors give their all in these films. Radcliff, Grint, and the severely talented Emma Watson, simply get better with every installment. Alan Rickman stuck out particularly well in this sequel. If I haven’t said it before, I need to document it now: Rickman is Snape. He completely embodies the character with finite precision and is never upstaged at any point. It’s simply a shame these talents are tossed in less interesting conundrums this time around.

I write this review with a somber attitude. After the incredible fifth film, I was hoping Yates would keep the Potter fire burning bright— But I had a bad feeling before this movie was released, and as much as I wanted to love it, I can only see it as one of the series’ weaker entries. According to Yates, the outcome of the seventh book severely impacted the script for the sixth film. If that’s true, when all is said and done, I hope I can look back on “The Half-Blood Prince” with more fondness. Otherwise, I’d say it’s time to let screenwriter Steve Kloves go for good. Here’s a tip: Get Michael Goldenberg back immediately.

** out of ****

REVIEW - "Public Enemeis" (2009)

Michael Mann is one of those peculiar filmmakers who, without question, have a long list of great looking movies. On that list reside classics like “Heat” and “The Last of the Mohicans.” He also directed one of my all time favorite films, “Collateral,” spinning Tom Cruise in to one of his greatest roles to date. He’s known for balancing style and substance so well that one can’t work without the other. “Public Enemies” epitomizes Mann’s strengths in a period piece, powerhouse that is proportioned to the grandeur of its characters.

Johnny Depp plays real life folk hero, and public enemy, John Dillinger. His dangerous lifestyle of bank robbing leads agent Melvin Purvis, (Christian Bale) promoted by J. Edgar Hoover, (Billy Crudup) to hunt him down with extreme force. When changing times back Dillinger in to a corner, he makes a last ditch effort to end his crime spree and evade his enemies.

The storyline is filled to the rim Dillinger’s bad-boy, pseudo-romance, his advancements in bank robbing and Purvis’s confident visage battling the crime Dillinger associates with. It’s intriguing enough of a storyline, but, quite frankly, the film could have had no plot and I would have been perfectly fine with Depp, Bale and Crudup reciting nonsense in their spiffy pinstriped jackets. There’s something to be said about actors so good you don’t want the movie to end simply because they’re fun to watch.

Depp is expectedly comfortable in the shoes of John Dillinger. He plays the character with an arrogant swagger only matched by the chiseled smirk on his face every time something excites him. Bale is shockingly surreal in his role as Melvin Purvis. A man of few words, Bale plays the strong and silent type with a gentleman inspired confidence that sets him far apart from Batman. Sporting an accurate, but not over bloated accent, Bale has delivered one his absolute finest performances. Ah, but the real surprise comes from Billy Crudup. Having to squint to realize it was the once Russell Hammond, (“Almost Famous”) Crudup’s embodiment of J. Edgar Hoover is hands down the height of his career. If he does not, at the very least, receive a supporting actor nomination at the Oscars, it further confirms my negative outlook on the has-been Academy.

As if these fine actors weren’t enough to push the movie to its end, Dillinger’s character slings the audience in a direction of forbidden excitement. Because of the audience’s love for Dillinger, but the acknowledgment that he is cinematically glorified, it never occurred to me that Purvis was a villain. Far from it. Dillinger and Purvis are the top men of different worlds. One upholds unrestrained freedom, and the other unrestrained justice. A standout scene in the film is when Purvis and Dillinger meet in a jail cell. The silent Purvis stares down the arrogant Dillinger, but the tension isn’t in their words. Depp and Bale have tapped in to a talent so great that even their competing glares exude character acting no other performer can pull off. It is here that I realized I didn’t want either character to fail, but as with most cinematic enemies, I knew one must go down.

The dramatic extremes of watching Dillinger and Purvis leads, inevitably, to sleek, 1930s chase scenes and shoot outs. While the docudrama style of these shootouts might remove the audience from the film’s reality, reminding them subtly of bad soap operas, it at least maintains a duty of keeping the characters and sets involved beyond the simple pleasures of an action sequence. For example, the chase sequence following Purvis’s shootout with the more vile ‘public enemies’ (one of my favorite scenes) looks more like an art house film than an action piece. Mann has shot this film with the love for digital cinema, pitting audiences against visceral colors and images instead of an onslaught of catered CGI.

Although Mann’s “Public Enemies” is an unapologetic work of fiction adapted from history, its glorified characters are at least believable in their 1930s home. At the film’s climax, Dillinger sits with his incomparable smirk at the conclusion of “Manhatten Melowdrama,” staring Clark Gable. Inspired by another character’s mindset, he marches outside with a legendary glare that insinuates a certain immortality about John Dillinger. “Public Enemies” is not an absolute truth, but it is likely. As such, Michael Mann has delivered the legend, and that, regardless of truth, is what we go to the movies for.

**** out of ****

Poll - What is Your Favorite Harry Potter Flick?

I was rather surprised with the results of this one. I had money on "Prisoner of Azkaban," but instead "Order of the Phoenix" came out on top. I'm also surprised no one voted for the sixth film as it's received some praise. "Order of the Phoenix" is my favorite as well, but I've had some differing opinions on the franchise in comparison to others. So I suppose it's nice seeing the 5th movie held high out...err... nine people. Guess I shouldn't feel to victorious, eh?

Here's the results:


The Sorcerer's Stone - 0 Votes (0%)

The Chamber of Secrets - 0 Votes (0%)

The Prisoner of Azkaban - 3 Votes (33%)

The Goblet of Fire - 2 Votes (22%)

The Order of the Phoenix - Votes 4 (44%)

The Half-Blood Prince - 0 Votes (0%)