Sunday, March 29, 2009

Happiness....errr....sort of....

"Happiness" has to be the most ironic title for this incredibly disturbing film, which is clearly for mature audiences ONLY. For the love of God do not let your young ones ever see this flick!

The movie revolves around a group of highly neurotic and slightly disturbed people. Although they seem normal at first, they all have piles upon piles of bones in their closets.

Quite possibly, one of the hardest themes to watch ever on film, were the situations of sexual abuse and pedophilia. Although it would be against the law to actually show some of these acts, the overall fell of the film is nonetheless just as heavy, and creepy.

Don't get me wrong, this is actually a great movie. It is well written, and paced.

The truth is, that the subjects of this outrageous film, are just not outrageous. These things happen everyday in our world. Which is unfortunate.

This movie basically takes any and all psychological disturbances and compresses them into two hours.

Rachel Getting Married

I am not usually a big fan of Anne Hathaway as an actress, however, I have to give her credit for two new film favorites : "The Devil Wears Prada", and "Rachel Getting Married".

This film revolves around an upper-class family, who has suffered great loss, and heartbreak as one of their daughters is sent to rehabilitation due to her turbulent past.

Kym is the prodigal daughter in this film, and Anne Hathaway adeptly portrays this neurotic and damaged character.

Rachel is Kym's sister, who is obviously "getting married." Kym manages to get out of rehab to attend her sister's wedding, and royally screw things up pre-wedding.

It is a solid movie, and one I recommend to wach.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Let The Right One In


"Let the Right One In" is a haunting and terrific adaptation of the novel by Swedish writer John Ajvide. Director, Tomas Alfredson, transports the viewer into a dark, somber, and snow covered suburb of Sweden. The mood of the film is heavy and eerie from the very beginning.
We are introduced to Oskar, a seemingly quiet 12 year old boy who gets consistenty bullied at school. Oskar lives alone with his mother, he also stabs tree trunks in the playground at night with a pocketknife. Unleashing his pent up anger, as he envisions his bullies getting their "just deserts." Watching his behaviour from a short distance, we finally meet Eli.
Eli is a girl, (supposedly, but I won't ruin it for you), she is pale, with scraggly wet hair and big hazel eyes. She is also strangely barefoot in the snow, wearing only a pair of pants and a light sweater.

The two young "tweens" finally meet, and soon become friends.
However, Eli has a secret.

Eli is a vampire.

"Twilight" this is not. This is a gritty and disturbing modern day vampire story. It is also a strange yet endearing love story.

"Let The Right One In" left me dumbstruck with its brilliance for days.

This is the finest vampire movie I have ever seen. I highly recommend you watch this version which has just been released on DVD and BLU-Ray.

Unfortunately, the director of the attrocious film "Cloverfield" is planning an American remake. This is totally unnecessary, and uncalled for.
Remakes are for BAD movies.

This film is perfection.

Check out the trailer :


image courtesy of Wikipedia

Street Fighter : The Legend of Chun Li


Remember that ultra-cheesy live action Street Fighter flick starring Jean Claude Van Damme back in the early 90's? I sure did. Well we have not come very far since then. This "sexified" and "revamped"
version of Street Fighter, starring Kristin Kreuk as my childhood choice (and then only) female fighter. The thunder-thigh kicking, bird spinning CHUN-LI!!! My excitement for this flick, ended after watching the trailer. The only reason I actually sat to watch this excruciatingly boring interpretation was purely out of my geeky love for Street Fighter. However, there was NONE of that "Street Fighter" vibe to be felt in this film. Being female and fashion forward myself, I sat there asking my boyfriend where the heck was Chun Li's iconic costume? Where were the awesome spiky bracelet bands? Where was Chun Li??? Instead of pleasing the fans of the popular fighting game, the writers and director decided to try out a more "modern" and "dark" approach. Due to the success of recent comic book heroes, the trend in Hollywood now seems to turn every "superhero" into a darker, more introspective character. This approach works for the comic book heroes, well most of them anyway, but for a 2D video game? I think not. Believe it or not, the Street Fighter movie of the early 90's was BETTER, then 2009's "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li."

Are we allowed to have fun with movies anymore?

I highly recommend this accurate and FUN interpretation of Street Fighter:

Jackie Chan in City Hunter


image of Kristin Kreuk, www.movieweb.com

Movie of interest!

For those that only rely on T.V. and commercial theaters to let you know of upcoming flicks. Here is one film by three directors, which takes place in the fantastical metropolis that is Tokyo! The film has been recognized at Cannes, and can be caught playing at a few film festivals. Including the "Miami International Film Festival." I will be attending a showing of this film at the Miami Film Festival this weekend!

So lookout for my review!

Check out the trailer :