Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Zodiac


The Zodiac murders is one of greatest unresolved serial murder sprees in U.S. history. David Fincher’s direction gives us a detailed retelling of the events with an all star supporting cast. The twist of this movie is that the facts of the case are the star of the movie and keep you engaged for its two hour and fifteen minute run. The cast are there to give the facts life and no one actor stands out from the ensemble as the star of the film. A must see for anyone who is fascinated with murder mysteries and serial killer psychology.

Click here to check out the official website.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno)


I have been waiting to see this movie ever since I saw the teaser trailer at the San Diego Comicon last July. I had the double please of being able to see this movie at an advanced screening at E Street theatre in DC with del Toro present for a director’s Q & A session. This movie is a masterpiece for all to see. It should have been nominated for the Best Picture Oscar but will have to settle for Best Foreign Film. Guillermo del Toro is an extraordinary talent and delivers a knockout punch to the senses that fans and movie goers will be reeling from for the remainder of the Oscar season.

Click here to check out the official website.

Norbit


Eddie Murphy goes back to the gravy boat again for The Klumps 3...uh... Norbit. Eddie Murphy does do the man in makeup schtick well but there needs to be more then this to base a film on. The magic of first seeing the Klumps at the dinner table does not transfer over to this production. The love interest is present as required to make Norbit almost interesting as a character but nothing more. The movie does have laughs but I would liked to have seen something more inspired that we all believe Eddie Murphy to be capable of.

Click here to check out the official website.

The Messengers


Sam Raimi’s Ghost Pictures has turned out another fine installment in their line of low budget horror films. You have your typical family in distress who is having to move to a new remote location to get a “fresh start”. The plot is cliched I kid you not but it does get a boost from the duo direction of the Pang Brothers. The ghosts on screen are uniquely realized and do generate the spine crawling creepiness that these types of films require. This film may be worth a trip to the multiplex for the horror fan but most would be satisfied with a rental from the internet or the local video store.

Click here to check out the official website.

Hannibal Rising


I will just say it to get it out of the way, Anthony Hopkins in Hannibal Lecter on the big screen. With no previous knowledge of the character or reading the novel, which was released just a scant four weeks before the film, I may have liked this film. The book was skimpy to say the least and absolutely only written to get another movie in the franchise made. Unfortunately, in the process of making the movie, the film makers left out anything from the novel that made Hannibal even remotely interesting or tolerable. This is even confounded by the fact that Thomas Harris wrote the screenplay.

Click here to check out the official website.

After Dark Horrorfest 2006: The Abandoned


I saw this movie as part of the 8 Films to Die For Horror Film Festival in 2006. Lionsgate is absolutely correct in labeling this the fan favorite film. It is a doppelganger story of the highest order much like the short stories or novels by Peter Straub or Ramsey Campbell. This movie bucks the current distribution trend of Asian remakes and delivers a much needed Gothic chiller. And its a foreign film to boot!

Click here to check out the official website.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Ghost Rider


I wanted to see a guy with a flaming skull that kicks ass and takes names all underscored by a killer rock and roll sound track. This movie delivers in spades. I loved Mark Steven Johnson’s Daredevil movie but this one goes one better for me. Faust tales always hold a special place in my heart. If you buy the comic book premise then two hours of fun await you at your local multiplex. Grab your helmet and leather chaps and enjoy the ride.

Click here to check out the official website.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Black Snake Moan


Samuel L. Jackson with a chained Christina Ricci running around in a cut-off top, no bra and white cotton panties - this is enough for me to see any movie regardless of the plot and the blaxplotation poster is definitely a nice bonus. Fortunately this movie is much more than just these baser elements. It is a tribute to the healing power of the blues and how everyone is damaged in some core part of their soul and must over come it. The blues songs are rough and powerful and reaffirms my love for the genre. Another great effort from the director, Craig Brewer.

Click here to check out the official website.