Elite Squad 2 (2010) (Brazil)

I like movies which pushes me off my seat or makes me jump from my seat and punch the air with my clenched fist shouting obscene exclamations of approval and support. Not many movies does that to me. This one of the few movies that does. 

The Skinny: A sequel to the hugely successful Elite Squad (2007), the story continues with Colonel Nascimento, head of the 'skulls' or, BOPE, the Brazilian military police crack unit tasked with eradicating drug dealers and other hardcore cases where the normal police are just not up to doing it properly. He is ceremoniously kicked upstairs as sub-secretary to the Intelligence unit of the government's security agency, when a prison outbreak leads to a bloody outcome. At his new position he discovers corruption within the police and certain parts of the local government. Joining forces with his nemesis who is also his ex-wife's new husband, a representative of the local government who is also intent on uncovering and stopping corruption, both men face numerous obstacles and threats to their lives in achieving their objectives.

The Helmer: Jose Padiha - Elite Squad 2 (2010), Secrets of the Tribe (documentary) (2010), Garapa (documentary) (2009), Elite Squad (2007), Brazil's Vanishing Cowboys (TV documentary) (2003), Bus 174 (documentary) (2002).

Casts: Wagner Moura, Irandhir Santos, Andre Ramiro, Milhem Cortez, Maria Ribeiro, Seu Jorge, Sandro Rocha.

The Review: This is a sordid tale of dirty cops, street gangsters, corrupt politicians mixing it up and almost getting away with it, if not for the perseverance and tenacity of one man, and his liberal-minded counterpart. Its hardhitting, it hits you hard in the guts and it never misses its non-stop pace of edge-of-seat action. It is also a clarion call of anger from the director / writer / producer on the current situation in Brazil. Apparently some of the characters in this movie are based on real life personalities. If you've seen City of God (2002), a tale of street gangsters in Rio, this is the other side of that story, i.e. the cops and the politicians. This comes highly recommended. If you like hard hitting action, you cannot miss this. 

Wiki on Elite Squad 2 

Official Trailer 

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (2011)

The world is apparently divided into 2 groups of people: those who know and love the comic adventures of boy detective Tintin and his dog Snowy, and those who know nothing. If you're in the former category, then this amazing collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson for an epic-looking 3D animation should bring cheer to your heart and cause you sleepless nights because the comic is finally coming to life on the big screen (forget all the movie adaptations done earlier). For those in the latter category, hang on to your hats!

The Skinny: Tintin meets Captain Haddock for the first time and emback on an adventure to locate the captain's ancestor's hidden treasure. 

The Helmer(s): Steven Spielberg - Robopocalypse (2013), The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (2011), War Horse (2011), A Timeless Call (documentary short) (2008), Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull (2008), Munich (2005), War of the Worlds (2005), The Terminal (2004), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Minority Report (2002), A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), The Unfinished Journey (documentary) (1999), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Amistad (1997), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), Schindler's List (1993), Jurassic Park (1993), Hook (1991), The Visionary (video) (1990), Always (1989), Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade (1989), Empire of the Sun (1987), The Color Purple (1985), Amazing Stories (TV series) (1985), Strokes of Genuis (TV series) (1984), Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Twilight Zone: The Movie (segment 2) (1983), ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), 1941 (1979), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Jaws (1975), The Sugarland Express (1974), Savage (TV movie) (1973), Something Evil (TV movie) (1972), Duel (TV movie) (1971), Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law (TV series) (Eulogy for a Wide Receiver) (1971), Columbo (TV service) (Murder by the Book) (1971), The Psychiatrist (TV series) (Pay for the Course, The Private World of Martin Dalton) (1971), The Name of the Game (TV series) (LA 2017) (1971), Rod Serling's Night Gallery (TV series) (Make Me Laugh, Night Gallery) (1969 - 1971), Marcus Welby, MD (TV series) (The Daredevil Gesture) (1970), Amblin' (Short) (1968), Slipstream (Short - unfinished) (1967), Firelight (1964), Escape to Nowhere (Short) (1961), Fighter Squard (Short) (1961), The Last Gun (1959).

Peter Jackson - The Hobbit Part 2 (2013), The Hobbit Part 1 (2012), The Lovely Bones (2009), Crossing the Line (Short) (2008), King Kong (2005), The Lost Spider Pit Sequence (Short) (2005), The Lords of the Ring: The Return of the King (2003), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings (2001), The Making of the Frighteners (documentary) (1998), The Frighteners (1996), Forgotten Silver (TV movie) (1995), Heavenly Creatures (1994), Dead Alive (1992), Meet the Feebles (1989), Bad Taste (1987), The Valley (short) (1976).

The Scibe: Steven Moffat - writer: The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn) (2011), Dr. Who (TV series) (2005 - 2011), Dr. Who: Space and Time (TV movie) (2011), The National Television Awards (TV movie) (2011), BBC Proms (TV series) (2010), Sherlock (TV series) (2010), Coupling (TV series) (2007 - 2008), Dr. Who: Time Crash (TV short) (2007), Jekyll (TV series) (2007), Coupling (TV series) (2000 - 2004), Murder Most Horrid (TV series) (1994 - 1999), Comic Relief: Dr. Who: The Curse of the Fatal Death (TV movie) (1999), Privates (TV series) (1999), Chalk (TV series) (1997), The Office (TV movie) (1996), Joking Apart (TV series) (1991 - 1995), Press Gang (TV series) (1989 - 1993), Exam Conditions (TV movie) (1992), Stay Luck (TV series) (1990). 

Edgar Wright - Ant-Man (2014), The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (2011), Scott Pilgrim Vs The World (2010), Spaced (TV movie) (2008), Grindhouse (Fake trailer - "Don't") (2007), Hot Fuzz (2007), Straight 8 (TV short) (2004), Edgar & Simon's Flip Chart (Video documentary short) (2004), Funkey Pete (Video short) (2004), Plot Holes: What Happened to Shaun When He Ran Off? (Video documentary short) (2004), The Man Who Would be Shaun (Video short) (2004), Simon's Cam (Video documentary short) (2004), Plot Holes: What Happened to Diane When She Left the Winchester? (Video documentary short) (2004), Plot Holes: How did Ed Get from the Cellar to the Shed? (Video documentayr short) (2004), Shaun of the Dead (2004), Asylum (TV series) (1996), A Fist Full of Fingers (1995).

The Casts: (the voices of) Daniel Craig, Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg. Nick Frost, Jamie Bell, Toby Jones, Tony Curan, Sebastian Roche, Mackenzie Crook, Daniel Mays, Gad Almaleh, Phillip Rhys, Mark Ivanir, Jacquire Barnbrook. 

Release Date: 23rd December 2011

The Prediction: This is a huge production with two of the world's heavyweights joining hands to build a comic legend on the big screen and assisted and supported by two current heavyweight writers. Obviously there's hope and expectation that this will do well at the box office. Just two things i hope they get right: the backstory and the spirit of adventure which underlies ALL Tintin books. How does it look? It looks very good. Why? Only because they're smart and they're playing it ultra-safe unlike the train wreck that was "Airbender". If this works, then prepare for the Tintin onslaught like never before.    

Wiki on Tintin - Introduction to who he is

Tintin Official Site

Youtube first look at Tintin images

The Silent House (2010) (Uruguay)

One thing you must know about this horror movie is that it was shot with only ONE TAKE using a photographic camera. i.e. the video camera was switched on without pressing the stop button for the entirety of the whole film. Which means that: there was no editing, no multiple camera angles and no stopping to erase and correct dialogues or acting style. It was done on one smooth unending take, which is the first for a horror movie.

The Skinny: Father and daughter construction/decoration team settles down for a night in an empty cottage to undertake some constructive work on the house. But somewhere in the middle of the night, strange knocking sounds start to emanate, culminating to the upper floors ... who or what could it be? Horror mayhem ensues. 

The Helmer: Gustavo Hernandez - The Silent House (2010)

The Scribe: Oscar Esteves, Gustavo Hernandez. 

The Casts: Florencia Colucci, Abel Tripaldi, Gustavo Alonso, Maria Salazar

Release Date: 27th January 2011

The Tagline: Real Fear In Real Time

The Prediction: Is this Blair Witch Project all over again? It could be, but with a much meatier punch in the gob. It also appears to be more focused, with an actual sighting of the source of the troubles, and blood, lotsa blood. Strangely enough, its also based on a true story, as www.imdb.com states: 

"The plot is based on a true story that happened in the late 40's in a small village in Uruguay. The film focuses on Laura, who, second by second, intends to leave a house which hides an obscure secret, unharmed. Laura and her father Wilson settle down in a cottage they have to renew since its owner will soon put the house up for sale. They will spend the night there and repair the following morning. Everything seems to go smoothly until Laura hears a sound that comes from outside and gets louder and louder on the upper floor of the house. Wilson goes up to see what is going on while she remains downstairs on her own, waiting for her father to come down."

This is something horror addicts should catch. I like it because it gives hope and promise to upcoming shoestring budget horror film makers, and the storyline is very compelling. Which once again states the obvious true good movies all depends on the scripting. Who or what is making those noises?

Offical Site  

Trailer (imdb.com) 

Red State (2011)

As far as fat dudes go in the entertainment world, Kevin Smith kinda rocks. Why? He's the poster boy for indie pics, and indie-pic underdog who did good. Having changed the world with epics such as Clerks, Clerks 2, Mallrats, Jay and Bob Strikes Back, he is set to reset the world again with a take on horror. Nice one.

The Skinny: A group of gullible teens fall prey to a mid America religious cult, with horrific consequences.

The Helmer: Kevin Smith - Hit Somebody (2012), Red State (2011), Cop Out (2010), Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), Reaper (TV) (Pilot) (2007), Clerks 2 (2006), Clerks: The Lost Scene (Short) (2004), Jersey Girl (2004), The Flying Car (Short) (TV) (2002), The Concert for New York City (TV Special documentary - short) (2001), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), Untitled Prince Documentary (Documentary) (2001), Dogman (1999), Chasing Amy (1997), Hiatus (TV) (1996), Mallrates (1995), Clerks (1994), Mae Day: The Crumbling of a Documentary (Documentary short) (1992).

The Scribe: Kevin Smith

The Casts: John Goodman, Michael Angarano, Deborah Aquila, Nicholas Braun, Ronnie Connell, Kaykee Defer, Joey Figuerroa, Kyle Gallner, Anna Gunn, Matt L Jones, John Lacy, Catherine McCord, Alexa Nicolas. 

Release Date: 19th October 2011

The Tagline: Fear God. 

The Prediction: Mr Funnyman has dabbled in romantics and now has his hands on a bloody, bloodsoaked project with a very terrifying storyline. I don't have the stomach for latter day torture porns and this looks like a strong contender for one.Check out the video to give you and idea of whats in store. How do I see this performing? Pretty well actually. Why? Because Smith is an able writer director with a list of intelligent / funny / gross out movies with an impressive fanboy-base. For him to go horror is indeed a welcomed thing. I'm looking forward to this, and so should you. 

Official Trailer 

Wiki on Red State 

Upcoming Movies - Quick Take

Bite-sized updates on upcoming movies: 

Thor - 6th May 2011: The mythical being from mountains in the sky AKA Asgard is flung down to earth as punishment. But like all positive minded individuals, he turns lemons into lemonades and becomes EARTH DEFENDER AGAINST REALLY BAD VILLAINS. Huzzah! 

Any good? It should be, as British thespian extraordinaire Kenneth Branagh is directing. Is that a good thing? I recall Ang Lee directing Hulk (the version with Eric Bana) and it didn't really fly did it? Lets just hope this one doesn't repeat that.

The Beaver - 6th May 2011: Bad boy ass-kicker Mel Gibson is back but this time he's trading his gun/sword/fists for a hand-puppet as a way to release his inner demons and to get on with life as it deals him a bad hand. 

Any good? I'm a big fan of the Gibson, so anything he does is fine by me.

Midnight in Paris - 11th May 2011 (France): Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams star in Woody Allen's romantic comedy with a holidaying family and a pair of newly engaged couple. Romantic complications ensues. Sighs ...

Any good? Hell yeah! But - only if you're a big Woody Allen fan, which I am. BTW ...

Hangover 2 - 26th May 2011: the gangs back with Stu getting married in the westerner's version of "sordid" Thailand. Laughter and painful consequences ensues. Chortle. 

Any good? Hell yeah! Go for it!

Kungfu Panda 2 - 26th May 2011: Po and the gang's back (like the hangover gang above) to defend the whole of China against a nasty villain who is out to destroy the country AND kung fu itself. Whoa nelly!
Any good? Definitely! Go for it pronto!!

The Tree of Life - 27th May 2011: acclaimed director Terence Malick (Badlands, Days of Heaven, The Thin Red Line) returns with an interesting ensemble of Barda Pitt, Sean Penn and Joanna Going in this family drama of a son in search of the true meaning of life, as reflected on his aging father.
Any good? If drama's your thing, then it should be good. The man's a celebrated director, so yeah.  

X-Men: First Class - 3rd June 2011: An origins movie with a young Xavier and a young Magneto finding for themselves what they really are.
Any good? Maybe ... so far the X-Men franchise have been pretty decent with decent acting and storyline. So presumably they're maintaining that consistency.

Cars 2 - 24th June 2011: The return of Lightning McQueen and Matey in this sequel sees them take on the Grand Prix overseas. But the journey is long, complicated and it involves espionage (at least for buck tooth Matey).
Any good? It should be, the gang's all here (meaning the director, writer, etc).


Bad Teacher - 24th June 2011: Cameron Diaz is the bad teacher who who stop at nothing (read: really bad things) to get her man who happens to be a fellow teacher.
Any good? If you're in the mood f
or crass, black, painful, bawdy humour, then this is your cup of tea. It'll be fun to watch Diaz do the nasty by being nasty on the big screen, isnt it? Hell yeah.


Transformers: Dark of the Moon - 1st July 2011: The Autobots and the Decepticons are back for the third time but, unfortunately without the lovely Megan Fox. This time around Optimus Prime and his human sidekick Shia Labouf battles Shockwave, who has been messing about with the Russians. Muscle robots and explosions ensues.
Any good? Only if you're 12 going on 43 with a thing for robots and hot chicks.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - 15th July 2011: The second installment of the final book on a group of wizards flying about on broomsticks led by four-eyed do-gooder Harry Potter in their fight against evil wizard with no nose Lord Voldemort. Broomstick capers ensues.
Any good? Its the last book and several key characters will die. Including Harry Potter. Haha!! Gotcha.

Captain America: The First Avenger - 22nd July 2011: An origins story about World War 2 superhero Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), as he transforms from a skinny guy into a buff super soldier and battles the eviiiiil Nazis. Hitler-hating tomfoolery ensues.
Any good? Its a super hero movie set in the 2nd world war. It should be good, right? Why else would they spend gazabillion-gajillion bucks on making it, right?

Cowboys & Aliens - 29th July 2011: Craig Daniels shrugs off his tuxedo and browning automatic for a ten gallon hat and a six shooter (and later, a weird alien gun device around his wrist) to join forces with the local sheriff and a band of Apache warriors to battle invading aliens. This ain't Iraq, its the wild, wild west.
Any good? Hell yeah!

Conan the Barbarian - 19th August 2011: Get ready for some sword-swinging, head-decapitating, back-snapping, blood-curdling barbaric action with pretty boy Jason Momoa. Which is a travesty and and oxymoron. An ex-male model as the barbarian? Why? If Arnie was dead, he'd be turning in his grave.

Any good? It looks good ... maybe too "mainstream good". Hmmm...

Fright Night - 19th August 2011: A remake of the classic 80's horror movie about a teen-ager who discovers that his next door neighbour is a vampire. To assist him in battling this bloodsucker, is retired TV vampire hunter actor, and his girlfriend. Blood sucking jamboree ensues.
Any good?

The Three Musketeers - 14th October 2011:  Ancient but cool military Frenchies with swords - D'Artagnan joins rogue musketeers for some ass-whupping of the old-ways kind in this updated 3D version! How cool is that? Hot damn cool is what! 

Any good? If they stcik to the story, and they maintain the same kind of buoyancy of Alexander Dumas' adventure classic, then it should be great.