I did a semi-review here last year on this movie, but since its coming up pretty soon in about 5 months time, thought i'd update the prediction plus trailer. You know you wanna ...
The Skinny: the IMF team (no, not the one with money and shit), but the Impossible Mission Force headed by Ethan Hunt, is, once again, not unlike the first movie installment with John Voight, on the run from the United States government and practically everyone else when they're being framed for the bombing of the Kremlin. Its up to the team to clear their name and bring bad dudes to justice. By kicking ass, blowing up stuff and driving real fast. Nice.
The Helmer: Brad Bird - 1906 (2012), Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011), Ratatouille (2007), Jack-Jack Attack (short) (2005), The Incredibles (2004), The Iron Giant (1999), The Simpsons (TV) (1990 - 1991), Do the Batman (short) (1990), Amazing Stories (TV) (1987).
The Casts: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Tom Wilkinson, Anil Kapoor
Release Date: 16 December 2011 (USA)
The Prediction: This is the big one for 2011, not robots, not wizards, not a buncha guys waking up in Thailand getting wasted. Nope, this is the Mac Daddy for 2011. What do we have here? Incredibles director Brad Bird who hits a 10 for ALL his movies, Tom Cruise, action-stamped franchise, hot tamale Paula Patton, bad-boy Jeremy Renner, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, gadgets, cars, stunts and a very decent story line. Thats what we have here booyah! My prediction? My prediction?! Do you NEED a prediction??!!
Trailer
Wikipedia on Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol
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Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Adam Chaplin (2011) (Italy) (Horror)
Once in a while a movie comes out that redefines cinema for that particular country. With Korea, the seminal arrival of "Shiri" marked the beginning of its golden cinema age; for Thailand, it can be said to be "Ongbak" which displayed awesome kick-assory, and for Italy, it is a recall of its great horror past with this little gem of a film.
The Skinny: Local dude's wife gets killed to death and so the dude gets upset and summons a demon to assist him in getting bloody vengeance. Bloody manga-sh!t goes down.
The Helmer: Emanuele de Santi
The Casts: Emanuele de Santi
The Prediction: This is a marriage of convenience for Japanese anime dripped in gore, with real life action. Looking at the trailer, it seems to depict a return to Crow sensibilities, something thats not been seen for a bit, and is very much welcomed. I'm quite partial to goth, but goth + gore? I'm in love. This is set to be epic, and will be leading a pack of wannabes and groupies. I have high hopes for this Italian number, only because the whole set up looks very very promising.
Trailer: The Thief Sequence
Horror movies.com
The Skinny: Local dude's wife gets killed to death and so the dude gets upset and summons a demon to assist him in getting bloody vengeance. Bloody manga-sh!t goes down.
The Helmer: Emanuele de Santi
The Casts: Emanuele de Santi
The Prediction: This is a marriage of convenience for Japanese anime dripped in gore, with real life action. Looking at the trailer, it seems to depict a return to Crow sensibilities, something thats not been seen for a bit, and is very much welcomed. I'm quite partial to goth, but goth + gore? I'm in love. This is set to be epic, and will be leading a pack of wannabes and groupies. I have high hopes for this Italian number, only because the whole set up looks very very promising.
Trailer: The Thief Sequence
Horror movies.com
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Red Hill (2010) (Australia)
You'd probably find this movie at your corner DVD store, as it has been released since last year. It'll be hidden behind Bruce Willis' "Red", or even the pseudo horror movie "Red Riding Hood". Whatever it is, I believe this is the better of the "Red" movies currently available on DVD and Bluray.
The Skinny: Newly installed constable Shane Cooper jumps right into action on his first day at work in a small rural Australian town called Red Hill in outback Victoria, when an escaped convict rolls in town to exact bloody vengeance.
The Helmer: Patrick Hughes - Red Hill (2010), Signs (Short) (2008), The Lighter (Short) (2001), The Director (Short) (2000).
The Casts: Ryan Kwanten, Steve Bisley, Tommy Lewis, Christopher Davis, Kevin Herrington
The Review: I'd say this is a new perfect film, and an even nearer perfect revenge movie. From the dialogue to the acting to the directing to the editing to the cinematography. What starts out slow and even-paced escalates to a very fast technical and methodical execution from scene to scene; each action getting an equal an devastating reaction. The escaped convict, the almost-silent Kevin Herrington plays the part of a single-minded hunter out to take down the men who destroyed his life. It is both brutal and upon a second viewing, very much justified as the hunted are shot, and decimated at point blank range. I like the sensibilities of the ending as the decision Herrington takes is one which all of us would take; it is not morally sound nor is it poetic, its just an angry man doing what he's been planning to do for the past 10 years, and to do it right.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Killer Elite (2011)
Jason Statham is officially the toughest man on the planet. And he kicks ass. And all his movies kicks ass. Which makes him one tough ass-kicking dude who acts in movies involving heavy duty ass-kicking.
The Skinny: This is based on a TRUE story. Ex-elite SAS (Special Air Service) hard man is pulled out of retirement to rescue his father-figure mentor who has been kidnapped by tough as nails military rival. Ass kicking ensues.
The Helmer: Gary McKendry - Killer Elite (2011), Everything in this country must (short) (2004).
The Casts: Jason Statham, Clive Owens and Robert DeNiro.
Release Date: 23rd September 2011
The Prediction: I've never heard of this director, and looking at his history, he doesn't seem to have any. And why are they letting him helm this awesome ass-kicker? Especially with breathtaking heavies of Statham, Owen and De Niro? Why indeed. The studios must have liked his vision and / or the strong story he co-wrote. The trailer looks awesome btw, it serves the purpose of embodying heavy duty ass-kicking with dirty violent action underlined by hard rocking sounds of Scorpions belting out Rock You Like a Hurricane. Which is always a good thing in my books. Do I predict that this movie is worth seeing? Yes. It. Is. Knock yourselves out guys, this is the one you must see before 2011 closes.
Trailer
Wikipedia's take on the action flick
The Skinny: This is based on a TRUE story. Ex-elite SAS (Special Air Service) hard man is pulled out of retirement to rescue his father-figure mentor who has been kidnapped by tough as nails military rival. Ass kicking ensues.
The Helmer: Gary McKendry - Killer Elite (2011), Everything in this country must (short) (2004).
The Casts: Jason Statham, Clive Owens and Robert DeNiro.
Release Date: 23rd September 2011
The Prediction: I've never heard of this director, and looking at his history, he doesn't seem to have any. And why are they letting him helm this awesome ass-kicker? Especially with breathtaking heavies of Statham, Owen and De Niro? Why indeed. The studios must have liked his vision and / or the strong story he co-wrote. The trailer looks awesome btw, it serves the purpose of embodying heavy duty ass-kicking with dirty violent action underlined by hard rocking sounds of Scorpions belting out Rock You Like a Hurricane. Which is always a good thing in my books. Do I predict that this movie is worth seeing? Yes. It. Is. Knock yourselves out guys, this is the one you must see before 2011 closes.
Trailer
Wikipedia's take on the action flick
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
A Dangerous Method (2011)
I seriously dig ALL David Cronenberg's movies. They're awesome because each movie comes with its own special warning on the label, to be discovered later on in the film. Its also beautifully realized with incredibly polished moods, practically embedded in the fabric of the film. This is his latest movie, and from the trailer, it looks awesome.
The Skinny: Carl Jung and Sigmund Frued faces off in this 18th century period piece which centres on the development of modern psychiatry and the attention of a disturbed young woman. Mind-fux ensues.
The Helmer: David Cronenberg - Cosmopolis (2012), A Dangerous Method (2011), Eastern Promises (2007), A History of Violence (2005), Spider (2002), Short6 (segment: Camera) (2001), Existenz (1999), Crash (1996), M. Butterfly (1993), Naked Lunch (1991), Scales of Justice (TV series) (1990), Dead Ringers (1988), Friday the 13th (TV series) (1988), The Fly (1986), The Dead Zone (1983), Videodrome (1983), Scanners (1981), The Brood (1979), Fast Company (1979), Rage (1977), Teleplay (TV series) (1976), The Came from Within (1975), Peep Show (TV series) (1975), Lakeshore (TV short) (1972), Fort York (TV short) (1972), In the Dirt (TV short) (1972), Scarborough Bluffs (TV short) (1972), Winter Garden (TV short) (1972), Programme X (TV series) (1972), Don Valley (TV short) (1972), John Ritchie Sculptor (TV movie) (1971), Tourettes (TV movie) (1971), Letter from Michaelangelo (TV movie) (1971), Crimes of the Future (1970), Stereo (1969), From the Drain (short) (1967), Transfer (short) (1966).
The Casts: Viggo Mortensen, Keira Knightly, Michael Fassbender, Vincent Cassel, Sarah Gadon, Andre Hennicke
Release Date: 10th November 2011
The Prediction: Cronenberg's movies should be waited patiently for, and when arrived, be celebrated. Apart from the Coen brothers, when this guy pops out a new film, you know you're in for a treat. A dark, visceral treat, but a treat nonetheless. Of his recent works I've loved "Eastern Promises" and the very visually violent "A History of Violence". Both movies have Viggo Mortensen leading, and both movies technicalizes the brutality of humans when trapped and forced to defend himself. So is this 18th century period piece a great way to pass 2 hours with a loved one? I'd say yes, only because its helmed by a master. No less.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Drive (2011)
This has the premise of a really solid, cracking bank-heist-gone-wrong movie. And we haven't seen one of those in a while. Lets see if this lives up to our expectations.
The Skinny: Stunt driver who doubles as a getaway-car driver gets caught smack in the middle of someone's cross-hair when a bank robbery goes horribly wrong. He's a stunt driver, and he's on the lam. Rubber-burning action ensues.
Release Date: 16th September 2011 (USA)
The Helmer: Nicolas Winding Refn - Logans Run (2012), Only God Forgives, Drive (2011), Valhalla Rising (2009), Bronson (2008), Miss Marple: Nemesis (TV movie) (2007), I'm the Angel of Death: Pusher III (2005), With Blood on my Hands: Pusher II (2004), Fear X (2003), Bleeder (1999), Pusher (1996).
The Scribes: James Sallis (writer), Hossein Amini (screenplay) - 47 Ronin (2012), Drive (2011), Shanghai (2010), Killshot (2008), The Four Feathers (2002), The Wings of the Dove (1997), Jude (1996), Deep Secrets (1996), The Dying of the Light (1992).
The Casts: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Oscar Isaac, Tina Huang, Cesar Garcia, Joe Pingue, Christian Cage, Tiara Parker, James Biberi, Jeff Wolfe, River Stone McKeever.
The Prediction: I've only seen one of Winding's films, which was the very bleak, cold and tough as nails "Valhalla Rising". He doesn't waste much time with dialogue so I'm assuming his take on a bank heist gone wrong genre will recreate the starkness of Valhalla. I'm also very curious about his Pusher trilogy. A big hit in his native Denmark as it was instrumental in catapulting him to international cult figure for vicious, uncompromising violence. All in all, I'm pretty keen in seeing this one. It has hollywood written all over it, which I hope is underlined by his signature moves and labeling. It should do well with crime-thriller purists.
Trailer
Wikin on Drive
The Skinny: Stunt driver who doubles as a getaway-car driver gets caught smack in the middle of someone's cross-hair when a bank robbery goes horribly wrong. He's a stunt driver, and he's on the lam. Rubber-burning action ensues.
Release Date: 16th September 2011 (USA)
The Helmer: Nicolas Winding Refn - Logans Run (2012), Only God Forgives, Drive (2011), Valhalla Rising (2009), Bronson (2008), Miss Marple: Nemesis (TV movie) (2007), I'm the Angel of Death: Pusher III (2005), With Blood on my Hands: Pusher II (2004), Fear X (2003), Bleeder (1999), Pusher (1996).
The Scribes: James Sallis (writer), Hossein Amini (screenplay) - 47 Ronin (2012), Drive (2011), Shanghai (2010), Killshot (2008), The Four Feathers (2002), The Wings of the Dove (1997), Jude (1996), Deep Secrets (1996), The Dying of the Light (1992).
The Casts: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Oscar Isaac, Tina Huang, Cesar Garcia, Joe Pingue, Christian Cage, Tiara Parker, James Biberi, Jeff Wolfe, River Stone McKeever.
The Prediction: I've only seen one of Winding's films, which was the very bleak, cold and tough as nails "Valhalla Rising". He doesn't waste much time with dialogue so I'm assuming his take on a bank heist gone wrong genre will recreate the starkness of Valhalla. I'm also very curious about his Pusher trilogy. A big hit in his native Denmark as it was instrumental in catapulting him to international cult figure for vicious, uncompromising violence. All in all, I'm pretty keen in seeing this one. It has hollywood written all over it, which I hope is underlined by his signature moves and labeling. It should do well with crime-thriller purists.
Trailer
Wikin on Drive
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Seru (2011) (Malaysia)
(Seru: definition Malay - to cry out, to call out. In the context of Malay lore, it is to call out to spirits a practice normally undertaken by bomohs, or shamans.)
Its been a long while since I've been excited and enthusiastic about a Malaysian movie, especially a horror movie. To date, the horror scene in Malaysia have been hackneyed, copied, and repeated again and again until the parody has become a parody in itself. Not to mention its quite crap and uncreative. Until the emergence of this successful Blair Witch Project meets Rec meets Malaysian lore. And it works. It bloody hell works.
The Skinny: Film crew of a horror movie production in a remote jungle village gets relentless attacked by malevolent spirits, in the form of demonically possessed female production crew. One by one they are hunted down and brutally murdered.
The Helmer: Mohd Pierre Andre - Seru (2011), Be Silent (2009), I'm Not Single (2008), 9 September (2007).
The Helmer2: Woo Ming Jin - Seru (2011), The Tiger Factory (2010), 15Malaysia (documentary) (2008), Days of the Turquoise Sky (TV movie) (2008), Blue Roof (short) (2007), The Elephant and the Sea (2007), Salon (2005), Its Possible Your Heart Cannot be Broken (short) (2005), Monday Morning Glory (2005), Love for Dogs (short) (2004).
The Scribers: Mohd Pierre Andre and Woo Ming Jin.
The Casts: Sharnaaz, Nisha Dir, Cut Mutia, Mohd Pierre Andre, Awal Ashari, Nora Danish, Azan Hassan, Kat.
Release Date: 28th April 2011
The Verdict: An excellent and effective documentary style horror movie which takes smart lessons from existing horror movies. What comes to mind is of course the hand-held video camera low cost horror movie Blair Witch Project and the Spanish zombie handy-cam horror Rec. Both were referred to, but Seru does one up, by intelligently making use of the plot and storyline to its advantage, essentially pitting camera crew, with their access to video cameras and lighting, against demonically-possessed crew hands. What is striking about the movie is its excessive use of violence and the subsequent gore that comes from the violence. Its also clever by including a plot device which emerges unexpectedly later in the movie. Its refreshing and encouraging to see young writers and directors take on hollywood style film-making and come out scratch-free. I liked this movie alot. This works for me.
Trailer
Its been a long while since I've been excited and enthusiastic about a Malaysian movie, especially a horror movie. To date, the horror scene in Malaysia have been hackneyed, copied, and repeated again and again until the parody has become a parody in itself. Not to mention its quite crap and uncreative. Until the emergence of this successful Blair Witch Project meets Rec meets Malaysian lore. And it works. It bloody hell works.
The Skinny: Film crew of a horror movie production in a remote jungle village gets relentless attacked by malevolent spirits, in the form of demonically possessed female production crew. One by one they are hunted down and brutally murdered.
The Helmer: Mohd Pierre Andre - Seru (2011), Be Silent (2009), I'm Not Single (2008), 9 September (2007).
The Helmer2: Woo Ming Jin - Seru (2011), The Tiger Factory (2010), 15Malaysia (documentary) (2008), Days of the Turquoise Sky (TV movie) (2008), Blue Roof (short) (2007), The Elephant and the Sea (2007), Salon (2005), Its Possible Your Heart Cannot be Broken (short) (2005), Monday Morning Glory (2005), Love for Dogs (short) (2004).
The Scribers: Mohd Pierre Andre and Woo Ming Jin.
The Casts: Sharnaaz, Nisha Dir, Cut Mutia, Mohd Pierre Andre, Awal Ashari, Nora Danish, Azan Hassan, Kat.
Release Date: 28th April 2011
The Verdict: An excellent and effective documentary style horror movie which takes smart lessons from existing horror movies. What comes to mind is of course the hand-held video camera low cost horror movie Blair Witch Project and the Spanish zombie handy-cam horror Rec. Both were referred to, but Seru does one up, by intelligently making use of the plot and storyline to its advantage, essentially pitting camera crew, with their access to video cameras and lighting, against demonically-possessed crew hands. What is striking about the movie is its excessive use of violence and the subsequent gore that comes from the violence. Its also clever by including a plot device which emerges unexpectedly later in the movie. Its refreshing and encouraging to see young writers and directors take on hollywood style film-making and come out scratch-free. I liked this movie alot. This works for me.
Trailer
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