Movie Review: Hardcore Henry

Many years ago, I recall talking with friends about the possibility of and technical difficulties associated with making a movie in the first person. You know, how to progress the narrative, telling the story in real time, and how to hide the camera. It was a conversation that did not last long. Little did we know the style had already been pioneered way back in 1947 in the Raymond Chandler adaptation Lady in the Lake. Granted, I have not seen it, but I am intrigued. Then there is the FPS sequence in the game adaptation Doom, which was pretty well done. Also, in 2013 we got a remake of the mean and nasty Maniac, putting you in the head of a killer. Now have the first first-person action film, Hardcore Henry.

Movie Review: Chappie

Neill Blomkamp has returned with his third feature, and hoping for a return to form. He burst onto the scene in 2009 with District 9. It came out of nowhere and gave us a great science fiction film. From there he gave us 2013's Elysium, which is not well thought of. I liked it when I first saw it, but it really is something of a mixed bag, even Blomkamp has recently come out and apologized for the missteps. I went in to Chappie hoping that it would be a return to form, something to start building faith for his recently announced Alien project. What I found was not great, but not terrible either.

Movie Review: Maleficent

Coming on the heels of Alice in Wonderland (the Burton one), Oz: The Great and Powerful, and Snow White and the Huntsman (never bothered with Mirror, Mirror), I found it difficult to muster all that much enthusiasm for Maleficent. Now, I am sure there are ways to have made those other movies, you know, good, and I am sure there is a way to tell a fascinating story about Maleficent. The problem is that none of this has actually been done. Maleficent is just the latest debacle in this revisionist fairy tale cycle. While there may not have been that many movies, yet, let's hope that it either comes to an end or someone with a solid idea steps up and gets the job done.

Movie Review: Oldboy (2013)

Way back n 2003 a film was released in South Korea that left a mark worldwide. Not everyone liked the movie, but there were (and are) a good number who consider it a classic. The movie was called Oldboy and it was directed by Park Chan-Wook. It was the middle chapter of his vengeance trilogy, book-ended by Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Lady Vengeance, a trio of films connected not by character, but by theme. All three were excellent films. So, as is the custom of modern Hollywood, a remake of Oldboy (the most famous of the three) was announced. This announcement, as is customary of fandom, was received with a resounding grumble of angrily clicking keyboards. It did not improve when Spike Lee was announced as the director.

Movie Review: Elysium (2013)

It has been four years since I first learned who Neil Blomkamp is. It was 2009 when District 9 arrived in theaters and proceeded to wow audiences all over, even earning four Oscar nominations (including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay). Needless to say, I loved that movie and have been anxiously anticipating his follow up. It has finally arrived. The big question is whether or not it lives up to Blomkamp's prior outing. I will say I did have a few worries based on the trailer, so with cautious optimism, I eagerly entered the theater and experienced Elysium.

Trailer Park: Oldboy (2013)

To be honest, I never thought it would actually happen. As you know, I am not against remakes, but there are some movies that would appear to be more difficult than others. I figured Oldboy was one of those movies. Then word got out that it was up to be remade. All right, I'm game. Now, the trailer has arrived and I have to say it looks pretty darn good. I am not sure it will be able to top the Park Chan Wook classic.