Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Avatar



4/5

Easily one of the most talked about films this year, James Cameron returns after a 12 year break with the ground breaking Avatar. Did it live up to the hype? It sure did! Watching Avatar is like watching some wonderful dream, the visuals are probably some of the best I have ever seen in film, and in 3-D it is nothing short of spectacular.

So what exactly is Avatar about? It is about the planet Pandora, the native people there the Na'vi live in harmony and are at odds with the humans. You see the humans want to mine a mineral and the biggest source of the mineral is where a big group of Na'vi live. A paraplegic marine (Sam Worthington) befriends the Na'vi using an Avatar (A body grown which he can operate which is a Na'vi so he can interact with them ect) and learns about them and their way of life. Of course things get complicated ... and you'll know exactly where the film is headed.

Let's get the cons out of the way first, and there isn't a lot to actually fault with Avatar. My issue with this film lies with the script. It is not overly original, you've seen this story before and while there are original elements there, the basic structure is nothing new. You'll know exactly what is going to happen, there just aren't any surprises. It would have been nice if there was an unpredictable element there. The dialogue is extremely cheesy at times, a problem I had with Titanic. Now I really enjoy Titanic a lot, but my issues with that are the same here. Bad dialogue, cheesy stuff, a bit of a weak love story although in Avatar it works much better and is more convincing. And with Titanic I thought DiCaprio and Winslet were rather weak in their roles, however that wasn't the case here with our leads which I am happy to report. It'd have been nice if we got better dialogue and less cheese but Cameron did not learn from his past mistakes. It didn't ruin the film for me or anything, but it did bring it down a notch. Certain characters were totally cliqued but thanks to some good acting it didn't come off too badly. One issue I had, this is set way in the future, so why is one of the main characters smoking? That was just silly and dumb and it felt really out of place.

Now to the pros, we'll start with the acting. Sam Worthington was the perfect choice for our lead Jake Sully, he's so charismatic and just so damn charming and handsome. He worked so well and despite his Australia accent coming through from time to time he was great. Stephen Lang made for the perfect bad ass Colonel, he really brought his A game and definitely gave his character more then was written. Sigourney is always great, and she was well great here. It was good to see her in a James Cameron film once again, I liked her. The real stand out though was Zoe Saldana as Na'vi native Neytiri. We only see her as a Na'vi, but what she does here is really something else. She hits all the right notes, and you just can't help but totally fall in love with her. She was perfect and truly one of the great 2009 performances. She was awesome in Star Trek and I hope Zoe continues with her great roles, she is truly a talented actress and she's come along way since Center Stage (Which in owned in). All our supporting actors were also really good, the acting was definitely over all great and it really lifted the film.

Of course the big deal is the visuals, James Cameron is known for this. All his films look fantastic and he always wants to do bigger and things that haven't been done before. And you know what? He always manages to pull it off, he's a true perfectionist. The film, once we get to Pandora is just breath taking, it is truly a beautiful thing. I want to go live there, and fly on the flying creatures and be one with nature. It is just so pretty to look at, and in 3-D everything looks real, it does not look like it is CGI, it does not look like it was done a blue screen, it actually looks like they went to Pandora and filmed it there. The achievement with that is phenomenal, and the way things were shot just all worked so well. You can't really fault how this film looks, and it really needs to be seen on the big screen in 3-D, it is truly one of the best cinema experiences. I had no problems naming Avatar one of my Top Films of 2009, it is quite the achievement and such an enjoyable film. The final fight at the end is unbelievable and it was so fantastic to watch. I really hope it does not take James Cameron another 12 years for another film, give us something soon!

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #128

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #128

District 9



Easily one of my personal fav posters for 2009

Awful Film Poster Of The Week #17

Awful Film Poster Of The Week #17

Management



I have no idea what this film is, or what it is about. But these three posters for it actually induced vomiting. Such a lazy and awful photoshop hack job, who in their right mind is actually enticed to see this film based on these posters? Usually I showcase just one, but this one has three equally as awful ones. Jennifer Aniston doesn't even look like herself and Steve Zahn who I just adore just looks like some weird man-child, its actually kinda creepy. Was the photographer even awake when he took these? Lazy and stupid posters, vomit!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Gamer



2.5/5

I'll get straight to the point, this really isn't a very good film. It really is style over substance big time, and if they actually went into developing the substance more it would have made for a good social commentary piece, as there is a lot to say there but they really didn't go in the direction. Instead they focused on the action and the gross sex stuff.

So what is this about exactly? Well it is the future, and games are pretty much all anyone is doing. There are two main games which were created by this insanely rich guy Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall), Society and Slayer. These games are a lot different as you actually play as real people, where one game focuses on sex the other is about violence. One of the gamers Kable (Gerard Butler) and his player are unstoppable and Kable seems to be the key to the rebels taking down Castle.

So what was actually good about this film? Gerard Butler, he does what he has to do with the role (and a terrible name for his character), the man belongs in action. He's ripped, he's charismatic, and he's awesome. The action scenes in the game of Slayer for the most part are pretty awesome and gruesome in their violence and I dug that. Michael C. Hall whilst he had a really poorly written character, really just runs with it and owns. He's a cool dude and even though there is a scene with out of the park dancing, he can pull it off. This film is filled with weird cameo's and some feel out of place, and others were just utterly disturbing (Milo Ventimiglia).

The Society game is actually very disgusting, and some of those scenes are just nausiating to watch, the way they were filmed was just too trippy and just not very good. Society is like an over sexed SIMS type game, and there is so much they could have said about it but they didn't. The script is pretty awful for the film, the team behind this film pulled off something awesome and fun with Crank but it seems they can't really recreate that.

There were moments in this film I had fun, and other moments that dragged, and other bits that were just not very good at all. For the most part I enjoyed Gerard Butler and Michael C. Hall but yes this film does not have a lot going for it. Pretty average, and it could have been so much better considering the premises is actually a good one.

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #127

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #127

Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind

Sunday, December 27, 2009

This Is England



4.5/5


This is a film I wish I had not waited so long to see, much like with another Shane Meadows film (Dead Man's Shoes) I really wanted to see it. However I waited, and waited and I felt I really needed to be in the right mood to watch it. So several years after it's release I finally got around to watching it, and I wonder, why? The film is excellent, my second Shawn Meadows film and I got to say this guy is amazing.

This Is England is apparently based upon experiences that Shane Meadows had growing up, the film focuses on a young boy Shaun. He is a bit of a loner, an outcast, lashes out at people, he does not seem very happy. One day after school he meets a group of skin heads, who basically take him under their wing. He finally has found a group of friends, they treat each other like family, but it does not take too long before things get a bit dirty.

Firstly I got to say that Thomas Turgoose who plays Shaun is a brilliant young child actor, what a performance he gives here. He is so convincing, it is utterly incredible, I got to give it to Turgoose and Meadows for creating the character of Thomas in the way that they did, because without this performance this film wouldn't have been quite the same. There was definitely a strong connection between actor and director, truly I was blown away by him. The other real stand out is Stephen Graham (Who was recently in Public Enemies) as Combo, the skin head who comes out of prison. What an amazing performance he gave, he is genuinely creepy as well and it works perfectly for the character and the inevitable climax. I was so impressed with what he did with the role, he really just became the character.

Shane Meadows is such a strong director, he gets amazing performances out of his actors. The shots he does are so well done, the scenes play out so well you just do not want to take your eyes off the screen. He has such charismatic performers to work with, the scenery really comes alive with them in it. His use of colours is very affective, he paints such a clear picture. He really is such a great talent, I can't really decide if I liked this better then Dead Man's Shoes, whilst they are very different films, he again just does everything right.

I find it hard to fault this film, it looks amazing, the acting is amazing, the script is excellent and Shane Meadows, well he's the man. There is a lot to take away from this film, considering its subject matter and all, you really just want to help this kids realise exactly what it is they are getting themselves into. They come from poor homes, parents just seem rather clueless, it is a very realistic portrait of the place they come from. Considering this was based on his experiences I think it really shows, because it feels so real.

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #126

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #126

The Brood

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #125

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #125

Silent Night, Deadly Night

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Super Podcast Ep 17 - Top 5 Horror Of The Decade w/Bede Jermyn, Pat Torfe & AJ Hakari

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Super Podcast! Episode 17 is as epic as they come! Not only do I have a guest, I have three of them! I welcome back Bede, AKA Terror Australis from the JoBlo forums or as I call him the terrible Australian. I also welcome back Pat Torfe, Arrow in the Head’s very own DVD Pub critic. The third guest is a new one to Super Podcast and also my very first American guest (I’ve only ever had other Aussies on and Canadians) also from the JoBlo forums, Adam J. Hakari. Our topic for this episode is our Top 5 Horror of the Decade from 1999 to 2009. These are our opinions and personal favourite picks, basically what we considered to be the Top in horror for those 10 years.

Highlights include:

  • The terrible Australian picks an epic for his number 5 which leads us to get off topic and discuss the Expendables and Machete
  • A pick from Pat ends up getting discussed later in the show as others had that higher up in the list.
  • AJ has a pick which has a title so amazing, you just have to hear what it is.
  • A certain film comes up which everyone loves, except me and I think that wont go down too well.
  • A vampire film comes up, and we all agree this one leaves Twilight for dead.
  • Pat hasn’t seen a few of the picks, which is funny because he reviews horror DVDs!
  • Our top 2 and top 1’s are both surprising and maybe a little predictable but all good stuff.
  • And much, much more!

We had such a great time with this podcast, it was a real pleasure to have Bede and Pat back on the show and to chat to AJ despite his technical issues (He kept cutting out and dropping out but thanks to clever editing you wont notice). You can follow Bede on twitter @BedeJermyn, you can follow Pat on twitter @pattorfe, and you can follow AJ on twitter @MadMovieMan all fantastic guys! Of course you can follow me on twitter @SuperMarcey and you can send me feedback, suggestions ect to my email at marceyness@gmail.com

Listen Now:


icon for podbean [ 149:56m]: | Download |


My Top 10 Films of 2009

Might as well just state my Top 10 for 2009 and keep in mind there are still quite a few films I haven't seen yet which are making the top lists for people (eg: UP, Up In The Air, Hurt Locker), so this is based on the films I have seen and the ones which I consider t0 be excellent films, enjoyable films, what I loved in 2009. Agree or disagree, it is my opinion folks.

10. Zombieland


9. The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus


8. Where The Wild Things Are


7. Drag Me To Hell


6. Avatar


5. Star Trek


4. District 9


3. Watchmen


2. Inglourious Basterds


1. Moon

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Perfect Casting, Perfect Performance #2

Perfect Casting, Perfect Performance #2

Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in Aliens



With my first Perfect Casting piece I chose Christopher Reeve as Superman in the Superman films, but for my second piece whilst Sigourney has played Ripley the same amount of times that Reeve played Superman I have decided to single out one film from the series. Why you might ask? Well read on ....

We first meet the character of Ripley in Alien, she is one of the crew of the Nostromo who come across a nasty surprise and Ripley ends up being the sole survivor (with Jonesy of course), which leads us to Aliens, the sequel. Aliens is hailed as one of the best sequels ever made, some people prefer it over the original. They are both completely different films, and in my opinion both perfect films. The tone and mood for the films are so different, but we still have Ripley. Ripley was developed in Alien as a character, but it is in Aliens she is really fleshed out a lot more and Sigourney really shines through.



There is a reason this is the role she is most remembered for and associated with, this is a role she was meant to play, no one else would have worked. This is a role she made her own, and the performance she gives in Aliens as Ripley is quite simply perfect. She was actually nominated for an Oscar for this performance and rightfully so too. James Cameron is known for his strong female characters, and made Ripley a real leader, but not only that he tapped into her natural nurturing instincts which is a main point of the film with the relationship she forms with Newt. It does not stop her from being the tough woman she is, she is a survivor and Sigourney with her performance makes you believe every little bit of it. You really feel for her and you really believe she can kick the aliens sorry asses too.



While I think Signourney was fantastic in Alien, she is the real star in Aliens and I do believe she gives quite possibly her best performance in this film. She was great in Alien 3, no doubt and also one of the good points with Alien: Ressurection although her character is a lot different. This is the crowning jewel performance of Ripley and truly one of cinema's greatest. There are times when films just do not have a great strong female character and Ripley is top of the list with those. Without Sigourney I don't think we would have had such a great character or such a memorable one. Without that, there wouldn't have been such a demand for keeping that character alive and going in the next two films. I truly believe this was perfect casting and a perfect performance and one of the reasons why this wonderful actress is top of the list of my favourites.

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #124

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #124

The Goonies

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Doom Generation



4/5


This was a really trippy film, there is no other way to describe it. I am going to struggle to give this any kind if explanation actually. The tag line is a heterosexual film by Gregg Araki, maybe meaning there was only hetero sex in it but there was a lot of homosexual undertones in this film.

Basically, what is it about? A couple Jordan (James Duval) and Amy (Rose McGowan) have a crazy night after they meet up with drifter Xavier (Jonathan Schaech). They basically develop this three way relationship which of course if going to blow up, they get into trouble, and meet the strangest cast of characters and basically mayhem is all over the place.

This film is basically one big drug trip, and the message is clear really, this generation is doomed, hence the title. Gregg Araki has a great visual style, the use of colors is amazing and I really loved that. His use of big signs in the background which relate to the scene was also a really good touch, I liked that as well. A lot of little things were great, little lines of dialogue, which is extremely quotable as well and the use of $6.66 was also a nice touch.

Peformance wise it was really good, Rose McGowan hit all the right notes and she was perfectly suited for the character and she looked phenomenal, her body in this is to die for. She does get all the best lines and her delivery is mostly spot on. James Duval does the air head role perfectly, he looked the part and he played it just right. I liked him, but there were times I did want to just smack him upside the head. Jonathan Schaech played the overly sexual stranger, well really dirty! He was kind of hot and gross at the same time and the chemistry he shared with both Rose and James was fantastic, you can feel the heat burn up between the three.

I can see why people hate this film, people probably write it off as a nothing film but I got something out of it and I enjoyed it.

Awful Film Poster Of The Week #16

Awful Film Poster Of The Week #16

Baby Geniuses



Does this even need an explanation? AWFUL! I want to be sick looking at it and that poor kid, urgh!

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #123

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #123

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #122

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #122

Batman Begins

Friday, December 18, 2009

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #121

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #121

The Prince Of Darkness

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Soloist

3/5

This is the true story (the film was based on the book by Steve Lopez) of Steve Lopez who is a reporter who one day comes across a homeless man Nathaniel Ayres who is playing the violin. Steve can tell that Nathaniel has great musical talent and he decides to make him his new story for the paper. Of course word gets out about it, and Steve tries to help Nathaniel and a friendship forms between the two.

Okay so yes this is based on a true story, taken from the articles and book that the real Steve Lopez wrote, now I haven't read them and I am not sure how much is fact or fiction. But this pretty much does follow the formula of these types of films and I am not sure it really brought anything new to the table. The actual story itself is a really good and interesting one, and the characters presented are interesting as well. I felt Nathaniel was interesting, I wanted to know how he became homeless, did he know he was mentally ill? We do get a series of flashbacks but I actually wanted more, I wanted to see more of his early life.

The style of the film I actually don't think really suited the story it was telling. It was a little bit confusing at times, and with the actual story in relation to Steve Lopez and his boss Mary, we are left to assume we know their relationship. But it isn't explained at all and we just assume she is his ex wife with a complicated relationship. The pacing of the film was a little bit off at times as well, and it certainly could have had some cuts to make it sharper.

The films high points, I would start off with the music, it is actually just so beautiful and a real treat to listen to. When Nathaniel plays the Cello in this one scene I just thought it was done so affectively with the images, it came off so well. Jamie Foxx who plays Nathaniel (and he likes bio pics apparently) was really good in this role. He actually really disappeared into the character and the make up used was excellent. You couldn't really tell it was Jamie Foxx at times, and he did well playing a young Nathaniel as well. Jamie Foxx is quite the talented actor, and this in my opinion really suited him. This role was more of a challenge and I am really glad he was picked for this. Robert Downey Jr could have played this role in his sleep, I am not saying he wasn't good, he was great and he was a good choice. I just don't think his role as Steve was all that challenging for him. He did come off well and they both had good chemistry together and some of their scenes are rather touching. Catherine Keener is always good, and she was fine here as well.

This isn't a film for everyone, it does try to send a message about the homeless situation in Los Angeles and I think it does come off well, and it does make you hope that things are getting done there. For a bio pic I thought it was good, I just really think the style didn't suit the story it was telling. The music aspect I thought was great and if you do like that kind of thing I do think you will get something out of it. Of course if you are a fan of the actors it is worth checking out for them, especially Jamie Foxx in a role which is a bit different from what he does. This should have been better but it is still a good film if maybe a little bit average.

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #120

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #120

Bubba Ho-Tep

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Super Podcast Ep 16 - The Films Of 1999 w/Steven

Super Podcast Ep 16 - The Films Of 1999 w/Steven

Welcome back to another installment of Super Podcast! With 2009 almost at an end, I decided it was the perfect time to take a look back 10 years ago to the year that was 1999 and what an iconic year it was for film. My very first podcasting guest Steven (aka Big Bada Boomba) from Empire Australia forums joins me as we delve into the films from 1999.

Highlights include:

  • We discuss some influential films of 1999, including the award winners
  • We touch on films we hated from that year
  • Steven’s all time favourite film was from 1999 and we touch on that
  • I mention which film really defined 1999 for me
  • There were a lot of teen related films out in 1999 which we discuss
  • We go over the Top 10 highest grossing films of 1999
  • And much much more!

It was fantastic to have Steven back on the show, and it was a blast to chat about the films of 1999, and just how many iconic films really did come out that year. You can catch Steven at the Empire Australia forums or you can follow him on twitter @CokedUpBabyBoy and check out his Blog - Anomaly. If you have any suggestions, feedback or comments you can always shoot me an email at marceyness@gmail.com

Listen Now:


icon for podbean Standard Podcasts [ 85:04m]: | Download |


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Exorcism Of Emily Rose



3.5/5

The film tells the story of a young college woman Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter) who believes she has become possessed by demons. During the course of an exorcism she passes away and the blame is placed on the Priest (Tom Wilkinson) who was left with her care. He is charged with negligent homicide and lawyer Erin Bruner (Laura Linney) has to defend him. We find out the story during the court proceeding which takes place.

I had wanted to see this since it first came out and for some reason I never got around to it, until tonight. I do like these types of films with The Exorcist and Stigmata being personal favourites of mine, so yeah naturally this one seemed like it would be right up my alley.

For the most part I actually really liked the film, part court room drama, part horror, part religious debate, it mixed all these elements rather well I thought. If anything I think one of the only major issues I had with the film was it pushed the religious side a bit too much instead of giving us an unbiased film and probably 20mins could have been cut from it.

Performance wise, I felt everyone was rather strong. It was a bit strange seeing Tom Wilkinson portray a priest but I thought he was great casting and he worked rather well. Laura Linney makes for a good lawyer and I enjoyed her for the most part, this was a case of safe casting I felt. Jennifer Carpenter who I actually haven't seen in anything other than Dexter was actually quite affective as Emily Rose. Her 'possession' scenes were actually rather creepy and she made it work, and boy can this girl let off a good scream! I was impressed, she was really good. The other cast were also quite good, and played off each other well especially in the court room scenes.

Now the imdb plot synopsis claims this was based on a true story, as it does at the end. But this was actually based on the case of Annelise Michael from I believe the 70's, and if you read that story it is quite sad one and I thought they made a pretty good film based on that case. Something like this will no doubt give people reason to debate over whether possession is real or if she did suffer mental illnesses or epilepsy. Whilst I would have preferred the film take a more unbiased approach I did think it was a good one.

Where The Wild Things Are



4/5

The children's book of the same name by Maurice Sendak is a strange one to actually make into a film. But Spike Jonze has done it, and I for one really liked it. I read the book quite often in Primary School and unfortunately I have not read it since then so it is not really all that clear in my mind. All I remember is the bedroom transforming into the forest and the wild things appear.

The film itself follows the story of young Max (Max Records), who seems to be a bit of a shy child, who gets no attention from his sister (Pepita Emmerichs) which is desperately craves. He has a wild imagination, making an igloo in the yard which ends up getting destroyed by the neighbourhood kids which upsets Max even more so that his sister didn't help him. Max's mother (Catherine Keener) is a busy one but she makes the time for Max. Max seems to be having difficulty dealing with getting older, and seems to lash out. The night where his mother doesn't show him as much attention as he'd like because she has a friend over, he cracks a tantrum and runs off.

This leads to Max entering his imagination in the world of The Wild Things. Much like how things were at home when he ran out, there seems to be a bit of a tantrum going on with The Wild Things, as he stumbles upon one of them destroying the houses they live in. We then meet The Wild Things, Carol (voiced by James Gandolfini) who like Max is having a hard time and destroying the houses as he is angry over KW (voiced by Lauren Ambrose) for leaving them. The other Wild Things Alexander (voiced by Paul Dano), Judith (voiced by Catherine O'Hara), Ira (voiced by Forest Whitaker), Douglas (voiced by Chris Cooper) and The Bull (voiced by Michael Berry Jr.) aren't too impressed with Carol's actions, but Max tries to unite them all. He tells them he is a King, so they make him their King instead of eating them and that is where the adventure begins.

I have to say firstly while the marketing at this seemed to be aimed at kids, it isn't really a kids film. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone younger then 12, I just don't think they will get it and it does end up being rather complex as well. This is more of a film for adults (young and old alike), and I think the pacing of the film as well might bore the young ones. With that said, that was my only real gripe with the film, was the pacing. Sometimes it worked, other times it didn't and it just moved a little bit too slow with some scenes. Other then that I really enjoyed this film and I did get a lot out of it.

There are clear paralells with The Wild Things and Max himself and his life. Carol is like Max, he reflects who Max is and who he wants to stay. Max does not want to grow up, and I do feel his character was having a hard time adjusting to that. KW is the sister he does not have and really wants, their relationship is a key part of the story and strong part of the film. At times it was so touching, and Lauren Ambrose did such a great voice job. I do miss her. While the other Wild Things aren't as developed, you can see parts of Max and his family in them as well. Different parts of his personality, parts of his life, and this is something a younger audience I don't think will pick up on.

As the story progresses things do not go according to plan for Max, and Carol becomes even more difficult to deal with (like Max was with his family), and the conflict that happens is important as Max learns a few life lessons there. There are some sad things in this film and some up lifting things as well, just like life it isn't all peaches and cream.

One very successful element of this film is the Wild Things themselves, they look simply fantastic. You can't tell if they are actually real or not, and the way they interact with their environment and with Max is stunning. I was so impressed with the over all look of the film, the use (and lack of) colour really worked. The voice jobs done by the actors were so fantastic, everyone seemed to fit so well, and they really had some great personalities present. For the small role she had Catherine Keener was great as the mother, and she had great chemistry with Max. And of course Max himself, he was great, he hit all the right notes and showed all the right emotions. He worked well for the most part and I think they found the right kid for the role. Hopefully he gets more roles, he has some talent there and it'd be a shame to see it go to waste.

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #119

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #119

Candyman

Dexter Season 4



Okay I was really having a think about whether or not I wanted to blog about this because I don't want to give any spoilers for anyone who isn't up to date. So I will try my best to not reveal anything.

I really wanted to briefly write about this currently season because it was simply phenomenal, and in my opinion one of the best shows currently on TV (There are shows I haven't gotten around to watching so obviously there are those who will disagree), but this Season really took the show to a whole new level.

The performances were really top notch this season, Michael C. Hall is without a doubt an excellent actor and this role is tailor made for me (Perfect Casting, Perfect Performance) and he delivers the goods and then some this Season. Jennifer Carpenter has really blown me away this Season, she has really lifted her game and she was fantastic. She has come a long way since the first Season, really proud of her. The stand out comes in the form of John Lithgow as Trinity, this Seasons villain. Now I am used to seeing Lithgow in a comedic role with 3rd Rock From The Sun, I had forgotten just how fantastic he can be as the bad guy (Cliffhanger, Ricochet). He was the perfect choice to play against Dexter and it worked on so many levels.

The story arc's for this Season were really great and interesting and every episode flowed so well. Dexter has grown so much as a character and it really showed this Season. I have no idea if they can out do this Season, but it was easily the best since the first Season, maybe even better.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Awful Film Poster Of The Week #15

Awful Film Poster Of The Week #15

Sex and the City 2


This came out last week and I nearly vomited when I saw this complete mess! What is actually supposed to make me want to see this film come next year? Not this turd of a poster! It is terrible, Sarah Jessica Parker looks like wax, is she that far gone that they had to photoshop her to hell and back? The expression on her face is like ... AHHH. Urgh this is such a complete mess, terrible poster! I'd boycott the film because of how terrible this poster is. Now I am a SATC fan, I loved the series, I didn't mind the first film but urgh a simple poster can really be a turn off and this certainly is!

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #118

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #118

Alien

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #117

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #117

The Matrix

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Moon



5/5

The directorial debut from Duncan Jones, starring Sam Rockwell is easily my top film of 2009. This film blew me away, now I expected to really like this film but I didn't expect it to be this fantastic. So what is it you might ask that is so fantastic about this film that I would name it my top film of 2009? Well folks ... everything!

So what is Moon about? Well it is called Moon, so it has something to do with the Moon right? Yes, yes it does. The film takes place on a station on the Moon, Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) has a three year contract stationed there, he is alone. His only company is with a computer known as GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey), as well as receiving messages from Earth. He is isolated, he feels that isolation as he counts down the three weeks left to his three years contract being up and he can go home. Sam gets into an accident, and that is where things start to get strange.

Best you do not know anymore about the plot, so I will leave it at that. I did not know much about the actual plot going in, I only knew what I had seen from the trailer and the spoiler free reviews that I had read. It felt so good to go into this film not knowing what to expect, how things would unfold. It is important to know this is a low budget, indie, sci-fi film that is layered and complex. It wont be a film for everyone, but this really had my name written all over it. I love a good sci-fi film, I love Sam Rockwell and I love to show my support to indie films. Duncan Jones (David Bowie's son) I've heard and seen interviews with him and I have so much respect and admiration for this man. He has even responded to me on Twitter, now that is cool folks! He has come up with such a great story, and the direction in this film certainly does not feel like a debut effort. The talent he shows here, it feels like he is a great veteran. I thought he was nothing short of amazing, and I can't say enough good things about the work he has done.

On the acting side, this is a one man show with Sam Rockwell. I recently started a new column here on Super Blog called Perfect Casting, Perfect Performance and in a future column this is going to feature on it. I honestly do not think another actor could have done what Sam Rockwell has done with this role. He was the perfect choice for this role, I really believe Sam was meant to play this role. There is nothing short of amazing with what he does, he becomes Sam Bell, and he played all the right notes. (Minor Possible Spoiler Ahead) The scenes where he has to act opposite himself, you would think it was two different people doing the work. I really don't think I've seen that work so well as I have here. (End Spoiler) His interactions with GERTY are just fantastic, and I am not sure how it was shot, whether Spacey was there or a recording was played or someone else did the voice whilst shooting but it works so well. Sam Rockwell is such a talented actor, and it is a shame he isn't a bigger star. This man really should be in top consideration this awards season, he deserves it more then anyone else.

This film really is one of the most unique experiences I have had for many years (Along with District 9), and in a time where we get remake after remake it is so refreshing to get something so original, so thought provoking and so stunning to look at. Like with District 9, the budget was small but it looked so damn impressive you wouldn't guess it was low budget. I really wish we would get more films like this, and it is a shame that it gets a limited release, films like this should be seen!

Thank you Duncan Jones and thank you Sam Rockwell!

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #116

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #116

Mad Max

Selling on eBay

Yeah shameless plug hehe

Dan and I are selling DVD's on eBay as well as his XBox 360 which has three red rings, its good for anyone who wants to repair it, we just don't have the time atm.

So if you're interested in anything, check out my store.

http://shop.ebay.com.au/marcey13/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #115

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #115

The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane

AVP Game Refused Classification

Here is the news article from News.com.au

Aliens vs Predator game banned, will not be 'sanitised' for Australia

By Chloe Lake, Technology Editor From: news.com.au December 07, 2009 5:34pm

  • Popular game banned for violence
  • Developer refuses to edit the game
  • Says it's made for adults, not children
  • Australia has no adult rating for games
  • A POPULAR sci-fi horror game has been banned in Australia - and the developer refuses to "sanitise" it for a local release.

Aliens vs Predator, a video game based on the popular movie series, has been refused classification for containing high-impact violence, according to the Classifications Board.

"We will not be releasing a sanitised or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices," the game's maker, Rebellion Developments, told gaming blog CVG.

Unlike other developed nations, Australia does not have an adult rating for games, which means that anything stronger than an MA15+ rating has to be refused classification.

Aliens vs Predator was banned for showing close-ups of human characters experiencing "explicit decapitation and dismemberment" as well as "stabbing through the chest, throat, mouth or eyes," according to a copy of the Board's report published on GameArena.com.au.

"Characters can be stabbed with a Predator's wrist blade or an Alien's tail in depictions reminiscent of impalement," the report says, adding that players can combine explicit violent moves, such as decapitation or eye-gouging.

Similar actions are depicted in the movie series that inspired the game, with none of the films rated above MA15+.

Previous Alien vs Predator games – released by other developers and publishers – have been rated M and MA15+.

Rebellion Developments said it was "disappointed" by the ban, but remained defiant.
"The authorities had no choice (...) we agree strongly that our game is not suitable for game players who are not adults," the company said.

"The content of AvP is based on some of the most innovative and iconic horror movies, and as such we wanted to create a title that was true to the source."

"It is for adults, and it is bloody and frightening, that was our intent."

Previously banned games, such as Fallout 3 and Left 4 Dead 2, have been edited for local release.

Last month's release of zombie game Left 4 Dead 2 was so hastily edited that IGN game reviewers described it as "the worst censorship result in Australia's history" that was "not worth the plastic the disc is printed on."

Australia's classification laws cannot be changed without the support of every state and territory attorney-general.

South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson remains outspoken about his opposition to R-rated games.

He recently acknowledged the lack of an R18+ rating "restricts adult liberty to a small degree", but said it was worth it to protect children from violent games.

Sega, the publisher of Aliens vs Predator, said it "will continue to investigate all options available to us, including the possibility of appeal".


This kind of stuff pisses me off to no end, this country can be so backwards! The rating system is a joke, why is there not an R rating for games I will never know. Censorship in this country continues to piss me off, and pissed me off badly! I honestly got so angry many years ago I wrote and spoke to people who were very vocal in wanting to get certain films banned, and they had a hard time actually being able to justify as to why. I wish I still had their responses because I laughed so hard with what they had to say (Yes some were politicians).

Unbelievable that that Classification Board has already banned six games this year! For more details on how utterly ridiculous this country is with censor ship, check out this website. You should see which films have been banned, were banned, what is edited (same with games). It really is such a joke...
http://www.refused-classification.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Melbourne Armageddon Expo Robot Chicken Panel 18th Oct 2009

Melbourne Armageddon Expo Robot Chicken Panel 18th Oct 2009

I managed to record as much as possible from the 2nd Robot Chicken Panel with Seth Green, Matthew Senreich & Tom Root from the Melbourne Armageddon Expo, the questions asked were weird and the responses were weird, it was fantastic!

Just excuse the people being in the way, I had good seats but people weren't being overly considerate with staying low so everyone could see.












Awful Film Poster Of The Week #15

Awful Film Poster Of The Week #15

One Missed Call


This comes as a suggestion from my friend Ching. Now I haven't seen this remake, nor do I want to, why? Just look at the terrible poster! How in the world is that supposed to make anyone want to watch it? The title is One Missed Call, well the person isn't missing a call and their eyes are mouths, what the heck is that supposed to represent? It looks so stupid and silly, and it makes the film look bad (apparently it really is too), and well for me this is vomit inducing!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #115

Awesome Film Poster Of The Day #115

Chinatown

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Perfect Casting, Perfect Performance #1

This is a new feature to Super Blog, I thought I would go through what I consider to be examples of Perfect Casting & Perfect Performances in film and TV. I used that term often when reviewing a film, perfect casting. There are times when someone is just so suited to the role, you just know that no one else would ever work. What I want to go through is the roles I really consider to be the best of the best. Now this is of course open to debate, but this is my opinion, no one elses. I know that people will agree and disagree and I encourage all feedback. So now on to the very first Perfect Casting, Perfect Performance column.


Perfect Casting, Perfect Performance #1

Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent in the Superman Film series



I have chose Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent from the Superman films because I truly feel as far as the perfect casting goes, this defines it! No one else has played the role of Superman and Clark Kent quite like Reeve, and I honestly do not think anyone will. Playing the double role of Superman and Clark Kent is not an easy task, they might be the same person but deep down they are oh so very different. Kal-El from Krypton is the superhero known as Superman but he has to protect his identity and live normally as reporter Clark Kent from the small town of Smallville. While Superman is this amazing unstoppable force full of confidence saving the world, Clark Kent is clumsy and bumbling, especially when around one Lois Lane. They are both so different, and Christopher Reeve played them both to perfection, you could actually believe they were two different people despite the fact they look exactly alike aside from those glasses.

In comparison to Brandon Routh for example who played the roles in Superman Returns, he made for a good Clark Kent, that he was suited to, but when it came to Superman he failed to deliver fully. Christopher had the confidence, and the power, everything he did from the way he spoke to the way he moved was so true to the character of Superman. While I think Brandon tried, he didn't quite pull it off. Just watch as Superman talks with Lois at her apartment, the way he talks to her, the way he moves. Then watch the scenes where he is Clark Kent around Lois, he is hunched over and shy, lacking that confidence, you wouldn't guess they are the same person. A reason why I think we can believe no one picked up that they were the same person. Brandon I think pulled off all the Clark quirks pretty well, but still Christopher did it better and Brandon had big shoes to fill.



Superman the movie is one of my all time favourite films and Superman is one of my all time favourite characters. Christopher really brought this character alive, and with everything you could believe a man can fly. The film itself is just so stunning and beautiful and really true to everything that Superman is about. I feel Christopher really understood this and was in touch with Superman and Clark Kent. The way he could change between the two characters is just such a delight to see. I have no issue with saying this truly is perfect casting and this is a perfect performance. In Superman the movie and Superman II, he really does just take my breath away and I am always in awe of his performance no matter how many times I watch it. When someone can do that to me, you know they have done something superb.

I truly believe this is one of cinemas greatest performances, say what you will but Christopher was Superman, and in more ways then one. He was a great man, and his tragedy and how he lived on after that I think proved he really was Superman. He did not give up on life, and he managed to live many years after his accident. I see him as a true hero, and may he rest in peace. With all the roles he played, none was stopped by this role and no one else has been able to replace him. I truly believe that Superman and Clark Kent is a role that is difficult to play, especially if it is written well and true to what Superman is all about. Christopher did what no one else has been able to do, they have come close but no one has been able to stop what he did, and I thank him for his amazing performance as Superman and Clark Kent.




Pictures from CapedWonder.com