Paranormal Activity 3

Directed by: Henry Joost , Ariel Schulman

Genre: Horror, Mystery & Suspense

Runtime: 84 Minutes

Hard as it is to believe this is the best of the series, now a horror trilogy! This is definitely an improvement from the previous film throwing in more suspense, more thrills and many more scares.  Although using the same formula of the series, I guarantee that your audience will be lively if there are many in it and will enhance the experience of the film. Perhaps here, third time is the charm as we dive in to a low-budget mokumentary prequel that has a lot of the film’s title going on.

Read full
http://filmmasterjournal.blogspot.com/2011/10/paranormal-activity-3-horror-marathon.html

Entre Nos 4/4

There have not been many films out there that actually try to capture the struggles of illegal immigrants in the USA. Good thing that netflix exists because I found an incredible drama that perfectly portrays it called Entre Nos (Between us).

Horrible Bosses

It's been a month since I've seen a movie at the theatre, but after finishing my exams and given that there's nothing out this week had me interested (I live in Australia and the movie Drive is out on October 22nd) so I went to see this movie for the sakes of laughing throughout its core... and I did.

He sounds like Seth Rogen, talks like Seth Rogen, and cracks jokes like Seth Rogen.....

Paul was an interesting comedy from the team of Superbad and I expected something a little much better but there are some good things to find in Paul.

Quick Rentals - The Big Lebowski, City of God, American History X

The Big Lebowski (1998) 

I've seen Jesus so many times, but I didn't know he smelt like pot

Having a cast reunion of a certain movie is rare because often two or more actors from the same movie will be in another movie twice, three times or more. But recently the cast of The Big Lebowski did that and it urged me to see that movie given that it was a celebrity favourite (Seth Rogen had shared his admiration for this movie in an interview) and a cult favourite.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

    **** out of ****

     “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” is a classic tale of violence, greed, and deception; told through the eyes of director-co-writer Sergio Leone and through the performances of Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach. What a spectacular film it is. It wasn’t well-received, particularly at its time, but it has since gone on to be regarded as a classic. Now, thanks to the film, Spaghetti Westerns are respected yet again; and that is how things shall stay for some time now. But as far as those films go, I’d have to say that this is the best I’ve seen. It’s a grand, sweeping epic built around spectacle, characters, story; all the key ingredients you need for a movie as long, visually stunning, and historically important as this one.

 Full review here.

M (1931) Review

Directed by: Fritz Lang

Genre: Art House, Mystery & Suspense

Runtime: 110 Minutes

The thing that makes “M” so great is the official film noir quality it has and its thrilling plot. “Fritz Lang” was one of Germany’s best directors and was an immensely important one too. “M” is certainly one of his best as is “Metropolis”. Featuring a young Peter Lorre, who was surprisingly distinguished in his role in the film, the story is drenched in great suspense. This is one of Lang’s final films made in Germany as he emigrated in 1933 (I assume because of the Nazis) and “M” remains one of his most important films. This is one of Lang’s greatest works and is everything you could ask for in film noir.

http://filmmasterjournal.blogspot.com/2011/08/m-1931.html

COWBOYS & ALIENS (2011)

Director: Jon Favreau

Running time: 118 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller

UK Release date: 17^th August 2011

Watched at the cinema Saturday 20^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I must admit I was intrigued by this one when I first heard about it almost a year ago. In recent weeks I have seen the trailer several times and this has only intensified my interest. Despite a few poor reviews from across the pond I was still determined to make my own mind up (as I do with most things) and so when it came up at my local cinema I was there. While it’s neither the greatest Western ever made, nor the greatest Sci-Fi film ever made, I still found it very entertaining, exciting and just about everything you’d want to fill a damp Saturday afternoon. I will give you my thoughts after this brief summary.

Full Review Here

Film Review: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST (1975)

Director: Milos Forman

Running time: 133 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): 18

Genre: Drama

USA Release date: 19^th November 1975

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 20^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Based on a novel by Ken Kesey, and later a play by Dale Wasserman, this film won 5 Oscars including; Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. So it looks like it’s a ‘must see’, which, to a large extent, it is. I did find, though, that as a translation of a novel/stage play to the big screen it did suffer from being just a little too, well, theatrical (for want of a better word). I don’t want to detract from some truly excellent performances, but, as a whole, I did come away very slightly disappointed. As usual, my thoughts after this brief summary.

Full Review Here

OFFICE SPACE (1999)

Writer/Director: Mike Judge

Running time: 89 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): 15

Genre: Comedy/Crime

UK Release date: 19^th April 1999

Watched on Sky+ Friday 19^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This film came up in a conversation about Jennifer Aniston, and a claim that she never made a good comedy. Well, this one was recommended to me and, I can concede that, by today’s standards, this is a good comedy. However, Jennifer Aniston does not play one of the leading roles in it. Her performance is good, but I’ll argue that she isn’t the star… although her name does come up second in the cast list. But I digress, it’s a film about office life, and how one individual, with the help of his friends, deals with it. Here’s a brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

Full Review Here

Love the 80’s and maybe that’s why I took it easy on the film.

Take Me Home Tonight is a collection of 80’s clichés and that is one my personnel guilty pleasures. Love the 80’s and maybe that’s why I took it easy on the film.

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP (2010)

Director: Banksy

Running time: 87 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): 15

Genre: Documentary

UK Release date: 5^th March 2010

Watched on Sky+ Monday 15^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This film by street artist Banksy tells the story of Thierry Guetta. As a young man Thierry would film anything, it was an obsession with him. He is a Frenchman who lives in L.A. and one day, on a visit to France, his cousin is making some street art. This fascinates Thierry and he begins to follow all kinds of street artists around L.A., Paris, anywhere he can find them, cataloguing their work and even helping out from time to time. And as he gets more and more into it, he becomes aware of an artist called Banksy, but Banksy is very elusive. Eventually they meet and Banksy lets Thierry film him at work, something those close to him are not too happy about. He is supposed to be making a documentary about street art, but, if the truth be known, he’s just filming… There is more to tell, but I don’t want to give too much away here.

Full Review Here

There is no reason to make nasty sex gags to make people laugh.

Hall Pass is the new directorial effort from The Farrelly Brothers, the same directors who brought us There’s Something About Mary. Hall Pass doesn’t really match up with that better film.

Sadly it just follows the same route towards mediocre PG-13 horror films.

The Rite tries to bring up the topic of exorcism is it real or just a hoax. The film tries to show that and at the same time talk about the faith of a man. Sadly it just follows the same route towards mediocre PG-13 horror films.

Top 10 Movies of the Year - 1992

1992 - Part 3 of the best 21-part list series you'll ever find. Money back guaranteed. (Proof of purchase required)

#10 - The Crying Game

Directed by: Neil Jordan

Though the second half doesn't quite live up to the promise laid in place by the first half, The Crying Game is still a one-of-a-kind drama with some great moments, and a shocking twist.

Atonement (2007)

Let yourself be sucked in by this storytelling achievement, even if it does break your heart because it sure did break mine. Love stories don't come this deep or engrossing, what this is here is something to treasure. A perfectly cast film that brings three characters to the screen that will live on forever. With a true passion for the material Joe Wright brings Ian McEwan's timeless novel to the big-screen, and now even people too lazy to read will be able to experience this journey through time, war, and love.

Full Review Here

Hobo with a Shotgun (2011)

If you have an open mind Hobo with a Shotgun can be an interesting experience, some unique people may even find its no-holds-barred attack on taste and society entertaining. Jason Eisener does a brilliant job at creating the authentic cheap-looking feel to this film, with Rutger Hauer's leading performance being more deep than this film would ever want to be. Ultimately it is the extreme violence that makes these types of films such common destinations for cult followings. There are multiple times that its distastefulness gets the upper hand, but violence that is some outgoing and knows how to have fun with itself is just so addicting. Daring, remorseless filmmaking that turns into, slightly organized, chaos.

Full Review Here

Lord Naseby's review of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (with deepest apologies to Edgar Allen Poe)

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious movie of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my dorm room door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my dorm room door -
Only this, and nothing more.'

THE LIVES OF OTHERS [DAS LEBEN DER ANDEREN] (2006)

Writer/Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

Running time: 137 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): 15

Genre: Drama/Thriller

UK Release date: 13^th April 2007

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 14^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I remember when this came out it got quite a lot of critical acclaim. Of course it never made it to a cinema near me and so when it came up in the TV listings it became a ‘must see’ for me. I’m really glad I saw it, it’s somewhat different to what I was expecting (in a good way). I know there are a few out there that are afraid of subtitles, so I should tell you that yes, it’s in German with subtitles. For me, this isn’t a problem, but with a long film (as this is), I find I sometimes have to take a break to rest the brain for a few minutes. I found it to be a really engaging drama that has some truly powerful scenes and some great performances. Here’s a brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

Full Review Here

End of the Week Quickie Reviews 1#

This is something new I thought I'd do for films I have watched in the week, but have not written a full review. Seeing I watch a lot of films, I feel writing two reviews a day is crazy and I want to stay more unique with them. Therefore, to avoid commenting on the same things each time, and not to spend hours reviewing everyday, I will post this every Sunday with short reviews for films.

http://filmmasterjournal.blogspot.com/2011/08/end-of-week-quickie-reviews-1.html

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2011)

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Running time: 105 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Action/Drama/Sci-Fi

UK Release date: 11^th August 2011

Watched at the cinema Saturday 13^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This must be some kind of record… It’s the third week in a row that my local cinema is showing something I want to see! It is a very rare thing, and something that should be savoured… long may it continue. But I digress, we’re here to talk about Apes. It is seldom these days that I find myself so totally engrossed in a film that time doesn’t matter. This was one of those very rare occasions. I got so involved in the story that people going in and out of the theatre (as they do) didn’t even bother me. I loved every minute of it and have no problem in recommending it to everyone. Here’s a brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

Full Review Here

Film Review: SIDEWAYS (2004)

Co-Writer/Director: Alexander Payne

Running time: 126 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): 15

Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance

UK Release date: 28^th January 2005

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 13^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

As this is the 150^th film I’ve seen this year I wanted to watch a film I enjoyed first time around, and what better, I thought, than the 2004 wine comedy ‘Sideways’. Well, it happened to have it on the Sky+ hard drive and it was due a watching anyway. I did enjoy this film quite a lot first time around, probably because I could identify with one of the characters. This time, maybe a little less, but I still found it a pretty enjoyable watch. Here’s a brief summary before I give you my thoughts on the matter.

A lot of it doesn’t really make any kind of sense

When the news of Sucker Punch started coming out  and as well as the trailer. I was very excited it looked really cool and I was excited about Zack Synder’s first original work. Sadly it’s a major misfire.

Film Review: HIGH NOON (1952)

Director: Fred Zinnemann

Running time: 90 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): U

Genre: Drama/Western

USA Release date: 30^th July 1952

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 13^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I have seen this film a couple of times before, in my youth. Both times I didn’t rate it much, if I was going to watch a Western, I wanted lots of gunfights and in this film there’s only one. Having matured slightly… (Ok, a lot), and on several recommendations, I decided to give it another go. In the intervening time I did see, and like, a remake of this called Outland (1981) starring Sean Connery. But back to the original, I must admit I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. Yes, it is dated, but it’s still a great piece of storytelling; it’s about a man prepared to do the right thing despite the odds stacked against him. I will give my thoughts after this brief summary.

100th Review! Psycho (1960)

Even after over 50 years “Psycho” is resonate as ever. It is a film that stays fresh in the mind long after viewing and that is how strong the impression of this film is. Master of suspense director Alfred Hitchcock co-ordinated every shot of the film with great finesse and often the film is considered his his best work. "Psycho" is revolutionary and will still be as satisfying an experience in years to come. So far from the five or so films, I have seen of his, this is certainly the most chilling, thrilling, suspenseful and satisfying so far. It is an amazing achievement for cinema because of how it changed horror forever.

http://filmmasterjournal.blogspot.com/2011/08/psycho-1960-100th-review.html#disqus_thread

The Darjeeling Limited

       **** out of ****

       I first watched Wes Anderson’s “The Darjeeling Limited” about two-to-three years ago. It was my first film in terms of the writer-director-auteur, and it wasn’t exactly a warm welcome to his wonderful world. I found it dry, sporadically funny and sometimes amusing, but nonetheless hollow at its core. It was lacking in both sincerity and depth for me. Then I saw “Rushmore”, “The Royal Tenenbaums”, “Bottle Rocket”, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”, and when it released, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”. Then I revisited “Darjeeling”. And I say that in a more literal sense than you may think.

     The full review.

Dawn of the Dead (1978)

    **** out of ****

Now THIS is the kind of movie that earned George Romero the title as the “King of the Zombies”, and I mean it. “Dawn of the Dead” is his masterpiece, among others. It arrives after “Night of the Living Dead” and continues from where that film left off. The dead walk the earth, as they should in every single zombie film in existence, but they do it in an odd, almost unique way here. Romero understands zombies, and he’s one of the only filmmakers out there able to use them as social satire. He re-invented this genre. And he created something much more here.

 

Full review here

Brick (2005)

For a debut feature Rian Johnson sure does create some fresh and special with Brick. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's powerful deep performance that is memorable and hypnotizing. A character with an outline so bold and over-used that is given characteristics so fascinating along with a corrupted innocence that drives this dark menacing film. Seeing characters that have been being used for decades is not the most appealing with a plot that battles to keep away from becoming distasteful and exploitive. Which it achieves at avoiding due to Rian Johnson's slick fantastic script, crisp, brilliantly paced storytelling, and visuals that would make any film noir aficionado feel obligated to praise.

http://adammoodymovieblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/brick-2005.html

Top 10 Movies of the Year - 1991

1991, part 2 of my 21-part list counting down my 10 favorite movies of each year since the year of my birth. I'll try to make it a light read.

#10 - City Slickers

Directed by: Ron Underwood

One of the funnier Billy Crystal comedies, City Slickers is a humorous mid-life crisis modern-time western with a fun cast and great writing.

My New Youtube Channel!

Hey everyone I thought I'd put up the link to my new youtube account, which I will soon be adding videos to in the future.

http://www.youtube.com/user/FilmMasterTom

One of the Best Movies of the Summer

Starring:
James Macavoy, Michael Fassbender, Jenifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon

Directed by Matthew Vaughn

I regret not seeing X Men First Class in the movies because it’s one of the best movies of the summer.

The film tells the story of Magneto who is played by Michael Fassbender and Xavier played by James Macavoy. It shows how their relationship started and eventually ends. It also shows how other characters begin as well that we see in the other X Men films.

Inception (2010) Review

Directed & Written by: Christopher Nolan

Produced by: Christopher Nolan

Genre: Drama, Action, Mystery & suspense

Runtime: 123 Minutes

What is this film like? It’s a mind bender, it’s an intense action film, it’s full of mind boggling entertainment, and many other great things that make good films great. "Inception" boasts character and huge story depth beyond anything of this decade. Starring major Hollywood hotshot Leonardo DiCaprio alongside Michael Caine, Tom Hardy, Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Inception has a terrific cast with characters that will sustain your interest from start to end. Inception is one of the most complex and mind-boggling films there is, If not, the most. That is what adds to its excellence. A film about dreams within dreams and all this talk of the sub-conscious mind makes this film unique and stands up with the best films of all time in my book. With director Christopher Nolan on board who is also the writer of this film, did in impeccable job. 

 Full Review here:

Film Review: SHREK FOREVER AFTER (2010)

Director: Mike Mitchell

Running time: 90 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): U

Genre: Animation/Comedy/Adventure

UK Release date: 2^nd July 2010

Watched on Sky+ Monday 8^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I must admit that I have a bit of a soft spot for the Shrek films. I don’t know what it is; I guess I just like the brand of humour in them and (for the most part) the likable characters. The third one (I felt) was a bit of a mess, but they appear to have got it nearer the mark for the final instalment… until they decide to make some more, that is. I will give you my thoughts after this brief summary… sponsored by ‘Pete’s Potions’, available at all major ‘Fairy Godmother’ outlets nationwide.

Film Review: TAKERS (2010)

Co-Writer/Director: John Luessenhop

Running time: 107 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): 12

Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller

UK Release date: 1^st October 20110

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 7^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I do like a good heist movie and was looking forward to this one when I noticed it in the TV listings. I knew little about it and so decided to watch it ‘blind’, as such, so I could see it unbiased by the opinions of others. It’s an interesting film that tries hard to keep the viewer’s attention with many plot twists and plenty of action. If anything, though, it ends up getting a little too complicated for its own good and there are a few too many plot twists to satisfy most. Not that it’s a bad film, it’s quite well made with some good performances… But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first.

Top 5 Dystopian Movies

dys·to·pi·a
[dis-toh-pee-uh]

-noun
a society characterized by human misery, as squalor, oppression, disease, and overcrowding.

#5 - A Clockwork Orange
Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

A sadistically brutal and often humorous satire on violence, A Clockwork Orange is one of the great movies of it's time. Set in London in the not-so-distant future, roving gangs of violent rapists and murderers run rampant -- a dystopia in it's most raw, human form.

Final Destination 3

    **1/2 out of ****
     

 With James Wong back in the director’s chair, “Final Destination 3” already has plenty of potential. I watched it and tried to enjoy myself, and I did. Wong is good at making movies like this. He knows how to stage death scenes and plot his movies in this franchise in an almost satirical, funny way. This installment is closer to what I liked about the first film than the first sequel, and it hits the spot, for what it is. Nothing can save it from its stupid, ludicrous plot and its shallow characters, but look at the bright side: at least you get to see them all die in genuinely creative ways.

              Probably the biggest down-side, aside from what I’ve already described, is that Tony Todd does not have a physical appearance in this film. He does, however, lend his vocals to a few cameo voice-roles. You’ll notice them off the bat if you know what Todd talks like; and how distinctive his awesome voice is. Oh yes: it is awesome. And you know it.

Read the full review here.

Blow Out

     **** out of ****

       “Blow Out” isn’t the most popular thriller in existence, and usually I’d have the ability to seek out the sources to why it’s so obscure and even forgotten, but alas, there are none. Besides…I don’t think it’s all that forgotten anymore. The film, written and directed by the exquisite Brian DePalma, was recently re-issued through the Criterion Collection; and they have never been so right about giving a first-rate thriller another chance at success. There is an audience for “Blow Out”. There always has been. Yet, I hear nobody talking about it, hardly anybody I know has seen it, but I want to change that as much as I can. Here we go.

         Plenty of people admire DePalma. His films are richly drenched in suspense, beautifully shot, and masterfully crafted. Aside from “Scarface”, I believe that this is one of the best DePalma films yet. That either means something to you or it doesn’t, and if it doesn’t, then you might as well forget about ever seeing this wonderful and skillfully-made thriller. And that, my friend, is too bad for you.

Full review here.

Fritz the Cat (1972) X-Rated Animated Film!

How did I find out about this film? Watching Channel 4’s Top 100 Greatest Cartoons and this was at number 56. It looked different wild, and challenging, and that’s what it was and more. It just about has something for everyone to be offended at but it has a unique charm to it. Impressively, it’s the first X-Rated animated film, so it obviously endorsed a new breed of films of this kind. Director and screenplay writer of the film Ralph Bakshi got quite some controversy over the creation of this film, and today the film is considered a piece of art. Art you could say yes, but pretty raunchy art.

  
Read Full Review here>>>

SUPER 8 (2011)

Writer/Director: J.J. Abrams

Running time: 112 mins (approx)

Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Mystery/Sci-Fi/Thriller

UK Release date: 5th August 2011

Watched at the cinema Saturday 6th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Jack L. film reviews: Irish Film Marathon: Part 7

Jack L. film reviews: Irish Film Marathon: Part 7: "The Secret Of Kells reveals yet another side to Irish Cinema, one rather different from the other films I've explored as part of this marath..."

Kill, Baby, Kill

    *** out of ****

        Mario Bava’s more well-known films work a certain charm for me, and I think I know why. Bava himself is one of the few horror directors who ever lived that could master nightmare surrealism as well as he does. While some believe that films such as Lucio Fulci’s “The Beyond” capture the nightmare perfectly, I’m going to have to go along, disagree, and give people like Mario Bava more credit.

  And he deserves it. Bava is a very good filmmaker. I last saw “Blood and Black Lace” when it comes to Bava films, and you know what; I loved it. That is what a great giallo thriller should be; gruesome, bloody, perhaps a bit perverse; but ultimately passionate in each of the three. Now, I’m reviewing “Kill, Baby, Kill”, which you probably haven’t heard of; but I have, I did, and I saw it. And I’m glad.

 Read the full review.

Take Me Home Tonight

 *1/2 out of ****

 I admit to being somewhat of a sucker for era-comedies that are sure to evoke nostalgia out of their target audience. I enjoyed 2010’s “Hot Tub Time Machine”, which is some sort of comedic homage to the 1980’s. I won’t say that the film was completely drenched in inspiration or admiration for the good ol’ 80’s, but it worked, and dare I say, it was funny. The film has become a major guilty pleasure for me, but then again, I do actually believe that it’s a well-cast and hilarious piece of work. “Take Me Home Tonight”, yet another 80’s-era-modern-comedy, attempts to do all the same things that “Hot Tub Time Machine”, but due to a lack of truly raunchy charm, it underachieves.

     I don’t mind raunchy comedies. Often times, the truly raunchy comedies are the work of true comedy geniuses who know how to write profane but clever dialogue. I suppose this movie would have been an enjoyable and thoroughly funny one if it had not only embraced the 80’s as its era, but also if it had been attached to a better writer and a better director. There’s absolutely no inspiration here. Those who grew up in the 80’s may be a little more sympathetic than I am as a critic, but real movie-goers who are serious about even their comedies will probably find little funny or clever about the movie, because in spite of what it’s TRYING to do, “Take Me Home Tonight” has almost nothing going for it.

 Read the full review here.

The First Preview of my Film book (Download!)

I have been working on a film guide book which will consist of summaries of great films I know and here is the first preview download version. it is a PDF file and the link (and more info) can be found on the link below.

http://filmmasterjournal.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-book-cine-guide-work-in-progress.html

Memories of Murder

      *** out of ****

       “Memories of Murder” is a beautifully directed, wonderfully acted murder-mystery thriller from Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-Ho. His previous film was “Barking Dogs Never Bite”, a witty satire; and the film that he followed up this one with was “The Host”. Now, I have always loved “The Host”; which is the best monster movie of the 2000’s, and perhaps my favorite of all-time; or at least one of them. I admire how Joon-Ho breathes new life in the form of satire and commentary into each of his films. Somehow, he manages to succeed in doing so yet again in this movie; which happens to be about something that most people wouldn’t even attempt to satirize: serial killers.

        This is, to my knowledge, the first serial killer-thriller that Bong Joon-Ho has directed. Yet, he still seems to know the basics; and he puts his own unique spin on the genre. He is a skilled filmmaker and he’s out to prove it. “Memories of Murder” works so well because it is not drenched in style, but it is very much interested in its characters and its narrative. Sometimes, of course, there are characters that feel a bit left out amongst others; but when you’ve got a movie this involving, you just don’t care all that much.

 

   Read the full review.

Nick and Tom's: 20 Most Memorable Movie Quotes

‎Here is a list we have formed of 20 memorable movie quotes. There in no order because that would be quite difficult.

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the war room!”- Dr Strangelove- President Muffley

Barney's Version

 *** out of ****

      There’s something that I like about Paul Giamatti when it comes to his actions and his speech. He’s almost an awkward man; but he’s good at being that guy. He’s played assholes before his character in “Barney’s Version”, but this one takes the cake. It’s a good movie with a couple good stars and one very great one; and I’m sure you can guess who that is. It makes the most out of the source material, which is a novel written by Mordecai Richler. I haven’t read the book for myself, but as they always say, it’s probably better than the movie; but at least it got a good adaptation.

           Read the rest of this review here.

Final Destination 2

       ** out of ****

       Oh, this is getting tiresome already. “Final Destination 2” is a mediocre, stylish, violent sequel to yet another stylish, violent, but all-around surprisingly good original. “Final Destination” had its idea and its cruel sense of humor to back it up when it got, perhaps intentionally, absurd; but the sequel has even less. It seems to have abandoned the concept of using the premise for comedy, and instead most of the laughter comes from the filmmakers and people behind it. It’s obvious that we’re supposed to laugh when everybody dies a grisly death, but I’m just not seeing it.

Read the rest here. 

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) FilmMaster

I unexpectedly ended up seeing this when I was with my friend at the cinema and I planned to have us see Tree of life. Well our cinema was not showing it not now and not ever, so he suggested Captain America. I am not a fan of marvel characters or the whole superhero genre, but this film was actually enjoyable. It had some great action, some good bits of humour and a nice story to tag along in the retro 40’s setting. Its villain was weak and it’s time setting it corny but interesting. As most people know all these marvel films are, being released to anticipate the almighty ‘Avengers’ film and being honest it is an exciting thing. Having all those superheroes in one, it sounds like a daring idea but it just might work.

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Persona - Review

Ingmar Bergman is one of the most acclaimed and respected directors of all-time but if you were to plug me into this movie alone, I wouldn't be able to tell you why. Good? Yes -- Great? I think not.

Here is a movie that almost has no point. I don't mean that in a diminutive way but rather the fact that it can be debated whether or not anything that happens on screen is actually supposed to have even taken place within the movie, or just an allegorical study on the strange, tense relationship between two women who seem to be becoming more and more like each other -- we're never told. This however, much like the rest of the movie, is entirely up for interpretation. Many arguments defend whether or not the characters are meant to be real or just figments of each other's imaginations. To me, it doesn't matter if any of it was supposed to be real or not: I simply wasn't interested.

Top 11 Greatest Musicals by Film Master

Musicals Sweet Musicals; Instead of the usual top 10 list, I have decided to have a top 11 list. Musicals are great and I cannot see why people have a problem with them. They can be joyful, sad, romantic, upbeat and many other emotions other feature films achieve. They are certainly not all the same for one thing and several I have seen stand unique mostly. You put say, The Wizard of Oz and compare it to Sweeney Todd, and see the tremendous differences they have. Musicals are brilliant and always capture me because I love dance routines, songs with catchy lyrics and a catchy beat and all that jazz. Enjoy reading my top 11 musicals list!

 http://filmmasterjournal.blogspot.com/2011/08/top-11-greatest-musical-films.html

Bangkok Dangerous (1999)

The moment when the film turns into a tragedy is when Kong sees on the news that one of his jobs was the murder of a well respected political figure. He sees the faces of the family of his victim and is heartbroken by their sorrow. After that moment the film begins to unravel all the way to the powerful climax. Not realizing the pain he is causing until more than halfway through the film seems like a very unlikely story, but it works well with the plot. Bangkok Dangerous proves that, somehow, emotional romance can be combined with mindless, and even emotionless violence. Not to mention, an ending that is both clever and tragic. Here is a good crime-drama that, while not being anything very new, is a fun, violent and even touching film.

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Jack L. film reviews: Irish Film Marathon: Part 5

Jack L. film reviews: Irish Film Marathon: Part 5: "My Left Foot is a film released in 1989 and directed by Jim Sheridan, one of Ireland's most acclaimed director, with who I'm afraid to say I..."

The Wizard of Oz (1939) Review

It is still timeless and I still love it. A sheer masterpiece that is sincere and warm and its wholesome have touched the hearts of millions. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ has a cultural status that is overwhelming and there are few people who have not heard of names like ‘Dorothy Gale’ and the film’s title; it has become recognised throughout the world to film fans, critics, lovers, and people regardless if everyone has enjoyed it or not. At this point, I have watched the film at least 13 times but l still enjoy every time I see it because of its delightful music, warm characters and true emotion with a message that will be resonate forever. It is among the greatest films of all time and for good reason.

Read the review here!

Irish Marathon

Irish Film Marathon:

Part 1: The Commitments
Part 2: The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Part 3: Michael Collins
Part 4: Angela's Ashes

Parts 5, 6, 7 are in their way, keep an eye out at my blog.

And of course keep in mind that I will soon be hosting an Irish Cinema Blogathon. Anyone can participate.

Welcome!

Here is the new blog of the century! Here is film critics galore! this is the central point of critics/fans who hold blogs so come on in and join the fun!