Dune - Movie Review by Gilbert

 

Dune

Director: Denis Villeneuve

What is it about:

A mythic and emotionally charged hero's journey, "Dune" tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet's exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity's greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.

What did Gilbert think of it:

I will confess I haven't read the books, and it is ages ago since I saw Lynch's version (which I really liked back then), so I remembered very little of the story.

First notable thing:

This director really loves his yellow and orange filters! He went wild with them in Blade Runner 2049 and decided that hadn't been enough, so lots of yellow and orange filters in this movie as well.

The acting was decent, the overall movie was entertaining, and apart from the filters it was nice to look at. (I did see it in 3D, which I'm not a fan of, and which did some weird stuff to some scenes I must add.)

The pacing was a bit off in my opinion. The first half of the movie was slow, and then all the action was crammed in the second half. 

What I did think was weird was all the swords! What was up with that? I'm going to guess Herbert put those swords in the books, but why? There's such advanced technology, including mechanical killer insects and spaceships that can carpet bomb places, and the armies have swords? I really couldn't take the battle scenes seriously.

All in all I was entertained, but underwhelmed. I think I'll either read the book or rewatch the Lynch version soon to compare..

Why should you watch it:

It's a very entertaining Science Fantasy movie

Blair Witch - Movie Review

Blair Witch
Director: Adam Wingard, Writer: Simon Barrett

What is it about:
After discovering a video showing what he believes to be his vanished sister Heather, James and a group of friends head to the forest believed to be inhabited by the Blair Witch.

What did I think of it:
I remember how people raved about The Blair Witch Project back in 1999. It was so scary and so intense, I was told. Just one person who saw the movie told me he thought it sucked. I should have listened to that one person, because when I saw the movie I was bored and slightly queasy from the shaky camera work.

Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000) wasn't pretending to be anything more than a bad horror movie, and I actually enjoyed that one.

So when a friend invited me to go to Blair Witch (2016) I came along, expecting something bad, but thinking it couldn't possibly be worse than the original The Blair Witch Project.

Well.....

Think again!

Blair Witch is trying hard to be like its predecessor The Blair Witch Project, including shaky camera work. Now I can understand a camera is shaking when you're running for your life, but it's practically shaking all the time! As my friend said: no one is that unsteady with a camera these days!

Then there's the sound. For a movie that's trying to pretend it's an actual documentary it's surprising how at "scary" moments the sound suddenly is louder to make sure to add to the scare effect.

As for scary: again I was pretty bored by what was supposed to be scary. There was one scene where someone is trapped in a dank tunnel and that's where my sympathetic claustrophobia kicked in, but otherwise this movie would have been a snooze-fest if it wasn't for the erratic noisy sound effects.

All in all it's practically a tie which is the worst movie: The Blair Witch Project or Blair Witch. As another friend said: at least The Blair Witch Project was trying something new back in the day, so it's with this in mind that I have to say that Blair Witch is even worse than The Blair Witch Project.

So if you're looking for a scary movie and just have to have the Blair Witch involved: track down Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, that movie at least won't make you queasy with its camera work.

Fifty Shades of Grey - Movie Rant by Voodoo Bride

Fifty Shades of Grey - The Movie

What is it about:
When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Voodoo Bride's thoughts and rant:
Spoilery!

Knowing the Twilight fanfic background of the Fifty Shades books I never picked them up. Bella and Edward from Twilight aren't my favorite characters, no matter the setting.

I also wasn't so sure about the BDSM part of the Fifty Shades books. I do love BDSM, but Fifty Shades sounded like there were lots of better books for me to read.

Still: when I was asked by friends if I wanted to go see the movie with them, I said yes. I love going to the movies, and with the right company even a bad movie can be part of a fun night out.

I will say that I found myself enjoying Fifty Shades of Grey for the most part. Even with some things that made me smirk (Ana being a virgin because she never met the right guy before Christian, and her inherited Bella-clumsiness for example) the movie was entertaining enough.

It did make me stop and wonder about what it is about a millionaire that so many women find attractive. I will confess I've dreamed about being rich as well, but in my case I never dreamed about a millionaire showering me with expensive presents, or taking me on outrageous trips. I've always wanted to be rich myself. to be the one with the money, and to be in control. Why is it that so many other women DO dream of a rich man to spoil them? And is it this aspect of Fifty Shades of Grey that makes this such a popular story?

Moving on.

The BDSM part of the movie was quite vanilla in my opinion, but it is a blockbuster, so anything more would probably have been too much for a lot of people (it already was too much for some, going by the not so quietly whispered comments of other viewers).

And then: The ending!

After a whole movie of Ana and Christian dancing around each other, and exploring the edges of BDSM, Christian and the viewers who enjoyed the BDSM part of the 'romance' got a harsh slap on the wrist:
Dominants are twisted, bad people! How dare Christian want to punish and hurt Ana! How dare viewers enjoy this! Poor, poor Ana.

...

I can't even begin to describe how pissed off I was by that ending!
Really?
That's the moralizing message you send the viewers of this movie home with?

What could have been an enjoyable movie was ruined for me with that ending.

A friend who read the books told me that this message will get taken away and gets more nuance in the next two books, but even so: This is not how you end a first movie or book in my opinion.

I can tell you that I immediately picked up a decent BDSM story when I got home to get rid of the bad taste the ending of Fifty Shades of Grey left me with.

Why should you see it:
It's beautifully filmed, and is mostly entertaining.

Divergent - Movie Review

Divergent (2014)
movie

What is it about:
Set in a futuristic dystopia where society is divided into five factions that each represent a different virtue, teenagers have to decide if they want to stay in their faction or switch to another - for the rest of their lives. Tris Prior makes a choice that surprises everyone. Then Tris and her fellow faction-members have to live through a highly competitive initiation process to live out the choice they have made. They must undergo extreme physical and intense psychological tests, that transform them all. But Tris has a secret that she is Divergent, which means she doesn't fit into any one group. If anyone knew, it would mean a certain death. As she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, this secret might help her save the people she loves... or it might destroy her.

What did I think of it:
I loved the first two books in the Divergent trilogy, so I had to see this movie. I will confess I was a bit apprehensive: often if you read the book, the movie disappoints. I also had my doubts about the actor they cast as Four.

Still my curiosity was greater than my apprehension, so on April 3rd (the release day of the movie here in the Netherlands) I managed to drag my owner and her best friend (who hasn't read the book) to the theater.

And it was awesome!

I will confess my owner and I both wished Jai Courtney (who plays Eric) had been cast as Four, but we also had to admit that Theo James grew on us eventually. That aside: the casting was very well done. Special kudos to Kate Winslet, who I loved in her role as Jeanine.

They stayed close to the book, cutting out a lot of scenes of course, but I think the movie captured the important things that were in the book. I didn't feel like I was missing important things. The visual world building fitted with how I had imagined it in the books as well.

The camera work was luckily not as spinning and dizzying as some other movies these days. Instead it stayed close to Tris in a way that drew me into the movie and kept me there. The action scenes were well executed and, although fast paced, easy to follow. I was totally invested in the story from beginning to end.

All in all I loved the movie and it made me want to go reread the book right away. Only my towering TBR pile is stopping me.

Afterwards I of course asked my owner's best friend what she thought of the movie, curious to know how someone unfamiliar with the book would experience the movie. She loved the movie as well, and apart from not completely understanding the motivation of the bad guys, she felt like the story was easy to follow. She even loved it so much, she will be picking up the book.

So I can only say I think this movie is a success!

I can advice anyone who loved the book to go see it. And if you have a friend who hasn't read the book you can drag him/her along without being afraid they will be lost.

Why should you see it:
It's an awesome Dystopian story with lots of action

Titanic Movies

The Titanic has been the inspiration for many movies over the years.
In this post I will tell you something about three of these movies.

Saved From the Titanic
This movie is the first Titanic movie.
It opened only 29 days after the sinking and stars Dorothy Gibson, an actual survivor, and in the movie she even wore the same dress she wore on the night of the sinking. Sadly enough this movie is no longer in existence as the only known prints were destroyed in a studio fire in March 1914.


Titanic (1943)
The film was commissioned by Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels during World War II. It was meant to act as propaganda to discredit American and British capitalism and to glorify the bravery and selflessness of German men. The story goes that the movie was so depressing that it was never shown in Germany itself (and it was finally even banned by Goebbels himself) , only in some of the occupied territories.

I have seen this movie and can say it's an interesting piece of propaganda. If you can get hold of a DVD of this movie it's certainly worth watching, or you can search youtube for it.


Titanic (1997 & 3D)
I'm guessing most people will know this movie.
I myself love this movie I will confess. Not because of the love story (in fact I do not care about Rose and Jack), but because of the rich detail of everything around that love story. Sure, there are some minor mistakes, but over all Cameron has done a great job in showing what the sinking of the Titanic was about: the bravery, the sacrifice, the unfair treatment of those in steerage, love. It shows us what happens when we are put to the test and what man is capable of when his life is threatened.

This week I went to see Titanic 3D, to see if the 3D element could improve on what already is a very powerful movie.
It can't.
The 3D was merely a gimmick that worked best at the start of the movie when we're shown the wreck of the Titanic. After that it lost its power to me, turning into a novelty that made me feel like I was looking at some kind of diorama at best and making me wonder why everyone was looking over the shoulder of the person they were talking to at worst. I will rewatch this movie in the near future, but without the 3D effects that distract from the actual story.


Some other movies of note:
- A Night To Remember (1958)
The Titanic disaster is depicted in straightforward fashion without the addition of fictional subplots.

- Titanic (1996)
It's got Tim Curry playing a shady character, that alone is worth watching this tv movie about the Titanic.

- Titanic (2012 miniseries)
This miniseries is being aired at the moment and having seen the first two episodes I can't wait to see the other two. It's very accurate and captures the mood of the time very well.

Triangle - Movie Review

Triangle

What is it about:
When Jess sets sail on a yacht with a group of friends, she cannot shake the feeling that there is something wrong. Her suspicions are realized when the yacht hits a storm and the group is forced to board a passing ocean liner to get to safety, a ship Jess is convinced she's been on before. The ship appears deserted, the clock on board has stopped, but they are not alone... Someone is intent on hunting them down, one by one. And Jess unknowingly holds the key to end the terror.

What did I think of it:
I bought this movie expecting a B-movie that would be entertaining at best. I must say I was more than pleasantly surprised! The plot is actually very well thought out and really suspenseful. The acting is pretty decent as are the special effects (apart from some really fake seagulls). All in all a really good psychological thriller well worth its money.

Why should you watch it:
It's a really suspenseful thriller

Sucker Punch - Movie Review

Sucker Punch

What is it about:
A young girl is institutionalized by her abusive stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the mental facility.

What did I think of it:
If you want a well thought out story do not go see this movie. If on the other hand you want a movie with stunningly beautiful visuals (including the scantily clad ladies who act in this movie), great special effects and lots of cool action this is your movie. Really: this movie is a feast for the eyes and on top of that it has World War One Steampunk Zombies as well! I must admit I had expected more from the story, but in the end I wasn't disappointed as the visuals and kick-ass action more than enough made up for the lack of strong plot.

Why should you see it:
World War One Steampunk Zombies!!

Witches, the Dunwich Horror - Movie Review

Witches, the Dunwich Horror (2009)

What is it about:
In Louisiana, the thirty-five year old single mother Lavina delivers a baby boy and a monster in the evil Whateley House. Ten years later, Dr. Henry Armitage and his assistant Professor Fay Morgan discover that the page 751 of every copy of the Necronomicon is missing and The Black Brotherhood has summoned the gate keeper Yog Sothoth to leave the portal opened to the demons and ancient gods. They invite the arrogant and skeptical Professor Walter Rice that can translate the Necronomicon to help them to seek the book. Meanwhile Lavina's son Wilbur Whateley ages very fast and seeks the missing page to open the portal.

What did I think about it:
I've seen many horror movies based on Lovecraftian mythology, so by now I know most of those have two ways they can turn out:
- Horribly bad in a good way
(A great example of this is the movie Dagon (2001) or Necronomicon (1993))
- Horribly bad in a bad way
Witches, the Dunwich Horror falls among the second category.
It was both boring and over the top, which is quite a feat, but not something I want from my horror movies. Lovecraft's mythology was butchered in such a way I felt violated by the end of the movie. Add some annoying lead characters to that and you got me wondering why I even bothered to watch it till the end. I must have really hoped it would still redeem itself, but alas. Luckily it was on sale, so I didn't spend too much money on it.

Why should you watch it:
If you want to play a drinking game, you can watch this movie and drink a shot every time there's a new reference to a story by Lovecraft. You'll get so drunk you won't notice how bad this movie is.

Feast - Movie Review

Feast

What is it about:
In a remote bar, costumers are advised by a newcomer to seal the place since hungry monsters will attack them in a couple of minutes. (...) The clients organize a strategy to defend the place under siege of deadly creatures.

What did I think of it:
Reading the above description I expected a cheesy, over the top horror movie and luckily that's exactly what I got! Don't expect an in depth story with lots of character development or you will be disappointed. This movie is one big, bloody, hilarious battle between man and monster. The perfect movie when you're in the mood for some mindless horror.

Why should you read it:
Mayhem and Monsters!

Serial Mom - Movie Review

Serial Mom

What is it about:
A seemingly perfect housewife decides to teach some people a lesson in manners by going on a killing spree.

What did I think of it:
This is a really fun movie that shouldn't be taken serious even for one minute. It's wacky, over the top and hilarious. Kathleen Turner does a great job as serial mom and while displaying a crazy murderer still manages to make you feel for her.

Why should you see it:
It's a cool and fun movie

Machete - Movie Review

Machete
Directed by Ethan Maniquis and Robert Rodriguez
Starring Danny Trejo as Machete

What is it about:
After being betrayed by the organization who hired him, an ex-Federale launches a brutal rampage of revenge against his former boss.

What did I think of it:
I have hoped they would make this movie ever since seeing the fake-trailer for it back when I saw Planet Terror. And I can tell you I'm glad they actually made it as this movie is totally awesome! Danny Trejo shines in his first ever lead role and (apart from his trusted machete of course) he gets to be creative with lots of improvised weapons with satisfying results. The action is over the top, but extremely cool and at times laugh out loud funny (especially the final show down between good guys and bad guys had me laughing). There's also lots of great oneliners and cool dialogue:

Padre Benito del Toro: It's not safe for you to be here.
Machete: I'm not looking for "safe".
Padre Benito del Toro: No, I mean it's not safe for me for you to be here!

All in all I absolutely love this movie! Even if they had added zombies to it, it couldn't have been better!

Why should you see it:
Danny Trejo with a machete!!

The Machine Girl - Movie Review

The Machine Girl

What is it about:
The life of a young, Japanese schoolgirl is destroyed when her family is killed by a Ninja-Yakuza family. Her hand cut off, she replaces it with various machines-of-death, and seeks revenge.

What did I think of it:
This movie is a silly, over the top, total mayhem, bloodfest!
It's highly entertaining and shouldn't be taken seriously for even one second.

Why should you see it:
As I said: Total mayhem, bloodfest!
Do not watch this movie if you can't stomach the sight of blood and severed body parts.

The Backwoods - movie review

The Backwoods

What is it about:
Two British couples are on holiday in Spain, but their holiday is interrupted when they discover a young girl imprisoned in a cabin.

What did I think about it:
I got this movie as it has Gary Oldman in it and I love Gary Oldman. He's a great actor. It turns out that Gary Oldman is the only good thing in this movie. Not only is his character the voice of reason in this story, his character carries the movie. When his role in the movie is played out the story completely falls apart and the movie left me with a serious feeling of "Huh? What just happened and why?"

Why should you see it:
If you're a fan of Gary Oldman, you could try this movie, but otherwise you can go without seeing it.

Daybreakers - movie review

Daybreakers

What is it about:
from IMDB: In the year 2019, a plague has transformed most every human into vampires. Faced with a dwindling blood supply, the fractured dominant race plots their survival; meanwhile, a researcher works with a covert band of vamps on a way to save humankind.

What did I think of it:
A highly entertaining movie. The plot was paperthin, but the effects and action looked really good. Especially Willem Dafoe and Ethan Hawke did a great acting job, but all in all the actors did a good job. There were one or two moments when I thought the characters acted a bit too gullible, but those few slip ups could easily be overlooked.

Why should you see it:
If you like vampire movies with great acting and cool special effects and don't mind a plot so small you could write it on a post stamp you should go see this movie.

Movie review - Autumn (the beginning of the end)

What is the movie about:
A mysterious virus kills off most people on earth and only a few people survive. While they are trying to figure out what to do next the corpses suddely rise again.

What did I think of it:
You'd think that with a basic plotline like the one sketched above you couldn't go wrong. Well, it turns out you can! The lead characters keep contradicting themselves with their actions, which makes it hard to feel for them and when even the zombies contradict themselves you know it's bad! Add some annoying camerawork and weird scene switches in the name of art to that and it gets even worse. And I don't need a story when it comes to a zombie movie, but only if I get some serious zombie mayhem in return, but even that was too much to ask.
All in all I didn't like this movie at all!

Why should you see it:
Well.........
You shouldn't actually.

Movie Review - Surveillance

What is the movie about:
Two FBI agents have to question three witnesses who may lead them to a serial killer, but all three witnesses have a different story to tell.

What did I think of it:
I loved this movie! It's directed by Jennifer Lynch, the daughter of David Lynch and I can tell you she sure paid attention to how her father does things! There's action, atmosphere, cool characters and a pace to the story that is just right in my opnion. It doesn't have a clear cut storyline, but it isn't totally out there like some of David Lynch's movies so it doesn't leave you flabbergasted in the end like Mullholland drive for example.

Why should you see it:
If you're a fan of David Lynch, you will also love this movie. I should warn you that it's not a movie for the faint of heart though, it's quite disturbing at times.