Thursday, August 30, 2012

Preview: Sightseers

I really want to see this one. SightseersFrom executive producer Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Grindhouse) and directed by Ben Wheatley (Kill List).

My recommendation is to watch only a portion of the preview as I feel it showed too much but this is on my list to see.

Sightseers is listed as a comedy but definitely on the darker side.



Release date for UK - November, 2012. Not sure when it will be released in the US

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Reboot


Question: What electronic devices are sitting right next to you that can connect you to the web? With what device are you reading this review? Your Laptop? Phone? Tablet?

We are so “connected” today that no matter what we need, desire or want we simply run to the web to buy, search for, transact, etc… It is now ingrained in our daily lives: online banking, email messages, research (or better known as Google), texts to friends, power point presentations for work or school and so on that is hard to think how we lived before all this technology.

Recently, I saw an app (with a smart meter installed in your home) that you gives you the ability to turn on/off your lights, set the thermostat and control your sprinkler system all from your phone. WOW! It is really endless how much time we spend on computers now or phones controlling our lives somehow.

In fact, if you are near others right now, take a look around and just observe how many are on their phones, not necessarily talking but looking at something. It’s a lot, isn’t it?

Now try to imagine your world without access to the internet or these devices that are supposedly simplifying our lives. Would it be like taking away an addiction? For some, it is absolutely yes. For most, well, I still think yes. I know it would be hard for me to give up my laptop and smart phone. I use it for work nearly every day: watching films, writing my reviews, discussing movies with filmmakers or other movie enthusiasts from around the world.

Do you think there are some out there that want to shut the whole thing down? Why would they want it all disconnected? Beats me, but that is exactly what a short film I watched this week discusses. Reboot. Well, it doesn’t actually discuss it but took on a story about a few professional hackers with one waking up with a cell phone glued to her hand displaying a countdown on the phone and….nope. That’s it. No more detail as this was a thriller and one I am recommending seeing, if you get a chance.

However, I will say that after watching this film I immediately wanted to disconnect from the internet and live in the real world for sometime. Was it to test a theory or something different? Not telling but movies do influence me' and Reboot made me really think about what I rely on day in and day out.

A while back I posted the preview on here and then was able to watch it. It is currently traveling festivals and not available to view but is expected out later this year. It made its World Premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Quebec on July 23rd; and it was also shown at DEFCON20 in Las Vegas in July.  For future screenings go to their website: Reboot.


Directed and written by Joe Kawasaki, Rosa Productions, 2012

Starring: Emily Somers, Martin Copping, Charlies Weirauch and Janna Bossier.

I don't have a favorite or least favorite thing to add except to say: I wish this will be made into a full length feature. Think they are onto something with this story.

Rating: Unknown
Length: 35 minutes approximately

Review: 8 out of 10

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Perfect Sense


Question: Do you remember when you were a kid and you constantly asked people “what if” questions? My kids do it all the time. So much so it drives me nuts some days. “What if the sky was green? What if we had a cat instead of a dog? What if I had an extra arm?” etc... I also recall when I was younger and being asked what if I had to choose to lose one of my senses which one would I select? I always had difficulty with that one. Losing my sight or hearing were an automatic no, but what about taste, smell or the ability to feel? Oh, I struggled with giving an answer. They all have importance to me and the way I live my life. Which one would you choose?

I ask these questions because I watched Perfect Sense recently and the plot was about this exact topic. In typical form I don’t want to give the plot away so I will try and just give you some details that I really enjoyed about this film. Yes, I will skip over the fact that Ewan McGregor stars in this, but I do have to say he was quite good in this one.

First, Perfect Sense told on a very unique “what if” story but took it to an extreme. Imagine losing one of your senses. How would you cope? What other senses would heighten or adjust? How would it affect your job? So many questions get asked in this film it was sometimes hard to keep up with what I would do. So, I just let the story take me away and I let the filmmaker prove their vision for specific outcomes. And both lead characters, Ewan McGregor and Eva Green, did a fantastic job showing how different types of people react to losing a sense. I'd say more about the specifics of the characters but it is best you just find out for yourselves how they meet, connect and deal with their issues.

Second, then the plot added in a romance that became affected by the “what ifs”, and it makes you really think about how people, why people and what people do when they are in love and when something is subtracted from the equation. Brilliant! We all have been romantically involved with someone, and usually there are certain obstacles to get over, get around or avoid. But what if everyone had the same obstacles? A level playing ground, so to speak. The film delves into this and I was completely mesmerized by the progression of certain relationships. 

Lastly, by the end of the film, and I cannot say as to why or I will give too many details away, I was smiling when I hadn't really throughout the majority of the film. Not just at what was happening in the film but how the filmmakers communicated the finale. It gave me goose bumps and it really brought me even more into the story, if that was possible. I totally lose myself when I watch a film but the experience I had with Perfect Sense brought me in so much deeper. Well done!

And on that note: I am going to let my children ask me as many “what if” questions as they want because I know believe they are the impetus to good storytelling. You'll never know where asking certain questions will lead.

Directed by David McKenzie, BBC Films, 2011.

Written by Kim Fupz Aakeson

Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi. 


My favorite part: Well, Ewan McGregor, of course but honestly I loved how the film ended.

My least favorite part: A scene with people eating – that is all I will say about that.

Rating: R
Length: 92 minutes

Review: 8 out of 10


*photo courtesy of IFC Films.


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Preview: The Impossible

Hello movie fans. I am slowly starting to come back. Been gone too long but had a big move to make and I am finally settling in. In fact, I was able to watch a film today. YES!! A FANTASTIC one, and I can't wait to tell you all about it, but I have to write it first.

Anyway, I thought I would whet your appetite with a new trailer. Yes, it is for an Ewan McGregor film. What else? I just watched the trailer and was instantly intrigued especially with what the subject matter was about.-

Take a gander. The Impossible starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor coming out December 21st, 2012.

Look for my latest review soon...

Monday, August 13, 2012

Where Films Are Heading...

Hello movie fans:

I apologize for my absence of late. Currently I am moving and still up to my nose in boxes, unpacking. However, I wanted to share with you something that I found completely fascinating and exciting that is happening in the film industry now.

Recently, I've been discussing the future of filmmaking with some others in the industry. Long gone are the days where you need fancy, expensive equipment to make a movie. All you really need is a good idea and the ability to tell it well. Right? Yes!

So, when I heard about a new film called Olive and how it was made I knew I had to share it. Here is the trailer. Now I am not giving an opinion of the film as I have not seen it yet, but here is what I want to tell you: This ENTIRE movie was shot on a cell phone. Yes! It was shot on a Nokia N8 smart phone, to be exact.



Another interesting fact about this film: this was made independently without any corporation financing. That means no backing whatsoever from any major studio and it was released in 2000+ theatres. So, if you want to make a movie, you have an idea, grab your cell phone and just do it!

This movie was released late last year and it stars Gena Rowlands.

My reviews will be back up in about a week or so. Enjoy the trailer.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Monthly Wrap-Up July 2012

Hello Movie Fans:

I apologize I haven't posted any new reviews lately. Currently, I am in the process of moving. Soon I will be back to the theatre, scanning my Netflix queue or popping in the latest screener I've received. But, in the meantime, here is the latest Monthly Wrap-Up to enjoy.

Reviews:
People Like Us
Puncture
Safety Not Guaranteed
The Amazing Spider-Man

Expats Post Reviews:
Moonrise Kingdom
Magic Mike

Previews:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Sessions
Compliance 
Screen

Extras:
Remember the past...Fame
Monthly Wrap-Up June 2012

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Expats Post: Seeking a Friend For the End of the World


Hello movie fans:

I am just dropping by to let you know about my review of Seeking a Friend For the End of the World on Expats Post. The movie was out recently in theatres but didn't stay long. Not too long ago I even posted the preview on here. I rather enjoyed the film and you can find out why here :

Review: Seeking a Friend For the End of the World

Stars Steve Carell and Keira Knightley.

Thanks!






*Photo courtesy of Focus Features.