Category: Reviews

Film Review: Red State

Three virgin high school friends think they’re on to a sure thing. One of them has found a woman online that will sleep with all three of them but they are soon caught in a trap by Pastor Albin Cooper and his Five Points Church. Albin Cooper is based on the real-life head of the Westboro Baptist Church, Fred Phelps.

Five Points protest at funerals with signs saying “anal penetration equals eternal damnation,” etc – Cooper believes that homosexuals are sinners and must be wiped off the Earth.  In its first half, Red State is almost a horror film. A gay man is murdered quite brutally and the three high-school boys are next.  However, halfway through it turns from a horror film into a shoot ‘em up action movie; the transition doesn’t really hurt the film.  What hurts is that the tension that Smith created in the first half completely vanishes in the second; it’s almost two different films. In the first half, Smith showed incredible restraint in not adding much comedy but in the second half, during the middle of the shoot out, characters start cracking jokes and asking for tea. Which is a shame, since the tension could have been cranked up a bit. By far the first half of the movie is the strongest part.



Red state is a massive departure for Kevin Smith. You could even argue that it’s his first grown-up movie. The visuals are stunning which is really impressive for Smith; he has never been known as a visual director.  He’s been criticised in the past for static camera setups and simple lighting but with Red State, Smith has created a style that works incredibly well. Shaky camera work is nothing new but it is a huge step forward for Smith. The film has no background music which really makes it more atmospheric; all we get is the sound of bullets and Cooper singing hymns.

This is easily Kevin Smith’s best work as a director. It’s something different and doesn’t feel like ‘a Kevin Smith movie.’ We are seeing him mature here but he seems to be lacking the confidence he needed for this. The introduction of Five Points isn’t handled in the best way. We learn about them in a classroom and it’s just too much exposition. John Goodman’s character exists only for exposition which is a waste of the actor’s talent.

Overall the film is good, it’s just not great. But it is great to see Smith break away from his comedy roots and try something a bit more ambitious. It’s a shame that he’s announced his next film, Hit Somebody, will be his last as Red State is such a huge step forward for him. It would be interesting to see what else he could come back with. Let’s just hope that Red State and Hit Somebody is such huge, global hits that he’ll change his mind and come out of retirement.



Film review: Fright Night

Charley Brewster, played by Anton Yelchin, is trying to leave his nerdy past behind. He’s got a new girlfriend (Imogen Poots) and is working hard to impress the school’s popular jocks. But when his former best friend Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) starts claiming that their new neighbour Jerry (Colin Farrell) is a vampire responsible for the recent disappearances in the neighbourhood, Charley tries to distance himself even further from Ed. However, when Ed goes missing, Charley begins to believe his friend’s theory, but nobody else does.

Desperate for help, Charley turns to magician and vampire hunter Peter Vincent, played by David Tennant in a brilliantly intense performance that features a lot of swearing. However, Charley’s last hope might not be enough to stop Jerry, who is played with an intimidating presence by Farrell.

As a fan of the original, I approached this remake with trepidation, but I found it to be entirely enjoyable. It’s a faithful enough adaptation that captures the fun of the original while ramping up the tension and giving it a modern twist. The cast is strong, with Farrell owning every scene he’s in, and the dialogue is sharp and witty. The pacing is well-done, and the acting is superior to the original. The only drawback is the 3D, which makes the nighttime scenes too dark to fully appreciate.

Overall, it’s a solid remake worth watching,but if possible, catch it in 2D.

⭐⭐⭐

DVD Review-Attack the Block

In 2001, British writer and director Joe Cornish had a life-altering experience when he was mugged outside his house. He couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if an alien invasion had taken place during the attack, and the savagery of his young assailants had become an asset in fighting the extraterrestrial threat. This idea stayed with him for a decade, until it finally became the basis for his feature film debut, Attack The Block.

In the movie, Cornish replaced himself with a well-spoken, recently graduated nurse named Sam (played by Jodie Whittaker). Sam becomes the victim of a mugging by a gang of youths, led by fifteen-year-old Moses (John Boyega), who later decides to “tool up” and defend their block against invading aliens. The film is a fast-paced, thrilling ride that doesn’t give the audience a chance to catch their breath. The kids initially come across as caricatures, but as the story progresses, they win us over and we find ourselves rooting for them.

While Attack The Block is not a perfect movie, with the aliens resembling something out of 80s Doctor Who and the final scene lacking the emotional impact it aims for, it’s still a fun and enjoyable film. The sight of Moses heroically swinging from a union flag may not have the intended effect on British audiences, but it could play well in an inevitable American remake. If Cornish’s next film is as good as his debut, there’s no doubt he’ll be a powerhouse in Hollywood in the years to come.

⭐⭐⭐

Film Review-Super 8

J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg make an impressive team as they bring this thrilling film to life. The storyline is masterfully crafted, leaving you both exhilarated and exhausted, but not in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next scene. However, if you’re a fan of sci-fi, this film is a must-see.

Set in 1979, the film follows the story of middle-schooler Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney), who has learned to take care of himself since his mother’s death. When Joe and his friend Charles (Riley Griffiths) start making an indie zombie movie for a film festival, they enlist fellow classmate Alice (Elle Fanning) to be their leading lady. As they venture out to a local train station to film a scene, an unexpected train derailment unleashes something terrifying in their small town of Lillian, Ohio. The group continues filming, using the disaster as a backdrop, while they try to figure out what to do next.

What makes this film so captivating is how it’s really about growing up and taking responsibility, with sci-fi elements serving as the backdrop. Like Spielberg’s earlier works in the same genre, the focus is on the kids, not the monster. Writer/director J.J. Abrams has written the characters with enough depth and complexity to make them believable, and the film rewards the audience during the credits with the actual product of their work.

The cast is spot on, with Joel Courtney transforming from a supportive sidekick to a natural leader, while Riley Griffiths captures the manic energy and intensity of a young film director. Elle Fanning’s ethereal presence adds a magical quality to the film. While the adults are mostly one-note characters, this is appropriate for a film seen from a kid’s point of view, and Abrams adds just enough complexity to make them less stereotypical.

This film takes risks, and they pay off in a summer full of predictable sequels. The grounded, coming-of-age story is a refreshing change from typical sci-fi adventures, and the film’s message about the power of friendship and taking responsibility is both heartwarming and inspiring. While waiting for it to come to DVD might be tempting, seeing it on the big screen is an experience not to be missed.

⭐⭐⭐

FILM REVIEW-Friends With Benefits

After his critically acclaimed performance in “The Social Network,” Justin Timberlake’s fans were eagerly anticipating seeing him in a role that would push his acting abilities to new heights. Unfortunately, “Friends with Benefits” is not that movie.

However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. As a rom-com, the film provides enough laughs and clever nods to the genre’s clichés to satisfy its intended audience.

Timberlake plays Dylan, a blogger from Los Angeles who moves to New York City to work for GQ magazine, with the help of headhunter Jamie (played by Mila Kunis). Both have been burned by past relationships and agree to a casual, no-strings-attached sexual arrangement.

As you might expect from a rom-com, the ending is predictable from the outset, but the movie still manages to deliver some genuinely funny moments. For example, there’s a hilarious joke about an iPad, a drunken rant about Katherine Heigl, and a reference to “Seinfeld.”

The film also benefits from some great cameo performances, particularly Woody Harrelson as GQ’s gay sports editor and Shaun White as a twisted version of himself.

However, the subplot about Dylan’s father’s illness is a bit of a downer and drags down the second half of the movie.

Overall, “Friends with Benefits” is a light and enjoyable movie that delivers enough charm and wit to keep audiences entertained. Although it may not be a groundbreaking role for Timberlake, it’s still a fun movie that’s well worth watching.

Review – Doctor Who: The Girl Who Waited

The Girl Who Waited is an exceptional episode that heralds a rare streak of quality in Doctor Who’s recent episodes. Written by the talented Tom MacRae, the episode presents an intelligent and timey-wimey adventure that deals with parallel time streams, paradoxes, and moral dilemmas.

The dynamic between the TARDIS crew is permanently altered as Rory is deeply affected by meeting an older and more cynical Amy, who spent 36 years alone.

Karen Gillan delivers a magnificent performance, particularly as the older Amy, where she subtly portrays stiffness in her joints and deepens her voice. The scene where the two Amys discuss their love for Rory is truly moving.

The episode also provides insight into the darker side of the Doctor, and the risks and dangers involved in travelling with him.

The Girl Who Waited is a visual delight, featuring a clean and white future setting. Murray Gold’s musical score further enhances the emotional impact of the episode. It is an impressive achievement, given the limited number of guest stars, and the focus on the principal cast.

The episode deserves all the high praise it will undoubtedly receive, and it is hoped that next week’s episode, The God Complex, can continue this impressive streak of quality episodes.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Listen to our podcast review here.

Episode 36: Dead of Night

Martyn, Gerrod and the now officially-announced third Bad Wilfer, Pete, look at Torchwood: Miracle Day – Dead of Night.

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Episode 34: Torchwood BBC Audio Plays

Martyn is joined by Pete and they discuss the three Torchwood BBC audio plays, The Devil and Miss Carew, Submission and House of the Dead.



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Torchwood: Miracle Day, Episode One. Spoiler-free review

Each incarnation of Torchwood has been vastly different from the last. Series one started on the digital channel BBC3, series two was moved to BBC2, and series three was promoted to a prime time BBC1 slot. So where does Torchwood go for its fourth series? To America, of course. The joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Starz has given Torchwood the budget it deserves.

The tone of this series is slightly different; it’s not as dark as series three but not as light-hearted as series one and two. This is a BBC drama with a sci-fi theme that raises significant moral and social questions. The pace is quick and action-packed, and the clashes between the US and Welsh cast to provide the episode’s funniest moments. The action truly takes off once Jack arrives, although the focus on the US cast is understandable since this is series one for the Americans and series four for the UK. But don’t worry, it’s not long until Jack, Gwen, and Rhys are in full swing. The new cast adds depth, with Bill Pullman delivering a chilling performance as convicted child molester Oswald Danes. He brings an understated menace to the role that makes him genuinely creepy.

The theme tune and title sequence have been updated, and they work well, as does Murray Gold’s musical score throughout the episode, setting the tone of each scene perfectly. Episode one leaves the viewer wanting more, and the series trailer promises an exciting ride. The only concern is where Torchwood can go after Miracle Day – the only logical next step would be a movie, which fans would welcome with open arms.



Review-Doctor Who: The BBC Radio Episodes

Here’s a beautiful box-set of BBC radio plays. So beautiful in fact, I almost didn’t open it.

It’s a collection of radio adventures; there are three different Doctors, the 3rd, 4th and 6th.

The Paradise of Death and The Ghosts of N-Space

These are 3rd Doctor stories which feature Jon Pertwee, Elizabeth Sladen and Nicholas Courtney.

Neither story really works that well and they introduce an extremely annoying, new companion.

In N-Space we meet the Brigadier’s uncle, in an awful ghost tale.
The performances are strong, but the scripts aren’t that great. You can make bad audio out of a good script, but you can’t make good audio out of a bad script. It does, however, try to capture that era of Doctor Who, which even though it failed, was an interesting experiment and given the recent passing of Nicholas Courtney, it was great to hear him again

Doctor Who and the Pescatons

This is a fun little tale, which features the 4th Doctor and Sarah Jane. The Doctor and Sarah are battling monsters, that are bringing panic, to the streets of London. This is less than an audio play and more of an audiobook, with Tom Baker narrating and Liz Sladen throwing in the odd comment. It’s a fun story, but I couldn’t help but feel that it would have suited Patrick Troughton’s 2nd Doctor better.

Exploration Earth

This is the real clunker in this box set. It features the 4th Doctor and Sarah Jane investigating the start, of life on Earth, only to run into the Megaron Lord of Chaos. The performances feel a little “phoned in”.

Whatever Happened To… Susan?

This is a tongue-in-cheek tale of what Susan did after she left the TARDIS. Jane Asher takes over from Carol Anne Ford, as Susan and is talking to a documentary crew, about her life after leaving the TARDIS.

There is some laugh out loud moments here, including her tale about how The Doctor gets younger and younger with each regeneration and how companions fell in love with him.

It’s an amusing story that runs at about 30 minutes, but it completely contradicts continuity. If you’re willing to switch your brain off and just listen, then you’ll have an amazing time, if you get bogged down with continuity, you won’t enjoy it.
I couldn’t help but wish that it was a proper, serious audio drama, with Carol Anne Ford reprising the role of Susan and telling the tale. Done seriously, this could have been a brilliant audio drama

Slipback

Now, this was the first Doctor Who story made for radio and was broadcast during the show’s enforced hiatus, in 1985.
This was a very Douglas Adams story – I could imagine Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect in this. This isn’t a great story; the computer is annoying but likeable. The performances of Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant are quite good and you get a foreshadow of the chemistry that would later work so well on Big Finish.

It’s a good enough box set with a few decent tales, but also with a few poor episodes. I’d say this is one for true, die-hard Doctor Who fans. Viewers of the new series will get very little for money.