Don't Be Afraid of The Dark

    If there is one thing that all people regardless of race, ethnic or cultural background share, it would be a child's fear of the dark. There is something foreboding about dark spaces and the things that may dwell within them. Famed director Guillermo Del Torro presents Don't Be Afraid of the Dark a horror/thriller remake directed by Troy Nixey (no film credits of mention).
    Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is the story of Sally, a young girl girl sent to live with her father and his girlfriend. Sally becomes the target horrendous creatures that hunt her for their own purpose. While this film is NOT directed by Guillermo Del Torro, it bears his trademark affinity for fairy tale creatures and their lust for blood and children. I can't really say that this movie is scary, I spent the entire time waiting for something truly terrifying to occur. The only moment that I found startling was shown during the trailers for the film.
    Horror isn't what it used to be and probably never will. While I have not seen the original Don't Be Afraid of the Dark I am told by others that this one does not compare. Why is it that filmmakers feel that good movies need to be redone? Why cast actors like Katie Holmes, that do little justice or credit to the original works ? In a day and age where ingenuity and breaking the mold will take a film very far, I feel that producers are sticking to tried and true formulas too closely and leaving very little space for free thought. Take James Wan's Insidious for example, it's a simple yet extremely effective horror film that spoils nothing. Unexpected terror lurks in virtually every scene of this small budget box office hit. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark fails to hit that tenor of terror required to cause buzz. Altogether it is disappointing and Del Toro's name does nothing but draw in the masses for what is an inevitable let down.

Rating: 1 Star (Maximum of 5

Colombiana

    Vengeance is beautiful and so is Zoe Saldana in this adrenaline pumped action film from the producers of La Femme Nikita. In Colombiana, Saldana plays Cataleya, a woman who becomes an assassin for hire after her parents were murdered when she was a child. Saldana is sleek, slender, and stunning as this Chicago raised woman with a mission. Sneaking into drug compounds, assassinating affluent criminals, and being ruthless comes easy to Saldana in what must be her most physically demanding role of her career. Unfortunately for Saldana, the script and screenplay do very little for the rest of the movie.
    As many may have seen in the trailer, Cataleya sorrowfully proclaims that when she was nine years old her parents were murdered in front of her. Upon watching the first 20 min of the movie, this statement is proven to false. Contrary to her statement later in the movie, the young Cataleya only heard her parent being murdered. A simple mistake like this should have been noticed by someone before the theatrical release. Outside of this slightly grievous error, Colombiana's other down-fall is the slightly repetitive action sequences. In defense of this, I believe that a virtually self-taught assassin hell-bent on revenge would have a very specific method of operation (otherwise referred to as an M.O.). For Cataleya, that would be slinking through ventilation shafts, and finding the vulnerabilities in floor plans which are typically on public record. Lastly, I feel that the sound editing team for Colombiana has a lot to repent for. During the film, moments where a gun shot or car accident should have been an extremely loud or jarring sound are slightly muffled. It is as if we were being shielded from critical noises with sound absorbent pillows over our ears or the microphones themselves. Let me tell you...it's annoying. When I see guns being fired at point blank or a car crash on screen, I would like the sound effects to match what I'm seeing.
    Beyond the aforementioned production issues, Colombiana is still an extremely fun movie to watch. I'm happy to Zoe Saldana growing as an actress with screen presence and versatility. I have personal weakness for films that feature strong female roles, so naturally I found this movie thrilling. Action films are action films, they are not geared to win Academy Awards or Critic's Choice nominations. They are meant to entertain, and in that Colombiana succeeds.

Rating: 2.5 (Maximum of 5)

Fright Night 3D

    With a deep sigh of relief I am pleased to say that while original films are essentially a thing of the past, a well-done remake can actually be refreshing. In the year that I was born, the original Fright Night was released to critical accolades ("An Outstanding Horror Film..." - The Motion Picture Guide). It is a classic black & white film that at the time of it's release was probably terrifying.
    In 2011, Fright Night has been revamped with a new cast, a new setting, and a 3D overhaul. Starring Colin Farrell are the Vampire neighbor at large, Fright Night 3D follows teenager Charlie Brewster as he uncovers the horrors of the Vampire realm.
    Tacky has never looked or felt so good. From genre cliches to dazzling displays of gore, Fright Night aims to please fans of vampires and horror. While the 3D element is rather subtle, it is often and intentionally jarring when sudden spurts of blood or viscera fly toward the screen at alarming rates.
   While the storyline doesn't deviate very much from the original, the updates are effective and realistic. David Tennant (Doctor Who) plays Las Vegas Vampire/Hunter headliner with pizazz. Plus, Las Vegas makes an excellent setting to be a hot seat for the undead (Lindsey Lohan sighting anyone?). This is an excellent prelude to fall horror flicks. Definitely enjoy this movie for everything that it's worth.

Rating: 3.5 (Maximum of 5)

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

    Dear reader, before delving into my latest critique, I must state that director Rupert Wyatt has very few films to his credit. When undertaking a summer blockbuster film, you must try and set it aside from all the others. In a summer filled with wizards, robots, aliens, and and super-heroes, Director Rupert Wyatt takes Rise of the Planet of the Apes and delves deeper into the story than any other "Apes" film in history.
    This movie follows James Franco as Will Rodman in his desperate quest for a cure to Alzheimer's disease. In his rush for results, disaster strikes when his experiments go awry and wreak havoc on his life and everyone in San Francisco. Franco continues his streak of success (let's forget about Your Highness) with this foreboding tale of corporate greed and seemingly benevolent pharmaceutical researchers.
    It really isn't a stretch to believe that pharmaceutical companies would be responsible for creating a virus that obliterates man-kind. While this movie avoids such drastic results, it certainly sets the stage for pending doom. This is merely the beginning of a possible end and that is what sets Rise of the Planet of the Apes aside from all the other films in this franchise.
    Solid performances from the entire cast lead us through a series of events that herald both mankind's downfall and also leaves us with a glimmer of hope. The film does an adequate job at addressing issues like animal cruelty, family values, and the perils of gross ignorance. Once an animal becomes integrated into a family does it stop being a pet? Should intelligence play a factor in how a family pet should be treated? I love this movie because it is thought proving and emotional. The final scenes here will leave you breathless and in awe. Truly a job well done.

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5)

A Simply Barbaric Movie: Conan the Barbarian (2011)

    If you are one of the few individuals who admire a movie for the display of violence and naked women, I will still advise for you to avoid seeing Conan the Barbarian (2011). Starring Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones), Ron Perlman (various terrible film credits), and Rose McGowan (Charmed), Conan the Barbarian is a boorish film about a man's quest for revenge. There really isn't any need for me to elaborate beyond vengeance, because the movie isn't worth the time it takes for me to formulate a synopsis that will differ from all the other blogs out there.
    Amazingly, director Marcus Nispel managed to rope Morgan Freeman into lending his legendary voice as the narrator of the film. Unfortunately, his voice lends nothing to this violent and inane remake of Arnold Schwarzenegger's  Conan The Barbarian (1982) classic. As a fan of Rose McGowan I have to concede that I has high expectations for her, but even she could outwit the what must have only been a paycheck movie for her.
    Lastly, it is movies like this one that give 3D such a bad reputation. Whoever decided to convert this festival of testosterone and violence into 3D should be chastised for their lack of chagrin. Poor films like this one should never be made, let alone released in 3D in hopes of further pillaging the wallets of people struggling in an economic recession.

Rating: 1 (Maximum of 5)

Crazy, Stupid, Love

    I know that I'm a little behind but romantic comedies (or Rom/Coms) typically are not my cup of tea. Most rom/coms out there are usually pretty similar in tone and content. Most are just silly, and offer very little in terms of meaning or quality acting & writing. On July 28th, Crazy, Stupid, Love was released in the US. A pleasantly surprising film starring Steve Carrell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, and Kevin Bacon.
    Directed by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa, Crazy, Stupid, Love tells the story of Cal (Steve Carrell) a man who is comfortable in his life with his wife, his perfect job, and his loving family. His life unravels when his wife of 25 years asks for a divorce. Upon meeting Jacob (Ryan Gosling) Cal's life begins to take unexpected turns. Navigating a marriage crisis, raising children, and trying to find ones self has never been more complicated and humorous as it is for Cal.
    One of the many surprises in this movie is the truth in the subject matter. More often than not, married men and women can find themselves lost in a sea of comfort. The simple things like dressing up, or showing loving appreciation toward each other become things of the past. This movie is about love and how terrible and fantastic it can be.
    Even further, this movie is about relationship building on all levels, from budding teenage love, to drastic man-whoring in order to avoid intimacy and pain. I can't even describe how funny it is watch Steve Carrell and Ryan Gosling interact with each other. Hilarious situations take place at the most unexpected moments in this delightful comedy about life, love, and self-discovery.

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5)

A Neverland Festival

    Lately, I find myself contemplating a great many things from my childhood. Old dreams, aspirations, and other innocent fascinations that make being a child so wonderfully delightful. I find it strange that I am now in my mid to upper twenties and feel as if I have forgotten or lost something along the road to adulthood. With burgeoning financial responsibilities, household maintenance, and other stresses associated with living in a heavily technological era where a push of a button can lead to complete social disaster. Albeit, the perils of modern adult life are drastically different from those that existed a hundred years ago. Things like cholera, typhoid, plague, and lack of water treatment facilities are things of the past. In today's world, we have to concern ourselves with finding Health Insurance, funding a retirement plan, and finding quality education in a country that refuses to spend money to support it. Sigh, to be a child again and not have concern of these pressing matters. The life of a child is one that should be filled with fun, joy, and adventure. Much like that of Peter Pan.
    100 years ago, an English fellow by the name of Jim Barrie wrote a delightful tale of a boy who lived in a world known as Neverland. Here he resides with his youthful companions known as "The Lost Boys", and a foul-mouthed fairy by the name of Tinkerbell. Together they embark on adventures against Indians, Pirates, and mermaids. In this present time, this beloved children's classic has been brought to the stage in a brand new 360 degree venue at the Chicago Tribune's Freedom Center. With promotional assistance from Broadway in Chicago, Peter Pan Live is a must see family event.
    Presented by Three-Sixty, Peter Pan Live rehashes Jim Barrie's epic tale in a way never seen before. Utilizing state-of-the-art 3D rendered projections, and high flying acrobatics, this show sets the stage for both children and adults to be delighted and amazed. Never before have I seen such unique use of multimedia performances. From slow-motion sword fighting to exotic dancing from Tiger Lily you will be glad you saw this show.
    For it to be a 360 degree performance, the staging probably could have been utilized in a slightly more efficient manner, but no one will feel completely left out of the action. The twenty minute intermission was more than adequate and the outdoor set-up provided plenty of concessions, and activities for adults and children to take part of. I sincerely hope the The Tribune's Freedom Center continues to house other imaginative shows like Peter Pan for years to come.

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5)

The Help

    Every once in a while there comes a great movie that will make you cry, inspire laughter, and evoke intense emotions for the characters and the subject material. Such is the case with director Tate Taylor's film adaptation of The Help. Based in 1960's Mississippi, follows the unlikely friendship that forms between a two black house servants and a white woman inspired to write a book about the sordid lives of southern hospitality.
    I have a deep appreciation for period films. The effort that goes into everything from the casting to costume design is incredible. In fact, this movie is unsettling and upsetting at moments due to the sensitive material of the subject matter. Racial inequality and the oppression of blacks in the South (US) has been told many times, but the disbelief is always there. We are presented with the tales of women who not only cook and clean for white families, but they also care for their children and are privy to ins & outs of upper-class white society. Throughout the film, these women are made to endure many humiliations and social injustice. Bryce Dallas Howard shines as a Southern woman of social standing that harbors not thing but prejudice and hatred to anyone who stands in her way. Hers is one of many characters that you will inevitably grow to love, hate, or relate to.
    Boasting an incredible cast (Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, & Cicely Tyson), and a powerful script from Tate Taylor (Winter's Bone); The Help is effective, often humorous, and absolutely delightful. I hope everyone worth their salt can appreciate the beauty of this film.

 Rating: 5 (Maximum of 5)