Elysium

     In the year 2154, the current wealth gap explodes to an extreme that most didn’t think possible. The extremely wealthy and affluent members of society escape the pollution and over population of our planet for a virtually perfect existence on a space station called Elysium. The rest of the human race is left behind on a dying planet to starve and suffer abuse by a system mechanical operated authority and sub-par living conditions. That all changes when Max (Matt Damon) suffers a life-threatening injury and uses his steely resolve to fight the system and embark on a mission that could balance the scales of justice and welfare once and for all.
    Elysium (Rated R) is a breathtaking and often eerie projection of a future is more possible than most would care to realize. It’s this jarring expansion of the current socioeconomic crisis that makes this film almost too relevant. Many can easily misconstrue the film as a vehicle for political agenda rather than a science fiction drama. This movie is an allegory of immense proportions and a very well-crafted one.
    State-of-the-art special effects and a well driven plot vehicle allow star Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, and Sharlto Copley (District 9) to deliver superb performances that will have you at the edge of your seat and discussing the film with friends for days.
    Like all films, Elysium is not perfect. Jodie Foster’s fake accent is skeptical at best, but she makes up for it with venomous attitude and electric elocution. Some will recognize on-going themes from director’s first major motion picture, District 9 and criticize his single-mindedness. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Elysium. The film is poignant, visceral, and has none of the pacing issues of its predecessor. Fans of director Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 will adore Elysium, others will merely speculate on the film’s minor flaws.

Rating: 4 Stars (Maximum of 5)

Contagion

    We've seen it before with films like 1995's Outbreak. A deadly virus is contracted by an unknowing civilian and eventually leads to the greatest medical crisis the world has ever seen. Contagion follows a similar pattern with efficiency and terrifyingly realistic scenarios. In a time where American Health Care is at the forefront of heated political debates, lobbyists pushing even harder to make profits, and H1N1 was big news only two years ago, Contagion serves as a cautionary tale grounded in reality.
    Boasting an star-studded cast Contagion is masterfully directed by Steven Soderbergh (Ocean's Eleven, Traffic). Throughout the film, we are presented with scenarios that are all too familiar and common in today's world. When faced with an epidemic who can we trust? Will the local news tell us what we really need to know? Or will it be the guy that blogs about government and pharmaceutical conspiracies that will win our attention and allegiance? Is Facebook a trusted medium for hearsay and international crisis information? When racked with fear of the unknown, who will the public turn to? Contagion these issues with unprecedented ease and style.  We are privy to the horrors of how quickly and wittingly a global tragedy can escalate.
    I remember when H1N1 or more commonly known as the "Swine Flu" was a massive concern for everyone here in the US. Schools were closed, children died, and decisive measures implemented by the CDC probably prevented mass hysteria. Being overly pro-active is better than not doing anything at all (Where was FEMA during Hurricane Katrina?). Contagion captures all of this and delivers it an well written, beautifully shot, surreal, and epically performed package and delivers it to us in theaters and IMAX screens around the world. A must see event that will leave you breathless till the very end.

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5) - Not an original work, but modernized, updated, and up-classed

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)

Attack the Block

    It's not every day that I get to see a UK film. In fact, I can't remember the last UK Film that I've watched in it's entirety. Which is partially why I was so thrilled to see this UK independent sci-fi thriller. Thanks to Gofobo.com, I attended an advanced screening of Attack the Block.

    A dark and often violent film about a gang of inner-city London youths that are forced to fight for their lives amidst an alien invasion. Written and directed by Joe Cornish, Attack the Block is not quite what you would expect from the producers of Shaun of the Dead. The movie begins with a London celebration that I believe is Canada Day (the film does not state). Here we find a gang on South London teenagers patrolling their Block for easy victims to rob. Clearly, up to no good, the story is developed through the interactions between the teenagers and their surroundings. Upon meeting a young woman on the street whom they threaten and mug, a chance event allows her to escape with her life only to have it threatened again repeated throughout the movie.

    Attack the Block is a submission from the Sundance film festival that has received critical acclaim from around the world. While it is new to the US this summer, I implore people see this film for it's ingenuity and bluntness. As human beings, we are as alike as we are different and this movie shows us that regardless of cultural background or nationality we are all the same. Especially when confronted with an invasion of shadowy dark creatures from outer space, we need to stick together and think as one. Easily the best release of the summer, Attack the Block does an excellent job all around.

Rating 4 Stars (Maximum of 5)

Super 8

    Alas, it has been a few months since my last entry and my only explanation is that life happens. Since my last post, I have moved into a new apartment, started a new job away from the restaurant industry, and attended my graduation ceremony from Le Cordon Bleu Chicago. My job new is special perk, because it allows me the flexibility to schedule multiple events around it, in addition to being able to write more often!
    Now getting to the task at hand, J. J. Abrams's Sci-Fi/Adventure "Super 8". The film is essentially the story of a group of kids in small town 1970's America that are attempting to make an amateur horror film for a contest. On the first night of filming the scripted version (of their film), they bear witness to a horrible accident that leads to their lives (and the lives of everyone in their community) being torn apart by military personnel, missing dogs, and a rampaging creature. Abrams & team do their best to portray a classic tale of child heroism, love, humor, and horror. Reminiscent of film classics "The Goonies" & "E.T.", Abrams manages to channel the creative genius that mad Steven Spielberg who he is today.
    The best aspects of "Super 8" are the emotional depths you are taken to throughout the film. Dealing with adult decisions as child and facing hardships such as untimely death, and unrequited love. An emotional roller-coaster that you will be glad to be on, where the highs lie within subtle humor and youthful cliches. As an added bonus, if you sit through the credits Abrams treats us the final product of the amateur horror film. A truly beautiful homage to classic early 80's Sci-Fi cinema, "Super 8" is the first great PG-13 film of the 2011 cinematic year.

Rating: 5 Stars (maximum of 5)