Trick r' Treat

Ahh...Halloween, AKA Hallows eve and here in Ireland Oiche Samhain. The famous Celtic holiday that eventually got the American treatment, much like St Patrick's day. But when getting American treatment, there can be some advantages. Some of which are the traditions of Trick or Treat. We all remember our childhood pastime around this time of year, but never anything like this!

Much like movies such as Creepshow, this anthology of ghoulish holiday tales presents a different side of horror/comedy we don't see very often. From the opening to closing scenes, we are throw into a world of humour, scares and guts. Even the opening credits have that horror anthology vibe, almost like the film is an adaption of a comic book series. Although given that it was produced by Bryan Singer, that's almost to easy to make a joke about. And yet I bet you haven't even heard of this cult classic. Yes, it's only several years old and I already think it's got dedicated niche market.

To go into detail about what make's the film so intrinsic and entertaining would be reveal great twist after good twist after mediocre twist (mediocre being the school bus massacre tale). Well here's what I can tell you, as it can get kind of confusing sometimes and not everything's well explained. Following four members of a small town community and the people they hang around with, we are treated to the four classic Halloween traditions turned right on their heads.

One deals with a group of kids collecting pumpkins for a memorial sight. This is where the sight of a mass murder took place, when a bus of mentally disabled children are trapped in a bus and plummet into a lake. Years later, pumpkins are set up around the perimeter, one for each lost soul, to keep them from returning. This story is creative and certainly relatable to those of us caught on the wrong side of a Halloween prank. But, as I said, te twist is kind of predictable and the kids are kind of a token troupe. But it's got some great build up and a very creepy story to help back it.

Another deals with that annoying parents rule "Always check each piece of candy". Yeah right, like each piece of candy corn hides a razor blade beneath the sugar. But after seeing this I never want to eat another piece of candy ever again...starting tommorow. What really chills me to the bone, however, is Dylan Baker who balances being a total dweeb and being a really sick bastard. I mean, he just sounds like Satan when he whispers "Happy Halloween". This twist will break your neck from the amount of double takes you need. 

My personal favorite is Surprise party, in which Laurie, a sweet girl who just wants to find that special someone for her magic moment, is on the prowl for tonight's "prey". Little does she know, someone has marked her as his prey. This segment is my favorite for one reason, well OK two. One is Anna Paquin of True Blood/X-Men fame. Se fits the role real well, especially near the end, but not for reasons you would think. The other reason is the best twist since I saw dead people the other day. I would give you a hint what it might be, but I don't think even the movie was subtle enough. Plus I gotta say this, that number Anna is wearing...dayum! Not to mention the final scene which will have every male audience member thinking..."I have got the weirdest boner right now".

The last story is probably my least favorite, but, again, not bad! Old man Whithers (he probably has a proper name, but I'm just gonna call him that), is holed up at home, essentially the Scrooge for Halloween. He hates the decorations, the treats and the tricksters. But tonight he might just get more than a ghostly visitor. Brian Cox (Dr Lecter, not the physics professor) is HILARIOUS as the grouchy old man. And to think, this guy did Shakespeare. Also we find out who the mysterious Sam is! Oh, you don't know what I'm talking about, then perhaps I should elaborate.

The entire film plays out like Pulp Fiction does, out of order and interjecting into each story. We will see characters interrupt other characters stories and later we see that interruption in their own. The unifying factor for all stories is Sam, burlap sack/pajama wearing spook who will appear at the climax or build up to the climax of each story.

Now remember, when watching this movie, take notes for what to do on Halloween night. Check each piece of candy, be wary of those in costume, keep that pumpkin lit until the candle burns out and always give a treat, unless you want Sam to play a trick. A perfect film for those who wish to get into the holiday spirit, start off their movie marathon or not want anything to disturbing for the night.

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Paranorman

I am so sorr...no, you know what, I’m not! So far I have received no comments, not response and no critiques of my writing. If I wish to take a break, then so be it. Well, that’s my rant over, let’s review Paranorman.

When I first saw the trailer, I’m sure I thought the same thing as everyone else: What the heck! While the idea of stop-motion is not new to us, this style seemed almost like Flushed Away, which had characters and settings in a stop-motion design but crafted by CGI. It also seemed to try to recreate Coraline, a creepy adventure for all the family to enjoy. While I hold that Coraline is definitely a more creative and imaginative film, after watching this, I don’t see why it was so swept under the carpet.

For example, when watching the trailer, one would assume the story to be that a boy can see the dead walking and talking (AHEM! The Shinning, Sixth Sense ‘Cough’ ) and he is the only one to save his town from a horde of zombies. Well that is there, but that makes up about 20% of the story. The rest is centered on Norman and his ability to see things others can’t and how it humiliates him and alienates others. Meanwhile, a curse on the town is in danger of coming true, allowing a Witch of the Salem Witch trials to enact her vengeance.

While the scares that exist here are primarily for the kids, not many of them scare me even if I was 10-13. But the best aspect of this film I have gotta say is the freaking humour. I mean, my god, every joke delivered is right on the mark, be it verbal, visual, implied or subtle. And not just puns (in fact there are barely any of those), but double-ettendre’s, childish acts in adults, mature acts in the kids, one joke in particular is when Norman is told to swear an oath and he asks “Do you mean the F-word”. And every character gets a laugh, all due to the stellar cast behind the scenes. Some awesome actors here, including Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air, Pitch Perfect), Leslie Mann (The 40 year old Virgin, Knocked up), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad, Kick-Ass) and John Goodman (Oh Brother where art thou, Monsters Inc).

I must also give praise to the dialog and mannerisms of the different age range all being natural. You listen to them and say ‘yeah, even my kids talk like that’. They also suit the characters voice actor, like Mintz-Plasse being a looser/wannabe tough guy, Anna being a snarky/ eye-rolling teen and Goodman being insane (that’s it, he’s pretty much insane in almost every role). And the plot and character development of the main, support and antagonistic characters are sure to catch everyone off, especially for Mitch.

That being said however, it comes as no surprise one of the main reasons the film may have been forgotten among animation/film buff’s is due to some of the harsher, sometimes darker elements in this film and some of the adult humour I will admit might either confuse the youth or disgust the parents who watch this movie with them. Also I have a major criticism for some of the dialog being awkward, stilted or unnecessary padding. And then there is Tucker Albrizzi who plays Neil. The character himself isn't bad, but the voice acting to me is forced, not much effort is put in and sounds unprofessional. I’m sure he’s a nice kid, I don’t I never met him, but I don’t think acting through his voice is his niche.

But why end on a sour note, for the animation is actually some of the best I have seen and its stop-motion (Have I mentioned that yet?). Each character has their own design with exaggerated anatomy and all the monsters are equally as well designed.

Speaking of the monsters, the third act is by far the best, with an epic battle against the witch, a tearful resolution and an intense moral lesson. To tell the truth, this is destined to be one of the best Halloween cult classics, up there with Halloween, Evil Dead and Nightmare before Christmas. Watching this, all I can think of is Halloween...and Thanksgiving for some reason. 

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Manhunter

No it's not some type of homosexual propaganda, it's a genuine horror movie. Well, I say horror...more a suspense/thriller with elements of psychological horror. But if it evokes a sense of fear and panic within the viewer, then it's perfect for Halloween month.

Directed by Micheal Mann in 1986, Manhunter is what Red Dragon would be a remake of two decades later. The only difference is that this one had better style, acting and tension. The other one had Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter. But let's not be quick to judge, for who am I to criticize a film like...wait, I am a critic. Well in that case, It's a descent film, some flaws, but also some very good elements.

As for the plot: A killer, known as the Tooth-Fairy, is on a monthly killing spree, murdering a family every full moon. To catch a killer (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) they bring in retired FBI agent Will Graham, whom has a method whereby he assumes the psyche of a killer to get into their heads and predict their moves. All the while, two criminal minds are at work. The other is Dr Lecter, a patron of beautiful deaths as he attempts his own revenge plot against Graham.

I suppose we should address the elephant in the room, Manhunter vs Silence of the Lambs. Silence all the way of course. But there are some impressive differences in this compared to the other. For example the main man...Lecter. Yeah I know he's supposed to be a minor character, but he has become such a cult phenomenon, that despite two films dedicated entirely to his character being total bombs, he's still an intriguing character. Here, he is fast talking, arrogant, smug bastard who can get into your mind with minimum of ease. Just watch the video down below to see for yourself! In fact I kind of like this version slightly more than Hopkins. Yes, i know he won an Oscar, but I still think Mark Hamill is a better Joker than Award winning Heath Ledger. (Fun Fact: Brian Cox and Anthony Hopkins share the same agent, so when Cox was offered Lecter, Hopkins got King Lear. Then, when Hopkins got Lecter, Cox got Lear. Just thought would like to know).

Another impressive feat of this movie is the main actor William Peterson playing Will Graham. This guy is just insane, well almost anyway. Here William is really convincing as a tortured, nervous and tired cop who just wants a normal life with his family. The moments he shares with his family are actually not as cliched as you'd imagine, in fact they actually benefit the characters as a whole. OK, he's not as compelling as Clarice, but you still feel sympathy for his plight as another one of Lecters victims. He is so engrossed in his performance, it actually convinces the audience he might not be well in the head. 

AS for the atmosphere and cinematography, both are very well in portraying the contrasting elements of darkness/insanity and being safe and hopeful. The POV shots are especially unnerving as we follow each step of the killer as he navigates the house and Graham as he tries to keep calm. Te same can be said for the score, with a strange synthesizer/orchestral tone. The choice of music provides an excellent contrast for an intense final battle.

But then there are some elements that I didn't like, such as the bland backgrounds, some of the mundane side characters who get very little development and the ending. Without giving too much away, it's kinda too serene and happy-go-lucky for a film focused on murder and dark psychology. When compared to other similar films, I feel as though what would have made it really stand out is a shocking ending, one that leaves the viewer so shocked at such an abrupt dark ending. Like as though
non of what Graham did factor in at all at the end of it.
Also I felt as though the CSI work was a bit too rushed and most of it went way over my head. For a Sherlock fan and an avid reader of Conan Doyle's novels, that's saying something! While I got the motivation and the plans being put into action, I find some of the techno-science babble a bit overwhelming. That being said it's still an interesting case and a good mystery.

So overall...I'd say give it a watch. Some parts might be slow and others a bit fast-paced, but if you enjoyed Silence of the Lambs, then you'll certainly get a ride out of this. 

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Attack of the Killer Tomatoes

You know, there are upsides to reviewing cult movies (like finding out about sub-cultures, joining fan clubs and getting a good taste of unappreciated film)....but then there are the down-sides, such as poor acting, half assed scripts and unbearably bizarre premises. This is the latter half of the two! Well in honor  of the month of Halloween, I will be reviewing a cult classic horror film each week. It feels good to get back to your roots and leave TV behind.

So yeah...Attack of the killer Tomatoes. Pretty much known worldwide for it's campy performances, unusual (to say the least) concept and, essentially, it's title. Produced in 1978, the film led to three sequels, each losing its charm more so than the last, and an animated TV series. Obviously a tribute to B-movies, the film will most definitely strike a chord with some devotee's of cheese (Hey that rhymes). But as for the rest of us, oi vey!

The premise (oh geez!) a giant tomato is hunting for human flesh to feed on and it's to a group of unlikely heroes to stop it. Huh, cliche much? 

Most likely based on the Blob, hey I just got that joke in Monsters vs Aliens (where BOB was created by genetically altering a tomato but turned into the blob). But the madness of the story, as well as the actors for that matter, actually creates a quirky kind of slapstick satire of the most famous B-movies of all time; Attack of the 50 ft Woman, The Blob, etc, as well as classic horrors such as Jaws released 3 years prior. The comedy, although effective at times, comes off as extremely forced and not very creative. Any creativity is bogged down by the most uncreative and yet also most creative idea ever. Who would have thought to make the tomato a killer. NO ONE THAT'S WHO!

As a satire, the film deals with many...NO! You know what, this film sucked. The only  humorous part was the opening titles, but even those seemed to be a rip off of the opening titles for Monty Python Holy Grail. So here's what you do; get Monty Python Holy Grail, The Blob and some feckin' tomatoes, put them in a blender ad you know what you get? Pieces of metal floating in a tomato pulp. But metaphorically, it's this movie. Expect no promise from this film my readers, this is one really rotten tomato that I would like to ironically throw at the screen (but not really as it would destroy my lovely television).

Seriously though, if you can't sit through this trailer, just skip the movie entirely, I know I wanted to!

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