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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Doctor Who-Time Heist

I am really falling behind on these reviews, aren't I? Well that is to be expected in the coming months. I said I will try my best, but I think I can do better.

So Time Heist, an episode that really I didn't think much about when I saw the trailer. It looked kind of...well, average. Little did I realize that it's actually one of the more enjoyable episodes of the series. A type of Ocean's 11 meets Firefly plot, with good supporting cast and interesting antagonist (I call them that now, as no antagonist is really a villain, well, not all of them). I had actually missed it the previous Saturday, so I managed to get a marathon this morning, so I..Am...Pumped! 

PLOT! Taking place in an intergalactic bank, the Doctor, Clara and two others, an augmented human  named Psi and a Shape-shifting mutant named Saibra, are recruited, their minds wiped and told to break into the most secure bank in the galaxy. Hired by a mysterious Architect, they each want something more than anything in the Universe and in return they must steal something that bit more personal.

Again, the way Clara and the Doctor are written and portrayed meet the same high standard as every other episode. But what really makes the episode stand out is the supporting cast. They serve a purpose and we actually care since Moffat cared enough to give them a personality and motivation. I mean true they are only there for a short while, but they are neither expendable nor confined to one episode. I have a good feeling we will see them in a coming episode. But is it it me or do they feel like they have been based off of comic book characters. One is an augmented cybernetic human (geez, Cyborg, DC, much) and he wants his memories back(Um...Wolverine?), the other is a mutant with the ability to shape shift after coming into contact with human touch, but see's this as a curse and wants to be able to touch again (OH COME ON...ROGUE AND MYSTIQUE!). But yeah I hope they come back for the finale.

As for the twists and turns I dare not give them away, the plot allows for some tense and sneaky moments, all packed into 45 minutes. To tell the truth, I wish I saw some more parts where they were breaking in and cracking puzzles, those were the best parts of the episode. I also kind of feel the main antagonist wasn't as well developed, that they could have shown her as a deranged Dolores Umbridge (or at least, more deranged). Instead she was just, kinda quirky and not that interesting. But the Teller, now that was a good idea. Someone who amplifies the guilt someone has and leaves their brain like soup pouring out of their ears. The design is a much better idea for a monster, not like some of the others I have seen the past few episodes, a cross between the Judoon and the Beast from The God Complex. And at the end, everything is justified and everything makes sense.

A fine stand-alone episode of the series, with good side characters, good twists and tense action, it was lots of fun to watch, even if it had little to do with the story-arch. So far this series is doing very well. 

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Doctor Who-Listen

Yes, I know I should get on to the 100th update special, but I promise, after the series is done I will get right to it. Also I'm extremely sorry for the delay, I am getting even more busy these days. Next review out soon.

So 'Listen', the forth episode of the series and introducing a new monster for us to hide behind the couch, kind of! You know after watching this, it got me thinking of a famous quote from the cult horror film 'Peeping Tom'.

"Do you know what the most frightening thing in the world is. It's fear."

It was less about a monster and more about character development and the psychology of fear. It really is becoming apparent that this series is maturing. Rather than just remain the serial from the 60's and feature a mad adventure with a creepy alien, it is delving into the characters, focusing on plot rather than plot conveniences and feeling emotion rather than being told an emotion.

The story (as far as I know) concerns the Doctor delving into a deep rooted fear felt universally of whether or not we know we are alone. Assisting him after a poor date, Clara assists in the investigation. But after some close calls and confusing temporal displacement, the Doctor might finally find the answer at the end of the Universe. All the while, Clara is learning more about Danny than he know's himself, from meeting his younger self to meeting his descendant. It all get's quite confusing. (And I thought understanding Donnie Darko and Pulp Fiction was a walk in the park)

As far as the episode goes it's not the worst one I have ever seen. I mean episodes like 'Hide' or 'Love and Monsters', now those sucked. But I find this episode suffers from a lack of focus, is it trying to tell a scary story, is it trying to be psycho-analytically evaluation of the characters or is it trying to be quirky with it's overlapping time-lines and loopy romance. Don't get me wrong, the individual aspects are good, but melded together they just don't mix. Moffat, for this episode at least, may have bitten off more than he can chew. Then there is the attempts at being scary that are eerily reminiscent of 'Blink', as though this series is trying to recreate classic episodes that I love and approach them from a new angle. That instead of looking at the Angels, you cannot look at these creatures or else who knows what happens. But the episodes lack of a proper monster/antagonist is it''s downfall and only serves to confuse the viewer as to what it is and infuriate them as to what they can't see. It's like what John Carpenter (horror/sci-fi director) said when seeing the haunting. I pay my money, I want to see what the f*** it is!

So I commend the writers for trying something new, for developing the characters, trying to create a tense atmosphere and delivering a comforting morale that even the Doctor is afraid of the dark.
But none the less, I would have expected a new monster going into this episode and a focus on the actual thrills, plus it's a bit to romantic comedy cliche. Glad the two are attempting to date, but it could have been pushed aside. I fully believe they are trying to recreate a lot of the most popular episodes of previous episodes.

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Doctor Who-Robots of Sherwood

Apologies for any delays in my post, I have been quite busy and I am bound to get even more work in the coming months, so I might ask that you be patient. So let us get to my review.

Ah, the Robots of Sherwood. A strange story that (FINALLY) gives us time-travel to a past that’s not Victorian England. It’s about time the series tries to take a more light-hearted, comedic tone for the viewers. I mean, there’s only so much angst one can take before it becomes repetitive and loses its charm, like slow-motion. And everyone gets one laugh in to help lighten up the audience, but thankfully takes itself seriously enough before it becomes to cheesy or campy. And the camp factor is borderline 1960’s Batman with Robin Hood.

So what’s the story? In 1150, Robin Hood roams the forest with his merry men, much to the Doctors discomfort as Clara forces his hand and visits the bunch in Sherwood Forest. This pleases Clara to no end, as she witnesses the famous archery challenge, engages in swashbuckling duels and helps bring down the Sheriff of Nottingham, who has been stealing all the gold in the land for his nefarious plot. But much to the Doctors chagrin, he can’t seem to believe in the idea of a hero as romanticized as Robin Hood actually existing and his exploits true.

As I said, the comedy is what makes the episode good. To tell the truth, the twist is slightly confusing, the villain is not very interesting and we are still getting the overarching plot of the Promised Land. Why is it we can never get a series without any contrivances’ or connect the dots sub plot, just give us a series with fun adventures, imaginative monsters and have the series finale just be Daleks, Cybermen, The Master or a rogue Time Lord.

Each character is plays there part well, as said for Capaldi and Coleman in previous weeks, with the Doctor suddenly facing a hero complex and Clara taking a much tougher act to get the bantering men to behave. This is actually the episode that made me realize how lost the Doctor has become and that this is a new stage in his life to regain the hero he once was. But the scene stealer by far is Robin Hood, who is just having a ball with the character, with brash daring-do, quick wit and cunning. He so perfectly encapsulates the character as we laugh along with him, much to the Doctors hilariously cynical annoyance. It’s also good for the Capaldi to get some proper Doctor moments, like sword fighting with a spoon or engaging in an archery battle with Hood, all the while using some proper Malcolm Tucker humour.

I suppose I should touch on the twist, considering it can be confusing. I mean, is Hood a legend, is he merely a pawn in a larger game or is he the real thing whose mind, along with everyone else’s, is warped by a radiation leak into believing he is the real thing? I guess we can only speculate, because that’s what I believe anyway, but it doesn't make his parting words to the Doctor any less true.

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Quite possibly my favourite episode in the series so far! Yeah, I know it’s a little early, but we’ll see how next week’s episodes attempts to be the scarier episode of the series. By the way I realize this is my one hundredth post and I should do something to celebrate, I will, in due course. 

Doctor Who-Into the Dalek

I am soooo sorry for my delayed update, I have just been so busy to get any work done! So I will make it up to you by giving another update this week, my 100th entry. But as for now, let us examine the 12th Doctors first appearance alongside the Daleks. 

Taking place on a spaceship in an asteroid belt in the future, a crew of soldiers are defending themselves against an onslaught of Daleks. One of them is saved by the Doctor, who is promptly taken to examine a captured Dalek. Picking up Clara from school, while there she meet's Danny Pink, a new teacher, and they are asked to cure the fault in the Dalek so as to determine a weakness to help the soldiers in this battle. In order to do this, they must venture into the most dangerous place in the universe, the interior of the Dalek. 

Watching this episode, I noticed something a bit too familiar in terms of the writing and atmosphere. I couldn't place it until the Dalek started going on a rampage throughout the base and then it hit me...THIS IS ALMOST AN EXACT CARBON COPY OF THE EPISODE DALEK FROM SERIES ONE! I mean its a Dalek that's sick from being morally compromised, is trapped by a military group against it's will and it brings to light some moral quandaries concerning the Doctors emotional well-being. As well as the claustrophobia evoked by the close spaces and being on the run from an insane Dalek. But at the same time, while a carbon copy, it does convey that atmosphere as well, not to mention the interaction between the Doctor and the Dalek. Part of me feels as though this could have been a very suspenseful and tense episode if, for example, the Doctor and Clara infiltrated the Dalek while it was on the run and thus it would become a race against time to stop the Dalek from wiping out the crew and contacting it's allies. But seeing the complicated science that goes into a Dalek is very cool, what with the anti-bodies and the feeding off organic matter in the form of gunk (best word for it).  

What I really want to compliment however is the characters in this episode. He seems much more cynical and critical to everyone, even Clara. We see a very dark, almost insane quality to Capaldi as he tries to reason between science fact and optimistic hope. Can a good Dalek exist or is it just wishful thinking? Not to mention the fact that darkness is the forefront of the Doctor's mind, inspiring the dalek to enact brutal carnage on the Dalek oppressors. And how can we forget the final parting message. This seriously left my mouth on the floor, that the only thing considered a good Dalek is one that performs amicably in the ways of a dalek. Again I have to compliment the excellent development and portrayal of Clara, taking a distinctive edge, using tactical brilliance and proving to be strict or playful where necessary. Man, I wish she was my teacher. Another whom I must compliment is Danny Pink (played by Samuel Anderson). In one episode I can already tell that I like him. He's like a less accident prone Mickey, with a hint of goofiness and tragedy to give his character some mystery. Just seeing him try to hold everything in, whilst in front 
of a class, and almost break down, it's just heartbreaking.

So for our final verdict and opinion, who is Missy and why is she recruiting all those whom the Doctor has "killed". I hope she doesn't become some second rate River Swan, because that's what I am getting from her. Overall, intriguing, if a bit familliar, could have been more tense. For what we got, an interesting dive into the psyche of a Dalek, not one of the stand outs among Dalek episodes, but definitely among the series. 

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