In the modern digital world we all live in today, one can argue that “print is dead”. To read a book may seem like an activity not many engage in and this is true in some capacity. However books like E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey get made and usher in a new “era” of the printed word being consumed by the masses. Grey is a highly popular series of novels and with a provocative plot and steamy moments which has become a worldwide phenomenon. Obviously a feature film was destined to be made and a corresponding soundtrack was also released. Fans of Grey can now listen to the songs on the album which are almost as sexy and seductive as the book itself.
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DVD Review: The Walking Deceased
With the hugely popular The Walking Dead injecting new life and excitement into the zombie genre, it was only a matter of time a ridiculous spoof would be made to lampoon everything the undead monster phenomenon stood for. The Walking Deceased is a lackluster attempt to mock zombie films and TV shows and while it is in vein of the Scary Movie franchise, it is a far cry from funny or even interesting mockery. Sure it’s cute in its execution here and there but it sadly misses the mark. Hardcore fans of zombie lore might find it appealing but casual audiences may want to seek entertainment elsewhere.
Soundtrack Review: Chappie
In the past two decades, the name Hans Zimmer has been synonymous will the blockbuster film. His music manages to capture the very essence and absolute beauty of almost every project he touches and his unique style has served as the backbone for many action and adventure franchises. From his Oscar-winning score to The Lion King to Pearl Harbor to The Dark Knight Trilogy to Pirates of the Caribbean, not to mention a plethora of other notable films, Zimmer is the industry standard for powerful film music. In fact, one can even go so far as to call him the new John Williams. His latest work is featured in the quirky sci-fi actioner Chappie and while it isn’t the man’s best score, it does give a nice wink at synth-heavy soundtracks of yesteryear, most notably Vangelis’ 1982 score for Blade Runner, a film with many similarities to Chappie.
True Story
Over the past decade, actors Jonah Hill and James Franco have demonstrated a strong and rather consistent pattern of likable comedic performances. However, the two actors have also shown great ability in the realm of drama as well. They are both talented enough to tackle each genre with range and professionalism and whenever they delve into more serious works, audiences are almost always in for a real treat. Sadly, their new film True Story isn’t such a case. Here we have two solid actors who have attempted to make greatness but due to a dull script and uninspired direction, we have a movie that is completely devoid of any type of spark. This is truly unfortunate given the film’s very talented stars.
Effie Gray
Historical dramas based on real-life events often provide for some of the more riveting bits of movie storytelling. Since the tale is true and it actually happened, this makes the audience feel as though what they’re watching on screen is honest and believable because it is. Effie Gray is just this type of film and while the dark premise is unpleasant at times, it is actually quite gripping. Child actress-turned young leading lady Dakota Fanning anchors the film exceptionally well and at just 21 years of age, she has taken Effie Gray and truly made it her own. One simply can’t take their eyes off of her because she is just that good and her performance definitely deserves a few award nominations come later this year.
Spring
Horror and romance are two film genres that don’t typically mix. They are quite possibly the two most different genres and on the surface, should not combine. However, when a story comes along like the one in the dark indie Spring, all bets are off and audiences are in for a movie experience unlike any other. The premise in this film has been done before in similar fashion, yes. But the manner in which it is presented here is really rather unique. The complexities of romance and the horror of monsters are brought together and the results are unlike anything you’ve probably ever seen.
Treading Water
The great thing about comedies is that they can turn almost anything into a laugh-out loud romp. People often suffer in dramas and the like but with comedies, the characters can experience many strange situations and through the power of the script and the performances, things can be transformed into something rather humorous. The latest independent comedy Treading Water (a.k.a. The Boy Who Smells Like Fish) is a quirky example of this stimulating formula. The film tells a tale that probably can’t be told in any other medium and the results are pretty out there. It’s not for all tastes, in fact, it’s quite random and in many instances, downright weird. If you have some time on your hands and want to see some likable performances mixed with a bizarre plot, then this film is right up your alley.
Home
Dreamworks has been manufacturing family-friendly animated entertainment for well over a decade now. Their films come a close second to Pixar and they always feature positive messages, funny scripts, star-studded voice casts and of course, absolutely dazzling artwork. The animation in Dreamworks films is the work of magicians and their latest offering, the sci-fi buddy adventure Home is no different. It is based on Adam Rex’s children’s book The True Meaning of Smekday and it is a charming tale of friendship set against a overpowering odds. Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin and Jennifer Lopez all lend their vocal talents to the film and their presence here is really quite welcome.
The Gunman
Within the past decade, the middle-aged action hero has become an increasingly popular entity in movies. Ever since Liam Neeson shot and punched his way to action film fame in 2008’s Taken, the genre has seen an increase in actors over the age of 50. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just a curious thing and film audiences are in for another example of this in The Gunman, a lackluster actioner starring a 53-year-old (but still excellent) Sean Penn. It’s a movie that doesn’t offer anything new but features a pretty impressive cast. Sadly though, the actors can’t save this film from mediocrity and that’s a real shame because there was some real potential here.
Interview: Actress Marie Avgeropoulos talks ‘Tracers’ and her love of drums and motorcycles
What’s missing from movies these days that we need more of? That’s right, you guessed it: parkour. Running and jumping and bouncing off walls seems to be an ever-growing sport and one that should be incorporated in cinema more. The new action/thriller Tracers uses parkour as a way to tell a fast-paced story and I recently had the opportunity to speak with Marie Avgeropoulos, one of the film’s stars. Here’s how that went:
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