Romantic comedies aren’t exactly thriving these days. Attractive leading actors can only take an empty soulless story so far. Fortunately, there are the occasional instances when original ideas grace the silver screen and talented actors utter sharp and witty dialogue thus making for an enjoyable film. The latest bit of raunchy cinema comes in the form of #Stuck and despite its overly hip title; it is actually a rather pleasant and smart comedy that will most likely, hold your interest during its brief but strong 83-minute runtime.
The Pact 2
Typically, sequels are not very good. To continue in the vein of an original work of art is usually pretty unoriginal. Horror films seem to suffer from this “sequel syndrome” and it is really quite unfortunate. Sure, sometimes studios get lucky with Saw or Paranormal Activity but even then, those films begin to lose their luster and fall deep into obscurity. One recent example of this is The Pact 2, a sequel to a film that didn’t really need a sequel to begin with but then again, what horror films do these days?
Listen Up Philip
Writers are an interesting breed. They see the world in a way that is contrary to most non-creative types. To put together a piece of work that elicits powerful emotion and invites the reader to think, well that is just what knowledge and the pursuit of all things good is all about. The latest independent drama Listen Up Philip is a film that puts writers under the microscope and examines their place in society. With a strong cast and a dry, witty script, this is a film that won’t draw in mass audiences but it will leave an impression on the artsy crowd hungry for eccentric characters with realistic problems.
Extraterrestrial
The whole “cabin in the woods” scenario has been done to death in horror movies. Basically, take a handful of young idiots, put them in a secluded cabin in the middle of nowhere, add a hostile supernatural element and enjoy. This perfectly sums up Extraterrestrial, an independent horror flick which combines elements of both science fiction and slasher films. There is also a small amount of comedy to help lighten the mood in between deaths. All in all, it’s not a terrible film. It just isn’t a very good one either.
Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart (Blu-ray)
Every once in a while, an animated film comes along that isn’t just beautiful visually but contains a message and story that is truly mesmerizing and utterly out of this world. Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart is one such film and it is a French export which will certainly touch your heart. Now out on Blu-ray and DVD, this film is yours to own and to marvel at in gorgeous high definition. Not only does it look great but it sounds great as well with an absolutely brilliant soundtrack by French rock band Dionysos. With all of these elements firmly in place, Jack is one animated film you won’t want to miss.
Horns
Daniel Radcliffe is a man of many talents. He made a name for himself playing the child wizard Harry Potter and since then, he has picked a number of roles that showcase his impressive range as an actor. Films like The Woman in Black, Kill Your Darlings and this year’s What If are all excellent examples of this. But audiences will certainly shed the last bit of Hogwarts from their memory with Radcliffe’s latest acting challenge, the quirky horror comedy Horns. It is a strong departure for the young actor and has been released just in time for Halloween.
The Best of Me
One’s first love is always memorable. To feel that intensity and longing for someone for the first time, that feeling is deeply ingrained in one’s memory. It can be beautiful, tender and special or it can be painful, dark and downright tragic. The new romantic drama The Best of Me explores “first love” and features syrupy performances from its actors. It isn’t a great film but it isn’t terrible either but what do you expect from romantic cheese. Romance novelist Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle) is no stranger to the genre and many of his works have been adapted for the silver screen. The Best of Me continues this trend and now, lovesick teenage girls can celebrate the film’s arrival.
Rudderless
Music can be a very powerful form of therapy. The extreme comfort and utter majesty that a certain tune evokes can serve as a much needed security blanket when the occasion calls for it. The main character in the new dramedy Rudderless knows this all too well and the film follows this man on his quest to battle his demons and make his cloudy view of life a little bit sunnier.
St. Vincent
Few actors these days can play themselves on screen and get away with it. To be comfortable in one’s skin while entertaining the masses is a rarity but when it happens, it’s really a beautiful thing. Bill Murray has been a strong example of this for a while now. In fact, much of his career and many of his most notable roles are Bill being Bill. He’s won awards just for playing himself. His latest dramedy St. Vincent continues this trend and the results are actually pretty outstanding. With a great supporting cast, a bittersweet script and an overall offbeat style, this is one of Murray’s best films yet.
Camp X-Ray
Kristen Stewart is something of an anomaly. She’s a beautiful young actress who started out in supernatural romantic drivel but is thankfully maturing as a talented thespian. She could have easily remained in Twilight-like fare but she has basically graduated to more grownup features. Her newest film Camp X-Ray is a powerful dramatic effort that places Stewart in a setting you’d never picture her in, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The film is a brave effort from Stewart and certainly one of the best films of the year. Here’s hoping it doesn’t fall through the cracks.
Unger the Radar 