2008 was a good year for me film wise. I got to visit the theater more than any year previous and managed to see a few smaller flicks I would've missed when I was a bit younger. Also, being a big genre fan I was surprised when a few non-genre picks ended up staying with me throughout the year. So, with that, here are my 10 Favorite Films of 2008.
10. Cloverfield - Cloverfield was a solid way to kick off my year. It set me up with some mildly likable characters and then put me through the ringer. Although I'm not a huge fan of "POV" movies, I dug this and after recently catching it again, it's an enjoyable monster movie I wouldn't mind eventually visiting again.
09. The Signal - A three part horror film that milked it's small but talented cast while mixing bleak humor with some good old fashioned violence. It also put AJ Bowen on my radar as the dude is someone to keep an eye out for.
08. The Strangers - A low key and effective film starring the beautiful Liv Tyler and the likable Scott Speedman. It creeped me out, crawled under my skin and left me feeling drained by the time it was over.
07. Forgetting Sarah Marshall - I'm a little biased to this film as the story hit close to home. It was funny, raunchy and had more heart than a lot of recent comedies. Jason Segal proved he could carry a film and the rest of the cast was spot on.
06. Transiberrian -A throwback to the Hitchcock style of yesteryear. Subtle and beautifully shot the film had me engaged from the first frame and didn't let up.
05. Surveillance - A movie that takes a level of predictability and turns it into a fun, often times funny and vicious ride. Backed with a surprising set of actors that you wouldn't expect and striking imagery, it is a film I cannot wait to see again.
04. Inside - Inside nailed me to the wall and forced me to stay their while it assaulted me with it's absolutely ruthless villain and a motive that is far more fucked up than most.
03. Let The Right One In - Subtle. While I had to endure all the "blah" hype about Twilight, this little vampire film came out of left field. It would have been number 1 on my list had it not spent so much time on useless subplots. It worked best when it kept us with our two young leads and their plight.
02. The Dark Knight - I know it may seem shocking to some that this isn't my number 1. However, don't let that fool you. An incredible film on every front backed up by convincing performances and a vision of Gotham City we have never seen before. Nolan willing, we will get at least one more go at it.
01. REC - A last minute entry onto my list. I can't remember the last time a film scared me silly and have me loving every minute. As I stated, the POV style doesn't do it for me but here it made sense. I even understood and respected why the camera was kept rolling, although at times it should've been put down. That didn't stop this movie from whooping my ass all over.
Honorable Mentions
Timecrimes - A flawed but fun little film that was entirely effortless to sit through.
Rambo - Vicious and realistic, this movie made me question the world around me and wish for more men like John Rambo to clean up the human ugly around us.
Taken - Liam Neeson whooping ass in search of his kidnapped daughter. More than once I found myself saying "GO NEESON GO!" and despite it's tidy ending, I dug the film on almost every aspect.
Hellboy II - Having loved the incredibly flawed first film, I was happy to see this film improved itself in almost every aspect.
Fuck You Movies Of 2008
Max Payne - Despite it's best efforts from Mark Wahlberg and some amazing visual trips, this movie fell flat where it was most needed: a story.
Eagle Eye - An aggravating twist and some of the most boring action I've seen in awhile, this movie ended up being the biggest disappointment for me.
Feast II - I loved Feast. Funny, violent and completely wrong. Somehow Feast II managed to have violent and wrong managed but it forgot to be funny. A shame.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
REC (Review)
[REC] 2007
Considered me owned. I consider myself a horror fan above all else. So, when I was finally given a chance to boogie to the Spanish born [REC], I jazzed to the good word of mouth it had received. However, I'm always weary of hype and knowing this movie inspired a so-so looking American remake in the form of Quarentine (which I will check out once it hits DVD) I can't say I was too excited to sit down. Also, I can't say I was to happy learning I was in for another "shaky cam" movie. I have never really like them and despite not hating the style, it's not really something I enjoy either. As I stated before, consider me owned.
This movie fucked me up. It's been a long time, scratch that, a very long time since a horror film actually scared me silly. REC rolled over my like a mack truck at top speed and layed me out flat.
The movie starts off with the incredibly cute and bubbly reporter Angela, played by Manuela Velasco, doing late night TV report at the local fire station. Early on, despite warnings that the job is pretty boring, she makes the mistake of wishing for something to happen. I have a feeling she wishes she hadn't made such a bold statement.
Once our reporter, her camera man Pablo and the two firemen she is accompanying hit a residential apartment building, shit flies towards the fan fast and doesn't let up except for a few brief moments. At the time it let up, I was a little upset but by the end of the film, I realized I was thankful for the breather.
The movie is filled with scares, tension and shocks but manages so without using too much gore. What little there is I won't spoil because when it hits, it's effective. Also adding to the creep/tension factor is how the movie managed to scare the audience once we become trapped with them. Brief shots of soldiers surrounding the builiding, plastic covering being dropped over windows and a very well shot scene of figures against the door (you'll see!) all make for a truly claustrophobic and tight horror film.
Manuela Velasco did incredibly well. I was impressed! She covered every emotion needed for the character and I was with her the entire time, never once questioning why she was acting a certain way. The rest of the cast did okay but nobody really stands out. This was Manuela's film and she carried it like a total champ.
In the end REC is one of the best horror films I have seen in a very, very long time and I recomend it to any horror fan or anybody looking to be scared shitless for an hour and a half.
REC 4/4
Considered me owned. I consider myself a horror fan above all else. So, when I was finally given a chance to boogie to the Spanish born [REC], I jazzed to the good word of mouth it had received. However, I'm always weary of hype and knowing this movie inspired a so-so looking American remake in the form of Quarentine (which I will check out once it hits DVD) I can't say I was too excited to sit down. Also, I can't say I was to happy learning I was in for another "shaky cam" movie. I have never really like them and despite not hating the style, it's not really something I enjoy either. As I stated before, consider me owned.
This movie fucked me up. It's been a long time, scratch that, a very long time since a horror film actually scared me silly. REC rolled over my like a mack truck at top speed and layed me out flat.
The movie starts off with the incredibly cute and bubbly reporter Angela, played by Manuela Velasco, doing late night TV report at the local fire station. Early on, despite warnings that the job is pretty boring, she makes the mistake of wishing for something to happen. I have a feeling she wishes she hadn't made such a bold statement.
Once our reporter, her camera man Pablo and the two firemen she is accompanying hit a residential apartment building, shit flies towards the fan fast and doesn't let up except for a few brief moments. At the time it let up, I was a little upset but by the end of the film, I realized I was thankful for the breather.
The movie is filled with scares, tension and shocks but manages so without using too much gore. What little there is I won't spoil because when it hits, it's effective. Also adding to the creep/tension factor is how the movie managed to scare the audience once we become trapped with them. Brief shots of soldiers surrounding the builiding, plastic covering being dropped over windows and a very well shot scene of figures against the door (you'll see!) all make for a truly claustrophobic and tight horror film.
Manuela Velasco did incredibly well. I was impressed! She covered every emotion needed for the character and I was with her the entire time, never once questioning why she was acting a certain way. The rest of the cast did okay but nobody really stands out. This was Manuela's film and she carried it like a total champ.
In the end REC is one of the best horror films I have seen in a very, very long time and I recomend it to any horror fan or anybody looking to be scared shitless for an hour and a half.
REC 4/4
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Feasting In Smallville
So, after what feels like an eternity, I finally caught Feast 2: Sloppy Seconds. While I don't think it was the travesty against man some seem to have made it out to be, it definitely didn't have the special quality the first had. It was gory good times. . .minus most of the good times. I'll most likely however check out the third film when released.
So. I have an Amazon.com related story. I discovered that Smallville Season 4, one of two I am missing, was only $14.99. Then, I found I could score a 1 month membership to Amazon Prime. Sweet deal. So, for $3.99 extra, I secured one day shipping! Awesome! However, the stupid fuck I am, forgot to update my shipping address. The billing address was however correct. So, yesterday, as I wait patiently for my package, I see my mistake and instantly call for help. Thankfully, the lady that was on the line was an absolute saint. She waived the return fee and shipped me a new copy which I recieved today. May the Turkey Gods bless her!
So. I have an Amazon.com related story. I discovered that Smallville Season 4, one of two I am missing, was only $14.99. Then, I found I could score a 1 month membership to Amazon Prime. Sweet deal. So, for $3.99 extra, I secured one day shipping! Awesome! However, the stupid fuck I am, forgot to update my shipping address. The billing address was however correct. So, yesterday, as I wait patiently for my package, I see my mistake and instantly call for help. Thankfully, the lady that was on the line was an absolute saint. She waived the return fee and shipped me a new copy which I recieved today. May the Turkey Gods bless her!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Heroes & Reflexes
I'm finally catching up on Heroes. It really is an entertaining show. Although I firmly believe the 2nd season would have been substantially better had it not been trimmed from 24 to 11 episodes. It really shows. While it's not a bad season by any stretch of the imagination, it definitely lacks that special quality the fantastic first season had.
As for the third season, which I just now am able to see, it seems like it could be a very dark and fantastic season. The first episode was quality and while the new "God" angle is a tad bit out of my entertainment range, I'm curious to see how it plays out.
I pride myself on quick reflexes. It's always been something I've felt I had. Today, I proved that, by slipping and sliding down the stairs only to catch myself mid-fall and land standing up. Sounds cool, right? Well it is, minus the fact that I fucked up my arm in the process. I have very little feeling from the elbow down and can't clinch my fist very tight. I didn't break anything, thankfully, but I'll be damned if it doesn't feel strange. I probably just tweaked the muscle. Still sucks though.
As for the third season, which I just now am able to see, it seems like it could be a very dark and fantastic season. The first episode was quality and while the new "God" angle is a tad bit out of my entertainment range, I'm curious to see how it plays out.
I pride myself on quick reflexes. It's always been something I've felt I had. Today, I proved that, by slipping and sliding down the stairs only to catch myself mid-fall and land standing up. Sounds cool, right? Well it is, minus the fact that I fucked up my arm in the process. I have very little feeling from the elbow down and can't clinch my fist very tight. I didn't break anything, thankfully, but I'll be damned if it doesn't feel strange. I probably just tweaked the muscle. Still sucks though.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Night Of The Living
So, today I officially began the first draft of my short film "Night Of The Living"
It's not going to be as easy as I thought. Yes, writing it will be easy but pulling it off and shooting it with absolutely no money? A challenge indeed. But, I'm dedicated. I hope to work on some more of it tonight. I've got the ending secured and all involved agreed it was the best way to end such a project. I'm hoping to wrap it up relatively soon so I can gather the group and discuss just how in the hell we are going to make this.
I haven't decided if I want to shoot this first or work on our own little horror anthology titled "50 Minutes Of Horror" which would be much easier to actually shoot. Either way, I'm setting a goal and officially starting to work whatever ass I have left off on getting these made.
We have no less than three projects we'd love to do. All involved seem passionate about "Night Of The Living" but a lack of experience presents a problem. Shooting a 15 minute film that requires many people, make up and gore effects and even an action scene or two seems daunting but I know we could do it. So, we may settle on our series of 5 minute shorts first and then see where we end up after that.
As for the third project, it is possible and there is no way I am not doing it. It's a personal sort of story with a lot of room for humor and horror, two things I love.
So, today is my day. Halloween. And guess what? I have to work. Luckily though I only work until 8:30. So, when I come home it's movie time. I'm thinking Near Dark, Tenebre and Scream.
So, only time will tell but I hope to God I can produce one of these by January 1st and then dedicate the year 2009 to officially turning this into a career rather than a hobby.
It's not going to be as easy as I thought. Yes, writing it will be easy but pulling it off and shooting it with absolutely no money? A challenge indeed. But, I'm dedicated. I hope to work on some more of it tonight. I've got the ending secured and all involved agreed it was the best way to end such a project. I'm hoping to wrap it up relatively soon so I can gather the group and discuss just how in the hell we are going to make this.
I haven't decided if I want to shoot this first or work on our own little horror anthology titled "50 Minutes Of Horror" which would be much easier to actually shoot. Either way, I'm setting a goal and officially starting to work whatever ass I have left off on getting these made.
We have no less than three projects we'd love to do. All involved seem passionate about "Night Of The Living" but a lack of experience presents a problem. Shooting a 15 minute film that requires many people, make up and gore effects and even an action scene or two seems daunting but I know we could do it. So, we may settle on our series of 5 minute shorts first and then see where we end up after that.
As for the third project, it is possible and there is no way I am not doing it. It's a personal sort of story with a lot of room for humor and horror, two things I love.
So, today is my day. Halloween. And guess what? I have to work. Luckily though I only work until 8:30. So, when I come home it's movie time. I'm thinking Near Dark, Tenebre and Scream.
So, only time will tell but I hope to God I can produce one of these by January 1st and then dedicate the year 2009 to officially turning this into a career rather than a hobby.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Deja Entendu & A Fair Haired Child
"The time has come for colds and over coats. . ."
It's Fall again. What does that mean? Brand New's "Deja Entendu" is on repeat. I've never really attempted to closely associate music with a season but I can't help but to always spin this CD in the Fall and Winter. Maybe it's the slower pace and the brooding lyrics. Maybe it's because I first listened to it around this time of the year when I was in 9th grade.
Wow. Now I just feel fucking old.
I watched William Malone's "The Fair Haired Child" last night and I've got to say that even though I figured it out pretty quickly, it was still one creepy and effective little horror movie. Strong acting? Check. Serviceable yet shallow mystery? Check! Fun fucking times? Check and check! Seriously, hunt down this film. It's from Masters Of Horror. It's got style, laughs, scares and enough weirdness to make almost any movie goer sit back and enjoy the ride. Plus it's got one hell of an ending too!
P.S. Watch those black and white shots! Damn!
It's Fall again. What does that mean? Brand New's "Deja Entendu" is on repeat. I've never really attempted to closely associate music with a season but I can't help but to always spin this CD in the Fall and Winter. Maybe it's the slower pace and the brooding lyrics. Maybe it's because I first listened to it around this time of the year when I was in 9th grade.
Wow. Now I just feel fucking old.
I watched William Malone's "The Fair Haired Child" last night and I've got to say that even though I figured it out pretty quickly, it was still one creepy and effective little horror movie. Strong acting? Check. Serviceable yet shallow mystery? Check! Fun fucking times? Check and check! Seriously, hunt down this film. It's from Masters Of Horror. It's got style, laughs, scares and enough weirdness to make almost any movie goer sit back and enjoy the ride. Plus it's got one hell of an ending too!
P.S. Watch those black and white shots! Damn!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Katy Perry & The Fine Art Of Delayed Gratification
I loathe Katy Perry. Granted, I haven't heard her entire album but 'I Kissed A Girl' was annoying enough to close my normally open mind. But, I can't deny that "Hot & Cold" is one annoying yet incredibly catchy tune. I've woke up with it in my head for about three days now. Now I'm questioning giving this young lady a second shot. So, yes, I'm more than likely going to beat my head off of a brick wall if I end up liking this girl. But at least it will have a catchy little soundtrack, which is always a plus.
I can see it now.
"You're hot then you're cold. . ." *slam* "you're yes then you're no. . ." *slam* "you're in and you're out . . ." *bleeds to death*
So I've been putting off my viewing of the rest of Masters Of Horror Season 1. I feel like if I were to slam them down in a short period of time, I'd burn myself out. It's delayed gratification. I want to enjoy them instead of rushing through them so I can discuss them with like minded horror fans. Except 'Dreams In The Witch House' Two fucking attempts at viewing it and I can't finish it. I like Stuart Gordon but I do not like this movie. God awful? Not quite. Enjoyable? Not to me!
I can see it now.
"You're hot then you're cold. . ." *slam* "you're yes then you're no. . ." *slam* "you're in and you're out . . ." *bleeds to death*
So I've been putting off my viewing of the rest of Masters Of Horror Season 1. I feel like if I were to slam them down in a short period of time, I'd burn myself out. It's delayed gratification. I want to enjoy them instead of rushing through them so I can discuss them with like minded horror fans. Except 'Dreams In The Witch House' Two fucking attempts at viewing it and I can't finish it. I like Stuart Gordon but I do not like this movie. God awful? Not quite. Enjoyable? Not to me!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Creative Juices: If Only Welch's Would See The Potential
A month or so back, social networking fell of my radar. I sort of swept it out of my life, so to speak. I felt like I had the people and things in my life needed to keep me happy, loved and entertained. Logging into MySpace every day or every few days made me feel stupid, like even the few minutes spent there could be used towards working on a script or talking to a real friend, not messaging some random (albeit cute) girl that I was never going to really know. So, I cut the strings. One month and counting with a MySpace. As for Facebook, the last time I had one it barely lasted a week. So, to me, social networking is not something I wish to partake in again, at least not any time in the forseeable future.
I've had numerous blogs and message boards over the years but I always went to them with some grand idea. Some large scale plan that never actually happened. Well, in the absence of MySpace, I started to think about small scale. Living for the moment so to speak. And then I realized that while traditionally blogging makes my head hurt, whether it's mine or someone else's, that maybe it could help.
I am first and foremost a writer but lately I've been lacking motivation. So, I decided to start a blog in an effort to boost my writing habits. So, I'm here with no clear purpose. I don't know what I'm going to write or when. But, if I write something, anything at all, I'll be happy.
Enjoy!
I've had numerous blogs and message boards over the years but I always went to them with some grand idea. Some large scale plan that never actually happened. Well, in the absence of MySpace, I started to think about small scale. Living for the moment so to speak. And then I realized that while traditionally blogging makes my head hurt, whether it's mine or someone else's, that maybe it could help.
I am first and foremost a writer but lately I've been lacking motivation. So, I decided to start a blog in an effort to boost my writing habits. So, I'm here with no clear purpose. I don't know what I'm going to write or when. But, if I write something, anything at all, I'll be happy.
Enjoy!
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