Evil Dead (2013)

Evil Dead

Directed By: Fede Alvarez

Written By: Fede Alvarez, Rodo Sayagues, Diablo Cody

Produced By: Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell

Cast: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Elizabeth Blackmore, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas

Plot: A group of teenagers agree to help their friend kick her heroin addiction, and take her to a remote lodge within the mountains. They unknowingly release a terrifying entity, that wants them all dead by dawn, with horrifying consequences.

The original Evil Dead film shocked audiences the world over, and now it's average among modern horror films but still a fan favourite. This remake/sequel/reboot/chapter of Evil Dead re-invents the story with our hero being both heroine and heroin addict. The film starts with a rather unnerving scene involving a father killing his possessed daughter, setting the chilling tone for the film. 

Once our (rather stupid) teens enter the cabin, it's pretty much downhill from there. There are the usual, average jump scares throughout, but there are some genuinely horrifying moments that will make you cringe. I did like the way the writers included the possibility that this could be some heroin fueled fantasy or a schizophrenic episode, it was a nice little spin on the idea. Nobody leaves this film unscathed, not even the dog. 

There are some truly brutal killings involved, and some of the torture is possibly worse. The harrowing scene involving the main character is absolutely horrific, and is quite difficult to watch, so be warned, this is not a film for the faint hearted. As for blood, there's lot's of it, in fact it covers the whole set. 

However, it did seem a little bit stale, not the terrible farce that a remake could've been, but we've seen all of this before in a previous list of horror films. There are also moments in which the audience will want to shout "DON'T GO INTO THE CELLAR". The majority of the characters are pretty much two dimensional and are just lambs for the slaughter. I was impressed with the central character of Mia, she was the only one who had any characterization to her whatsoever. A rather chilling film, but this genre is getting a little bit 'same old, same old' now.

Probably the best horror remake, but don't expect it to win any oscars.

Written By Eammon Jacobs

6.5/10
Ps. If you're a fan of the original films, stay till after the credits.

Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3

Directed By: Shane Black

Written By: Drew Pearce, Shane Black

Produced By: Kevin Feige

Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce, Ben Kingsley, Jon Favreau, Don Cheadle

Plot: Recovering from the events of 'The Avengers', Tony Stark develops Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He must juggle difficulties from all sides, his relationship, his work, perfecting his suits and a Terrorist threatening to destroy everything he holds dear.

The latest eagerly awaited Marvel film had fans all over the globe in a frenzy, it looked as if the enigmatic Tony Stark had finally met his match with a more realistic opponent rather than another man in a metal suit. The Mandarin is a fantastic, unexpected villain for our hero to face, and Ben Kingsley gives both a sinister and almost humorous performance. 

The dynamic Mr Stark has a lot to deal with. I was really impressed with the way the character was fleshed out, by showing the after-effects he has to cope with from what he endures in The Avengers. it shows the human side to the billionaire, playboy, philanthropist that we all know and love. The film has the witty dialogue that we expect from an Iron Man film, with some amusing quips regarding the visually impressive Iron Patriot (Listen out for Rhodes' password).

Whilst I mentioned the more realistic villain of The Mandarin, the film manages balance some sci-fi elements alongside this, via the research of one Maya Hansen, an old flame of Tony's. I also thought it was interesting to show Pepper Potts' conflicted views on Tony, so she's not just the ever faithful girlfriend.

The action is no less than impressive, with a portion of the film showing Tony without his suit. Showing us that the suit does not make the man. Robert Downy Jr's performance is once again on top form. However, there are some points that will make you sit up and think "Surely not?". But then again, this is Hollywood.

A highly enjoyable entry into the Marvel Universe.

Written By Eammon Jacobs

8/10

Ps. Stay till after the credits.

Trance

Trance

Directed By: Danny Boyle

Written By: Joe Ahearne, John Hodge

Produced By: Danny Boyle

Cast: James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, Vincent Cassel, Tuppence Middleton

Plot: A fine art auctioneer helps steal a a priceless painting, only to forget where he hid it after being struck on the head. The gang he's mixed up with hire a hypnotherapist to recover the memory, but as they delve further into his brain, everyone becomes unraveled. 

Danny Boyle is well known for creating modern classics such as 28 Days Later, Slumdog Millionaire and of course directing the Olympics opening ceremony. He has always received positive reviews, and Trance is no exception. The film starts with Simon (James McAvoy) addressing the audience, and we automatically like him. Which makes us feel pretty sorry for him throughout the rest of the film... (Nasty business, getting your fingernails ripped off). 

The film has been advertised as a psychological thriller, which of course it is, but it's extremely gritty and dark. Danny Boyle is used to shocking audiences, 28 Days Later is a fantastic horror film, and the twists and turns that are featured are intriguing, worrying and damn right criminal. It's also a little bit of a 'whodunnit' type of thriller in some aspects, with the whole gang attempting to find the various potential hiding spots of the painting. 

The film keeps us entertained throughout, but does require alot of concentration, don't go to watch this if you're not prepared to think everything through constantly. The narrative is extremely clever, as we visually see Simon's hypnosis, and we unknowingly see parts of the puzzle come together with ease. In my opinion, the best kinds of films are the ones that keep you thinking hours after you've watched it, and in this case you'll be thinking for a few days.

The plot is well thought out, and the acting is superb. James McAvoy plays the fractured mind brilliantly, and Vincent Cassel is both charming and sinister. Although if he'd never hit the poor guy in the head anyway, they wouldn't be in this mess. The visuals are absolutely stunning, with rich colours and vibrant set pieces contrasting to the dark, menacing underworld of London that is shown to us.

Danny Boyle has made a brilliant piece of cinema.

Rating: 8/10

Written By Eammon Jacobs

ZERO.

So, we can tell you the title of our production, Zero. This is Operation Something Big. 

Our shoot on monday went really well, and we managed to get our finale/beginning shot. It's really coming together, we need to shot two more substantial scenes, and a few small filers and then it'll be ready! Can't wait to show this off.

E.

#operationsomethingbig

So, we've got a plan. This monday, we're travelling to a secret, undisclosed location to shot our finale, part of which will feature as our beginning. Unfortunately, this means the death of two of our cast members...although I won't say who just yet. I'll keep you posted.

E.

Operation: Something Big

So last week we started filming for a project which we've come to call #operationsomethingbig on twitter. We've definitely got one substantial/impressive take done (You'll understand once it's completed), and I'll tell you how we created it once we've finished + uploaded it online. We were going to shoot a scene before our impressive shot today, but due to forgetting a vital prop (a pair of glasses, believe it or not) we couldn't film.

Eventually, we hope we'll have created a high quality short film that'll keep you entertained for a good few minutes.

I'll keep you posted as it happens.

E.

Django Unchained

Django Unchained

Directed By: Quentin Tarantino

Written By: Quentin Tarantino

Produced By: Stacey Sher, Reginald Hudlin, Pilar Savone

Cast: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, Kerry Washington

Plot: Django (Foxx) is a slave, until he is freed by Dr. King Schultz (Waltz), who makes a deal with him. If he helps him catch The Brittle Brothers and various other bounties, he shall help him rescue his wife from notorious plantation owner Calvin Candie (DiCaprio).

Brilliant, controversial, fantastic. These words have been used to describe some of Tarantino's previous works, and Django Unchained is no exception. The film shows us Django's journey from slavery to freedom, with alot of bloodshed along the way. However, it has received alot of negative publicity for the issues it covers: slavery, the portrayal of white people and the excessive use of the 'N-word'. I feel that all these things are necessary for a film of this genre. If anything, it highlights the horrors of that time. 

The first thing that comes to mind when I look back on the film is how fun it is, but at the same time completely brutal. I was unbelievably impressed with Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as the villain of the film, Calvin Candie. I'm not aware if DiCaprio has ever portrayed a villain before, but he is astounding. The scene in which he saws open an old human skull is sinister and downright scary. I was left on the edge of my seat throughout his menacing performance.

 However, his polar opposite in the film is the wonderful Christoph Waltz, playing Dr. King Schultz. I didn't think it was possible for him to top his portrayal of Hans Landa in Tarantino's previous film; Inglourious Basterds, I was very wrong. If anything, he beats it. Some of the one liners he delivers are hilarious, and when he tells the German story of 'Broomhilda' it is completely heartwarming.

Jamie Foxx, so aptly described in the film as a 'Silver-tongued devil' by Schultz, is fantastic. From the start our emotions change from sympathy to admiration. Django clearly learns the rules of wit from Dr. King Schultz, as towards the end of the film his one liners become more and more enjoyable. He also progresses visually. He goes from beaten and broken slave to complete badass. Tarantino has created yet another character that will be remembered for years to come. 

As for the great Director himself, he's crafted another masterpiece. It goes perfectly along with the rest of the films he has so perfectly created. The film is visually impressive, the screenplay is superbly written and the action is thrilling. There's no shortage of blood spilled, with some especially brutal scenes of the treatment of slaves. The dog scene and it's flashbacks is rather disturbing. There are some pleasurable deaths however, with fantastic quips from Schultz and Django. The film is astounding. Tarantino, you've done it again.

10/10

Written By Eammon Jacobs