Over the years there have been hundreds of movies made about vampires and dozens of those that use the character of Dracula. There have even been successful plays about Bram Stoker's most famous vampire and in the mid to late 70s a version starring Frank Langella hit the stage to rave reviews. And of course anything that is successful Hollywood jumps right in and turns it into a movie as fast as possible. Bringing this version to the screen, Universal was able to create an eerie and suspenseful story that at times draws the audience so far into the tale that you yourself can feel the terror and desire of the characters.
The mysterious Count Dracula moves from Romania to a deserted Abbey in England and begins his reign of terror on the local populace. The music for this film was done by the great John Williams and sets the mood from the opening scenes to the closing credits. With Langella as Dracula, the sexuality of his character with that of Lucy and Mina just drips off the screen and you can't help but see the love story that Stoker imbedded in the original. The other strong performance in this film is that of Sir Laurence Olivier as Van Helsing, his portrayal of Dracula's nemesis is by far one of the best.
I have always loved this version of the Dracula mythos and there are parts of the film that were done for suspense, that to this day have not been repeated on film for this story. Langella is a very good Dracula and brings that human side of the character to the film that has been lost over the years in other versions. With the examination of the character here, you feel the loneliness and the desperation of the long stagnant life that he is forced to live. If you love the vampire stories and have never seen this version, you are truly missing out on an adaptation that is well worth the time.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Right Stuff
After the launch of the Space Shuttle in the early 80s, we as a public became complacent about sending astronauts into space, just like we did in the 70s. It just became something that we do and that there is no real risk involved, but we learned twice with the shuttle flights that that isn't so. The risk and training that these men and women go through was pioneered in the 50s and 60s by some of the bravest men this nation could ever produce. This film shows the trials and tribulations that the early astronauts had to go through with the military, the scientists, the government and media of the day.
Sending the first men into orbit around the Earth is not an easy task and with some of the best, hot shot pilots from the military doesn't make it any easier, but they get it done. The mix of stock footage within the film helps with keeping the story grounded in reality, and as the story progresses you feel all the hardships and pain that the astronauts and their families go through. The sets that were constructed were done with meticulous detail and it shows with all of the props that are used throughout the film, you feel like you're in the time period that this is all taking place. The acting of the eight main characters is just superb, you truly begin that these men were the astronauts that were going up into space.
If it weren't for these men in the early stages of the space program we would not be where we are today, an international space station, the landings on the moon (and the planned return trips), and the talks of interplanetary travel to Mars. After watching this film I had the proud feeling of being an American, and seeing that with determination and perseverance we can do what ever we set our minds to do. This is a nice film for any one who is interested in the space program and how it was developed; it has a lot of good information that you can learn from.
Sending the first men into orbit around the Earth is not an easy task and with some of the best, hot shot pilots from the military doesn't make it any easier, but they get it done. The mix of stock footage within the film helps with keeping the story grounded in reality, and as the story progresses you feel all the hardships and pain that the astronauts and their families go through. The sets that were constructed were done with meticulous detail and it shows with all of the props that are used throughout the film, you feel like you're in the time period that this is all taking place. The acting of the eight main characters is just superb, you truly begin that these men were the astronauts that were going up into space.
If it weren't for these men in the early stages of the space program we would not be where we are today, an international space station, the landings on the moon (and the planned return trips), and the talks of interplanetary travel to Mars. After watching this film I had the proud feeling of being an American, and seeing that with determination and perseverance we can do what ever we set our minds to do. This is a nice film for any one who is interested in the space program and how it was developed; it has a lot of good information that you can learn from.
Into the Blue
Having movies remade with a more current theme is a trend that has been going on for decades and more recently they have flourished with some very good remakes and some poor ones as well. This film here is a new imagining of the 70s movie The Deep, that was originally written by the famed author Peter Benchley. With the stepped up action and the more complex storyline this is one of the better remakes I've seen in a while, and with Jessica Alba running around in a small bikini and her underwear half the time, the film is made that much more enjoyable.
When a group of divers find the possible resting place of a huge deep-sea treasure, their problems are just beginning when they also find a downed plane with a cargo hold full of cocaine. This film is full of action sequences and with a cast of actors that know how to the carry scenes, with their looks as well as their acting talent, you are left breathless through most of the movie. With the more intricate story to work with, the filmmakers were able to expand on all of the characters involved and actually add a few new ones for good measure. The film moves along at a good pace with so many twists and turns, that before you realize it you're left wondering who the bad guys really are.
The similarities between the two movies are great and with the modernization of this story, along with the action, it helps bring an audience to a pair of films that may not get the attention they well deserve. I'm a big fan of the original film and this remake does it justice. I was a little skeptical about this film, after all so many remakes are done poorly and leave such a bad taste afterwards that many people don't even search out the original t see what was done wrong. But after seeing this film I can honestly say that its well worth the time watch and hopefully it will interest some people to find the first movie and do their own comparison.
When a group of divers find the possible resting place of a huge deep-sea treasure, their problems are just beginning when they also find a downed plane with a cargo hold full of cocaine. This film is full of action sequences and with a cast of actors that know how to the carry scenes, with their looks as well as their acting talent, you are left breathless through most of the movie. With the more intricate story to work with, the filmmakers were able to expand on all of the characters involved and actually add a few new ones for good measure. The film moves along at a good pace with so many twists and turns, that before you realize it you're left wondering who the bad guys really are.
The similarities between the two movies are great and with the modernization of this story, along with the action, it helps bring an audience to a pair of films that may not get the attention they well deserve. I'm a big fan of the original film and this remake does it justice. I was a little skeptical about this film, after all so many remakes are done poorly and leave such a bad taste afterwards that many people don't even search out the original t see what was done wrong. But after seeing this film I can honestly say that its well worth the time watch and hopefully it will interest some people to find the first movie and do their own comparison.
Todd McFarlane's Spawn
This is definitely not your kids cartoons, this version of the characters that Todd McFarlane created in the early 90s are the most true to form. The adult orientation of the story, with the themes, sexuality along with the nudity, kept this tale rooted in the world that was created in the comic books. This series is a spit in your face, punch in the gut kind of story, and with the graphic violence along with the hardcore language this chronicle is not for the faint of heart.
Al Simmons is brought back from the dead as a Hellspawn, a leading soldier in Hell's army, but he does not want to be in the middle of this battle between Heaven and Hell, all he wants is to see and love his wife. The voice over work for this series is very well cast, and the choice of Keith David as the voice of Spawn is as creepy and commanding as it needs to be in this demonic series. Where this series was originally on HBO, there was no qualms about keeping the violence and bloodshed that was a main part of the comic book story in this animation series.
Unfortunately HBO ended this series just as it was reaching it peak, the story leaves off on a note that leads the viewer to believe that the next season was going to be the beginning of the ultimate battle. But like all good things that show a glimmer of hope, and receives accolades from its audiences, the network that helped create it decides to kill it off before the story comes to its conclusion. Even though this story is left with cliffhanger that could choke a horse, its well worth seeing, the true nature of McFarlane's characters are realized here in this form, and with some hope, some where down the line some will pick up the mantle and continue this saga.
Al Simmons is brought back from the dead as a Hellspawn, a leading soldier in Hell's army, but he does not want to be in the middle of this battle between Heaven and Hell, all he wants is to see and love his wife. The voice over work for this series is very well cast, and the choice of Keith David as the voice of Spawn is as creepy and commanding as it needs to be in this demonic series. Where this series was originally on HBO, there was no qualms about keeping the violence and bloodshed that was a main part of the comic book story in this animation series.
Unfortunately HBO ended this series just as it was reaching it peak, the story leaves off on a note that leads the viewer to believe that the next season was going to be the beginning of the ultimate battle. But like all good things that show a glimmer of hope, and receives accolades from its audiences, the network that helped create it decides to kill it off before the story comes to its conclusion. Even though this story is left with cliffhanger that could choke a horse, its well worth seeing, the true nature of McFarlane's characters are realized here in this form, and with some hope, some where down the line some will pick up the mantle and continue this saga.
The Long Kiss Goodnight
When it comes to female action stars, there are few and far between when it comes to successful characters that the audience enjoys watching. The teaming of Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson in this thriller works so well that you could have put them together in another film and still would have had a hit. The director of this roller coaster ride is Renny Harlin, who gave us the action films Cliffhanger, Die Hard 2, and most recently The Covenant. With all his films he shows the audience his expertise for complex action sequences that seem to come off as natural as breathing.
After eight years of living under the haze of amnesia, Samantha Caine's former life as Charley Baltimore, a lethal government assassin, starts to take over. Jackson as the tough guy PI just builds more on to his persona but the real surprise is Davis as the government assassin with amnesia, she comes across wonderfully in one of her strongest roles. Once the story gets going it never stops and it seems that each action sequence out does the one that came before and they just get better and better. Some of the sequences that are in the film are a little hard to swallow, but that is what action films are suppose to do, suspend belief in reality for an hour or two.
I was completely surprised by how good this movie was, seeing Jackson as the tough guy was one those things you'd expect, but Davis as the hard as nails killer was far beyond what I had come to expect from her. Davis' character is so strong that she could have gone on from here to do other action films like this one but needless to say what few she did do weren't of the same caliber. This is definitely a movie that shouldn't be missed; it has everything for the action fan, expositions, gunplay and some great one liners, so if you haven't seen it check it out.
After eight years of living under the haze of amnesia, Samantha Caine's former life as Charley Baltimore, a lethal government assassin, starts to take over. Jackson as the tough guy PI just builds more on to his persona but the real surprise is Davis as the government assassin with amnesia, she comes across wonderfully in one of her strongest roles. Once the story gets going it never stops and it seems that each action sequence out does the one that came before and they just get better and better. Some of the sequences that are in the film are a little hard to swallow, but that is what action films are suppose to do, suspend belief in reality for an hour or two.
I was completely surprised by how good this movie was, seeing Jackson as the tough guy was one those things you'd expect, but Davis as the hard as nails killer was far beyond what I had come to expect from her. Davis' character is so strong that she could have gone on from here to do other action films like this one but needless to say what few she did do weren't of the same caliber. This is definitely a movie that shouldn't be missed; it has everything for the action fan, expositions, gunplay and some great one liners, so if you haven't seen it check it out.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Reviving a long gone art form like stop motion photography on the big screen was a risky chance, but when Tim Burton teamed up with Henry Selick and Denise Di Novi they created one of the most talked about and loved Christmas movies in decades. The blending of Halloween and Christmas was in itself a unique direction for a story but when you add in the lovable characters that seem as familiar as family, your left with an instant classic that audiences of all ages want to watch.
When Jack Skellington from Halloween Town decides to brighten his day by taking over Christmas for Santa so that his version of the holiday spirit. Where this is a musical its not surprising that the songs are upbeat and playful but they also fit so well into the tale itself that you couldn't have this story without them. The stop motion photography is almost flawless, there are a few spots where a wire or some other object can be seen but it's not a distraction and doesn't draw your attention in the least. The one thing that drove this film was Burton's imagination, and from beginning to end there is no shortage of that.
To call the accomplishments of this movie groundbreaking is not enough to describe the phenomenon that this tale has created over the years. Even though this film originally came out in 1993, its popularity has never really diminished. From the moment it first saw life on the screen to this very day this imaginative story has warmed the hearts of children of all ages with characters that are unforgettable and a story the just doesn't seem to age.
When Jack Skellington from Halloween Town decides to brighten his day by taking over Christmas for Santa so that his version of the holiday spirit. Where this is a musical its not surprising that the songs are upbeat and playful but they also fit so well into the tale itself that you couldn't have this story without them. The stop motion photography is almost flawless, there are a few spots where a wire or some other object can be seen but it's not a distraction and doesn't draw your attention in the least. The one thing that drove this film was Burton's imagination, and from beginning to end there is no shortage of that.
To call the accomplishments of this movie groundbreaking is not enough to describe the phenomenon that this tale has created over the years. Even though this film originally came out in 1993, its popularity has never really diminished. From the moment it first saw life on the screen to this very day this imaginative story has warmed the hearts of children of all ages with characters that are unforgettable and a story the just doesn't seem to age.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Incognito
There are some times that when you see a trailer for a movie that you get the impression that the film is going to be well worth your time to watch it. Okay I lied, most of the time the trailer, as we all know, is the best parts of the film put together in order to con us as a viewing public. I can say that is exactly what has happened to me with this film. I had never heard of this film, saw the trailer on another DVD, became very interested, and popped it on to my rental list. Boy was that a mistake.
An expert art forger is hired to create a fake Rembrandt for private sale, but when he is double crossed by his associates and blamed for murder he runs for his life with the painting in tow. The acting is a little stale and at times the actors look like they just stepped onto the set after reading their part. This movie stars Jason Patric which isn't saying much for his ability as an actor since he just flounders through the film. The only highlight out of this group of actors is that of Rod Steiger, who plays the dying father, and he can thank his lucky stars his character dies for before it gets to bad. The technical side of the film is very good and very involved, showing how much effort and skill the character puts into creating the forgery alone is monumental, but it takes forever to get through it and by that time the film has slowed down to almost a crawl.
If you are not the kind of person who is interested in paintings that hang in some of the finest art galleries and museums around the world this movie is not for you. Unfortunately, even if you enjoy looking at those paintings this movie may not interest you enough to sit down and watch it. The story is slow and what little action there is in it is just as slow. The pain staking details that were put into making the film keeps it from moving beyond its steady and leisurely pace. It was interesting to see the process that a forger would go through in order to create one of these paintings, but it takes so long to get there that the audience just loses interest in the rest of the story.
An expert art forger is hired to create a fake Rembrandt for private sale, but when he is double crossed by his associates and blamed for murder he runs for his life with the painting in tow. The acting is a little stale and at times the actors look like they just stepped onto the set after reading their part. This movie stars Jason Patric which isn't saying much for his ability as an actor since he just flounders through the film. The only highlight out of this group of actors is that of Rod Steiger, who plays the dying father, and he can thank his lucky stars his character dies for before it gets to bad. The technical side of the film is very good and very involved, showing how much effort and skill the character puts into creating the forgery alone is monumental, but it takes forever to get through it and by that time the film has slowed down to almost a crawl.
If you are not the kind of person who is interested in paintings that hang in some of the finest art galleries and museums around the world this movie is not for you. Unfortunately, even if you enjoy looking at those paintings this movie may not interest you enough to sit down and watch it. The story is slow and what little action there is in it is just as slow. The pain staking details that were put into making the film keeps it from moving beyond its steady and leisurely pace. It was interesting to see the process that a forger would go through in order to create one of these paintings, but it takes so long to get there that the audience just loses interest in the rest of the story.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)