Day 8: The Crazies.

Day 8: The Crazies (1973, Dir. George A. Romero)

With the release of the new Crazies film in cinemas this week I thought I’d take a look at the original, as a big Romero fan something I have wanted to see for ages.

The virus making the crazies so crazy falls somewhere between the zombie virus and swine flu; a bit of a problem but never seeming to actually matter all that much. If only we were treated to a few more scenes of craziness it may have had a bit more effective. However it is very effective as the story unravels to try and work out just who is infected. Though it is hard to watch this and not think of it as a zombie film but without the zombies, adding not only more scares to the mix but also a much needed level of humour every now and then.

The soldiers are a very visually striking force, always unnerving in their white jump suits and gas masks. Their quick turn from peace keepers to trigger happy rent a killers is really unnerving, especially when they are shown stealing the possessions of the dead. Whilst the military presence is effective in scare mongering and increasing the tension, the endless scenes of suits shouting at each other does slow down the narrative a fair bit.

If there is one thing Romero always manages to get right it’s an ending, and Crazies is no exception to this. It’s a complete down note but it completely works. However while some of Romero’s editing and pacing is questionable, it is ultimately his unnerving story that prevails.

I’m looking forward to seeing the 2010 Crazies and after all of the positive press it is getting it should be a treat. And talking of George A. Romero, Survival of the Dead gets a DVD release next month which I am very excited about! Watch this space…

6/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069895/

Extra: Cate fell asleep half way through this one!

Day 7: Stay Alive.

Day 7: Stay Alive (2006, Dir, William Brent Bell)

This film is dark. Really dark. Unfortunately its not really the content of the film I’m talking about here but the picture itself. I actually had to turn the brightness up on my TV so I could make out what was going on half the time. And it is this sort of lazy production which brings this quirky idea of a horror film down to a bargain bin dud.

Horror is here dealt with the subtly and nuance of a sledge hammer. Every time there is something slightly scary going on the screen gets plunged into darkness and the spooky soundtrack gets turned up to 11. Don’t get me wrong cheap horror can be fun! I’ve seen countless cheap monster films, gorefests, crap zombie films and the like, but here it just feels like a lot of wasted potential. There are a moments that work, such as the gothic backstory and imagery plus the quick pace keeps you interested in who is going to die next, but the scares are just a bit too far between. Apparently there is a Directors cut version of this film in America, which is meant to be a bit more brutal, but I doubt I’m missing much.

The thing is watching over people playing on video games isn’t fun. And whilst the premises of a Video Game coming to life is a good one, just chucking in some cliques, tech babble and in game cut-scenes together isn’t going to sustain a film. The video gaming logic in this film is flawed too, and as a video game fan this flawed aspect can’t help but pull you out of the narrative.

The concept for this film is quite an entertaining one and you do get some thrills and scares along the way if you switch off and accept this film for what it is. However you’ll keep finding yourself looking at your watch waiting for GAME OVER.

3.5/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0441796/

Extra: Malcolm in the Middle is in this film. Which is weird…

Day 6: The League of Gentleman’s Apocalypse.

Day 6: The League of Gentleman’s Apocalypse (2005, Dir. Steve Bendelack)

Just in case you’re wondering, the Royston Vasey one, not the crap Sean Connery one.

There has been a long history of British comedy programmes making the jump to the big screen, everything has had a go; from Dads Army and Are You Being Served to Kevin & Perry and Ali G. Here there is more in common with the likes of the Monty Python films than On the Buses, and obviously it works all the better for it.

However this film seems to be one which splits fans, critics and casual viewers alike. Whilst utilising many of the classic characters the jump to the big screen didn’t seem to be one that worked for everyone, but it does work.

It’s not perfect but it is very funny, and not just a simple copy and paste plot either, avoiding relying on characters simply spouting their catchphrases in quick succession. The film itself plays with ideas of pushing the post modern buttons and it does so with dazzling precision. The real world writer elements work particularly well portraying them as arrogant and egocentric idiots, seeming more interested in obscure film references than with their impending doom. The characters themselves would seem to prefer being in a story where they all go on holiday but thankfully the film never doubts its audiences intelligence by giving in to this. And Apocalypse does all of this whilst keeping up an entertaining and fast moving plot but not forgetting to be funny too!

The stop-motion monsters work so amazingly well here, fitting in perfectly to the Gentleman’s style that it is easy to forget about the questionable CGI goblins and 17th Century mis-steps.

For every problem in the film there are twice as many surreal or outrageously funny moments, ranging from the fantastic Jeremy Dyson opening to Herr Lips breakdown! Not only a very funny film but a very unique one!

6.5

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435687/

Extra: I’m in the process of making a short film at University at the minute, however due to the awful weather today we got about 8 seconds worth of footage… ah well!

Day 5: The Princess and the Frog.

Day 5: The Princess and the Frog (2009, Dir. Ron Clements, John Musker)

The first hand drawn Disney feature since 2004 is finally here, but does it work? Well you’ll be happy to hear it does, but it’s not without its flaws.

The characters are fun and likeable from the get go, even if we have pretty much seen them all before. The Shadow Man in particular works as a great villain and Louis has some great comedic moments. The songs are mainly strong and certainly got my toes tapping plus the lush visuals hold up even in this 3D CGI age! It is impressive too see New Orleans brought to life so lovingly, from the city streets to the swamps. The story also manages to zip along keeping youngsters happy whilst having plenty on offer for everyone else.

However, the fact that this film was so heavily sold as being a return to a classic age of Disney was always going to be a factor working against it. It is somewhat unfair to compare this film to all of the classics which countless generations have loved for so many years before this. To me this film shares a lot more with the Disney films of the 90’s, not necessarily a problem but a time when serious cracks began to appear in the companies output. The film nevertheless manages to juggle a successful princess story and animal adventure within the narrative, whilst also giving an interesting twist on both story types.

The issue of race is another subject which has been constantly discussed regarding this film. And of course it is an important one and a historic milestone, despite not really being dealt with in the plot. Though admittedly this film is a fairy tale and not a history lesson and so it is the strong message of love and happiness that rightfully prevails.

The main problem for me is that we have been spoiled by 15 years of flawless classics from Pixar. This of course doesn’t mean Disney should just give up, nor does it mean that Pixar is killing traditional animation. What it does mean, is that neither studio can simply rest on their laurels when it comes to making a new film and thank God John Lasseter knows this!

But overall The Princess and the Frog is an enjoyable adventure with a classic feel; a triumphant come back for The House of Mouse!

7/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780521/

Extra: First film of the blog seen at the cinema so far!

Day 4: Good Bye Lenin!

Day 4: Good Bye Lenin! (2003, Dir. Wolfgang Becker)

Admittedly my knowledge of East German politics of the 1980’s is a bit limited. I was born in 89, the year that the Berlin wall came down so I was certainly around during the time this film was set, and in many ways the life in East Berlin seems so different from that of today it is almost alien. Viewers need not hit the history books before watching this one though; by the effectiveness of the strong narrative, “Good Bye Lenin!” is just enough politics to get you by.

The story uses this time of political change not only as a snap shot of Germany in a time of upheaval but as a comedic backdrop. The complete lack of consumerism is something quite bizarre to comprehend by today’s standards and so jokes about introducing Coca-cola and Burger King into the country work effectively.

Though the heart of the film is that of a conflicted love story; on one hand the blossoming relationship between Alex and Lara, a trainee nurse, and on the other the love between Alex and his mother.

We see the extremes that Alex goes to in an effort to protect his mother’s feelings when she wakes from an 8 month coma, with her son pretending there was never an end to the East Germany’s Communist regime. These scenes prove to be very touching in showing Alex’s love for his mother and very amusing too. Though it is when these comedic white lies turn into complete farce and are juxtaposed with scenes of high emotion that the film unfortunately suffers. However powerful acting prevails and you feel Alex’s plight, it’s not the just the fear of change in he has to deal with but it’s the fear of losing the love of his mother.

So really don’t be put off, don’t think you need an understanding of socialist politics to enjoy the mix of drama, comedy, tragedy and ultimately touching affection to enjoy this beautifully crafted film.

7/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0301357/

Extra: Cate wasn’t feeling very well earlier today, so whilst we watched this film we both ate quite a lot of Cookie Dough ice cream!

Day 3: Enter the Dragon.

Day 3: Enter the Dragon (1973, Dir. Robert Clouse)

Bruce Lee is effortlessly cool. Every fight scene in the film oozes cool. Even Williams and Roper are pretty cool!

Though there are problems which let this movie down, the plot is pretty forgettable, the haircuts date the film something rotten, the soundtrack and “hi-yah!” sound effects make it so that you can’t stop thinking about every rubbish kung-fu knock off film since! And the final fight scene strays dangerously into dodgey 70’s Bond film territory… But I guess in some ways this nostalgia and cheesiness adds a whole other level of charm to the film. And lets be honest, people aren’t really watching this for the plot! Every fight sequence is a master class and Bruce Lee’s brooding presence means you simply can’t take your eyes off him, a really fascinating and effective performance.

But it is also true that by the very nature of the film, it becomes a bit of a weird mish-mash. Being an American co-production and being set in Hong Kong the film can’t help but fall into a transnational mine-field. It can almost be passed off as being “of the time” and using the popularity of blacksplotation to its advantage, but in doing so it makes for a odd mix of stereo-typing and representation. This doesn’t lessen the enjoyment the film but does raise some interesting questions and readings about certain elements.

However the film remains a fun watch and a memorable one too. I suppose this film will always have the legacy of being Lee’s last completed film, something which, perhaps unfairly puts a lot of weight, cultural significane and prestige upon it. But it does deliver, and because of this association viewers for years to come will know about it, and be able to appreciate the art, hard work, dedication and supreme skill that went into its creation.

7/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070034/

Extra: Despite the kung-fu sounds being a bit naff, all night i've been i've been making them everytime I even open a drawer... Hi-yah!

Day 2: Groundhog Day.

Day 2: Groundhog Day (1993, Dir. Harold Ramis)

I am always amazed at how this film manages to actually work. It seems to have such a weird blend of elements from comedy to dark humour, fantasy to horror, a love story, magic and just a bit of philosophy, that it simply shouldn’t make sense; but of course it does. And not only does it manage to be a fun and moving film, but a thought provoking one too. It is hard to imagine Groundhog Day as anything else but a contemporary classic which has a timeless feel of something near perfection.

Bill Murray is absolutely perfect as Phil, with just the right mix of comedy, charm, satire, deadpan cynicism and an everyman quality making it impossible for a viewer not to want to see him succeed, but only after he gets put through the mill first.

Groundhog Day works because it is really not like anything else out there, a smart and imaginative comedy that deals both with some of dark issues right alongside scenes of genuine emotion. Far from your typical mainstream comedy, but something so lovable, funny and touching anyone and everyone can enjoy it.


9/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/

Extra: "I got you Babe"

Day 1: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.

Day 1: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980, Dir. Irvin Kershner)

(2004 DVD Edition)

So where better to start than with Empire? I am a huge Star Wars fan and have been since I was very young; when I first watched Star Wars on VHS in the early 90’s I knew it was cool and there was a big slug type thing in it… It wasn’t till a few years later when I got a Speeder Bike toy for my 7th or 8th birthday that I really got interested and watched those tapes quite a bit, and for years I loved Return of the Jedi but as I got a bit older I realised Empire was the jewel in the crown.

And to this day I think Empire is the perfect film. I really can’t fault it, the acting is great, the drama is real, gripping but with comedy elements, genuine scares and heart warming romance, the action and spectacle still take your breath away as much as any blockbuster has to this day. I really can’t fault this film, it’s not just the one of the greatest sequels of all time, or a great sci-fi movie, it’s a flawless film.

For me there are a lot of highlights in this film, everything from the visuals of Cloud City to the coolness of Lando, The Bounty Hunters to Empire, the dog fight on Hoth to the Luke/Vader fight and of course that revelation which still is effective as ever.

And here is the part that might get some people a bit worked up but I’m going to say it anyway, I think to date this DVD special edition is the best version of the film out there. Now OK admittedly that isn’t going to be the hardest part to stomach, Empire is the film which hasn’t had that much work done to it, a new Emperor scene, Cloud City cleaned up a bit, a different line here and there but what is wrong with that? And what is wrong with making the space battles a bit more high tech or giving a wider scale to the end of Jedi? Or indeed, what is wrong with all of the prequels?

OK everyone that’s the hard part over with now let me explain myself. I am not just a George Lucas yes man but I don’t think that he wrecked my childhood either. I think he has given us all an amazing series of films, but a series of films that aim to tell one big story. And I think you have to understand that and if you watch them all you can appreciate other elements in all of the films which you might not have thought about before. Having recently re-watched I, II, The Clone Wars, III and IV in order, part V fits in perfectly as part of that puzzle. I will admit I am a fan of all 7 Star Wars films, and no they might not all be as perfect as Empire and yes all have their own problems, but then again what film doesn’t? And I think it’s totally crazy that some so called fans attack the franchise as a whole, because Lucas has told the story he wants to tell the way he wants to tell it, using the best technology available at the time to do so. Episode I will have never been enough for some to live up to the 20 year hype of a new Star Wars movie. OK yes it had Jar Jar, but it also had Darth Maul, Qui-Gon, the Podrace, the best lightsaber battle of the whole series and special effects that live up to Hollywood’s output 10 years later. I think some fans need to let go of their negative theories and bitter memories and enjoy the whole of the Star Wars series.

But anyway I didn’t mean this to turn into a big rant but prequel love-in aside, Empire still stands as the big one and it was as fun and effective watching it today as it has ever been. Happy 30th anniversary!

10/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080684/

Extra: I ate a Twister ice-lolly whilst watching this film! Also my reviews probably won’t be this long most of the time I just got a bit carried away with the rant at the end there…

Intro.

Hi everyone, my name is Chris Allan and this is my first go at a blog. Basically I thought I’d give blogging a go and have set myself a bit of a challenge too, and that challenge is to watch 365 films in a year, or one a day if you like.

I’m a big film fan and I’m in my 2nd year of doing a Film & TV degree at Northumbria University. However this doesn’t mean I’ll just be writing this blog about 365 obscure Polish films from the 60’s or anything like that! I’ll be keeping it short and interesting and watching a bit of everything, long films, short films, old films, new films, good films, bad films, Hollywood, films, foreign films, animated films, films at the cinema, on DVD, pretty much anything that takes my fancy really! I won’t be doing the films in any order either, just what I end up watching on that given day.

I'm off to watch the first film now so i'll be back with part 1 very soon! I hope you enjoy the blog, comment and follow it if you do and hopefully I will see you back here again tomorrow too…

Chris.

http://twitter.com/chrisjallan