Day 98: Godzilla

Godzilla
Director: Roland Emmerich
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Maria Pitillo, Hank Azaria & Kevin Dunn
Rated: PG-13
Length: 139 min.
Released: May 20, 1998
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Following the French atomic bomb tests in the South Pacific, an unknown creature is spotted passing eastward through the Panama Canal. Scientist Niko Tatopolous is called in to investigate the matter, and he quickly arrives at the conclusion that a giant, irradiated lizard has been created by the explosions. Godzilla then makes its way north, landing at Manhattan to begin wreaking havoc in the big city. Even with the combined forces of the U.S. military to fight the monster, will it be enough to save the people of New York?

My Thoughts:
When it comes to the Americanized Godzilla I am a bit of an anomaly because I am one of the few that actually enjoyed it. I know I’ll get a lot of crap for that…and I don’t care. It’s a great sci-fi/monster popcorn movie. Grant it the special effects didn’t age well and it’s nothing like the original Godzilla films…but I don’t care. I hated the original Godzilla movies. They were laughable, they really were. Even the “Godzilla 2000″ film was simply atrocious. The Americanized Godzilla was exactly what I was expecting and hoping for…less cheese and BS special effects, a more intresting and engaging story and a much better cast.

Yet, this film has gotten so many bad reviews. To many it was a “flop.” At the Japanese premier Heisei Godzilla suit actor Ken Satsuma walked out of film early (after the helicopter chase sequence) saying “It’s not Godzilla, it does not have the spirit.” I agree 100%…and I thank God for that. Never mind the fact that it grossed over $380 million worldwide when it was released in theaters. Yeah…some flop.

I also like the little jabs at the USA/French relations and cultural differences, the jabs at Siskel and Ebert by giving the air-head Mayor and his assistant their names, and the little wink at the “Godzilla” vs “Gojira” pronunciation (Gojira was the name of the first “Godzilla” movie released in 1954). They all make it quite entertaining.

Also, like in Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and more recently 2012, Roland Emmerich stays true to form by demolishing several iconic buildings and landmarks like Madison Square Garden, The Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building among others, and who doesn’t like that…right?

Is it a spectacular film?…no. Is it a ground breaking special effects movie…no. Is it a fun American interpretation of this classic monster that makes him more believable and keeps him grounded in reality… absolutely. If you have never liked the originals (like me) then you will have a better shot enjoying this one. I’m giving it 3.5 stars out of 5.

Day 96: The Sixth Sense

The Sixth Sense
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment & Toni Collette
Rated: PG-13
Length: 107 min.
Released: August 6, 1999
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Malcom Crowe is a child psychologist who receives an award on the same night that he is visited by a very unhappy ex-patient. After this encounter, Crowe takes on the task of curing a young boy with the same ills as the ex-patient. This boy “sees dead people”. Crowe spends a lot of time with the boy (Cole) much to the dismay of his wife. Cole’s mom is at her wit’s end with what to do about her son’s increasing problems. Crowe is the boy’s only hope.

My Thoughts:
One of the greatest films ever! Truly a masterpiece! The best M. Night Shyamalan film to date. The drama and suspense are soooo good. The acting and writing are just superb…and let’s not forget that awesome and unforgettable ending!

The most memorable element of the movie is the fright factor. This movie has an element of suspenseful fear in it. It’s not a “horror” movie, but it is a scary movie. Now a days this kind of scary movie is rarely done, and when it is it’s often isn’t done well.

Also, keep an eye on the use of color through the film. In particular, be aware of the use of red. When you see red…pay attention.

There are a lot of strong actors in this film. Combined with the strong writing, the film just comes alive…so-to-speak. There are a lot of powerful scenes. My favorites are often those between Cole and his mom. Haley Joel Osment is excellent in this film. He really steals the show. You can tell for sure why he got an Oscar nomination. It’s just a flawless preformance.

This one is undoubtedly getting 5 stars out of 5.

Day 92: Zodiac

Zodiac
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. & John Carroll Lynch
Rated: R
Length: 157 min.
Released: March 2, 2007
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Robert Graysmith is a cartoonist who works for the San Francisco Chronicle. His quirky ways irritate Paul Avery, a reporter whose drinking gets in the way of doing his job. The two become friends thanks to a shared interest: the Zodiac killer. Graysmith steadily becomes obsessed with the case, as Avery’s life spirals into drunken oblivion. Graysmith’s amateur sleuthing puts him onto the path of David Toschi, a police inspector who has thus far failed to catch his man; Sherwood Morrill, a handwriting expert; Linda del Buono, a convict who knew one of the Zodiac’s victims; and others. Graysmith’s job, his wife and his children all become unimportant next to the one thing that really matters: catching the Zodiac.

My Thoughts:
I hate writing “reviews” about these kinds of movies because I don’t want to give too much away. I knew nothing going into this movie other than it’s about a serial killer in California. That made the story all the more intriguing and I just got sucked in. The suspense of finding who the guy is…just soooo good.

This movie blew me away. I thought it was going to be incredibly lame and it turned out to be just the opposite. The fact that this is based on a true story is really the craziest thing about it. It’s a classic detective story about one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in US history. It’s just insane.

The acting in this film is just stellar. It has a nice supporting role from “Mr. Iron Man” himself, Robert Downey Jr. and a stand up performance from Jake Gyllenhaal as well.

The one down fall I would have to give it is the length. At just over two and a half hours it does seem to go on forever. However, I think that adds to our relatability to the frustrations of those trying to track down this killer. It goes on for years and seems like it is taking forever to find this guy. As a viewer you start to get frustrated with how long it’s taking to get this guy…and that’s the point. When that happens it helps us relate to the hero of the story and what he is feeling at that time.

This one is getting 4.5 stars out of 5.

Day 84: Hannibal

Hannibal
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman & Ray Liotta
Rated: R
Length: 131 min.
Released: February 9, 2001
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
After having successfully eluded the authorities for years, Hannibal peacefully lives in Italy in disguise as an art scholar. Trouble strikes again when he is discovered leaving a deserving few dead in the process. He returns back to America to once again make contact with now disgraced Agent Clarice Starling who is suffering the wrath of a malicious FBI official/rival as well as the media. Meanwhile, Hannibal must survive the advances by a disfigured and vengeful victim he first came in contact with years ago as a patient. He finds himself being tracked down not only by his wealthy victim and his henchmen but also by Agent Starling and the American authorities.

My Thoughts:
Probably my favorite of all the Hannibal films. Ridley Scott brings such a great approach to the final chapter of this series. It has a very unique feel to it because Hannibal isn’t in prison at all…he’s on the loose. I like this one because Hannibal is the primary antagonist. In the other films he is somewhat a side cheracter…this one is all about him. Hence the title…Hannibal. He makes such a good villain. He’s ruthless, intelligent and has just the right level of charm and sophistication to go along with his creepiness and this film really lets all of that shine.

Of all the films, however, this one is the most graphic. So, to those who want to see what happens after The Silence of the Lambs but you are nervous of get queasy may want watch the TV version which is much less graphic.

Anthony Hopkins does a stellar job (as expected) and Julianne Moore does a phenomenal job as Agent Clarice Starling. I was very impressed with how she handled this role. She brought a level of confidence that Agent Starling needed for this film. In The Silence of the Lambs Agent Starling was a student and fighting for equality as a woman in a male dominated field. That required a unique blend of strength with innocence/inexperience. In Hannibal, she has the experience she lacked in the other film. That demands a different level of strength and confidence for the role.

That said, of course Hannibal is still able to tear through all of that confidence Starling has found in her career toying with her when she’s at her weakest making her feel vulnerable and, at times, completely helpless.

I’m also shocked that THIS is Gary Oldman!!!…

He looks SOOOO different!!! I had no idea he was even in the movie until I looked at the credits. He does a great job playing such a crazy, vengeful wealthy psychopath. An excellent antagonist to Hannibal.

The main reason why this one is probably my favorite is because I love the dynamics of the relationship Hannibal and Agent Starling have in this picture so much. It’s so much more engaging now that the two have the history established in the other film. This one is getting 4.5 stars out of 5.

Day 82: Red Dragon

Red Dragon
Director: Brett Ratner
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes & Harvey Keitel
Rated: R
Length: 124 min.
Released: October 4, 2002
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Will Graham is an FBI agent who has an ability to get into the minds of criminals. Currently he is pursuing someone who in addition to killing people is taking parts of their body. Initially it is believed that he is collecting them but Graham believes that he is actually eating them. So he goes to Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a forensic psychiatrist, whom he consults with. When Lecter leaves him for moment he discovers that Lecter is the man. Lecter then tries to kill him but Graham manages to subdue him. Both men are hospitalized and when they recover Graham testifies against Lecter and Lecter is convicted. Graham would leave the FBI. A few years later Graham is approached by his former boss who wants him to help him find this guy who kills a family every full moon. Graham who is still emotionally and psychologically scarred, reluctantly agrees. When Graham hits a wall, he goes to Lecter for help and Lecter wants to play games with him.

My Thoughts:
This movie was made a back in the 80s under the title Manhunter. As you will see by proof of the trailer…it was really bad. I’m soooo glad they took another crack at it with Anthony Hopkins. Not to mention Edward Norton!!! He does a fantastic job as the protagonist of this story. I’m a huge Edward Norton fan though…so I may be a little bias.

I will say, however, it gives a very different feel having a male lead in the protagonist role. That’s probably the most unique thing about this film is the lack of a strong female lead we were use to seeing in The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. The strong female leads really gave those films a very distinct dynamic that this one doesn’t have. I’m not saying it’s bad…just different. In my mind it’s the main thing that sets Red Dragon apart from the others.

One thing I did enjoy (even if ever so briefly) was seeing how Hannibal gets caught. That was fun to watch, in addition to getting a glimpse of how he lived his life before he was thrown into the loony bin. He had a career, was surrounded by all these regular people who were “friends” and co-workers.

Quite honestly, Hopkins really steals the show in all of these movies. He does a great job conveying the strange and complex psyche of this psychotic character. That’s something Hannibal Rising lacked big time.

I’m giving Red Dragon 3.5 stars out of 5.

Day 81: Hannibal Rising

Hannibal Rising
Director: Peter Webber
Starring: Gaspard Ulliel
Rated: R
Length: 121 min.
Released: February 9, 2007
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Mischa and Hannibal, baby brother and sister, are inseparable; it is their love for each other that ties their bond. Their companionship is forever binding, until, with their family, while hiding from the Nazi war machine a twisted set of circumstance sets the pace for a most vicious attack on the future of one Hannibal Lecter for the sworn vengeance for the brutal killing of his baby sister. Years later, we find Hannibal, the teenager, setting up in Paris, and living with his aunt Lady Murasaki Shikibu and studying at medical school here he finds his forte. Still searching for his sister’s murderers, still bitter and still ever hopeful of satisfying his desire for retribution. This chance arrives, and soon we are to learn that for a pound of flesh lost a pound of flesh must be repaid. This is the horrific tale of justice and honor, a young man’s growing pains that will have the guilty paying with more than just flesh and bone. This is the up and rising tale of the young Hannibal, prey you do not meet him, for meat you shall be to him. Taste his wroth.

My Thoughts:
A great idea that was executed all wrong. They took a risk making some young unknown actor play Hannibal…and they failed. It’s a good idea, and a interesting back story to explain how Hannibal came to be the psychotic man portraid by Anthony Hopkins, but without Hopkins it’s hard to buy it as a Hannibal movie. Hopkins does such a perfect job and has such a classic role in Hannibal Lecter.

I almost feel bad for Gaspard Ulliel. Not because his acting was deplorable (though it wasn’t that good either) but because he could never measure up to Hopkins performance. It just can’t be beat. His mannerisms, facial expressions, witty banter he has with someone he finds fascinating (like a cat pestering an injured mouse or something)…it’s all attributed to the genius of Hopkins as an actor. This film couldn’t pull any of that off successfully.

It’s really more of a “revenge” movie than anything. There’s not much mystery or suspenseful tension between Hannibal and the detective. It’s just Hannibal going on a vengeful quest and some detective not being able to catch him. It’ lacked a lot of what the other Hannibal films are so good at and famous for.

Then there’s the “love” story between Hannibal and his Aunt… weird…strange…gag me. I not sure how crucial that was to the story…and it was awkward and hard to watch.

Also, it was really strange seeing a “Hannibal” movie without any familiar elements of the other movies. Sure, there is the occasional throw back (or is it a throw forward), but I often found myself thinking, “This just doesn’t feel like a Hannibal movie.”

Not to mention Gaspard Ulliel looks far to much like Andy Samberg…

…and lord knows it’s hard to take Hannibal seriously when you keep think “I’m on a boat!” or worse yet…”It’s my d**k in a box!”

So anyway, Hannibal Rising is pretty much a straight up revenge movie. Like I said the back story is great to know for the films coming up. As you might recall (if you’ll look in the “rules” for this blog) I watch all collections in the story’s chronological order, rather than the order in which the films were released. So yes, this starts the beginning of me watching and reflecting on the Hannibal collection. I know they get better…and that helped me get through this movie. They certainly can’t get much worse. 2 stars out of 5.

Day 75: Pitch Black: Unrated Director’s Cut

Pitch Black: Unrated Director’s Cut
Directed by: David Twohy
Starring: Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser & Keith David
Rated: NR (Theatrical R)
Length: 112 min.
Released: February 18, 2000
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
The space transport vessel “Hunter-Gratzner” carrying 40 people on-board crashes on a desert planet when the ship is struck in a meteor storm. There are only 10 survivors, among them are pilot Carolyn Fry (Who has assumed command after the ship’s captain is killed), bounty hunter William J. Johns, religious man Abu “Imam” al-Walid, Antiques dealer Paris P. Ogilvie, runaway teenage girl Jack, settlers John ‘Zeke’ Ezekiel and his lover Sharon ‘Shazza’ Montgomery and Richard B. Riddick, a dangerous escaped convict. Marooned, the 10 survivors finds the barren and hot desert-scape has sunlight from three suns. Not only they find food and water, and worry about Riddick, the survivors finds themselves being hunted by the planet’s flesh eating alien inhabits, when the planet is engulfed in darkness, which happens every 22 years, as they come out on to the surface to hunt and eat all signs of life. Fry and the survivors finds Riddick is their best chance of survival, as Riddick has surgically-enhanced silver eyes that allow him to see in the dark as they set out to find a way of escaping from the planet and getting to a escape shuttle, before they all get eaten by the creatures on the surface.

My Thoughts:
I’m not a huge Vin Diesel fan, but this one was really good. Going into it the first time I had my doubts about this being any good at all. I got dragged into it because, like I said before, I’m a scary/monster movie fan and I’m a sci-fi fan as well. This one fits the criteria of both.

To my surprise I really enjoyed it! It was a solid sci-fi story without going to far over the top. The acting wasn’t horrible and and neither were the special effects. It wasn’t the greatest movie ever…but it was a surprisingly fun and entertaining ride.

One of the coolest things about this film visually is how they use  light and changing the hue to adjust the tone of the movie. If you weren’t watching it with that in mind you may not even notice it. Since the creatures are allergic to light it makes for an interesting oportunity to use light in this picture in a very clear and direct way. For example, there are two different suns. One is blue and the other is a red/orange. Also, Riddick sees everything with a purplish tone, the creatures see in a grayish black/white hue and even in the dark (once the suns go down) they use various different colored light like white, red, even green and blue to change the feel of the scene. It’s really kind of cool to how they do it.

Other than that I don’t have much else to say really. I know I’m not “selling” this one very well, but I don’t want to give too much of it away. It was better for me knowing less about it when I went into it. If you think it looks dumb I would say just give it a shot. This was such a unique idea for a movie and I had a lot more fun that I thought I would. I’m giving it 4 stars out of 5.

Day 71: Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity
Directed by: Oren Peli
Starring: Katie Featherston & Micah Sloat
Rated: R
Length: 86 min.
Released: October 16, 2009
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Katie and her boyfriend Micah have been living together for three years and out of the blue, they are haunted by an entity while they are sleeping. Katie discloses to Micah that she has been haunted since she was eight year-old. The skeptical Micah buys a camera to videotape the paranormal activity in their home during the night. Katie calls Fredrichs, to help them, but he explains that he is specialist in ghosts. However he feels the presence of a fiend and advises the couple to call a friend of his.

My Thoughts:
I like movies like this that capture your attention and make you realize that it doesn’t require a massive budget, huge stars and in your face grotesque special effects to make a decent scary movie. This is proof that all you need is a good idea and the right people to make it happen.

I also have to say I am a sucker for scary movies. Yes, I am a fan. Guilty as charged. Ironically, I am never really scared…ever. Even the first part of this one just seemed silly and wasn’t making much of a positive impression.

From what I’ve seen, most of the negative reviews about Paranormal Activity are based on the level of “boredom” that the viewer had. I can kind of understand that. However, sadly, I would mainly attribute this to years of scary movies showing you what you should be scared of rather than allowing us to see just enough to let the mind fill in the blanks.

Many people today have a hard time using their imagination when going to the movies because they are so use to movies filling in all the visual blanks for them. While I would agree to an extent with the “boredom” and lack of scariness during the first 20 min. (keys dropping, lamps shaking, pounding on walls…stuff like that) it did eventually pick up. The low budget Blair Witch documentary style simply adds to the believability of the story.

I’d also add that if you even remotely buy into the possibility of demonic forces…by the end it will literally scare the hell out of you. Most movies don’t stick with me, but I’ll be honest…I was praying in the car on the way home from seeing this one for the first time. This is one film that “followed me home” if you will. The reason for that is simply because I believe this stuff does happen for real. I felt bad for the characters in this film because, quite honestly, trying to deal with this stuff outside of Jesus and the cross is a pointless endeavor.

Yes, it was a bit boring at first, but hey…they did a lot with such a low budget and (though it dragged a lot through the first half of the film) it had that “after-fright” effect which rarely happens with me…I’m giving it 3.5 stars out of 5.

Day 70: The Happening

The Happening
Starring: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel & John Leguizamo
Rated: R
Length:  91 min.
Released: June 13, 2008
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Elliot Moore is a high school science teacher who quizzes his class one day about an article in the New York Times. It’s about the sudden, mysterious disappearance of bees. Yet again Nature is doing something inexplicable, and whatever science has to say about it will be, in the end, only a theory. Scientists will bring out more theories, but no explanations, when a more urgent dilemma hits the planet. It begins in Central Park. Suddenly and inexplicably, the behavior of everyone in the park changes in a most bizarre and horrible way. Soon, the strange behavior spreads throughout the city and beyond. Elliot, his wife, Alma, and Jess, the young daughter of a friend, will only have theories to guide them where to run and where to hide. But theories may not be enough.

My Thoughts:
Night is truly the modern day Hitchcock. And like many of Hitchcock’s films…are hard for some to completely appreciated until years (if not decades) after their creation…if ever. This film just may be one of them. Everything about it just screamed Hitchcock influences. From the opening titles to the ambiguous ending not unlike “The Birds.” Yet, Night still maintains The Happening as an original idea all its own. I love how this man is able to take you through a story and wrap your brain around it even long after the movie is over. I recommend reading Roger Ebert’s review. His review sums it up nicely.

The casting was also an interesting choice. Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel wouldn’t seem like an ideal pair, but in these roles they really work. It’s awkward…which is exactly what it should be. They come across as a little innocent and naive which plays well in the very crazy and chaotic world that begins consuming them and stripping it all away.

I’m going to give this one 4.5 stars our of 5. Sure, it’s a bit disturbing topic, but more over I’d say it’s a very misunderstood and misjudged movie.

Day 52: 30 Days of Night

30 Days of Night
Directed by: David Slade
Starring: Josh Hartnett & Melissa George
Rated: R
Length: 113 min.
Released: October 19, 2007
Trailer

IMDB.com
This is the story of an isolated Alaskan town that is plunged into darkness for a month each year when the sun sinks below the horizon. As the last rays of light fade, the town is attacked by a bloodthirsty gang of vampires bent on an uninterrupted orgy of destruction. Only the small town’s husband-and-wife Sheriff team stand between the survivors and certain destruction.

My Thoughts:
This is what a vampire movie is suppose to be! All you Twilight Saga fans out there need to watch this movie and re-educate yourself on what vampires are suppose to be like. Simply put they are very very evil. They’re just really bad guys! No sparkles…just pure, unadulterated evil people who want to kill you.

Okay, now that that’s out of my system…

This is one dark, scary & creepy film. It’s a great concept for a vampire movie! I mean, what better place for a vampire to go buck wild and have some vampire “fun” than in a place on the planet that’s cut off from the rest of civilization and in total darkness for a whole month? Like they said in the movie, why didn’t someone think of this sooner? The creep factor can be given to two major things. One, they barely speak a word of English which makes them that much more ominous and creepy. And two…they just look totally messed up! Like…kind of human, but a little off. Just enough to know they aren’t exactly people. They are pretty freaky. This really is how vampires are suppose to be.

The one thing I wasn’t a fan of was the climactic ending…it wasn’t much of one. I mean…it worked, but I was left with a feeling that it just wasn’t enough. It felt as if it was lacking something. Not exactly sure what, but it was lacking. I’m a big fan of endings that make you think, endings that wrap it all up, and even endings that don’t “wrap it all up”…but the one thing I can’t stand is a movie that ends to quickly. On occasion I do find movies that take forever to end and that’s equally annoying. This one, however, was too quick.

This is the first truly scary “horror” movie I’ve had in this marathon so far (I don’t really count The Exorcism of Emily Rose and I explain why in my blog post about it). I can assure you it won’t be the last. I have a good number of scary movies in my collection. At any rate…I’m giving this one 3 stars out of 5. I loved how true to form the vampires were and, the concept seemed like a great idea (almost a no brainer), but the ending just wasn’t strong enough.