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Night of the Living Deb (2015)
A waste of time
Night of the Living Deb (2015)
Deb wakes up the day after a drunken night at the bar, in the bed of Ryan. Past the confusion, they decide to separate but quickly find that the city was infested by Zombie overnight.
The story is very short and simple, with only three small parties. After a rapid first part, we embarked on the adventure. The elements of intrigue and relationships are developed in parallel and progressively throughout the film, which allows a steady flow of new information.
Zombie scenes are minimal but in the end, the zombies are put aside by themes that are: the problem of the relationship of Deb, the image she projects, and theme of the responsibility incumbent upon those in power.
The problem is that the whole story is buried under a torrent of annoying dialogues. These are just a series of sentences without added values, low rise remarks, embarrassing moment whose protagonist will immediately follow wit an "oops, hehehe" or something like that. The "jokes" are simply recited dialogue, said standing, static and without any dynamism. It constantly breaks the rhythm of the film, each artificially extending the scenes and do not bring personality to the film. It did not make me laugh; instead, I sighed throughout the film. Basically, imagine that humour as a mix between that of Melissa McCarthy and Adam Sandler.
Maria Thayer embodied Deb, a journalist who can't keep her tongue in her pocket, but who is also making illusions, both about her relationship, vis-à-vis her importance toward others, and compared to the world of media. The problem is that she does not stop talking. All the time. And to say nothing important! It was only filling, stirring wind, it does nothing for the development of the story and her attitude was embarrassing and unpleasant. Michael Cassidy plays Ryan, a character with a good heart, but his relationship with Deb made strange development jumps, changing dramatically in a few seconds. It has all the hollow of a knight, generic and without personality. Ray Wise meanwhile embodied Frank, Ryan's father, a politician with a bright smile whiter than white. His character was suited to his role, but I found it strange that when he was talking to another character, it was as if he spoke without looking at him in the eye.
The special effects were basic, some use of the green background is approximate, but served the film, while the editing was a little soft, leaving some shots too long.
A waste of time. 4/10.
Attack of the Lederhosen Zombies (2016)
A genre film assumed, with defects, but light and entertaining. Knowing this, I laughed and had a good time.
Attack of the Zombies Lederhosen (2016) (literally: Attack of the zombies in Bavarian panties)
While three young snowboarders find themselves stuck in a ski resort, an epidemic falls and turns people into zombie. Steve is a famous snowboarder, but his loose attitude and his foolery will make him lose his sponsor and Branka, not supporting him anymore, will want to break. At the same time, a new chemical mixture to improve the quality of artificial snow is turned on. Being late in the season, the resort is isolated, and the chemical turns his first victim.
From there, we quickly, and it's fun, face the zombie problem. No need to beat around the bush or the viewer what in suspense for half a movie. The first infected arrive early to the party and the problems start. There is no down time and the story flows gradually, although some scenes would gain in punch and a better pace if they were cut slightly shorter. The structure of the story is predictable and conventional, but it is mainly within the scenes twists, original and creative, who creates fun and entertainment. Humor is built on absurd situations and comic interactions. Comments and references are offbeat, while the reactions seem to come straight out of an episode of Scooby-Doo. It's unsettling at first, but once started, the film remains constant and keeps the tone. For example, the dynamism is based on the outstanding light and alternating between small tensions and (temporary) resolutions to a problem. It's fun and the film does not take itself seriously.
The dialogues are not very well written, simple and tending to the cliché, the quality of a teen movie or b-movie, but all the different values and intentions are present. There are also many moments of tension, changes in tone, the accusations and the excuses, all of which contribute to build the characters and advance their relations and story.
Laurie Calvert gives the impression that by some times he has the same expressions as Matt Damon, but he is doing correctly, his character of Steve being irresponsible but with a good background and being thoughtful. Gabriela Marcinková has more opportunities to develop here character, an autonomous Branka, with personality, an enterprising character and who knows how to use here fists; this did not prevent (and it's a little weird) that she ends up twice on the ground, crawling backwards facing a zombie, being saved only by the arrival of here knight. Margarete Tiesel as Rita is the most original character, colorful and endearing in this film. It is the old landlady and she quickly discover the danger of these brainless creatures. That did not stop her to cope and to show resources.
The use of off-screen action, leaving imagination and sound effects do the rest of the work is in both way a help to save a little of the budget (less than 3 million!), but it also helps in contributing to the humor. However, the green screen is not constant. It is correct in the helicopter, OK on the chairlift but downright bat when Steve is going down the mountain on his snowboard. It was as if I was seeing a scene from an old James Bond. As for the creatures, it is limit of a lower quality than Black Sheep. On the other hand, the acrobatics are fun and Hair-raising, and the brightness is high enough during the night scenes for the film to be nice to see and the action to remain readable.
A genre film assumed, with defects, but light and entertaining. Knowing this, I laughed and had a good time. 7/10
Michiel de Ruyter (2015)
A good directing, mastered, at the service of a fictionalized historical story.
Michiel de Ruyter (2015) (The Admiral)
Having shown his qualities during the First Anglo-Dutch War, Michiel de Ruyter will be entrusted with the duty to protect the nation.
Inspired by the historical facts, the story focuses and adjusts certain historical elements and characters, but in order to offer us a coherent plot. The machinations and conflicts between Orange and Republican parties are the cause of low-coup, betrayals or shenanigans. William II must juggle its politicians but he also seeks the power of the other side, while the King Charles II keeps its position.
The most interesting stories for me are always the political intrigue. The blow-downs, reversals and betrayals plots. The surprises keep coming and unpredictable elements are built on fear, conspiracies and manipulations. In the middle is the family de Ruyter, seeking peace, serenity, love and well-being. The candor and good values, such as family and justice will be undermined, and many times violent and unjust take the viewer to his side (eg "lijken van gebroeders De Witt" by Jan de Baen) . Many element are exposed and implied, but the story does not deepens.
Perhaps too easily, I felt manipulated by the narrative, i could only feel a single point of view, whether facing the negotiations, maritime or duels between the characters. Each had a defined role, framed and did not move one iota. But the actors are very good. Frank Lammers gives humanity and compassion to Michiel de Ruyter. Sanne Langelaar adds character and heart to Anna de Ruyter, and it's nice to see Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner) or Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones) offer a solemn and supported presence.
The naval battles are conveniently illustrated with alternations between shots from the bridge and an aerial view to help us understand the strategies, while villages and boardrooms are recreated with attention to detail.
The film is also accompanied by sensational, romantic music and, with the help of a melodious chorus and orchestra, carriers feelings recalling the compositions of Steve Jablonsky or Hans Zimmer(especially "King Arthur"). But curiously, it also gives a very generic feel to it.
A good directing, mastered, at the service of a fictionalized historical story.
7,5/10
Ak-ui yeon-dae-gi (2015)
A very pleasant thriller to see
Akui Yeon-Dae-gi (2015) (Chronicles of Evil) Following a confrontation, the inspector Choi kills his attacker. To avoid making a stir just before his promotion, he decides to hide the accident. However, the next day the body was found hanging from a crane at the sight of all.
Two story will progress in parallel, one where Choi will try to cover his tracks by monitoring the police team investigating the case, how they found the clues, when he makes disappear evidence or videotapes; and at the same time he will try to unmask the real culprit, the one who pulls the strings from the shadows. The story does not wait and we are quickly thrown in, following the scheming and scenes, all with a very good tension. We follow the investigation and share with the protagonist every revelations, discoveries of traces and clues, while the stresses mounts, and we feel what he feels. The narration is built with a focus on Choi, but the tension level of the second and third act can not achieve the same level of excitement as the first, a sense of relief weakening one of the main intrigues. The twists are present, follow a balanced structure and allows the story to bounce from revelations to another, but the third party would have earned more depth, more development for the characters and motivations. Mobiles are meanwhile a little weak. The feelings revolve around the values of justice and integrity within the police, interesting in itself, but the characters do not gain in depth. They seem to live only for their job. We have some word from Choi over his family, making him the more human, but nothing for others. Choi is also a character that catches the viewer. We discover his personality and morality through the decisions they take in each of the crisis situations. What will he do, faced to a particular conflict? will he hide clues or will he follow the law? Speaking of actors, most fears and concerns are transmitted by the regard. Sometimes anxious, sometimes observer from afar, many internal emotions are left to interpretation via unspoken, small pats or a quick glance. It works reasonably well and does not prevent the explanatory speeches, loaded disorders, emotions or concerns. The images are correct, but does not release an identity, or give a personality to the film. Personally, I found that the editing made each plans each time a bit too short. Some action scenes get a little messy , while the same technique applied to the sound makes the music cutoff abrupt. Yet the music accompany the ambiance and adds a lot of strength to the problems and excitements.
A very pleasant thriller to see. 7/10
Stung (2015)
The kind of positive surprise that I like, a sincere film and a good time.
Stung (2015)
Giant mutant wasps attack the participants of a party.
The starting pitch may sound ridiculous, but it serves only as a backdrop. In the manner of the old horror movies of the 80s, the threat, whether an alien creature, a gooey monster or a psychopath, allowed to highlight social problems, conflicts between individuals or benefits and values of the characters. For Stung, it is the relationship between Paul and Julia, and a small sally to the aristocracy and hypocrisy of this class. There is on one side the girl and the boy, and the other the mystery of giant wasps. The relationship between the two young people is catchy as it develops throughout the film, organically, each taking the time to know, not succumbing to the ease of Hollywood movies where the duo kiss after 2 min . The attachment is built, and also justifies certain elements of the story, instead of using stupid tricks and narrative turn. As for the wasps, the justification is simple but sufficient. Let us not forget that this is a comedy-horror, and the cause is also a critical eye on a specific theme.
We often associate the horror films or low budget to direct-to-DVD or products of poor quality. As said above, history, and rhythm that follows, are well managed. Added to this a realization of very good quality, with special effects in addition to dolls and practical effects. There is no easy use of CGI, but rather a practical research, which induces the same time a scares. One does not often see the whole creatures, and most of the plans are using real puppets. The actors thus react to tangible elements (except small swarm at first, a bit missed). And finally, the creatures generated computer are created, with some nice effects and flames are not too ugly.
Matt O'Leary, unrecognizable to those who have seen Spy Kids, camped with much ease and conviction his character. I could feel that he found himself in the wrong place, but that the situation required him to act, he had responsibilities. His big mouth is boring at first but I quickly gave him sympathy in view of the problems he faced. Jessica Cook <3 is not left behind. At first, appearing to be relayed to the rank of a stooge, she also has the opportunity to show us what she is capable of. It is also a pleasure to see renowned actors, adding a kind of experience and sustainability, through Lance Henriksen, a selfish but realistic mayor, and Clifton Collins Jr., a frustrated heir.
The kind of positive surprise that I like, a sincere film and a good time.
7.5 / 10
El incidente (2014)
A well made movie, refreshing, and a stonishingly remaining in the head.
El Incident (2014) Two brothers are fleeing a police officer, taking the fire stairs of the building. But they will quickly realize that they have entered an endless loop.
The situation, or rather the incident happens suddenly, and puts the characters in front of the accomplished fact. What will be interesting is how everyone will try to understand, and adapt. The situation can not hide its inspirations from "Lost" or "Twilight Zone".
The repetitive structure allows each character to explore, and we see them cross their new looped world, all the while varying in attitude. Misunderstanding gives way to fear, then refusal, to finish on a kind of indifference.
The film uses this structure to explore more profound themes. Each of the group has witnessed from the beginning of the death of a member of their group, and we see how each individual apprehend this shock. There are those who indulges towards the abandonment and deterioration; while others face the problems with a kind of stoicism, taking a repetitive lifestyle. It could thereby compare this attitude imposed on the character to a broader vision of life and society, each undergoing repetition days and social obligations and work. I was surprised to discover many aspects and facades to this film, the revelations of the third act force to bringing a second reading to what could have been a simple idea for a short film, but who finds here throwing theories forcing us to ask questions. The rate also contributes to the strength of this film. The elements being unveiled at the same pace as the characters discover them, alternating in a balanced manner between the two parallel stories. The end seemed accelerated as taken by his own ardor, and give me the impression of being slightly confused at first.
To accompany this mystery, music is intense and mysterious.
As for the actors, they are of good alois, express crises and fears, but I felt that they were only contented to shout, the parents and the police officer having somewhat the same personality.
A well made movie, refreshing, and a stonishingly remaining in the head.
7.5 / 10
Infini (2015)
A compartmentalized world, anguish coming from humans.
Infinity (2015)
A team of soldiers is sent to the "Infini" colony, after it has been the victim of a mysterious catastrophe.
The starting pitch is highly classic: a team is involved in the rescue of survivors, but look, seems like there was a hidden agenda (eg think of Doom). What is interesting here is that the threat comes mainly from humans, madness that infects and makes them act under the impulse of instinct, seeking to kill, to be the sole survivor, as plagued by a wild struggle. However, the final is kind of meh. I found it a bit easy, no twist or surprising revelation and not specifically exploring some left aspects and questions, this leaves thus the door open for potential sequels
The director Shane Abbess therefore explores the evil that strikes the protagonists, taken by schizophrenia. Evil can arise from the heart of each and it is through a series of rapid and delirious montage, accompanied by discontinued voice, dialogues and pictures, we see the characters sink, even our brave Carmichael must fight against his murderous impulses.
To do this, the actors do not hesitate to push their character, changing attitudes, leaving the door open to delirium or conflict. Although they are kind of stereotyped and are note very sensitive enough to create sets or compassion, everyone is different enough to avoid duplicate characters.
I found dared to base the majority of the film on the pitch, but it works. The risk comes from the madness each individual. By cons, many scenes seem stretched or are repeated, the film might gain with a few cuts here and there.
The tension is weld held, with frequent twists, but the director also knows how to build it through sustained montage, fast and dense, seeking discomfort in disagreements and oral arguments. Music is also stressful, strong and well directed.
The decorations are simple, recycling the same corridor from different angles, but the use of contrast and traces of blood, giving a feeling of dirt everywhere, help to give a personality to the station.
A compartmentalized world, anguish coming from humans.
7/10
Oblivion (2013)
A nice movie to watch, but far from being an innovator in the field of science fiction.
Oblivion (2013)
Jake and Vika are technicians responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of drones on the Earth's surface in 2073, ravaged after a disaster.
***Attention, this review may contain spoilers***
The premises are told at from the beginning of the film and we follow , the technician Jack, walking on the surface of the grid 49, equivalent to the former island of Manhattan, rediscovering, remembering and experiencing nostalgia for the lost memories of human civilization. There are many references throughout the film over typical entertainment from the city, and we feel happily the reflection from the passions of our dear Tom (Amercian Football, motorcycle, Yankees, etc.).. He plays less extravagantly, but offers us an enjoyable game.
It also allows us to see at the same time the establishing of the character of Jack. He is curious and open. He is smart and has a good mind. This aspect is crucial in the development of character and in his quest for truth. So we follow with a singular eye the story, all the intrigues and revelations.
There are two-three mysterious scenes and others with very high tensions, but the overall pace suffers from many tractions, involving a loss of speed and generally causing a slight boredom in the audience (people were complaining aloud during the film premier at the BIFFF).
Joseph Kosinski has the merit of having artistic taste, and each of its scenes are clean, well made and very enjoyable to watch. There is no crappy assembly and trembling, and the scenes aboard the small ship are pleasant. There are many shots of landscape and they are strongly reminiscent of Ridley Scott's style, for example the beginning of Prometheus.
The music is rhythmic and has a broad spectrum, but the melodies, very simplistic, very strongly resemble the themes of the Batman trilogy from Nolan, and background music from Mass Effect. It is impersonal, but it still gives an enchanting effect with the finished product. Sound effects are average, and there are too much of small these overused useless little noise from all the devices (a simple lens doesn't make a sound, stop it Hollywood).
The course of history is interesting, but the final feeling is disturbing. There is no originality. Furthermore, we face numerous times a deus ex, cutting net the momentum, the threat of danger and the tension of the scene, Jack feels less like a subject, but more like a passive character. It is at first delighting to find the revelations and reversals of situations, but we quickly realize that this is déjà vu. This film is much like a mash-up of, among others, Wall-E, Star Wars, Matrix, Indepence Day, The Island, Mad Max ...
I also regret that Morgan Freeman did finally appear only for ten minutes throughout the film, and that the character of Julia, played by a charming Olga Kurylenko, has almost no interaction with the other characters, being more like an extension of the character of Jack. As for Vika, she remains a stereotypical female character and neurotic.
A nice movie to watch, but far from being an innovator in the field of science fiction.
7/10
Skyfall (2012)
1 word to describe this movie: beautiful
+ acting of Craig, Dench & Bardem are superb. They live the characters, give them weight and credibility. + story is self aware, contemporary and kind of logical. It questions the existence of MI6 and it works really well. + 1 word to describe this movie; beautiful: set pieces are creative and refined, camera are stable, there is a thinking before each shooting, great work on the colours, the editing takes his time giving more of an ambiance, opening title is subtle + lots of references to the Bond mytho, in a good and funny way + Script and dialogs marvelously written. We sens each persons, and the text implied a lot of things.
- Harris & Marlohe are not that good (well, they are Bond girls so we are used to that level) - Music is sometime edited in a harsh way (good and bad), and music aren't really good (too cliché, not outstanding), Adèle's theme song lack a melody in the refrain and the original music isn't really melodious. - 3 great parts, but the climax isn't that strong - FX are weak, like coming from 2005 :/
8,5/10, as good as Casino Royale, but in a totally different way.
Prometheus (2012)
Thanks Mr Scott
What can I add to all the other reviews here next to mine?
I'll just sum the goods and bads:
+Good use of the 3D, where the holograms and dust float in front and behind characters, coupled with a solid and beautiful design. the camera is steady, with a clean picture. +Outstanding performance from Fassbender who steals the movie. He got the little changing expressions that makes you believe. Theron and Rapace are interesting in their roles and sometime give good plays. +Sound and music transports you. +new approach for explaining the Alien and the origins (see below) +Ridley just re-appropriating his own product and
-just transcend all the alien franchise's mythology by taking a new kind of opposite angle -A lot of characters lack depth. - I still question some of the Hollywood necessary influence in some part of practicality in some places (the volume inside the ship, uses of light inside the helmet, some texts, ideas) -a certain turning plot that is questionable and just lack the appropriate response. -Science level equals a 12 year old kid's knowledge.
***Attention Spoilers!***
This is my explanation for the evolution of the Alien:
The black liquid is a weapon of mass destruction that destroys a subject (black marks, cells explodes) but can recreate afterward a new species depending on the host. This means that the Alien we are used to know (2 arms, 2 legs, etc)exists only because the black liquid has infected a Human DNA. If the black liquid infects a worm, the "alien" would be some kind of worm. If it infects some furry ball animal, the "alien" would be some hairy furry alien...?! ***End of Spoiler***