#28. Buried

Ryan Reynolds in Buried 2010

Because I am leaving for Korea tomorrow, I want to at least post the movies I have watched before I leave. However, some films, like Buried, The Social Network, and IP Man require more time and thought than I can provide. So, #28-30 are going up, I promise when I get back I will right a detailed reaction to each film.

#27. Dead Snow - Review

Dead Snow poster / banner

Dead Snow should not be as fantastic as it is. The over-saturation of the zombie genre is quickly becoming a bore, but this is NAZI ZOMBIES, so it’s kind of all right. Its funny, but not a comedy, which is important to anyone growing tired of inane Evil Dead rip-offs. The story plays second fiddle to the refreshingly original deaths (how many ways can you kill a zombie with a snowmobile?) and the superb make-up design. This may not be horror at its absolute best, but if you are interested in a gorefest, this is one of the best on Netflix Instant Streaming. Definitely check it out.

#26. Stalag 17 - Review

Stalag 17 minimalist poster All I want to say about Stalag 17 is that this is a great introductory film to "classic cinema." What I mean is, most people are intimidated by old films, especially black & white films that are directed by someone like Billy Wilder. Someone who does not study film may not be aware of the entertainment value in a Wilder film. If you are someone who wants to develop a more refined film knowledge, not only is Wilder mandatory with so many amazing films (Sunset Blvd, Some Like it Hot, Double Indemnity, I can go on) Stalag 17 is a great place to start. With a relatively simple story of American POW's trying to sniff out a rat in their barracks, this war film is not as silly as something like Hogan's Heroesbut is no less accessible. It is a fun WW II movie made by a German emigrant... think about that!

Stalag 17 screen

#25. Frozen - Review

Frozen Poster

I have never been on a ski lift. If it is anything like an elevator I know I will not like it. The swaying, the obvious safety hazards, the cold, there are numerous reasons for why I would devolve into a crying baby 75-feet off the ground clinging to a ski lift. Frozen takes a very simple idea, and forms a decent, and at times fantastic, horror extravaganza. This wants to be a horror movie so bad it is nearly palpable. I hate spoiling movies, especially horror films, so I don’t want to go into detail of why this movie kicks so much ice-cold-ass, but trust me it does. Here is my spoiler free synopsis: Three people, trapped on a ski lift.

That is all I can do. I am not going to tell you how they arrived on said lift, or how long they are up there (long enough to be scared), or what kind of plan they have to get down.Frozen cast

This film can only succeed if the audience is willing to have fun and transport themselves onto that frozen metal bench. I found myself screaming at my television, desperately trying to coax the characters to take my advice. It is very easy to relate to at least one of three main characters. They are simply written and fit a specific role, making it easier for the viewer to psychologically inhabit the events on screen.

The 1^st and final acts suffer from poor dialogue and some pacing issues, but this film’s beefy 2^nd act more than make it worth the admission price.Seek this film out, if you’re a horror/thriller (whatever “thriller” means) buff you will probably love the hell out of Frozen.

Also, I must say thank you to Jerrett Richards for sending me a copy of this film all they way from New Mexico!

#24. Lake Mungo - Review

Lake Mungo screen

Lake Mungo is an interesting take on both the documentary and the horror genre. It is difficult to explain this film without spoilers, so I copied the synopsis on the film’s IMDB.com page to point I thought necessary:

            Sixteen-year-old ALICE PALMER drowns while swimming in the local dam. When her body is recovered and a verdict of accidental death returned, her grieving family buries her. The family then experiences a series of strange and inexplicable events centered in and around their home.

More than a straight horror story, this film sympathetically explores a family’s grief in the loss of a daughter and a sister. Young Alice Palmer’s parents and brother are all dealing with her death in different, often emotionally crippling ways. Her re-emergence only heightens the family’s despair. It is through this “re-emergence” the film really starts getting its hands dirty, systematically scaring the hell out of me, and earning its acceptance into last year’s After Dark Horrorfest.Lake Mungo After Dark Horrorfest 4

This is a documentary, and I will leave its authenticity to you, but I really feel the director’s choice to tell this story this way was genius. Through archived news footage, family video recordings, cell-phone videos, and one-on-one interviews with Alice Palmer’s family and friends, I was able to let go of any doubt or questions I had and just go along for the ride.

Lake Mungo is on Netflix Watch Instantly, and like Eclipse, a film I discussed earlier, it has absolutely horrible cover-art. The cover for this film not only has zero relation to the story, it also does nothing to spike my interest. So, do not judge this Australian horror film by its cover, because you may miss out on a entertaining experience. 

Coming Soon...

The Social Network poster

Sense & Sensibility posterFrozen poster

Buried (2010) poster

ip Man posterLake Mungo After Dark Horrorfest 4Stalag 17 poster

#23. Remember The Titans - Review

Remember the Titans Poster

I am a sucker for sappy sports films. I actually cried during Hardball. Yes, that Hardball, with Keanu Reeves coaching the inner-city youth baseball team. I am not going to spend much time on this film, mostly because I have too much work to do before my Korea trip. I will say this film is worth watching, if you like sports films or Disney “feel-good” films. If your anything like me you WILL cry at least once while watching this movie, which is ok… no one is going to judge you.

Remember the Titans tells a very sweet story of the first integrated American high school football team. It is Disney, so at times the film can come on pretty strong with its themes, but I wouldn’t call it preachy, or even distracting. Denzel Washington, as always, is awesome, although I wouldn’t say this is new territory for him. The strong black man going up against the system is Washington’s bread and butter, but Titans is one of his best performances.Denzel Washington in Remember the Titans

I should also mention you do not have to like football to enjoy this flick, but it will probably help. The majority of the film takes place on the field, and the action scenes are well thought out and exciting. I am sure most football fans will enjoy this flick, since it treats the characters and the sport with more respect then something like Varsity Blues and keeps the teenage angst to a minimum, unlike Friday Night Lights.

Expect a few more of these shorter posts. I am going to try and catch up on the movies I have seen before I leave next Wednesday.