“Star Trek” and “Terminator: Salvation” have proven that older franchises are still viable in today’s market and it looks like we have more new versions of classic sci-fi in store. “Predator” and “Alien” both are having re-boots made. I have read that Robert Rodriguez will be helming the “Predator” project and feel like he’s the right kind of talent to have on board. With Tony Scott rumored as producer of the “Alien” project, and another no-name director attached, I grow worried for its success.
I think it’s a good move to give these projects fresh starts as long as the filmmakers don’t start messing with the iconic characters like Ripley and Dutch from the original movies. We need some really fresh new ideas for these franchises.
I personally think they should take a page from the nineties’ Dark Horse comics spin-off series. There were some really cool and original ideas in those books that I think would translate well onto the big screen. Check those graphic novels out if you can find them. They are well worth reading.
In today’s cinema you have to have something new and exciting to bring to the table, and I think both of these projects still have a lot of potential for success. The problem comes in trying to balance the elements involved in re-creating what these films did so well. You need to stay true to the source material, but rev up the action and effects ( Both “Terminator: Salvation” and “Star Trek” accomplished this). You want to retain the original tone but add something spicy in the way of plot or theme.
I’m hoping both movies end up getting made. But for Pete’s sake, let’s really sit down and think it through first.
About Me
- Sebastian
- photographer, artist, writer, reviewer, student, musician, thinker, reader
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Jennifer-Soccer Game - Dynamic Pose
Some shots I took recently of my friend Jennifer kicking butt at a socker game. That's her on the left. I like action shots like these.
It was unfortunate that their coach didn't allow them to play with a full team.
It was unfortunate that their coach didn't allow them to play with a full team.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Drag Me To Hell Review
So. Sam Raimi is back, and better than ever with his newest film, “Drag Me To Hell”. I love that title by the way. After the mess that was “Spiderman 3” it seems Sam has decided to revisit his horror roots with this inspired, campy, and deliciously diabolical flick.
This is Raimi the way he’s meant to be experienced : bold, in-your-face style, with strong characters and tongue in cheek camp. Oh, the camp! This one is a howler of a film. No one can do the horror genre quite the way Sam can. He gives us memorable characters and outlandish situations sure to stick with even the most jaded movie watcher. I had just about concluded that Sam wasn’t going to come back to the genre, but not only does he come back to it, he gives us (arguably) one of the best horror movies of the last few decades.
Powering Sam and brother Ivan’s terrific script is a powerhouse performance by the always impressive Allison Lohman. I remember being particularly impressed with her performance in Ridley Scott’s “Matchstick Men”. Her tough yet tender heroine carries the movie in places. She’s very ably supported by the very likable and talented Justin Long.
The story concerns Lohman being struck with a curse by a deranged elderly gypsy and subsequently enduring a barrage of demonic torture for the course of three days before being consumed by a particularly nasty demon who will “drag her to hell”. That’s really all you need to know about the plot. Get on the rollercoaster and enjoy the ride.
Raimi doesn’t so much depend on gore here (it is rated PG-13 afterall) rather than he does on that gross-out ick factor. There is a good deal of nastiness that assails the viewer, but Sam knows how to walk the fine line required in horror and not totally offend his audience. He balances his scares with some really fine humor, and attitude to spare. He has focused on his story and kept the structure tight and the scope fairly small. This is the definite way to handle this type of material. It allows him to concentrate more on each scare sequence and gag.
Being a veteran of this genre, Sam knows how to pace his movie, and no scene ever feels to long. He can manipulate the scares here so well. He knows his stuff.
If you are a Raimi fan don’t dare miss it, and if you like a scary movie that harkens back to days gone by in a hip manner, then you’re in for a treat. This is a prototype for horror movies that will appeal to the masses and horror fans alike. I wouldn’t be surprised if it became a sleeper hit, or a cult classic at the least.
Five of five stars
So. Sam Raimi is back, and better than ever with his newest film, “Drag Me To Hell”. I love that title by the way. After the mess that was “Spiderman 3” it seems Sam has decided to revisit his horror roots with this inspired, campy, and deliciously diabolical flick.
This is Raimi the way he’s meant to be experienced : bold, in-your-face style, with strong characters and tongue in cheek camp. Oh, the camp! This one is a howler of a film. No one can do the horror genre quite the way Sam can. He gives us memorable characters and outlandish situations sure to stick with even the most jaded movie watcher. I had just about concluded that Sam wasn’t going to come back to the genre, but not only does he come back to it, he gives us (arguably) one of the best horror movies of the last few decades.
Powering Sam and brother Ivan’s terrific script is a powerhouse performance by the always impressive Allison Lohman. I remember being particularly impressed with her performance in Ridley Scott’s “Matchstick Men”. Her tough yet tender heroine carries the movie in places. She’s very ably supported by the very likable and talented Justin Long.
The story concerns Lohman being struck with a curse by a deranged elderly gypsy and subsequently enduring a barrage of demonic torture for the course of three days before being consumed by a particularly nasty demon who will “drag her to hell”. That’s really all you need to know about the plot. Get on the rollercoaster and enjoy the ride.
Raimi doesn’t so much depend on gore here (it is rated PG-13 afterall) rather than he does on that gross-out ick factor. There is a good deal of nastiness that assails the viewer, but Sam knows how to walk the fine line required in horror and not totally offend his audience. He balances his scares with some really fine humor, and attitude to spare. He has focused on his story and kept the structure tight and the scope fairly small. This is the definite way to handle this type of material. It allows him to concentrate more on each scare sequence and gag.
Being a veteran of this genre, Sam knows how to pace his movie, and no scene ever feels to long. He can manipulate the scares here so well. He knows his stuff.
If you are a Raimi fan don’t dare miss it, and if you like a scary movie that harkens back to days gone by in a hip manner, then you’re in for a treat. This is a prototype for horror movies that will appeal to the masses and horror fans alike. I wouldn’t be surprised if it became a sleeper hit, or a cult classic at the least.
Five of five stars
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