Why So Blu?

An ‘Insidious’ Build Leads To An Effectively Scary Film

I think perception plays a key role when one makes a decision about going to see a horror film.  While I would not say I am a snob when it comes to horror films, I do consider myself pretty choosy about which ones I see, especially when it comes down to what the film is rated.  In recent times, there have been a slew of films that have either been focused on extreme amounts of gore or copping out with cheap “jump scares” in order to secure a PG-13 rating.  There are always some exceptions Continue reading ‘An ‘Insidious’ Build Leads To An Effectively Scary Film’

‘Peep World’ Is An Uneven Look At A Dysfunctional Family

There are ways to make a dysfunctional-family comedy work.  Arrested Development will go down as one of the great comedy television shows of all time, because of the wide range of talent split between all of the different members of the family, the dynamic of those relationships, and how super sharp and hilarious the writing was.  Peep World feels like an attempt to recreate the spirit of that sort of show and push all of the similar themes into a story that only spans 90 minutes of screen time.  The result is very uneven, as there is a great cast present, but the writing is not nearly as sharp or funny as it needs to be. Continue reading ‘‘Peep World’ Is An Uneven Look At A Dysfunctional Family’

Don’t Get “Sucker Punched” Into Buying a Ticket!

Leading up to the film’s release it has been very interesting to hear everyone’s thoughts on Zack Snyder’s Sucker Punch.  I have people in my life that very much oppose the film, going as far to say its subject matter is an abomination of the screenplay format, and others like me who can’t wait to get it on with the all-female cast.  Although I heard about the production some years ago, my first exposure to the world of Sucker Punch was at last year’s Comic-Con (see here).  The exclusive footage Snyder screened to the packed to capacity Hall H audience was riveting, mystical and orgasmic. Continue reading ‘Don’t Get “Sucker Punched” Into Buying a Ticket!’

‘Sucker Punch’ Aims High, But Is Really A Low Blow

So this movie was a big sandbox of ideas, ambition, and disappointment.  In terms of editing, style, and structure, watching Sucker Punch was like watching a day’s worth of programming on MTV, crammed into a long, two hour movie.  It begins early with a couple music videos; it then gives us shallow, underdeveloped, yet beautiful (skimpily dressed) teenage girls – dancing, fighting, and getting into one ridiculous situation after the other; then, finally, the film tries to hit us with a deeper message, while raising the stakes to help us feel the turmoil of the main character; we also get a hip dance number at the end. Continue reading ‘‘Sucker Punch’ Aims High, But Is Really A Low Blow’

‘Kill the Irishman’ Relives Life of Mobster Danny Greene

Mobster movies and shows like Goodfellas and The Sopranos always bring out that underworld fascination with American audiences. The lifestyles are so provocative, violent and immoral, yet many, myself included, flock to this material like moths to a flame. The latest in the line of American mafia flicks is Kill the Irishman and contains an impressive array of actors from the likes of Val Kilmer to Christopher Walken to Paul Sorvino. Probably best known for his role as Titus Pullo in HBO’s Rome, is Irishman‘s leading man, Ray Stevenson.

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Hitch A Ride With ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’, If You Can Afford It

For a March release coming out a week after winter’s summer film – Battle: Los Angeles, it certainly feels like The Lincoln Lawyer is quite the event itself.  Ads have been everywhere for this movie, but I can certainly see its appeal.  There is a large list of actors involved, the story is based off of a bestselling novel, and courtroom dramas tend to be quite appealing for audiences. Continue reading ‘Hitch A Ride With ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’, If You Can Afford It’

I Had A Fun, Close Encounter With ‘Paul’

It seems like 2011 is going to be littered with aliens and otherworldly beings.  Paul falls into that category and I feel I must clarify what it is, as the TV spots I have seen for it do really poor justice to what is quite a funny movie.  Paul is an R-rated, road trip, buddy comedy with an extraterrestrial twist.  If features a great cast of comedic actors and has been written as a geek-friendly love letter to Steven Spielberg. Continue reading ‘I Had A Fun, Close Encounter With ‘Paul’’

Lord of the Dance 3D – Footwork Wows, Not 3D

Michael Flatley has come a long way from his early days in Chicago to a worldwide star.  The most successful dancer of all time took an art form that is hundreds of years old and lit the fuse in his own characteristic style, creating an Irish dance blitzkrieg that took over the planet in the late 90’s.   Since that time, Flatley has created a few other shows along the way in the form of Feet of Flames and Celtic Tiger, and while each attracted audiences in explosive numbers, neither ever changed the landscape quite like Lord of the Dance (LOTD) did.  In a late 2010 reunion, Flatley once again took the mantle as Lord of the Dance for a brief but highly successful European tour, but this driven individual did not stop there.  Not only did Flatley return in LOTD, he brought it to us in 3D.

Continue reading ‘Lord of the Dance 3D – Footwork Wows, Not 3D’

Plain ‘Jane Eyre’ Has A New Good Looking Adaptation

Jane Eyre is the umpteenth adaptation of the famous English novel by Charlotte Bronte.  Strangely, this latest version features the most explosions and gratuitous sex scenes yet.  That is a lie; this version of the film is very focused on its visuals.  Along with some very good cinematography, the film moves along through visual plot development, as opposed to relying on voice over narration.  While I can admire a film, drenched in the Victorian England atmosphere, making it up to me to follow all that is going on, there is also the factor of how invested I felt I wanted to be in the film. Continue reading ‘Plain ‘Jane Eyre’ Has A New Good Looking Adaptation’

‘The Music Never Stopped’ Unless It Was Trying To Make You Cry

Films like The Music Never Stopped fall into a line of films that are easy to absorb on the surface.  They are heartfelt dramas, usually based around true stories, relying on significant events to make you feel deeply for those affected by them.  This is not a bad thing, but these types of films do straddle the line of becoming too “Hallmark Channel” for their own good. Continue reading ‘‘The Music Never Stopped’ Unless It Was Trying To Make You Cry’

Paul is Rude, Crude and Downright Lovable!

Continuing the recent streak of films I covered panels for at last year’s Comic-Con comes a science fiction comedy like none other from the brains behind Hot Fuzz.  Of course I’m talking about the aptly named film Paul.  And E.T. thought he was special for having a feature named after himself.  LOL.   What I liked initially about this concept, besides the obvious, is the fact that this somehow all revolves around my favorite party every year, San Diego’s Comic-Con.   Ah…memories… Continue reading ‘Paul is Rude, Crude and Downright Lovable!’

Trashy Thriller Plot Narrows ‘Limitless’ Potential

Limitless is based around the notion of a myth and a “what if” question.  The myth involves the idea that people only use about 10% of their brains.  This film asks the question – what if you could take a pill that would open up the rest of your mind.  What follows is a story that begins fairly interesting, only to turn into a trashy thriller midway through. Continue reading ‘Trashy Thriller Plot Narrows ‘Limitless’ Potential’

Paul Giamatti Stars In Another ‘Win Win’

Win Win is the kind of movie I will be championing for a while.  I do not think it will necessarily be one of my favorites of the year (honorable mention, sure), but it has the kind of charm and humor that makes for a movie I want many people to see, especially given that it will probably reach only so many theaters. Continue reading ‘Paul Giamatti Stars In Another ‘Win Win’’

Make Sure To Bring A Game Controller To Play ‘Battle: Los Angeles’

Along with many people with similar interests to me, I am a big video game player.  Recently, I have played the latest entry in the Call of Duty franchise, which I have joked around with my friends about how over-the-top all of the action and story moments are.  While watching Battle: Los Angeles, I could not help but be reminded of several different video games, along with many other movies. Continue reading ‘Make Sure To Bring A Game Controller To Play ‘Battle: Los Angeles’’

Battle: Los Angeles is an Epic Winner!

Are you ready for me yet?  Please press record on the tape deck for me.  Thanks!  Are we on?  Okay, good!  My name is Brian White and I wanted to go on record by saying that Battle: Los Angeles has been my most anticipated film this year ever since I saw the panel at last year’s Comic-Con (see here).  Is that hardcore or what?  Okay.  You can stop recording this transmission now. Continue reading ‘Battle: Los Angeles is an Epic Winner!’

You’ll Want To Return Your Little ‘Red Riding Hood’ To Grandma

While walking away from the theater, I was discussing with the person I saw this film with what genre it would be considered.  Red Riding Hood is certainly not a scary at all, nor does it have any real tension or suspense.  It is not much of a drama, because none of the performers really seemed to be effected very deeply by any of what is happening (murders, weather, etc.).  I guess I could say it was a fantasy film, as it does strive to be about a werewolf terrorizing a village, even though the wolf is a horrible computer creation.  Really, this film is just a mess. Continue reading ‘You’ll Want To Return Your Little ‘Red Riding Hood’ To Grandma’

RANGO is Fun for the Whole Family!

Not often can I recommend a movie for the entire family to see together.   Many movies are niched to a specific audience and age demographic, and many times parents struggle to find something everyone can enjoy.  RANGO fits this bill nicely.   Gore Verbinski has assembled a winning team of voices for the animated characters, and they really fill the bill!   Johnny Depp of course plays the reluctant hero, RANGO, a wanna-be thespian chameleon with some pretty good acting chops. Continue reading ‘RANGO is Fun for the Whole Family!’

Red Riding Hood Has Teeth

I originally had my apprehension about this title when it was first announced, but my fears were quickly subdued when I found out that Amanda Seyfried and Gary Oldman’s names were attached to this project.  Gary Oldman goes without saying, but my love for Seyfried is brand new and unfamiliar to me.  It’s time to explore that.  LOL.  My earliest memories of Amanda are from 2008’s Mama Mia.  Although at the time I was not a fan of either her or the film, I quickly learned to like her in 2009’s soon-to-be cult classic, Jennifer’s Body. Continue reading ‘Red Riding Hood Has Teeth’