Suggestion Box (Nov. 23 - 29)

Yeah… I must have been too distracted by the holiday food to notice anything of interest to pass along. But to keep from being lame, here is my suggestion to you, inspired by my experience with Harper’s Island: If there was ever a TV show (or movie, game, book, etc) that you ended up missing for whatever reason when it first came around, go spend some time with it. Take it from me, it might end up being a favorite (oh Firefly, what would I have done without you?).

TV Review - Harper's Island: The Complete Series

Harper’s Island may choose to wade through the waters of TV's tamer horror genre rather than create major ripples with a cannonball into the deep end, but for me it still manages to be a welcome allusion to the campier horror films I grew up with.

It follows Henry Dunn (Christopher Gorham), Trish Wellington (Katie Cassidy), and their wedding guests as they spend the week on the island before the ceremony. Included in this party is Henry’s best childhood friend, Abby Mills (Elaine Cassidy), who hasn't returned for 7 years because of a string of horrific murders that claimed her mother as a victim. As a welcome gift to all the wedding party members, someone begins killing them off, one by one. Whether or not these two events are connected, clearly someone is not willing to hold their peace.

Though I regret not tuning in to Harper’s Island when it aired last summer, I actually think it is a lot better to sit through the whole season in a couple of days. This is mainly because I don't know if I would have been patient enough to wait all that time just too see who is behind it all when my copy of I Know What You Did Last Summer is sitting right there. It too has the young, upcoming cast (well, at the time), the mystery, romance, a leading, slightly depressed brunette being picked on, fishermen, yada yada yada, but it only takes a couple of hours to get through.

Basically, when you get down to it, the essence of both these things is really similar (though a little Scream is mixed in if you know where to look); however, what IKWYDLS cannot dream to compare to this is the body count of Harper’s Island. Sure, you have to wonder how it takes people that long to notice that people are going missing, especially considering most of them are there as members of the wedding party. I guess the texts coming from some of the characters post mortem can be believable to an extent, but how dumb do you have to be to not question why that many people that you invited to take part in your wedding aren’t there? What depths did you have to sink to if the members of your wedding party don’t even care to show up? Do you not have closer friends? But I digress…

Not only were there a lot of deaths, but they were messy. Take the death that ends the first episode. The sounds that accompanied what was happening below the camera were gross enough, but I could not believe that what was revealed when the camera pulled out had aired on CBS. My jaw literally dropped. But that is far from the only gross out moment, with each new death trying to one up the previous. And don’t worry, there is plenty of blood to go around.

When you get down to it, Harper’s Island is far from being unpredictable in its storyline, but it remains intriguing enough to see it through. Especially considering that when you know a death is coming, chances are you won’t guess how it was going to go down. And that ending (or rather, the extent to which they take it)… Now that was unexpected.

Final Grade: B+

PS – Now I don't know if the episode titles connect to the types of deaths contained within, but make sure to give them a gander. They definitely make the imagination run wild.

Rental Review - Angels and Demons

A couple of years ago, we learned with the Da Vinci Code that maybe some books just shouldn't be changed into a movie because they lose some of their magic. Sure, they can be fun, but you can tell that something is missing. Now I won’t say that the film version of Angels and Demons is a waste of time, it’s actually really entertaining, it just doesn’t have the power of the novel.

Before I can really delve into the body of the film one thing must be noted: Tom Hanks changed his hair up for this one. Can I get a hallelujah?

Speaking of religion… Angels and Demons brings about another Robert Langdon mystery that takes place before all that pesky questioning Jesus stuff of the previous film. This time around he heads to the Vatican to help find the path that will lead to four Cardinals who have been kidnapped during the ceremonies to find a new pope. Oh yeah, and the kidnapper might be working out of revenge on behalf of the Illuminati, a group of pro science thinkers who were believed to have been stomped out by the Church. No matter what the case, it is up to Langdon and his knowledge of symbols to save the day.

All right, seeing as I am writing a review about a movie with some major religious subject matter, I feel like I have to get something off my chest. The end of the last paragraph was a slight fib. I know, I know. It’s a horrible thing to do, but just hear me out. Langdon is brought in because basically he is the only one with all the knowledge and detective skills who can see what everyone else can’t in order to solve this puzzle. However, I slightly lied because this doesn’t really come off in the film. In other words, once Langdon gets to the Vatican there is no question that he is going to start putting two and two together. And in this case, he doesn't even break a sweat. All he has to do is think really hard, start rambling about all these clues, maybe ask someone to translate something, connect the dots to his “oh yes! I see!” moment, and we are good to roll out. Sure, he is racing against the clock so there isn’t enough time to sit down and sip some coffee over a slew of papers with fancy drawings and lines of rhymes, but the fast pace of the film actually works against the problem solving aspect of these stories. Instead, all Langdon has to do is show up at the site, look around, and within seconds he seems to be ready to move on. It’s just a little too convenient, causing Langdon to look a little stupid for always showing up a little too late.

This second installment of the clue solving adventures of Robert Langdon is a little bit of a let down, especially in the repetition (how many times does the power really have to go out just as they are getting to that area of the city?) and “going through the motions” feel to the action. So again, I will say that if you want to experience this adventure as it was meant to be (you know, one with tension), then I really suggest reading the book version of Angels and Demons.

Final Grade: B-

P.S. – Tom Hanks has got nothing on Ewan McGregor.

Suggestion Box (Nov. 16 - 22)

Assassin’s Creed 2 Launch Trailer – I just finished this game (review coming soon) and can now officially feel good about pushing it. If for some reason you are still unsure as to whether or not you want it, check out the trailer here.

How to Train Your Dragon Trailer – A new 3D adventure from Dreamworks, now with dragons! Sure, they will probably make you coo more than full of fright, but dragons! Check it out here.

Now Playing Review - 2012

This addition to director Roland Emmerich’s ode to destruction and the end of the world is fun if you switch off your brain and stare at the pretty pictures, but don’t expect anything of substance.

2012 takes its inspiration from the belief that the world will come to an end on Dec. 21, 2012, which many believe the Mayans predicted and acknowledged through the end of their calendar. What many consider to be utter nonsense begins to become a reality three years prior to this date when large changes start occurring on the planet. Basically the earth is heating from the inside, creating an unstable crust that will begin to shift in the next couple of years. In order to make this a more accessible story, a generic family with problems and adorable children are thrown into the turmoil, fighting to survive as the world literally comes crashing down around them. Oh, and a Russian family as well, but I choose to ignore that for the most part…

When you get down to it, little about this film really makes sense. But worst of all, the set up is completely unnecessary. For the first hour of the film the movie trudges through random stories that seem to have no connection or relevance to the basic conflict of man vs. the world, and when these subplots finally start to come together and make sense there is no satisfaction. Instead, they are more “Eh, whatever” moments. But what’s more is that, personally, I know I was there to see some total destruction, and that didn't really occur until the first hour was over.

Once the apocalypse begins, the screen is engulfed in amazing visual effects, but unfortunately even this starts to go the way of the story. After the initial race through the tumbling city of LA, every other scene is just a remix of this, more often than not involving a vehicle being chased by some angry environmental forces. Over and over and over again… Sure, the first time they run out of runway in the plane there’s an “oh no” moment, but when it happens for a second, and then third time, the tension is lost. Okay, so maybe this time there are fireballs involved, but really, it's the same thing.

The lack of dedication to a great story, dialogue, or enough characters to care about (though I guess it could be argued that many are just cannon fodder) makes it clear early on that this film was just an excuse to go crazy with the visual effects. My advice to you: if you do choose to go see this movie, make sure you drag someone along who will be just as willing to sit there and make snarky comments of everything that’s happening on screen.

Final Grades: Story: F+

Effects (AKA the reason for this films existence): A-

Averaged out: C (but I think that’s way too forgiving)

Suggestion Box (Nov. 9 - 16)

Clash of the Titans Trailer - Yay violence, mythology, creatures and CGI. Check it out here.

Date Night Trailer – Two of TV’s best comedians finally come together for this film. Should be great. Check out Tina Fey and Steve Carell here.

Green Zone Trailer – Matt Damon doing what he does best. Check it out here.

Leap Year Trailer - Who knows if this film will move beyond the usual romantic comedy, but I am pretty much willing to watch Amy Adams in anything, so here's to high hopes. Check it out here.

Now Playing Review - Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity may not be the scariest movie ever, but it will haunt you long after the final scene ends (and in large part because of it).

In hopes of figuring out what has been going bump in the night, Micah (Micah Sloat) decides to use a video camera to catch these random occurrences, which have been plaguing his girlfriend Katie (Katie Featherston) since she was a child. At first, some slightly disturbing things happen, from minor door movements to the sound of footsteps on the stairs outside their bedroom. All creepy events in their own right, sure, but nothing to contact the local exorcist about. However, as the slow build continues and the nights progress, this entity seems to want more, moving from the realm of “Hey! Notice me!” to “I am going to use your blood to paint a mural on the wall! Wanna see?” Now it’s time to start panicking.

Though the majority of the action happens while the couple sleeps, it is clear that its affect on the two is just as strong during the day. In the beginning, Micah and Katie seem as if this is going to be a fun little investigation to take part in, with Micah being especially enthusiastic with his brand new toy. The footage of the two as they banter with each other, poke fun and generally have a great time is hilarious, but when things start to spiral out of control their tempers begin to wear thin. Micah continues to depend on the camera, often thinking of it first before his girlfriend when things start to go down, and Katie starts to get fed up, and rightfully so. Even after its clear that the entity is probably not something to prod and jab with a stick, Micah continues to do so, taking the stubborn (but protective in his own way), macho man role a little too seriously, all the while failing to understand Katie’s obviously overwhelming fear.

On it’s own, this “case study” isn’t really one of the scariest things ever made because the majority of the footage doesn’t actually involve the demonic activity. Instead, it is devoted to the daily lives of the two, though trivial at first, it actually creates a foreboding feeling. This feeling of impending doom amplifies everything that happens at night, and the anticipation and fear begins to build among the audience. This is furthered through the use of the camera’s POV, which creates a mirroring of the desperate feelings of hopelessness and of not being in control that the couple feels within the audience. There is a constant question about what is just outside the frame of the camera, and not knowing this is terrifying. In other words, the footage was creepy, but it is the feeling of not having control in a scary situation like this that really has an affect on the audience. But more so than anything else, the reason that this film is as scary as it is has nothing to do with what is shown, because when you get down to it the film doesn't really get that scary till the very end (depending on how easily frightened you are). What really gets you is when you get home and lay down that night to go to bed. Every noise and every shadow is questionable, and you begin to wonder if there is some truth to what the movie is playing with. I am not ashamed to admit that I slept with my trusted guard dog tight at my side and with the TV on that night for light and noise to drown out everything else. Basically, I was scared.

Depending on who you are and what you believe, Paranormal Activity might just be another horror film to you. But if you have even the slightest inclination towards believing in ghosts and goblins, then be prepared to go to bed a little bit more paranoid after seeing this film.

Final Grade: B+/A-

Suggestion Box (Nov. 2 - 8)

Avatar Trailer – A longer trailer has been released that goes into more depth about the storyline of the film. Though I can’t say how I feel about the creature design, it looks like it will be an interesting film. Check it out here.

Dear John Trailer – For those of you who got all mushy over The Notebook like I did, another book by Nicholas Sparks has been adapted for the screen. Check it out here.

Prince of Persia Trailer Released – Looks like they are going to do a lot of justice to the game, especially with the effects. Hope the story and comedy of the games does not get lost though. Check it out here.

TV Review - V Series Premiere

The series premiere of V kicks off a season of what could be some pretty interesting science fiction television, as long as they loosen up on hitting the viewing audience over the head with earth’s “saviors.”

Around the world everyone’s daily lives are interrupted with an earthly shaking. However, what one would assume to be seismic activity is actually the welcome committee acknowledging the presence of some alien ships docking about numerous major cities. Promising peace and an exchange of knowledge and technology, these aliens appear to be just what Earth needs. But nothing is ever what it appears, and sneaking into the first episode are clear indications that a resistance force better get in gear if man is to survive whatever the “Vs” have planned.

From the “V” in the credits, it’s obvious that no good can come of their presence on earth. I mean, could that letter look like it is drenched in any more blood? But what’s even more forceful is all the religious references pointing to the Vs forcing the idea that they are the second coming. Even from the beginning with the vibrations they cause entering Earth’s atmosphere, they dethrone Jesus from his place on high in the church building, nearly killing a man as the statue came crashing to the ground. But that’s the most obvious “we are your new saviors, worship us instead” statement. There are even other Christian references that became a little too much as the plot progresses (though it is also possible that I am reading way too much into everything, but hear me out). When teenage “I love the Vs” Tyler Evans is taking the tour of the ship, the little blonde V takes the floating apple all seductively (don’t fall for this trick Tyler! We know where it leads!), and furthering this Garden of Eden reference, the show chooses to create the aliens as being scale covered (possibly reptilian looking) with a human suit on top.

But with or without these references, if people are going to survive at all, they better remember that it’s best to not trust in just anyone, no matter how shiny the gifts they bear are. For starters, they should not be flocking to these healing centers. Sure, they might perform miracles, but while they are giving you the ability to walk again, what else are they doing to you? And while the masses need to remember to question these free gifts, Chad Dekker, AKA the human voice of the Vs, better grow a conscience quick because this boost to his career isn’t going to matter when the space ships start going all Independence Day on the globe. But I am getting ahead of myself.

As much as I complain about this “savior” drenched episode, V does look to be a really promising addition to the science fiction genre on television, with some exciting footage coming up soon based on what the preview showed.

Final Grade: B

PS – who thinks a Cylon baby is in the works? We already have some human/alien relationships going on, with others most likely to develop. Yeah I am talking to you apple V.

PPS – As much as I hope they are going to reveal a non-human-covered V, I sure hope it doesn't turn out how it did in Signs. But then again, this show isn’t building tension based on not being able to see them, though it is working on the whole “they could be any one of us” card. Same but different.

Now Playing Review - Zombieland

If you cannot see the greatness of Zombieland, then you are as dead as the majority of the population of this film.

In the near future, the majority of the population of the United States has turned into a flesh-feeding mass due to a freakish incident that I would not dare to give away. We first meet the neurotic Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), who up till now has only survived thanks to his long list of rules that often find themselves strategically placed on screen as they come into play, such as the use of seatbelts, cardio, and the better safe than sorry double-tap. For Columbus, survival is a lonely road, but one that eventually leads him to Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), who loves killing zombies about as much as they love eating people (though I suppose his love of Twinkies ranks highest on the scale). Adding another type of tension to the group is Wichita (Emma Stone), with her sister and copilot in con-artistry, Little Rock (Abigail Breslin). With a loose agreement that it is better to travel as a group, they set out, each hoping to survive long enough to reach their intended destination.

For a movie so adamant on pushing the ridiculous, it is far from pigeonholing itself as just another empty comedy leaning into the iffy spoof genre. Instead, among the laughs there is actually a lot of substance, including dynamic character relationships that in any other situation probably would fail horribly, heartstring tugging, character driving forces and dramatic turns, and tension fraught moments.

But let’s face it, these are just added bonuses that surprise the viewing audience. What everyone’s actually wanting is to laugh until it hurts, which is exactly what happens, and consistently so at that. Once the opening scenes of the spreading zombie outbreak pass, along with the slow-motion and gruesome gore displayed that makes you wonder if laughing out loud is really worth the risk of throwing up instead, the film settles down into a strong pace and solid blend of character development, comedy, and some pretty dumb decisions. As in groan inducing, “we’ll be safer if we split up” moments, or the apparent one use per weapon then throw it away rule. The kind of dumb decision that, had this been a full-blown horror film, would have been deal breakers, but here they just add to the fun. After all, if you stick with a gun for too long how will you ever know how great beating someone up with a banjo can be? Though I will say that it never gets old seeing Breslin totting a gun around.

Thanks to the blend of both zombie film and comedic elements, Zombieland turns out to be one of my favorite films of the year.

Final Grade: A

Suggestion Box (Oct. 26 - Nov. 1)

God of War Collection – It’s official, mark your calendars: On November 17^th, God of War 1 and 2 will be released in high-def on the PS3. So for those of you like me who have never played them, we can finally understand what all the hype is about before the 3^rd game comes out later.

Speaking of God of War: It has already been announced that a demo for the 3^rd installment will come with this collection, but now they have announced that the demo will also be included with the Blu-ray version of the film District 9. Not that the film itself isn’t enough of an incentive to buy this…

Assassin’s Creed Lineage: Episode 1 - a live-action series of web-shorts inspired by the new Assassin's Creed game. Check it out here.

Love: Teaser Trailer – An artsy film about an astronaut losing himself in space, which is apparently inspired by the music of Angels and Airwaves. Check it out here.