Released: 2011 (No date specified)
Starring: Jack Gordon, Elen Rhys, Scarlett Johnson, Michael Jibson
Rating: 6/10
Morally, Panic Button regards the cautions of social networking and the dangers within the personal information shared and the permanence of internet usage. The premise is simple. Four members of a social network (Gwen, Dave, Max and Jo) win an all expenses paid trip to New York on a private jet. As part of the deal, they are provided with 'in-flight entertainment' which soon becomes unnerving as private information of each person's internet history are used against them in cruel quizzes instigated by an interactive alligator. After ignoring the terms and conditions, the foursome indulge in the 'games' with the promise of winning extravagant prizes. However, when the rounds become ever more malevolent, forfeits are introduced, revealing that each member has a hostage loved one who will suffer the consequences of any failed tasks. With these high stakes, the characters slowly turn on each other in a fight for survival.
Panic Button is more of a thriller rather than horror genre, in that throughout, the main feeling installed in the audience is one of creepiness - which is understandable due to the prominence of social networking and how the permanence of internet utilisation can lead to information in the wrong hands. As you are introduced to the alligator, essentially the villain of the film, and the destructive 'entertainment', you are positioned to sympathise with the characters, as cringing at shared secrets seems unavoidable. This film is a lot more of a psychological horror - although not in the same league as Shutter Island, which obviously was created to be twisted and testing. Conversely, as the tensions build to a crescendo, some gore is introduced and the characters become savage in their desperation to save family members.
The actors are mainly unknown, a common feature of horrors as the lack of 'A-listers' helps aid believability and perhaps increase the realism for the audience and therefore interactivity as the actors seem like 'normal' people and are relatable. The acting is somewhat stereotypical, in that (Jibson) plays a perverted Dave, a gent trying to relive his twenties and is very outgoing and over the top. Having said that, I still found the film engrossing and enjoyed the unusual plot with some twists that maintained the pace.
Summary:
- Worth a watch, a different take on a 'horror' in the sky
- Some unusual ploys and twists that make it fairly interesting
- Strange villain and motivation
- Character Max is weirdly endearing
- Will make you think twice about your internet browsing!
Release: 16th November 2012
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Maggie Grace
As a MASSIVE Twilight fan (Twi-Hard), a post regarding the final instalment of this mega film franchise was always a must-do. This finale promises to be an immense ending to the saga and hopefully does justice to the book which was a brilliant read.
This film features around Bella (Stewart) and her adjusting to life as a vampire which it seems comes naturally to her. After the birth of Renesmee, a relative vampire, Irina (Grace), observing the Cullens incorrectly identifies Edward (Pattinson) and Bella's daughter as an immortal child, which in vampire history have caused inexplicable damage and almost revealed their secret to the world. In order to protect and preserve their race, the Voltari seek to destroy Renesmee. After Alice sees this, the Cullens travel across the globe to amass a vampire force that could effectively stop the Voltari and their main weapons Alec (Cameron Bright) and Jane (Fanning) who have extra powers.
Having read the book, and enjoyed the other films in the franchise, I am extremely excited to see the finale, although as with Harry Potter, I am sad that it is ending!
Red Dawn
Release: 21st November 2012
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Isabel Lucas
The rough synopsis of this film is a group of teenagers are forced to collaborate and train in guerrilla warfare in order to save their town in Washington from a North Korean invasion. Having worked in the Royal Marines, Hemsworth's character Jed, is a likely hero and leader.
Unlikely casting was chosen for this action-packed, underdog war story, in the form of Josh Peck as Hemsworth's younger brother. Best known for playing Josh in Nickleodeon's 'Drake and Josh', it seems strange seeing him take on a serious, high-octane role. Hemsworth and Hutcherson, having played hardcore lead males previously, in Thor and The Hunger Games respectively, are obvious choices and provide some 'eye candy' for the numerous girlfriends who may be unwilling audience members. Furthermore, Isabel Lucas, who plays Peck's love interest Erica, is part of the rag-tag heroes and therefore the audience should root for her. However, (and this may just be me) I remember her as the evil Decepticon in Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, making it difficult for me to like her thus far.
Regardless of casting, this film looks to be a lower-scale war film, with teenagers as unlikely heroes - The premise and trailer make this a must-see for me!
Taken 2
Release: 5th October 2012
Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen
Looking perhaps as kick-ass as the prequel, Bryan Mills (Neeson) arrives at Istanbul on apparent vacation with daughter Kim (Grace) , who was the victim of the first film in this franchise, and ex-wife Lenore (Janssen). It is quickly discovered that this trip will be no vacation for the Mills family, as Lenore is targeted and kidnapped by the fathers of men killed in Mills' rampage to rescue Kim years ago. Bryan must fight these revenge-fuelled men to once again save his family. In a stunning coming-of-age twist, Kim seems to have become pretty hardcore in this sequel, as she is seen in this trailer jumping across rooftops and indulging in a car chase, just like the old man.
After thoroughly enjoying 'Taken', brimming with action and haunting reality, 'Taken 2' seemingly has not faltered, with Neeson's steely determination and spy skills still dominating Europe. One of the most highly anticipated sequels for me!
The Paperboy
Release: No set release date yet - rumoured 5th October 2012
Starring: Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman, John Cusack, Macy Gray
This film, based on a 1995 novel of the same name, premiered earlier this year at Cannes Film Festival where it received high praise. The film is about two brothers (Efron and McConaughey) who are journalists for the Miami Times and investigate the murder of a local sheriff in order to free the accused Hillary (Cusack) from death row. Kidman plays Hillary's fiancé Charlotte Bless who approaches the brothers for their help exonerating Van Wetter. This Thriller soon becomes dark and twisted as relationships overlap and tensions run high around the murder case.
As soon as the release date is decided, I will surely be at the cinema to watch what promises to be an excellent and intriguing watch!
Released: 5th June 1998
Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Christine Taylor
Rating: 7/10
Set in the 1980's, this romantic comedy features around a wedding singer named Robbie (Sandler) who falls for an engaged colleague, Julia (Barrymore). Sharing the same feelings, Julia, oblivious to her fiancé's cheating, continues to plan her wedding. Fate must intervene to rectify the situation and comply with true Rom-Com style.
Firstly, Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore as co-stars are comically matched to perfection, as further shown in 50 First Dates - one of my favourite films in this genre! They deliver some brilliant lines throughout with some of the funniest moments being conveyed through sheer expression. Also, cameos from Billy Idol coupled with Sandler's surprising good singing makings this film thoroughly enjoyable for all - especially due to the high quantity of '80s music playing in most scenes - which you can't fault!
My only criticism? That the supremely stupid 'mullet' haircut is prominent.
Summary
- An enjoyable movie for all
- Do not watch if you are not a Sandler fan - his classic humour is involved in abundance!
- '80s music throughout can never be wrong
Released: 22nd June 2012
Starring: Jason Segal, Emily Blunt
Rating: 5/10
Segal and Blunt make a cute comic pairing in a film about an engaged couple who struggle to exchange nuptials when Violet (Blunt) moves the duo to Michigan to accept a job at the University, causing fiancé Tom (Segal) to terminate his beloved sous-chef employment and preemptively ruining his largest career opportunity in San Francisco.
Whilst starting with hilarity and the heart-warming backstory of the couple, the film becomes strained in the middle - reflecting the tensions of the characters as Tom endures unhappiness whilst Violet thrives. The humour gains a slapstick quality and perhaps more awkward laughter points. An unnecessarily lengthy film, the problems should have been addressed and resolved earlier so as to avoid the audience suffering the numerous and frustrating lapses in judgement occurring throughout.
However, Segal and Blunt make a believable couple and play the roles to perfection - demonstrating all aspects of relationships realistically (lack of communication, sacrifice, moments of fun and passion). Tom's best friend Alex (Chris Pratt) and Violet's sister (Alison Brie) further enhance the light-hearted aspects of the film, injecting humour into scenes that required an uplift. Also, the ending of the film somewhat redeems the tedious aspects and left me feeling decidedly good about the movie overall.
Summary:
- A standard Romantic Comedy
- Some laughs and feel-good moments
- Not as good as others in this genre
- Not exactly worth a watch.
Hello!
So I decided to set up this blog about films because I enjoy watching movies regularly. Seriously, I watch at least 2 a day as they provide escapism and sheer entertainment.
You will find a lot of Romantic Comedies will be discussed by me due to that being one of my favourite genres - although I have a very eclectic taste so many genres will be involved.
Not just modern films will be included, I will be reviewing some older films as I watch or rewatch them, as well as those pending release.
'Rookie' clearly states that there will be no real technical analysis of directors' meanings or the beauty of shots, I simply wanted to convey what my thoughts on each film! Feel free to comment, be nice to see some opinions. :)
