Movies: The Cabin In the Woods

Movies: The Cabin In the Woods

I like movies that have some kind of association from people who played in part in Cloverfield. I personally felt that Cloverfield is one of the distinct movies that was able to define a genre, and Cloverfield would be chief of the genre clueless... The Cabin in the Woods has a writer from Cloverfield and as such, the movie itself is really one that is not what you would expect, but probably could enjoy!

Heres a movie poster to help u understand what this movie is about.

Useful? Do you have a better clue what this show is about? No right? That is what makes this movie so special in my opinion. Note that there is also pretty little advertisement about this show in the first place, save a few more obscure trailers and posters that you might see floating around the web.

Next off, this movie belongs to the genre Horror and comedy. Yep, I am not kidding, this two genres can actually be put together and this movie does it pretty well. Unfortunately, for full enjoyment of the movie, I am going to have to make an effort to not put spoilers in. You really need to go in without a clue of what is going to happen to be able to enjoy this movie better. So for the following ratings, I will put it in more vague terms, but when you see the movie, you will be able to get what i mean. However, if you really do so wish, you could always wiki the movie.. after which there is no reason to see it cause the concept of the show is lost already...

Storyline 4.5/5


I personally find the concept of this show the most defining and best part of the show itself. I would say the show concept, if you are able to appreciate it would be on par to or just slightly below that of the hunger games i.e. its a different world with different values from what we are used to.

Also, it seems that this movie tries to poke fun at many of the cliches in traditional horror movies so horror buffs might be able to see these links better and have a bit more fun.

As for the horror section of this show however, it borders on the traditional shock factor rather then creepy factor however, but I would say the shock factor lasts for an appropriate time of the movie before all is revealed. (There is a point of time in some other horror movies whereby its just tiring to get shocked already. Thats what happens if you overdo it by just using too many shock scenes)


Characters 3.5/5


There are human characters... and there are non human characters... I would say that the human characters are generic in fact, but the star of this story are the non human characters as well as the cabin concept itself. So interesting are the non human characters that it made me have to read up imdb to find out more about them. Of course they could have been used in a still more distinct manner but really, its fun to see them in all their glory.

Also being a comedy, the characters are also pretty amusing in their own right with a fair about of comedic moments.


Cinematography 4/5


Cinematography and effects are pretty good actually for a horror movie with little well known stars. But more of the shots belong to those made to encourage scare factors, but they also make very good use of background space. (i.e when you have something going on in the foreground you also have some fun things happening in the background) There are some creepy shots also that lend some aid to the horror genre.


Music 3.5/5


The music is definitely there, and for this genre, the music usually acts as a precursor to something shocking that is to happen. And it does lend to the creepy value.


Spectacle 4.5/5


This is probably one of the better Horror Comedy shows that i have seen, the other being some show about some zombie... i think its zombie land. But this show adds to the interest factor of the show with its very unique concept.

Overall


Storyline              : 4.5 (Yep.. its all there.. its the show concept that is really intriguing at least to me)
Character            : 3.5 (Many interesting characters, but of course too many characters to flesh out)
Cinematography  : 4 (Had better then usual effects, also good shots for shock horror)
Music                   : 3.5 (Shock movie music...)
Spectacle             : 4.5 (Fun movie, and the horror part follows the tried and tested style already)


Overall                 : 4 (Yep it is that high...but for interest sake, Rottentomatoes gave this show 92% fresh. Thats how good it is. BUT Only if you go in without prior knowledge of what is happening. Thats the most important part. Then see things happen and things get explained and then wonder what could have happened if they did something different in the cellar... Thats all the info for you :) However, if you are still the kind that do not fancy shock horror movies, the front part of the movie might be bit annoying for you, but stay to the next section when all is revealed)


Tell me when you seen this show and maybe we can talk a bit more on it :D

Movies: Mirror Mirror

Movies: Mirror Mirror

INTRODUCTION

The story of snow white is a story that has grown on us since young. At least for people of my generation... Then we have the grimm story version that breaks down the happy enjoyable stories that we are used to... So besides this two? is there any other way you can tell the same story again and again? In fact there are two Snow White related movies to be released this year so far, the 2nd being Snow White and The Hunter. Apparently so, as done by this show. This show tries to be different from the common storyline by focusing on the angle of the queen more frequently. And it also tells the story in a much more comedic way.

Heres the Queen

Heres Snow White

And as according to the recent bunch of Snow White related shows,it seems that snow white has some relationship with the queen who seems to also be the evil witch whom gave the apple to snow in the first place... Confusing huh? This is probably like the broken telephone game that people sometimes play whereby the story starts changing after the passage of time. Well, to answer the question of whether you should see this show, it kinda boils down to whether you are interested in the story in the first place, told in a slightly more comedic way... But lets continue to break it up further

Storyline 3.5/5

I can't really say the storyline is completely identical, but there are some links that tie in to the story that we are so familiar with and for some people this would grant them some joy when they manage to see the links to what they already know. For eg, you still see the 7 dwarves abiet in a different light, but people will be happy and say "OH there are the 7 dwarves." 

Also the different focus and overall comedic feel of the show is a bit more different from the usual story telling methods which helps keep things a bit more interesting. Sadly though, it doesn't feel very engaging in general overall, probably because it is a light hearted story and thus very hard to identify with.

Character 3/5

The characters are portrayed pretty interestingly, and I would say there is quite a good level of background story time given to the characters. Overall, they are all portrayed to be pretty fun, which keeps the show very safe, but also prevents the audience from having any particular hate or love for any particular character which results in little empathizing with the characters. So there is really too little immersion and identification with the characters.

Although the dwarves are different also, in some way it seems like they are trying a bit too hard to make a distinct personality that it seems kinda forced. I particularly didn't like the wolf guy because the script makes it look so forced to find a distinction for him. Just cause he howls like a wolf in random segments doesn't make him cool or fun....

Cinematography 3/5

There are attempts to make very good scenic shots in this show, and also some very good acting as expected from Julia Roberts. But in some way, the script writing is pretty bland and its hard to draw out enough interest to really enjoy the show. 

Music 3.5/5

This is probably the aspect that this show was gunning for, but trying to recollect the movie from this time on, its pretty hard to recall what exactly they did. I remember telling myself that they did put in some effort but for it to be so forgettable so quickly shows how lasting the impression was...

Spectacle 3/5

Well first of all, for this section, we need to be able to guesswork what was the aim that the producer wanted. For me personally, i thought he was trying to go for a entertaining twist on the usual snow white story and taking some liberties to make it different from the original. But because of that, nothing really stands out. There are attempts to be funny, it comes out short, attempts for action, still bit too short, attempts for storyline, its not really that different... So it didnt really stand out enough...

Overall


Storyline              : 3.5 (Tried to be different, but not impressive)
Character            : 3 (Did develop main characters but others seemed forced)
Cinematography : 3 (Good attempts but nothing spectacular)
Music                   : 3.5 (Did put much effort into this field.. just nothing memorable)
Spectacle             : 3 (Didn't excel in anything that they seemed to focus on)


Overall : 3.2 (I won't really say I suffered in the show, it did have some charms here and there, but  in the end it was more like i just sat through the story for the sake of finishing it. The experience wasn't horrible, but it could sure have been better. IF you need to see this show, you probably should not have too much expectations for story or anything like that, and just try to enjoy the little jokes and alternative perspective of the show)


See this if you want, but it seems that the coming Snow White and The Huntsman might be more mainstream.. but who knows.. only when its out.....

Movies: Battleship

Movies: Battleship

INTRODUCTION

This is a show that needs introduction. Yep. With a name like battleship, its kinda hard to guess what exactly to expect except the fact that you will be seeing quite a bit of ships in this show. Add to that the trailer that shows some alien like ship and from the same toy line as the transformers, you will be expecting to see something with a lot of action and perhaps some nice robots and transforming. Just a hint though, this movie is actually modelled after the battleship game in fact. You the game where you put out 5 ships on the board and call out numbers and hope you hit them? No idea? here is the game

Dont worry! the show is not about the game or about some championship on who is the best battle ship player in the whole universe or something.

Well here is the trailer for those interested

And here is the movie poster

Looks like its supposed to be an epic show right? Well... you are absolutely right! This show is one of the rare few, that delivers what is expected and also much much more. It does many intelligent things for an action genre flick and also enhances the enjoyment with good storyline and character building. If you still don't really get the hint, read : YOU SHOULD SEE THIS SHOW.

Insufficient evidence? Read the breakdown to conclude for yourself.

Storyline 4.5/5


The storyline, although is seemingly generic, which is the alien invasion of earth, the additions made to the action and alien invasion genre makes the show remain fresh. It also splits the focus between two different focal points from the beginning and consolidates it in the end, as a result, it enables the audience to feel the intensity of the situation and not be bored by staring too much at a particular plotline.

It also manages to tie in the battleship board game into the movie itself, which is quite a feat and it talks a bit of other stuff such as working together and respect your elders that kinda thing. Cheesy? Generally supposed to be so, but how this show does it really presents it in a fun manner which i would say adds alot of entertainment value to the show.

I also like the fact that the show doesn't portray any one side as invulnerable or extremely superior when compared to the others. This adds a bit of realism even to a sci-fi show which I would say adds a bit more of immersivenss to the show. Also, the aliens are revealed pretty early in the show unlike the horror-invasion genre of shows (Whereby you hardly see the invader and it plays more like a horror movie) and focuses instead on thrills and action bits of the show which i feel is done pretty well.


Character 4.5/5


This is another portion that is done well. Given the length of the show, they made a good choice of introducing the background of many of the characters and still linking it to the main part of the show in some way or other via references to things that happened before. This gives the audience a more invested feeling in the characters of the show and gives a very complete start and end to the show.

There are also many characters that play major and minor roles, but all of them seem distinct although some might not have too much of an impression on the audience. That being said, I like the idea that the show actually kills of one of the actors early in the show and it happens to be the most good looking on! (Sorry girls) Least you can always see him in all his manliness in some of the other TV series that he is starring in.


Cinematography 4.5/5


I nearly gave this show a 5, but then i realized that you can always do a bit more in cinematography ^_^. However, This show does emphasize alot on very good shots, from scenic shots to action shots and even very relevant perspective shots that serve to help the audience understand the story better. This is a very crucial ingredient to create an entertaining action flick and this movie does it well.

And there are also shots that are purposefully done just for the mere pleasure of the audience to draw out laughter, and although it seems forced and slightly unrealistic, this provides the audience with a much needed laugh that helps improve enjoyment for a very long movie.


Music 4/5


Its not a musical obviously but still, there are pretty good soundtracks and scores that add to the entertainment value of the show. The only slight mishap is that there are certain sections where the music or sound seems a bit off or too soft. Not sure if intended or just a problem of the cinema.


Spectacle 4.5/5


Yep, this show does what is expected of an action flick and does it very well. Despite the vague title, it seems like this show is able to bring across the intensity and thrill of action scenes, and support it with a strong story, littered with a few light hearted moments along the way. By strong story, it also means that the story line is pretty plausible and does not feel too much forced. So you won't be seeing the proceedings of the movie and stare with disbelief that when you see something that is too vastly unbelievable.

Overall 


Storyline              : 4.5 (Generic story, but not done in a generic manner. Very good pacing)
Character             : 4.5 (Good backstory given for the main characters and manages to make the audience feel for the characters)
Cinematography  : 4.5 (Exceptional camera usage for epic and thrilling shots)
Music                   : 4 (Music adds much to the entertainment value of the show)
Spectacle              : 4.5 (This can be considered the standard for what an action flick should be)


Overall                 : 4.4 (With a score so high, and also coming from the action genre, it can safely be said that almost everyone can see this show and be entertained by it, throughout the entire 2 hrs plus of the movie. It is that fantastic. In fact, you can even go set some expectations for the show and it is very likely that this show will meet or exceed that expectation. Even more so if you are also able to draw the parallel between this show and the actual battleship game. The only way you can find parts to hate about the show is if you really look and scrutinize it very harshly, then you realise that there are some minor plot holes. That being said though, the plot holes are too minor and can be roughly explained so in conclusion, you should see it if you have time for a movie, and even making time for this show might be worth it.)


Tell me if you enjoyed the show too in the comments below :D

Movies: Wrath of the Titans

Movies: Wrath of the Titans

INTRODUCTION

Titans! Wrath! with words like this, everyone would be expecting an epic show of epic proportions filled with fighting, killing and lots of blood and gore! And I can't blame you for expecting this especially considering what the trailers show us about this show. For the uninformed the link to the trailer is here

And this is the poster right here

Epic right? Will be expecting to see lotsa of monsters and humans killing them, and to see the titans come out and trash things out with the Greek gods!

However.. the sad thing about this is, unlike the poster below, we will not get a chance to see the hero of this show pierce that double headed beast with a spear. Nope.. the movie actually plays out differently from that. Another sad part is that.. this show probably belongs to the kind of show where the trailer has actually shown everything there is to show about the movie. I will continue to elaborate on this below...

Storyline


Storyline is not entirely new, its quite similar in concept to the previous greek based movie immortals. Only difference is in this movie, instead of seeing zeus and a few other greek Gods in action, this show is more based on Hades, Zeus, Posidon, their children and a little bit of Chronos. It follows the perspective of Perseus and has cameo from his horsie Pegasus and a few other minor characters.

There are some differences though as this story is based on the release of Chronos by effort from Hades and Ares with Perseus being the unwilling hero of the story. Hence we do get to see a bit more of interaction particularly from Hades and Zeus as compared to the other movies, with this movie portraying them as more humanlike.

Unfortunately, besides that, the whole story follows the same plot style with many movies ending with Perseus becoming powered up in the end and ending the usual way that I shall not describe to not spoil the show. However, as you can see from the standard plot lines you could pretty much guess the end.


Character


In this aspect, there is a bit more variety as the show talks not only about one main character but uses some other characters to mix things up a bit. Still, throughout the whole show there is really little the movie did to express the epicness of the main three gods Zeus, Hades and Posidon. As a result, none of them really seem all that powerful which is a waste given the potential of the plot material.

There is also not enough distinction between the other characters of the show and Perseus did have a few human companions that unfortunately were nothing more then monster fodder. The show does try to highlight some father son relationship during the course of the show but somehow overall it seems overly contrived i.e. forced.


Cinematography


There are attempts to highlight certain level of epicness in the battle scenes but these scenes ended pretty short and one sided in general. Hence you don't really feel as if you are in some epic battle with both sides giving it all they got. However, there are scenes that are pretty well done, such as the introduction to the underground labyrinth that was pretty unique. Sadly, besides that, there was nothing else that seemed that unique and well done in general.

This, there is too little off... really too little.. i meant the battle scenes.

In fact there was even a battle scene that was too confusing to see and hence enjoy at all. This would take place in a big dark area with the minotaur of the story but really, you hardly would notice him because you hardly see him, and he is hardly alive for more then 5 mins.

Music


Nothing special about the music. But didn't harm the show in any way either.


Spectacle


Ok now this is where the show ratings may split into two directions. The first is that those expecting to see an action packed LOTR lots of people fighting and dying show with large scale strategies and fightings will be sorely disappointed. At best perhaps we could say that this show does a passable job with 1 on 1 fights between the main hero and several monsters. Passable because of the fact that even these fights were really very very very short.

The other way to try to rate it would be saying that this show is meant to focus on the storyline aspect which is a more different from the usual as it talks about how the will to protect one's son will give the father strong determination. Sadly, this wasn't done in any exceptional manner and does nothing to satisfy the action hungry crowd. This problem is further accentuated by the fact that the trailers try to depict this show as an action packed show.

Thus on both accounts, this show struggles to set itself aside from the rest of the movie and doesn't leave much of an impression.

Overall


Storyline                : 3 (Too safe, nothing special, really pretty bland which is not what the source material should be)
Character              : 3 (There is slightly more emphasis on characters other then the main hero, but still it is nothing good enough to add value to the show)
Cinematography    : 3 (There are good scenes, and yet there are really bad scenes so its best to say its right there smack in the middle)
Music                     : 3 (Nothing good, nothing bad either)
Spectacle               : 2 (Its a strange situation to see a movie fail in this. However, it is true that what was expected was not given, and cause the show tried to do too many things at the same time, it ended up biting more then it could chew and did not have the opportunity to really entertain the audience who might have been action lovers or story line lovers.)


Overall : 2.8 (Yep, this show is barely above the passing mark. This is really disappointing given the potential of the source material. But sadly there really was nothing that struck out as awesome or epic. The closest this show actually had was the introduction of the labyrinth but everything else really made this show too bland. The only way to have a chance at enjoying this movie is 1. Forget everything you seen in the trailer [Because the trailer scenes are already the most interesting] 2. Is to have no expectation about the show at all. Only then you might have a chance at saying oh this is an interesting take on the movie.


So to my readers, did i predict wrongly? Comment if you seen the show :)