Hollywood Raw

TRAILER: Brake

2012-01-27T12:14:00.000-08:00

Last year Ryan Reynolds hit us with BURIED, a sharp, edge of your seat thriller featuring him buried in a coffin pretty much the entire film. BRAKE takes a page out of the same playbook only they've decided to add some SAW for extra kicks and we get Stephen Dorff this time around. I personally liked BURIED so it's a given that I'm no doubt going to love BREAK.

TRAILER: Seeking Justice

2012-01-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

Now speaking of Guy Pierce here he is again alongside Nick Cage. My only reservations about this flick are that one, it looks a little too "straight to DVD" and I think it shows way too much in the trailer. That said, it looks like good clean fun in a DEATH SENTENCE sort of way, so again, I'm down.

TRAILER: Lockout

2012-01-27T12:04:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of space flicks and consider Guy Pierce to be underrated as of late so this trailer is double the fun. Now add to that Luc Besson (a director that knows action), some smartass dialogue and an array of bad guys with all sorts of insane quirks and we could have an underdog winner. Either way, I'm game.

GAME TRAILER: Darksiders 2

2012-01-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

If you're a gamer and somehow missed Darksiders, stop reading this and go get it right now because it's beyond impressive. The narrative, the voice acting, everything, just wow. The second installment promises everything from the first and more, much like Batman Arkham City, the game itself will be twice the size of the original. And not only do we get to play as Death this time, War's other two brothers are said to be making appearances as well. This teaser is just a taste and rest assured I'll have the full trailer when it's available.

GAME TRAILER: Resident Evil 6

2012-01-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

The the films may not be every one's cup of tea, the games still continue to rock the house. Part four was my favourite to date, though five had it's moments and certainly didn't disappoint. This one looks to be pushing the boundaries even further and I gotta say I'm excited. The intensity looks at sharp as the graphics and Leon's still my favourite lead so I'm happy as hell to see him back too. Can't wait for November baby!

REVIEW: Underworld Awakening

2012-01-22T16:09:00.000-08:00

"Welcome back Selene, we missed you."

After humans discover the existence of both vampires and lycans and set in motion a plan of eradication, Selene and Michael are ambushed before they can escape to safer ground. Selene awakens twelve years later in a lab unsure of where she is or what's going on until a psychic bond sends her in hopeful pursuit of her lost companion.

I've always been a vampire fan at heart, I remember clearly when UNDERWORLD came out back in 2003 and I ate it up like a vampire in a BLADE techno rave blood bath club (the BLADE flicks being the only noteworthy vampire movies around at that time). This was different though, they actually made good use of werewolves and the blood feud between the two species. It's hard to believe Kate Beckinsale nearly passed on the role, because she's to die for in these films. The first two flicks were pretty tight, the third not too shabby for being a prequel (love me some Rhona Mitra) but a true sequel is what this fan was after and low and behold I got my wish! I'm not usually one for sequels but this one satisfied my bloodlust on most levels (thank God they didn't water it down to PG-13).

I guess I'll open the negative can of worms first. The UNDERWORLD universe's ace up the sleeve was its rich, multilayered storyline that was not only dripping with villainy and intrigue but also served as a unique bond between vampires and lycans. I loved the covens, the slavery, the Romeo and Juliet arc, laced with badass weaponry and gory fun. This time around I felt a little jipped. Selene and Michael are captured, and cryogenically frozen for twelve years after the humans catch on to the existence of vamps and lycans and decide to purge the infestation. And just like that, both species are nearly wiped out. I don't get it, these guys are at the top of the food chain and feels like they simply rolled over without much of a fight. Now add to that, a kid hybrid, who everybody wants a piece of, and we have the rough storyline: Selene trying to save her kid, find Michael and avoid being purged. Hmmm, me thinks they should've fed their team of monkeys a few more bananas while trying to think up this plot.

Story aside, this flick gives the fans exactly what they want, more Selene death dealing in tight leather. For being nearly a decade since the original I have to admit Kate's still got it. She's a solid femme fatale and delivers some amazing fight scenes, some cool new gadgets like the silver grenade bombs and thankfully still retains the extra juice she got from the second film to make her that much deadlier. Good thing too because the super lycan they got running around town ain't no teddy bear. Selene also stuck to her R rated guns with lots of blood and dripping wet pieces. India Eisley, though unnecessary on a character scale, rocked the house as the little girl you don't want to piss off. She dished out some cool fight scenes and was no slouch. I dug Stephen Rea as the villain (back to his vampire roots--think INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE) but really miss Bill Nighy's Viktor, he's one villain you just can't top. I also have no idea why they needed a cop bumbling around, who served no real purpose save annoying me, and damn, did Wes Bentley get the short end of the stake. Seriously bro, what was the point of taking this gig?

UNDERWORLD AWAKENING did fall short in some areas, but thankfully not enough to hinder the feel or bruise the fun factor for those who love the series. The vampires were down and out and in serious need of swelling their ranks, and the lycans, without giving much away, weren't doing much better but this added the edge of desperation they were looking for this time around. The film ends on a "to be continued note", but my biggest gripe, and don't get me wrong I'd love to see another one, was the lack of Michael (originally played by Scott Speedman, who isn't played by Speedman here and though in the film briefly, isn't even listed in the credits). They pretty much gave him the axe which frustrates me more than a little. He and Selene were the dream team, and even though we're left with the potential promise of more, I really hope Speedman's involved next time around because tap dancing around him once I can accept, but you won't fool this guy twice. The 3D end of things wasn't spectacular either, but I think that's to be expected. That said, this is more than worth the price of admission and a recommended view in theatres if your down with the source material.

REVIEW: The Guard

2012-01-22T12:09:00.000-08:00

"Not bad for film festival fodder."

Sergeant Garry Boyle isn't your typical cop, he drinks on the job, does drugs, tampers with evidence (that is if he sticks around the crime scene long enough), solicits prostitutes and has a clear lack of respect for his fellow officers. These facts completely blow away FBI agent Wendell Everett when he's forced to team up with Boyle in hopes of taking down an international drug smuggling trio, a feat that seems less and less likely by the minute.

Every year I get at least one film festival flick that not only doesn't completely suck, but actually isn't half bad. Last year's WINTER'S BONE was phenomenal and though THE GUARD isn't nearly on that level, it's not a bad way to spend an hour and a half. That said, you'll know instantly within the opening moments if this is the film for you when a drunken car crash introduces our main character. Personally, I laughed pretty hard when this rough around the edges cop/guard (what have you) nonchalantly disregards the accident and deaths of a few drunk driving teens and instead rummages through one dude's pocket where he finds and drops a hit of acid. Priceless. Just like this season of THE WALKING DEAD, where Rick shoots a kid clean in the face, this scene really made me appreciate just how far film and TV have come and what they're able to get away with these days.

Director John Michael McDonagh's directorial debut isn't perfect, but one thing he got spot on was the grim, but often times comical mood. This film immediately reminded me of IN BURGES (no surprise, considering lead actor Brendan Gleeson starred in it as well and of course the fact that McDonagh's brother directed the film), which like this film mixes a lot of dark humour into some even darker material, all the while, not really crossing the line or forgetting what sort of film it's trying to be. The storyline's been done to death for sure, big city cop teaming up with a low level country cop to take down a bunch of drug dealers, the many variations of this out there in circulation is staggering, so they really needed to lean heavily upon the actors. For the most part it worked, Gleeson is funny as hell and his smartass rebuttals are as well timed as they are played. I'm not a huge fan of Don Cheadle (I think I'm still not over the IRON MAN 2 debacle) but I have to admit their chemistry was pretty convincing. For my money though, Mark Strong's over the top drug dealer delivered some of the funniest lines despite being underused.

THE GUARD serves up an alright dose of entertainment for one sitting, but I can't see myself watching it twice. The pace was a little off, jumping back and forth with Gleeson's dying mother (played by LOST's Fionnula Flanagan) which was depressing, and then boggled down with ridiculous filler side stories like Gleeson's hooker threesome and his missing new partner whose only in the film for ten minutes. I get that Gleeson's character is borderline insane and that these little tidbits are there for extra comic relief, but some of it felt forced, out of place or simply useless. All in all the cast delivers, there are some sinister laughs to be had and the story isn't terrible, not bad for a first effort film. The real question is are you as sick as I am when it comes to humour, because like I said, that's the question you'll be faced with almost immediately.

TRAILER: Resident Evil: Retribution

2012-01-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

This has become a "take it or leave it" franchise over the years, with the first one trying to pay homage to source material only to distance itself from it further with each sequel. I'll be honest, this teaser is all over the place, confusing as hell but interesting all the same. I really wish we could get a true to form RE flick, but until then, I'm still enjoying the series as is.

TRAILER: The Devil Inside

2012-01-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

I dunno peeps, this hasn't been a fresh topic since THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE, and it was only then because of a unique angle. I was still on board for the surprisingly fun THE LAST EXORCISM and THE RITE, but as of now we're beating the hell out of this dead horse as far as I'm concerned. This is rental fodder at best.

TRAILER: The Divide

2012-01-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since Micheal Biehn's been in the spotlight and I haven't seen Milo Ventimiglia since HEROES went off the air. Both are here, kicking ass and taking names in this vivid trailer about a post-apocalyptic world fried by war. This will be a limited release and here's hoping it's playing in my neck of the woods.

TRAILER: The Dictator

2011-12-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

In my humble opinion the jury's still out on whether or not people have had enough of Sacha Baron Cohen's schtick. Personally, I feel it's pretty damn funny the first time around but negates any form of repeat viewings. That said, when you make as much as he does the first time around, who needs a second viewing? And of course, the Megan Fox bit is priceless.

REVIEW: The Art Of Getting By

2011-12-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

"Nothing special, but worth a look."

George is a special kind of slacker, a smart one whose been able to make it all the way to graduation without doing homework, projects or even tests. Things get complicated when the principle cracks down on him and then to make matters even more tricky, he accidentally befriends Sally, the popular hot chick who he reluctantly falls for.

There are countless teen angst movies out there that focus on different aspects of High School such as teen love, prom, being cool, sex and of course who can throw the biggest and best parties. Because the High School niche is so vast, oftentimes it becomes easy as a viewer to get lost in the jumbled mess. THE ART OF GETTING BY distances itself from the norm on most levels, focussing more on the reality of being a teenager in this day and age. I had my reservations about this film at first, but I have to admit, there's a lot of truth floating about this flick, hard truths, the ones that sneak up on us when we're young and kick us in the face. These trials and tribulations are game changers, they can and do often times determine our strengths, our weaknesses and test our resolve as we're moulded into the men and women of tomorrow. This flick comes at us from a mostly male point of view, but I'd be hard pressed to believe there's any guy out there who wouldn't be able to relate with George on at least some level.

Painting an accurate picture does have its drawbacks however. This by no means is a happy-go-lucky film, nor is it a comedy. As a matter a fact, it's pretty damn depressing. George's outlook on life isn't all the eccentric or out of place for being seventeen/eighteen, but as far as school goes, I know teachers have become a bit slack over the years but letting everything slide till the end of the year and then letting him make it all up in the last three weeks seems like a bit of a stretch to me. I dug how they didn't pull any punches when it comes to the game of love either. We all remember our first burn, and it's never pretty. I felt for this poor bastard because we've all been there, waiting too long to say the right thing (or anything at all) only to lose your chick to the next guy in line. It's rough, but they got it right on the money here.

THE ART OF GETTING BY is picture perfect view of life as a teenager out in the real world. Reality seldom means rainbows, leprechauns and unicorns and that's where this flick excels. Freddy Highmore and Emma Roberts handle their leading roles well, nothing memorable but at least they were believable. Blair Underwood and Alicia Silverstone (who doesn't seem to be aging well, yikes) make cameo appearances as school faculty, but the coolest of the bunch was Harris the Art teacher, he was the shit. One thing did stick out though, the fact that everywhere these kids went they were handed booze by parents and at bars despite the fact they're only eighteen. This flick takes place in New York folks, where the drinking age is twenty-one. Hell, I live in Canada where getting drunk is a national pass time and our drinking age is still nineteen. I guess New York's a lot cooler than I thought.

This flick isn't gold, but it spoke to me on a personal level. I saw more than a few situations here than reminded me of High School, and all the lessons they don't teach you in the classroom. It's not perfect, but there's something here to be sure. It does however make me shake my head and whisper, "if I only knew then what I know now."

TRAILER: Spartacus Vengeance

2011-12-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

This third season of SPARTACUS has so very much riding on it. First, fans have had to wait two years to see how the first season progressed (due to Andy Whitfield's cancer diagnosis). Whitfield passed, may he rest in peace, and now the story continues with a new Spartacus leading the crowd. I wish Liam McIntyre all the best and hope he brings the same heart and soul to the character that Whitfield did. Of course, after a surprisingly interesting prequel season (GODS OF THE ARENA), I'm anxious as hell to see more Gannicus.

TRAILER: Prometheus

2011-12-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

I love all out, balls to walls science fiction pieces and they don't come around nearly as often as they should (please note, that although AVATAR was indeed a Sci-Fi flick, it doesn't cover this sort of territory). There's truly something magical happening here and I'm totally on board. I guess all the hype was worthwhile after all, trailer-wise, lets hope the film follows suit.

BLU-RAY REVIEW: Evil Dead 2

2011-12-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

"A face only a mother could love."

After clearly not learning his lesson the first time, Ash heads back into the woods to yet another dusty old cabin where he and his friends wake the dead a second time, this time losing his girl and a hand in the process. Seriously bro, try Vegas next time.

When I was a kid just coming into my own with movies I was a big fan of horror. I used to scan the many rows of VHS horror titles looking for the scariest or coolest pictures to aid in my selection. I hadn't seen EVIL DEAD at this time, but the box for EVIL DEAD 2 looked (and still does look) pretty creepy. Obviously I didn't know much about the storyline or the characters but I got the gist of it; these fools shack themselves up in a cabin out in the boons where they summon up some demons, accidentally or otherwise. There's a part where Ash goes into the cellar and an old crone grabs his feet after saying, "someone's in my fruit cellar, someone with a fresh soul." Our basement stairs back then looked just like that, and every time mom wanted me to go get something out of the deepfreeze I could hear that voice in my head (my view on mounted deer heads was also forever changed). Oh yes, this movie scarred me as a child.

Suffice to say, the old days were the days to enjoy campy horror like this as today I barely batted an eyelash. Sam Raimi still gets mad props for going at the gruesome details with real prosthetics and loads of slimy substances. This has become a trademark of his these days that still lives on (DRAG ME TO HELL), but this was Raimi's gore days at his finest. He's known more now for his SPIDERMAN flicks, but horror is where he cut his teeth. Particularly interesting here is where Raimi goes with the story at the end of the film, the time travel situation wasn't done all that much back then and it proved to be a clever story arc for a dullish sort of film. Now bear in mind I say dullish because this film was a rough recreation of the first: a group of peeps end up in a secluded cabin in the woods where they open a big can of evil whoopass. This is where the film fails for me now that I'm older and truly understand what's going on.

Raimi carries Ash over from the first film, which is fine, but I have to ask, if you and your crew went to a cabin in the woods in the first film only to have all hell break loose literally, why would you gather a new crew and do the same thing again? This isn't like DIE HARD, where Bruce Willis ends up fighting a group of bad guys twice at Christmas, Ash CHOOSES to go back into the woods, to a decrepit cabin where they again, summon the undead. This breaches the realm of believability for me and ends up pitching a tent on asinine stupidity.

EVIL DEAD 2 is gory, campy horror at its finest, no question there, but to properly appreciate it where this journey takes you, you really had to enjoy it in its hay day. The other thing I always wondered about this series was how they went one eighty on the tone with ARMY OF DARKNESS. Don't get me wrong, that's my favourite of the series simply because Ash becomes such a cool, over the top character, but again, this is completely opposite of the first two films. I'm not saying it's a bad thing per say, but it is very confusing when trying to view these films as a series. Be that as it may, all three films are classics that shouldn't be tampered with and I for one am not looking forward to Diablo Cody smearing her mark of the beast all over them here soon.

TRAILER: Game of Thrones Season 2

2011-12-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

The first season of GAME OF THRONES was fantastic, everything I could hope for in a book to life conversion. Now that they have their audience, their budget and the free reign to go big, I'm thrilled to the bone to see where they take us. April feels so very far away.

TRAILER: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

2011-12-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

I'll be honest and say that I wasn't overly keen on a Hobbit film, simply because the book itself felt too childish for my liking. The LOTR's trilogy however was a true and solid step forward for fantasy and the second you see Ian Mckellan, the ring and Gollum here in the trailer, I'm sure your heart will skip a beat or two if you're a fan. I'm hoping this is every bit as epic and I want it to be.

TRAILER: The Dark Knight Rises

2011-12-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

No matter how you slice it, this one will be put under tremendous scrutiny and debate, but being a fan of the Knightfall series, as well as Bane, I've been anxious to see what Nolan would do for the character. This trailer still leaves a lot up in the air but that's fine, I have faith in Nolan's vision and his team and know for a fact that this will be a, if not the, highlight of the coming summer.

TRAILER: Wrath Of The Titans

2011-12-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

CLASH OF THE TITANS was alright, but I'll be honest in saying that I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have had I not reviewed the original (watching it for the first time) a couple weeks prior. I knew the plot and it was so fresh in my mind that I know it hurt the process. This one looks like they upped the ante in every way possible and I'm definitely looking forward to it. Bring on the wrath!

REVIEW: Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

2011-12-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

"Obviously not as good as the first, but still good."

In pursuit of his most dangerous adversary yet, Professor James Moriarty, detective Sherlock Holmes must breakup his trusty sidekick Watson's Honeymoon plans in hopes of enlisting his aid on a journey that could very well prevent or ignite a world war.

Sherlock Holmes is a character Hollywood has been trying to reinvent for years now, but Conan Doyle's sultry detective hasn't been foremost in people's minds these past couple decades so it took a back shelf for quite some time. But with Christopher Nolan's reinventing of another brilliant detective, came Guy Ritchie's turn to do the same. There was a lot riding on the first Sherlock film (which could have easily bombed like so many other re-imaginations), but much to many people's surprise it was a big hit. The ending prodded at a sequel that would pit Holmes against arch nemesis Professor James Moriarty, and low and behold we got exactly that...sort of. The real question is does it live up to the first one and for me it was a mixed bag.

I saw the early trailers for the film as a red flag, mainly because there really didn't seem to be much happening. Sure, there were a couple choice words between Holmes, Moriarty and Watson, but they weren't nearly enough to get the blood pumping. There were numerous explosions and slow motion shots, but when it came right down to it I was hoping for more. Even the final sequence, a joke between Holmes and Watson, was only remotely funny (and wasn't even in the film I might add). The film itself is fun, but I do have two very large complaints, the first being the film's length and pace. With all the explosions and fighting in the trailer, you'd think this was an adrenaline packed powder keg...but you'd be mistaken. There are some great action sequences here, mainly the train and gun battles but these scenes get lost in unnecessary storylines as our two main characters interact with gypsies, street thugs and Holmes' eccentric brother.

For starters, these aforementioned characters are unnecessary and do relatively nothing to further the main plot. Noomi Rapace was awesome in the original GIRL WITH THE DRAON TATTOO flicks, but sadly she's quite useless here. The same can be said of Holmes' brother (and his ridiculous nude scene). So many other aspects of the film relied upon the old "if it ain't broke (and made us a ton of cash the first time) don't fix it" method that the addition of these weak characters really came out and slapped me in the face. They kept in the martial arts aspect of Holmes fighting style (which to some fans is debatable but I loved), but they went all Michael Bay on the explosions and slow motion end of things though. It was still cool (the woods scene especially) but felt a little overdone this time. The storyline itself wasn't nearly as intricate or grandiose as the first one, nor was the piecing together of the puzzle at the end, but make no mistake, the end conflict between Holmes and Moriarty is phenomenal. I've heard it referred to as "Bond-esque" and I would certainly have to agree, that castle retreat in the mountains is in itself breathtaking.

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS may drag its heels at times whilst relying a little too heavily upon old tricks, but rest assured this is still a good flick and that's mostly due to Robert Downey Jr. RDJ came back to the game with KISS KISS BANG BANG (which you NEED to watch it if you haven't) and then fully rocked the world with both his Tony Stark and Sherlock Holmes personas. His witty charisma is a welcome treat in Hollywood and has me rooting for the guy tenfold. Jude Law also comes back in style, but the "piece de resistance" here is Jared Harris as Moriarty. That said, though the end conflict (and few key pieces of dialogue building up to it) are indeed memorable, the film got drastically lost in the not so important details when it should have focussed more on this interesting rivalry. On a side note, Rachel McAdams' character deserved better as at least she felt like she belonged in this story. Sequels in this genre were starting to do so well there for awhile, but this and say, IRON MAN 2 (not to pick on RDJ) are two examples of Hollywood dropping the ball. I'm still game for more HOLMES down the road but let's hope they go big or go home for round three.

TRAILER: Expendables 2

2011-12-19T09:51:00.000-08:00

This is probably the best usage of the word "tease" in a long time. We don't see much but it's enough to get the old adrenaline pumping. I can't wait for the full trailer baby!

TRAILER: Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

2011-12-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

I'm still not feeling this one, not even with the addition of Idris Elba (who rocks). I don't know, I guess it's just because they had a chance to do something special here by making a hard R comic book hero and giving the devil his due, so to speak. Instead, they dropped the ball quite terribly and though this one does look a slight bit better, I still have an awful taste in my mouth from last time that no amount of booze or red bull can wash away.

TRAILER: Jack The Giant Killer

2011-12-19T09:45:00.001-08:00

So Brian Singer is making an epic action flick based upon "Jack and the Beanstalk"...color me curious. I'm not a huge fan of this Hollywood endgame either (redoing children stories and fables--see RED RIDING HOOD to understand this folly), but in light of a decent trailer for SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, I might be able to get on board here. Time will tell.

TRAILER: G.I.JOE 2: Retaliation

2011-12-19T09:40:00.000-08:00

G.I.JOE was a mixed bag for many people, but as an avid fan of the toys as a kid and the cartoons even now, I was all for it. News of a sequel with significantly less cast had me worried, but I have to say this is a bold way to go and I'm pumped as hell to see where this journey takes us. This one had the making of a serious action adventure that just may surprise us all.

TRAILER: Men In Black 3

2011-12-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

I loved the first one, but lets be honest, the second one sucked big time and I'm not thinking a third one will be all that exceptional either. It really sucks too because Will Smith is a solid actor when he wants to be and this is not the return to glory I was hoping for after a long hiatus.