Let the Right One In with Trailer

Let me just start off by saying this is my favourite film of last year. I rant and rave about this film to anyone who is willing to listen. I even managed to convince my partner to watch it and she thoroughly enjoyed it too.


As people may know by now, Let The Right One In is a "vampire" film which has been recently remade by Hollywood (Let Me In). Anyone wishing to see Let Me In, I urge you to start with this little gem, (even if you are not going to see the remake) I recommend you to go and rent/buy/steal/beg/borrow or by whatever means you can. It's a refreshing and rewarding experience.


The title refers to the Morrissey song "Let The Right One Slip In" and to the element of vampire folklore (for those of you not in the know, never invite a vampire into your home!) but what stands this film apart is that it doesn't play out like your stereotypical vampire film. Its a film about kids that happen to feature vampires (whereas Let Me In is a film about vampire that happen to feature kids....).


Let The Right One In is based on an international best seller and has been translated into numerous languages. It has also been nominated for and won loads of independent film awards. Its just a pity not enough people will see it just because they have to read subtitles. I am dreading anyone going to see the remake and not recognising this brilliant original film.


The film is set in 1980s Sweden where we follow a boy named Oskar (Kara Hedebrant) who recently has had new neighbours move into his block of apartments. The new arrivals are a "twelve" year old girl Eli (Lina Leandersson) and her "guardian" Hakan (Per Ragnar). The film makes no bones to hide the fact that Eli is a vampire, we see windows being boarded up and in the first few minutes Hakan goes out to syphon blood out of an unsuspecting victim.

Eli (Lina Leandersson)

The pace is quite meticulous. It slowly builds up to an inevitable ending but it doesn't mean that there isn't anything going on in between. The story unfolds to show us a blossoming friendship that develops between the Oskar and Eli. Their initial meeting outside their apartment block shows us how coy and lonely they both really are. Oskar is being bullied at school and at night he often fantasizes about exacting revenge on his tormentors. Eli catches him whilst he is stabbing a tree. She tells him abruptly that they can't be friends and he in reply tells her who said I want to be friends and from there on in they end meeting with one another every night and they begin to bond.


When Oskar gets a whipping from the bullies no one figures out what has really happened but Eli. He builds up a trust in her and Eli advises him to hit back and hit back he does. Oskar finally feels happy that he has found a friend that he can trust and makes him feel confident. But as we go on, bodies start to pile up and Oskar begins to realise that Eli isn't a normal girl, their friendship is put to the test when the locals suspect Oskars' new neighbours.


What gives this film its strength are the performances of both leads. The white setting of the snow gives the film a bright and innocence to it and the soundtrack is beautifully subtle and haunting. The CGI is used effectively and seamlessly. Its the story about loneliness and friendship that sets this film apart from being your average vampire flick. Yes, there are scenes of vampirism and sudden acts of violence but it isn't out and out gore. There are tender moments within the film and you learn to care about Oskar and Eli. A friendship that overcomes differences and obstacles. Watch, enjoy and recommend to others...
20/20

Hidden / Caché withTrailer (2005)

Right, where do I start off. This film you will either love or hate. As with most films directed by Michael Haneke you'll either adore his films or think that they are just a waste of time. I still haven't made up my mind on him just yet but I did find this film fascinating.

We start off with video footage being played by a family who receives it by an unknown sender with no clue as to what they are after. The video is a static shot of the front of their house. We watch it as the main leads watch (we only find out the first scene is actually the video the main leads are watching when the footage starts to be rewound). It's all very intriguing and interesting.

What we have is more of a character study on the affects of being watched/stalked and the feeling of unease and the violation of being spied upon. As we continue with the family's distress, little information is revealed slowly and progressively and we find out that Georges Laurent (Daniel Auteuil) is hiding a secret from his past that he does not want to disclose.

This isn't your usual thriller, I'm not sure you could even call it that but there is a moment of shock within the film whether you see it coming or not but it's too slow and languid for it to be an exciting and dramatic picture. There are plenty of long and deliberate shots which slows the pace of the film to a crawl. The acting by both leads Daniel Auteuil and Juliette Binoche are outstanding as they portray a family trying to come to terms with their terrorising ordeal very effectively. Though there is no real threat and nobody really is in danger apart from the feeling and dread that someone is watching them.

It's more of the way Georges tries to deal with his past that causes the main problems between him and his wife not the videotapes. He begins to lie (he even lies to his own mother when she clearly knows something is troubling him) and conceals his actions when he tries to confront who he believes to be the antagonist . Further strain is placed upon their relationship when Anne (Juliette Binoche) is sent a videotape of her husband being caught threatening the suspected tormentor. When he decides to confess his past to his wife it's all too late, by that point she begins to distrust him. Unfortunately, Georges is not the only one with a secret to hide. Anne Laurent appears to be having an affair (or that is what is implied) and even the son has a secret he's hiding.....

I know for a fact this will not be everyones' taste. Its very slow and can be inconsequential, but no scene is really that inconsequential. You begin to wonder is there any point or purpose to this. What starts out to seem like your normal stalk and chase thriller ends up with something a little bit more refined and a little obscure and obtuse in it's general approach. Its open to interpretation what the real agenda is? Is it about race, jealously or is it about the lengths we are willing to go to, to hide our guilty secrets. There are many layers to this film which some viewers maybe are not willing to persevere with or to mull over. Some people may be annoyed about it's lack of resolution but keep watching and pay attention. We are offered something in terms of an ending (if you can spot it) but what you make of it, is up to you.

14/20

Triangle (2009) with Trailer

Director Christopher Smith (Creep and Severance) has pieced together a superbly written story about a young single mother Jess (played by Melissa George) who was invited by her friend Greg (Michael Dorman) to his yacht for a leisurely Saturday cruise. Also on board are Greg's friends Victor, Downey and his wife Sally (who also brings along an unexpected guest Heather). When Jess arrives at the harbour, nothing seems quite right (you'll understand why later on), without giving too much away they set sail and suddenly the wind drops leaving them stranded A storm happens to be brewing ahead of them and before they could do anything, the yacht gets caught up and is turned over by a wave with one of the crew members being swept away. What happens next is the start of the never ending nightmare for them all.

When the storm dies down quietly approaching them is an ocean liner, The Aeolus. A deserted ship with only a shadowy figure on deck they spot as they call out for help. They jump on board to try to find their missing friend and to alert the coast guard for help but as arrive onto the deck, Jess gets a sense of deja vu.

The basic premise is that the shadowy masked figure turns out to be hunting them down and Jess is the only one who has the answers as to why 'they' are doing it.

When we get into the interiors of the ocean liner you can see the references to The Shining. Long corridors, writings on mirrors, even the room number 237 (where Jack Nicolson character discovers the evil spirit) makes an appearance in this film. The whole ship is a complete maze just like the hotel. 

What I really like about this film is that there are a lot of pieces to this puzzle which all becomes apparent as the film goes on. It's intriguing how it all works and how Jess is forever battling on to change her destiny. There are so many little clues within the dialogue that you would only notice upon a second viewing. It is definitely a film you need to watch twice to completely appreciate the effort and the logistics on how and why everything is played out the way it does.  

What you'd expect to be a stalk and slash horror film turns out to be a very ingenious little psychological trip. You might be surprised when the masked killer is revealed but then again you might not, this isn't the main objective of this film. The acting is above average, the plotting and script is excellent. I can't recommend this film more highly. I was pleasantly surprised by how the film turns out and  very impressed on how it all fitted neatly together.

When you finish this film, you'll also see why the seagull is so important to the film. It follows Jess all the way through the film caught on the same path as protagonist.Without the seagull we'd have no film.....

Pay attention to the opening scene as well as it is also the beginning of the end (quite literally).

Definitely one to pick up and watch over and over and over and over....

17/20

The Descent: Part 2 (2009)

Made off the back of the success of the first film, Jon Harris (editor from the first movie) takes the helm in his first directorial feature. This film follows directly from the previous film with Sarah (Shauna Macdonald) being the only known survivor from the last cave expedition. Unfortunately she comes out with a little memory loss as to what has happened to her and her friends. The local sheriff doesn't show any compassion and takes her down back into the caves with a rescue team to look for her friends.

There isn't anything wrong with this film but there isn't anything to elevate it to stop you feeling that it's just a quick cash in from the previous film moderate success. The film follows suit with Neil Marshalls original and maintains it's very dimly lit scenes (It can feel a bit claustrophobic and tight in some scenes so people with an aversion of the dark and feeling trapped should probably steer clear) with lighting used to a minimal and only lit up via torches or helmet lights. Instead of it being a caving exploration with friends, its now a rescue mission to find the fate of the others that didn't make it out.

Unfortunately the film does fall flat from obvious set pieces with both dialogue and characters. Are we suppose to care about the rescue team....probably not. Is it a bit too convenient for Sarah to come out with amnesia just to get her back into the caves? Yes, I believe so. The story all feels a bit rushed. It's like "How can we get them back into the caves as quick as possible". There's a distinct lack of character development.

Some of the efforts to flesh out the characters are done not so subtlety but I believe the film makers are trying to connect itself to the last outing (Deputy Rios is shown on the phone speaking to her child giving the viewer the only other character to give a damn about besides Sarah). 


All in all it is a very by the numbers sequel. Nothing new or original to speak of. Some of the techniques used from the last film reappear. Camera focuses on foreground with sudden movement in background, camcorder night vision used for clearer view....it is all done effectively but its just feels like a bit of a re-hash. But then again, what was I expecting. There is buckets of gore and blood but without any of the emotional connection we had for the previous films' character (they do all appear though, admittedly in the form of found footage from their discarded camcorder)


It is a competent film with none of the first films general feeling of suspense or danger. Godfather II this isn't. But for all those suffering from claustrophobia and/or nyctophobia  looking for a scare, this film may do the trick. Otherwise I'd save your money and watch the original.


11/20

The Descent Part 2 (Trailer)

Zatoichi (2003)

Zatoichi is another big screen outing for the popular Japanese fictional character the blind swordsman. The character started  life out on the small screen before becoming a big screen attraction. The last film that was made about Zatoichi was in 1989 and this is a successful remake for today's audience. (A big box office smash hit in its own country).

The film is directed, written, edited and stars probably Japans most famous face Takeshi Kitano. Famed in his own country first and foremost as a comedian, though he has started to develop a body of work which gives him a more credible career in films as a director and movie star.

He takes the lead role as Zatoichi (in his usual deadpan way) and from the opening scenes we can see how the tone of the film is set. There's a delicious, dark and deftly touches of humour within the film which contrasts well with the limbs and blood splatting across the screen. It is in keeping in tune with his previous works, as most of his films are played with a smidgen of dark humour with tons of on-screen violence but that's what gives this film an offbeat charm.

The plot of the film is about a town that's gripped with fear when a warring gang bullies the citizens for money. Set in 19th century Japan the films opens with our hero being engaged by a group of swordsmen with the intent to kill him. Unfortunately for the group they underestimate Zatoichi and he dispatches them with ease.  His path takes him to the town where he comes across one the towns folk whom he helps home. She offers him a place to rest for the night and in reply for her kindness he gives her a massage (he poses as a masseur). Relaxed and de-stressed she explains the how towns current plight and hardship rest solely with the unforgiving and uncompromising gang, Ginzo.

The story is very reminiscent to a classic western where a drifter wanders into a troubled town and turns over the local mob and restores some sort of balance and happiness. It may well be a predictable tale but its done with flair and aplomb. The only criticism I would have is that the back story of the Geisha girls. Mid point through the film it flashes back to how they had to coped and it was unnecessary and I for one wanted to get back to more limbs and blood splattering. The point of them avenging the death of their loved ones is enough motive for us to establish their reasoning. Another let down is the master less ronin who joins up with the gang and his climatic fight with Zatoichi. Theses are just minor flaws in an otherwise brilliant quirky and offbeat samurai movie.

The choreography is handled very well, it has none of the wire work (a la Kill Bill) that you may have expected but it doesn't really need it as the swordplay is done to a high degree of realism. CGI effects is used for the blood and it tends to spray across the screen  in an unrealistic way which sort of softens the shock of limbs and other bodily mutilations. It is an enjoyable fable with tons of violence with a huge slab of dark comedic moments. It offers nothing too original in the way of story telling but it is done in a very entertaining and highly stylized fashion. Oh and if you were wondering if Hollywood are going to remake it or bring Zatoichi to the mass market, they've already tried it in 1989 with a film called Blind Fury (starring Rutger Hauer). I wouldn't bother with that one, stick to this one.

15/20

Lat Den Ratte Komma In ( Let The Right One In ) (2008)

Let me just start off by saying this is my favourite film of last year. I rant and rave about this film to anyone who is willing to listen. I even managed to convince my partner to watch it and she thoroughly enjoyed it too.

As people may know by now, Let The Right One In is a "vampire" film which has been recently remade by Hollywood (Let Me In). Anyone wishing to see Let Me In, I urge you to start with this little gem, (even if you are not going to see the remake) I recommend you to go and rent/buy/steal/beg/borrow or by whatever means you can. It's a refreshing and rewarding experience.

The title refers to the Morrissey song "Let The Right One Slip In" and to the element of vampire folklore (for those of you not in the know, never invite a vampire into your home!) but what stands this film apart is that it doesn't play out like your stereotypical vampire film. Its a film about kids that happen to feature vampires (whereas Let Me In is a film about vampire that happen to feature kids....).

Let The Right One In is based on an international best seller and has been translated into numerous languages. It has also been nominated for and won loads of independent film awards. Its just a pity not enough people will see it just because they have to read subtitles. I am dreading anyone going to see the remake and not recognising this brilliant original film.

The film is set in 1980s Sweden where we follow a boy named Oskar (Kara Hedebrant) who recently has had new neighbours move into his block of apartments. The new arrivals are a "twelve" year old girl Eli (Lina Leandersson) and her "guardian" Hakan (Per Ragnar). The film makes no bones to hide the fact that Eli is a vampire, we see windows being boarded up and in the first few minutes Hakan goes out to syphon blood out of an unsuspecting victim.

Eli (Lina Leandersson)

The pace is quite meticulous. It slowly builds up to an inevitable ending but it doesn't mean that there isn't anything going on in between. The story unfolds to show us a blossoming friendship that develops between the Oskar and Eli. Their initial meeting outside their apartment block shows us how coy and lonely they both really are. Oskar is being bullied at school and at night he often fantasizes about exacting revenge on his tormentors. Eli catches him whilst he is stabbing a tree. She tells him abruptly that they can't be friends and he in reply tells her who said I want to be friends and from there on in they end meeting with one another every night and they begin to bond.

When Oskar gets a whipping from the bullies no one figures out what has really happened but Eli. He builds up a trust in her and Eli advises him to hit back and hit back he does. Oskar finally feels happy that he has found a friend that he can trust and makes him feel confident. But as we go on, bodies start to pile up and Oskar begins to realise that Eli isn't a normal girl, their friendship is put to the test when the locals suspect Oskars' new neighbours.

What gives this film its strength are the performances of both leads. The white setting of the snow gives the film a bright and innocence to it and the soundtrack is beautifully subtle and haunting. The CGI is used effectively and seamlessly. Its the story about loneliness and friendship that sets this film apart from being your average vampire flick. Yes, there are scenes of vampirism and sudden acts of violence but it isn't out and out gore. There are tender moments within the film and you learn to care about Oskar and Eli. A friendship that overcomes differences and obstacles. Watch, enjoy and recommend to others...

20/20

Triangle (2009)

Director Christopher Smith (Creep and Severance) has pieced together a superbly written story about a young single mother Jess (played by Melissa George) who was invited by her friend Greg (Michael Dorman) to his yacht for a leisurely Saturday cruise. Also on board are Greg's friends Victor, Downey and his wife Sally (who also brings along an unexpected guest Heather). When Jess arrives at the harbour, nothing seems quite right (you'll understand why later on), without giving too much away they set sail and suddenly the wind drops leaving them stranded A storm happens to be brewing ahead of them and before they could do anything, the yacht gets caught up and is turned over by a wave with one of the crew members being swept away. What happens next is the start of the never ending nightmare for them all.

When the storm dies down quietly approaching them is an ocean liner, The Aeolus. A deserted ship with only a shadowy figure on deck they spot as they call out for help. They jump on board to try to find their missing friend and to alert the coast guard for help but as arrive onto the deck, Jess gets a sense of deja vu.

The basic premise is that the shadowy masked figure turns out to be hunting them down and Jess is the only one who has the answers as to why 'they' are doing it.

When we get into the interiors of the ocean liner you can see the references to The Shining. Long corridors, writings on mirrors, even the room number 237 (where Jack Nicholson character discovers the evil spirit) makes an appearance in this film. The whole ship is a complete maze just like the hotel. 

What I really like about this film is that there are a lot of pieces to this puzzle which all becomes apparent as the film goes on. It's intriguing how it all works and how Jess is forever battling on to change her destiny. There are so many little clues within the dialogue that you would only notice upon a second viewing. It is definitely a film you need to watch twice to completely appreciate the effort and the logistics on how and why everything is played out the way it does.  

What you'd expect to be a stalk and slash horror film turns out to be a very ingenious little psychological trip. You might be surprised when the masked killer is revealed but then again you might not, this isn't the main objective of this film. The acting is above average, the plotting and script is excellent. I can't recommend this film more highly. I was pleasantly surprised by how the film turns out and  very impressed on how it all fitted neatly together.

When you finish this film, you'll also see why the seagull is so important to the film. It follows Jess all the way through the film caught on the same path as protagonist.Without the seagull we'd have no film.....
Pay attention to the opening scene as well as it is also the beginning of the end (quite literally).

Definitely one to pick up and watch over and over and over and over....

17/20

Introduction

Hello there and welcome to my Blog. I would just like to say that this is my first attempt at a Blog and if anyone has any ideas on how to improve things please let me know.

I decide to start this up to show my love for films and what I really wanted to do for a living but that was just a dream. I have always loved watching films and feel that I have a better than average knowledge on anything film related. This is my own personal opinions on any film related topics.

I am 32 and have a wide range of taste in films. My favourite films include Aliens, The Thing (1982) Halloween, The Killer, Let The Right Ones In, Se7en, Pulp Fiction, Chungking Express, Donnie Darko, Dawn Of The Dead and many more (those are the ones i can think of, off the top of my head).

I do mainly watch alot of horror but i have started watching the classics like Singing In The Rain, The Night Of The Hunter, The Seventh Seal and alot of Hitchcock. So I am trying to look upon the past to gain insight and influences to our modern pictures of today.

There is so much to enjoy and yet so little time to enjoy it. I try to watch one film a day just to catch up on all the films I have missed out on. I will always try to watch a film more than once to get a better feel and to catch anything I may have missed out on. I will try to look at a film objectively and give my honest review but if you don't like it then be constructive and tell me why you disagree.

I'm going to start on a few films I love to get the ball rolling....if there is anything anyone would like a review on and I have seen it, I will try to get round to reviewing it

Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy what I have to write about and will try to post a review of a film every week. When I get better at this, I will try to review a film a day.

FS