Lost in Space

 

Inspired by the 1812 novel, Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss, the original Lost in Space TV show aired for 3 seasons in the 1960s. Then in 2018, Netflix released another iteration, again, inspired by the novel from 1812 and the 1962 comic, Space Family Robinson. But in-between these TV shows there was the film, which, is a strange mix of both. Lost in Space, released in 1998, directed by Stephen Hopkins and written by the same person who gave us Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, I Robot and The DaVinci Code. Despite it being a box office smash hit, knocking Titanic of the top spot in the US, the film was absolutely panned by critics. Most noted the film was not the same tone at the wholesome 60s show and felt like a basic science fiction story. But, Lost in Space is getting a new lease of life through Arrow Video who know when its time to revitalise a film.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Swordfish

 

The early 2000s were a wild time, in reality but most definitely in the cinema. With the classic 90s blockbuster being ever so slightly being moved aside for the more bombastic stylised, heavy on the CGI and a much bigger emphasis on technology version of the blockbuster. Computers, hacking and cyber crimes were becoming more popular themes and almost all had a touch of The Matrix about them. Combing action with thrills and a computer screen with that impossible code that only that one special person could crack, Swordfish takes it’s place amongst the collection of titles that have this familiar set up. Finally, enough time has passed we can look back at these films with fond memories. Move over 90s nostalgia, the 2000s are having their day. Again.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

The Last Stop in Yuma County

 

The film easily sets up the parameters, creating a near impossible situation, where we are all just waiting to see who cracks first. Mostly strangers make up those ‘trapped’ in the diner, with one or two narrow windows of opportunity, this tension filled thriller has you hooked at what will happen. Reminiscent of films that take place in one location and slowly builds tension, The Last Stop in Yuma County is similar to a low-key Free Fire, except instead of a constant shoot out, it’s the calm before the storm.

At a remote desert rest stop, a knife salesman and waitress become entangled with two bank robbers plans to escape. As the group anxiously waits for the gas truck to arrive to fill up the pumps, a few more strangers with their own plans, arrive, adding to the tension. With few options and everyone in possession of a gun, the knife salesman is woefully ill-equipped for what’s to come.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

Interview with Screenwriters Pen Densham and John Watson

 

As the 90s is the current era we are all nostalgic for, it seems only right that we take a look back at the second highest grossing film of 1991, Kevin Costner starring Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Despite there being two other versions of the legendary noble who robbed from the rich to give to the poor, the 90s classic will be remembered and celebrated for far longer. But before there fights in the forest, Bryan Adams’ theme song and Alan Rickman delivering some of the best lines of his career as the Sheriff of Nottingham, there were Pen Densham and John Watson who write the now classic Robin Hood film. We talked with Densham and Watson about how the script came into being, the hero’s journey, balancing humour and drama and who came up with the famous spoon line.

Full interview over at Filmhounds HERE.

Flatliners

 

The question about whether there is life after death has been the subject of a fair few films. Approaching the question from different angles and trying to gain a fresh view on the possible after life, Flatliners is one that always springs, not just because of the 90s resurgence period we are going through. With the future star-studded cast, the classic 90s film tone bleeds through the film and director Joel Schumacher was able to leave his mark on the now cult classic film. 

When medical student Nelson Wright creates an experiment to find out what happens when you die, he convinces a group of his fellow students to aid him in his dangerous experiment. When Nelson is successfully brought back from the dead, the others want to try for themselves. But soon after returning, Nelson starts to have dark visions of his past that start to physically harm in the present. At first, he says nothing to the group but soon, one by one after they return to life each member of the groups starts to see things too, as if they brought something back with them from their death.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Tales of an Unlikely Franchise

 

Nineties films are having a resurgence and for those who grew up in the days of the 1990s are finally able to reminisce. The nostalgia that we all had for the 80s and before has run its course as now we now so far into the millennium, two generations in, it is now time to talk about the good old days and what we used to watch when we were kids and teens. This new and acceptable appreciation for those 90s films are being explored by the young film fans of today. Discovering a treasure trove of stories that influences later films and gained notoriety for explicit scenes, characters and plot, whether they were good or bad or the ever-popular category of ‘so bad its good’. Quite a few 90s films were unceremoniously thrown into this later list due to the fact they were 90s films and not given the gravitas they deserved. Thankfully due to those physical media advocates, we have been given various versions of films from that time period.

Read the full article in the latest issue of Filmhounds HERE.

Watch List: May & June

Luca

Pixar and Disney's latest about two sea monster pals who dream of running away and exploring the world is adorable. The sea monsters themselves are intricate characters who feel more than just legends of the deep. When curious Luca meets confident Alberto, another sea monster living alone on an island, the two immediately bond over their desire to explore. Once the boys make their way to mainland, set in Italy, their story really begins. They meet Giulia, a little girl who's Dad is a fisherman with a cat that finds the boys very suspicious. The story it seems is about friendship and knowing when to let go and move on, but of course with Pixar there always has to be statements. The film morphs from one lesson to another, accepting others, trustung your friends and about family. One aspect which is neglected is the reason why Alberto is alone on an island when we first meet him. We get a slight insight but nothing more than one tear soaked scene and nothing more, which is shame. Overall, its an adorable story set by the idyllic Italian coast, a sweet getaway when you can't travel. 3/5

Shiva Baby

 

Full review HERE 4/5

The United States vs 

Billie Holiday

 

Full review HERE 

Summerland

 

Having missed this film, the first time round last year, I caught up with the sweet story about a reclusive writer of folklore and young boy separated from his family, far from home. Although there is heartfelt story of lost love in flashbacks and a revelation at the climax of the film, this is really all about two lost people needing comfort, one knowing and other not realising they missed it. Gemma Arterton is brilliant as the moody writer who has shut herself away from the world to the annoyance of the village, but this role suits Arterton perfectly. Adding the beautiful location, this sweet story by the coast during wartime is a delight. 3/5

Dinner in America

 

Full review HERE

When Marnie was there

 

Adapted from the book of the same name, the film brilliantly exports the story from its origianl location to a small country town in Japan. Anna is sent away to stay with relatives of her foster mother so that she can get well again. While in the town Anna becomes obsessed with a house that sits away from the town across a marsh. She has dreams about a girl named Marnie until she actually meets her in person. But its very clear the two girls are from different times but somehow can interact with each other at certain times. Over her stay, Anna tries to find out the mystery of their connection and who Marnie really is. The story is very on brand for Studio Ghibli, feeling grounded in the real world and the spirit world. The friendship between the girls is developed very quickly as if they already had a predetermined connection. Capturing pure joy and lonliness is the art that Ghibli has created so well over the years and this is no different. 4/5

God's Waiting Room

 

Full review HERE 

Nomadland

 

There was such a lowkey hype about Nomadland at festivals that I didn'y may close attention. There is no clear storyline or plot, just a year in the life of Fern, a nomad who drives from site to site taking on seasonal work in different states. We get to see her with her fellow nomad friends, on own adventure, with her sister who doesn't understand her lifestyle and in her town that no longer exists. Not only a comment on how the recession affected certain people and age groups, its showing that there are other ways to live but there is an underlying comment on how town can be so reliant on a factory to keep everything turning but within a blink of an eye that town can just disappear. Beautifully shot, a sombre character piece that is full of sadness and joy at the same time. 4/5

Dinner in America

 

A mixed bag of drugs, arson and awkward family dinners, all wrapped up in punk attitude and music, its one hell of a slice of Americana. Though it doesn’t feel guaranteed from the beginning, there is an unusually sweet romance that blossoms through the screams and punches, as well as fantastic song that you’ll have in your end long after the credits roll. 

 

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Watch List: February & March

 

The New Mutants 

 

After all the hype around this film, I had hoped for something brilliant, the last FOX X-Men film before Disney got their greedy hands on the franchise and potentially ruined it. But seeing the bad press round Dark Phoenix, the mutants were probably in need of a reboot. New Mutants doesn't really end of the franchise on a high but rather just throws a spanner into the void. With a few new characters to get to know, the whole story unfortunately revolves around trying to find out what or who is causing the weird events, bring out everyone's fears, SPOILER ALERT, its obviously the latest recuit/patient admitted last. There are some great characters here but the story doesn't really focus on them. The film spends too much time on a romantic pairing and too much screen time to Magik who prances around too much, its frankly annoying. But her purple dragon is cool. The film doesn't even conclude properly, most likely with the hope of another film but we'll just have to wait and see what Disney does next. 3/5

The Dig

British films sometimes falling into two catagories; cheap and cheerful (rom-coms or gritty gangster stories) or historical and stuffy, which takes in what the Brits are known for in the film world I'm sure. The Dig is most definitely the second catagory. Based on a true story about some mounds of earth in Suffolk that had hidden Medieval treasures inside. Archaeologist-excavator Basil Brown, who had worked on many digs but barely credited on the finds, is center stage here. Carey Mulligan is on had to provide more gravitas to the film. A few other British actors pepper the screen with a weak love story and bickering museum curators, the story seems light. But it is difficult to get really into a story about digging up historical artifacts unless you're very interested in the subject. The film on the whole feels lackluster. 2/5

The Stylist  

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 4/5

 Mogul Mowgli  

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 4/5

Van Helsing 

I sometimes wondered how I managed to miss this film when it first came out. It was on the cover of Empire magazine at a time when I would have tried to see as many films as possible BUT things weren't as accessible as they are now. Thank you streaming services. This was literally a monster mash, a Hollywood botch job that doesn't really make sense, coupled with awful CGI (when it was made gives it no excuse). Van Helsing works for a secret organisation run by priests, monks and holy people basically, where he hunts down monsters. The story mixes several classic gothic novels hoping anyone who can read won't notice. The story is confusing and at the same time predictable BUT I was entertained despite the many many flaws. 2/5

Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar 

This is one of the most biazrre films to have been released in recent years. Its rather reminiscent of the wacky comedies from the 90s that no one will talk about but its also thoroughly enjoyable. Half friendship film, half self discovery and half obsurd revenge action film, plus a few random musical numbers, it entertaining as hell. The film never goes where you think it will, some twists and turns throughout and double character bill for Kristen Wiig for some reason. As brilliant as she is, someone else could have stepped in for this part as there is no real reason for the dual role. Written and starring both Wiig and Annie Mumolo, who also co wrote Bridesmaids, make a great team. 3/5

They Came From Beyond Space 

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 1/5

Dreams on Fire  

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 3/5

Lucky  

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 3/5

The Kid Detective 

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 4/5

The Craft Legacy

 Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 2/5

The Stylist - Final Girls Berlin Film Festival

Horror is a genre that takes all shapes, sizes, fears and even desires. It’s a genre that homages what came before its (like most genres) but it also has one of the most dedicated fanbases. When watching a new film in this genre, the need to compare it to others is automatic, whether it is in praise or disappointment. To come across something incredibly unique is a rare and beautiful thing and that is exactly what The Stylist is, in all its elegant gory glory.

For the full review, head over to Filmhounds HERE.

Interview with director Jill Gevargizian - Final Girls Berlin Film Festival

 

After the success and acclaim of her short film, The Stylist, back in 2016, director Jill Gevargizian decided to transform the short into her feature film debut. Following the lonely hairstylist Claire, played by Najarra Townsend, as she becomes obsessed with her clients lives, wanting to connect with others but instead feeding her own disturbed desires. As well as directing the film, Gevargizian is also a co-writer, producer and even has a cameo. Ahead of the Final Girls Berlin festival this month, we caught up with Gevargizian to talk about how this elegant horror came into being. 

 

For the full interview head over to Filmhounds HERE.

Long Live the Physical Media!!

 

Last year, right at the start of the first Lockdown I had the idea to start making zines. Not the film ones I make from time to time but real pen and paper and photocopy zines. I managed to put together a few pages but, in all honesty, it wasn't my best work. I salvaged the best pages and will be adding them to something I'm putting together for my 10-year anniversary of this blog. One page that I kept was a rant, a train of thought, relevant for the time, about owning DVDs and Blu rays. Apologies for the scattered handwriting. This reveals how crazy my handwriting is.

Despite streaming services being the go-to for most people, including myself, to watch films, TV, music and the odd audiobook, physical media is being kept alive by the collectors. The ‘old’ media that entertained us when we were young is always looked upon fondly now and resurrected for a nostalgia trip. As we’ve all been kept inside away from everything, these nostalgia trips are happening quite frequently. I’d love to go through the boxes still at my parents that I know contain cassette tapes, videos and there’s even a shoe box with the last of my CD collection I couldn’t get rid of. I used to be the proud owner of a large audiobook collection, mostly children’s and young adult books, quite a few Jaqueline Wilson tapes and a few Jane Austen tapes, as well as a few odd ones that I never heard of anywhere else, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen anyone? With only a few videos surviving, half of which are recorded, I had tried to convert this collection to DVDs but some I couldn’t find. Without these boxes of nostalgia to pour over, I’ve looked to collection that I moved with.

 

It’s been said that the Millennials are the ones keeping physical media alive, having grown up in an age without everything at our fingertips or having the ease of streaming services for anything you could dream of. But I also think there has been a resurgence of the ‘special/limited edition’ that has caught the eye of those who collect. Distributors like Arrow and the Criterion collection are going strong with these releases, bringing cult classics into the new era and those long-forgotten gems out of the dark for new audiences to discover. Other labels such as Indicator, Vintage Classics and 101 Films focusing different genres, also offering extra features and physical extras too. Bringing out new releases to celebrate an anniversary or even just a ‘first time’ release is an opportunity. These are all for the collectors, of which I thought there were few but after a search on Instagram with the right hashtags, I find that I am most definitely not alone or at least it’s not just film writers and Film Twitter out there. The appeal of physical media is not a niche thing as I had thought.

 

My scribbles from last year were in frustrated response to digital copies being deleted as and when companies wish rendering bought digital copies useless. For anyone who loves to own the real thing, there will always be DVD/Blu ray and now 4K releases. Vinyl made its way back from being 50p in a charity shop to back on the shelves, cassette tapes are also having a mini comeback. CDs might not have the same appeal, but, you never know.

 

Gamera and Stockhom Syndrome

To review the latest limited edition boxset  I had immerse myself into the world of Gamera. All I knew was that Gamera was a gigantic turtle and was created in rivalry to Godzilla, basically a 'rip off' of the king of monsters. Little did I know once I was in too deep with this weird kaiju monster, I would soon turn from sceptic to actual fan of the monster films. 

Despite balancing between the ridiculous and pure action, I started to see a pattern in the films, not just the fights scenes between people in costumes, which I started to appreciate more and more as the films progressed, but there were patterns in Gamera's behaviour and its evolution. There was more to this franchise that I initally thought. But this might because I spent a whole week and one very intense day watching all the Gamera films, I may have just convinced myself that Gamera and all its weird ticks are amazing. For anyone wanting to explore the franchise, I would suggest the first film, Gamera, the Giant Monster, then possibly skip the 'vs' films as they are very similiar, and go straight to the 90s trilogy as these are hidden gems in the action film world.

For my full review of the boxset, you can read it over at Vulturehound HERE.