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Reviews4
bjxmas's rating
I'd never gone to a horror movie before and I never would have ventured into My Bloody Valentine 3D without the promise of another great performance from my favorite actor, Jensen Ackles. I was not disappointed. As a fan of Jensen's talent it was great to watch him on the big screen creating another memorable character, but more importantly for this review, I totally enjoyed all aspects of MBV. I knew there would be blood and gore and I don't think they disappoint, but I was somehow able to distance myself from it as movie effects and concentrate on the story and acting. There were many shocking deaths and gruesome ends and the suspense leading up to them was edge-of-your-seat anticipation which should appeal to the die-hard horror buffs.
What most impressed me was the depth of the movie, the strength and cohesiveness of Todd Farmer and Zane Smith's script, and the pacing and vision of Patrick Lussier's direction. You learn all the basic facts of the mine explosion and the resulting deaths in a brilliant opening setup through newspaper headlines and voice-overs. It quickly gives you the information you need in an inventive and visually stunning way before hurling you into the story. The soundtrack throughout the movie helps reinforce the emotions and suspense, punctuating the scenes and making the action even more meaningful.
The movie starts with what I imagine is a pretty standard slasher feel, immersing you quickly into the horror, but then it takes a step back and morphs into a real psychological thriller with a tight script expertly presenting several credible suspects for the pickax-wielding killer. There are the inevitable red herrings, but the script rarely cheats, instead laying out all the clues and then twisting and turning the facts until you honestly don't know who the killer is. This is good, suspenseful storytelling and it pulled me into the characters' lives and made me want to know more about them as I awaited the big reveal.
I enjoyed the movie so much I've now seen it three times, twice in 3D and once in 2D just to see the difference. I think the movie holds up without the 3D special effects, but if given the choice always go with 3D for that extra dimension. MBV is an exhilarating thrill ride with real substance at its foundation. I found it to be intelligent movie making wrapped up in a bloody package with all the bells and whistles to make it fun. Do be aware there is an extended nude scene, but since the woman didn't seem concerned she was out in public in the buff, I quickly dismissed that aspect and focused on her peril. I think it was inserted to add one more first to the movie's credentials, and I do believe this is a movie with staying power. MBV has all the elements to make it a cult classic.
The acting is a major plus with three memorable leads and a fine group of supporting players led by Kevin Tighe and Tom Atkins. Jensen Ackles is the perfect choice to play Tom. Jensen's good looks and easy-going appeal perfectly capture the spirit of the high school golden boy ten years back while his subtle acting expertly conveys the anguish and guilt Tom has felt since making that fateful error. Tom is not Dean Winchester nor any of Jensen's other characters; instead he is a new tormented man living with the ramifications of one tragic mistake.
Anyone who watches Supernatural knows how accomplished Jensen is at conveying everything his character is feeling with just his facial reactions and most especially those eyes. He isn't afforded the screen time here that he's used so effectively on Supernatural to show the depth he's layered into Dean over four years of the Winchesters' saga, but he makes the most of the time he has and steadily reveals Tom to us and he does it through small glimpses that define the man and makes us care.
As rivals for the heroine's affections, Jensen and Kerr Smith, as Axel, the Sheriff, both do admirable jobs with meaningful glances and the inflections they give their dialogue and are stand-outs in a very capable cast. I wasn't that familiar with Kerr previously, but he has a way of drawing you into his character even when the guy is being the typical jerk. Jaime King, as Sarah, Tom's high school sweetheart and Axel's wife, does a commendable job as the small town girl, facing her first love again and all the lost possibilities while living with an imperfect life with Axel. She is real but isn't the damsel in distress. She shows a basic resilience and I love seeing a strong woman on screen, scared to death but still fighting back. All three actors, Jaime, Kerr, and Jensen sell their parts.
No one should know who the killer is before watching the movie and honestly, they could have credibly had several people end up as the killer. The suspense builds to the final climatic confrontation where the viewer is torn trying to piece together the information and determine who the killer is. I love that scene, the acting is stellar, the editing expertly cuts in flashbacks to show how it all came down, and the cinematography and direction enhance the power of the scene. The final reveal is worth the price of admission. Personally, I think they made the perfect choice for the killer and the movie plays out wonderfully.
For my first horror movie I found a great one. I've always hated stupid people doing stupid things and getting themselves killed which is how I thought most of these horror movies went, but MBV has proved that to be a false perception. Maybe I'll have to give another horror flick a chance. I hear Friday the 13th is coming.
What most impressed me was the depth of the movie, the strength and cohesiveness of Todd Farmer and Zane Smith's script, and the pacing and vision of Patrick Lussier's direction. You learn all the basic facts of the mine explosion and the resulting deaths in a brilliant opening setup through newspaper headlines and voice-overs. It quickly gives you the information you need in an inventive and visually stunning way before hurling you into the story. The soundtrack throughout the movie helps reinforce the emotions and suspense, punctuating the scenes and making the action even more meaningful.
The movie starts with what I imagine is a pretty standard slasher feel, immersing you quickly into the horror, but then it takes a step back and morphs into a real psychological thriller with a tight script expertly presenting several credible suspects for the pickax-wielding killer. There are the inevitable red herrings, but the script rarely cheats, instead laying out all the clues and then twisting and turning the facts until you honestly don't know who the killer is. This is good, suspenseful storytelling and it pulled me into the characters' lives and made me want to know more about them as I awaited the big reveal.
I enjoyed the movie so much I've now seen it three times, twice in 3D and once in 2D just to see the difference. I think the movie holds up without the 3D special effects, but if given the choice always go with 3D for that extra dimension. MBV is an exhilarating thrill ride with real substance at its foundation. I found it to be intelligent movie making wrapped up in a bloody package with all the bells and whistles to make it fun. Do be aware there is an extended nude scene, but since the woman didn't seem concerned she was out in public in the buff, I quickly dismissed that aspect and focused on her peril. I think it was inserted to add one more first to the movie's credentials, and I do believe this is a movie with staying power. MBV has all the elements to make it a cult classic.
The acting is a major plus with three memorable leads and a fine group of supporting players led by Kevin Tighe and Tom Atkins. Jensen Ackles is the perfect choice to play Tom. Jensen's good looks and easy-going appeal perfectly capture the spirit of the high school golden boy ten years back while his subtle acting expertly conveys the anguish and guilt Tom has felt since making that fateful error. Tom is not Dean Winchester nor any of Jensen's other characters; instead he is a new tormented man living with the ramifications of one tragic mistake.
Anyone who watches Supernatural knows how accomplished Jensen is at conveying everything his character is feeling with just his facial reactions and most especially those eyes. He isn't afforded the screen time here that he's used so effectively on Supernatural to show the depth he's layered into Dean over four years of the Winchesters' saga, but he makes the most of the time he has and steadily reveals Tom to us and he does it through small glimpses that define the man and makes us care.
As rivals for the heroine's affections, Jensen and Kerr Smith, as Axel, the Sheriff, both do admirable jobs with meaningful glances and the inflections they give their dialogue and are stand-outs in a very capable cast. I wasn't that familiar with Kerr previously, but he has a way of drawing you into his character even when the guy is being the typical jerk. Jaime King, as Sarah, Tom's high school sweetheart and Axel's wife, does a commendable job as the small town girl, facing her first love again and all the lost possibilities while living with an imperfect life with Axel. She is real but isn't the damsel in distress. She shows a basic resilience and I love seeing a strong woman on screen, scared to death but still fighting back. All three actors, Jaime, Kerr, and Jensen sell their parts.
No one should know who the killer is before watching the movie and honestly, they could have credibly had several people end up as the killer. The suspense builds to the final climatic confrontation where the viewer is torn trying to piece together the information and determine who the killer is. I love that scene, the acting is stellar, the editing expertly cuts in flashbacks to show how it all came down, and the cinematography and direction enhance the power of the scene. The final reveal is worth the price of admission. Personally, I think they made the perfect choice for the killer and the movie plays out wonderfully.
For my first horror movie I found a great one. I've always hated stupid people doing stupid things and getting themselves killed which is how I thought most of these horror movies went, but MBV has proved that to be a false perception. Maybe I'll have to give another horror flick a chance. I hear Friday the 13th is coming.
Local Color is a film to make you feel good about going to the movies. It's designed to make you think and appreciate the moments and people that touch you in your life. It is uplifting and heart-warming and in these times, I believe audiences want a story of hope, regardless of what the major studios seem to think.
It's a movie about passion, commitment and following your dreams. John is an eighteen-year old on the cusp of manhood, seeking out his purpose in life and hoping he has the talent to reach his dreams. The movie seems to be about painting, but that is simply the canvas to examine life. It's really about seeking out the beauty in life and expressing it, through art and the relationships we form.
Trevor Morgan has a long list of credits, but aside from his childhood role in The Sixth Sense, I was not familiar with his work. I will now be on the lookout for future roles. Perfectly cast, he radiates a subtle empathy and is very engaging and believable as a young man trying to find his way. He has very expressive eyes that seem to soak up all the words of wisdom his mentor imparts.
Armin Mueller-Stahl is brilliant as the disillusioned master painter. Nicoli is a bitter, old drunk, ravaged by the cruelty of the world, yet he has a basic decency that defies his angry words. He rediscovers his passion for the beauty of nature as expressed in art, while expressing his outrage at the sad state of the modern art community.
The changing structure of the art world stands as a metaphor for the changes of society as a whole. Negativity and immediacy seem to have replaced hope and patience. True talent is ignored in favor of the latest fancy.
The entire cast is excellent with standouts Ray Liotta, memorable as the gruff father, and Ron Perlman, comically cast as an over-the-top art dealer who spars memorably with Nicoli. Samantha Mathis, Charles Durning and Diana Scarwid also have nice roles and it's always inspiring to know actors will take on roles simply for the love of the character and the relevance of the movie. Mueller-Stahl was drawn out of retirement simply because of the power of his character and the beauty of the script.
There is a voice-over narrative during parts of the film and for me that is always risky. It takes a deft touch to make the dialogue relevant without being pretentious, but it works beautifully for this film. Mr. Gallo does his own narration and that seems entirely fitting since he is now the middle-aged man whose youthful story is being told. It gives the film a reality and depth, continuing John's journey well beyond the scope of the movie.
This is a movie made out of love and passion, from the director mortgaging his home to the many well-known actors who worked for nothing to get it made. This is a movie that had me thinking Oscar; the quality is that great, especially Mueller-Stahl, except it holds none of the self-serving pretentiousness of some personal stories.
Local Color makes you feel I laughed unexpectedly many times during the movie, my heart soared other times, and tears filled my eyes on one memorable occasion, but most importantly it makes you think and reconsider your life and your dreams. If you are young it should help you find the focus to strive for what mark you want to leave on the world and if you are older it is a chance to reflect back on what your gifts have been and how you've used them. It offers hope for a better world if we would simply focus on the positive and the beauty surrounding us and go forward from this point trying to do our best and leave that mark because as Nicoli says, "Life is short."
I was fortunate to view the movie at a limited engagement in Phoenix and Mr. Gallo was there for a Q & A after. It is always fascinating to listen to the creative process of how a film is made and George was personable and insightful. As a novice writer it was comforting to know his perspective on writing follows along with how I write, mainly that the characters drive the story. As a writer you have a thought you want to present, you should know where you want to end up, but HOW you get there should be driven by the characters' thought processes.
Too many movies force characters to follow through with stupid actions to propel the plot along some preconceived trajectory. A great writer like Mr. Gallo puts his characters in an interesting situation and then follows them as they find their way to the end point. I do believe that is why his scripts are so true and real and don't feel phony or forced.
As the writer of Midnight Run, he has proved his worth as a storyteller. With the beauty and depth of Local Color he proves his vision as a filmmaker. The movie is filmed like a great masterpiece with each shot ready to freeze frame and mount on your wall as a fine art painting. Combining the visual beauty of the photography with the eloquence of his words demonstrates what great film-making is all about.
Local Color is a beautiful movie you will enjoy and be thankful for. It will open your eyes to the possibilities of life and what you can accomplish. It will reinforce the importance of mentoring and if you've ever been the recipient of someone's guidance it will offer you a moment to look back and remember the impact one person can make in another's life. Local Color is entertaining and heartwarming and will inspire you to make that connection and make the world better. What more can we ask of the movies?
It's a movie about passion, commitment and following your dreams. John is an eighteen-year old on the cusp of manhood, seeking out his purpose in life and hoping he has the talent to reach his dreams. The movie seems to be about painting, but that is simply the canvas to examine life. It's really about seeking out the beauty in life and expressing it, through art and the relationships we form.
Trevor Morgan has a long list of credits, but aside from his childhood role in The Sixth Sense, I was not familiar with his work. I will now be on the lookout for future roles. Perfectly cast, he radiates a subtle empathy and is very engaging and believable as a young man trying to find his way. He has very expressive eyes that seem to soak up all the words of wisdom his mentor imparts.
Armin Mueller-Stahl is brilliant as the disillusioned master painter. Nicoli is a bitter, old drunk, ravaged by the cruelty of the world, yet he has a basic decency that defies his angry words. He rediscovers his passion for the beauty of nature as expressed in art, while expressing his outrage at the sad state of the modern art community.
The changing structure of the art world stands as a metaphor for the changes of society as a whole. Negativity and immediacy seem to have replaced hope and patience. True talent is ignored in favor of the latest fancy.
The entire cast is excellent with standouts Ray Liotta, memorable as the gruff father, and Ron Perlman, comically cast as an over-the-top art dealer who spars memorably with Nicoli. Samantha Mathis, Charles Durning and Diana Scarwid also have nice roles and it's always inspiring to know actors will take on roles simply for the love of the character and the relevance of the movie. Mueller-Stahl was drawn out of retirement simply because of the power of his character and the beauty of the script.
There is a voice-over narrative during parts of the film and for me that is always risky. It takes a deft touch to make the dialogue relevant without being pretentious, but it works beautifully for this film. Mr. Gallo does his own narration and that seems entirely fitting since he is now the middle-aged man whose youthful story is being told. It gives the film a reality and depth, continuing John's journey well beyond the scope of the movie.
This is a movie made out of love and passion, from the director mortgaging his home to the many well-known actors who worked for nothing to get it made. This is a movie that had me thinking Oscar; the quality is that great, especially Mueller-Stahl, except it holds none of the self-serving pretentiousness of some personal stories.
Local Color makes you feel I laughed unexpectedly many times during the movie, my heart soared other times, and tears filled my eyes on one memorable occasion, but most importantly it makes you think and reconsider your life and your dreams. If you are young it should help you find the focus to strive for what mark you want to leave on the world and if you are older it is a chance to reflect back on what your gifts have been and how you've used them. It offers hope for a better world if we would simply focus on the positive and the beauty surrounding us and go forward from this point trying to do our best and leave that mark because as Nicoli says, "Life is short."
I was fortunate to view the movie at a limited engagement in Phoenix and Mr. Gallo was there for a Q & A after. It is always fascinating to listen to the creative process of how a film is made and George was personable and insightful. As a novice writer it was comforting to know his perspective on writing follows along with how I write, mainly that the characters drive the story. As a writer you have a thought you want to present, you should know where you want to end up, but HOW you get there should be driven by the characters' thought processes.
Too many movies force characters to follow through with stupid actions to propel the plot along some preconceived trajectory. A great writer like Mr. Gallo puts his characters in an interesting situation and then follows them as they find their way to the end point. I do believe that is why his scripts are so true and real and don't feel phony or forced.
As the writer of Midnight Run, he has proved his worth as a storyteller. With the beauty and depth of Local Color he proves his vision as a filmmaker. The movie is filmed like a great masterpiece with each shot ready to freeze frame and mount on your wall as a fine art painting. Combining the visual beauty of the photography with the eloquence of his words demonstrates what great film-making is all about.
Local Color is a beautiful movie you will enjoy and be thankful for. It will open your eyes to the possibilities of life and what you can accomplish. It will reinforce the importance of mentoring and if you've ever been the recipient of someone's guidance it will offer you a moment to look back and remember the impact one person can make in another's life. Local Color is entertaining and heartwarming and will inspire you to make that connection and make the world better. What more can we ask of the movies?
Being a fan of westerns from a young age, I really wanted to like this movie and I did. I just didn't love it because of a few too many plot holes and inconsistencies. If you are willing to suspend belief and enjoy the ride, it is a very satisfying movie filled with action, suspense and terrific acting showcasing the intricacies of complicated men.
As most westerns ultimately are, this was a movie about the measure of a man. When faced with extraordinary circumstances how far will a man go to do the right thing and what price separates good and evil. It is a story of youth with a riveting performance by a young Logan Lerman as a rancher's son who doubts his father's worth and struggles to come to terms with his expectations of what makes a man great and who he will idolize. Being a fan of the TV series Jack and Bobby, it was great seeing Logan again and enjoying his work. He gives a sensitive, nuanced performance and holds his own against some powerhouse acting from Russell Crowe and Christian Bale.
Russell is the perfect actor to play Ben Wade bringing a depth and humanity to a character who is established early on as a dangerous, ruthless outlaw. There are indications from the start that Ben isn't your standard villain, and Russell does a great job at showing the shadings in this character while maintaining the threatening nature of Ben Wade. There is a hint of gentleness and sensitivity and even though you suspect childhood damage might have produced a man capable of such evil, you never doubt the viciousness this character is capable of.
Christian Bale turns in another intricate portrayal as the rancher, Dan Evans. Slowly the layers and truths of Dan are revealed until he is laid bare, with all his regrets and failings threatening to define him. As a man trying to provide for his family and gain the respect of his older son, he gives a captivating performance as an average man struggling to do what is right while faced with overwhelming obstacles.
The interaction between these two fine actors and how their characters end up on the continuum between good and evil is the focus of the movie. 3:10 to Yuma is an interesting merging between the old-fashioned westerns of long ago and the new psychological metaphors of modern movie-making. There are lots of dead bodies littering up the landscape, but the blood and guts movie style of Peckinpah is thankfully missing and we are left with a character study wrapped up in an action, chase flick.
Peter Fonda has a wonderful role as a grizzled old bounty hunter and even though I knew he was in the movie it took me forever to recognize him. I kept thinking the character reminded me of Richard Widmark, but perhaps there was a touch of Henry in there too. Alan Tudyk has a nice turn as a quirky doctor and Ben Foster is mesmerizing as the big bad sidekick of Ben Wade. Many will think Ben goes overboard on the characterization, but it was difficult to not watch him as the crazy, vicious killer, Charlie Prince. I think he held back just enough to make the character believable, in an intensely crazed, vicious old-west world.
Ultimately the bad guys were more believable to me than the good guys. There were several instances where I wanted to yell at the screen and tell the good guys they were doomed because of their inept actions, but perhaps they just haven't seen as many westerns as I have and didn't realize these bad guys were truly vicious animals and no mercy would be offered.
Towards the end is when the stretches of believability most disturbed me and the movie lost some of its sheen. I just didn't buy all the contrivances they threw at me and for me, that made the ending less than satisfying. My sister, on the other hand, loved the ending and was actually crying, but don't let the crying scare you off. She tends to get overly emotional when she buys into the story and she had no problem suspending belief and taking the ride they offered.
If you love westerns as I do, then you owe it to yourself to support this western at the theater in hopes the box office receipts will encourage more westerns to be produced. If you enjoy great acting and character development and the wider framework of what makes a man a hero and what forces drive a man to despair then this movie provides ample fuel for further discussion.
3:10 to Yuma could have been a great movie if they would have cleaned up some of the plot holes and reined in the ending, but all in all, it was a nice time at the movies and it certainly offered up some lively discussion afterward. The entire cast was stunningly good, the movie was beautifully photographed and the direction kept it moving at a good pace with no lulls or boring moments.
It offers a glance back at the old-time westerns with a few nice improvements. Even if you don't normally appreciate westerns, the acting and action should be enough to make the time spent enjoyable. And if you never appreciated westerns before then maybe it will be enough to make you want to check out some of the greats like High Noon and The Searchers. Westerns have always been a fertile ground for examining the complexities of man, what makes a man great, and the shades of gray that resides in all of us.
As most westerns ultimately are, this was a movie about the measure of a man. When faced with extraordinary circumstances how far will a man go to do the right thing and what price separates good and evil. It is a story of youth with a riveting performance by a young Logan Lerman as a rancher's son who doubts his father's worth and struggles to come to terms with his expectations of what makes a man great and who he will idolize. Being a fan of the TV series Jack and Bobby, it was great seeing Logan again and enjoying his work. He gives a sensitive, nuanced performance and holds his own against some powerhouse acting from Russell Crowe and Christian Bale.
Russell is the perfect actor to play Ben Wade bringing a depth and humanity to a character who is established early on as a dangerous, ruthless outlaw. There are indications from the start that Ben isn't your standard villain, and Russell does a great job at showing the shadings in this character while maintaining the threatening nature of Ben Wade. There is a hint of gentleness and sensitivity and even though you suspect childhood damage might have produced a man capable of such evil, you never doubt the viciousness this character is capable of.
Christian Bale turns in another intricate portrayal as the rancher, Dan Evans. Slowly the layers and truths of Dan are revealed until he is laid bare, with all his regrets and failings threatening to define him. As a man trying to provide for his family and gain the respect of his older son, he gives a captivating performance as an average man struggling to do what is right while faced with overwhelming obstacles.
The interaction between these two fine actors and how their characters end up on the continuum between good and evil is the focus of the movie. 3:10 to Yuma is an interesting merging between the old-fashioned westerns of long ago and the new psychological metaphors of modern movie-making. There are lots of dead bodies littering up the landscape, but the blood and guts movie style of Peckinpah is thankfully missing and we are left with a character study wrapped up in an action, chase flick.
Peter Fonda has a wonderful role as a grizzled old bounty hunter and even though I knew he was in the movie it took me forever to recognize him. I kept thinking the character reminded me of Richard Widmark, but perhaps there was a touch of Henry in there too. Alan Tudyk has a nice turn as a quirky doctor and Ben Foster is mesmerizing as the big bad sidekick of Ben Wade. Many will think Ben goes overboard on the characterization, but it was difficult to not watch him as the crazy, vicious killer, Charlie Prince. I think he held back just enough to make the character believable, in an intensely crazed, vicious old-west world.
Ultimately the bad guys were more believable to me than the good guys. There were several instances where I wanted to yell at the screen and tell the good guys they were doomed because of their inept actions, but perhaps they just haven't seen as many westerns as I have and didn't realize these bad guys were truly vicious animals and no mercy would be offered.
Towards the end is when the stretches of believability most disturbed me and the movie lost some of its sheen. I just didn't buy all the contrivances they threw at me and for me, that made the ending less than satisfying. My sister, on the other hand, loved the ending and was actually crying, but don't let the crying scare you off. She tends to get overly emotional when she buys into the story and she had no problem suspending belief and taking the ride they offered.
If you love westerns as I do, then you owe it to yourself to support this western at the theater in hopes the box office receipts will encourage more westerns to be produced. If you enjoy great acting and character development and the wider framework of what makes a man a hero and what forces drive a man to despair then this movie provides ample fuel for further discussion.
3:10 to Yuma could have been a great movie if they would have cleaned up some of the plot holes and reined in the ending, but all in all, it was a nice time at the movies and it certainly offered up some lively discussion afterward. The entire cast was stunningly good, the movie was beautifully photographed and the direction kept it moving at a good pace with no lulls or boring moments.
It offers a glance back at the old-time westerns with a few nice improvements. Even if you don't normally appreciate westerns, the acting and action should be enough to make the time spent enjoyable. And if you never appreciated westerns before then maybe it will be enough to make you want to check out some of the greats like High Noon and The Searchers. Westerns have always been a fertile ground for examining the complexities of man, what makes a man great, and the shades of gray that resides in all of us.