"Shoot Em Up" (2007)
Directed by: Michael Davis (Monster Man, Eight Days A Week)
Starring: Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Belluci
Running Time: 86 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
Explosive. Action-packed. Fast-paced. Hysterical. So ridiculous and tongue-in-cheek that the filmmakers had to have a smile on their faces every day on set. But here's the thing - this movie KNOWS that it's over the top. It KNOWS that audiences don't need to take it seriously. "Shoot Em Up" is a satire, almost a parody of all those bang-bang action flicks from the 80's and 90's. It needs no plot. Just a hero with someone to save, and a bad guy intent on killing that someone. Its almost a "leave your brain at the door" instruction for movie-goers. But if you love action, one-liners aplenty and bullets flying, "Shoot Em Up" is right up your alley.
The movie opens with Smith (Clive Owen) waiting for a bus in a crummy neighbourhood. He sits, munching on a carrot, (something he does A LOT of in this film), and waits. Just then, a pregnant lady walks past him, almost running, trying to get away from the man behind her holding a gun. Smith sees him, sighs, and comes to her rescue. What follows is a huge shoot-out with many cronies lead by Hertz (Paul Giamatti). Smith manages to deliver the baby but the mother dies shortly after. He's now thrust into the role of protector as he escapes the gun battle after having a staredown with Hertz.
Smith visits a friend, a prostitute named Quintano, (Monica Belluci). He tries to get her to take the baby off his hands so he can figure out why bad guys want the child dead. She refuses and ends up going with Smith. They pack up and retreat to Smith's hideout, and this results in yet another gun battle. It seemed to me that with each gun fight, more and more details were revealed about the plot. What it actually IS about I won't say, you'll just have to see it yourself. Either that, or you just won't care. I didn't find myself giving too much of a damn; all I saw was a man trying to protect a baby from bad guys, and that was good enough for me. And I think it was good enough for the filmmakers. The actual plot behind it seemed to be thrown together at the last minute while writing the screenplay, but that's OK.
"Shoot Em Up" is like watching your friend play a video game. The hero has his task, goes from Point A to Point B in order to unravel the informative details, and blows anyone in his path away. Its fun, mindless entertainment, just like a video game. Director Michael Davis must be a gamer, and had to be playing something like "GTA: Vice City" or "The Punisher" when he came up with his premise and ideas. Whatever he did, it works.
Clive Owen is very enjoyable as Smith. He has fun with the role and looks to be a great fit as a leading action star. Paul Giamatti is perfect as the hilarious bad guy Hertz. I don't think any other actor could have been used here except him. He's on-edge, spastic and quick with one-liners. Any scene involving Giamatti and Owen is full of chemistry and you can't wait to see what these two will do to each other next. You can tell that they're having fun and that makes the movie more enjoyable.
You'll enjoy "Shoot Em Up" only if you understand that its a satirical look at violence and action movies. There's no point in trying to blast the movie for being ludicrous and over the top, because everyone who had a hand in producing the film knows it already. See it if you love action. See it if you love the classic good guy/bad guy confrontations the way they used to be. Or see it if you just want to see a gun fight take place while sky-diving.
For whatever reason, just see it. You won't be disappointed. You'll be grinning by the time you leave the theater.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Finally, a teen comedy done RIGHT!
"Superbad" (2007)
Directed by: Greg Mottola (TV's "Undeclared", "Arrested Development")
Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader
Running Time: 114 minutes
Rut's Rating: A HUGE 5/5
In the last ten years or so, comedy has been sliced into about three categories. Each one has its ups and downs, depending on the material written and the actors cast. They are, in no particular order:
1. The low-budget, quirky, no-real-plot-but-it-will-attain-cult-status comedy, (Dazed and Confused, The Big Lebowski, Napoleon Dynamite)
2. The repetitive let's-pick-a-random-sport-and-throw-random-homoerotic-jokes-in comedy, (Dodgeball, Talladega Nights, Blades of Glory)
3. The R-rated youth coming-of-age comedy, (American Pie 1,2, & 3, Road Trip, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle)
Those are all well and good, in fact there are a few movies mentioned that I really love. But sometimes, a movie comes along and sets the bar higher. Or in the case of "Superbad", takes the bar and hurtles it into space.
Written and produced by the same guys who gave us "The 40-Year Old Virgin" and this past summer's "Knocked Up", "Superbad" takes a look at the last month of high school for best friends Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera). Virtually inseparable, these two spend their days day-dreaming about girls and college, and spend their nights hanging with their friend Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). They're outcasts who choose to do their own thing and never attend parties. This might lead you to believe that they're losers but you'd be wrong. Seth and Evan define what it's like to be a teenager in this day and age, with their shared anti-social behavior and co-dependency on one another. To me, there were always several different groups of kids in high school. The party animals, the artists, the goody-goody A-plussers and the let-it-ride dreamers observing everything. Seth and Evan are the dreamers, the guys you see in the hallway just hanging by themselves. Sure, they're not at all the parties, they don't have girlfriends, and they may not be kings of the school, but they're not looked down on by everyone.
For me, "Superbad" gets high school right in that sense. Watching the movie, I definitely saw more than a few resemblances to my own days as a student at OHS. I saw a few faces that resembled my fellow classmates, but I won't mention names. The movie take a simple approach rather than throwing a bunch of ill-conceived jokes or gags in. What you see is hilarious, and yet believable at the same time. Feeling uncomfortable talking to girls? Check. Being a high school kid who's attending a 20-something bash and feeling way over your head? Yup. Mad that your friend is ditching you for college in the fall? Mmhmm. Its the little things in this movie that make it believable and hysterical at the same time. For Seth and Evan, their goal is simple - score liquor for a house party that just might ensure the affection of the dream girls in their lives. Sounds easy, right?
Jonah Hill and Michael Cera give funny, honest performances as Seth and Evan. Newcomer Christopher Mintz-Plasse is hysterical as Fogell, or "McLovin" as you'll see from watching. Seth Rogen and Bill Hader round out the male cast as police officers Michaels and Slater, respectively. After Fogell is injured in a liquor store robbery, the cops take a liking to him and he ends up hanging out with them for about 75% of the film. Rogen and Hader are hilarious and I love some of the one-liners they give. Rogen and his friend Evan Goldberg wrote the screenplay when they were 13, and the movie's lead characters are named after them.
You might love "Superbad", you might hate it. You might even connect with it as I did. In my opinion, this is the funniest and best comedy I've seen all year, even in the last few years. This makes anything that Ben Stiller or Will Ferrell did seem amateur and half-assed. Its a movie about teens, yet its smarter than most things involving adults.
See "Superbad". Release your inner "McLovin".
Directed by: Greg Mottola (TV's "Undeclared", "Arrested Development")
Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader
Running Time: 114 minutes
Rut's Rating: A HUGE 5/5
In the last ten years or so, comedy has been sliced into about three categories. Each one has its ups and downs, depending on the material written and the actors cast. They are, in no particular order:
1. The low-budget, quirky, no-real-plot-but-it-will-attain-cult-status comedy, (Dazed and Confused, The Big Lebowski, Napoleon Dynamite)
2. The repetitive let's-pick-a-random-sport-and-throw-random-homoerotic-jokes-in comedy, (Dodgeball, Talladega Nights, Blades of Glory)
3. The R-rated youth coming-of-age comedy, (American Pie 1,2, & 3, Road Trip, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle)
Those are all well and good, in fact there are a few movies mentioned that I really love. But sometimes, a movie comes along and sets the bar higher. Or in the case of "Superbad", takes the bar and hurtles it into space.
Written and produced by the same guys who gave us "The 40-Year Old Virgin" and this past summer's "Knocked Up", "Superbad" takes a look at the last month of high school for best friends Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera). Virtually inseparable, these two spend their days day-dreaming about girls and college, and spend their nights hanging with their friend Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). They're outcasts who choose to do their own thing and never attend parties. This might lead you to believe that they're losers but you'd be wrong. Seth and Evan define what it's like to be a teenager in this day and age, with their shared anti-social behavior and co-dependency on one another. To me, there were always several different groups of kids in high school. The party animals, the artists, the goody-goody A-plussers and the let-it-ride dreamers observing everything. Seth and Evan are the dreamers, the guys you see in the hallway just hanging by themselves. Sure, they're not at all the parties, they don't have girlfriends, and they may not be kings of the school, but they're not looked down on by everyone.
For me, "Superbad" gets high school right in that sense. Watching the movie, I definitely saw more than a few resemblances to my own days as a student at OHS. I saw a few faces that resembled my fellow classmates, but I won't mention names. The movie take a simple approach rather than throwing a bunch of ill-conceived jokes or gags in. What you see is hilarious, and yet believable at the same time. Feeling uncomfortable talking to girls? Check. Being a high school kid who's attending a 20-something bash and feeling way over your head? Yup. Mad that your friend is ditching you for college in the fall? Mmhmm. Its the little things in this movie that make it believable and hysterical at the same time. For Seth and Evan, their goal is simple - score liquor for a house party that just might ensure the affection of the dream girls in their lives. Sounds easy, right?
Jonah Hill and Michael Cera give funny, honest performances as Seth and Evan. Newcomer Christopher Mintz-Plasse is hysterical as Fogell, or "McLovin" as you'll see from watching. Seth Rogen and Bill Hader round out the male cast as police officers Michaels and Slater, respectively. After Fogell is injured in a liquor store robbery, the cops take a liking to him and he ends up hanging out with them for about 75% of the film. Rogen and Hader are hilarious and I love some of the one-liners they give. Rogen and his friend Evan Goldberg wrote the screenplay when they were 13, and the movie's lead characters are named after them.
You might love "Superbad", you might hate it. You might even connect with it as I did. In my opinion, this is the funniest and best comedy I've seen all year, even in the last few years. This makes anything that Ben Stiller or Will Ferrell did seem amateur and half-assed. Its a movie about teens, yet its smarter than most things involving adults.
See "Superbad". Release your inner "McLovin".
Friday, September 21, 2007
"Halloween" Remake a Fitting Tribute to Original Classic
Ruttle's Reviews
"Halloween" (2007)
Directed by: Rob Zombie (House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil's Rejects)
Starring: Tyler Mane, Malcolm McDowell, Brad Dourif, Sheri Moon, Daeg Faerch
Running Time: 109 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
In 1978, director John Carpenter introduced movie audiences to the slasher flick; a silent, indestructible psychopath named Michael Myers was arguably the first in a long line of horror film icons to adopt the "crush, kill, destroy" mentality. Myers is a mask-wearing mute who escapes from an asylum to return to his hometown, so he can find his baby sister.
Now in 2007, horror fanatic, musician and outlaw director Rob Zombie has taken the reigns of the franchise. His take on the story is different, but fitting. Zombie shows us the background of this future mass murderer, revealing a childhood immersed in disturbing surroundings. His mother is a stripper, his older sister neglects him, and his step-father is the very definition of sleaze. Michael doesn't seem to let his home life get to him, but its easy for the audience to feel sympathy for him. Yes, that's even knowing what obviously lies ahead in the film.
On Halloween night, young Michael finally loses it. He brutally murders his step-father, his older sister and her boyfriend. Yet he spares the life of his baby sister, holding her in his arms until his mother and then the authorities arrive. What follows is the next chapter in Michael's life; spending the rest of his days at a mental hospital. He has daily sessions with Dr. Samuel Loomis, played by Malcolm McDowell. Loomis has ease talking with Michael, there isn't any visible tension there, but when the subject of Michael's horrendous murder streak comes up, Michael seems to shrug it off or says he can't remember doing it.
For the next 17 years, Myers remains locked up, spending his days making masks and growing to a hulking size. Loomis gives up on treating him, and instead writes a book detailing the murders and his sessions with Michael.
Finally, while being transferred to another wing of the hospital, Michael escapes, killing all of the guards escorting him and making a break for it. He returns to his hometown of Haddonfield on Halloween day, intent on tracking down his baby sister Laurie. This third act of the film is an ever-constant tribute to Carpenter's 1978 original, complete with almost identical cinematography and the familiar score. While watching Michael kill person after person, I found myself only seeing the 10-year-old boy again, as opposed to the present-day, nearly 7-foot behemoth. You never see the adult Michael's face and maybe that's why I only saw the young boy. You just might find yourself doing the same thing.
"Halloween" is, in my opinion, a well-done tribute to the classic original. Obviously, some aspects are different and the tone of the story is altered, but that's the nature of the beast in this hyperspeed Facebook generation. Rob Zombie shows us that what's old can become new again, and that's a rare thing to do in Hollywood these days.
The performances are fitting, as are the actors who display them. Malcolm McDowell is a perfect fit as Dr. Loomis, and Daeg Faerch is scary-good as young Michael. Saskatchewan's own Tyler Mane is a great choice for the adult Michael. While he has no dialogue, Mane perfects the mannerisms and body language of this psychotic-yet-sympathy-enducing killer.
People will argue, people will debate, but see the film for yourself. For those who lost faith in the horror genre, "Halloween" is a blood-soaked miracle in disguise.
"Halloween" (2007)
Directed by: Rob Zombie (House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil's Rejects)
Starring: Tyler Mane, Malcolm McDowell, Brad Dourif, Sheri Moon, Daeg Faerch
Running Time: 109 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
In 1978, director John Carpenter introduced movie audiences to the slasher flick; a silent, indestructible psychopath named Michael Myers was arguably the first in a long line of horror film icons to adopt the "crush, kill, destroy" mentality. Myers is a mask-wearing mute who escapes from an asylum to return to his hometown, so he can find his baby sister.
Now in 2007, horror fanatic, musician and outlaw director Rob Zombie has taken the reigns of the franchise. His take on the story is different, but fitting. Zombie shows us the background of this future mass murderer, revealing a childhood immersed in disturbing surroundings. His mother is a stripper, his older sister neglects him, and his step-father is the very definition of sleaze. Michael doesn't seem to let his home life get to him, but its easy for the audience to feel sympathy for him. Yes, that's even knowing what obviously lies ahead in the film.
On Halloween night, young Michael finally loses it. He brutally murders his step-father, his older sister and her boyfriend. Yet he spares the life of his baby sister, holding her in his arms until his mother and then the authorities arrive. What follows is the next chapter in Michael's life; spending the rest of his days at a mental hospital. He has daily sessions with Dr. Samuel Loomis, played by Malcolm McDowell. Loomis has ease talking with Michael, there isn't any visible tension there, but when the subject of Michael's horrendous murder streak comes up, Michael seems to shrug it off or says he can't remember doing it.
For the next 17 years, Myers remains locked up, spending his days making masks and growing to a hulking size. Loomis gives up on treating him, and instead writes a book detailing the murders and his sessions with Michael.
Finally, while being transferred to another wing of the hospital, Michael escapes, killing all of the guards escorting him and making a break for it. He returns to his hometown of Haddonfield on Halloween day, intent on tracking down his baby sister Laurie. This third act of the film is an ever-constant tribute to Carpenter's 1978 original, complete with almost identical cinematography and the familiar score. While watching Michael kill person after person, I found myself only seeing the 10-year-old boy again, as opposed to the present-day, nearly 7-foot behemoth. You never see the adult Michael's face and maybe that's why I only saw the young boy. You just might find yourself doing the same thing.
"Halloween" is, in my opinion, a well-done tribute to the classic original. Obviously, some aspects are different and the tone of the story is altered, but that's the nature of the beast in this hyperspeed Facebook generation. Rob Zombie shows us that what's old can become new again, and that's a rare thing to do in Hollywood these days.
The performances are fitting, as are the actors who display them. Malcolm McDowell is a perfect fit as Dr. Loomis, and Daeg Faerch is scary-good as young Michael. Saskatchewan's own Tyler Mane is a great choice for the adult Michael. While he has no dialogue, Mane perfects the mannerisms and body language of this psychotic-yet-sympathy-enducing killer.
People will argue, people will debate, but see the film for yourself. For those who lost faith in the horror genre, "Halloween" is a blood-soaked miracle in disguise.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Ruttle's Reviews: The Archives
Partners in Paris
"Rush Hour 3" (2007)
Directed by: Brett Ratner (Rush Hour 1 & 2,
X-Men: The Last Stand)
Starring: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Max von Sydow
Running time: 90 min.
Rut's Rating: 4/5
Opposites still attract in the latest installment of the "Rush Hour" franchise. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker return to their respective roles of Inspector Lee and Detective James Carter, in the second sequel to a hugely popular and successful movie series. In their latest adventure, Lee and Carter travel to Paris to do battle with the Chinese Triad, a Mafia constituency. When the Ambassador of China is assassinated and the clues lead them to Paris, Lee and Carter get mixed up in the dangerous group and someone from Lee's past may be a part of it.
The formula in "Rush Hour 3" is simple, yet effective. Take a by-the-book, mild-mannered, Chinese martial-arts practicing officer, pair him with a loud, bombastic, wise-cracking African-American detective, and throw them both into a murder or kidnap plot. Audiences have obviously loved the pairing; the first two films in the series made over $350 million combined. These films may not exactly be on the level of something like "The Godfather" or "Heat", but sometimes you just want a movie that allows you to sit back, kick up your feet, and forget about all your problems for about 90 minutes, and that's what the "Rush Hour" movies give you.
You can tell that Chan and Tucker have fun with their roles; some of the dialogue comes off as being improvised, but it works because of the off-beat chemistry of both actors. Detective Carter is loud, over-the-top, and in my opinion funnier than ever. At times, it isn't exactly what Chris Tucker SAYS that's funny, per say, but HOW he says it. And Jackie Chan is, as always, a great straight man to Tucker's style. Also, the impressive stunts and action scenes that Chan still pulls off are a testament to his dedication and persistence. It would have been easy for Chan to suggest a stunt double, but a true professional, he decided to once again go his own. And the results are impressive once again; watch for a great-looking car chase in the streets of Paris, as well as a fist-fight at the top of the Eiffel Tower as just two examples of the action in this movie.
If anything, the only fault that I saw in "Rush Hour 3" was that it was too short. It clocks in at about 83 minutes when the end credits start rolling, as well as the pre-requisite blooper reel to accommodate them. I would have liked another 10 minutes or so put into it, maybe some character exploration or another cool car chase or action sequence. But maybe that's what made the franchise successful in the first place - they set up the plot, throw Lee and Carter into some crazy shenanigans, give us the action, give us the funny, give us the ending, and they're out. It's not a bad thing, really. I just really liked the film and wanted to see more of it.
If you've seen the previous two "Rush Hour" films, or just like mismatched partners in an action movie, much like Riggs and Murtaugh in "Lethal Weapon", then you just might like this third adventure. Funny, explosive and action-packed, the traffic doesn't slow down in THIS rush hour.
"Rush Hour 3" (2007)
Directed by: Brett Ratner (Rush Hour 1 & 2,
X-Men: The Last Stand)
Starring: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Max von Sydow
Running time: 90 min.
Rut's Rating: 4/5
Opposites still attract in the latest installment of the "Rush Hour" franchise. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker return to their respective roles of Inspector Lee and Detective James Carter, in the second sequel to a hugely popular and successful movie series. In their latest adventure, Lee and Carter travel to Paris to do battle with the Chinese Triad, a Mafia constituency. When the Ambassador of China is assassinated and the clues lead them to Paris, Lee and Carter get mixed up in the dangerous group and someone from Lee's past may be a part of it.
The formula in "Rush Hour 3" is simple, yet effective. Take a by-the-book, mild-mannered, Chinese martial-arts practicing officer, pair him with a loud, bombastic, wise-cracking African-American detective, and throw them both into a murder or kidnap plot. Audiences have obviously loved the pairing; the first two films in the series made over $350 million combined. These films may not exactly be on the level of something like "The Godfather" or "Heat", but sometimes you just want a movie that allows you to sit back, kick up your feet, and forget about all your problems for about 90 minutes, and that's what the "Rush Hour" movies give you.
You can tell that Chan and Tucker have fun with their roles; some of the dialogue comes off as being improvised, but it works because of the off-beat chemistry of both actors. Detective Carter is loud, over-the-top, and in my opinion funnier than ever. At times, it isn't exactly what Chris Tucker SAYS that's funny, per say, but HOW he says it. And Jackie Chan is, as always, a great straight man to Tucker's style. Also, the impressive stunts and action scenes that Chan still pulls off are a testament to his dedication and persistence. It would have been easy for Chan to suggest a stunt double, but a true professional, he decided to once again go his own. And the results are impressive once again; watch for a great-looking car chase in the streets of Paris, as well as a fist-fight at the top of the Eiffel Tower as just two examples of the action in this movie.
If anything, the only fault that I saw in "Rush Hour 3" was that it was too short. It clocks in at about 83 minutes when the end credits start rolling, as well as the pre-requisite blooper reel to accommodate them. I would have liked another 10 minutes or so put into it, maybe some character exploration or another cool car chase or action sequence. But maybe that's what made the franchise successful in the first place - they set up the plot, throw Lee and Carter into some crazy shenanigans, give us the action, give us the funny, give us the ending, and they're out. It's not a bad thing, really. I just really liked the film and wanted to see more of it.
If you've seen the previous two "Rush Hour" films, or just like mismatched partners in an action movie, much like Riggs and Murtaugh in "Lethal Weapon", then you just might like this third adventure. Funny, explosive and action-packed, the traffic doesn't slow down in THIS rush hour.
Ruttle's Reviews: The Archives
Britain Gone Bad
"Hot Fuzz" (2007)
Directed by: Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead)
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Timothy Dalton
Running time: 121 minutes
Rut's Rating: 4/5
Hard-nosed London police officer Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is a man always on the lookout for crime. A keen eye with an impressive arrest and conviction record, he is seen as a threat to the other low-profile, ho-hum members of the force and is sent to the quaint, sleepy little village of Sandford, where he is paired with a bumbling partner named Danny Butterman, played by Nick Frost. When a series of grisly "accidents" begin to claim the lives of village residents, Angel and Butterman take it to the streets and investigate what they believe could be murder.
"Hot Fuzz" is the latest film from the trio of director Edgar Wright, and actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. These three brought us the instant classic "Shaun of the Dead", and fans of that film would definitely take a liking to this one. What they did for the zombie-flick genre in "Shaun" they do for the over-the-top action-movie genre in "Fuzz". The film is brilliantly written and you can tell that director Wright and actors Pegg and Frost are big fans of explosive, gun-toting action. As well, Pegg and Frost have that same great chemistry we saw in "Shaun of the Dead", a sort-of Abbott and Costello relationship. Frost's portrayal of Danny Butterman is believable and hilarious; the innocent, puppy-like enthusiast and the perfect opposite for the no-nonsense Nicholas Angel. Danny's love of gunfights and action movies, ("Bad Boys II", in particular) are dismissed by Angel as a childlike fantasy, but that may soon turn to reality when they investigate the supposed "accidents" happening around town.
The main suspect that Angel and Butterman investigate is grocery store owner Simon Skinner, played by Timothy Dalton. The former James Bond has fun with the role, and is a good choice in casting a possible murderer. As well, the legendary Bill Nighy (you know him as Captain Davy Jones from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films) has a neat cameo as the Chief Inspector of Angel's former precinct in London. It seemed to me that all the actors were actually enjoying being in this film, which is a rare thing in Hollywood these days, with all the over-wraught promotion, studio deals and lucrative contracts. These people just got together and made a movie that is entertaining, funny, and very well done. It actually seems to come off as a bigger-budget version of a student film, because of the laid-back-yet-dedicated feeling of it, instead of just some A-listers phoning it in.
There also just seems to be something about British humor that is so appealing to North American audiences. Growing up on Monty Python and Mr. Bean may have helped, but after watching a movie like "Hot Fuzz", something mainstream and undeniably American just doesn't seem AS funny as it was before. You laugh, but it's not a hearty put-your-whole-face-into-it sort of laugh. Writers and directors could learn a few things from these talented Brits; maybe something like Saturday Night Live would be funny again if these guys took a turn writing and directing sketches.
If the combination of great action & comedy is your thing (it's OK, raise your hand, it's my thing too), then "Hot Fuzz" is just for you. In an age of mainstream movies with A-list celebrities who like to think they're funny, this one actually IS.
"Hot Fuzz" (2007)
Directed by: Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead)
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Timothy Dalton
Running time: 121 minutes
Rut's Rating: 4/5
Hard-nosed London police officer Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is a man always on the lookout for crime. A keen eye with an impressive arrest and conviction record, he is seen as a threat to the other low-profile, ho-hum members of the force and is sent to the quaint, sleepy little village of Sandford, where he is paired with a bumbling partner named Danny Butterman, played by Nick Frost. When a series of grisly "accidents" begin to claim the lives of village residents, Angel and Butterman take it to the streets and investigate what they believe could be murder.
"Hot Fuzz" is the latest film from the trio of director Edgar Wright, and actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. These three brought us the instant classic "Shaun of the Dead", and fans of that film would definitely take a liking to this one. What they did for the zombie-flick genre in "Shaun" they do for the over-the-top action-movie genre in "Fuzz". The film is brilliantly written and you can tell that director Wright and actors Pegg and Frost are big fans of explosive, gun-toting action. As well, Pegg and Frost have that same great chemistry we saw in "Shaun of the Dead", a sort-of Abbott and Costello relationship. Frost's portrayal of Danny Butterman is believable and hilarious; the innocent, puppy-like enthusiast and the perfect opposite for the no-nonsense Nicholas Angel. Danny's love of gunfights and action movies, ("Bad Boys II", in particular) are dismissed by Angel as a childlike fantasy, but that may soon turn to reality when they investigate the supposed "accidents" happening around town.
The main suspect that Angel and Butterman investigate is grocery store owner Simon Skinner, played by Timothy Dalton. The former James Bond has fun with the role, and is a good choice in casting a possible murderer. As well, the legendary Bill Nighy (you know him as Captain Davy Jones from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films) has a neat cameo as the Chief Inspector of Angel's former precinct in London. It seemed to me that all the actors were actually enjoying being in this film, which is a rare thing in Hollywood these days, with all the over-wraught promotion, studio deals and lucrative contracts. These people just got together and made a movie that is entertaining, funny, and very well done. It actually seems to come off as a bigger-budget version of a student film, because of the laid-back-yet-dedicated feeling of it, instead of just some A-listers phoning it in.
There also just seems to be something about British humor that is so appealing to North American audiences. Growing up on Monty Python and Mr. Bean may have helped, but after watching a movie like "Hot Fuzz", something mainstream and undeniably American just doesn't seem AS funny as it was before. You laugh, but it's not a hearty put-your-whole-face-into-it sort of laugh. Writers and directors could learn a few things from these talented Brits; maybe something like Saturday Night Live would be funny again if these guys took a turn writing and directing sketches.
If the combination of great action & comedy is your thing (it's OK, raise your hand, it's my thing too), then "Hot Fuzz" is just for you. In an age of mainstream movies with A-list celebrities who like to think they're funny, this one actually IS.
Ruttle's Reviews: The Archives
More Than Meets The Eye
"Transformers" (2007)
Directed by: Michael Bay (Bad Boys, The Rock, Armageddon)
Starring: Shia LeBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Jon Voight
Running time: 144 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
Autobots and Decepticons finally engage in an explosive on-screen battle in "Transformers". It's a dream come true for any fan who grew up watching the animated TV series, bought the action figures, or simply engaged in some playground debate over who was the better leader - Optimus Prime or Megatron.
The story centers on a young man named Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LeBeouf. An independent outcast, Sam goes to an auto dealer with his father looking to buy his first car. He comes home with a yellow Camaro for $4000, and takes it out for a test drive. Coming across a party, he sees Mikaela, a girl he knows from school, played by Megan Fox. He offers her a ride home, and what we see is the usual movie cliche of loner-wants-girl, girl-sort of-resists-yet-thinks-he's-charming sort of thing. But it plays out nicely because both LeBeouf and Fox have great on-screen chemistry, and there's just something that's very likable about these two.
Meanwhile, higher-ups in the United States military forces have big problems on their hands. Mysterious machines and weapons attack bases and are assembling for a war against the human race. Scientists and experts are brought in from around the world to try and figure out what these things are, but they can't seem to wrap their heads around it. White House Defense Secretary John Keller, played by Jon Voight, issues very little information to the media, as everyone scrambles to determine what kind of threat they are facing.
Sam is sleeping, meanwhile, when his car suddenly comes to life and drives away. Sam chases after it, and Mikaela follows him as the chase ends up at a wrecking yard. Suddenly, a police cruiser transforms into a robot and chases after Sam, and out of nowhere, his Camaro also transforms and does battle with the evil robot before destroying it. Scared at first, Sam and Mikaela come to realize that this now 30' tall Camaro means no harm to them, and this is when the entire Autobot army assembles. Goose bumps appear on your arms as the robots you admired as a kid come to life on the big screen. Sam and Mikaela are speechless as these normal vehicles change shape in front of their eyes and stand before them. Finally, a blue semi truck appears and transforms, introducing himself as Optimus Prime. The Autobot leader then introduces the rest of the gang, and tells Sam and Mikaela the origins of their race, as well as the plans being formed by the Decepticons - a race of ruthless, human-destroying robots.
So with an army of robots that have their backs, Sam and Mikaela set out to stop the Decepticons from annihilating the human race. As you can guess, this results in some great-looking action and battle sequences involving good robots and bad ones. Director Michael Bay is known for loving explosions and special effects, so you can bet that both are in huge supply here. Personally, I'm not a big fan of him, because it seems like he substitutes story and character development with overblown effects and CGI. But yet, with "Transformers" he has finally hit a good balance. It's a great story and it's very easy to become immersed in it; you find yourself cheering out loud for the Autobots to win their battles with the Decepticons, and feeling a bit sad when one of the good guys have fallen. And for once, the CGI looks realistic, which helps you believe that its all the more real.
"Transformers" is the very definition of a summer action blockbuster. With a great human cast to complement the Autobots and Decepticons, as well as some great special effects and CGI, it's sure to please even the most hardcore fan base. Maybe heroes really do come as robots in disguise.
"Transformers" (2007)
Directed by: Michael Bay (Bad Boys, The Rock, Armageddon)
Starring: Shia LeBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Jon Voight
Running time: 144 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
Autobots and Decepticons finally engage in an explosive on-screen battle in "Transformers". It's a dream come true for any fan who grew up watching the animated TV series, bought the action figures, or simply engaged in some playground debate over who was the better leader - Optimus Prime or Megatron.
The story centers on a young man named Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LeBeouf. An independent outcast, Sam goes to an auto dealer with his father looking to buy his first car. He comes home with a yellow Camaro for $4000, and takes it out for a test drive. Coming across a party, he sees Mikaela, a girl he knows from school, played by Megan Fox. He offers her a ride home, and what we see is the usual movie cliche of loner-wants-girl, girl-sort of-resists-yet-thinks-he's-charming sort of thing. But it plays out nicely because both LeBeouf and Fox have great on-screen chemistry, and there's just something that's very likable about these two.
Meanwhile, higher-ups in the United States military forces have big problems on their hands. Mysterious machines and weapons attack bases and are assembling for a war against the human race. Scientists and experts are brought in from around the world to try and figure out what these things are, but they can't seem to wrap their heads around it. White House Defense Secretary John Keller, played by Jon Voight, issues very little information to the media, as everyone scrambles to determine what kind of threat they are facing.
Sam is sleeping, meanwhile, when his car suddenly comes to life and drives away. Sam chases after it, and Mikaela follows him as the chase ends up at a wrecking yard. Suddenly, a police cruiser transforms into a robot and chases after Sam, and out of nowhere, his Camaro also transforms and does battle with the evil robot before destroying it. Scared at first, Sam and Mikaela come to realize that this now 30' tall Camaro means no harm to them, and this is when the entire Autobot army assembles. Goose bumps appear on your arms as the robots you admired as a kid come to life on the big screen. Sam and Mikaela are speechless as these normal vehicles change shape in front of their eyes and stand before them. Finally, a blue semi truck appears and transforms, introducing himself as Optimus Prime. The Autobot leader then introduces the rest of the gang, and tells Sam and Mikaela the origins of their race, as well as the plans being formed by the Decepticons - a race of ruthless, human-destroying robots.
So with an army of robots that have their backs, Sam and Mikaela set out to stop the Decepticons from annihilating the human race. As you can guess, this results in some great-looking action and battle sequences involving good robots and bad ones. Director Michael Bay is known for loving explosions and special effects, so you can bet that both are in huge supply here. Personally, I'm not a big fan of him, because it seems like he substitutes story and character development with overblown effects and CGI. But yet, with "Transformers" he has finally hit a good balance. It's a great story and it's very easy to become immersed in it; you find yourself cheering out loud for the Autobots to win their battles with the Decepticons, and feeling a bit sad when one of the good guys have fallen. And for once, the CGI looks realistic, which helps you believe that its all the more real.
"Transformers" is the very definition of a summer action blockbuster. With a great human cast to complement the Autobots and Decepticons, as well as some great special effects and CGI, it's sure to please even the most hardcore fan base. Maybe heroes really do come as robots in disguise.
Ruttle's Reviews: The Archives
Yippee Kay-Aye...
"Live Free Or Die Hard" (2007)
Directed by: Len Wiseman (Underworld, Underworld: Evolution)
Starring: Bruce Willis, Timothy
Olyphant, Justin Long
Running time: 130 minutes
Rut's Rating: 4.5/5
Returning to the movie franchise that made him a household name, Bruce Willis is back as Detective John McClane in the fourth installment of the "Die Hard" series. This time around, he finds himself battling a computer terrorist organization that is systematically shutting down the economic structure of the United States.
Any fan of the "Die Hard" movies knows that McClane has always had an on-again, off-again relationship with his estranged wife, Holly. Well, by this point they are now officially divorced, and John now has a rocky relationship with his daughter Lucy, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. After a confrontation at the beginning of the film between the two, McClane is summoned to pick up a computer hacker named Matt Farrell, played by Justin Long. Farrell may know some things about the terrorist organization, so the FBI sends McClane to get him. It's at Farrell's apartment that things get a little explosive, as terrorist enforcers burst into the apartment and start shooting up the place, looking to eliminate Farrell. McClane and his new sidekick escape and the action is only getting started.
"Live Free Or Die Hard" gives us that nostalgic feeling of what action movies used to be like. Pyrotechnics, stuntmen, and car chases that seemed to go on forever, but you never wanted them to end. And I think it's only right that a sequel to a beloved action franchise that started in 1988 use those kind of techniques. So many film crews and directors rely on CGI and other effects to pretty much MAKE the movie for them, and it always seems to come off as too over-the-top and unrealistic, not to mention expensive. There's no sane reason why a movie like "Evan Almighty" should cost $175 million, but it does. Less is more, people.
This is the first film in the "Die Hard" series to have a PG-13 rating, while the previous three were rated "R". Some die-hard fanatics of the franchise (pun INTENDED!) might be a little peeved at that, and to be honest I wasn't thrilled about it, either. John McClane is a regular, blue-collar every-man who can curse up a storm when things don't go his way, but that part of his personality is a little scaled back in this one. Yet when you think about it, it was the right thing to do for business. Having an R-rating can seriously hurt an action movie these days, and then there goes the box office dollars. Director Len Wiseman was smart with this one; he substitutes C-words and F-bombs with car chases, incredible stunts and very impressive action sequences. And the formula proved to be a huge success, as "Live Free Or Die Hard" has earned over $110 million since being released on June 27.
Like every "Die Hard" before, Bruce Willis gives a great, pedal-to-the-metal performance as the wise-cracking hero, John McClane. Willis has had a long, storied career and is a huge favorite among millions, so it's nice to see that he would return to this franchise instead of letting the studio pick some pretty boy in a remake. Uggghh, makes me shudder just thinking about it. As the wide-eyed, computer hacker sidekick Matt Farrell, Justin Long gets the job done. He's nerdy, spastic, and complements the jaded McClane well. Timothy Olyphant plays Thomas Gabriel, the leader of the computer terrorist organization. Olyphant is arrogant, vindictive, and a good choice to play bad-guy to Bruce Willis.
If you love action, Bruce Willis, that guy from the Mac commercials, or you just want to see a police car collide with a helicopter, then "Live Free Or Die Hard" is for you. It stays true to the feeling of the previous films, and still keeps that 1980's-90's action flick mentality. They don't make 'em like this anymore.
"Live Free Or Die Hard" (2007)
Directed by: Len Wiseman (Underworld, Underworld: Evolution)
Starring: Bruce Willis, Timothy
Olyphant, Justin Long
Running time: 130 minutes
Rut's Rating: 4.5/5
Returning to the movie franchise that made him a household name, Bruce Willis is back as Detective John McClane in the fourth installment of the "Die Hard" series. This time around, he finds himself battling a computer terrorist organization that is systematically shutting down the economic structure of the United States.
Any fan of the "Die Hard" movies knows that McClane has always had an on-again, off-again relationship with his estranged wife, Holly. Well, by this point they are now officially divorced, and John now has a rocky relationship with his daughter Lucy, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. After a confrontation at the beginning of the film between the two, McClane is summoned to pick up a computer hacker named Matt Farrell, played by Justin Long. Farrell may know some things about the terrorist organization, so the FBI sends McClane to get him. It's at Farrell's apartment that things get a little explosive, as terrorist enforcers burst into the apartment and start shooting up the place, looking to eliminate Farrell. McClane and his new sidekick escape and the action is only getting started.
"Live Free Or Die Hard" gives us that nostalgic feeling of what action movies used to be like. Pyrotechnics, stuntmen, and car chases that seemed to go on forever, but you never wanted them to end. And I think it's only right that a sequel to a beloved action franchise that started in 1988 use those kind of techniques. So many film crews and directors rely on CGI and other effects to pretty much MAKE the movie for them, and it always seems to come off as too over-the-top and unrealistic, not to mention expensive. There's no sane reason why a movie like "Evan Almighty" should cost $175 million, but it does. Less is more, people.
This is the first film in the "Die Hard" series to have a PG-13 rating, while the previous three were rated "R". Some die-hard fanatics of the franchise (pun INTENDED!) might be a little peeved at that, and to be honest I wasn't thrilled about it, either. John McClane is a regular, blue-collar every-man who can curse up a storm when things don't go his way, but that part of his personality is a little scaled back in this one. Yet when you think about it, it was the right thing to do for business. Having an R-rating can seriously hurt an action movie these days, and then there goes the box office dollars. Director Len Wiseman was smart with this one; he substitutes C-words and F-bombs with car chases, incredible stunts and very impressive action sequences. And the formula proved to be a huge success, as "Live Free Or Die Hard" has earned over $110 million since being released on June 27.
Like every "Die Hard" before, Bruce Willis gives a great, pedal-to-the-metal performance as the wise-cracking hero, John McClane. Willis has had a long, storied career and is a huge favorite among millions, so it's nice to see that he would return to this franchise instead of letting the studio pick some pretty boy in a remake. Uggghh, makes me shudder just thinking about it. As the wide-eyed, computer hacker sidekick Matt Farrell, Justin Long gets the job done. He's nerdy, spastic, and complements the jaded McClane well. Timothy Olyphant plays Thomas Gabriel, the leader of the computer terrorist organization. Olyphant is arrogant, vindictive, and a good choice to play bad-guy to Bruce Willis.
If you love action, Bruce Willis, that guy from the Mac commercials, or you just want to see a police car collide with a helicopter, then "Live Free Or Die Hard" is for you. It stays true to the feeling of the previous films, and still keeps that 1980's-90's action flick mentality. They don't make 'em like this anymore.
Ruttle's Reviews: The Archives
In celebration of this film's long-overdue release on DVD, this week's review is dedicated to a movie that I grew up watching. This is the film that made me a huge fan of mythical creatures and monsters, and no doubt played a role in turning me into the horror film fanatic and filmmaker that I am today. Ladies and gentlemen......The Monster Squad.
Dracula, The Wolfman, & Scary German Guy
"The Monster Squad" (1987)
Directed by: Fred Dekker (Night of the Creeps, TV's Tales from the Crypt)
Starring: Andre Gower, Stephen Macht, Jon Gries
Running time: 82 minutes
Rut's Rating: 4/5
An assortment of monsters come together and plot to find a mysterious amulet that will grant them the power to rule the world, but not if a group of young teenagers have anything to say about it. Horror blends with adventure in "The Monster Squad", and while the dialogue and acting may be cheesy, this is simply a fun, straight-to-the-point movie that is easy to enjoy. Think "The Goonies", but with more of an edge.
Sean Cranshaw (Andre Gower) and his friends Patrick, Horace, Rudy, and Eugene spend their days reading and talking about monsters. Little do they know that Dracula, played by Canadian actor Duncan Regehr, has arrived in their small town and plots to rule the world with the power of a mysterious amulet. To do so, he recruits the help of legendary monsters Frankenstein, the Mummy, a lizard-like swamp creature, and the Wolfman. Actor Jon Gries is one of the more known actors in this movie, (you know him as Uncle Rico in "Napoleon Dynamite"), and he plays the innocent, tortured man who turns into a howling werewolf during the full moon. I have to say, even though this movie is 20 years old, the make-up effects used in making the Wolfman are top-notch and in my opinion, this is exactly the way a werewolf should look. The physical features of a wolf, but standing on two legs and wearing the ripped, tattered clothes of a man.
The gang finds out about this world domination plan with the help of a German neighbour, who helps translate the book that Sean brings him. It is the diaries of famed monster hunter Abraham Van Helsing, and it details the story behind the mysterious amulet and the battle of good and evil for control of the world. Banding together, the teenagers map out a plan and set it in action.
"The Monster Squad" is a movie that you either love or hate. There is no in-between. You either write it off as wasteful, teenage drivel or accept it for the cheesy yet enjoyable movie that it is. It doesn't take itself too seriously because it knows that its pure fantasy, but that's OK. Its horror for teenagers, so you aren't going to see blood and guts all over the screen, like you seem to in almost every supposed "horror" film in this hyper-speed Facebook generation.
As I mentioned before, this was a movie that almost raised me when I was a kid. I loved it back then, and I still do today. On July 24th, it is FINALLY being released on DVD, in a 20th Anniversary Special Edition package. Loads of special features, new interviews with the now-adult cast, and vintage behind-the-scenes footage. Being a fan of the film for as long as I have, this is one that I'm definitely picking up for my ever-growing collection.
Dracula, The Wolfman, & Scary German Guy
"The Monster Squad" (1987)
Directed by: Fred Dekker (Night of the Creeps, TV's Tales from the Crypt)
Starring: Andre Gower, Stephen Macht, Jon Gries
Running time: 82 minutes
Rut's Rating: 4/5
An assortment of monsters come together and plot to find a mysterious amulet that will grant them the power to rule the world, but not if a group of young teenagers have anything to say about it. Horror blends with adventure in "The Monster Squad", and while the dialogue and acting may be cheesy, this is simply a fun, straight-to-the-point movie that is easy to enjoy. Think "The Goonies", but with more of an edge.
Sean Cranshaw (Andre Gower) and his friends Patrick, Horace, Rudy, and Eugene spend their days reading and talking about monsters. Little do they know that Dracula, played by Canadian actor Duncan Regehr, has arrived in their small town and plots to rule the world with the power of a mysterious amulet. To do so, he recruits the help of legendary monsters Frankenstein, the Mummy, a lizard-like swamp creature, and the Wolfman. Actor Jon Gries is one of the more known actors in this movie, (you know him as Uncle Rico in "Napoleon Dynamite"), and he plays the innocent, tortured man who turns into a howling werewolf during the full moon. I have to say, even though this movie is 20 years old, the make-up effects used in making the Wolfman are top-notch and in my opinion, this is exactly the way a werewolf should look. The physical features of a wolf, but standing on two legs and wearing the ripped, tattered clothes of a man.
The gang finds out about this world domination plan with the help of a German neighbour, who helps translate the book that Sean brings him. It is the diaries of famed monster hunter Abraham Van Helsing, and it details the story behind the mysterious amulet and the battle of good and evil for control of the world. Banding together, the teenagers map out a plan and set it in action.
"The Monster Squad" is a movie that you either love or hate. There is no in-between. You either write it off as wasteful, teenage drivel or accept it for the cheesy yet enjoyable movie that it is. It doesn't take itself too seriously because it knows that its pure fantasy, but that's OK. Its horror for teenagers, so you aren't going to see blood and guts all over the screen, like you seem to in almost every supposed "horror" film in this hyper-speed Facebook generation.
As I mentioned before, this was a movie that almost raised me when I was a kid. I loved it back then, and I still do today. On July 24th, it is FINALLY being released on DVD, in a 20th Anniversary Special Edition package. Loads of special features, new interviews with the now-adult cast, and vintage behind-the-scenes footage. Being a fan of the film for as long as I have, this is one that I'm definitely picking up for my ever-growing collection.
Ruttle's Reviews: The Archives
Have You Seen This Before?
"Deja Vu" (2006)
Directed by: Tony Scott (Top Gun, The Fan, Man on Fire)
Starring: Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, Jim Caviezel
Running time: 128 minutes
Rut's Rating: 3.5/5
The title almost tells you to pay attention. "Deja Vu" isn't your typical shoot-em-up, blow-it-out popcorn flick. Sure, there IS a nice amount of that, but its the reasoning behind all of it that makes you pay attention, and it was this aspect of the film that I really loved.
Denzel Washington is Doug Carlin, an ATF agent who tries to uncover the mystery behind a horrific act of terrorism; a ferry carrying over 500 people, including sailors, crewmen and their families, explodes in New Orleans. Sometime later, Carlin is shown the body of a young woman who looks to have died in the massacre, but she was found an hour BEFORE the explosion. How can this be? Carlin tries to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, but something just doesn't add up. Meanwhile, he is joined on the case by FBI Agent Pryzwarra, played by Val Kilmer. Carlin's skills impress him, so he invites him to join Pryzwarra's special surveillance team.
At this point, "Deja Vu" sort of transforms from a crime drama into a sci-fi action film. The team's method of criminal surveillance is mesmerizing; a special program in which they're able to view events that have already happened. Think of your local convenience store's surveillance camera, only with the ability to view everything in a room at any angle you can dream of. But there's a catch; once something has happened, you can't go back and view it again, so there is no rewinding. The possibility of having such a program exist is interesting to think about. With this method, the team tries to track down the young woman, only in a time warp period of days ago, when she was alive. They link the woman's death to the person who planted the explosives on the ferry, and from this point, it's all about pin-pointing the fine details in how, where, and when it all goes down.
Denzel Washington relishes in this kind of role; mysterious, but yet down to earth. He doesn't try to pretend to understand this weird, futuristic surveillance program. His only concern is trying to prevent what happens, and finding the person responsible for it in the first place. Fans of his are sure to like him in this role, but I have to say that I liked him a bit more in director Tony Scott's other Denzel-starrer, "Man on Fire". Val Kilmer, meanwhile, has fun with his role, even if its pretty much the straight-and-narrow "play by the rules" kind of cop role. But Kilmer rarely disappoints in any role he takes and this is no exception.
Personally, the stars of this film aren't necessarily the actors themselves. Yes, they're a big part of it obviously, but it's the premise that takes centre stage. And anyone who knows me and my love of film probably knows my stance on CGI, but I have to say that the visuals in this movie are incredible. There's one scene in particular where Denzel's character is chasing someone on the freeways and roads of New Orleans that uses a split image, and it comes off really good on-screen.
Director Scott is known for his explosive yet personable films. With this one, he's created a story that simply leaves you thinking, "What if?" What if authorities could develop a technology to go back in time? What if murder could be prevented in this way? It may all seem a little over-the-top for some people, but "Deja Vu" is a film that simply asks for your attention. But don't worry; its not like its something you've seen before.
"Deja Vu" (2006)
Directed by: Tony Scott (Top Gun, The Fan, Man on Fire)
Starring: Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, Jim Caviezel
Running time: 128 minutes
Rut's Rating: 3.5/5
The title almost tells you to pay attention. "Deja Vu" isn't your typical shoot-em-up, blow-it-out popcorn flick. Sure, there IS a nice amount of that, but its the reasoning behind all of it that makes you pay attention, and it was this aspect of the film that I really loved.
Denzel Washington is Doug Carlin, an ATF agent who tries to uncover the mystery behind a horrific act of terrorism; a ferry carrying over 500 people, including sailors, crewmen and their families, explodes in New Orleans. Sometime later, Carlin is shown the body of a young woman who looks to have died in the massacre, but she was found an hour BEFORE the explosion. How can this be? Carlin tries to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, but something just doesn't add up. Meanwhile, he is joined on the case by FBI Agent Pryzwarra, played by Val Kilmer. Carlin's skills impress him, so he invites him to join Pryzwarra's special surveillance team.
At this point, "Deja Vu" sort of transforms from a crime drama into a sci-fi action film. The team's method of criminal surveillance is mesmerizing; a special program in which they're able to view events that have already happened. Think of your local convenience store's surveillance camera, only with the ability to view everything in a room at any angle you can dream of. But there's a catch; once something has happened, you can't go back and view it again, so there is no rewinding. The possibility of having such a program exist is interesting to think about. With this method, the team tries to track down the young woman, only in a time warp period of days ago, when she was alive. They link the woman's death to the person who planted the explosives on the ferry, and from this point, it's all about pin-pointing the fine details in how, where, and when it all goes down.
Denzel Washington relishes in this kind of role; mysterious, but yet down to earth. He doesn't try to pretend to understand this weird, futuristic surveillance program. His only concern is trying to prevent what happens, and finding the person responsible for it in the first place. Fans of his are sure to like him in this role, but I have to say that I liked him a bit more in director Tony Scott's other Denzel-starrer, "Man on Fire". Val Kilmer, meanwhile, has fun with his role, even if its pretty much the straight-and-narrow "play by the rules" kind of cop role. But Kilmer rarely disappoints in any role he takes and this is no exception.
Personally, the stars of this film aren't necessarily the actors themselves. Yes, they're a big part of it obviously, but it's the premise that takes centre stage. And anyone who knows me and my love of film probably knows my stance on CGI, but I have to say that the visuals in this movie are incredible. There's one scene in particular where Denzel's character is chasing someone on the freeways and roads of New Orleans that uses a split image, and it comes off really good on-screen.
Director Scott is known for his explosive yet personable films. With this one, he's created a story that simply leaves you thinking, "What if?" What if authorities could develop a technology to go back in time? What if murder could be prevented in this way? It may all seem a little over-the-top for some people, but "Deja Vu" is a film that simply asks for your attention. But don't worry; its not like its something you've seen before.
Ruttle's Reviews: The Archives
Lifeless Eyes, Like a Doll
"Jaws" (1975)
Directed by: Steven Spielberg (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan)
Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
Running time: 124 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
It's the original summer blockbuster. The film that made you scared to go in the water, wash your hands under water, or even drink a large glass of water. Decorated filmmaker Steven Spielberg was only starting to get his feet wet (pun intended!) when he made this legendary movie, and it ended up making him a household name. We all know the tale; a huge great white shark terrorizes the residents of a small island community called Amity, and it's reign of terror isn't ending anytime soon.
In what has been described as director Spielberg's "quintessential film", the use of underwater POV (point of view) shots is done very well. Using this technique, we're aware that this is the shark, moving slowly but destructively, looking for it's next victim. The numbing and brilliant score from composer John Williams (DUH DUH......DUH DUH DUH DUH......) only makes these shots all the more suspenseful. We may not actually SEE the beast, but we know it's there, simply waiting.
As for the human side of things, the film stars Roy Scheider as the Amity Police Chief, Martin Brody. He and his family are new to the island, having moved from New York, and ironically, he is afraid of the water. Scheider is a good fit for the role; Chief Brody is a man faced with a horrifying threat, and a community that looks to him for action. But he isn't alone. Richard Dreyfuss is Matt Hooper, a shark expert brought in by Brody to try and identify just how big of a problem Amity Island has. Dreyfuss is a fine choice for the role; a little nerdy, yet knowledgeable. He and Scheider have good chemistry and complement each other well. And finally, there is the hard-edged, moonshine-drinking shark hunter, Quint. He is without a doubt my favorite character in the film, and he is played with scary-good authenticity by the late Robert Shaw. Quint is a man who you can easily see has lived a hard life, yet his character doesn't command a "woe is me" attitude. Just wait until Quint's introduction in the film; you'll see that this man simply commands respect. Also, his story of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, (in which sharks killed over 700 men who were stranded in the ocean in 1945) is haunting and an incredible piece of storytelling.
And so, with the Fourth of July approaching and a town of people that live for the beach, the stubborn, greedy Mayor is dead-set against a full investigation into the shark attacks, for fear that people will run off and go somewhere else instead of spending their tourist dollars in Amity. Murray Hamilton plays Mayor Larry Vaughn, and with his cheesy suits and eyes filled with dollar signs, he is a great antagonist. Chief Brody and Hooper just can't seem to convince him that they have to close the beaches to ensure the safety of everyone. The Mayor only changes his mind when Amity's Fourth of July celebrations get cut short when the shark shows up and kills a man - all in plain view of everyone on the beach. From there, Brody and Hooper track down Quint and the three of them set sail, in search of the killer great white.
From there, it becomes almost a game of hide-and-seek. The three men sit, patiently waiting. Hooper steers the boat, Quint sits in his fisherman's chair, and Brody throws chum in the water for bait. When Hooper and Quint aren't looking, the shark suddenly springs up and shocks Brody nearly to death. Quiet and backing up slowly, he utters to Quint those infamous words that are synonymous with this film, "You're gonna need a bigger boat." At approximately 25 feet long and a weight of three tons, Brody's words ring true. The shark plays mind games with our heroes, showing up whenever it feels like it, seemingly coming from all directions, and dragging the boat further out to sea. It's only a matter of time before the beast does enough damage, ramming the boat and trying to leap onto the back end. When it starts to show signs of sinking, it's up to the three men to destroy the shark quickly before they become lunch, in a dramatic, explosive conclusion that keeps your eyes glued to the screen.
"Jaws" is the definition of a classic film. It may have been released over 30 years ago, but it stands the test of time. Steven Spielberg and crew may not have known it at the time, but they were setting the standard for any filmmaker who wanted to tackle the horror/suspense genre, myself included. For most of the film, you don't even see the shark. It's that old saying, "Less is more." All you need to get that feeling of welcoming dread is that POV shot and the infamous score. I know that for the longest time after seeing the movie, and even sometimes now, I can still hear it whenever I'm near a river or lake.
Duh duh........duh duh duh duh......
"Jaws" (1975)
Directed by: Steven Spielberg (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan)
Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
Running time: 124 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
It's the original summer blockbuster. The film that made you scared to go in the water, wash your hands under water, or even drink a large glass of water. Decorated filmmaker Steven Spielberg was only starting to get his feet wet (pun intended!) when he made this legendary movie, and it ended up making him a household name. We all know the tale; a huge great white shark terrorizes the residents of a small island community called Amity, and it's reign of terror isn't ending anytime soon.
In what has been described as director Spielberg's "quintessential film", the use of underwater POV (point of view) shots is done very well. Using this technique, we're aware that this is the shark, moving slowly but destructively, looking for it's next victim. The numbing and brilliant score from composer John Williams (DUH DUH......DUH DUH DUH DUH......) only makes these shots all the more suspenseful. We may not actually SEE the beast, but we know it's there, simply waiting.
As for the human side of things, the film stars Roy Scheider as the Amity Police Chief, Martin Brody. He and his family are new to the island, having moved from New York, and ironically, he is afraid of the water. Scheider is a good fit for the role; Chief Brody is a man faced with a horrifying threat, and a community that looks to him for action. But he isn't alone. Richard Dreyfuss is Matt Hooper, a shark expert brought in by Brody to try and identify just how big of a problem Amity Island has. Dreyfuss is a fine choice for the role; a little nerdy, yet knowledgeable. He and Scheider have good chemistry and complement each other well. And finally, there is the hard-edged, moonshine-drinking shark hunter, Quint. He is without a doubt my favorite character in the film, and he is played with scary-good authenticity by the late Robert Shaw. Quint is a man who you can easily see has lived a hard life, yet his character doesn't command a "woe is me" attitude. Just wait until Quint's introduction in the film; you'll see that this man simply commands respect. Also, his story of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, (in which sharks killed over 700 men who were stranded in the ocean in 1945) is haunting and an incredible piece of storytelling.
And so, with the Fourth of July approaching and a town of people that live for the beach, the stubborn, greedy Mayor is dead-set against a full investigation into the shark attacks, for fear that people will run off and go somewhere else instead of spending their tourist dollars in Amity. Murray Hamilton plays Mayor Larry Vaughn, and with his cheesy suits and eyes filled with dollar signs, he is a great antagonist. Chief Brody and Hooper just can't seem to convince him that they have to close the beaches to ensure the safety of everyone. The Mayor only changes his mind when Amity's Fourth of July celebrations get cut short when the shark shows up and kills a man - all in plain view of everyone on the beach. From there, Brody and Hooper track down Quint and the three of them set sail, in search of the killer great white.
From there, it becomes almost a game of hide-and-seek. The three men sit, patiently waiting. Hooper steers the boat, Quint sits in his fisherman's chair, and Brody throws chum in the water for bait. When Hooper and Quint aren't looking, the shark suddenly springs up and shocks Brody nearly to death. Quiet and backing up slowly, he utters to Quint those infamous words that are synonymous with this film, "You're gonna need a bigger boat." At approximately 25 feet long and a weight of three tons, Brody's words ring true. The shark plays mind games with our heroes, showing up whenever it feels like it, seemingly coming from all directions, and dragging the boat further out to sea. It's only a matter of time before the beast does enough damage, ramming the boat and trying to leap onto the back end. When it starts to show signs of sinking, it's up to the three men to destroy the shark quickly before they become lunch, in a dramatic, explosive conclusion that keeps your eyes glued to the screen.
"Jaws" is the definition of a classic film. It may have been released over 30 years ago, but it stands the test of time. Steven Spielberg and crew may not have known it at the time, but they were setting the standard for any filmmaker who wanted to tackle the horror/suspense genre, myself included. For most of the film, you don't even see the shark. It's that old saying, "Less is more." All you need to get that feeling of welcoming dread is that POV shot and the infamous score. I know that for the longest time after seeing the movie, and even sometimes now, I can still hear it whenever I'm near a river or lake.
Duh duh........duh duh duh duh......
Ruttle's Reviews: The Archives
Jet boats, in-laws and bald-headed killer bears
"The Great Outdoors" (1988)
Directed by: Howard Deutch (Pretty in Pink, The Replacements)
Starring: John Candy, Dan Akroyd
Running time: 91 minutes
Rut's Rating: 4/5
With the weather finally cooperating and holiday plans being made, I thought I would reach into the vault this week, and review a movie that my friends and I believe to be required viewing every summer.
"The Great Outdoors" is an easy-to-like story of a family's trip to the scenic views of a lakeside cabin. In one of his funniest roles, legendary funny-man John Candy is Chet Ripley, a suburban guy who just wants a nice, relaxing vacation with his family. Ruining that dream is wealthy loudmouth Roman Craig, Chet's brother-in-law, played by Dan Akroyd. Roman brings his family; wife Kate, played by Annette Bening in her feature film debut, and twin daughters Cara and Mara. What follows is anything but some trusty R&R, as Chet accidentally gets dragged across the lake on water skis, gets two black bears roaming on top of his vehicle, and is pushed into eating a HUGE steak, dubbed "The Old 96'er."
This movie is just simple, family fun. The thing I love about it is that the comedy in it appeals to all ages; I myself have been watching this movie since I was 7 or 8 years old, and I still find it funny today. John Candy is at his best here, and you're only reminded how sad it is that this Canadian comedy icon is no longer with us. Dan Akroyd is a perfect fit for Roman Craig; he's obnoxious, annoying, and he probably knows it.
However, the film isn't without it's faults; I could have done without the teenage-love storyline involving Chet's oldest son Buck and a local girl named Cammie. And there's actually a big goof you can easily notice that takes place inside the cabin. After the family return from the restaurant and Chet has just ate a 96-ounce steak, he gets sick and vomits in the bathroom. The rest of the family follows him, and the camera slowly pans to the right as they tend to Chet. What we're not supposed to see is Dan Akroyd giving a cue to the rest of the actors to run outside after seeing how sick Chet gets. It's a mistake, but a big one, and I don't know why the filmmakers didn't do one more take to get it right.
Nevertheless, this movie is an enjoyable classic, and it even makes you want to pack everything up and head to a cabin near you. Looking back on my own cabin excursions, I fondly remember going to Candle Lake every summer with my own family when I was a kid, and I enjoyed going to Pratt Lake last summer with my best friends, Chris and Kyle. I guess the only "Great Outdoors"-type memory we all took back with us was when Chris and I plowed a golf cart into the ground, scraping my right arm up pretty good, and later that afternoon, the golf cart died on us. After much deliberation and mistrials, we were finally able to get it back to the cabin. But enough about my own moments of idiocy - that's a subject for another time and another rant.
If you're looking for some light entertainment that's funny and enjoyable, then I'm sure that you'll love this film. In a time now where summer movies are computer-driven, long-winded schlock-busters that cost $150 million or more, a short, sweet and funny movie like "The Great Outdoors" is as relaxing as being in, well, the great outdoors.
"The Great Outdoors" (1988)
Directed by: Howard Deutch (Pretty in Pink, The Replacements)
Starring: John Candy, Dan Akroyd
Running time: 91 minutes
Rut's Rating: 4/5
With the weather finally cooperating and holiday plans being made, I thought I would reach into the vault this week, and review a movie that my friends and I believe to be required viewing every summer.
"The Great Outdoors" is an easy-to-like story of a family's trip to the scenic views of a lakeside cabin. In one of his funniest roles, legendary funny-man John Candy is Chet Ripley, a suburban guy who just wants a nice, relaxing vacation with his family. Ruining that dream is wealthy loudmouth Roman Craig, Chet's brother-in-law, played by Dan Akroyd. Roman brings his family; wife Kate, played by Annette Bening in her feature film debut, and twin daughters Cara and Mara. What follows is anything but some trusty R&R, as Chet accidentally gets dragged across the lake on water skis, gets two black bears roaming on top of his vehicle, and is pushed into eating a HUGE steak, dubbed "The Old 96'er."
This movie is just simple, family fun. The thing I love about it is that the comedy in it appeals to all ages; I myself have been watching this movie since I was 7 or 8 years old, and I still find it funny today. John Candy is at his best here, and you're only reminded how sad it is that this Canadian comedy icon is no longer with us. Dan Akroyd is a perfect fit for Roman Craig; he's obnoxious, annoying, and he probably knows it.
However, the film isn't without it's faults; I could have done without the teenage-love storyline involving Chet's oldest son Buck and a local girl named Cammie. And there's actually a big goof you can easily notice that takes place inside the cabin. After the family return from the restaurant and Chet has just ate a 96-ounce steak, he gets sick and vomits in the bathroom. The rest of the family follows him, and the camera slowly pans to the right as they tend to Chet. What we're not supposed to see is Dan Akroyd giving a cue to the rest of the actors to run outside after seeing how sick Chet gets. It's a mistake, but a big one, and I don't know why the filmmakers didn't do one more take to get it right.
Nevertheless, this movie is an enjoyable classic, and it even makes you want to pack everything up and head to a cabin near you. Looking back on my own cabin excursions, I fondly remember going to Candle Lake every summer with my own family when I was a kid, and I enjoyed going to Pratt Lake last summer with my best friends, Chris and Kyle. I guess the only "Great Outdoors"-type memory we all took back with us was when Chris and I plowed a golf cart into the ground, scraping my right arm up pretty good, and later that afternoon, the golf cart died on us. After much deliberation and mistrials, we were finally able to get it back to the cabin. But enough about my own moments of idiocy - that's a subject for another time and another rant.
If you're looking for some light entertainment that's funny and enjoyable, then I'm sure that you'll love this film. In a time now where summer movies are computer-driven, long-winded schlock-busters that cost $150 million or more, a short, sweet and funny movie like "The Great Outdoors" is as relaxing as being in, well, the great outdoors.
Ruttle's Reviews: The Archives
Resurrecting the Bat
"Batman Begins" (2005)
Directed by: Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Prestige)
Starring: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Tom Wilkinson
Running time: 140 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
Forget everything Bat-related from the last 18 years. Yes, that even includes Tim Burton's classics from '89 and '92, but especially the bombastic, unforgivable films "Batman Forever" and "Batman & Robin". Director Christopher Nolan strips away at the legendary DC Comics hero, and tells a story of one man's fight for justice in a city filled with corruption.
Welsh actor Christian Bale is the iconic title character, and is excellent at playing a dual role; one as the wealthy-yet-tortured billionaire Bruce Wayne, the other as the masked, crime-fighting Batman. Bale's portrayal of the Gotham City savior is arguably the best acting seen in any comic-book adaptation; this hero is mysterious, heartbroken and incredibly vulnerable. Bale is so committed to this role that in press interviews for the film's theatrical release, he spoke only in his character's accent, citing the deep history of this American icon as reasoning for doing so.
The film begins with young Bruce Wayne's terrifying first experience with bats. His father explains how fear made the creatures attack him. The emotion of fear is an ever-present omen in the film, most notably when Bruce's parents are robbed at gunpoint after attending a play. Things turn violent, and the young boy witnesses his mother and father being murdered. As a result of this tragedy, the family servant Alfred, played with a comforting presence by Michael Caine, is thrust into the role of guardian to a grief-stricken Bruce.
Years later, a grown-up Wayne returns home to Gotham City, present only to oversee the court hearing of the man who killed his parents. By this point, Bruce is seething with thoughts of brutal revenge, and jaded by what he sees as a corrupt and broken system of law. His childhood friend Rachel Dawes, played by Katie Holmes, tries to reason with him but to no avail. Bruce suddenly leaves his home, and ventures to the other side of the world, where he meets a mysterious man named Henri Ducard, played by Liam Neeson. Acting as a mentor to Bruce, Ducard trains him in combat, and teaches him that a heart filled with vengeance will ultimately destroy you in the end.
Wayne lives and trains in the cold mountains for what seems like years, and when he finally returns home to Gotham, he vows to instill fear into his enemies and fight for justice, not simply for his own personal gain.
Director Nolan wonderfully finesses the duality of the character; while Bruce Wayne and Batman are only but one man, they are both two very different personalities. You find yourself asking who the alter ego is at times. Is it Wayne secretly disguised as Batman, or Batman secretly disguised as Wayne? Nolan also shows the viewer a city in peril - Gotham's resident gangster Carmine Falcone, played by Tom Wilkinson, runs the city's underbelly and has a number of authority figures on his payroll. Meanwhile, criminal psychologist Dr. Jonathan Crane, played by Irish actor Cillian Murphy, terrorizes his patients with a mind-altering poison and a mask he uses to bring out pure insanity, earning the nickname of "the Scarecrow". Batman has his hands more than full with these villains.
Other high-profile names round out the cast in this film. Gary Oldman plays Jim Gordon, a good cop on the force at a time when there isn't many, who sees Batman as an ally when most of the city doesn't. It's a nice change of pace seeing Oldman as the good guy. He brings an easy presence to the screen and is actually pretty funny with some of his facial expressions. And Morgan Freeman is Lucius Fox, a weapons and equipment expert who unknowingly supplies Bruce Wayne with the tools and wardrobe he uses to become Batman. Freeman is his usual go-lucky self; it's different seeing him in a comic-book film, but it's more than welcome.
This movie stands out on it's own, far apart from the previous four, but they do give a nod to the Tim Burton-directed "Batman". When gangster Falcone shrieks in terror, "What are you?!?", our hero snatches him by the collar and growls, "I'm Batman!", in a moment that sends a shiver down my spine every time I watch it.
With an incredible, diverse cast and engaging, emotional story, "Batman Begins" is exactly how a super-hero film should be. It's powerful, exciting, and leaves you wanting more. As a matter of fact, the final scene will have you anticipating the sequel, entitled "The Dark Knight". And no............I am not joking.
"Batman Begins" (2005)
Directed by: Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Prestige)
Starring: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Tom Wilkinson
Running time: 140 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
Forget everything Bat-related from the last 18 years. Yes, that even includes Tim Burton's classics from '89 and '92, but especially the bombastic, unforgivable films "Batman Forever" and "Batman & Robin". Director Christopher Nolan strips away at the legendary DC Comics hero, and tells a story of one man's fight for justice in a city filled with corruption.
Welsh actor Christian Bale is the iconic title character, and is excellent at playing a dual role; one as the wealthy-yet-tortured billionaire Bruce Wayne, the other as the masked, crime-fighting Batman. Bale's portrayal of the Gotham City savior is arguably the best acting seen in any comic-book adaptation; this hero is mysterious, heartbroken and incredibly vulnerable. Bale is so committed to this role that in press interviews for the film's theatrical release, he spoke only in his character's accent, citing the deep history of this American icon as reasoning for doing so.
The film begins with young Bruce Wayne's terrifying first experience with bats. His father explains how fear made the creatures attack him. The emotion of fear is an ever-present omen in the film, most notably when Bruce's parents are robbed at gunpoint after attending a play. Things turn violent, and the young boy witnesses his mother and father being murdered. As a result of this tragedy, the family servant Alfred, played with a comforting presence by Michael Caine, is thrust into the role of guardian to a grief-stricken Bruce.
Years later, a grown-up Wayne returns home to Gotham City, present only to oversee the court hearing of the man who killed his parents. By this point, Bruce is seething with thoughts of brutal revenge, and jaded by what he sees as a corrupt and broken system of law. His childhood friend Rachel Dawes, played by Katie Holmes, tries to reason with him but to no avail. Bruce suddenly leaves his home, and ventures to the other side of the world, where he meets a mysterious man named Henri Ducard, played by Liam Neeson. Acting as a mentor to Bruce, Ducard trains him in combat, and teaches him that a heart filled with vengeance will ultimately destroy you in the end.
Wayne lives and trains in the cold mountains for what seems like years, and when he finally returns home to Gotham, he vows to instill fear into his enemies and fight for justice, not simply for his own personal gain.
Director Nolan wonderfully finesses the duality of the character; while Bruce Wayne and Batman are only but one man, they are both two very different personalities. You find yourself asking who the alter ego is at times. Is it Wayne secretly disguised as Batman, or Batman secretly disguised as Wayne? Nolan also shows the viewer a city in peril - Gotham's resident gangster Carmine Falcone, played by Tom Wilkinson, runs the city's underbelly and has a number of authority figures on his payroll. Meanwhile, criminal psychologist Dr. Jonathan Crane, played by Irish actor Cillian Murphy, terrorizes his patients with a mind-altering poison and a mask he uses to bring out pure insanity, earning the nickname of "the Scarecrow". Batman has his hands more than full with these villains.
Other high-profile names round out the cast in this film. Gary Oldman plays Jim Gordon, a good cop on the force at a time when there isn't many, who sees Batman as an ally when most of the city doesn't. It's a nice change of pace seeing Oldman as the good guy. He brings an easy presence to the screen and is actually pretty funny with some of his facial expressions. And Morgan Freeman is Lucius Fox, a weapons and equipment expert who unknowingly supplies Bruce Wayne with the tools and wardrobe he uses to become Batman. Freeman is his usual go-lucky self; it's different seeing him in a comic-book film, but it's more than welcome.
This movie stands out on it's own, far apart from the previous four, but they do give a nod to the Tim Burton-directed "Batman". When gangster Falcone shrieks in terror, "What are you?!?", our hero snatches him by the collar and growls, "I'm Batman!", in a moment that sends a shiver down my spine every time I watch it.
With an incredible, diverse cast and engaging, emotional story, "Batman Begins" is exactly how a super-hero film should be. It's powerful, exciting, and leaves you wanting more. As a matter of fact, the final scene will have you anticipating the sequel, entitled "The Dark Knight". And no............I am not joking.
Ruttle's Reviews: The Archives
For those who haven't read them, or those who want to read them again, these are the archived copies of Ruttle's Reviews. It all started with Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning 2006 film, "The Departed".
Dissecting "The Departed"
Welcome to a new feature making its debut in The Outlook. As an obsessed, over-analytical movie buff and budding filmmaker, I want to share with you my thoughts, opinions, and overall reviews of the best (and worst) that Hollywood has to offer. Through the latest titles to hit DVD to my own personal library, I hope this feature is helpful when the weekend comes, and you're looking for something to rent at your local video store to go along with that tub of popcorn and 1-gallon Coke. And so with that, please enjoy.
“The Departed” (2006)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull, GoodFellas, Gangs of New York)
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon
Running time: 151 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
Think "GoodFellas" with a more-realistic edge. "The Sopranos" without the lasagna and cannoli. Scorsese's latest took home four Academy Awards, including the Best Direction statue that has eluded the filmmaker all these years.
"The Departed" is an American version of the 2002 Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs". The film takes us to the crime-ridden underworld of Boston, owned and operated by Irish mob boss Frank Costello, played with welcoming intensity by the legendary Jack Nicholson. Costello ushers the viewer into his world, commenting through narration that when he was a kid, "they said we could either be cops or criminals. The question I ask is this; when you're facing a loaded gun, what's the difference?" These words seem to stay with you as the film progresses.
Meanwhile, Scorsese greatly balances the contrast between the film's two young stars. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Billy Costigan, a troubled young man fresh out of police training, who is assigned to go undercover to infiltrate Costello's gang. Having worked with Scorsese twice before this film, DiCaprio has displayed his skills incredibly over the past few years, showing that he's come a long way since "Titanic" and Teen Beat magazine. On the other side of the tracks, Matt Damon is Colin Sullivan, almost a son to Costello, who joins the ranks of the Boston Police Department on behalf of his "father". Damon has fun with the role, showing a darker side to his acting chops that we normally don't get to see. Personally, I think that both actors were robbed of Oscar nominations.
The universal theme of "The Departed" is deception. Who can you trust? Is everything as it seems? Nicholson, Damon and DiCaprio give us characters that are anything but one-dimensional; they're haunted, mysterious, and at war with their own personal demons.
With roles by Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg and Alec Baldwin rounding out the cast, as well as a unique and diverse soundtrack featuring the Rolling Stones and Van Morrison, Martin Scorsese has made a film that stays with you, and it only gets better with each viewing. After taking a break from his "bread and butter" crime sagas, Scorsese makes it hard for you to depart with "The Departed".
Dissecting "The Departed"
Welcome to a new feature making its debut in The Outlook. As an obsessed, over-analytical movie buff and budding filmmaker, I want to share with you my thoughts, opinions, and overall reviews of the best (and worst) that Hollywood has to offer. Through the latest titles to hit DVD to my own personal library, I hope this feature is helpful when the weekend comes, and you're looking for something to rent at your local video store to go along with that tub of popcorn and 1-gallon Coke. And so with that, please enjoy.
“The Departed” (2006)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull, GoodFellas, Gangs of New York)
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon
Running time: 151 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5
Think "GoodFellas" with a more-realistic edge. "The Sopranos" without the lasagna and cannoli. Scorsese's latest took home four Academy Awards, including the Best Direction statue that has eluded the filmmaker all these years.
"The Departed" is an American version of the 2002 Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs". The film takes us to the crime-ridden underworld of Boston, owned and operated by Irish mob boss Frank Costello, played with welcoming intensity by the legendary Jack Nicholson. Costello ushers the viewer into his world, commenting through narration that when he was a kid, "they said we could either be cops or criminals. The question I ask is this; when you're facing a loaded gun, what's the difference?" These words seem to stay with you as the film progresses.
Meanwhile, Scorsese greatly balances the contrast between the film's two young stars. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Billy Costigan, a troubled young man fresh out of police training, who is assigned to go undercover to infiltrate Costello's gang. Having worked with Scorsese twice before this film, DiCaprio has displayed his skills incredibly over the past few years, showing that he's come a long way since "Titanic" and Teen Beat magazine. On the other side of the tracks, Matt Damon is Colin Sullivan, almost a son to Costello, who joins the ranks of the Boston Police Department on behalf of his "father". Damon has fun with the role, showing a darker side to his acting chops that we normally don't get to see. Personally, I think that both actors were robbed of Oscar nominations.
The universal theme of "The Departed" is deception. Who can you trust? Is everything as it seems? Nicholson, Damon and DiCaprio give us characters that are anything but one-dimensional; they're haunted, mysterious, and at war with their own personal demons.
With roles by Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg and Alec Baldwin rounding out the cast, as well as a unique and diverse soundtrack featuring the Rolling Stones and Van Morrison, Martin Scorsese has made a film that stays with you, and it only gets better with each viewing. After taking a break from his "bread and butter" crime sagas, Scorsese makes it hard for you to depart with "The Departed".
in the future, there will be news
Welcome to The Rants of Ruttle, where as a news reporter for The Outlook community newspaper, I'll be posting portions of my articles, as well as the anticipated return of "Ruttle's Reviews". Many have asked me where that section had gone, and to tell the truth, there just hasn't been enough time for me to sit down and write a review the last few weeks. But now that we at The Outlook are looking to the 'net to reach you, the reader, you can expect new movie reviews, as well as news stories and the occasional commentary or two.
Feel free to email me your comments, opinions, suggestions. Enjoy the new reviews and make sure to read The Outlook each and every week.
"The Joker"
Derek Ruttle
druttle@theoutlook.ca
Feel free to email me your comments, opinions, suggestions. Enjoy the new reviews and make sure to read The Outlook each and every week.
"The Joker"
Derek Ruttle
druttle@theoutlook.ca
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