Frankenweenie: Blu Ray Review

Frankenweenie: Blu Ray Review

Rating: PG
Released by Disney

Frankenweenie is a remake of Tim Burton's 1984 short film which really kick started his film-making push.

In black and white and using stop animation, it's the tale of young Victor (Charlie Tahan) and his friendship with his dog, Sparky. Victor Frankenstein lives a quiet life in New Holland. It's a life isolated from people (by choice) and whose only real friend is his dog Sparky.

The pair are inseparable - as is so often the case with youngsters and their pets - so, when Sparky is run over and killed in an accident, Victor's inconsolable.

However, after being inspired by high school teacher Mr Rzykruski (Martin Landau), Victor decides to harness the power of electricity to bring his beloved pooch back to life.

Frankenweenie is an affectionate paean to the world of horror and the Hollywood horror films of yore - it's a tribute piece and one which cinephiles will adore. From its start which resembles the lo-fi quality of the 1960s B Movies to the ending which is a parody of Godzilla attacking via Reanimator for animals, there's much love on show here from Burton. It's also horrendously self referential (which is no criticism by any stretch of the imagination) - the prefab townships of New Holland resemble those of the streets of Edward Scissorhands, the lead character Victor practically looks like Johnny Depp, one character's called E Gore, Bride of Frankenstein references - the list goes on. Throw in some great visual gags as well and you've got enough to keep the family entertained.

But yet, all of that's secondary to the wonderful whimsy on display with the story.

In many ways, Frankenweenie is early Burton through and through - a childlike innocence and slightly macabre view of the world which is washed through with an emotional resonance.While some may feel it occasionally lacks a bit of punch, the charm on display is more than enough to carry it through its 85 minutes run time.

Extras: Original short, all new short piece, music video

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Trance: Movie Review

Trance: Movie Review

Cast: James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, Vincent Cassel
Director: Danny Boyle

Here is one of 2013's first utterly essential films.

James McAvoy plays Simon, a fine art auctioneer who joins forces with a criminal gang to swipe a work of art which is worth millions. But, during the heist, he gets a bump to the head which causes him to forget where the picture is.

Enter criminal gang leader Franck (played with calm menace by Vincent Cassel). When intimidation and violence fails, they turn to hypnotherapist Elizabeth (Rosario Dawson) to help unlock the secret of where the picture is. She's an expert at putting people in trances and getting them to delve into their subconscious to get the answers they need.

But, as she begins to work with Simon to get the criminals what they want, the stakes become much higher and the lines between reality and what's in Simon's head begin to blur.

Trance is a visceral and intellectual thrill as reality blurs in and out at dizzying speed. You really will need to keep up with every little moment as it plays out.

Confounding expectations and defying genres, it's an initially heady art heist thriller which switches tracks as it unfolds. With intrigue, mystery and a fairly high quotient of WTF and twists and turns, Trance is a real treat as it spools out on the screen, replete with dazzling brilliance from all involved.

McAvoy provides a nuanced and subtle performance which is compelling and draws you as you patiently wait for the answers to be revealed. There are moments when his fearful veneer collapses and hints of cruelty break on through and the dynamic he has with the threesome that is Franck, Simon and Elizabeth is fascinating to watch play out. Equally, Dawson has a commanding presence as the hypnotherapist, whose motives you're unsure of until the end. There's a power to parts of her performance which, again, doesn't become evident until the final stages of the film.

Director Danny Boyle's also bought in a hell of a lot of visual originality to the screen for the day after tomorrow look and feel of the film. By giving the capital a neon glow (one of his best shots sees a section of motorway viewed from above and bathed in orange), he's made it look realistically futuristic but still grounded in the world today. Jumping back and forth into different worlds, Boyle's effectively ensured that you'll be on the edge of your seat, trying to work out what the main thrust of the narrative is.

With Trance, there's the thrill of seeing it unfold without knowing exactly what's going on - and then the film commands a repeat performance to take it all in after the enigma has been revealed. With a pulsing soundtrack which masterfully builds the action, it's a perfect blend of mystery, intrigue and compelling performances. Throw in a story (which bears some resemblance to a UK teleplay of the same name) which rewards intellectual smarts and cinematic attention, this is, in so many ways Danny Boyle's Inception. Trust me - you'd be best to see it with little fore-knowledge of what lies ahead.

Exciting, enthralling and utterly engrossing as well as rewarding, Trance is one of 2013's first great cinematic experiences. In fact, you could send it's a Trance-ending mind-bending treat not to be missed.

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Killing Them Softly: DVD Review

Killing Them Softly: DVD Review

Rating: R16
Released by Sony Home Entertainment

This latest from Wellington director, Andrew Dominik is a crime thriller - with a bit of a difference, starring Brad Pitt.

But in adapting the 1974 novel, Cogan's Trade by George V Higgins, Dominik's brought the book into the year 2008 with a presidential campaign taking place and with the American economy facing global meltdown. Ray Liotta plays Markie Trattman, who runs a series of local illegal card games - a little while back, Trattman held up his own card game to make some cash. But unable to keep the secret, he confessed that he'd stolen from his own - and somehow managed to get away with it.

However, he's warned that if any further hold ups occur, he'll be the number one suspect...

Seizing on this, local wannabe Johnny Amato (The Sopranos' Johnny Sack aka Vincent Curatola) hires two goons, Frankie (McNairy) and Aussie Russell (Mendelsohn) to knock over the game and get the blame squarely resting on Trattman's shoulders.

But when this heist's carried out, the bosses decide the economy of the local criminal underworld (much like the economy nationwide) is under threat, so Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt), an enforcer is called on to try and resolve the situation and restore some order before it gets any worse.

Scuzzy, gritty, grimy and quite bleak in parts, Killing Them Softly is a compelling watch from beginning to end.

It's a brilliant character piece too with Dominik letting the dialogue take centre stage rather than anything else; it's dialled down, back to its roots film-making with various speeches from Bush and Obama providing the OST rather than any OTT music ever could. (Though its over-use and reliance from the director to propel the story along becomes a bit of an issue later towards the end).

Essentially, Killing Them Softly is Sopranos x Economic recession x the story telling of Animal Kingdom.

It's a welcome addition to the pantheon of crime films and is instantly a classic.

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Lawless: Blu Ray Review

Lawless: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Roadshow Home Entertainment

Based on a historical true story, Lawless stars Tom Hardy, Shia LaBoeuf, Jessica Chastain, Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce and Mia Wasikowska.

It's the story of the Bondurant brothers, who sold moonshine in Virginia County during the Prohibition era of the 1930s.

When Shia LaBoeuf's youngest Jack decides it's time to step up with the business, it coincides with the arrival of cruel Special Deputy Charlie Rakes (a mean Guy Pearce) who's determined to crack down on the illegal trade. These two events set in motion an escalating war between the two sides...

Grim and bloody, Lawless is a warts and all portrayal of the fight between good and bad during Prohibition. It doesn't flinch away from the realities of outlaw life and it's what you'd expect from director John Hillcoat, who directed the Proposition and The Road. At times, bleak and lacking a little full character development, it's nevertheless an engrossing watch which culminates in a shocking showdown.

Life under the Prohibition era has never been more unflinching or as grimly presented - but Lawless is a compelling film which deserves some of your time.

Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary, true story documentary and music video

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Trailer for Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing

Trailer for Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing

Hot off the presses and sizzling with style and sophistication, here's the brand new trailer for Much Ado About Nothing, from Joss Whedon.

Starring Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker and a whole range of very familiar faces from the Whedonverse, it's got real potential.

No word yet on a release in New Zealand though. Here's hoping New Zealand International Film Festival helps out.

New Hangover 3 trailer drops

New Hangover 3 trailer drops

The Wolfpack is back - in this brand new Hangover Part III trailer which has just launched.

This time, there's no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off in The Hangover 3.

The Hangover Part III is releasing in New Zealand cinemas on May 23^rd 2013.




We've also got a look at the new poster for The Hangover Part III here too.

New Catching Fire character posters unveiled

New Catching Fire character posters unveiled

Great news for fans of The Hunger Games.

A set of new Catching Fire character posters have been unveiled.

They feature Jennifer Lawrence of Katniss, Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and Stanley Tucci as Caesar. New images of Jeffery Wright as Beetee and Jena Malone as  Johanna Mason are also out on site Mockingjay.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire hits NZ cinemas in November.