Daniel’s Most Anticipated Films of 2009

2009 is shaping up to be a HUGE year for movies.  With the box office running the gamut of films ranging from horror, 3-D, and family films, to big event films from James Cameron and Zack Snyder.

Here are some of the biggest films to look out for in the coming year:

Avatar: James Cameron is set to revolutionize the movie going experience this December, with his epic sci-fi tale being shot in 3-D, and infused with live action characters. Not much is known as to the actual plot as Cameron is keeping the film tightly under wraps, but he’s sure to blow movie goers minds.

Lovely Bones: Peter Jackson returns to theatres with his adaptation of the best selling novel by Alice Sebhold. The film tells the story of a murdered child who watches her over her family from heaven, and who struggles with her decision to let her family heal or seek vengeance.

Watchmen: Zack Snyder’s highly anticipated adaptation of Alan Moore’s seminal graphic Novel which stands as one of Time magazine’s 100 best novels from 1923-present. Anticipation could not be higher for this film though it’s release is still in question due to a court decision to withhold the films release from Warner Bros.

Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen: Michael Bay created a fun action packed spectacle with the first Transformers film last summer, and is set to return the favor again this year with it’s sequel. It reunites all the original cast members plus a few new transformers thrown into the mix. Look for the first trailer for this film to air during the superbowl.

Bruno: Sasha Baron Cohen returns to theatres this summer with his original creation of Bruno, a gay fashionista who fancies himself the voice of Austrian youth. The film is scheduled for release May 15th. Look for this film to enrage and elicit laughter the same way his last creation did…

X-Men Origins: Wolverine: Hugh Jackman returns to the screen with his now classic portrayal of the fan favorite, Wolverine character from the X-Men universe. This time the film will lose it’s McG direction as it enlists the help of director Gavin Hood from Tsotsi fame. Fellow mutants along for the ride include Gambit, Deadpool, Sabretooth and many others.

Funny People: Judd Apatow’s latest comedy focuses on the stand up comedy world with Adam Sandler, and cast regulars Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann. Production did start this past October with Sandler and Rogen attending various comedy clubs rehearsing and filming material for the film.

Drag Me to Hell: Sam Raimi’s long awaited return to horror has Justin Long and Alison Lohman in the cast. About an ambitious loan officer who denies a loan to an elderly woman who then places a curse on her and transforms her life into a living hell which she must get out of before it becomes too late.

Shutter Island: Director Martin Scorcese’s follow up to his oscar winning hit film The Departed returns him to familiar ground.  Reuniting him with Leonardo Dicaprio, and bringing in Michelle Williams, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley and Max Von Sydow among others, to bring the tale of Dennis Lahanes now classic novel to the screen.

Public Enemies: Michael Manns latest film reteams him with Christian Bale and Johnny Depp to tell the tale of a depression era government trying to overtake mobsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd.

New Release Tuesday

Welcome to New Release Tuesday for January 6^th, the first Tuesday of 2009! There are some titles that were on my Worst of 2008 list being released today, but fear not, there’s a couple to spend your Christmas gift card on. Let’s take a look.

 

Righteous Kill

I really wanted this to be good and it sounded like such on paper. End result? Camp. Also on Blu Ray.

 

Bangkok Dangerous

I stand by my assessment of this: Is there any good Nic Cage movies anymore? No. Also on Blu Ray.

 

Babylon A.D.

A mess in its theatrical form, but apparently the unrated extended cut improves on it. How much? I’m sort of curious to find out now. Also on Blu Ray.

 

Pineapple Express

James Franco kicks so much ass as a stoner in this; he was nominated for a Golden Globe! Rogen’s a bit dry. Also on Blu Ray.

 

The Wackness

**PICK OF THE WEEK** 1994 was fly as is this movie. Good performances from Kingsley and Juno’s Olivia Thirlby, a killer soundtrack, it’s really worth seeing. Also on Blu Ray.

 

Eden Lake

More horror from Dimension Extreme. Also on Blu Ray.

 

Alphabet Killer

Directed by Wrong Turn’s Rob Schmidt and stars the gorgeous Eliza Dushku, so that’s all I need to do to rent this sucker!

 

Disaster Movie

All in the title. Also a disaster on Blu Ray.

 

New to Blu

Dexter Season One

 

The Last Emperor: Criterion Collection

Opium and the Kung Fu Master

One of the last Shaw Brothers productions is the studios first Blu Ray!

 

That’s it for this week. Be sure to click on the cover art to order via Amazon and keep it here for reviews and more previews only at Killer Film!

Donny’s Top 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2009

I’m looking forward to seeing a ton of flicks in 2009, and while I’m only supposed to be listing my top 10 most anticipated films of 2009, I want to take this time to list a few flicks that are also on my radar.  Those flicks are; The Road, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Friday the 13th, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Megan Fox bending over cars is always a must see), and Push.  Now here’s my list:

 

10. Where the Wild Things Are: I’m extremely stoked to see Spike Jonze’s adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s awesome children’s story.  This was my favorite book when I was a little pain in the ass, and it’s one of my son’s favorites as well.  I’ll be at the theatre on opening night. (October 16)

9. Terminator: Salvation: I’m pretty tired of the Terminator films, but I’m curious to see what Christian Bale brings to the table.  So I’m ready to check this one out just to see if it will signal the rebirth or death of this monumental franchise. (May 22)

8. Jennifer’s Body: I love Diablo Cody, but I’m going to have to be completely honest.  While this film is interesting in and of itself, the main reason I’m going to see it is to peep Megan Fox in her birthday suit.  Hell, any chance to watch her on screen is a treat.  What can I say, the girl is smoking hot.  Anyway, I’ll be there for this one on opening night.  (September 18 in Canada, US dates coming soon)

7. Land of the Lost: I can remember waking up to watch the original every Saturday morning.  It was an integral part of my childhood.  The fact that it was made on the cheap and was sorta goofy only added to its charm.  I think Will Ferrell is a perfect choice for this flick.  Sleestaks baby! (June 5)

6. Inglourious Basterds: Quentin Tarantino is a bad-ass.  Plain and simple, the guy makes killer movies. So on opening night I’m going to be there with a smile on my face because at the very lest I know I’m going to be entertained.  (August 28)

5. Star Trek: I’m going to forgive  J.J. Abrams for Cloverfield and take this scifi journey with him.  I love the original television show, and the movies that followed.  I even enjoyed the Next Generation, so I see no reason why I won’t love this one as well.  Especially with a talented director like Abrams at the helm. (May

4. Funny People:  Judd Apatow is a funny guy, and I really dig the films he writes and directs.  So it goes without saying that I’m totally stoked to see him make a new flick with not only Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann, but with funny man Adam Sandler as well.  (July 31)

3. Adventureland: Greg Mottola is one of my favorite new directors.  I think the guy genuinely knows what’s funny.  After watching the trailer this became one of the films I’m looking forward to most this year. (March 27)

2. X-Men Origins: Wolverine: What more can I say other than, it’s Wolverine bitch!  I’ll be in the lines waiting for my ticket on opening night, just to see Hugh Jackman kicking ass behind the claws again.  (May 1)

1. Watchmen: I haven’t been this excited about seeing a movie since Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. This is my favorite graphic novel, and if the trailers are any indication of how amazing this flick is going to be, it just might be my favorite flick of the year as well.  (March 6)

Daniel’s Top 10 Films of 2008

10. Young at Heart: Next to Slumdog Millionaire this documentary is the best time  you wil have at the movies this year. This tale of an elderly chorus group singing rock/pop songs tugs at your heart and stays with  you.

9. Snow Angels: This devastating drama will get under your skin and stay there. Make sure to catch this little indie on DVD  as soon as possible. David Gordon Green’s best film to date.

8. The Visitor: Everyone that knows me knows this was one of my favorite films of the year. By far. Great Performances all around especially from Richard Jenkins who in my humble opinion deserves an Oscar nom for his work in this film though Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke have it in the bag.

7. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: David Fincher masterfully directs this tale of love and life, and handles it with such grace, and skill that you have to stand back to take it all in.

6. MIlk: Sean Penn in one of the most astonishing performances of the year tells the story of Harvey MIlk, the first openly gay man to take public office only to then be assasinated. 

5. The Wrestler: Mickey Rourke delivers the years best performance as a beaten down wrestler trying to come to terms with his life, and the choices he has made.  Hands down the years single best performance and one for the books.

4. Slumdog MIllionaire:  Director Danny Boyle contines to grow and show his skill behind the camera with this tale of unswerving love and devotion.  Hidden behind a tale of a you man named Jamal, telling the tale of how his life and the reasons behind him knowing the answers to India’s version of Who Wants to be A Millionaire.

3. Wall E: This little tale of a robot’s struggle to stay with the one he loves stole the hearts of Americans, and anyone else that has seen it. Pixar continues to raise the bar on what animated movies can be and how to make movies in general regardless of the medium. 

2. The Dark Knight: No i’m not simply stating this film is number 2 becasue im a ‘fanboy’ or whatever. This film surpasses the superhero genre completely and takes the story to a whole new level.  One not seen  in film for quite sometime. Look for a win for Heath ledger, and the film is also a dark horse for this years best picture race as well.

1. Man on Wire:  Absolutely Stunning documentary that tells the tale of Phillipe Pettite’s attempt to walk a high wire stretched across the twin towers.  Absolutely suspensful and breathtaking cinematography completely wrap you up in this caper.

Jon’s Top 10 Anticipated 2009 Films

It’s early, really early to know everything that will come out in 2009, but here’s a quick glance at ten films that should be hotly anticipated. Release dates subject to change.

2008 Films opening in 2009: Due to markets and release patterns, here’s some anticipates films many will get to see in January: The Wrestler, Frost/Nixon, Gran Torino, Waltz with Bashir, $9.99, and Revolutionary Road.

10 – Ong Bak 2: Despite the crazy behind-the-scenes drama with producers and the star Tony Jaa, the leaked early footage looks fantastic. Tony Jaa can easily step into the elite action star status with this; hopefully, we’ll see it sooner than later. (TBD)

 

9 – X-Men Origins: Wolverine: The trailer looks good; full of action, story, and Gambit. I suspect this film could go in two directions: Iron Man greatness or Spider-Man 3 sloppiness. There seems to be too many characters and it looks as if they’re trying to cover a lot of ground with his origin, so we will see. But Marvel’s on a hot streak. (May 2^nd)

8 – Pixar’s Up: After Ratatouille and Wall-E, need I say more? (May 29^th)

7 – Star Trek: Personally, I’m torn. I can’t get over the fact that it’s essentially “Baby Trek” but the trailer looks awesome. Abrams seems to love the Trek universe and Paramount and the fans are on board, let’s hope it will boldly go where no Trek film has gone before…or since Wrath of Khan. (May 8^th)

6 – Inglourious Basterds: I was a fan of Death Proof, the first Tarantino film I disliked, but I enjoyed the original 1978 version of Inglorious Bastards and everything from the casting of Brad Pitt, Mike Myers, to the concept, to the secret hope this is the film that return Tarantino back into the light, I am down for his WWII film. (August 21^st)

5 – Jennifer’s Body: This is the new film from Diablo Cody after her Oscar-winning screenplay for Juno. I think she’s talented and I like her as a person, so I’m hoping she proves she’s not a one-hit wonder. Cody’s stated she is a geek for horror films and you get that sense in Juno with the Argento versus Lewis talk. A naked Megan Fox isn’t a bad selling point either. (September 18^th)

4 – Friday the 13^th: I’ve given up the resistance to fight remakes. Good thing too because the poster, the trailer, the look of Jason are all bad ass. It’s not a hard concept to reconceived, a mother goes psycho after he boy drowns by camp councilors were busy having sex, so it should be no surprise if this film is wicked cool. I expect this film to be huge. (February 13^th)

3 – Terminator: Salvation: I was skeptical over further adventures in this world after James Cameron left, but if anything T3 was a lot of fun, Sarah Connor Chronicles on Fox is a great show that I hope lasts, and early footage makes this look epic. I can’t wait to see what happens in this timeline, because the trailer said “this isn’t the future my mom warned me about” as John Connor looks at these newer Transformer-styled Terminators. Christian Bale is Connor equals best casting choice ever. I don’t care that McG is helming it, I trust the footage seen. (June 22^nd)

2 – Black Dynamite: Here’s my off-beat, sexy pick. A hit at Sundance, this film looks as if it was made in the ‘70s and release this year. I am a huge fan of the blaxploitation genre and the trailer promises funky music, afros, sex, and all of that good ‘70s action. Michael Jai White owns in the trailer! (TBD)

1 – Watchmen: Like there would’ve been any other choice? The early trailers and footage look beyond great and this could be the film director Zach Snyder steps into the director elite circle. If anything, after The Dark Knight we’re more open to a multi-layered story with action wisely used and some people who have seen the first 20 minutes claim this isn’t an action-fest which has gotten the fans of the graphic novel even more excited. Hopefully, the court battle between WB and Fox ends soon and us fans aren’t the victims. (March 6^th)

There’ll be a lot more films I and Killer Film will get excited about as the year moves onward but I think these will be some of 2009’s more popular films. Keep it here for coverage, reviews, and interviews for all things film related in 2009, only at Killer Film! What are your anticipate films? Post below!

Blowing Smoke: A Letter From the Editor

 

December was a crazy month for us here at Killer Film.  We saw some great movies like, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Wrestler, and Slumdog Millionaire.  We became closer as a team of movie fans working hard to bring the best possible content to the web without outside influence.  But most of all throughout December and the rest of the year, we got to watch Killer Film grow into a site that we can be proud of.  

I’m excited to be working with some of the most amazing people on the web, and am honored to be able to read their material day after day.  Jon Peters puts out more content than anyone on this site including myself, and for that I commend him, but even more important is the fact that he never sacrifices quality for quantity.  I hope you have a wonderful year Jon.  Matt Champagne is a name that most of you that read the site might not recognize, but without him the site wouldn’t be where it is today.  Matt keeps us running, and makes sure we are virus and spam free.  Thanks for an awesome relaunch and year Matt.  Daniel Herrera (your page is on the way sir) is the newest member of the killer film staff, but definitely pulls his weight and more.  He brings our readers all of the exciting scoops in our news section.  Welcome aboard Daniel, you rock!  And last but not least, Serena Whitney adds a pretty face to a bunch of schmucks, and provides the site with insightful articles each month.  Thanks for the content Serena, and have a wonderful year.  

I myself feel blessed to have such an awesome staff, and am looking forward to the new year.  The month of January is going to be an exciting month for everyone here at Killer Film.  We are going to start our coverage of the Oscar race, look back at the films of Darren Aronofsky, and of course we’ll be rocking more news, interviews, and features as well.  

On behalf of the entire Killer Film staff I’d like to say thank you to all of our faithful readers for a great year.  We are excited to be a part of your cinematic lives, here’s to another killer year!  

See you all  next month,

Donny Broussard

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: 2008’s Best and Worst of Horror

This year was not an extraordinary year for aficionados of the horror genre. In fact, many would argue (including myself at one point) that it was the worst year in many years for horror fans.  We put up with needless sequels and countless remakes that we foolishly gave our hard earned money to. We also unfortunately had to wait months at a time for a theatrical horror release and waited in anticipation for the next soon to be disappointment like a popular television show on hiatus.

I thought it would take me a long time to actually think of ten movies worthy enough of being on a top ten list and to my astonishment, I realized in terms of horror, 2008 was not as bad as I originally thought it was.  Looking back, I have a lot of note worthy experiences and memories from just the horror genre alone.

1. I finally saw the goddamn Cloverfield monster.

2. I had the amazing opportunity to go to L.A. to watch Pathology and befriend Johnny Whitworth, my childhood crush. (Who I also ran into couple of weeks later in Toronto coincidently enough.)

3. I got to experience the amazing Montreal Fantasia Film Festival for the first time and meet great people like Mitch Davis and Fangoria’s editor, Tony Timpone.

4. I got to see a close friend shine onscreen opposite a beloved X-Men Heroine and the “Funky Spunk” dude from the now infamous Sex and the City episode, and I also got to see one of my director friends make his dream come true by making his controversial horror musical come to life.

5. I gave my friends memories they will never forget (no matter how hard they try) by introducing them to films like Inside and Funny Games.. I will never forget their outraged faces…priceless..

6. I got completely inebriated with the Great Troma founder, Lloyd Kaufmann. (Good times..good times)

7. I saw someone throw up over themselves after viewing a controversial French horror film. (You can’t forget that)

After thinking of my many memorable moments, I started to recollect all of the worthy and unworthy horror films of this year. Here is my list:

THE GOOD:

10. CLOVERFIELD

I know a lot of you may be thinking what the hell is Cloverfield doing on this list, but this monster movie is definitely a worthy contender.  For Christ sakes, a woman’s head blows up “Scanner” style in the movie. (If that’s not horror, I don’t know what is.) It was the year’s first worthwhile entry and it re-introduced to the mainstream audiences  the popular handheld horror sub-genre.  It was also a movie that created an obsessive buzz since audiences first witnessed the then untitled trailer at the Transformers screenings back in the summer of 2007.  People were for looking clues in random stores, buying t-shirts with fake Slurpie companies plastered over them and watching every YouTube based viral video for the film that they could get their hands on.  Seriously, any movie that gets gullible viewers to see it a second time simply to see a f*cking speck of something drop into the middle of the Ocean in the background, deserves to be mentioned on a top ten list.

9. TRAILER PARK OF TERROR

No horror movie surprised me as much as Steven Goldmann’s film adaptation of Trailer Park of Terror. I had first witnessed this film at this year’s Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal and was shocked to see the film was as equally hilarious as it was frightening.  Just like Dead and Breakfast and Hatchet, TPoT relies heavily on its ingenious kills on the obnoxious one-note characters to keep the audience thoroughly entertained.  If zombies, torture porn and musical interludes are your cup of tea, I suggest you visit this trailer park pronto.

8. ACOLYTES

Acolytes is an Australian horror film that I’m more than happy to promote due to the fact that not many people have witnessed it yet. Director Jon Hewitt delivers a visceral horror experience reminiscent of films like Jeepers Creepers and Mr. Brooks. It’s not everyday you see a movie about three troubled teenagers blackmailing a pissed off and psychotic serial killer. I praise Hewitt for making the bold choice of casting real-life teenagers and putting them in very violent and sexual scenarios. Like Larry Clark, Hewitt knows how to push the envelope in terms of real-life horror.

7. MARTYRS

Remember when I said someone threw up at a screening I went to? Martyrs was that film.  To be honest, Martyrs wasn’t one of my favourites of 2008.  I had seen it at the Toronto International Film Festival’s midnight madness premiere and was told beforehand that it made the French shocker, Inside look like a Disney film.  At the end of the screening, I was slightly disappointed because it wasn’t the shocker I had originally anticipated it would be.  Having said that, one can not deny director Pascal Laughier’s awe-inspiring vision and his interesting points of view about religion.  It takes guts and huge brass balls to make a film like this and I respect that.

Giving away anything of the film would do any future viewers a disservice.  You should know that it’s not for the queasy and if you’re Agnostic like myself, you will appreciate the film on a much deeper level.

6. JACK BROOKS: MONSTER SLAYER

2008 was the perfect year to release the monster-slaying plumber onto the horror scene.  The horror genre has suffered significantly this year and because of that, Jack Brooks was welcomed with loving and open arms amongst the horror community. (Something I don’t think could have been done even just last year.)  It was the breath of fresh dead air that the genre needed with its cheesy yet pleasing special effects and its original concept. Fellow Canuck Jon Knautz knocked it out of the park with this humorous origin tale of a man realizing his place in life.  It easily earns a spot on a top list for best Canadian horror films. (Give us the sequel already!)

5. QUARANTINE

When horror fans around the world heard the news that their beloved REC was being remade, an explosion of anger erupted in the community.  Then came the news that Dexter’s wise-cracking Jennifer Carpenter was to play Angela, the doomed reporter and it began to slowly pique our interests.  The trailer however confused us as it literally gave away the film’s final shot.  To my surprise, Quarantine proved to be a worthy companion piece to the original Spanish bound to be cult classic.  Although, the same doomed fates and events occur in both films, viewers were treated to bonus gore tactics and because there was far more character development with the firefighters, it made the film that much more suspenseful.  I recommend viewing this remake to any hardcore horror fan if only to see the general audience members flip out about the spoiled ending.

4. FUNNY GAMES

Unlike Gus Van Sant’s atrocious and pointless shot for shot remake of Psycho,

Michael Haneke’s Funny Games had a purpose for being remade.  Earlier this year, Haneke released the remake to his controversial Austrian horror film and it shocked audiences worldwide.  By remaking Funny Games in English and with a recognizable cast, he somehow was able to make it a much more disturbing experience than the first time around.  Haneke was able to take his obscure festival circuit hit and turn it into the ‘Lambada of American Cinema.’  The film introduced to mainstream filmgoers to horror filmed in real time and unconventional techniques like the breaking of the fourth wall.  This movie deserves to be commended as it was able to punish its audience severely for being used to the conventions of mainstream thrillers.  The fact that the most frightening moment takes place off-screen while a character is making a sandwich, just proves how powerful this movie really is.

3. THE RUINS

Earlier this year, a movie came out that unfortunately was bitch slapped by Screen Gem’s shameful Prom Night remake.  That movie was Carter Smith’s The Ruins. The movie was an adaptation to Scott Smith’s controversial novel by the same name, and for anyone that read the book before viewing the film was in for a much welcome twist.  Author and screenwriter, Scott Smith managed to switch around character personalities and fatalities to confuse the readers of the novel. Stacey wasn’t spacey and Jeff wasn’t crazy. The character changes really amped up the actors’ performances. (Especially Miss Laura Ramsey) Although in my opinion, Aaron Ashmore’s character was completely hallowed out. A lot of people were turned off by the initial premise of a killer plant even though the movie is far more disturbing than its synopsis. If you haven’t watched this spine-tingling survival horror, please do so immediately.

2. INSIDE

I didn’t originally want to put this intense horror film on the list due to the fact that most hardcore horror fans first glimpsed the film in late 2007, but because it was released on DVD this year, I thought I should comment on it. Inside is easily one of the scariest movies I have ever seen in my lifetime.  It is the only movie that made me fear a female killer as much as I fear Michael Myers. It is a wild roller coaster ride that not only crossed the line….it proudly pole-vaulted across it. Show this at a movie night and your friends will never forgive you. (hehehe)

1. THE STRANGERS

I know, I know. My top pick is very mainstream and on most lists it would only be listed as an honourable mention, but what can I say? The Strangers hit me hard and did not disappoint me in terms of scares and my expectations.  The rumoured unofficial remake to Ils had frightening villains , a kick ass score done by the amazing TomandAndy duo, great onscreen performances, (even from Scott Speedman) and a chilling ending that pulled the rug from right under its audiences and brought tears to this reviewer’s eyes. (This is no Vacancy I can tell you that!)  Despite its paper-thin script and its far too revealing marketing campaign, The Strangers still gets my number one spot for it was able to integrate foreign horror film tactics into a mainstream world.  I hope it’s the catalyst for some much needed change in the genre.

Honorable Mentions: Let The Right One in, Rogue, Midnight Meat Train, 100 Feet, Repo! The Genetic Opera, Donkey Punch, The Cottage, Home Movie and Eden Lake

Good Films I have yet to see:

Trick r Treat

Surveillance

Time Crimes

Dance of the Dead

THE BAD:

The Lost Boys: The Tribe-This is the sequel that took twenty years in the making? Did fans really need to see flamboyant surfer vampires? Did Kiefer Sutherland’s hard to understand half-brother really need to be cast as the main villain? Was Corey Haim’s horrid cameo at the end really necessary? If you answered ‘no’ to all of the above, then you are correct.  Two sharp fangs down!

One Missed Call-One Missed Call=one and a half hours of your life missed if you watched this drivel.  I hope the pay check was worth it Edward Burns.

Mirrors- This was a HUGE disappointment from Alexandre Aja.  It felt like the movie was written around Amy Smart’s infamous “jaw-dropping” bathtub scene. (awesome!)  Is it just me or does Kiefer Sutherland only know how to play Jack Bauer anymore?

Tokyo Gore Police-My friend and I fell asleep at the Midnight screening of this. Granted, we were fairly drunk at the time, but considering the title, sleep shouldn’t have been an option.  Surprisingly enough, we weren’t the only ones who fell asleep.  A disappointed follow-up to the highly entertaining Machine Girl if you ask me.

Mother of Tears-Hardcore Argento fans have been patiently waiting for the third and final instalment to the ‘Three Mothers’ trilogy since the early eighties. I have no idea why Argento felt this horrible mess of a movie was the conclusion horror fans have been salivating for.  Warning: Do not watch with your family.  I can’t begin to describe how embarrassing it is to view a witch eat someone’s intestines from their ass with your mother in the room.

Diary of the Dead-Although the film had a great concept, the execution of it was disappointing. Asides from some cool kills and a strong opening, George Romero’s latest ‘Dead’ installment was DOA due to its heavy-handed social commentary and its Razzie-awarding winning performances.

Prom Night-Do I really need to state why this movie belongs on the bad list? Really?  Well…because so many idiots out there went to see this in theatres, expect many pointless remakes to come. Joy.

THE UGLY:

Movies I wouldn’t touch with a 40 foot pole:

TWILIGHT( Yeah…I said it!)

The Haunting of Molly Hartley

The Eye remake

Saw 5

The Mummy 3

BEST AND WORST AWARDS:

Best Trend of the year: CINEMA VERITE

The handheld horror sub-genre hit hard with a strong force this year. I guess a lot of people learned to take Gravol beforehand for their motion sickness.

Worst Trend of the Year: RIPPED OUT ABORTIONS

Great minds think alike. Apparently, so do perverted minds as well. I still have no idea how it is possible I watched FOUR films (which include Deaden, End of the Line, The Lost, and Inside) that had fetuses ripped out women.  This needs to stop. NOW.

Comeback of the Year: HORROR TV SHOWS

In 2008, shows like Dexter, True Blood, and the short-lived, Fear Itself have been receiving great ratings and critical recognition. Here’s hoping 2009 bring more horror to the small screen.

Breakout Author of the Year: JACK KETCHUM

Jack Ketchum adaptations are extremely hot right now in the horror genre. Projects like Girl Next Door, The Lost, and Red have hit fans in the jugular and I have a feeling this is only the beginning of disturbing adaptations to come.

PISS OFF OF THE YEAR: STUDIOS DUMPING THEIR MOVIES

It’s as if all studios have given up hope on their projects.  Lionsgate bitchslapped Repo! The Genetic Opera and Midnight Meat Train severely for reasons unknown.

Movies like Pathology and Eric Red’s 100 Feet also were given the cold shoulder.  It’s foolish decisions like this that increase illegal downloading.

HERE’S TO 2009 and hopefully we won’t be bombarded with horror remakes! Have a Happy New Year!

Jon’s Best Films of 2008

It’s really been a great year for movies and I know you might be able to say that every year, but for the first time in a good while, I enjoyed going to the theatre each and every week. From touching and brutally funny comedies, to stirring documentaries, to soaring adventures, 2008 had a lot to like. Most surprising, is that I would call this year the Year of the Mainstream Movie, because if you look at the big studio films like The Dark Knight, Wall-E, Iron Man, Tropic Thunder, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button most of those films were touted as the best this year had to offer in the same sentences as the indie stuff.

Like any year, I can only see so much and while I try to see everything, some films either haven’t opened yet in my market (like Frost/Nixon, The Wrestler, Revolutionary Road) or unfortunately, I haven’t got to see for me to consider for this list. There’s been a lot of solid films, ones that are good enough to easily recommend (like Slumdog Millionaire, Role Models, Zach and Miri Make a Porno, and Incredible Hulk) but I just feel these 20 films (10 honorable mentions and 10 best) are worth any effort and any way possible to see, so out of the hundreds of films I did see, I weaved them down to this:

Best Documentary:

1- Up the Yangtze: Stirring and provocative, this documentary needs to be seen as it showcases the evolution of a country’s status before our eyes and the impact it brings to people who need the Yangtze River to survive. It’s simply devastating and beautiful at the same time.

2 – Man on Wire: It had more tension and suspense than any drama this year. The “Artistic Crime of the Century” has a bigger meaning when viewed in our current climate. It’s a must watch, hands down.

3 – Young@Heart: Focusing on a choir group of people no younger than 70, the film is delightful, funny, and heart-warming.

Honorable Mentions: Bigger, Stronger, Faster; Religulous, and Gonzo-The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson.

Best Movie to See with a Crowd: Repo! A Genetic Opera

Best Direct-to-DVD Film: An American Crime

Best Direct-to-DVD Horror Film: Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer

Now, I present you the Best Films of 2008:

Honorable Mentions: (20) JCVD; (19) Burn After Reading; (18) Redbelt; (17) Synecdoche, New York; (16) Son of Rambow; (15) Paranoid Park; (14) Tropic Thunder; (13) Inside (A l’interieur); (12) Trans Siberian; (11) Iron Man

10 – Ballast: Lance Hammer perfectly captures the Mississippi Delta and the people who live there, in this moody drama. Light on dialogue but heavy on emotions, Hammer lets the actors do what they feel naturally as he captures this oncoming storm of sadness in their lives. A fine example of American independent filmmaking.

9 – In Bruges: Sharply written, brutally dark humor, and totally forgotten by most critics this time of year. Coin Farrell is amazing and when he karate chops the midget, it’s about the funniest scene this year. I could go on and on the dialogue but it’s best to just enjoy it yourself. A spicy hit man film that pleases every second of its running time.

8 – Chop Shop: Lots of people are raving about Slumdog Millionaire and giving it a chance at being one of the five for Best Picture comes Oscar time. Scratch that. Here’s my pick for Slumdog’s slot. Gripping camerawork and style, the actors are more real like a documentary, than characters in a narrative, as young Ale tries to cope with his poor upbringing and thrive within the American Dream. Shot on location at Willets Point in New York, you won’t forget the place and its occupants.

7 – The Visitor: A sweeping character study and a look at our bureaucracy towards immigrants, the film is a rousing testament to the human spirit. I saw this in June and I still remember it fondly and as I left the theatre, I had a huge smile on my face. Still do. Remember all of the momentum Richard Jenkins had for a lock on Best Actor? Where did that all go?

6 – Let the Right On In: Many will be turned off since it’s a horror film but it’s as interesting psychologically as anything this year. Alfredson has given us a new definitive vampire story, something that is multi-layered and satisfying on all levels. Vampire films have been down-right stale for a long time and the way this film works and plays with the conventions of a vampire myth is pleasing as it is fun. A great film.

5 – 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days: Highly regarded from some critics from 2007, the vast majority of us caught up with it this year and it’s an unbelievably great film. The story takes place during the Communist reign in Romania during the 1980s and a young lady seeks her friends help about getting an abortion. The film never takes sides, which is key, and only presents the harrowing answers to their decisions under what would happen back then: death. Also, there’s no score to the film and you won’t forget you experience with it.

4 – Wall-E: One of the best sci-fi films in years just happens to be an animated film. It’s beautifully designed, featuring some of the best CG ever and a remarkable story that will stand the test of time for future generations to watch and enjoy. The crowning achievement from Pixar and I didn’t think that was possible after Ratatouille.

3 – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Long, sweeping, and I can guarantee you’ll fight tears; David Fincher has delivered a gem and one that has gotten the attention of the mainstream, which has eluded him thus far in his career. Critics forgotten his Zodiac from last year around award season and they won’t forget this. It’s a splendid story, score, acting, special effects and most of all, unforgettable.

2 – Milk: Gus Van Sant has given us two great films this year, and Milk is the best of them two. I’m amazed on how little not only I knew of Harvey Milk, as well as a lot of other people. Now that I know him, I won’t forget his story, life, and what he fought for. A powerful human drama directed by our best auteur.

1- The Dark Knight: Everyone close to me knew this was coming, but 2008’s best film is Christopher Nolan’s dark, brooding, thematically rich crime epic. Yes, a crime epic. I don’t use the term “superhero movie” with this, it’s so much more. Complex, rich with themes, and a deep story full of characters we care about, there’s no film that moved me or amazed me more this year. Best scene? When Gordon’s son asks why Batman is running, Gordon’s response is the reason this film is the best and the sum of why the character of Batman is so intriguing 80 years and counting.

My friends, that’s 2008! You can go back and reread reviews of almost all of these films if you missed one or wanted to refresh your memory here at Killer Film. Agree or disagree? Post your list below in our comments section!

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