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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Footloose (2011) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
Public dancing is against the law in the small religious town of Bomont. But Boston-raised teenager, Ren McCormack and the Reverend’s daughter Ariel have other ideas in this remake of the 1984 classic.
The original “Footloose” requires a 1980s mindset and was successful partially due the disjointed storytelling of teen films during that era. Up until now it could be said that there is no “Footloose” without Kevin Bacon. But surprise! The remake is so good that you may need to step back.
The cast is more polished than the original, particularly in lead female role of Ariel Moore brought back to the screen by Julianne Hough. Hough’s performance is more engaging than that of the original portrayal by Lori Singer. Taking the reigns of the role that made Kevin Bacon famous is Kenny Wormald as city boy Ren. Wormald wears the role with charm and the required “Footloose” too-cool-for-school style.
Reverend Shaw Moore, now played by Dennis Quaid, is far more emotional than the original depiction of the character first played by a John Lithgow. However, the same cannot be said for his wife, Vi Moore, with a disappointing performance from Andy McDowell. This is balanced however by the truly enjoyable portrayal of Ren’s best friend Willard by the well-timed comedy of Miles Teller.
Yes, there were cheesy moments. There was even a sunset so over the top that it may remind you Star Wars buffs of a certain lengthy romance scene in Episode Two. And yes, more than one of the reanimated lines from the classic film was forced. But the flubs were few and far between as this “Footloose” remake manages to succeed in many places where the original could have been improved.
The explanation of tragedy that originally befell Bomont has been extended, giving the town’s anti-dance perspective a little more sway. And this time around “Footloose” directly addresses a number of the small town versus big city stereotypes with strong dual sided humor.
The new “Footloose” still has less dancing then you want from a film entirely about dance, but when it does occur the style is much more diverse, ranging from hip hop to that famous “Footloose” country. There were things missed from the original; particularly the precision of Bacon’s solo dance scene, but this remake honors the impact of the original while standing on its own.
Now where do you buy a pair of red cowboy boots?!
The original “Footloose” requires a 1980s mindset and was successful partially due the disjointed storytelling of teen films during that era. Up until now it could be said that there is no “Footloose” without Kevin Bacon. But surprise! The remake is so good that you may need to step back.
The cast is more polished than the original, particularly in lead female role of Ariel Moore brought back to the screen by Julianne Hough. Hough’s performance is more engaging than that of the original portrayal by Lori Singer. Taking the reigns of the role that made Kevin Bacon famous is Kenny Wormald as city boy Ren. Wormald wears the role with charm and the required “Footloose” too-cool-for-school style.
Reverend Shaw Moore, now played by Dennis Quaid, is far more emotional than the original depiction of the character first played by a John Lithgow. However, the same cannot be said for his wife, Vi Moore, with a disappointing performance from Andy McDowell. This is balanced however by the truly enjoyable portrayal of Ren’s best friend Willard by the well-timed comedy of Miles Teller.
Yes, there were cheesy moments. There was even a sunset so over the top that it may remind you Star Wars buffs of a certain lengthy romance scene in Episode Two. And yes, more than one of the reanimated lines from the classic film was forced. But the flubs were few and far between as this “Footloose” remake manages to succeed in many places where the original could have been improved.
The explanation of tragedy that originally befell Bomont has been extended, giving the town’s anti-dance perspective a little more sway. And this time around “Footloose” directly addresses a number of the small town versus big city stereotypes with strong dual sided humor.
The new “Footloose” still has less dancing then you want from a film entirely about dance, but when it does occur the style is much more diverse, ranging from hip hop to that famous “Footloose” country. There were things missed from the original; particularly the precision of Bacon’s solo dance scene, but this remake honors the impact of the original while standing on its own.
Now where do you buy a pair of red cowboy boots?!
Movie Critics (823 KP) rated Beauty and the Beast (2017) in Movies
Apr 14, 2017
Remake of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ convincingly springs to life
Critic Review by Ann Hornaday- Washington Post
Original rating: 3 out of 4
Full review: https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/remake-of-beauty-and-the-beast-convincingly-springs-to-life/2017/03/16/9022737c-05bf-11e7-ad5b-d22680e18d10_story.html?utm_term=.dd812aa47337
Excerpt:
This “Beauty and the Beast” isn’t predicated on starry-eyed romance or animal attraction, but the solace of mutual loss and understanding, which makes it all the sweeter. Although the Beast is an entirely digital creation, based in part on Jean Cocteau’s groundbreaking 1946 film, Stevens imbues his hauteur and fanged hostility with pathos and arch humor. Joining Heathcliff and Mr. Rochester as yet another handsome dude in a bad mood, Stevens’s Beast provides the right kind of foil for Watson’s spirited, courageous heroine, who in one of two seriously frightening sequences fights off a snarling pack of wolves. The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it meet-cute moment for two gay characters is part of this “Beauty and the Beast’s” larger sense of expansiveness, wherein exteriors fall away, inner essences come to the fore and true love ensues.
And what in this big, boffo, ball-gowned world could be wrong with that?
Original rating: 3 out of 4
Full review: https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/remake-of-beauty-and-the-beast-convincingly-springs-to-life/2017/03/16/9022737c-05bf-11e7-ad5b-d22680e18d10_story.html?utm_term=.dd812aa47337
Excerpt:
This “Beauty and the Beast” isn’t predicated on starry-eyed romance or animal attraction, but the solace of mutual loss and understanding, which makes it all the sweeter. Although the Beast is an entirely digital creation, based in part on Jean Cocteau’s groundbreaking 1946 film, Stevens imbues his hauteur and fanged hostility with pathos and arch humor. Joining Heathcliff and Mr. Rochester as yet another handsome dude in a bad mood, Stevens’s Beast provides the right kind of foil for Watson’s spirited, courageous heroine, who in one of two seriously frightening sequences fights off a snarling pack of wolves. The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it meet-cute moment for two gay characters is part of this “Beauty and the Beast’s” larger sense of expansiveness, wherein exteriors fall away, inner essences come to the fore and true love ensues.
And what in this big, boffo, ball-gowned world could be wrong with that?
Film and stuff (30 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) in Movies
May 15, 2019
Better than prequels. Not so much the originals.
Starring: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver and Harrison Ford.
With the weight of the entire franchise and fans who have been burnt once before, Abrams had a monumental task to achieve in revitalising the Star Wars saga. Having had a huge amount of success with Star Trek, Abrams was the obvious choice for Disney.
With elements from all three of the original films and completely ignoring the second trilogy in every way it could, it would appear that 'The force Awakens' knew what it was doing, with enough nostalgia to take anyone back to the 70's.
Unfortunately that's where things go wrong.
The film shifts tone with such regularity it just seems confused and panicked as to what needs to be done. Instead of moments of humour and clever nods to the previous films, it vomits bucket loads of both which is more distracting than entertaining.
This is possibly the closest you can get to a remake without calling it a remake, where the ethos just seems to be "make it the same but bigger."
Instead of a continuation of the story, we are offered a setting up film. Don't we have six of those?
With the weight of the entire franchise and fans who have been burnt once before, Abrams had a monumental task to achieve in revitalising the Star Wars saga. Having had a huge amount of success with Star Trek, Abrams was the obvious choice for Disney.
With elements from all three of the original films and completely ignoring the second trilogy in every way it could, it would appear that 'The force Awakens' knew what it was doing, with enough nostalgia to take anyone back to the 70's.
Unfortunately that's where things go wrong.
The film shifts tone with such regularity it just seems confused and panicked as to what needs to be done. Instead of moments of humour and clever nods to the previous films, it vomits bucket loads of both which is more distracting than entertaining.
This is possibly the closest you can get to a remake without calling it a remake, where the ethos just seems to be "make it the same but bigger."
Instead of a continuation of the story, we are offered a setting up film. Don't we have six of those?
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated My Bloody Valentine (1981) in Movies
Feb 14, 2020 (Updated Feb 14, 2020)
Happy Valentine's Day
My Bloody Valentine- is a underrated horror jem. It also takes place on a holiday. Yes its one of those horror movies. A horror surrounding around a major holiday.
The plot tells about a group of young adults who decide to throw a Valentine's Day party, only to incur the vengeful wrath of an assailant in mining gear who begins a killing spree.
My Bloody Valentine faced notable censorship, having a total of nine minutes cut by the Motion Picture Association of America due to the amount of violence and gore. Though co-producer Dunning confirmed that the excised footage still existed, attempts to release it proved difficult as Paramount Pictures refused to offer an uncut version. In 2009, Lionsgate subsequently acquired home media rights to the film and released Blu-ray and DVD editions with three minutes of additional footage restored. The same year, Lionsgate released a remake of the film.
Oh yea their is a remake of this film. And that i will be reviewing next.
So overall this movie is a slasher horror movie revolving around a major holiday. That is both underrated and a horror jem. Love hurts doesnt it.
Happy Valentine's Day everybody.
The plot tells about a group of young adults who decide to throw a Valentine's Day party, only to incur the vengeful wrath of an assailant in mining gear who begins a killing spree.
My Bloody Valentine faced notable censorship, having a total of nine minutes cut by the Motion Picture Association of America due to the amount of violence and gore. Though co-producer Dunning confirmed that the excised footage still existed, attempts to release it proved difficult as Paramount Pictures refused to offer an uncut version. In 2009, Lionsgate subsequently acquired home media rights to the film and released Blu-ray and DVD editions with three minutes of additional footage restored. The same year, Lionsgate released a remake of the film.
Oh yea their is a remake of this film. And that i will be reviewing next.
So overall this movie is a slasher horror movie revolving around a major holiday. That is both underrated and a horror jem. Love hurts doesnt it.
Happy Valentine's Day everybody.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Destroyer (2018) in Movies
Feb 6, 2019
I had a few thoughts while watching this film: Would Nicole Kidman actually look like that in real life if she hadn't gotten her face done? As well as, damn, I think this film is a remake of Point Break.
I saw this a few days ago, and honestly, Sebastian Stan was the best part. I didn't think there was enough of him, obviously, the story was focused on Nicole Kidman's character. The storytelling was interesting, and a pleasant surprise. But, this film is essentially Point Break by another name with slight changes.
I saw this a few days ago, and honestly, Sebastian Stan was the best part. I didn't think there was enough of him, obviously, the story was focused on Nicole Kidman's character. The storytelling was interesting, and a pleasant surprise. But, this film is essentially Point Break by another name with slight changes.
Deano Arnott (28 KP) rated It (2017) in Movies
Jan 18, 2018
Awesome remake of a horror classic
There isn't really anything bad to say about this film despite a lot of critisism of the CGI effects of Pennywise the dancing clown. I, however disagree and believe that this version was far more chilling than the first version. Pennywise was back on form with his creepy and outright terrifying behaviour. The plotline rarely strayed from the original script and the cast did well to keep you engrossed in the movie. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and was quite excited when I picked up the dvd yesterday.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Fistful of Dollars (1964) in Movies
Mar 23, 2018
Storyline/Plot (1 more)
Clint Eastwood
American Western remake of Yojimbo, and a damn good one.
See this movie, it's worth it, but th reason it's a 9, and not a ten is because the Samurai version by Akira Kurosawa; Yojimbo is just better. If you can see that one first, if not follow it up and prepare to see two master storytellers use the same idea in two different genres, kinda like hearing a Nirvanna song being done by Johnny Cash. or an Alicia Keys version of a Cher song. Fundamentally the same, but so different in presentation. Both are epic masterpieces.
Dean (6927 KP) rated April Fool's Day (2008) in Movies
Mar 31, 2018
A so-so remake of the cult classic, although this time it is totally different characters and story but with the same idea. So if you have seen the original, if not then why?, you already have a good idea of how it will turn out. This is one of the main problems as it loses any sense of tension of the first film with its setting on a remote island. Despite the low budget TV movie feel, it was still watchable with a young trendy cast. Don't rush to see it but it's not that bad.
Dean (6927 KP) rated The Hitcher (2007) in Movies
Jun 5, 2018
Good remake
This is a brilliant if simple thriller/horror film! I was surprised I liked it so much, favours well compared to the original and much better than The Hitcher 2 which no doubt passed many by, just as well. This is very similar to the original with the general plot and "key" scenes still in it. Sophia Bush is great in this and Sean Bean does make a a good viillain. Very violent and bloody to go with it! If you thought this would be a poor comparison to the cult original then I suggest you check it out.