Search
Search results
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated The Quatermass Experiment (2005) in Movies
Sep 14, 2020
The first U.K. Maned mission to space vanishes off course only to return with two two of it's three crew missing and the third unable to communicate. As Professor Quatermass and his team try to find out what happened they discover that they come to realise that the rocket may have returned with more than they first thought.
As remakes go This one is quite good, it follows the same basic script as the original and the modernisation (mostly) works. The film doesn't go for much in the way of monster effects, relying instead on building atmosphere and tension which helps it keep the feel of the original 1955 version. It also helps that the original writer, Nigel Kneale, was also consulted on this remake.
This version of the film does have a very (modern) British feel to it which is mostly from the fact that is was made by the BBC so has actors that have appeared in other BBC sic Fi shows, most noticeably David Tennant and Mark Gatiss.
I do have a couple of problems with this film though, firstly the main set, used though tout the first half of the film does look to much like a,well film set. The hospital ward, MoD offices and press conference room all appear to be in the same building and, in fact in one scene, the camera pans from one room to the next making the whole thing look as if it was set up in a warehouse or large stage, which it probability was for filming but you shouldn't realy notice that in the finished film.
The other issue was some of the costumes. The film seems to be set in time it was filmed (2007) but some of the costumes don't seem to fit. One reporter looks like a 'teddy boy' whilst one looks like she's from the 20's and there's a scene with 80's/90's looking goths (Yes I know there are still goths but the look has changed a bit through the decades, as with most looks).
I can't quite work out if the remake looses anything from the original, in some ways the threat seems bigger but the ending seems less climatic. The final scene takes place in an art gallery instead of a church but this is due to a slight change in some of the symbology in the film (and probably because the BBC have had complainants when they have blown up churches in the past).
The original had scenes that stuck with me ( I was quite young when i first saw it) and I feel that the remake doesn't have this effect, although that could just be my age now. However the remake does up the tension and it does feel that there is more riding on Quatermass' success
Apart from those points the film is good. Fans of the original will recognise it for what it is but new views won't need any knowledge of the original to watch it.
As remakes go This one is quite good, it follows the same basic script as the original and the modernisation (mostly) works. The film doesn't go for much in the way of monster effects, relying instead on building atmosphere and tension which helps it keep the feel of the original 1955 version. It also helps that the original writer, Nigel Kneale, was also consulted on this remake.
This version of the film does have a very (modern) British feel to it which is mostly from the fact that is was made by the BBC so has actors that have appeared in other BBC sic Fi shows, most noticeably David Tennant and Mark Gatiss.
I do have a couple of problems with this film though, firstly the main set, used though tout the first half of the film does look to much like a,well film set. The hospital ward, MoD offices and press conference room all appear to be in the same building and, in fact in one scene, the camera pans from one room to the next making the whole thing look as if it was set up in a warehouse or large stage, which it probability was for filming but you shouldn't realy notice that in the finished film.
The other issue was some of the costumes. The film seems to be set in time it was filmed (2007) but some of the costumes don't seem to fit. One reporter looks like a 'teddy boy' whilst one looks like she's from the 20's and there's a scene with 80's/90's looking goths (Yes I know there are still goths but the look has changed a bit through the decades, as with most looks).
I can't quite work out if the remake looses anything from the original, in some ways the threat seems bigger but the ending seems less climatic. The final scene takes place in an art gallery instead of a church but this is due to a slight change in some of the symbology in the film (and probably because the BBC have had complainants when they have blown up churches in the past).
The original had scenes that stuck with me ( I was quite young when i first saw it) and I feel that the remake doesn't have this effect, although that could just be my age now. However the remake does up the tension and it does feel that there is more riding on Quatermass' success
Apart from those points the film is good. Fans of the original will recognise it for what it is but new views won't need any knowledge of the original to watch it.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Cabin Fever (2016) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Back in 2002, a fairly unknown filmmaker named Eli Roth brought a fresh and creepy horror film to theaters called “Cabin Fever”. It followed a time honored setup of a group of young people taking some time off in an isolated rural setting but instead of the worn to death psycho or monster on the loose setup, this film had something new in mind.
The film followed the outbreak of a flesh eating virus that was relentless, turned characters against one another, and had audiences wondering what would happen next. Filmed for a modest budget, the film became a hit and eventually spawned two direct to video follow ups, the most recent serving as a prequel to the original film.
There were plans to make a third follow up which was reportedly to be set on a cruise ship but they were scrapped in favor of a reboot of the main film with Roth serving as producer.
The 2016 version of the film is pretty much a scene for scene and in some cases; shot for shot remake of the original that duplicates the characters, situations, and outcomes from the first film with only a few changes along the way such as a deputy being female this time around, an addition to the ending, and some slightly better production values.
While it was entertaining to watch, I found that knowing what was to come stopped any tension in the film as has barely been 14 years since the first film came out, and without anything drastically different this time around, it made me wonder why the decision to reboot the film was made.
I do believe that there is still more to tell in this series, but that there is a better way to do it than the sequels we have had to date and a shot by shot remake. I think a story that ran parallel to the original or a more direct sequel might be very interesting as well as a look at the larger consequences of the outbreak.
That being said, if you are a fan of the series you will likely want to see the remake, but will likely wish that the series had continued forward with the story rather than going back to the beginning.
http://sknr.net/2016/02/20/cabin-fever-2016/
The film followed the outbreak of a flesh eating virus that was relentless, turned characters against one another, and had audiences wondering what would happen next. Filmed for a modest budget, the film became a hit and eventually spawned two direct to video follow ups, the most recent serving as a prequel to the original film.
There were plans to make a third follow up which was reportedly to be set on a cruise ship but they were scrapped in favor of a reboot of the main film with Roth serving as producer.
The 2016 version of the film is pretty much a scene for scene and in some cases; shot for shot remake of the original that duplicates the characters, situations, and outcomes from the first film with only a few changes along the way such as a deputy being female this time around, an addition to the ending, and some slightly better production values.
While it was entertaining to watch, I found that knowing what was to come stopped any tension in the film as has barely been 14 years since the first film came out, and without anything drastically different this time around, it made me wonder why the decision to reboot the film was made.
I do believe that there is still more to tell in this series, but that there is a better way to do it than the sequels we have had to date and a shot by shot remake. I think a story that ran parallel to the original or a more direct sequel might be very interesting as well as a look at the larger consequences of the outbreak.
That being said, if you are a fan of the series you will likely want to see the remake, but will likely wish that the series had continued forward with the story rather than going back to the beginning.
http://sknr.net/2016/02/20/cabin-fever-2016/
MinEden10 (1 KP) rated Spyro Trilogy Reignited in Video Games
Feb 9, 2020
The visuals are beautiful (2 more)
The soundtrack is great
Truly faithful to the originals
Nostalgia at its Finest
I love spyro. I have loved spyro since I was old enough to be able to play the first game. When I heard it was getting a remaster, I probably made actual sounds of joy. And I'm really pleased that the remake does remain faithful to the original in a way that is fun to play and plucks all the good nostalgia heart strings. The short version of the review is to go and get the game, especially if you've played the originals.
However, there's a few niggles I have. Hunter's new voice is irritating and not how i think of the character at all. Sometimes the camera has an absolute mind if it's own and refuses to remain to behave in a way that makes any sense and...
The glitches.
They're especially prevalent in Spyro 3 and within that, the skateboard races. The final race against the yetis took me upwards of an hour to beat simply because of how glitchy and broken so many of the mechanics that it needed to function were incredibly broken. Several of the trophies were also so persistently not triggering that at one point I had to put the controller down and walk away.
And I hate that they've tainted the game enough that i don't want to replay the third one again.
But yes, all in all, I love spyro, I love the games and I enjoyed my time with the remake.
However, there's a few niggles I have. Hunter's new voice is irritating and not how i think of the character at all. Sometimes the camera has an absolute mind if it's own and refuses to remain to behave in a way that makes any sense and...
The glitches.
They're especially prevalent in Spyro 3 and within that, the skateboard races. The final race against the yetis took me upwards of an hour to beat simply because of how glitchy and broken so many of the mechanics that it needed to function were incredibly broken. Several of the trophies were also so persistently not triggering that at one point I had to put the controller down and walk away.
And I hate that they've tainted the game enough that i don't want to replay the third one again.
But yes, all in all, I love spyro, I love the games and I enjoyed my time with the remake.
Given the calibre of talent on show here you’d be forgiven for thinking that this film might have been a little more popular.
Most of them play second fiddle to Vince (Riley) who finds himself in a spot of bother when he takes the place of someone in an organised game of Russian roulette were people gamble on the outcome.
Along for the ride in this barrel spinning thriller is Ray Winstone and Mickey Rourke who themselves are part of the circle of men putting their lives on the line for a potential big payout.
Michael Shannon is cast as the adjudicator making sure that everyone follows the rules and has the right amount of bullets in the chamber, he’s hardly pushing his acting talents to any great length. Statham avoids kicking anyone’s head in for an entire film as the brother of Winestone’s character, Ronald.
The film in fact is a remake of Babluani’s original 13 Tzameti, in which his son plays the lead role, that film faired a lot better with critics. Obviously that meant Babluani remaking the film and testing it out on the English speaking audience, getting a few house hold names to try and sell it.
Aside from the Russian roulette scenes the film generally falls flat, the ending is awful and there is no real pay off, you could almost see what was going to happen mile off.
I think directors should start sticking to the originals only and avoid the Hollywood remake for the sake of having their reputation tarnished in anyway.
Most of them play second fiddle to Vince (Riley) who finds himself in a spot of bother when he takes the place of someone in an organised game of Russian roulette were people gamble on the outcome.
Along for the ride in this barrel spinning thriller is Ray Winstone and Mickey Rourke who themselves are part of the circle of men putting their lives on the line for a potential big payout.
Michael Shannon is cast as the adjudicator making sure that everyone follows the rules and has the right amount of bullets in the chamber, he’s hardly pushing his acting talents to any great length. Statham avoids kicking anyone’s head in for an entire film as the brother of Winestone’s character, Ronald.
The film in fact is a remake of Babluani’s original 13 Tzameti, in which his son plays the lead role, that film faired a lot better with critics. Obviously that meant Babluani remaking the film and testing it out on the English speaking audience, getting a few house hold names to try and sell it.
Aside from the Russian roulette scenes the film generally falls flat, the ending is awful and there is no real pay off, you could almost see what was going to happen mile off.
I think directors should start sticking to the originals only and avoid the Hollywood remake for the sake of having their reputation tarnished in anyway.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Nov 9, 2017
All star cast (1 more)
Picturesque views
Pretty remake but lacking charm
I'm a bit Agatha Christie fan and love a Whodunit. I've seen the original Albert Finney version a few times and the David Suchet made for TV one. This is behind both of those. Although it has a great cast and some nice scenery it lacks any charm, suspense or tension. Maybe because I know the story so well but the flash backs, clues and final summing up weren't as good as the other versions. Might be more fun for those who haven't seen the other versions. I wasn't keen on Branagh's portrayal of Poirot either... But it's still a good story.
Nickg24 (492 KP) rated Train to Busan (2016) in Movies
May 19, 2019
All on board for a train full of Zombies
Wow! What a film!.A zombie film that actually delivers thrilling action scenes..characters you can care about and doesn't rely on CGI special effects.
The story is simple with an outbreak of a virus that infects people and turns them into raging zombies.The main character is on the aforementioned train taking his daughter to her mother for her birthday when all hell starts breaking loose.
I dare anyone not to get a lump in their throat when it comes to the ending.
An awesome movie that deserves to be seen by all before the inevitable piss poor american remake comes along.
The story is simple with an outbreak of a virus that infects people and turns them into raging zombies.The main character is on the aforementioned train taking his daughter to her mother for her birthday when all hell starts breaking loose.
I dare anyone not to get a lump in their throat when it comes to the ending.
An awesome movie that deserves to be seen by all before the inevitable piss poor american remake comes along.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
May 28, 2018
Bad mustache, decent movie
The impressive cast assembled for this film is definitely the high point in this latest remake. "Perfect" looking movies like this are always very pretty, but almost too good. The train/outdoor CGI looked a little fake to me and took me out of the film during a few of the outdoor shots.
The acting was all very good and the complicated story was interesting and kept me guessing as to the eventual perpetrator; however, I thought it was a tad anticlimactic.
The suspects slowly reveal their motives and partial truths which make the ending a little more interesting.
Overall, I was never bored while watching, but just thought it was missing something which kept it from greatness.
The acting was all very good and the complicated story was interesting and kept me guessing as to the eventual perpetrator; however, I thought it was a tad anticlimactic.
The suspects slowly reveal their motives and partial truths which make the ending a little more interesting.
Overall, I was never bored while watching, but just thought it was missing something which kept it from greatness.
CassidyTristyn (189 KP) rated Stephen King's It in TV
Jul 31, 2018
Old Vs. New
I have seen both the original It and the newer remake and I have to say that both are very good movies. They do have their differences, of course, but I try not to compare them too much because I enjoy both of them. If you enjoy Stephen King then you will definitely enjoy It. It displays telltale Stephen King horror that we all know and love. The horror aspect, while obviously a dominant feature, does not completely take away from the underlying friendship within the movie. These kids from Derry band together to face It and develop a profound bond and connection that brings them together again years later. Overall, a really good movie and a just portrayal of a Stephen King classic.
Dean (6927 KP) rated The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018) in Movies
Nov 26, 2018 (Updated Nov 26, 2018)
Hmm
I was looking forward to this after having watched and enjoyed the original Swedish Girl with the Dragon tattoo series of films. Even the US remake of the original was very good because the story was just very interesting.
This feels very different. From the Bond like opening credits and plot about a programme that can hack any nuclear missile world wide. It's very broad in scope... Without actually having a big plot feel to it. It's not a bad film, it's an ok Thriller. After the high standards set by the other films though this is a step down. Check out the the Swedish ones if you haven't seen them.
This feels very different. From the Bond like opening credits and plot about a programme that can hack any nuclear missile world wide. It's very broad in scope... Without actually having a big plot feel to it. It's not a bad film, it's an ok Thriller. After the high standards set by the other films though this is a step down. Check out the the Swedish ones if you haven't seen them.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated West Side Story (1961) in Movies
Jan 1, 2019
Some of the songs are iconic
Romeo and Juliet, this time the "Jets" and "Sharks" the Americans vs. the Puerto Ricans.
Some of the situations and dialogue are dated now some 60+ years later and the movie is maybe 20 minutes to long, but when it works it is magic.
Songs like America, Somewhere, I Feel Pretty and Tonight anchor the film and the dance sequences are astonishing.
Hard to believe Spielberg is going to try and remake this. The politically correct culture we live in now doesn't seem like it will like another version of this unless they make it very authentic and not have Natalie Wood play Maria this time around.
We shall see...
Some of the situations and dialogue are dated now some 60+ years later and the movie is maybe 20 minutes to long, but when it works it is magic.
Songs like America, Somewhere, I Feel Pretty and Tonight anchor the film and the dance sequences are astonishing.
Hard to believe Spielberg is going to try and remake this. The politically correct culture we live in now doesn't seem like it will like another version of this unless they make it very authentic and not have Natalie Wood play Maria this time around.
We shall see...