Warm Bodies

Review by James Colt Harrison

There have never been so many laughs in a horror film than in Warm Bodies, based on the popular novel written by Isaac Marion. Director Jonathan Levine (50/50) also worked on the screenplay to give the film his unique touch. Perhaps there were some laughs in the classic films of Vincent Price and Peter Lorre, but on the whole most horror films have no sense of humor. Levine has injected laughs and witty lines into the film that give it a little different edge than is usual in this genre.

In a definite nod to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by naming his main characters “R” and “Julie,” Levine re-imagines the world-famed duo into a modern, apocalyptic setting in which the human population has been devastated by a mysterious plague.  Never fear, this setting may appear to be depressing, but the film is such an original depiction at the “horror” aspects of life lived with zombies, that we get a clear and fresh look through the use of humorous asides and comic situations.

The plot is thankfully simple: the undead corpses must eat the surviving humans in order to “live” themselves. The humans must fight off both the zombies and the “bonies,” who will eat anything. Handsome young British actor Nicholas Hoult plays the undead “R,” who is unhappy with his situation, and lovely Australian actress Teresa Palmer plays Julie, the object of his affection. After Julie’s boyfriend (Dave Franco) gets killed, R is compelled to eat him and absorb his memories. Naturally, he can’t help but fall in love with Julie. He protects her from the other corpses by hiding her in his own abandoned airplane, which is outfitted with an old record player that plays appropriate songs such as Bob Dylan’s “Shelter from the Storm” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart,” all done tongue-in-cheek.

Hoult has the tough job of being spooky, yet remaining attractive to Julie at the same time. She tries slowly to re-ignite his dead heart. Using the voice-over technique, Hoult comments humorously about the situations at hand. The picture is delightful despite the gruesome situations. Can they co-exist in the same film? Absolutely, thanks to the attractive cast and the giddy script.

Nicholas Hoult was born in England December 7,1989. Discovered by a theater director at the age of three, Nicholas was propelled into both a show business life as well as a modeling career. He immersed himself doing many television episodes as a child. He got his big break in 2002 at the age of 12 for appearing in the hit film About A Boy.  From 2007-2008, he appeared in 19 episodes the sensational television series Skins, about teens. As he grew up, he appeared in several significant films. He broke out of his innocent boy roles to play a seductor of Colin Firth’s professor in A Single Man (2009). He followed that with action films Clash of the Titans (2010) and X-Men: First Class (2011). He has already filmed Jack the Giant Slayer and Mad Max: Fury Road , his next immediate releases, and begins filming X-Men: Days of Future Past this year. In his personal life, Nicholas has been dating Oscar® nominee Jennifer Lawrence.

The film co-stars John Malkovich, Rob Corddry, Analeigh Tipton, Cory Hardrict.

Mandeville Films.

 

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‘Hansel and Gretel’ is no fairy tale

Review by James Colt Harrison

The new Hansel and Gretel (Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton )  from director Tommy Wirkola is no fairy tale, but it’s filmed in eye-popping 3D to give it a smattering of reality. If you are familiar with the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale of the brother-sister team who roam Germany’s Black Forest, then you will barely recognize this hyped-up ghoulish version. Mr. Wikola and his buddy D.W. Harper have conjured up a new, horror-inspired action film that bears no resemblance to the fairy tale whatsoever. Oh, yes, there are shreds of the original story scattered throughout this plot-free mess, but you will have to look closely to find them.

Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy, what has happened to your promising career? If this “B” picture doesn’t put the nail into your coffin, then nothing will. We’re referring, of course, to the star of Hansel and Gretel, Mr. Jeremy Renner. He began with his outstanding performance in the Oscar® winning war-action film The Hurt Locker  and followed soon after with the excellent spy adventure, The Bourne Legacy. Both were “A” pictures and both were smashes at the box office. This new picture couldn’t have been done for any other reason than to make money for Renner’s bank account. We suggest he buy rental property for his future financial security. Jeremy: the distance between starring in Hollywood films and plucking chickens on a farm in your native Modesto is not far.

The word “idiotic” comes to mind when describing this film. Only 12 year-old boys who love seeing heads being lopped off at breakneck speed or bodies spewing gallons of blood into the eyes of the 3D camera will enjoy this non-stop mayhem. The film is free of any reason, and the scenes are merely tied together with one battle scene after another. The carnage is relentless. Hansel and Gretel are allegedly trying to do away with all the bad witches (led by European star Famke Jansssen) who are stealing all the village’s children. The villagers don’t know how well off they are, so they insist on getting them back.

The Brother’s Grimm, on whose fairy tale this film is loosely based, must be spinning in their graves. Jacob (1785-1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786-1859) were born in Hanau, Germany. As they grew up they became interested in folk tales and began collecting them into two volumes, published in 1812 and 1814. They wrote down oral stories told by old villagers and called the books “Household and Nursery Tales.” The books were big hits and made the Brother’s Grimm famous in many other countries.

The Brother’s Grimm fairy tales will survive, just as they have for the past 200 years. The new version of Hansel and Gretel is destined to end up in the remainder bin of the local discount video store in a few weeks. Even then, it will be overpriced. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/ Paramount Pictures.

 

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Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken are old pros

Review by James Colt Harrison

Rarely has a gangster movie been made in which the main characters are loveable and funny. Both Christopher Walken and Robert De Niro project, charm,warmth, and likeability, even though they are both killers. Stand Up Guys, directed by Fisher Stevens, takes an amusing look at two old friends who meet once again after being separated by many years.

Back in the Golden Age of movies in the 1930s, gangster films were all the rage. Jimmy Cagney and Edward G. Robinson ruled at Warner Bros studios with their underground characters. Cagney and Robinson had their own styles that were not alike, but both men were so charismatic and wildly popular that gangland criminals were idolized. Cagney was the feisty Irish tough guy from New York’s Hell’s Kitchen area, whereas Robinson personified the more dapper, but dangerous ethnic type (be it Italian or Jewish). He could play it with relish and a copyrighted snarl. These men were gigantic stars and set the rules for all future actors who play baddies.

Walken and De Niro are their own men, of course, but both can play drama as well as comedy. Being such marvelous old pros, these two actors play off each other as though they had been acting together for years. In this film, they play best friends who grew up in crime since they were kids. Their affection for each other shows, but is not blatant or overdone.

De Niro’s character Val apparently took the fall for a deal that went wrong that both had been involved in as young men. He spent 28 yrs in jail. When he gets out, he finds his old pal waiting for him. These two con men want to re-activate the old gang to relive the great old days. There’s one problem. Walken (Doc) has been pressured by mob leader Claphands (played with intensity by Mark Margolis) to bump off his old pal Val. It becomes a dilemma for Doc even though Val knew it was probably coming.

Alan Arkin (Hirsch) gives another of his great supporting performances as their old car driver during their youthful escapades. Now confined to an assisted living home, Hirsch dreams of their shenanigans from years gone by and wants to recreate those thrills. Their scenes together are extremely funny, exciting, and exhilarating as they go about the city trying to right some wrongs.

The film is fun, thrilling, and on its way to becoming a classic because of its brilliant casting. De Niro and Walken make a fine team and could be seen in a sequel if this film does well at the box office. They have created two memorable characters who are bad boys; but who doesn’t love bad boys?  Lakeshore Entertainment/ Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.

 

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12 Oscar Nominations for "Lincoln"

Compiled by James Colt Harrison

With the Oscar nominations announced for this current season, several artists have already made statements expressing their happiness about being among those who were honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Here are just a few of those exceptional talents who have been recognized by their peers.

LINCOLN (directed by Steven Speilberg for Universal Pictures)

Sally Field - (Nominated for Best Supporting Actress as Mary Todd Lincoln):

“I'm spinning and beyond thrilled on so many levels.  To be included in this amazing group of extraordinary craftsman and exquisite talents has been an honor in itself.  But now for us all  to receive so much recognition from the Academy I'm deeply appreciative and overwhelmed, and basically, I still can't believe I got the role."

Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy (Producers, Nominated for Best Picture; Spielberg nominated for Best Director)


“We are absolutely thrilled and astonished with the 12 nominations. It is
such a tribute to the work of those who joined us in this 12-year journey
to bring LINCOLN to the screen. We humbly thank the Academy members who
honored so many of us.”

Tony Kushner, Screenwriter; (Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay) 


“I'm tremendously honored to be a nominee in the company of so many writers and filmmakers whose work I admire. I'm very grateful to Steven and Kathy, to Daniel, Sally, Tommy Lee and the whole cast, to Rick, Joanna, Janusz, Mike and John and everyone who made Lincoln happen. I'm overwhelmed by the Academy's response to the film.  I heard that I'd been nominated while waiting to take off on a plane from JFK to LAX. James Gandolfini, who's sitting in front of me, gave me a hug and a kiss, so I'm about as happy as can be. ”

Joanna Johnston (Nominated for Best Costume Design)


“I’m thrilled and honored to be nominated, it was an extraordinary experience with a remarkable team who are all part of this recognition.  It is my first nomination and I’m so happy to be part of this unique body of talent.”

FRANKENWEENIE (directed by Tim Burton for Disney)

Tim Burton, (Nominated for Best Animated Feature)

"Frankenweenie is a very personal film for me.  The idea of telling a feature length version was in the back of my mind for many years.  Stop Motion was the perfect medium for this project, and one I've always loved for its expressiveness and dimensionality.  I've worked with so many incredible artists: animators, cast members, set builders, and puppet makers, all who have helped bring this film to life one frame at a time.  I'm so honored that the Academy has recognized this film as one of its nominees."

PARANORMAN (LAIKA/ Focus Features)

(Nominated for Best Animated Feature)

Travis Knight, President and CEO of LAIKA (Producer)

"My heartfelt thanks to the Academy for honoring LAIKA and ParaNorman with this nomination.  Working with our directors Chris Butler and Sam Fell and my fellow producer Arianne Sutner to bring ParaNorman to audiences worldwide has been the most rewarding experience of my professional life.  We’re indebted to Focus Features and Universal Pictures for their advocacy and resolve, to our exceptional cast members for their keenly felt performances, and above all to our unparalleled, extraordinarily talented crew for handcrafting a moving and beautiful work of art."

Sam Fell and Chris Butler (Directors)

“We are overjoyed that our movie has been Oscar-nominated! We made it with the unending support of brilliant producers and an amazing crew at LAIKA, a unique and cutting-edge studio. On behalf of all of them, we are so proud that the enduring craft of stop-motion has been acknowledged by the Academy -- and that the individuality of Norman himself is being celebrated.”

MOONRISE KINGDOM (directed by Wes Anderson for Focus Features)

Roman Coppola (Nominated for Best Original Screenplay with Wes Anderson)

“I was in the car with my family when we heard the news – everyone was so excited! It’s a wonderful honor to be nominated among many great films and storytellers – Wes and I are thrilled.”

ANNA KARENINA ( directed by Joe Wright for Working Title, Focus Features)

(Nominated for Best Production Design), Sarah Greenwood,Production Designer;  Katie Spencer, Set Decoration

“Realizing our director Joe Wright’s bold and unique vision for ANNA KARENINA was a challenge, and ultimately a thrill. To have our work recognized by the AMPAS members is an honor, and a joy. We are proud to accept this nomination on behalf of what was a tremendous crew.”

Dario Marianelli (Nominated for Best Original Score)

"I am delighted to be nominated, and humbled by being in the company of composers whose work I have admired for so long.  For the fourth time, director Joe Wright has inspired me and made sure that I would not miss any of the opportunities that his movie opened up for the music.  I feel very grateful towards him."

Seamus McGarvey (Nominated for Best Cinematography)

“The director of the film I’m currently working on just texted me. We had a $100 bet that I wouldn’t get nominated, but he texted me that he’s $100 richer! I’m over the moon!”

Jacqueline Durran (Nominated for Best Costume Design)

“I’m very excited! I’m also very pleased that other members of the ANNA KARENINA gang were nominated since this film was a collaboration.”

 

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QUARTET

Review By James Colt Harrison

Maggie Smith is the actress of the year, with her smash TV series Downton Abbey dominating the airwaves, her great turn in the comedy The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and now her star part in Dustin Hoffman’s Quartet. In the film she says, “You must understand. I was someone once.” Well, Ms. Smith still is someone.

This is Mr. Hoffman’s sophomore turn as a director, and his first effort is a delightful look at the world of retired opera singers and musicians who live in a retirement home in England. Hoffman, being an Oscar® winning actor, has probably come into contact with eccentric and diva-like characters during his lifetime in front of the cameras. Does this give him a better insight into his characters and their sometimes over-the-top personalities? It seems so, as he handles them lovingly but not with kid gloves. All the characters were stars in their own right and in their own professions, be it singers, musicians or composers. It seems anybody with talent can be a prima donna. Mr. Hoffman recognizes this quality in his stars and lets them succeed or fail by their own quirks and frailties.

Each year Beacham House puts on a concert celebrating Verdi’s birthday. This allows the old performers to shine again for an evening’s entertainment and also serves as a means for raising money to keep the home operating. This year is different because they are all agog with the anticipation that star singer Jean Horton (Maggie Smith) is coming to live there. Reginald (Tom Courtenay) was once married to Maggie and he dreads her arrival. Wilfred (Billy Connolly), Cecily (Pauline Collins) and Reggie were once her singing partners. When Horton became a star, it split up their friendship. It has been a long time since they all saw each other, but will that heal the wounds that occurred to all of them?

Screenwriter Ronald Harwood (from his West End play) has thrown all the funny lines to Smith and Connolly. Smith is used to getting the biggest laughs in most of her films because she has a devastating delivery that makes an ordinary sentence sound like an indictment. Mr. Connolly is a famous stand-up comic in Europe who has made a few fine films that reached the US. He plays a randy old man who likes every skirt that goes by and imagines he’s a lady-killer at 75. The two of them are a hoot and brighten the film considerably.

Smith’s character Horton refuses to sing in the gala, and that threatens ticket sales and the fate of the home. This causes great turmoil for the other singers and musicians, and they desperately try to change Horton’s mind. This is about the extent of the tension in the film.  There are so many other redeeming qualities that it doesn’t matter if the overall effect of the film is gentle and mild and just plain sweet and funny. There is an attempt to show how senility affects some of the residents, but the audience is not hammered over the head about the problem.

The superlative British cast, including Michael Gambon as a fey, over-the-top director, is a pleasure to watch and speak the English language properly. The snippets of music are a grand pleasure to hear. Original music is by Dario Marinelli and Music Supervisor is Kle Savidge. The lush look of the film is due to its splendid cinematography by John De Borman, Production Design by Andrew McAlpine and Costume Supervisor Nigel Egerton. The film has a look of elegance and good taste.

 

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