The Worst DVD Ever! The Road Warrior

The Road Warrior is possibly my favourite film but has the worst DVD release, without a special edition in the offing. Why? This video explains exactly why;

Gig Calendar

2008 had a fairly slow start but promises to end with a spate of gigs, for me.

Booked up for:

Foo Fighters - 7/06/08


Blue Oyster Cult - 11/06/08

Iron Maiden - 5/07/08

no man - 29/08/08

Porcupine Tree - 19/10/08 Indigo 02


Tangerine Dream - 1/011/08 The Forum, London


Fish - 16/11/08 - SBE, London

Babe Of the Week: Jenna Fischer

Inspired by a friend's blog, where she listed a few celeb men that she would like to schmoozle with, I felt the need to share my Top TV Totty, and Top Movie Totty. Actually, just women that I wouldn't have a chance of scoring with, but if I was single I'd love to have a go at scoring with. You get my drift, I reckon.

Jenna Fischer - a current distraction of mine.

I didn't bother with the US Office after seeing clips that used the same set ups and script as the awesome UK Office. I missed out. So, I've been catching up. One of the many reasons I watch it, is to look at the sexy office girl Pam Beesly. Jenna Fischer is cute, and more approachable than your average on screen lovely. And she's in her thirties so I don't feel too bad about looking at her.

Cloverfield DVD Review

My review of the new DVD release can be found on Flash-Bang.

"To Boldly Go..."

Alexander Courage who recorded, arguably, the most famous TV show theme in history passed away at his California home on May 15th, age 88.

A well written obituary can be read here.

Michael Giacchino, who is composing the score for the 2009 movie Star Trek, directed by JJ Abrams had this to say;

"I feel that Star Trek owes a great deal to the music of Jerry Goldsmith. His work for the movie series is just amazing. However, in my opinion, Alexander Courage is responsible for the musical heart to the world of Star Trek. I feel that if you were to strip away everything, bit by bit, in order of importance, the last thing you would be holding in your hands would be the sheet music for the opening fanfare to the Star Trek Main Theme. To me, that small piece of music is and always shall be Star Trek."

I agree. I remember hearing the theme at the end of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan. With Leonard Nimoy uttering the passage: "Space, the final frontier..." it send a shiver down my spine, as did the time when I first heard the synthesiser version at the beginning of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Goldsmith composed some great music for the film series but the theme will remain as the most memorable.

Review: Marillion Live at the London Hard Rock Cafe: 22/05/08

I had gone to the Childline Rocks gig at the Indigo 02. Hosted by "whispering" Bob Harris, it was woefully under attended. So when Marillion announced a benefit acoustic gig at the London Hard Rock Cafe, I was up for that, too.

I prefer a full on electric gig, normally, but Marillion acoustic gigs are always something special. In fact most things they do are. I'm still kicking myself for not going to see H Natural.

As much as I was looking forward to meeting up with the usual suspects, I wasn't sold on the meeting place, Ye Grapes. In the area of Shepherds Market, Ye Grapes is a traditional pub that has a few decent Ales on tap including Doom Bar. Trouble was, the write ups on a few websites weren't painting a good picture of the place. There's one thing I can't stand when visiting pubs or bars; crap bar staff. You might have come across the types; serves anyone within the narrow vision they have in front of them; ignore customers who have been waiting for ages in favour of someone that hasn't. The Royal George near The Borderline is like that. I won't drink there, as I just get into a rage.

ye Grapes

Finding the pub wasn't easy as I had stupidly left my map at the office. However, a phone call to my friend Chris (who directed me using multimap online) meant that I got there eventually. Thankfully, the experience was nothing like the reviews. The staff were not "surly" as some reviewers had described. The staff also made it clear that they knew I was waiting and would get to me. I tried Fuller's Chiswick and it is comparable to Maldon Gold (served in my local; The Endeavour).

John and Vicki had already arrived and secured a table. It wasn't long before Craig turned up, and the rest of the "usual suspects". Barnes had a suitable "nuclear" shirt on and was with his father-in-law, "SuperJohn". I'm not sure why he's called that. Barnes was fixated with the view that I looked like Charlie Brooker. He's from BBC4 and described as "The most vicious pen in TV criticism ". I'll leave my friends to answer that one. I can see some resemblance, but not a great deal.

Me? Nah!


Barnes and Chris

We left at a suitable time, to get to the gig. Whilst standing in the queue, we saw the band go for a walk somewhere, which was a little worrying. (we didn't know there would be a support).

When we got into the venue, we met some more people. I saw Jim and forgot to wish him a happy birthday! :O I recitified that on myspace when I got home. The beer in the place was bland; Becks Vier on tap. I asked for a slice of lemon and a wedge of lime to plonk in it, much to the amusement of those with me. (they do it in the states all the time). I stood with Craig and Chris, after seeing Mark Cambell. We stood and watched the support which was okay, but sounded similar to most artists of his type.

We saw Pete Trewavas walk by and we said hello. He was in a hurry (he normally is). Which was just aswell, as I was close to asking if he thought they'd be any chance of a future second Kino album. I'm not sure what the reaction would have been. Maybe I should ask the question on the appropriate forum thread.

I joined up with John and Vicki, who were in a group. I knew one guy, but forgot his name. This was when I realised that I'd had a bit too drink. An attractive woman stood with them and I introduced myself, only to find it was this guy's wife. Like an admission of guilt I said; "Sorry, I wasn't hitting on you". Oh boy! They seemed to see the funny side of it. We saw Ian Mosley and Mark Kelly arrive.

You can just make out Ian and Mark in the background

H eventually made an entrance right by us. That was pretty much all I saw of him as the venue isn't geared up for an audience. Had I known how tight the venue was I still wouldn't have queued up early. The social side of these gigs is as important as the music.

Marillion began and played the following set, according to Barnes' post on the Marillion OnLine Forum (MOLF). I thorughly enjoyed it, a perfect collection of songs almost as good as the historic "Walls" gig. Hearing "Go" from the .com album was a real treat. I do hope that Marillion release a live album for the childline cause. Or, at least include some tracks on the Web UK CD later this year.

Hollow man - h
Cover my eyes - h

Bell of the sea - h & p

Enlightened h & p & r
You're gone - h & p & r
Go -h & p & r
21st century - h & p & r
See it like a baby - h & p & r
Answering machine - h & p & r
Marbles 1 - h & p & r
Don't Hurt your yourself - h & p & r
Uninvited guest - h & p & r

Faith Mad jack and el pres join the throng!

the space
Man of 1000
Made again
Beautiful

h

The view didn't get better than this, it got far worse

Again, on the MOLF, there was an outcry against those that talk during gigs. I have to wonder how much of that was me. I felt that I was mostly discreet and didn't hold full conversations. I'm usually considerate of those around me. No one thought to put Mad Jack's name in the frame, who was chatting by the bar. Not that he was loud. The thing is, most of us felt excluded. But, as I could still hear the music, wasn't quite so bothered by the obscured view.

Although I could have got the train, Craig gave me a lift and we had a good chance to catch up, without our conversations getting in the way of the music or offending others.

"By Your command"

BSG fans should check out this blog: http://darthmojo.wordpress.com/

It's from one of the pre-vis artist working tirelessly to sweeten the BSG stories with all that cool eye candy we get to see, to improve and enhance the human stories. Who could forget the sight of the classic Raiders and Centurions rendered in their full glory in Razor.

The blog contains reviews and stuff but the real interest is of the reports on how the CG work is going on in the series. Quality!

The Witchblade Teaser

No sooner has a movie adaption of the comic book Witchblade been announced than a teaser poster has appeared. "Teaser" is the right word.

Witchblade is about a New York cop, Sara Pezzini, who finds she is destined to wear the Witchblade; a device that gives the wearer phenomenal power. Like Buffy, a woman is chosen to wear it in every generation. Not only does Sara find herself battling the usual evil threats, she has a constant battle with those that want the power of the Witchblade for themselves.

The comic book has been made into a US television series with Yancy Butler and a Japanese manga series.

No actress has been announced for the role, yet. Fan boys are crying out for Megan Fox (Transformers), but I'd got for Jill Wagner (Blade TV series). In my view, Wagner has the looks, figure and sassiness for the role. Also, she's proved to be a kick-ass heroine in the TV series Blade, based on another comic book. C'mon casting agents, give her a call.

Jill Wagner

"It's not the mileage, it's the years"

Indy bashes the critics!

Not at all surprisingly "Indiana Jones" broke records across the domestic andglobal box-office this weekend.
It made a whopping $126 million during the four-day Memorial Day weekend making it the second biggest Memorial Day opening behind last year's "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" with $139 million.
In it's first five days, 'Skull' managed to rack up $151.1 million - the fifth highest first five-day gross of any film, and just $1 million shy of "Spider-Man 2".
Overseas, Indy4 made $160 million through Monday in its first weekend - making it the fifth biggest foreign opening weekend ever, just beating 'Revenge of the Sith'. It sits only behind the most recent 'Pirates,' 'Spider-Man' and 'Harry Potter' sequels along with 2006's "The Da Vinci Code".
This is all despite the harsh online reviews from trusted movie review websites and the subsequent advertising of these views in the UK press. It shows, once again, how flame proof the saga is despite outcrys against George Lucas' input to the strange direction that the plot took.

Thanks to Dark Horizons for the info.

"Bats!"

Now this looks cool! It bridges the gap between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Think of it as a kind of Batman meets The Animatrix;

Terminator 4 website is up!

Look at that sweet production art above! A bigger version can be found at the site, with an intro by McG. He's basically trying to get across that he doesn't intend to screw the franchise.

"They're Heeeeere!"

Some believe that they always have been here, but I remain a sceptic. Judging from some of the facts in this story I doubt it was a Poltergeist that was really haunting this family but something else entirely. But, hey, what do I know, right?

Check out the story at this link and make your own mind up.

Brian Keene's Project for Marvel Comics

Straight from Brian Keene's myspace page;

Joe Quesada, Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics, announced today that award-winning horror novelist Brian Keene has been named as the writer for a new Devil Slayer series, debuting this Fall under Marvel's Dead of Night horror brand (part of the adult-themed MAX line).

"Brian's writing a four-issue series reinterpreting the bad-ass character Devil-Slayer," said Quesada. "We're going to be looking at this character in a new, MAX light, and tie directly into some key events going on in the world today, in the classic Marvel tradition."

Both the creators and the company are tight-lipped about specifics, but Keene has confirmed the new series will take place on the frontlines of Iraq.

"When I was six-years old," Keene said, "my father took me to the newsstand and bought me issues of The Defenders, Man Thing, and Captain America. I took them home, read them, and immediately abandoned my childhood dreams of being an astronaut or a cowboy. Instead, I wanted to write for Marvel Comics. I'm pleased and honored to finally see that become a reality."

Here is a sneak peek of early character designs for the all-new Devil Slayer.

"A Little Fight In Ya! I like That!"

It's been around the net for a little while, but what the heck! Check out the second full Trailer for what looks like the film of the year, for me. The Dark Knight Trailer 2.

Calling All The Heroes

Any of you remember It Bites? Well any self-respecting prog rock fans should. Now fronted by the multi-talented and hard working talent that is John Mitchell.

Thanks to an article by Charlie O'Mara at Silhobbit

It Bites have announced an autumn tour to promote their forthcoming Tall Ships album, which should be out in the summer. The band will be playing the following dates with Touchstone:

Friday 26 September - Islington Academy, London
Saturday 27 September - Rios, Leeds
Sunday 28 September - The Point, Cardiff
Tuesday 30 September - Pacific Rd Arts Centre, Birkenhead
Wednesday 1 October - Academy, Newcastle
Thursday 2 October - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
Saturday 4 October - Academy 3, Manchester
Sunday 5 October - Robin 2, Bilston
Monday 6 October - Komedia, Brighton

They will be playing their rescheduled CRS gig at the Montgomery Hall in Wath-Upon-Dearne on Saturday 12th July.

More info will no doubt arrive at the It Bites Official Site.

"Not as easy as it used to be"

My short review of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

I do feel that it went a little too light. The sense of danger apparent in the previous three (certainly Raiders) was missing. I still liked it and recommend people go see it for themselves.

"I loved playing Shaun, he's not that different from me"

From the website Cinematical;

Simon Pegg is, like nearly everyone else in the film industry, over in Cannes promoting a new film. While doing the rounds for How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, Pegg revealed his next project to IGN.

"I just finished a script with my writing partner Nick Frost, and that is called Paul, and we're going to shoot it later this year or early next year. It's a road movie set in America about two British comic book geeks that get into an adventure across America. Write what you know as they say." I think it sounds downright charming -- and you know their geekiness will be excused all over this fine nation simply because of their accents.

Pegg has a director in mind for the film, but refused to reveal the name, saying only "It's someone really cool." Start guessing!

He also gave a bit of an update on the third installment of the Cornetto Trilogy, The World's End, rumored to be a sci-fi doomsday piece. "Edgar is off doing Scott Pilgrim and then we'll get back together and do our third one together, provisionally title World's End. But that was a premature announcement from Universal, and it's probable that the title will change."

Pegg, Frost and Wright have to be three of the hardest working guys in the business these days -- and there isn't a single project they develop that I doubt or sneer at. And even when there's not much to report, I know you readers out there will get all wound up too.

"Don't Make Me angry...."

I wouldn't say that I'm a massive Hulk fan. I can name the few Hulk related stories that I like, from the books, and they all involve Wolverine. Surprise!

I didn't think Ang Lee's troubled Hulk movie was all that bad. Edward Norton is not an actor that I particularly like, but I do like the look of this latest movie The Incredible Hulk. From what I've seen of the trailer, it kicks ass! I don't care about the look of the CGI. The Hulk is a very difficult character to get right and I still have memories of Lou Ferringo in green makeup.

Anyway, check out the clip, here

Innovative use of an NYPD squad car!

I can take him, sure I can take him!

A Sneak BTS clip of the new James Bond Movie!

This clip, taken from myspace includes an early look at a sequence from Quantum of Solace. Your best bet is to let the report load and then scan towards the end;

FIVE NEWS on MySpace Friday 23rd May

Sale of the Supernatural

For UK Supernatural fans:

If you haven't bought Supernatural Season 1, now's the time. HMV are doing a great deal on it at £12.99!

Click here

The Next Terminator Movie

This morning Warner Bros. Pictues issued a start of production notice for "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins", strangely late as shooting began over a fortnight ago in New Mexico.

What is interesting though is that it provides a new plot synopsis, and new cast additions including Charlotte Gainsbourg as Kate Connor (the role Claire Danes played in "Terminator 3"). This means that the TV show Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is being ignored and not considered canon. This will not help either Terminator story, I believe. I think casual viewers will get bored and hardcore fans annoyed.

The synopsis:

"In the highly anticipated new installment of "The Terminator" film franchise, set in post-apocalyptic 2018, Christian Bale stars as John Connor, the man fated to lead the human resistance against Skynet and its army of Terminators.

But the future Connor was raised to believe in is altered in part by the appearance of Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a stranger whose last memory is of being on death row. Connor must decide whether Marcus has been sent from the future, or rescued from the past.

As Skynet prepares its final onslaught, Connor and Marcus both embark on an odyssey that takes them into the heart of Skynet's operations, where they uncover the terrible secret behind the possible annihilation of mankind."

The film remains in production at the Albuquerque Studios and on location throughout New Mexico, and is scheduled for a North American theatrical release May 22nd 2009.

I wonder what this "terrible secret" is and how it changes, if at all, the Terminator story concept.

Raiders of the Lost Ark fan analysis

I've written a fan analysis of the awesome Raiders of the Lost Ark over at Flash-Bang

My short review of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull should be published shortly.

For Battlestar Galactica Fans

From the composer Bear McCreary's blog;

G4.com is running exclusive concert footage of the recent Music of Battlestar Galactica at the Roxy Theatre! It features interviews with myself, singers Brendan McCreary and Raya Yarbrough, and our MC for the evening, Kandyse “Dualla” McClure. You’ll also hear clips from our performances of Fight Night and Roslin and Adama.

If this segment gets enough clicks, they’re ready to run FULL MUSIC VIDEOS of those two songs, so pass that url to your buddies!

For UK based BSG fans, if you want Bear to come do a gig in London, show your interest here: Battlestar London

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

How the flamin heck this teaser poster escaped my notice will go down as a net mystery! Anyhow, anyone who hasn't seen this little nugget of fun, here yer go!

So, it'll be just under a whole year until the movie comes out! Damn!

Too Good To Be True?

The following trailer for "Sex and Breakfast" stars the very attractive Eliza Dushku (Buffy, Angel, Tru Calling). Not content with making male hearts go a flutter in the upcoming Joss Whedon penned Dollhouse, she's in a movie about Group Sex!

I very much doubt that it'll live up to expectations, but you never know....




I want a redband trailer in Quicktime! Before the critics start mauling me and saying "You dirty bastard" - I don't see anything wrong in liking the opposite sex when she looks like this;

Violence is bad m'kay!

The BBC report on violence in the cinema and the BBFC's attitude to classification (remember, it's not censorship);

British film censors are toughening their stance on horror and violence in movies, taking a stricter line than their American counterparts. Requests for 12A ratings for a number of Hollywood films were rejected by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), the body's annual report said. Films like Cloverfield, I Am Legend and Disturbia got a PG-13 rating in the US, allowing access to children of any age.

In the UK, however, the films received the more restrictive 15 certificate. The BBFC said the ratings showed an "increasing divergence" from the US system, regulated by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
"While the MPAA takes a strict line on issues relating to nudity and sex, the BBFC is significantly more restrictive on violence and horror," BBFC director David Cooke said.

'Violent threat'

The distributors of Cloverfield, I Am Legend and Disturbia had been "very keen" for the films to receive a 12A classification, according to Mr Cooke.

Thriller Disturbia starred Indiana Jones actor Shia LaBeouf (left)That rating means the film is suitable for viewers aged 12 and over. Children under 12 may also see 12A films if they are accompanied by an adult.
But the BBFC felt the films in question should be rated 15 for their "extended periods of intense violent threat and moments of horror".
Films rated 15 cannot be seen in a cinema by anyone under that age.
In the US, PG-13 means anybody can get into the film but parents are warned that some scenes that may be inappropriate for those under 13.
"The board's view was that, based on the extensive public consultation exercises, the films went beyond what most members of the UK public would consider appropriate for children younger than 15," Mr Cooke said.
These were not the only cases, he added. "Around 10% of films each year which come in with a particular category request end up with a higher one than asked for."

'Psychological impact'

The BBFC's current guidelines, published in 2005, were drafted following consultation with more than 11,000 people in the UK.
This year, the body will begin a new programme of consultation in preparation for its next set of guidelines, to be published in 2009.
The BBFC has pledged to consider a number of issues, among them the treatment of such issues as racism and homophobia and the importance of "psychological impact".
"BBFC decisions reflect UK public attitudes," said Mr Cooke, who has been BBFC director since 2004. "Notions of harm and appropriateness remain culturally dependent.
"That is why all past attempts to develop a pan-European film classification system have fallen at the first hurdle."

Do we really need to protect young people from "extended periods of intense violent threat and moments of horror"?

It reminds me a little of the attitude of the late Mary Whitehouse who was angered at, the then 25 minute episodes of, Doctor Who ending in a cliff hanger. She cited children as being susceptible of stress due to the wait for the resolution.

I've seen both Cloverfield and I Am Legend and can't see why they couldn't be rated a 12A instead of 15. Especially I Am Legend that has nothing more frightening in it than an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

What has been pissing me off the most is Hollywood studios lightening movies that are clearly for adults, then releasing "uncut" versions on DVD. Die Hard 4.0 being a prime example. What it means is that adults like myself who enjoy a violent movie won't go and see the "theatrical cut" of movies like Land of the Dead, knowing that an unrated DVD will come out.

I suppose I should expect this from the Nanny state that the United Kingdom is.

MOVIE NEWS

“I’LL BE BACK” again, and again, and again.

It has been confirmed that Christian Bale is to play John Connor in the next three "Terminator" movies reports The BBC. Derek Anderson, a rep for the film's production company Halycon, says "he read the script and he loved it, so he's signed on for all three".Aussie actor Sam Worthington plays the lead role in this new film series and shooting is currently underway. A May 22nd 2009 release is planned.

In some ways, I'm pleased. I respect Bale as an actor and I'm a fan of most of his movies. They should just drop this idea of making PG-13 movies.

“THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE? ONE WHAT?”

"Iron Man" co-writers Art Marcum and Matt Holloway have been hired to write a remake of the 1986 sci-fi cult hit "Highlander" for Summit Entertainment reports the trades. Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery and Clancy Brown starred in the original Russell Mulcahy-directed story of immortal beings battling each other through the centuries, looking to win "The Prize" at "The Gathering". Lambert (a Frenchman) played the Scottish swordsman Connor MacLeod, Connery an Egyptian and Clancy a Russian barbarian known as the Kurgan. The movie spawned four sequels and three television series. Production is aiming to begin later this year.

Why, why, why?!!! Can''t producers and studios just leave movies alone. I can't see any benefit in remaking this movie. See my Highlander 5 review here. The writing's on the proverbial wall.



“FLASH!” – OH, NO, NOT AGAIN!

Sony Pictures is in early talks to acquire the movie rights for a new film adaptation of "Flash Gordon" reports the trades. Flash was a football star who travels to the planet Mongo with his girlfriend, Dale Arden, and scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov. They find a world ruled by a dictator, Ming the Merciless, and meet strange inhabitants such as the Hawkmen and the Sharkmen. Flash helps launch a resistance against Ming's tyrannical rule. Originally it was a 1930s science fiction newspaper comic strip. It was first adapted to the screen via Buster Crabbe serials. In 1980 it became a moderately budgeted movie with Sam Jones as Flash and Max von Sydow as Ming. It dramatically flopped despite a popular score enhanced by Queen.

A low-budget Sci-Fi Channel series, reimagining the story last year, drew poor reviews and ever poorer ratings. Thankfully, it was cancelled. Director Stephen Sommers tried to adapt the property to film four years ago, but the project fell apart. Breck Eisner ("Sahara") will direct and Neal Moritz will produce. No writers are on board to adapt. Eisner is expected to work on his "Creature From the Black Lagoon" remake first.

With Barbarella being remade one wonders if there is a market for campy sci-fi

Flash-Bang Update #1

A rundown of the latest movies reviewed on http://www.flash-bang-movie-reviews.com/index.html

US Seals 2

Aliens Vs Predator 2: Requiem unrated DVD review

Outpost Cinema Release

Speed Racer Cinema Release

Ok, it's not so much a review as a comparison of two Zombie movies. As they both can be classed as "action horror" they've migrated to the movie review website Flash-Bang:Automaton Transfusion Vs Evil

I've also contributed reviews of the action horror movies(see post above ); Outpost, and Alien Vs Predator 2: Requiem (unrated DVD review). Coming Soon on this site; Reviews of the score CDs for the movies; Iron Man, and Indy 4

Review: Inside DVD

If you've got a strong stomach and aren't pregnant, then check out the horror that is

À L'INTÉRIEUR!!

I highly recommend it if you like artsy, horrible, tense horror. Dimension Extreme have just released it on Region One/USA and it is available for French horror fans. (no English subs, those Xenophobic Gallic DVD distributors!)

Quite simply it is the tale of a woman, Sarah, who is coming to term on her pregnancy. 4 months previously she was in a car crash and lost her husband. Ever since, she lives a lonely life filled with waking and sleeping nightmares of her dead husband and her unborn baby.

One night a mysterious woman arrives and once we find out her motives for harrassing Sarah, things get really screwed up.

This movie will have the most die-hard gore fans squirming in their seats. It makes Haute Tension aka Switchblade Romance appear tame. It ratchets up the same amount of tension but ramps up the gore.

The cinematography is beautiful. At one stage, focusing on one horrifyingly clear image, it seems almost perverse to enjoy the cinematography. Of course, the movie has subtitles, so any heathens who can't be bothered will miss out, natch.

For once the bloodydisgusting.com cover quote on the R1 DVD is spot on, unlike their criminally wrong quote on the turd that is Automaton Transfusion (which I wil review soon.)

Another Dimension Extreme which really deserves to be unrated!

A big horrific 8/10!

Review: Storm Warning DVD

From my myspace site:

"There’s a new Sheriff In Town"
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

There's a new movie review site out, and it's been created by my very own Numero...One myspace buddy and long time friend, Mike.

The site is http://www.flash-bang-movie-reviews.com/ and deals with mainly the action genre. We give honest reviews, without an agenda that should appeal to the man on the street, but will also contain bits of trivia and movie knowledge for those more movie literate. What we don't do, is read too much into the film. That's for the "proper" critics. Also we don't do talkbacks. Think about it, do you really want to read a bunch of comments from people who pride themselves on having a pop at others? Nope, didn't think. If you do, go to the sites that promote chatter.

I will post overflow reviews here, on this site. These are reviews that cross outside of Mike's site's mission statement. My first review is for Dimension Extreme's Storm Warning. Thank you for reading. (btw; friends can add comments to this despite my note above).

Storm Warning

Directed by: Jamie Blanks

Starring: Nadia Fares, John Brumpton, Jonathan Oldham

Synopsis:

An ill conceived boat trip leads to a horrifying encounter with some local psychos and the realisation of what needs to be done in order to survive.

Review:

This is another of Dimension Films Extreme label which I would have expected Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror to be part of. Jamie Blanks was responsible for Urban Legend and Valentine, so I wasn't expecting much from this. My fears were confimed when the opening sequencing shows the mundane journey of the lead characters; Pia and Rob. Like an uninteresting travelogue, we see shots of them in a small boat running aground (a boat that size, really? It's a dinghy FFS). To shelter from the oncoming "Storm" (which never really gets going it seems) the pair find a house.

Now, I always say in my reviews that I like to suspend my disbelief and just get on with the enjoyment of a film. I failed during Storm Warning. Maybe, because of the tedious opening. Anyway, when Rob and Pia arrived at the house I had to ask myself if these guys had ever seen any horror movies! Clearly, the buildings exuded menace. Upon entry, seeing the state the house was in, you'd think they'd work it out; Bad people live there!

The real menace starts when two brothers (from different mothers, of course) return. They're mighty psssed that two strangers have entered their home but they're more worried that they have woken up "Poppy" than anything else. There's a subplot (if you can call it that) of drug running but it's never fully explored. There's no time for that. Initally, the brothers seem to welcome the pair in their twisted way. It soon becomes clear that the pair want nothing more than to kill Rob and rape Pia. After mentally and emotionally torturing the pair, the brothers trap them in a big barn.

Suspension of disbelief failed again when the brothers lock the couple, untied, in a barn full of sharp objects. These brothers never watch the A-Team?

This is when I took notice of the movie and it's appeal kicks in. To say too much would be to really spoil a great surprise. I will say this, the movie earns it's extreme moniker.

If you want a twisted, survivor, horror that might not echo the tension of Switchblade Romance but certainly echoes the gore then this film is for you.

8/10 for the last half an hour alone.

DVD watching tip for this film; FFW until the couple reach the island at nightfall. Unless, inane dialogue is your thing.

Dawn of the Dead 1978 3-D

The Tim Burton movie "Nightmare Before Christmas" was the first movie to be fully converted and released as a 3-D film.

Star Wars footage was released a few years ago at Sho-West, in this format and blew people away. The process involves creating "a second camera image from a 2-D image [then] each frame is "dimensionalized," meaning that all objects are moved forward or backward from the screen or in relation to one another so as to achieve the desired dramatic effect." The DOTD 1978 project is expected to be completed by the end of the year with a likely release in theaters sometime next year.

I have to ask "why"? Dawn is one of my favourite movies, but will it work in 3-D?

This scene might!

Check out that dude on the right! He looks pissed!

Back and Badder Than Ever!

So, time to rethink the blog, now that the internet is to become a business resource for my friend Mike.

Flash-bang is a reality. A movie review website for like-minded action movie fans that like a bit more "bang" for their buck. And I mean "bang" as in ordnance not sex with more than one partner ;o)

So, visit the following for Everyman reviews for the everyday person.

http://www.flash-bang-movie-reviews.com/

peace!

Richard