28 October 2012
Die Nibelungen (Masters Of Cinema) Review
Die Nibelungen came out in 1924 and was directed by the master of German Expressionism Fritz Lang. It’s really 2 long films put together which is turn comes around to 4 hours and 40 minutes. It was made in-between his first Dr. Mabuse film and his Magnum opus Metropolis. It in a way is a stepping-stone to what would become Metropolis and like that his later ex-wife Thea von Harbou co-wrote the film.
The film tells the epic saga of Siegfried of Norse Mythology. He is the son of King Siegmund of Xanten. He forges his own sword. He hears stories of the kingdom of Burgundy and Kriemhild the Princess. He announces when he leaves Xanten he wants to win her hand in marriage. The swordsmith Mime who’s shop he forged his sword, tells him of a shortcut to Burgundy but it reality it leads him to a dragon which he slays and baths in it’s blood but missed a shot so he gets a Achilles’ heal. He goes on numerous adventures on his way to Burgundy. There is a part 2 of the film but it would spoil the film too much.
The film isn’t one of Fritz Lang’s best films. It’s very baggy, it’s about 4 hour and 40 minutes and every scene is dragged out to excruciating levels as times. It is a film from the 20s so obviously the pacing is very different to modern films but there are 20 minutes scenes that should be half the length. However film is basically an early mini-series, each segment and both films has a title card. The plus sides of the film are the imagery is hallucinatory at times and utterly fantastical. The 1st half of the film is most visually arresting which ends brilliantly. The 2nd half has an astonishing climax though. The story is truly epic in scope, which can be expected when it comes from mythology. It’s worth watching simply for the imagery.
Overall, It’s a good piece of early sword and sorcery cinema. It’s not gonna be for most people but if your interesting in Frit Lang and early cinema it’s worth seeing.
Ian Schultz
Rating:PG
DVD/BD Re-Release Date: 29th October 2012 (UK)
Directed By: Fritz Lang
Cast: Paul Richter, Margarete Schön , Theodor Loos
Buy Die Nibelungen: BLU-RAY
/ DVD
27 October 2012
Watch The Metaphoric Sci-Fi Short SEED
This is why I love short films sometimes more than feature films as final result compared to some of the crap that's plagued our cinemas recently these films are a breath of fresh air. Some the ideas may not be 100% original but script wise, visually, structurally superior asks the question maybe some of those feature films maybe should be short films or simply should have stayed short film. We're a little disappointed we haven't covered short films as much as we should have this year but things are changing starting tonight with Tyson Wade Johnston's Seed.
Seed is set in the year 2071, where technology has brought mankind to the brink of colonization on a planet named Gaia, one astronaut takes on an isolated mission and discovers unearthly horrors that could bring an end to human life on this planet. This is a tale of colonization gone wrong , a film that feels like a modern war film too, its a visual treat plenty of atmosphere most of all this looks a professionally polished CGI film worthy of 14 minutes of your time.
SEED (2012) Short Film from Tyson Wade Johnston on Vimeo.
source:Vimeo26 October 2012
Ghost Stories Volume 5 DVD Review
Stretching back to the 1971 offering, The Stalls of Barchester (but pre-empted by 1968’s superbly creepy Whistle and I’ll Come to You), the series was fixture of Christmas television through the decade before the wheels ultimately fell off and it was sadly canned. It was briefly resurrected in 2005 in the shape of A View From a Hill, with Number 13 following a year later, before history unfortunately repeated itself.
In the first of the spectral tales, A View From a Hill, archaeological academic Dr Fanshawe (Mark Letheren) visits the estate of formerly prosperous landowner Squire Richards (Pip Torrens) charged with cataloguing the oddities held within his impressive home. Among the curiosities is a pair of binoculars once belonging to a disreputable amateur archaeologist; a man whose extra-curricular, corpse-centric activities led to his untimely demise on the spot of an old execution site. Taking the binoculars to a nearby hill Fanshawe glimpses the ghostly image of an ancient local monastery, long since ruined; the disturbing apparition suggesting that the binoculars hold some ghastly power imparted by their late owner.
The adaptation of M. R. James’ Number 13 transposes the action from northern Denmark to a closely-knit, rural English setting, in which another academic (this one from Oxford and going by the name Anderson) finds himself in the employ of the local librarian. Anderson’s work revolves around some of the more macabre entries into the town’s archives, ones which reference civil war-era witch trails, and grim accounts of bizarre satanic rituals in nearby buildings. The Oxford man’s involvement in the case becomes more dangerous upon the realisation that his hotel room sits adjacent to a mysterious, occasionally perceptible and sinister room 13, a location with possible links bizarre goings-on.
The BBC’s Christmas ghost stories are uncanny in their ability to ramp-up colossal amounts of tension, and generate a tangible sense of dread in a little over half an hour, all with a miniscule budget. Luke Watson’s ability to suggest the presence of a malevolent woodland entity, stalking the forlorn yet determined Fanshawe in A View is absolutely Blair Witch-esque in its captivating, minimalist creepiness. Pier Wilkie opts to add a dash of visual horror to his tale in 13, in a largely successful move away from the simplicity of the previous story; the occasional moments in which the production’s lack of financial clout is visible are overshadowed by the charismatic and convincing performances of its cast. Paul Freeman is enjoyably devious as the untrustworthy librarian, Greg Wise thoroughly engaging as the uncertain professor who is dragged through the emotional and psychological wringer.
An exercise in economical horror, the DVD extras including essays by BFI Mediatheque Curator, Simon McCallum, author Jonathan Rigby (amongst others), and Christopher Lee’s 2000 reading of Number 13 contribute to a neat package. A fully fledged five-disc box set also available combines all of the BFI’s previous releases to remind you that not all TV is talent shows and Tyneside tantrums.
Chris Banks (@chris_in_2d)
Rating:12
DVD Release Date: 29th October 2012 (UK)
Directed By: Pier Wilkie, Luke Watson
Cast: Greg Wise, Paul Freeman, David Burke, Mark Letheren, Pip Torrens
Buy Ghost Stories Volume 5:DVD
Horror Channel brings winter chills
Deep and crisp and bloody! Get ready to be frozen to the bone this November with Horror Channel’s Winter Chills Weekend – featuring some truly snow-filled spine tingling premieres.
Fri Nov 9 @
22:55
Sat Nov 10 @ 22.55
Sun Nov 11 @ 22.55
Moments Worth Paying For Gemma Atkinson Supports Anti-Piracy Campaign In Iconic Way
Leighton Pountney (24) and Omri Dvir (27) will see their idea brought to life in outdoor advertising UK-wide, as well across the Internet from today.
Called All for the Price of a Ticket, their idea uses till receipts – with a twist – to celebrate the entertainment value behind the purchase price of a DVD, download or cinema ticket. The campaign has been brought to life in the form of a film quiz called Riddle Me Th?s, which features giant receipts, each offering the public the chance to solve clues to great films at FindAnyFilm.com, the UK search engine for official film, TV and video.
A host of screen stars are supporting the approach, including BAFTA award winner Adam Deacon and film and TV actress Gemma Atkinson. Their favourite films feature as riddles in the campaign, alongside clues from other film and TV experts, including film critics and bloggers.
Adam Deacon said: “So much time, energy and passion goes into making films and TV shows, so it’s always disappointing if people choose not to pay for your work. It’s great to see a campaign that celebrates the entertainment value you get back from your DVD, download or cinema ticket.”
Gemma Atkinson added: “It’s refreshing to see the industry creating a campaign like this with the young people it hopes to inspire. The riddle element is a great way to get people thinking about how film and TV makes you feel – and whether that feeling is something worth paying for.”
The students behind the campaign first submitted their idea to the YCN Annual Student Awards, which spotlight young talent by challenging students to answer a live creative brief. The Industry Trust for IP Awareness, which commissioned an anti-piracy brief for the 2012 Awards, spotted the potential of the concept – and is working with its industry partners to bring it to life.
Omri Dvir, one of the students behind the campaign, said: “We’re thrilled that our idea is being turned into a real campaign. We wanted to get across the point that the price of your film or TV show is great value for all the enjoyment you get in return. You get magical worlds, futuristic technology, great memories and of course countless pub conversations.”
Liz Bales, Director General of The Industry Trust for IP Awareness, which commissioned the campaign on behalf of the UK film, TV and video industry, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Omri and Leighton’s idea to life. Our research shows that nearly half of young men today access some of their entertainment from unauthorised sources. So who better to take inspiration from than the generation of people we are hoping to reach?”
The new advertising will form part of the UK film, TV and video industry’s innovative Moments Worth Paying For campaign, which spans cinema, outdoor advertising, PR and social media. It will feature in Clear Channel advertising spaces UK-wide from tomorrow as well as on Findanyfilm.com and a wealth of other film and TV industry websites.
As you can see from the top image Gemma Atkinson one of her 'moments worth paying for' was the iconic scene to re-create an iconic scene from Pulp Fiction becoming Uma Thurman to help promote a Moment Worth Paying For campaign. Below is an behind the scenes video looking at how she becam uma thurman and her talking about her support for the campaign too. Here at The People's Movies & Cinehouse do support the campaign we also believe something has to be done about the pricing structure as well as the overall experience of going to the cinema or buying that DVD or Blu-Ray.Though we might have the home release but let's be honest there is some great scenes from films over the decades that should only be enjoyed in one format that's on the big screen at your local cinema.
To put your film know-how to the test, visit www.facebook.com/FindAnyFilm.
25 October 2012
Super Bitch DVD Review
Massimo Dallamano's latest film to be re-released, Super Bitch, takes us down a different route to the previously reissued, The Night Child. Instead of religious horror, the cinematographer turned director takes us on a tale chock-full of espionage, blackmail and sexual depravity. It is likely to have its fans, but to a casual viewer, it's difficult to understand the point of Super Bitch.
Undercover police inspector Ivan Rassimov attempts to expose an escort agency that has been blackmailing high profile clients into smuggling drugs over the border.
Super Bitch begins like a trashy James Bond film/Euro-Crime thriller opening with crime honcho, Mama (Patricia Hayes), in a ruined Middle-Eastern city arranging drug deals with a mysterious stranger. It's not long until this stranger is wiped out by a skulking undercover cop, Cliff (Rassimov) soon resulting in a high octane car chase. Super Bitch begins feeling focused, however, things then seem to take an unfocussed turn with the plot soon verging on softcore erotica meets crude comedy. It all simply feels a bit disjointed and unclear.
The title Super Bitch (used for the film's 1980s reissue, to cash in on Stephanie Beacham's fame as Sable Colby in Dynasty and The Colbys), does not feel hugely appropriate - it gives the impression Dallamano's film is like The Stud or The Bitch. The original Blue Movie Blackmail is probably a more fitting title.
There is also a funky trumpet infused score from Riz Ortolani (that screams cult film), used to fit the ever shifting tone of Super Bitch. Cult film enthusiasts are likely to enjoy the madness and incoherency of this feature, as well as its trashy charm. Where else would you see a high profile politician dressed as a rabbit being fed carrots by a half naked Stephanie Beacham or Patricia Hayes driving a convertible filled with oddball Italians singing songs about her?
If in the mood for something madcap, and slightly different you could do a lot worse than Super Bitch. However, if you are look for a solid story and sense of focus, Super Bitch is one to miss.
As always, Arrow Video have restored the print to a stellar quality and included a selection of interesting special features, including short documentary, 'Bullets, Babes and Blood'.
Andrew McArthur
Stars: Stephanie Beacham, Ivan Rassimov , Patricia Hayes
Director: Massimo Dallamano
Release: 29th October 2012
Certificate: 15 (UK)
Buy Super Bitch:DVD
24 October 2012
Excision Review
Pauline (AnnaLynne McCord) is a teenage outcast, infatuated with the idea of performing surgery. Her sinister behaviour alienates her from her image-conscious parents, Phyllis (Traci Lords) and Bob (Roger Bart) as well as her bitchy classmates and judgemental teachers. Only Pauline's young sister (Ariel Winter) who suffers from cystic fibrosis understands her, resulting in the young outcast attempting to perform life-saving surgery on her sibling.
Bates Jr. does not hold back in any way, fully transporting us into the mind of a twisted teenage outcast. Excision captures the gore-filled fantasies that clog Pauline's psyche with a trippy visual originality. This is paralleled by the cynical glistening sheen of middle class suburbia, a world that tries its best to subdue Pauline's warped fantasies. This idea of crude madness in suburbia gives vibes of the iconic work of John Waters (think modern day Polyester or Serial Mom), who has clearly been an influence on the young filmmaker. The teenage outcast theme in Excision also feels slightly reminiscent of the likes of Carrie, whilst the elements of body horror have David Cronenberg written all over them. It is essentially the best elements of many classic horrors and cult films finely crafted into one feature.
Part of the pleasure of Excision comes from the perfect elements of self-aware, dark comedy layered throughout the feature. From Pauline's no holds barred attitude with her parents and classmates to the frequent cynical looks at suburban life, Excision hits a perfect balance between horror and comedy.
Excision's cast is also likely to delight fans of camp and cult cinema. AnnaLynne McCord (90210) is completely unrecognisable in this dark role, managing to make us sympathetic to a highly unlikeable character. Pauline may be completely demented and her actions repulsive, but McCord's performance still connects with viewers - primarily when seeing Pauline bonding with younger sister, Grace. Roger Bart (The Stepford Wives) excels as Pauline's tired Father, whilst Ariel Winter's (Modern Family) pitch-perfect turn is likely to tug at your heartstrings.
The performance of the year, however, goes to the magnificent Traci Lords as Phyllis, Pauline's mother. Phyllis appears as a harsh, controlling figure to begin with - we see her judging her family every morning at the breakfast table, yet we still connect through Lords' stellar performance. We gradually see that Phyllis is a flawed character who simply wants the best for her children, however this is hindered by Pauline's actions slowly breaking her family apart. Lords is a revelation.
Excision also features an amusing appearance from John Waters' as a minister who counsels Pauline. Seeing the Pope of Trash as a devout representative of God is just another element of Bates Jr.'s clever, self-aware screenplay. Malcolm McDowell adds further star quality as a frustrated teacher, whilst Ray Wise and Marlee Matlin bring some further fun to the cast .
Excision is a must see for fans of cult cinema - it is the finest horror of the year.
Andrew McArthur
Stars: AnnaLynne McCord, Traci Lords and Roger Bart
Director: Richard Bates Jr.
Certificate: 18 (UK)
Ltd. Theatrical Release: 2nd November 2012
DVD/BR Release: 12th November 2012
Pre-Order/Buy Excision:DVD
/ BLU-RAY
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