Evil Dead II Special Edition Blu-Ray Review

Studiocanal has FINALLY re-released Evil Dead 2 : Dead By Dawn on blu-ray with the release it deserves. It has previously been released barebones during their shitty period of barebones releases of 80s cult films like Escape From New York and the 2 sequels to Evil Dead. This re-released is obviously timed for remake (or shall we say re-imaging) of the original Evil Dead which comes out later this week and if early reviews are to be believed… shock… Quite good. Anyhow onto the best film in the whole series.

Ash, (Bruce Campbell) the sole survivor of the Evil Dead Takes his girlfriend Linda (Desise Bixler) to a secluded cabin in the wood where he plays back a professor’s tape recorded recitation of passages of the book of the Dead. The spell calls up an evil force from the woods than turn Linda into a monstrous Deadite, and threatens to do the same to Ash. He is forced to single-handedly battle the legions of the damned as the most lethal – and groovy – hero in horror movie history. (Taken from the pr)

The first film certainly had some comic laughs but in Evil Dead 2 brings the humour much more to the forefront. The film soon becomes an absurdist acid trip of “horror film” which literally has blood running down the walls of the cabin. Sam Raimi was as influenced by The Three Stooges as he was by let’s say The Night of the Living Dead and it shows. The film is chock a block full of slapstick humour even during it’s more “horrific” moments like the eyeball scene. Bruce Campbell is very much like the horror version of Buster Keaton and like Buster he did many of his own stunts in the film due to budgetary constraints probably.

The film’s initial release had little to no fanfare despite some positive reviews from mainstream film critics like the recently deceased Roger Ebert it fared poorly initially at the box office. It opened in only 300 theatres in the USA but due to word of the mouth it made a small profit within a month. It has since gained a enormous cult following due to it’s manic blend of slapstick and gore and rightfully so. It’s cult following is partly due to the rise of home video in the 80s and 90s and eventually dvd where it has been milked to hell with various different editions.

The new re-release (which is actually a port of the US Blu-ray that has been out for a while) has a new documentary which is actually longer than the entire film and some other supplementary features + previously released stuff like another doc and the hilarious commentary from Raimi, Campbell and co from earlier releases. If you’ve never seen Evil Dead 2 you’re in for treat and if you have Blu-ray capabilities it’s a worthy upgrade. Groovy…

Ian Schultz

★★★★★

Rating: 15
BD Release: 15th April 2013 (UK)
Director:Sam Raimi
Cast:Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks
Buy:Evil Dead 2 On Blu-ray

Robert Redford; A Career In Pictures

Robert Redford is an American actor, director, producer, environmental activist, philanthropist, and businessman. His expansive career boasts a range of roles in over 50 films, an Academy Award for Best Director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival. His performances in theatre, television, and film have rightfully given him mega-star status, and it is his continued involvement in the movie industry as both an actor and director that continues to bring prestige and distinction to the annual festival commemorating independent filmmakers across the United States.

In honour of this year’s upcoming Sundance London Film Festival, taking place April 25-28 at the O2, here is a brief – and certainly not exhaustive – look back at some stand-out moments from Redford’s long, and continuing, film career.

BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969) – The Sundance Kid

Starring alongside Paul Newman – and effectively sparking a life-long friendship – this film cemented Redford as a bankable movie star in the breakthrough role of the titular Sundance Kid. The role would end up having a major influence in his later life, founding the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival in Utah and naming it after his character.


THE STING (1973) – Johnny Hooker

This blockbuster crime caper again teamed up the dynamic duo of Redford and Newman, this time playing a pair of con artists in 1930’s Chicago. Redford received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and the film remains one of the top 20 highest grossing movies of all time when adjusted for inflation.


THE WAY WE WERE (1973) – Hubbell

Proving his versatility as an actor, Redford co-starred alongside Barbra Streisand in this hugely popular period drama about two lovers who try to sustain a complicated relationship throughout the years. The role further cemented Redford’s leading man reputation and added good old-fashioned romance to his lengthening list of genres.


ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN (1976) – Bob Woodward

Scripted by Butch Cassidy writer William Goldman, this landmark film paired up Redford with Dustin Hoffman as famed reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein attempting to uncover the truth about Watergate. With Redford as co-star and executive producer, the film attempted to create a realistic portrayal of journalism and reflected his off-screen concern for political causes.


ORDINARY PEOPLE (1980) – Director

Taking a seat behind the camera instead of in front of it, Redford’s directorial debut was a critical success winning a number of Oscars including Best Director. The film follows the disintegration of an upper class American family and stars Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore.


INDECENT PROPOSAL (1993) – John Gage

Forever remembered as the movie where Robert Redford offered Woody Harrelson a million dollars for one night with Demi Moore, this film gave Redford one of his most popular and recognized roles. Playing the corrupt millionaire who uses bribery to test people’s morals, Redford’s performance made the movie one of the year’s biggest hits.


THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (2012) – Jim Grant / Nick Sloan

Most recently, Redford directed and co-starred in this political thriller centered on a former activist who goes on the run after a young journalist, played by Shia LeBeouf, discovers his identity. Marking the first film with Redford as both director and actor, it has so far won two awards from the Venice Film Festival.


SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL – Founder

No list of accomplishments would be complete without Redford’s founding contribution to the Sundance Institute in 1981, and consequently the Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Cinemas, Sundance Catalogue, and the Sundance Channel, all in or around Park City, Utah. The Sundance Film Festival is now one of the most prestigious events in the movie industry, giving independent filmmakers from around the world a chance to showcase their works. Redford’s continued involvement and support brings respect and admiration to any Sundance project – even all the way across the pond at Sundance London.

Sundance London is taking from 25th-28th April 2013 at The O2, London.

Drew Bolduc's Science Team Needs Your Help! Watch First Teaser

From the director who brought you exploding cocks in the crazy Troma-esque The Taint, Drew Bolduc needs your help with his next project. The Science Team which looks a little more sophomore however this is a Bolduc film so expect the unexpected! The director has been in touch asking for our help but most of all cinehouse and The Peoples Movies Readers so he can get his new project up and running a Sci-fi/comedy which describes as “eliminate evil extraterrestrial threats.” a little vague, but plenty of bizarre moments.


Science Team Promo from Drew Bolduc on Vimeo.

Synopsis

Chip returns home to find that his mother has been brutally murdered. A sessile space alien is now living in her house. Science Team must eliminate the extraterrestrial threat. Drama ensues. People die. Inner and extraterrestrial demons are engaged. Men in pink suits use cool-looking technology. Events culminate in a destructive orgy of violence of such an epic intensity that people’s minds are literally blown out of their heads

So if you loved The Taint, you'll certainly enjoy Science Team and why not support them in their fundraising? Find out here for more information

Terracotta Film Festival To Expand With New venues, Events and Dates This Years Festival

The Terracotta Festival, for its 5th year anniversary, will expand from the usual four-days to 10 days from Thursday 6 June to Saturday 15 June 2013. The festival will increase the number of films and venues, and still remain in the heart of the capital.

To commemorate this special occasion, Terracotta Festival organisers are delighted to announce that more strands have been added to the line-up. The four strands of the festival are: CURRENT ASIAN CINEMA, IN MEMORY OF: Leslie Cheung & Anita Mui, SPOTLIGHT ON: Indonesia and the Terror Cotta Horror All-Nighter.

Terracotta Festival will continue to screen its usual selection of best contemporary films from any genre, any Far East country, at the Prince Charles Cinema from 6-9 June 2013. Like previous editions, guest actors and directors will attend the festival to introduce their film, host Q&A sessions, run Masterclasses and interact with festival goers. This will be the CURRENT ASIAN CINEMA section of the festival.

Two prolific and well respected Hong Kong actors, Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui, passed away unexpectedly, and in tragic circumstances, in 2003. Ten years later, their impression on film lovers around the world is still very strong. Terracotta Festival would like to take this opportunity to present some highlights of their screen legacy.

An additional five days from 11-15 June 2013 have been added for a new section entirely dedicated to an emerging territory. This section will be called “SPOTLIGHT ON:…” and this year the festival will shine the spotlight on contemporary Indonesian cinema.

Taking place at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), this section will showcase the exciting breadth of genres, directors and subject matters from this country.

Whilst the Prince Charles Cinema is a perfect location (leading cult cinema in the centre of Chinatown), the new structure and the ICA will give a wider audience more opportunities to take part in the Festival.

Last but not least, the Terror Cotta Horror All-Nighter returns following the success of last year’s event. Showcasing the diversity and ingenuity of horror from the Far East, expect a mix of ghosts, monsters, zombies, demons and cold-blooded killers from various East Asian territories.

What is Bobo are the official design sponsors of the Terracotta Far East Film Festival for the 3rd consecutive year, creating the festivals branding, on screen identity and all of it’s promotional material.

Festival Director Joey Leung comments: “It is very encouraging for us to see the growth in audience numbers each year, and the appetite of audiences to explore deeper into this area of International Cinema. This year’s enlarged festival will bring a depth to our programme, a wider range of entertaining stories and an exciting line-up of guests”

Soda Pictures/Jinga Films to Re-release Julian Richards Summer Scars

Soda Pictures has announced the UK DVD re-release of Julian Richards' BAFTA winning hostage horror SUMMER SCARS with a street day of May 6th 2013.

SUMMER SCARS tells the story of a gang of delinquents who ditch school to hang out in the woods where some hot rodding on a stolen moped changes the fate of their day. They crash into Peter, an ex-army loner, who is delighted to have some company. First he gains their trust by joining in their games, but then his behaviour begins to change. Peter uses what he has learned about the kids against them, bullying the aplha boys, belittling the weaker ones and saving his worst for the only girl of the group. As events spiral out of control the youths resort to extreme measures in order to survive the ordeal.

SUMMER SCARS re-unites Richards with lead actor Kevin Howarth, the dynamic director/actor team behind cult sensation THE LAST HORROR MOVIE. Richards has since directed the forthcoming Hollywood thriller SHIVER starring Danielle Harris, John Jarratt and Casper Van Dien, whilst Howarth has starred alongside Wesley Snipes in GALLOWWALKER and Sean Pertwee in THE SEASONING HOUSE.



Pre-Order/ Buy:Summer Scars On DVD

Terracotta Film Club To Present Special Screening of Samurai masterpiece Lady Snowblood

Terracotta Film Club will present a Japanese classic from legendary director Toshiya Fujita for its 4th edition.

This blood-splattered Samurai masterpiece from the golden age of Japanese cult cinema is credited as the main inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s KILL BILL series.

LADY SNOWBLOOD is a 1973 Japanese film based on a manga and set in 17th century Japan. The film follows Yuki (Meiko Kaji) on her quest for vengeance against those who killed her father, brother and raped her mother, all before she was even born.

'Terracotta Film Club' organisers are delighted to continue showing Asian films regularly on the big screen and this opportunity to show LADY SNOWBLOOD fits perfectly among the other influential classic and contemporary Asian films showcased in the previous months.

Terracotta Film Club will take place every last Wednesday of the month at the Prince Charles Cinema, London



Terracotta Film Club will take place every last Wednesday of the month at the Prince Charles Cinema, London.Lady Snowblood will be screened on Wednesday 24 April at 8.45pm doors open / 9pm film starts. Ticket price: £ 6.50 (Prince Charles cinema members £ 4.00)book your tickets now from here

Synopsis

Meiko Kaji (Female Prisoner Scorpion / Blind Woman’s Curse) is Yuki, a women raised from birth for one terrible, blood splattered purpose...To murder those who raped her mother and left her to rot in a stinking women’s prison, where she died in childbirth. Trained in deadly fighting arts and fatal sword play, Lady Snowblood is cursed to wander the lands in pursuit of her single purpose. She is a demon of vengeance, only sated by the crimson blood of those who stole her mother from her.
Lady Snowblood is a 1973 Japanese film based on a manga called Shurayukihime by Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub) and Kazuo Kamimura. Lady Snowblood’s theme song, Shura No Hana, sung by Meiko Kaji (translated by Tarantino as The Flower of Carnage) is also used in Kill Bill, Vol. 1.

The Echo DVD Review

The Echo (2008) is one of those films which sounds good on paper, but unfortunately fails to deliver on its promises. Promoted as a tense and creepy thriller, this mystery / horror by Yam Laranas and starring Jesse Bradford and Amelia Warner, is heavy on pseudo shocks but light on pretty much everything else.

Bobby (Bradford), just released after serving a prison sentence, is determined to go straight. Moving into his late mother's old apartment in a period block in downtown Manhattan, he gets a job at a local garage run by the well meaning Hector, and tracks down his old girlfriend Alyssa (Warner) who reluctantly begins seeing him again. However after a series of strange incidents in his apartment, Bobby and Alyssa realise that something malevolent and evil is living in the block and isn't about to leave without a fight.

This film had all the potential of being a good little chiller. Set in a suitably creepy, run down Manhattan period apartment block, peopled with equally odd residents à la Rosemary's Baby (1968). Two sexy young kids as the main protagonists, who in theory could have made a seriously hot couple. And amongst the producers, Roy Lee, who has been responsible for producing a host of hits including the infinitely superior The Woman in Black (2012).

However one can't help feel when the final credits roll that the film you've just watched wasn't really the one the filmmakers intended. The setting appears to have been shot in a series of mottled and half lit tones of off brown, whilst the interiors of the apartments look depressingly old fashioned throughout. Though their dodgy plumbing and crumbling walls make for one of the main plot points, a few leaky cisterns do not make for particularly convincing paranormal phenomena. As for the young couple, Bradford seems to believe that horror acting consists of looking moody and put upon whilst Warner, though injecting slightly more life into her performance, is wasted in a role which amounts to little more than window dressing. Which leaves you with the producers. Alarm bells should always ring when you see that a film requires twelve producers - what can twelve produces do on one film? After seeing this limp excuse you could be forgiven for asking whether they were actually doing anything at all.

The film's one saving grace is the Cuban actor Carlos Leon who plays Bobby's boss Hector. An accomplished actor both on film and the Broadway stage, Leon's other great claim to fame is being the father of Madonna's daughter Lourdes - but hey, we won't hold that against him. Here he actually makes his character believable and, dare I say it, nice - but we all know what happens to the nice guys in horror movies!!

Despite its best efforts The Echo leaves you with little more of a brief frisson of excitement, rather than a lingering echo of disquiet. As such it will likely be forgotten almost as soon as the DVD player is switched off.

Cleaver Patterson

★★☆☆☆

Rating: 15
DVD Release Date: 8th April 2013 (UK)
Director: Yam Laranas
Cast: Jesse Bradford, Amelia Warner, Carlos Leon, Kevin Durand
Buy: The Echo On DVD

Video Game Martial Arts Shernnigans in U.S Trailer For Tai Chi Hero

When you have your own movie website it can be extremely frustrating when you post trailers for films your unlikely to see especially been based in UK. Stepehen Fung's Tai Chi O is one of those films I'm intrigued to see before I even get a glimpse at that film, the follow up film Tai Chi Hero has a new trailer out in time for it's American release. If you have been fortunate to see Tai Chi O you'll know its a madcap film combining steampunk with martial arts, funny, entertaining plenty of action whilst at the same time been 100% respectful to the ancients arts. Tai Chi Hero even has the one and only Peter Storamore playing the film's villain Duke flemming the Dutch East India Company, an actor whose become of cinematic expert at playing the baddie with a fun precision.

Tai Chi Hero will get a limited release in USA on 26th April and stars Yuan Xiaochao, Qi Shu, Tony Leung Ka Fai



Synopsis
Lu Chan (Jayden Yuan) is still trying to find his place in Chen Village, the legendary town where everyone is a martial arts master...and Chen-style Tai Chi is forbidden to outsiders. But since he helped save the town from a frightening steam-powered machine, Yuniang (Angelababy), beautiful daughter of Grandmaster Chen (Tony Leung Ka-Fai), agrees to marry Lu Chan and bring him into the family. It's only a formality, though - she is the teacher, and he is the student - and that suits Lu Chan just fine, as the mutant horn on his head gives him incredible kung-fu power, but leaves him dumber each time, and closer to death.

Chen Village still stands in the shadow of danger. A prodigal brother returns, Lu Chan's presence invokes a curse on the town, and Yuniang's scorned fiancée has an appetite for revenge, as well as some new partners in crime.

The second in a trilogy from the creators of IP MAN and DETECTIVE DEE, and featuring action directed by the legendary Sammo Hung, TAI CHI HERO is a full-on, steampunk-infused, video game-influenced kung fu throwdown that will knock you out of your seat.

source:Twitch

Thursday Till Sunday (De jueves a domingo) Review

Adding her young yet considerable talent to the burgeoning world of Chilean cinema is Dominga Sotomayor. Her incredibly assured debut feature Thursday Till Sunday (De Jueves a Domingo) takes the template of a road movie to explore themes of innocence amid the breakdown of a family. Confining the tale of a family’s trip to the beaches of northern Chile largely to within a car, hers is a stylish and original take on a well worn genre.

Aware of the fractious nature these car-locked journeys can take on, TTS poses the question – what if the arguments had already occurred and fallout decided. This is the position we are in, mother Ana (Paola Giannini) and father Papa (Francisco Perez-Bannen) have already agreed to separate following this, their final family trip where Papa can check out some inherited land on their way to the coast. Never stated outright, the split is the frission of tension underlining every exchange in the front seats, not that we get to hear. We are in the back with the kids, young Manuel and pre-teen daughter Lucia – our eyes for the journey and occasional witness to her parents’ possible arguments.

Separating the car into two vastly different worlds is something of a masterstroke by Sotomayor. She succeeds effortlessly in plunging us into childhood, regressing us to a time when adult concerns are of little interest and their serious conversations rarely more than glimpsed.

Time passes slowly in the back where games are played, songs are sung and requests come in the form of shouted demands, “I want to go to the beach” shouts Manuel. We become enveloped by memories of those family holidays, endlessly driving for the promise of a beach.

Occasional stops offer a chance to stretch the legs for the family and some time out of the car for the audience. Used by the children as a chance to explore and play at ferocious pace, we are treated to hints at previous quarrels – young hitch-hikers and friends from the past are met with delight and quiet disdain by either adult. The focus here, however, lies away from the action. Lucia’s ever increasing awareness of the situation is based on sightings and moods rather than anything explicit and is excellently handled by Sotomayer.

The impressive camera work and collaboration with cinematographer Barbara Alvarez breathes life into what could otherwise be a claustrophobic affair. The vast Chilean landscape out the window belies the trapped nature of the journey and quickly becomes a character of it’s own - the lunar-like planes bringing a sense of isolation as well as familiarity.

The limited dialogue and near lack of narrative are considered and bold moves for a first time director but there’s a looseness here that ensures it seldom feels restrictive. It is away from the technical aspects that Thursday Till Sunday shines brightest however. This 26 year-old director succeeds in bringing a tone and atmosphere recognisable to all who see it. The childhood traits on show, from inventing secret languages and carefully measuring out drinks to the restless frustration of those long journeys, all ring true and are incredibly well observed. So too are the actions of the parents as tears are slyly wiped away and ‘brave faces’ put on in believable performances from Perez-Bannen and Giannini.

Those fond of a faster paced journey may wish to look elsewhere but Sotomayer has announced herself with an accomplished and elegiac debut.

Matthew Walsh

★★★★☆

Rating: 12A
Release Date: 5th April 2013 (UK)
Director: Dominga Sotomayor Castillo
Cast: Santi Ahumada, Emiliano Freifeld, Paola Giannini

James Franco: A Career In Pictures (Spring Breakers)

James Franco is best known for being a jack of all trades. The California native is an award-winning actor and filmmaker, a college professor as well as an avid student, a prolific academic and mathematician, a serious painter and Huffington Post blogger, a published author and poet; the list goes on and on.

Franco dropped out of college to pursue his acting career, eventually landing one of the lead roles in the short-lived television series Freaks and Geeks, starring alongside future stars Jason Segel and Seth Rogen. Since then, Franco has grown into an accomplished professional. His intense dedication and seemingly unstoppable drive has pushed him further and further with every new project he undertakes. In honour of the UK release of his latest movie, Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers, here is a look back of some of the most memorable roles of his film career yet.

James Dean (2001) – James Dean

Playing the title character in this biopic about the legendary actor, James Franco immersed himself completely into the complex role, going from being a non-smoker to smoking two packs a day. He also learned how to ride a motorcycle and play the guitar and bongos. He received a Golden Globe for his performance as well as nominations for an Emmy and an SAG Award.

Spider-Man (2002) – Harry Osborne

Franco received worldwide fame and recognition with his role as Harry Osborne, the son of villain Green Goblin and best friend to Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man. The film was a commercial and critical success that would later lead him to reprise his role in the second and third instalments of the superhero franchise in 2004 and 2007, respectively.

Pineapple Express (2008) – Saul Silver

Co-starring alongside former Freaks and Geeks alum Seth Rogen, Franco plays lazy pot dealer Saul Silver who winds up on the run from hitmen after being implicated with a dropped bag of weed at the scene of a crime. His performance earned him another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, praised for his ability to transform a simple role into a three-dimensional character.

Milk (2008) – Scott Smith

Franco starred opposite Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, and Emile Hirsch in this powerful drama about Harvey Milk’s life and career. Playing Scott Smith, the boyfriend of Penn’s Milk, Franco further proved his versatile skill as an actor who could take on virtually any role. He won the Independent Spirit Award in the category of Best Supporting Actor for his performance.

127 Hours (2010) – Aron Ralston

Under the direction of Academy-Award winning director Danny Boyle, Franco gives a chilling performance as he portrays real life mountain-climber Aron Ralston as he tries to free his hand after it becomes trapped under a boulder in a ravine. His most well-received movie, Franco earned a Golden Globe, SAG Award, and Academy Award nomination for Best Actor as well as winning an Independent Spirit Award.

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) – Oz

Franco takes the lead again in the latest delve into L. Baum’s world of Oz. Playing a small-time magician with dubious ethics who gets swept away into a fantasy land by a familiar tornado, he stars alongside the three witches portrayed by Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams. Bringing a fresh take to a classic story, Franco gives his character just the right combination of arrogance and charisma that provides an interesting background to the original character.

Spring Breakers (2013) – Alien

Starring alongside Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine, Franco takes on the role of Alien in Harmony Korine’s latest film Spring Breakers. Completely embracing the ganster-with-a-heart-of-gold persona, Franco shines in the role as he takes the four college girls under his wing of drugs and guns, promising them a spring break none of them will ever forget.



Spring Breakers hits UK cinemas Today, Friday 5th April.