Tag: Woody Harrelson

Natural Born Killers (1994) VHS Movie Review

by AnalogJonesTOF

Analog Jones continues with their TarantinOctber with Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers (1994) VHS Movie Review.




Quick Facts
Directed by Oliver Stone
Produced by Jane Hamsher, Don Murphy, and Clayton Townsend
Screenplay by Richard Rutowski, Oliver Stone, and David Veloz
Story by Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Juliette Lewis, Robert Downey Jr, Tommy Lee Jones, and Tom Sizemore
Production Company: Regency Enterprises
Distributed by Warner Bros.
VHS Distributed by Vidmark (Director’s Cut)
Release Date: August 26, 1994
Budget: $34 million
Box Office: $50.3 million

Natural Born Killers (1994) VHS Movie Review | VHS Box

VHS Double Tape Description
May 1996
What you are about to see is the true version of Natural Born Killers.

When Natural Born Killers was originally released in 1994, 150 cuts were made in order to receive an R rating. Without them, the film’s impact was never fully realized. In this director’s cut, those trims have been restored, and with them, my original vision of what the film was meant to be.

Director Oliver Stone brings you a bold new look at a country seduced by fame, obsessed by crime and consumed by the media.

In the media circus of life, they were the main attraction.

Tape 1
Introduction by Oliver Stone
Director’s Cut of Natural Born Killers

Tape 2
Deleted Scenes: Ashley Judd’s shocking courtroom scene, Warden Jones’ dismembered head, Denis Leary’s never-before-seen performance, The controversial shot of reporter Downey’s hand-wound, Oliver Stone’s intense alternative ending, insightful narration by Oliver Stone and a behind-the-scenes “Making of NBK” special.

Trailers
None

Natural Born Killers (1994) VHS Movie Review

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Favourite

by MCDave

If you aren’t familiar with filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, then you haven’t heard of or experienced one of the world’s most unique and bizarre voices. To attempt to explain his work is to do it a grave injustice. Lanthimos is an expert at tapping into the emotional gut of his audiences with a disturbing oddity that makes his work unequivocally singular. And in what is surely the filmmaker’s most tame and harnessed effort to date, The Favourite still manages to scratch at your core with its vile irreverence, a trademark effect of Lanthimos’ work, and helps propel this title to the top of his catalog.

In 18th century England a crazed and imbalanced Queen Anne (Oliva Colman) navigates her country through a war against the neighboring France with the aid of her stoic sidekick and close friend, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz). Their symbiotic relationship has long been cemented as Lady Sarah acts as a puppeteer controlling the strings of Queen Anne. However, things become unexpectedly tense when a new servant named Abigail (Emma Stone) begins to compete with Lady Sarah for the Queen’s favor.

The Favourite prides itself as an unconventional period piece. While the film’s set and costume design are superb in their own right, The Favourite circumvents period piece norms by relying on a gripping tale that would work just as well in any setting. Yet, it’s Yorgos Lanthimos’ signature style with tight shots, distorted imagery and sharp editing that elevates his work beyond the genre’s staple films. It’s no wonder why industry stars have been flocking to his titles. And in The Favourite we’re gifted with brilliant turns from the movie’s trio of co-starring actresses, each of whom mesmerize in drastically different ways. Emma Stone with her darling charm and nefarious deceit which almost make it feel like two separate roles. Conversely, Rachel Weisz becomes the epitome of strength and confidence, never afraid to voice her opinion and see things through to the bitter end. But it’s Olivia Colman’s infantile psyche and expert precision that acts as the glue to the film’s three prominent women. It’s been declared that Colman plans to campaign in the Lead Actress category while Stone and Weisz plan to go Supporting Actress. Typically, competing against a fellow cast member can serve as a roadblock to a nomination, but recent history suggests it’s very possible to pull off a two for one. Just last year Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson both scored Oscar nods for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and Rockwell even went on to capture the statue. These performances are that good and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see all three actresses make it into the final five. Likewise, Yorgos Lanthimos is a legitimate Best Director contender and The Favourite, as a whole, possesses all the makings of a bona fide Best Picture candidate as it’s one of the year’s most notable standout features.

GRADE: 4/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists visit MCDAVE’s host site

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Solo: A Star Wars Story

by MCDave

The road through development and production of Ron Howard’s Star Wars spin-off Solo was a rocky one to say the least. In fact, it wasn’t always the Academy Award winning director’s film. After rumors of chaos on set began to spread like wildfire, as well as rumblings of their displeasure with the lead performance from Alden Ehrenreich, original helmers Chris Miller and Phil Lord were eventually replaced by Howard after six months of filming. We’ll never know exactly how much influence each party had on the final product, and that includes The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi scribe Lawrence Kasdan, who returned to influence and pen the screenplay alongside his son Jonathan, but it’s crystal clear that Solo is a plagued and unnecessary addition to the Star Wars film universe.

A young Han Solo (Ehrenreich) becomes involved in his usual shenanigans after trying to rip-off a dangerous underground crime syndicate in order to escape the dreck of his home planet alongside his lover Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke). Unfortunate circumstances allow only Han to escape freely, as the daring pilot vows to earn enough money to buy his own ship and return back to the planet to reclaim his lover. While away, Han joins a band of thieves that put his life in danger as he’s forced to take part in a risky mission alongside franchise regulars Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) that comes with deadly consequences.

At its core, a plot-driven and emotionless void swallows Ron Howard’s valiant attempt at saving this doomed project. Solo unravels like a safe and superficial checklist towards developing the character’s origins and bridging his connections to George Lucas’ initial trilogy. Throughout the film it becomes difficult pinpointing whether this lack of depth is caused by thinly written characters or weak onscreen portrayals, and that criticism even includes a personal favorite of mine, Woody Harrelson, who gives one of the most forgettable turns of his career. Yet, no matter where the blame ultimately lies, the sad truth is that the Star Wars saga will continue to follow in the money-printing footsteps of Marvel’s cinematic universe no matter how watered-down the overall product becomes. I’d also be remiss not to mention the loathsome qualities regarding this feature’s most significant droid, L3. Her sassy and progressive demeanor is both off-putting and annoying. The franchise’s newer droid character have been molded to create comic relief, however their increasingly over-the-top nature is beginning to get out of hand, a clear sign that “the powers that be” are grasping at straws.

Now, perhaps Solo was simply destined to fail, with warning signs and red flags popping up throughout the entire filmmaking process. Or there may be an even more troubling interpretation of this hollow and worthless inclusion, and the Star Wars franchise may be headed down a worrisome path that could ultimately sour the amazing foundation built by George Lucas over 40 years ago.

GRADE: 2.5/5

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The Geekscape ‘Solo’ Special With Ian Kerner!

by Jonathan

There’s a lot of controversy about ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’, Disney’s latest entry in the rapidly expanding Star Wars cinematic universe! From the box office to the story to the actors, nobody quite seems to be in agreement about film… but everyone is talking about it! And that includes Ian Kerner and I as we sit down to discuss pretty much every aspect of the film! Does it work? Was it necessary? What did we like? What worries us going forward? What was up with that surprise cameo? Where does this leave the announced James Mangold ‘Boba Fett’ movie? Is the Box Office indicative of the movie’s quality? Was Lando given his due? Do new characters Beckett and Qira hold up alongside the classics? Really, there is a LOT to talk about… so let’s get to it! Hyperspace time, Ian!

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

by MCDave

Martin McDonagh has captured the attention of critics and movie lovers alike, despite a relatively brief stint within the industry. McDonagh burst onto the scene with his eloquently-constructed 2008 hitman comedy, In Bruges, only to follow it up with the equally impressive and wacky dog-napping comedy, Seven Psychopaths. But in a wide open year such as this, McDonagh’s latest small-town crime comedy, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, may be his ticket to the awards season’s biggest dance.

It’s been seven months since Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) has heard from police regarding the violent rape and murder of her daughter. Desperate to keep the story relevant and with hopes that the attention will lead to an arrest of her daughter’s killer, Mildred rents a trio of billboards alongside a small-town road that question the efforts of local law enforcement and their superior officer, Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson). But when a volatile mama’s boy, Officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell), loses his cool over the billboards, tensions escalate quickly in the town of Ebbing, Missouri.

Three Billboards thrives on explosive humor and a timely examination of local law enforcement officers all across the country. And rather than crumbling to the divisive politicizing of speaking in false extremes, McDonagh accurately depicts the wide spectrum of policing, addressing both respectable and deplorable behaviors, as well as the stunningly beautiful ability to change. Therein lies the film’s greatest strength. And as the year’s end creeps closer and closer, most of the industry’s attention will be placed on the sorrowfully-effective performance from lead actress Frances McDormand. Even in a crowded year for female roles, she should certainly land a nomination and quite possibly an Oscar win as well. Yet, it’s supporting star Sam Rockwell who leaves a lasting impression beyond compare. While the brilliant performer has somehow managed to avoid singular recognition from any of the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and the Academy Awards, that’s all about to change. Measuring up to and surpassing anything you’ve enjoyed him in before, Rockwell’s portrayal of a short-tempered and unethical small-town cop who backlashes against the woman responsible for these unfair billboards is something to savor. All of these wonderful performances are born from a hilariously amusing screenplay and superb direction that help solidify Three Billboards as one of 2017’s strongest films.

GRADE: 4/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists visit MCDAVE’s host site

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Glass Castle

by MCDave

Destin Cretton is anything but a household name. Yet, the gifted filmmaker turned heads with his massively overlooked 2013 drama, Short Term 12. The effort bridged together Cretton’s singular story and vision with the remarkable acting talents of Brie Larson. Since then Larson has gone on to win an Academy Award (Room), but her career comes full circle in her latest collaboration with Destin Cretton in the adapted film The Glass Castle.
Told non-chronologically through various flashbacks, The Glass Castle follows the unconventional childhood of gossip columnist and eventual Best-Selling author Jeannette Walls (Larson). Prior to her career as a writer, Walls grows up under the dysfunctional supervision of her alcoholic father (Woody Harrelson) and her amateur artist mother (Naomi Watts). But as Jeannette and her siblings begin to mature and fully comprehend their squatter-lifestyle and impoverished upbringing, they must work together to escape the clutches of their deadbeat parents.

Destin Cretton’s The Glass Castle serves as a heavy drama that illustrates the director’s keen vision and his cast’s stellar performances. There are many captured shots scattered throughout the film that transcend the normal standards of direction, reminding us just how impressive Cretton truly is. Likewise, Brie Larson continues to shine and reinforce her standing as one of the best actresses alive today. And her counterpart, the underappreciated Woody Harrelson, always has a knack for commanding the screen. Witnessing these two titanic performers deliver the goods over and over again for more than two hours is what keeps this film from crumbling at the hands of its weaker elements.

For starters, The Glass Castle begins its constant rewinding of time through flashbacks with a fluid approach that effectively links the present with the past. However, eventually, the film ditches its smooth transitions and forcefully breaks from its underlying format. And as Jeannette’s character begins to truly ponder the joy vs. sorrow of her childhood, deciding whether her father was an inspiration or a burden, the flashbacks become a hokey and contrived element rather than a useful and informative tool. But even through much of the screenplay’s over-extension and sloppiness, exceptional direction and performances keep the audience connected to this powerful tale of familial struggle.

GRADE: 3/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists, visit MCDAVE’s host site

The War Has Begun! Check Out The ‘War For The Planet Of The Apes’ Trailer!

by The_acz

Not to be outdone by last weeks trailer for Spider-Man Homecoming, Fox has decided to release the trailer for the latest Planet of the Apes films, War for the Planet of the Apes, and yes, these series titles are still a mouthful to write and say.

You can find the trailer below, but this trailer definitely has me wondering if this new apes series has lost a bit of steam similar to how The Hunger Games lost its momentum. The movie looks nice, but 2017 is a very crowded year for movies. Do you think this new film can survive the 2017 summer movie massacre? Are you going to see the movie? Tell us in the comments below!

 

NYCC 2016: ‘War For The Planet of the Apes’ Teaser Trailer

by Bigyanks

Prior to the NYCC panel, 20th Century Fox unveiled a teaser for the film, depicting Caesar’s likeness in a flurry of snow with the voice over of his speech from Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes. But us fans attended the Q&A panel were also treated to three more videos, which included a full trailer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcXP7f-JMAU

In War for the Planet of the Apes, the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.

The first was a behind-the-scenes clip that mainly broke down shots from the trailer with video of the actors and early CGI renderings explaining how the ‘Planet of the Apes’ movies are made. The other two previews were a bit more fulfilling, the filmmakers revealed an unfinished scene and debuted the first full trailer. The effects seemed pretty finished so we can only assume the full trailer should be released very soon. Below is a description of the events that unfolded during the trailer.

The teaser opens with a squad of well-armed and highly-trained soldiers searching a dark cave. In the cave, ape architecture (log platforms, bridges, and other structures) is visible. A soldier’s comm crackles when, out of the black, Caesar grabs him and tosses him to the ground – picking up his radio headset to listen-in. They’re searching for him – they’re on a mission to assassinate him. The footage then cuts to the film’s antagonist “Colonel” (Woody Harrelson), decked out in black war paint, repelling out of the waterfall – with Caesar pursuing and leaping off a ledge after him.

The rest of the footage is a sizzle reel that, like most teaser trailers, presents the majority of its shots out of context – intended to set the stage for the state of the world and returning characters in War for the Planet of the Apes rather than outright spoil the story. The footage reveals apes, bowing in respect to Caesar, presenting their leader with human captives. We see shots of a fiery battle, and wintery mountain compound where the Colonel, along with his soldiers, mount their war against the apes. The Colonel narrates throughout, acknowledging the irony that humans created the apes, and nature has been punishing them ever since, while stating that his army is prepared for a final stand – to do all they can to prevent the world from becoming a “planet of apes.” Finally, the teaser reveals Caesar on his knees before the Colonel – who cocks a handgun and presses the barrel into Caesar’s forehead. Caesar, in turn, snarls and pushes his face against the gun.

‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ goes down in theaters July 14, 2017.

Woody Harrelson Cast As ‘War Of The Planet Of The Apes’ Villain!

by Bigyanks

It’s been reported that Woody Harrelson has been cast as one of the leading human roles in Fox’s upcoming War of the Planet of the Apes. It’s still early on, so plot details are still unknown, but Harrelson will be playing a character called the Colonel (pretty original, huh?).

It’s still unclear what actors will be returning to the new movie, which will continue the story of Caesar, the evolved ape who is brought to life via motion capture by Andy Serkis. Matt Reeves, who directed 2014’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, has returned to helm War, with Mark Bomback also back as screenwriter.

Are you down with the casting? Anyone else you’d rather see as villain? War of the Planet of the Apes hits theatres on July 14th, 2017!

Battle+Apes+3

Official Trailer Debut For ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2’

by Bigyanks

The official trailer for ‘THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2′ that premiered to rave reviews at Comic-Con is now available online!

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Natalie Dormer, with Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is in theaters November 20th!

Miss Out On ‘True Detective’? The Blu-Ray Version Now Has A Release Date!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: I still need to watch the finale, but so far True Detective has been an absolutely incredible ride.

For those that missed the miniseries, HBO has just revealed the first season’s Blu-Ray release details. The set will release on June 10th, and cost you $79.99 for Blu-Ray (just $10 per episode…), and $59.99 on DVD.

True Detective focuses on Martin Hart (Harrelson) and Rust Cohle (McConaughey), two detectives and former partners who worked in Louisiana’s Criminal Investigation Division in the mid-1990s. At first glance, Hart and Cohle couldn’t be more different. Hart, a native Louisianan, is an outgoing family man with two kids, whose marriage to wife Maggie (Michelle Monaghan, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol) is buckling under the stress of the job. Cohle, a former undercover narcotics detective from Texas, embraces isolation, articulating a pessimistic, even bleak, world view. But they share an obsession with justice and a facility for violence that will inflict irreparable damage on both men. In 2012, the two are interviewed separately by investigators about their most notorious case: the macabre 1995 murder of a prostitute by a possible serial killer with disturbing occult leanings. As they look back on the case, Hart and Cohle’s lives collide and entwine in unexpected, sometimes catastrophic ways, and their personal backstories and often-strained relationship become a major focal point of the investigation.

Along with the episodes, the set will also feature a myriad of interesting special features:

-Making True Detective – A behind-the-scenes look at production on the hit series, featuring interviews with cast and crew and including never-before-seen footage from Episode 4.

 

-Up Close with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson – Exclusive interviews with the stars about filming the series.

 

-A Conversation with Nic Pizzolatto and T Bone Burnett – An in-depth discussion with the series writer/creator/executive producer and the legendary composer on both the series and the pivotal role music played in the show’s development.

 

-Inside the Episode – Series creator/executive producer/writer Nic Pizzolatto and director Cary Joji Fukunaga discuss character development and offer insights into each episode of the series.

 

-Two audio commentaries – Featuring series creator/executive producer/writer Nic Pizzolatto, composer T Bone Burnett and Executive Producer Scott Stephens.

 

-Deleted Scenes – Never-before-seen episodic footage from the series.

Will you be picking up the set? Already watch the series? What did you think? Sound out below!

http://youtu.be/TXwCoNwBSkQ

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Out of the Furnace

by MCDave

For a large portion of 2013, Scott Cooper’s Out of the Furnace was one of the year’s most anticipated releases. It’s taken 4 years for Cooper to return from his successful writing/directing debut, Crazy Heart, one that earned Jeff Bridges an Academy Award for Best Actor. This time around he brings an army of reinforcements with an all-star cast of past Oscar Winners and Nominees including Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, Sam Shepard and Willem Dafoe. And although early reviews have been extremely mixed with many critics openly speaking out against Cooper’s sophomore effort, I’m here to stand up and say that Out of the Furnace is by no means a bad movie. However, it fails to mask many of its sub-par elements.

Christian Bale stars as Russell Baze, a blue collar mill worker who’s struggling to make ends meet in the economically depressed steel town of Braddock, PA. His brother Rodney (Affleck) is a troubled soldier who bears the psychological scars from multiple tours in Iraq. But as Rodney refuses to give in to the steel-worker lifestyle, he finds himself caught up in a dangerous underworld of organized bare-knuckle fighting run by a ruthless criminal named Harlan DeGroat (Harrelson). When Rodney leaves one day and never returns, Russell must desperately take matters into his own hands and confront the ring-leader, DeGroat.

Film Title: Out of the Furnace

The backbone of Scott Cooper’s Out of the Furnace is the director’s remarkable capacity to develop strong central characters. It was evident in his first film, where Jeff Bridges stole the show. But here, Cooper has more pieces to work with and, for the most part, he does an excellent job of giving each character a purpose and a voice throughout the movie. Another productive aspect is the manner in which the feature begins. Out of the Furnace is an unmistakably dark and saddening film, a tone that Cooper embraces from the opening scene and never looks back. And as the feature progresses, its story is both captivating and deep, impressively developing in a rather unforeseeable fashion that helps hook the audience. With Bale, Affleck and Harrelson all in premier form, Out of the Furnace is a supremely acted and gripping tale of despair.

furnace2

Despite an alluring appeal, Cooper’s second effort is tainted by many shortcomings. The Baze brothers are both wonderfully developed characters that resonate with the audience, it’s Cooper’s specialty. Yet, the writer/director leaves plenty to be desired with Willem Dafoe’s massively unfulfilled sleazy character, John Petty. Furthermore, the feature is haunted by second rate dialogue, unnecessary inclusions (i.e. Rodney’s letter to his brother) and unrealistic sequences that become impossible to overlook. The scene where Russell searches out DeGroat by organizing a drug deal is so off the mark, it’s unforgivable. Clearly, Out of the Furnace is bogged down by blatant errors. However, its intriguing subject matter and strong performances are enough to sustain the film.

While many hoped that Cooper’s follow-up to Crazy Heart would shape the awards season outlook, the truth is it won’t. In fact, Out of the Furnace will ultimately stand as nothing more than an entertaining film with a fair share of miscues. There are elements to enjoy and reasons to watch, but keep your expectations in check.

GRADE: 3.5/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Now You See Me

by MCDave

Despite being in the full swing of the summer blockbuster season, one less-than-typical big budget film to hit theatres this month is Louis Leterrier’s Now You See Me. Leterrier, who’s best known for his direction of Clash of the Titans and Transporter 1 & 2, gives a high octane dose of magic. This mystery-thriller surprisingly delivers enough action and energy to help warrant its “blockbuster” classification. Therefore, when you head to the theatre this summer seeking out the gaudiest box-office hits possible, writing off Now You See Me as a minuscule magic-centered movie simply means, the joke’s on you.

A quartet of extremely talented street-performing illusionists and mentalists (played by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher and Dave Franco) are summoned together to accomplish some of the grandest feats in history. But after robbing millions of dollars from a Parisian bank as their Las Vegas stage finale (without ever leaving the room), the FBI must unravel how and why these magicians are up to no good. Yet, the closer agent Dylan Hobbs (Mark Ruffalo) and famed magic-debunker Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman) get to figuring it all out, the less they actually know.

NOW YOU SEE ME

Now You See Me is an above average thrill ride possessing a completely star-studded cast and a unique story. First and foremost, Jesse Eisenberg and Mark Ruffalo lead a superb collection of new and old Hollywood greats. Legends such as Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and the always amazing Woody Harrelson cross talents with a newer generation of stars. The result is a set of wonderfully branded characters that undoubtedly raise Now You See Me to the next level. While Eisenberg and Ruffalo lead the way, Harrelson offers his usual scene-stealing supporting efforts that never leave a dull moment for the audience. In fact, Eisenberg admittedly stated that once Harrelson was on board, the script was slightly reworked to better fit his comedic talents. And believe me, the results show. Another significant glowing aspect to the film is its carefully crafted story. Thanks to a commendable amount of originality to the script, Now You See Me constantly feels fresh and new. With all of the remakes, sequels and rehashed ideas floating around the industry, it’s refreshing to find an energetic and singular story.

Although Louis Leterrier’s Now You See Me successfully grabs the audience, the feature still manages to illustrate some significant flaws. For starters, as a film about illusionists and magicians, there was an immense focus on delivering an abundance of stunning visuals. While I can understand their desire to do so, I found some of the effects to be completely unnecessary and distracting to the movie’s finer elements. Furthermore, Now You See Me caters to a summertime audience by doing all of the work for you. As an active-viewer who enjoys thinking for himself (to a reasonably attainable and not overly-ambiguous degree), the film refuses to allow the moviegoer to dissect the mystery on their own. Containing an almost insurmountable amount of unrealistic sequences followed by an undetectable conclusion, Now You See Me requires that the audience simply watch and be entertained. At least the thrills and uniqueness make the ride enjoyable.

NOW YOU SEE ME

There will be plenty of hits and even more misses during this summer’s blockbuster season. Now You See Me is one of those films that lands somewhere in between. For sheer entertainment value, it’s well worth the price of admission. The jokes are a nice little touch, the action is beyond what you’d expect and the story isn’t very robust, but compelling nonetheless. While I wouldn’t recommend flocking to theatres to catch Now You See Me (a DVD rental will do just fine), you won’t be disappointed if you do.

Grade: 3/5

Check out other work from MCDave at Movie Reviews By Dave

Kirk Ward To Star In ‘Zombieland’ Series!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Zombieland has found its lead!

 

Deadline has reported that The Island’s Kirk Ward will show us his version of Tallahassee in the upcoming television series. Originally played by Woody Harrelson, Ward is said to have been the original choice for the character after Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick met him on the set of Invasion Iowa.

 

The Zombieland movie was quite the thrill ride, and I’d expect the television series (which the project was originally conceived as) to be more of the same!

 

Zombieland has no set premiere date, but Amazon Studios seems pretty gung-ho on the project! Maybe we’ll get a pilot in time for Halloween?

 

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Source: Deadline

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Seven Psychopaths

by MCDave

We’ve all heard the phrase, “sophomore slump” before. It often refers to a sub-par second performance given by an athlete, author or even a Hollywood director. After a successful Oscar Nominated effort for his debut film In Bruges (albeit for its screenplay), Martin McDonagh returns with his follow up feature Seven Psychopaths. Boasting a star-studded cast with the likes of Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken and Woody Harrelson, it goes without saying that McDonagh’s Seven Psychopaths is anything but a “sophomore slump”.

Marty (played by Farrell) is struggling with the screenplay for his next movie “Seven Psychopaths”, but with the right kind of inspiration it could be a masterpiece. Yet, when Marty gets caught up in a dog-napping fiasco with his best friend Billy (played by Rockwell) and Billy’s partner in crime Hans (played by Walken), escaping a maniacal cold blooded killer like Charlie (played by Harrelson) may be all the inspiration Marty needs.

 

 

Seven Psychopaths is the type of imaginative and twisted off-the-wall comedy that resonates with audiences for a lifetime. Behind the creative genius of writer and director Martin McDonagh, Seven Psychopaths gets by on a clever script, crafty dialogue and a collection of gifted actors. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of McDonagh’s second feature is his ability to engineer multi-dimensional characters that the audience naturally clings to. Through the use of brilliant narrative and an onslaught of hysterical scenarios, Seven Psychopaths becomes a timeless comedy that clearly requires multiple viewings. Another aid in developing such strong characters comes from the versatile ensemble that McDonagh brings together. Most notable is Sam Rockwell who offers up an Oscar-style performance as Marty’s best friend and dog napper extraordinaire, Billy. Rockwell takes control of the feature and commands the audience’s attention with every precisely timed punchline and perfectly branded nuance. Despite Rockwell’s elevated level of performance, Seven Psychopaths succeeds because of the entire collective work of its talented cast. The manner in which Christopher Walken, Colin Farrell and Woody Harrelson feed off of Rockwell and each other is nothing short of groundbreaking. Their witty back and forth banter is absolutely hysterical and almost rhythmic. McDonagh manages to bring together a cast for the ages and a script that’s perfectly complementary to this group of actors. And as a result,Seven Psychopaths finds itself as this year’s best comedy.

In order to find any blemishes with McDonagh’s second effort, you really have to get nit-picky. One obvious flaw rests in the complete lack of realism to the story and its circumstances. However, we’re dealing with a comedy here so, in retrospect, how believable does the film really need to be? In fact, one of the most admirable qualities of Seven Psychopaths is its ability to transcend normalcy and take you to a world far crazier than the typical movie experience. Furthermore, a more unforgivable flaw occurs in the brief post-credits scene that McDonagh unfortunately decides to include in the film. This short-lived pay phone scene is awkward, strange and all together out of place. Completely unnecessary, it’s worth noting that the director could have done without that one. Otherwise, Seven Psychopaths is a wild, energetic and insanely fun time.

 

 

Many writers and directors find difficulty in elevating their work after a successful debut. McDonagh not only reaches the same level as his first feature In Bruges, he far exceeds it. Seven Psychopaths only reaffirms McDonagh’s creativity and ingenuity among Hollywood’s best and brightest, illustrating that the writer/director has a long and prosperous career ahead of himself. Seven Psychopaths is never short on laughs and the comedy proudly sets the bar for its genre. Superbly original, Seven Psychopaths hits theatres everywhere on Friday October 12th and it’s definitely the type of laugh out loud experience that you won’t want to miss.

 

Overall: 4.5/5

 

You can also check out MCDave’s other work at Movie Reviews By Dave

Watch The Red-Band Trailer For ‘Seven Psychopaths’!

by Shawn Madden

So, after seeing the green-band trailer for Seven Psychopaths I was already sold. Now we have a hilarious red-band Trailer for the upcoming dog-napping comedy directed by Martin McDonagh (In Bruges) and starring Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson and Christopher Walken. If this doesn’t sell you on this movie…I don’t know what will.

‘Seven Psychopaths’ follows a struggling screenwriter (Colin Farrell) who inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) kidnap a gangster’s (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih Tzu.

Seven Psychopaths will have a limited theatrical release on October 12th.

Check Out The Trailer For ‘Seven Psychopaths’!

by Shawn Madden

The movie Seven Psychopaths has got a new trailer and it looks crazy funny. But, with a cast that includes Christopher Walken, Colin Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell and Tom Waits…how could it not be?

From Oscar-winning writer and director Martin McDonagh comes a star-studded, blood-drenched, black comedy. Marty (Colin Farrell) is a struggling writer who dreams of finishing his screenplay Seven Psychopaths. All he needs is a little focus and inspiration.

Billy (Sam Rockwell) is Marty’s best friend, an unemployed actor and part time dog thief, who wants to help Marty by any means necessary.

Hans (Christopher Walken) is Billy’s partner in crime. A religious man with a violent past. Charlie is the psychopathetic gangster whose beloved dog, Billy and Hans have just stolen. Charlie’s unpredictable, extremely violent and wouldn’t think twice about killing anyone or anything associated with the theft. Marty is going to get all the focus and inspiration he needs, just as long as he lives to tell the tale.

Seven Psychopaths hits theaters November 2, 2012.

[via Machinima]