Fright Night (2011) Review: aka David Tennant is a Bad-Ass MoFo.

I’ve never been a huge fan of horror movies, but when I heard that David Tennant, the most amazing 10th Doctor from Doctor Who, was going to be in the remake of the 1985 cult-classic Fright Night, I knew there was a very good chance I was going to go see it. The story revolves around a boy who, after shunning his nerdy friends and being “cool” in order to get a hot chick, discovers that his new neighbor is a vampire! This vampire, played quite well by Colin Farrell, is slowly eating his way through the neighborhood. And when Charley Brewer (played rather meh-ly by Anton Yelchin)’s best friend “Evil” Ed (played by the always wonderful Christopher Mintz-Plasse) is taken out, he knows he has to fight back. It’s a fun, action-filled story with a menacing Colin Farrell, a boring Anton Yelchin, and hot chicks aplenty. But, as I assumed, David Tennant’s performance as Peter Vincent, stage-magician and surprise real-life vampire expert, took over the show.

The show just how much love Mr. Tennant has, the moment he arrived on screen, the crowd in the theater erupted into applause. He stole the show every time he was on scene. Then again, I might be a bit biased.

Don’t judge me, the bible says not to.

All kidding aside, the movie was very enjoyable, even if you aren’t a fan of gorey horror-suspense type movies. I might even purchase it once it’s out on DVD/Bluray (though more realistically, I’ll just stream it if/when it comes to Netflix). I give it 4 Sonic Screwdrivers out of 5.

-Zeke

Movies with the Monk- Karas: The Prophecy & The Revelation

Hiddy Ho, guys! Your pal, Miroku, here. Finished mowing the lawn and decided to take a breather from the chores of the day, so I decided to hit Netflix up for some cool toonage to watch. As usual, I scrolled through the anime movie sections and discovered a little gem I’ve been meaning to see entitled: “Karas: The Prophecy”. I was debating it (due to mixed reviews I’ve heard) and decided to scroll on past to see what else was there, but then I saw that they also had the second film, “Karas: The Revelation”.  I knew it was a sign… a “revelation”, if you will, from the spirit world. I just HAD to see this “prophecy” for myself. After all, these two movies were produced by Tatsunoko Productions, which has been one of the long time companies that I recall from my childhood BEFORE I realized that those funny Gatchaman folks came from Japan (which Tatsunoko was responsible for producing). And, knowing that the movies had been produced in correlation of the celebration of their 40th year anniversary, I knew that I HAD to give them a watch. Besides, the title character is one of my favs to fight with in the Tatsunoko vs. Capcom arcade fighter. So, why not see what the story was all about?

Naturally, I watched the first movie, “The Prophecy”. Let me just say that the opening sequence of a dog fight between two supernatural jet fighter planes was cool enough. The fact that those same jets could shapeshift into armored warriors was EVEN MORE rockin! They really wanted to get you into this film from the get-go and I have to say I wasn’t displeased… Save for all the Japanese text that was going by untranslated (Note to self: use closed caption next time that happens). Anyways, from the opening sequence I knew that the movie was going to be great. And then, I waited… and waited… and waited some more. But the more I watched, the more I began to get confused on what, exactly, the story was all about. I mean, SURE the fight sequences that rained throughout the movie was cool, but they kinda jumped around a lot of places at first and then didn’t bother to explain to you who the main character was or what the deal was that he had superhuman powers. To that end, it really only introduced a lot of side characters that really didn’t have a lot to do with the story. An investigation here, random demon attacks, sequences of the main character doctoring demons and otherworldly specters, but then going out and killing others. By the time I got to the end, I really had more questions than answers for and I didn’t even really realize I was at the end until the cliffhanger hits you and … BAM! End credits…

If that had have been the end of it, I might be writing a REALLY SOUR review on this production. Thankfully, though, I knew I still had “The Revelation” to follow… And, I was REALLY praying that this “Revelation” would produce a plot and a point. Thankfully, Tatsunoko didn’t disappoint. They managed to sum EVERYTHING together with the second movie and produce a fairly conventional end to the tale of a young man who is chosen to receive super powers to defend the city against evil and injustice against both human and demon. Mind you, these movies weren’t bad nor were they badly written. However, I really can’t understand the justification of making these two movies. I did a little research and discovered that both films ACTUALLY started off as a six episode OVA (which explains a lot in my mind) that was then, combined, manufactured, and released as two movies. Honestly, it watched like I was in the midst of one LONG episode of a series which is the way these films should be watched.

So, in short, “Karas: The Prophecy” and “Karas: The Revelation” was a “GOOD SERIES” but, as a movies… I couldn’t see much re-watch value to them. But I would recommend watching them. Just, make sure you watch “The Prophecy” and then IMMEDIATELY watch “The Revelation”. Or, if you can only watch one, watch the second film as it will give you the actual details of the story AND it recaps a little from the other episodes so you won’t miss too much by not watching the first. Until next time, guys, this is Miroku saying, “Later!”

Hey there little “Red riding hood”: A movie review

How’s it going, everyone?

Just got back from seeing a sneak peek presentation of “Red Riding Hood” and, much like the song by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs… it sure was looking good! I don’t want to put out any spoilers or anything for the movie, but it was a great film. As you can guess, it was a bit of a “creature feature” and being produced by the same folks whom made twilight (bleck… -gags a little.-) it was definately what I would consider a “chick flick”. But, unlike twilight, this was ACTUALLY good. There was enough action and intrigue between the girl stuff that it kept me engrossed the ENTIRE time. The acting was fairly good and the creature effects weren’t too shabby. They went with a similiar theme for “the wolf” as they did for others in previous sappy vampire love stories, but I really enjoyed the look and the story was fairly well written.

In short, Red Riding Hood is, very much, Well worth seeing and I would highly recommend it to ANYONE whom enjoys a good monster movie and/or a love story. Until next time, I’m Miroku bidding you all a “grim” evening… BWa ha ha ha-ack!

aniRAGE Year In Review: Zeke’s Top Movie of 2010

Zeke’s Top Movie of 2010

There were a lot of excellent movies that came out this year, and even some that are still slated for release. However by far there is one that stood out among all the others in my eyes. It may not have the best of any one thing, and may not be up for a million awards when all is said and done…but this is the only movie I have willingly paid money to see multiple times.

That movie is Scott Pilgrim vs The World.

By no means is it the perfect movie. Say what you want about certain casting choices, it’s editing, it’s sound track…really anything you want. But at the end of the day, this movie gave me the most entertainment a movie has given me in a very long time.
This is also the first movie I have ever watched and gone to immediately find not only the soundtrack, but also the musical score. That was a big a part of the movie as anything else.
The movie has quite a following behind it, and often times I wonder if I’m merely falling for the hype, and loving it for things that don’t even exist. However, whenever this happens, I merely pop the bluray into my PS3 and take it for another spin, and I remind myself all over again why I love it.
If you haven’t seen the movie, I implore you to go see it. Will it be the best movie you have ever seen? Will it change your life? Will it cure cancer and solve world hunger and bring world peace? Nope, but it will entertain the hell out of you.

-Zeke

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt.1

Just got back from the $5 matinee where I, my fiancee, and family went to see the latest adventure of everyones favorite wizard. Now, note, I have NEVER read any of the Harry potter books and know (just from sheer astetics) that the books were/are MUCH better. However, that being said, I think that the latest (and second to last release for the franchise) was, actually, a very well placed together movie which draws alot off of it’s predecessor… More so then any of the other movies till now.

I don’t want to give away to much, but the tone of this movie has been the darkest of any of the previous movies and with great reason. The film pervays a great deal of darkness and the dreary about the characters as they seek out the 5 remaining Horcrux’s (black magic items in which Voldemort has sealed away portions of his own wicked soul so as to be able to resurrect himself if anyone should manage to slay him) and destroy them. There is a feeling of woe and despair one feels as you watch the events of the movie unfold and watch as several characters from Harry’s past meet their untimely ends. However, for all of the despair and anguish, there are places of hope and some very clever humor placed to take the edge off of the knife that is the story. It defienately kept me glued to my seat for the entirety of the film and I was truely intrigued… From the time that the Warner-brother’s logo appeared (which was pretty awesome) to the infiltration of Voldemort’s “Wizarding world Gestapo” to the story of the “Deathly Hallows” (truely epic, indeed!) and to it’s climactic “end”. HP&TDH Pt.1, was VERY MUCH a great movie and if you’re a big fan of the Potter series, I dare say that you should enjoy this VERY MUCH! I personally can’t wait to see the end, this summer.

Well, till next time… Enjoy!

~Miroku

Happy Scott Pilgrim vs The World on BluRay/DVD Day!

Today is the day! Hands down my favorite movie of the year is coming out on DVD and BluRay. Sadly I am poor as hell right now, so i don’t have any spare funds, or else I’d be rushing out to get it.

Wait, tomorrow is pay day. VICTORY WILL BE MINE (in about 12-24 hours).

If you are looking for a recommendation of a movie to buy this holiday season, this is definitely at or near the top of the list. If you haven’t seen it, or read the graphic novel source material, then definitely make it a point to go read and watch both. It was truly a great ride.

-Zeke