GODZILLA(Gareth Edwards, 2014)
Reboot of the giant lizard saga, from the director of 2010's decent Monsters. The film takes a cool approach to the storyline. Rather than having the big guy be the source of terror (though he still definitely is), he's the restorer of balance after MUTOs arrive seeking radiation. I don't get the criticisms that Godzilla isn't in it enough. There's more than enough action/disaster porn to go around, with several breathtaking sequences. The film doesn't make us numb to the destruction, a big plus given we're in the age of Man of Steel and Michael "let's blow up everything in sight for entire reels" Bay. Though the film doesn't really get going until after the first act, the cinematography, visual effects, sound and especially Alexandre Desplat's mesmerizing score make this one of the most aesthetically pleasing summer blockbusters that doesn't have Christopher Nolan's name attached. The humans are forgettable, but are luckily played by an assortment of award winning actors (Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, Elizabeth Olsen and a bizarrely brief Juliette Binoche). Aaron Taylor-Johnson is also some delicious eye candy. GRADE: B+
THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE(John Hough, 1973)
A team attempts to survive a week in the notoriously haunted Hell House, where previous visitors have either gone mad or died. Standard old British haunted house movie, though it has very nice atmosphere. In particular, the exterior shots of the constantly drenched in fog Hell House are gorgeous and moody. I'm curious if this was the first film to feature the classic psychotic cat that has been prevalent in similar films and often parodied. A lot of the elements of this have since become cliche that it robs the film of some of its potence. GRADE: B-
THE FURY
(Brian De Palma, 1978)
Two years after De Palma explored a teenage girl's telekinetic powers in Carrie, he's back with a similar tale. A government agent (Kirk Douglas) must use a young woman's (Amy Irving, who played non-telekinetic in Carrie) power to find his kidnapped son. Their powers are being exploited by a sinister organization led by John Cassavettes. Another film I'm surprised hasn't been remade, this is definitely a step down after De Palma's 1976 masterpiece. It's way too long, and shockingly given the director it's all a little too staid. That said, the last scene does what it needs to and even rivals Scanners in the "man-splosion" arena. Most of the scenes of the Irving's character using her powers liven things up. GRADE: C
I MARRIED A WITCH(Rene Clair, 1942)
Light comedy about a centuries old witch who takes human form to seek revenge on the descendant of one of her family's persecutors. This is the first Veronica Lake movie I've seen! Always exciting when I get to see one of the Golden Era's most famous. I was surprised how young she was here (only 20!) as I guess I figured she would have been more....womanly? She was closer to an ingenue here. GRADE: B
Great hair obviously! The film is so light it almost evaporates in front of you, but still a fun charming time.
LIFE AFTER BETH
(Jeff Baena, 2014)
Another zomcom (zombie comedy) joining a genre that has been growing in the last decade thanks to Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, Warm Bodies, Fido and several others. A young man (Dane DeHaan) is struggling to get over the death of his girlfriend (Aubrey Plaza) when she returns from the dead. While initially "normal", she eventually transforms into the classic zombie mold. The film throws in a few neat twists to the zombie canon, chief among them that zombies like easy listening music. This would have worked better as a short, as even at only 89 minutes it's poorly paced and feels long. Worse, it leaves an impressive cast of comedy heavyweights (the couple's parents are played by John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Paul Reiser and Cheryl Hines) with weak material. GRADE: C-PARANORMAN
(Chris Butler and Sam Fell, 2012)
This is my first viewing since seeing it in theatres in 3D back when it was released. It should have easily won the Oscar for Animated Feature that year. Norman (voice of Let Me In's Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a young outcast, declared a freak because he can interact with the dead. The horror elements work more effectively than most current actual horror films, and the characters are all really fun. (In particular, the reveal about Casey Affleck's Mitch is pretty groundbreaking for an animated film. Bravo to Laika for going there!) It often seems a lot like a great live action 1980's film. I know some parents might be hesitant to let their young kids watch this, but the film has a strong anti-bullying message and general theme that childhood IS terrifying will make it relatable. Of course, as a kid I watched horror movies nonstop and was a bit of an outcast, so this is probably the close I've come to seeing myself on the big screen. I mean, Norman's ringtone was the Halloween theme!!! (Co-voiced by Anna Kendrick, Leslie Mann and John Goodman.) GRADE: A-
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