NEW Poltergeist delivers more laughs than scares

News that the original 1982 Poltergeist, directed, co-written and produced by Steven Spielberg, would be remade was met with disdain by fans especially since 90s kids like myself had a nostalgic link to the original.  The original was that quirky horror movie that was on every other Saturday morning on local television that delivered genuine scares while managing to remain child-friendly. 

Most fans felt that a remake was entirely unnecessary especially since the 1982 version is still fondly remembered and broadcast regularly on cable television.  What is more puzzling about the choice of a remake is the fact that the 1982 movie has a notorious reputation for being a 'cursed film'.  A quick search will turn up hundreds of articles about the sudden and horrific deaths of some of the actors and even crew members of the original including the tragic death of its young heroine, Heather O'Rourke.  Even the actress who played her older sister in the original was horribly murdered by her boyfriend in her own home.  One has to wonder how the stars of the re-make felt about the tragic deaths of their predecessors.  Despite the ominous reputation of the original, the studio went full speed ahead with a remake that does not improve on the original but may provide some fun for moviegoers who are new to the Poltergeist franchise.  Here are 5 Reasons the new film delivers more comedy than fright:

5.  Uninspired repeat of the original storyline

One aspect of the film which I particularly disliked was the fact that it quite deliberately repeats the plot of the original without any new depth or twists.  In fact if you have seen the original there is really no point in catching the remake.  All the key plot scenarios remain the same including the fact that the family moves into a new neighborhood which was built on a former graveyard.  There is this particularly unnecessary scene where the parents are at a dinner and their friends expound on the rumors of the homes being haunted because while the gravestones were removed, the bodies remained.  The film utilizes a lot of time to simply regurgitate every major plot device from the 1982 version.  If you are a fan of the original looking for any plot expansion into the Poltergeist mythos, you will be severely disappointed.

4. New characters are funny but add nothing new 

While most of characters are repeated, including the entire family (albeit with altered names), the filmmakers have replaced the paranormal investigators from the original with a nerdy Supernatural Investigator and a Reality TV star who investigates haunted homes.  While there are a few hilarious moments due to the new characters' quirky and dysfunctional romance, ultimately they seem dull compared to the intense performances in the original.  Their presence adds nothing new to the recycled plot.

 

3. Visual Effects are tolerable

While in 1982 visual effects still had a long way to go, the original Poltergeist had visuals some fans may deem endearing including the claw-like hand which terrifyingly emerges from the television. The 2015 version of course offers improved effects including a snake-like Willow tree that attempts to petrify the young son as well as a barrage of  the undead that appears at the climax.  While the visuals are better than the original, the lifeless acting, routine story-line and overall dull feel of the film outweigh the big budget visuals.

 

2. Horror fans may be bored

Long-time fans of horror films will immediately see through the film's attempt to simply update classic scare tactics.  Apart from repeating most of what we already saw in 1982, the filmmakers do attempt to infuse small new elements from the reality television 'found footage' genre.  The paranormal investigators use a camera strapped to a drone in an attempt to rescue the kidnapped younger daughter and we actually see the Poltergeist 'nest'.  Unfortunately, if you have been watching horror films from early 2000s this will seem all too familiar and most horror movie fans may be bored by the tired plot devices.

 

1. Performances lack enthusiasm

Many terrible films have been saved by the inspired performances of the title characters.  The opposite happens in this updated Poltergeist film.  The original benefited from veteran actors like Craig T. Nelson and a stunning performance by the late Heather O'Rourke; the 2015 version seems particularly dull due to the minimalistic performances of the new cast.  Most of the actors you will probably recognize as supporting characters in other films and there are moments in which they deliver genuinely funny dialogue.  However, the overall lack of excitement and realism gives the film more of a Lifetime Television quality rather than the high caliber of a feature film.

Indeed, it is hard to recommend this film especially to anyone who enjoyed the fantastic 1982 original version. One redeeming quality is the fact that the writers attempted more humor than we saw in the original.  The film actually never takes itself seriously which may make it tolerable to casual moviegoers.  However, for veteran fans of truly frightening horror films this new Poltergeist may be deemed as the most unnecessary and uninspired remake of 2015.

 

5 Reasons Avengers Sequel is the Jaw-dropping Spectacle you can’t miss!

5 Reasons Avengers Sequel is the Jaw-dropping Spectacle you can’t miss!

Review by Timothy Austin 

The first Avengers took the term blockbuster to an all new level as audiences worldwide were willing to pay any price to see their beloved Marvel Comics characters in a giant team-up over and over again.  Highly anticipated seems a mild term to describe the second Avengers film which again stars Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk. 

Fans have already helped the film surpass the coveted 200 Million mark in order to see the entire team reunite this time to take on Ultron, a product of wise-cracking genius Tony Stark’s experiments with ‘alien’ technology and Artificial Intelligence that goes awry.  Stark’s super Intelligent ‘Ultron’ takes on a life of its own and a mandate to eradicate all Human life in order to create a more ideal world. 

As the Avengers assemble to put an end to Ultron, conflict among the once loyal team spews out of control as the other Avengers question Stark’s motivations for creating Ultron and the other secret plans the billionaire inventor has in store for the team.  As incredible as the first Avengers proved to be, its sequel tops that on every level with eye-popping visuals, fantastic story-telling and rip-roaring action.  Here are 5 reasons to get as fast as you can to the nearest cinema to see Avengers: Age of Ultron:

5. New characters add luster and intrigue 

 

Fans of the comic-book and the original film will salivate over the return of every Avenger from the original, including surprise cameos from smaller Marvel Comics characters.  However, it is the debut of the twins, the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver that truly adds to the enjoyment of the film’s plot.  While they were husband and wife in 2014’s Godzilla remake, actors Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are now a brother and sister team with extraordinary powers that if used to aid the Avengers could help them permanently solve the Ultron problem.  However, from their very introduction in the film it is uncertain where their loyalty lies as they were held captive in a laboratory to function as weapons.  To avoid any spoilers, I’ll just say that most Marvel fans will be surprised to see how the dynamic between the super-powered twins and the Avengers team evolves.  What is particularly interesting about the new additions is the spectacular way in which their powers are displayed.  Quicksilver rescues in the nick of time with lighting fast blasts of speed, while the Scarlet Witch can create eye-popping blasts of energy to disable her attackers.  She also has the ability to create giant force fields and can use her powers to maneuver objects even large trains.  This is done in truly spectacular fashion, making the addition of these new Avengers a visual feast.  

        

4. Villain delivers high on scare factor

 

No super-hero film satisfies unless it has an intimidating villain and thankfully the Avengers sequel scores high with Ultron.  While Thor’s brother Loki was a formidable bad guy in the original, the highly intelligent Ultron proves even more sinister thanks to stunning CGI and the voice work of popular actor James Spader, known best for his hit NBC series ‘The BlackList’.  Spader brings a foreboding calm to the voice of Ultron as he unfolds his plan to decimate the Avengers and end all Human life on Earth.  His human-like mannerisms create an unnerving experience for the viewer and Spader’s ominous tone makes Ultron one of the most visually-striking and intimidating villains Marvel fans have ever seen.

3.  Well-balanced plot

What I particularly liked about the first film was the writers' ability to juggle multiple story-lines at the same time, allowing every Avenger adequate screen time so that we fully understand their conflict.  This is achieved on a much higher level in 'Age of Ultron' because of the introduction of new characters including the complex Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver and the sometimes over the top Ultron.  The writers even go as far as setting up the plots for other up-coming Marvel films.  We get a glimpse as to what happened after the end of the last Thor movie and an indication of the tumultuous conflict which will be unleashed in Thor 3.  The villain for the just announced Black Panther film also makes a cameo appearance in a key scene involving Ultron.  True Marvel fans will find much gratification here as we see how strategic Marvel has been in setting up its cinematic universe.  You can't help but be in awe of the writers as they brilliantly manage a plethora of conflicts and tie it all up in a spectacular plot. 

2. Tops the original on EVERY level 

Many super-hero sequels fall short of their predecessors (I still have the sour taste of  Spiderman 3 in my mouth).  What may be the greatest achievement of this second Avengers film is that it exceeds expectations in every aspect including the fact that its plot is more engrossing than the original film, the special effects are more spectacular, the character development is taken to a higher level and the acting is more dynamic.  The new plot is made even better with the infusion of more comedy and banter between the heroes including a hilarious bit in which Thor challenges every Avenger to attempt picking up his powerful hammer, Mjolnir.

1.   Jaw-dropping visual spectacle 

For true Avengers fans nothing will be more satisfying than the stunning visual effects infused in almost every scene.  The action set-pieces in 'Ultron' are perhaps the most entertaining visual feast we'll see in 2015.  Despite the praise that came before, nothing compares to how good this film looks.  From the swarming army of Ultron's robots to one incredible slow motion sequence in which we see all the Avengers in battle at the same time.  It appears no expense was spared to make the sequel one of the most fantastic special- effects extravaganzas ever put on film.  I particularly enjoyed the scene in which Black Widow scoops up Captain America's shield while riding a bike and expertly tosses it to him just in time to block a potentially deadly blow from Ultron.  Indeed, I can think of no other film in recent memory that equals the jaw dropping visuals seen in 'Age of Ultron'. It exceeds anything fans might be anticipating and satisfies on every level.     

If there is only one action/adventure you see this year, make it 'Age of Ultron'.  From its engaging plot and timely message about the dangers of experimenting with artificial intelligence to its barrage of visual achievements, no other film in 2015 will satisfy like the Avengers sequel.  

Review by Timothy Austin

Forget the critics: 3 Reasons Jupiter Ascending is a fantastic film!

Review by T. Austin

Critics and audiences alike have not been kind to the new Sci-fi fantasy, Jupiter Ascending starring Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum.  But after seeing it this weekend I'm certain that critics fail to understand that some films are just meant for pure entertainment and at a time like this some audiences just want to escape reality.  If escaping into a crazy fantasy is what you're looking for, the film thoroughly delivers.  Here are 3 reasons you MUST see it now: 

1. The plot is pure pop-corn entertainment  

Explaining the plot might require quite a lot of time and for the record Jupiter Ascending is in no way a high-brow, intellectual thriller, but what you actually get is an engrossing action romp made purely for pop-corn entertainment.  Mila Kunis is Jupiter, who goes from cleaning toilets to being drawn into an intergalactic conflict between members of the House of Abrasax, a Royal family who just happens to share ownership of the universe.  Yes, it's that complicated and a tab silly but the execution is highly entertaining.  Jupiter is sought after by the royal siblings, including recent Oscar winner Eddy Redmayne as the devilish older sibling, Balem, who wants to murder Jupiter since she is the reincarnated version of his mother, who apparently had rights to owning the Earth. Yes it's ridiculous, but if you're tired of all the headlines screaming be-headings, terrorism and other assorted bad news that is so in your face lately, Jupiter is the perfect film for escapism.  It's the kind of Star Wars, Star Trek and Terminator mash-up that you dreamt of as a teen.  Believe me, as impossible and over-blown as the story seems, the visual effects, chemistry between the leads and amazing soundtrack make it well worth the ticket price. 

2. Kunis and Tatum turn up the chemistry

The main draw is of course the stars of the film and from the first frame Kunis exudes amazing comic timing as the klutzy, yet believable Jupiter.  When she is rescued by Channing Tatum's Caine Wise, an intergalactic soldier, we experience what seems to be genuine chemistry between the two charismatic actors and it's indeed enjoyable to watch.  While there are no real memorable one-liners, the scenes with Kunis and Tatum stand out as silly but charming.  Whether he is rescuing her from what looks like body-builder versions of the Sand People from Star Wars or soaring above skyscrapers on 'gravity boots', the romance between the two characters is one of the more believable aspects of an otherwise overblown story.

3. Phenomenal visual effects create an equally fantastic world

It's obvious that the directors, the Wachowskis Brothers, borrowed quite a lot from probably every Sci-Fi fantasy you can think of including large parts of Star Wars and huge chunks of Star Trek, but that's what makes the world they created so enjoyable to get absorbed into; whether it's the insect-like giant space ships or the Lord of the Rings inspired vistas, everything looks and sounds like the over the top space opera you wished they still showed on Saturday afternoons.  I particularly liked that some of the spacecraft had giant gold statues and colourful murals that evoke an art deco inspired alien world.  The Wachowskis Brothers, despite using bits from Sci-fi films that we already know, have created their own unique world that hints at the excess of mankind and over consumption.  It is indeed a fascinating place to spend 2 hours.   The music score by Michael Giacchino is as over the top as the storyline with huge brass statements in the vein of John Williams' Star Wars scores.

I recommended Jupiter to anyone looking for a truly thrilling adventure that requires no brain busting plot analysis.  It's just plain in your face, loud and colourful entertainment that has sadly been missing from our local multiplexes for years.  With so many serious, true to life films out now, Jupiter Ascending is the ideal cinema experience for anyone wanting to get away from reality. 

5 Reasons You'll Probably Hate 50 Shades of Grey (The Film)

Review by T.Austin 

There is no need to rehash anything about the popularity or plot behind the phenomenally popular series of books, 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.  I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who thinks that it was a greedy move by British author E.L. James and the movie studio to turn a relatively new book franchise into a film trilogy so soon, but here you have it: an elusive Billionaire, Christian Grey entraps a demure college student, Anastasia Steele, into his sadistic world of BDSM (Google it if you're not sure) including what the average person would deem truly bizarre acts of sex.

But for those of us who sadly run out to see the new Transformers, Box Office success doesn't mean quality.  This is quite evident with the dare I say it premature Fifty Shades film.  Here are five reasons it might not make your passing grade: 

The cliched love story doesn't hold up 

Kudos to new star Dakota Johnson (daughter of Melanie Griffith) and Jamie Dornan who exhibit natural chemistry, even during the overly hyped love making scenes, but even the stars' on-screen charisma wouldn't stop the average moviegoer from seeing through the paper thin love story.  We've seen it 100 times on Lifetime. A nerdy, not too attractive female is swept away by stunningly handsome wealthy man.  It's like Beauty and the Beast but with whips, chains and an even more psychologically damaged Beast.  The twist of course is his offer of a contract to engage in sadistic sexual acts but for anyone with a television, the trailer gives it all away so that when it actually happens there's no dramatic change in the beat of the film.  It all seems too familiar and tediously cliched.

Takes too long to get to the point 

If you've read the first book, you know that much has been removed.  That's probably the reason the entire film drags along with not much happening (except the overly advertised bondage scenes).  Every now and again we hear a very loud pop song and get a series of montages with the happy couple flying in a helicopter or some other 'Billionaire shows poor girl he's rich' cliche.  It gets very exhausting after the first hour.  I had to fight off sleep about 6 times.  

The Love Making Scenes don't exactly 'satisfy' 

For all the hype about the film's graphic depiction of sadistic sex between Anastasia and Christian, when it actually happens it's not exactly eye opening.  Yes, there are gross amounts of nudity particularly from Dakota Johnson (more about that later), but for anyone with cable and a subscription to Showtime or HBO the sex scenes are really nothing new. Yes it is surprising to see certain acts hinted at, but with all the PR and commercial hype, the scenes are actually quite tepid.  

The soundtrack does most of the work 

As I said before, the film has a huge achievement with the amazing chemistry between the two leads, however beyond that there's really not much happening.  To create some sense of excitement the film makers employ a series of upbeat pop songs including a truly catchy track from British pop singer, Ellie Goulding. All this makes the movie seem less genuine and it's hard to take it seriously when Christian brands his whip and a super slowed down version of Beyonce's 'Crazy in Love' starts playing.  It all seems very commercial like watching the latest teen drama on MTV.  

Sets Feminism back several years...

The same has been said about the books and indeed the depiction of Anastasia Steele is sometimes hard to swallow.  To avoid any spoilers I won't give details of a particular scene where I was surprised at how they treated the 'virginity issue'.  It just seemed like the female protagonist was so enamored that she barely gave a thought to sleeping with someone she barely knew.  In 2015, it's hard to accept this sort of 1930s approach to women and sex. While Johnson tries her best with the material, it's clear that Anastasia represents a stereotypical female lead that has long over stayed her welcome in the movies. 

The other glaring negative depiction of women is the fact that while we see quite a lot of Jamie Dornan, it doesn't compare to the amount of times Johnson's body is on display in overtly submissive ways.  The fact that Johnson's nudity is emphasized more than her male counterpart just plays into the typical Hollywood stereotype of excessively depicting women as sexual objects.  This will not sit well with an intelligent audience. 

Overall, Fifty Shades comes across as a way too soon book to film adaptation that needed more time to be fleshed out properly.  Everything about it seems forced and contrived, lacking any deep wit or groundbreaking plot device.  Most audiences, particularly if you haven't read the book, will be bored by the light weight plot.  Beyond the charming performances by the leads, up tempo soundtrack and enthusiastic music score by Danny Elfman, 50 Shades is a dismal snoozefest. 

Review by T.Austin    

Mariah Carey...what is more remarkable than a human being who is struggling but still SHOWS UP every time!

I find myself admiring Mariah Carey even more these last few months. She's obviously going through (if you believe the media), horrendous marital woes, plus the deterioration of her voice was a secret to NO ONE.

Either she's strained it too much hitting humanly impossible whistle notes or her emotional state has affected her ability to sing. Don't know...I'm not a doctor just a devoted fan that will stick with her throughout her current struggles.

If she releases a new album now, I'll run out and buy it because at the end of the day long after the horrible twitter comments and negative press, the name Mariah Carey will stand the test of time. People can easily dismiss her but while she reinvents herself and emerges a superstar once again, those 'critics' will still be flipping burgers and selling coma-inducing sodas. 

It's amazing how those who are quick to run her name through the mud will never even have a sniff of the success she's managed to maintain for over 20 years (We're looking at you Wendy Williams and your 'Lifetime' flop)

I especially admire Mariah's perseverance. Her voice obviously failed her the first night of her world tour, but while most big names would have cancelled, Mariah pushed forward and SOLD OUT every venue garnering millions in revenue and glowing reviews with her voice sounding remarkably well by the last night of the tour.

It was obvious her instrument failed again at the Rockefeller Tree Lighting...yet even though she knew she was not in good voice, she performed live with a brave face. Yes, she missed every single high note but my God I've never seen anyone so brave. She probably heard herself struggling with the notes but smiled all the way to the end. And for that I will forever and always be a devoted fan...despite her circumstances Mariah just keeps showing up and trying her best. How many people can you say that about?  What is more remarkable than a human being who is struggling but still SHOWS UP every time!

As for the future, I warn anyone who thinks she's done: any celebrity that can make it through the debacle that was 'Glitter'...can make it through anything! I await the next era of The Great Mariah Carey.

5 Reasons New X-Men 3D is a MUST-SEE!

5 Reasons New X-Men 3D is a MUST-SEE! 

Review by Timothy Austin

X-Men Days of Future Past is the latest entry in the Multi-Million Dollar X-Men franchise starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Halle Berry.  This entry finds the popular mutants in a dystopian future in which mutant life is all but obliterated by Sentinels, Government robots created to remove the mutant race from the face of the Earth.  Veteran of the series Hugh Jackman returns as the claw-wielding Wolverine, who must travel back to 1973 to prevent the horrific actions which led to the eventual near extermination of the mutants.  While the title and plot may sound complex, this entry is by far the best X-Men film and most enjoyable experience you will have in a 3D cinema in 2014.  Here are 5 reasons this New X-Men film is worth the 3D price: 

1.                   The BEST mutants are back!  It has been awhile since we last saw the original cast of the Million-dollar Trilogy including Halle Berry’s Storm, Iceman (Shawn Ashmore), and Ellen Page as Kitty Pryde.  One of the key highlights of the new film is seeing the veterans again in adrenaline-driven action scenes that are sure to satisfy long-time fans of the series.  While the veterans do not have lengthy screen times, they are given pivotal scenes especially Kitty Pryde whose special powers aid Wolverine in travelling back in time to prevent the war that ends with the decimation of the mutants.  Fans of the original films will salivate at the spectacular action sequences featuring their favorite mutants. 

2.                    Year’s Best 3D Visual Effects! Few will argue that Days of Future Past contains the best visual effects of any 2014 film thus far.   Even the CGI laden ‘Godzilla’ has no sequences that equal the jaw-dropping visuals of the scene featuring new mutant Quicksilver.  Due to his ability to run faster than the speed of light, Quicksilver is given the task to break X-Men nemesis Magneto out of a jail cell hundreds of feet below the Pentagon.  The ensuing scene in which everything is seen in slow motion but Quicksilver is the most exhilarating experience you will have in a 3D cinema all year.  Quicksilver appears to leisurely stroll as everyone around him moves in extreme slow motion while he sets traps for security guards making his rescue of Magneto and subsequent escape both amusing and breathtaking.  This is indeed one of the best action sequences ever created for a super-hero film. 

 

3.                   Jennifer Lawrence is even MORE spectacular!  Jennifer Lawrence as the villainous Mystique was a highlight of the last X-Men film, ‘First Class’. In ‘Days of Future Past’ Lawrence’s role is intensified with grand action sequences which showcase the Oscar-winning actress’ ability to handle complex stunt work.  Lawrence is at her best in her ‘almost nude’, blue body paint as she plots to murder a diabolical scientist Bolivar Trask who plans to wipe out the mutant race and frequently conducts fatal experiments on non-humans.  What Mystique does not know is that her assassination of Trask results in the forced roll out of his giant robots engineered to eliminate all mutant life.   Trask is played by popular Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage which should make many fans of the HBO series very happy since he is convincing as the obsessed scientist. 

4.                   New Mutants are visually impressive!  As in the previous entries, we are introduced to a barrage of new mutants with peculiar powers.  The movie opens with new faces including popular comic book character Bishop (Omar Sy), who has the ability to absorb energy and redirect it at will.  He is aided well by other new faces including Asian beauty Blink (Fan Bingbing) with the ability to create portals for teleportation and Sunspot, a mutant whose super strength is powered by the sun.  While these heroes have little or no lines I found them quite entertaining as Director Bryan Singer gives them pivotal action sequences to showcase their powers which result in some truly spectacular visual effects moments.  I particularly liked the always silent Blink whose teleportation power provides stunning splashes of colour and awe-inspiring moments as she aids her fellow mutants to escape imminent death  by using her portals.  Though she is given no lines, popular Chinese actress Fan Bingbing is stunning to look at and brings a sense of urgency to the role of Blink.  Definitely one of my favourites.

 

5.        Wolverine still rules and Halle finally gets Storm right.  Despite all the new impressive mutants including Bishop and Quicksilver, Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is the highlight of the film.  Once again Jackson’s brutish mutant gets the best laughs and most intense action sequences; the actor gets it right every time.  Sent back in time to stop Mystique from unknowingly instigating the war to end the mutants, Wolverine claws his way through Government bad guys, giant mutant hungry robots and even has time for a hilarious nude scene which Jackman himself wanted to remain in the final cut of the film.  Wolverine fans will not be disappointed since he practically takes over the entire film and does so in grand style.  It really is hard to imagine another actor in the role; Jackman is truly tour-de-force.  

Unlike Wolverine, X-Men fans have not always been pleased with the interpretation of weather-controlling mutant Storm.  While Oscar-winner Halle Berry tries her best, and no one blames her for the problem with the character, in the previous films Storm has little to do and disappears for long periods perhaps because the writers are not quite sure how to fit such a domineering comic book character into the overall plot.  I was worried about her appearance in this new entry since Berry admitted that she could not do the high intense stunts required due to her pregnancy which might make her appearances even shorter than previous films.  However, this is not exactly true.  Thanks to a genius move by Director Singer and a spectacular performance by Berry, Storm is given a vital scene in which she is finally allowed to display her full powers.  Fans of the comic book version of Storm will be fully satiated as the character does not have many scenes but plays a key role in a particularly intense action sequence. Storm soars again and this time Berry and the writers get it just right! 

Ratings: ***** out of 5  

Review by Timothy Austin

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