Friday, August 24, 2012
Legion
Supernatural thrillers have always resonated with me in some way, particularly ones based on Christian mythology. Usually, most supernatural thrillers involve demons or Satan or some combination of the two. It started with The Exorcist, but there have been many movies of that sort since then, some good, some bad. But there really haven't been many films where it's angels, instead of demons, that are wreaking havoc on mankind. The only two that really come to mind are The Prophecy, where Christopher Walken plays the archangel Gabriel, and most recently, Legion.
Legion opens as a mysterious man falls out of the sky and it's revealed that he is the archangel Michael(Paul Bettany). After cutting off his wings, he storms a local gunshop and grabs an assortment of weapons before leaving the city. In the middle of the Nevada desert at a rundown place called Paradise Falls, the owner, Bob(Dennis Quaid) is trying to fix his TV while his assistant Percy(Charles S. Dutton)is cooking food for some customers. Bob's son, Jeep(Lucas Black) is in love with a pregnant woman, Charlie(Adrianne Palicki). Soon after, a mysterious old woman comes to the diner and asks for raw meat. Then, all hell breaks loose. She becomes unhinged, attacking one of the other customers and starts crawling on the ceiling like a spider. After she's dispatched, Michael shows up. Turns out that God is angry with mankind and has sent his army of angels, led by Gabriel(Kevin Durand), to destroy them. Michael still has faith in mankind and has disobeyed God in order to save humanity.
The concept of angels laying waste to mankind is actually really interesting, but the execution is not exactly what I had expected. Instead of angels in their full winged glory, the ones we see the most of are actually possessed people. Pretty cliche if you ask me. The aforementioned scene with the old lady is actually pretty creepy, as we see her just become unhinged and start attacking people. The only two angels that we actually see are Gabriel and Michael. Michael clipped his wings so we only see him with wings for a short time. Gabriel only shows up in one scene where he and Michael are in Heaven discussing God's order to exterminate mankind. The next scene we see him in is when he's fighting Michael in the diner, which is actually a very spectacular fight, and towards the end of the film. The performances are all across the board. I've never been a big fan of Lucas Black and I can't stand that heavy southern accent of his. He's just not convincing. Adrianne Palicki, is also fairly unconvincing, and she comes across as whiny and overly unsympathetic. Being a fan of Dennis Quaid, he came across as a little too over-the-top as resident skeptic and crotchety old guy Bob. He's still fun to watch though. Charles S. Dutton has always been reliable and he's no different in this film, I just think he lays a little to heavy on the whole religious bit, even though it's appropriate given the circumstances. The real saving grace here is Paul Bettany as Michael. He brings a real humanity and grace to the role. Not to mention he does most of his own stunts. Paul Bettany isn't usually known for action movies, but he does a fantastic job here. Kevin Durand brings a very intimidating presence as Gabriel and the confrontation between him and Michael is nothing short of spectacular.
I'll be truthful, I was expecting more of a horror movie with Legion. What I got was an action movie with elements of horror. And I have to mention this, if you were God and were going to send your angels to exterminate mankind, why would you bother having them possess people, like demons? Also, where is Lucifer in all this? Wouldn't he try to capitalize on something like this? These are important questions that aren't answered and leave huge gaping logic holes in the film. Not to mention the people in the film make some really stupid decisions. Legion had potential to be a really epic kind of thriller and unfortunately, it only gets half-way there. Granted, having a film where angels are the bad guys, probably wouldn't sit too well with everyone, but it is an interesting concept nonetheless. The execution just wasn't 100 percent. The action scenes are decent though, and the film moves at a pretty good clip. A lot of the effects are practical, and some of the possessed people are creepy, particularly the ice cream man. Overall, while the film disappoints in the whole mankind versus angels aspect, the action scenes and Paul Bettany help considerably. With a little more time and more money, Legion could've been so much more. As it stands, it's not really a bad movie, it's just not a very memorable one either. So, it gets an 8/10 from me.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
A Serbian Film(Two reviews in one)
Alright, for A Serbian Film I have two reviews, that I'm going to post here. I'm a film critic for a horror website called The Dead Centre. Both reviews I did for this website, one is my initial viewing of the original uncut version of the film, and the other is the U.S Blu-Ray release, which runs a minute shorter than the original film. My reviews tend to speak for themselves, but for A Serbian Film, I have to say that I've never seen a more fucked up movie in my life, and I do mean fucked up. There is no equivalent film in existence that is this brutal, unrelenting and merciless. So, be warned: My reviews will be describing things that are....graphic.
Original Review:
There have been a number of truly shocking horror films throughout the decades: I Spit on Your Grave, Cannibal Holocaust, Inside, Martyrs, just to name a few. But few, if any come close to what A Serbian Film portrays. Be warned, this review is going to be spoiler heavy, so if you still want to watch the movie, leave now.
A Serbian Film tells the story of a pornography actor who's been out of work for years and is struggling to make ends meet for him and his family. Along comes an offer from a "unique" filmmaker who promises to set his family up for life. The only stipulation is that Milos does not know what he is making. It starts off harmlessly enough, but soon, Milos becomes witness and participant to some extremely disturbing activities. A Serbian Film is effectively one of the most disturbing and fucked up movies I have ever seen in my life, and I have seen some messed up movies. Nothing compares to A Serbian Film however. I had heard and read reviews of the film and how it really goes to places that no one should ever have to go, but I was absolutely not prepared at how deranged and depraved the movie became. There are some truly horrific set-pieces that while seemingly over-the-top, are extremely difficult to sit through, particularly a scene involving a newborn baby. That was one of the most revolting things I've ever seen. But it gets worse as the movie goes on, particularly the last act of the film, and it involves Milos' family. While a lot can be said for the extreme sexuality that is portrayed in this movie, it's not erotic, and it's most definitely not pleasant to sit through. Basically, the filmmakers made this film as an allegory to what the Serbians experienced during the Balkan Wars. It's not something I can identify with. This is one of the most angry movies I've ever seen. The amount of rage portrayed on the screen gets very brutal, and at times, unnecessarily graphic.
That being said, there is a strange kind of brilliance to this film. The story is actually quite good, provided you can manage to get through the shit that is thrown at you. You're right there with Milos, and you feel his disgust at what he witnesses. The acting is actually very good, and the cinematography is top-notch, and it certainly amplifies the grotesque scenes that are put on the screen. The ending to the film is a real kick to the head. I won't spoil it here, but let's just say....it's wrong on so many levels that you can't really wrap your head around it. As soon as the credits rolled, I literally couldn't move for about ten to fifteen minutes. I had my head in my hands trying to comprehend what I had just seen. Most horror movies NEVER get under my skin and shake me up like that. This is a film that chews you up and spits you out. The film is finally getting a release here in the States on DVD/Blu-Ray. But I don't know if it'll be uncut or not. I saw the uncut 104 minute film, and while I don't regret seeing it, you can bet your ass I won't be revisiting until it hits home video, and even then, I'm not entirely certain I'll watch it again. It's one of the most repugnant, vile and unbelievably fucked up movies I've ever seen. And at the same time, it's also brilliant, because it not only managed to get a reaction out of me, you actually managed to connect with Milos on some levels. If you still want to see this movie, be warned. Be afraid. It's merciless, unrelenting and brutal to the extreme. On a technical level, A Serbian Film gets a 9/10 for being well-made and constructed, but as a whole, I can't give it a score at all, because it's one of those movies that defies all explanations, logic and god knows what else. A Serbian Film is the cinematic equivalent to being kicked in the gut, head and groin. Several times. It goes to very dark places that no-one except the truly depraved, are prepared to go to. I can't recommend this movie to ANYONE at all. I was curious about it, and basically got my ass kicked for it. Yes, A Serbian Film kicked my ass. I don't believe in censorship at all, but there are going to be people who demand it because of this film, and they would have every right to.
Blu-Ray Review:
Some spoilers, so beware*
The first time I saw A Serbian Film was almost a month ago. It was 104 minutes and contained some of the most shocking and disturbing scenes that I've ever seen in a film. I was shocked and repulsed at what I saw. I wasn't prepared for it, and most people who see it for the first time aren't either. The depictions of rape, necrophilia and pedophilia crossed the lines on so many different levels that it was obscene.
Having seen the film for a second time, this time on recently released Blu-Ray in the U.S., the question is was it edited? And the answer is yes. The slipcover of the blu-ray says the film is unrated. It would have to be in order to be released in the U.S., but it was still edited. The American release is only a minute shorter than the original cut, but it is astonishment the amount of power that is lost in that minute. Don't get me wrong, A Serbian Film is still a very powerful movie with powerful imagery in terms of sexual violence and the brutality of the violent acts. What was edited was the newborn scene, which removes the infant and what was done to it, leaving it more implied than shown, which still leaves an impact. It leaves more to the imagination which I think is a lot more effective, than actually showing. The other thing that was edited was in the last act of the film, when Milos is raping the two figures on the bed. One of the two was a child, but in the American release, you don't actually see the child's face. But you know who it is. Digging through all of that nasty stuff, there is a good story about a man who is a loving husband and father who wants to provide for his family, but is down on his luck and gets an offer that will set him and his family up for life, only it ends up not being what he wanted it to be.
Now, I'm posting a second review of the film, because I think I can finally give it a rating. But that will come later. First, as I said before, this is my second viewing of the film, which is an edited version, and I think a version that actually works better with some of the more extreme bits restrained a little bit. It's not much, but for people who have seen the uncut version of A Serbian Film, the difference is noticeable. The power of A Serbian Film lies in its ability to shock, but it only works once. Seeing it again, I didn't have the same reaction. Mostly because I knew what was coming, and that robs the film of its power. That's not to say it's not an effective thriller, because it is. There are twists and turns in this film that really hit you in the head, especially the ending. The acting is fantastic, especially with the actor who plays Milos. You see him as a loving husband and father that's pulled into a dark and twisted world of sexual deviance and brutal violence, and his reaction to what he has unwillingly done, helps drive the movie. The guy who plays Vukmir, the director of the unnamed "art film," is also fantastic as a twisted child psychologist-turned-filmmaker. The make-up effects are very well done and realistic. The music by Sky Wikluh is amazing, and really adds a sense of despair and intensity to the film. A Serbian Film is the directorial debut of a guy called Srdjan Spasojevic. It's a hell of a first effort. And one that's going to leave an impact on viewers for some time to come.
I feel that censorship for any reason is a bad thing. And even though the American release of A Serbian Film is only a minute shorter than the original cut, it's absolutely astonishing at how much a minute can change a movie. It's still a very powerful film and definitely not for the weak-hearted or weak-stomached, but some of that power has been diminished. Not by a whole lot, but enough. I think in order to get the film released in the States, some adjustments had to be made, and thankfully it was only a minute. Apparently the UK cut had four minutes sliced, which is an egregious amount of censorship, for a movie like this. But I haven't seen that cut, so I couldn't tell you what was excised. Having seen A Serbian Film as originally intended and as it was released here in the States, the cut I actually prefer is the American release. The film will knock you down and kick you while you're down, but the American release won't kick you in the family jewels. I still wouldn't recommend this film to anyone, not even horror fans, as there is some fairly horrific imagery at work here. But having seen it a second time, it just doesn't have the same effect. Again, I'm not advocating censorship here, even though it may seem hypocritical of me, but I feel for the newborn scene and some of the final act, less is more and can be just as effective. A Serbian Film is a brilliant movie in how it goes for the jugular and doesn't let go, but it also has a decent story at the heart of it with some of the most wretched and yet well-made effects seen on film. It was put together very well, the direction was amazing and is really a well-made first effort. I actually really want to see what Spasojevic can do when he's not angry at his own country. After having some distance from this movie for a month, I can actually give it a rating. It gets a 10/10. It's a very good movie. I can't say that I enjoyed it, it's not easy to sit through and I certainly wouldn't really recommend it to anybody, but I have to give credit where it's due, and I don't really see anything wrong with the film itself aside from some of the subject matter involved. So, there you have it: 10/10.
As you can read, my thoughts have changed somewhat between my first and second viewing. A Serbian Film is the only movie that I've reviewed twice. The first time was an....experience to say the least. What I can tell you is that the power of films like A Serbian Film lie in their ability to shock people. And they succeeded. But it only happens once. Repeated viewings, the film loses its power. Not by much as it's brutally intense, but it doesn't have the same edge as the first time around. So....viewer beware, and I'm not kidding.
Original Review:
There have been a number of truly shocking horror films throughout the decades: I Spit on Your Grave, Cannibal Holocaust, Inside, Martyrs, just to name a few. But few, if any come close to what A Serbian Film portrays. Be warned, this review is going to be spoiler heavy, so if you still want to watch the movie, leave now.
A Serbian Film tells the story of a pornography actor who's been out of work for years and is struggling to make ends meet for him and his family. Along comes an offer from a "unique" filmmaker who promises to set his family up for life. The only stipulation is that Milos does not know what he is making. It starts off harmlessly enough, but soon, Milos becomes witness and participant to some extremely disturbing activities. A Serbian Film is effectively one of the most disturbing and fucked up movies I have ever seen in my life, and I have seen some messed up movies. Nothing compares to A Serbian Film however. I had heard and read reviews of the film and how it really goes to places that no one should ever have to go, but I was absolutely not prepared at how deranged and depraved the movie became. There are some truly horrific set-pieces that while seemingly over-the-top, are extremely difficult to sit through, particularly a scene involving a newborn baby. That was one of the most revolting things I've ever seen. But it gets worse as the movie goes on, particularly the last act of the film, and it involves Milos' family. While a lot can be said for the extreme sexuality that is portrayed in this movie, it's not erotic, and it's most definitely not pleasant to sit through. Basically, the filmmakers made this film as an allegory to what the Serbians experienced during the Balkan Wars. It's not something I can identify with. This is one of the most angry movies I've ever seen. The amount of rage portrayed on the screen gets very brutal, and at times, unnecessarily graphic.
That being said, there is a strange kind of brilliance to this film. The story is actually quite good, provided you can manage to get through the shit that is thrown at you. You're right there with Milos, and you feel his disgust at what he witnesses. The acting is actually very good, and the cinematography is top-notch, and it certainly amplifies the grotesque scenes that are put on the screen. The ending to the film is a real kick to the head. I won't spoil it here, but let's just say....it's wrong on so many levels that you can't really wrap your head around it. As soon as the credits rolled, I literally couldn't move for about ten to fifteen minutes. I had my head in my hands trying to comprehend what I had just seen. Most horror movies NEVER get under my skin and shake me up like that. This is a film that chews you up and spits you out. The film is finally getting a release here in the States on DVD/Blu-Ray. But I don't know if it'll be uncut or not. I saw the uncut 104 minute film, and while I don't regret seeing it, you can bet your ass I won't be revisiting until it hits home video, and even then, I'm not entirely certain I'll watch it again. It's one of the most repugnant, vile and unbelievably fucked up movies I've ever seen. And at the same time, it's also brilliant, because it not only managed to get a reaction out of me, you actually managed to connect with Milos on some levels. If you still want to see this movie, be warned. Be afraid. It's merciless, unrelenting and brutal to the extreme. On a technical level, A Serbian Film gets a 9/10 for being well-made and constructed, but as a whole, I can't give it a score at all, because it's one of those movies that defies all explanations, logic and god knows what else. A Serbian Film is the cinematic equivalent to being kicked in the gut, head and groin. Several times. It goes to very dark places that no-one except the truly depraved, are prepared to go to. I can't recommend this movie to ANYONE at all. I was curious about it, and basically got my ass kicked for it. Yes, A Serbian Film kicked my ass. I don't believe in censorship at all, but there are going to be people who demand it because of this film, and they would have every right to.
Blu-Ray Review:
Some spoilers, so beware*
The first time I saw A Serbian Film was almost a month ago. It was 104 minutes and contained some of the most shocking and disturbing scenes that I've ever seen in a film. I was shocked and repulsed at what I saw. I wasn't prepared for it, and most people who see it for the first time aren't either. The depictions of rape, necrophilia and pedophilia crossed the lines on so many different levels that it was obscene.
Having seen the film for a second time, this time on recently released Blu-Ray in the U.S., the question is was it edited? And the answer is yes. The slipcover of the blu-ray says the film is unrated. It would have to be in order to be released in the U.S., but it was still edited. The American release is only a minute shorter than the original cut, but it is astonishment the amount of power that is lost in that minute. Don't get me wrong, A Serbian Film is still a very powerful movie with powerful imagery in terms of sexual violence and the brutality of the violent acts. What was edited was the newborn scene, which removes the infant and what was done to it, leaving it more implied than shown, which still leaves an impact. It leaves more to the imagination which I think is a lot more effective, than actually showing. The other thing that was edited was in the last act of the film, when Milos is raping the two figures on the bed. One of the two was a child, but in the American release, you don't actually see the child's face. But you know who it is. Digging through all of that nasty stuff, there is a good story about a man who is a loving husband and father who wants to provide for his family, but is down on his luck and gets an offer that will set him and his family up for life, only it ends up not being what he wanted it to be.
Now, I'm posting a second review of the film, because I think I can finally give it a rating. But that will come later. First, as I said before, this is my second viewing of the film, which is an edited version, and I think a version that actually works better with some of the more extreme bits restrained a little bit. It's not much, but for people who have seen the uncut version of A Serbian Film, the difference is noticeable. The power of A Serbian Film lies in its ability to shock, but it only works once. Seeing it again, I didn't have the same reaction. Mostly because I knew what was coming, and that robs the film of its power. That's not to say it's not an effective thriller, because it is. There are twists and turns in this film that really hit you in the head, especially the ending. The acting is fantastic, especially with the actor who plays Milos. You see him as a loving husband and father that's pulled into a dark and twisted world of sexual deviance and brutal violence, and his reaction to what he has unwillingly done, helps drive the movie. The guy who plays Vukmir, the director of the unnamed "art film," is also fantastic as a twisted child psychologist-turned-filmmaker. The make-up effects are very well done and realistic. The music by Sky Wikluh is amazing, and really adds a sense of despair and intensity to the film. A Serbian Film is the directorial debut of a guy called Srdjan Spasojevic. It's a hell of a first effort. And one that's going to leave an impact on viewers for some time to come.
I feel that censorship for any reason is a bad thing. And even though the American release of A Serbian Film is only a minute shorter than the original cut, it's absolutely astonishing at how much a minute can change a movie. It's still a very powerful film and definitely not for the weak-hearted or weak-stomached, but some of that power has been diminished. Not by a whole lot, but enough. I think in order to get the film released in the States, some adjustments had to be made, and thankfully it was only a minute. Apparently the UK cut had four minutes sliced, which is an egregious amount of censorship, for a movie like this. But I haven't seen that cut, so I couldn't tell you what was excised. Having seen A Serbian Film as originally intended and as it was released here in the States, the cut I actually prefer is the American release. The film will knock you down and kick you while you're down, but the American release won't kick you in the family jewels. I still wouldn't recommend this film to anyone, not even horror fans, as there is some fairly horrific imagery at work here. But having seen it a second time, it just doesn't have the same effect. Again, I'm not advocating censorship here, even though it may seem hypocritical of me, but I feel for the newborn scene and some of the final act, less is more and can be just as effective. A Serbian Film is a brilliant movie in how it goes for the jugular and doesn't let go, but it also has a decent story at the heart of it with some of the most wretched and yet well-made effects seen on film. It was put together very well, the direction was amazing and is really a well-made first effort. I actually really want to see what Spasojevic can do when he's not angry at his own country. After having some distance from this movie for a month, I can actually give it a rating. It gets a 10/10. It's a very good movie. I can't say that I enjoyed it, it's not easy to sit through and I certainly wouldn't really recommend it to anybody, but I have to give credit where it's due, and I don't really see anything wrong with the film itself aside from some of the subject matter involved. So, there you have it: 10/10.
As you can read, my thoughts have changed somewhat between my first and second viewing. A Serbian Film is the only movie that I've reviewed twice. The first time was an....experience to say the least. What I can tell you is that the power of films like A Serbian Film lie in their ability to shock people. And they succeeded. But it only happens once. Repeated viewings, the film loses its power. Not by much as it's brutally intense, but it doesn't have the same edge as the first time around. So....viewer beware, and I'm not kidding.
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