Halloween: October

A few films this October were films I'd already seen - Monsters University, 2nd time since release; Thor and Avengers Assemble, as part of the IMAX triple bill for the release of Thor: The Dark World; and a special treat for Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street. And with Halloween in mind, that gave me and idea for the film title of this blog.

The Call, Austenland, Monsters University, Thanks for Sharing, White House Down, Sawney: Flesh of Man, Machete Kills, Jackass Presents Bad Grandpa, Thor, Avengers Assemble, Thor: The Dark World and A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Overall it was a fun month in the screens, even if not intentionally so, and brightened things up after last months downers. Let's not dwell though, as it seems even the laughs can be a let down sometimes.

Favourite Film - Thor: The Dark World
A great addition to the Avengers suite, keeping the fun elements from the first Thor, adding a new dimension to Loki and a foe that seems intent on destroying everything. The dynamic between Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston is delicious, sprinkle in a little Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins and Stellan Skarsgård for added flavour, and you have the recipe for a beautiful, fluffy cake of awesomeness to gorge on!

As part of a triple bill in the IMAX, I also had the pleasure of seeing Thor and Avengers Assemble beforehand. This set off the evening perfectly ensuring you saw the whole story from the introduction of Thor and Asgard, dealing with his brotherly troubles along the way - the complete Loki trilogy really.

I know there are some people getting bored of all the superhero/comic book films coming out, but if they can all carry some deeply poignant moments, sandwiched between the comedy and action as well as this one does - then I say bring them on!

Surprising - Sawney: Flesh of Man
I say this is surprising because I actually enjoyed the film despite it's clunky production values and poor dubbing. It had an interesting premise, adding to the legend of Sawney Bean, the cannibal and his family from Ayrshire, this time placing the action up north and in the present day. 

David Hayman (well known Scottish actor) plays the lead, however Samuel Feeney (a relative unknown) picks up the bulk of the work and carries it valiantly. Would be good to see him getting some bigger roles to really see what he can do.

Also as it was filmed in Scotland, there was the added bonus of trying to spot all the places I had visited! Yep, Tunnels, I'm talking about you - I distinctly remember saying I wouldn't like to be walking about down here by myself... Wouldn't you know, I was right!

What Happened? - A Nightmare on Elm Street
I know it had been a few years since I watched this last but seeing it on the big screen surrounded by other movie goers it just didn't seem to stand up to the test of time anymore. It was a little sad that such an iconic film had become a joke.

It was still crystal clear that Johnny Depp - in his first acting role - was going to be a big star, stealing most scenes he was in. Heather Langenkamp who?


As for the others this month...
The Call - a tense thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, most of the time. It all gets a bit silly by the end though - although I believe we are all supposed to go 'wow, wasn't she brave?'. It was good to see Abigail Breslin in a slightly more grown up role and she made that role hers - I was rooting for her anyway!

Austenland - sugary sweet and vomit inducing. The first half gave me a great sense of pride that, at least my life wasn't as bad as these weirdos, but then I realised I was here watching this film through my own choice. By the end (because I'll be damned if I'm going to walk out of a movie without some sort of life or death situation hanging over me) the story had descended into some sort of gooey, syrupy concoction that was a little hard to swallow.

Monsters University - see August's Round-up.

Thanks for Sharing - surrounded by a series of cliched characters, Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins and Gwenyth Paltrow managed to escape unscathed and honestly kept this film flowing. Funny, pathetic and moving at times, this was an interesting take on a taboo subject. Even if the ending was a bit 'Hollywood'.

White House Down - the second 'White House has been captured' film of the year and much like the first (Olympus has Fallen) it was a fun, over the top, action comedy that blows sh*t up! Jamie Foxx puts in a star performance, letting down his hair a bit with a turn as the not too bright president. Don't think too much into this one.

Machete Kills - more madness from the Mexican and his band of cohorts on a mission by the right, honourable President Charlie Sheen - let the chaos ensue. A collection of inventive deaths and a caped madman (Mel Gibson) do their best to hold this movie up but again, just like Kick-Ass, the surprise was lost. However it does work as a great build up for the last of the trilogy, Machete Kills Again... In Space.

Jackass Presents Bad Grandpa - big laughs and some great emotional moments in the hidden camera prank film from the boys of Jackass. Unfortunately the big gag was given away in the trailers, but Jackson Nicoll who plays Billy (the kid) is a star in the making.


Title Film - Halloween (1978)
Starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasance 
A psychotic murderer institutionalised since childhood for the murder of his sister, escapes and stalks a bookish teenage girl and her friends while his doctor chases him through the streets.

Hope you all had a great Halloween!