Mirror Mirror (2012) DVD/BluRay Combo Review

DVD/BluRay review of Tarsem's interpretation of the Snow White fable in Mirror Mirror starring Julia Roberts and Lily Collins


Image Courtesy Alliance Films
Legal Line © 2011 Relativity Media. All Rights Reserved. © 2012 Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved. Licensed for private home exhibition only. All other Rights Reserved.

Dir: Tarsem Singh (Immortals, The Fall, The Cell)
Cast: Lily Collins, Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane, Mark Povinelli, Jordan Prentice, Joe Gnoffo, Danny Woodburn, Sebastian Saraceno, Martin Klebba, Ronald Lee Clark, Sean Bean
USA, 2012

Reason to see: I've been a fan of Tarsem Singh since The Cell and couldn't resist him diving into the world of fables

I was quite looking forward to Mirror Mirror as we don't get that many fables and this one not has women in the forefront with the youthful Snow White (played by Lily Collins) and The Queen (played by Julia Roberts). The film stays pretty close to the story in terms of The Queen being interesting in staying the fairest one of them all, and having Snow White herself be pretty resourceful although in ways that do stretch the branches of to some new places of the forest. With both The Queen and Snow White vying for the same Prince, Mirror Mirror leads us somewhere that feels a bit strange. The Queen wants to retain her power and resources, and Snow White seems to be falling for the first time but oddly I found that there wasn't much chemistry going on between the characters. Lively quipping and cute interactions, sure, but chemistry? Not so much. And fair warning for Sean Bean fans, even though he's pretty highly billed on the film he is actually not in it very much.

I did quite enjoy the story and lives of the dwarves played by Mark Povinelli, Jordan Prentice, Joe Gnoffo, Danny Woodburn, Sebastian Saraceno, Martin Klebba and Ronald Lee Clark; who show one of the many after effects of The Queen's reign of the land which leaves them as outlaws. They bring an interesting look at the outsider looking in perspective, of which Snow White is also in a similar boat, making them unconventional friends with a similar yet different goal.

I was captivated by the films lively colours, fabulous art direction and a huge array of costumes. In true Tarsem fashion the world explodes on the screen using the power of extremes in volume and colours bringing everything to life. It feels like a storybook of beautiful imagination and is vivid and alive. I thought it was quite interesting to have The Queen live in a world so bright and full of zest, but that brings into play that a lot of the film is filled with humour. That was one thing I wasn't expecting as much, fable and humour together which give it a more kid-friendly feel on paper, although they still deal with a fair amount of harshness of deceptions, plots against peoples lives as well as the crazy zany adventures in the forest.

Overall I thought it was interesting to mix fable with comedy but I'm wasn't always pleased with the result which often lead to silly fun, but not quite with the punch I felt the story deserved. I did enjoy some of the themes in the film such as injustice with the dwarves, but the primary story of Snow White vs The Queen felt a little soft and surprizing that it was more about getting the guy than living their own lives. Although I did love the art direction and costumes, I was hoping with a little mystery with the whimsy in Mirror Mirror; but as a family friendly film I think there is a lot to enjoy.

Extras

• DVD Extras include: Looking Through the Mirror, Prince and Puppies and Theatrical Trailer
• BluRay Extras include: Deleted Scenes, I Believe I Can Dance & Mirror Mirror Storybook
• Plus: the Mirror Mirror DVD/BluRay combo also comes with Digital Copy and Limited Edition Colouring Book

Mirror Mirror is available on DVD as of June 26, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it, but I wanted to loved it
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it as light fantasy or to whimsical fable fans who enjoy a dash of light comedy

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© Shannon Ridler, 2012

John Carter (DVD+Blu-Ray Combo) Review

Review of the science fiction/fantasy/adventure film John Carter starring Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins based on the book The Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Image © 2012 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Dir: Andrew Stanton (WALL-E, Finding Nemo)
Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Samantha Morton, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, Dominic West, James Purefoy, Daryl Sabara, Polly Walker, Bryan Cranston, Thomas Hayden Church, Willem Dafoe
USA, 2012

Reason to see: It is one of my Most Anticipated Films of 2012 for the blend of science fiction, fantasy and sword and sandals

John Carter is a science fiction/fantasy/adventure film John Carter starring Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins based on the book The Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I had very little knowledge of the books going in to the film but was very excited about the vast world that appears in the film and very curious about who, what and where it was (especially with the change in title of John Carter on Mars to simply John Carter).

This film really takes on the epic task of not only creating another world to explore, but also centres John Carter here on earth in the US as a disgruntled civil war vet giving the film a sense of history as well as mystery. How is it that this man ends up on a red planet? What will he do there? Will he want to stay? What is that red world all about? Turns out that it's a fascinating place with a rich and beautiful mythology that's facing it's own challenges of 2 groups on the brink of war. But that's just the tip of the iceberg as there is so much more and it's wonderful to see it explore and unfold on screen. In that world we follow the fish out of water of John Carter as he tries to understand where on earth he is and in such we get to see him and have the opportunity ourselves to examine the ideas, concepts and beliefs that we hold as truths that we take for granted yet may seem bizarre or unbelievable to an outsider, or if we are outsiders ourselves.

I really loved John Carter. This film has a fabulous adventurous spirit, a strong point of view but also leaves an open to the possibility of change and taking a chance. It beautifully weaves in actual history and mythical history, and is able to showcase both of those histories. We are at a exciting time in film making where high fantasy and science fiction can been seen on screen and feel like a 100% real otherworld that completely absorbs you in to it's beauty. I also loved that the story and world don't feel the need to have to adhere to one genre, but create a truly happy blending of several. I also really enjoyed the spirit of the story and the characters, but above all I was truly taken but the warrior princess character of Dejah Thoris played by Lynn Collins. Smart, skillful, fearless and confident, she could very well be my favourite character of the year.

If you like films with an adventurous spirit and enjoy mythical, epic qualities in fantasy, science fiction and/or sword and sandals films that you definitely need to enjoy the beauty of John Carter.

DVD Extras:

• Feature Commentary with director Andrew Stanton and producers Jim Morris and Lindsey Collins on the inspiration and draw to make the film and previous possible incarnations of the film, that it was originally conceived of and could still be part of a trilogy, the challenge and choices of casting, funny stories on set, the locations where they filmed different parts of the movie, the techniques and choices of combining live action and animation in the film, the shooting schedule and complication of working with both live action and animations, the casting including the positive experience of working with Taylor Kirsch and Lynn Collins chameleon capabilities, favourite scenes and scenes used for casting, the language and look of the world and culture of Barsoom. I really enjoyed this commentary, it was interesting and playful and they tell lots of great stories of how the film came to be and it's also really cool to hear the serendipity of all the John Carter fans that ended up finding each other to work together on the film.
• 100 Years in The Making - Featurette (10 minutes) archival footage of pulp magazines, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Mars, plus film footage, behind the scenes, visualizations of the world, structures, characters and costumers and interviews with writer/director Andrew Stanton, screenwriter Michael Chabon, John Favreau, "The Barsoom Project" author Steven Barnes, astrophysicist/director The Hayden Planetarium Dr. Neil Degrasse Tyson, professor of philosophy Dr. Robert Zeuschner, production designer William Stout, producer Jim Morris, actors Willem Dafoe and Taylor Kitsch and on Edgar Rice Burroughs as a writer, influences on him as well as how he has influenced others with the world he created in the books, the mythological combination of science fiction and fantasy, the illustration of the books and quoted material of Edgar Rice Burroughs on the series and on being a writer. Plus footage from and challenges with previous incarnations of film adaptations. A great featurette that brings the viewer up to speed on the world as it began from the pulp novels to the epic creation of the stories being portrayed on film.
  

Blu-Ray Extras:

• All DVD Extras (noted above) plus: Disney Second Screen, 360 Degrees of John Carter, Deleted Scenes with Option Commentary by Director Andrew Stanton and Barsoom Bloopers.

John Carter is available on DVD, DVD/BluRay Combo and 3D BluRay/BluRay/DVD/Digital Combo as of June 5, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca (DVD, DVD/BluRay Combo and 3D Blu-ray/2D Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy) & Amazon.com (DVD, DVD/BluRay Combo and Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy)

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'd watch it again, repeatedly
I'd highly recommend it fans of adventure films, fantasy films and definitely sword & sandals films

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2012

The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs Team Miller (DVD Review)

DVD review of MMA reality series The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs Team Miller featuring bantamweight and featherweight classes competing for a 6-figure UFC contract.


Image Courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment

The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs Team Miller (Season 14)
Reality series featuring Michael Bisping and Jason Miller as coaches to featherweight and bantamweight mixed martial artists
USA, 2011 (TV)

Reason to see: Full disclosure that although I’m a fan of MMA through films (SPL, Flash Point / Dao huo xian), I’m relatively new to the world of The Ultimate Fighter having jumped aboard during a recent re-airing of the Georges St. Pierre vs Josh Koscheck season as well as enjoying the most recent broadcasted season of Ultimate Fighter: Live Dominick Cruz vs Urijah Faber, and after enjoying both of those I though it’d be perfect to jump into an entire season that was between them!

The Ultimate Fighter Season 14 Bisping vs Miller is a whopping 5-Disc set with 671 minutes of content and wow it’s a heck of a lot to enjoy, and enjoy it I did! This is the first season that features of bantamweight (135 lbs) and featherweight (145 lbs) mixed martial artist as competitors in the series. The first episode has 16 fights and from the winners each coach picks 4 featherweights and 4 bantamweight fighters to make up the 8 fighters on their team for the season.

It’s really inspiring to see the drive and intensity of the fighters, and the amazing skill that they have and showcase throughout the season. There are so many great guys to root for that with every fight you were cheering for the winner but also felt the heartbreak for those who lost and I was shocked as some of the results, just shocked. A lot is one the line as the winners will not only take home the glory, but also land a 6-figure contract with the UFC. I want to say who I rooted for and which fights I loved, but on that but my commitment to spoiler-free reviews is trumping the exclamations I shouted at the screen while watching. It really an intense and exciting season, and really ramps up the intensity when the pranks start to blur the line of personal space.

The season has a fair share of suprizes and I loved that unpredictability, even if you really think you know how a fight will go, once they get in the octagon who knows what’s going to happen. The spirit and skill of the fighters is so high that every one of the fights in the quarterfinals, semi finals, and finals were fantastic. Some of the qualifying matches weren’t as thrilling, but once you get in to episode 2 and beyond its completely intense. I enjoy the pacing of the season too, that each episode isn’t a strict format of lead up to fight at the end, some episodes throughout the regular season have more than 1 fight, they have lots of pranks throughout the season, plus guest coaches that stop in and of course the coaches challenge (which was hilarious on more than one level!).

One of the reasons I really enjoy the series is that we also get to see the different coaches and their coaching style with the players, which is always fascinating right from the get go on who they pick and why and how they train them throughout the season. I love seeing the effects of coaching and mentoring and it’s pretty rare to see that so it’s a nice bonus here. The two coaches had a pretty different style as well as different reputation, Bisping definitely felt more at a distance but very clear, direct, reasonable and good natured (I was definitely team Bisping!) although he seems to have a bad rep and whatever it’s for I never saw anything that would explain it. And Miller seemed to be the reverse with having a ‘crazy’ rep, yet clearly his team took to him instantly and you can tell he’s a guy that people just enjoy being around.

Although the finale is a great sum up to the season, I do find it a bit odd because it’s a completely different tone and feel from the rest of the season as it has a live audience and announcers, plus at change that the fighters are coached by their coaches as Bisping and Miller fight each other on this night. But the pay off there is definitely getting to see Bisping and Miller face off after an entire seasons of chatter but then they had to put that talk into action.

After watching The Ultimate Fighter Season 14 Bisping vs Miller on DVD, I'm hooked and now I know I'll always watch future season and I even want to go back and watch older ones. I'm totally hooked.

See also my Vlog review of The Ultimate Fighter (Bisping vs Miller) here.

DVD and DVD Extras Details:

Disc 1

• Episode 1 - Qualifying Matches ( 1h 20mim)
• Episode 2 - Team picks and first Quarterfinal Fight, (39 minutes)

Disc 2

• Episode 3 – 1x Quarterfinal Fight (39 minutes)
• Episode 4 – 2 x Quarterfinal Fights (39 minutes)
• Episode 5 - 1 x Quarterfinal Fight (39 minutes)
• Episode 6 – 2 x Quarterfinal Fights (39 minutes)

Disc 3

• Episode 7 - Final Quarterfinal Fight & Semi Final Match Picks (39 minutes)
• Episode 8 – 1 x Semi Final Fight (39 minutes)
• Episode 9 - 1 x Semi Final Fight & Coaches Challenge (39 minutes)
• Episode 10 2 x Semi Final Fights (39 minutes)

Disc 4

• Season Finale: Main Card (1h 46 minutes) includes: Final Featherweight Fight, Final Bantamweight Fight, Bisping vs Miller Fight, Tony Ferguson vs Yves Edwards (Fantastic match!) and 1 additional fight between fighters during this season of the show (see more on disc 5)
  

Disc 5: Season Finale Preliminary Card & Bonus Material

• Finale Fight Card (1 hour 20 minutes) 5 match ups between fighters during the season of the show
  
• Team Bisping Bonus Scenes (14 minutes) Bisping talking about being on the show a second time and reflecting on the season; plus the challenge of working as a team and keeping the team together even though fighting isn’t a team sport and lots of goofing off, and even continuation of some of the threads from the show that showed the personal dynamics and tension between the fighters. Plus more pranks. Always more pranks!
• Team Miller Bonus Scenes (15 minutes) Wow, you can really see how Miller builds morale with the guys and keeps it light, chilling in the house with the guys and sharing story of how he got to where he is, training with Muay Thai coach, and of course pranks including the effect of their pranks on the other team, this actually still shows a lot of Bisping & his team as well.
• Additional Bonus Scenes (14 minutes) more time with the assistant coaches and their philosophies, more training footage and more pranks, some of which were pretty impressive and I’m surprized they didn’t include in the show. Really great extra footage.

Shannon's Recommending viewing order:

• Episodes 1 -2 Qualifying matches, team picks & first quarterfinal match
• Episodes 3 – 5 Quarterfinals (4 matches)
• Episodes 6 – 7 Quarterfinals (3 matches) and Semi Final match selection/announcement
• Episodes 8 – 10 All the Semi Finals (4 matches) and the Coaches Challenge
• Finale: Preliminary Fights (Disc 5), then Featherweight, Bantamweight and Bisping vs Miller Fights (Disc 4)
• Bonus Footage
  

The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs Team Miller is available on DVD as of June 5, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll watch it again and go back and watch other seasons as well
I highly recommend it as fans of any kind of fighting, action film fans and documentary fans

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2012

The Collapsed (DVD Review)

DVD Review of the post apocalyptic thriller The Collapsed written & directed by Justin McConnell, starring John Fantasia, Steven Vieira, Lise Moule and Anna Ross

Image Courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment

Writer/Dir: Justin McConnell (Working Class Rock Star)
Cast: John Fantasia, Steven Vieira, Lise Moule, Anna Ross, Kassandra Santos, Stefano Gallo Vincnt Thomas, Neil Green, Rick Cordeiro
Canada, 2011

Reason to see: I’m so excited to see this one out in DVD as it did have a limited release here in Toronto last year but sadly I missed it. But, no more tears on that idea as now it’s available for all to enjoy!

The Collapsed is a post-apocalyptic film that follows a family trying to survive in the shambles of the end of the world. It has a strong survivalist drama tone with interesting character dynamics that create engaging tension within the family and they try to move on and through this world that has suffered some kind of catastrophe.

One of the things I really liked about The Collapsed was that if was pretty open to interpretation, and doesn’t over tell the story and therefore allows the viewer to really engage in what has happened, what could happen and what will happen. Although we get hints into what has happened in the past not only on a global scale but also between the characters, it still allows for wiggle room to let your mind wonder and think about different possibilities, interpretations and histories. I also really enjoyed John Fantasia who plays the father of the family, and Steve Vieira as also strong as the son Aaron.

I loved that it’s a high-concept film that even though you can tell here and there that it’s lower budget it doesn’t really take you out of the film. It helps that it’s firmly rooted in an intriguing story with solid acting and great locations that are beautifully shot and really make the most of what they have. It really looks fantastic every step of the way plus it makes you think by keeping you engaged and interested every step of the way. I often found myself sitting on that uncomfortable edge of not knowing quite where it was going, and that mystery of not knowing kept my unnerved and tense for a lot of the film. I love how it wove in the creep factor with the post-apocalyptic factors together, and it really kept me thinking the whole way through. It’s definitely a film to see for post-apocalyptic film and thriller film fans, as well as people who enjoy the human drama of survivalist film. The Collapsed is very engaging and a great, tense watch.

See also my Vlog review of The Collapsed here.

DVD Extras:

• 2 Feature Commentaries: 1 commentary with director/writer/producer Justin McConnell & co-producer/co-story/art director Kevin Hutchinson and 1 commentary with actor John Fantasia who plays Scott Weaver. On the Justin McConnell & Kevin Hutchinson commentary they chat about everything from locations for filming, shooting order, a lot about chatting about making a low budget film and making it work with limited resources and creative solutions. It's a very enthusiastic commentary with which shares a lot of the unusual challenges including how long things took, information on the guns in the film, plus provides explanation/background on some scenes that had me at scratching my head moments as well as things I completely missed which was really cool. There is also commentary on reactions to the films and their reactions and the reviews, which I always find interesting (although kind of unnerving being a reviewer!), as well as some commentaries on spoilers too. Really cool to hear their perspective and the impact of spoilers. Of course the commentary is very spoiler-filled, but I think with all commentaries the expectation is that you can, will and should watch the film first - and you should because the film is great. On the John Fantasia commentary he discusses preparation for the film including including the read through, things he had to learn for the film, telling the story of the film of what's happening and what his characters story, what he was thinking as well as reacting to the other characters. It's interesting to see the character from purely his perspective, you can really tell he felt the character as he say 'my son, my wife, my daughter' and a lot about his character and bringing humanity to his character. When he's not talking the sound of the film comes back in which is cool, especially as the audio quality of this commentary isn't perfect, but even when talking it maintains a low level so you can get the gist of what's going on. It's funny to see which are the same stories he tells that are or aren't on the other commentary, really shows what sticks in the mind.
• Apocalypse on a Budget - The Making of The Collapsed (70 minutes) behind the scenes, shooting,film footage and interviews with director/writer/producer Justin McConnell and co-producer/co-story/art director Kevin Hutchinson on how they met each other, their previous work together and the idea behind creating The Collapsed and all the many hats the wore and jobs they filled during the process of making the film. Lots of discussion on working with and through the challenges of locations and time constraints, including solutions and choices made to make it work (they go day-by-day of shooting with the challenges); plus chatting with actors including John Fantasia, Steven Vieira, Lise Moule and Anna Ross on their characters, reactions to the script, preparation for their roles; key grip/gaffer/swing Frank Dobilas, and director of photography Pasha Patriki, special effect supervisor Geoff Hill on set and discussing setting up shots; plus footage from audition tapes, table reads, make-up, raw footage, gun training, several deleted shots and some awesome total sidebar chatting about odd hypothetical situations with the cast and crew - really funny stuff.
• Music Video - Rob Kleiner "Devil in Disguise" (2 minutes) movie-tie in video directed by Mike Hickey, edited by Justin McConnell
• Original Score Jukebox & Free Album Download
• TV Segments (3 segments, 9 minutes) Space TV's Innerspace (2 minutes) , Naked News 'Nake at the Movies (4 minutes) and G4TV 'Electric Playground' (2 minutes)
• Trailers - teaser trailer & official trailer
• Cast & Crew Bios
• Artwork & Photo Gallery - official poster, pre-production teaser art, stills, festival, convention and theatrical release pictures

The Collapsed is available on DVD as of June 5, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'd watch it again
I strongly recommend it to thriller, horror and post-apocalyptic film fans; and drama film fans too as there are very interesting characters to enjoy

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2012

The Aggression Scale (DVD Review)

DVD Review of the boundary-pushing thriller Aggression Scale staring Dana Ashbrook, Fabianne Therese and Ryan Hartwig

Image: Courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment

Dir: Steven C. Miller (Automaton Transfusion)
Cast: Dana Ashbrook, Fabianne Therese, Ryan Hartwig, Derek Mears, Jacob Reynolds, Joseph McKelheer, Boyd Kestner, Lisa Rotondi, Ray Wise
USA, 2012

Reason to see: Looked pretty intense and I was curious about the concept

The cover of the DVD for The Aggression Scale provides us with a definition of the terms being: "A psychological test measuring the frequency of overt aggressive behaviors that may result in physical or psychological injury to others" which quickly provides us with both the context and concept going into the film. It's interesting as often we see films about the breaking point at which someone would turn to violence, but The Aggression Scale goes past and starts with not when, but how often and how far people will go with aggressive behaviour.

It's clearly a disturbing idea, and creates a lot of unnerving situations with great tension as it mashes together stories and people on both sides of a stolen money situation. One of this that I really enjoyed about the film is that it doesn't play the morality card. It barely even touches on the subject at all, and instead just goes for the throat with indifference and at times witty humour. Normally, indifference and violence totally put me off but here they made it work from using the perspective of it being a job, or greed, or the wisp of a dream that glimmers in someone's eye. And it wasn't completely heartless, there was some real heart in it to. I don't know how they made it work but they did. It's wild.

I thought it was interesting to use a newly blended family with a fair amount of tension as a group to follow as they are rather awkward with each other creating interesting dynamics and a fair amount of mystery to each characters back story. We don't get quite as much insight to the band of thugs after them, but I was floored by Dana Ashbrook who is fantastic as Roy, aka the lead thug and just trying to get a job done. I also loved the focus on planning, foresight and execution in the film that gave it an almost heist-like format where you get to follow along and try to see, interpret and wonder if everything will go as planned.

I would have loved to see the pacing tightening up just a bit in bridging the stories together quicker, just a moment or two where you can tell it's likely a lower budget film in terms of the locations but I wouldn't hold that against it. The idea is interesting and they explore it well, and it pays off big time. Fair warning for folks that are put off by violent films as The Aggression Scale will probably put you over the edge, but for those that like blood, shock and violence in your entertainment than this is definitely a film to see. The make-up was very impressive as well. Gruesome, but amazing. It also has a pretty warped sense of humour at times which was a great balance to the tense theme.

The Aggression Scale suprized me way more often than I was expecting, and not just with the tension and boundary pushing, but with the story as well. The character dynamics were unusual and I especially like how they used a blended family trying find their new feet with each other and their new space as a focus. Overall it was a very solid thriller and I'd strongly recommend it for thriller fans and anyone who can take the violence & blood. It's well worth checking out.

DVD Extras:

• Making Of The Aggression Scale (14 minutes) behind the scenes of filming plus footage of the location, cast & crew and interviews with director Steven C. Miller, producer Travis Stevens, writer Ben Powell and actors including Derek Mears, Dana Ashbrook and Jacob Renyolds, about the theme and inspiration of the film, the quick pace of filming as it relates to the adrenaline packed tone of the film, the chemistry and cast combinations of the two groups of characters in the film, what it's like to work together and the process of filming. There is a subtle playful quality to the behind the scenes as they including things like the oh-so glamorous jobs the producers, and showcases the community spirit and bonding during making the film.
  

The Aggression Scale is available on DVD as of May 29, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I strongly recommend it to thriller fans and folks who enjoy films that push boundaries

Return to Film Reviews, see more DVD Reviews or my Vlog review of The Aggression Scale here.

© Shannon Ridler, 2012

The Secret World of Arrietty (DVD+Blu-Ray Combo-Pack) Review

DVD+Blu-Ray Combo-Pack Review of animated film The Secret World of Arrietty adapted from the book The Borrowers by Mary Norton

The Secret World of Arrietty Blu-Ray/DVD Image © 2010 GNDHDDTW, © 2012 GNDHDDTW. All Rights Reserved.

Dir: Hiromasa Yonebayashi - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, David Henrie, Carol Burnett, Moises Arias
Japan, 2012

Reason to see: It's a selection for the 2012 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club, based on the book The Borrowers by Mary Norton which was our January 2012 Reading Selection

I absolutely adored The Secret World of Arrietty. I know I'm not the first person to jump out of the gate for animated films, but this one truly spoke to my heart. It follows Arrietty, a young girl in a family of 'borrowers', who are tiny people who 'borrow' things from humans like sugar and such, but need to remain unseen by the human eye. Arrietty is an adventurous and brave young girl who is very much looking forward to her first borrowing.

The film is based on the children's fantasy novel The Borrowers by Mary Norton, and was our first book in the 2012 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club. I love started the year off with a kicks book, and this one was a wonderful way to start the year as it has a lovely sense of wonder and nesting. The film does a great job of maintaining that sense of wonder and inventiveness, but shakes up the narrative style. In the book it's more of a story-within-a-story, and in the film we get to see the world purely from tiny people's perspective of Arrietty (voiced by Bridget Mendler) and her mom Homily (voiced by Amy Poehler) and dad Pod (voiced by Will Arnett). From them we see the different perspectives of their day to day lives which include the excitement of possible adventure from Arrietty, the day-to-day gathering of Pod and keeping the home fires burning with Homily. But as time goes on, it's time for Arrietty to learn the skill of borrowing from her dad Pod, and see that not only adventure, but danger, lies ahead.

I loved how the film blended the sense of adventure with the everyday, the inventiveness of creative re-purposing the borrowers do with the human items but it also acknowledges the challenges and dangers they face. There is an amazing relatability of what they go through, and I love how Arrietty gets to opportunity to grow, learn and develop new skills in this big wide world that's above them. And I absolutely adored the animation, it gives a great sense of the scale and vastness of the world and brings to life all creatures be they big or small, happy or cranky or even a bit of both. Truly magical.

It was great to see such a wonderful adaptation that maintains the spirit of the film, but also is brave enough to take liberties as well. A bold move that pays off and enriches the viewer's experience. I was happy to see that the DVD/Blu-Ray release includes a Japanese audio with English subtitles, which was very interesting to watch as well the differences between the versions and how the sentiment can change ever so slightly with different words, but always maintains the same spirit in the film and the journeys of the characters. I truly loved The Secret World of Arrietty, it was joy to see this wonderful world come to life and to see an spirited young female character take centre stage braving adventures in the big, wide world. Easily one of my favourite films of the year by far.

DVD Extras:

• Bridgit Mendler "Summertime" Music Video (3 minutes) film tie-in video including film clips
• The Making Of "Summertime" (2 minutes) music video clips, behind the scenes on filming the music video and interview with Bridgit Mendler including the inspiration for the song, the process of making the music video and
• Audio Options: English, French or Japanese Audio
• Subtitle Options: English, English for the Hearing Impaired and French
  

Blu-Ray Extras:

• All DVD Extras (noted above) plus: Storyboard presentation of the film; Trailers - Original Japanese and Television Commercials and “Arrietty’s Song” Music Video The films theme song, performed by singer, songwriter and harpist Cécile Corbel

The Secret World of Arrietty is available on DVD, DVD/Blu-Ray Combo as of May 22, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I can't wait to watch it again
I widely recommend it

See also:

• Listen to my interview with Bridget Mendler, who voiced the character of Arrietty
• Read my interview with Bridget Mendler
• Vlog review of The Secret World of Arrietty on DVD+Blu-Ray Combo-Pack
• The Borrowers by Mary Norton as our January 2012 Reading Selection
• The Secret World of Arrietty as our February 2012 Film Selection
• The 2012 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club, which you can join us at any time

© Shannon Ridler, 2012

Underworld Awakening (DVD Review)

DVD review of Underworld Awakening, starring Kate Beckinsale; the fourth film in the highly stylized Underworld universe which pits vampire vs werewolves.

Image Courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
© 2012 Lakeshore Entertainment Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Dir: Måns Mårlind & Björn Stein (Shelter - podcast review)
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy, Theo James, India Eisley, Charles Dance
USA, 2012

Reason to see: Selene, the vampire death-dealer protagonist, is one of my all-time favourite film characters and it's on My Most Anticipated Films for 2012

Underworld Awakening technically follows Underworld: Evolution chronologically in the series but if you aren’t overly familiar or haven’t revisited the series recently they do help with a little memory jogger, which is the lead into the current world where humans were not only made aware of the vampire and lycans existence, but also defeated them in a ‘cleansing’ leaving the remaining numbers very small. I found that a bit of a challenge to buy into, that the humans would prevail, but that’s the world they create so you kind of have to go there to experience the film. In this near future world we travel with death dealer vampire Selene (Kate Beckinsale) who awakens after the said ‘cleansing’.

A brief personal history of how I weight in on the Underworld series is that I absolutely adored the highly stylish full-tilt vampires vs lycans (werewolves) action film that was the original Underworld, but was completely dismayed by some random gender crap in the sequel Underworld: Evolution that made me hate the film, which is a statement I don’t make very often. And then I flipped back to enjoying the series with the prequel Underworld: Rise of the Lycans which features Michael Sheen and was the only film in the series without Kate Beckinsale. So, personally I’ve had a bit of a rocky relationship with the series but I can’t help but the gorgeous stylings, amazing action and cool vampire & werewolves throughout.

In terms of the action and art direction of how the film it looks and feels, I loved it. It’s a little dingier than the original film so you have to take that into account as it aligns with this whole living on the fringes with low resources which doesn’t really read ‘vampire’ to me, but it is something new. I really enjoyed seeing a lot of the actors in the film including Theo James (‘Bedlam’), Charles Dance (Aliens 3) and Kris Holden-Reid (‘Lost Girl’) who I really think they could have had more in the film. Plus, to make sure it doesn’t go without saying, Kate Beckinsale was fantastic to see, I love her as Selene a fierce and beautiful death dealer who kicked a whole lot of butt in the film and makes no qualms about the fact that she is completely in charge.

I was pretty surprized to see that it was only 88 minutes with around 10 of those being credits, but I still felt like I got 1-films worth of enjoyment for the film. The story and world may not have been perfectly what I was looking forward but they stayed true to what they created and I respect that. In terms of the series I’d still say the first one is my favourite, and then Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, then Underworld Awakening and finally Underworld: Evolution. It was one of my most anticipated films of the year so I was excited and looking for a bit more than what we got here, but I certainly was entertained and engaged while watching.

In terms of the story, I took me for a bit of a surprized that I don’t think the themes will appeal to everyone; but it also feels like it’s one of many periods within this world and therefore we’ll have more to enjoy to come. However, for supernatural action fans this is a total fun ride with lots of action, and interesting story and continuing the journey through the cool world they have created so for that I do think it’s a success.

DVD Extras:

• Feature Commentary with Filmmakers: producer Richard S. Wright, producer Gary Lucchesi, executive producer & visual effects supervisor James McQuaide and directors Måns Mårlind & Björn Stein. I really enjoyed listening to this commentary, and 5-person commentaries can sometimes be a challenge but it's really clear they enjoyed working on the film and enjoy the Underworld universe so there is lots of notations about about it's fits in visually or story/character wise with the other films as well as great stories about working with the cast and crew plus also a great technical perspective in terms of the effects, 3D, what's CG vs practical/suits, the locations and editing. I loved hearing them talk about the editing and the choices made and different variations that they tired and why they went with that they went with, that was fascinating. The talk a lot about the 3D (and 3D films in general) and what was shot in 3D and what was 2D vs 3D in the film, and the challenges of the film including introducing new characters to the audience, keeping mystery of the story of the film, the shots they love in the film including favourite blood spatters which is hilarious. Also touch on examples of good hommages, the balance of using violence in film, the advantage of have Len Wiseman who directed the first two films as a producer on this film, the changes and development of the character of Selene in this film, the neo-goth look of the film, the moments and shots that were in the trailer and working with the cast especially Kate Beckinsale along with Charles Dance, Theo James & Michael Ealy.

Underworld Awakening is available on DVD, BluRay and 3D BluRay on May 8, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca (DVD, Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray) & Amazon.com (DVD, Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray)

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it repeatedly
I'd recommend it to fans of the series & vampire/action film fans

See also

• Spoiler-filled awesome discussion of Underworld Awakening over at Before the Dawn
• Spoiler-free review of Underworld Awakening on Episode 59 of the Movie Moxie Podcast

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2012
Originally reviewed for Theatrical Release - February 12, 2012

Haywire (DVD Review)

DVD review of stylish action film Haywire starring MMA Superstar Gina Carano


Image Courtesy of Alliance Films

Dir: Steven Soderbergh (Solaris, Oceans 11, The Girlfriend Experience)
Cast: Gina Carano, Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender, Antonio Banderas, Bill Paxton
USA/Ireland, 2012

Reason to see: Female protagonist action films are always on my to see list

Haywire stars Mixed Martial Artist Gina Carano, and is directed by Steven Soderbergh which I miraculously kind of forgot about before going in because all I really needed was an MMA star in a film to pull me to see it. But Soderbergh directed Oceans 11, 12, 13, the Solaris remake and The Girlfriend Experience, and it’s no doubt he is a very stylish director which you could really feel that in the film. The pacing and the storytelling style were very different than I was expecting; a lot of action films go for a very high-paced style but Haywire feels much more like a drama, with action. It feels like an American espionage drama with action and a female protagonist as opposed to an action film. Although the action is fantastic and Gina Cararo is amazing and certainly will be a draw to the film, the most important part of the film which is her character journey and the story which has some welcome mystery elements to it.

I do wonder if some people will think the pacing is too slow, and I found myself spending time while watching literally interpreting and experiencing the film from the perspective of the fact that it wasn’t what I was expected. But, once I settled into realizing what they were going with and just relaxed into it, I really enjoyed it and I particularly enjoyed that it has a slow burn with a lot of visual storytelling. We get to watch Mallory (Gina Cararo), as she herself is watching, interpreting and reacting to what is going on around her in a very visual manner. I was very impressed by this, the completely visual storytelling that was accompanied by a groovy soundtrack were a huge highlight of the film and something sets it apart from many current-day action films proving that you don’t have to shock & scare us with stuff to entertain us, you can also appeal to our logical minds as we try to piece together the puzzles, be they ones of action or espionage. It was very impressive.

It was fantastic to see Gina Cararo was so good in this role as an action star, so much so that it actually pushes buttons and boundaries of things that we don’t normally see; for example if she is fighting a guy in the film – they are really going all out at each other. She’s not treated differently and she’s certainly not treated lightly, she’ll get thrown around just as much as anyone else who is in an action film. It’s literally a new primer when there dynamics of the fight aren’t re-adjusted to balance for any strengths or weaknesses of either fighter; they are treated as equals. Although theoretically I cheered and the balance, it took a while to adjust to seeing that. They did also call out on some action film tropes to be a more clear counter-reaction to what we often see gender wise, that didn’t work in the film quite a smoothly as the action balance did, but considering it’s such a new shift I think its’ entirely fair to expect some growing pains. To be honest, I’m happy to take those growing pains if the counter is seeing an amazing, capable, and believable action star. And that is exactly what we got: Gina Cararo is amazing, capable, believable and very dynamic action star and I look forward to seeing her in more films in the future. The story was good too, and I was impressed I could keep up considering espionage can be a bit of challenge for me but I suspect seeing it in open captioning help (see more on the experience of open captioning here).

Overall, the action, score and tone were all amazing plus I enjoyed the story as well. But Gina really was the pull to the film, and she pulled me right in and kept me for the entire time.

I would definitely recommend it to action, espionage and mystery film fans and especial to fans of female protagonist films.

DVD Extras:

• Gina Carano in Training (16 minutes) Behind the scenes footage, film clips, MMA fighting footage of Gina Carano, pre vis choreography footage, and interviews with Gina Carano, World Extreme Fighter founder/owner Jamie Levine, special ops technical advisor Aaron Cohen, fight choreography J J Perry, actors Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum and Ewan McGregor on working together, on her physicality and aptitude, fighting, MMA, women fighting in the MMA, training including a section on weapons training, fight choreography and + clips from a film Q&A with Steven Soderbergh on when he first saw Gina Carano and the idea to build a movie around her. I loved how they would show progression of several of the fight scenes from pre vis choreography, to behind the scenes of filming to the finished film; that was pretty freaking awesome.
• The Men of Haywire (5 minutes) behind the scenes, film clips and interviews with Michael Fassbender, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum and Antonio Banderas on what drew them to the film, the feel, look and tone of the film; the realism of the characters in the film, training for the film, working together and especially the experience of working with director Steven Soderbergh.
• Characters of Haywire (9 minutes) This includes a set of tailored trailers, but each one shows the character of Mallory (played by Gina Cararo) paired with the other characters in the film including what her relationship is to them; and then one that purely focuses on Mallory; Plus snippets and film footage of the interviews with Gina Carano, Channing Tatum, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender both from the previous extras as well as additional interviews with Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Antonio Bandares and Channing Tatum on their characters. I'm a little surrpirzed this doesn't have it's own menu to see the footage character by character, but rather it has 6 trailers in a row, then the 2 sets of interview footage.
  

Haywire is available on DVD as of May 1, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I can't wait to watch it again
I'd highly recommend it to fans of action films & female protagonist films

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2012
Originally reviewed for Theatrical Release - February 12, 2012


Gina Carano stars in HAYWIRE, and Alliance Films release. Photo Credit: Claudette Barius


Gina Carano (left) and Channing Tatum (right) star in HAYWIRE, an Alliance Films release. Photo Credit: Claudette Barius

The Divide (DVD Review) Uncut

DVD review of The Divide, the brilliant and harrowing post-apocalyptic thriller starring Michael Biehn, Laren German, Michael Eklund and Milo Ventimiglia; directed by Xavier Gens.

Image Courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment

Dir: Xavier Gens (Frontier(s), Hitman)
Cast: Michael Biehn, Milo Ventimiglia, Michael Eklund, Lauren German, Rosanna Arquette, Ashton Holmes, Courtney B. Vance, Iván González
Canada/USA/Germany, 2012

Reason to see: Exceptional cast, plus it's post apocalyptic

The Divide is a post apocalyptic thriller that delves deeply and darkly in the demise of the human spirit as it follows a group of people thrown together in the bowels of an apartment building sealed in against the unknown catastrophe that looms outside. I often have a hard time with post-apocalyptic films being a sunny side of the street kind of person, and in general can avoid them as they upset me but my first viewing of the film was during the Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2011 and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see likely the highest profiled film at this years festival which has many guests in attendance including Michael Biehn (Bereavement, The Terminator, Aliens) & Michael Eklund ('Intelligence', Hunt to Kill, Tactical Force), Milo Ventimiglia, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn and director Xavier Gens (Frontier(s), Hitman). The film mad a huge impact and it played to a completely sold out house. The energy in the room was electric and it's such a unique experience to see a film that is so focused on the power people can have over each other when you are literally surrounded by so many people. Who would step up and take charge? Would anyone challenge them, and if so - how much and how hard? When, or does, the human spirit crumble and is it inevitable that people will succumb to live in and live on the horror of the situation.

I actually found the film quite a challenge to watch but what makes it work so very well are the performances by an astounding group of actors that went pretty method here shooting in chronological order and even going through similar limitations to their characters. I was particularly impressed by the connection and chemistry between the characters played by Michael Eklund & Milo Ventimiglia who had an electric bond on the screen, plus Lauren German who plays a very subtle character who carefully and subtly tries to stay out of the power struggles that are inevitable. I also was very impressed with Michael Biehn who walks a fine, gray line with the power of the inadvertent caretaker to the group. It certainly wasn't an easy watch, but it was a hell of a powerful film and will stay with me for a very long time.

After re-watching The Divide on DVD I continued to be impressed with the films power to draw the viewer in, the exceptional performances and the fabulous score. It's a harrowing viewing experience that goes well past any comfort zones, but it does so with brilliance and abandon, and for that I greatly it. After listening to the commentary really reinforces just how trusting and giving the actors were to each other, it's extraordinary. I feel like it's watching the evolution and result of a masterpiece acting workshop.

DVD Extras:

• Feature Commentary with director Xavier Gens and actors Michael Biehn, Michael Eklund and Milo Ventimiglia. Very entertaining and interesting commentary, they discuss shooting chronologically including how they didn't really know each other starting off and were on diets, notations to what wasn't in the original cut, changes in their characters from the original script put then with improv how the characters and film evolved and the amazing amount of creative freedom there was for the actors, character histories, insights and decisions, which scenes were their audition scenes including if people auditioned as different characters. It's interesting to hear actors ask Xavier Gens about decisions in the film and he also explains several of the effects shots on how, why and when they did them; there are some friendly scene stealing discussions as well as kudos on acting choices and even disagreements on character which was really interesting. Also discussion on what shots get reactions from crowds, themes of the film, involvement and working with writer Eron Sheean. They discuss how beautiful the film is and especially giving the limited locations, the changes between the acts, scenes that were taken out and/or put back into the film and the process that went along with it, film influences, nods & tributes. The audio in the film is pretty low, so it's definitely one you want to listen to after watching, but with 4 voices in the audio commentary there is already a lot of listen to so it's a good call.
• Trailer
  

The Divide is available on DVD as of April 17, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

See also:

• Interviews with actors Michael Biehn and Michael Eklund (written) or listen to interviews with Michael Biehn and Michael Eklund on The Movie Moxie Podcast
• My Vlog from first viewing of The Divide during the Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2011
• Videos from Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2011 screening including introduction and Q&A with director Xavier Gens and actors Michael Biehn, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, Milo Ventimiglia and Michael Eklund
• Pictures from the Q&A after the Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2011 screening of The Divide with director Xavier Gens and actors Michael Biehn, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, Milo Ventimiglia and Michael Eklund

Shannon's Overall View:
It's a brilliant film
It's a challenging watch, and hard to 'enjoy', but I do get a lot out of it every time I see it
I'd recommend it post apocalyptic fans and fans of strong acting

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011-12
Originally reviewed during the Toronto After Dark Film Festival Wednesday October 26, 2011

Shame (DVD/BluRay Combo) Review

DVD/BluRay Review of Shame from director Steve McQueen starring Michael Fassbender & Carey Mulligan.

Image Courtesy of Alliance Films
Legal Line © 2011 New Amsterdam Film Limited, Channel Four Television Corporation and The British Film Institute. All Rights Reserved. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

Dir: Steve McQueen (Hunger)
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, Nicole Beharie, James Badge Dale
UK, 2011

Reason to see: Huge acclaim & kudos, especially for Michael Fassbender's performance

Shame certainly feels like one of the powerhouses films from last year. I had seen the emotional heartbreak of Hunger from director Steve McQueen and starring Michael Fassbender, I thought I would be prepared to dive in to one of pairings again with this New York set drama. Retrospectively, I'm not sure that anything can really prepare you for Shame. What could really prepare you for following sex obsessed/addicted Brandon (played by Michael Fassbender) during the film? I really don't think anything can. There is something really unnerving about the character of Brandon in so many ways, not just the addiction but the fact that people can so easily be charmed over by him or in the case of his sister (played by Carey Mulligan) heavily rely on him, and although we see him baring all he often remains a huge mystery.

Shame is one of the films where I feel like a putz that I wasn't taken by it, a film that I would rather just agree with folk on it's brilliance but I can't. Not that it isn't brilliant, but that's not what I took away from the film. Are the performance astounding? Yes they are. Is it talking about something taboo? Yes it was. Was it gorgeously shot? Yes it was. Did I care about ...anyone? A-ha. There we go. For me, that was the missing ingredient. There were moments that I felt for Brandon, but mostly empathetically to his current emotional states of being as opposed to his obsession/addiction/situation. I felt the weight he was baring, and therefore empathized, but outside of near-breaking point moments I had no patience for his plight. It was a quite strange experience, and this is my personal reaction to the film which brings me farther the point of knowing to trust my gut that films of almost purely emotional hardship are not for me. For the high drama fan though, Shame is a great fit as it hits all the marks you'd want and expect for a powerful, emotional journey with striking performance and a haunting sense of realism.

DVD/Blu-Ray Extras:

• Q&A with Michael Fassbender (35 minutes) from the Hackney Picturehouse - January 2012 with Dave Calhoun; Film Editor, Time Out. Film clips and Q&A (including audience questions) discussing his filmography, working with director Steve McQueen, the draw to the film, his first reaction to the idea of the film, the duality of the character of Brandon vs being an addict, working with Carey Mulligan and the setting of New York.
• Interview with Michael Fassbender (3 minutes) discussing the character of Brandon, on sex addiction, the challenges of the film and on working with Steve McQueen and Carey Mulligan.
• Interview with Carey Mulligan (2 minutes) discussing the character of Sissy, on preparing and getting the role and on working with Steve McQueen and Michael Fassbender.
• Trailer
  

Shame is available on DVD as of April 17, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I didn't love it
I'd watch it again for the performances
I'd recommend it drama fans, especially for the emotional journey

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2012


Michael Fassbender in SHAME


Michael Fassbender in SHAME


Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan star in Shame

7 Below (DVD Review)

DVD Review of the supernatural thriller 7 Below starring Ving Rhames, Luke Goss, Rebecca de Costa & Val Kilmer


Image Courtesy of Alliance Films
Legal Line © 2011 SBZ Productions. All Rights Reserved. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

Dir: Kevin Carraway (The Fear Chamber)
Cast: Ving Rhames, Luke Goss, Rebecca da Costa, Bonnie Somerville, Brianna Lee Johnson, Matt Barr, Val Kilmer
USA, 2012 (DVD Release)

Reason to see: Horror flick with a supernatural feel will always draw me in

7 Below starts with some classic elements to horror films including following a group of semi-stranded folk where only some know each other, the elusive 'is he creepy or helpful?' local and a creepy location with unknown history plus a natural (or is it?) event to keep them from leaving. I should totally make a list of films that meet those parameters, but it may not fit as a post title. In the bunch, we has some pretty good actors including Val Kilmer as a not-so-nice husband and Ving Rhames as the local guy as well as Luke Goss (Hellboy II, Blade II, Death Race II) and Matt Barr ('Hellcats', Harper's Island) as brothers, and Rebecca da Costa and Bonnie Somerville and Brianna Lee Johnson.

I liked the idea of 7 Below and its setting, but had a hard time believing some of the situations - oddly the practical ones like a storm over the more far-fetched horror/thriller story line that brought the film together. The concept itself was pretty interesting but I kept feeling myself pulled out of it by the practical, which isn't something I usually have a problem with.

Watching 7 Below kept me guessing, not so much about what has happening in the film but what kind of film it was. I watch a lot of B-Movies and a fair amount of direct to DVD horror and it had elements of both, but fell somewhere in between them but not with the halves I personally enjoy. With B-movies, I enjoy when they really go for the cheese factor - and they got some of that in here with some crazy lines and far fetched ideas, but rarely was anyone acting like they were in a B-Movie (except for a few moments where Ving Rhames totally nailed it). And for the direct to DVD horror I love when they go with crazy concepts and a real make-it-work attitude, but here it just felt a little thin on ideas and not enough punch to keep me hooked. I did think there were a few choice moments and it certainly had a creepy idea so there was some good creativity going, I just wish they tightened it up with better pacing and less inconsistencies, but they did give us some stronger and interesting characters. I was particularly impressed with Luke Goss who did a solid job, and this was the first dramatic role I saw him in and would like to see more; I'm going to keep my eye on him.

DVD Extras:

• Trailer

7 Below is available on DVD as of April 17, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I wanted to enjoyed it more
I'm not sure I'd watch it againt
I'd recommend for the b-movie completeists of the horror variety

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2012

The Three Musketeers (2011) DVD Review

DVD Review of the adventure film The Three Musketeers starring Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson and Luke Evans adapted from the book by Alexandre Dumas


Image Courtesy of Alliance Films
Legal Line (C) 2011 Constantin Film Production GMBH, NEF Productions, S.A.S and New Legacy Film LTD. All Rights Reserved By Constantin Film Verleih GMBH. Distributed Exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

Dir: Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Death Race (2008), AVP: Alien vs Predator)
Cast: Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Matthew Macfadyen, Mads Mikkelsen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Christoph Watlz, Orlando Bloom, Freddie Fox, Juno Temple, James Corden
USA/UK/France/Germany, 2011

Reason to see: 2011 Book to Film Club Selection plus it was on my list of Most Anticipated Films of 2011 (#21)

I wasn't quite sure what to make of The Three Musketeers (2011) before heading in, as it's a highly noted classic adventure story that has been adapted in to so many films over the years and then to have the man who brought us the Resident Evil films, Paul W.S. Anderson directing, I was even more dumbfounded. But the trailers looked fun and I adored the cast (Mads! Milla! Ray! Oh my...), so I picked it for the Book to Film Club and said I was going to give it a chance.

Now, I do have to admit that getting through the book The Three Musketeers was a HUGE challenge. It was the hardest read (but I didn't dislike it) and the biggest challenge of the 2011 Book to Film Club because it was so long and so dense. Thankfully, the film is a lovely adaptation trimming away oodles and oodles of things I didn't miss and keeping all the adventure, including main story and the spirit of all of the characters. Before reading the book I was mostly excited because of the casting. I'll see anything that Mads Mikkelsen (After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet, Valhalla Rising) & Ray Stevenson (King Arthur, Kill the Irishman) are in, especially together, and I continue to love Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief) , Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil Series) & Luke Evans (Tamara Drewe, Immortals). Plus, now I have to know where the heck Matthew Macfadyen has been hiding (period films?) because he in instantly going on my to-watch list as he is an excellent actor.

I know that is a lot of names, but that is because the film has so many delicious characters from our young protagonist D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) who is off to prove himself and quickly becomes entangled with the Three Musketeers of Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson) and Aramis (Lucas Evans) who although highly skilled are not really needed anymore and come to odds with the Cardinal's (Christoph Watlz) guards lead by Rochefort (Mads Mikkelsen) and pretty much rule the place even though it's in the hands of a very king Louis (Freddie Fox). And then of course we have Milla Jovovich as the cunning Milady, whom is highly skilled in many ways.

How they flushed out all of the characters so well is a huge feat in it of itself, I'm a big fan of ensemble casts in action/adventure films and they are able to create and hone the characters including their own unique set of skills, they interpersonal relationships, histories and motivations all without feel like it's being telecasted to you. And I didn't go in super knowledgeable reading the book - I could barely tell the Musketeers apart! But here, it was easy and delightful to know who was who; and what trouble they are getting into. And there is a lot of trouble to get into, the film is full of plots and trickery and the mystery of solving your counterparts motivations and the meticulous planning to work on and through the deception. Honestly, the planning won me over more than I anticipated. But the art direction and styling was also gorgeous, although they certainly took some liberties with devices which gave it a fun vibe and you really just have to go with it.

I loved watching The Three Musketeers, it is literally one of the most fun out of all of the movies I have seen all year. It's outrageous, outlandish and over the top but it's backed by a solid plot, a fantastic set of characters and a brilliant cast. I really enjoyed the performances of each and every person in the film who breathed in the joy, romance, adventure and life into the film. Absolutely wonderful!

DVD Extras:

• Feature Commentary with director/producer Paul W.S. Anderson and producers Jeremy Bolt and Robert Kulzer discussing the draw to the film, the influences which run the gambit from classic Hollywood to current games, a fair amount of character & character dynamics especially in reference to how close they tied them to how they are depicted in the book including the age of D'Artagnan, lots of detail on the locations especially the amazing amount of real locations (including a private castle) as well as what (if anything) was changed/altered/enhanced by visual effects. They also chat the sword work including the fact almost everything is done by the actors with real swords and the individual fighting styles, the elaborate costumes, the influences that developed the look and feel of the film, the different romance stories in the film, the conscious choice to ensure the characters and struggles were relatable to a current day audience, the appeal of the film to a large audience, challenges (and luck) with the weather and the authenticity of many of the weapons and creations at least conceptually to the time. It's quite an informed and entertaining commentary, and I loved how well they know and note the book, and share which moments are straght from the book as well as reasons behind changes made - it was great to hear their perspective.
• Cast and Crew (20 minutes) behind the scenes, film clips and interviews withdirector Paul W.S. Anderson, producer Jeremy Bolt & on the actors and their connection to their character; the actors discussing bringing their characters to life and also the connection of the characters to the book and the different takes they took to other ways the characters have been portrayed in other Musketeer films. Really great character bios on each of Althos (Matthew Macfadyen), Milady (Milla Jovovich), Aramis (Luke Evans), Porthos, (Ray Stevenson), D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman), Richelieu (Christoph Watlz), Buckingham (Orlando Bloom), Rochefort (Mads Mikkelsen), Planchet (James Corden) & a look at them as Paul W.S. Anderson's Three Musketeers.
• Achieving the Look (15 minutes total) 4 Featurettes on the Costumes (5 minutes), Production Design (4 minutes), A New Dimension of Musketeers on the film being in 3D (5 minutes) and Uncovering France in Germany (2 minutes) with behind the scenes, concept art, on set & on locations footage, film clips and interviews with director Paul W.S. Anderson, producer Jeremy Bolt, costume designer Pierre-Yves Gayraud, production designer Paul Denham Austerberry, stunt coordinator/2nd unit director Nick Powell and actors Matthew Macfadyen, Orlando Bloom, Mads Mikkelsen, Freddie Fox, Gabriella Wilde, Milla Jovovich, James Corden, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Logan Lerman.
• 17th Century Action (10 minutes) 5 Featurettes on different action elements of the film from Fencing to specific fight & action sequences and new concepts/combinations used for the film including re-invisioning Milady. Includes interviews with director Paul W.S. Anderson, stunt coordinator/2nd unit director Nick Powell and actors Matthew Macfadyen, Luke Evans, Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Mads Mikkelsen, plus behind the scenes on shooting, rehearsals with fencing instructor Imke Duplitzer, plus discussing individual styles of the fighting styles of the different characters, the fact that the actors trained & did their own fights,plus the huge sets and amazing locations for the and the impressive amount of actual sets over green screens which are used more for enhancement
• Deleted & Extended Scenes (12 scenes, 13 minutes) really interesting added footage, and I absolutely loved that they added an 'extended footage' watermark for the extended scenes to indicate what had been added.
  

The Three Musketeers (2011) is available on DVD as of March 13, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it; I grin from ear to ear for the entire time, every time I watch it
I'll own it
I highly recommend it to fans of adventurous and fun-spirited films

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews


(Left to right) LOGAN LERMAN (white shirt), LUKE EVANS, RAY STEVENSON (back to camera) and MATTHEW MACFADYEN star in THE THREE MUSKETEERS, an Alliance Films' release.


(L-R) CHRISTOPH WALTZ and MILLA JOVOVICH star in THE THREE MUSKETEERS 3D, an Alliance Films release

(L-R) ORLANDO BLOOM and CHRISTOPH WALTZ star in THE THREE MUSKETEERS 3D, an Alliance Films release.

© Shannon Ridler, 2011 - 2012
Originally reviewed for Theatrical Release - November 28, 2011