New Zealand television really does kinda suck. And hard at that. There are shows that we get which are shown in other parts of the world at the same time and then there’s… everything else. Like Survivors for instance. Survivors is exactly the type of stuff I love to watch and now that I have a brand new telly with freeview HD built in, I could easily spend time with my eyes glued to the box watching quality drama like this.

Survivors will eventually be broadcast on New Zealand television despite having been released two years ago… WTF is up with that? I really have no idea why we’re always consistently behind everyone else when it comes to certain TV shows and really up to date with others (like True Blood).

And for those wondering, I’m not referring to the 1975 classic BBC production of Survivors but the remake which aired in the UK in 2008. Post-apocalyptic plot based on the lives of survivors that manage to live through a life-threatening flu pandemic which kills 99 per cent of the world’s population. Yeah, exactly the type of thing I’d love to watch but two years after the rest of the world? That’s kinda sad. Will I still watch it? Absolutely. As I’ve previously admitted, Brit TV is my favourite and anything post-apocalyptic is worthy of my time.

Starring: Adrian Brody, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Laurence Fishburne, Danny Trejo Genre: Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller IMDb: Predators 2010 Released: July 8, 2010 (New Zealand)

SPOILER ALERT – There are spoilers herein, consider yourself warned!

The one thing you need to know before seeing this movie is that it’s not a sequel to any other movie associated with Predator. So essentially it’s a new storyline with new characters and vision from Nimrod Antal and the script writers.

In the previous Predator movie, commando and all-round tough guy ‘Dutch’ (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) adventured (and was eventually hunted) in the swaggering Amazonian heat with his tough-as-nails compadre’s. This time around it’s a group of complete strangers who seem to have one thing in common – they’re all predatory in their own right – all except one. Now, I dunno about you but if I was stuck in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of killers and only my gun to keep me company, I wouldn’t be too trusting of anyone or anything. As it turns out, being marooned and left for dead in an unfamiliar environment is less appealing to our band of killers than working together as a group. They venture forth into the unknown, temporarily putting their trust issues (and kill-or-be-killed instincts) on hold.

So the premise is a bunch of criminals, ex-military types and a doctor are all stuck on a mysterious planet without any idea why. Adrian Brody makes his move early on as the ‘Alpha’ male and while he does an adequate job, he’s really nothing like the character Arnie represented in Predator. It’s difficult not to make comparisons afterall, Predator had to be one of my favourite action movies of the 80s.

Probably the weirdest casting call in this is Laurence Fishburne’s character who seems something of an erratic and misplaced individual. While the interlude provided by his appearance half-way through the movie is somewhat unexpected and entertaining to a point, again, it just didn’t seem to sit right with me and almost interferred entirely with the flow of the film. Almost.

Topher Grace’s character as the elusive and all-knowing ‘Doctor’ is an enigma and probably the one character that should have been fleshed out alot more than he was. Topher carried his character off very well and it’s a pity he didn’t get really interesting until the very end.

The Predators however were seriously just as awesome as I remember from the original if not even more menacing. I have to credit Nimrod Antal and the special effects/creative team here because there are some very well directed action sequences that keep the movie moving at a frantically delicious pace. The ‘Dog’ scene is a particularly exquisite action sequence which had me all tensed up in my seat!

Antal did a pretty good job of creating something literally out of nothing, blending some of the old with alot of the new and creating something fresh for us to fear all over again. It isn’t easy to do considering the history and cult following the Predator franchise has had over the years. I think Antal did the best anyone could without using someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger to carry the project forward.

Image via dietrichthrall

PCR’s rating:

I really wanted to like ‘In the Electric Mist’ but I just couldn’t get into it. The movie didn’t really grab me the way I expected. With a great cast including Tommy Lee Jones and John Goodman, I guess I was waiting for something that never arrived. This is probably not the fault of the actors who for the most part, seemed to be doing their jobs respectively well. Tommy Lee Jones is not new to playing law enforcement in a movie and we’ve all seen how exceptionally talented he is. John Goodman is believable as the bad guy in town but there’s very little else happening.

The movie begins to get interesting just when it also begins to get a little weird. Peter Sarsgaard’s alcholic movie star is kind of annoying (although I’ve really enjoyed Sarsgaard’s previous work). The plot takes a strange turn when he admits to Tommy Lee Jones’ character that he saw something strange out yonder near the bayou while he was recovering from a drunken binge. Hmm. My experiences of both being around drunken people and being a little tipsy myself is that when drunken people start talking about seeing dead things, bones in chains and such, you don’t really believe them. But believe him they did and the next thing we know, Mr Jones’ character is off on some wild-goose chase to find these bones.

As far as thrillers go, In the Electric Mist tries to build up to something but falls some-what short. You get the impression that there’s a gaping hole in the story somewhere and every single one of the main characters eventually ends up falling head-first into it, never to re-surface.

PCR Rating – 2/5

Distributor: Icon Film Distribution Released: 2009 Genre: Thriller/Horror Credits: Director: Oren Peli Written by: Oren Peli Starring: Katie Featherston (Katie), Micah Sloat (Micah) Rating: M

Considering the budget for this movie (only $15,000 USD) and the millions it made at the box office opening weekend (9.1 million USD according to IMDB), Paranormal Activity is by all accounts, a blockbuster. Don’t be fooled by the minimal marketing strategy for this (nor the opening credits which look extremely b-grade) – if you’re any kind of horror fan, you’d be stupid to miss it.

The good…

The atmosphere. It will literally scare the crap outta you without even trying. But try not to see this with anyone who doesn’t get into their horror movies – you’ll regret it if someone starts calling out ‘show us your boobies’ during one of the scariest scenes in the movie (and if you’re reading this assuming you can even read, you should die in a fire, dude, seriously…)

The bad…

In all honesty, aside from a few of the acting quirks on behalf of Micah Sloat (maybe it’s just me but when you’re being terrified for nights on end, do you always have to ask ‘what the fuck is that?’ everytime something unexplainable occurs), Paranormal Activity has very few faults for a movie made in 10 days. And bear this in mind when you go to see it – you won’t be seeing Avatar or the Exorcist (which cost millions to make). Nope, this is true-blue homegrown run around with a camera type stuff. And it’s fantastic.

Look out for… (SPOILER)

The dragging from the bed scene – omfg… scary as hell!

A few tips for ya…

To prepare yourself, check out Blair Witch Project. Both of these movies share a whole lot more than just genre. The creepiness that drips from practically every scene will have you well prepared for what’s to come in Paranormal Activity.

Distributor: Vendetta Films Released: 2009 Genre: Thriller/Drama Credits: Director: Dean O’Flaherty Written by: Dean O’Flaherty Starring: Sebastian Gregory, Michelle Chin, Tahyna Tozzi, Socratis Otto, Asher Keddie Rating: R 16

This dvd was supplied by Vendetta Films for review.

This year I’ve been thoroughly impressed with both the material coming out of the Aussie film industry and the calibre of actors. Beautiful is another well-written little thriller based in aussie surburbia about a 15 year old lad named Daniel (played superbly by Sebastion Gregory). Daniel is shy and introverted and not like alot of kids his age. He’s been through a fair bit emotionally and doesn’t find alot of support at home other than what he receives from his step mother. Danny also has a crush on his next door neighbour, the local ‘lolita’ Suzy who knows how to use her good looks and sexuality to manipulate others. After fixing her sights on Daniel, the two embark on a reckless and dangerous journey to discover the secrets hidden behind the door at number 46.

A sensational script will find you literally frothing at the mouth to discover the secret about the black car and the man and woman living at number 46. As Daniel edges ever closer to separating the fiction from reality, Suzy drops a bomb on him that catapults him further and further into dangerous territory, eventually almost leading him to the point of no return. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Well, it really is a great little story although as things wind up, you’re kinda left wondering what happened to the momentum. That aside, the acting talent is fantastic and I can’t rave about Sebastian Gregory enough!

Beautiful is available from Vendetta films here

Distributor: Rialto Distribution Released: 2009 Genre: Drama/Comedy Credits: Director: Niels Arden Oplev Written by: Nikolaj Arcel (screenplay) Rasmus Heisterberg (screenplay) Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling Rating: TBC

Thanks to Rialto Distribution for holding the media screening.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is based on a best-selling novel by Swedish author Stieg Larsson and is quite possibly one of the best indy movies released this year. Its powerful, moving and riveting story is captivating right until the very end. But it’s the acting talent coupled with the strength of fantastic character creation that brings the story of Lisbeth and Mikael to life.

The movie begins with a controversial magazine journalist Mikael Nyqvist who finds himself being accused of libel for bringing dirty dealings of a wealthy business magnate to light. As it turns out, Mikael was set up and sentenced to six months imprisonment as a result. In the meantime, he is being researched and investigated by another party interested in his endeavours who hire elite hacker Lisbeth Salander to dig up everything on him including any proof that he was guilty of the charges. Lisbeth’s investigation comes up clean and she confirms to her client that she thinks he was framed.

The remainder of the story revolves around Lisbeth and Mikael’s relationship after Mikael is approached by the head of the wealthy Vanger family, Henrik Vanger. Henrik Vanger wants to hire Mikael to investigate the disappearance and alleged murder of his grand-daughter, Harriet 40 years earlier. Lisbeth hacks into Mikael’s computer and deciphers an important clue that sets them both on a path that unravels the mystery and horrors hidden behind Harriet’s disappearance.

The movie is non-stop suspense and action, with some graphically violent scenes thrown in for good measure, but entirely necessary. As we see the characters of both Mikael and Lisbeth emerge through their experiences, it becomes very easy to love this movie for its realism and depth.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo just can’t be faulted. The movie’s consistent pace and wonderfully depicted characters are refreshing and entertaining . If you haven’t had the chance to see a good suspense/thriller this year, I highly recommend you look this up.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo releases in New Zealand on the 26th of December.

Check out the trailer:

Distributor: Madman Entertainment  Released: 2008 Genre: Thriller/horror Credits: Writers: James Watkins Director: James Watkins Starring: Michael Fassbender, Kelly Reilly, Jack O’ Connell Rating: R18

This DVD was kindly supplied by Madman NZ for review

Some of the most hidden gems of the Madman catalogue are the horrors and thrillers. If you’re a a thrill-seeker fan or you just really like the ‘edge of your seat’ feeling you get from being scared, you won’t be disappointed for looking up Eden Lake.

Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) and Kelly Reilly are Steve and Jenny, two young lovers who have planned a nice, cosy get-away for the weekend. Shortly after their arrival at Eden Lake, they are met with curiousity and disdain from a group of local kids. As it turns out, these kids are more like thugs than children and as time passes, become slightly more irritating and annoying to Steve, who makes a heroic attempt to confront the kids at one of their houses. After an unfortunate situation escalates, he narrowly escapes the house and realises that he may have bitten off slightly more than he could chew.

One thing leads to another and the holiday from hell for the couple begins shortly after they realise their car has been taken and they are trapped in an area surrounded by woods. A cleverly written script allows for the harrowing ‘cat and mouse’ chase between the thugs and the holidaying couple to keep us in nail-biting suspense.

The intensity of the movie creeps in slowly but eventually leads to some seriously graphic stuff  as each scene becomes more gruesome and horrifying. Without giving too much away, Eden Lake is very similar to ‘Funny Games’ with the same sort of premise leading to an unfortunate ending. You just know it’s going to end badly, and that’s partially why movies like this keep you interested. Macabre, I know but hey, that’s what a good horror/thriller is all about and Eden Lake is good horror.

Michael Fassbender is great in his role as is Kelly Reilly but the standout actor award goes to the leader of the thugs Brett (played by ‘Skin’s’ actor Jack O’ Connell), who manages to portray the vindictiveness of his character with precision and gritty realism.

Another gem from Madman. Don’t miss this at your local video store!

Buy this DVD

Distributor: Madman/Eastern Eye Released: 2009 Genre: Action/Horror/Thriller Credits: Writers: Chris Chow and Kenji Kamiyama Director: Chris Nahon Starring: Gianna Jun, Allison Miller, Koyuki, Colin Salmon Rating: TBC

This is a preview of the media screener version of Blood: The Last Vampire courtesy of Madman New Zealand.

Loosely based on the anime (animated movie) of the same name, Blood: The Last Vampire follows the story of Saya, a mysterious young woman who has a deadly secret and the equally mysterious organisation ‘The Council’ who work with her.

The character of Saya is well played by Gianna Jun who has just the right physicality and look to pull it off. The wire work and martial arts may look like something out of The Matrix or a John Woo movie, but I found the action scenes to be quite impressive (if you like special effects, you’ll really enjoy this).

If you’re a fan of the anime, you might find this rendition of Blood: The Last Vampire a little different to what you’ve read. The storyline has had a few ‘tweaks’ here and there, including one that involves Saya’s infamous Katana sword. This aside, if you enjoy vampire/action/thriller movies with loads of kick-ass martial arts action, keep a look out for Blood: The Last Vampire at your local dvd store.

Blood: The Last Vampire releases in New Zealand on January 14th, 2010.

Check out the trailer:

Pre order this DVD from Madman now:

Distributor: Sony Entertainment  Released: 2009 Genre: Drama/Action/Thriller Credits: Writers: David Koepp, Akiva Goldsman Director: Ron Howard Starring: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zuror, Skellan Skarsgard Rating: M

This DVD was supplied by Sony Pictures New Zealand for review

For those not familiar with the books, Angels and Demons is the second movie based on the books by author Dan Brown that follow intrepid Symbologist Robert Langdon as he finds himself (yet again) drawn into a circle of mystery, intrigue and secretive cults. The Illuminati and in particular, their involvement with the Vatican, is the focus of Angels and Demons. The movie adaptation (directed by Ron Howard) follows the book closely, only rarely deviating from the book’s storyline for dramatical effect.

Tom Hanks is brilliant as Langdon and continues with his almost perfect embodiment of the character from the book, giving Angels and Demons the backbone needed to support the popularity of the previous movie. Ewan McGregor and Skellan Skarsgard are also strong casting choices for their roles as Carmelengo Patrick McKenna and Commander Richter respectively, and dutifully bring their characters to life.

Although The Da Vinci Code was a reasonably well-made movie in its own right, Ron Howard appears to have pushed the mantle a little further up this time with Angels and Demons and as a result, a much more fluid and cinematic film has eventuated. The beautiful filming locations once again add that extra bit of ‘pizzazz’ as we follow Langdon all over the Vatican city in his feverish attempts to unravel the mystery of the ‘whodunnit’ – Dan Brown style.

If you missed Angels and Demons at the theatre, you should definitely check it out – at the very least via your local dvd store. It’s another solid DVD release for Sony and we’re very much looking forward to seeing how well The Lost Symbol will fare as the follow-up movie rumoured to be in the works.

PCR Rating:

Leonardo DiCaprio is back in his latest flick where he plays a cop (Teddy Daniels) following the trail of a muderer who has mysteriously disappeared from a hospital for the criminally insane. Along the way, Daniels begins to question his own sanity in the process.

Sounds positively thrilling. Here’s the clip courtesy of TA.