IT’S part three of my look at films that have failed to set the box office alight. After focusing on the abomination that is Battlefield Earth and the brilliance of John Carter, I turn my attention to a film – and a director – famous for being as odd as it is entertaining. TERRY GILLIAM has always been a director with a grand vision. His films rarely have the look… Read More »
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Disaster on the screen: John Carter
In the second part of my look at box office catastrophes I delve into the baffling failure of Walt Disney Studio’s John Carter. Now, this one sticks in my throat a little because, personally, I adored what Andrew Stanton brought to the big screen. However, for some reason (or many reasons), the pulpy space opera didn’t seem to strike a chord with many critics and/or cinemagoers. The story of Civil… Read More »
Disaster on the Screen: Battlefield Earth
A film can flop for a variety of reasons. Terrible marketing. Negative reviews. Bad word of mouth. Or simply because it’s a pile of the proverbial poo. Over the course of this series, I’ll look at films with good-to-mega budgets that failed to get the box office buzzing and ultimately ended up becoming notorious for all the wrong reasons. First up is sci-fi disaster Battlefield Earth from 2000. Starring John Travolta and… Read More »
Superhero or Super douche?
It’s no understatement when I say that over the past few years the superhero film has taken over our cinemas in a storm of gadgetry and unearthly powers. From billionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne and his brooding alter-ego Batman, to uber rich Tony Stark and his ability to make himself fly with his tech skills, those without actual powers are a force to be reckoned with. Then there are the men… Read More »
Heading in the right direction: The fall and rise of Ben Affleck
ONCE upon a time there was an actor named Ben Affleck. Mention of his name in ‘good’ films was generally met with howls of derision. That’s not to say he hasn’t been in some decent films at all, at least in my opinion. Dazed and Confused, Chasing Amy, Good Will Hunting, Armageddon…breathes in…Dogma and Hollywoodland and more recently The Town. However, it’s no understatement to say the guy has been in some dross. Who’ll… Read More »
Top 5: Modern Vampire Films with Bite
With the Twilight franchise finally (and thankfully) coming to close this year with Breaking Dawn Part 2, it’s time to take a look back over the last decade and highlight films with proper vampires. You know the sort I speak of – cruel, bloodthirsty, full of lust and deadly. The polar opposite to the limp, sparkly and downright impotent abominations created by Stephenie Meyer. Thankfully, those of us who like… Read More »
Cinema: A Relationship to Love and Appreciate
It doesn’t happen all that often, but this past week I’ve watched a film that has moved me emotionally in a way I haven’t experienced in a while. First-time director William Eubank’s debut film LOVE just seemed to press all the right buttons as it rocketed into my top 10 of the year. Despite a limited budget and a small cast – in which Gunner Wright is the real star with… Read More »
FrightFest 2012 – Looking Back, Looking Forward: The Exorcism of Emily Rose/Sinister
Director Scott Derrickson seems to be a fan of scaring of us. This, in my humble opinion, is never a bad thing. My love of horror will always be with me, and when a filmmaker arrives on the scene with the flair and eye for a story I can get involved in, I’ll keep looking out for his creations. Here, I take a look back at his directorial debut before… Read More »
Top 5: Films NOT to Watch on a First Date
I feel so lucky that I’m engaged. Having been with my better half for over four years, we’ve both become accustomed to our respective likes and dislikes when it comes to movies. I’ll happily sit through a screening of The Vow, safe in the knowledge that I’ll pick watching The Raid or a horror without a complaint coming my way. It’s this simple give and take that makes us work. Gone… Read More »
Review: The Dark Knight Rises (Garry’s take)
Much can be said to describe Chris Nolan’s take on the Batman mythology – grandiose, entertaining, dark. Now it’s time to add another superlative to the ever-growing list. A modern-day blockbuster masterpiece. The Dark Knight Rises barrels its way into cinemas with the weight of expectation resting on its shoulders. Can it surpass the greatness of its predecessor? Will it bring the franchise to a satisfying close? These questions that… Read More »
