Sinister

                                           "Once you see him, nothing can save you"

Sinister is written and directed by Scott Derrickson, who judging by his resume, this guy loves his horror movies; that I don't have a problem with! I was really looking forward to this flick for two reasons; Insidious was one of my favourite horror movies of the last ten years, so my anticipation grew with the production of Sinister carrying the same producer. And B, prior to seeing Sinister, I watched "House at the End of the street" which left me desperate for something fresh.

Ellison (Ethan Hawke) is an accomplished writer who brews his career through the premise of true-crime stories. His obsession is based on the majority of murders and mysteries surrounding them with a weight of controversy surrounding his Journalistic morals.

Ellison is hell bent on reaching a peak he is yet to discover in his career while trying to convince himself of the stories he covers are for the people, and not for fame. It is no convenience when he moves his family into their new home, a suburban crime scene; a freakish killing spree that resulted in the hanging of an entire family. Desperate for his big break, Ellison has to manage the Ora surrounding the town and its unspoken crime and his wife Tracy (Juliet Rylance) who is convinced of a refreshing start to a troubled past.

Although the Sheriff (Fred Dalton Thompson) voiced his own opinion on Ellison's reputation, it doesn't stop the willingness behind Ellison's personality as he stumbles across a box of horrific surprises that hold a motive behind his current investigation.

Without hesitation, Ellison puts the mysterious reel of tapes together as he is disturbed but yet satisfied to witness a plethora of found-footage images that take him on a journey through a nightmare worse than he could have imagined.

Desperate to fulfil is unwanted duties, Ellison discovers a dark figure within the murders; a supernatural spirit that haunts those who discover the tapes.

Ellison's insight into the murders reveal an origin of secrets that is sure to shock the town as he believes, in cliche journalistic fashion, "the people must to know". Although Ellison is not prepared for the danger he could place on his wife and kids as a demon lurks behind his projector of evidence.

Judging a book by its cover is not my thing, but by its introduction, that is how I roll!. On the off, Sinister invites you down a dark and twisted path, most likely a journey that you will have never witnessed before. The first scene reveals a taste of refreshing initiative. Originality is not the main key to Sinister because to be blunt, it ain't original, but it is really scary.

The main premise is the constant suspense that is revealed within the tapes. It is not graphically gory, just down right disturbing with each video backed up with a frightening tune. Just like Paranormal Activity, the majority of scares are within the backing of found-footage. But apart from the mundane routine events in 21st century horror movies, Sinister succeeds in disturbing the mind of the viewer without actual "Jump-Scares".

The plot is fascinating in it's own sick way, following a puzzle that I had no idea how it would come together, but it did, and it did so in original fashion.

Looking at the majority of Horrors this year, it is obvious to label Sinister as the best and certainly the scariest movie of 2012 thus far. I adore my horror movies so I was quite satisfied with a concept that is not entirely fresh, but revealed scenes with simple ideas and found a way of visually implanting an image into the viewers head. It is not always about the full on graphic that disturbs the mind, it is the motive behind it that really gets the viewers asking questions, and better yet, remembering something that almost feels a supernatural reality.

Overall; Not entirely original with the folks behind the scenes nit-picking at Insidious and Paranormal Activity. However, the overall creation of horror is really frightening, with scenes that some viewers may find disturbing. Sinister is a successful result of a genre that has unfortunately been the subject of poor and effortless movies lately. Halloween is approaching, don't hesitate with this one!

7/10

Looper

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars alongside his future self Bruce Willis in this sci-fi classic to be, Looper.

Joe Simmons (Levitt) is one of many cohorts affiliated with a criminal organisation running Loopers; assigned hit-men of the present who gain wealthy lifestyles through assassinating criminals who are sent from the future be shot an wiped in the outskirts of Kansas City. The organisation is altered through the use of time travel, invented in the thirty years ahead. The mob of 2074 sees the machine beneficial in terms of body disposal. Once the target is sent back to the year 2044, it is placed in the hands of Joe and Co to finish the task.

Kansas is home to the strangest of folks with a major decline in poverty as well as a fascinating trend of telekinesis. Abe (Jeff Daniels) who is head of Loopers, feeds off the low class of 2044 Kansas.

To Abe's disgust, Seth (Paul Dano)lets his target slip, leaving an outcry for him to be captured. Joe hesitates in covering for Seth however he finds a portrayal to come as Seth reveals the danger of the current Loopers as a future figure head calls for all Loopers to be closed - meaning their future self is next to appear which will leave them ultimiately terminated.

Joe is faced with the ultimate task when he is faced with killing himself, Bruce Willis. Joe suffers a similar consequence to Seth as he too lets his target escape, resulting in a chase of cat and mouse involving the mob and an older but much wiser Joe.

Joe; "I work as a specialized assassin, in an outfit called the Loopers. When my organization from the future wants someone to die, they zap them back to me and I eliminate the target from the future. The only rule is: never let your target escape... even if your target is you."

Older Joe follows is on a path to destruction as he sets on seeking the "Rainmaker"; the future figure involved in closing all the Loopers. The concept is blended between a general mix of future scenes and future flashbacks if you like, painting a picture of Old Joe's life from crime to love. Destined to make his future current, Old Joe is hell bent on changing the perception of his younger self, even if it means the introduction of Sarah (Emily Blunt). Sarah is caught up in a convenient piece to a time travelling puzzle.

Looper begins at great pace, offering a classic ingredient of science fiction, a genre we have recently come to forget. It is obvious to see the comparison of movies such as The Matrix, but it should take pride in enhancing its own premise. Time travel has been done before but not like this. Looper took this concept and kept focus keeping any possible exaggeration in tact.

The onscreen chemistry between Willis and Levitt is delightful. It is when they both sit across from each other for the first time you realise the hype surrounding Joseph's Die-hard resemblance. The interactions between Joe and Sarah shine nicely as it took aim in slowing down the movie, focusing on what is a potential romance that intervenes in what feels like an appropriate time.

Looper is an intelligent movie, creating some what a less confusing direction towards what many people believe time travel to be quite mindless, Inception and Donnie Darko are examples of showcasing a timetravel premise. Both fantastic films in their own way, although it still takes me some time to get to grips with the apparent aim of those movies. Inception was known for it's mind boggling asset, leaving Nolan to let the viewer decide. Let's just say you can enjoy Looper without any long-term debates.

Is it what the critics say; 2012's Matrix? No, I believe Inception was 2010's Matrix, and you can't have a film every year relating to the same film can we?

Director Rian Johnson made this movie his own, just like when Nolan got a hold of Inception. Not many directors and writers succeed in creating a time travel concept following the success of previous creations, however Rian has put together something original, with a not-so original cast, and made what could be my film of the year thus far.

Overall: Not only do the performances from Levitt and Willis make this enjoyable, the all round dark and twisted concept rates this as one of the best sci-fi thrillers of the last 10 years! It rocked!

9/10

The Imposter

The Imposter is a dark and twisted tale that follows the heartbreaking events of a Texas family who describe their path of betrayal in what was supposed to be the homecoming of their 16 year old son.

Narrated by the perpetrator himself, Frédéric Bourdin invites you to follow his devious yet genius plan to disguise his personality. Frederic claims to be 16 year old teenager Nicholas Barclay who despite disappearing 3 years prior, has now turned up in Spain. With very little known of Frederic Bourdin, the french national labels himself a humble guy who was brought up in unfortunate circumstances. He tries convincing the audience to see a positive motive behind was to become a media sensation.

The concept follows an element of two sides consisting of reenactments from Frederic's trail, to actual footage of his time with his new family. On the other hand, the movie focuses on the bereavement and public outcry as members of the family, including the sister of Nicholas, Carey Gibson.  Carey continuously reveals how foolishly tricked she was, as well as numerous relatives being suckered into believing Frederic is 16 year old Nicholas.

Frederic Bourdin's position on the streets had to be convincing, selling the Texas based family a story that might not convince your average Joe, but certainly worked due to an in depth fictional mindset. Frederic sells Carey a 3 year biography of torture and abuse, his pupils being discoloured to prevent him being recognised is just one of many sickening lies from Frederic.

What is originally a straight forward and a surprisingly achievable lie, it is when the story of the boy's return goes viral, inviting people that Frederic and the family did not want. This leads to a nail biting twist and some serious consequences for both Frederic and the Texan family.

Director Bart Layton provided all the ingredients in making a well shot, factual based documentary that unfolds the origin of a qualified fabricator and blending it with a tragic tale of a young boys life. Although the characters involved are highly relevant, one can not help in thinking Bart Layton could have gathered more individuals to explain what is still a mysterious story. Instead, we are left listening to Carey Gibson and the mother who come across annoyingly gullible. In fact they are stupidly fooled into believing they are reunited with Nicholas who, as we can clearly see is not the boy he was 3 years ago. Still, the story is extremely interesting and highly memorable for the narration of Frederic Bourdin who reveals the "in your face" presence that is felt through-out the film as well as the screen your sitting in.

The Imposter is deluding and some what a disgusting portrayal of a con artist that would be forever recognised for misleading an oblivious family awaiting the return of their son, Nicholas Barclay.

Overall; For the lack of documentaries in cinemas, this one, like many, is worth a watch. If you can see past the idiotic family, you will find the Imposter is both enjoyable and very frightening.

7.5/10

Christopher Nolan Week: The Prestige

Are you watching closely?

You need to be in order to really relish Christopher Nolan's magical masterpiece, the Prestige which stars Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson

Following the success of Batman Begins in 2005, Christian Bale must have fancied the work of Nolan, taking up another leading role in a dark, twisted tale of exacerbation between two obsessive magicians.

Set upon the end of the nineteenth century, Robert Angler (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are both associates of a seasoned magician by the name of Cutter (Michael Caine) who lives off teaching amateur magicians. An aged persona in Cutter, he can see serious potential in both Robert and Borden but both their perceptions of appropriate magic have wide differentiation.

When a magic trick involving a water tank goes wrong, ending with the drowning of Robert's wife, the blame is shed upon Alfred who had apparently back-tracked on which way he should have tied the knot, trapping Julia (Wife) until her death.

The after-mat of the unfortunate incident leads to the eventual plot of the prestige which consists of jealousy and rivalry. The death of Robert's wife sees both men depart, leading separate careers that result in twisted sacrifices. Both make it their all to become the best magician in the town, even if that means the sabotage of ones career, maybe life! The prestige shows a desperate tale of obsession and begrudging as Robert and Alfred struggle to reach the prime they ever so dream of.

"Now you're looking for the secret. But you won't find it because of course, you're not really looking. You don't really want to work it out. You want to be fooled." - Michael Caine's Cutter

Its dark concept reveals a love story from both camps as Olivia (Scarlett Johansson) sets a goal of deceiving both individuals, playing one off the other resulting in complications within Alfred's own relationship with Sarah (Rebecca Hall). Although Alfred and Robert show a hint of feelings for Olivia , both clever individuals see her as a spy as they both persuade her to infiltrate each others lives and performances resulting in what they hope is the revealing secrets within their magic.

Cutter is caught between the vicious rivalry as it is seen as the last straw for Robert who's desperate attempt to out-with Alfred is looking slim as he struggles to find a loop-hole within "The Transported Man", a gifted new trick holding a secret that Alfred will take to the grave!

Seen through the eyes of possessive magicians, the Prestige is an original, extraordinary tale of two individuals desperate to wow their audience with the next step...the prestige!

This is a glorious piece of work with memorable performances from both Bale and Jackman. Just like the previous work of Christopher Nolan, his brother Johnathan has also helped with the creation of a screenplay that proves once again that their weird and wonderful directing has resulted in a fantastic movie.

The prestige is one of my personal favourites and will go down as one of the best movies of the last decade. Michael Caine adds to the delightful cast with his presence resulting in an element that can only be relished and embraced through the experienced Christopher Nolan.

Overall: An original concept with performances and twists guaranteed to blow your mind!

Red Lights Review 2012

It has been a rough few years for Robert De Niro. He deserves great credit for his continuity and sometimes desperate attempt at reviving that "Foot stomping" character that once brought his be- loving ego to our screens. Not that his success or noticeability has lessened, but I for one have witnessed some horrors featuring his face lately. 

Red Lights follows the story of psychologist Margaret Wilson (Weaver), along with her partner in paranormal crime, Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy). They both travel the state seeking to expose those claiming to be factual based Psychics.

Margaret, who has seen and done it all before, distants herself from any beliefs such as religion and particularly the ability to perform such dark magic. Her past is a troubled one. She is famous for her debates and enthusiastic ways of revealing the fake to those who are paying to be lied to.

The job at hand is dull and becomes routine to Tom and Margaret as the movie starts by showing them in numerous situations where they both seem clearly aware of certain folks trying to make money from the gullible. It all seems quite mundane over their years of experience but It is only when Simon Silver returns to America after 30 years that begs the question. Is he as genuine as his reputation speaks for?

Simon (De Niro) is an original paranormal psychic, who has always claimed as well as having a cult following to this extraordinary power. As blind as can be, his abilities speak for themselves as he returns home to perform one last show. Tom, who is a very eager and ambiguous individual, sees this as an opportunity to expose the one guy the public would always believe in. Margaret, who has a past with Simon, warns Tom of his presence and the people around him.

As goes, the eventual plot (That takes so long to reach) is whether Simon holds the power he claims to have carried through-out a generation. It is clear he has an apparent past of healing, mind-reading, floating on air and numerous ways of wooing his audience.

As for "Red Lights", it is the term used by Margaret and Tom as as they seek to spot certain individuals roaming the area before a show begins. They apparently stick out and are always related to the performer in some way. (This is the performer’s way of sending people to infiltrate his audience to be. Their way of cheating the people).

The movie is indeed, awfully boring. It seemed a risky concept that in fact might have been original but unfortunately it felt slow, dull, and extremely irritating to watch at times taking into account the great actors trying to develop strong characters. You find the excuse to see this because of De Niro and the rest, but Red Lights does nothing for any of the guys involved. De Niro’s character Silver is blind, so on that note De Niro pulls off what seems a lazy performance in what almost seems like a forgetful cameo! It is strange because the reputation of the cast involved speaks for itself.

To be honest I was not sure if Red Lights were a horror or thriller flick? In fairness there were some jumpy scenes (Maybe one), but all in all, the movies climax was always failing, leading to a forgetful trip to the movies. A scene right after Simon Silver abandons a performance; it shows a streak of around eight journalists in a row. It seemed like it went on for almost ten minutes yapping about the incident in the rain making a big deal out of nothing! Indeed there are a numer of scenes you might find your mind shouting "NEXT"!

Red Lights can be frustrating at times the way it occasionally cuts to a cable TV screen, talking news stuff about how Silver came and left! It is just hard to care about this movie unfortunately.

Sigourney Weaver, Cillian Murphy and the rest gave a performance; I just think they chose a bad movie to represent...

Like most of these supernatural flicks they do tend to offer some nice twists, basically to change the mind of the audience last minute. Red Lights seemed destined to go down an unexpected road but left a climax that was indeed surprising but in no way memorable.

De Niro’s appearance is not surprising though. "Killer Elite"..."New Year’s Eve" “Righteous Kill” "Hide and seek"...what next?  Cillian Murphy was by far the best even though you could not care less whether he lives or dies in this flick!

I will say,  Elizabeth Olsen plays Sally, a student of Margret and Tom’s paranormal class. She tags alongside Tom while he sets the path to exposing the great Simon Silver! Elizabeth Olsen (3 of a kind?) has a bright future ahead of her...honestly she is quite good.

Overall: Boring and pretty Mundane = Skip

4/10