film

Spooky Season Movie Recommendations 2

Lee Hall 2 Comments

What’s better than one post about spooky season movie recommendations? Two posts about spooky season movie recommendations and because the moment I published part one I realised some worthy contenders were left off that list… so let’s dive in…

Final Destination

I regret forgetting to include this film in part 1 and arguably Final Destination has one of the most original premises there is in horror. In Final Destination there is no murderer running around yielding a knife or wearing a mask, there’s no ancient curse or ghostly apparitions. The killer in Final Destination is real. That killer isn’t a character but the inevitability of death and the plan it has for you. Just what happens if somehow you skip that plan? Well that’s what this film is about in all of it’s early 2000’s glory but even today this one holds up quite well. I’ll happily admit the premonition part of Final Destination shaped my work – the MC dreams his death and so therefore avoids it – this inspired my own story telling as the MC from my debut novel ‘Open Evening’ experiences a similar vision.

Final Destination and the tone it captures is something that has a place in my heart. Yes it’s a little absurd but the concept is both terrifying and wholly original. Those early 2000’s horror flicks make for some great viewing, trust me and this one is perfect for spooky season.

Scary Movie

Okay now before you leave I know that Scary Movie is predominantly a comedy but it’s a genius comedy that still holds up rather well-ish today. Those Wayans brothers know how to make a comedy and consider the film a spoof/ meshing of ‘Scream’, ‘I know what you did last summer’ and the plethora of other teen thrillers of the time. The cast is stellar with many familiar faces and some moving onto bigger better heights thereafter (Anna Farris) so if you want something that’ll make you laugh out loud then try Scary Movie – they don’t make them like this any more. Plus even though it’s mainly comedy there are some spooky bits also…

Zodiac

This film ‘effed my shizzle’ up and by that I mean why the hell hadn’t I discovered it beforehand? Well apparently this one released in the mid 2000’s and seemingly passed everyone by. Why? I do not know but the film which is a factual re-telling of how they ‘caught’ the Zodiac killer (google it) is incredibly intricate, chilling and gripping. It focuses on the investigation and one man who moves up from newspaper cartoonist to full on book writer as he deciphers the Zodiac killer’s coding to pretty much solve the case. It’s quite a long watch but well worth it! And did I mention it’s kind of chilling also!

Devil’s Pass

Now some of you may know I love a conspiracy theory, preferably the unsolved one’s and Devil’s Pass is a kind of found footage film that starts off rather well – probably why I’ve included it. Back in the early 1950’s a group nine people skiing out in the remote Russian mountains go missing and their remains are found in rather harrowing circumstances – that’s the true story part. This film does an incredible job of documenting what is now known as the ‘Dylatov Pass’ and those making the film decide to take a trip to the incident site through unpredictable cold weather to find out what happens. I mean would you bother? Predictably things start to go ‘wrong’ and well the film then unfolds. The truth is, I thought the ending to this film was dog shit, but the first three quarters pulled me in and so therefore it’s worth a look. If not just google Dylatov Pass Incident and thank me later.

It Chapter 1 (2017)

Although some will argue this film isn’t a full on horror and more of an extended version of the Goonies and partially I would agree it still makes for some incredible spooky season viewing. I love IT part 1 because of the story it tells between the ‘Loser’s club’ – a group of kids who aren’t popular and don’t have a lot going for them but they find each other. Of course there’s a demon clown running around killing kids also not to mention the wonderful photography and setting of Maine – Stephen King really does know what he’s doing! Although the running time is longer, it has nothing on the book so go check it out. Fun fact: I saw this film 3 times in the cinema. That’ll tell you how good I think it is…

The Mummy

Brendan Fraser is probably a name you haven’t heard of or for at least a very long time and I believe this film might be his best one. The truth is I saw this when I was 10 years old in the cinema and it’s rated in the UK at 12. Somehow I got in with my parents and brother, not only did this film partially terrify me but it also captivated me with gripping action, wonderful characters and a pretty well rounded story. The Mummy strikes the balance between thrilling and chilling with an ancient curse, gun toting action, archaeology adventure and Rachel Weisz. It has a cinematic charm paired with a wonderful musical score that I still listen to today – yeah I have a thing about film music… Trust me this one is perfect for Spooky season!

Well thanks for joining me for another Spooky Season Movie Recommendation post. You know at the very end of the month on Halloween you can expect to see my paranormal romance available for Free!

The stories that inspire us – ‘Dumb and Dumber’

Lee Hall 3 Comments

The stories we read, see and hear sometimes leave a lasting effect on our lives. Stories inspire us to be who we are. They shape our own journey and can take the mind anywhere. There are some stories that effect us so much, they even shape our future…

Comedy is often overlooked in this world. The ability to make one laugh is possibly the most human thing someone can do and to me one of the easiest ways to make someone comfortable or uncomfortable. Most of us know there is a very fine margin between comics and depression but laughter can be a vessel out of the darkness.

‘Hey, wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world?’

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‘Dumb and Dumber’ is a film that many might judge by it’s simplistic title and much of the story is simple but to me it’s a fun and even heartwarming story about friendship. Two friends Harry (Jeff Daniels) and Lloyd (Jim Carrey) are going nowhere in life ‘unless you wanna work forty hours a week…’ and set out on a road trip to reunite a briefcase that Lloyd witnessed a woman drop before getting on a flight. It’s the typical road trip buddy story where the pair find themselves in stupid but very funny situations.

‘Why you going to the airport? Flying somewhere?’

Like a lot of cinema in history it has a few non PC moments but for most of the film Dumb and Dumber carries an innocent level of comedy in the realms of stupidity – both on a physical and literal level. Without over analysing it, the script is a juggernaut of quotes that I say to myself quite often. Much of my comedy influence has come from this film over the years where both actors put in considerable performances and today their resumes are decorated.

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Carrey and Daniels are household names

The film appeals to a wide range of ages which is the key to all successful comedy. There are more adult style gags which will go over younger audience’s head’s while the physical and straight up silliness will get everyone laughing. Although this film was released in the early 90’s it still stands up quite well and the soundtrack like all Farrelly brother’s films is golden.

‘You know, Lloyd, just when I think you couldn’t possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this… and totally redeem yourself!’

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For many years and even today this is film that brightens up my day. It’s fun, silly and easy to watch. You can find the influence of Dumb and Dumber in much of my work from my novella ‘The Teleporter’ to the Pantomime plays I have written.

It is my opinion that without comedy the world would be a much darker place. And if you are ever feeling down in any way my advice; find something that makes you laugh – for me that’s Dumb and Dumber.

Do you have a go-to comedy film or series? 

The Irishman – Review

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Martin Scorsese delivers with his impeccable standard while managing to make a story heartfelt and a tribute to a timeless genre by way of some fantastic performances…

I haven’t seen Joe Pesci in a film since probably ‘Casino’ and even after all that time he hasn’t lost any of his presence and the same can be said about everything else in what is arguably the Netflix film of the year

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For a gangster epic ‘The Irishman’ feels subtle in some senses, especially for Scorsese who is known for that ‘Goodfellas’ style of telling you it how it is and who could forget the fourth wall breaking style that he adopted yet again in ‘the Wolf of Wall Street’.

In the earlier stages of this film it takes a little while to work out that this is the story of a Henchman/Problem Solver/ ‘House Painter’ known as Frank Sheeran portrayed by Robert De Niro who may be the greatest actor of a generation. It is on this journey that Frank delves deeper and deeper into the world of ‘bosses’ and he meets Russell Bufalino (Pesci); a somewhat quiet but powerful type. In this world Frank becomes renowned for ‘problem solving’ and it isn’t long until his perhaps not so reputable ways of handling business is noticed. Al Pacino plays the man (Jimmy Hoffa) who notices Frank’s efforts and they develop a bodyguard/adviser friendship.

It’s obvious to see these three greats of cinema have aged but that doesn’t take anything away from their performance, in fact they may be older but arguably better than ever at portraying the characters they did. There’s a combination of computer generated effects and make up that works well in showing their age and perhaps youth. This is a story that is told over time.

For a Scorsese film it runs long but with a sense of freedom this time around. Scenes of dialogue feel extended almost as if the camera starts rolling prior to the plot lines being anywhere near said. The truth is I never noticed the film’s length even if I did watch this in 2 sittings (I go to bed early on weekdays, it’s how I stay looking this good…). Not once did my attention waver and the story felt somewhat final in some senses like this could be it for a generation of gangster films like this. Easily I could imagine a story like this being turned into a serial of five or so episodes. The three hour plus running time would let you watch it that way.

Those who are familiar with Scorsese’s works will thoroughly enjoy this, a film with cinema worthy presence. Anyone else I would recommend it to just for the level of performances that compliment a great story. I enjoyed it.

9/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doctor Sleep – Movie Review

Lee Hall 3 Comments

A perfect combination of homage to both Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick…

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Apparently this film isn’t doing well at the box office, that doesn’t mean a damn thing other than that most people probably haven’t read what is easily in my top 5 books of all time.

The movie translates rather well even if the book is of the typical Stephen King epic persuasion; there is only so much you can fit into a two and half hour run time and in all honesty they did a great job with this!

Ewan McGregor/ Obi Wan is perfect as an adult ‘Dan Torrance’ who has spent his life shrouded by the demons that haunted the Overlook Hotel while trying to control his extrasensory gift related to it known as the shining. That is while battling alcoholism; eventually he starts fresh in a new town and that’s when he starts getting messages from another who carries the same ability; enter ‘Abra’ played by Kyliegh Currann who may have actually stolen the show – like she does in the book but in this film more for her performance.

The world of the Shining is expanded via an organisation known as the ‘True Knot’. They feed on folks who ‘shine’ and so it’s up to ‘Abra’ and ‘Dan’ to team up and stop them because the ‘Knot’ are bad guys. This is essentially the plot but we get so much more, Rebecca Ferguson puts in an incredible depiction of ‘Rose the Hat’ and the ‘Knot’ are everything I imagined and pictured.

The last half hour of this film was a pure and wonderful homage to Kubrick’s masterpiece while also being wrapped up in the world Stephen King established. It’s a great sequel full of atmosphere, gripping performances, cinematography and dark imagination. Those who are into horror will enjoy this whether you have read or watched the first story; it doesn’t matter, this one will get ya!

4.5 Stars or 4.5 Here’s Johnny’s….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Ramble #40

Lee Hall 5 Comments

Today marks 40 days since my last alcoholic drink. A new personal best and also the same number of ramble posts I have made; I’ll admit that those numbers lining up is pure coincidence and most of  the success in my life has either been accidental or pure chance. Either that or the fact someone out there is shining down on me which is probably more realistic. 

This blog has been nominated for another award; two in the past week and I am astounded to be thought of like that; thank you. Next week you can expect more on that subject. Speaking of good stuff, 300+ people now follow this blogging effort; a huge number which started off at 150 when this year started! Welcome to anyone just joining me on this journey and of course a nod to those who have been here for some or all of the duration.

Although this ramble is a short one, it’s an important one because I have some huge, huge news which I cannot say a lot about right now but it rhymes with a short film script I wrote getting a potential green light! I’ve already said too much.

Positive thoughts and vibes. Those who are in heatwave territory, drink water, lot’s of it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jurassic World : Dinosaurs still rule the earth

Lee Hall Leave a comment

 

JW1For many movie going folk Star Wars is the biggest deal for them this year, but not for me. This past weekend saw the sequel to a film that captivated generations of people and still does to this day. I remember seeing Jurassic Park multiple times and then spending ages trying to get hold of a forever sold out VHS copy.

Jurassic World did the same for me (apart from the VHS thing). As a proud 90’s kid I felt as if that era was on the line for me here. Our lives were in the hands of a not so known director Colin Trevorrow. His job, to bring back  something that many think couldn’t be bettered.

You know what many people will be right because Jurassic Park revolutionised so much and paved the way for modern film. But Jurassic World in many places bettered the work that Steven Spielberg did. Of course throughout the film there were moments that nodded to the first but this one had it’s own voice and that was achieved by making these dinosaurs the characters.

Instead of this being a ‘monster’ flick, the characters in this film include the dinosaurs. There is a great connection from an audience point of view to these creatures who have their own spotlight. They aren’t just CGI imagery, they mean something more than just monsters. You really feel for these larger than life beings that once ruled our world and that is something this franchise has never succeeded in telling us until now.

The park is open

We were treated to some stunning visual shots and the park really looked like what John Hammond envisaged

Again he concept of humans pushing genetics too far is center stage and they are rightly punished. An old story of human interference with nature resulting in disaster. Nothing new but delivered in a different way. A very much lethal cross bred dinosaur escapes captivity and all hell breaks loose.

For all Jurassic fans it’s right up their alley.

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Bryce Dallas Howard holding a flare, I think we know what will follow

To put things right it is up to the main man Owen who is played by Chris Pratt, a velociraptor handler/trainer (yes there isn’t a manlier job, ever).

From this film he should go on to be the next Indiana Jones no doubt. His presence as the hero was simply brilliant. Joined by the park’s main administrator Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) they struggle to track down this dino-predator and the 20,000 visitors are now the prey. We do see an Indiana Jones style relationship develop here ticking yet another box for me.

Parts of this film were indeed scary and tense, something which delivered better than the original perhaps on a larger scale. I think comparison to the original is what this film was mainly about but to me Jurassic World stood taller. In the end it was up to the dinosaurs who closed the original, defending their honor.

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Conclusion  9/10

This wasn’t just a film about monsters, in fact these creatures didn’t feel like monsters at all. They were characters in their own tale of how no matter what interference they have, life will find a way. The best film of the 90’s and it’s reputation was fantastically defended, Jurassic World did what the original didn’t and that’s tell us that dinosaur’s weren’t monsters at all.

No doubt I will be seeing it again in the cinema. A reported 204 million dollars taken for its first weekend, the T-Rex can still roar, and it’s louder than anything else this year so far.