QUESTION: What is the scariest movie monster?

Hotel Transylvania brought something relatively fresh to the cinema audience last weekend in that it gave us a nice side to the monsters parents tell their children about in ghost stories. It was good to see them as loveable characters as opposed to ones we are all afraid of. Spinning it back on its head then I have decided to ask what is the scariest movie monster, but the choices will be from the character types that were in Hotel Transylvania. Look below to see which monsters were seen in a lighter way in that film and which ones in reality would scare you the most.




DRACULA - A legend of a vampire who would need to drink human blood through his pointy fangs in order to feed. He could also disguise himself as a bat in order to escape deadly situations and creep up on his prey.











FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER - Many get confused between which one Frankenstein was, he was the Doctor not the monster. The monster was a creation made out of random deceased body parts and then awakened by a lightning bolt. He then went on to despise humans due to the neglect from his creator.





WEREWOLF - A giant howling wolf that would howl during a full moon. The werewolf would then take human form until the following full moon where he would hunt for humans to feed.








THE MUMMY - A deceased human who was bandaged from head to toe and place in a tomb like coffin in a way of punishment during Egyptian times. The Mummy is one of these who have come back to life and exacts revenge on the human population.









ZOMBIES - Dead humans that have come back to life and stalk the living. They would kill by delivering a single bite that would transform the victim into a zombie.








There are 5 of the monsters portrayed in Hotel Transylvania that are given a gentler more comical side. Many will still imagine them as scary beings and that is probably how they are best known, so tell me which one was always the one you were most frightened of?

New on DVD this week: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter

Three movies hit shops this week and they all were slightly underwhelming when they hit the cinemas. One of them had a great premise that failed to deliver; it is actually in my bottom 10 films of the year so far. Another had a great cast and comedy potential but had poor reviews at the box office. And the final one had a director who achieved a hit with his debut film only to disappoint slightly in a complex movie. Two of these films have been reviewed on this blog although neither being highly scored. Have a look at what you can rent or simply catch up on Bond ready for Skyfall hitting cinemas on Friday.





ABRAHAM LINCOLN VAMPIRE HUNTER - A great premise for a movie. When he was a child Mr Lincoln witnessed his parents being slaughtered by vampires so he vows to seek revenge with the help of a vampire hunter. As he enters politics his obsession dies down until he realises they are also a reason behind slave labour so he attempts to take down both issues at the same time.

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter trailer








WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING - An all star cast in a film about pregnant women. The movie interweaves different stories of different women's progress through labour be it struggles with their partner, struggles with the situation, or struggles with each other.

What To Expect When You're Expecting trailer









RED LIGHTS - Robert De Niro stars as a blind illusionist who is under investigation for fraud by Sigourney Weaver and Cillian Murphy, however his power is fuelled by the investigation and he must use all his tricks to knock his pursuers off his trails.

 Red Lights trailer

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA - Monsters have feelings too.

With a poor week of cinema releases, and not having seen the other Paranormal Activity films, we ended up going the completely opposite end of the spectrum and saw a children's animation film. Now over the years children's animation films have got better and better. Since Toy Story the cartoon films have been more popular and appealing within a large array of audiences, not just the children. Hotel Transylvania is another of these films that is based mainly for children but had more than enough appeal for the adult viewers. With a great voice cast, including Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Andy Samberg, and Steve Buscemi, this film was put out there to bring a different take on a story just in time for Halloween. With all the ghost, ghouls, and goblins soon to be on show, and all the horror films being released, this felt like a fun version of it all.

The story follows the world of Dracula, voiced by Sandler. After the death of his wife he has hated humans with a passion. So much so that at all costs he attempts to keep his daughter away from them, even by telling her they may be hiding under your bed at night. Over the years Dracula has spread stories that humans hate monsters so much that they will kill them if they have the chance, so to help his fellow beings Dracula creates a hotel hidden in the wilderness which is for monsters only. No humans allowed. Each year he celebrates his daughter's birthday in style and invites the usual guests to his hotel. We have Frankenstein, Mummy, Wolf, Bigfoot, the Abominable Snowman, and many more who wish to get away from mundane life, much like humans do, and spend a weekend with their kind. Dracula's dream hotel however finds a problem when his plan to frighten his daughter off wanting to see the world inadvertently allows a human into the hotel. Jonathan is his name and he literally wants a bed for the night as he is tired of following the lights that lead him to this hotel, but Dracula can't allow this. If the monsters found him they would feel unsafe, if he threw Jonathan out he would tell others, and if he kills him he would ruin years of his legacy. The only option is to disguise him but all goes wrong when Dracula's daughter begins to fall for him.

Watching the trailer I thought this seemed like a really interesting premise and could be a lot of fun. Granted it has a slight hint of Monsters Inc. with the monster being afraid of humans aspect, but it is fun to see all the usual monsters people tell their children about in stories on the screen feeling just the same about us. These aren't the scary monsters people think of, they are ordinary in their world. Everything they do is human like, even the Father Wolf who is kept awake all night by his children and when he finally falls asleep the alarm goes off. A lot of it is true to real life but not in the way we know it, with a big twist. It does work in that sense and the characters are really likeable and the voice cast are all pretty good. It has some great in jokes also that will tickle an adult audience watching. There are the usual visual gags that will have kids in hysterics but there are jokes that refer to Twilight that will have the adult audience chuckling in appreciation.

Despite it being fun and a good story it does fall short in the final third. The rest of the film is a laugh and it is nice to see the direction these characters are going, and the visuals also look good, however the film takes a sudden corny turn towards the end of the second act and it becomes a typical cartoon film with a hidden message whereas before that it wasn't slapped across the screen and thrown in your face. The final third's dialogue became 'on the nose' and 'moral meaning' when the rest of the film was just plain fun and that is what lets this movie down. Not many animated films seem to live up to the ones that are already made and unfortunately this one that starts so promisingly also doesn't make the cut.

It is easy to see why this was made, an interesting idea, some moments stolen but told in a unique way, some good visuals, and some great voice talent on show, it is just disappointing that a film that had such great reasons to be made turned out to be a slightly average cartoon flick, one that won't really be remembered and will be overshadowed by many other cartoon films coming out around this time. It will give children everything it needs to and it has an easy to follow story from a child's perspective so in that sense it works but as an adult watching it slowly became too easy and the story was spelled out for you. This is what made the likes of Finding Nemo, Shrek, Toy Story, Monsters Inc. etc so good; they appealed to both children and adults where Hotel Transylvania got to the halfway point and decided that it had done enough work and unfortunately it hadn't.

Pros: Nice idea, good voice talent, and some good chuckles along the way.

Cons: Lost its way in the second half and became corny and cliched.

5.5 / 10


Top 10 of 2012 so far:

1. The Dark Knight Rises     10 / 10
2. The Hunger Games     8 / 10
3. Snow White And The Huntsman     8 / 10
4. Avengers Assemble     7.5 / 10
5. Looper     7.5 / 10
6. Ted     7.5 / 10
7. 21 Jump Street     7.5 / 10
8. Lawless     7 / 10
9. The Expendables 2     7 / 10
10. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol     7 / 10

THE WRESTLER movie review

The Wrestler

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis

Running time: 109 minutes

Year: 2008

Directed By: Darren Aronofsky

Written By: Robert D. Siegel

The Wrestler trailer

In 2008 Darren Aronofsky helmed the movie that would bring Mickey Rourke's career back to potential stardom. The Wrestler is a film about a former legend refusing to accept when his time is up and would rather be respected for something he can't do than be forgotten for something he can. It is a powerful, moving story that simply uses wrestling as a way to highlight the obstacles that approach a man who has lived life from the inside out.

We open watching Randy 'The Ram' (Rourke) preparing for his next match up. In the title sequence we see that he was once a top wrestler, one of those ones we all gawp at on the television, now twenty years later he is performing in front of a few hundred in a sports arena as opposed to the millions in front of a TV camera. We witness him and his opponent going through the motions of their fight back stage and then we see the real thing. It may be fake, but boy it is still brutal. The wrestlers cut themselves with razors in order to gain affect and literally talk to each other so they know the next move. Even the poor referee gets in on the action. This is Randy's world. This is where he is appreciated. We later see him meet the woman he desires in Cassidy (Tomei), a stripper at his local bar, who he sees as a sounding board for all of his wrestling experiences. He used to have it good and he wishes to one day get back there, but his crippled body now sees him struggling to pay rent and having to take on a part time job at a grocery store. His next fight pits him against the 'crazy one' who uses staple guns to hurt his opponent. This is a bloody fight and although premeditated they really are hurting each other. So much so that once the fight is over Randy suffers a heart attack. After being told he can never wrestle again Randy cancels his big comeback fight and settles for attempting to woo the affections of Cassidy and renew the friendship between him and his estranged daughter, but he soon realises that without the ring, without the cheering, without the bloodshed he can't cope with life and the temptation of one day fighting again is just far too much.

The first thing that deserves a mention is the personnel involved. Mickey Rourke is fantastic as 'The Ram'. He isn't playing this character, he is this character. It was rumoured that Nicolas Cage was first in line for the role and I am so glad Rourke got it as he is the only one you can really see playing it. The long bleach blonde hair, the fake tan, the steroid induced body all work when it comes to Rourke's style and look. He is Randy 'The Ram'. When he isn't kicking lumps out of fellow wrestlers, Rourke pulls us into his trouble personality with an emotional turn at the midpoint. His world is on the up and he is enjoying his new found life, but when it all turns bad Rourke's performance makes us feel his pain. Emotion is his pain not the ass kicking in the ring. Tomei is also brilliant and very daring in a role that has her wearing nothing but a tiny g-string. She is 'The Ram's' sounding board although they are very similar, she is the female version of him in a different world but manages to handle it a whole lot better. Evan Rachel Wood is also affective as his daughter but doesn't have as much screen time as the others.

Aronofsky's direction is also top notch. This man has always delivered fantastic films (Requiem For A Dream being one of my favourites) and he delivers yet another one here. His decision to not show us Randy from the front until at least ten minutes is a great one. At first we see a fighter but when we finally see him for what he is a lonely old man. The choice to give us many following tracking shots also works. Many of them are following Randy as he walks through corridors, through the shop, through the woods, basically through life, and it makes us experience his world. The best piece is when we hear the crowd as Randy prepares for his first day on the Deli Counter at the grocery store, only for the crowd cheers to disappear when he enters the deli instead of the ring. It's such a meaningful shot.

The story feels like that of a prisoner who struggles to live outside of a jail cell. This is the sort of man Randy is but his prison is the ring. He doesn't know how to be or how to act when it isn't in spandex. This set up and story arc leads us to a powerful ending that really shows how a man can struggle through life when he has tasted something he loves. It is emotional, it is powerful, it will make you understand the world of a onetime hero, Rourke and Aronofsky are to thank for that. Don't be put off by the fact it is wrestling, there is a much deeper story and his profession is simply the rope he leaps off to find himself in a troubled world. This is a must see.

4 / 5

Next film to review: DAYBREAKERS

In Cinemas This Weekend: A Frankenstein like mutt.

Four films are released this weekend but there isn't much of a range to choose from. If you don't like children's films or horror films then you are out of luck as really that is all we have on show for you this weekend. Like I said last week, we seem to be having a lot of children's films being released at the moment. I suppose they are about 'monsters' but with Halloween on the approach I much expected some frightening horrors to be bursting into cinemas. We do have one horror film out this weekend but that franchise is slowly turning into a fans only zone. A bit like the Saw movies did in the end. I'm sure you will find something among the releases but this week is once again a poor one. Probably be a kid's film for me this weekend then.



1. The first release of the week is Tim Burton's animated movie FRANKENWEENIE. The story of a young boy, named Victor, who has the idea of bringing his favourite dog Sparky back to life using the power of electricity. After he does however things aren't as joyful as they used to be. Starring: Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, & Martin Landau. Is he alive?

Frankenweenie trailer

2. A horror franchise releases yet another instalment in PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4. A bit of a no-brainer really knowing the success of the others. Same formula takes place here, a handheld camera recording the moves of the occupants of a house when spooky goings on begin to take place. Starring: Katie Featherston, Kathryn Newton, Matt Shively, & Brady Allen. Will the truth come out this time?

Paranormal Activity 4 trailer


3. Four cheeky animals are back in MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE'S MOST WANTED. The lion, hippo, giraffe, and zebra all return as they continue their journey back home, only this time find themselves stuck in Europe. Starring: Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock, & David Schwimmer. Will they ever make it back?

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted trailer

4. A young girl searches for her lost mother in BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD. When her Father attracts a mysterious illness their homeland is threatened by rising creatures and melting ice caps, meaning this young girl must find her lost mother in order for her to survive. Starring: Quvenzhane Wallis, Dwight Henry, Levy Easterly, & Lowell Landes. Will she learn the ways of courage and love?

Beasts Of The Southern Wild trailer

That is that then. Four films for you to pick from for this week's cinema trip. It is a tough one to pick a winner and I may find myself watching a kid's flick. Not that I mind but it's the odd looks I get when I'm in there! Hopefully that won't happen this week and most of the parents have abandoned their children to go see Paranormal Activity 4 instead.

NEWS - New teaser poster for Carrie remake; First image arrives from The Evil Dead remake

The news for this week comes from two horror remakes that are due to hit cinemas next year. It once again raises the question of whether remakes are needed and whether or not they ever live up to the original films. It does seem rather pointless releasing a film that has been done so well before but I suppose as long as people are buying the tickets they don't really care.

New teaser poster for Carrie remake

First piece of news is the teaser poster that has been released for the remake of Carrie.

Looks full of blood and gore and stands out as that is Chloe Grace Moretz who is lathered in it. You don't seem to get many A-list stars signing up for these type of remakes (some may have started their career there, Jessica Biel) so that should mean it was an attractive project for these stars. Could that mean this one may break from the norm of bad horror remakes? With Julianne Moore also starring perhaps it could be.

The poster tells us what we already know about Carrie. We will know her name by the end! The film is due for release 5th April 2013 in the UK. If you can't wait take a look at the picture below from the film or rent the original to gain an initial feel.

First image arrives from The Evil Dead remake

Another remake another image, although this one I'm sure will find it harder to please fans. The original Sam Raimi classic was such a genre defining piece that it may struggle to gain the same respect being brought out in today's world, especially after The Cabin In The Woods poked so much fun at the concept used in this film.

However let's not judge until we have seen. Mr Raimi, although not directing, has had a major influence on the production and he won't want to see a bad remake. Plus Bruce Campbell has said we will love it. We shall see.

The image gives us a sneaky look at a young 'dead' girl emerging from that hidden basement. Now what could she be doing down there?

    

The film is due for release on 12th April 2013 in the UK, so exactly a week after Carrie. Could mean a good couple of weeks at the cinema then, as long as they don't venture into the poor remake genre!!

QUESTION: Who is Will Ferrell's best movie character?

With Will Ferrell giving us a fairly unforgettable character in The Campaign, which is disappointing as he had potential, I thought I would remind people of some of the excellent characters he has played over the years. Many have sprouted lines that have had many of you re-quoting in the pub on a Friday night and others have been so loved that sequels have been put in place due to public demand for this character. Of course he has had some poor ones but Ferrell has to be known for giving us great characters that we can all laugh along with and believe in within an unbelievable world. Your choices are below; who is Will Ferrell's best movie character?




1. BRENNAN HUFF (Stepbrothers) - Ferrell gives us the 40 year old son who has refused to leave home or get a job. When his Mother remarries they move in with her new husband who also has a 40 year old son who refuses to leave home or get a job. Cue sibling rivalry between two fully grown men. "You can call me Nighthawk!"






2. BUDDY THE ELF (Elf) - Raised as an Elf in the North Pole, Buddy travels to New York in order to find his Father, however in a large city Buddy finds it very hard to go unnoticed. "Buddy the Elf what's your favourite colour?"











3. FRANK THE TANK (Old School) - Not playing the lead but the supporting role, Ferrell is Frank Ricard, better known as Frank the Tank, best friend to Mitch who moves onto a college campus after splitting with his girlfriend meaning they are going to party like they were back in school. "We're going streaking!"






4. RICKY BOBBY (Talladega Nights) - Ricky Bobby is a NASCAR racer who is the best there has been until a new international driver joins the team and causes Ricky to have a terrible accident. Ricky must learn to fight the fear and come back as the best driver there has been. "I'm on fire!"







5. RON BURGUNDY (Anchorman) - The legend that is Ron Burgundy, a news anchorman who struggles to cope when a woman is being promoted through the ranks to work alongside him. "Damn I look good. Hey everybody come see how good I look."









There are five of his best characters, all with one of their best lines. Ferrell is known for bringing larger than life characters even larger than life and this list shows it. Some great characters and some great films but which is your favourite?