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Vegas (2021)
Better left buried
Not gonna make a mark anytime soon. 'Vegas' is a wannabe take on a over crowded genre.
Office Christmas Party (2016)
Quite possibly the funniest film of the year...
It's that time of the year ladies and germs, where the Holiday movies come crashing in. However, this time we seem to be onto a winner
2016 is winding down and we have had our fair share of ups and downs. So why not lift the spirit and jump into some festive viewing. This time with the help from Josh Gordon and Will Speck's 'Office Christmas Party'.
Alright, I know
The title may seem rather off putting, but don't take this lightly, this film right here is a top running contender to take out quite possibly 'The Funniest movie of the year'. That's right you heard it. It is that damn good!
Centered around a tech company, this film could not get anymore 2016 if it tried. And man, will it make you depressed about your own lame upcoming Christmas party (better start sneaking that booze in). Featuring a stellar cast of Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, T.J Miller, Olivia Munn and Kate McKinnon just to name a few this film is sure fire, or 'Lit' as 2016 has led us to believe.
McKinnon continues her onslaught of slaying in everything that she does and doesn't look like she is about to slow down anytime soon. Her Comedy is fantastic and for any SNL lover out there, I can guarantee that it will leave you in stitches. T.J Miller (best known for his role in Silicon Valley) brings the heat as he works his magical improv into various scenes throughout, many which almost had me spitting out my Pepsi Max as I attempted to take a sip (Hey Pepsi, need a plug, brah?).
Without spoiling the films plot, it is pretty simple to guess. Yes it is centered around an Office Christmas party (go figure) but it is a delightful and hilarious film that should be added to any Christmas movie list you may have currently running.
Get off the couch, get out of the office, put down the eggnog and stop talking to your creepy cousin. Go see this film right now and join in on the quotes. This has to be the funniest film of the year.
Crimson Peak (2015)
Disturbing, hair raising and intricate - Crimson Peak
Disturbing, hair raising and intricate; this ghastly tale is unlike any of your usual conventional horror flicks.
Straight from the mind of Guillermo del Toro comes the ever so creepy 'Crimson Peak'. The story delicately places itself within the late 1800's of New York, an era where uncertainty and 'ghost' tales had no means of connection within a thriving yet sexist publishing business. Within a system frowning upon the penmanship of women, a lone female stood out in an attempt to have her work heard by masses, only to be denied for its lack of lust and romance. Rescued by the companionship of a male counterpart, Edith Cushing finds herself swooning for a man filled with intelligence, culture and a love for her tale. However, is this all a ploy just to get towards her brooding, and powerful father.
Del Toro has a knack for filling films with his creepy essence, from 'Mimic' to 'Pan's Labyrinth' many have witnessed the passion from his elaborate sets to his ghoulish designs, with 'Crimson Peak' being no exception. The film itself is interesting and terrifying, yet in a way that only Del Toro himself could deliver. We have seen the classic ghost stories where the fear of the unknown is heavily covered by mutilated figures and human harming ghosts. This is not one of those stories. Instead we are given a warning that fills the air with a mist of suspense and a touch of macabre.The sets are stunning, yet shocking in a devilish 1800's way. The level of detail that was placed into the film for its set and costume design sets itself miles apart from previous 'era driven' horrors, smacking into a league of own.
In an era plagued with found footage material it is refreshing to see something delivered as delicately as 'Crimson Peak' as no stone is left unturned in terms of style and essence. While watching this film I couldn't but help feel a slight sense of unease as the camera angles and cinematography captured a frightening attack that almost placed you within the walls of the warned 'Crimson Peak' itself. Stunning performances from Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain added to the mix of creepiness as the brother/sister duo certainly displayed an unnerving chemistry on the silver screen, making their presence strongly felt.
This film is a must see for the scary season with Halloween approaching, there is nothing better than a few eerily delivered scares to get the heart racing and the blood flowing. Catch this film while it is still in theaters as it is surely something for every horror lover to indulge in.
I give this film a solid and satisfied 8/10.
- Mase Shaw
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Noah (2014)
Noah
Darren Aronofsky is known for his striking films; turning heads with obsessive characters, consistently seeking for the one true creator. It was only a matter of time before finally, he was unleashed upon the tyrant and mother story of it all, thus being Noah.
Many know the story of Noah's Ark, but nobody has seen it in quite the way Aronofsky portrays it. The film itself is seen through the fruitful eye of its creator and much like the majority of the story and it's cast, the audience is left breathless, not by a compelling script of cleanse, but rather by a two and a half hour tale of self indulgence. With a Blockbuster budget and a cast of familiar faces, it was certain that Aronofsky would have his way in delivering what can be seen as a portrait of imagination and predictability. Fresh insertions of Nick Nolte's character into the story, cleansed the puddles that were left stagnant with a bitter taste from the opening credits, shining little light upon the certain darkness that was destined to fill the screen. Although the insertion of 'The Watchers' can almost be seen heavily resembling the 'Rock biters' in a Never Ending Story-esque fashion, it did add to the entertainment of what could then be related as a stab into certain beliefs, the age-old war of Science versus Religion. Parting side with neither in mind.
Russell Crowe is franticly attempting to reprise his role of Maximus Meridius in an attempt to reach back into Gladiator fame, probing us throughout the film, asking us as an audience once again if we are in fact 'Entertained'
Well, I tell you what Russell, It is lucky that Anthony Hopkins' role of Methuselah was there to keep everyone intact, and the end, surprisingly providing a craving for Berries and a longing to sit down with my Grandfather?
The film does however bare a fluctuation of voluptuous visuals within the Mise-en-scene, delivering a candy like portrayal to the eye. Its fruitful indulgences dares you to take a bite into it's CGI filled garden, tempting your taste as the devilish snake sneaks upon you, only to have you wake up from a colour coma to realise what you are in fact watching.
All in all, if you are looking for something to kill two and a half hours of your time go and catch this film, just don't expect a Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream-esque reliability from Aronofsky, instead head in open minded and maybe, just maybe, you will also survive the storm. If you need an Ark, I Noah guy.
I give this film a 6/10