trinigeleon Reviews

Dracula Untold (2014)

Enjoyable for what it is

[7/10 · 24 November 2014]

When I first saw Dracula Untold advertised a few months ago I thought, "Here we go, yet another 'Dracula' to re-hash all the usual tripe once more." More recently, I happened across an interview with Luke Evans (Vlad) wherein he made a point of explaining that this was much more than just your typical monster-movie. There was a romantic back story which would explain Dracula's origin and motivations. This got my interest.

Having now seen the film I have to admit that I very much enjoyed this telling of a classic genre.

Now, before I go further, I have a small confession to make. I have a habit of watching a movie and then jumping onto the IMDb reviews to see if the consensus of opinion is in line with my own. Generally, I am in agreement with the overall ratings, if not the specifics of individual reviewers. In this case, and for the first time, I feel compelled to write a review due to the sheer amount of negativity in the review section. As such, I am going to address one of the main reoccurring negative points to get it out of the way.

"The time line/location is historically inaccurate." This may very well be true. However, at no point does this movie make any claim to be a historically accurate story. It is a movie about Vampires. So far as I am aware Vampires are not factual, physical beings, historically or otherwise. Perhaps what I admire most about this movie is the fact that it avoids the typical 'the-village-is-being- attacked-by-mythological-creatures-who-have-suddenly-appeared- despite-being-immortal-and-oooh-look-its-a-hero!' version of this story. If to achieve this the story has to borrow aspects from reality in order to weave a new narrative then I am all for it. The fact that this point has irritated so many people is simply beyond me. Why have these same reviewers who are so irked by these inaccuracies remained quiet about certain other movies (I'm looking at you, Braveheart) which are actually based on historical fact?

As I've alluded to this movie deals with the back story and motivations of how Dracula came to be. Without revealing any plot details, I felt this was done in an interesting and believable manner. There is a humanity to all of Dracula's motivations for his actions throughout the movie. Actually, as I write this it occurs to me that maybe the reason for the negativity of some reviews is due to the fact that this version of the Dracula story doesn't depict Dracula as a straight forward villain, instead presenting believable motivations for his actions and his ultimate evolution into the Dracula that we are all more familiar with.

Having said that, Dracula Untold is by no means a classic. While it does have some genuinely novel points in its approach to the character of Dracula it also has its allocated quantity of stereotypical cheese. Further, some of the secondary characters are given little if any development and the acting can be a little wooden at times (I cannot include Luke Evans in this category, I thought he was excellent). The running time was a little short at 90 minutes which didn't really allow for fuller exploration I feel this movie would have benefited from and there were a few moments which I felt were a little off in terms of continuity. Finally, there is one major plot point which, while beautifully shot, requires a significant suspension of dis-belief. To say that in a review of a vampire movie should indicate my level of annoyance while watching.

Still, despite these drawbacks I have to say that I did enjoy this movie. All things considered I would give this movie a solid C+.

To sum up: If you're a fan of the vampire genre, then this movie will appeal to you. If you're a fan of action/fight sequences, then this movie will appeal to you. If you're a fan of good CGI, then this movie will appeal to you. If you're open to exploring new interpretations of classic genres (Twilight excluded), then this movie will appeal to you. However, if you want your vampire movies to maintain historical accuracy then give this movie a wide berth.

Peace, Love and all that Jazz :)

The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

I tried....

[4/10 · 15 May 2013]

I did. I really did try to enjoy this film. Unfortunately, I found the pacing far too slow and the characters far from captivating.

The only character I found remotely interesting was Bradley Cooper's. Indeed, his character's development in the film was the one high point for me. Eva Mendes did a good turn as the single mom, as did Ray Liotta in the corrupt cop role, but ultimately their characters were just two dimensional. And, dare I say it, I suspect Ryan Goslin can't act. Every performance I have seen from him is the same flat, monotone, emotionless reading. I will give him credit for the bank robbery scenes however. The fact that his voice breaks up an octave or two during these scenes made them seem much more real to me. Perhaps he should fire his agent who seems determined to only forward him the romantic lead / dark, brooding hero-type roles when his forte, perhaps, lies elsewhere.

Other reviews have said that this is a film in 3 acts. I couldn't bring myself to finish act 2, despite my appreciation of Bradly Cooper's character.

Normally, on an evening, I will lie in my bed, put on a film and curse my lack of sleep in the morning. Not in this instance. The only time I could imagine enjoying this film would be if I'd had an especially evil day at work and my wife brought home the DVD for us to watch. I'd certainly appreciate the 2.5 hours of sleep.

Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

Nonsense and Plot Holes.... but I Like It!

[7/10 · 17 June 2010]

First off, let me say that I did rather enjoy this film.

Yes, it is a rather (read: VERY) far-fetched premise. And yes, it does have some massive plot holes mainly because it completely disregards the space-time continuum. But this film is not designed to have you focus on these things. It is only after viewing that you realise just how stupid the whole thing is and where all the problems with time-lines etc, etc lie. Yet, I still found myself wanting to see it again.

The main characters play their parts very well. All the actors must have known exactly what they were getting themselves into and they are all willing participants. I did especially enjoy Rob Corddry's part as a washed up, dead end, dead beat alcoholic. His character was the fulcrum for the majority of the humour, both situational and verbal. Craig Robinson bought the light-hearted humour, as well as some of the best punch lines of the film. John Cusack played the 'serious' dramatic/comedic role and Clark Duke has his moments while helping to aim the whole package toward a younger demographic. Even the secondary characters have their moments of comedy glory.

There are genuine laugh out loud moments spread pretty evenly throughout which are based on plot and character, not just gross-out humour. And although gross-out humour is present it sits well because the film doesn't rely on it alone to deliver the laughs.

Another thing I found very entertaining about this movie was that as the characters travelled back to the 80's it was almost as if the humour did too. I don't mean to say that things descended into a 'Porkie's Revisited' or anything like that, but there were definite elements of the 80's present in the way the humour and characters come across. Think back to scenes you remember off the top of your head from Back To The Future, Caddy Shack, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, hell - even Breakfast Club. Hot Tub Time Machine just seemed to capture some of that and revive it for today's audiences.

I would recommend HTTM to anyone with a sense of humour not wanting to think too deeply and wanting to be entertained for 90 minutes.

Like I said at the top of this review... There are plot holes. There is no recognition of the space-time continuum - actually, the future repercussions of the character's actions would have never worked out like they do. And, really, at no point does the film actually make sense.

BUT... I was still entertained. I still laughed. I still wanted to see where the characters went. I still find myself remembering lines from the film and smiling. And, even after all I've just written, I'd still watch it again.

Can't say more than that now, can I?