When there's no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth

Directed by new comer Zack Snyder, Dawn of the Dead is a film about a bizarre, and unexplained, plague that causes the dead to rise as flesh starving zombies. Because everyone bitten by a zombie becomes one themselves, the plague spreads with incredible quickness. Ana (Sarah Polley-Luck), flees her home when her husband dies and then attempts to eat her. She is found by a cop named Kenneth (Ving Rhames-Dark Blue), and they, along with a few other survivors take refuge in a mall. However, things start going wrong, and they hatch a plan to escape. The only question is how they will get past the thousands of zombies right outside? Also starring Jake Weber (The Cell), Mekhi Phifer (Honey), Ty Burrell (Black Hawk Down), Michael Kelly (Unbreakable), and Lindy Booth (Wrong Turn).

This movie wasn't your typical slash 'em film, but I rather liked it. At least, as much as I can like a zombie film. I personally find slow zombies much creepier than fast zombies, but this one still freaked me out. It wasn't that the film was scary, oh no, quite the contrary. It was too funny to be scary. It just seemed a little more... real. There was a lot of tension that had nothing to do with the flesh eating monsters that promised to leap out of every dark corner. There was a chemistry between the actors that made this unrealistic and completely impossible situation seem more like a piece of real life. I've always enjoyed Sara Polley from her days on Road to Avonlea and I'm pleased to see this talented Canadian actress making a name for herself in Hollywood. Again, without the strong performances by all actors, this film would have been a disaster. I'll never watch it again, because like I said, zombies make my skin crawl, but its a great thriller for those of you who aren't afraid of being eaten alive.

Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

Forget who you thought you were, and just accept who you are

In Jersey Girl, Ben Affleck (Paycheck) is Ollie Trinke, whose life is turned upside down when his wife (Jennifer Lopaz-Gigli) dies giving birth to his daughter. He finds himself living in Jersey with his father Bart (George Carlin-Scary Movie 3), and Gertie, played by newcomer Raquel Castro. For seven years, he lives a life devoted to two things: his daughter and getting his old life back. Also starring Liv Tyler (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) and Jason Biggs (Anything Else) with appearances by Jason Lee (A Guy Thing), Matt Damn (Eurotrip), and Will Smith (I, Robot).

I am a big fan of writer/director Kevin Smith, and as such, I couldn't wait for this film to come out. And I wasn't disappointed. "Jersey Girl" isn't your typical romance; it is a story about a man and his daughter. All the rest is just incidental. Romantic comedy is a genre that too often is filled with stupid cliches and corny lines. This was a breath of fresh air, with the originality and wit that I've come to expect from Kevin Smith's films. It did what so many movies have tried to do, but did it successfully. Everyone in the film was great, but none as good as young Rachel Castro. This little girl stole every scene with her fresh faced exuberance. A special nod also goes out to Carlin for turning a dramatic cheek on a number of occasions in this film. This film is a treat for Smith fans, but will also be loved by the general public.

Rating: 4.25 (out of 5)

Give Evil Hell

Hellboy, from director Guillermo del Toro (Blade II), is the latest in a string of comic book adaptations. Hellboy, played by Ron Perlman (Looney Tunes: Back in Action), was raised from infancy after being rescued by the nazis that conjurer him by a paranormal expert, Proffessor Bruttenholm (John Hurt-Dogville). A member of an unusual branch of the secret service, Hellboy spends his life fighting evil until his past comes back to haunt him. Also starring Selma Blair (A Guy Thing), Rupert Evans (Sons and Lovers), Karel Roden (Bulletproof Monk), Jeffery Tambor (Eurotrip), and Doug Jones (Adaptation).

This film was really good! If you liked "Spiderman" and "Daredevil", you'll enjoy this film. The screenwriters have to be complimented. The character development was amazing; a special treat in this day and age of cinema swill. The story flowed, the characters were likable (or not), and there was just enough history to fill you in without dragging it out. Del Toro did a wonderful job, and made a strong decision casting Perlman, an actor well known for his supporting roles. In fact, with the exception of the terrible Blair, the film was well cast throughout. The action sequences were well executed without the typical 'Euro-fu' that seems to dominate action films these days and the special effects were subtle but effective. A definate must see for all movie lovers; its just great action fluff.

Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

The Bride (Uma Thurman-Kill Bill: Vol.1) is back in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill: Volume 2. You saw her kill Vernita Green (Vivica A Fox) and O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Lui) in the first half, and now she's back to take out Elle Driver, AKA: California Mountain Snake (Daryl Hannah-The Big Empty), Bud, AKA: Sidewinder (Michael Madsen-My Boss's Daughter), and, of course, Bill, AKA: Snakecharmer (David Carradine-American Reel). Also starring Chia Hui Liu (Generation Pendragon), and newcomer Perla Haney-Jardine.

I loved Volume 2. While I respected Tarantino's attempt to make Volume 1 a live action anime, Volume 2 is good enough to stand on its own. This second half is a bit more subtle than the first one, but the one thing both had in common was never knowing where it was going to go next. With a script that already had twists and turns, throw in Tarantino's trademark 'jump-around' editing style, Volume 2 is destined to become a classic like "Pulp Fiction". Thurman is amazing, and again I found myself admiring and respecting the kind of preparation that she went through for this role. Haney-Jardine is too cute for words, while Madsen and Hannah pull off great performances. A must see in theatres kind of film!

Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Labels: Horror

posted by Lisa at 11:34 a.m. |