Poltergeist (2015) #419

Spoiler free review!   Oooohhh, Aaaahhh!


Sigh, another original, amazing horror "classic" has been remade, re-imagined, recycled, and repackaged; none other than 1982's "Poltergeist". Many fans and die hard horror fanatics were angered and called foul when this new project was announced and for good reason, the original is perfect as it is. In the quest to honor and enjoy creating a new version, as well as cashing in on a well known title, a new generation of film makers took it upon themselves to try anyway. Produced by horror heavyweights Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert, their new film fails to live up to the hype and expectations that were naturally and unfortunately made.

BUT....what if the original was never made? Would this film be any good? Yes, not great but it actually is enjoyable. Has many of the same beats that the original has, although some are used in different ways or times. I really liked some of the visual effects that are in the 2015 version, with the hands on the TV set being one of my favorite moments in the film (see picture below). The story is essentially the same, the family make-up is the same (you actually get to see the older sister do things!), and the different take on the psychic expert is acceptable. All of this makes the new "Poltergeist" worth watching.

BUT....this is a remake and comparisons will be made. The main issue for me is the lack of soul, complete pun intended, that the new film has compared to the original. I think Sam Rockwell is a talented actor but his concerned father figure roll felt empty and shallow compared to Craig T. Nelson's work. Craig was a father torn apart, desperate, and possessed to get his daughter back; Sam was like "meh", especially during the scene with the tree. Then there is the daughter who is taken to the other side, Carol Anne and Madison. Carol Anne comes across as more innocent while Madison feels more helpless. Both girls did great, don't get me wrong, but the original wins over again. I've already mentioned older sister so let's talk about the middle child, the son. Both versions are spot on, in my opinion. The new son, Griffin, plays a very different character than the portrayed in the 1982 original and I think it fits perfectly. At first I was a little concerned but the end result was great.

In conclusion, if you can, watch the 2015 version before ever seeing the 1982 one. If this proves impossible, give yourself some time between viewings. Enjoy!

Poltergeist Trailer

Unfriended (2015). #418

I'm going to guess that most people won't like "Unfriended" very much, but there will be enough people who will think it's great; I'm honestly still undecided. For everyone who was turned off by the webcam only point of view, those who didn't want to watch a group of teens play on Facebook or instant messenger, your time is better spent watching something more action packed. For everyone else who enjoys a very slow burn, decent character development, and subtle reveals, "Unfriended" delivers quite nicely. After watching this movie I felt both cheated of my time and yet entertained. Dear reader, I'm still confused by my feelings...

I want to applaud the filmmakers efforts in trying something new but I also want to smack them around for making it so boring! Granted, the film eventually finds its pacing but the journey there is slow and painful (for the viewer). The second half of the film is actually fun to watch and after the first few deaths, the story really takes shape. The actors do a great job of being a group of annoying suburban teens. And the film's on screen special effects are minimal and its best that way. The story line itself is simple and only needed a stern editing for the first half.

Worth checking out if you enjoy ghost stories told in an unique way.

Not the most compelling stills from a movie

Carriers (2009). #417

I love post apocalyptic movies and I love them even more when they're well made. We've been lucky that a few good movies have been produced in the past few years, and "Carriers" should be rated among them. It is a simple straight forward film that keeps the violence toned down, the action tense, and the relationships believable. I appreciate the fact that you know what destroyed the world we know, a very infectious and deadly disease, without having to be told how it began or spread; all that matters is how the current situation affects the four main characters.

Chris Pine leads the cast as Brian Green, the older brother of Danny Green. The two brothers, along with Brian's girlfriend Bobby and another friend Kate, are trying to find a safe place to stay and survive long enough for the current plague to die down. Once infected, death is guaranteed so the four have been very careful to avoid any situation that could get them infected. Unfortunately compassion gets in their way when they decide to help a man and his sick daughter. What unfolds is a  living nightmare for the four as they realize that their chances for survival become very unlikely.