The Rum Diary is one film that pays for the audience to know a little something about the author of the novel that inspired it going in. I’m not the least bit versed in Hunter S. Thompson’s work and aside from Terry Gilliam’s mind melting film don’t claim to know the first thing about Gonzo. Compared to what Gilliam showed us in Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas, The Rum Diary is nothing close that trip-tastic odyssey as this story is about Thompson (through his fictitious character Kemp) finding the method that would become his madness.
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G-S-T Review…Real Steel
Real Steel, simply put, is tons of fun. There’s decidedly more substance here than in the brainless rock ’em sock ’em excitement of this year’s Transformers 3. The distinction here is that Real Steel has the benefit of having significant human drama to compliment the grandeur and action on screen and that makes this story work. Moreover, it is funny, endearing, inspirational and better crafted than you might expect. That said, as this is the story of an unlikely hero it’s perfectly appropriate that Shawn Levy, a bit of an underdog himself, can bring us something fun and exciting to cheer for with lots of heart…and with robots no less.
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G-S-T Review…Margaret
Here’s an ethics question for everyone: Would you do something wrong (read: bend the truth or just flat-out lie) to save your own hide or someone else’s because in the long run you know it’s a decision for the greater good? The film Margaret attempts to answer that in a very nebulous manner. In some ways it’s a modern and ethically grey (messed up is more appropriate) fable, but the story goes to show that not only can a wrong decision have unintended consequences, those ripples can go farther than you’d ever imagine. More importantly, somethings can never ever be undone or taken back.
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G-S-T Review…Dream House
At first glance the names Craig, Weisz, Watts and Sheridan look great on a poster and together could help make a solid film. But even a roster like that can contribute to something terrible. In short Dream House is constantly plagued by components that seem beyond amateur; shoddy editing, thin story, poor dialog, etc. Then there’s other things that don’t help any. As a film fan my attention to detail tends to get the better of me and certain things just take me out of the story. Scenes that are supposedly shot in the Winter and yet there’s no breath coming out of anyone’s mouth. It’s minor mind you but it’s made all the…
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G-S-T Review…Moneyball
moneyball [muhn-ee bawl] noun 1. A derisive name for a sport (especially baseball) in which skill and fans seem secondary to money, esp. a sport in which teams, hoping to secure winning seasons and the resulting broadcasting and merchandising incomes, negotiate expensive contracts with desirable players. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it right? Well in 2001/02 Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane didn’t believe in that old adage. In charge of the one of the MLB’s most under funded ball clubs he was tired of getting beat; not just by the team on the field but by the big dollars behind the team and that’s the game in which Beane could never compete. So, it’s not…
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G-S-T Review…Straw Dogs
Let’s get the first bits out of the way; Straw Dogs is a remake and like any remake it’s all about going beyond what was established with the original and how can the basic story be improved/retooled for a newer audience. Usually I do my homework before seeing any remake however I just couldn’t find the time. So while I may have the luxury of going in unbiased I still wish I’d seen Peckinpah’s film just so I could better grade this nose-dive. While I can’t compare apples to apples for you fans of the original, beyond wondering about the necessity of this remake, I bet you’re morbidly curious to know if this is…
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G-S-T Review…Drive
To those children of the 80’s, Drive might seem like a welcomed trip in the way back machine to the kinds of dramatic films your parents would watch as you peeked through a cracked door. Not a period piece mind you, or even a true 80’s movie, Nicholas Winding Refn’s film just has a timeless look and feel that is both muted and yet bold (like a Michel Mann film). Further, that “look” is made enticing and ethereal thanks to Refn’s stylish visuals and a perfect selection of songs and score from Cliff Martinez. Winner of Best Director award at Cannes, this film has been getting so much attention and frankly it deserves all of it. Hold on tight, Drive is one…
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G-S-T Review…Attack the Block
Editor’s note: This review was originally published on July 22 but has be re-posted to coincide with its U.S. theatrical release. Kids these days, I tell ya. If they aren’t talking back to adults and breaking all the rules, they’re carrying weapons and saving the planet from aliens. Wait…you wanna run that last part by me again? No, you read it right, Attack the Block is a fun, frightening film that pits 5 wanna-be hoodlums from South London against alien creatures that are literally falling from the sky. From the mind of Joe Cornish (long time Edgar Wright collaborator) comes this entertaining flick full of frenetic aliens, foul-mouthed Brits, friendship, fighting and tons…
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G-S-T Review…The Help
Kathyryn Stockett’s best selling book serves as inspiration for one of this year’s most emotional and enjoyable films. Moreover it serves as inspiration to people in general as it asks us to step above petty differences and try to see the world through the same set of eyes. The novel has already won tons of praise and based on the success of the advanced screening and more early buzz this film is bound to win twice as many hearts.
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G-S-T Review…Rise of the Planet of the Apes
With a well established legacy of over 40 years in place, going the “prequel” route as the next entry to the Planet of the Apes franchise is not only ballsy but nearly impossible to keep from becoming, at best, an unflattering installment. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is directed by Rupert Wyatt who (with only one other feature length film to his name) certainly had a tough road to hoe considering this film would lead up to 1968’s iconic film. But with such a well crafted story that does service to the series, it’s safe to say he’s beaten the odds. Rise is a fine film, very fine in fact and better still,…