Psycho

Cast: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin and Martin Balsam.

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Release Date: 1960

Running Time: 1hr 44 minutes

Genre: Horror

Rating: 15

Format: Blu-Ray

Synopsis:

A phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer's client, goes on the run and checks into a remote motel run by a man under the domination of his mother..

The beauty of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" is that it's still remarkably entertaining fifty-eight years after it's original release. It puts horror movies today to shame on multiple different levels. You really are never going to find a horror film quite like this one. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Bernard Herrmann. Hitchcock bought as many copies of the novel as he could in order to keep the ending of the film a secret to audiences. On December 11th, secretary Marion Crane (Leigh) embezzles $40,000 and flees to Arizona, however when she finds herself falling asleep at the wheel throughout her journey, she stops off at Bates Motel on the highway. Getting a little bit more than she bargained for, she soon finds herself in the arms of Norma Bates.

Anthony Perkins stars as Norman Bates, a man living under the delusion of his ill mother. Together, they own Bates Motel. Younger viewers may be more familiar with the hit show "Bates Motel" starring Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga. The show is primarily a backstory for "Psycho", really diving into the relationship and the psychology between Norma and Norman Bates. You don't necessarily have to watch them in that order to understand the film. The film has a magnificent twist that will catch you out time and time again. The novel was inspired by the true story of Ed Gein, a serial killer who would go onto to become the inspiration for  "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Silence of the Lambs", the novel and the film however, are two very different things. This is simply Hitchcock's adaptation of the novel.

So what is it that possesses Marion Crane to steal $40,000? Does she honestly think she's not going to get caught? I love the narration that is used during her getaway. Everyone that Marion comes into contact with is suspicious that she's up to something. Janet Leigh expresses a tremendous amount of emotion through her eyes. Her eyes tell you that she's desperate, frightened and keeping a dark secret. Norman Bates too, is keeping a dark secret. The beauty of Perkins's performance is that he's able to stay charismatic at the darkest of times. Covering up his mother's tracks as if nothing has happened. This adds a a lot of mystery to him and his mother. Who are they? Why is she so controlling of him?

Alfred Hitchcock's choice to shoot the film in black and white was a smart move. It adds a real sense of mystery to the story. Hitchcock believed the film would be very gory if shot in colour. Despite it being one of the best horror movies of all time, it almost, to some degree falls more into the thriller category, by today's standards anyway. It really hits you from a psychological standpoint. The set design is spectacular. Bates Motel is still sat in the Universal lot at Universal Studios. Although a great deal of the motel is not shown throughout the film, you always have that underlying curiosity of what is going on in other rooms. The lighting is excellent and almost gives audiences the impression that the story takes place at dusk. It's captivating and tells so much of the story on it's own.

Composer Bernard Hermann delivers a magnificent score that works tremendously well alongside the storyline. Sharp and precise, most will be familiar with the famous "Murder scene" score. Terrifying and straight to the point, there's no denying that the score would be able to tell the story without the use of any dialogue purely on it's own. Creative and expressive, the score alone brings fear to audiences. It's very unlikely that you'll find another horror movie that will give you the same emotional impact as this one does. Extremely impressive and without a doubt one of the best films in cinematic history. Alfred Hitchcock is a sensation!

5/5 stars

Geostorm

Cast: Gerard Butler, Jim Sturgess, Abbie Cornish, Daniel Wu and Talitha Aliana Bateman

Director: Dean Devlin

Running time: 1hr 44 minutes

Release Date: 2017

Genre: Sci Fi

Rating: 12

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

When the network of satellites designed to control the global climate starts to attack Earth, it's a race against the clock for it's creator to uncover the real threat before a worldwide Geostorm wipes out everyone and everything.

It appears that every once in a while we are due a disaster movie. The last being "2012", which ultimately failed at the box office. At first glance Geostorm sounds exciting, however what audiences are actually presented with is a mediocre, cheesy disaster flick. Set between the years 2019 and 2022 (Should we be worried?), the planet comes together as a whole to tackle climate change once and for all, creating a climate-controlling satellite system called Dutch Boy. When Dutch Boy malfunctions, something must be done fast to prevent Earth from being destroyed by a powerful Geostorm. It's unfortunate that Director Dean Devlin's feature film debut was not something original.

Do you know what is one of the most disappointing aspects of this film? Take a close look at the movie poster, it shows what appears to be Jake Lawson holding onto his daughter, whilst a tidal wave smashes through a city. Let me tell you, that a scene involving him and his daughter running from a tidal wave never actually takes place. One can only imagine that it was made in order to entice audiences into screenings. Personally, I was looking forward to being thrilled by such particular scene involving Jake and his daughter. Are they gonna make it out alive? Does he become the hero we all want him to be? Yes, but not in the way in which it appears to have been advertised.

Its disappointing that director Dean Devlin took a lot of his ideas from previous disaster movies, particularly The Day after Tomorrow. The storyline isn't the issue, it's good science fiction. It doesn't have to be realistic, it's the fact it isn't original. Gerard Butler, for the most part delivers a very good performance, although he wouldn't of been my first choice to play Jake Lawson. Jim Sturgess who plays Jake's brother Max, not only gives a better performance than Butler, but comes across as a much better action hero. The storyline and the characters motives are far too predictable.

The special-effects aren't sensational, at the same time they aren't abismal either. Unfortunately once the Geostorm beings, it becomes more and more predictable. It's like one of those awful science fiction movies shown on the SCFX channel that cost $100,000, that uses the same storyline and effects in a different order, to create a different movie. In all honesty, this really had the potential to be really quite magnificent. The special-effects could have been amazing, but sadly they looked cheap and cheesy. The storyline could have been better if it had a sense of realism to it. A Geostorm is practically impossible, scenarios in The Day after Tomorrow  to some degree were realistic, if anything just exaggerated. Of course movies don't have to be realistic, if not realistic, at least have impressive special-effects that could make it look like it's real. So disappointing.


2.5/5 stars

American Pie: Reunion

Cast: Jason Biggs, Eugene Levy, Alyson Hannigan, Tara Reid, Chris Klein, Seann William Scott, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Mena Suvari, John Cho and Jennifer Coolidge.

Director: Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg.

Release Date: 2012

Running Time: 1hr 53 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Rating: 15

Format: Sky Movies

Synopsis:

Jim, Michelle, Stifler and their friends reunite in East Great Falls, Michigan for their high school reunion.

After almost eleven years, our favourite group of misfits return to our screens, one last time. This time, to attend their high school reunion. A lot can happen in eleven years. Irritatingly, it's hard to determine just how long it's been between storylines. One can imagine that potentially a few years could have passed. Jim (Biggs) and Michelle (Hannigan) have a two year old boy, Jim's mother has passed away, Chris (Klein) and Heather (Suvari) have seperated, Kevin (Nicholas) has married and Steve Stifler now finds himself working for the world's bitchiest boss. Clearly a lot has happened over the past couple of years. Irritatingly, a lot isn't explained about has happened since Jim and Michelle's wedding, leaving audiences curious.

The film opens with Jim (Biggs) getting caught doing something he shouldn't be, only this time he's caught by his two year old son Evan. The same gag was used in  American Pie: The Wedding which didn't work and felt very repetitive, however this time it works excellently, there's nothing more embarrassing them having your children walk in on you doing something inappropriate. Unlike her counterpart, Michelle too is caught doing something naughty, this makes for a very humorous opening scene. Directors Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg have brought it back to basics, bringing back the humour from the first film, something that sadly got missed in the third movie.

The characters have grown and matured a fair bit since the third installment, Chris and Heather have sadly gone their own separate ways. Chris now finds himself as a sportscaster, loved up with a model more interested in getting attention than spending time with him. This disappointed me greatly,  I would have loved to have seen Chris and Heather settle down together. Their relationship blossomed beautifully in American Pie 2. Kevin (Nicholas) is now married and working as an architect. This confused me to begin with because in American Pie: The Wedding, Kevin states that he is at Law school, was it really necessary to change Kevin's career path, all for the sake of a new movie? Nicholas delivers a tremendous performance and still to this day remains the same lovable character that we all remember from the first two films.

Steve Stifler (Scott), now finds himself working as a temp for JB Global. Scott's performance is excellent, his character really is in full swing in this movie. Stifler might have even grown up a bit himself. It's a shame we only briefly see Vicky and Jessica, two of the main leads from American Pie, I was shocked to know that Vicky and Kevin hadn't settled down together either, however it did make their scenes more interesting. The dialogue is excellent, the writers have gone back to basics, learning what made audiences laugh in the first two films and reprising that humour in this film. We even get a brief glimpse of Nadia. A couple of scenes were cheesy and to a degree unnecessary, particularly scenes involving Chris, it did ruin it somewhat, however the fantastic ending really makes up for those scenes.

Unlike the previous film, both directors really took into account that time has passed, ensuring that the film's soundtrack sounds very modern, particularly with LMFAO's song "Shots", it works excellently in the scene and really adds to the films atmosphere. Their high school reunion naturally has a nineties feel to it, the choice of music for the end scene is excellent, with hit songs from Montell Jordan and Wreckx n Effect. It certainly reminds me of the nineties. Despite, the films "15" rating, there is a scene in which Jim's next door neighbour Kara is seen illegally drinking with friends at a party. To UK audiences this would be considered a pretty normal thing to see, however is it not illegal to drink in the USA until the age of 21? One could say, that scene is encouraging young people to illegally drink. Kara could easily have been celebrating her 21st birthday, with the same motion.

All in all, an excellent film, I'd love to see the story end here.

4/5

American Pie: The Wedding

Cast: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Eugene Levy, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Eddie Kaye Thomas and January Jones.

Director: Jesse Dylan

Release Date: 2003

Running Time: 1hr 36 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Rating: 15

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

It's the wedding of Jim and Michelle and the gathering of their families and friends, including Jim's old friends from high school and Michelle's little sister.

In the third installment to the American Pie franchise we see Jim and Michelle become a married couple. I know what you're thinking, what could possibly go wrong right? Essentially? Everything. Although the third installment isn't a complete disaster, it also isn't by any means as entertaining as the first two films. The problem I always encounter with movie franchises, is the fact that more often than not, each film is made by a different director. The first two films were a real success. A part of me would of loved to have seen the story end there. Of course we have to take into account that Jim and Michelle's relationship only really starts to blossom at the end of American Pie 2, leaving it very open to what could come next.

The most disappointing aspect of this film, is honestly the dialogue. The script was poorly written, a few popular characters from the first two movies weren't even written into the script. Jim (Biggs) and Michelle (Hannigan) are getting married, it doesn't make a lot of sense for certain characters to not be present in the film or be part of the storyline. Too much attention was applied to Steve Stifler (Scott), almost making him the premise of the story, which I imagine wasn't the directors idea considering the name of the title. There are a couple of truly wonderful comedic moments, however it's a shame that they are few and far between.


















Jason Biggs delivers a strong performance as Jim Levenstein, however some of his more embarrassing moments are becoming a little bit predictable, especially as they are always shown at the beginning of the film, that gag unfortunately has run its course. Alyson Hannigan, sadly doesn't give as strong a performance as she did in the first two films. Introducing January Jones as Cadence, Michelle's younger sister, Jones delivers a good performance, Jones goes onto play Steve Stifler's love interest. Sean William Scott, unfortunately is a little bit typecast, his character has start to become a bit too predictable in terms of his behaviour. There weren't really any real laugh out loud moments and despite the title name, the film seemed to focus a great deal around him, which to be honest confused me somewhat. What sort of motive where they actually going for?

The first two films were renowned for their up beat and feel good soundtracks. I felt a bit let down when it came to the soundtrack on this film. The sound department practically rushed the score when it came to making this movie. A scene involving two dogs, a cake,  Jim and Stifler was practically ruined due to a song being played in the background. Not only you could you barely hear it, it was completely unnecessary, the scene would of worked brilliantly without it. As a whole I was really disappointed with this film, more so due to bad direction, rather than poor writing. This had the real potential to be excellent and unfortunately was nothing more than a complete let down.

3/5 stars

American Pie 2

Cast: Jason Biggs, Mena Suvari, Chris Klein, Seann William Scott, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid and Shannon Elizabeth.

Director: J.B Rogers

Release Date: 2001

Running Time: 1hr 45 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Rating: 15

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

Jim and his friends are now in college and they decide to meet up at the beach house for some fun. 

Seventeen years ago a sequel was made to American Pie, which turned out to be even more successful than the first. The ultimate Summer movie! Jim, Kevin, Stifler, Chris and Finch have finished college for the Summer and plan on making it one to remember. It certainly becomes one to remember. Kevin (Nicholas) decides to follow in his older brother's footsteps by hosting the best party of the Summer at a beach house. The boys of course have to get their mojo back before hosting. Jim especially after learning that his ex girlfriend Nadia is on route to see him. Jim (Biggs), naturally still finds himself in embarrassing situations, although not so much with an apple pie this time, but more so with a tube of super glue.

Stifler is still holding his late night parties where he to, experiences a few embarrassing moments. One of which involves a bottle of champagne. Michelle (Hannigan) is still lapping it up at Band Camp. Screenwriter Adam Herz has really gone all out with this one, the dialogue is excellent and the characters really find themselves in some truly hilarious situations. Most of which is performed brilliantly by the main cast with terrific coming timing to really make those humorous scenes downright hilarious. I really love that characters from the first movie were brought back for the sequel including Jessica (Lyonne) and Chuck Sherman (Owen) which if you haven't already realised has a huge obsession with Terminator. 


Oz (Klein) and Heather (Suvari) are now in a long term relationship, with Heather studying abroad in Spain. It's really lovely to watch these two characters grow and fundamentally fall in love with one another. Finch is still madly in love with Stifler's mom, much to the displeasure of Stifler. Eddie Kaye Thomas delivers a tremendous performance as Paul Finch, however he sadly isn't as loveable as the other characters, although his scenes are very funny, they also become very predictable too. Kevin and Vicky (Reid) decide to play it safe as friends, unlike their counterparts their friendship blossoms and becomes very genuine. Who doesn't want Kevin and Vicky to be together?















Introducing J.B Rogers as director, Rogers has stepped into the role magnificently. I really love the vibe he's gone for, it's feel good, funny and perfect for the Summer. It's a shame, it would go onto be one the only big success for Rogers. Cinematographer Mark Irwin should most definitely be praised for excellently working alongside Rogers in creating a terrific looking film. I really love some of the shots used throughout the film, the terrific use of colour and lighting really create some truly memorable scenes. The length is perfect, the storyline doesn't drag in anyway and gets to the point pretty quick, making it an excellent choice as a teen movie.

If there's one thing the American Pie franchise is probably remembered for, it's most certainly the terrific use of music used throughout the film. The choice for a contemporary soundtrack was perfect, with the use of songs that at the time were big in the charts. Audiences could relate to the music and still do to this day have fond memories of associating them with this film. This is an excellent teen movie perfect for the Summertime! Full of laughs, it's not one to be missed!

4/5/5 stars

American Pie

Cast: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Alyson Hannigan, Shannon Elizabeth, Eddie Kaye Thomas and Mena Suvari.

Director: Paul and Chris Weitz

Release Date: 1999

Running Time: 1hr 31 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Rating: 15

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

Four teenage boys enter a pact to lose their virginity by prom night.

I'll be brutally honest. The first time I watched this film was at a sleepover with my cousin. I'm not entirely sure how we got hold of it, but we watched it together. We were probably in our early teens. Looking back, I was probably too young to understand most of it. It did however, stick with me and has now gone onto be one of my all time favourite movies. I'm now twenty-eight years old and let me tell you, I understand all of it! Jim (Biggs), Chris (Klein), Stifler (Scott), Finch (Thomas) and Kevin (Nicholas), all make a pact that they will all hopefully lose their virginity by prom night. There's a catch though, none of them have girlfriends and Kevin is having a hard time pleasing his. There's not a single teen on this planet that wouldn't find this movie relatable in some way or another.

Directed by Paul and Chris Weitz and written by Adam Herz, American Pie has to go down as one of the best teen movies of all time! Introducing Jason Biggs as Jim Levenstein, Jim is desperate to get a girlfriend and unfortunately for him, finds himself in trouble caught doing things that every teenager hopes they are never caught doing, leaving him no doubt, always embarrassed. Chris Klein stars as Lacrosse player Oz, unlike his friends Oz hopes that he can score with a college chick. Sean William Scott steals the show as Steve (Stifler to his friends), known for his late night parties and terrible chat up lines, he is without a doubt, the idiot in the group. Scott's performance has the perfect balance of irritation and perfect comedic timing.

Thomas Ian Nicholas stars as good-looking charmer Kevin, some may recognise Nicholas from "Rookie of the Year", all grown up, Kevin finds himself in the arms of a sex bible, in the hope that it will help him charm girlfriend Vicky (Reid), who for the most part is not convinced Kevin actually loves her, convinced that he is merely just out to lose his virginity. Last but not least we have Finch or shitbreak to his friends due to his lack of wanting to take a dump at school, Finch is quite the character, obsessed with Japanese culture and mini golf, he's the outsider in the group. The beauty of these characters is really watching them grow from teenagers into adults. The storyline is relatable on so many levels.

Directorial debut of Paul Weitz, you really have to give Weitz credit with the understanding that not everyone's first film release as a director becomes a worldwide hit. The success doesn't necessarily come from good direction, but perhaps the combination of a very well written script by Adam Herz too. The two have worked together superbly to produce a highly entertaining coming of age film. The only thing that was a real disappointment to me personally, was the amount of language used. Understandably this is a story about teenagers wanting to lose their virginity, partying after prom and possibly finding true love for the first time, however at times the language can be extremely off putting. Depending on the scene in which it's used, its just unnecessary. The characters and the scenes would have worked well without it. The "15" rating was a good choice, a "12" would have been pushing it for younger audiences.

The film is certainly full of laughs, at times you'll find yourself laughing out loud, at others possibly running to the toilet to barf. The use of a contemporary soundtrack works excellently. Looking back it has a wonderful 90's vibe feel to it. The soundtrack is catchy and fun and coincides with the characters and their personalities brilliantly. 80's kids grew up with Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 90's kids grew up with American Pie, a must watch for teens and adults alike. Hilariously funny, with a real feel good twist!

4/5 stars