Insidious

Cast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Lin Shaye and Leigh Whannell

Director: James Wan

Release Date: 2010

Running Time: 1hr 42 minutes

Genre: Thriller

Rating: 15

Seen On: Blu-Ray

Synopsis:

A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their child in a realm called the further.

A horror film is essentially a movie that seeks to provoke a psychological reaction, to induce fear upon us. Unfortunately, horror movies over the years have relied heavily on jump scares as a means to frighten their audience. Director James Wan did something really quite extraordinary when he made this picture, he managed to somehow merge the paranormal with the real world, as if the two were the same thing. Back in 2004, James Wan produced one of the biggest slasher horror movies to date, "Saw", a story about the fight for survival, the only way out, is to fight your way out, to escape. What if, our world and another world came together, creating a new dimension? What if, your fight for survival was to find home, to find your body, your soul? Insidious will take you into a world, that you may not realise has the potential to actually exist.

After recently moving into their new home, the Lambert family start to notice that something isn't quite right. Personal items dissapear, Renai and Josh (Wilson) start hearing bizarre noises coming from their attic, but more frighteningly, they believe their house is haunted. Convinced, they hire the help of psychic, Elise Rainier. The story is so much more than ghosts and demons. Don't be fooled by the plot, the premise behind the storyline is exceptionally clever. The first thing that caught my eye was how different this is in comparison to other movies of the same genre. I was generally blown away the first time I viewed it. The storyline will have you questioning your own existence. Are we capable of so much more than we realise? The concept is not only clever but deeply fascinating.

One of the most disappointing aspects about the film is the lack of character development. The characters are very black and white, although every character plays a vital role in the development of the story, Lin Shaye is the only actor to really give her all with her performance as Elise. Patrick Wilson delivers a good performance as Josh Lambert, as the story progresses, the more you truly start to understand Josh and the premise behind the story. Rose Byrne could most certainly have given a better performance as Renai Lambert, although her acting is convincing at times, for the vast majority of the film, her performance is very wooden. On a more positive note, Leigh Whannell who wrote the story, stars in the film as Elise's psychic sidekick Specs. Offering just the right amount of humour to the story, without ruining it.

Director James Wan is very clever when it comes to giving audiences hints of what's to come, without actually spoiling the plot. The colour red for example is very prominent throughout the course of the film. It'll crop up everywhere. It particularly stands out because Wan has made sure to use only neutral and dark colours for everything else, the sky is always gloomy and grey, Renai and Josh's clothing are creams, browns and greys. The cushion on their sofa however is bright red. Why? You'll soon find out upon viewing and when you do have the situation explained, you'll understand that Wan was sending hints, straight from the get go. The special effects are simple, but clever. The lighting is excellent and really gives a eery feeling, particularly in the second chapter of the story.

James Wan has relied on jump scares, however he's also made sure to use the soundtrack to it's full effect in scaring audiences. Most jump scares will consist of a character jumping out on another, a chair falling over for example, the audience is startled suddenly. The idea to use the jump scare through sound rather than performance was a terrific idea. James Wan took a lot of risks when it came to making this film, however the story did not disappoint. Realistic, terrifying and wonderfully entertaining.

4.5/5

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Cast: Asa Butterfield, Vera Farmiga, Cara Horgan, David Thewlis and Jack Scanlon

Director: Mark Herman

Release Date: 2008

Running Time: 1hr 34 minutes

Genre: Drama

Rating: 12

Seen On: Netflix

Synopsis:

Set during WW2, a story seen through innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight year old son of the Commandant at a German concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences.

Based on the novel of the same name by John Boyne. Award winning director Mark Herman, delivers the bone-chilling story of a young boy who befriends a Jew at a German concentration camp during WW2. The story is primarily shown through the eyes of Bruno (Butterfield) to emphasise the innocence that we are being witnessed to. One day, Bruno gets news that his father SS Commandant (Thewlis) is being promoted and that they will be moving immediately to Poland. Little does Bruno and Gretal (Beattie) know that their father is in charge of a Jewish concentration camp, one would imagine is, Auschwitz?. Bruno, of course isn't happy about leaving his friends behind, building a new life in a new town, in a new home. Cut off from everybody except his own family.

Young Bruno dreams of becoming an explorer, forced to learn about Jews through a private tutor. One day he decides to explore beyond his back garden and into the camp, where he meets Shmuel (Scanlon), a boy of the same age who is forced into slavery at the camp. There is some speculation that this would not have been historically accurate. Jewish children were put into separate barracks and treated the same as adults, often starving to death, or even being subjected to gas chambers and experiments. Deeply unsettling it's hard to comprehend that Hitler demanded that Jews were treated in such a way. All of their belongings taken from them, glasses, shoes and even their hair removed.

Asa Butterfield's performance as Bruno is sensational, innocent and selfless, his character reminds us  of the importance of not judging those by their religion. Thousands upon thousands of people were murdered because one person believed that Jews were the cause of all evil in the world. Even today, it's hard to comprehend that any of this really happened. It did however and it's important that we know what happened.Vera Farmiga delivers a very strong performance as Elsa, Bruno's mother. Farmiga always has a way of bringing a lot of realism to her role, wonderfully convincing, the emotion that she shows, particularly at the end of the film, is incredibly touching. Farmiga's performance, is nothing short of amazing.

David Thewlis performance as SS Commandant is magnificent, his character is based on Rudolf Hoss, who was executed for being head of the concentration camp. Throughout the course of the film you really see the strain that it takes on his marriage with his wife Elsa, sworn to secrecy, she had no idea what was really happening at the camp, nor that they were living so close to it. I'd imagine this was a common occurrence for anyone that was working at the camp as a Nazi? The relationships between characters are very intense. Jack Scanlon delivers an unforgettable performance as Shmuel, knowing that he is eight years old and has no understanding as to why he's being treated cruelly. Some scenes in particular are very emotional when you understand what is most likely happening to his character.

You can see a lot of research has gone into the film and that Mark Herman has done a magnificent job at following the book. It's important to understand that not only is this based on a book, in terms of the characters and the storyline but that the film also has a "12" rating. I'm sorry to tell you that it'd be wrong of you to go in expecting "Schindler's list", this is toned down for quite a few obvious reasons. The ending is not only haunting but incredibly powerful too. An excellent adaptation of the novel and one of which shouldn't be forgotten anytime soon. Educating, touching and emotional, with one of the most shocking endings in film history.

5/5

Wonder

Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts, Izabela Vidovic and Noah Jupe

Director: Stephen Chbosky

Release Date: 2017

Running Time: 1hr 53 minutes

Genre: Family

Rating: PG

Seen On: Netflix

Synopsis:

Based on the New York Times best-seller, this movie tell the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. A boy with facial differences who enters the fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by R.J Palacio, about a young boy with Treachers Collins Syndrome. August Pullman (Tremblay) dreams of becoming a world famous astronaut, however he's about to fight his biggest challenge to date, middle-school. August has an outstanding personality with an infinite love for Star Wars. The outline of the storyline is shown through the perspective of four different people. August, Via, Miranda and Jack. Home-schooled until now, August must learn to adapt to school life. Beautifully written, this isn't just a story about a young boy starting school, the storyline also goes into great detail about true friendship, love, family and the consequences that must follow on from bullying.

Real beauty comes from within. The hunk/stunning woman you see walking down the street, could also be the nastiest man or woman alive. Looks don't mean anything, especially when someone looks a bit different because they were born deformed. They are beautiful, but maybe not as you first see fit. Those that are different, often have the biggest hearts. They understand the importance of not judging a book by it's cover, accepting everyone for who they are on the inside. You're always going to get some who do judge. In a school/work setting, they are bullies. Imagine how difficult it must be in a school setting for a child who's different to fit in? The beauty of the storyline is that not only does it show what happens when someone is bullied, but the serious consequences the bullies must face afterwards too.

The performances from the actors is what really stands out in this film. Jacob Tremblay delivers a magnificent performance as August "Auggie" Pullman. Funny, endearing, brave and touching, you can't help but want the best for August. You want him to become a world famous astronaut, to find love, to find friendship. Owen Wilson stars as August's father Nate, Wilson is more well known for his comedic performances, but let me tell you he's magnificent when it comes to more serious roles too. Julia Roberts is brilliant as August's mother Isabel, full of emotion, you can clearly see that Isabel just wants what's best for her son. Robert's shows so much emotion through her eyes, that you can't help but be touched by her performance.

The idea to show the storyline through the performances of four people was certainly different, but I'd imagine more true to the way the book was written? It is here that we learn that just because someone looks happy on the outside doesn't mean that they are not fighting a silent battle behind closed doors. Peer pressure, wanting to fit in, falling in love, watching parents go through divorce, the storyline really covers it all. You are shown the same scenes, from the perspective of someone different each time. Very cleverly done, you get a real understanding for these four characters.

The setting and the environment that we see these characters in feels very real and genuine. The cinematography doesn't need to be spectacular for you to feel touched by this truly inspiring story. You'll feel every emotion, you'll laugh, cry and most definitely come away feeling truly inspired and uplifted by the end of this film. If you don't, do you even have a heart? An absolute masterpiece! Most definitely one of the best films of 2017.

5/5

A Ghost Story

Cast: Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, Barlow Jacobs and McColm Cephas Jr

Director: David Lowery

Release Date: 2017

Running Time: 1hr 32 minutes

Genre: Drama

Rating: 12

Seen On: Netflix

Synopsis:

In this singular exploration of legacy, love, loss, and the enormity of existence, a recently deceased white sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to try and reconnect with his wife.

Despite its unearthly name, "A Ghost Story" should not be mistaken for a horror movie. Quite the opposite. It should also be said, that you should not go in expecting this film to frighten you. You'll be taken on an emotional journey through grief, sadness, loss, legacy and hope. C (Affleck) is a gifted composer with a love for history, with a dislike for his girlfriend's idea to move house. Straight away we get a look into these two people's lives, there is kindness, love and affection. When C is suddenly killed in a car accident, M's life is turned upside down. This is where director David Lowery has been exceptionally clever in his direction and in his writing.

At first glance, the storyline sounds rather ridiculous. A man dressed as a ghost in a white sheet, honestly? Yes. The beauty of the story is that you are not only witnessing the grief of those left behind, but of those that have passed on too. The story will have you constantly asking questions. Does he know he's dead? Is he comforting his girlfriend by staying behind? Does he have unfinished business? Director David Lowery, has made a strong point to not have a lot of dialogue throughout the film, there is just enough for viewers to understand the basics of what's happened. As time passes, you learn those left behind are moving on, adapting, coping, starting over. This is beautifully shown through timelapses.

At one point we are introduced to a Spanish family who have now moved into C and M's home. Time is a great healer. C is witness to time moving on, what was once an empty house is now filled with love and happiness. Although there is not a lot of dialogue, you are most certainly touched by the emotional visuals, you don't need dialogue to understand what's happening on the screen. The storyline is essentially showing the different stages of grief and how we begin to learn and cope without our loved ones. There is always a legacy left behind, although our loved ones have moved on, they are never forgotten. The story really allows you to question your own existence. Everyone's beliefs are different, the beauty is that everyone will interpret it differently.

Don't think about the length of the film, or the simplicity of some scenes. How does it make you feel? What emotions are you feeling? It's very rare in film that we are shown grief or loss from those that have moved on. Do they stand around watching us grieve? Do they desperately try to comfort us when they can't? If you've lost someone, chances are these scenes are going to be emotional for you, you know what it feels like to be alone, grieving privately, wanting nothing more than your loved one to come back, to feel their love. There are even elements of time travel incorporated into the film. It'll touch you on an emotional level that possibly you have never witnessed before.

Beautifully shot with a haunting score that'll touch you, allowing you to go through all the emotions. Remarkably unique in his story-telling it's hard to believe that David Lowery was turned down twelve times at the Sundance Film Festival for his short films. To go on and release something so different, that everyone can relate to on some level, all I can say is, what an earth were they thinking at Sundance? Lowery has a very promising career ahead of him. If all of his movies are like this, in the way in which they connect to you? I can't wait to see what he has in store. No one was more surprised then I was, when it came to watching this film. Wow! An open mind is all you need.

5/5 stars

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Cast: Freddie Highmore, Johnny Depp, Deep Roy, Helena Boham Carter, David Kelly and Noah Tyler.

Director: Tim Burton

Release Date: 2005

Running Time: 1hr 55 minutes

Genre: Family

Rating: PG

Synopsis:

A young boy wins a tour through the most significant chocolate factory in the world, led by the world's most unusual candy maker.

Tim Burton delivers a unique and quirky adaptation of one of the most beloved children's books of all time. Burton certainly has a different approach when it comes to directing his films, this one is no different. Charlie Bucket (Highmore) dreams of the ever so near chocolate factory that resides in his town, smelling the warmth that surrounds it, that gorgeous chocolate fragrance we all love. After years of closure and inconspicuous in's and out's, Willy Wonka (Depp) announces that he is releasing five golden tickets out into the world for those five lucky winners who will tour his factory and enter into a realm of magic and dreams!

It's very similar to Mel Stuart's "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory", however Tim Burton has definitely put more effort in when it comes to making his adaptation authentic. In Burton's adaptation we see into Willy Wonka's childhood, what inspired him to become a chocolatier in the first place. Although Stuart's adaptation is excellent, it was always missing that part of the story. The decision to show parts of Willy's childhood throughout the course of the film, personally drags down the story. It would have been nice to have been shown his childhood at the beginning of the film, rather than little snippets here and there. It pulls away from the story ever so slightly.

Johnny Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka is different to say the least. Wonderfully eccentric, you couldn't of honestly asked for a more versatile actor to take on the role. Despite wanting to give his chocolate factory to a child, Wonka comes across exceedingly awkward towards children. Is this because of the way his father treated him? Or is he simply an eccentric introvert? Depp is magnificent at showing these emotions through his eyes. Freddie Highmore stars as the young Charlie Bucket, relatively unknown at the time, Highmore delivers a charming performance. Fantastically innocent, the relationship he shares with his family blossoms through his wonderful characterization. Highmore, even to this day is truly amazing at showing emotions through his performances. There's no doubt that perhaps Wonka can see a little bit of Charlie in himself.

Burton has modernised some characters and particularly those scenes in which they shine the most. Augustus Gloop, Mike TeaVee, Veruca Salt and Voilet Beauregarde don't come across quite as bratty as they did in the original film, however their portrayals are still very good. In the original film, Augustus Gloop was seen more as a passionate foodie rather than a greedy boy. This time however, we are shown an overweight boy who is constantly seen stuffing his face with Wonka bars. A greedy boy with a selfish personality. The decision to only cast Deep Roy as all of the Oompa Loompas was quite a bold move and most likely due to financial constraints. It would have been nice to have seen different actors portray the Oompa Loompas to show their different personalities in each scene in which they are used.

The production and set design are outstanding. Bright and colourful, it matches Willy Wonka's eccentric personality brilliantly. Tim Burton clearly took ideas from previous films, more noticeably "The Nightmare Before Christmas", with the tight curving of the grass hill in the chocolate room. Notice the costumes match the colours of the factory and the Wonka Bars. Blues, Reds, Greens and Browns. The intricate details on the front of the Wonka Bars, to the point they all have individual flavours on them if you look carefully. Charlie even has a few of the wrappers stuck on the wall of his bedroom. Of course who can forget the chocolate itself, Choccywoccydoodah reportedly made some of the chocolate for this film. Toffee Apples, Candy Canes, Gobstoppers, what's not to love?

Danny Elfman's score works fantastically alongside the storyline and the characters. The beauty of Elfman's work is that it always has an essence of darkness to it, it's recognisable, it's no surprise that Tim Burton has him score his films time and time again. Two peas in a pod. Burton's adaptation is impressive, creative and wonderfully unique. Perfect for those who are a little bit more open-minded about book adaptations and don't mind something a little bit different.

3.5/5