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Archive for September 13th, 2008

13
Sep

Dawn of the Dead (1978), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Control (2007)


Dawn of the Dead (1978)
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

Even though this movie is more amusing than scary, I enjoyed it because the creepy tone was consistent. Even if something funny is happening on screen, danger is always looming around the corner so the audience is always prepared that something bad will happen. I think the premise of it is brilliant for its time: what place better to settle when zombies are everywhere than a mall where one can get pretty much everything he or she needs to survive? I actually imagined myself in the characters’ situation and found that I would’ve done the exact same thing as them: try on clothes, run around and eat food as much as I want, whenever I want. As for the movie’s special effects, such as the zombies biting into bodies while blood and guts are spurting out, they look really fake… but they look really gross to the point where it’s really effective in its own strange (yet droll) way. I thought the performances from the actors are campy but it fits the occasion. Social commentaries such as consumerism, feminism, abortion… are implied just right most of the time. This film is deserving of its title of being a horror cult classic because it is brutal and disgusting yet brilliant in more ways than one.


Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]

It’s interesting to watch this movie again after seeing it three years ago. It’s a lot different than the sequel in many ways. For instance, the environs that we could see here are mostly covered in snow, there are far less battle scenes, and the focus of the story is the discovery of the Narnia and the creatures that live in such an enchanted place. Even though Georgie Henley (Lucy), Skandar Keynes (Edmund), William Moseley (Peter), and Anna Popplewell (Susan) tend to overact at times, they’re perfectly casted because they bring a certain fresh energy to the picture that may have been lost to more experienced actors. Plus, each of them has a special presence that made the movie that much more engaging. I must also give nods to Tilda Swinton for playing the chillingly effective White Witch and Liam Neeson for voicing the majestic Aslan. This is a great introduction to the “Narnia” series even though I think it’s not as heartpounding as its sequel. Nevertheless, while the second one lacks a certain sense of wonder, this one is drenched in it.


Control (2007)
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]

This movie absolutely blew me away. As far as musical biopics go, this is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Sam Riley got my attention the moment he appeared on screen and never let go. He played Ian Curtis with such passion and charisma but also highlighted the character flaws and decisions Curtis made in his life. Samantha Morton breaks my heart as Curtis’ wife who really did everything she could to show her love for Curtis. When she finds out that her husband is less than loyal, the way she responded was unpredictable. Like the actors’ performances, this film is very lowkey yet it has an undeniable quiet power that moved me. As for Joy Division, I didn’t know much more about them except that they greatly influenced Franz Ferdinand’s music. So, I didn’t know what I was in for. Joy Division’s music is the kind of music I listen to so I’ll give them a close listen. I thought the decision to show in this film in black and white is absolutely brilliant because it underlines the depression under the beauty that Curtis was going through. Sam Riley really impressed me with his acting: I thought he was the definition of cool when he was walking down the street while wearing a grey coat without a care for the world. Subtle moments like listlessly sitting on a bed really hones in on the apathy of that generation and also the mental breakdown of Curtis. If one were to look closely, one will realize that this film is more than about the death of a lead singer of a post-punk band. I absolutely loved it!

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