Author: BRWC

Review: Fanged Up

By Afonso Almeida.

Given the rising popularity of the horror film crossover genre, it is surprising no one had thought of combing a Prison movie with Vampires. And that’s exactly what the makers of Fanged Up have put together. Starring Daniel O’Reilly, better known by his stage/social media name Dapper Laughs, Fanged Up presents us with the story of a man down on his luck being sent to jail for the weekend, only to find it is overrun with vampires. It is a fun and promising concept, but that’s about all it is.

The film starts by introducing Jimmy, a local layabout very evidently not liked by anyone. After causing a fight to break out at the nightclub he works at, Jimmy is sent to prison over the weekend. Upon arriving he finds that his ex-girlfriend Mary has just started a job as the prison’s physician. As the two get re-acquainted, they unravel the prison warden’s plan to bring small time criminal offenders to the prison to serve as feeding fodder for his legion of vampires. Aided by a ragtag group of misfits from the prison, Jimmy and Mary attempt to escape the prison.

There nothing inherently horrible about the movie. O’Reilly makes for a solid lead, transitioning from his online videos to a full-fledged role. He seems quite comfortable on camera, and delivers a confident and self-assured performance. Sadly he seems to be the only one. His supporting cast delivers lines in a wooden and lifeless delivery, never quite finding the balance between comedy and horror.

The movie has a competent plotline, with familiar elements like strangers becoming a family, a reunion with an old flame, and surviving the night. Its biggest problem is a distinct lack of identity. Although a horror comedy can be tremendously successful, such as Shaun of the Dead, it needs to maintain its awareness of the world of the film. In Fanged Up, every scene is punctuated by rapid-fire banter and jokes. And while those could have worked perfectly in moderation, the sheer volume of them takes away from the characters being immersed in the situation they are in. Any opportunity for the characters to be scared or shocked is quickly traded by the chance to make a joke at the expense of the lead characters genitals (which happens entirely too often). Additionally, the emotional scenes of the film feel very telegraphed and forceful. Aided by a swelling section of strings, moments of characters making noble sacrifices and delivering soliloquies about the meaning of family are thrown off the cuff as if they were yet another cheap joke.

The horror portion of the film is equally neglected. There is no build up to the reveal of the vampires, which can be attributed to budgetary constraints of an 80-minute film. But that jumping of the gun is not traded off for character development or to even allow them to process what is happening. If you tune out for 2 minutes, you will miss the entire section where Mary discovers that the warden is a vampire, explains it to Jimmy, and they kill off their first vampire.

You can tell there was a lot of good intention going into the film. The design of the vampires and use of the special effects allude to classic vampire films, and the jokes as they are spouted by the characters read as if they perhaps really worked on the page, but no one took the time to revise them once filming got underway. Unfortunately, this movie wastes a fun premise by not knowing what it wants to be, making for a hollow, forgettable experience.

30th June 2018
Lady Bird: DVD Review

This is Callum’s original review, reposted for the release on Digital on 18th June and DVD & Blu-ray™ on 2nd July.

Lady Bird has got to be one of the most relatable films I’ve seen in years. There’s no big adventure, there’s no explosions, no life changing romances and mysteries needing to be solved. It’s just a simple, real, down-to-earth story. Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson is a teenage girl living her last year of high school out. The future seems uncertain. She’s an aspiring arts student who’s still looking for her niche. Her family is poor and therefore cannot afford the universities that she wishes to go to. She’s wanting to get in with the popular crowd, despite her friend being happy where they are in life. She’s discovering love for the first time. And while all of this is happening, Lady Bird is constantly at odds with her mother.

Lady Bird is one of those films that clearly came from a place of passion. You could even argue that it could be biographical in a way. While I’m sure that not everything happened in real life, the film’s writer/director, actress Greta Gerwig clearly has taken elements from her own experiences and brought them into this film. To say that this is Gerwig’s first film – well, okay she co-directed a couple things before hand – it’s all very impressive.

I don’t know what I’d call Lady Bird. It’s funny, but not a comedy. It’s very dramatic, but also has a reliance on said humour. It’s light-hearted, but it tackles some complex and dark issues. But, unlike some of these genre defying films, this one feels like it’ll speak to everyone on some level. Even if we take out the dialogue entirely – which is exceptionally well-written and natural sounding – the actions that these characters do alone are very reminiscent of what we have all done. Nearer the end, when Lady Bird turns eighteen she buys scratch cards, a porno mag and cigarettes – I remember when I turned eighteen I bought the goriest thing in my local DVD shop and downed the first pint I’d bought. It’s small and somewhat inconsequential to the over all story, but the moments like these are what stand out and make Lady Bird really special.

Here’s a clip:

There’s something very artful about the way that Lady Bird was shot. It doesn’t exactly feel dreamlike – I’d say it feels more nostalgic. It’s set in the years 2002 and 2003 and it feels like it. It doesn’t slap you around the head with that fact, there’s no “remember this” moment. It just plays like it’s 2002. Terrorism was still on the mind and mobile phones were very brick-like and were a point of paranoia and confusion. It does also feel nostalgic in that “remember high school” way. Again, it’s all matter of fact. There’s no scary teacher, soft tutor or over-the-top bully. It’s just school and the kids in it doing what we all as kids did. It does bring you back to, maybe not better (I know I hated my school years) but simpler times.

But I’ve just been avoiding the best part of Lady Bird, and that is the performances. Saoirse Ronan has almost constantly been the best part of any film that she has been a part of. Even if it’s been bad – like with Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones – she has always been great. Not good, great! This could easily be the best performance that she’s ever given to this day. Playing her mother is Laurie Metcalf, who most will recognise as Sheldon’s mother in The Big Bang Theory, but I’ll always remember as the killer in Scream 2. Again, this is the best performance that Metcalf has ever given. She and Ronan are on par with each other. The acting is great all around – it’s too early to say but I think we’ll struggle to see a better acted film all year – but it’s these two who deserve the most attention.

A lot happens in the film, but it’s heart is exactly where it should be, with Lady Bird and her mother. Theirs is a strong relationship, but not happy one. Most of the time they spend together ends with an argument. This is usually brought on by one of them saying the wrong thing in a passive aggressive manner, the other taking it to heart and then both being brought to the defensive. Lady Bird sees her mother as restrictive and her mother sees her as spoiled. It doesn’t get uncomfortable or pandering to the audience because we constantly see both sides of the argument. Neither of them is wrong with each point they bring up, but both go about it the wrong way constantly. It’s tragic, but never unwatchable or to the point of being unpleasant. It all builds up to an ending that did throw me at first. But the more I look back at it the more satisfying it becomes.

Another clip:

It’s safe to say that I loved Lady Bird. And not just because it’s a nice break before I get back to dinosaurs on an exploding island, Lara Croft jumping another great height and the Avengers beating another drone army. It’s an exceptionally well-written, superbly acted, bitter-sweet story about family. I can’t imagine that they’ll keep it in cinemas much longer, they never do with films like this, so the sooner you get to see it the better. I think it’ll be a crowdpleaser, even if the ending might throw people for a minute or two. It says something when, in a world of superheroes and action and comedy sequels and remakes, such a little film stands taller than them all.

The Critically Acclaimed Coming-of-Age Comedy from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will be available on Digital on 18th June and DVD & Blu-ray™ on 2nd July

26th June 2018
What It Takes To Start Your Own Film Company

If you find filmmaking intriguing, then it’s possible you want to pursue it as a career and start your own business. Know that while it’s an achievable goal, there are a few moving parts you’ll need to nail down if you want to be successful.

Starting your own film company isn’t an easy feat, but it can be done with the right knowledge and attitude. Let your passion for the business carry you through the inevitable obstacles you’ll face as you try to make it as an entrepreneur. Learn what elements you’ll need to pay most attention to so you can get to work and start building your empire.

Business Acumen

Although you may be well educated on how to produce a film or what makes a successful film, you also need to have business acumen for starting your own company. Gain the knowledge and education you’ll need to make you a strong business leader as you pursue your dreams. Get up to speed on the various items you’ll need in place such as a business plan and knowledge of how to operate a growing company.

Access to Technology

Starting your own film company will also require you to know more about technology. These days’ films are being made with sophisticated elements and features that audiences are coming to expect if they’re going to pay money to watch your production. In addition, you’ll need to be aware of keeping your files safe and secure and knowing who to turn to if your data is ever compromised such as locating the nearest Secure Data Recovery Services outlet in your area. The last situation you’d want is to be working hard on a project and not being able to recover your information should you be hacked.

Money & A Budget

It’s going to take a lot of money and likely a big budget to start your own film company. You need to make sure you have the proper investments and financial backing before you decide to launch your venture. Get buy-in from people you know or investors who are interested in what you’re doing. It’s a wise idea to take the time to plan out exactly how much money you’re going to need to get started and the resources you’ll require going forward.

Knowing the Right People

Networking is a huge part of the film business, and you need to know the right people if you’re going to be successful. Put yourself out there and meet individuals who can either teach you new tips and tricks or can act as a mentor to you as you try to create a stable business for yourself. It’s also going to help you to know these types of people when it comes time to promote and market your films to others.

Conclusion

Keep these guidelines and suggestions in mind as you’re gearing up to start your own film company. Be prepared to hit a few roadblocks along the way and be willing to put your problem-solving skills to work. Always stay focused and remember to never give up following what you set out to do in the first place.

23rd June 2018
Everyone’s Talking About Sean Penn’s First Novel

Most people know him as an Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker and one who isn’t afraid to be vocal about uncomfortable social and political issues. Sean Penn is also a writer and recently debuted his first published novel with the curious title of “Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff.”

Penn isn’t too worried about how his book is being received; he knows that some will enjoy its satirical edge and peculiarities, and others will blast him for something they just don’t get. Already, a few critics have some advice for Sean Penn after reading the novel:

“Don’t give up your day job,” as the old saying goes.

Penn’s fictional character Bob Honey is a divorced man who seems to have issues in making human connections. He works as a septic tank seller whose clients include Jehovah’s Witnesses, and on the side, he is an assassin for the United State government. The novel is heavy on alliteration and features a mix of poetry, a collection of stories and a stream of babbling. The book is 176 pages long.

Penn has been making the book tour rounds and talking with the media about Bob Honey. The actor spoke with Vogue.com about how writing a book is far different from the world of Hollywood and its frequent movie collaborations. Penning “Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff” is all about the solo aspect. In other words, Sean Penn found it quite refreshing to make something that was completely his own. Writing a book was totally a personal affair, and he doesn’t make apologies for the novel in any sense of the word.

When he’s creating movies, it’s mainly a team effort and one where responsibility for success or failure can be shared, he told Vogue.com. He has tired of the moviemaking industry where tons of money is at stake, creative disagreements arise with the huge weight upon one’s shoulders about how the film might turn out, etc. In fact, Sean Penn might have a few more books to write for the foreseeable future, he claims. He’s not working on a movie at the moment and has no desire.

The famous star did not say that his character Bob Honey is actually Sean Penn, but those who have read the novel can find some similarities between both men and how they look at the absurdities of life. TheBroTalk.com pointed to the mention of various social issues in the book that are near and dear to Sean Penn’s heart. For example, in “Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff,” he mentions a fictitious hurricane. Penn was active in humanitarian efforts with Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that caused severe damage along the Gulf Coast and claimed 1,800 lives.

Other references in the novel point to dark days in the country. One he pays mention to is the horrific mass shooting by gunman Stephen Paddock in October of 2017. He talks about Russian hacking, and even President Donald Trump becomes a figure in the plot. Sean Penn writes a poem about the #MeToo movement in the novel as well. In a recent Marc Maron podcast show, he suggested to listeners to read Sean Penn’s novel but to do so slowly and a little at a time because it will confuse the reader.

21st June 2018
Remembering Oscar Wilde On Screen

With Rupert Everett’s interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s life ‘The Happy Prince’ due for release in UK cinemas soon, we’re celebrating our favourite screen adaptations of the famous author’s life and works.

Wilde (1997)

Stephen Fry plays in the title role in this infamous adaptation of the author’s life. The film particularly examines Wilde’s tumultuous relationship with Lord Alfred “Bosie” Douglas (Jude Law) and his ultimate exclusion from conservative upper class Victorian society.

An Ideal Husband (1999)

Oliver Parker’s adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s 1895 comedic stage play follows the story of Sir Robert Chiltern, whose seemingly perfect life is unexpectedly disturbed when a former acquaintance returns to London with damning evidence of his previous misdeeds. Starring Rupert Everett, Cate Blanchett and Julianne Moore, this is a satirical portrait of the upper class and its hypocrisy.

The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

Colin Firth and Rupert Everett star as friends Worthing and Montcrieff, who decide to create a shared pseudonym, ‘Ernest’, so that they can lead double lives, switching personalities and obligations at whim. A farcical comedy of manners, the story is another satire on Victorian mores, and features plenty of that trademark Wildean wit.

Pact with the Devil (2002)

A modern retelling of Oscar Wilde’s only novel A Picture of Dorian Gray, Ethan Erickson stars as Louis/Dorian in this provocative thriller. After being discovered by a famous Fashion Photographer, Louis’s beauty is thrust into the limelight, forcing him to make a drastic choice between morality and youth.

A Good Woman (2004)

Set by the Amalfi Coast in the 1930s, Mike Barker’s adaptation of Wilde’s play Lady Windermere’s Fan follows the newlywed Windermere couple, whose marriage is threatened by rumours that Robert Windermere (Mark Umbers) had an illicit affair with Mrs Erlynne (Helen Hunt). An exciting spin on Wilde’s complex social commentary, this is another showcase for Wilde’s infamous aphorisms.

Dorian Gray (2009)

Dorian Gray (2009)

Oliver Parker’s third adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s literary works stays true to the original text. Set in Victorian London, the film follows the story of the youthful and good looking Dorian Gray, who wishes for the eternal preservation of his beauty. As his hedonism and immorality begins to grow, Dorian finds himself unable to escape the reality of his true self.

Wilde Salomé (2011)

Directed by and starring Al Pacino, this documentary-drama follows the actor’s project to stage a production of Wilde’s once-banned play ‘Salomé’. Pacino’s documentary not only shows his interpretation of the play, but also the actor’s obsession with Wilde, and his journey to understand the author’s passion for the story of Salomé.

The Selfish Giant (2013)

Inspired by Wilde’s short story The Selfish Giant, this modern retelling explores the lives of two teenage boys from a working class communities in Bradford. After being excluded from school both start selling scrap copper to a local dealer ‘Kitten’. However, as the two boys are drawn further into Kitten’s criminal world, they begin to face dire consequences.

The Happy Prince (2018)

Rupert Everett directed and stars in this biographical drama exploring Wilde’s final isolated years. Following his release from a two year prison sentence for ‘gross indecency’, the film follows Wilde’s reunion with friends and lovers from his past, as he determines to rediscover the beauty of life despite his failing health and exclusion from society.

The Happy Prince

‘The Happy Prince’ will be available in UK cinemas from 15^th June 2018

17th June 2018