Top 5 Must-Watch Horrors

For those that know me... you probably wouldn't put me down as being a huge fan of horror films. In fact on the contrary, I rather detest them. Not so much the genre itself but more my reaction and how I personally deal with them... it's not brilliant.

Nevertheless, as an avid cinephile I watch a variety of films new, old, foreign, animated and within a variety of genres romance, comedy, action and of course horror. It hasn't escaped me that in recent years there have been some films within the thriller/horror genre that deserve recognition for merely being good films. Thus here we are, my top 5 must-see horrors:

1. The Conjuring (Wan, 2013)

A very good film. Period. Regardless of the genre this was an all round success. It has everything you could want: fully rounded characters (some portrayals of real people), a back story and antagonist that is well thought out, an easy-on-the-eye male lead in the form of Patrick Wilson and to finish it all off a full-on old-skool exorcism and  a terrifying clap game. The same director as Saw I and Insidious -Wan clearly knows what he is doing.

2. Dark Skies (Stewart, 2013)

I feel the success of this film relies on what you don't see as opposed to what you do. The mystery of the apparent antagonist in the film is what drives the fear. For any fans of sci-fi (or general films involving Aliens) this is perhaps a film that may introduce you into a whole different genre.

3. Insidious: Chapter 2 (Wan, 2013)

I personally prefer this film to it's predecessor as the focus on the father (note: return of the easy-on-the-eye Patrick Wilson) as opposed to the son as seen in the prequel provides an interesting twist. Also, I saw this before Insidious and found it relatively easy to follow, so if you haven't seen the first one... that's not an excuse.

4. Mama (Muschetti, 2013)

Jessica Chastain (as always) is exquisite as the lead. However, I was not particularly impressed with the ending as it gives too much away (believe me it is still disturbing). I feel that the main thing that constitutes the fear is the unknown. Hearing, knowing, half-understanding the being that is "Mama" but never actually seeing her (until the very end) is what makes your eyes twitch and your palms sweat.

5. Haunting in Connecticut  (Cornwell, 2009)

An old favourite (I say that with complete sarcasm). This film was one of the very first to disturb me to the point of sleepless nights. From the maggot infested walls to the weird, gross substance that grows out of your mouth (on poster) this film is beyond messed up. And apparently a true story.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Heaven - Book Review

Corey Taylor - A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Heaven

From Slipknot and Stone Sour front man Corey Taylor comes this Sunday Times Bestseller book for atheists (or religious people with a sense of humour).

Taylor has not just accomplished a vastly entertaining collection of ghost stories, but an intelligent blend of memoirs and the relationship between the supernatural and it's paradoxical sister - Faith. His second attempt at authorship (his first being the similarly successful Seven Deadly Sins) is a smart yet (borderline) respectful way of dissecting religion and it's many shortcomings in the dirty, humorous but relativity eloquent manner that is to be expected.

As aforementioned, this book is not for the light-hearted (by that I mean the religiously ignorant). Taylor referencing infamous biblical events in such a way: from "Noah and his weird cruise ship" to "Jesus and his magical fruit punch trick and walking across ponds". Also my personal favorites, he describes God as an "ancient, invisible stalker" and the "original paranormal activity" and his childhood Sunday-Church-going as "doing time in the holy holding pen"; demonstrating his terrifically sarcastic tone.

Throughout the book there are nice interjections of philosophizing, Taylor raising brave questions such as - "What is religion" and  "why atheists are the way we are". These points break up the vivid and humorous anecdotes and recollections of Taylor's paranormal experiences - most of which never fail to scare and adds an intelligent fluidity to the overall piece.

There are also attempts of justification using science to explain some things that are discussed. Going to show that this is not some doctrine (pardon the irony) that has an aim to brainwash and manipulate people into believing in the supernatural. But the beliefs and subjective opinions of one man.

If you have a vivid imagination (like myself) I would highly advise against reading this book at night. With most horror films you can just about get over what you've witnessed by repeating to yourself "it's just a film!" However, this is a true documentation of true events (whatever you believe)that happened to this man. Even myself - someone who has the same relationship with ghosts as they do with religion- a disbeliever, was partially turned by this book. It 100% got the mere notion and idea of a spiritual post-death being's existence etching into my mind.

I have to admit, I did get particularly paranoid about halfway through the book, as semi-strange occurrences began to happen as soon as I started reading it. Our washing machine broke (yeah.. maybe not that weird but still). The sound on my laptop would randomly decide not to work (not an earphone nor water damage problem in contrast to popular belief).

But all that aside one thing happened that really messed me up -I was sitting in the living room with the book propped up against the sofa and as I was reading mid sentence THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF.
Like, they just switched off not because the bulb had ran out, they just turned off...

WEIRD.

Control- Film Review

Control  (2007)
Rating: ★★★★

Director: Anton Corbijn    Starring: Sam Riley, Samantha Morton    Genre: Biographical, Drama 

"Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?"

For any real fans of Joy Division who haven't already heard of/seen this movie will undoubtedly be pleasantly surprised, as it respectively investigates the tragic life of front man Ian Curtis and incorporates all their best music. 

For any "fans" of Joy Division, I strongly suggest giving it a watch to: A) learn more about the iconic band and B) be introduced to more (than one) of their songs. Thus, amassing knowledge that surpasses only knowing 1/2 the lyrics to 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'. 

A brave performance by the lead Sam Riley as the legendary singer, with the uncanny resemblance and spot-on Curtis-esque stage presence, Riley is stand-out brilliant. 

Ian Curtis

Sam Riley

Directed by photographer-turned-director Anton Corbijn (who actually personally knows the remaining Joy Division members). Despite the entire film being shot in black and white, the colours of  Riley and Morton's performances and the solid script provide a more than an adequate substitute. 

As a Joy Division fan, one particular element I was happy made it into the film is Curtis' infamous dance (which due to his public suffering of epilepsy is now referred to as the 'epileptic dance'). Here is the real Ian Curtis vs. Sam Riley's depiction of the front man's iconic stage presence:
(Bare with, these are the shortest videos I could find...)

All in all, even if you are not familiar with or that particularly bothered about the life of Ian Curtis or even Joy Division, this film displays a variety of relatable themes. Including the pursuit of  dreams, the pressure that comes with responsibility and even the distracting nature of lust; Control is on the whole a film for many.

But particularly people with good music taste.

Top 10 Favourite Movies (Ultimate List)

This is my top 10 films:

10. Billy Elliot (Daldry, 2000) A working-class boy from North-East England balances his passion for ballet with the need to please his left-wing, traditional miner father.
                                       

9. Inglorious Basterds (Tarantino, 2009) A young Jewish-French woman and a group of Jewish-American soldiers during an alternate World War Two plan to kill Nazi Germany's political leadership.

8. Intermission (Crowley, 2003) An independent Irish film that follows the individual lives of people living in Dublin that become interlinked following a kidnap and robbery attempt.

7. Sunshine (Boyle, 2007) In an attempt to reignite the sun, spaceship Icarus II embarks on a dangerous mission to save mankind with a massive stellar bomb.

6. Control (Corbijn, 2007) Joy Division front man Ian Curtis biopic.

5. The Social Network (Fincher, 2010) Biographical film presenting the real story of Mark Zuckerberg, the creator or Facebook.

                                      

4. Gangs of New York (Scorsese, 2002) A historical epic drama dealing with the two principle issues in New York's history - Irish immigration and the Federal governments execution of the ongoing Civil war.

3. The Beach (Boyle, 2000) American college student discovers the mystery of 'the island' on a summer vacation in Thailand.

2. Fight Club (Fincher, 1999) A cult classic that follows the life of unnamed protagonist discontented with his white-collar job who forms a 'fight club' to fight recreationally.

1. Trainspotting (Boyle, 1996) Following the lives of Heroin addicts in an impoverished area of Edinburgh during the 90's.

August: Osage County - Film Review

August: Osage County

Director: John Wells  Starring: Meryl Steep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch   Genre: Black Comedy, Drama

"Once all the talking is through, people just go back to their own nonsenses"

Misery Loves Family

This adaptation of the Award- winning play August: Osage County by Tracey Letts sees Meryl Streep in one of her finest roles as Violet Weston - a mentally unstable, drug-addicted matriarch suffering from mouth cancer and midst a failing marriage.

After the death of her husband Beverly Weston, family members arrive at Violet's house in support including: her three daughters (Barbara, Karen and Ivy), her sister Mattie Fae (& her husband and son), Barbara's husband and daughter and Karen's fiance. Ultimately chaos ensues and secrets are split in Violet's attempt to bring her dysfunctional family together. With Violet's fear of solitude it is not until the very end of the movie that you realize she is truly alone - the worst part being that she herself drove everyone away.

A powerful story about parenthood, marriage and the importance of upbringing amogst all the confrontation and emotional meltdowns, the  quote "this mad house is my home" seems appropriate.

Despite being an exhausting watch, the film is not all hard drama -Streep mastering the role of a subtle comedian during rushes of black comedy. A scene involving a grace before dinner, and one that lasts about twenty minutes acting as a short film in itself (arguably) provides the only notable humour. This crucial scene also climaxes into one of the greatest on screen cat-fights between Streep and Roberts (seen on the movie poster).

Julia Roberts "passionate but hard" foul-mouthed Barbara provides a strong yin to Streep's yang and the two carry the film marvelously. Benedict Cumberbatch is as charming as ever as the (not so bright) son of Mattie Fae, adding a rare sensitivity to the otherwise boisterous ensemble. He even performs a love song (yes- he sings as well!) to his love interest, the youngest of the Weston sisters- Ivy.  McGregor appeared to be somewhat unremarkable, but perhaps a conscious choice to enable his character to play off his on-screen wife (Roberts) bursts of aggressiveness.

There is a nice mix of cynicism: Ivy stating "we cant perpetuate these myths of family sisterhood anymore. We're just people, some of us accidentally connected by genetics - a random selection of cells" and optimism. The sweet (yet tragic) mini love story that develops between Ivy and 'Little' Charles (Cumberbatch) and the bubbly nature of Karen adding a light to the darkness of the other characters.

A film all about family conflicts and the trials and tribulations of relationships that are perhaps more relatable than first imagined. Wells is  not scared to show the ugly side of human nature, all actresses appearing barefaced, Roberts even having grey roots and Streep unabashedly displaying herself in the worst light; all executed perfectly through the dark mise-n-scene.

If it doesn't sound like your cup of tea - I believe August: Osage County is worth watching simply for Streep's performance that poses as an acting masterclass for all involved; disappearing into Violet Weston like the chameleon she is. As always she balances her outstanding talent with her co-stars, never stealing the limelight yet simultaneously leaving the audience unable to forget her. This movie feels like an important one that leaves you thinking and evaluating your own life - this particular film highlighting the importance of family value and communication.

Filled with plot twists and narrative shocks, the genius work of Letts (both the play and screen writer) acts as a prism through which we view familial relationships in all its disturbing glory.

The Fault in Our Stars - Film Review

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Director: Josh Boone     Starring: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort      Genre: Rom- Com, Drama

"I'm on a roller coaster that only goes up, my friend"

The current high-demand box office success is undoubtedly unique amongst other popular films about terminal illness. With echoes of 2009's My Sister's Keeper and 2012's Now is Good, this book adaptation shares the common denominator of cancer; but is filled with intelligence, romance and a degree of sarcastic humour simultaneously combined with compassion and most importantly - truth. 

Based on the New York Times bestseller 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green,  the film follows the love story of two patients: Hazel Grace Lancaster who suffers from "thyroid cancer [...] but with an impressive and long-settled satellite colony in [her] lungs" and Augustus Waters who is in remission from Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) having previously had his leg amputated. The two meet in a support group and immediately bond over their shared experience.

However, it is soon uncovered that these scientific labels are far from the main components of the the two well-rounded protagonists. You will find that their illness is in fact not the real villain - but time. Their short amount of time, the limits to their "little infinity" that you watch unfold provides the real sadness. The effortlessly touching story of friendship and love that ensues by no means uses  cancer as exploitation but focuses on the fleeting nature of life.

One consistent element of the film is it's ability to remain charming and funny even despite the constant reminder that cancer is an everyday obstacle. Hazel (Woodley) is an instantly likable character, a cynical sixteen-year-old who is determined not to 'sugar coat' her situation and demands the truth from those around her. In contrast, Augustus (Elgort) is a free spirit, whose last wish is to be greatly remembered by everyone.

It is their typical awkward teenage interactions that constitutes the humour and prompts the viewer to remember they are young adults dealing with a large-scale problem on top of the difficulties of adolescence -the driving scene being one distinctive for it's comedic elements. The addition of Augustus' friend -and fellow cancer patient- Isaac during sentimental scenes between Hazel and Augustus (both of which involve Isaac destroying/hitting something frustratingly in the background) are exemplary of the subtle and intelligent humour throughout the film.

This most definitely is a film of poetic metaphors, and one that allows itself to be quoted again and again. From the inspirational words in fictional Peter Van Houten's book An Imperial Affliction that "pain demands to be felt" to Hazel's own distinctive monologue and judgments: "Funerals are not for the dead, they are for the living". A memorable moment is Augustus' colorful and symbolic declaration of love during their date in Amsterdam, referencing the literary background of the film and the irreplaceable words of John Green. Even Augustus' use of cigarettes which is quite explicitly a 'metaphor' (he places a cigarette in his mouth but never lights one) "You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you do not give it the power to do it's killing" indicates that this is not a film solely about cancer but the virtues of it's victims.

Even the most thick-skinned will be unfathomably touched by this honest, beautifully written script from an equally beautifully written book. A moving and heart-rendering love story above all else it will leave the audience thinking about how easy it is to take time for granted and all levels of your emotional Richter scale will undoubtedly be reached.