Films That Matter
Diabolical Danger
Transporting its Italian comic book roots to the big screen, Danger: Diabolik (1968), directed by Mario Bava (Blood and Black Lace) and produced by powerhouse Dino De Laurentiis (Barbarella), plays like a vivid three dimensional escapade that fuses elements of swinging sixties spy chic, an early take on the anti-hero, a greedy twist on the Robin Hood tales of yore, and splashes of kitschy Batman (that is, the television series), all coming together for plenty of frivolous fun. The titular Diabolik (John Phillip Law) is a sort of master thief, a black spandex wearing, Jaguar E-type driving genius who thrives on stealing money from an unnamed European government – which, at best, is incompetent, at worst, corrupt users of their taxpaying base. Though, unlike Robin Hood, he keeps the oodles of cash for himself and his helpful mini-skirt wearing girlfriend Eva Kant (Marisa Mell).
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A Bloody Good Time
What We Do in the ShadowsJuly 29, 2016The vampire has become over-used in recent years, making the market feel over-saturated. It has become increasingly difficult to find a way to depict something creative and new within the sub-genre, while not departing from all that is intriguing about the creature. One film that expertly pays tribute to ‘creatures of the night’ while concocting a unique and comedic vision is the 2014 mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows.
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Star Pick with Louise Sorel
Mama Knows BestI Remember MamaJuly 26, 2016The saying ‘they don’t make films like that anymore' is often bandied about when it comes to classic movies. It is something that is difficult to quantify or describe as to why it is so, but when you see it, it seems self evident. One motion picture that has this unusual quality is the 1948 film I Remember Mama. I recently spoke to Louise Sorel at CAPE Cornwall. You may recognize the actress if you are a fan of soap operas;
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Conjure Up Some Scares
The ConjuringJuly 24, 2016I recently met up with actor Steve Coulter at CAPE Cornwall; he is perhaps best known for his turn as Reg Monroe in the television series The Walking Dead. Coulter has also worked an impressive five times with horror maestro James Wan (he has been directed by him four times as well as being in one of his productions). He plays the role of Father Gordon in Wan’s The Conjuring and its sequel The Conjuring 2. I reached out to him to get a quote on the filmmaker. Coulter had nothing but praise for the man, stating "James’s skill in directing horror is, first of all, based on his ability as a storyteller. He knows how smart the audience is, particularly the horror film audience. As such a fan of the horror genre, he knows the usual shortcuts that are made, and he doesn’t take them. He knows what REALLY scares people. And he is such a masterful filmmaker that he knows how to craft those scares so that they are truly frightening, not just the usual Hollywood jump scares. He’s also a master at building suspense." Keep an eye open for an upcoming Star Pick with the actor in the very near future.
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Shot Through the Heart
Slow WestJuly 22, 2016I have recently been hyping several modern westerns (including the 2005 Australian flick The Proposition and the 2015 horror crossover Bone Tomahawk) that have created unique visions that pay homage while adding something new to the historic genre. Another film that fits the mould is the 2015 motion picture Slow West. The meandering tale (written and directed by first timer John Maclean) follows the young, hopeful Jay Cavendish (Kodi Smit-McPhee – The Road) as he journeys westward,
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Star Pick with Billy Smith
Saving the Universe with Billy SmithStar Wars: Episode IV - A New HopeJuly 19, 2016Clutch is a term that is often synonymous with big time athletes in sports. There are certain players that, when the match is on the line, elevate their game to another level. They have the innate ability to shift into another gear, making it feel like they are seeing the game much more clearly than the rest of the athletes. One such National Hockey League player is former New York Islanders’ goaltender Billy Smith. The winner of four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-1983,
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Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Sunset BoulevardJuly 17, 2016With the steamy heat of summer upon us, it is time to revisit one of my favourite genres – the dark, seductive, hard-boiled stories of film noir (from the 1940's and 50's). Billy Wilder, one of the great directors of the twentieth century, created three classics that fall within this genre: 1944's Double Indemnity (which I have already reviewed), 1951's Ace In the Hole and the 1950 iconic motion picture Sunset Blvd. – which will be reviewed here today.
