This Is The End

Release Date: Jun 12, 2013 
Runtime: 1 hr. 47 min. 
Director: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg 
Cast: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride.

This is chaotic. This is absurd. "This Is The End" – the best comedy of 2013. Written and directed by the wacky minds of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the film centers on a group of actors trapped in the midst of the sudden apocalypse. Starring Franco, Hill and a handful of stars, it's like a fraternity for the rich and famous...if they smoked weed everyday. Like all of their films combined, there's no shortage of laughter, from gut-busting dialogue to hilarious cameos. Michael Cera, for one, breaks free from his stereotype, playing the most perverse version of himself in ways unimaginable. And that's the general thematic of "This Is The End," actors trying to one-up the other in humoristic fashion. One scene in particular will have you rolling in stitches, as McBride takes on Franco in the verbal match of the century. At the core of the film is the estranged bromance between Rogen and Baruchel, both longing to reconnect with the other before the impending Armageddon. It's what keeps the story grounded during all the craze and mayhem, as things only get more demented with each passing second. Contrary to appearance, there are some horror elements as well – jumpy scenes that can catch you off guard, much like Jonah Hill's studded earlobe. But through in through this is a comedy that won't easily be forgotten, as quotable punch lines are expected for many years to come. At least until the end of the world, that is.

Rating: 4 stars

Warm Bodies

Release Date: Feb 01, 2013 
Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min. 
Director: Jonathan Levine 
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Rob Corddry, John Malkovich, Dave Franco.

Boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, boy comes back to life. In a bizarre twist on a traditional love story, "Warm Bodies" is not your typical zombie movie. But then again, this is not your typical zombie. Based on the creatively-infused novel by Isaac Marion, comes a reimagined apocalypse that is far from dreary. Nicholas Hoult plays "R," a recluse residing amongst the fellow undead in an abandoned airport. After a routine trip to the city to feed on the living, he meets Julie, a strong-willed girl with a loaded gun, and is instantly enamored. As oddities would have it, R gradually starts to transform in ways assumed impossible and in return, offers a quirky introspection from the view of the undead. For a film that heavily involves a lot of grunting and inner narratives, it's endearingly funny when it needs to be. Hoult as the awkward teenager, and a dead one at that, is charmingly sincere in his attempts at affection, and oftentimes it's his vacant gestures that speak louder than words. Similarly, Rob Corddry gets a lot of comedic attention with his one or two-worded phrases, spoken as whispers but effective nonetheless. While books usually have the upper-hand in thoroughly cultivating a story, Levine does a balanced job in translating to film. The steady insight of R and his portrayal of humanity are what really bring a fresh approach to a tired genre, giving depth to something so unexpectedly new. In a way, this may be a drawback for those who are gung-ho about flesh-eating zombies, as there is some but not a whole lot of rigorous feeding. In addition, it's not like "Zombieland" as many perceive it to be, less focused on action-comedy than it is on romance. Regardless, "Warm Bodies" finds a happy medium between the two, comfortably funny and heart-warming as well. Though we've had our share of vampires and werewolves pining for love, it's the lone zombie that determinedly trumps them all. Go figure.

Rating: 4 stars

The Cabin in the Woods

Release Date: Apr 13, 2012 

Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min. 

Director: Drew Goddard 

Cast: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford.

It begins with a cabin. Throw in five susceptible college kids in a remote location and you have yourself a template for most prototypical horror films of Hollywood past. Only, this isn't your typical horror flick. And this is no ordinary cabin. Rather, it's a homage/breakdown of oldies and favorites combined, with predictability being further from the truth. From the inventive minds of first-time director Drew Goddard and producer Joss Whedon, comes a reimagined storytelling that bends the genre unlike any other. To expect the unexpected is a voluntary prerequisite, but to interpret the hidden layers is a gratifying experience all on its own. Recognizable inklings and characters are but a small fraction of the bigger, more stimulating picture that lies ahead. And with it comes an appreciation of thinking outside of the metaphorical 'cabin.' That's not to say that the flaws are irrelevant in relation to the content. Contrary to the trailer, "Cabin" draws more chortles than frights, which in turn may disappoint horror seekers expecting thrills. In addition, the ending twist may not be the most ideal way to go after an ingenious premise that defies our ability to speculate. But twist, it will, for you'll surely be left befuddled; because you know a movie's done its part when the only word you can think of at the end of it is, "interesting."

Rating: 4 stars

Fright Night

Release Date: Aug 19, 2011  

Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min. 

Director: Craig Gillespie 

Cast: Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, David Tennant, Imogen Poots, Toni Collette.

Adding to the list of random remakes is “Fright Night,” a retelling of a cult classic, about a teenage boy who discovers his neighbor is a vampire. But unlike the existing perception of romanticized nightwalkers, this one sticks close to the myth, and brings back the fear that goes hand in hand with the fictional creature. Colin Farrell plays the neighborly bloodsucker, Jerry Dandrige, who feeds on the unknowing residents of suburbia. In a role previously defined by Chris Sarandon, Farrell deftly claims his own portrayal, and imparts a menace that is thinly masked beneath the charm and watchful eyes. Likewise, David Tennant replaces Roddy McDowall as Peter Vincent; this time acting as a Vegas magician obsessed with the dark arts. Along with the pulsing tension and special effects, it’s Tennant’s eccentric performance that really shines onscreen. Opposite the seasoned actors are Anton Yelchin and Christopher Mintz-Plasse as the adolescence who uncover the secret. While Yelchin has been gaining recognition, Mintz-Plasse continues to surprise in his roles, departing from the ‘McLovin’ days that put him on the map. For those unfamiliar with the original story, it’s basically “Disturbia” meets “Zombieland” in modern comparison, as suspense is divided into equal balance of horror and comedy. In addition, the score by Ramin Djawadi is seamlessly fitted, giving it a distinct sound reminiscent of the classics. Though the film may not capture the full impact of the original, it still conveys a freshness that should leave fans pleased. On a side note, Farrell looks to be making an impressive return to mainstream, as this is his second film of the summer, as well as the first of two reboots he’s headlining. If “Fright Night” is any indication, he has plenty more to show in his burgeoning career.

Rating: 3½ stars

 

Scream 4

Release Date: Apr 15, 2011

Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min.

Director: Wes Craven 

Cast: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere.

In 1996, horror maestro Wes Craven introduced us to "Scream" and 'Ghostface,' spawning a number of sequels and followers, while simultaneously reviving a genre that has come to be known as 'slasher films.' Over a decade later, the masked killer has returned to the infamous town of Woodsboro, with a new plethora of victims to kill. Campbell, Cox and Arquette reprise their roles alongside a new cast of anybody who's everybody, continuing the familiar tradition of tapping into young Hollywood. While the game remains the same, the rules have changed, but not by much. As in prior cases, everyone is a suspect. Only now, the guessing game that made the franchise so successful back then seems futile and tiresome. The characters' awareness that used to be considered clever is overrun by clichés and trivial movie knowledge. It's a wonder as to how the main heroine has withstood countless death threats and yet manages to be surprised by anything. Still, this franchise has thrived for a reason, and it's the entertainment factor that pulls it through. Aside from the obvious scare tactics and phone calls, the plot twist, interestingly enough, reveals a nice tie-in to the first film that started it all. Call it nostalgia, but sometimes a recognizable sequel is what's needed to jump-start a dulling genre. On the other hand, it may just be time to let things go. While Craven has stated that this will be the birth of a new trilogy, four times seem plenty for 'Ghostface' to finally rest in peace.

Rating: 2½ stars

Zombieland

Release Date: Oct 02, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 21 min. 

Director: Ruben Fleischer 

Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Amber Heard.

Yet another zombie film to add to the roster, but one that deserves some recognition of revival. Welcome to "Zombieland," where it's every man for himself and you either 'nut up or shut up.' The cast is delightfully perfect, headed by twinkie-obsessed Woody Harrelson and Michael Cera's doppelganger, Jesse Eisenberg. Even Abigail Breslin sheds her childhood persona to take down zombies with a semi-automatic. You can expect gore-galore but with unabashed humor that goes a long way. If "Superbad" was a predecessor to the end of civilization, this would be the outcome. Overall, pure brainless-fun with the undead. 

Rating: 4 stars

Jennifer's Body

Release Date: Sep 18, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min. 

Director: Karyn Kusama 

Cast: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Simmons, Adam Brody, Sal Cortez.

After writing the Oscar-winning screenplay for “Juno,” I’m sure there was a great amount of pressure on Diablo Cody to produce a decent follow-up. Unfortunately, the pressure seems to have gotten the best of her, giving us a rather flat horror-comedy. This genre is especially tough to convey successfully as seen in past years. While the story appears dark and twisted, Cody struggles to find a balance between providing enough laughs and scare tactics. Megan Fox, as the titular character Jennifer, tries to prove she has more to offer than looks alone, but fails through pouts and vacant expressions. Still, I give Cody credit for doing a cynical take on feminine power and female relationships. It just wasn’t enough to top a pregnant teen with a sarcastic mouth. 

Rating: 1½ stars