Ginger Snaps

Ginger Snaps
Released: 2000
Starring: Emily Perkins, Katharine Isabelle
Run Time: 108 minutes

"Out by sixteen or dead on the scene, but together forever"

One of, if not the best Werewolf movie I have seen. Sisters Ginger (Ginge) and Bridget (Bee) are outcasts but they don’t care they relish in it. The sisters are obsessed with death and are always pulling off elaborate ‘death shoots’ mocking up horrible ways to die.

One night everything changes when Ginger is attacked by a creature in the night, soon she begins to change and Bee tries to help her sister get back to normal with the help of Sam a shady yet misunderstood character who knos a thing or two about Lycanthorpy.

The bond between the sisters is tested throughout the film and by the end one sister has to make the ultimate choice her life or her sisters, that culmanates in a harrowing ending not seen in many films of this genre.

The main draw to this film is the lead actors, Emily Perkins (mentioned in my last post as being the standout in IT) and Katharine Isabelle are amazing and I am amazed that neither has had that much mainstream success.

The other is that akin with Dog Soilders (another of my fav Werewolf films) there is no CGI only costumes and make-up to create the Lycanthorp form of Ginger its much more satisfying and terrifying then CGI.

I love how this film uses Lycanthropy as a metaphor for growing up and not the main focus of the film; the issues dealt with in this film are done ten times better than most straight ‘coming of age film’ out there.

Follow Me To Ginger Snaps On IMDB

It.

Released: 1990
Starring: Harry Anderson, Dennis Christopher, Richard Masur, Annette O'Toole, Tim Reid, John Ritter, Richard Thomas, Tim Curry
Run Time: 192 Minutes

"You wanna a balloon Georgie"

Without a doubt on of my all time favourite films (Don’t start I know it was a TV movie but it still counts as a movie), based on my favourite book by Stephen King, I first saw this film when I was five and it gave me nightmares, I read the book for the first time when I was 18 and it gave me nightmares after that went back and watched the film again and found how much I loved it.

This films main theme is fear and overcoming it, the villain of the piece is a menacing entity know only at first as ‘IT’ who can take the form of your worst fear, but for most of the time he stalks the town of Derry under the guise of ‘Pennywise the Dancing Clown’ (here in lies my fear of clowns) he is the eater of worlds and of children who appears every 25-30 years to feed and with It’s ascent so comes a veil of violence and hate over the town.

It is set in the summer of 1960 and the ‘present’ day 1990 in the small township of Derry, Maine. The protagonists of the film are the "Losers Club" (Bill, Beverly, Richie, Eddie, Ben, Stan, and Mike) a group of outcasts who slowly gravitate towards each other and find comfort, acceptance and safety with each other, as they all have encountered ‘IT’.

Although the film is based in the horror genre it also deals with issues such as poverty, racism and domestic violence.

The child actors are the standout in this film (particularly Emily Perkins and Jonathan Brandis) as I truly believed in their friendship and the bond that ultimately saves them.

The other standout is Tim Curry’s performance as Pennywise, he is quite terrifying in this role all the little details his movements his voice all add up to a chilling performance.

The movie follows the novel almost to the letter, small things are missing and one major point is changed/left out, possibly it wasn’t allowed for in the budget or maybe to hard to interpret faithfully to the screen, either way as a lover of the book I didn’t find it at all

I could talk about this film forever but i wont all i will say is RENT, BUY OR ILLEGALLY DOWNLOAD IT WHATEVER IT TAKES BUT SOMEHOW SEE THIS FILM

Follow Me To It On IMDB

The Other

Released: 1972
Starring: Uta Hagen, Diana Muldaur, Chris & Martin Udvarnoky and John Ritter
Run Time: 108 Minutes

"It was only a game. We were playing a game, Doushka, like all the other games that we play. Only the time has come for all the games to stop. It is wrong, you see? Dangerous."

It’s the summer of 1935 and 9 year old twins Niles and Holland Perry live with their family on a Connecticut farm, during the depression era. Their loving grandmother Ada has taught them something called ‘the game’ which allows their imagination become reality. A number of accidents begin to occur, and Niles begins to wonder if Holland is responsible. Soon after Ada begins to see the truth and she is the only one who can stop this macabre game of murder.

This film employs the classic good twin bad twin plot and to be honest in my opinion the only one that pulls it off. The movie begins well has an amazing twist in the middle and finishes strongly, unlike most in its genre the bulk of the film is shoot in daylight matched with its innocent but eerie score adds another facet to the film and makes it all the more sinister. It will definitely mess with your head and have you going back to the point of that intelligent (some might see it coming but I didn’t and I usually do) twist just to make sure you heard right. The Other will stay in your head whether you want it to or not.

Follow Me To The Other On IMDB

The Heathers

Released: 1989
Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker
Run Time: 102 Minutes

"Dear Diary: Heather told me she teaches people 'real life.' She said, real life sucks losers dry. You want to fuck with the eagles, you have to learn to fly. I said, so, you teach people how to spread their wings and fly? She said, yes. I said, you're beautiful."

So you thought the Plastics were Mean Girls? You think the 'Flawless Four' would break your jaw if you dared question them? Well the the Heathers would eat them alive they are so very. The dark dramadey stars our favourite klepto Winona Rider and Christian Slater.

The it clique are the "Heathers" three girls all named Heather and Riders character Veronica, they are the most popular girls at school who rule with a well manicured fist and intimidation, not being named Heather means Veronica must work extra hard to keep her spot in the group as Heather Chandlers (Heather Number 1) protege. Veronica soon tires of the pointless surveys and unprovoked attacks on the socially challenged and is drawn to the new rebel in school J.D (Slater).

A bit of harmless fun turns sinister as the most popular kids in school start committing 'Suicide' with a little help from Veronica and J.D. Veronica comes to realise she is in way over her head, is it too late for her to stop and make things right?

This gives us a perfect insight to high school life, it is a very true (albeit somewhat exaggerated) interpretation of the struggles faced by teens. Every detail even down to the colour of the clothes each character wears is a statement about their nature (follow this link to the Wikipedia page that explains this) it was way ahead of its time and is still relevant now and probably will be in another twenty years. I really love this film for its dark humour, well rounded characters and amazing script filled with classic lines that just define ones teen years.

Follow me to The Heathers on IMDB

The Craft

Who is this? Thats right good readers of POV music lover That Boy James is now an author, the lovely Jess has kindly allowed me to post my little movie rants on her blog which would just be out of place on mine, much like my own music blog it will just be short reviews of some of my favourite movies. Enjoy

Released: 1996
Starring: Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell. Rachel True
Run Time: 101 Minutes

"Watch out for the weirdos, girls. We are the weirdos, mister."

In my view the only movie about witchcraft that doesn’t resort to stereotypes and tired story lines to portray the ways of the witch. New girl at school Sarah falls in with the (surprise, surprise) outcasts of the school Nancy, Bonny and Rochelle who dabble in the dark arts discovering that Sarah is a natural witch they quickly form a tight coven. The ever present struggle for power is rife in this film as the covens actions don’t sit well with Sarah. She tries to distance her self from them only to drawn back in for a final showdown. A very slick and edgy film which portrays so well the angst of being a teen with a magical twist.

Side Note: You know I have to talk about it the music and whats used here just adds that extra facet to the film, that feeling of not abiding (How Soon is Now is a good example of this) to the social norms and the angst of growing up whist being different. Also you cant go past that distinctive 90's sound, my four favourites from this soundtrack are Sick Child by Siouxsie & The Banshees, Scorn by Portisehead, How Soon is Now by Love Spit Love (No match for the original by the Smiths) and I Have the Touch by Heather Nova.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Comic Book Heroes

The recent release of Iron Man 2 has provoked me to look at the phenomenon surrounding comic books being made into films. Films based on best-selling comic books have two options to either fail or succeed, those successful tend to have hyper special effects and those that fail are ones that fail to construct the lovable storyline and continue the themes and characteristics that made the comic so great. Since before 2000 Hollywood has entrenched the superheroes and their ideals of keeping society true of accepting all those whether they wear a purple skin tight spandex suit, a bat mask or are able to drain the life of another through touch. These superheroes are not all born with supernatural abilities, they become the hero by a traumatic experience such Tony Stark in Iron Man, Peter Parker in Spiderman or a less conventional hero in Robin Hood who steals from the rich to give to the poor. I will discuss a multitude of comic book film adaptations including pro-heroes and anti-heroes or ones that challenge society’s ideal of what it is to be a superhero?

Comic book heroes can be separated into two categories, those that have super power and those that are heroes but use devises and gadgets to outwit villains. X-men and Superman will be used to demonstrate those who do have supernatural abilities. The phantom, Watchmen and Batman will demonstrate those who are heroic just not through powers.

Each comic book has the basis of Good versus Evil and the films highlight that point by the actions or darkness that surrounds those who want to doom the world. A great representation of this is the hugely successful franchise, X-men and spin off such as X-men origins: Wolverine. The first film made in 2000 was an adaption of the much loved story created by Marvel Comics which made the progression to cartoon and the cinema. The story follows mutants who through a gene have abilities beyond the reach of normal humans. These abilities have led to their isolation as society does not accept their unique nature. Through this comes the evilness or supposed evilness of Magneto a mutant who wants to kill humans as they are unappreciative of the mutant population. On the good and forever good is Charles Xavier a leader for mutants and host of a school that houses those with special abilities which exclude them from normal education. The first film is dedicated to the battle between Magneto and Xavier and the fact that they both have teams of mutant who do battle but this changes in the second film were they band together to rid off a foe. William Stryker is a character that forces the mutants to work together as he recreates Cerebrum and emulates a female version of Wolverine. These films come to an end in the Final Stand were the power of Jean Gray destroys Xavier and husband Scott leading to the ultimate battle of the Golden Gate Bridge were those who were young in the first film become the heroes in the last. The amazing elements of these films is how they use special effects and creative ways to add to the greatness of the characters. The claws of Wolverine, the laser of Scott’s eyes, the tongue of Toad, The lighting of storm and the amazing first scene of the first film were we see Magneto reach is arms and the fence break down. A tribute to the story and marvellous characters that add to the nostalgia of the comic and cartoon.

Another beloved comic book character that has made its way to the big screen and a television show is Superman. Clark Kent assumes his superman identity when innocents are in danger but he like x-men characters was born with unique abilities to fly and have ultra strength but like all heroes he has his weaknesses. Those include kryptonite and in the films Lois Lane and in the series Lana Lang. One of the elements that makes superman recognizable is his outfit which famously has the underwear on the outside but also for the fact that when he does change persona’s he wear no glasses and his hair is parted differently. Commonly known as ‘the man of steel’ superman is the most popular superhero for Halloween but also promotes the values and morals a hero needs to have from his wholesome upbringing on the farm to being a reporter of the daily planet. Like all superheroes Superman has a love which is what keeps him grounded, Lois Lane is a continuous interest in the comic, film and television series. Similarly this tactic of one true love is used in many comic such as the Phantom but even more so the Batman franchise.

Batman also known as Bruce Wayne is in costume from head to toe in Black, cape and mask as he save the citizens of Gotham from sadistic villains wishing to freeze, poison and destroy. During the 90’s there were multiple movie surrounding Batman and his counterpart Robin but in the 2000’s Batman Begins and The Dark Knight were released showing the darkness that surrounds the man who fell down a hole which had bats. The most recent release the Dark Knight included the Joker and at the end Two face but it also established how far the technology used in Batman has come along. The Bat Mobile looks like a military tank ans his weaponary is no longer obsolete its hard and fast gadgets. The idea of Batman is his like a vigilante but is supported by cops as his Bat symbol shines on the roof of their headquarters, he promotes safety and heroism meanwhile having his rich persona out hanging with the ladies. Like x-men there are characters that keep Batman grounded such as Rachael his childhood sweetheart but also Alfred the humble but tough Butler who keeps the Bat cave up to speed and reminds Batman that this world is nothing without honesty and dignity and he must inhabit that in order to protect it.

A film that differs technology wise is the 1996 hit The Phantom. The simple plot explains the legend of the Phantom and the introduction of the three skulls which are the object of affection for those evil and good. The good versus evil relationship has three parties. The first being between the Phantom and Xander Drax a business man who has heard and wants the power of the three skulls and the second between the Phantom and the Singh brotherhood who are a pirate family who operate beneath a cave. Entwined in this story is a love that was lost and found through the heroic actions of Kit Walker who is the Phantom. Although Kit is mortal he has at his disposal on an island called Bengalla a wold named Devil and a horse named Hero who provide him with getaway and fierce attacks when needed. Also at his disposal is the use of the island where treasure hunters appear, so his not a conventional superhero but the acts and moral decency he inhabits make him a candidate in the superhero debate. The film holds true to the comic as the spandex and masks are exact replicas as well the skull ring which is the fourth skull needed to complete the force of power, the horse and wolf who are faithful to their master and the events which are not special effects but have the same effect because they hold true to the character and the traits that make the Phantom the ‘Ghost who Walks’.

Superhero films follow a precursor where their predictable but the film Watchmen released 2009 shows a different side to the hero dynamics. Watchmen originally a comic shows how sometimes to be good you need to be bad. The film follows a group who were a collective until they split and found their own identities which was to fall into society as another mundane working class individual, be a vigilante or in the public sector. Although the film follows many characters the most interesting are the comedian and Rorschach. The comedian who dies at the beginning is considered to be a suicide or a gang or politically linked but it is Rorschach who supposes something else is wrong when Dr Manhattan the Blue alien hero is accused of causing cancer. Although Rorschach seems to be good he can also inflict horrible pain as in the prison scene which contradicts the ideals of heroism is the idea is to protect those who use the extent of the law such as Superman but his Vigilante style sends a different message. It is said that Watchmen is an extradionary comic and for this reason it has the heroism audiences have come to know and rely on to escape into the world were heroes do exist is torn down by those who hide behind masks and were one the heroes and now the villains.

90's Bad Fashion, Great Films

The 90’s saw the introduction of films containing further nudity and sexual references as well as the appeal towards those who like the CGI component to films and those who are into what happens after death. There were many directors who took the road to establishing a high basis for the performance of CGI animation within the industry. This new adventure allowed for films to become 3D and add different dimensions to characters and plots instead of the forwarded and conventional stories.

Included in this era are the films that emanated sexuality such as the 1990 release of Pretty Woman, telling the story of an overworked upper class man and a less than impressive prostitute who becomes the object of affection through providing a few nights of company. Following in 1992 was the controversial release of Basic Instinct which exerts sexuality non-stop, with Sharon Stone providing scenes that are x rated and very risky for the time of publication. These two films broke barriers in the case of ratings applied to films and the content shocked patrons through the overt presentation of strong, beautiful women who are absorbed in themselves more so then the powerful men that reign in these films.

These two films are great starters to an era were many breakthroughs were made including the blockbuster directed by Steven Spielberg, Jurassic Park released in 1993 was the first to bring the element of pre-historic extinct creatures to life. The plot which surrounds two palaeontologists being brought in to oversee a project which has successfully created dinosaurs from a mosquito which was preserved. These dinosaurs live in enclosures but soon become too much and begin a hostile takeover by tormenting the team and the park for which is their home. Before this film learning about dinosaurs was limited to museums and books and the history channel but the movie brought to life what had not been done up to the point, introducing children to a virtual world off the names of dinosaurs if their carnivores or herbivores and the distinct nature of survival amongst their own species. It was to say the least a huge success and one that is remembered.

The 90’s were amazing in film production, directing and acting and was the era that provided a film that won all 5 major areas at the academy awards, Silence of the lambs which to this day is freakishly scary gave audiences a thrill in 1991. The film follows the story of Hannibal Lector played by Anthony Hopkins and his need and established fetish for cannibalism and on his trail is Jodi Foster who puts him behind bars but has no idea to the extent and depth that his madness goes. Great films succeed through how convincing they are and Hopkins adopted the persona and traits of the characters to add the believability to this onscreen maniac and scared many of the audience who have seen the entire film or even just snippets. Another masterpiece created at the end of the 90’s was The Matrix which has a difficult plot, great dialogue and the freeze frame moves you can see. The Matrix released in 1999 identified a world were nothing is as it seems and you can delve into reality or live in a futile fake world. Neo who the film follows chooses to go down the rabbit hole and have the real world unveiled to him. As the film continues their are moves were their fighting skills are shown and frozen to a point where you see them just in mid air, this seen has been used in films and a continuing theme through the Matrix trilogy.

These films mentioned above include special effects which no doubt adds to the consumer aspect of the film industry but in the 90’s there were some teen dramas that did choose to forfeit special effects. One of my fave teen films was the 1995 release of clueless, which exposes a culture within a Beverly Hills’ high school and those fortunate enough to have a motorized wardrobe. As Cher goes through the year she faces challenges such as getting her license, heartbreak, a makeover that turns ugly and finding two lonely teaches love. A perfect Friday night chick flick that never gets old. Joining my faves is the 1994 pee wee football movie, Little Giants which establishes that girls can do anything guys do and do it better. As a the small town of Urbania prepare for the battle of the O’Shea brothers who decide that theirs only room for one team those that can play and those that can’t. Becky the daughter of Danny and the niece of Kevin decides she has something to prove when her uncle does not let her onto the Cowboy’s side. A story that can hit home for many pre-teen and teen girls about self-belief.

90’s films although lacking the special effect elements of some of the contemporary films blurred lines and created controversies. Their elaborate storylines and emphasis on girl domination were inspiring. The fashion not so great but what era is? it provided a great paradigm to those film made decades before but still held onto strong female characters.

Fanatical 80's

One of the greatest components of studying film is that you get to look to the past for the inspirations of the present and how the history of film has shaped and created pop culture. No other era does this better than the 80’s were films became more than just a trip to the cinemas but an experience of Action, Horror, Comedy and Sci-Fi. Introducing the world to teen angst dramas such as Sixteen Candles, the existence of aliens with ET and the hot but knowledgeable teacher DR. Jones in what has come to be one of the most likable and profitable franchises, Indiana Jones. There stand a long list of these films which can easily be named and you have either seen or heard of the film. So let’s explore the era of shoulder pads, bad hair styles and what is sure to be the best movies soundtracks ever.

Successful films off the 80’s includes the 1984 release of Ghostbusters with its very catchy theme song and the disbelief in their action to rid the city of ghosts and creatures of the nether realm. ET was a show stopper when it was released in 1982 breaking through the barriers of science fiction and getting nine Oscar nominations and won four and despite its aging still remains a timeless and classic family orientated film which is filled with great messages about friendship and the want to go home. Finding its way into 1985 is the hugely popular drama The Breakfast Club which serves the importance of breaking down the pessimistic views overshadowing cliques and the need for popularity. The plot although simple follows a group of teens belonging to different divisions in the school and their experience in detention where we see them try to understand the others in a way they have not allowed themselves previous. Following on from The Breakfast club with its 1986 release is Ferris Buller’s Day Off which is just a genius movie with great humour, sensitivity and the best enactment of twist and shout seen since the Beatles. These films are a limited bunch of films that helped define independent years within the 80’s.

Some of the most recommended films of the 80’s include The Princess Bride which was released in 1987 and is told through a grandfather reading to his sick grandson. The film takes the audience on a journey of true love between Buttercup and Wesley who tells his love for Buttercup through these words “as you wish”. There love knows no bounds and even though their ripped apart by circumstances not under their control they proceed through the inevitable fate of not finding their better half to conquer a kingdom and regale their lost love. That same year saw the release of Dirty Dancing which cemented the statement “no one puts baby in the corner”, it see’s the evolutions of a timid teenager into a sexy dancer, however there are serious scenes and storylines such as improper abortion surgery and the restrictions parents place on their children that isolate them from experiencing life. The following year saw the release of the revolutionary film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the film crossed traditional animation with real animation and scenes of film noir. The intrigue can be seen in the seductiveness of Jessica Rabbit wnho although is a human cartoon is married to Roger but is still ogled by the real life male population including Marvin with whom she plays “patty cake”.

To start the decade the Blues Brothers were introduced along with Jack Nicholson in The Shining. The Blues Brothers Jake and Elwood were characters created to repent for their sins by keeping the orphanage in which they grew up open however they were usually in jail or ended up in jail through their good willed intentions. As they wrecked police cars and instigated high speed chases they continued with the same excuse “were on a mission from god”, despite their indiscretions they always find an interval to entertain with a song whether it be Aretha Franklin or the legendary Ray Charles, sadly losing Jim Belushi put a halt to the brotherly aspect but a third instalment was made in 2001. Also released was The Shining which is scary as hell but is payed homage to in the Simpsons, telling the story of a man who becomes disgruntled whilst being a caretaker and turning a bit nutty on his family. Jack Nicholson who plays the main character is haunting particularly in the scene where he chops through the door declaring “here’s Johnny”, the saying which is in recognition of Johnny Carson has become synonymous with the film and one of the beloved one liners that great films provide audiences with.

The end of the decade saw the release of a truly great movie in Dead Poets Society starring Robin Williams as a teacher who dares to teach against the norm. In 1989 the story of a relationship between a group of boys and their teacher was told and their bond celebrated in one line “my captain’s captain” which in the end scene when their teacher is being kicked out they stand on their desks and say the oath showing their thanks. It also has a suicide scene where a young man kills himself after performing in a play for which he is given a standing ovation but does not gain his father’s respect and answers the only way he knows how.

There are many great films in the 80’s but a stand out for me is a movie starring River Phoenix called Stand by Me. Stand By Me is a tale of friendship and overcoming the stereotypical boundaries placed on a person. River Phoenix plays Chris Chambers a boy who has alcoholic parents and is judged accordingly and through this part River excelled and prospered in the film industry before he died of a concoction of drugs outside the Viper room. An excellent piece of work from a man taken too soon and feverish tale about growing up and learning and how true friendship knows no bounds.

The 80's was a true movement in film allowing exlposions of animation and sexual intimidation . Providing a foundation for which teens could celebrate their individuality and adhere to the styles of leading ladies. Breaking down the norm became a hot topic as nerds got the guy, an alien and human can be friends and friendship is more important than previously understood.

Directors Cut

In the film industry there are many titles associated to those who take participation within the film or behind the scenes. One of the most important roles is the filmmaker or most commonly known director. Some of the most legendary directors include Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, John Hughes and Tim Burton. I have chosen these specific directors as each have a memorable movie to their names and multiple box office hits. Their visions for films and the final product are what make the study of films great.

Steven Spielberg is an unforgettable name in Hollywood and the film industry creating such film as Jurassic Park, Jaws and the Indiana Jones character. His adventures have introduced the world to the phenomenon of aliens and the further decent into the relationship between those on earth and those who are yet to be proven to exist. His explanation of this is that his father was very interested in science fiction and as a child he fixated on his alienation and through films has transformed the odd presumptions of the fear portrayed towards aliens as a meaningful introduction to a new life form which ET shows. Not only has he succeeded in genres such as science fiction but drama with the cleverly done film called Schindlers List which is a heartbreaking tale about war and the simplistic value and heart wrenching symbolism of a little red jacket. In a career spanding more than four decades he has received credits such as best director for the 1993 release of Schindlers list and the 1998 release of saving private Ryan. Although the awards speak for themselves so does money. The following were box office hits causing his career to take momentum: Jaws (1975), Indian Jones: Raiders of the lost ark ?(1981), ET (1982), Jurassic Park (1993) and many more.

Just like Spielberg, James Cameron is a well known directore famously for his re-telling of Titanic which despite it’s criticisms it is to date the highest grossing film with a total of 1.8 billion to its name and the winner of eleven academy awards including best picture. Titanic is the best example to use when describing the work of James Cameron who really goes after blocklbusters. His latest endevour is the acclaimed Avatar starring Australian Sam Worthington which delves into CGI and a battle between normality and the imagination. Avatar which is estimated to have cost over 300 million has been at the top in America for two weeks. Other works of Cameron that readers might have seen is Terminator which famously has Arnold saying no more than around 11 words and the unprecendented techniques of the elaborate animatronics to create robots with the level of skill and animation that created the war which stands between Sarah and her son. Like Spielberg there are certain themes that can be seen in the film of James Cameron including the relationship that develops between humans and technology which is shown in terminator particular judgment day and Aliens but this may be predicated on the fact he prides himself off showing the latest techniques and elabprating on technology to showcase the imagination that films hold and giving audiences the experices they deserve when seeing one of his films.

Speilberg and Cameron both have careers that have spanded over many decades and evolutionary techniques within the film industry but John Hughes is to be thanked for his inspirational and outlandish films in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Hughes who died last year in August gave the world some of the best teenage dramas with Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candels, Ferris Bullers Day Off, Weird Science, The Breakfast Club, Home Alone and Home Alone 2: New York. Through his films John Hughes summed up an entire decade with the fashion and songs which where used in the films. There isn’t one girl who wouldn’t be able to relate to the tragic and desperate character of Andie and her best friend Duckie in Pretty in Pink (1986). One of his best films is Ferris Bullers day off which follows Ferris, his girlfriend and best friend around the city as they wag school, the character of ferris does make reference to the fact his speeking to the audience which was nearly unheard off before John Hughes, it allows for the audience to feel as though they see the problem Ferris has through his dialogue. One scene that shows this well is in the beginning when talking about his friend Cameron saying to the audience that “Cameron is so uptight that if you shoved a piece of cole up his ass in two weeks you have a diamond”. This one quoute also written by Hughes gives the audience a valid chance to understand the restraint and strictness that Cameron portrays. Classic films which will last for decades to come.

The last director is Tim Burton who has created cult favourites like Bettlejuise, Sleepy Hollow, The Corpse Bride, Sweeny Todd and Ed Wood. Some of the most creative and haunting tales have been brought to life through the imagiantion of Tim Burton. Sleepy Hollow is a prime example with it being an American Folktale focused on the tellings of investigater Ichabod Crane who through extenuating circumstances is told to investigate the hideous murders occuring in a town called Sleepy Hollow, the film slowly reveals the tale of the headless horsemen and his summoning by the stepmother who by chance witnessed his glory days. Starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci it is a masterpiece of not only film genius but the haunting music is to be applauded. Another film which has inspired costumes fo Halloween and Much up day parties is the tale of Edward Scissorhands. Its perfect in plot and acting and shows the softness to a supposed hideous person who although is a master of sculpting and hairdressing goes through life with the people living in an unforgiving town persisting he is an unnatural being, but only one does not believe this and throught that window Burton creates a love story of compassion and caring. An honourable mention is Pee Wee’s Big Adventure which is possibly one of the funniest films ever made with creation of the Pee Wee herman dance. As abstract as some of his films may be he is nothing but a genius in his film endevours as he seeks to be different and invite audiences to seek that foundation.

There are many directors who can be considered to be the best such Alfred Hitchcock who revolutionised the film idustry with The Birds and the very popular Psycho. Alongside him are Woody Allen, Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin and Clint Eastwood. These directors changed an industry that was conforming to a socially based idea of filming, presenting the world with the same, repetative technology and plot. These filmmakers changed that and elaborated on the imagination that films could give with the development and usage of ne technology, CGI and the further decent into abstract plots.

Original Vs. Remakes

It’s always said that nothing can beat the original, but does this logic apply to cinema?

Remakes in contemporary times have harboured a bigger audience and greater profit due to the extensiveness in technology, colour, And Mise en Scene etc. However not all remakes do justice to the original script or plot. In the year 2010 there are a number of films to be released that are repeats of other movies such as Tim Burton’s artistic creation of Alice in Wonderland or the reincarnation of Freddy Kruger in The Nightmare on Elm Street directed by Michael Bay. The question remains though can these new versions compete with the old?

The first remake the plagues on my mind is Prom Night which originally starred Jamie Lee Curtis and was released in 1980 and re-released in 2008, However although the characters had the same name and the movie the same title it had a completely different plot. This was alluded to in descriptions of the movie but those who assumed it was to be like the one previous were disappointed by the harrowing tale that was turned into a negated teen drama with bitchiness and trivialised issues like who will be prom queen? Unlike the original were the teens felt the wrath of fathers despair due to the loss of a child. The newly released version is classified under horror and thriller depending on a personal spectrum of fear as the film leaves nothing to the imagination and feels like a wasted hour and a half.

Along with Prom Night is House of Wax starring Paris Hilton, although I liked the newly released version it was not due to her acting or any participation she may have had. Originally House of Wax was released in 1953 consisting of the same plot relative to the 2005 film. Despite the acting differences there is a huge cap in the intrigue and mystery in the second release. The character of Vincent is so cleverly done with the beginning showing his calmness compared to his brother Bo and yet he is considered to be the monster due to his deformities but in actual fact he only follows the orders his conjoined but separate twin gives him. As the character Alisha Cuthbert plays finds the high chairs in which in the opening scenes shows the troubled child that Bo was and how his manipulation had led to the inhumane killings of the town which is now shut of from society.

Some of the best remakes that I have seen include Oceans Eleven which originally included the rat pack in the 1960 release but became a world wide hit in 2001 when the cast included George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Julia Roberts. Not only is the plot genius but the calmness and partnership between Danny and Rusty provides hysterical moments during the film and so does the fact that despite what situation his in rusty almost always has a drink or food in his hands. The mastery of the final scenes is phenomenal with robbing the casino so perfectly and then having it explained in regards to the preparation they were doing and the fake vault that they built. Truly a great representation of another film that for its time was revolutionary.

Two other great remakes that I’ve seen are Sweeny Todd: The demon Barber of Fleet Street and 300. Sweeny Todd which was released in 1936 has an updated version which was directed Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp in 2007. The original displays fright and the outlandish tale of a man who could succumb to this massacre of killing those who enter his barber shop. The reincarnation of this film is hard to resist with the creative spark of Burton and Depp who together have created masterpieces which have been remakes such as the upcoming Alice in Wonderland and Willy Wonka both exceeding the expectations that were outlined for this release. The story follows a man who has lost his family to a wealthy man who was overcome with greed when the women he wanted chose a barber. This leads to the banishing of Todd from his town and his return which ends up causing the mass murder of those who are from out of town. Burton’s wife makes an appearance as her and Todd find a use for each other. She uses the limbs from the dead for her pies which unknown to her customers taste quite exceptional with the extra special ingredient.

300 which is a remake of 300 Spartans was released in 2006 with too many special effects to name. The original in 1962 is nothing compared to the techniques used in the contemporary version. Although the Spartans are still the focal point it is the use of technology that is showcased with the battle scenes and the creatures used against the Spartans which they defeat. The plot follows an army of 300 who go up against the Persian army who are over stepping their bounds into Sparta. As the king of Sparta gathers his army he shows that although their small in numbers compared to the Persians they can still outdo them with their highly intelligible techniques and smarts which does work up until the last stand where the King dies but his heroics are not unnoticed as the army returns with the tale and their army triples. It does seem a little like David vs. Goliath but it shows a good story and the gradual progression of CGI.

Remakes are not always great but sometimes they can be bigger and better then the original. Great stories need to be re –told to continue into generations and directors help that with creative new techniques such as Michael Bay and Tim Burton. A great example is in 2009 a re-release of fame was done which was a splendid example of young talent and sent a message to teens which the original fame intended. Remakes we could do without are PSYCHO which was stupid because you cannot recreate Alfred Hitchcock.