Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

"There's no emotion. None. Just the pretense of it. The words, the gesture, the tone of voice, everything else is the same, but not the feeling."

Dr. Miles Bennell (McCarthy) is called home from a conference to deal with strange occurrences.  People in town claim that their loved ones are somehow different, they look and act the same, but are devoid of emotions.  However, as he begins investigating, everyone claims they were wrong.

Soon his friends Jack (Donovan) and Teddy (Jones) find a body in their home that closely resembles Jack.  Feeling spooked, they camp out at Miles' home... and rescue Miles girlfriend Becky (Wynter).  Can they figure out what's happening in town and stop it in time?


I'd heard of this film, and figured October was the perfect time to watch it.  The film is ranked on several of the American Film Institute's (AFI) top film lists: "Ten top Ten" and "100 Years 100 Thrills."  The film is ranked among the greatest science fiction films.

The film is based on the 1954 novel "The Body Snatchers" by Jack Finney.  While the story is based on the novel, the ending is different.  In 1978, the film was remade.

It is an interesting film, that puts you on the edge of your seat.  Despite its age, I don't think any newer film could duplicate the intensity of the original.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) 80 minutes
Director: Don Siegel
Starring: Kevin McCarthy as Dr. Miles Bennell
Dana Wynter as Becky Driscoll
Larry Gates as Dr. Danny Kauffman
King Donovan as Jack Belicec
Carolyn Jones as Theodora "Teddy" Belicec
Jean Willes as Nurse Sally Withers

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

"What're you doing? Zebras can't drive, only penguins and people can drive!"

The penguins and chimps left for a vacation in Monte Carlo.  When they do not return, Alex (Stiller) the lion, Marty (Rock) the zebra, Melman (Schwimmer) the giraffe, and Gloria (Pinkett Smith) set out to find them and finally return to their beloved Central Park Zoo.  But things in Monte Carlo do not go as planned, and they go on the run from France's Animal Control, led by Captain Chantel DuBois (McDormand).

To escape Animal Control they hop aboard a train of circus animals, led by Russian tiger Vitaly (Cranston), Gia (Chastain) the jaguar, and optimistic seal Stefano (Short).  To get back to New York, they claim to be circus animals as well, and join the act.

I enjoy the Madagascar films and watch them whenever they are on TV.  I don't tend to seek them out, but if they are there, I'll watch.  So I didn't see a huge need for a 3rd Madagascar film... and then I saw the trailer.  I fell in love with the infectious "Circus Afro" song, which you cannot get out of your head.  It's silly and verges on annoying, but you can't help but feel something towards it.

Once again Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith deliver solid performances and exude chemistry.  You can tell they are having a blast!  Sacha Baron Cohen is wonderfully over the top, but not overused.  The new animal characters are interesting and fit well into the story.  The human characters are obnoxious, but they tend to be in the Madagascar film series.  Frances McDormand is a talented actress, but her character is too much.  The only other character issue is the lack of the penguins.  They get some great lines and moments as usual, but they are not a focus of the film, although they do have a TV show "Penguins of Madagascar" on Nickelodeon.

A fun, funny film that the whole family will love... especially if you already love the other 2 Madagascar films.

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012) 93 minutes
Director: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Conrad Vernon
Starring: Ben Stiller as Alex
Chris Rock as Marty
David Schwimmer as Melman
Jada Pinkett Smith as Gloria
Sacha Baron Cohen as King Julien
Cedric the Entertainer as Maurice
Andy Richter as Mort
Tom McGrath as Skipper
Frances McDormand as Captain Chantel DuBois
Jessica Chastain as Gia
Bryan Cranston as Vitaly
Martin Short as Stefano

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

"Can we get there?"
"Yes, but unfortunately there's this dirty great sea monster in the way."
"I think they just add those on the maps for decoration."
"Is that a fact?"

Pirate Captain (Grant) and his motley crew are the laughing stocks of the pirate profession, but that does not stop Pirate Captain from entering the Pirate of the Year Competition.  When his competitors Black Bellamy (Piven), Cutlass Liz (Hayek) and Peg Leg Hastings (Henry) unveil impressive loot, the crew sets sail to prove their worth.

Along the way they encounter Charles Darwin (Tennant), who solves their money problems: enter a science competition.  Can they outmaneuver Darwin and his man-panzee Mr. Bobo, and hide from pirate-hating Queen Victoria (Staunton), and still make it back in time to claim the prize?


The latest film from Aardman Animations.  They wanted to make a pirate movie while working on Flushed Away, so it makes sense that their next film would feature pirates.  The story and characters are taken from two books in "The Pirates!" series by Gideon Defoe.  I've never read the series, but this film has intrigued me to look into the books.

The film serves as a return to form for Aardman Animations... featuring clay figurines and stop-motion animation.  Some of the scenery was generated by computer animation (like Flushed Away).  The animation is well done (and I expect nothing less from Aardman).  The voice talents are strong, but apparently several characters are different between the British and American versions, which is disappointing.  Why change the voices?

The story was funny and has the ability to entertain many ages: kids will love the slapstick, while adults will appreciate the humor.

The Pirates! Band of Misfits (2012) 88 minutes
Director: Peter Lord & Jeff Newitt
Starring: Hugh Grant as The Pirate Captain
Martin Freeman as The Pirate with the Scarf
Imelda Staunton as Queen Victoria
David Tennant as Charles Darwin
Jeremy Piven as Black Bellamy
Salma Hayek as Cutlass Liz
Lenny Henry as Peg Leg Hastings
Brian Blessed as The Pirate King
Anton Yelchin as The Albino Pirate
Brendan Gleeson as The Pirate with Gout
Ashley Jensen as The Surprisingly Curvaceous Pirate
Al Roker as The Pirate Who Likes Sunsets and Kittens

Underworld: Awakening

"Your kind will never be as powerful as us. No matter how hard you fight, you won't win."
"You don't know me very well."

Humans have discovered the existence of vampires and lycans, and begin to destroy them.  When the city is no longer safe, vampire Selene (Beckinsale) and lycan Michael attempt to flee the city.  Michael is shot and Selene is captured.

Selene wakes in a strange facility, half frozen.  She escapes to find that twelve years have passed and humans are working on an antidote for the virus responsible for vampires and lycans.  The majority of vampires and lycans have been annihilated, causing the rest to hide.  Selene and her rescuer, known as Subject 2 (Eisley), were test subjects at the Antigen Laboratory, the lab working on the antidote.  The rendezvous with a coven of vampires and discover that lycans still exist.  Can they defeat the lycans and humans?


The fourth film in the Underworld film series (Underworld, Underworld: Evolution, and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans).  The plot returns the focus to Selene, which is a wise choice since Kate Beckinsale is a great actress and action star.  Unfortunately, they are missing a dynamic male lead / villain and Scott Speedman, who portrays lycan Michael Corvin, is not in the film... his character appears, but is played by another actor with Speedman's likeness imposed on the body.  It doesn't fool anyone: either put Speedman in the film, recast the part and fully commit to that, or don't use the character.

The premise is intriguing.  In all the other Underworld films, the conflict arises between the vampires and lycans, keeping humans completely out of the picture.  But now that Corvinus is not around to cleanup and shift focus, it's only natural that it would be noticeable.  So the story makes sense within the world they have created... but again, Beckinsale needs better / stronger co-stars who elevate the material, regardless how odd / campy it may be, and up the ante.  That is not the case here.  Theo James' David character was ok, but is missing from some key scenes, and then suddenly appears again.  Michael Ealy is good, but not great.  No one else stands out.

Feels like a wasted opportunity.  There could be a fifth film in the canon, but only if the producers get stronger actors / dynamic characters and bring Speedman back!

Underworld: Awakening (2012) 88 minutes
Rating: R for strong violence and gore, and for some language.
Director: Mans Marlind & Bjorn Stein
Starring: Kate Beckinsale as Selene
Theo James as David
India Eisley as Subject 2 / Eve
Michael Ealy as Detective Sebastian
Stephen Rea as Dr. Jacob Lane
Kris Holden-Ried as Quint Lane

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

"I gave you your life."
"You gave me chains."
"I thought you would have learned by now after all these years; you cannot have one without the other."

In the Dark Ages, on a Lycan turns they can never return to human form, until Lucian (Sheen) is born.  Lucian is stronger than other Lycans, and is forced to create more like him, to serve as the daylight guardians for the vampires.  As an adult, Lucian is more loyal to vampire leader Viktor (Nighy) than his own kind.

He is also in love with Viktor's daughter, Sonya (Mitra), a member of the vampire council and a warrior.  Their love is forbidden, as it would mix the species.  When Lucian risks his life to save Sonya, he incurs Viktor's wrath.  And when Tanis (Mackintosh) discovers the truth about their relationship, can they have a happy ending?


After glimpsing a taste of the past in Underworld: Evolution, they decided to revisit the origin of the centuries old vampire and lycan blood feud.  Any fans of the series knows how the story ends (Lucian tells his story and his relationship with Viktor in the first film).  In the original film, Sonya was portrayed by a blonde woman... she was recast for this film with black hair, probably show a stronger link between her and Selene (portrayed by Kate Beckinsale in the other Underworld films).

It was a smart idea to go back in time, as it gave the filmmakers the ability to breathe new life into some fan favorite characters: Viktor, Lucian, Raze, Tanis.  Michael Sheen shows how Lucian became the leader he is by Underworld, and explores his relationship with Raze.  Sheen is a talented actor, and carries the film with ease.  Rhona Mitra is a strong action star, but fails to capture the audience like Beckinsale (despite being very similar characters).  Viktor is menacing as usual, and you get a better idea of where Tanis stood before his position in Underworld: Evolution.

It was a decent film.  And a first time directing for makeup artist Patrick Tatopoulos, currently a judge on SyFy's "Face Off."  Enjoyable, but not great.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) 92 minutes
Rated: R for bloody violence and some sensuality
Director: Patrick Tatopoulos
Starring: Michael Sheen as Lucian
Rhona Mitra as Sonya
Bill Nighy as Viktor
Steven Mackintosh as Tanis
Kevin Grevioux as Raze

The Cabin in the Woods

"I have the Harbinger on line two..."
"Oh Christ, can you take a message?"

Five friends, Curt (Hemsworth), Jules (Hutchinson), Holden (Williams), Dana (Connolly), and Marty (Kranz) go on vacation to a remote cabin "off the grid."  The cabin is very old, and they discover relics in the basement.  While in the basement, they read a Latin incantation that causes a problem.

Meanwhile, from the moment they arrive at the cabin, every action is monitored by Sitterson (Jenkins) and Hadley (Whitford).  Sitterson and Hadley, and their team, have a larger agenda.  Will anyone survive the night?


From the moment I heard about this film I wavered back and forth "I want to see it," "I'll never see it."  I wanted to see the film because it was written by Joss Whedon, and I love everything he does.  I didn't want to see it because I don't like scary movies... yes, I occasionally delve into the genre, but I have a vivid imagination...  Anyway, I ultimately decided I wasn't going to see it, so I read the plot synopsis.  A few weeks ago I decided it was a good idea to watch the film... despite several people advising against it.  So I bit the bullet and moved it to the top of my Netflix queue, and found a friend to watch it with me.

Definitely not what I was expecting.  The synopsis reads like a traditional horror film, with a major twist.  But watching the film, they definitely play with audience expectations, and even discuss them at one point.  There are aspects of horror and lots of blood / gore, BUT it is also funny.  And often the plot jumps back and forth between terror and humor, and sometimes it's campy.  The mixture works and keeps you from getting too comfortable with the style.

The cast is great.  The writing is creative.  And the effects are good (if you ignore a few scenes).  It's a good film, worth looking into if you can handle some gore and scary moments.

And for people asking about a sequel... have you seen the ending?

The Cabin in the Woods (2011) 95 minutes
Rated: R for strong bloody horror violence and gore, language, drug use and some sexuality/nudity
Director: Drew Goddard
Starring: Kristen Connolly as Dana
Chris Hemsworth as Curt
Anna Hutchison as Jules
Fran Kranz as Marty
Jesse Williams as Holden
Richard Jenkins as Sitterson
Bradley Whitford as Hadley

The Secret of Kells

"You can't find out everything from books, you know."
"I think I read that once."

In the 8th century, Kells is inhabited by a group of monks.  The monks, led by Abbott Cellach (Gleeson), are building a wall to protect their community from Viking attacks.  The Abbott keeps everyone on a strict building schedule, including his young nephew, Brendan (McGuire).  Brendan is intrigued by the stories of the other Brothers regarding the Book of Iona.

After the destruction of Iona, Brother Aidan (Lally) and the book escape to Kells.  Brother Aidan wants to work on the book, and enlists Brendan's help.  Brendan defies his uncle, and leaves the safety of the wall, and ventures into the forest.  Can he survive the forest, with the help of Aisling (Mooney), and save the book?


I first heard of this film when it was nominated for an Oscar in 2010 (it lost to Up).  The film was an Irish/French/Belgian production, and did not play heavily in the US.  Since then it has been featured on Netflix's instant streaming, and has been in my queue for quite some time.

The film is based on the Book of Kells, an actual illuminated manuscript from the 8th century, and several character names are taken from Irish poetry: the cat Pangur Ban is from an Irish poem (which is read in Irish during the end credits) and Aisling is a genre of poetry.

Visually, the film is gorgeous.  The story is relatively basic, but the style is captivating.  In addition to the artistry, the soundtrack is phenomenal.  The songs featured in the film, including the song Aisling sings, are haunting Irish ballads.  Everything culminates in a gripping film, that isn't just for children (actually adults will probably enjoy it more).

The Secret of Kells (2009) 75 minutes
Director: Tomm Moore & Nora Twomey
Starring: Evan McGuire as Brendan
Christen Mooney as Aisling
Brendan Gleeson as Abbott Cellach
Mick Lally as Brother Aidan

Underworld: Evolution

"You don't scare me, Selene."
"Well, we'll have to work on that."

After killing a vampire elder, vampire Selene (Beckinsale), and lycan hybrid Michael (Speedman), are on the run from the vampires.  They want to return to the vampire mansion to wake the remaining elder, Marcus (Curan), to plead their case and save him from Kraven (Brolly).  Back at the mansion, Marcus is awake, having absorbed the blood of a lycan.  Marcus is now a hybrid and easily dispatches Kraven, and picks up the trail of Selene and Michael.

After a confrontation with Marcus, Michael and Selene seek vampire historian Andreas Tanis (Mackintosh).  Tanis reveals that Marcus wants the 2 keys and the location of his brother William's (Steele) prison.  Michael possesses one key, the other is hidden in Viktor's chest, and the only living being with knowledge of William's prison is Selene.  Marcus was the first vampire, and with his new abilities is stronger than any other vampire... and William is the first and strongest lycan, and is unable to return to human form.  Even with help from Alexander Corvinus (Jacobi), can they stop Marcus and William?


A direct sequel to Underworld, picking up moments after the events of that film.  The story delves into more vampire history, and is the only film in the Underworld series that features all three elders (they are mentioned in the first three films, but don't all appear).

The film functions as a decent sequel, and can also stand alone.  The film further explains the origins of the vampires and lycans.  Lycans are mostly absent from the film, they appear in the opening scene, a brief sequence towards the middle, and the very end of the film.

Unlike the previous film, which achieved an R rating for language and violence, this film adds 2 scenes of nudity to get the R rating.  Once again Kate Beckinsale kicks butt as Selene, but the villain isn't quite as captivating as Michael Sheen (Lucian) and Bill Nighy (Viktor).  Tony Curan is menacing, but not exactly charismatic.

An interesting film and good sequel.

Underworld Evolution (2006) 106 minutes
Rated: R for pervasive strong violence and gore, some sexuality/nudity and language.
Director: Len Wiseman
Starring: Kate Beckinsale as Selene
Scott Speedman as Michael
Tony Curan as Marcus
Derek Jacobi as Alexander Corvinus
Bill Nighy as Viktor
Steven Mackintosh as Tanis
Shane Brolly as Kraven
Brian Steele as William
Zita Gorog as Amelia

Underworld

"Whether you like it or not, you're in the middle of a war that has been raging for the better part of a thousand years. A blood feud between vampires and lycans. Werewolves."

For centuries a war has raged between vampires and werewolves, known as lycans.  The lycans are hunted and destroyed by vampire Death Dealers.  The best Death Dealer is Selene (Beckinsale), who is avenging the brutal murder of her family.  One day she follows several lycans who are tracking a human, Michael, but do not harm him.  She sets out to learn why they want Michael.  Meanwhile, the lycan leader, Lucian (Sheen) is also on the hunt for Michael.  They find him on the same night, and Lucian manages to bit and turn Michael.

Selene risks everything to protect Michael, believing there is more to the story.  The lycans are planning something big, and stocking up on special weaponry... and the vampires are preparing for a big event.  With the full moon approaching, which side will Selene choose?


I discovered this film in college.  One of my roommates, with good taste in movies / TV, owned the DVD and made me watch it.  I wasn't expecting much, but ended up enjoying the film.  This was before the big vampire craze, other than TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and featured actors who were not known as action stars.  All of that works in the films favor.

Many of the effects were performed live, with the actors hooked to wires or replaced by stunt performers, which lends a realistic feel to the film.  The makeup is excellent, with many of the creatures created by makeup artist Patrick Tatopoulos (one of the judges on SyFy's "Face Off").

The film was successful enough (despite negative reviews from film critics) to start a franchise, with 2 direct sequels (Underworld: Evolution and Underworld: Awakening) and one prequel (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans).  This is the strongest film in the series.


Underworld (2003) 121 minutes
Rated: R for strong violence/gore and some language.
Director: Len Wiseman
Starring: Kate Beckinsale as Selene
Scott Speedman as Michael Corvin
Michael Sheen as Lucian
Shane Brolly as Kraven
Bill Nighy as Viktor