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Final Destination 5 (2011)
A Love Letter to Fans.
Final Destination 5 is not the best instalment of the franchise. And if your looking to me to say that is is, then I'm afraid I won't. Because it wasn't. It is however a solid entry into the franchise, and ideally what I see as a love letter to the most hardcore of fans we've all come to know over the last 10 years. Steve Quale has done a wonderful job injecting a fresh and detailed in look into the FD universe, which of late has become lazily assembled and uninspired (don't have to tell you what I'm talking about there). Weirdly, it didn't feel like an FD movie. Interestingly I thought FD5 ventured towards a far broader mix of genres, that being the likes of thrillers and action movies-though explored in the past FD's, but this was much more present here this time. And it needed it. Eric Heissier did an overall nice job of crafting charismatic and unique characters, on-par with the trilogy. There were some fantastic moments of wittiness and comedy-nonetheless due to the likes of P.J Bryne and David Koechner who brought a long a more improvised approach to the performances-something not seen in such a light in any of the past FD's. Performances range from good, to acceptable, to bad. I was mildly disappointed with Nicholas and Emma, mostly because I've just seen so much better from them. They are not bad actors, but their roles in FD5 just didn't bring out the best of them. I have to hand it Miles-Peter without doubt has to be the most erratic, challenging and dramatic character the series has ever seen. He presents this well, though several moments falls weak. Despite this, Miles ranks amongst the best, aligning with Jacqueline, P.J, Koachner and Tony-without a doubt the real stand outs. What I really strangely liken is the risk they took casting a set of performers no stranger to the comedy genre. I'd even say this helped create even more depth to the protagonists, assembling a true human nature to them. (The funeral scene is a perfect example of this. Arlen, Jackie and P.J's banter struck me as oddly touching-a fine example of how comedy and discretion can be mastered appropriately when set against the backdrop of darker themes; something TFD failed to master.) And that brings me to Tony. It was a real treat to see him back to his old self yet again, and back on the screen which Bludworth has been missing from for so long. He seemed to have a ball playing his character-though I couldn't help thinking he was sadly underused throughout. I think this itself is one of the primary mistakes the producers have made consistently for the last ten years. That being that answers, mythology and subplots are handled with little confidence and attention, due to their mortal fear of straying too far from the all important "formula" the franchise possesses. Ironically, the development of the films in all were so in tune with the audience perception that they became reluctant to introduce truly new and refreshing contexts, at the risk of alienating the pivotal target audience. Though I would say that Bludworth's return brought back that darkened ambiance so prevalent in the trilogy-again, a pleasure to see. Brian Tyler delivers an epic, dark, beautiful score both innovative and nostalgic-respecting the masterful tension Shirley brought to the trilogy whilst going full steam ahead with a new found sense of direction. From the chillingly grand opening titles (which were ingenious; fantastic throw back to old school 80's slashers and the FD series overall) to the subtle rise of tension seen in the good majority of death scenes. I would go without saying Tylers work here is on par with Walkers FD1 score.In all, deaths were fantastically orchestrated bringing back the creativity and surprise from the past with a punch. They were a pleasure to watch with the audience; endless WOOO's and AHHH's returning. Something I haven't witnessed in such a scale since FD3. Candice's death scene was by far the best, and in my eyes now stands in line with some of the most disturbing deaths the franchise has spawned over the last ten years. Masterful tension, red herrings and cringing galore. The premonition scene was immensely thrilling, introducing a scale never seen before. It did what it needed to do, and is a wonder to behold on the big screen. The 3D is some of the best I've seen so far, adding a layer of depth to certain scenes and conducted with experience, expertise and intensity. But did FD5 need it? No. Which is unfortunate due to some deaths spewing out patronising comin-atcha! gore and a comical layer akin to a certain movie. But unlike TFD, FD5 didn't need 3D. I'm relived to say it has re-play value and stands alone as a solid, normal film, and not a novelty made bearable only by cardboard specs. The ending twist makes FD5 stand rightly side by side with FD1, FD2 and FD3, and was executed in a way which made me both shocked and moved. It's the perfect ending we could ever wish for, put together in the most respectful and solid way possible. And that is why I do not want a Final Destination 6. FD5 has brought full circle both the best and worst attributes of the franchise, similarly to FD3, but with a far wide and personal scope. Most franchises would never dream of seeing such a perfect conclusion-but FD5 defies that-and brings us fans the film we have always wanted. The FD team have apologised, and I accept it with open arms. Which is why I want this to be the end. Final Destination has defined a new generation of horror fans and made its well earned mark upon the horror genre. Everything has been brought full circle, and I believe it time to bid farewell to the franchise which re-invented death, and the slasher genre overall.
Tormented (2009)
Tormented Review (FOR COMPETITION-ALEXMCNEILL)
"Tormented" is a darkly funny, gory, fun and proudly British horror movie which, in some ways a first for the prolific genre, boldly focuses on the grange hill/skins/twitter audience and introduces the now relevant cyber-bullying craze which is extremely apparent in secondary schools across the UK. Without getting ahead of it's self to much, "Tormented", unlike many other glossed up Hollywood horror's, knows what it is and what it sets out to do. By glancing at the audience around you whilst watching Tormented, you fully take in an array of laughs, screams, and cringing the film obviously sets out to enforce. It isn't a breakthrough for the genre, and neither dose it want it to be-but crucially-this fun rom com issues a bloody good time
.with the odd decapitation along the way. With a simplified storyline which is nevertheless clique, it really lets you enjoy the film so much more and cheer when the bullies get what's coming to them. These guys deserve it. Your not meant to moan when blood splats from that overly large wound-your meant to cringe and chuckle-immerse yourself in this bitter sweet issuement of revenge. And bitter sweet it is-as a fantastic showcase of what make-up and FX can do when it meets a cast of outrageously gorgeous teens in the most gruesome way imaginable plays out. There's loads to like here; the hilarious emo's staring apathetically in admiration over the tragic death of Mullet-competing over who lives the most ignored life
the film club geeks who await the participation of the perfect head girl Justine, whilst adoring the difference between commentary on the Atonement DVD and without it
and the outrageously ignorant staff who darkly overlook the blood shed and bullying around them (one teacher tries to-this made me laugh out loud-explain to a cotton candy sweet teacher that the dead girl lifelessly floating in the schools pool is simply "swimming"!). But more seriously (although, as I said-not to seriously), the theme of bullying plays a pivotal role in the film which is Tormented-as the apparition of the fact that bullying effects all becomes apparent. The bullies slowly cripple, so wound up and ignorant to the pain they've caused to many, and the nerds are stereotypically seen to live with the absurd characteristics of staff and classmates who daily torment and snigger. To me, the most interesting aspect of Tormented is that of Justine..the supposedly perfect prefect. With a clever twist (favourite part of the film), the prefect every once once adored stares in disbelief as she is flung into the backseat of a police car-in realisation that she (although she tragically did not), issued the brutal massacre the audience overviews throughout..(I must point out here the films fabulous soundtrack-with the ghostly closing rhythm of Desert Sessions-Dead in Love playing out over this gleeful climax). "Tormented", however, isn't without it's faults. With an at times slightly corny script which sheers far from realism and what one would expect to see and hear at an ordinary British secondary (being a school boy of the age of 15 going on 16, let me tell you that Fairviews students differentiate heavily from me and my group of buddies at my school!), and at times seems atentivly American. This is a bit of a shame, as the film really could of stood out a lot more had the script undertaken a much more British-school life manor rather then Final Destination high school attitude. The characters have their witty moments of dialogue, but to be brutally honest (and we were asked for honesty!) I found myself cringing sometimes at the wink-wink-nudge nudge attitude in moments of vague and (only rarely), awkwardly delivered bits of dialogue. And some moments stood as just embarrassing (I found myself asking why a very much indie boy with a trendy haircut and skinny jeans issued the lines "What Blad?!" at a DJ after he offends his present girlfriend
I'm sorry but I had to suddenly block my ears!). But apart from this (which is entirely due to the script-the cast obviously appeared slightly awkward delivering lines heavily out of their character and the place they stood in..), the cast deliver solid and realistic performances throughout (especially Dimitri Leonidas and Tuppence Middleton-who I found myself standing next to by outrageous luck the day after at the Shakespere Globe Theatre-I almost fainted after receiving a very nice handshake and convo-thanks so much guys by the way!). I overall throughoutly enjoyed Tormented and it's darkly funny British take on the horror genre, and even after a second viewing (just got back), it never failed to entertain and me make cringe with the guiltily offerings of blood flying from left to right! Funny, scary and serious when it wants to be; "Tormented" isn't just a slasher for the Skins generation-it's a slasher for the proudly TEENAGE generation!!
8.9/10!
(Don't think however that I didn't notice the two film club geeks carrying LOVEFILM.COM DVD's
cheeky product placement for you there haha!)