dante_leebo Reviews

Let the Right One In (2008)

Not Just A Vampire Movie

[9/10 · 25 August 2008]

This film was the main reason for my attending Frightfest in London this year and I was not disappointed. From the opening shot you realise that you are in for something special. The film is set in (a very cold) Sweden in the early 1980s and the writer of the novel/screenplay has confessed that it is semi-autobiographical and based loosely on his own childhood. I'm guessing that the inclusion of a vampire in the story is what takes this away from being simply autobiographical.

Although people are describing this as a vampire movie, I cannot help but feel that this does the film something of a disservice. Does this mean that people who do not particularly like vampire movies would not necessarily go to the cinema and watch this? That would be a shame because this is a very human story. The vampire element does take a back seat to the main focus of the story which is the fascinating relationship between Oscar and Eli. These are two outcasts brought together by their miserable lives.

The film is Swedish with subtitles but again don't let that put you off. The two performances by the child actors are fantastic and director Alfredson is apparently better known for comedy in Sweden and his humour is evident throughout the film. Without a doubt the best film at Frightfest 2008, there is a remake planned for 2010 but the film is near perfect just as it is so why wait? Go and see it.

Martyrs (2008)

Disturbing

[7/10 · 25 August 2008]

The film was introduced by the film's writer director Pascal Laugier at this year's Frightfest in London. The organiser's referred to the film as "The film they most wanted" of the 28 shown at the festival. It was easy to see why. Of all the films I saw at this year's Frightfest, Martyrs was not my favourite but without a doubt it is the one that plays on my mind the most. The film has been compared to both Hostel and Hellraiser but I think it has a lot more substance than both of those films. The central performances are top notch and Jessie Pham as the young Lucie is very convincing, completely holding your attention. So why only 7 out of 10? As well made as this film is, the subject matter is just so utterly disturbing I wanted this film to end a long time before it actually did. It is not a film that is to be enjoyed. It is not the escapism that you may be looking for. The first Act is a revenge story on a family who may or may not have been responsible for the kidnapping and torture of a young girl 15 years previously. It is the second Act though that is the more disturbing. The viewer wants it to end almost as much as the girl captured wants her ordeal to end. This is a must-see movie but certainly one that is going to divide audiences right down the middle.

Death Proof (2007)

Tracie Thoms

[8/10 · 12 September 2007]

I was fortunate enough to attend the screening at FACT Cinema in Liverpool with Tarantino himself in attendance. I had already seen the 'Grindhouse' double bill a few weeks ago and whilst I enjoyed it, the stand alone version with the extended cut is far superior. Tracie Thoms as Kim was a standout (reminding me of comedienne Wanda Sykes with her delivery of Tarantino's script) but stunt woman Zoe Bell also deserves a nod for a role in which she performed all of her own stunts with no special effects. Kurt Russell, who is always worth a watch, as Stuntman Mike gives his best performance in 20 years. Whilst not quite up there with Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, as ever this Tarantino film deserves a watch, with the script peppered with highly quotable dialogue.

Hatchet (2006)

Classic Horror

[7/10 · 27 August 2006]

I saw this movie on Friday night at Fright Fest in London. The writer director introduced the movie and sat with us in the audience. I think that he was pleased with the reaction that it received. The movie pays homage to the 'proper' horror films of the late seventies and early eighties. Fans of the better of the Halloween/Friday The 13th movies along with movies such as The Burning will appreciate this film which I understand has now been given a release date in the US. I hope that it does well on its home turf and here in the UK as it deserves to. Also the writer director Adam Green has proved he is not a "one trick pony". His first feature Coffee & Donuts was a romantic comedy and his upcoming Spiral is a dark thriller. He's one to watch out for.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Beautiful, violent, magical and sad....

[9/10 · 25 August 2006]

I was fortunate enough to catch Pan's Labyrinth last night as part of the 'Fright Fest' programme in London and was completely blown away. Guillermo Del Toro himself was present to both introduce the movie and to answer questions afterwards. He spoke very passionately about the film, and it was easy to see why. Guillermo Del Toro has created something very special - part war movie, part fantasy, that everyone should see. The film features a fantastic performance by Sergi Lopez as Captain Vidal and as central character Ofelia, newcomer Ivana Baquero delivers the performance of a seasoned veteran. If you are the type of person who is put off by subtitled movies, don't be. This is a very 'visual' film that does not rely overly on dialogue. This does not open until 24 November in the UK and 29 December in the USA but already I am looking forward to seeing it again (and buying the Special Edition DVD).This is the first time I've felt the need to write a review on here. Do yourselves a favour and go and watch it on the big screen.