The Snare is set to scare

No Hope, No Way Out, No Turning Back.

Leading actress and associate producer Eaoifa Forward describes The Snare as a vicious, brutal, deranged and psychological horror. Well it's certainly grabbed my attention. 

The Snare follows three students who get held against their will by a paranormal force that resides in the apartment they booked for a boozy weekend. Not only have they hit the nail on the head genre wise with such films as the popular Paranormal Activity series and The Conjuring being released recently, but from the films trailer this looks rather terrifying. This independent horror is director, writer C.A. Cooper's début and it sounds like he made it a pretty special one!

The feature was shot over 4 weeks, with 4 actors, 4 crew members, with the mere budget of £4,000 and to top it all off - edited in an attic.

It's safe to say that this man had a clear image of what he wanted to gain from his production and took to bizarre methods to achieve it. Cooper's rather eccentric and maniacal approach is said to have pushed the actors to their absolute limit - but boy did he get the results he wanted.  As well as pushing his cast to physical and emotional extremes he also wanted the fear to be ultimately real. To embody the feeling of being trapped inside, he kept the actors safely in the apartment even after shooting had finished. He also controlled their meals gradually reducing the amount of food he gave them, making their feelings and experiences all the more real (but always kept them hydrated). From the glimpses we get here, it appears such methods have translated on screen and it shall be very interesting to see it in it's entirety.

So, do keep your eyes peeled for what looks to be a very chilling independent horror, as The Snare is set for release very soon.  Take a look at the films trailer and see if The Snare is scary enough for you.

For more information please visit: www.thesnarefilm.com

The Lego Movie

Before we go any further, let's just clear something up - Everything is Awesome in Lego Town! And trust me, you'll be singing the oh so catchy song for weeks to come. 

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, have taken on the challenge of giving the popular toys of Lego a voice in the highly anticipated The Lego Movie. These guys, plus a team of highly skilled animators and special effects buffs provide us with something quite special when it comes to animation. With a combination of stop-motion and computer generated animation, it translates on screen how much time and effort went into making this a Lego spectacle. It is safe to say that they have thought about absolutely everything and how an entire world would appear and move made out of little Lego bricks. 

Leading this animated journey is ordinary (yet made of yellow plastic) builder Emmet (Chris Pratt), who finds himself in the awkward position of being placed as the man who is destined to save the world from the evil President Business (Will Ferrell). Yet all he is, is an average workman who certainly is not save-the-day material (sorry Chris Pratt!). To help him along the way we have the likes of a Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and not forgetting the quirky love interest, Wyldstyle/Lucy voiced by Elizabeth Banks. The main thing to point out here is that this is not just a children's film for the half term, the utterly genius script writing will give adults every excuse to sit through it. This is a clever, satirical and very DC comic-ee film. The banter between Green Lantern and Superman is a very nice touch (a definite plus for fans) and gets even better when you realise the two are voiced by 21 Jump Streets stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum - and I get you can guess who plays who. 

The Lego Movie will certainly make the whole family laugh but at the heart of this film is a much deeper message. If you haven't already, grab yourself a ticket to see Emmet embark on his journey, tackling epic floods, robot Lego's and all with a crazy wizard, Vitruvius fabulously voiced by Morgan Freeman at his side. 

Don't forget that everything is awesome - until Unikitty gets angry. Never, ever get Unikitty angry!

Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

100 mins, PG (2014) 

Unforgiven (許されざる者)

Yurusarezaru mono is a Japanese remake of the Clint Eastwood's Oscar-winning film Unforgiven. Whilst the western world have been known to adapt Eastern tales, it has never really become common place for an American film to be retold through a different culture – until now.

This is a film that stays completely true to the original. The general characters and plot stay the same but instead we are given a Japanese setting of Hakkaido in the 1880’s. Due to this shift, there are evidently more cultural differences. Especially when it comes to the harsh tension between two rival tribes, the Wa and the Ainu. With this in mind, even though the original was pretty heavy, the violence seems even more noticeable considering the sheer amount of gore that comes with Samurai’s using their swords. We are introduced to a retired Samuari, Jubei Kamata (Ken Watanabe: Inception, The Last Samuari) who seems to have a pretty tiresome life living off the land with his two motherless young children. An old friend from the war Kingo Baba (Akira Emoto: The Eel, Dr. Akagi) travels to ask him if he would help him kill some men who repeatedly sliced the face of a prostitute, Natsume (Shirio Kutsuna) – of course a reward is involved.  

Just as they two did in the original, they travel to the small town unfortunately run by a ruthless Sheriff Ichizo Oishi (Koichi Sato) to track down the culprits. Vowing to never kill again, this becomes a race between hunting down the guilty men and Jubei nicknamed ‘The Killer’ during the war, battling internally with haunting memories of the past. This becomes quite an intense battle between anti-violent laws and a man who sees the people who need to be eliminated and follows through. Even though Unforgiven contains brutal imagery, the film enforces the Eastern codes of honour and tradition, making this fight much more than just gaining some Yen.  Watanabe is an excellent substitute for Eastwood, bringing a humble yet crazed performance to his Jubei, ‘The Killer’. Emoto also gives a fine performance as Morgan Freeman's stand in. The films comedic moments (which are certainly needed) are all down to the drunken and impulsive acts of youngster Goro Sawada played by Yuya Yagira.

Despite the films rather downbeat subject matter, Unforgiven is beautifully shot. The snow covered mountains make a great substitute for the bare west and Sang-il Lee’s direction does a tremendous job with this bold change. Unforgiven is just as concerned with acts of aggression as it is forgiveness. Although a lengthy running time if you can get lost in the story it is well worth sitting through this Japanese retelling of the Oscar-winning original.

Directed by Sang-il Lee
135 mins, 15 (2013)

Mob City - Pilot (A Guy Walks Into a Bar)

The Walking Dead's creator Frank Darabont brings us a fresh, new production trading in flesh eating zombies for money hungry gangsters - this is Mob City. 

Jazz, the roaring Twenties, booze and flappers. Mob City will not fail to grab your attention within the first five minutes of viewing, which is certainly a plus when it comes to any new series. The dark, film Noir style is incorporated flawlessly with the 40's genre alongside great looking sets, costumes and most importantly the gritty 'always up to no good' dialogue fits the bill. The pilot episode immediately jumps in and gives you an insight into early organised crime in America focusing mainly on the city of Los Angeles. 

Of course like any opening episode we are introduced to lots of characters and story lines that have yet to be explained. The screen is full of familiar faces when it comes to American TV shows. Fronting this story is Jon Bernthal as Joe Teague an LAPD detective who let's say has just a few acquaintances in the Mob. We are later let into the fact that the main gangster they are trying to hunt down is the infamous Mickey Cohen played by up comer Jeremy Luke. This episode also has a treat in store and this treat comes in the form of Simon Pegg, walking and talking like a 40's gangster who goes by the name of 'Hecky Nash' - what more do you want? When it comes to the mob scene there are inescapable connections with iconic films such as the classic, L.A Confidential and Polanski's Chinatown albeit we also have the feel of the recent hit series like Broadwalk Empire and the feature film Gangster Squad. Yet this seems to stand out. Perhaps down to the fact that it is more focused on the lavish and stylistic side of the era rather than directly adapting John Buntins book that follows Cohen and Parker lives in L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the the Soul of America's Most Seductive City.

With a strong cast containing the likes of Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes), Jeffrey DeMunn (The Walking Dead) and Neal McDonough (Band of Brothers) this new crime series appears to have a lot of potential. If you are a fan of the gritty, full of attitude 40's then this is definitely up your street. Mob City leaves you wanting more and I for one am already looking forward to the next instalment. Catch Mob City on Friday evenings on FOX. 

Coloured Snow (Short Series)

Small Production Company Cumulo Pictures targets the short film market with their latest series of shorts; Coloured Snow.

Is seeing really believing?

This is the main question posed to us throughout this psychological thriller. Coloured Snow follows the story of Terry, who has sadly just lost his wife but is still convinced she is very much alive. As endless visions of his late wife Hazel flood Terry’s mind things start to get interested and we as viewers start to question what we see before us. Being 14 short episodes ranging from seconds to around to approximately 14 minutes build this story, cleverly scattering clues and hints for us to follow gearing us up for the series finale.

Firstly, Coloured Snow is following suit with the whole, don’t give too much away tactic that seems to be popular throughout TV and Cinema, and does this well. It is certainly a breath of fresh air when it comes to making you think for yourself and most importantly – originality. Alongside a well written script, which at times is a little un-nerving we have an eerie, melodic soundtrack by Stumbleine that makes the series all the more effective.

Despite the solid script, at times lead actor Matthew Jameson seems a tad uncertain of what he is actually saying. Albeit this is the guys character as he hallucinates about this dead wife, but it still felt a bit too forced especially when it came to the flashbacks we receive. Meanwhile, Cerian Holland playing the part of Hazel flips nicely between ‘dead’ and ‘alive’ in various silky evening gowns. Of course, this isn't an immaculate piece of work, but considering this was produced within the restrictions of a low-budget, Coloured Snow is a great example that good things can be accomplished without shoving a tonne of money behind a project. 

Director and writer of the show, Ioan Holland has certainly shown us their is potential in his work and shall hopefully pave the way for bigger projects in the future. With inescapable references to sci-fi and other worlds Coloured Snow is a unique short series that is worth your time. Enjoy deciphering this one, just be prepared for the shaky, handheld camera used throughout the series. 

Start your journey here and get lost in the world of Coloured Snow:  http://ow.ly/rGz4x

Gravity

At 372 miles above the earth, there is nothing to carry sound. No air pressure. No oxygen - Life in space is impossible. But the view? The view is breathtaking...Gravity is possibly one of the most talked about films over the last year and I now see why. Alfonso Cuaron provides us with a white knuckled, claustrophobic space drama that is the ultimate cinematic experience.

Gravity, unlike many big budget productions we see today follows just two main characters throughout it's duration. We have Matt Kowalski on his last mission and new to game medical engineer Dr Ryan Stone, who upon being asked how she feels, replies with 'Like a chihuahua in a tumble drier'. The cocky and cheeky Mr Kowalski played by no other than charmer, George Clooney (Ocean's Eleven, The Descendants) delivers the much needed lighthearted lines. However Sandra Bullock completely steals the show. This is possibly one of her best roles, on par with The Blind Side and Crash. This was not a glamorous role; there is minimal make-up and certainly a distinct lack of beauty pageants. Whilst what seems to be a routine space walk, something goes drastically wrong causing the entire mission and their team to the compromised. This event leaves Kowalski and Stone spiralling through the endless abyss that is our infinite universe. Of course this isn't giving anything away, as all trailers advertising said film have shown the inevitable loss of Ryan Stone trying to dodge space debris. 

The 3D here is truly magnificent. When first witnessing The Hobbit late last year with crystal clear 3D to the point where you could look around the entire frame and see how defined it was, if a film was anything less it would have been rather disappointing! Gravity is streaks ahead. Every little detail is considered with utter depth resulting in feeling completely immersed whilst watching this nerve racking space ride. The director constantly breaks the fourth wall, virtually putting you directly in Dr. Stone's space suit, again only intensifying the utter despair she, herself is feeling. 

Despite the trailer showing a fairly fast paced, action packed drama, the film itself is something completely different. This is well-paced journey for Dr. Stone. This is the path she has chosen as a coping mechanism to deal with the entire reason she took the job in the first place. With Steven Price's powerfully booming soundtrack constantly resonating the sound of the human heart beat, life and death play a big part in Gravity. This is her complete escape, her re-birth into the world after what she has just been through. In Gravity, there is no gravity. Every single shot is constantly rotating, turning and twisting across the screen. There are a handful of static shoots and even then, due to the sheer movement of the overall film, you still feel as if you have just walked off of a swaying boat. 

This purely digital experience is a perfect example of technology meeting the means of the creator. Gravity is this generations answer to Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Believe the hype; just be aware of the cliche script writing that will force you to fight back the tears! 

Directed by Alfonso Cuaron

91mins, 12A (2013)  

Thor: The Dark World

This autumn Marvel brings us yet another spectacular 3D adventure, focusing on no other than the God of thunder - Thor. After not enjoying Avengers Assemble as much as I'd like to, I was in two minds about the second instalment from this superhero. Albeit, I soon realised that this is easily one of the best Avenger films thus far.  Opposed to offering us a standard action packed flick, which is in fear of overflowing with special effects, we have something much more.

We are back on Asgard - homeland of the Norse Gods where everything seems fine and dandy with devious half brother Loki finally behind bars. Yet our lovely blonde haired Thor, with a physique that resembles a divine being (Chris Hemsworth: Thor, Cabin in the Woods, Rush) is still caught up on the very human, quirky scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman: Black Swan, Closer, V for Vendetta). Thor thinks that his (and indeed the realms) only problem is locked away, however an ancient enemy of Asgards awaken. As the Dark Elves embark on Asgard, their leader Malekith is as ruthless as ever. Performed flawlessly by Christopher Eccleston (Dr. Who, 28 Days Later) despite all his lines being in a made up alien language and undergoing a hefty amount of prosthetics. This threat Odin thought had been eliminated years before, throws this sci-fantasy completely off course. This dark force who's intent on bringing darkness to every corner of the universe, including the world of the astrophysicist love interest, results in Thor (and his hammer), having to trust the mischievous Loki in order to prevent this. 

Taking a step back from the ever talented collaboration of Joss Whedon and Kenneth Baragrah (Buffy, The Avengers), veteran director Alan Taylor puts his flare to Thor: The Dark World. Known for his work on the popular series Game of Thrones, Taylor gives us something quite sinister, yet like Game of Thrones, balanced with tongue in cheek exchanges. He delivers a film that will keep die-hard comic fans happy with certain throw backs to the original strips; whilst providing comic relief. Ensuring us that these guys can have fun and that they aren't taking their god-like status's too seriously! Writers Christopher Vost, Chris Markus and Steve Mcfeeling all deserve a mention, not forgetting Stan Lee himself who all contributed to this truly entertaining script. We have endless one liners that will make you chuckle, not forgetting a special guest appearance by another one of your favourite Avengers (spoilers!). Through all the chaos and destruction of earth and Asgard equally, we have a satisfying break from really epic battle scenes. We have a more personal, man on man (or god on elf) approach which works beautifully on screen, allowing the viewer to take in every move. With most of the cast reprising their roles, this cast really does speak for itself. The performances given hit the nail on the head with such names as Stellan Skargard (Good Will Hunting, Dogville) playing the lack-of-trouser wearing physicist Erik Selvig alongside Kat Dennings (2 Broke Girls, 40 year old Virgin) with her crazy, nerdy persona of Darcy Lewis. Additionally, Chris Hemsworth and Tim Hiddleson bring charisma and charm that shines through their inevitable sibling rivalry with Natalie Portman comfortable in her role - all of which add to the enjoyment of this narrative.

With special effects that would have looked just as stunning in 2D, the overall look of this film is exactly what you would expect from an Avengers escapade. This two hour epic will keep you enthralled throughout whether you are just going to get out the house or as a comic fan. Alan Taylor has certainly shown the world of cinema what he is capable of. One I shall watch again, indefinitely.

Directed by Alan Taylor

120mins, 12A (2013)