666 Park Avenue (TV Series)

As the saying goes, "never judge a book by its cover". Well, I say "never judge a TV series by its pilot". I almost gave up on 666 Park Avenue after its first episode. But, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to view the second and third episodes just so that I could cross it out completely from my viewing list without ever wondering what happened. How wrong was I, for I've just finished the fourth episode and the series is proving to be one of the most interesting mischievous TV dramas in a long time.

666 Park Avenue is about a couple moving into a residential building as caretakers and discovering different aspects of the building which has a proprietor that is probably the devil incarnated. The series is borderline horror with quite a few supernatural elements. Initially, after the first episode I figured that it was a good setup for a movie but to keep it engrossing enough as a series would require some seriously good writing skills. What I did not realize was that basing the series in a residential building gives the storytellers opportunity to introduce new characters often and with murder and mayhem round every corner there is further opportunity to get new tenants easily once things start getting stagnant.

The series succeeds in keeping the audience interested because it has enough episodic subplots that keep things afresh all the while carrying the main story forward in parts during each episode. It also mixes the supernatural element, which is the focus of the series, well with mysterious undertones from all the other subplots that are happening around the two main characters.

With good acting all around, a few jumps every now and then, mysterious elements to keep you on your toes, and so far, a strong storyline, 666 Park Avenue is a series not to be missed.  

Elementary (TV Series)

The new season has brought about a whole variety of TV shows to choose from. While former favourites like Dexter and Homeland are going great-guns with their latest installments, there is always that want to get addicted to something new and different. 

While it may not be different per say, but Elementary is probably the most awaited TV show of the present season. Taking inspiration from the British series Sherlock, Elementary places Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller), rehabilitating from a drug and alcohol addiction, in modern day New York. The conventional Watson gets a rather drastic change of the female kind in Lucy Liu's Dr. Joan Watson assigned to keep a lookout on Sherlock by his father. To make matters slightly different we get two detectives in place of the famous Lestrad, with Captain Toby Gregson (Aidian Quinn) and Marcus Bell (Jon Michael Hill) playing second fiddle to the famous detective.

Elementary deserves credit for trying hard, but try as it might it just doesn't have the same mind frame that Sherlockhas. While Jonny Lee Miller is made to look edgy with his antics and his tattooed body, it is Lucy Liu in a very subtle role that commands notice. Obviously unlike Sherlock, Elementary has the job of keeping the audience happy for at least 12 if not 20 odd episodes. If only it would stop trying so hard as it did in the third episode which resembles the film Primal Fear from the get go. Another aspect of Elementarythat makes it less dark is that so far there is no Moriarty like figure that would really keep Sherlock on his toes. A hint did present towards the end of the third episode, but that too was dumbed down because it seems at this time Sherlock must have the upper hand in all situations. Nor is there a Mycroft Holmes, brother to Sherlock, who I hope will be introduced later in the series as well.

Everything aside, Elementary is a good enough modern take on the character of Sherlock Holmes. Moreover, with his eccentricities and obsessions he somewhat fills the void left by Monk when that series ended a few years back. Having the option of more thank 3 to 6 episodes does give the series liberty to bring in characters at a later date and hopefully that would make it more interesting.      

     

Cabin in the Woods with Nostra

The new concept that’s based on the idea of “Dessert Island” and a “Top Ten Films List” combined continues as some of my friends from the Twitterverse have been kind enough to take on the challenge of telling us about 5 movies that they would want with them if they were in a Cabin in the Woods under different scenarios. 

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Our next contributor is Nostra,who while traveling to Eastern Europe came across a scenario that put his life in jeapordy...

"You've just rented a Cabin in the Woods with a male friend while on a backpacking trip in Eastern Europe. On your first night you meet two beautiful women who want to show you the "real" country. You instantly remember the film Hostel. Not knowing what they really want you now have one night and 5 films to convince these girls to like you so they don't take you to a torture chamber. What five films would you want to watch?"

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Well, firstly they must have drugged me, because I can't remember ever seeing Hostel. Since my friend keeps reminding me about this movie I quickly read the synopsis on IMDB and switch to survival mode. How would I manage them to like us? It's important to show them the beauty of life and love.

I think the perfect movie to quickly show that would be the documentary Life in a Day. This is a documentary that was made by Ridley Scott, Kevin MacDonald and Joe Walker who asked people around the world to upload footage, all shot during the same day. They got a lot of footage and managed to edit it into this movie which celebrates life around the world.

Now if that didn't win them over (maybe they don't like documentaries) I will have to use another "weapon" to break through and what better way than laughter. So I'd have to pick one of the best comedies out there. For a moment I think about Groundhog Day, but since that might not be funny enough I will pick Dumb and Dumber instead. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels managed to breathe life into these two stupid guys in a way you'll never forget. I'm sure there will be scenes in this movie that will make them laugh. My personal favorite being the one with the ketchup and mustard bottles.

Singin' in the Rain - They might be in a happier mood now and to keep that vibe going I'd choose this vibrant musical. If they still have grim thoughts, all the colors, dancing and songs like Make 'em Laugh, Singin' in the Rain might wash a lot of that away.

Once - A romantic movie with great music which they might be able to relate to as one of the main characters comes from Eastern Europe. If they have a piano I could tell them I can kind of play "Falling Slowly" (even though it might not be very good yet they could be impressed).

Before Sunrise - This would be the last movie I would show and I thought this one through. First of all it is a romantic movie and if the previous movie already opened a little door to compassion this will open it further. The story of two strangers meeting in a train and spending the night in Vienna can't leave you cold. When this movie finishes they will wonder what happened after this and I could tell them that there is another movie where you will find out (and that a new one has been shot and will come out soon).

In case all this wouldn't work I'd convince them to watch a sixth movie and I'd just pick a really long movie, hope they'd fall asleep and we will get out of there as quickly as possible.

Nostra runs the My Filmviews blog with reviews for new and old movies, weekly features (The Monday Question and The Many Faces of...) and he's always open to talk movies on Twitter here.

If you would like to participate and would like me to send you a unique scenario, simply Email Me 

Inspector Montalbano

Sun, food, women, and murder; four words that best describe the Italian detective series Inspector Montalbano based on the books by Andrea Camilleri. Primarily set in picturesque Sicily, the series takes a wickedly fun and sinister approach as Inspector Montalbano, played by Luca Zingaretti, and his team go about solving crimes in the region.  

Having viewed two episodes I found Inspector Montalbano to be exceptionally well crafted because it tackles humor, death, and mystery in just the right balance. The series in general can be a bit unnerving at times, in a positive manner, because it combines sporadic moments of comedy with that of misery, changing the mood from light to dark, and back again, instantly at the flip of a coin.  

Excursion to Tindariconsists of the inspector looking at a murder, a missing elderly couple, and a case of adultery amidst politics and mafia intrusions. What struck me most about this episode was the unconventional end, something that brings forth the extreme cunningness of the Inspector.

The Artist's Touchis a murder mystery with a storyline consisting of deductions that mirror Sherlock Holmes at times. Once again, as in the previous episode, there is always a lingering shadow of the "important" things in life; beautiful women and food, both of which usually bring about the humorous side of Inspector Montalbano. 

It's easy to be carried away and get comfortable with the number of subplots while watching Inspector Montalbano. After only a little while the transition into reading the subtitles became natural, but still, a number of times I was so engrossed in the episodes, admiring and enjoying the original language (Italian), that I would skip reading the subtitles having to actually rewind, in-order to understand what was being said.

While the title character of the series portrays a certain charisma and charm and is without doubt the "hero", it has to be the supporting cast and their mannerisms that truly make it special. Be it the regulars, with a special mention of Catarella, or the episodic cast, each member is so well developed that they form an integral part of the series with Inspector Montalbano serving as a head keeping everything and everyone under control. It is also this supporting cast that is primarily responsible for the subtle, almost Peter Seller-esq comedy that underlines the series throughout. The influence of Italian culture is abundant with the food and sun-kissed locations playing a prominent role along with a general flirting that takes place between a number of characters.

Inspector Montalbano brings about certain freshness amongst the barrage of detective series that are produced in the west. Making the most of its location, the series keeps itself unique by having strong characters that can't help but make the audience love them and their eccentricities.       

Inspector Montalbano is a series not to be missed, especially if you like your dinner served by the seaside with a hint of anguish, a dash of whimsy, and a sprinkle of personalities to bring about an explosion of taste. 

DVD Information:

Title - Inspector Montalbano Collection Two

Episodes - Excursion to Tindari, The Artist's Touch, The Sense of Touch, Montalbano's Croquettes, The Scent of the Night, The Goldfinch and the Cat.

Release Date - 3rd September 2012

Running Time - 611 minutes approx. on 3 discs

Certificate - 15

Language - Italian with English Subtitles

Release - Acorn Media UK

Cabin in the Woods with David Neary

It’s time for some movie fun. It’s a new concept that’s based on the idea of “Dessert Island” and a “Top Ten Films List” combined. Some of my friends from the Twitterverse have been kind enough to take on the challenge of telling us about 5 movies that they would want with them if they were in a Cabin in the Woods under different scenarios. Someone is snowed in while another is confined to the cabin as a toxic gas is leaked around them. Would you want to scare the people you are with or maybe get comfy with your better half with your choice of films? 
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Our next contributor is David Neary,who had to choose his films based on the fact that his supposed romantic vacation turned into a somewhat family vacation...

“You book a romantic Cabin in the Woods with your girlfriend looking for some alone time. When you get to the spot you realise it is a family vacation spot with kids everywhere and no sign of romance. Which 5 films would you want to have with you and why?”

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There are three things you need to aim for here:

1.  Long films; so that if a neighbour knocks on the door of your cabin asking “can you help get our truck out of the mud”, you can respond “Oh, I’m just in the middle of a movie, will be right with you...” Hopefully your movie won’t end for another three hours.

2.  Films that are brilliant but would bore children; this will stop children hanging around your window trying to get a peek, or thinking you’re the cool neighbour with whom they can try and hang around.

3.  Loud films; for drowning out screaming, shrieking, yelling, and other horrible noises young people and their beleaguered parents produce.

With these things in mind...

Film #1. No child could take pleasure in it, but I will never not enjoy a rewatch – NETWORK. Every re-viewing brings something new, and all that glorious acting and blistering dialogue will keep you entertained and make sure no one under 20 comes near the place.

Film #2. It has to be AIRPLANE! Let the sound of your own laughter drown out the infantile horrors outside the cabin. If your laughing piques their curiosity, let them know the jokes are for adults only, and to go away, you’re trying to watch one of the greatest (and most re-watchable) comedies ever written.

Film #3. ALIEN. Because it’s Alien. Because the screaming and noise will freak out the little buggers trying to listen from outside. Because if they try to glimpse in through a window they will see the worst things from their nightmares. Because I love it.

Film #4. As long films go, I’d normally say Lawrence of Arabia, but seeing it on the small screen (I assume my cabin hasn’t a built-in cinema) just won’t do. Instead I’m opting for Sergei Bondarchuk’s WAR & PEACE. Roughly seven hours long and never dull, it is just a superb epic. The topic and subtitles would turn away any nosey children, and the length allows you to be shut off from socialising for the rest of the day. Plus, it’s divided into five chapters, so you can easily take opportunities to pause it and attend to other activities – you’re still watching the movie, just in case anyone calls around. Also, it’s one I’ve been meaning to rewatch, but lord knows when I’d have the time!

Film #5. Need a little catharsis? A film where young people are terrorised in the woods would help. But Friday the 13^th, The Blair Witch Project and even The Cabin in the Woods are all too obvious. No, what you need is proper terror, and more importantly vengeance. That’s why it has to be ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES. Who needs to see teenagers stabbed when you can watch younger children and their over-protective parents terrorised by Christina Ricci during a play about Thanksgiving!? The perfect one to watch to let you know how best to deal with the people beyond the log walls.

David Neary is an Irish film critic and historian. Obsessively devoted to film since his teens, his excessively broad tastes range from Ozu and Renoir to the guys who made Crank. He can be found on Twitter via his handle @DeusExCinema and you can read his blog http://thefilmcricket.wordpress.com


If you would like to participate and would like me to send you a unique scenario, simply Email Me 

Cabin in the Woods with Lesya

It’s time for some movie fun. It’s a new concept that’s based on the idea of “Dessert Island” and a “Top Ten Films List” combined. Some of my friends from the Twitterverse have been kind enough to take on the challenge of telling us about 5 movies that they would want with them if they were in a Cabin in the Woods under different scenarios. Someone is snowed in while another is confined to the cabin as a toxic gas is leaked around them. Would you want to scare the people you are with or maybe get comfy with your better half with your choice of films? 
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Next up is Lesya who was given the following scenario...

"You and a friend have rented a Cabin in the Woods in a foreign country. Although the brochure said that it was close to civilization, when you get there you realize it is in a secluded place and an hour away from any human being. Which 5 films would you want to have with you and why?"

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If it was me alone, renting that Cabin in the Woods, I would probably take five most favorite films that are in my all time top list. Thus, a friend drastically changes the order of things, meaning the choice of movies. I will imagine that I rent the cabin with my best friend, whose film tastes I know and sometimes share.

Going on a vacation with a friend equals fun. However, going on a vacation with a friend to some secluded place ruins it all. Once again, if I was on my own, being in an oasis of isolation would be paradise for me, for instance, for the sake of writing. Anyway, the best films that my friend and I enjoyed together are mostly the fun ones that would perhaps restore our faith in the world and here they are.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)Or maybe the trilogy in the boxset. But not to break the rules, the very first film. The thing is that both my friend and I were major fans of the franchise in high school and I think that it was one of the key things that bonded us at the time. We were crazy about the franchise and we literally scared shop assistants that sold the film related merchandize and magazines that featured either Jack Sparrow or Elizabeth Swann or Will Turner because we were so excited! For me this film has even more significant meaning, but even without that, it's just my favorite film from that high school youth and I'm very happy that I shared the love to it with my best friend. Besides, the movie is fun and dynamic and would be a great entertainment in the Cabin in the Woods.

Inception (2010)My friend is a huge fan of Chris Nolan, like I am, but unfortunately, she couldn't fully enjoy this offering from the director, that's why I find the idea of making her re-visit it and maybe like it more a very good one. Moreover, it would be another chance to explore this amazingly complicated and infinitely captivating feature.

The Hangover (2009)My friend and I love this film! We haven't seen it together, but we did go to view its sequel. Anyway, The Hangover is a perfect choice for movie watching in the Cabin. Firstly, it's about people, um, taking a rest (technically, it's a bachelor party that doesn't apply to our situation, but still it's akin to a vacation). And secondly, this hilarious comedy would transport us from our sad isolated place to the world of splitting our sides with laughter.

The Big Sleep (1946)I watched this film. My friend watched this film. I was totally confused. My friend was totally confused. The movie is terribly baffling and complicated, but re-watching it is always postponed, since there are those films that you haven't seen or you don't want to twist your brain right now or something else. Being locked up in the Cabin in the middle of nowhere, we'd have nothing else to do but to arm ourselves with paper and pencils to draw tangled schemes of what character A, B, C… did and how it influences the plot. I think this time we'd know everything about the story.

Some Like It Hot (1959)And to finish our movie watching vacation, I'd pick another classic, Billy Wilder's masterpiece. Mind you, my friend enjoys classic films, so I don't think that having two of classic ones in our suitcases would bore us. Some Like It Hot is a work of a genius. Personally, I have seen it hundreds of times and it never stops to amuse me. I believe that this film is the comedy of all times, at least for me. I have no idea how it was possible to create such brilliance. This film would properly crown out vacation and we'd go home with smiles on our faces, even though we had got in the back of beyond instead of our much longed-for civilized place for rest.

Lesya loves films to bits, praising the art at Eternity of Dream, and she aspires for a moment when she can call herself a writer. You can also follow Lesya on Twitter, as @love_cinema.

If you would like to participate and would like me to send you a unique scenario, simply Email Me 

Cabin in the Woods with Brittani Burnham

It’s time for some movie fun. It’s a new concept that’s based on the idea of “Dessert Island” and a “Top Ten Films List” combined. Some of my friends from the Twitterverse have been kind enough to take on the challenge of telling us about 5 movies that they would want with them if they were in a Cabin in the Woods under different scenarios. Someone is snowed in while another is confined to the cabin as a toxic gas is leaked around them. Would you want to scare the people you are with or maybe get comfy with your better half with your choice of films? 
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Our fourth contributor is Brittani Burnham, who had to choose her films based on the following scenario...

"The family owned Cabin in the Woods is your favourite place for solitude. Having been through 6 months of an extensive work schedule and a recent break-up you head there to be by yourself. Which 5 movies will you want with you to watch?"

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The first movie I would bring is American Beauty. Not only is it my favorite movie of all time, but after a stressful time at work, what better than to watch a film where the lead threatens to blackmail his boss and quits his job. He just wants "the least amount of responsibility possible." I can dig that.

The 2nd would be Office Space. Again, for the satisfaction of what people who hate their jobs take action.

My next film would be Mean Girls. I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of chick flicks or sappy love movies. If I wanted something to cheer me up after a nasty break up, I'd want to watch Mean Girls. With all the great lines, ("You Go Glenn Coco.") and the realistic bitchiness, it's exactly what I would need to get out of a funk.

My 4th would be Brokeback Mountain. Even though my relationship crumbled, I still would want proof that they be beautiful, even in hard times. There is no happy ending, but Brokeback Mountain is still the best love story of all time, in my opinion.

My final film would be Precious. Since my other four films are geared towards the recovery process of a stressful time, this would serve as a trigger to just cry it out. Sometimes that helps when your alone, and at the moment, I cannot think of a sadder film (that I enjoyed) more than Precious. The simple line: "Your baby loves you. I love you!" is so powerful I could almost tear up right now.

Brittani is a film enthusiast and writes about films on her blog http://ramblingfilm.blogspot.com. She can also be found on twitter with the handle @ramblingfilm. 

If you would like to participate and would like me to send you a unique scenario, simply Email Me 

Cabin in the Woods with Daniel Stephens

It’s time for some movie fun. It’s a new concept that’s based on the idea of “Dessert Island” and a “Top Ten Films List” combined. Some of my friends from the Twitterverse have been kind enough to take on the challenge of telling us about 5 movies that they would want with them if they were in a Cabin in the Woods under different scenarios. Someone is snowed in while another is confined to the cabin as a toxic gas is leaked around them. Would you want to scare the people you are with or maybe get comfy with your better half with your choice of films? 
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Our third contributor is Daniel Stephens, who had to choose his films based on the fact that he might just have to act them out with the following scenario...

“You just hired a Cabin in the Woods on a secluded private island with your gf/wife. Unfortunately, the DVD player is not working. So, the duty to entertain your better half lies on you as you must tell/act out the stories of the 5 films you brought with you. Which films do you wish you had with you?”

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So we arrived at this cabin in the middle of nowhere. Literally – the middle of nowhere! We had been driving for hours. Off the motorway we went, onto the country roads, then deep into the woods. At one point we arrived at a crossroads hidden within dense oak, ash and lime trees. At its centre was a stone marker no more than three feet high. There was some scribbled writing carved into, but it didn’t make sense to me. The sat nav had been switched off ages ago because a monotonous voice was repeating, “please make a U turn.” So it was left or right. We picked left.

On we drove. We seemed to driving around muddy dirt tracks for hours. I told my wife it was no use – we weren’t going to find the place. So I turned the car around, tried to get back on the main road. I got back to the stone marker at the makeshift crossroads and turned the car in the direction we came.

Or so I thought…

Again, we drove for many miles but we couldn’t get back on the main road. Then, having seemingly been driving in the opposite direction for fifty miles, we arrived back at the crossroads. How? It was impossible. I didn’t know what to do so I took a right remembering last time I went left and suddenly, out of the darkening gloom of a sun-setting sky, there it was – the cabin.

Once inside I discovered the DVD player wasn’t working. Can you believe it..!

To entertain my wife - trying also to distract her from the werewolf scratching at the door, the ghost thumping on the ceiling and the outstretch hands of several undead attempting to unleash themselves from the cellar – I played out with the acting skill of a multi-Razzie award winner, these five great films…

Jaws - Probably not the best film to start with given our predicament. But at least we weren’t going to get attacked by a shark in the middle of the woods. Steven Spielberg’s miraculous blockbuster about a killer shark and the three men sent to destroy it is still as potent today as it was in the seventies. What was the most enjoyable thing about acting it out? Singing “Show Me The Way To Go Home” of course!

Back To The Future - A big favourite in our household. Marty Mcfly’s adventures travelling through time never fail to lift our spirits and carry us on a fabulously fun journey of discovery.

The Breakfast Club - Very much a product of its time, this mid-1980s film defines John Hughes’ high school works with its depiction of a disparate group of teens thrust together in Saturday detention.

Airplane - If we’re acting out films what better one to recreate than Airplane where everyone loves the outlandish humour and the jokes still work when someone without any sense of comic timing has a go at retelling them. One of the most loved comedies ever produced by Hollywood.

Aliens - Okay, we’re in the middle of nowhere and we’re being attacked by a group of nightmarish ghouls unleashed from the pits of hell, but we’re talking about favourite films here. And there are very few films that rank as highly in my estimation as James Cameron’s kinetic action film about superwoman Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver) travelling through space to do battle with a terrifying horde of alien creatures.

Daniel Stephens is the founder and editor of film site Top 10 Films.He spends most of his time day-dreaming about the next top 10 film list amidst frequent strumming on his acoustic guitar as he tries to learn yet another Beatles track.

If you would like to participate and would like me to send you a unique scenario, simply Email Me 

Cabin in the Woods with Emil Ekelund

It’s time for some movie fun. It’s a new concept that’s based on the idea of “Dessert Island” and a “Top Ten Films List” combined. Some of my friends from the Twitterverse have been kind enough to take on the challenge of telling us about 5 movies that they would want with them if they were in a Cabin in the Woods under different scenarios. Someone is snowed in while another is confined to the cabin as a toxic gas is leaked around them. Would you want to scare the people you are with or maybe get comfy with your better half with your choice of films? 
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This week we have Emil whose name always makes me suspicious if he moonlights as a superhero in his native Sweden. I gave him the following scenario and just like a superhero, his choices were quite brave...

"You and two of yours friends take on a challenge to stay over the weekend in a supposedly haunted Cabin in the Woods. What five films would you take with yourself to pass the time?"

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This is an interesting scenario as there are many ways one could go with it. Do I pick funny movies to ease the creepiness of the whole thing? Or do I go the obvious route with scary films to try to spook everyone? The problem with this latter horror approach is that knowing the friends I'd bring along, odds are I'd be more creeped out than they would. But then again, I find that horror films often lose their edge when watched alongside others. Perhaps things would be different in a setting such as this, though. In the end, here are the films I would bring.

Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
This is the only movie I'd bring that I haven't seen yet myself. However, based on the trailer, this seems like an effective pick to start out with, as it seems hell-bent on disarming a stereotypical frightening scenario with comedy. It's also a film I've wanted to see for some time now, and I've heard good things about it, so hopefully it'll be a solid pick. Assuming this weekend is a Friday evening to Sunday morning kind of thing, this would make for a good first film for Friday's double feature.

High Tension (2003)
I only discovered this French horror film the other month myself, and I was very impressed with it. I suppose if the cabin we were in really was haunted, we'd have bigger things to worry about than the serial killer scenario in this one, so this will be a welcome break from reality in this regard. High Tension is suspenseful, gory, and captivating. The film's only real flaw is its stupid ending, but even that could work to its advantage here if we watch it to cap off Friday. If we're still mulling over how dumb it was rather than thinking of the scariness, we should still be able to get a good night's sleep between Friday and Saturday.

The Shining (1980)
This would be for sometime in the middle of Saturday. Everyone has seen it, but it's still a film worth revisiting for the creepy haunted house factor, as well as for sheer entertainment with Jack Nicholson going bat-shit crazy. Plus, it has enough directorial flourishes to satisfy my cinephile side as well.

Repulsion (1965)
Not only would this be a good way for me to introduce my friends to a kind of horror film they might not normally see, it's also one of the creepiest films I've ever seen. Catherine Deneuve getting more and more paranoid and delusional while holed up in her apartment should be fitting for our little group. There is a chance that this one won't go over too well with the others, so just in case they end up hating it, let's schedule this one second-to-last on Saturday.

The Others (2001)
While it's tempting to try to think of the scariest movie ever and put it here in the main event slot for Saturday night, I don't think that would be wise for the reasons I stated in the opening. It might fall flat due to the the group viewing factor, or, if it does work, I'd be at least as freaked out as everyone else. So I'm picking The Others. It's not heavy on the frights as such, but goes for a lot of low-key tension and lets the darkness play a big part - appropriate for its time-slot. In the end, it's just a damn fine movie, and it fits into the haunted house theme.

Emil is a Swede who only got into movies in a big way a few years ago. As such, he's still constantly trying to catch up with a century of films - to varying degrees of success. He thinks Bill Murray is pretty much the coolest man in the world. When he's not busy with movies, Emil enjoys playing video games and reading books. He may be addicted to ice tea in the summer and regular tea in the winter.
His movie blog is called A Swede Talks Movies, and is exactly what the title suggests. It features reviews, top 10 lists, assorted discussion pieces, and a very low rate of new posts. It can be found here: http://aswedetalksmovies.com/

If you would like to participate and would like me to send you a unique scenario, simply Email Me 

Cabin in the Woods with Rachel Horn

It’s time for some movie fun. It’s a new concept that’s based on the idea of “Dessert Island” and a “Top Ten Films List” combined. Some of my friends from the Twitterverse have been kind enough to take on the challenge of telling us about 5 movies that they would want with them if they were in a Cabin in the Woods under different scenarios. Someone is snowed in while another is confined to the cabin as a toxic gas is leaked around them. Would you want to scare the people you are with or maybe get comfy with your better half with your choice of films? 
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Staring the series with Rachel Horn, she was given the following scenario, and her choice of movies have quite the variety;

“You have gone to your Cabin in the Woods with the family for the weekend. But, a Bear scare has resulted in everyone being confined to the cabin till further notice. Which 5 films would you want to have with you and why?”

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Top 5 films I would want to watch while trapped in a cabin are in no particular order and are not my favourite films of all time these are films that make me happy and I always enjoy watching them again and again

Sex and the City -I can already hear the boos from the boys, well sex and the city is a great film. What’s not to like? There’s fashion, sex, sexy men. For me it’s all about the fashion. I sometimes pop Sex and the City on before I go out for a night out. There is just something while watching it makes you wanna wear the highest heels possible and look glamorous, don’t know if any girls out there agree but always makes me feel better before I go out. The story ain't bad either. Love the way they handled her getting over the heart ache... felt very real (shush boys).

National Treasure- For me Nic Cage in a fabulous role. I love both the films. I guess it’s trying to be a modern day Indiana jones (which I LOVE). I think the story is awesome and I feel all the characters have great chemistry. I remember going to the cinema thinking I was gonna end up watching a pile of poop but I was gladly very surprised and the story line had me hooked. I think when it came out on DVD I watched it like 20 times and you have gotta love Sean Bean as a baddie.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding - There are soooo many reasons I love this film. This film is so cleverly written and so true to how life is like that. When I lived in turkey which is very similar to Greece the same chaos happened with me. It was like watching what I had gone through but made funny! Having John Corbett in the film is another fab reason. I love it I mean I want to marry this guy! His character Aiden from Sex and the City should so have been the one Carrie ended up with not Big *spits*.

Ghostbusters - One of my fav childhood films. Man I had a huge crush on Dan Aykroyd, please don’t ask me why, my sister still takes the mickey to this day that I had a crush on him. When I was growing up I think I owned every piece of Ghostbusters merchandise. I remember sneaking into my brothers bedroom one day before Christmas and finding loads of Ghostbusters stationary. I was such a happy girl my mum wondered why I was prancing around all happy. Little did she know I was a huge geek as a young child. I also loved the cartoon Ghostbusters but it always bugged me that slimer was a main character lol. Also thought Sigourney Weaver was hot when she was possessed I wanted her makeup!! Fav scene has to be the Stay Puff Marshmallow man. Love his face when he gets zapped.

Overboard - a Goldie Hawn classic she plays both characters so well she’s just a really funny actress. I remember owning it on VHS and wearing the tape out. I watched it that much. It’s a heart-warming story which is always nice to watch. My dad watched it so much so he could see Goldie’s butt!! I love what the kids did to her. I think I was a very cheeky little child and probably would love to have played tricks too.


What did you think of Rachel's choices? Would you have selected something else? Do tell...

Rachel has been a film geek since she can remember. She's slightly obsessed with Lord of the Rings and considers herself to be a 31 year old child. Rachel co- founded #MTOS with Raghav as they both have a passion for films and want to bring the film community together. She have 2 children that mean the world to her, and she is currently fundraising for her autistic son who also has learning difficulties and a rare disorder called Pica. Rachel's main aim is to within the next year become the first Pica charity and help out other families.

You can find out about Rachel's noble efforts on www.facebook.com/GivingZachASafeFuture

If you would like to participate and would like me to send you a unique scenario, simply Email Me

New Girl (TV) (Comedy)

There is something mesmerizing about Zooey Deschanel. Is it those big eyes, the womanly husky voice, or maybe just the fact that she can be a total girly girl, yet be one of the guys? I'm not sure, but what I do know is that she is the force behind the new TV comedy series New Girl and she also is responsible for me watching the show.

The set-up is quite simple. Three guys (Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Lamorne Morris) living together and add into that the New Girl which is the one factor that will bring about change in their lives and supposedly comedy in ours. Having watched close to 10 episodes, of the 13(?), unfortunately New Girl has a long way to go before it reaches the same comic timing of say Friends or How I Me Your Mother. What the New Girl has is heart and it seems to be in the right place.

Most comedies, as was the case with Community, take a while before they really lift off. The same holds true for New Girl which somewhat starts to get interesting around the 4th episode, once all the characters have been introduced and their mannerisms are somewhat known to the audience. The series works because even though Zooey's character Jess is the titled New Girl, the episodes give equal weight to the remaining three housemates. New Girl also entertains because although they have the now obligatory Indian character, but instead of a nerdy accented guy, they have the sexy CeCe (Hannah Simone) who is a model and pretty feisty and smart. In addition, with guest appearances from known faces like Justin Long and Rachel Harris, they seem to be on the right track and knowing the friendship Zooey Deschanel shares with Joseph Gordon-Levitt it's only a matter of time before we see him on the show, I Hope.

On the negative side, the most important issue I have with the show is the content. It is so far only moderately funny with a few laugh-out-loud moments. With the emphasis on sex related jokes, the show at times seems to be desperately trying to tap into the college audience rather than the slightly older 25+ one. Lastly, some of the plot lines seem to be old and rather Americanized and done to death. Case in point being the one where Jess's boyfriend says "I Love You" and she only says "Thank You" in return. I'm sorry, but this is such an old and now boring topic that it's no longer funny or sad or romantic.

The other thing that seems to be bothering me a little is that New Girl has certain similarities to Friends. Zooey’s Jess is an amalgamation of Rachel, Phoebe, and Monica. Jake’s Nick is somewhat on the lines of Ross. Schmidt played by Max Greenfield is Joey from another dimension, and lastly Lamorne’s Winston gives out a slight hint of Chandler. I’m taking into account a very broad generalization, but it is there for sure.     

Am I sticking with the series? Yes! The character development seems to be going in the right direction and Zooey Deschanel is charming as ever. I just hope that the comedy is less college humor and upped a notch.

Note: I have since writing the above viewed the remainder of the three episodes and I still stand by the statement that the plot line seems to be going in a clichéd and hence the wrong direction. At the present rate, I would give the series a maximum of three seasons, but I do hope we see something fresh soon and it can go one for a lot longer.   

10 Reasons Not To Watch X-Men First Class

I am aware that I am late for the party. Most people have already seen the new X-Men and almost everything has already been written about it. So in order to bring about a change, I present to you 10 reasons why you should not watch X-Men.

1. First of all what is there to like about a movie that compliments the entire series and simultaneously opens the door for future sequels. Are action movies supposed to be like this? Shouldn’t they just reboot the entire thing with a new cast (as they did) and start afresh?

2. First Class is basically an “origins” movie and it works wonderfully as that. My problem with X-Men is that now even the non-comic reading public will know everything there is to know about the characters, like Charles Xavier/Professor X (James McAvoy) or Hank McCoy/Beast (Nicholas Hoult). This means that the one thing we had over them, the knowledge of how it all began, has been taken away from us. That was the one thing that separated “us” from “them”.

3. So seriously what was up with all the subtitles? Haven’t the studios learnt that we moviegoers love it when foreigners speak with each other in a funny English accents rather than talking in their native language?

4. Two words, one name - January Jones! Again, who in their right mind would want to watch a scantily dressed January Jones portray Emma Frost. Like having the coolest real name wasn’t enough, she had to go out and do a superhero movie. If I were you, and only if I were you, I’d boycott the movie for this reason itself.

5. After watching a classy movie like X-Men: First Class, you are bound to compare it to other superhero movies. The problem with that is that your expectations will be really high henceforth and that will eventually lead to disappointment. So avoid this movie and go watch Daredevil instead. I promise you that all the movies to follow will delight you.

 6. I never knew that an action movie was supposed to be this intelligent. I mean should it not have been dimmed down so that we can watch it without using our brains. The subtle seduction of Raven/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) by Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto (Michael Fassbender) is nothing but pure brilliance as is Erik’s decent into what he is to become. Trust me; you don’t want this kind of intellectual entertainment in a movie.

 

7. Oh My God! The movie was not in 3D. How in the world did that happen? The very thought of not paying extra for your ticket and not having to suffer a headache from wearing those glasses is simply appalling. I mean who in their right mind, in this day and age, would go and watch a non-3D movie?

8. Right, so what is up with the running time of this movie? At close to 130 minutes I was starting to think it was an Indian movie and that too without a song and dance sequence. The fact that the movie kept me at the edge of my seat and completely engrossed and interested in it has nothing to do with this. A movie so long deserves boring moments or a song and dance sequence.

9. Also by avoiding X-Men you not only save money, at the expense of losing out on pure unadulterated entertainment, but you do not have to wait the next few years in anticipation of the sequel. My eagerness for the sequel is already at a high, but that was a small price I was ready to pay just so that I could warn you about this movie.

10. Lastly, the much talked about cameos. So, if you decide not to go and watch this movie, which I am sure, you will not after reading my post, there is no need for you to not talk or know about the cameos. In fact I will do you all a favor and tell you all about it here. That is the least I can do. So it’s like these two men…


Note: Due to the nature of the post and information about to be given out, this blogger has been taken to an undisclosed location till further notice.

 PS: The blogger has requested we inform his readers that the above blog is a sarcastic take on his experience at the movie. He absolutely loved the movie and recommends that each and everyone should go and watch it. If he were to complete his post, he would have given it a 4.5/5 star rating.