Review: Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Only Lovers Left Alive

Only Lovers Left Alive isn’t like the vampire films Hollywood have churned out over the years. There’s no sparkle, nor is there much in the way of action or suspense, only people – people with a deep resentment for the world in which they inhabit, who happen to favour blood over food and other liquids. It pays to be different though, and Jim Jarmusch’s film is a stunning subversion that’s entrenched in a wonderful sense of artistry and atmosphere. Continue reading “Review: Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)”

Review: The Smurfs 2 (2013)

The Smurfs

Released in the late summer of 2011, Raja Gosnell’s The Smurfs made an astonishing (and not to be snivelled at) $560 million at the worldwide box office, despite a lukewarm critical response. So, in that respect, The Smurfs 2 seemed inevitable. And, without doubt, a mere two years later and Belgian comics artist Peyo’s little blue fictional creations are back for another cinematic adventure that rehashes the formula that proved so fruitful the first time around. Continue reading “Review: The Smurfs 2 (2013)”

Like Crazy: The Low-Budget Murmur

It’s always been known that the films developed for Hollywood – those with million dollar marketing campaigns and bankable stars – have a better chance of succeeding than the smaller projects that aim to showcase rising talent.

For an independent film to survive, it requires positive hype, and as much as it can garner. This is where film festivals such as Sundance and South By Southwest shine. Independent films are able to play to small, mainly critic-led crowds, attract some hype and potentially come away with several multi-million dollar Continue reading “Like Crazy: The Low-Budget Murmur”

Review: Like Crazy (2011)

Anna (Felicity Jones), a British student, embarks upon a passionate, life-changing relationship with classmate, Jacob (Anton Yelchin), only to be separated when she overstays her visa and is refused re-entry into the US. Forced apart, Anna and Jacob must battle distance, jealously and their flourishing personal lives to keep their spark alive.

In stripped-back, scrapbook-like fashion, Like Crazy flits between time periods – from when Anna and Jacob first meet in Los Angeles, to their Continue reading “Review: Like Crazy (2011)”

Review: Fright Night (2011)

Fright Night is a bold, bright and fresh remake of Tom Holland’s much loved, and classically supernatural horror. The film centers on Charley Bewley (Anton Yelchin): an awkward teenage boy who has it made with a hot-as-hell girlfriend (Imogen Poots), devoted mum (Toni Collette) and independent American lifestyle. When mysterious Jerry (Colin Farrell) moves next door, it’s up to Charley to protect his family and rid the Nevada dessert of a deadly vampire clan.

While Fright Night may be as unnecessary as remakes come, it benefits from its refreshingly honest level of self-awareness, as well as the numerous Continue reading “Review: Fright Night (2011)”