Archives for November 2010

Frozen starring Shawn Ashmore, Kevin Zegers and Emma Bell

Posted on November 29, 2010 Written by ripitup

Frozen starring Kevin Zegers, Shawn Ashmore and Emma Bell. 2010. Written and directed by Adam Green.

Three friends Joe, Dan and Parker (Shawn Ashmore, Kevin Zegers and Emma Bell) are three friends enjoying a weekend ski getaway. Well, it is more like Dan (Kevin Zegers)’s girlfriend Parker (Emma Bell) is trying to blend in to which would typically be a boys’ outing. The boys have been friends since primary school and Joe is not all that happy with the changing dynamics. But as it turns out, the adjustment would be the least of their worries as the trio decides to fit in a one late night ski adventure. Bad luck ends them up in stranded in the air on the airlift. Things couldn’t have been much worse as the power goes off, lights go down and the lounge closes for the week.

From then on, it is a constant struggle with their possible upcoming death from freezing, while trying to decide if they should try out riskier things for the chance of survival.

I really would rather not give any details, as the bigger part of the movie is about how these three people try to handle life-or-death dilemmas, while trying not to completely lose it. There is one minor spoiler though – if you are watching this because Zegers is in the lead, just know Shawn Ashmore has more screen time.

That said, the acting is really decent, the effects are satisfactory and it is a good drama/thriller if you enjoy survival films. Now, I wish I could see it at the theaters. I ended up watching it on small screen and while the drama is effective, I suspect a ground sound system on a huge screen would have a lot to do with a thrilling effect.

Don’t get me wrong though, nature does provide some scary elements. And if you turn on the empathy mode just a tiny bit, there is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy the film.

Yeah, there were moments of boredom on my part- but remember- the film is about three people on a ski-lift in the freezing cold while I was perfectly safe and sound on my bed, while I had my laptop to entertain me. Now, there was this user review that said while Frozen is a decent film, it doesn’t do to skiing what Jaws did for swimmers. Well, I think Frozen is not meant to scare you about skiing. It is meant to freak you out about getting on a ski-lift in the middle of the night while there is practically no one around.

It is not a prize, but it sure as hell not a waste of your time either. Written & directed by Adam Green.

6.4 on IMDB. 7/10 from me – for the overall effort and effect.

Other Movies with Kevin Zegers

The Jane Austen Book Club starring Maria Bello, Hugh Dancy, Emily Blunt & Kevin Zegers

It’s a boy/girl thing starring Kevin Zegers

Tristan + Isolde starring James Franco, Sophia Myles, Rufus Sewell & Henry Cavill

Posted on November 26, 2010 Written by ripitup

Tristan and Isolde starring James Franco, Sophia Myles, Rufus Sewell, Henry Cavill and Mark Strong. A Kevin Reynolds film, 2006. Image via sinemablog.com

Britain, Dark Ages. Britain consists of several tribes, not united. Ireland is a lot stronger, and the Irish King is more than determined to keep it this way.

British young Tristan (Thomas Sangster – The Last Legion, Love Actually) father is for unison, and he wants Marke (Rufus Sewell) to be a king, as Marke is the strongest of the lords. However a meeting in favor of the unison gets interrupted when the Irish attack. Many are killed, including Tristan’s parents. Marke loses his hand, but manages to save Tristan’s life. Despite the losses, Marke orders that they rebuild. He loves and treats Tristan as he does his own son, Melot.

Years later, Tristan (James Franco) and Melot (Henry Cavill) grow up to be good fighters, soldier and friends; although Melot is upset that Marke seems to favor Tristan when it comes to leadership.

After another Irish attack takes place, Tristan manages to help save many lives but ends up poisoned. The poison makes Tristan appear dead and his “body” is sent out to the sea- ending up on the Irish shore. He is found by Princess Isolde (Sophia Myles) and her maid Bragnae (Bronagh Gallagher) find Tristan. Despite Bragnae’s concerns, Isolde hides Tristan and nurses him back to health. Her time with Tristan is the only time Isolde is happy, as her father the king is forcing her to marry one of his obnoxious soldiers. The only mistake Isolde makes with him is that she hides her real name. The two fall madly in love, but she doesn’t leave with Tristan when he goes back.

Back home, Marke is more than happy to see Tristan alive and well. Complications arise when as Marke’s trusted soldier and in favor peace, Tristan goes to Ireland and wins a tournament, so that Marke can marry the princess. But of course the princess turns out to be Isolde, and both their worlds come crashing down. Despite his love for Marke, can Tristan stay away from Isolde?

That wasn’t the entire plot summary, just the first third of the movie. Sorry, I got carried away but I just love Tristan and Isolde. It is a lovely period film with fine actors. I have always been a major Rufus Sewell fan and the movie has an additional bonus that is Mark Strong. I wouldn’t have picked another Tristan or Isolde. Both James Franco and Sophia Myles are pretty, passionate and emotional enough for their roles, although Henry Cavill is fun to have around as well.

The only part I don’t like about this love story is that, well, it turns into a tragedy because how foolishly Tristan and Isolde both act. Isolde should have told him her real name, at least when they parted. Or she could have just gone with him. It is not like her life was happy without him there. Or Tristan could have told Marke in the beginning. Or they could have just run away… Instead, they have to act all stupidly, thinking they are being heroic and self-sacrificing. ..Yes, I am more into happy romance stories but Tristan and Isolde is a good enough story, despite the unnecessary tragedies two of the main characters bring on themselves.

You need to see it, if you like a good period romance with fine acting and a decent story.

Franco is good at portraying different characters. I can’t wait to see his 127 Hours. You might remember Sophia Myles as Beth Turner from Moonlight.

Currently 7 on IMDB. 7 sounds just right. Directed by Kevin Reynolds (Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, The Counte of Monte Cristo.)

Other Posts on Rufus Sewell

The British Actors We Love feat. Rufus Sewell

The Woodlanders: A Gorgeous Rufus Sewell in an Awful Movie

In a Savage Land with Rufus Sewell

Martha, Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence: Fun romcom with Monica Potter, Rufus Sewell and Joseph Fiennes

Vinyan starring Rufus Sewell

The Illusionist with Edward Norton, Rufus Sewell and Jessica Biel

Must-See Pierce Brosnan Movies feat. Butterfly on a Wheel, Remember Me, Seraphim Falls & More

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by ripitup

Coupling character Steve (Jack Davenport) states in one episode that one of the things all heterosexual men in common is that their favorite Bond is Sean Connery. That might be true. But I am a girl and my favorite Bond is Pierce Brosnan. This might be due to the fact that Pierce became 007 about the same time I developed an appetite for movies, entertainment and well, good-looking men. Pierce is not only my favorite Bond but also one of my favorite actors. And while I appreciate everything Ian Flemming and Hollywood have done for us, I’ll exclude the Bond films from this list. Because yes, Pierce has made even more entertaining, intriguing and/or challenging films.

After the Sunset starring Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek and Woody Harrelson

This is one great action/comedy with a touch of sexy romance co-starring the ever-gorgeous Salma Hayek. Here, Brosnan plays a middle-aged thief who has promised his younger and hot girlfriend and partner in crime Salma Hayek that this would be their final heist. But agent Woody Harrelson is dying to catch him. He tracks them to their tropical island and tries to collaborate with beautiful local female cop. Does he have what it takes to catch Max? Or will Max try to pull his biggest heist ever, while trying not to lose the love of his life in the process?

Exotic location, beautiful leads, smart plots and fun action. This movie may not be deep, but it will show you a good time if you let it.

Evelyn starring Pierce Brosnan, Julianna Margulies and Aidan Quinn

Ireland, 1950s. When out of work painter Desmonf Doyle (Pierce Brosnan) is dumped by his wife, he has to take care of his 3 children. But social norms and laws of the time don’t seem all that willing to let a broke father keep his kids. So the fight of his life starts, as he changes his life, finds work and fights against the Irish Constitution. Brosnan is terrific as the loving father, desperate to win his case. Co-starring are Julianna Margulies (as the beautiful bartender), Aidan Quinn (as his attorney).

Butterfly on a Wheel starring Gerard Butler, Pierce Brosnan and Maria Bello

Co-starring Maria Bello and Gerard Butler, this is one of my favorite movies ever. This is a great, low-budget thriller (as in decent quality and a great script that doesn’t require special effects). Abby (Maria Bello) and her husband Neil (Gerard Butler) seem like the perfect couple. He has a great job in advertising; they have a lovely daughter and a solid marriage. Or so it seems.

When a weekend requires the couple to leave their child with a babysitter, things change for the worse:

Before Abby can meet her friend and Neil can meet his boss, they are taken hostage in their car by a gun man (Pierce Brosnan) they have never seen before. They have to meet his demands or they will never see their daughter again. However, as it turns out, this man is not exactly after money. The problems in their marriage and trust issues resurface as they try to do their best with the strange and challenging requests of this man. What does he want? And why does he hate them so much?

This movie is original, smart and well-paced. The acting is top-notch as expected and it is fun watching Butler playing such a grey character. And it also has one of my favorite movie endings.

Top 5 Movie Endings feat. Se7en, Man from Earth, Butterfly on a Wheel and More

Seraphim Falls starring Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson

Seraphim Falls starring Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan.

A great western/drama/thriller where Liam Neeson has hired a bunch of men to do one thing alone: to kill his nemesis, Pierce Brosnan.

It doesn’t seem exactly right for those men to go after one man – who doesn’t strike you as a villain at all. Is this a simple fight for survival between good or evil or are things much more complicated than they seem?

Very solid and engaging. It is always a pleasure watching Neeson or Brosnan. It is definitely a fine move to put them together in a different kind of western movie.

Seraphim Falls Review

Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Lena Olin, Pierce Brosnan and Chris Cooper

Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper and Lena Olin. Wonderful drama/ romance.

I watched this movie after I had originally finished this post so it was added later. While the trailer was not really promising, the movie is a heart-felt and decent effort at a drama/romance that will stay with you even after the end credits roll. Sure, some hate it but trust me, it deserves a chance. Especially if you’re only familiar with Pattinson from his Twilight role.

* Ultimate fun for romantic comedy lovers: Laws of Attraction

Laws of Attraction starring Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan. A sweetheart of a romcom. Funny too.

*Also Recommended: The Ghost Writer starring Pierce Brosnan, Evan McGregor and Kim Catrall

The Ghost Writer starring Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor and Kim Catrall. Image via actorsandcrew.com

I am not a Polanski fan and I don’t particularly enjoy Evan McGregor movies but this is one decent drama thriller. Not the most entertaining Brosnan role, but one of the most interesting plots.

The Ghost Writer Review

What are your Brosnan favorites?

The Vampire Diaries starring Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder

Posted on November 20, 2010 Written by ripitup

The Vampire Diaries starring Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder. Co-starring Steven R. McQueen, Candice Accola, Katerina Graham, Michael Trevino and Zach Roerig, Sara Canning. The second season is on. Image via byterology.com

The Plot

Small town. Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) is back at high school. She and her brother Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen), also a high school student, have lost their parents at an accident last spring and things have never been the same ever since. Elena struggles to make it through, while Jeremy spends most of his time getting high, giving drugs to Vicki (Kayla Ewell) and hoping she will choose him over the cocky football player Tyler (Michael Trevino). It is up to their young Aunt Jenna (Sara Canning) to look after Elena and Jeremy.

In the meantime, Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) is back at his home town after a long time. Stefan is a 17-year-old going on over about 160. He is a vampire, who refuses to feed on humans and is lured back into town because of Elena’s existence. Elena carries an uncanny resemblance to his ex-love Katerina (also played by Nina Dobrev). He wants to carry on a normal existence, while getting to know her. So he enrolls in her high school. Everyone is intrigued by the presence of this new hot student, especially Elena’s friend Caroline (Candice Accola). Unfortunately for Caroline, Elena seems as smitten as Stefan. At first this pleases Elena’s best friend Bonnie (Katerina Graham) and depresses Elena’s ex Matt (Zach Roerig), a good-natured football player who is still in love with her.

Unfortunately, Stefan’s peaceful existence is challenged by the mysterious deaths occurring all around town and he has a pretty good idea who is sucking their blood- it is none other than his vampire but not-so-good-natured brother Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder). He has no intention of behaving himself. In fact, there is nothing he loves more than complicating Stefan’s life. He was also involved with Katerina and their past issues comes up- along with flashbacks- throughout the episodes.

Another problem for Stefan is that Bonnie is coming from a long line of witches and she is starting to gain some powers, and she is not enjoying the vibe she is getting from the new love of her best friend…

The Background and the Fun Stuff.

The series are based on a series of books written by L. J. Smith, also called The Vampire Diaries. One of the show’s producers is the famous horror/thriller writer Kevin Williamson who is famous for Scream, The Faculty, I Know What You Did Last Summer and Cursed. He was interestingly also the writer of the hit teen show Dawson’s Creek starring Joshua Jackson, James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson.

On a side note, the actor playing Jeremy, Elena’s brother, is played by Steven R. McQueen, who is the grandson of the late movie icon Steve McQueen.

The Vampires

The vampires in this show can’t be hurt by garlic or holy water. They can be killed by fire, pretty much the standards the modern vampires hold. However they still need to be invited into a home before they go in, pretty much like the vamps in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. There is also the issue of the vampire faces- while they don’t get as much make-up done as the ugly faces of the Buffy vampires, their eyes go red, weird disfigurement appears on their faces and their teeth show. It is also funny that they get this face when they get turned as well. They also have special rings that allow them to go under the sun without hurting.

One of the episodes also carries a fun reference to Twilight in one episode. As Damon is sitting on Caroline’s bed and reading one of her Twilight novels, she asks him why he doesn’t sparkle like Edward and he answers that he lives in the real world where vampires get burned under the sun. He also makes a fun comment on he doesn’t understand why everyone in the series is so fascinated by Bella and says she’s got them all whipped.

The Verdict

The Vampire Diaries is a fun and addictive vampire/mystery/romance show. Sure it has lots of teen angst and drama but it balances it well with enough mystery and action. There are enough murders and blood-sucking to keep this in the action genre but not enough gore and sex to compete with True Blood.

The Vampire Diaries has caught a great balance with the modern vampire understanding (the pretty vampires who don’t burst into flames) but they carry some of the classic myth (they need invitations, they have vampire faces- they are not pretty when they turn…).It is also refreshing that the reason Elena and Stefan don’t have sex right away is that Stefan is afraid she will see his vampire face- it is not like he is afraid he will bite her or hurt her or something like that.

Fun, modern and unisex. Sure, Salvatore brothers do and will have more than their share of female fans but it doesn’t change the fact that this is one engaging show. Give it a shot.

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8 on IMDB, with nearly 60.000 votes.

Other Vampire Show and Movie Posts Covered

Moonlight starring Alex O’Louglin, Sophia Myles and Jason Dohring.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Dracula, Lestat and Other Vampires

The Twilight Saga Posts

The Ultimate Twilight Saga Test – Read to Decide If You Will Enjoy The Twilight Movies

Twilight Saga 101: 33 Things You Should Know About Twilight Before Seeing New Moon

Twilight Saga 102: 24 Things You Should Know About New Moon Before Seeing Eclipse

Twilight Mania: Twilight Movie Review

New Moon Movie Review: New Moon Dissected