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Showing posts from 2015

The Darkest Hour (2011)

This apocalyptic science fiction/alien invasion film begins with three Americans, a tall woman with an Australian accent, and a Swede with a bad goatee who are nearly the only survivors of an invasion of Moscow. [sarcastic sidenote: Because clearly the Moscvich wouldn't have a clue where to hide.] The tone is muted and reminds me of earlier Asylum productions, which it resembles in dialogue as well, though Asylum films are less predictable. This film had brighter colors and much higher production values than Asylum films, and some of the imagery was remarkably picturesque. The aliens were frightening in a rather sanitized way, and even unique. The plot required little science, which all seemed to be a variation on an ancient theme: [spoilers immediately ahead] Aliens invade, all the token people of color die (even the English-speaking ones), the surviving white people discover the alien weakness and band together - developing sexual or romantic tension -, and the film ends w

Seventh Son (2014)

This isn't a review. I'm forced to watch this little stinker, so I'm going to live-blog the experience so you can all enjoy it with me. THIS POST CONTAINS SERIOUS SPOILERS. Although, to be honest, you'll probably see it all coming anyway. Cliche #1: old guy who can kick your ass Cliche #2: dragon in a cave Cliche #3: men=good, woman=bad (and mother and witch archetypes, but it's a genre *shrug*) Cliche #4: seventh son of a seventh son. This one might actually be a trope, but the world building gives no reason for its existence. Cliche #5: mother's amulet - clearly a Chekhov's Gun Cliche #6: witch who possesses unnatural/immortal beauty Cliche #7: old guy with practical priorities Oh my gosh. A Tavern labelled "Tavern"!? *sigh* Terry Pratchett's Mended Drum is the pinnacle of tavern-naming genius. Cliche #8: beautiful girl being burned as a witch (damsel in distress) Cliche #9: teasing the sexual tension (when Tom meets whatshernam