[FLICK REVIEW] “Rorschach (2015)”

For the past few year I’ve been finding some of the best horror not in a theater, but on the internet. From the brilliantly orchestrated “MARBLE HORNETS (2009-2014)“, the terrifying “TRIBE TWELVE (2010-)“, to the haunting “JENNIFER HELP US (2014)” web based filmmakers have been churning out the good stuff. There’s a lot of garbage to sift through, but the gems really shine when you find them. The newest jewel in the collection is a documentary-styled piece called: “RORSCHACH (2015)“!

Directed by C.A. Smith {no relation}, Rorschach is about two investigators studying the house of a single mother and her daughter which is claimed to be haunted. Simple premise, but executed well. It’s filmed as a finished and released documentary not a found footage video which added to my enjoyment. Going the mockumentary route give an authenticity that found footage has never had for me.

The acting is superb throughout, even the little girl is on point. Some of it gets melodramatic at times, but it reels itself in nicely as it nears too much.

The fear factor is present from the get go. A foreboding sense of what’s about to happen permeates every frame. The sequences of exploring the garage and checking a noise outside in particular can only be described as hair-raising! There’s a creepy doll, who seems too obvious at first, but give it time and the real magic will become clear. The film walks in familiar clichés of the horror genre, but never falls into the rut most do. Things progress logically and the scares are well earned.

The cinematography is well done, however {and it might have been my streaming of it} there were moments where the digital noise distorted a little too much. A clarity which could have amplified the scene was lost in the pixels. Not so much you’re break suspension of disbelief, but enough to be remembered.

The effects, when present are well done. This harkens back to a simpler time in horror when door handle jiggles and thumps in another room were heart attack inducing. Fear not though, there are indeed physical monsters to be seen…or glimpsed in playback? If you’re a fan of less is more you’ll walk away happy here.

Short-Story-Long:

Rorschach is a delightful terror to exist. I’m glad it’s on YouTube where anyone can watch it. If horror is your bag, this seventy-five minute film is for you, check it out below and enjoy!

~_M.H._~

Follow Me on Twitter: @MHSmith22

“John Wick: Chapter 2” Review

In 2014, we got a brief glimpse of old school action films again in the form of: “JOHN WICK (2014)“. The fact it was super successful was promising for future installments as well as for the action genre as a whole. And even though all the lessons the first Wick taught weren’t taken, you could clearly see it had made an impact.

Then finally this year we were blessed with: “JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 (2016)“, a sequel that was not only entertaining, but as good, if not better than the original!

Now, I’m going to go on record here and say I’m not a believer in a common held belief of sequels not {usually} being as good as the original. I will concede sequels are usually made for the primary purpose of making money, but in my mind there exist too many “EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)” ‘s, and “WRATH OF KHAN (1982)” ‘s for that fact to be true.

John Wick: Chapter 2 concludes the story began in 2014 in spectacular fashion, all in the first fifteen minutes! Fifteen, action packed, beautifully shot, painfully felt minutes. From here we are drawn deeper into the world of assassins and John {embodied to perfection by Keanu Reeves} is once again not allowed to “retire”.

The plot is fairly straight forward, featuring a lot of double crosses that are treated with almost samurai level honor. Say what you want about the Star Wars universe being a fleshed out universe, the John Wick series has managed more in less run time!

Interesting side characters from the previous entry return to walk us through the complexities of this shadowy underworld. One new character was a special treat for me: Franco Nero as Julius the manager of the Italian Continental. Seeing this Giallo/exploitation actor not only still working, but being exceptionally memorable was more than I could’ve asked for!

Then there is the action itself. In a continued extension from the first film we are given straight forward, non-shaky cam, non-quick cut fights, shoot outs and chases. It goes to show, when you allow people who know how to fight make the creative decisions you are rewarded with awesome spectacle!

We need more of this everybody.

Short-Story-Long:

For a fun, action filled two hour at the movies John Wick: Chapter 2 is just right! Only time will tell if we get the see the epic Chapter 3 that is set up in the final minutes. I have faith it will.

~_M.H._~

Follow Me On Twitter: @MHSmith22

Need For Speed…2?

Um, what?

I found this article this morning: http://www.thewrap.com/need-for-speed-sequel-revving-up-in-china-is-furious-7-owed-thanks/ and I’m a bit taken aback by it. I really loved “NEED FOR SPEED (2014)“; in fact it might be one of my top ten movies of last year! For me it was that movie I went into expecting a no-brainer action flick, and got a surprisingly well written drama with cool car action!

I didn’t need a sequel though.

I’m not a sequel basher. In fact if you pressed me on the matter I’d confess to being pro-sequel to just about any film I liked. If I liked the characters, I’m up for seeing as many adventures you can put them in!

Superhero films are the best example of why this works. Seeing as modern Superhero films are trying to emulate the comics storytelling pattern of each film is one piece of the larger story, sequels are not only welcomed, but necessary!

That being said: Need For Speed isn’t a film that required a part 2. It was a good standalone work, that yes, I can see sequel potential, it would have been fine solo.

I mean it tanked here in the U.S., grossing $43 million dollars of the $66 million it cost. Apparently its success in China is what’s green lit the next installment, which a Chinese film company is co-producing the film. So I’m guessing racing in China will be a plot point? Cool.

No word yet if any of the cast will be returning, but if I had to guess, I’d say everybody’ll be back. I hope so, nothing is more annoying than seeing a part 2 to a series with ZERO returning cast!

Thinking about this news, I’m not upset and I’ll be first in line opening night to see it, it’s just a sequel I didn’t expect to be made. Guess it goes to show in our modern era of film it really is all about that over seas money!…I’m not getting Dredd 2 am I?

~_M.H._~

Follow Me on Twitter: @MHSmith22

Jupiter Ascending: My Review

 

The newest film from the Wachowskis: “JUPITER ASCENDING (2015)” has had its problems. It was delayed for months mere weeks before its original 2014 release citing visual effects needing an over hall due to bad test screenings (I’m hearing now that this is a false rumor, but I don’t know for sure). The trailers have been, let’s be honest, less than stellar. And let’s be really honest here, the Wachowskis’ haven’t made a truly amazing film since “THE MATRIX (1999)”!

Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the Matrix Sequels (“RELOADED (2003)” & “REVOLUTIONS (2003)”) and their adaptation of “SPEED RACER (2008)” was a fun watch. Their produced adaptation of “V FOR VENDETTA (2005)” is one of my favorite comic book films! But as far as game-changing cinema goes, the first Matrix was their last real calling card.

This brings us to Jupiter Ascending. This film isn’t game changing. It’s nothing new, story wise, effects wise or even genre wise. The acting ranges from hammy (the villain in particular) to stoically wooden (Sean Bean’s character). In fact it’s about as standard issue sci-fi as you can get! And that’s why it works so well.

These days there’s a big debate raging amongst film people over the originality of content. How Hollywood doesn’t like to make new things, just reboot, remake and recycle. And how it’s not fair to audiences who are forced to sit through rehash, yet the same people blame the audience for showing profit towards said rehash, thus perpetuating the reboot, remake, recycle culture!

Two filmmakers I’ve seen in multiple interviews railing against the recycling style of film is the Wachowskis! More so Lana, but they come as a package deal it seems. This is what’s so strange to me, because at the end of the day a recycle of previous ideas is EXACTLY what Jupiter Ascending is!

The film does not hide its inspirations. It’s Space Cinderella, with a little Flash Gordon mixed in for good measure! Scenes are straight up every previous sci-fi trope you can fathom, and the stuff that isn’t is basic film trickery. The thing is though, despite being a reorganization of every idea every before it: I loved it!

Is it the smartest sci-fi film? Not at all. Does it have something to say? Not that I saw. And in truth that’s refreshing to see in a sci-fi flick for me.

Sci-Fi films breakdown into two categories: Epics and PewPews!

Epics are the ones set in sci-fi environments, or with sci-fi tech that propels a story that’s usually disguised commentary from whatever the writers/director wants to say. Has a bad habit of being preachy in its message (which is a flaw of craft), but at its core has a message to tell.

PewPews (like the sound lasers make) on the other hand use the sci-fi environment or sci-fi tech as means for pure visual style and actions. For the most part is pure surface story value with candy coated images with only one thing to say: “Thank you for your money, here’s your 90 to 120 minutes of entertainment!”

I’ve learned unfortunately that while both types are valid forms and I love them equally; most people tend to poop on PewPews. The thinking is that if it doesn’t have something to say, it isn’t really art, and I’m sorry but that thinking is ludicrous if we are talking about the commercial industry that in filmmaking! Sometimes movies don’t have to say anything.

This argument also doesn’t hold water when we consider the success “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (2014)”! That was $170,000,000 worth of PewPew!

I think a lot of the complaining against Jupiter Ascending in relation to Epics vs. PewPews is the Wachowskis are responsible for the genre redefining Epic: The Matrix and they talk the Epic talk, but no one can accept they made a PewPew as a change of pace. You can do both people!

That being said, while I think Jupiter Ascending is an enjoyable PewPew, but there are way better PewPews out there. Again I reference you to Guardians Of The Galaxy.

Short-Story-Long:

Jupiter Ascending is not a perfect film. But I don’t believe it was meant to be one. I take the movie as two Epic Director’s experiment in the land of PewPews! If you’re like me and like PewPews from time to time, set the right frame of mind and give this one a chance. It could be a lot worse!

~_M.H._~

Follow Me on Twitter: @MHSmith22

 

The Results of M.H. Smith’s 2014 Manifesto

Hello everybody, hope y’all have had a Merry Christmas! Not much left of 2014, but a New Year is quickly approaching.

On January 2^nd, 2014 I posted my goals and ambitions for the year. Now that the year is nearing its end, I’ve decided to give the list a revisit and see how I did!

~On A Professional Level~

FINISH “A DEADLY AFFAIR”: Sadly this one is still unfinished. Over the past year I was able to make progress, so it’s much closer than before! I’ll give an adjusted time table in my 2015 Manifesto.

ENTER A FILMMAKING CONTEST: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! As you readers may remember I entered the 2014 Zombie Film Challenge and made “Retribution Of The Dead”. It didn’t win any awards, but was a wonderful project to work on, and a wonderful experience to see the finished film in an actual theatre!

PRODUCE WEEKLY CONTENT: This one is a mixed bag. Over all I was able to produce roughly 25 weeks of content throughout the year! However, most of it was during the early part of the year. This is another goal I will touch upon more in my next Manifesto!

START WRITING eBOOKS: Complete and utter failure! 2015 here it comes!

LAUNCH A NEW WEB-SERIES: This particular goal has been through the ringer this year. Multiple ideas, multiple meetings, multiple setbacks! We’ve got our footing now and will be making announcements accordingly.

~On A Personal Level~

GET HEALTHY: It brings me the greatest pleasure to say my nagging cough that plagued me throughout nearly two years has gone! My overall tiredness: gone! My sleep: improved! My weight: down! Mind you, these are all tiny improvements that do fluctuate, but overall I am heading in the right direction health wise.

READ MORE: My comic collection has grown, but not the amount of them I’ve read. I have managed to read several new “How To” books which is progress.

GIVE MORE: Over 2014 I was able to volunteer quite more time than 2013 to various church activities. I feel this volunteered time has allowed me to grow as a person, as well as help those in need. As far as donating money, circumstances prevented me from giving in the capacity I’d have liked. 2015 will see this fixed!

Short-Story-Long:

Overall 2014 was a good year, but 2015 will be a better year!

~_M.H._~

Follow Me on Twitter: @MHSmith22

R.I.P. Shirley Temple (1928-2014)

One of the few living legends of the original Hollywood era is no longer living. The world has lost Shirley Temple. At age 85, it seems natural causes have taken their toll on the former child star and diplomat.

Unfortunately I cannot speak at any length, or with any depth on Miss Temple, or her careers. Her era of film is an era I’ve seen the least of and have only heard about in documentaries. My mom has told me about her movies, since she watched them as a child, and even to my mom they were “old Shirley Temple movies”.

From what I’ve read she seems like a great person. One of the first celebrities to actually do something useful with their fame! I mean really, who decides to get out of filmmaking and go into diplomatic relations? Shirley Temple did, and I salute her for it!

So farewell Shirley, you brought joy and hope to many a person, you will be missed!

~_M.H._~

Follow Me on Twitter: @MHSmith22

M.H. Smith’s 2014 Manifesto

Welcome to 2014. This is the year my life will come together in fuller ways than last year! I make here and now the declarations of my intentions and goals for the next 364 days:

~On A Professional Level~

FINISH “A DEADLY AFFAIR”:
This 25 minute film of mine has taken far too long to be completed. Luckily the final piece of the puzzle is almost done allowing an early 2014 release to be a very likely event!

ENTER A FILMMAKING CONTEST:
This one is all dependent of funding for entry fees. If I can afford it, I will do at least one!

PRODUCE WEEKLY CONTENT:
Of any kind. Be it blog posts, vlogs, podcasts, short films, Instagram pictures, etc. I challenge myself to produce SOMETHING every week for the next 52 weeks!

START WRITING eBOOKS:
When I originally came to the decision to {try to be} creative for a living, I wanted to be a writer. Along the way I discovered my love of film and screenplay writing, but deep in the back of my mind I still wanted to write books someday.

Since discovering eBooks, I’ve seen how my non-script writing desires can come to life! This isn’t something I’m rushing into, but something I plan to start. Probably won’t have anything publishable until 2015, but a start it a start!

LAUNCH A NEW WEB-SERIES:
My friend James Patrick Vaughan {of Harpoon Films} and I have been in talks about starting a new, short format web-series involving a past project. This is something we’re growing in excitement about and should be launching into production by March!

~On A Personal Level~

GET HEALTHY:
For most of 2013 I was sick. Nothing too serious, just everything I had lingered for most of the year. The unfortunate aspect of it is that most of the causes are things I could control, but didn’t. No more. This year I am taking control of myself physically and fighting for a better health life! It will be with baby steps, but by 2015 I plan to be slimmer and overall healthier then I am today!

READ MORE:
I like comics. A lot! I’m subscribed to quite a few monthlies and several irregular miniseries. However, I’ve fallen way behind in reading my purchased comics which is uncalled for!

I also want to read more “How To” guides on several topics that will aid my personal and professional pursuits!

GIVE MORE:
I’m not a rich man, but I am a blessed man. Blessed to where I feel an ever growing desire to give a little blessing to others. So this year, I’m going to be investing both time and finances into things that will give back a little to not just my community, but to the world at large!

Short-Story-Long:

2014 is going to be a busy year! Busy, but wonderful! My hope is to grow, not only as a filmmaker, but as a person. And I believe that this is the year plenty of amazing things will happen. Hope everyone of you reading this will be able to join me!

~_M.H._~

Follow Me on Twitter: @MHSmith22

New Godzilla Coming In 2014: YES PLEASE!

So, at this years San Diego ComicCon a concept trailer and poster for the new American remake of “GODZILLA” was released. Based off what I read and the few leaked audience smart phone pictures of the screen…. I’m so excited for the King Of Monsters return to the screen!

Forget Marvel sequels, forget Star Trek 2, Man Of Steel, I WANT GODZILLA!! I grew up with Godzilla films late nights on TNT, I bonded with one now moved away friend over Godzilla movies, Godzilla is a very special part of my life!

One of my dreams as a filmmaker is to make a giant, man-in-a-suit Kaiju movie, the way I remember them: AWESOME! So hearing that there is new Godzilla film coming WITH THE APPROVAL OF TOHO STUDIOS, I’m ecstatic beyond speak-able words!

Is there anybody else out there who feels the same way? I know I’m not the only one! So far I’ve converted one friend to the Big-G {well the rubber-suit G. He already liked the 1997 G}, I need to get more!

Please spread the word, warn the people, evacuate Tokyo… GODZILLA IS COMING BACK!!!

~_M.H._~

Follow me on Twitter: @MHSmith22