G.I. Joe: Retaliation 3D Review

Rated PG-13 (Intense Sequences of Combat Violence and Martial Arts Action Throughout, and for Brief Sensuality and Language)

Running Time: 1 Hour & 50 Minutes

Cast-

Dwayne Johnson-Marvin F. Hinton/Roadblock

Adrianne Palicki-Jaye Burnett/Lady Jaye

D.J. Cotrona-Flint

Ray Park-Snake Eyes

Elodie Yung-Jinx

Joseph Mazzello-Mouse

Channing Tatum-Conrad S. Hauser/Duke

Bruce Willis-General Joseph Colton

Luke Bracey/Robert Baker (voice)-Cobra Commander

Lee Byung-Hun-Thomas S. Arashikage/Storm Shadow

Ray Stevenson-Firefly

Arnold Vosloo-Zartan

Jonathan Pryce-President of the United States

Robert Fitzgerald Diggs/RZA-The Blind Master

Walton Goggins-Warden Nigel James

Directed by Jon M. Chu

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson saves another doomed franchise in the long-delayed "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."

Note: Screened on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Regal E-Walk Stadium 13.

'Franchise Viagra'…that's what Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is known for nowadays. If your film series is stuck in a rut and in desperate need of saving, this is the guy to call. A perfect example of a franchise that completely sputtered out of the gate was 2009's "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," based on the popular action figures produced by Hasbro. Directed by Stephen Sommers, the film managed to gross a solid $302.5 million worldwide despite receiving terrible reviews (34% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm reception from audiences. Given the massive financial success of Michael Bay's "Transformers" and the expensive marketing campaign, Paramount Pictures was obviously hoping to make more. Keenly aware that "Rise of Cobra" was not well-liked (I gave it a 1 out of 5 in my own review), the studio pretty much went back to the drawing board, resulting in a sequel that also feels like a reboot. "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" was all set to come out last June, with posters and billboards plastered in every street corner but roughly five weeks before its release, Paramount did the unthinkable: they delayed it for an additional nine months. It came as a total shock to everyone because the studio had already spent millions of dollars hyping up the film. The official reason was that it was being post-converted into 3D. However, rumors surrounding the delay blamed it on disastrous test screenings and the need for reshoots. So was it all worth the wait? "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" is definitely superior when compared to the original but as an action film, it's only passable. 

After capturing Destro and Cobra Commander (Luke Bracey, voice of Robert Baker) during the nanomite crisis, Conrad 'Duke' Hauser (Channing Tatum) now leads a new team of G.I. Joes, which consists of Marvin F. Hinton/Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson), Jaye Burnett/Lady Jaye (Adrianne Palicki), Flint (D.J. Cotrona), and Snake Eyes (Ray Park). However, Storm Shadow (Lee Byung-Hun) remains at large while Zartan (Arnold Vosloo) is currently disguised as the President of the United States (Jonathan Pryce). Meeting with the President's cabinet, Zartan orders the G.I. Joes to retrieve a number of nuclear warheads in Pakistan. When Duke confirms to the White House that the mission was a success, Zartan decimates the G.I. Joes with a military strike, framing them for stealing the warheads and assassinating the Pakistani leader. The surviving Joes, Roadblock, Lady Jaye, and Flint, vow to avenge their fallen comrades and regroup with the help of retired general Joseph Colton (Bruce Willis). At the same time, Snake Eyes and his protégé Jinx (Elodie Yung) hunt down Storm Shadow after he and Firefly (Ray Stevenson) free Cobra Commander from a maximum security prison in Germany. 

"Rise of Cobra" remains one of the dumbest action films I've ever seen and while "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" isn't that much smarter, this quasi-sequel/reboot at least has a fun energy to it, something its predecessor noticeably lacked. In an attempt to distance itself from Sommers' critically lambasted original, "Zombieland" writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick have opted to retain only a few key players this time around. The convoluted relationship involving Duke, Cobra Commander, and the Baroness is swept under the rug like it never happened, with the only plotline being carried over is Zartan stealing the President's identity. The silly power suits and futuristic tech have also been jettisoned or toned down, allowing "Retaliation" to more firmly embrace the roots of its source material. Director Jon M. Chu of "Step Up" fame gives the sequel a grittier, realistic tone but while these changes are welcome, the plot is still just an excuse to blow stuff up. The fractured narrative doesn't do the film any favors as it follows two stories running in parallel with each other. One focuses on the surviving Joes trying to clear their name while the other concerns Snake Eyes' search for Storm Shadow. Chu constantly switches between the two, resulting in choppy pacing and awkward subplots (like Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow's rivalry) that threaten to grind the picture to a halt. Character development is virtually nonexistent beyond a few throwaway lines and the dialogue can get downright embarrassing. In fact, everything that the Blind Master says will make you wince. That's how bad it is. There were some genuinely funny bits, such as when Lady Jaye goes undercover as a Fox News correspondent, prompting the disguised Zartan to joke with a wink and a nod, 'Oh, of course it's Fox News! That's why you look so fair and balanced.' 

What really saves "Retaliation" is the action and this is where the film truly shines. Sure, it looks ridiculous considering it's all based on a bunch of action figures but I must admit that it has a certain goofy charm. The best set-piece arrives at the one-hour mark when Snake Eyes confronts Storm Shadow in the Himalayas. Engaging in a bitter duel, their fight soon leads to a high-flying ninja battle across the mountains and it's a thrilling, beautifully choreographed scene despite its complete disregard for the laws of physics. The 3D certainly helps with the immersion and I have to say, this is definitely one of the better post-conversions I've seen. There's a great sense of depth and it allows the action to truly come alive. Although fast-paced and full of explosions, the other set-pieces aren't quite as memorable. Fortunately, Chu throws in a lot of fun gadgets for the characters to use such as remote-controlled bullets and a motorcycle that shoots missiles which then splits apart…into more missiles. At one point, General Joseph Colton shows the Joes his massive collection of guns. Every cabinet and drawer he opens around his house is just guns, guns, and more guns. Hell, even the fruit basket is made up of grenades. This outrageous scene perfectly encapsulates what "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" is all about and you can't help but smile as it whole-heartedly embraces the concept of being a glorified toy commercial. 

You don't go to a film like "Retaliation" to see award-winning performances but a large part of its appeal can be traced back to the presence of Dwayne Johnson. This guy just oozes charisma and Johnson is clearly enjoying himself as he takes on all the bad guys while wielding the biggest guns (and I'm not referring to his arms). Who would've thought a WWE wrestler would turn into our generation's most engaging action star? That's right, no one! Unfortunately, Adrianne Palicki and D.J. Cotrona aren't quite up to his level since they're given little to do with their characters. A sleepy Bruce Willis pops in briefly for a paycheck while Channing Tatum exits the picture before the film's first twenty-minutes are up. Ray Park and Lee Byung-Hun manage to impress thanks to their outstanding fight scenes but it is the villains, played by Jonathan Pryce and Ray Stevenson, who succeed in matching Johnson as they chew the scenery with an unending barrage of cheesy one-liners. The worst performance is given by rapper RZA as the Blind Master. His line-delivery is just painful to watch and he almost derails the film every time he opens his mouth. I don't know what Chu was thinking when he cast him. 

"G.I. Joe: Retaliation" was released on March 28, 2013 and has received overwhelmingly negative reviews with 29% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics agreed that it was 'arguably superior to its predecessor, [but the film] is overwhelmed by its nonstop action and too nonsensical and vapid to leave a lasting impression.' That hasn't prevented audiences from paying to see "Retaliation" as it's already on track for at least a four-day $50 million debut at the domestic box office. However, it's unclear how much money Paramount Pictures wasted when the studio delayed its release. "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" is the cinematic equivalent of junk food but one that's directed with a child-like enthusiasm from Chu. It knows exactly what kind of film it is and of course, knowing is only half the battle.

Final Rating: 3 out of 5

"There's only one man who could authorize a strike like that. And I voted for him."

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Evil Dead (2013) Review

Rated R (Strong Bloody Violence and Gore, Some Sexual Content and Language)

Running Time: 1 Hour & 31 Minutes

Cast-

Jane Levy-Mia

Shiloh Fernandez-David

Lou Taylor Pucci-Eric

Jessica Lucas-Olivia

Elizabeth Blackmore-Natalie

Randal Wilson-Abomination Mia

Rupert Degas (voice)-Demon

Jim McLarty-Harold

Sian Davis-Old Woman

Stephen Butterworth-Toothless Redneck

Karl Willetts-Long Haired Redneck

Inca-Grandpa the Dog

Directed by Fede Alvarez

Rev up that chainsaw once more as Sam Raimi's cult classic, "The Evil Dead," is remade for a new generation courtesy of director Fede Alvarez.

Note: Screened on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at AMC Loews Village 7.

'We're going to get you…we're going to get you. Not another peep. Time to go to sleep!' On October 15, 1981, a twenty-one-year-old Sam Raimi premiered his first film, "The Evil Dead," at the Redford Theatre in Detroit, Michigan but little did he know that the ultra-low budget horror flick he made would transform into a highly revered cult classic whose impact on the genre continues to be felt thirty years later. Despite its overly-simplistic plot and amateurish performances, what made "The Evil Dead" so memorable was Raimi's no-holds-barred direction. With an inexperienced cast and crew of thirty-seven people, the film was shot in an abandoned cabin in Morristown, Tennessee over what actor Bruce Campbell described as 'twelve weeks of mirthless exercise in agony.' Any other person would've just quit while they were ahead but not Raimi. He believed in his film and that passion is evident in every zooming frame. It's a relentless picture for sure given the amount of violence and gore on display yet the level of creativity that Raimi displays behind the camera is nothing short of amazing. Then the unthinkable happened: a remake was announced in 2011. For horror fans, "The Evil Dead" was as sacred as The Bible and they naturally feared the worst. The presence of Campbell, Raimi, and Robert Tapert as producers assuaged the fans somewhat but skepticism remained…until first-time director Fede Alvarez showed an exclusive trailer at New York Comic Con last October. The crowd went absolutely ballistic and thunderous applause filled the IGN Theater. Does the final result live up to the promise of that trailer? Yes, a thousand times yes! Gleefully violent to the extreme, Alvarez's "Evil Dead" is a ferocious assault on the senses that showers its audience in an orgasmic display of blood, guts, and hacked limbs. This is not only one of the best remakes I've seen but it's also one of the best horror films I've seen in the last ten years. 

In an attempt to kick her heroin addiction, college student Mia (Jane Levy) travels to her family's remote cabin in the woods with the support of her friends Olivia (Jessica Lucas), Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci), her estranged brother David (Shiloh Fernandez), and his girlfriend Natalie (Elizabeth Blackmore). As Mia begins suffering through severe withdrawal, the rest of the group makes a gruesome discovery when David's dog follows a blood trail to a cellar door hidden underneath a rug. Inside the basement are nasty smells, a ceiling full of mummified animals, and a mysterious book wrapped in garbage bags and bound in barbed wire. Eric is immediately fascinated by the tome and he proceeds to snip off the wires and opens the bag in order to examine the text inside. Written in an ancient alphabet and filled with disturbing illustrations, Eric ignores the warnings scrawled on each page and recites a passage aloud. This awakens a dormant evil that slowly begins possessing each member of the group to feed on their souls as all hell literally breaks loose. 

I haven't been this immersed in a horror film since 1987's "Hellraiser," and that was over twenty years ago! For the most part, Fede Alvarez's "Evil Dead" follows the general plotline of Raimi's version but the script (written by Alvarez, Rodo Sayagues and an uncredited Diablo Cody) for the remake expands upon the original film's bare-bones story in a number of clever ways while also adding some dramatic heft. Instead of having five college students spending their spring break in an isolated cabin in Tennessee, Alvarez establishes Mia as a struggling heroin addict who previously tried to quit but eventually relapsed. This provides a more credible motive for the group to stay in the cabin because they want her to get better. In Raimi's film, the brother/sister dynamic between Ash and Cheryl was barely touched upon while the remake shows Mia and David having a strained relationship, largely stemming from unresolved issues with their deceased mother. These additions to the plot come into play once Mia is possessed and starts manipulating the emotions of her friends and brother. 

Of course, most audiences will be coming for the gore and in that category, it does not disappoint. In fact, I would highly advise those who have weak stomachs to bring a barf bag. The minute Eric (rather stupidly, I must admit) unleashes the demonic horde that lies dormant in the woods, "Evil Dead" never lets up, with one brutal set-piece after another as Alvarez continuously one ups himself and gives the people what they want. The infamous 'tree rape' scene is even more harrowing but that's just the tip of the iceberg as bodies are mutilated and dismembered, arms are hacked off, heads are smashed open, and people are vomited upon. This is shown in all their graphic glory, with the camera lingering upon the carnage on display. When a possessed Mia slices her tongue in half, I had a huge grin on my face. This film is a gore-lover's wet dream and what's great is that almost all of it was achieved through practical effects, which is further enhanced by the director's excellent use of lighting to create a tense, moody atmosphere. Even Raimi's swooping, swirling camerawork is effectively recreated. The last fifteen minutes, a perfect concoction of suspense and terror, will leave you gripping the armrests of your seat as Alvarez pulls a surprise gender role reversal between Mia and David, pulling out all the stops with a climax set during a literal rainstorm of blood that pays homage to the original films while also forging its own path. Suffice to say, you'll be standing on your feet cheering once the end credits roll. "Evil Dead" does suffer from a few flaws, although they're relatively minor. Being a remake, the film doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel and there were times where a character's sense of disbelief strained credibility. Some of the dialogue can get downright cheesy but that's par for the course these days. Still, it's not enough to derail the film and for all of its ninety-one minute running time, Alvarez's remake is an exhilarating experience. 

The performances won't be winning awards anytime soon. Nevertheless, the cast puts in some solid work, with Jane Levy and Lou Taylor Pucci being the standouts. Levy is put through the wringer both physically and mentally, especially during the last fifteen minutes while Pucci adds some dark humor to lighten the mood. When asked if the actions written in the book will rid themselves of the demonic spirits haunting them, Pucci's Eric retorts, 'Am I sure? Of course not! It's not a science book!' Filling in for Bruce Campbell is Shiloh Fernandez, who lacks the charisma and charm of the cult actor. It's a good thing he's never presented as an 'Ash'-like hero because it would've been a total disaster. The rest of the cast make the most of their underwritten roles, even if they're just fodder for the demons. 

Premiering at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival in Austin, Texas on March 8, "Evil Dead" is set to be released on April 5, 2013. Reviews have so far been positive, with 79% on Rotten Tomatoes. Diehard fans that grew up watching the original films will be out in force but the big question is whether today's younger audiences will pay to see a borderline NC-17 film after being weaned on PG-13 horror for so long. I hope they do because it'll provide Hollywood with more incentive to green-light R-rated horror films that don't compromise themselves for the sake of money. The advance screening that took place this past Thursday was filled to maximum capacity and while the audience was at times uncomfortable with the large amount of gore on-screen, their response at the end was very enthusiastic. Fede Alvarez's "Evil Dead" won't have the massive cultural impact that Raimi's film had but that in no way diminishes the quality of this remake. This is a horror lover's dream come true, one that revels in its ultra-violence to create a near-perfect symphony of unrelenting bloodshed. Time to go back for seconds…and maybe even thirds!

Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5

"Everything's going to be fine? I don't know if you've noticed this but everything's been getting worse, every second. Does that sound fine?!"

Make sure to stay after the end credits for a very special cameo!

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Stoker Review

Rated R (Disturbing Violent and Sexual Content)

Running Time: 1 Hour & 39 Minutes

Cast-

Mia Wasikowska-India Stoker

Matthew Goode -Charles Stoker

Nicole Kidman-Evelyn Stoker

Jacki Weaver-Aunt Gwendolyn 'Gin' Stoker

Dermot Mulroney-Richard Stoker

Phyllis Somerville-Mrs. McGarrick

Alden Ehrenreich-Whip Taylor

Lucas Till-Chris Pitts

Ralph Brown-Sheriff Howard

Judith Godrèche-Doctor Jacquin

Directed by Park Chan-Wook

South Korean director Park Chan-Wook delves into the mind of a sociopath with his latest film, "Stoker."

Note: At Regal E-Walk Stadium 13.

From Anthony Perkins' Norman Bates to Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman, Hollywood has always held a deep fascination with sociopaths. Charismatic, charming, and seductive, these individuals won't hesitate to kill you in your sleep but there's no denying their allure on the big screen. For writers and directors, a major part of these characters' appeal lies in deconstructing them to their bare essentials, to peel back the layers and see what makes them tick. Critically acclaimed South Korean director Park Chan-Wook delves into the mind of a sociopath with his English-language debut "Stoker"…and no, it has nothing to do with Dracula or vampires in case you were wondering. Known for his "Vengeance Trilogy" of films (which consists of "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance," "Oldboy," and "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance"), Wook has made a name for himself with the way he effectively blends elegant visuals and traditional melodrama with bursts of extreme violence. Although he had no personal involvement with the script, "Stoker" doesn't stray too far from his earlier works. Bolstered by a trio of excellent performances and immaculately framed with an atmosphere steeped in ominous dread, Wook's latest film is a twisted coming-of-age tale that never lets go as it explores the darkest recesses of human nature. 

When her beloved father Richard (Dermot Mulroney) dies in a mysterious car accident, eighteen-year-old India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) is left to contend with her vapid, alcoholic mother Evelyn (Nicole Kidman), whom she shares a frosty relationship with. During the funeral, Evelyn introduces India to her father's younger brother Charlie (Matthew Goode), the uncle she never knew she had. Taking a break from his travels around the world, Charlie moves into the Stoker household at Evelyn's request but India can't shake the feeling that there's something just not right about him. The sudden disappearance of housekeeper Mrs. McGarrick (Phyllis Somerville) and later her Auntie Gin (Jacki Weaver) only seems to confirm India's suspicions. Yet, she continues to find herself uncontrollably drawn to him. Charlie soon takes India under his wing, awakening a dangerous part of her psyche that has long lain dormant. 

The first thing you'll notice about "Stoker" is the way director Park Chan-Wook carefully frames each shot. Not only are the images rich with color thanks to cinematographer Chung-Hoon Chung but it transforms even the mundane into something creepy and sinister. Watch as a spindly-legged spider slowly crawls up India's stocking while she sits at the kitchen table or how Evelyn's strands of hair dissolve into blades of swamp grass as it is being brushed. Lighting also plays an important part in creating a sense of unease, such as when India goes down to the basement and illuminates the hallway by swinging each light fixture back and forth. The editing builds tension and suspense by occasionally rearranging shots out of order (i.e. when India undresses before taking a shower) or intercutting with brief flashbacks. In fact, the entire film is essentially an extended flashback. Wherever you look, "Stoker" just oozes style and it's a welcome breath of fresh air compared to the overly-polished junk that Hollywood pushes out every weekend. 

The second thing of note is the script's writer and it's none other than Michael Scofield himself, Wentworth Miller (with Erin Cressida Wilson contributing). This was a surprise to me because I never knew he had it in him and apparently, he didn't either as the script was originally sent out under a pseudonym. The story isn't complicated and while the pacing can be on the slow side, what makes this twisted Southern gothic so compelling is that there's so much going on underneath the surface. The emotions being suppressed by the characters could all violently reveal themselves at any moment. Utilizing 1943's "Shadow of a Doubt" as a jumping-off point, the film's Hitchcock influences are clear yet it doesn't let itself be defined by them. Although marketed as a mystery, it's really more of a coming-of-age tale where a teenage girl on the cusp of womanhood struggles with her identity and experiences a literally bloody awakening. Wook and Miller play around with a number of complex themes, fearlessly delving into taboo topics that include murder and incest while subverting genre conventions. The relationship between mother and daughter is already cold to begin with (India at one point remarks that Evelyn doesn't appear to be grieving enough) but their feelings for each other soon turn into jealous rage once Charlie enters the picture. Scenes of India interacting with her uncle are awash with eroticism. During an intense piano duet with Charlie, India moans with audible ecstasy as his fingers furiously move across the keyboard. The idea that sex is intricately linked with violence is made clear when India masturbates in the shower while reminiscing to the memory of a murder that occurred only moments ago. Given how damaged these characters, some may have trouble relating to them but Wook doesn't want you to do that. He wants you to accept them for who they are. In the beginning of the film, India narrates that 'just as a flower does not choose its color, we are not responsible for what we have come to be.' This acceptance of self is oddly beautiful and even romantic. 

Since "Stoker" is largely driven by its characters, casting is especially important and Wook couldn't have chosen a better lead actress in Mia Wasikowska. She delivers an excellent performance, her innocent exterior hiding a darkness within that is begging to be released. The beauty of Wasikowska is her ability to say so much without saying anything at all and it's a tough balancing act, one that she handles like a seasoned pro. Matthew Goode's brilliant turn as the sociopathic 'Uncle Charlie' adds to the film's seductive appeal. As he ratchets up the charm, you can't help but fall under his spell even though you know in the back of your mind that he's bad news. Finally, there's Nicole Kidman and although her role is small, she gets to let loose with a killer monologue near the end where her character angrily tells India, 'I can't wait to watch life tear you apart.' Rounding out the rest of the cast is Dermot Mulroney, who's limited to a couple of flashbacks, Jacki Weaver as India's jittery Auntie Gin, with Alden Ehrenreich and Lucas Till as fellow high school classmates. 

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival back in January and in limited release since March 1, 2013, "Stoker" has received a lukewarm reception with 67% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics noted that its 'script doesn't quite carry the dramatic heft of his earlier work, but Park Chan-Wook's [film] showcases his eye for sumptuous imagery and his affection for dark, atmospheric narratives populated by mysterious characters.' Due to its disturbing subject matter, the film hasn't been given much of a wide release (so far, it's earned only $5.5 million worldwide), which is a damn shame because this is what Hollywood should be making more of. Also problematic are close-minded audiences and if they can't handle it, that's on them. Wentworth Miller doesn't exactly break any new ground yet no one can deny that "Stoker" is a beautifully executed work of art from Park Chan-Wook. I cannot wait to see what macabre tale Wook tackles next.

Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5

"Just as a flower does not choose its color, we are not responsible for what we have come to be. Only once you realize this do you become free."

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