Van Helsing

[puppydogeyes]

 

Went to see Van Helsing tonite. Pretty good i thought (although 'he' thought it was crap)

Think what made it even more appealing is...Hugh Jackman is one hot totty! The guy who plays Dracula wasnt bad either!!!  

Wouldnt recommend it for younger kids...some of it was pretty scary from a 'jump' point of view...i said some rude words a couple of times after leaping out my seat!  

Special Effects were ace...it was funny in places too...a pretty pleasant way of spending 2 hrs...

[Princess Peach]

Thanks for the review Rosie!

Bizarre question: Where there any 'sexist' parts?
(Don't mind me - just protecting my sensitive feminist nerves) :p

[GuzziHeroV50]

I know Im a critic but...I actually want to see this one.  I probly wont get the chance tho as my best mate is a boring stay at home.  Usually I am too, but I make occasional exceptions.  This movie looks awe inspiring, as does The Day After Tomorrow.  I want to see em both!

[kat_bat]

i heard that this film was supposed to be pretty rubbish, although the special effects are supposed to be good. are there any good films on at the moment in the cinema? i went last month with a mate and we couldn't decide what to see becasue there was nothing good on!

[Steveo]

Van Helsing - Looks interesting on the trailers.  I might check it out to.

are there any good films on at the moment in the cinema? i went last month with a mate and we couldn't decide what to see becasue there was nothing good on!

Depends what you're into really!  IMO Gothika looks good, and i'm definately going to see Kill Bill Vol 2, as soon as i've rented Vol 1.  The Butterfly effect looks interesting too.

Last thing I saw at the cinema was Dawn of the Dead a few weeks back (not sure if this is still showing?), that's a decent film, as far as Zombie/horror flicks go.

[GuzziHeroV50]

For me, Steveo, Kill Bill was an utter waste of time.  It looked like someone trying to parody Tarantino rather than Tarantino himself.  That kind of ultraviolence works for the wacky Japanese, but not for Uma Thurman.  I wont give anything away but...I was disappointed, major league.

[Steveo]

Really, Guzz? Being that I love Tarantino films I can't invisage it being that bad.  How do you think Kill Bill compares to some of his past work? - Resevoir dogs, Pulp Fiction, Dusk till Dawn 1.

[GuzziHeroV50]

I havent seen Dusk Till Dawn, but compared to Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, it contains some of the funky time-shifting that kept you guessing but has absolutely none of the humour, or brilliant quote-a-bility of the two.  The entire thing is pretty predictable, some scenes are drawn out far too long, and it ends in a ridiculously long combat scene that just shifts from one angle/art perceptive to another in a contrived and frankly annoying way.  Few of the characters have any merit or likeability about them (the only exception being Go Go Yubari, played by Chiaki Kurayama) who isnt in it long enough to HAVE a character.

It looks like some art students have gone out with a Hi-8 to try and capture Hong Kong-style kung-fu martial arts action and have gone through an entire repartoire of filters, lenses, lighting setups and not found a single one that works.  Quite apart from several episodes of "Theres no <bleeping> way thatd happen!".  It had me staring at my monitor in anger, frustration and despair.  Thank god I only downloaded it from WinMX, cos if it had been given away free, it wouldnt be worth what Id paid for it!

[Steveo]

I still feel like i've got to see it to judge for myself, but I certainly won't be expecting as much after what you have said.  I will be disappointed if it's over the top violence with no decent storyline to it.  It's not like Tarantino rushed the script!

[GuzziHeroV50]

 

Script?  There was a script?  Sorry, must have slipped past me.

Please dont expect much...in fact, expect less than nothing.  (Hey, I say it as I see it!).

[lurker]

I'm with Guzzi - KBv1 did not live up to the hype.  I was very disappointed and I thought it was probably 3 or 4 out of 10.  KBv2 was even worse.  At least I could sit through KBv1 because of the off-the-wall martial arts.  KBv2 was a total waste of my time, personally.  I already posted some of my thought on KBv1 when it cmae out earlier.

Van Helsing was better than that, although that's not saying much either.  I'd give VH a 5 out of 10 for the campy-ness.  Definitely not for kids as Rosie says, because of the "jump" factor.  Also, it is not as good as the previews show it to be.   The special effects, again, I agree with Rosie, they were exceptional.  I thought the plot was very lacking, however.  They should have talked a bit about the plot earlier in the movie, rather than later, unless it was trying to be a mystery, in which case it only served to confuse and disinterest me rather than make me think hard to solve it.    Overall, a fun movie, but not a great movie.   Average but not terrible.  At 2 hrs and 15 minutes or so, you do get your money's worth for a matinee show.

I am awaiting "Troy" and "Spiderman 2" because for me, those two are "must see".  I am also awaiting Harry Potter 3, "The Bourne Supremacy" (sequel to "The Bourne Identity"), "Hero" (with Jet Li), "The Day After Tomorrow", and maybe "Chronicles of Riddick" (about Vin Diesel's Riddick character from "Pitch Black").

- lurker

[Celery Peach]

  Van Helsing is on my list to see also   As is Gothika, Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind (Jim Carey, Kate Winslet) Secret Window (Johnny Depp) and Wonderland (Val Kilmer)

Kill Bill. Well, Guzz, sorry I disagree, I loved them. Granted the first better than the second. I love all those different filming techniques Tarentino does. I have liked every film he has made so far, and several that he has had a part in making. I rate Uma as a great actress, obviously so does Tarentino. I would agree that it has been hyped alot, but then again, its Tarentino, and I think we all expect so much from him !

Steveo, then I fear you may be dissapointed, KB1 is a gore fest, the story is easy, a pregnant woman gets shot at her wedding rehersal and goes on a killing spree in revenge. It is over the top violence, as only Tarentino can do ! KB2 goes a little more in depth as to the whys and wherefores.

Who said films have to be realistic, its fiction, in stories anything can happen !

Lurker, I really fancy seeing Troy too, but I may wait till its out on DVD, dont think I could sit in the cinema for such a long epic, I'm a fidget   ....and of course Spiderman 2 & HP3. I wasnt overly impressed with Vin Diesel, but no doubt hubby will want a look at that one (chronicles of riddick)

[puppydogeyes]

sorry, have to do this

KILL BILL ROCKS!!!

just my opinion guys....i loved it!!! Seen Kill Bill Vol 2 as well....not as action packed as the first i have to admit but answers questions etc.....

[Fluffy]

I wanna watch van Helsing  will have to wait untill the end of the month though as we are on hols next week then of course after any hols we will be skint lol

Glad you enjoyed the film rosie its good to get out and watch a movie

Shame about the company

[kat_bat]

i saw Gothika, it was good i thought but a bit drawn out. it also as with Van Helsing has the "jump" factor, although, the story was so unbelieveable that it had me laughing in other (not supposed to be funny) parts! i wouldn't say its a must see but it fills an afternoon!  

[GuzziHeroV50]

If gore is your thing, but you want to include character depth, amazing acting (which was not there in KB1), reasonable realism and outstandingly vicious but-not-ridiculous combat I can recommend no better film than Battle Royale.

My favourite characters are the insane Kiriyama:



And the beautiful and sexy Chigusa (played by Chiaki Kuriyama) linked below cos I cant find this pic on the net anymore!


[Housekeeping. attachment deleted by admin]

[puppydogeyes]

i saw Gothika, it was good i thought but a bit drawn out. it also as with Van Helsing has the "jump" factor, although, the story was so unbelieveable that it had me laughing in other (not supposed to be funny) parts! i wouldn't say its a must see but it fills an afternoon!  

um...i didnt really take Van Helsing seriously as theres not too many werewolves or vampires about.

[Steveo]

So the Juries still out on Kill Bill then eh?  I heard that a lot of the scenes were made to resemble memorable scenes from the classics of yesteryear - Bruce Lee films and such.  Anyone notice much of that?

I'll probably watch Spiderman 2 when that comes out, but I was'nt very impressed with the first one.  After what happened at the end of the first, do you think that spiderman's enemy be the green goblin's son?

The Bourne Identity was a five star film IMO.  Matt Damen's one of my fav actors, particularly after Good Will Hunting.  And lets not forget Franka Potente!  I'll more than likely go and see the sequel in the cinema.  Any idea when it's due to come out?

Pitch black was cool too, so i'll look out for the ofspin/sequel.

I'm also waiting on Rocky 6, anyone got any news on this?

Battle Roayale - I have'nt seen that yet, i'll have to viddy that one too.  

Talking of dark/gory films, anyone seen Dog soldiers? the best British film ever IMO.

[GuzziHeroV50]

Battle Royale is on TV sometime this week - itll be the cut version though so some scenes (particularly the Kiriyama/Souma battle) wont make so much sense.  Im more than happy to discuss/explain anything that seems amiss after youve seen it

[Celery Peach]

I know Im a critic but...I actually want to see this one.  I probly wont get the chance tho as my best mate is a boring stay at home.  Usually I am too, but I make occasional exceptions.  This movie looks awe inspiring, as does The Day After Tomorrow.  I want to see em both!

Just thought I'd mention Guzz, that me n Nick have been going really early, and its bliss. At the UGC cinemas, if you go before 12noon, its slightly cheaper and its so quiet (averaging 6-10 people in the whole place). We stopped going to the flics for a while, because people are so damn irratating. Why pay to see a movie then a*** ( Ed Bot! ) about or talk & giggle all the way through ? Its also not unusual to see people there on their own at that time either, so you wouldnt feel out of place  

I have battle royal here   my friend lent it to me about a year ago and I still havnt watched it, the subtitles kinda put me off   <note to self, must see Clare and give her back all these CD's & DVD's>  

[GuzziHeroV50]

See past the subtitles (although they do tell a great story) and watch it!  You will NOT regret it

[Steveo]

Battle Royale is on TV sometime this week - itll be the cut version though so some scenes (particularly the Kiriyama/Souma battle) wont make so much sense.  Im more than happy to discuss/explain anything that seems amiss after youve seen it

I just had a look in the TV book - 11pm, Monday, C4.  Cheers Guz i'll watch/tape that.  I too am not overly keen on subtitles though.

[GuzziHeroV50]

Please trust me - theyre better than hearing a great film dubbed over by incompetent US voice actors (like a lot of Japanese animation is ).  Did you hear the hash they made of Mad Max when it was dubbed over by US actors?  Ugh!

[Steveo]

Did you hear the hash they made of Mad Max when it was dubbed over by US actors?  Ugh!

Yeah I love watching dubbed Jackie Chan movies though - always good for a laugh!

[GuzziHeroV50]

I dont underestimate when I say that BR (not BR2) is an absolute masterpiece, just like Yojimbo by Akira Kurosawa (another subtitled film).  Yojimbo is the film that A Fistful Of Dollars was a western take-off from, and the original is the best

[Steveo]

I'll make sure I catch it guzz.  I won't let the subitles put me off.

[GuzziHeroV50]

This topic reminds me, I have to get round to watching the entire anime Hellsing series I have on DVD

[lurker]

So the Juries still out on Kill Bill then eh?  I heard that a lot of the scenes were made to resemble memorable scenes from the classics of yesteryear - Bruce Lee films and such.  Anyone notice much of that?

While I did see that in KB2 there were scenes that were made to resemble scenes in other movies, not in KB1 though (well not that I noticed - too much blood sprinkler systems  

I'll probably watch Spiderman 2 when that comes out, but I was'nt very impressed with the first one.  After what happened at the end of the first, do you think that spiderman's enemy be the green goblin's son?

Actually, to every Spiderman comic-fan's delight, the villain is officially being shown as Doctor Octopus, one of the best Spidey villains ever.   While the goblin's son will be in the movie he is not being billed as the villain.

The Bourne Identity was a five star film IMO.  Matt Damen's one of my fav actors, particularly after Good Will Hunting.  And lets not forget Franka Potente!  I'll more than likely go and see the sequel in the cinema.  Any idea when it's due to come out?

Here's a list for US releases of some interesting films:

May 14 - Troy (Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom)
May 21 - Shrek 2
May 28 - The Day After Tomorrow
June 4 - Harry Potter 3
June 11 - Stepford Wives  (Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Faith Hill, Bette Midler)
            - Garfield (live action, voiced by Bill Murray, with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Breckin Meyer)
            - Chronicles of Riddick (Vin Diesel)
June 16 - Around the World in 80 Days (Jackie Chan)
June 18 - The Terminal (Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, directed by Steven Spielberg)
            - Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn)
June 30 - Spider Man 2
July 7 - King Arthur
July 9 - Anchorman (Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate)
July 16 - I, Robot (Will Smith)
July 23 - The Bourne Supremacy (Matt Damon)
            - Catwoman (Halle Berry)
July 30 - The Village (by M. Night Shyamalan)
August 6 - Thunderbirds
               - Collateral (Tom Cruise)
August 13 - Alien vs. Predator
August 20 - Exorcist: The Beginning
                 - Hero (Jet Li)

Not an all-inclusive list but these were either interesting or have big names or are sequels/prequels to popular movies...

Not sure about UK release dates...

Hope that helps some.

 - lurker

[Steveo]

Cheers lurker.  Uk release dates normally follow shortly after US release dates, so i'll look out for The Bourne Supremacy in late July/early August.

[GuzziHeroV50]

The only ones I may be interested in is Van Helsing (though Im not sure Ill bother having read Lurkers capsure review), The Day After Tomorrow (I love that kinda 'what if?' film annnd...thats it.

I think Troy will suck rocks, I hate 'history' films that change the story, Garfield live action will be an utter crock, Around The World...will be nothing new, its not even an interesting story and I cant see one film being able to encompass a fraction of the book's content, King Arthur will not have the atmosphere of the old Kenneth Branagh or Errol Flynn style movies and will turn into a forgettable special F/X exercise, I pray to god theyre not going to live-action Thunderbirds!, Alien VS Predator will be as I already said a cheesy money-making movie, and the rest Im not really sure on.

[puppydogeyes]

The trailer for 'the Day after Tomorrow' was wicked!!!! Just hope the rest of the film is as good! I'm planning on seeing it once its out!

[puppydogeyes]

Does anyone know when Shrek 2 is released in UK??

[Nati]

Okay, Guzz, Troy is sooo not going to suck rocks. I think it looks really good and it is so far getting good reviews.
Plus, my boyfriend Orlando Bloom is in it. How can it be bad?  
I wanted to see Van Helsing because of Hugh before I saw the trailer and thought it looked like a bad  movie that took itself way to seriously.

[lurker]

The only ones I may be interested in is Van Helsing (though Im not sure Ill bother having read Lurkers capsure review), The Day After Tomorrow (I love that kinda 'what if?' film annnd...thats it.

Sorry to throw you off Van Helsing, Guz, but I didn't think it was all that bad.  Honestly, though, you wouldn't like it if I know your tastes the way I think I do.

I think Troy will suck rocks, I hate 'history' films that change the story, Garfield live action will be an utter crock, Around The World...will be nothing new, its not even an interesting story and I cant see one film being able to encompass a fraction of the book's content, King Arthur will not have the atmosphere of the old Kenneth Branagh or Errol Flynn style movies and will turn into a forgettable special F/X exercise, I pray to god theyre not going to live-action Thunderbirds!, Alien VS Predator will be as I already said a cheesy money-making movie, and the rest Im not really sure on.

You can stop praying because it won't do you any good - as far as I can tell Thunderbirds is live-action indeed

"Troy" is based on the Iliad by Homer and I am not sure if people will say it is "history" or not.  Also, it is too early to judge whether they have changed the story or not, although I am not sure how they can stick to it and still run it shorter than "Dances with Wolves"  Probably what you said about "Around the World in 80 Days" would be more appropriate for "Troy", as "80 Days" isn't nearly as long a book.  Don't forget though, Jackie Chan is in "80 days".

Garfield live action is probably going to be an utter crock, yeah.  Maybe they are hoping to build off the Scooby Doo niche of live action cartoon animals?

 - lurker

[GuzziHeroV50]

Troy will undoubtedly be turned into a mushy passion movie.  Just like Titanic was utterly raped by the false storyline and Enigma was raped because the UK found the Enigma!!!  Hollywood stole our history!

Seriously, Titanic almost made me puke, I couldnt watch it all.  It was just better than The Thin Red Line

[Nati]

Yeah but Orlando wasn't in Titanic, Guzz.  

[GuzziHeroV50]

Um...being not emotionally attracted to Orlando its hard to see that point

[Nati]

That's a shame, Guzzi, everyone should be attracted to Orlando.  

[GuzziHeroV50]

 Uhh...no matter how much I squint, I just cant see Orlando as sexually attractive.  Sorry!

Try putting some boobies and a girls japanese college uniform on him and Ill try again

[Nati]

 

[GuzziHeroV50]

For those in the UK, Battle Royale is on C4 in 30 minutes.  Go get a videotape to put it on.   NOW!

[Steveo]

Hey guzz, I taped BR and watched it last night.  You're not wrong, it's definately a must see, and it had me glued throughout.  The subtitles were'nt exactly hard to follow either  Just goes to proove that you don't need a multi-million pound budget to make a great and original film.

I think you may also like Dog soldiers, it has a similar feel to BR.

[GuzziHeroV50]

Ill look out for that, thanks!

By the way, isnt Chiaki Kuriyama gorrrrgeous?  When shes in the classroom giving Beat Takeshi the looks of death, I love that glare of hers

[Steveo]

By the way, isnt Chiaki Kuriyama gorrrrgeous?

Well if I had to pick one, it would be Mitsuko (spell check).  I'd put a picture up but I have no idea where you get them from.

[GuzziHeroV50]

Mitsuko Souma?  I know who you mean - she was a bit TOO 'stone cold killer' for me

[GuzziHeroV50]

I cant find any right sized pics of Kou Shibasaki ('Hardcore' Mitsuko Souma) anywhere

The special edition explains her story better.  Basically, her mother was a drug addict and theres an extra scene where she tries to 'sell' Mitsuko to a dodgy looking bloke.  However, when he tries to make his move on Mitsuko, she pushes him and he falls down a set of stairs, killing him  One of the most important scenes in the film, as it explains why she says "Why am I always the loser?" after she is taken out by Kiriyama.  

Earlier, when she takes her second victim, Hirono Shimizu, Hirono yells "You were pimping Yoshimi".  The comic book explains better that Souma, after her experiences and being prostituted by her druggie mother, (Hirono) Shimizu, (Yoshimi) Yahagi and another girl were a small gang.  Souma has no qualms about seducing rich men and stealing from them, in one case killing him in the process.  She became outwardly a strong girl, but inwardly feeling alone after her abuse.  This explains her psychopathy - she is killing her classmates who she feels have never accepted her and always hated her.  

In the comic book, she does (kinda) pimp Yoshimi - she arranges sex between her and a guy, only telling her afterwards that it was for money.  However, Yoshimi then falls in love with the guy so its not quite the same thing.  How does Yoshimi die?  She was the one found hanged with her boyfriend (Yoji Kuramoto) by Souma just before she slits Megumi Eto's throat in the toolshed.  Note her disregard when she says to Hirono "I saw Yoshimi and Yoji hanged outside.  How noble."

There is an amazing and in depth story behind Battle Royale which takes it past being just a film to being a masterpiece

[Steveo]

That's interesting guzz!  I knew there was a reason why I felt sorry for Mitsuko in parts of the film, and that fills in the gap.  

So have you seen BR 2 yet guzz?

[GuzziHeroV50]

Nope.  Apparently, its not a patch on the original (the director of BR1 died during filming).

Basically, it has Shuya and Noriko start an anti-government movement, but they get captured.  The class chosen for that years Battle Royale, rather than killing each other, have to hunt down Shuya and Noriko in pairs.  if they get seperated or one gets killed, the collars explode.  Apparently it turns into a story-less bloodfest.

Ill still be watching it when it comes available to make up my own mind though (and cos theres an even cuter girl in the second movie - Ai Iwamura (remember the 'last years survivor' with the creepy smile at the start of BR?  Its her, but now shes 18 )

[puppydogeyes]

ps kill bill rocks lookforward o seeing Kill bill Vol 2

Cybe

be prepared for kill bill 2 to be slower than first one. Its not the gorefest like before but it does answer a lot of questions from first film and the ending is pretty neat and tidy...a good film.

[Celery Peach]

  Weve been getting out to the flix a bit lately, its nice to drop the kids off at school and catch the early showings. I really liked Kill Bill Vol 2, just as good as the first I thought, but very different, Daryl Hannas demise was class !  

We saw 'The day after Tomorrow' the other day too. A bit of a basic storyline & script, but it was worth seeing it on the big screen for all the Fx. Also took the kids to see the new Harry Potter on Tuesday, I didnt like it as much as the first 2 tho, no one could really fill Richard Harris' boots. Its well worth seeing tho of course ! The kids all enjoyed it, even if little Annie did get a bit scared in parts  

Think we are going to splash out on one of those 'unlimited' cards UGC cinemas are offering. Its a tenner a month and you can see any movie, any time, unlimited.... also they offer card holders tickets for advanced screenings.

Cant wait til the kids go back to school !   Troy next week, and maybe get to catch Van Helsing also, tho its had mixed reviews, think I will have to see it !

[Steveo]

I finally watched Kill Bill vol 1 last night.  I thought it was classic, every bit of it, not one second was wasted.  The different ways that each scene was shot was the most amazing thing for me.  The fighting was great (even for women ).  I also can't wait to see vol 2.  Tarrantino rocks!