Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Movie Trailer: Happy-Go-Lucky
If this movie is about a happy person, it will be annoying and I wish it a horrible death at the box office. If it is about happiness (there's a difference), then more power to them. The whole film really rides on Sally Hawkins' performance of course. If she's grating the thing will fall flat.
Visit the official site
Screenwriter: Mike Leigh (Naked)
Director: Mike Leigh (Vera Drake)
Actors: Sally Hawkins (Cassandra's Dream), Eddie Marsan (Hancock), Alexis Zegerman, Kate O'Flynn and Caroline Martin
Labels: British Cinema, Eddie Marsan, film, movie trailer, Sally Hawkins
posted by Scott Nehring at 3:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: Deja Vu
While forgettable, or at least forgotten, this is a solid production. As far as pulp Hollywood fare is concerned, this satisfies. Its smart enough to make you think you're not wasting your time while being dumb enough to forget about right after you're done.
Click on Denzel for the movie review
Screenwriter: Bill Marsilii and Terry Rossio (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl)
Director: Tony Scott (Domino)
Actors: Denzel Washington (Inside Man), Paula Patton (Swing Vote), Val Kilmer (Spartan), James Caviezel (I am David), Adam Goldberg (Saving Private Ryan), Bruce Greenwood (Thirteen Days), and Matt Craven (Jacob's Ladder)
Director: Tony Scott (Domino)
Actors: Denzel Washington (Inside Man), Paula Patton (Swing Vote), Val Kilmer (Spartan), James Caviezel (I am David), Adam Goldberg (Saving Private Ryan), Bruce Greenwood (Thirteen Days), and Matt Craven (Jacob's Ladder)
Labels: Denzil Washington, Eva Mendes, film, James Caviezel, movie trailer
posted by Scott Nehring at 12:00 PM
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Movie Trailer: Ashes of Time Redeux
Kar Wai Wong (2046) reworks his film Ashes of Time. The original was apparently a disappointment and this is his shot at cleaning up his record. I haven't seen the original and by the looks of this it appears to be traditional current Chinese fare - heavy on the beautiful cinematography, light on character development and narrative punch. Here's to hoping he's fixed the issues found in the first version and delivers a great film.
Visit the official site
Screenwriter: Kar Wai Wong (Chung King Express)
Director: Kar Wai Wong (Ashes of Time)
Actors: Jacky Cheung (To Live and Die in Tsimshatsui), Leslie Cheung (Double Tap), Maggie Cheung (2046), and Tony Leung Chiu Wai (Lust, Caution)
Labels: film, Jacky Cheung, Maggie Cheung, movie trailer, Tony Leung Chiu Wai
posted by Scott Nehring at 9:00 PM
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Monday, August 18, 2008
Movie Trailer: The Haunting of Molly Hartley
You can turn this trailer into a Christian drinking game. Every time you see something completely theologically unsound take a drink. Since it's a Christian drinking game everyone will be guzzling soda and getting a sugar high instead of getting drunk.
There's nothing worse than a room full of giddy Christians hopped up on high-fructose corn syrup.
Seriously though, this thing just looks dumb - granted, it's target audience is dumb so it just may make a couple of bucks at the box office.
Screenwriter: John Travis and Rebecca Sonnenshine (American Zombie)
Director: Mickey Liddell
Actors: Shannon Marie Woodward (Man of the House), Chace Crawford (The Covenant), and Haley Bennett
There's nothing worse than a room full of giddy Christians hopped up on high-fructose corn syrup.
Seriously though, this thing just looks dumb - granted, it's target audience is dumb so it just may make a couple of bucks at the box office.
Screenwriter: John Travis and Rebecca Sonnenshine (American Zombie)
Director: Mickey Liddell
Actors: Shannon Marie Woodward (Man of the House), Chace Crawford (The Covenant), and Haley Bennett
Labels: film, movie trailer, Shannon Marie Woodward
posted by Scott Nehring at 3:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: Ripple Effect
Written, directed by and starring Philippe Caland, this film tells the tale of a man who fears his life is condemned by bad karma for an awful act he committed in his past. He sets out to right that wrong to wipe the slate clean and then experiences a "spiritual awakening".
I wonder if his "spiritual awakening" is that karma is bunk. Or that even if karma exists it doesn't resolve itself and ends up being a never ending back and forth that can't logically be supported.
The trailer itself is disjointed. It most of it avoids mentioning the man's terrible deed, to the point of being distracting. Then they drop in what he's done and it spoils the mystery. The filmmakers have not been well served by this piece of marketing.
Screenwriter: Philippe Caland (Hollywood Buddha)
Director: Philippe Caland
Actors: Forest Whitaker (Last King of Scotland), Virginia Madsen (Sideways), Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting) and Philippe Caland
I wonder if his "spiritual awakening" is that karma is bunk. Or that even if karma exists it doesn't resolve itself and ends up being a never ending back and forth that can't logically be supported.
The trailer itself is disjointed. It most of it avoids mentioning the man's terrible deed, to the point of being distracting. Then they drop in what he's done and it spoils the mystery. The filmmakers have not been well served by this piece of marketing.
Screenwriter: Philippe Caland (Hollywood Buddha)
Director: Philippe Caland
Actors: Forest Whitaker (Last King of Scotland), Virginia Madsen (Sideways), Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting) and Philippe Caland
Labels: film, Forest Whitaker, Minnie Driver, movie trailer, Virginia Madsen
posted by Scott Nehring at 12:00 PM
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Sunday, August 17, 2008
Movie Trailer: Sukiyaki Western Django
Well, it looks like stupid has a new name.
Actually, director Takashi Miike has been making crap for a very long time. It says something that his marketing begins with Quintin Tarantino claiming he's one of the greatest directors today - particularly since Tarantino is actually in the movie. I'm great - no I am, just ask my employee. Miike makes hyper violent flicks that are extremely low on morality. He's influenced torture porn producers like Tarantino and Eli Roth among others with his films that celebrate gore and extreme cruelty. Even by Miike's low standards, this production looks cheesy and downright moronic.
Screenwriter: Takashi Miike (The Great Hobgoblin War) and Masa Nakamura (4.6 Billion Years of Love)
Director: Takashi Miike (Three...Extremes)
Actors: Hideaki Ito (The Princess Blade), Kaori Momoi (Love and Honor), Yusuke Iseya (Blindness) and Yoshino Kimura (Blindness)
Actually, director Takashi Miike has been making crap for a very long time. It says something that his marketing begins with Quintin Tarantino claiming he's one of the greatest directors today - particularly since Tarantino is actually in the movie. I'm great - no I am, just ask my employee. Miike makes hyper violent flicks that are extremely low on morality. He's influenced torture porn producers like Tarantino and Eli Roth among others with his films that celebrate gore and extreme cruelty. Even by Miike's low standards, this production looks cheesy and downright moronic.
Screenwriter: Takashi Miike (The Great Hobgoblin War) and Masa Nakamura (4.6 Billion Years of Love)
Director: Takashi Miike (Three...Extremes)
Actors: Hideaki Ito (The Princess Blade), Kaori Momoi (Love and Honor), Yusuke Iseya (Blindness) and Yoshino Kimura (Blindness)
Labels: film, movie trailer, Quentin Tarantino, Takashi Miike
posted by Scott Nehring at 9:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: Lakeview Terrance
Samuel L. Jackson plays a cop who threatens his new neighbors. The film asks the question who do you call if it's the police who is harassing you.
That would be:
A lawyer, then the media, then the cop's boss. Problem solved - no movie needed.
Seriously, there is nothing more boring than watching neighbors arguing on film. Why not just have a film about a couple of kids not getting along in study hall?
That would be:
A lawyer, then the media, then the cop's boss. Problem solved - no movie needed.
Seriously, there is nothing more boring than watching neighbors arguing on film. Why not just have a film about a couple of kids not getting along in study hall?
Screenwriters: David Loughery (The Money Train) and Howard Korder
Director: Neil LaBute (The Wicker Man)
Actors: Samuel L. Jackson (Snakes on a Plane), Patrick Wilson (The Alamo), and Kerry Washington (The Last King of Scotland)
Labels: film, Kerry Washington, movie trailer, Patrick Wilson, Samuel L Jackson
posted by Scott Nehring at 4:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: Bonnie and Clyde
A historic and influential film, today it plays a little flat because its been copied so many times. Taking it on its own, it is a remarkable film, expertly shot and acted. It has dated somewhat but mostly because its been copied so many times it seems tired now. Culturally speaking, this is a critical film since it really brought a different kind of film to American audiences. Prior to this more European flavors weren't really seen on American screens. This film, while it didn't have a huge initial run at the box office, changed that.
Click here for more movies from Warner Bros.
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Screenwriter: David Newman (Superman III), Robert Benton (The Ice Harvest), and Robert Towne (Mission Impossible II)
Director: Arthur Penn (Alice's Restaurant)
Actors: Warren Beatty (Bulworth), Faye Dunaway (Network), Michael J. Pollard (House of 1,000 Corpses), Gene Hackman (Hoosiers) and Gene Wilder (Young Frankenstein)
Director: Arthur Penn (Alice's Restaurant)
Actors: Warren Beatty (Bulworth), Faye Dunaway (Network), Michael J. Pollard (House of 1,000 Corpses), Gene Hackman (Hoosiers) and Gene Wilder (Young Frankenstein)
Labels: Faye Dunaway, film, Gene Hackman, movie trailer, Warren Beatty
posted by Scott Nehring at 1:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: Elite Squad (Tropa De Elite)
This trailer gives me motion sickness. If this is any indication of the camera work in the film overall, epileptics should avoid this movie like the plague. Between the flashing and quick editing you'll be seized up in minutes.
Even though this looks like some grainy pro-fascist paramilitary film it probably has more depth than one may think. Written by Bráulio Mantovani, I'm sure this will have some potent scenes and tense situations. The movie follows the men of Rio de Janeiro's BOPE (Special Police Operation Battalion) as they move to clear a slum of drug dealers prior to the Pope's visit in 1997. I'm looking forward to another trailer so I can get a better feel for the movie.
Even though this looks like some grainy pro-fascist paramilitary film it probably has more depth than one may think. Written by Bráulio Mantovani, I'm sure this will have some potent scenes and tense situations. The movie follows the men of Rio de Janeiro's BOPE (Special Police Operation Battalion) as they move to clear a slum of drug dealers prior to the Pope's visit in 1997. I'm looking forward to another trailer so I can get a better feel for the movie.
Return to the Movie Trailer Page
Screenwriter: Bráulio Mantovani (City of God)
Director: José Padilha - wha? The dirty bomb guy? No, that's José Padilla (Bus 174)
Actors: Wagner Moura (Ópera do Mallandro), Caio Junqueria (Viva Zapato!), André Ramiro, and Maria Ribeiro
Labels: film, movie trailer
posted by Scott Nehring at 7:00 AM
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Saturday, August 16, 2008
Movie Trailer: The House Bunny
This may looks like a stupid, bubble-headed flick, but I bet there's a little more here than many would think. Anna Faris is a sharp comedic actress. Her stints in the Scary Movie flicks have marked her as a deliverer of cheap comedy, but she is better than that content. The plot is pretty straight-forward, a Playboy Bunny moves in with some losers in a sorority everyone learns important life lessons. This isn't meant to be Oscar material. The film will be a enjoyable but disposable distraction.
Screenwriters: Karen McCullah Lutz (Ella Enchanted) and Kirsten Smith (Legally Blonde)
Director: Fred Wolf (Strange Wilderness)
Actors: Anna Faris (Just Friends), Colin Hanks (Orange County), Emma Stone (Superbad), Kat Dennings (Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist), and Beverly D'Angelo (Vacation)
Screenwriters: Karen McCullah Lutz (Ella Enchanted) and Kirsten Smith (Legally Blonde)
Director: Fred Wolf (Strange Wilderness)
Actors: Anna Faris (Just Friends), Colin Hanks (Orange County), Emma Stone (Superbad), Kat Dennings (Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist), and Beverly D'Angelo (Vacation)
Labels: Anna Faris, Beverly D'Angelo, comedy, film, Kat Dennings, movie trailer
posted by Scott Nehring at 9:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: Casino Royale
They've turn James Bond into James blond. Instead of being fun and frivolous, he's now moody and serious. He mopes around killing guys in brutal fashion expelling his internal rage. I was just looking for a goofy spy flick and its turned into this existential search for meaning, geez.
Visit the official site
Screenwriter: Neal Purvis (Die Another Day),Robert Wade (The World is Not Enough), and Paul Haggis (Million Dollar Baby)
Director: Martin Campbell (The Legend of Zorro)
Actors: Daniel Craig (Infamous), Eva Green (Kingdom of Heaven), Judi Dench (Notes on a Scandal), and Jeffrey Wright (The Invasion)
Director: Martin Campbell (The Legend of Zorro)
Actors: Daniel Craig (Infamous), Eva Green (Kingdom of Heaven), Judi Dench (Notes on a Scandal), and Jeffrey Wright (The Invasion)
Labels: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, film, James Bond, movie trailer
posted by Scott Nehring at 6:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: Igor
The average animated movie is soulless and disposable. This doesn't look like it's above average.
Screenwriter: Chris McKenna
Director: Anthony Leondis
Actors: John Cusack (Better Off Dead), Steve Buscemi (Monsters, Inc.), Christian Slater (Heathers), Jennifer Coolidge (Best in Show), and John Cleese (A Fish Called Wanda)
Screenwriter: Chris McKenna
Director: Anthony Leondis
Actors: John Cusack (Better Off Dead), Steve Buscemi (Monsters, Inc.), Christian Slater (Heathers), Jennifer Coolidge (Best in Show), and John Cleese (A Fish Called Wanda)
Labels: Christian Slater, film, John Cleese, John Cusack, movie trailer, Steve Buscemi
posted by Scott Nehring at 3:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: Full Battle Rattle
In and out of theaters in a flash, and raking in $12,000 in cold hard cash at the box office this documentary about a military simulation of Iraq looks interesting. From what I understand, its very even handed, a rare quality in documentaries dealing with the Iraq War, which is probably why it didn't have more steam at the box office.
Honestly, $12k? Heck, that's only $12,000 more than I made at the box office this year and I didn't even release anything.
Director: Tony Gerber and Jesse Moss (Rated 'R': Republicans in Hollywood)
Honestly, $12k? Heck, that's only $12,000 more than I made at the box office this year and I didn't even release anything.
Director: Tony Gerber and Jesse Moss (Rated 'R': Republicans in Hollywood)
Labels: documentary, film, movie trailer
posted by Scott Nehring at 12:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: Big Trouble in Little China
This thing is cheesier than the Wisconsin State Fair. You've probably heard the phrase "Its so bad it's good". Depending on your tastes, this may be one of those movies. C'mon, you have Kurt Russell running around with a mullet and his pants tucked into his boots, how bad can it be?
"Finally, we're going to bring order out of chaos." Uh, I don't think so, not here you're not.
"Finally, we're going to bring order out of chaos." Uh, I don't think so, not here you're not.
See more movies from John Carpenter
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Screenwriter: Gary Goldman (Next), and David Z. Weinstein
Director: John Carpenter (The Thing)
Actors: Kurt Russell (Miracle), Kim Cattrall (Porky's), and James Hong (Kung Fu Panda)
Director: John Carpenter (The Thing)
Actors: Kurt Russell (Miracle), Kim Cattrall (Porky's), and James Hong (Kung Fu Panda)
Labels: film, John Carpenter, Kurt Russell, movie trailer
posted by Scott Nehring at 10:00 AM
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Friday, August 15, 2008
Movie Trailer: Chinatown
A classic of American cinema and probably the best screenplay that has ever been written. Toss in masterful direction from pedophile Roman Polanski and brilliant performances by John Huston, Faye Dunaway and Jack Nicholson and you have every reason there is to make this a must see if you've never viewed it.
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Screenwriter: Robert Towne (Shampoo)
Director: Roman Polaski (Rosemary's Baby)
Actors: Jack Nicholson (The Shining), Faye Dunaway (Bonnie and Clyde), John Huston (The Wind and the Lion), and Diane Ladd (Primary Colors)
Director: Roman Polaski (Rosemary's Baby)
Actors: Jack Nicholson (The Shining), Faye Dunaway (Bonnie and Clyde), John Huston (The Wind and the Lion), and Diane Ladd (Primary Colors)
Labels: Faye Dunaway, film, Jack Nicholson, movie trailer, Robert Towne, Roman Polanski
posted by Scott Nehring at 9:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: Sophie Scholl: The Final Days
Sophie Scholl was a student involved in die Weiße Rose (The White Rose), an anti-Nazi group. Following her arrest, she is quickly shuttled through the Nazi bureaucratic machine on her way to her trail for treason. During her imprisonment she stands firm on her beliefs and against the dehumanizing socialist arguments of her interrogator Robert Mohr. The verbal sparring between the two is not only brilliantly written, but is the best clash of worldviews put to film.
This is a masterfully crafted film that brings the final six days of this brave young woman to life and is a fitting tribute to her sacrifice.
Return to the Movie Trailer Page
This is a masterfully crafted film that brings the final six days of this brave young woman to life and is a fitting tribute to her sacrifice.
Return to the Movie Trailer Page
Screenwriter: Fred Breinersdorfer
Director: Marc Rothemund
Actors: Julia Jentsch (Snowland), Gerald Alexander Held, and Fabian Hinrichs
Director: Marc Rothemund
Actors: Julia Jentsch (Snowland), Gerald Alexander Held, and Fabian Hinrichs
Labels: film, German cinema, Julia Jentsch, movie trailer, Nazis
posted by Scott Nehring at 5:33 PM
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Movie Trailer: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
This film sports a great concept and appears to sell it. A bored German boy who's father is an Nazi officer, makes a secret friend with another boy who is a prisoner in a concentration camp. The two develop a friendship, ignorant of the horrible adult conflict that consumes their world. This film will be made in the final act and how filmmaker Mark Herman handles the resolution. The hook of the film certainly sets up the possibility for a strong conclusion to the story. The film is an adaptation of the book by John Boyne. I'm interested to see this one.
Screenwriter: Mark Herman (Little Voice)
Director: Mark Herman (Brassed Off)
Actors: David Thewlis (Naked), Vera Farmiga (The Departed) and Rupert Friend (The Libertine)
Screenwriter: Mark Herman (Little Voice)
Director: Mark Herman (Brassed Off)
Actors: David Thewlis (Naked), Vera Farmiga (The Departed) and Rupert Friend (The Libertine)
Labels: adaptation, David Thewlis, film, holocaust, movie trailer, Nazis, Vera Farmiga
posted by Scott Nehring at 1:00 PM
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Thursday, August 14, 2008
Movie Trailer: Pride and Glory
I see two problems with this film by seeing this trailer:
1. Following multiple cop killings there's an internal investigation. Who do they bring in? The brother-in-law of the guy that was leading the men who died. "Hey, you have an inherent conflict of interest and possibly emotionally involved in the results, come on, I want you in my task force."
3. Colin Farrell transitory accent. He has tried pulling off a American accent before (see Phonebooth) and its as stable as a wicker chair at a fat camp.
On top of all of this, the whole premise feels reminiscent of about a dozen other movies and television shows.
Screenwriter: Gavin O'Connor and Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces)
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Actors: Colin Farrell (In Bruges), Edward Norton (Fight Club), Jon Voight (Anaconda) and Jennifer Ehle (Sunshine)
1. Following multiple cop killings there's an internal investigation. Who do they bring in? The brother-in-law of the guy that was leading the men who died. "Hey, you have an inherent conflict of interest and possibly emotionally involved in the results, come on, I want you in my task force."
3. Colin Farrell transitory accent. He has tried pulling off a American accent before (see Phonebooth) and its as stable as a wicker chair at a fat camp.
On top of all of this, the whole premise feels reminiscent of about a dozen other movies and television shows.
Screenwriter: Gavin O'Connor and Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces)
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Actors: Colin Farrell (In Bruges), Edward Norton (Fight Club), Jon Voight (Anaconda) and Jennifer Ehle (Sunshine)
Labels: Colin Farrell, Edward Norton, film, Jon Voight, movie trailer
posted by Scott Nehring at 11:00 PM
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Movie Trailer: The Family that Preys
Tyler Perry comes out with a movie more often than I mow my yard. This one man movement is an undeniable talent and stands as proof that determination, hard work, and a grounded attitude will get you far...well, that and a gift for dramatics.
The trailer shows this to be squarely within his range. His dramatic family comedies handle heavy issues with a light but direct hand. Perry's work isn't my cup of tea, but I respect the man and his works. Many people love his products, its just not something that speaks to me.
Looking beyond the trailer, this film sports one of the best posters I've seen in a long time.
The trailer shows this to be squarely within his range. His dramatic family comedies handle heavy issues with a light but direct hand. Perry's work isn't my cup of tea, but I respect the man and his works. Many people love his products, its just not something that speaks to me.
Looking beyond the trailer, this film sports one of the best posters I've seen in a long time.
Screenwriter: Tyler Perry (Why Did I Get Married?)
Director: Tyler Perry (Diary of a Mad Black Woman)
Actors: Tyler Perry (Meet the Browns), Kathy Bates (Misery), Alfre Woodard (Beauty Shop), Cole Hauser (The Cave), Sanaa Lathan (Out of Time), and Rockmond Dunbar (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)
Labels: Alfre Woodard, Cole Hauser, film, Kathy Bates, movie trailer, Tyler Perry
posted by Scott Nehring at 9:00 PM
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Movie Trailer: The Dead Outside
I will absolutely see this.
Then again, I love zombie movies. You mix celluloid with the undead, I'm there. Sad, but true.
My personal weakness for zombies aside, this is compelling. If handled properly this film about a couple of strangers who, in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, hunker down in a remote farmhouse. Normally zombie flicks turn into belligerently stupid pick-off movies (a group of characters is established and then systematically picked-off). This trailer implies the focus is on the survivors and deals with their relationship and their circumstance more than just shuffling ghouls. The key to horror is to take it serious (even if it involves zombies). I hope writer/director Kery Anne Mullaney has done things right.
Screenwriter: Kerry Anne Mullaney
Director: Kerry Anne Mullaney and Kris R. Bird
Actors: Sandra Louise Douglas, Alton Milne, Sharon Osdin, and Vivienne Harvey
Then again, I love zombie movies. You mix celluloid with the undead, I'm there. Sad, but true.
My personal weakness for zombies aside, this is compelling. If handled properly this film about a couple of strangers who, in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, hunker down in a remote farmhouse. Normally zombie flicks turn into belligerently stupid pick-off movies (a group of characters is established and then systematically picked-off). This trailer implies the focus is on the survivors and deals with their relationship and their circumstance more than just shuffling ghouls. The key to horror is to take it serious (even if it involves zombies). I hope writer/director Kery Anne Mullaney has done things right.
Screenwriter: Kerry Anne Mullaney
Director: Kerry Anne Mullaney and Kris R. Bird
Actors: Sandra Louise Douglas, Alton Milne, Sharon Osdin, and Vivienne Harvey
Labels: film, Kerry Anne Mullaney, movie trailer, zombie
posted by Scott Nehring at 9:00 PM
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