April, 2010 Archive

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This week’s wide releases are the kind of “entertainment” that make me hate the movie industry: Cheap, intellectually bankrupt family films – with fading “stars” and remakes that studios use to get big opening weekends off the name recognition alone. But without movies like these that are pretty much guaranteed to make money, the studios wouldn’t be able to take any risks on more mature or eccentric movies. I can live with that.

Wide Releases

A Nightmare on Elm Street – (Trailer)

Directly Rank Against (scroll over to preview match-up):

A Good | An Average | A Bad

Furry Vengeance – (Trailer)

Directly Rank Against (scroll over to preview match-up):

A Good | An Average | A Bad

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One of our longtime users, Abe Moran (“waveofmutilation” on Flickchart), asked us to take a look at a new venture he’s undertaking as associate producer on an independent feature film called “So Falls The Shadow”. The creators’ goal of the film is to create a more realistic lycanthropic horror story that sharply contrasts the empty and emotionless trend of vampire films that have recently gained favor. Less Twilight, more Let the Right One In - but for werewolves.

The story’s set in the deep south of Tennessee – where a pastor of a small town tries to justify a rash of killings as the will of God, but slowly comes to a more personal realization as his hurried investigation reveals his worst fears and immeasurable loss. Here’s a first look at their proof-of-concept teaser trailer:

If your interest is piqued, you can follow the film’s progress on Facebook and Twitter. We’re told the creators of the film have some high-level studio execs keeping a close eye on them after hitting some industry meetups, but that they’re looking to the online community to keep the buzz strong as they acquire funding and a distributor for the picture.

With microbudget genre films getting further exposure through direct rentals and purchases online (via Netflix, and other on-demand video services) small films from young filmmakers,  like “So Falls The Shadow”, have a real shot at a larger audience – with your support.

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Read on for this week’s new DVD, Blu-ray, and Netflix Instant Watch titles.

New Releases:

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus – (DVD & Blu-ray)

The latest from Terry Gilliam, and the last performance we’ll see from Heath Ledger (until his 10 Things I Hate About You song and dance routine shows up via CGI in a vacuum commercial in 50 years like Fred Astaire). Aside from that (and the inventive/interesting plot), the main reason to watch this movie is Christopher Plummer. At 80 years old, he’s probably not going to get the chance to do many more roles like this, and it’s always nice to watch a true legend at work.

Flickchart’s Global Ranking: #4073
Total Times Ranked: 2476
Percentage of Times Won: 63.56%
Users Who Have It In Their Top 20: 4
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Tons of new movies this week. There is definitely something for everybody, and some truly awesome and eclectic looking limited release films.

Wide Releases

The Losers (PG-13) – Trailer

Directly Rank Against (scroll over to preview match-up):
A Good | An Average | A Bad

The Back-up Plan (PG-13) – Trailer

Directly Rank Against (scroll over to preview match-up):
A Good | An Average | A Bad

Océans (G. Released on Thursday 4-22) – Trailer

Directly Rank Against (scroll over to preview match-up):
A Good | An Average | A Bad

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