Film Filter: Off- A Perfect Getaway

A Perfect Getaway (2009) R

Steve Zahn, Mila Jovovich, Timothy Olyphant

Film Filter: On- A honeymooning couple takes a romantic trip to Hawaii, only to discover that there is a deranged couple on the island murdering tourists.  After being introduced to two different sets of couples, and befriending one of them, the newlyweds must figure out who they can trust, before they become the next victims.

Things to note- Good acting by leads, interesting twist towards the end, great scenery, slow moving plot, long flashback sequence that dragged a bit.

Good, but nothing to write home about.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Tropical themed stalking-of-prey films.  Like The Beach meets

 I Know What You Did Last Summer.

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Film Filter: Off - The Final Destination

The Final Destination (2009) R

Nick Zano, Krista Allen, Andrew Fiscella

Film Filter: On- A group of friends attend a racing event only to find out that one of them can foresee a crash that will result in numerous deaths.  Able to flee the scene before disaster strikes, their lives are spared from death's grasp.  They must now find a way to prevent themselves from being taken by death a second time, for they have begun to realize that saving lives has its consequences.
Things to note: Initially filmed in 3-D, obscure and gimmicky deaths, interesting camera shots taken using an x-ray theme, illogical most of the time, extremely unexpected manners of dying.

 You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Never ending stories that seem to get worse with each sequel.  

Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Friday the 13th, etc.

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Film Filter: Off - Priest

Priest (2011) PG-13

Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q

 

Film Filter: On  As war erupts between man and vampire, the realization comes forth that man's greatest weapon are the Priests- a group of warriors trained to combat the vampires with the power of God.  After the war is won by the humans, the Priests are disbanded and forced to live normal lives.  Believing the threat of a vampire attack is near, one of the Priests warns the church, only to have his idea rejected.  Once his family becomes involved, the Priest must make a difficult decision between his duty to God, or to his loved ones.

Things to note: Great scenic designs, good soundtrack, fast moving plot, unique interpretation of vampires

You;ll like this movie if you enjoy:

Riveting graphic novel interpretations with a lot of action.  

Sort of like 300, but in a different era and with vampires.

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Film Filter: Off - White Noise 2: The Light

White Noise 2: The Light (2007) PG-13

   

 Nathan Fillion, Katee Sackhoff and Craig Fairbrass

Film Filter: On- When Abe's wife and son are suddenly and unexpectedly murdered, he attempts suicide.  Almost successful, his situation resulted in a near-death experience, which has thus given him abilities to hold a stronger connection with the dead.  Thinking his ability is meant for him to do good, he attempts to save those whose lives are about to end shortly, but what he doesn't realize is that tampering with fate can lead to irreversible consequences.

Things to note: Strong symbolism, gripping introduction, interesting story, very good cast, unpredictable plot

You'll like this movie if you enjoy-

Suspenseful, unpredictable ghost stories- like The Sixth Sense.

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Film Filter: Off - Case 39

Case 39 2009 R

Renée Zellweger, Ian McShane, Jodelle Ferland

Film Filter: On-   When faced with a disturbing and unusual case with young Lily,  Emily Jenkins finds herself stopping at nothing to ensure that Lily is removed from her parents' custody and is surrounded in a safe environment.  The more time Emily spends with Lily the more she notices that she is not like most girls her age.  Emily begins to question whether or not she has gotten in over her head with this unique, troubled girl. 

Things to note: Unique story line, Zellweger and Ferland are well cast and do a great job, slightly inconsistent personality traits in Lily, story slightly dragged on towards the end.

Interesting story, but dragged on with 

little new information

You'll like this if you enjoy:

Social thrillers where emotions play a role.  Similar to The Ring, 

but with a less intricate plot and spiritual references.

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Film Filter: Off- Splice

Splice  (2009) R

Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chanéac

Film Filter: On- When two of the most capable geneticists decide to tamper with the insertion of human DNA into their hybrid experiments, they inadvertently create Dren.  Having animal-like capabilities, and human like brain functions, Dren learns quickly while attracting the attention and intrigue of the two scientists.  Things start to take a turn for the worse when they realize that interacting with an experiment like a human, no matter how human it seems, has its dangers.
Things to note: Unique plot and story, good use of make-up and subtle use of effects, inconsistent emotional draw due to poor story direction, odd situations, drastically unrealistic scenarios.

Weird, unrealistic, and creepy in all the bad ways.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Sci-fi thrillers involving evolution or transformation.  Similar to Gremlins, 

but more scientfic with characters making worse decisions.

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Film Filter: Off- Devil

Devil  (2010) PG-13


Chris Messina, Caroline Dhavernas, Bokeem Woodbine
 Film Filter: On -  M. Night Shyamalan explores the human psyche in this horror/thriller picture where strangers from many walks of life find themselves trapped in an elevator. They find out that they are being murdered one by one while the audience is led to believe the Devil has possessed one of the trapped victims.  The question is- can they figure out who it is before everyone is dead?
Things to note:  Intriguing plotline, constantly keeps you guessing, simple setting with a complex story, good harmony of plot within the elevator and outside as well.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Suspenseful thrillers tied into a satanic apocalyptic theme.  

Similar to End of Days, but with less action and no Schwarzenegger.

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