Movies 2-16 Continued

THE INTERNATIONAL


“The International” is a political thriller from Columbia Pictures. Clive Owen stars as Louis Salinger, an Interpol agent obsessed with trying to take down one the most powerful and corrupt banks in the world. He joins forces with a Manhattan assistant district attorney, Eleanor Whitman; the role is played by Naomi Watts. Salinger and Whitman risk more than their careers as their lives are on the line; the bank will stop at nothing to protect keep their interests. “The International” is very engaging, especially given the current questions surrounding banks and their spending decisions. Owen's performance is wonderful as well. It’s a pleasure to watch him portray a driven man that pushes himself way too hard. The film also showcases several memorable action scenes, particularly an exciting and beautifully realized gunfight at the Guggenheim. The story moves along quite nicely and always keeps pace. In addition, producers decided to shoot
“The International” on location in various cities across the globe. As a result, the film feels more genuine. Director, Tom Tykwer, masterfully makes moviegoers feel the tension and paranoia that his characters feel; he keeps the audience on edge.
See it.

3.5 tires


FRIDAY THE 13TH

“Friday the 13th” is yet another remake of a classic 80’s horror film. Jason Voorhees is a legendary serial killer in the world of horror film; in fact, Horror Hound magazine rated his iconic hockey mask as the “most significant mask in horror history”. For that reason, producers needed to tread Camp Crystal Lake’s water carefully. The storyline doesn’t deviate much from the usual “Friday the 13th” films: a group of young kids travel to a vacation cabin near Camp Crystal Lake, Jason’s killing grounds. They drink. They party. Then, Jason systematically and successfully kills them, one victim at a time. To talk about this film, you need to look at it from two viewpoints; first, as a horror film and second, as a “Friday” film. From the first perspective, the film is pretty entertaining. There’s plenty of atmosphere and suspense. The director, Marcus Nispel, creates a movie that feels like an 80’s horror film. It’s filled
with trademark gore, nudity and campy one-liners like its predecessors. It all comes together to create a very nostalgic experience. But as a “Friday” film, it falls short. It’s a straight retelling of the original story. I can understand why producers chose to stick to the basics, but nothing new was introduced to further the legend or enhance the franchise. A lot of people will see this film; there’s no doubt about it. Moviegoers will have a good time, but “Friday” is just another remake.

SIDENOTE” My Bloody Valentine 3D was a much better.

2 Tires