Christian Day ready to work his magic on Hollywood

As if there isn’t enough injustice in the world – famine war, poverty, racism . Well, according to real life warlock Christian Day there’s one more social injustice the world needs to wake up to and that’s anti-warlock prejudice and propaganda!

With the DVD release of Your Highness just around the corner, I though this was a little gem of a story.

Salam based (of course!) Christian Day is campaiging for the rights of all witches to be represented in a fair light, not as he feels arcane stereotypes. At the helm of his campaign is the boycott of the film “Your Highness” following it’s cinema release back in April.

Christian Day who happens to also run his own witchcraft shop “HEX” is calling for an international boycott on the grounds that the film is allegedly ”anti-warlock”. Accusing the epic comedy adventure starring Natalie Portman and James Franco of being an “assault on taste”.

This Salem sorcerer is furious at the casting of evil wizard Leezar whose plans center on deflowering all the virgins and running amuck with his hocus pocus. Mr. Day hopes that his boycott will help to create more positive representations of warlocks in Hollywood.

I don’t really want to offend Christian too much- wouldn’t want him sending any spells my way!

If you’re not bothered about maybe being accused of being an anti-warlock propagandist than you can buy you very own copy of ‘Your Highness’ when it’s released on DVD here in the UK on the 8th August.

What do you make of it? Warlock propaganda or just a bit of fun?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)

Well crafted, intriguing and engaging thriller

By Ophelia Ruffin

The first instalment of a trilogy from award winning Danish director Niels Ardon Oplev comes The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a highly engaging, well acted, if not a bit too long thriller.

Lisbeth Salander, played Noomi Rapace is a professional computer hacker with a somewhat chequered past who begins surveying Michael Nyqvist (Mikael Blomkvist), a journalist on trial for libel and facing a lengthy prison sentence. The unlikely duo embark on a suspenseful journey to uncover a 40 year mystery of the disappearance of a young girl.

Noomi Rapace manages to explore the complexity of her character Lisbeth with such vigour through the subtleties of her body language, mannerism and gestures a vulnerability and naivety coupled with a strong and dominant presence which makes for a very honest and believable performance.

Both Michael and Lisbeth have good on screen chemistry, this is seen in the sense of intimacy that both characters are able to bring to each scene, this brings a very intriguing dimension to the film as both characters are quite detached from others in their everyday lives. Lisbeth is a computer hacker, Michael a journalist both are voyeurs, peering into the lives of others but when they are brought together they are forced to become close in order to solve this mystery which makes for an interesting paradox which is explored in the movie.

The film is rich in subplots which are well developed without taking away from the main focus of the film. There is some grim violence and some scenes prove difficult to watch, but you never feel that these scenes are unnecessary to the overall film, instead they add depth to the characters and their development throughout the film.

All round The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo is a very well crafted film that focuses on character development, dialogue, a good plot and a strong cast that explore the dynamics of their characters and their relationship to one another.                                                     

Well worth the watch!

Director David Fincher is set to make a Hollywood remake of the film. Twilight’s Kirsten Stewart and Juno’s Ellen page as well as Carey Mulligan have expressed interest in playing Lisbeth. Daniel Craig has been confirmed to play Michael. I’m not too sure about this remake, I think they should leave this well alone. What do you think?

Keep your eyes peeled as this remake is set for release in December 2011!

4/5 STARS

The Objective (2008)

From the writer and director of The Blair Witch Project comes an ambitious horror/sci-fi with an interesting twist

By Ophelia Ruffin

Ten years after the huge success of The Blair Witch Project writer and director Daniel Myrick turns his hand to sci-fi horror The Objective. The film starts off promising with some nice and clever cinematography capturing the desolation and eeriness of the desert, but this soon wanes. 

Only a few month post 9/11 C.I.A  agent Benjamin Keynes, played by actor Jonas Ball rounds up  U.S. troops in Afghanistan to complete a highly secretive mission to trace a cleric who has information on weapons of mass destruction (what else). But as they delve deeper into the mountains they uncover forces more powerful than they could have every imagined. With no way of contacting help or troops they find themselves fighting an unknown enemy.

The plot is deliberately vague and shady C.I.A agent Keynes’ real motives for the mission is a mystery. This is supposed to create suspense and intrigue. But unfortunately The Objective doesn’t have the same intensity or tension as director Myrick’s earlier effort, The Blair Witch Project. With not enough focus on character development to care about what happens to the characters as they meet their gruesome demise. The plot is too thin and the dialogue comes off as predictable and contrived with little scope for acting from the cast.

There are some good elements in the film: the supernatural/sci-fi element creates some intrigue and eeriness and will please some of the more hardcore horror fans and Myrick does make good use of some interesting shots that create a really creepy quality to some of the images, particularly the woman in the blue burqa. She was the scariest thing in the film and I wish she could have been in it for longer. Watch it and you’ll see what I mean.

Another plus for The Objective is its low-budget, which isn’t often thought of as a positive but this film has a gritty realism which is too often lost in big-budget Hollywood films.

However, despite some of it’s early promise in the beginning of the film: the beautiful scenery, mystery and eerie qualities are lost after the first twenty minutes. The problem with The Objective is that not much really happens. There aren’t enough scares, overtly or subtly to truly call this a horror film, nor is the sci-fi element sufficiently developed for it to sit safely within the sci-fi genre. Writer and director Daniel Myrick simply hasn’t spent enough time building on the plot in order to create the suspense, tension, and atmosphere to which other films such as Ti West’s The House of the Devil seems to have mastered.

If you’re a really big horror fan then you might enjoy this film and I suggest watching it just for true horror buff kudos. But if you’re no avid horror fan give this one a miss as there are far better examples of this genre.

Ophelia Ruffin is Film Editor for YH!world and Edits her own Strictly Reel.

Read more reviews and film info @ Strictly Reel

Check out YH!world for Free events, opportunities and features.

Love, Lust and Danger In 1960’s Paris.

By Ophelia Ruffin

As a native Londoner I had always heard of this mythical place, the Barbican Centre, but like most Londoners had never been, until today. Bored of the familiar I decided to check out what the Barbican had to offer on a usually dull Sunday afternoon. I was surprised to see the diversity and quality of films showing: Last Chance Mumbai, Blue Velvet, Road to Sangam! It’s refreshing to see places such as the Barbican support world cinema and give a platform to films that wouldn’t necessarily get the exposure or promotion as a Hollywood movie. It’s also brilliant that you can watch a film like David Lynch’s Blue Velvet as you would have done at the time of its release twenty-four years ago in 1986, on the big screen as it was intended.

With all this new found excitement for the Barbican Centre I decided to book myself a free ticket using the Barbican’s new  membership scheme Freeb! All it took was five minutes to register myself and I was off to see the film Breathless that afternoon, for free!

Breathless is a French drama by the often controversial and acclaimed director Jean-Luc Godard who directed the film hailed as the masterpiece of the nouvelle vague movement.  At the time of its release in 1960 Breathless was revolutionary in its style and approach to the traditional methods of filmmaking, and remains one of the most influential films in modern cinema.

Michel Poiccard, played by the enigmatic Jean-Paul Belmondo is a petty criminal who flees Marseille in a stolen car heading for Paris, leaving behind him a dead policeman and a manhunt for his murderer led by the Parisian police. There he meets a beautiful young American girl Patricia Franchini (Jean Seberg), a student and aspiring journalist.  Together they hide-out in her apartment, steal more cars, make plans to escape to Italy and generally sashay around Paris.

Jean-Luc Godard was the first director to use jump-cut shots (where the director literally cuts from one angle to a shot of the same angle two seconds later) a style which is now used in almost all Tarantino films but at the time was very revolutionary. The film was only shot by two people, Jean-Luc Godard and the cinematographer Raoul Coutard, all shot on two handheld cameras. Because of techniques applied the film can feel scattered, distant, but at the same time exciting and intriguing.

Despite the films fairly simple plot Breathless is driven by the complexity of the characters and the dialogue, which is often vague and at times obscure. It is this subtlety that intrigues the viewer to delve deeper into the characters to understand their thoughts and fears and the subtleties of their behaviours. Its vagueness is part of its beauty and its style is reflective of the aloof, detached, yet playful love affair which both characters embark on.

If you’re aged 16 – 25 and fancy getting yourself  free tickets to theatre, arts, music, film and dance at the Barbican just register with Freeb and your guaranteed to have a good time.

http://www.barbican.org.uk/free_b/about-freeb

Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)

 An insightful and entertaining view into the world of Valentino.

By Ophelia Ruffin 

A fascinating and rare glimpse into the turbulent and inspiring world of one of the most influential and iconic designers in the fashion industry, Valentino Garavani and his business partner of 50 years Giancarlo Giammetti.  “Valentino: The Last Emperor “documents the last 2 years of Valentino as head of women’s wear and the eventual takeover of the Valentino Company.  The film was well received by critics at its world premier at the 2008 Venice International Film Festival amid a buzz of paparazzi and fans Valentino was hailed as a god of fashion, the last true couturier who represented a far more glamorous era.

Valentino is portrayed in equal measure as a madman and a creative genius, with his energy, charisma, wit and above all talent.  You don’t have to be a fashionista to enjoy and appreciate this documentary, watching this you get a real sense of the precision and passion of couture and the power it has to literally move men to tears.

The film is a light-hearted and thoroughly entertaining look at the last Emperor of haute couture and the chaos that surrounds him.  Valentino’s six pugs provide some funny moments as where ever Valentino is the pugs are followed closely by.  At one point Valentino dressed one of the dogs in diamond jewellery and exclaims “I don’t care about the collection. My dogs are much more important.” The friendship that exists between Valentino and his business partner and personal partner of 50 years, Giancarlo is wonderfully captured on film. You get the impression that this is an extremely unique relationship and one which goes well beyond the business and the sketches. There exists a real love and understanding between the two and despite all the frustrations and fights they are perfect together.  In one of the more touching moments in the documentary Valentino is in Paris to receive the Legion of Honour,  during his acceptance speech he wells-up in tears when thanking Giancarlo for his unwavering commitment and belief in him and the company. All the while Giancarlo the quiet and humble man stands at the back of the room happy to let Valentino shine like the star that he is.

The films fly on the wall style allows for a candid peek in to Valentino’s world of lavish fashion shows, parties, and celebrities floating in and out of Valentino’s world of excess.  Directed and produced by Vanity Fair’s correspondent, Matt Tyrnauer explains some of the extraordinary access and intimacy captured in the film. The dynamics of the relationships  behind Valentino’s empire, both Valentino and Giancarlo’s mutual respect, loyalty, and love for their friendship and business partnership, their employees – the seamstress’s tirelessly making these beautiful gowns – all by hand and their contemporises Karl Lagerfeld admiring says  to Valentino “You must stay a few more years. Maybe not another 45, but still… Don’t stop! I would never forgive you”.

“Valentino: The Last Emperor” is a fascinating and refreshing insight into an industry which is often viewed as vacuous and superficial.

Splice (2010)

Two Rebellious scientist’s experiments take a dark twist in this sci-fi thriller.

By Ophelia Ruffin 

Interesting concept but falls slightly flat on its delivery. Written and directed by Vincenzo Natali and produced by Guillermo Del Toro, Splice raises some interesting questions on morality and science and how the two are intrinsically entwined.  Clive (played by Adrian Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polly) are two brilliant scientists trying to make a name for themselves in the area of genetic research when the experiment to create a new species designed to reveal a protein highly valuable to the pharmaceutical companies goes horribly wrong and the two become embroiled in a dangerous game that will stretch their ethical and scientific integrities.

Splice accurately expresses some of the ethical issues surrounding the use of genetic research within the scientific community and its ethical responsibility.

The performances are actually really very good, Sarah Polly plays the character of Elsa with a confidence and assurance that brings to life the intimate dynamics of both her and Clive’s relationship and makes a refreshing change from the usual machismo of sci-fi. The film is far softer and delicate in its treatment of the subject and tries it’s hardest to avoid the usual sci-fi clichés. Adrian Brody is always good, and you feel that underneath that cool and gentle exterior is a man brooding beneath. The film has the feel of a pressure cooker just waiting to blow, but this film never quite does. It doesn’t have the punch, the crescendo. Or maybe it does but perhaps it’s just a little lack lustre. I had high hopes for Splice and had been anticipating its release for many months but must admit I was slightly disappointed when I finally watched it.

Splice hit U.K. screens on the 23 July.  Be sure to watch it if you’re interested in a smart sci-fi film with a far superior style and approach to films of a similar nature such a Species (1995).

Ophelia Ruffin is Film Editor for YH!world and Edits her own Strictly Reel.

Read more reviews and film info @ Strictly Reel

Check out YH!world for Free events, opportunities and features.

Aaron Johnson as Kick-Ass ready for action.

Kick-Ass (2010)

Exhilarating, exiting and definitely kick ass!

By Ophelia Ruffin 

Based on Mark Millar’s graphic novel of the same name “Kick-Ass”, British director Mathew Vaughn brings to life the explosive characters of this graphic novel. “Kick-Ass” is the story of Dave (played by Aaron Johnson) a self confessed ‘geek’ as he transforms himself into a real-life superhero on a vigil-anti rampage through the streets of New York City. The film has a very British feel in terms of its humour and its grim violence but is very cleverly blended into a high-gloss commercial finish. The film feels like a big budget extravaganza but with a much grounded sense of realism. The action does not overshadow the characters like in so many comic book films such as “Spider Man” (2002).  Amid the over the top action and slap stick moments there is still a human story brought to life by a heightened sense of emotion.  Mathew Vaughn has seamlessly merged both elements.  It is very savvy writing with grounded solid characters.  One of my favourite characters in the film has got to be Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz) who is on a mission to avenge her father being framed for drug dealing and subsequently missing out on some of her most vital years. In her biggest role to date Moretz plays the character of Hit Girl with such maturity and depth that it is hard to believe that she is just a girl of 13. Her fight scenes are surprisingly very believable, as is the relationship with her father played by the brilliant Nicholas Cage as the caped crusader Big Daddy.

The costumes stay faithful to the original marvel comic: tight, bright and somewhat clichéd but fun. This is a very clever deconstruction of a genre and although there is certainly more good than bad about “Kick-Ass” there are some elements of the film that were not fully developed or realised, such as the many subplots.  The relationship between Red Mist’s character and his crime lord father, Frank D’Amico (Mark Strong) is never really explored despite it being a driving force in Red Mist’s decisions and actions. Kick-Ass and Katie’s (played by Lyndsy Fonseca) romance comes off as quite irrelevant and seems to bare little significance to the overall impact of the film. Having said that “Kick-Ass” is still a very enjoyable and cleverly written film and definitely highly recommended if you’re in the mood for a comic book adaptation with a twist.

Comments and suggestions are all welcome. Feel free to add your own reviews and input to Strictl Reel.

Ophelia