The Apparition

It's getting to be that time of year when scary movies are hitting the screen in time for Halloween but unfortunately some of these films are not scary or engaging. All horror films are gauged by their opening scene and this one is not too bad of a hook. The creepiest scene comes at the end of the movie but better in-camera scares can be found in any of the Paranormal Activity films. One fun thing was seeing Draco Malfoy, aka Tom Felton, leading our haunted band of twenty somethings.  If you are going to see a scary movie you may want to pass on this one and go straight for The Possession.

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The Expendables 2

If you are a fan of the first film than you will like this one too. This time out we get more with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis as well as a few new faces like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris. The inside jokes and digs at each other are great and very funny if you are a connoisseur of each action star's portfolio of fine flicks. Unfortunately with so many names there is less dedicated screen time per character but that is to be expected. This movie was well worth the price of admission and I hope the rumors are true with a third film planned that may include Clint Eastwood - I feel lucky; how about you?

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ParaNorman 3D

I have been looking forward to seeing this movie ever since I saw the first teaser. Stop motion animation, ghosts, witches and a kid who sees dead people - what is not to love here? The movie is great and has a very compelling plot that does not pander to kids but delivers for all ages with some very good scares for an animated film. Well worth checking this film out in 3D and it ranks up there with the likes of Coraline. You will not regret seeing this with the whole family.

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National Theatre Live: Frankenstein

After seeing Jonny Lee Miller as the creature, I believe I like Cumberbatch's creature more. While Cumberbatch's creature was overcoming a disability or physical and mental damage, Miller's seemed more like a child learning. Both were excellent takes on the material and very much worth seeing. I hope a DVD comes out with both performances so others can compare and see what I mean. Kudos to Danny Boyle for an excellent production of a classic work.

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Killer Joe

Matthew McConaughey is popping up everywhere lately and now it is as a corrupt lawman who moonlights as a hired killer.  The movie's premise is very dark but falls in to brief moments of absurdity that are still scary and will make you stay away from fried chicken for awhile. But in true indie film fashion we have Gina Gershon giving us the full beaver in just the first few minutes of the film with Thomas Haden Church letting us now what would have happened to Early Grayce from Kalifonia if Adele had put her titty back in and stayed in the trailer park.  Juno Temple is riveting to watch as Joe's retainer for his services yet to be rendered and their relationship seriously pushes the creepy element of the film.  Way to go William Friedkin -  no one will ever confuse this with The Exorcist.

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The Bourne Legacy

Can you do a Bourne movie without Jason Bourne?  The answer to this question is yes and the director of the latest installment delivers with an ending that makes you want more from either Jason Bourne or Aaron Cross. The action is good and the story ties in nicely, if not around, the previous movies while giving a peak at how Bourne came about.  Jeremy Renner is having a stellar year coming of the box office successes of both Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and The Avengers.  Although not a prequel or a sequel this movie is a definite must see in the theater for any Bourne fan.

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National Theatre Live: Frankenstein

The Shakespeare Theater Company of DC presented the first of two HD Live screenings of Danny Boyle's Frankenstein produced for the stage at London's National Theatre. Tonight Benedict Cumberbatch played the creature with Jonny Lee Miller playing Frankenstein and oh boy was it awesome. Cumberbatch as the creature was transcendent and that is the only word I can think of to describe his performance. I could not take my eyes of of him. I can't wait to see Sunday night's performance where Cumberbatch and Miller will switch roles.

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Total Recall

Len Wiseman, known for the Underworld franchaise, takes on one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's best films and I must say makes it better. I must confess to have never read the book but I do like the changes in this film from the 1990 version which dumps Mars for a decimated Earth that has been reduced to only two inhabitable city states. There are nods to the original film and it has a look and feel of an over-crowded Minority Report landscape if located in Hong Kong. Kate Beckinsale takes on the consolidated roles of Lori Quad and Richter from the first film but that goes with the territory if you are married to the director. The movie is a fun ride and is non-stop action through to the end - a must see.

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