Reel Rave!
May 5, 2008
REVIEW: Shutter
(Movie poster image from Wikipedia)
Note: The following review was submitted by Aguin.
Shutter.
Synopsis:
A newly wed young couple move from America to Japan only to find them selves on the receiving end of a haunting. The ghost is usually caught in photos, giving the movie its name.
The story starts off idyllically as most horrors do but once the protagonists reach Japan things start to jump. The wife (Rachael Taylor) begins to investigate their "spoiled" photos after some one points out that they are spirit photographs. It is her belief that the car accident she and her husband (Joshua Jackson) were in is the cause of this haunting. She tries to involve her husband in the investigation but after a great scene with a local medium he refuses to dig any further. Undaunted, she continues to keep looking and through the length of the movie she uncovers an unexpected tale of loss, shame and unrequited love.
The visual effects of the film are as good as any movie out there but the most significant difference in this tale is that the spine tingling parts of the film come from simply good story telling and not over the top special effects. The downside was that ghost was inconsistent in its hauntings, scaring one person to suicide then outright murdering another, plus one wonders why it waited so long to extract its revenge. The plot was also somewhat predictable but entertaining none the less, the film's climax.
Over all the movie was an enjoyably good scare that won't keep you up at night wondering if you'll be next.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
(Movie poster image from Wikipedia)
Note: The following review was submitted by Aguin.
Shutter.
Synopsis:
A newly wed young couple move from America to Japan only to find them selves on the receiving end of a haunting. The ghost is usually caught in photos, giving the movie its name.
The story starts off idyllically as most horrors do but once the protagonists reach Japan things start to jump. The wife (Rachael Taylor) begins to investigate their "spoiled" photos after some one points out that they are spirit photographs. It is her belief that the car accident she and her husband (Joshua Jackson) were in is the cause of this haunting. She tries to involve her husband in the investigation but after a great scene with a local medium he refuses to dig any further. Undaunted, she continues to keep looking and through the length of the movie she uncovers an unexpected tale of loss, shame and unrequited love.
The visual effects of the film are as good as any movie out there but the most significant difference in this tale is that the spine tingling parts of the film come from simply good story telling and not over the top special effects. The downside was that ghost was inconsistent in its hauntings, scaring one person to suicide then outright murdering another, plus one wonders why it waited so long to extract its revenge. The plot was also somewhat predictable but entertaining none the less, the film's climax.
Over all the movie was an enjoyably good scare that won't keep you up at night wondering if you'll be next.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
Labels: Aguin, horror, Joshua Jackson, Rachael Taylor, review, Shutter
Feb 16, 2008
STUFF: Things that cannot go bump in the night
At least, in Chinese movies. These include: 'wronged spirits and violent ghosts (so Casper is okay, right?), monsters, demons, and other inhuman portrayals, strange and supernatural storytelling (no more Harry Potter?), for the sole purpose of seeking terror and horror,' according to this Reuters article.
The purpose of this crackdown, which has intensified as the Olympic games approach, is to 'control and cleanse the negative effect these items have on society, and to prevent horror, violent, cruel publications from entering the market through official channels and to protect adolescents' psychological health.'
Poor souls (pardon the pun).
The negative effect on society? These items are a part of, and a reflection of what is happening in society (and culture). Censorship of the media does not make the problem go away. People look at culture and society and portray it in their films (and music).
If, for arguement's sake, there existed a society/culture where there was no Evil, would there be any movies with violent, or horror themes? I think not. If you have no concept or knowledge of evil, how can you portray it? A Good society then will only produce 'good' films, music and art.
Not that I mind the Chinese crackdown on horror flicks, I never liked that genre anyway (unless a cute girl was holding my hand during the scary bits).
The purpose of this crackdown, which has intensified as the Olympic games approach, is to 'control and cleanse the negative effect these items have on society, and to prevent horror, violent, cruel publications from entering the market through official channels and to protect adolescents' psychological health.'
Poor souls (pardon the pun).
The negative effect on society? These items are a part of, and a reflection of what is happening in society (and culture). Censorship of the media does not make the problem go away. People look at culture and society and portray it in their films (and music).
If, for arguement's sake, there existed a society/culture where there was no Evil, would there be any movies with violent, or horror themes? I think not. If you have no concept or knowledge of evil, how can you portray it? A Good society then will only produce 'good' films, music and art.
Not that I mind the Chinese crackdown on horror flicks, I never liked that genre anyway (unless a cute girl was holding my hand during the scary bits).
Labels: censorship, China, culture, horror, society
