Dreams, Gravity Defying Stunts, and an Oscar-Worthy Triumph

Inception

Directed By: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy

Rated: PG-13

2 hrs. 28 mins.

Cobb (DiCaprio) is an expert thief in the realm of dream extraction. Saito, who Cobb believed was merely one of his marks, actually uses the extraction as a guise to audition a new team to perform a difficult and near impossible mission. When the new team is gathered, they must perform an inception by planting an idea into the mind of a target, in this case Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy). Once this last job is performed, Cobb may finally be able to return to the US and to his family.

The plot is a familiar one. A man must perform one last job that will eventually allow him to return to his family. However, Inception's story is much more complex than that simple plot bit, turning a cliche plot into something classified as never-before-seen. The idea of being able to manipulate and exist within dreams and the subconscious is mind-blowing. Add to that thrilling action and suspense and you have an Oscar-worthy film.

The effects and cinematography are stunning. The best scene, which makes you question, "How in the world did they do that?" occurs in a hotel within the dreamspace of Robert Fischer. Arthur (Gordon-Levitt) battles a man in during a moment in which gravity within the dream has disappeared. The halls flip and turn as Arthur flies around mid-air.

It will be a shock if Inception is not nominated for a slew of Academy Awards next year.

A Daring Escape, Mr. Pricklepants, and A Blast of Nostalgia

Toy Story 3

Directed By: Lee Unkrich

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty

Rated: G

1 hr. 43 min.

In the third installment of Toy Story, the toys, including Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen), are mistakenly sent to the Sunnyside Day Care during the bustle of Andy packing for college. But when the toys try to bust out of Sunnyside and return to Andy, they find that other toys are determined not to let them leave. Now they must embark on a big escape to make it to Andy before he leaves home.

The opening scene pulls the audience in to the imagination of Andy as a child to a new degree that we did not get in the first two installments. It takes you back to the wild stories you created in your imaginations when you played with your own toys as a child.

The plot is simple, the toys have to get back to Andy before he leaves for college on Friday, but other elements make it more than just a time-sensitive mission. The toddlers who play with the toys aren't playing with them calmly, Sunnyside's resident toys refuse to let them leave, and Woody becomes separated and ends up in a little girl's home with her other toys, including a stuffed theatrical porcupine named Mr. Pricklepants.

Toy Story 3 is one of those animated movies that is appropriate and enjoyable for children and adults alike. Every adult will be able to recall their own childhoods or that time when he or she finally went off to college, but those who were children when the original Toy Story debuted will get an extra shot of nostalgia, and will surely be emotional by the end.

Grade: A+

Ogres, Rumpelstiltskin, and a Fun Final Chapter

Shrek Forever After

Directed By: Mike Mitchell

Starring: Mike Meyers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas

Rated: PG

1 hr. 33 min.

Everyone's favorite green ogre returns in the "final chapter" of the Shrek fairy tale. Shrek (Mike Meyers) is worn down by his hectic life with the wife Fiona (Cameron Diaz), his three ogre babies, tourists invading his swamp, and not getting a moment to himself. Fed up, he explodes at the triplets' first birthday party, and cunning Rumplestiltskin (Walt Dohrn) overhears. Rumpelstiltskin tricks Shrek into a contract where he trades a day from his early life to have a day for himself. It backfires, as magical contracts do, and Shrek is thrust into an alternate world where Rumpelstiltskin is King of Far Far Away, Fiona is the leader of a renegade war group of ogres planning a rebellion, Donkey has no clue who Shrek is, and Puss (Antonio Banderas) is a pampered fat cat. Shrek has one day to figure out how to break the contract, or he disappears...forever.

The first Shrek film is fun, and a personal favorite of mine. However, the second and third films' stories felt thrown together for the sake of having two popular sequels. Shrek Forever After brings back a lot of the fun and originality of the first, probably because it is almost a complete reworking of the first film's plot. Plenty of funny moments for the whole family occur, particularly with lazy Puss. Actually, the immature child in me cracked up every time Rumplestiltskin's pet goose appeared on the screen.

Despite being slightly ridiculous at times and a basic reworking of the first film, and despite having a neatly-tied-up ending, Shrek Forever After is a great way to wrap up the Shrek story and a wonderful family film.

Grade: A-

Slow-Moving Zombies, Hatfield and McCoy Feuds, and the Return of a Legend.

George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead

Directed By: George A. Romero

Starring: Alan Van Sprang, Kenneth Walsh, Richard Fitzpatrick

Rated: R

1 hr. 30 min.

In the latest of George A. Romero's "Dead" Series, a small group of soldiers hope to find a place to get away from the current zombie scourge. They meet up with a boy who shows them a video by Patrick O'Flynn, AKA Captain Courageous (Kenneth Walsh), who advertises Plum Island. When the group meets up with O'Flynn, they find out the truth behind Plum Island, and the Hatfield-and-McCoy-style feud between the O'Flynns and the Muldoons. The soldiers and the boy become thrust in the middle of this battle between families over what is to be done about the zombies shuffling around the island.

The previous "Dead" film, Diary of the Dead, is a bit of a disappointment, which is shocking considering what a legend Romero has become. However, Survival of the Dead completely makes up for it. The plot is not one you find in most zombie films, once again proving what an ultimate storyteller Romero is. While not necessarily frightening, it still manages to create suspense in moments throughout. Because Romero masterfully makes us care about the characters, we care what happens to them as they are forced to join a side in the Plum Island battle.

Survival of the Dead does have its share of cheesy moments and dialogue. The zombies themselves, the classic slow-moving type, are rather ridiculous and make for a good laugh, especially when one of them manages to remember to start his car, only to have the ability to go forward and backward on the deck of a ferry. It is the cheesy campiness, though, that makes a horror film, or a Romero film, the greatest. Although a small bit of the acting is lackluster, the overall film is still completely brilliant.

Grade: A

Survival of the Dead hits theaters Friday, May 28th, but you can see it now on HDNet on Demand.

Whimsical Worlds, Scene-Stealing Hatters, and Spectacular 3D Visuals.

Alice in Wonderland

Directed By: Tim Burton

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter

Rated: PG

1 hrs. 48 min.

Tim Burton puts a new spin on the classic tale of a girl named Alice and her adventures in a whimsical world called Wonderland. In this updated version, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) falls through the rabbit hole to find the creatures there have been waiting for her arrival; she also comes to find that this isn't the first time she's been down the rabbit hole, either. Alice's return has been foretold, as she is the only one who can slay the Jabberwocky on Frabjous Day and return their world to the hands of the White Queen (Anne Hathaway).

Despite the story not being the exact same as the original, it's a pleasing and refreshing version of it. There are even references and characters that appear in the story written by Lewis Carrol, such as the Caterpillar (named Absolem here, and voiced by Alan Rickman). Alice in Wonderland even features the Jabberwocky as a major part of the plot line, despite being a creature from a separate poem by Carroll (although the song in Disney's version of Alice in Wonderland that the Cheshire Cat sung is the first verse of the poem).

The fantastical scenery of Wonderland is beautiful and impressive. One can see not only the vision of Carroll within the world, but Tim Burton's flair is prevalent as well. The 3D effects are spectacular as well, bringing the characters and the world alive wonderfully.

Wasikowska's portrayal of Alice is fresh, and she plays the now 19-year-old character with a mix of maturity and child-like curiosity. It is Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter that, as Depp seems to do so well, steals scenes. Flip flopping between a lisp-enhanced British accent in mostly light moments and an odd Scottish drawl in mostly serious and dark moments brilliantly expresses such an entrancing, and likable, madness. In fact, all of the actors' performances are stunning and unique.

Alice in Wonderland is a must see for old and young alike. Take the family, take a boyfriend or girlfriend, take your parents, or take your friends and try to catch this great film in 3D (multiple times, if possible).

Grade: A+

A Typical Love Story, Surprisingly Impressive Acting, and a Twist.

Remember Me

Directed By: Allen Coulter

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Pierce Brosnan

Rated: PG-13

1 hrs. 53 min.

Remember Me is the love story of college students Ally (Emilie de Ravin) and Tyler (Robert Pattinson) in New York City, set in 2001. While Ally is the type of girl to live life as if everyday could be her last, Tyler is an introverted, brooding, poetic type; the traits of both lovers come from having seen death of loved ones (for her, the murder of her mother, and for him, the suicide of his older brother). However, the circumstances that brought the two of them together, involving an incident between Tyler and Ally's father that she knows nothing of, threatens to ends the relationship.

The story itself is rather cliche. The entire time the relationship unfolds, the audience knows what the climax of the relationship will be. The other issue with that climax is how long it takes to occur. It is not too unbearable, though, so the pacing of the film is tolerable. What is most shocking about Remember Me is the ending, which you will not likely see coming. The moment in which you realize what will happen is a moment of impact to say the least. Remember Me is definitely a tear-jearker, so don't forget the tissue. In fact, something is wrong if you don't get choked up at least a little.

Surprisingly, Robert Pattinson proves that he does actually have some talent. One would never guess upon seeing the Twilight films that he could actually act, but his performance here is good. He does have his monotoned flat moments, but the emotionally charged high moments more than make up for them. The performances by the other actors are wonderful as well, including Tate Ellington as Tyler's roommate and best friend Aiden, the typical male college student who is a partier and loves to sleep in.

Overall, while the main love story is something seen in any number of other romantic films, Remember Me does offer a great deal of original elements and an unexpected ending. The performances also make this a film to see.

Grade: B+

Excellent Acting, Lovely Visuals, and a Disappointingly Flat Story.

The Lovely Bones

Directed By: Peter Jackson

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci

Rated: PG-13

2 hrs. 15 min.

The Lovely Bones is told by 14-year-old Susie Salmon (Soairse Ronan), murdered in December of 1973, as she watches her family struggle in the time after her disappearance from a place called "The In-Between." She must find closure with her death before she may move on to heaven.

The acting by lead Saoirse Ronan is absolutely superb. She is able to project her own fears, frustrations, and countless other emotions on the audience rather well. Mark Wahlberg plays the role of a father in search for answers to perfection, and we root for him to find the answers he desperately seeks for the sake of his murdered daughter. Stanley Tucci's creepy version of George Harvey also stuns. In fact, all of the acting is utterly impressive, but those three in particular stand ahead of the rest.

As brilliant as the acting may be, it does not account for the fact that the story itself lacks. While it is true that films based on books will never logistically be able to include everything that the book does for the sake of time, there were so many elements missing from the film. Moments in the story that were important to the integrity of the original plot were completely cut; these moments are also essential to the emotion behind the story. Even a friend who had never read the book stated that there seemed to be something missing.

It seemed as though the director was more focused on making the film visually spectacular as apposed to trying to keep the story well-rounded. That may pass in epics like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson, but that does not fly in emotion-based dramas such as The Lovely Bones.

Overall, it is a good attempt, but even the strong acting cannot save the story from completely falling flat.

Grade: C+

Airplanes, Aerial Shots, and Scene Stealers.

Up in the Air

Directed By: Jason Reitman

Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick

Rated: R

1 hrs. 49 min.

George Clooney stars as Ryan Bingham, the man your big chicken boss hires to fire you for him. As his company moves on into the digital world and threatens to ground him from flying across the country as he so loves to do, thanks to a program developed by new team member Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), his whole world may just be about to change.

The story alone is absolutely superb, and the script is brilliantly brought to life by the three stars of the film. All three (Clooney, Farmiga, and Kendrick) provide knockout performances; however, no one steals scenes like Kendrick does. She is even better than--dare I say it--Clooney.

The film also contains some of the most beautiful shots I've seen in a while. One such shot is a beautiful silhouette shot of Clooney and Kendrick in front a huge airport window waiting for their flight; others include some beautiful aerial shots and landscapes.

On top of the outstanding script, award-worthy acting, and exquisite composition (and of course directing by Reitman), the music and score throughout ties the story together.

Grade: A+

A Classic Detective, a Shining Doctor, and a Story That's a Bit of a Drag.

Sherlock Holmes

Directed By: Guy Ritchie

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel Adams

Rated: PG-13

2 hrs. 8 min.

Robert Downey Jr. takes on the role of the popular titular character in this new Sherlock Holmes tale in which the detective from Baker Street must stop the supposedly resurrected Lord Blackwood.

The plot of the film is engaging for the most part, however the film becomes a little boring in some spots. The story could have been condensed a little, making it drag less. Robert Downey Jr. is impressive as Sherlock, though, and portrays the detective differently from the clean cut, organized, leader-type Holmes has been in the past. Jude Law's Dr. Watson also shines, possibly even more so than Downey Jr. Unfortunately, Rachel McAdams is monotoned and seemingly disinterested in her role, which is a little off-putting considering she is usually such a talented actress. Maybe she was a little bored, too.

Overall, the action is fun but the caper (and Rachel McAdams, for that matter) could have been a lot more exciting.

Grade: C+

Distant Planets, Stunning Visuals, and The Next Big James Cameron Masterpiece.

Avatar

Directed By: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver

Rated: PG-13

2 hrs. 32 min.

James Cameron returns to blockbuster filmmaking with his latest (an expensive) effort, Avatar.

Paraplegic marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) heads to a distant planet called Pandora to complete an important mission. He must travel in a humanoid avatar body which resembles the natives, the Na'vi, who have their own unique language and culture. Upon becoming in tune with that local culture and one particular Na'vi, Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), Jake becomes torn between his duty and his heart. When the head honcho of the marine force decides to take abrasive action. Jake must stand with the people of Pandora to save the fate of the planet.

Avatar is one truly outstanding film. If there are any people who had doubts that James Cameron could pull off another large hit like he did with Titanic, then this could be the film to change their minds. Although at first glance the story seems cliche and overdone (the military comes in, messes with a native "savage" culture, and mayhem and bombs and even love ensues), it is actually quite refreshing. Cameron has created an entirely new world and we can easily believe it and its inner workings. Some parts of the story do get a little boring, mostly parts where there is a little too much voice over by Jake or they are doing the same thing over (more flying, running around, etc); however, it never stayed boring for long and it is easily bearable (which is probably due to the stunning visuals).

The visuals are absolutely breathtaking. The animated bits seem real, and the colors are so bright and cool. There are many striking unique things about the flora and fauna of Pandora, such as the way some things glow in the dark as if they have been stuck under a black light. Overall, it is hard to tell where the live-action starts and the animation begins.

With sweeping visuals, mind-blowing effects and animation, and brilliant acting, Avatar is a must see for any movie goer, be it a sci-fi fan or not. Even though there are scenes that seem a little lagging, it is only for the shortest bit and by the time the action or story picks up you hardly remember you were even the slightest bored. I recommend, if it is feasible, seeing the film in 3D, and I guarantee you won't be bored then.

Grade: A

Frogs, Jazz, and a Classic In the Making

The Princess and the Frog

Directed By: Ron Clements and John Musker

Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos

Rated: G

1 hr. 37 min.

Disney returns to the classic 2d animation style with a new twist on the classic tale The Frog Prince. Tiana, a waitress in 1920s New Orleans, dreams of owning a restaurant. Prince Naveen comes to town to attend a masquerade held by the richest man in town, and ends up under a spell, transformed into a frog by local voodoo priest Dr. Facilier. When Tiana gives the Frog Prince a kiss in hopes that he will transform back into a human, things do not go quite as planned...

It is about time a Disney film wasn't completely CG animated; the studio finally successfully returns to the style of animation that made it the empire it is today. The colors within the film are dazzling and the music, which includes gospel and jazz influences, is sensational. All of the songs are sure to be sing-a-long favorites along with the classics such as "Under the Sea" and "Bibbity Bobbity Boo."

The Princess and the Frog is a classic-in-the-making, and is sure to be among the group of already-classics like "The Little Mermaid," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," and "The Lion King." While the ending is predictable, one must consider the fact that this is typical for a Disney film and is, after all, intended for families and children of all ages. Hopefully there will be more animated features such as this in the future.

Grade: A-

Sparkling Vampires, CGI Wolves, and Romantic Cheese

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Directed By: Chris Weitz

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson

Rated: PG-13

2 hrs. 10 min.

Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga continues with the second installment, New Moon. It's Bella's birthday, and she's a little upset that she's now, God forbid, one year older than the eternally-seventeen Edward Cullen. After an incident with Edward's brother Jasper Hale at her birthday party, Edward is convinced the safest thing for Bella is if the Cullens left town. After his departure, Bella remains in a state of depression, and the only person able to take her out of it is her sunny Quileute friend Jacob. However, Jacob Black has a secret of his own. And now, with a pack of wolves in the forests of Forks, there's more danger lurking. But are the wolves the real danger? And when Edward is mistaken about Bella's fate, what does he do in response?

It's no surprise that the first installment of this series, Twilight, was a huge success, despite the fact that, in all honesty, it was terrible. The acting lacked, the cinematography was amateur and just as cheesy as the dialogue. Of course, the cheesiness is part of the teen romance formula. New Moon is certainly a great improvement. The direction of Chris Weitz is exponentially better than Catherine Hardwicke's. The boring blue tint is gone, replaced with a warm brown tint. The acting has improved, albeit only slightly in the case of franchise stars Kristen Stewart (Bella) and Robert Pattinson (Edward). Taylor Lautner holds his own surprisingly well as Jacob Black, even having to be shirtless for the majority of the film. The actors playing the roles of The Volturi were creepy yet quirky.

The writing is another improvement. There are less lines that make you cringe, but being based on the book, it still has its fair amount of cheese. The special effects are also slightly improved. The sparkling effect imposed on the vampires when they step into sunlight was re-imagined, and even in the flashbacks to the first movie one can see that in post-production the sparkling was tweeked. The CGI wolves were a little lack-luster; the animators could probably have spent a little more time making finer adjustments to the fur and the movements of the wolves, but they were satisfactory.

Overall, New Moon is a great improvement over Twilight. One can only hope the third installment, Eclipse, out June 2010, surpasses it.

Grade: C+

CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL: Shadow Billionaire

Shadow Billionaire

Directed By: Alexis Spraic

1 hrs. 26 min.

This documentary feature explores the mysterious death of DHL founder and self-made billionaire Larry Hillblom and the subsequent court battle over his estate between Hillblom's power-hungry business partners and Philippine women who claim to be the mothers of his illegitimate children.

Shadow Billionaire is a brilliant film. Spraic has crafted a mystery story into a thrilling legal piece that represents a David and Goliath tale; the poor Philippine women and their cunning lawyer are David, and the rich and established business partners and big-time lawyers are Goliath.

The viewer starts out believing that these women are out for money because of the destitute state they are in, but as we learn the truth behind Larry's supposed friends, we easily see who is telling the truth. That truth and how the headstrong Philippine lawyer discovers it are shocking.

Shadow Billionaire is a masterpiece.

Grade: A+

CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL: The House of the Devil

The House of the Devil

Directed By: Ti West

Starring: Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov, Greta Gerwig

Rated: R

1 hrs. 33 min.

Co-Ed Samantha, in need of money to pay her rent on a new apartment, takes a baby-sitting job that is more than she bargained for.

The House of the Devil is obviously meant as an homage to horror flicks of the 70s and 80s; unfortunately, it unwittingly comes off as a spoof. The opening sequence creates a good knowing laugh for fans in the know, but every throwback after just seems like a joke.

Ti West certainly enjoys a slow burn rather than constant chills and thrills, and slow burns are truly effective in creating unease and tension in a viewer. In this case, the slow burn just sort of fizzles out. It seems as if the entire film drags on for incredibly too long. True, in Samantha's situation, one would snoop around the house of a brand new baby-sitting employer, but as a sequence it just does not work to pull tension. The ending also lacks the punch expected after the rest of the drawn out scenes.

Despite the lack-luster story, the acting is brilliant by leading lady Jocelin Donahue. No matter how frankly boring the scenes can be, she still keeps you in your seat just to see her performance as Samantha. Another actor that steals every scene in which she appears is Gwen Gerwig as Samantha's best friend Megan. Gerwig plays the role so believably, she reminds you of that one outstandingly sarcastic and witty person in your own circle of friends.

No matter how stellar the acting within it, The House of the Devil is unable to stir the fear one hopes for from a horror film.

Grade: D

CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL: That Evening Sun

That Evening Sun

Directed By: Scott Teems

Starring: Hal Holbrook, Ray McKinnon, Carrie Preston

Rated: PG-13

1 hrs. 50 min.

Abner Meecham (Hal Holbrook, All the President's Men, Into the Wild) leaves a retirement community to return to his Tennessee farm, only to discover that his son has rented it out to a family whose father, Lonzo Choat (Ray McKinnon, Deadwood), is a notable low-life. In order to get his home back, Abner resolves to stand his ground, literally, in hopes of forcing the family out.

That Evening Sun, which is based on a short story by William Gay entitled I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, is a true masterpiece. Not only is the adapted script well written, but the film in its entirety is beautifully crafted. It portrays the life of an aging man gracefully without coming off as condescending. Countless breathtaking compositions make up each scene, with some of the most wonderful cinematography that some Oscar contenders, past and present, cannot even compete with.

The camera work is not the only aspect of That Evening Sun that deserves recognition; tall of the actors are truly inspiring. Hal Holbrook deserves an Oscar nomination, if not a win, for his triumphant leading performance. He is able to make any viewer of any age sympathize with his situation and truly feel for Abner as a character. Ray McKinnon is also a bright star, supported brilliantly by Carrie Preston (True Blood), as his soft-spoken yet headstrong wife, and by Mia Wasikowska (In Treatment, the upcoming Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland) as his daughter Pamela.

That Evening Sun is truly a must-see; it is a film which deserves distribution throughout the country. It is currently open only in New York City, and will be open Friday, November 20th, in Los Angeles. Hopefully it will make it into theaters nationwide, because it deserves to be seen by all audiences. It speaks on many levels about the troubles of aging and is a perfect display of the South in all its glory.

Grade: A+

CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL: TiMER

TiMER

Directed By: Jac Schaeffer

Starring: Emma Caulfield, John Patrick Amedori

1 hrs. 39 min.

The TiMER counts down until the day you meet your soulmate. Oona's (Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Emma Caulfield) TiMER, however, is blank, which means her soulmate has yet to get his installed. She's constantly dating guys without TiMERs and accompanying them to get their TiMER installed in the hope she's finally found The One. Desperate, Oona breaks her own rules and dates grocery store cashier Mikey (John Patrick Amedori, Stick It), who already has a TiMER that is slowly counting down from four months.

TiMER is a particularly charming romantic comedy. It attempts to re-examine our reliance on technology in a new way, as Oona struggles to decide if she should really rely on a clock implanted in her wrist to tell her when she is in true love. Emma Caulfield is delightful in the role of Oona, but its Michelle Borth as her free-spirited step-sister Steph who steals every scene in which she appears. Borth has an energy that makes you wish she were in your own family.

As enjoyable as the film is, however, the ending is not only predictable, but a little disappointing. Considering the message about our reliance on technology that the film sends, even though I knew what would happen in the end, I still feel it fell back on its intended message. Either way, TiMER is a fun film.

Grade: B+

Jumps, Ouija Boards, and a Hand-Held Camera

Paranormal Activity

Directed By: Oren Peli

Starring: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat

Rated: R

1 hrs. 26 min.

Twentysomething couple Micah and Katie are plagued by unexplainable phenomena in their shared home in San Diego, California. Katie believes an entity has been following her since childhood, and Micah purchases a camera to capture its activity. When noises and shadows, among other frightening things, are captured, Micah brings in a Ouija board, against Katie's wishes, to contact the spirit; Micah only succeeds in making their situation exponentially worse.

Paranormal Activity is a brilliant horror flick that pulls inspiration from previous films such as The Blair Witch Project, both in the way it was promoted (through heavy internet marketing) and in the way it was filmed. Shot for only $11,000 in the director's home on hand-held video camera, Paranormal Activity feels shockingly real and that makes it seem even more frightening. The two main actors even used their actual names, and title cards at the beginning and end suggest it is based on a true story.

Seeing Paranormal Activity is a must for any fan of horror flicks. The thought of something out of your control occurring in your home while you sleep is absolutely terrifying. The sounds that occur in the quietest moments creates perfect tension. There are moments that are quiet and suspenseful, and there are moments that will make you jump. Everything builds towards the shocking ending that will leave you in fear of sleeping alone in the dark.

As truly exceptional as the film is in its scares, there are moments that seem unnecessary or too drawn out. The beginning seems to drag on, and it doesn't get interesting until phenomena begin occurring in the house. Two or three of the "nights" shown could more than likely have been condensed in order to leave room for more actual paranormal activity.

While the beginning is a little too slow building, Paranormal Activity is an overall spectacular horror film.

Grade: A-

Rules for Survival, Twinkies, and Bill Murray

Zombieland

Directed By: Ruben Fleischer

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin

Rated: R

1 hrs. 20 min.

A college student referred to as Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) narrates as he deals with the zombie apocalypse. His main goal is to make it all the way from Texas to Ohio to see if his parents are still alive. Along the way he meets up with a man called Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) who is on a mission of his own: to find the last remaining Twinkies in America. On the journey east they meet Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), two con girls who are also on a mission, which is to make it to Pacific Playland amusement park in California, a place rumored to be zombie-free.

This film was a lot of fun. It definitely fits into the same category as Shaun of the Dead as a comedy zombie film (a zom com if you will). The running gag is the voice over narration given by Columbus in which he gives his rules for surviving the zombie apocalypse. At first I thought the voice over was going to get old, as voice overs usually tend to do when used excessively, and it did seem a little bit too much a couple times. For the most part, however, the narration was interesting and entertaining. Columbus is such an amusing character and someone you tend to identify with so easily, despite his tendency to be really awkward. The rules he lists throughout are funny and, to be honest, some pretty good rules that I would be following if I were in the same situation. These survival rules are referred to multiple times each, but I still laughed every time, especially with the rule "Double Tap."

Woody Harrelson is easily the best part of Zombieland. Tallahassee is a crazy guy who lets off steam by smashing the windows on mini vans and celebrates finding a stash of weapons and a Hummer by shooting off guns. Most of the best lines come from him, such as "Thank God for rednecks!" His enthusiasm as he spouts off to Bill Murray (yes, Bill Murray has a cameo) how much he loves him and his movies makes for a great laugh-out-loud scene.

Zombieland is definitely a must see. It's not just a movie for zombie film enthusiasts, its a movie for everyone, although zombie fans will probably enjoy it just a little more since Columbus's rules reference so many zombie film conventions. There are awesome zombie killings including a glimpse at one of the coolest "Zombie Kills of the Week" and the therapeutic crushing of a clown zombie, tons of outrageous lines, and surprisingly touching moments. While younger audiences and/or zombie fans may like it just a little more, anyone can enjoy it.

Grade: A -

Horror Film of the Week: Pet Sematary

Pet Sematary

Directed By: Mary Lambert

Starring: Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby, Brad Greenquist, Fred Gwynne

Year of Release: 1989

Rated: R

1 hrs. 43 min.

The Creed family moves to a beautiful house off of a country highway that is frequented by big rigs. A kindly neighbor named Jud (Fred Gwynne) shows the family a pet cemetery in the woods nearby. An accident occurs over the Thanksgiving holiday that is only the beginning of a much larger event.

Right from the beginning the audience is pulled into the film; its eerie opening sequence puts the viewer in the right mood for a horror movie. The camera creeps through the titular cemetery, giving us a peek at each of the tombstones of beloved pets from the past, and it is backed by dark music consisting of children's voices. And what's creepier than children when it comes to horror films?

Pet Sematary is a brilliant masterpiece that is a darkly wonderful comment on the concepts of death, afterlife, and grief. It is able to pull you into more emotions than just fear; you feel sadness, loss, joy, and shock, all in one movie. Plus, there is the added bonus of the presence of Fred "Herman Munster" Gwynne as the kindly neighbor.

Intrigued yet? If not, there are two words that can only make this even better: Stephen. King. The script for Pet Sematary was written by the Master of Horror himself, and was based on his 1983 novel of the same name. There are many reasons why Stephen King has earned his title of Master of Horror, and Pet Sematary is one.

Horror Film of the Week: The Evil Dead

The Evil Dead

Directed By: Sam Raimi

Starring: Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Hal Delrich, Betsy Baker, Sarah York

Year of Release: 1981

Rated: NC-17

1 hrs. 25 min.

In this classic horror film from the now renowned filmmaker Sam Raimi, five friends travel to a cabin in the woods. Upon exploring the cabin their first night they come across a Book of the Dead and a recording of a man's research and readings of demonic incantations. Upon playing the recordings they unwittingly release an evil in the woods. One by one the characters are possessed and become zombies. Will any of them make it to see the sun rise?

The Evil Dead has everything you expect from your classic horror movie: lots of blood, gore, cheesiness. Despite being a non-Hollywood chillfest, the film, like any great classic, has many a great scare and thrill in it, from a brutal attack on one girl by the trees and roots in the forest to the iconic scene in which a possessed zombie girl stabs her friend in the ankle with a pencil.

The film went on to spawn two sequels, Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness, a stage musical, and a comic book series. There is even a fourth film in the works. Hey, if Bruce Campbell returns in the fourth film, then that is also sure to be a classic as well.

This is one film that is not just a must see for the film buffs and horror aficianados. Anyone and everyone should see The Evil Dead, but be prepared for the occasional cheesy moment and bad acting. But isn't that what makes so many of our favorite horror films so classic?