Bang Bang You're Dead (2003)

6/10

About a boy who is pushed too far and has no one to lean on.

After my movie marathon the one film that touched me the most was "Bang Bang You're Dead". A troubled high school student, Trevor, as a result of bullying is pushed too far. This is the story of his fight to break free.

The use of music and cinematography is mediocre but that doesn't weaken this film at all. The realistic portrayal of bullying, humiliation and pressure shown in this film is so powerful that it washes over you forcing you to feel. A very emotionally raw film that puts a spot light on the reality of bullying.

REPO MEN (2010)

6/10

After watching an advanced screening of Repo Men in Toronto last night, couple things jumped out at me. A) filming location, b) gore c) storyline.

About ten minutes into the film, murmuring filled the entire theatre as everyone had the same realization/recognition that Repo men is filmed in Toronto. The film didn’t seem to put any effort into set decoration, because of how easily identifiable the locations are. The TTC logo is clearly in view for the subway scenes, Eaton centre stands out and despite their attempt to hide it through CGI, it is still obvious Queens street is one of the filming locations. Recognizing the locations made it difficult to focus on the film. Then again, if you never been to Toronto, then this should not be a problem.

Unlike SAW series, the gore in this film is just right. Repo Men has gore interspersed throughout the entire film but not over done. Not to say the film isn’t gory, if you have a weak stomach than this is not the film for you. The film seems to use every kind of tool possible from hammers to pocketknives in its killing/fight/surgical scenes. Be ready to see ten different types of blood splatters, sprays and stains.

Repo Men sadly lacks in a solid storyline and character development. The main character (Jude Law) goes through one epiphany but that is it for entire film. The story seems to be pieced together somewhat randomly with attempts to add twists and turns. The film is not very thrilling, or suspenseful. The ending, even though it is unpredictable, isn’t shocking rather a bit disappointing. Overall the storyline lacked in meat and could have done better in character development.

Nevertheless the gore and premise makes it somewhat worth seeing.

Shutter Island (2010)

7.5/10

“What the heck did I just watch,” were the first words heard as I exited the theatre. As to whether this is a good response or not is hard to tell.

Shutter Island follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) who is investigating the disappearance of a murderer who has escaped from a mental hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island.

Grasping the main idea of the film is easy, mystery on an island full of dangerous criminally insane people, however that is all that you can understand. The film does a great job of keeping viewers completely baffled with random flash backs and segmented dream sequences. The film seems to work at messing with your head with continuous questioning of what reality is and what is not. The use of music also adds to the confusion by throwing you off balance. The volume of the music would go from deafening loud straight into silence leaving you feeling confused and uneasy.

The plot unfolds slowly, and nothing made sense until the last 20 minutes. Shutter Island seems to have a predictable and an unpredictable ending at the same time. It is obvious the plot is not all that meets the eye, but at the same time it is also hard to foresee where the film is heading.

Leonardo DiCaprio is fantastic in the lead role and is extremely convincing. DiCaprio is so talented that you tend to forget whom you are watching as he absorbs his character so well.

If you are looking for a relaxing and clear movie, then this will definitely disappoint. This movie will get into your head and keep you scratching your head—for a long time.

This is a hard movie to rate...I don't know whether I liked it or not.

The Thirteenth Floor (1999)

8.5/10 (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)

This film had many positive reviews, yet for some reason had a low rating of 6.5/10 on IMDB. I almost didn't watch this film as a result of it, but I am glad I doubted the site.

Matrix might have been the reason for the low rating...People used Matrix to rate this film would have missed how enjoyable The 13th


The Matrix and The Thirteenth Floor have similar concepts but both films has it's own extraordinary elements.

The Matrix has many CGI elements, making it an very action filled and exciting film. A star studded cast, non-stop action, CGI effects and a concept makes this film very exciting. The plot line, however, cannot be compared to that of Thirteenth Floor.

The Thirteenth Floor is about a computer generated digital parallel world created by Hannon Fuller and his colleague Douglas Hall. The digital world is set in the 30's with people with real emotions. Hannon knowing someone is after him leaves a letter in the parallel world, but is murdered in the real world the same night, and Douglas is under suspicion. Douglas attempts to find the truth not knowing what awaits him.

The film has very little CGI elements, an unfamiliar cast and little action. However, what makes the Thirteenth Floor exciting is the sophisticated plot line, great character development, and an atmosphere of mystery/suspense from the beginning. The plot of the film is full of twist and kept me hooked all the way through. Craig Bierko, the Ben Affleck look-a-like, is exceptional as Douglas Hall and I wonder how come I don't see him in more films.

Don't get me wrong, both films are great, just don't make one film superior to the other. Watch both and enjoy them separately!