Lights Out Review

The Plot

When her little brother, Martin (Gabriel Bateman) experiences the same events that once tested her sanity, Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) works to unlock the truth behind the terror, which brings her face to face with an entity that has an attachment to their mother, Sophie (Maria Bello).

The Good

Based on the short film of the same name, Lights Out expands the terrifying idea of an entity which can only be seen in the shadows when the lights are out and brings with it an often touching plot which explores themes of depression. David F Sandberg gives a technically brilliant piece of filmmaking in this, his feature length debut which uses its lighting in an impressive and terrifying way. Whenever the lights are off, you will undoubtedly find yourself searching, Where’s Wally style for any ominous shadow that could potentially be lurking in the background.

Perhaps the best use of this comes in Rebecca’s room which is has a flashing neon Tattoo parlor sign constantly flicking on and off bathing the room in blood red between brilliantly effective cuts of the shadowy adversary scratching on the floor menacingly. The plot, which centres around Rebecca and Martin as the latter starts to experience a spine-tingling home environment trapped alone with his mother and her apparent friend lurking in the shadows, is heightened by the wonderful performances from the two leads who have a truly believable chemistry as brother and sister. The idea of Martin’s problems at home echoing that of Rebecca’s childhood is put to work in a brilliantly effective flashback showing a young Rebecca’s experience. With Martin not having yet given up on his mother and determined to help her unlike Rebecca who has not kept in contact since moving out is a juxtaposition that works well and advances and adapts as the story moves forwards in a realistic way.

The Bad

It’s a shame then, to see that the film relies far too heavily on jump scares in order to amp up the horror. This wouldn’t be much of a problem were it not for the jarring use of music in order to make the jumps bigger. Fortunately the method appears to die down a bit in it’s latter half but the damage is already done. It’s especially disappointing because the concept works incredibly well and could have been just as effective, if not more so without the soundtrack added in.

The Ugly Truth

A brilliant concept and interesting storyline, with some effective use of the theme of depression is lessened ever so slightly by it’s adamant use of jump scares in such a typical way. Lights Out is still effective throughout but tends to work best through its use of lighting rather than its soundtrack.

Review by Johnny Ellis

Jared Leto Feels ‘Tricked’ into Suicide Squad

It’s been two weeks since Suicide Squad hit screens and the response has been interesting to say the least. What’s more interesting though is the story behind the film with reports of multiple versions and heavy studio interference rumoured. Weighing in on the controversy surrounding the film, Jared Leto has been discussing his feelings towards the final cut.

While making an appearance at Camp Mars, an event for fans of his band 30 Seconds To Mars, the Joker star has expressed his disappointment in what he knows of the theatrical cut having not yet seen it for himself. According to one fan who attended the event ‘He was very honest about the film… feeling sort of tricked into being a part of something that had been pitched to him very differently’

This was not the first time Leto has spoken out against the film having told BBC Radio 5live’s Edith Bowman ‘I think there’s probably enough footage in this film for a Joker movie’ before rather morbidly suggesting that ‘if I were to die tomorrow maybe the studio would roll something out.’

It seems the story behind Suicide Squad isn’t quite over yet, however with the film having already made nearly $500 million worldwide to date, it’s doubtful that Warner Bros will be too concerned with the response at this point.

More news as always, as we get it but you can check out Suicide Squad in all good and evil cinema’s and make your own mind up about the film and check out our review here.

The Shallows Review

The Plot

A mere 200 yards from shore, surfer Nancy (Blake Lively) is attacked by a great white shark, with her short journey to safety becoming the ultimate contest of wills.

The Good

Blake Lively stars in this fantastic romp of a movie which is thrillingly good fun pretty much throughout. At 86 minutes, the survival thriller is perfectly paced and serves as some great popcorn fodder as Nancy struggles to get back to the beach after a vicious shark attack.

Director Juame Collet-Serra amps up the tension as Nancy’s leg grows an ever darker shade of purple with only a wounded seagull for company in a long and terrifying night. At it’s heart it really is all about Nancy with a solo survival theme much like 127 Hours or Buried. However Anthony Jaswinski’s script still delivers  some edge of your seat scenes through Nancy’s numerous attempts at outwitting her predator as the ominous fin circles her, waiting to attack again.

For much of the film it feels like a straight faced thriller, and this is where The Shallows works best, in its middle section.

The Bad

There are times, however when it dips into a sillier, B-Movie style which, if you’re going in expecting something more realistic, which the film starts off suggesting with it’s found footage style opening, you may feel the final act slightly jarring. Even more jarring is its final scene which, without spoiling completely feels a little too unrealistic given where the film takes you.

The Ugly Truth

It’s not Jaws, but The Shallows can be a hoot, if you’re in the right mood for it. While it struggles to figure itself out fully, dipping into found-footage, thriller and B-Movie genres without managing to meld the three together, it’s thankfully never an issue for long enough to truly irritate with its 86 minute runtime.

Review by Johnny Ellis

 

Summer In The City 2016 YouTuber Interviews

Red Carpet News talks to YouTubers at Summer In The City 2016 YouTube fan convention in London, including Ricky Dillon, Noodlerella, Jamie Jo, Steven Bridges, Jedward, Jon Cozart aka Paint, Saffron Barker, Jake Mitchell and Bethan Leadley.

Summer in the City is an event for the YouTube community that is held in London each year. The event is for everyone with an interest in online video, whether they be creators, viewers, or industry professionals looking to gain more of an insight into the YouTube community.

Since its inception in 2009, Summer in the City has allowed attendees to network with one another and create valuable links, whilst also having the chance to learn and be entertained with Talks, Panels and live performances. These activities, combined with meet and greets, also allow the special guests to engage with viewers and personally thank them for all of their support over the years.

Check out the exclusive interviews below:

Musical Stars Join The Little Mermaid

Disney Studios are set on churning out more live action remakes of their animated classics, with Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty getting the treatment recently and Emma Watson set to star in Beauty and the Beast next year. Now it appears that work is beginning on the Little Mermaid remake, with Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda confirmed to add their musical talent to the film.

Menken is no stranger to The Little Mermaid, having won two Oscars for his work on the animated classic back in 1989, and with Hamilton writer Miranda joining him, we’re sure to get some fantastic music. While it’s still in the very early stages of production, it feels like The Little Mermaid will soon start adding cast and a director. More news as we get it but while you wait, we can’t recommend listening to the Hamilton soundtrack enough while you wait for more Miranda material.