Cabin In The Woods (2013)

The Cabin in the Woods is not anything close to what I was expecting. It's going to be difficult to review this one without spoilers. I'll try my best.

Even though it has the same cheesy slasher premise, it goes to an interpretative level of artistic expression. There are layers to this that remind me of The Cube series, more specifically Cube Zero (2004); a film that I wrote a thesis about in college interpreting religious symbology in film and a highly recommended watch. ANYWAY, back to The Cabin in the Woods! It melds the entire slasher/horror genre into one story. It's quite crazy and creative.

It's still clearly a scary movie. I would not watch this alone! There isn't much else to say without giving away too much. The acting was unoffensive and Bradley Whitford is good as always. I was quite surprised to find out that Josh Whedon co-wrote the script, but after watching it you can definitely see his hand-print on it.

It's a scary, fun, and entertaining movie.

The Cabin in the Woods trailer:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1259521/

Ten Actors That Would Be A [WAY] Better Gambit Than Channing Tatum

I'm usually not upset about a casting decision. I didn't even blink when they announced Ben Affleck as Batman. However; recently there was an official announcement that Channing Tatum is slated to play Gambit from X-Men. I almost can't even say that without heaving. I have never been so upset about a casting decision...EVER! So as part of my self-imposed therapy, I have compiled a short list of actors that would have been a MUCH better choice than Tatum.

 Some on this list don't have very good acting skills but all of them are far and away better at acting than...you know who. 

This is not in order of preference.

NUMBER 10: Stephen Amell

Heartland (tv) & Arrow (tv)

He would bring a harder side to Gambit. He's got the body,  the jawline, and great physical ability too. I'm not sure how people would react to him playing two comic book characters at the same time (Green Arrow), and also not sure if there is any kind of back story intertwining Green Arrow and Gambit in the DC vs Marvel Universe battles. I know that fans have created mock battles between Green Arrow and Gambit so... *shrug*

NUMBER 9: Theo James

Golden Boy (tv), Divergent (film), Underworld: Awakening (film)

He's got the Gambit sex appeal and he's probably the best actor on this list.

NUMBER 8: Kellan Lutz

 Twilight series ("film") I know I know. He's not my favorite choice but I would still rather have him than Channing Tatum.

NUMBER 7: William Levy

Latin tv actor & DWTS runner up. He does have a noticeable Cuban accent. Although it wouldn't be the first time an actor had to learn a new accent for a role, he might have a hard time pulling it off.

 

NUMBER 6: Ashton Kutcher

That 70's Show (tv), Butterfly Effect (film), Two and a Half Men (tv)

He's probably a surprising pick to most but he looks like Gambit & he would most likely have the best chance of getting the accent spot on.

 

NUMBER 5:Matt Barr
One Tree Hill (tv), Hellcats (tv)
Not sure about his acting ability, but he's got the right...ahem...build.
 

NUMBER 4: Jamie Dornan
Once Upon a Time (tv), The Fall (tv)
He has officially been confirmed to play Christian Grey in The Fifty Shades of Grey. Need I say more?

NUMBER 3: Josh Duhamel
Las Vegas (tv), Transformers series (film)
Granted he might a little too old to be playing Gambit now, but he's only about 5 years older than Tatum.

NUMBER 2: Alex Pettyfer
I Am Number Four (film), Beastly (film), In Time (film), & -.- Magic Mike ("film")
I think he would be a great Gambit. He's got the acting ability and the look.

NUMBER 1: Jared Padalecki

Gilmore Girls (tv), Supernatural (tv)

Okay...so...he's not the greatest actor but O.M.G. he looks exactly like Gambit.

 I could list another 10 but you get the idea. #XMenFail

Gravity (2013)

I originally had no desire to watch this but the award's season got me. After winning so many awards for it's visuals and directing, I couldn't resist.

So far as the visuals, sound, and directing are concerned, I would agree with most of their assessments regarding those subjects. For instance, there is a moment when Sandra Bullock is crying and instead of her tears running down her face, they float away. It seems like an obvious detail that is needed, but the stunning part is the way these details mesmerize you. I attribute that to the director, Alfonso Cuaron. He wants you to see the details and so you see them.

It's not just teeming with visuals but with artistic expression as well. There is a religious undertone that, if you so choose, can interpret the symbology from beginning to end.

The details in the visuals almost make up for the lack of detail in the story. The story is awfully plain. It's as if Open Water (2003) turned into "Open Space" and was given a much much larger budget. I'm not at all surprised it wasn't even nominated for Best Screenplay at the Oscars.

What isn't surprising is Sandra Bullock. She rarely misses and she certainly doesn't miss here. Even her breathing is top notch. On the other hand, her counterpart George Clooney, is a little wonky. His performance doesn't detract that much so he's forgiven.

It's not a long movie, clocking in at 91 minutes, so give it a go! I would recommend it if you're looking for interpretation in art.

Gravity Trailer...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454468/?ref_=rvi_tt