Sweeney Todd***stars

Sweeney Todd
Directed by Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp,Helena Bonham Carter,Alan Rickman,Timothy Spall,Sacha Baron Cohen

Synopsis
In a tale of maccabre revenge,Benjamin Barker(Depp),a skilled barber is unjustly charged and imprisoned by a priapic judge(Rickman).
Review
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp together once again in a film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s musical of the same name. A big hit in the box office, most critics and the public, I thought I would have been blown away by this movie.The style,costumes,and set designs looked as if it was a combination of Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands(that’s not a bad thing). The story and acting were superb but the music ruined it for me. I knew it was going to be musical but wow was I surprised. I had to force myself from falling asleep. Without the musical parts this movie would be on my top 10 list,but as is it didn’t strike the right chords for me.
Verdict: If you are a Depp or Burton fan and like Musicals-buy it
but for me at best it’s a RENT!!! 3/5stars

The Mist****stars

The Mist
Written and Directed By Frank Darabont
Starring:Thomas Jane,Marcia Gay Harden,William Sadler,Laurie Holden
SYNOPSIS:
The night after a maleovent thunderstom,a strange thick mist envelops a small community.Unseen creatures begin attacking townsfolk who wonder out in the mist,David Drayton(Jane) and other members of the community barricade themselves in the local supermarket.
REVIEW:
Based on Stephen King’s 1980 Novella “The Mist”,Darabont’s adaptation really pulls out the stops and delivers a solid horro/scifi film.I loved the creature design in this movie, its liked they pulled the ugly nasties from my nightmares when I was a kid. The biggest dynamic is with the citizens that are holed up in the supermarket,personalities soon clash and the one that scared me the most was the religious nut played by Marcia Gay Harden.I was literally shouting in disgust when she was on the screen. The ending is different from the novella and boy it’s a huge twist. The Mist finally delivers a great ending that doesn’t pull any punches,while most people frown upon the ending I love it because its different then whats been shoved down out throats lately.
Verdit:for the weary rent but for fans and horror buffs I say BUY!! 4/5stars

After Dark Horrorfest Presents-Mulberry Street**stars

Mullberry Street
Directed By Jim Mickle
Starring:Vonia Arslanian,Kim Blair,Larry Fessenden, Adam Folk, Mike McGrath, Debbie Rochon, Lou Torres, Antone Pagan.

SYNOPSIS:
An infection quickly spreads throughout Manhattan turning citizens into rat like creatures. Several apartment tenants must take a stand and protect themselves as the city devolves into madness.

REVIEW:
Usually most of the 8 Films To Die For films are pretty decent but this one is atrocious. The make up and special effects are laughable especially when you see on of the creatures for the first time. While its a different take on the average zombie movie this movie stinks.
VERDICT:Avoid At ALL Costs!! 2/5stars

Insomnia****stars

Insomnia
Directed By Christopher Nolan
Starring: Al Pacino,Robin Williams,Hilary Swank
SYNOPSIS:
a police officer investigating the murder of a 17 year old girl in Nightmute,Alaska,suffers from insomnia due to the constant daylight and guilt from current and past misgivings.
REVIEW:
A remake of the original Norweigan film,Christopher Nolan hit paydirt with this film.A superb cast and great script lead to a great viewing experience. Willimas and Pacino work well together and it shows but the shining star to me is Hilary Swank.
VERDICT: BUY!!! 4/5stars

Chasing Amy*****stars

Chasing Amy
Written and Directed by Kevin Smith
Starring:Ben Affleck,Jason Lee,Joey Lauren Adams

SYNOPSIS:
Holden McNeil,a comic book artist falls for Alyssa Jones, also a comic book artist who is lesbian.
REVIEW:
A romantic comedy/drama written and directed by Kevin smith in 1997,Chasing Amy is without a doubt my favorite film out of the other Askewniverse films.I love all the little cameos that happen in this film and the other Kevin Smith films. It’s a love story laden with frank dialogue and sexual references and chocked full of humor, Everything I like in my movies. A must have for any Kevin Smith fan.
VERDICT:BUY 5/5stars
For those that haven’t seen the movie here’s the Criterion Trailer for Chasing Amy:

Scarface- ***** stars

Scarface
Written by Oliver Stone
Directed by Brian De Palma
Starring:Al Pacino,Steven Bauer,Michelle Pfeiffer,Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio,Robert Loggia

SYNOPSIS:
De Palma’s remake, of Howard Hawks’ Scarface(1932), chronicles the rise and fall of Tony Montana,a Cuban deportee, in Miami’s bustling cocaine business.
REVIEW:
A true classic. scarface is part of our culture today and has been referenced in many movies,music videos and etc.With brutal violence and lack of positive attitude,some critics disliked the filmed.Al Pacino blew the roof off with his performance as Montana.Other noteworthy performances come from Steven Bauer,and Pfeiffer.One last note for those that have not seen the film,it’s certainly not recommended for kids, as the word fuck is used 226 times(credit imdb)and the strong violence.

Verdict:A great film through and through. A must BUY in my opinion. 5/5stars