The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

What would you do with the power of time travel? Would you be one of those panicky people who believe that if I so much as pass gas in front of my great great great grandfather that it will have disastrous effects for the future? Or are you someone who would go back and kill history’s worse dictators, like Hitler or Stalin? Or are you just a guy who would use it to get laid? Whichever kind of camp you fall into, you have to admit, you could do so much with that power. Well, here’s a movie that does….not so much with that ability.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is an Anime that was released back in 2006, now I can already picture quite a lot of people clicking off after reading the word Anime, but you should really give the genre a chance, even if it isn’t this particular movie.

Now, TGWLTT tells the tale of a high school kid who suddenly finds herself with the ability to literally leap back in time…and…that’s about it, plot wise anyway. Like I mentioned before, Makoto (the protagonist) doesn’t really do anything big or interesting with her power, and I guess this could be credited as a fault of the movie, but she still does things that any one of us would do in her shoes, like ace exams, stop her from being late for anything, fix bikes, stop bullies and stop your best friend from hitting on you…okay maybe not that last part, but she is still completely relatable.

I still understand why this wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, there a lot of people who see any form of animation and assume it is for a child (narrow minded grand parents I call these people.) but there will also be people who are bored during this film, which is understandable, there isn’t that much plot to speak of, it’s Buried all over again, but I for one was hooked, the art is beautiful and I was so involved in what was going on with these characters, especially when Makoto’s actions starts to have consequences.

I fully recommend this movie.

 

Danny

 

Danny@Dragoose.co.uk

Paranormal Activity 3

Well that was pretty funny, when’s the scary shit start?

I was asked the other day, “Dan, why do you only seem to review movies that you like?”

Well, to be honest, why would I want to watch something I know I’ll hate, simple questions, simple answers buddy. But he has a point, it is not my agenda to force movies that I like/love onto this site, it should be a mix of the good, the bad and the neutral, so here is one that is fucking awful.

Paranormal Activity…I have so much hate for this movie, and now it is on the third, with a fourth in the pipework. To make things worse I was dragged to go watch this pile of manure by a group of friends, luckily my buddy next to me turned the experience into something so fun by laughing his ass of at the funny shit we had to say about the movie, but that’s another story that doesn’t belong in this review.

I am not masking my feelings for Paranormal Activity like I probably should be, this is starting to sound like a rant rather than a review so let me start explaining myself, my arguments relate to all the movies in this series but I will be talking primarily about the third as that is the one I saw in the cinema.

Okay, for a start, it isn’t scary, I’m sorry, I don’t care how many times it made you jump, it is full of pathetic jump scares, listen Hollywood, it isn’t scary to cut all sound out for 30 seconds and then make a loud noise to make us jump, the sound could be anything from a scream, to a baby laughing to a fucking fart and it will still make you jump because it has been deadly silent for the past minute, this isn’t horror, no matter what “ghosts” are in the building. Quick message to the writers of Paranormal Activity, if you are going to use this lame technique to make us jump, at least do it right, I never so much as flinched while I was sat in that cinema, it was just so predictable, I was actually looking around at the scared teens in the audience and thinking “how do you not know that something is going to make a noise or jump out at you by now?” It practically telegrams exactly what is about to happen.

Alright, so I don’t look like I am pushing movies I love onto you guys and steering you away from films like this I guess I should talk about some things that Paranormal Activity 3 did right, I’m sure after a few hours of soul searching and pondering I can think of something…oh I got something.

The actual ghost, poltergeist, demon, whatever the hell you want to call it is pretty damn awesome, when that thing is throwing shit (and little children) around the room it is so engaging, and fun, and actually has the potential to be scary, but then it goes back to the predictable dull shit again.

I wouldn’t pick it up just for that scene though, that’s what Youtube is for, but by this point in the series, you already know if you will like a movie like this or not, and it wouldn’t take a guy like me to change your mind, of course I have nothing against anyone enjoying this, I am not a crazed hater that’ll disown anybody for differing on my opinions, many people are fans of this series for whatever reasons and if you are one of them then by all means, go check this out.

 

Danny

 

Danny@Dragoose.co.uk

Identity

Alright, so I’m hanging out with a buddy of mine, browsing a DVD shelf when my friend sees a movie I was unfamiliar with, he grabs it, thrusts it into my hands so I can read the blurb and with one simple sentence, “Dan, you will love this film” it was bought, and we was back at his place with food and drinks.

10 enter, 1 will leave. FIGHT!

The movie is Identity, which you will be forgiven for not knowing as it was released all the way back in 2003. I know what you are thinking, “Dan, why are you reviewing a movie that was released nearly 10 years ago?” Well, to put simply, I love finding little gems like this, and what I love more then finding them, is sharing them with anybody that will listen to me.

Identity tells the tale of 10 strangers, a call girl, a limo driver and a 80s star, a family in crisis, a newly wed couple and a cop escorting a convicted killer, that are brought together in a run down motel in the middle of nowhere run by a nervous motel manager to escape a storm, but when they start getting knocked off one by one, they realise that each hold a secret, and that each can’t be trusted. See, I hate revealing that they are secrets and twists in this movie, my buddy did it as we was putting our feet up and getting ready to watch, I said it was a bad idea because then I begin to try and figure the secrets out, which I did…in the first 10 minutes. This didn’t spoil the experience, I still really enjoyed Identity, it is cleverly put together, and I was taken by surprise by some things the film threw at me, the characters don’t suffer from what some other movies with a big cast do, each feel fleshed out, even the ones that are bumped off straight away. The only negative thing I can say about Identity is that the murders aren’t that creative, they hide the killer in the shadows to not give away which of the 10 is bumping the others off, so the kills are either performed off screen, or through the eyes of the killer itself, but this is only me nip-picking, it isn’t the kills that is the main attraction, it is the mystery.

My friend was absolutely right, he knew I would love Identity and I did, I highly suggest finding and checking this gem out.

Danny

 

Danny@Dragoose.co.uk

Buried and Attack The Block

Thank god Ryan didn't draw a face on that mobile and start calling it Wilson

Every so often a film comes along that shows us that Hollywood isn’t just churning out shit and remakes, they still have writersand directors with unique, interesting ideas, and they can’t wait to share them with you. Well, I’m about to review two of those kinds of movies.

The first is the claustrophobic thriller “Buried”, a movie that makes you stare at Ryan Reynolds panic in a coffin for an hour an half, and one that you will love every minute off, there isn’t much that I can say about the plot that I haven’t already shared, Ryan plays Paul, a truck driver who we learn is ambushed by terrorists and then buried alive until they receive a hefty amount of money.

I have to admit, I was sceptical at first, when going into this movie, the first minute is darkness, broken up with a bit of heavy breathing and I remember thinking, how are they going to keep me entertained for 90 minutes with only Ryan in a box? Fast forward to me, minutes later, and I am gripped.

Everything in Buried is so clever, and well done, there is not one shot that is used twice, instead of cutaways to other people, they use the several sources of lights going out, and Ryan! Say what you want about the man, he is truly an exceptional actor, there are very few people that could carry this movie like he does, it almost makes up for Green Lantern.

I truly wish I had more to say about Buried, but I would just be repeating myself, I can’t praise it enough, I fully recommend you good people going and checking it out

Danny

Danny@Dragoose.co.uk

Next up on this little list of “Movies I should of caught months ago” is “Attack The Block”, the little known film that is blowing everyone away, and for good reason.

Nobody is stupid enough to attack a group of teens from the block...except aliens.

Anyone that knows me has already heard my views on Hollywood and there money grabbing sequels, honestly, it’s not the money that bothers me, or the laziness that goes into spitting out some pieces of shit we see hit our screens (Furry Vengeance, I’m looking at you.) its the fact that those kinds of films tower over unique, clever, fantastic pieces of cinema like Attack The Block.

Okay, I’m in trouble of going a little serious now, so I better get on with the review.

The “Peace” of a South London council estate is shattered when aliens crash land and start tearing shit up, a group of young teens try to stay alive by hiding out in the safest place they can find, their block, again, it’s another movie with such a simple premise, and much like Buried, I found myself asking, how is this movie going to entertain me for an hour an half, sure there are aliens, but they predominately hide in the shadows, and even when they are on the screen, they are hard to make out (until the teeth show) I guess my major worry was the characters themselves, it is very hard to warm to these kids, the first scene we see them in they are mugging the only character in the entire movie we can relate too, but watching them interact, and the genius lines that they are given, you can’t help but warm to them.

When I first sat down to write this I knew it was going to be a short and sweet review, I could go on and describe each character individually, such as the perma-frown main character Moses, a guy who gives Kristin Stewart AND Rob Pattinson a run for there money with his constant depressed look (Kristin and Rob win just in case your wondering as John Boyega, the guy playing Moses is actually ACTING!) But honestly, I can say nothing more then check this movie out, and send me more films like this Hollywood, please, we can’t all live of the hype of Saw 13, or whatever number it’s on.

Danny

Danny@Dragoose.co.uk

Chronicle



The Chronicle of a bullied teen who should

 of just put down the fucking camera!

When I first saw the trailer to this movie I though to myself, this looks A-Mas-Zing! Until a friend pointed out that movies like this tend to be really good in one act and fail in the others, this movie was already showing the first three acts quite clearly, the before, the after, and the final fight, it was the third act that I was really worried about. If you guys are having the same worries then let Ol’ Danny put those worries to rest.

The movie is Chronicle, directed by Josh Tranks, I usually don’t mention writers and directors but Josh gets a special mention for making this incredible movie at only age 26, that is an amazing feat and one that I am of course immensely jealous off (I am not that far behind you Josh and I am still writing for this site!)

The movie tells the tale of three guys who discover a strange hole in the middle of the woods that is making the weirdest of noises, curiosity gets the better of them and they venture inside, and come out with superpowers, the rest of the movie is the boys having fun with the new found powers, until one starts to abuse it, and cue jaw dropping final fight.

The three guys mentioned are Andrew, the main guy who helps the whole gimmick of the hand held camera movie by declaring that he is going to carry a camera everywhere and record everything, whereas I don’t have a problem with hand held camera movies (I love Cloverfield) this guy doesn’t help himself, it is already established that he is a social outcast, bullied and abused, and when his cousin (another guy who gets powers) tries to help him by taking him to parties, he brings a fucking camera and pokes into everyone’s face, not a tiny one either, this is a heavy, expensive professional camera. I would love to rant more about this guy but he is genially a really interesting character, and he is portrayed terrifically, all the 3 guys are as a matter of fact, the cousin is the weakest, nope, scratch that, his love interest is ( a hot girl who carries a small camera to record everything for her blog…WHY!?!?!?)

I can’t speak more highly of this movie, about any part of this movie, the director, the actors, the special effects, I love the tone of the movie (not once do they declare that they have to become superheroes), okay, you good people don’t need to read me declaring my love this movie, I sound like I’m on the verge of marrying it and “sealing the deal” of our relationship, it is a huge Must Watch!

Go spend your well earned money on it, re-watch, then buy it on Dvd and watch again, it is that good.

Danny

Danny@Dragoose.co.uk

The Grey



Liam Neeson, putting those particular

 set of skills to use again.

Am I the only person in the world who thinks that a wolf is just a demonic dog? Yes? Well go watch this movie and you'll be agreeing with me after the 2 hours are up, because these wolves are fucking vicious, and they don't give a shit, they will pounce on your ass while you are taking a leek, mid-way through dinner, or taking a nap.

The movie is The Grey, in which Liam Neeson plays a depressed wolf killing badass (when doesn't Neeson play a badass? Answers on a postcard please.) he finds himself lost in the middle of nowhere, in the freezing snow, with only a small group of guys after his plane goes down, the situation gets worse when wolves start showing up and taking out the survivors one at a time.

I give the movie huge kudos for always keeping me nervous and on the edge of my seat, this is a movie that doesn't give visual or musical cues to signify to the audience when an attack is going to take place, like I said earlier they can happen at any point during any situation making you genuinely scared, and concerned for these peoples safety. The actual characters themselves are a lot to be desired, the first couple that kick the bucket I didn't even know there names, let alone a back story or any character development, the movie doesn't have time to create that, it mostly concentrates on Neeson, not that I’m complaining, he is the reason why everyone will come to this movie. The few characters that actually do get some rounding out actually do a fine job and you do care somewhat for them, although there is one guy, and I'm going to call him out right now, one guy who pisses and moans throughout the first hour of the movie, and then has the audacity to fight Liam Neeson when he is trying to keep him alive, fuck that guy.

I say this is a pretty damn good Matinee, you won't come out disappointed but it isn't a movie I will find myself craving to see again, despite my obvious love for Neeson, it did make me want to re-watch Taken again however (which I did, and loved. Again!)

Danny

Danny@Dragoose.co.uk

Warhorse



This Horse Is A God Damn Omen

Okay so right from the start, let me get something clear, any movie that tries to personify a animal so audiences care and cry over it loses me, I find it quite a cheap trick Hollywood uses to push our buttons and it works, a lot, sitting in the cinema with a lot of people weeping is living proof of that. So I was hesitant at first when asked to review this movie, I felt I wasn’t going to give it the fair and emotional critique that it deserves.

The movie is Warhorse, a heavily powerful emotional and touching World War One movie, that revolves around a horse, well, the horse and it’s owner, but it concentrates more on the horse. It starts with Young Albert (Jeremy Irvine) who is always shown to be taking an unnatural interest in horses, after his grandfather tries to outbid his landlord (his RICH landlord, don’t ask how or why he thought he'll win) he finds himself with a horse of his own. The first hour of this movie is this boy and his horse bonding, and whereas I wasn’t bored, it wasn’t gripping me and making me want to see more, in fact, the show was stolen by a goose in my opinion.
Due to some money troubles the horse is then sold into the cavalry, cue emotional crying part 1 of many. At this point, the movie starts to pick up, it cleverly shows the horrific war through the eyes of this horse and the many people whose life’s it touches. The only disappointment I had during this movie was the sudden disappearance of the Goose.
Go watch this movie, and go ball your eyes out.
Another side note. Rumors that the Goose fell in love with a dragon, and mated to create the first Dragoose have been unconfirmed.

Danny

Danny@Dragoose.co.uk