INSOMNIAC SONG
MOVIE AND TELEVISION REVIEWS
FANTASY
Beautiful Creatures (2013)
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Viola Davis
Directed by: Richard LaGravenese
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 124 minutes
Synopsis: Ethan longs to escape his small Southern town. He meets a mysterious new girl, Lena. Together, they uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and their town.
Based on: Caster Chronicles series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
This movie falls into the same problems that most marketed for teens do. Rushed relationships and too much information given in a short period of time detracts from the overall impact of the story. A large cast with some very good actors couldn't save it from that. Overall, I was kind of intrigued enough to try reading the novels. I would suggest giving those a try for some light reading before you attempt the movie.
Rating: 2/5
SCIENCE FICTION
The Host (2013)
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Diane Kruger, Max Irons
Directed by: Andrew Niccol
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 125 minutes
Synopsis: When an unseen enemy threatens mankind by taking over their bodies and erasing their memories, Melanie will risk everything to protect the people she cares most about, proving that love can conquer all in a dangerous new world.
Based on: The Host, by Stephanie Meyer
The basic idea for this series brings back thoughts of Animorphs. For me, that's not too surprising since Stephanie Meyer's other works (The Twilight Saga) borrow heavily from other mediums. The most interesting part about this movie were the alien beings. Sadly, they get buried under a love triangle...er square. Melanie is in love with one boy, but the alien inhabiting her body is in love with another. Is it still a triangle then? I would have liked to learn more about the fluffy ball of light aliens that make everyone very nice and neutral to one another.
Rating: 2/5
FANTASY
Dororo
Director: Akihiko Shiota
Starring: Satoshi Tsumabuki, Kou Shibasaki, Eita, Kiichi Nakai
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 139 minutes
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Synopsis: A warrior seeking to avenge the death of his parents joins a young samurai's quest to recover 48 of his body parts from 48 demons.
This movie won't be something that appeals to everyone. If you're a fan of samurais, fantasy, demons and old-school camp, you're going to enjoy this one. Dororo is based off the manga series of the samename by critically acclaimed manga creator Osamu Tezuka. The story has spawned a twenty-six episode anime as well. The manga series and the anime ran in the late 1960s.
However, the live action didn't come about until 2007. Thankfully, the director was able to keep the whimsical nature in tact. There are major differences between the manga and the film. If you're interested in reading the manga, please stop here and read those first. The film gives away some major plot points that aren't revealed until the very end of the manga series. If you're comfortable with continuing, there really is no way with avoiding a certain plot point that has been revealed.
The story follows two unlikely companions, a young thief who takes on the name Dororo and Hyakkimaru, a wandering samurai. Dororo is searching to find revenge against the person who murdered her parents. Hyakkimaru's situation is much more difficult. He must kill 48 demons to recover pieces of his body that were sold by his biological father in exchange for power. Their travels put them in the path of demons and ungrateful villagers alike.
The film has a campy nature in the monsters and effects. It reminds me of old monster films like Godzilla. It's not distracting from the overall effect though. I personally think it's much better this way instead of taking itself too seriously. Kou Shibasaki is also very amusing in her role as Dororo. The actors were all well-suited to their roles. There was also a cameo by Anna Tsuchiya as a demoness. If you're looking for something with charm and fun, give Dororo a chance.
Rating: 4/5
