The Maze Runner is A Lot Better Than I Expected. WARNING: SPOILERS

The Maze Runner

D: Wes Ball

W: Grant Pierce Myers, T.S. Nowlin, Noah Oppenheim

S: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter, Ki-hong Lee

This week we get another movie based on a young adult novel, this time its The Maze Runner by James Dashner. The story is about a group of young people (obviously) who are stuck in a commune surrounded by a maze and they no memory of their previous life before being sent there, outside of their name. One day the newest member named Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) decides that something needs to be done and so he, along with others, try to find a way out of the maze and try to figure out why they're there. 

Now with me and movies based on books I go in with the mind set of I should have to read the book before seeing the movie. Because for me the movie should stand on its own without any extra knowledge. And this isn't me trashing the original source material, in my eyes a movie should be able to stand on its own. That being said I did actually enjoy this film surprisingly. 

Now as previously stated this is based on a young adult novel, and me and the based on 'YA' novels have had a mixed relationship. There be some I like to an extent, (The Hunger Games and Harry Potter) and then ones I didn't like, and it should be rather obvious which one I didn't like. And this one falls into the former category. 

First all let's get the biggest problem out of the way, why don't they just climb to the top of the maze wall and escape that way? Well, I can see that as a problem but then again that same complaint can fall onto stuff like Gilligan's Island or Harry Potter. Why didn't they just build a boat? Why didn't Harry use a certain spell or that time necklace? So there are some things you've got to let slide just for the sake of the plot. Other than that I would say that the biggest problem this film has is that things still don't feel fully explained and the characters aren't the most developed and they fall into the stereotypes of 'YA' novel characters, such as the noble leader/mentor (Aml Ameen), the guy who is a jerk for no real reason (Will Poulter) and so on. 

Now onto the positives. I have to say that this movie has some really good performances. Which is especially noteworthy given that there are barely any veteran actors in this film, except for one who isn't revealed until the end. And (SPOILER) given that it's Patricia Clarkson, who to me is criminally underrated, it is a real treat. All of the main actors have great chemistry with each other and do a great job with their roles, I especially have to give credits to the (seemingly) youngest of the bunch, Blake Cooper, he does a pretty good job. I also have to say that since many of the actors are British they do a great job at hiding their accents very well. Which isn't that easy in a lot of cases.

But why do I really like this film so much? I think the biggest reason is because it seems to parallels to the Vietnam War or even the wars in the Middle East. I'm sure some of you are already going, "What the hell are you talking about?" So I ask for your patience as I elaborate. This story is about a group of young men, and one girl (Kaya Scodelario) who are mostly young adults and teenagers who are forced into a situation they don't want to be a part of. A situation that involves several instances in which their lives are in danger from an enemy they don't have that much knowledge of. They also have no real idea as to why they're there? Now I'm not one to get political but that sounds like how a lot of people's views of the Vietnam War and the wars in Middle East. A much like in war (or as it seems to me) even if you've got things planned out and you think you've gotten a routine down that works something unexpected can happen and plays no favorites with who lives and who dies. Also, (SPOILERS) towards the very end, even though the survivors have escaped they are headed towards a desolated and destroyed city. Possibly symbolizing the fact that even for some veterans the war never leaves them even when they return home. 

It's also possible that I'm over analyzing it and that the ending was just a set up for a sequel. But then again people have seen deeper meaning and themes in other 'YA' books/movies, and even in stuff intended for kids. 

Side Note: I recommend the novel Fallen Angels by the late Walter Dean Myers. It's a 'YA' novel that is actually about the Vietnam War. 

To conclude I do recommend this film, if you're a fan of the book I guess you may like it as well. Though again I've never read it so I don't know what they've changed. But I honestly do want to check them out now. 

And if this doesn't seem like your cup of tea or you've seen it and didn't like it there's always Labyrinth (1986, dir. Jim Henson).

What's your opinion on it? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Be sure to like the blog's Facebook page. 

Thank you for reading. 

Top Four Best Long John Silvers (from Treasure Island)

In celebration of talk like a pirate day (Arrrr) I'll be sharing with you my four favorite incarnations of the legendary pirate Long John Silver. Of course as many of you know Silver is from the classic adventure book by Robert Louis Stevenson, and the book has been adapted many times to the silver screen, and so considering what today is I thought I'd pay respect to my favorite versions. I'm listing these in chronological order.

1. Robert Newton from the Walt Disney production of Treasure Island (1950, dir. Byron Haskin)

This is the man who arguably set the standard for talk like a pirate day. This is definitely one of the earliest instances of a pirate talking like, "Y'arrr matey! Shiver me timbers! Arrrr!" Otherwise known as a West Country Accent. It's a shame Newton hasn't gotten the praise and attention he deserves. He would play Long John two more times, the first being the Australia produced sequel Long John Silver (1954, dir. Byron Haskin) and in the television show The Adventures of Long John Silver which only lasted 26 episodes. For other great Newton performances check out Henry V (1944, dir. Laurence Olivier) and Around the World in 80 Days (1956, dir. Michael Anderson). The latter of which was his last film.

2. Charlton Heston in Treasure Island (1990, dir. Fraser Clarke Heston)

In this made for tv film we see a rather unlikely candidate for the role, Charlton Heston. While he is an Academy Award winning actor I don't think people have given him credit as an actor for the most part. With this performance and his performance as Sherlock Holmes in The Crucifer of Blood (1991, dir. Fraser Clarke Heston) he was an actor who could do more than just play tough guys, though he was good at that as well. In this film he does manage to portray the welcoming and almost surrogate father figure side of Silver but can easily turn into the cut throat swashbuckler. In this clip we see him deliver the famous line, "Them that die will be the lucky ones." Also, yes that is a young Christian Bale playing Jim Hawkins in the movie.

3. Tim Curry in Muppet Treasure Island (1996, dir. Brian Henson)

Tim Curry is one of those actors who is always going to give a great and scene stealing performance no matter what the film is, and of course this film is no different. Matter of fact, he has apparently said that this was one of his favorite movies to work on. Given the performance he gives it is pretty obvious that he was into it. Just watch him the  musical number below, he is having more than a good time.

4. Brian Murray in Treasure Planet (2002, dir. Ron Clements & John Musker)

We started this list with a Disney film we end it with a Disney film. In the science fiction rendition of the novel we get a version of Long John that puts a lot of emphasis on the father figure aspect of the character. Murray truly delivers on this performance and can go back and fourth between loving mentor to ruthless pirate. But even when he is the ruthless pirate he doesn't want to hurt Hawkins. Just listen to his speech in this clip. 

Alright me mateys, what's your opinion? Be there a version of the character I forget that ye love? Share in the comments below.... y'arrrr! And be sure to like the blog's Facebook page ye scury dogs!

Okay I'm done talking like a pirate. 

R.I.P. Angus Lennie (1930-2014)

Scottish film, tv, and stage actor Angus Lennie has passed away at the age of 84. Lennie is probably best know for his role as Flying Officer Archibald Ives in the 1963 classic The Great Escape (1963, dir. John Sturges). His performance as the soldier who is on the verge of snapping is simply perfect, there's not a bad moment with him. This is sadly also the third Great Escape actor to pass away this year, the other two being James Garner and Richard Attenborough.

The next clip I'm featuring is a massive spoiler for the film. View it here

He was also featured on the British soap opera Crossroads, and was in two episodes of the legendary British sci-fi show Doctor Who.

Rest in Peace Mr. Lennie

The Idential - Review

The Identical

D: Dustin Marcellino

W: Howard Klauser

S: Seth Green, Ashley Judd, Joe Pantoliano, Blake Ryan, Ray Liotta

Well it's about time the King of Rock 'n' Roll got his own movie. I mean, he's had a couple of mini series about him but he's never had a... wait, what? This isn't an Elvis movie? The musician in this movie is named Drexel Hemsley and his long lost twin brother Ryan? But they look and sound exactly like Elvis? Um.... okay. 

So, this movie isn't about Elvis Presley but at the same time it basically is. The movie is about a pair of identical twin brothers (both portrayed by Blake Ryan) who are born to a poor family during the great depression. The parents feel like they are unable to take care of both of them and so they give one of them to a reverend (Ray Liotta) and his wife (Ashley Judd). The latter grows up completely unaware of where he came from, while the other grows up to become a famous rock musician... who looks and sounds exactly like Elvis.

This is such a bizarre movie. This movie features nearly every cliche of a rock star biography movie except this isn't about an actual rock star (I'm probably sounding like a broken record right now). Nearly every cliche in this movie was made fun of in the movie Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007, dir. Jake Kasdan), one of the few parody movies that actually parodies a movie genre. You've got the tragic childhood, the disapproving father, the religious people seeing it as the devil's music and so on. The only cliche it doesn't have is that the main character, Ryan, doesn't drink or smoke or do drugs or... anything for that matter. 

This film is kind of hard to talk about in a cohesively written way, so I'll just state the few positives it has. The soundtrack isn't that bad and some of the performances are pretty decent. Though I'm still baffled as to why Seth Green is in this movie. 

Check out Brad Jones's review of the film if you want to hear similar thoughts on the film but in a more comedic fashion. Also just check out Brad Jones's stuff he's awesome. CinemaSnob.com/Midnight Screening-The Identical.

Have an opinion on the film? Share it in the comment section and share the article.

And be sure to like the the blog's Facebook page

Haley Joel Osment's Latest Role.

You all remember Haley Joel Osment right? The Academy Award nominated actor who was the "I see dead people" kid in The Sixth Sense (1999, dir. M. Night Shyamalan). I'm sure some of you have wondered, "What ever happened to him?" Well, he starred in a few other films, went to college and is now in director Kevin Smith's latest films, the first two installments of his Truth North trilogy. The first installment is coming out this year, Tusk, in which Osment is portraying the best friend of the main character, portrayed by Justin Long. In the second installment, Yoga Hosers, he is apparently portraying Adrien Arcand, or as he called himself "The Canadian Fuhrer". Yep, it appears that Forrest Gump, Jr. is portraying a Nazi. They grow up so fast don't they?

Okay in all honesty this film does sound interesting, the synopsis on IMDB.com says, "Two teenage yoga enthusiasts team up with a legendary man-hunter to battle with an ancient evil presence that is threatening their major party plans." Wow, to quote Calvin Candy, "You had my curiosity, but now you have my attention." 

What are your thoughts? Looking forward to this and Tusk? Share your thoughts, share the article.

Also be sure to like the blog's Facebook page

Opinion: Third Ghostbusters movie cast

Some of you may or may not know this but there has been a lot of talk about the prospects about a third Ghostbusters film. It has been in development for while now and given the recent death of co-creator and ghostbuster Harold Ramis, there is understandably a lot of uncertainty about this. It is obviously not going to be the classic lineup but it looks like we're going to get a new generation. Honestly, I have no problem with this. Also they're talking about having an all-female cast. Again, I have no problem with this, let's just not make this into a "Oh look its the Ghostbusters.... BUT THEY'RE GIRLS!"

While Bill Murray sadly won't be showing up in the film he has given his opinion about who he'd like to see in the film. His selection are:  Kristin Wiig and Melissa McCarthy of Bridesmaids fame, Mad Men's Linda Cardellini, and Emma Stone. While the first three are decent picks in my opinion, as long as McCarthy and Wiig don't do a lot of improvising, but I freaking LOVE the idea of Emma Stone being a Ghostbuster. I mean... I can't properly express how awesome of an idea that is to me.

Now the article I got this info from gave other suggestions for an all female cast. My favorites from the list are Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Emily Blunt. As for me I'd loved to see former Doctor Who companion and Guardian of the Galaxy's Nebula, Karen Gillan be there.

But what about the idea of a all female cast? Again, I am for the idea, but at the same time I'd like to see a mixed gender group. Bring in actors like Oscar Isaac, Michael B. Jordan, or James McAvoy. But again, an all female cast isn't a bad idea. But no matter what happens there is always that possibility that the script can go wrong. The worst that can happen is that the characters and plot are just identical the original film, and that the new characters are the same as the old ones, but will emphasize that they're women. And I certainly hope that's not the case. I also hope they don't do anything stupid like, change the Ghostbuster uniforms to be 'girl versions' of them. From what I've heard and seen I think Dan Aykroyd really wants this project to work and is putting his full effort into it. Especially given the recent death of his friend and creative partner Harold Ramis.

So, I'm going to keep an open mind and if the movie does come to flourish, I'll check it out, and if it doesn't turn out as good, then we still have the original to enjoy.

What better way to end this article than by asking, WHO YA GONNA CALL....

Have an opinion on the topic? Leave a comment in the comment section.

Be sure to share the article and like the blog's Facebook page.