4 Razors

Hitchcock

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: Hitchcock
  • IMDB: link

“And that, madame, is why the call me ‘The Master of Suspense.'”

hitchcock-posterBased on the book by Stephen Rebello, director Sacha Gervasi‘s Hitchcock is more centered on director Alfred Hitchcock‘s personal life and the enormous stress of his widely unpopular decision to follow up North by Northwest with Psycho than the actual filming of the movie. The result is insanely well-cast and immensely enjoyable study of the famous director and the most important woman in his life, his wife Alma Reville (Helen Mirren).

The film succeeds beyond my expectations on the strength of three terrific performances. Hopkins, no stranger to throwing on prosthetics to play a larger than life historical figure (Nixon), is transformed into the famous director who is equal parts genius and spoiled child. Mirren is perfect as the loyal wife, who has never gotten her due for being Hitchcock’s most trusted collaborator, who simply wants to spend a little time with a charming old friend (Danny Huston) working on a new project. And Scarlett Johansson brings more than just a pretty face to her portrayal of Psycho actress Janet Leigh who never loses her professionalism even when the director crosses the line.

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FF #1

/ / Comics

FF #1With the Fantastic Four heading out a time-traveling trip Reed, the Thing, Sue, and Johnny recruit a temporary team which will need to take their place for an undetermined amount of time between four minutes and indefinitely. Matt Fraction, who is also taking over the duties for the new Fantastic Four series, earns some points right away from me by choosing She-Hulk, one of Marvel Comics most criminally underused characters in recent years, as one quarter of the new team.

Honestly, I’m less exited about the rest of the team which includes Medusa, Ms. Thing, and Scott Lang who is reluctant to watch over a group of super-children while still greiving the loss of his own daughter.

There’s not much to this first issue other than gathering the new team and re-introducing the members of the Future Foundation (including Bentley and Dragon Man), but Matt Fraction and artist Mike Allred have fun simply showing off the various characters. I’m not sure how long I’ll stay with the title (I felt the last series grew tiresome rather quickly), but I’m glad I picked it up. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Beasts of the Southern Wild

/ / Home Video
  • Title: Beasts of the Southern Wild
  • IMDB: link

beasts-of-the-southern-wild-blu-rayWriter/director Benh Zeitlin‘s Beasts of the Southern Wild is an unusual film set in the Louisiana bayou in the fictional locale of “Isle de Charles Doucet,” commonly referred to by its residents as the Bathtub. Adapted by Zeitlin and Lucy Alibar from Alibar’s one-act play “Juicy and Delicious,” the film is centered around a six year-old girl named Hushpuppy (Quvenzhané Wallis) whose world is threatened by her father’s (Dwight Henry) sudden illness and an approaching storm which causes the outside world to encroach on the tightly-knit community.

Although the Bathtub doesn’t actually exist it was inspired by several small fishing villages along the bayou constantly threatened by hurricanes, a rising sea level, and erosion. Zeitlin gives us a fully-formed world without judgment or bias. The community of the Bathtub is an uproarious bunch who refuse to leave their homes even if doing so might save their lives from the oncoming storm.

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The Flash #14

/ / Comics

flash-new-52-cover“Gorilla Warfare” continues as the Rogues battle Grodd‘s invading gorilla army the Flash races a Speed Force-enhanced Gorilla Grodd around Central City who is determined to kill the Flash and claim the Speed Force for his own. Meanwhile, Turbine enlists the help of Patty Spivot and Solovar to help save both the scarlet speedster and Central City.

Once again writer/artist Francis Manapul delivers some great, and beautifully drawn, action that showcases Barry’s intelligence as well as his speed. It’s interesting to note that the first super-speed villain the New 52 sends against the Flash isn’t the Reverse-Flash (who we’ve yet to see) but a sped-up Grodd.

I’m not all to pleased with Patty discovering Barry’s secret identity, as I’d like to see the character phased-out of the New 52 as soon as possible, as this likely means she’ll be around awhile (or killed off rather quickly). However, I am glad to see the introduction of Solovar here as well as the idea that Barry’s super-suit doesn’t offer him the same protection while fighting other speedsters. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Fatale #10

/ / Comics

fatale-10-coverFatale‘s second arc comes to a close as Miles retrieves a sacred book from the the cult as Josephine’s home is invaded by Hansel and his inner circle who find a Josephine far more eager (and able) to fight than the last time they crossed paths.

The final issue works very well in tying up several loose ends, despite being more than a little melancholy as both Josephine’s recent former lovers meet tragic ends over the course of the comic. Miles dies in the cult’s invasion of Josephine’s home and Nicholas Lash begins a long prison stint for murder and, to his horror, discovers what happened to his uncle’s missing manuscript.

They comic ends the first ten issues of the series with a bang and leaves plenty of room for more stories and a new direction as Josephine’s admission to Miles about her effect on men seems to free her in a way that may not only be dangerous for Hanzel and his friends but whoever may cross her path next. Must-read.

[Image, $3.50]

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