Flog: A Film Blog

Must See Trailers: Street Fighter- The Legend of Chun-Li

2009-02-28T05:22:00.001-08:00

Flog Review: Oldboy

2009-02-27T16:54:00.000-08:00

Film: Oldboy (2003)

IMDB Summary: After being kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must find his captor in 5 days.

The Crunch: Visually stunning as a film, Oldboy's strange, twisted tale will not appeal to everyone's taste. It's brutal display of life, human emotion and love is unlike of that seen in any other film, allowing for a truly unique cinematic experience. Drained of colour in its cinematogrophy, Min-sik Choi performance is truly captivating, allowing a insight to the human psychology.

Despite significant plot holes in Oldboy's narrative, its uniqueness and complete departure of traditional filmic techniques allows viewers to dismiss this fact.

Essentially a revenge film, Oldboy remains a fantastic piece of Asian cinema. Although not aimed at Western audiences, for those who walk into this film with an open mind will be rewarded.

The Verdict: 7 stars out of 10

Must See Trailers: Watchmen

2009-02-26T23:59:00.000-08:00

The incredible trailer for Zack Snyder's interpretation of the Watchmen graphic novel. Out this week.

Box Office Kings: Oz, US, UK

2009-02-24T22:20:00.000-08:00

Australian Box Office:

1) He's Just Not That Into You- 2 WEEKS (Wk End: $2.5 M, Total Gross: $8.7 M)

US Box Office:

1) Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail- NEW (Wk End: $41, Total Gross: $41)

UK Box Office:

1) Bolt- NEW (Wk End: £5.5, Total Gross: £5.5)

Oscars: 81st Annual Academy Awards

2009-02-23T00:02:00.000-08:00

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
Best Actor: Sean Penn (Milk)
Best Actress: Kate Winslet (The Reader)
Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
Best Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black (Milk)
Best Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire)
Best Documentary: Man on Wire
Best Short Documentary: Smile Pinki
Best Animated: Wall-E
Best Animated Short: La Maison en Petits Cubes
Best Live Action Short Film: Spielzeugland (Toyland)
Best Foreign Film: Departures
Best Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire)
Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Editing: Chris Dickens (Slumdog Millionaire)
Best Make-Up: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Costume Design: The Duchess
Best Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Sound Editing: The Dark Knight
Best Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Original Score: A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire)
Best Original Song: “Jai Ho” by A.R. Rahman/Gulzar (Slumdog Millionaire)

Must See Trailers: G.I. Joe Superbowl Spot

2009-02-21T22:38:00.000-08:00

The seriously cool Superbowl spot for G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra

Must See Trailers: X-Men Origins- Wolverine

2009-02-21T22:35:00.000-08:00

Full trailer for X-men Origins: Wolverine starring Aussie and Oscar host Hugh Jackman.

Flog Review: Traffic

2009-02-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

Film: Traffic (2000)

IMDB Summary: A conservative judge is appointed by the President to spearhead America's escalating war against drugs, only to discover that his teenage daughter is an addict.

The Crunch: Traffic is one of those films which is survived by its acting talent. Without it, its interweaving storyline alone is not enough to make it a great film. Of the multipe interconnecting narratives, the most effective relationship is between a father and daughter, allowing for an emotional and tense story that will be relatable to millions of parents across the world.

Traffic takes no prisoners in its delivery. Soderbergh lays out the nitty gritty details of the North American drugs industry to viewers and holds back no punches in laying out the disturbing truth. Whilst doing this, the film is fantastically shot in showing harsh realities.

However, with all its acting talent and engrossing storyline, Traffic falls very flat in certain places throughout the film. It often feels dull and diluted and has no real 'action' to help propel the film forward. It is these factors which prevent Traffic being the great film it should be and instead only provides a film that is all too serious, providing no escape from its monotonous tone.

The Verdict: 7 stars out of 10

Must See Trailers: Funny People

2009-02-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

The newest flick from Judd Apatow starring Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen.

Must See Trailers: The Boat That Rocked

2009-02-19T02:24:00.000-08:00

Form Richard Curtis comes the international trailer for The Boat That Rocked starring Bill Nighy, Nick Frost and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Must See Trailers: The Descent 2

2009-02-19T01:46:00.000-08:00

This sequel may just work after a spectacular first outing.

This may just work after a spectacular first outing.

Oscars Leaked?

2009-02-18T22:51:00.000-08:00

Here are the winners for the 2009 Oscars, apparently.

Actor in a leading role: Mickey Rourke
Actor in a supporting role: Heath Ledger
Actress in a leading role: Kate Winslet
Actress in a supporting role: Amy Adams
Animated Feature Film: Wall-E
Art Direction: The Dark Knight
Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire
Costume Design: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Directing: Slumdog Millionaire
Documentary feature: Man on Wire
Documentary short: The Conscience of Nhem En
Film editing: Milk
Foreign language film: Departures
Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Music (Score): Defiance
Music (Song): Down to Earth (Wall-E)
Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Short film (animated): Presto
Short film (live action): Auf Der Strecke (On The Line)
Sound editing: Wall-E
Sound mixing: The Dark Knight
Visual effects: Iron Man
Writing (Adapted screenplay): The Reader
Writing (Original screenplay): In Bruges

Source: http://oscars2009leaked.blogspot.com/

Flog Review: The Descent

2009-02-18T22:01:00.000-08:00

Film: The Descent (2005)

IMDB Summary: A caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.

The Crunch: To describe this film in one word, it would have to be intense. From the moment we follow the all-girl group down into the cave, viewers are sent on wild rollercoaster ride which does not stop until the final frame. Not simply a hack and slash horror film, The Descent plays on psychological fears of viewers whilst maintaing a reasonably enjoyable narrative.

The factor which makes this movie such an enjoyable experience is the atmosphere which it creates. A claustrophobic nightmare for anyone, without giving away any spoilers, the film is frightning enough before things get even worse for the girls.

The Descent is by far one of the most frightning, intense, on-the-edge-of-your-seat cinematical experiences I have had for quite some time. With a sequel on the cards for later in the year, this may offer a greater understanding and mythology of answers, however, could ultimately destroy the series.

The Verdict: 9 stars out of 10

X-Men:Wolverine- 3rd TV Spot

2009-02-18T03:58:00.000-08:00

Taking into consideration all three tv spots, one's things for sure. This film is gonna be ACTION packed.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine- 2nd TV Spot

2009-02-18T03:46:00.000-08:00

Must See Trailers: Transformers- Revenge of the Fallen

2009-02-17T02:51:00.000-08:00

Trailer for the upcoming robo-rumble, box-office blasting film.

Box Office Kings: Oz, US, UK

2009-02-16T16:45:00.000-08:00

Australian Box Office:

1) He's Just Not That Into You (Wk End: $4.6 M, Total Gross: $4.6 M)

US Box Office:

1) Friday The 13th (Wk End: $40.7 M, Total Gross: $40.7 M)

UK Box Office:

1) Bolt (Wk End: £2.8 million, Total Gross £2.8 million)

Must See Trailer: Watchmen- Tales of the Black Freighter

2009-02-16T00:28:00.000-08:00

Trailer for the upcoming animated companion piece to Watchmen. Will complete the experience for any die hard Watchmen fans.

The Simpsons: Now in HD

2009-02-16T00:19:00.000-08:00

With new technology comes a new opening sequence fot The Simpsons. To air today in the US.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine- 1st TV Spot

2009-02-16T00:16:00.000-08:00

The first of three TV spots to be released on Fox, this first spot casts serious doubt on the quality and integrity of the film. Hopefully the next spot will restore hope to all X-Men fans out there.

Flog Review: Gran Torino

2009-02-14T21:05:00.000-08:00

Film: Gran Torino (2008)

IMDB Summary: Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino.

The Crunch: Keeping in mind that Million Dollar Baby was said to be the last film Clint Eastwood would act in, its wonderful that he has come out of acting retirement for this film. Providing a wonderful illustration of the state of a changing American society, Gran Torino is a beautiful film with a large dose of dry wit comedy.

As the characters develop, much is learnt about different cultures, especially their approaches to life and death. It is these differences that initially drives Walt Kowalski apart from all the people that are left in his modern world. Taumented by memories of his time in Korea, Walt slowly but surely begins accepting to a degree different cultures and ways of thinking.

In conclusion, this film accomplishes what it sets out to do, detailing the emotions and turmoils of man who is stuck in world he does not understand anymore. And thanks to Eastwood, we have a fascinating film to enjoy.

The Verdict: 8 stars out of 10

Flog Review: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

2009-02-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

Film: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

IMDB Summary: The comic 'Bluntman and Chronic' is based on real-life stoners Jay and Silent Bob, so when they get no profit from a big-screen adaptation they set out to wreck the movie.

The Crunch: Being a huge fan of Kevin Smith since discovering his hilarious Smodcast, I had high expectations coming into this film. However, I was intitially put off by Silent Bob's cartoonish stylised character. As the film continued however, I felt better connected to Silent Bob and alienated from Jay.

Rediculous as the story may be, its direction accepts this and often pokes fun at the viewer for watching such 'trash.' This helps viewers assimilate to te film and adds a new dimension to its linear narrative. One of the greatest attributes in the film is the number of fantastic cameoes throughout the film, including Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Jason Lee, Seann William Scott and Ben Affleck. Although all of these characters receive limited screen time, their inclusion brings an extra life and extra level of humour to the film.

Highly underrated as a film, its unique sense of humour makes for an enjoyable viewing experience. Having not watched any of the other Jersey film series, I will now look forward to the remainder of the series, albeit it be in the wrong order.

The Verdict: 8 stars out of 10

Life On Mars

2009-02-14T04:58:00.000-08:00

For all those fans of the US series of Life On Mars who love the killer 70's soundtrack, ABC (US) has a great music guide listing all the tracks used in the series.

Available @: http://abc.go.com/primetime/lifeonmars/index?pn=musicguide#t=120560

Happy Listening.

Heath Ledger Fans Want The Joker Retired from Film FOREVER

2009-02-14T02:37:00.001-08:00

This news brought to you from our friends over at Film Junk

Heath Ledger Fans Want The Joker Retired from Film… FOREVER

Posted using ShareThis

Box Office Kings: Oz, US, UK

2009-02-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Australian Box Office:

1. Gran Torino (Wk End: $1.6M, Total Gross: $7.3 M)

US Box Office:

1. He's Just Not That Into You (Wk End & Total Gross: $27.8M)

UK Box Office:

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Wk End & Total Gross: £2.2M)

TV Talk: Joaquin Phoenix on Letterman

2009-02-13T03:07:00.000-08:00

You guys just have to check out this interview of Joaquin Pheonix on The Late Show with David Letterman. Some are calling Pheonix's new persona hoax, whether this is true or not, it sure makes for bloody entertaining television. Especially in comparison to many of Letterman's boring, poorely researched interviews. Enjoy.

Must See Trailers: Observe and Report

2009-02-13T02:28:00.000-08:00

Check out Anna Faris and Seth Rogen in the trailer for their newest film Observe and Report.

This is sure to distinguish any comparisons with Paul Blart.

Flog Now on MySpace

2009-02-13T01:33:00.000-08:00

Flog is now officially Myspace.

Hit up Flog on Myspace at www.myspace.com/flogfilm

Favebook coming soon. Stay tuned.

Must See Trailers: Inglorious Basterds

2009-02-13T01:03:00.000-08:00

This is the debut trailer of Quentin Tarantino's highly antincipated

new film, Inglorious Basterds. Should beinteresting to see how the

rest of the film turns out, especially the rest of Brad Pitt's performance.

What are your thoughts on Tarintino's newest flick? Please comment

and let us know.

First Flog Review: Resevoir Dogs

2009-02-13T00:26:00.000-08:00

Film: Reservoir Dogs (1992)

IMDB Summary: After a simple jewelery heist goes terribly wrong, the surviving criminals begin to suspect that one of them is a police informant.

The Crunch: Well, what a great choice of film for Flog's first ever film review. Before viewing this film I had great expectations. From recently seeing Kill Bill Vol. 1, I was hoping for supreme action, witty dialogue and an exceptional storyline. Whilst viewing the film however, I could not help but wonder when something was going to happen. I was, how should I put it, bored. Except for the famous ear cutting scene, I felt like this film was missing something. Something that brought Tarantino's other films to life.

Despite this, I felt the film had some redeeming features such as Tim Roth's performance, as well as a very well constructed story arch. In hindsight, although I did not totally enjoy the viewing experience of Reservoir Dogs, the film still provides a satisfiying and entertaining payoff in its conclusion.

The Verdict: 6 stars out of 10

First Post!

2009-02-13T00:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Flog. A blog all about film, tv and anything else cool out there that we here at Flog deem worthy of making it onto the blog. More posts to come, so stay tuned