Thursday, December 30, 2010

Latest Acquisitions

Here are some of the goodies I picked up over the Christmas period. I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas and will be seeing the New Year in in style!

I have also taken some time to re-photograph a number of my limited edition sets, so I look forward to updating those in the new year!

As for recent viewings, I have seen quite a number of films over the last few days, I have not really been inspired to write about any of them, but I have also had little time to. I am hoping that after the first few days of the new year things will have settled a bit and I can get back on the horse and try again!

I hope you have all enjoyed 2010 and are looking forward to the great things 2011 will have to offer!!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Inception UK Limited Edition

It would seem Blu-ray special and limited editions are starting to pick up a bit, which is good.

Here is the UK release of Inception in a nice little limited edition featuring 3 discs (2 Blu-ray's and a DVD), in a lenticular cover housed inside a metal case that also features a booklet and an Inception Spinning Top



Sunday, December 19, 2010

Ghibli Art Books - Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Well, it has been a while since I added a Studio Ghibli Art Book to the collection, but what better way to make a comeback than with the Watercolor Impressions of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. Taking its place as the fifth addition to the collection!. The book is translated into English and features some great concept sketches and images, as well as character artwork, artist comments, interviews and technical details. It does differ slightly from the other books, as it is a bit larger and features a dust cover over the "normal" hard back cover.


The Ghibli Art Books are being released by Anime & Manga distributor Madman here in Australia and so far they have released Ponyo, Howl's Moving Castle, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Spirited Away, Porco Rosso, Kiki's Delivery Service and of course My Neighbor Totoro. The books are retailing for around $53.95 each and with the exception of Ponyo are all hard cover.

The books are an essential buy for fans of Studio Ghibli films. They offer a rare opportunity to learn more about the people and the creative process behind some of the most influential and fascinating animated films of the last decade! I will be adding a page for each book as I get them!



You can find details on the 4 other Ghibli Art Books books I own here: Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Porco Rosso & My Neighbor Totoro

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Episode 62 - Vampires

Can you believe it has taken us 62 episodes to do a show on Vampires!??!?! Well, now that we have moved to our new 2 hour time slot on Sundays at 10pm, we decided to dedicate our new show to those creatures of the night! Of course there is talk of Dracula as well as more recent vampire incarnations (although the sparkly kind were banned, they did get a slight mention).. anyhow, enjoy the show:



You can find us on Facebook, listen to us live at Edge Radio on Sundays at 10pm (AEST) or listen to all past episodes at B Grade Online.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Eat My Shorts: Cupcake - A Zombie Lesbian Musical (2009)


Cupcake - A Zombie Lesbian Musical (2009)
Directed by: Rebecca Thomson
Starring: Anna Kidd and Rose Mastroianni
Running Time: 17 Minutes
Country: Australia

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Tasmanian premiere of Raw Nerve, a national production initiative to provide new filmmakers the opportunity to get their short films into production. I was invited by Rebecca Thomson who was premiering her new film Slashed. Matt and I had previously interviewed Rebecca on our radio show regrading the release of her film Cupcake. Arriving home after the screening last night (and an awesome screening it was too), I went to read my review of Cupcake, only to find I had not written one. So let me take this opportunity to do so.

A Zombie plague is sweeping the Nation, but for two neighbors in a quiet suburban street, Zombies are the least of their troubles. Next door, a pair of lesbians have moved in, and whilst the flesh eating living dead may be troublesome it certainly isn't as bad as the lesbians public displays of affection. Of course it doesn't take long for that affection to become infection, when one of the lesbians is attacked and bitten by the local postie!

Cupcake is a great addition to Aussie genre shorts, and whilst Zombies aren't new to audiences, I dare say few of you have seen them singing in a chorus line!! The production values are high, given the low budget, the acting is good with some solid performances by the leading ladies, and the music is spot on! The original songs written for the film are great, although may not be suitable to be sung in public (see the video below). With Cupcake and now her new film Slashed, I truly believe Rebecca is a talent worth keeping your eyes on!!

Cupcake is sure to have something for everyone, be it your enjoyment of flesh eating zombies or maybe some hot lesbian action... it's all there for the taking and all very entertaining!

You can pick up a copy of Cupcake on DVD from the official website and I highly recommend you do, but to get a little taste of what to expect, enjoy this musical number from the film!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Episode 61 - Sexploitation

Another week down, boy things always get busier during this time of year. I must say I am not really a big fan of the whole Xmas thingy....

Anyhow, here is the latest episode of How B Grade Movies Saved or Ruined My Life. I am a bit surprised it took us 61 episodes before discussing this topic, even more surprised that it was me who raised it! The challenges for the week were Isla: She Wolf of the S.S for me and Frivolous Lola for Matthew.

This show also marked the final 6pm time slot on Edge Radio, from this coming Sunday we will now air at 10pm until 12pm affording us an extra hour!



You can find us on Facebook, listen to us live at Edge Radio on Sundays at 10pm (AEST) or listen to all past episodes at B Grade Online.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Episode 60 - True Blue Aussie Films


Another week means another B movie challenge! This week's show is all about Ozploitation films! Some of Australia's great genre films from the early 70's through to present day! My challenge was Turkey Shoot from 1982. I gave Matthew Richard Franklin's final feature; Visitors. We also discuss recent theatrical release of The Loved Ones and the current trend of genre films from Oz. You can hear this and our reviews below:



As usual you can find us on Facebook, listen to us live at Edge Radio on Sundays at 6pm (AEST) or listen to all past episodes at B Grade Online.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Recent Viewings...

Here are a few of the things I have watched recently...

Wild Target (2010)
Directed By Jonathan Lynn

I am not really sure what it was about this film that I didn't like. Bill Nighy is perfectly cast as the aging hit man with no one to take over his family legacy, Emily Blunt is annoying and Rupert Grint basically seems to have wandered in off the street and hung around. Of course, that is the air that their characters are meant to give out, but it just doesn't really work. I realized after watching that this was in fact a remake, whilst I already didn't like this film, it did make me wonder what the original is like (and when it arrives I shall let you know ;) )

Pleasantville (1998)
Directed By Gary Ross

Pleasantville is an amazing film, one that took me totally by surprise when I watched in many years ago. This was possibly my fifth or sixth viewing of the film and it still holds up extremely well. I always think that this film should be used in schools to visually demonstrate racism in an original and hopefully enlightening way. I would love to see this get the HD treatment as its use of black and white and then slow transition to colour would be quite a thing to behold!

Emma (1996)
Directed By Douglas McGrath

Not sure that I am the target audience for this type of film, but I am always open to watching most genres. Whilst I did not dislike Emma, I was left with a slightly bitter after taste.


The Remains of the Day (1993)
Directed By James Ivory

My second period film of the week and I must say I enjoyed this more than I did Emma, it reminded me in some ways of Gosford Park, only a little more serious. It has stellar performances by Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson and is a magnificent film to look at.

and....

I scored a sneak peak at the new film Monsters, but I shall be giving that a full write up in the next few days ;)

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Ingrid Pitt - 1937-2010


Some sad news came in today. Just as we did a Hammer Horror special on the show, Ingrid Pitt, possibly the most famous Hammer girl has died in London at the age of 73. She will be remembered as one of the greatest on-screen vampires for her parts in The Vampire Lovers, Countess Dracula and The House That Dripped Blood. Matthew's challenge for the show, was is fact The Vampire Lovers so he has her performance fresh in mind, but I would hope that all those who haven't seen it go out and rent or buy a copy this week to pay tribute to a magnificent lady and the amazing contribution she gave to British horror films!

May she rest in peace.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Episode 59 - Hammer Horror


The recent release of Let Me In saw the return of one of Britain's largest independent film companies; Hammer. We take a look at some of the classic Hammer films and talk about the upcoming productions and the hope that Hammer will once again leave its mark!



Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Loved Ones (2009)


The Loved Ones finally gets a cinema release on our fine shores, despite being available on Blu-ray and DVD in the UK and having been screened at countless festivals around the globe. Sadly though, it would seem the response to the film on home soil has been far from overwhelming, which is a shame given that I think this would have to be one of Australia's finest genre films to date. I am sure many comparisons will be made with Wolf Creek (a film I personally detest and cannot believe is being serialized), but the two share little in the way of similarities.

Brent is a high school heart-throb trying to come to terms with the sudden death of his Father in a motor vehicle accident in which he was the driver. The end of school dance is coming up and despite having a girlfriend, the quiet girl Lola asks him to the dance. Brent says No. Unbeknown to him of course, this will prove to be a very big mistake because Lola has a few kangaroos loose in the top paddock and together with her just as marsupially challenged Father they kidnap Brent and hold an end of school dance he will not soon forget.

The film is wonderful to look at with a nice colour pallete and brilliant use of the cinema-scope frame. The soundtrack is equally as impressive with some great immersive surround use and equally as impressive score. Casting is spot on with Xavier Samuel as Brent, whose performance shines given the relative difficulty in conveying his characters feeling through his body language and facial expression alone. Robin McLeavy plays Lola and seems to have had great fun in doing so, of course the fact that she fits the role with such relative ease is a little unnerving and makes the performance all the more believable.

The Loved Ones is the second feature I have seen this year to put humble household items to a use I am sure the creators would be horrified to see (Farmhouse was the first). The film is also not without its humor and I believe writer / director Sean Byrne deserves credit for finding a fresh take on an otherwise cliche ridden section of the horror torture genre. Whilst it won't be everybody's cup of tea, The Loved Ones has plenty to offer in this remake ridden horror climate and it will certainly gather a cult following allowing it to take its place in many a film fans collections to be treasured for years to come.


Sunday, November 14, 2010

Episode 58 - From The Theatre To The Lounge Room


Hello All, another week passes and another show has been recorded. This week we take a look at movies that feature alternate cuts. For example, our challenges; Blade Runner for me and Stigmata for Matt. There are many reasons that films get alternate versions, sometimes it is censored, sometimes the studio changed the director's intent and sometimes the complete film is lost for many decades (like the new Metropolis release in the coming weeks!) Anyway, sit back and relax and take a listen to our discussion on alternate versions.



If you like what you hear, you can find us on Facebook, listen to us live at Edge Radio on Sundays at 6pm (AEST) or listen to all past episodes at B Grade Online.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Saw 3D (2010)


The Saw series would have to be one of the most consistent horror series established, with a new film every year on Halloween for the last 7 years! You always know what to expect, and the films quite cleverly deliver. I am not a big fan, but I appreciate what they have accomplished.

So it was with some trepidation that I agreed to see Saw 3D, I had only previsouly seen the first and second films at the cinema, and the next few on DVD and of course the whole 3D element left me dubious.

Whilst the film itself is the usual convoluted plot and gore fest, as I suspected the 3D element really worked against it, lowering what was already gratuitous violence and gore into a cringe worthy gimmick. In fact, I was amazed by the audience reactions to a lot of the traps in this film, not so much shock, but merriment as pieces of the latest victim get flung out of the screen. It is an element I feel the film could clearly have done without, but I guess the Saw series has become a trademark of pushing the boundaries when it comes to over the top violence and gore (although not at all on the same level as some torture porn movies), to the point where the film itself is a gimmick.

This film, like the previous ones, starts with an epilogue for a previous Saw film, in this case, the first, with Cary Elwes returning as Doctor Gordon. We are then privvy to one of Jigsaw's latest and possibly his most public traps ever, but I fear the film does not exactly make clear the motives or time-line in which this trap takes place and it seems to serve no real purpose (aside from the obvious gore-fest factor). Following that, the film returns to the storyline of the previous films, picking up from where Saw VI left off with Hoffman escaping his trap set by Jill Tuck. This of course leads to Hoffman declaring war not only on Jill, but the entire police force that are after him. Using a newly created game he has set up as a lure, Hoffman systematically wipes out all adversaries that get in his way, whilst simultaneously taking care of another thorn in Jigsaw's side.

On the whole, the film is another solid entry in the series, despite a number of plot flaws and over use of 3D gimmickry. (or the fact that it is in 3D at all...)


Sunday, November 7, 2010

Episode 57 - Original vs Remake: Round 2

This weeks episode revisits the old argument about remakes versus their original! We chat about the challenges (Clash of the Titans and Cat People), as well as some of the latest remakes like Let Me In and Piranha!



As always you can find the show on Facebook, listen to us live at Edge Radio on Sundays at 6pm (AEST) or listen to all past episodes at B Grade Online.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The Sound of Music 45th Anniversary Edition


The latest addition to the Blu-ray collection is this wonderful 45th Anniversary Edition of The Sound of Music. The set contains 2 Blu-ray discs, a DVD, a hard cover book, a music box, a postcard set, a reproduction souvenir booklet and a certificate of authenticity. The only thing missing is a soundtrack CD, which would have made this set perfect!


Sunday, October 31, 2010

Episode 56 - It’s Another B Grade Halloween

Well, for the 2nd year in a row our little B Grade show has fallen on the night of all hallows eve! This year we decided to dedicate the show to movies featuring Halloween as a theme. I must say though, I am a bit disappointed that Night of the Demons (The 1988 version, not the godawful remake) didn't get a mention for its wonderful portrayal of everyone's worst fear, razorblades in the candy apples!!

Anyhow, sit back and enjoy the latest episode of How B Grade Movies Saved or Ruined My Life!


As always you can find the show on Facebook, listen to us live at Edge Radio on Sundays at 6pm (AEST) or listen to all past episodes at B Grade Online.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Ghibli Art Books - Howl's Moving Castle

My Studio Ghibli Art Books collection is growing, Howl's Moving Castle makes the fourth addition to the collection!. The books are translated into English and feature many concept sketches and images, as well as character artwork, artist comments, interviews and technical details.



The books are being released by Anime & Manga distributor Madman here in Australia and so far they have released Ponyo, Howl's Moving Castle, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Spirited Away, Porco Rosso, Kiki's Delivery Service and of course My Neighbor Totoro. The books are retailing for around $53.95 each and with the exception of Ponyo are all hard cover.



These books are an essential buy for fans of Studio Ghibli films. They offer a rare opportunity to learn more about the people and the creative process behind some of the most influential and fascinating animated films of the last decade! I will be adding a page for each book as I get them!

You can find details on my other 3 books here: Spirited Away, Porco Rosso & My Neighbor Totoro

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Episode 55 - 3D: It’s Coming Right At You!

As an addition to my previous blog rant on 3D, I managed to take over the airwaves to voice my love hate relationship with 3D to a wider audience. Of course the usual challenges were up, Jaws 3D for Matt, Night of the Living Dead 3D for me, and we discuss this "revival" of an ages old technology and its attempt to draw people back to cinemas! Enjoy





You can find the show on Facebook, listen to us live at Edge Radio on Sundays at 6pm (AEST) or listen to all past episodes at B Grade Online.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Trailer Alert - Scream 4 (2011)

As I have revisited the Scream trilogy in my last post, I felt it only right to post the new official teaser for the 4th film in the series.... enjoy:

Under-rated Trilogies - Scream

Wes Craven has been a master of horror for some time. He is responsible for many a sleepless night with thanks to Freddy Krueger, he has had his films remade numerous times by the money hungry studios and with the first Scream film, he single-handedly redefined the teen slasher and horror genre. One of the things I like most about Wes, is his ability to put a fresh perspective on an already overdone theme. Just look at his reclaiming of the Nightmare series with possibly the best sequel to the whole franchise. He has dabbled in werewolves, vampires, zombies, rednecks and violin teachers (no joke). Whilst the Scream series has countless die-hard fans, I feel that it is still under-rated by the general populace. Its recent arrival on Blu-ray in Germany has afforded me the opportunity to revisit the series, and I must say the films hold up remarkably well.

Scream (1996)
From its memorable opening to the final showdown the one thing you can say about Scream is that it was unlike anything seen before it. Whilst there are many slasher films around, so few challenged its audience with an intelligent script (c/o Andrew Williamson) superb casting and enough tension that even a knife won't cut through it. Whilst the story is hardly anything new to the slasher genre, serial killer stalks young nubile victims, its application and self referencing was refreshing and unexpected. There are a few scenes that date the film a little; "What are you doing with a cellular telephone, son?", but otherwise the film stands on its own even by today's standard.



Scream 2 (1997)
Kicking off with another great prologue Scream 2 enters the franchise with an interesting subplot about life imitating art. The casting is great with a number of (then) rising TV stars amongst them, the returning cast are good too and certainly build up on their existing characters. The self referential jokes are also still in full swing, but the film is bogged down with typically annoying cliche, even if it is on purpose. But, I guess If the killer spent more time killing than explaining their motives the film would have been about 1/2 an hour shorter (which might have tightened it up, given its 2 hour running time). With that said, the sequel lives up to the original in its inventiveness, something for which the whole series can be proud.




Scream 3 (2000)
Possibly the weakest link (as third films so often are), Scream 3 lets us know early on that all bets are off! Somehow the killer has now found indestructibility, and whilst we know this is still a reference to the countless horror films before it (as the exposition details), it is just a shame that the movie has far too many impossible disappearing/re-appearing killer tricks for its own good! The story is also a little convoluted with a number of dead ends (no pun intended). Basically the film feels like it is trying a little too hard to live up to its predecessors and whilst it is certainly not the worst 3rd film ever made in a trilogy, it is not the best either.



The Future of the Series....
Well, after a 10 year break it would seem Wes Craven is returning to Woodsboro to bring the Scream Trilogy into an Anthology. This has quite a big cast including the main survivors from the last three films, of course this aims to do for the genre what the original did way back in 96, if it succeeds no doubt a whole new era of slasher films will ensue.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Recent Viewings....

Salt (2010)
Directed By Phillip Noyce

In a return to his Patriot Games days, Philip Noyce presents a rollercoaster ride of a film (more for its ups and downs than its thrills) involving Russian Cold War conspiracies, CIA Spies and a plan to destroy the world using the U.S's nuclear arsenal. Angelina Jolie steps up to the gate and sets out running, of course she is no stranger to the action movie and fits this type of character well. The film suffers from a contrived plot, over-the-top action and some downright stupid moments (all possibly intentional), but it was certainly better than I was anticipating and as an enjoyable 90 minutes wasted.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)
Directed By Thor Freudenthal

Featuring what is possibly the worst character to appear on film this year, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is quite the mish mash. Sometimes funny, sometimes cringe worthy, the film is obviously trying to convey a message of self worth and respect to a middle school audience, but I dare say this is a little hard to do when your main character is a self-absorbed ego maniac who you literally want to take to task for the fact. Whilst that may be the point, you spend most of the film waiting for the moment when said character gets their reality check and redeems themselves, and whilst a scene does fit that description, it certainly isn't the revelation you have been hoping for. This should have been the Easy A equivalent for its generation, the potential was there, just not realized.


Buried (2010)
Directed By Rodrigo Cortés

I can't even begin to imagine what going through an experience like being buried alive might be like, but I'll bet Ryan Reynolds can! He plays Paul Conroy, a truck driver for an American company currently deployed in Iraq. His convoy is attacked and he blacks out. When he awakes, Paul finds himself in quite a number of peoples worst nightmares. He has been buried alive. Present in his coffin are a lighter, mobile phone, glow sticks and a knife. His kidnappers use the phone in order to make their ransom demands and Paul uses the phone to call whoever he can.
This film is tense, and that doesn't even do it justice. Shot entirely in the coffin confines using only whatever lighting was available (lighter, glowstick etc), this is possibly the closest you could come to the experience of being buried alive without actually having it happen. Reynolds holds his own and puts in one of the best performances of his career. Some of the faceless voices do a less favorable job of acting the part, but the film doesn't really waiver in its 90 minute running time and you will soon forget the nitpicking. This is definitely one to see at the movies, the audio design is superb and whilst the screen stays black for almost a quarter of the film, the darkened room only adds to the intensity. If you suffer from claustrophobia though, it might be a good idea to wait and watch this one at home!

The Invisible (2007)
Directed By David S. Goyer

This remake of the 2002 Swedish film of the same name is not as bad as I was expecting. In some ways it is very similar to the recently released Let Me In, in that it changes just enough of the story to stand on its own. There are some fairly solid performances here from nearly all of the cast and the film looks fairly impressive on the recently released Blu-ray. Whilst I would always suggest checking out the original film first (in this instance, a bit hard given the lack of an English friendly DVD), this film at least captures the essence of its predecessor without too much Hollywoodization.


Knight & Day (2010)
Directed By James Mangold

What can I say, I do enjoy a good popcorn movie every now and then, and that is exactly what this film is! Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz make an interesting couple, the story is actually quite engaging and the action, well... it does require a little suspension of disbelief, but hey, if you are in the market for a fun action flick and there is not much else around, check it out!

Currently viewing on the Goggle Box:


Not much has changed here.... Chuck still remains a show I watch exclusively because it is on in the same room as me. Similar to the path Eureka seems to take (don't fix it if it ain't broke) it constantly amazes me how they can continue to rehash the same premise over and over....

Slowly slipping back into its normal formula after a few episode with Red John based stories, I still quite enjoy this puff piece. Some of the themes it has explored recently are a little darker than usual and I think that is a good direction for the show to take.

It seems Dexter has been on auto-pilot the last few episodes, but with the introduction of Julia Stiles to the cast to put a twist on things I am now looking forward to the rest of the season. If nothing else, I am glad that the series is anything but predictable.

A few good episodes under its belt, light entertainment at its best (as light as murder can be) Loved the Back to the Future references in the last episode!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Trailer Alert - The Tourist (2010)


A rather interesting choice for a remake, The Tourist is an American take on the 2005 French thriller Anthony Zimmer. I wouldn't have pegged the French film as remake material, this trailer certainly doesn't help to change my mind.

We have Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie taking on the roles played by Yvan Attol and Sophie Marceau, I think I have filled my quota of remake whinging this month so I shall just present the trailer for you, but the DVD of the original is out here in Australia through Universal Pictures, so do yourself a favour and check that out before going to see this:


Sunday, October 17, 2010

Episode 54 - Year One In Review

Hard to believe that a year ago today we started a little radio show about movies that we like...and what a year it has been too. Many horrible films have been watched, a few gems uncovered and some wonderful arguments had.

So here for your listening pleasure (or pain) is a review of the whole year of our movie loving show... enjoy.




You can find the show on Facebook, listen to us live at Edge Radio on Sundays at 6pm (AEST) or listen to all past episodes at B Grade Online.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Let Me In (2010)


Where to begin?

Let Me In has given me a rare case of the "I don't knows".

Let us pretend for a minute that it is not a remake. The film is very well crafted, it looks magnificent with great use of colour, tone and light. The casting is spot on with great performances by the two young leads. The story is competent with only a few minor issues and unresolved or unexplained instances. The plotting and melodic nature of the film is refreshing for Hollywood. The use of CG is a little lame, but the effect it creates is all the better for it and it is not an over use. So for the most part all positive things.....

but

it is a remake, and I feel that it is a needless one at that (although what remake isn't?). Sure things have been changed, some possibly for the better, but the film doesn't present many things that weren't already perfect in the original. This unfortunately adds a superfluous feel to the film. If the original is so good, why remake it?

I have been outspoken about remakes for as long as I can recall, I love Asian horror films and it always pains me to see them dulled or watered down by Hollywood in an attempt to cash in on the popularity of such horror simply for a market who can't be bothered to read subtitles. Having said that I have enjoyed a number of remakes as well, The American remake of The Ring would be one of the few films that I think in some ways surpasses the original film on which it is based (Ringu), but it can do that because the original, despite being an awesome film, is not technically perfect. For me, Let the Right One In was perfect. Which leaves me with the predicament I am in now.

Owen (A perfectly cast Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a young boy living in a cold and cruel world. He is consistently bullied at school, has no friends to speak of and his parents are in the process of getting a divorce. He lives with his mother on a bleak estate in New Mexico a place where no-one would move to on purpose. So it is of some interest to him when a young girl and her father have moved in next door.

Of course Abbey (Chloe Moretz) and her "Father" (Richard Jenkins) are not what they seem to be. Soon after their arrival the quiet little town is rocked by a number murders, seemingly related to satanic rituals and the local police detective (Elias Koteas) has his work cut out for him.

Owen meets his strange new neighbor one night on the jungle gym in the middle of the building complex. Whilst he senses that something is not quite right (for a start it is snowing and she isn't wearing any shoes and shows no sign of being cold), he still feels a strange attraction to her. Of course it doesn't take long before things start to take a turn for Owen and he realizes that what might be living next door is not at all a little girl.

It is clear that Matt Reeves holds the original film in high regard, the film clearly shows respect and understanding of its source. I have posted an interview with Matt previously here, which somewhat explains his motive for making the film. There are a few sequences that are almost identical to both films, but there are just as many that are new. I do believe this is one of the best remakes to come out of Hollywood in years, but I could never recommend it over the original.