Knowing was kind of creepy and 28 Weeks Laterpretty suspenseful, but you’ve never seen Rose Byrne handle horror as she does in Insidious. She stars as Renai, a loving mother and wife who moves into a brand new home with her family. While exploring their creepy new abode, their eldest son, Dalton (Ty Simpkins), falls off a ladder and winds up in an inexplicable coma. With no sound reason for Dalton’s condition, he’s sent home from the hospital and that’s when the truly horrifying events begin.
Not only is Renai bearing quite a bit of emotional baggage at the start of the film, but the pressure continues to build throughout. Look at this from Byrne’s prospective; not only does she have to take her character through an intense arc, but she also must envelop herself in this supernatural world all while under the pressure of having just 22 days to shoot the film. Tough stuff, right? Maybe, but not for Byrne.
Byrne only had the best to say about this project from working with stellar co-stars to her top-notch team of horror filmmakers which includes Saw vets James Wan and Leigh Whannell as well as Paranormal Activity’s Oren Peli and Jason Blum. For any actress looking to dive into the genre, Byrne certainly surrounded herself with the right people. The only downside to that? They’re quite eager to throw you into some pretty horrifying situations. Hear all about Byrne’s experience makingInsidious in the interview below and, if you don’t mind losing some sleep, be sure to check out the film’s bumps in the night firsthand when the film hits theaters on April 1st.
Click here to watch the interview.
After Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, it was quite clear that director Joe Wright was capable of great things, however, nothing can prepare you for the greatness that is his latest feature film, Hanna. It’s a visual and mental action adventure film packing enough energy and suspense to blow you right out of your seat and the best part about it is none of those effects are achieved using cinematic copouts, cheesy effects or any stale parlor trick. Hanna is powered by all-around genuinely thoughtful filmmaking and one heck of a performance from Saoirse Ronan resulting in a tense, funny, touching and, overall, wildly enjoyable experience.
Source Code is big for Duncan Jones. Having stepped into the spotlight in the best way possible via his critically acclaimed first feature, Moon, Jones was bound for big budget Hollywood. Sure enough, the opportunity arose and Source Code is his second feature. Now the question is, can Jones do it again but with a new leading man and a whole lot more money? It’s a noble effort, but in the end, Source Code makes it quite clear; lots of money and a heartthrob lead don’t guarantee you a better product.
It’s taken three months, but we’ve finally got a 2011 horror film worth seeing; something overwhelmingly unnerving with the power to keep you up at night, Insidious. It’s got a little Nightmare on Elm Street, a part The Exorcist and a hint of Paranormal Activity, too and the results certainly honor genre expectations all while delivering an exhilarating, unique and horrifyingly unpredictable experience.
After the success of the Saw franchise and Paranormal Activity, who passes up the opportunity to work with James Wan, Leigh Whannell, Jason Blum and Oren Peli on a horror flick? Certainly not Patrick Wilson and who teamed up not only with the best of the best in the horror genre, but a talented cast too, for Insidious.
High expectations can be a killer. Unfortunately for director Zack Snyder, he works extra hard to insert an insanely high outlook into every single thing that he does and lately, it seems to backfire big time. His brain is geared towards directing and visuals and that doesn’t serve him well as a writer. Whereas the basic concept of Sucker Punch combined with Snyder’s keen eye for the visually incredible had immense prospects, it diluted the script. Spectacular imagery without a sensible and engaging story isn’t a film, it’s a mere spectacle.
When Diary of a Wimpy Kid hit theaters last March, who’d have thought we’d have a sequel just a year later? Well, good thing producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson were on top of their stuff because Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is here and it packs just as much fun and charm as the original.
The boys of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rulesare professionals, but they’re still kids, too. At the film’s press conference stars Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Devon Bostick and author Jeff Kinney took the time not only to tell us about their experience on the set, but to revel in their successful pranks as well.
I’m all for bizarre and outlandish comedy. When Napoleon Dynamite hit back in 2004, I fell in love. The difference between that film and James Gunn’s Super? Whereas Napoleon Dynamite was innocent silliness, Super is insulting madness. Perhaps the films would be comparable had Napoleon’s Liger jumped off the page and mauled Pedro to death.
Filmmaking is certainly a collaborative effort and while that may be an asset in many ways, in some cases, it can also sink even the most beautiful and promising ship. Director Jordan Scott deservedly follows in the footsteps of her father, Ridley, while Juno Temple and Eva Green deliver unforgettably striking performances. If only it weren’t for that damn script.