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A JONES REVIEW: FRIENDS WITH KIDS

Written and directed by the brilliant Jennifer Westfeldt, she stars as Julie, the best friend of Jason (Adam Scott) who are the only remaining "singles" in their group of friends. They are in their 30's, still playing the field, all while their friends are settling down and having kids. While being witnesses to their friends' rapidly changing lives with the not-so-welcome  addition of extremely late nights, dirty diapers, and hectic schedules, Julie and Jason realize they've yet to meet "The One". They both want that feeling of pure love and passion, and have it remain while raising a child. Much to the dismay of their friends, the pair decide to "hook up" purely for the agenda of making a baby; since they are already the best of friends, why not raise a kid together.

When their schedules all finally align, friends Ben and Missy (Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig) and Leslie and Alex (Maya Rudolph and Chris O'Dowd) are in utter amazement at the sure ease and happiness Julie and Jason share in raising their new son. Ben and Missy's relationship has taken a noticeable spiral as their words are filled with distaste and resentment, while Alex and Leslie's journey in parenthood is filled with the typical bouts of stress and a low sex life.

Things are going great for Julie and Jason, as they are able to successfully raise their son, as well as date other people. Though as their situation would only predict, Julie begins to develop romantic feeling for Jason, who is not quick to return them. He is too focused on his younger, hot dancer girlfriend (played by Megan Fox) than on his son's mother. As Ben and Missy's marriage begins to fall apart, Julie and Jason begin to come together.

Despite being extremely predictable from the start, the cast had such amazing chemistry while delivering the antics of the stresses of friendships, relationships, marriage, and parenthood. I personally could not have put together a more genius cast for this film. Adam Scott was hilarious in his role as a "young" buck who still wants the smoking hot girlfriend or the freedom of being single, all while wanting a child before it's "too late". Jennifer Westfeldt wonderfully portrays the woman lost in love who has now entered the nurturing mother phase of her life, all while still searching for Mr. Right. Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig are superb as the struggling couple who have fallen out of love and are constantly overwhelmed by the stress of parenthood. Maya Rudolph and Chris O'Dowd are the perfect quirky couple who have their typical daily struggles with their kids, but when it comes down to it all, they are still madly in love. Friends with Kids shows us that every family isn't perfect, some may work out and some may not, but that doesn't mean they aren't a family.

SCORE 8/10

ACTING 10/10

EFFECTS/VISUALS 8/10

WRITING 8/10

DIRECTING 9/10

OVERALL 43/50

Final thoughts: A great comedy that packs a punch with some serious issues as well. Everyone loves an awkward dinner conversation scene. If anyone liked "Bridesmaids", you'll definitely love this film!

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A KAT REVIEW: C.R.A.Z.Y.

After watching many foreign films and loving them all I would have to say C.R.A.Z.Y. is by far one of the best I have seen. C.R.A.Z.Y. tells the story of a young boy named Zac. He is fourth in a line of five brothers, and long story short he is the outcast of the family. Each son has their own unique traits both bad and good, but no matter how different they all are, Zac stands out.

When Zac was just a few hours old one of his brothers dropped him on the floor, and throughout the film you realize he also has asthma. He regularly wets his bed, which gives his brothers a reason to bully him. Zac's mother, played by Danielle Proulx (Monsieur Lazhar), is convinced that he has a special ability to heal. When his mother's suspicion is confirmed by a physic, it results in her asking for Zac's help every time a close relative or friend is sick. Throughout the beginning of the film Zac's relationship with his father, Gervais played by Michel Coté (La Dernier Tunnel), is quite normal. He gets taken out for car rides and secret French fry meals. 

This all changes when his dad catches a young Zac dressed in his mother's clothing while caring for his younger brother. From here on Zac and his father develop tension between the two. Now his father does not know whether to protect his own pride or to protect his son from isolation. Here the story shifts to Zac at age 15 played by Marc-André Grondin (Goon, 5150 Elm's Way), who plays him from now until the end of the movie. He begins to date his close friend Michelle, one can only guess to derail the rumours regarding his sexual orientation. From here on it takes you through Zac`s life until the age of 21.

C.R.A.Z.Y., directed by little known Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallée, is a brilliant coming of age story about a boy discovering his true sexuality. Much more important is the bothersome relationship between father and son that at times is very undecided. You believe that Zac`s father truly loves him, but at times you have your doubts.

This could have been a very gloomy and rather unsettling film if it wasn`t for the occasional wit and relief scattered about the film. Besides a good balance of drama and comedy, this film appeals because of the highly relatable characters and realistic performances.     

The entire cast, particularly Marc-André Grondin in his character Zac, Danielle Proulx as his mother and especially Michel Coté as his father, entirely astound me. One of the most noteworthy performances of the film comes from Grondin as the teenage Zac. His intense struggle between his identity and his faith is rarely explored as gently as it is here, and his performance is both humorous and heartbreaking.

His father, played by Michel Coté, also gives one unforgettable performance. Where his scenes of love and disappointment for his son Zac always stand out as some of the best in the film.

Vallée uses different stylistic tricks at his disposal in order to create a visually appealing film. The film is cleverly edited, but what really stood out in the movie was a phenomenal soundtrack. From Zac's bedroom decorated in David Bowie to his father's love of Patsy Cline. Director Jean-Marc Vallée boldly allows the music to take on more of a narrative role at times. At one point Zac accidentally breaks his father`s rare Patsy Cline record, it becomes symbolic of their relationship. As a teenager Zac continues to search for a replacement in the hope of regaining a lost relationship. In one particular scene you find Zac alone in his bedroom , face painted with Bowie`s trademark lightning flash reciting one of the singer's most popular tunes, Space Oddity, demonstrating a known fact that he dare not admit to himself.

By the end of the film, I was practically in tears. The film brings you through an emotional roller coaster from characters that you grow to love. Not only did the heart-stopping conclusion have an effect of my emotions, but I also found myself tearing as I didn`t want the film to come to an end.

To Jean-Marc Vallée, take a bow. You have created a wonderful work of art and bravo to the entire cast and crew. Movies are such a delight when they are as special as this. Would I see it again? Most definitely. Who would I recommend this too? Everyone! Oh except if you have a problem reading subtitles, than you may be too bothered to watch the film. In my opinion I say give it a chance to change your mind about foreign films, because if there is any film that will do it, it is in fact this one. C.R.A.Z.Y. is a definite must see! In fact one can say that I am crazy for C.R.A.Z.Y.!

SCORE 8/10

ACTING 9/10

EFFECTS/VISUALS 8/10

WRITING 9/10

DIRECTING 9/10

OVERALL 43/50

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A JONES REVIEW: LIKE CRAZY

Felicity Jones stars as Anna, a British student studying in America, who begins to fall for her classmate Jacob, portrayed by Anton Yelchin. The pair haven’t spoken much, especially outside of class. Yet all it takes is inniative from Anna to write a note to Jacob to get them to meet for real. Their bond grows as they become good friends, then becoming the perfect couple. Or so it would seem.

As the Anna’s final year of school fast approaches, her student visa is the only thing that allows her to remain in America and in close proximity to Jacob. Their love for each other has grown so strong, that the thought of Anna having to return to England at the commencement of the summer has both of their stomachs in knots. Not caring about the possible consequences, on the eve of her departure home, Anna decides to stay with Jacob. Though the time does come when Anna must return to England for a family event, but plans to return to America shortly thereafter.

In both of their excitement to be together again, with Anna’s arrival at the airport, both her and Jacob are blind-sided when they discover that Anna is banned from entering the country all because she had over-stayed past the expiration of her student visa. She is forced to return to England immediately, without Jacob.

With their separation, the pressures of a long distance relationship begin to take hold. They must re-evaulate all that they hold dear, and decide whether their relationship is worth the hardship and struggle they are sure to face. Though they realize there is no denying the love they share is unique, and as hard as they may try, they cannot live without the essence of the other.

Jacob makes the effort to visit Anna as much as he can. With these visits, their love blossoms once again, even leading to their marriage in hopes it will allow Anna to apply for a marriage visa so she can return to America. Much to their disappointment, the visa cannot be filed due to Anna’s previous ban. The news is devastating for the couple, and it results in a downward spiral that will forever change them.

Anna becomes curious and skeptical about Jacob’s fidelity to her, meanwhile it is in fact her infidelity that comes into question. This is one hit that their relationship cannot withstand. They go their separate ways once again; Jacob back to previous girlfriend Sam (played by Jennifer Lawrence), while Anna continues on with her fling Simon. Though all the while, it is still clear that they each hold flames for the perfect relationship they once had.

Eventually they are reunited, as Anna is finally allowed to return to America with a new visa. Though their relationship is now filled with a silent tension and unspoken yearning for the remembered love they used to share. They simply are not the same two people who fell in love, who loved each other like crazy.

Despite a director who is fairly new to the industry, Drake Doremus did a spectacular job bringing an overpowering emotional tone and edge to the film. He is able to tell elements of the story and convey them with such emotion, all while having the characters remain silent. Like Crazy is presented in a stunningly beautiful way that you just can’t tear your eyes away from.

The two stars were the perfect choice to elegantly portray a believable love story, but providing the audience with a glimpse into the often not-so-perfect world of love. Love, in some cases, is wrought with hardships and emotions many of us would rather not have to experience. Like Crazy personifies the pure test of will and dedication to overcome the obstacles that life and love can throw our way.

SCORE 8/10

ACTING 10/10

EFFECT/VISUALS 9/10

WRITING 10/10

DIRECTING 10/10

OVERALL 47/50

Final thoughts: Despite not being a neccesarily popular or successful movie by today’s standards of big box office hits, “Like Crazy” was definitely one of my favourite movies from 2011. Though it is unmistakenly an emotional roller coaster, it is a breath of fresh air and a welcome change from the sappy, rom-coms that are so popular today. A visual masterpiece, as well as perfectly written. A must see!

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It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.

Fight Club (1999)

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A SOUSA REVIEW: SHAME

Emotional. Powerful. Sexual. Seductive. Relentless. Eye-opening. Passionate. These are just a few of the words that can be used to describe the sexually charged, emotional roller coaster that is director, Steve McQueen's 2011 masterpiece, Shame.

Teaming up again after their glorious triumph on Hunger, director Steve McQueen and actor Michael Fassbender have hit the nail on the head once again... and pushed it right through the plank! Shame was undoubtably one of the most powerful films I've ever seen. 

Shame drops the audience in on the day to day life of the successful, handsome and sexually addicted Brandon Sullivan, played by the always fantastic Michael Fassbender.

Powerful from the start, the film begins by showing us the day to day 'grind' that is Brandon's life. From passionate, yet speechless, encounters on the subway, to the the pursuit of purchasing sex from prostitutes, to the ignoring of his family and friends, we get an in depth look on how Brandon Sullivan's life has unfolded for him. 

Not long into the film, Brandon returns home after a night of fulfillment to find his sister, Sissy Sullivan, emotionally played by Carey Mulligan, inside his home. An emotional wreck, Sissy pleads with Brandon to take her in for a little while. With much resent, but an understanding for her despair, Brandon takes her in. In this moment, Brandon begins to show some interest and compassion outside of his addiction. 

An aspiring singer, Sissy asks her Brandon to come see her perform. Weary at first, Brandon accepts, and it is the events that follow, that lead Brandon to feel intruded upon, uncomfortable and unhappy with some of his life choices.

Shame is a triumph. From beginning to end, scene to scene, line to line, Shame put me on my arse in awe.

When it comes to directing, I am having trouble finding anyone more original or artistic than Steve McQueen. The man's vision is that of... well, a visionary. I feel engulfed in every single scene of both of his pictures, and this is not limited to just his visuals. That said, there is a scene that takes place on the subway that had me at the edge of my seat, entranced and enthralled... and all with not one word of dialogue spoken. This is the power of McQueen, as well as his actors.

The script, co-written by McQueen and Abi Morgan,  was nothing short of spectacular. Simple yet powerful, the dialogue could lull you into a false security or send you sliding down an emotional slide of sorrow and pain.

Of course, no movie can be truly great without truly great acting. As always, Fassbender came, saw and conquered. I've never seen such a new actor make such a splash in so many roles. But, that said, Shame is unbelievably unique. The relentless and blatant emotion, not to mention the revealing and sexual scenes that came with the role of Brandon, are factors that would push many big name actors away from the role. Fassbender, in my opinion the actor of all actors at the moment, not only accepted the role, but delivered past expectancy pushing his career into yet another gear.

Mulligan was nothing short of spectacular as well. Boasting a role unlike any in her past, she took her acting to the next level and met Fassbender on the call of duty for Shame. Their chemistry together was brilliant.

The score, subtle and beautiful, set the tone perfectly. It brought grace and serenity to a dark and emotional story. It not only helped the pulling of my mind into many scenes, but in some cases, the music acted perfectly as the dialogue of the film itself.

Shame is a fantastic movie going experience, but that said is most definitely not for everyone. It is a powerful story about a touchy subject, but damn did it do a fantastic job in its delivery. Shame is a must-see motion picture that will touch you in some way shape or form.

SCORE 10/10

ACTING 10/10

EFFECTS/VISUALS 10/10

WRITING 10/10

DIRECTING 10/10

OVERALL 50/50

Final thoughts: Shame is a movie that is not and will never be for everyone, no mater how tolerant society becomes with sex. It is ferocious in its portrayal of roles and it's delivery is NEVER anything short of powerful.

That said, Shame is the first film I have given a perfect rating to. It embodies all of what I love about cinema and delivered it perfectly. It was beautiful, raw, artistic and so, so, so much more. However, I am a very unique type of movie goer. What is perfection to me, could very well be shambles to others... whom are insane haha. I kid, I kid.

Shame is a must see for many types of viewers. A few I think would love the film are as follows: If you enjoy art, Shame is that of moving pieces of art. It is like Picasso on the silver screen. If you enjoy sex, the film can show you an intense dark side to the form of expression mainly seen as beautiful. If you enjoy great acting, directing, writing and music, the film will knock you on your ass and stay with you for some time afterwards. Shame is the top movie, for me, from 2011, and ranks among my all time favourites. 

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We're not bad people. We just come from a bad place.

Shame (2011)

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A JONES REVIEW: NEVER LET ME GO

After seeing an intriguing trailer for the film Never Let Me Go, I was left curious. Even after seeing the film, I couldn't quite wrap my head around it. Despite the very unique plot and theme, Never Let Me Go just kind of lingers.

Sporting a stacked cast, including Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley, the film follows Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth who grow up at Hailsham, an idyllic English boarding school; though not is all that meets the eye. Captions provide us with the knowledge that a medical breakthrough developed in 1952 has allowed the human lifespan to be extended beyond 100 years. A secret surrounds the students of Hailsham as they are unaware of their true purpose in life. A beloved teacher goes against the law and divulges this dark secret to a select group of her students. She informs them they exist solely to provide donor organs for transplants. The children will be raised until adulthood, when they will then be available for "selection" (essentially an organ donation). Each person will have a chance for three "selections" before they are deemed "complete" - left to live out their short and sickened life until they die due to their weakened state.

Eventually the students are permitted to leave the grounds of Hailsham as teenagers, and none of them question their ethical purpose in life. We also learn the Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth are clones and are intent on discovering their "models". The three have had emotional confusion when it came to relationships, but eventually Tommy and Ruth end up together. Relationships are a huge draw as there is a chance for "deferral" - that is couples are able to gain several years together before the chance of being "selected". They must be in love and be able to prove it. Lonely Kathy applies to become a "carer", one who is given temporary reprieve from "selection", who is taught to give post-operative care and support to other donors. Shortly after becoming a carer, Kathy learns that Tommy and Ruth have split up.

Down the road, as a carer Kathy runs into Ruth who has struggled through two donations. Ruth admits to Kathy that she only pretended to love Tommy because she was jealous of what Kathy and Tommy had. Wrought with guilt, Ruth vows to help her two friends by helping them to meet again since she believes they would qualify for "deferral". Sadly, even with Ruth's help, the pair learn there is no such thing as a "deferral" after all. Ruth has "completed", and Tommy is not long to follow, leaving Kathy alone once again. She is shortly after notified of her first "selection". It appears that she has come to terms with her fate, as she states: "We all complete. Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through or feel we've had enough time." It's a powerful quote that rings true with all of us.

Taking place in an alternate twentieth century, the story is hard to grasp with its different terminology and strange concept. To me, Never Let Me Go seems to be a countryside version of the film The Island (with Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor), providing an escape from death for those who seek it. The only saving grace is the beautiful scenery of the English countryside from time to time. Overall, the film was just too slow for my liking, with a mellowed out and drawn out storyline.

SCORE 4/10

ACTING 6/10

EFFECTS/VISUALS 5/10

WRITING 4/10

DIRECTING 4/10

OVERALL 23/50

Final thoughts: Not a film I would be in a hurry to watch again. Too much of a sleepy story when "The Island" delivers a more action-packed version. Considering the three leads of the film, I was left in a hazy daze and just overall confused.

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A SOUSA REVIEW: GOON

Drop your gloves and grab the popcorn, Goon is ready to go toe to toe!

Director Michael Dowse, who brought audiences the Canadian cult-classic FUBAR, comes to us again with his sixth big screen endeavour. But, this time, it's on the ice.

Goon is the story of bar-bouncer Doug Glatt, uniquely yet fantastically played by Sean William Scott.

An average guy, Doug is less then impressed with how his life has turned out. With his family full of doctors and his best friend hosting a hockey talk show, Doug finds himself feeling unaccomplished and unhappy.

But, all this soon changes after he attends a local hockey game with his best freind, aggrivatingly played by Goon co-writer Jay Baruchel. 

Aggressively chirping and jesting the opposing team, Baruchel manages to get the attention of their enforcer as he makes his way to the penalty box. In fact, Baruchel gets him so riled up that he leaps out of the penatly box and charges towards him and Doug. Doug, being a tough Massachusetts a bouncer, does what he does best... handles the rough stuff with his fists.

After leaving the enforcer bloodied and bruised in the bleachers, the entire arena begins to chant his name. It is in that moment, the local coach gets a brilliant idea.

He decides to invite Doug to fight for his team, the Assassins.

After graciously accepting, Doug fights his way to the top of the enforcer category. Knocking out each and every player that stands before him, Doug is shipped off to the Halifax Highlanders of AHL, to aid an ailing team protect a scarred superstar.

It is in the sense of belonging to his new team, where Doug finds his true calling. He discovers that with all his heart and passion, he can defend his team to the bitter end... no matter the opponent. Even if that means a showdown with AHL enforcing legend Ross Rhea, perfectly played by Liev Schreiber.

Goon was a great surprise for me. The only thing I was sure of going into the theatre, was that I wanted to see it. All else, was up for grabs, so to speak.

The direction of the film was very stand-up. A comedy of Slap Shot similarities, but darker, Goon's direction suited it quite well. From its intense use of blood to its fast paced and heavy hitting camera angles, Dowse kept me attentive and alert from start to finish. I have to say, the selection of the 'helmet' and 'puck' cameras really help to set the mood for action of Goon.

I can't complain about the acting at all! Although I'm tired of seeing Canadians being portrayed as drunken schmucks, in a comedy, there is no funnier role! Each and every character was funny in their own way. From relentless attacks on the puck bunny lifestyle to the ridiculous stereotypes of the dumb hockey player being enforced, the film was hilarious from start to end, while at the same time peppering in enough drama and romance to keep most viewers happy.

The score was that of a normal sports film. That said, it had the mood set, but called it quits there. The film relied heavily on the feel-good aspect to set the mood, rather than its score.

Goon hit me in the faces with laughs and gasps. I recommend it as a hockey fan, a sports fan, a comedy fan, and most of all, as a cinema fan!

  SCORE 6/10 

ACTING 7/10 

EFFECTS/VISUALS 8/10 

WRITING 8/10 

DIRECTING 7/10

OVERALL 36/50 

Final thoughts: Goon is a great film, regardless of how all the categories measure it out. If you enjoy hockey, feel-good stories, or comedies in general, Goon is absolutely worth the watch! Sit back and brace yourself for the beat down!

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I'm here to do whatever they need me to do. If they need me to bleed, then I'll bleed for my team.

Goon (2011)

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A JONES REVIEW: (500) DAYS OF SUMMER

Starting off with a warning that this is not your typical love story, (500) Days of Summer could not be more proof of that. It's a rom-com delivered in an entirely different light. 

The film revolves around the emotional blunders and relationship roller coaster of Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel). Tom is a guy who believes in true love and soul mates; he's a down-right hopeless romantic. Whereas Summer is the polar opposite; she's skeptical of true love due to her parents' divorce, and she is in no way interested in a relationship. Yet somehow the two end up meeting through work and their bond only grows from there. 

Eventually feelings get complicated, with Tom wanting Summer as his girlfriend, while naturally Summer wants nothing of the sort. Then only the inevitable happens - they go their separate ways. Though down the road, after Tom sinks into a depressed state, he meets Summer again at a friend's wedding. They hit it off yet again, but just a few short days later, Tom discovers Summer is in fact engaged to be married. So much for her stronghold resolve against traditional love. 

This provides the kick in the pants that Tom needs to get his life in order and to finally chase his dreams of being an architect. Though still feeling a sense of resentment towards Summer for not choosing him, Tom stops searching for love. Meanwhile it seems to pop up where he least expects it. 

The movie is filmed purposely out of chronological order to provide us with the view of how things can be so perfect in a relationship, then so quickly go so horribly wrong. It helps give it that "not a love story" feel. Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel are a winning duo with amazing on-screen chemistry. They feed off of each other's vibes in a way that counterbalances just beautifully. They definitely steal the show and are the true stars of this non-traditional film. 

The soundtrack to the film is also fantastic. From some oldies to new indie jams, it provides the perfect tone for each scene, whether it’s upbeat and perky or slow and mellow. We even get a glimpse of the vocal talents of Zooey and Joseph in a karaoke scene. They both hold their own quite well, especially since we know Zooey is part of the band She & Him. I definitely recommend this great film for any fan of either of these stars, or those who just need an escape from the typical chick-flick or rom-com.

SCORE 8/10 

ACTING 9/10 

EFFECTS/VISUALS 7/10 

WRITING 8/10 

DIRECTING 8/10

OVERALL 40/50 

Final thoughts: I'm a personal fan of Joseph Gordon-Levitt's, so I loved seeing him in his quirky love-struck role. Filmed in a spectacular way and with humorous inputs from the supporting stars, (500) Days of Summer is sure to brew up a cocktail of emotions.

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A JONES REVIEW: THE LOVELY BONES

Being a stranger to the popular novel by Alice Sebold, I wasn't sure what to expect of this dark, nightmarish tale of murder and the loss of a beloved child.

Despite the film's dark nature, it's one that I can't turn away from and ignore. The true stars of the film are Saoirse Ronan, brilliantly portraying Susie Salmon, and Stanley Tucci, in a much different role for him, as the eerie neighbour George Harvey. The Lovely Bones follows the Salmon family through the disappearance and loss of their daughter Susie, and her father's pure determination to solve her murder and avenge her death.

Taking place in the 1970's, one would expect the film to be doused in gritty darkness, especially when co-written and directed by the genius that is Peter Jackson (known for directing the The Lord of the Rings trilogy). The Lovely Bones also portrays a childish elegance and sense of pure imagination that Jackson uses to depict Susie's world between heaven and earth. It provides a relaxing contrast to the intensity of the story.

The film provides a broad range of emotion, especially when we discover the true nature of Susie's murderer and his sick obsession of luring young girls for sexual purposes and then disposing of them. The Lovely Bones beautifully displays the roller coaster of emotions that the Salmon family encounters, dragging you in to feel their pain and fear along with them.

The cinematography of this film is pure art to the eyes from start to finish. From giant ships in bottles floating on an endless sea, to trees of any possible colour, to dark and striking images of a weathered gazebo in a treacherous forest.

Overall, The Lovely Bones is a touching, yet suspenseful story of a family's love, strength, and faith in trying and difficult times under unimaginable circumstances.

SCORE 7/10

ACTING 9/10

EFFECTS/VISUALS 10/10

WRITING 9/10

DIRECTING 10/10

OVERALL 45/50

Final thoughts: Another brilliant piece of art from the master Peter Jackson. Anyone who loved "The Lord of the Rings" will be in for a different treat with this film.

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There's something out there waiting for us, and it ain't no man. We're all gonna die.

Predator (1987)

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A SOUSA REVIEW: RED STATE

Weeelcome family, to the church of horror and unsettling emotion! We're talking , of course, about the fear of the film Red State. I fear Red State. You better believe I fear Red State.

Red State, the unlikely horror film brought to audiences around the world by the genius writer and director, Kevin Smith, is unbelievably unsettling and unpredictable ride from begging to sensational end!

Red State is a, what I like to call, reality horror. It is horrifying because the acts that take place in this film could happen... and have happened.

The film starts with three young men, Travis, Billy-Ray and Jarod. The three teens, played by Michael Angarano, Nicholas Braun and Kyle Gallner, are beyond excited, for their online sex chat room invitation has been answered. On top of that, the women is located only a township away.

Horny and anxious, the gang obtains Travis' parents car and set out on their way to meet they mysterious, sexual stranger.

Upon arrival, they boys notice a trailer. Emerging from the trailer is Sara, portrayed with stellar emotion and delivery by Academy Award-winning actress Melissa Leo. She invites the boys in and begins to fuel them with drinks, because she can't get up to 'the devils business' unless she's had a few beers, as well as them. It is mere seconds later, the boys begin to lose consciousness.

When they awake, the find themselves separated. Jarod, alone, terrified and trapped in a cloth covered cage, begs to be released, thinking that it's all a practical joke... until the cloth is removed. He sees a man, wrapped in plastic wrap, strapped to an enormous cross, in the middle of a service in the Five-Points Church. A church led by the homophobic, radical and dangerous preacher, Abin Cooper, portrayed beyond perfection by the great Michael Parks. As Jarod listens to the preacher, and sees horriffic events unfold before his eyes, fear begins to consume him... and the audience!

Red State was terrifying! From beginning to end, and especially during the anti-gay service performed by Abin Cooper, I felt uneasy and unsettled, but utterly engulfed in a move I did not want to see end. But, oh man, did it end fantastically! One for the ages!

As always, the story was a knockout. Smith demonstrated that not only can he write a script that will make you laugh and cry, but also that he can write a script that will leave you shocked, full of fear and clinging to the edge of your seat! On top of that, in many ways, he combined both those script ideas and gave the world Red State. This is a one-in-a-million type horror, folks.

The direction of the flim had me thinking, 'did this really come from Kevin?'

From terrifying locked shots, to exciting firefights, to emotional family moments, to the ATF trying to make the right choice, Smith came at Red State with his guns blazing and loaded with new ideas! The best part is, every shot he took was a bulls-eye!

When it came down to acting, not one person or part was poorly casted or acted. That said, Michael Park's portrayal of Abin Cooper was one of the most astounding horror performances of all-time. From his perfectly executed horrific hate speech to his cool, calm and collected mannerisms, Park put the role on his back, and took it to the moon! It was spot-on perfection, and that is truly all that can be said.

John Goodman, portraying the role of Special Agent Joseph Keenan, was a knockout as well. His emotions were raw and extremely relatable. He put forth a fantastic performance which climaxed and ended the film terrifically.

As far as the score goes, Red State did set a good mood. Although it was not always fantastic music, the sound effects were some of the best in 2011. During the firefight, it felt as if you had to duck and dodge because the sound was so fantastic.

All in all, Red State was a terrific and unexpected gem brought to us by Kevin Smith. I highly recommend the watch! The flick will most definitely leave you unsettled and thoroughly satisfied! 

SCORE 7/10

ACTING 9/10

EFFECTS/VISUALS 9/10

WRITING 10/10

DIRECTING 8/10

OVERALL 43/50

Final thoughts: Red State is a great watch, and most definitely not a one-time watch! Smith has done it again, and this time it's special. I say this because this is well out of his comfort zone, but he made it seem like the genre was his. Abin Cooper and the Five Points Church will live on in horror/action history in the Sousa books!

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If this is a crush, I don't think I could ever take it if the real thing happened.

Chasing Amy (1997)

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A SOUSA REVIEW: CHASING AMY

Kevin Smith's Chasing Amy is anything but a generic love story. From start to end, you'll be swimming through oceans of fantastic dialogue, wit, humour and emotion unlike any other romance story that you've ever seen! Now, kiss my grits, nooooooch.

Chasing Amy is a love story unlike any other.

Starring Ben Affleck, as Holden, and Jason Lee, as Banky, our story starts out at a comic book comic book convention, where our leading males are holding a signing for their comic book, Bluntman and Chronic.

It is at this comic convention where we meet most of the supporting cast of the film as well. The mostly unknown cast boasts names such as Dwight Ewell, as Hooper X, Jason Mewes, as Jay, and of course our female lead, Joey Lauren Adams, as the beautiful and mysterious Alyssa Jones.

After a rehearsed promotional act at the comic convention, resulting in a room full of fans fleeing for their lives, the four main characters, Holden, Banky, Alyssa and Hooper X meet and eventually, head out for drinks.

It is at the bar where we first witness some of the fantastic dialogue that takes place between Alyssa and Holden, not to mention all the other fantastically written characters.

Holden, a swoon man, begins to fall for Alyssa. With multiple warnings from Hooper X cut short by his interruptions, Holden continues to pursue Alyssa. 

When the group decides to meet at the bar one more time Holden discovers that his pursuit for Alyssa will not be so simple. Why? Because Alyssa is a lesbian.

As you can see, the plot for Chasing Amy is unlike most love films both before it or prior. That, along with the Kevin Smith touch which brings both raunchy humour and stunningly enticing dialogue makes for one of the most funny and emotional romantic stories of the 90s.

As usual, Smith is both the writer and director of the film. His writing, of as per his norm, delivers an ear-popping and hair-raising as well as heartwarming and adventurous plot that I just never wanted to see end. His characters are all so unbelievably relatable in one way, shape or form, that you will have a hard time not connecting with each and every individual role seen in Chasing Amy.

Standing tall beside his writing, is Smith's phenomenal direction of the film. Each and every angle, frame, shot etc. is selected so well that when it's slotted side by side into this fantastic 115 minute film, you will have a hard time looking away.

Of course, a film is only as strong as its performances. Affleck, Adams, Lee, Ewell, Mewes, and even Smith himself all brought their major league slugger bats to the plate for this one. Oh, yeah, they all hit out of the park home runs!

The conversations between each and every character in the film are astounding. There are countless scenes that had me saying, 'Damn, I know how he feels!' or 'God, I hated when that happened to me?' or 'Woah, thats beyond crazy. I know exactly what they mean!'

All this, tagged along with a fantastic score, visually repugnant vintage 90s wardrobe, and, oh yes, SEGA GENESIS hockey make for the creation of one of the greatest films the 90s has to offer.

SCORE 8/10

ACTING 9/10

EFFECTS/VISUALS 8/10

WRITING 10/10

DIRECTING 9/10

OVERALL 44/50

Final thoughts: Quite possibly one of my favourite scripts of all time, Chasing Amy offers a tremendous story alongside stunning acting, hilarious antics and brutally-raw emotion that will have you laughing, crying and all else in between! You could say, this film is the Dishevski hanging on an otherwise bland wall.

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People just do the strangest things when they believe they're entitled. But, they do even stranger things when they just plain believe.

Red State (2011)