Maniac

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 25 September 2013 Blu-ray

Anyone who recalls actor Elijah Wood from the acclaimed Lord of the Rings trilogy, will be totally floored by this – a complete change from this mostly pretty-boy geeky roles that play on his baby faced charm. Here he’s a mannequin collector who stalks beautiful women in order to find his perfect girlfriend or a replacement for his sleazy mother, but instead ends up brutally murdering them.

Shot almost entirely from the killer’s perspective, which adds a unique twist to this otherwise fairly by the numbers serial killer thriller, and showcasing a daring, powerful turn from Wood – I found this effective and chilling stuff indeed. Producer and writer Alexander Aja (Piranha, Switchblade Romance) delivers his renowned reputation for style and gory set-pieces (the scalping scenes are seriously nasty), and for fans of splatter, there is much to revel in here, along with a healthy dose of nudity.

As a remake of one of the lesser known 80s slasher movies, this retains an 80s vibe with an authentic synth score and typical lack of restraint as seen during the notorious video-nasty era. This is also done with no lack of skill, boasting clever camera work and very impressive make-up effects …. even paying homage to Silence of the Lambs in one stand-out scene. It’s obviously not a movie for everyone, but as a down and dirty old-school horror, this jaded horror fan still came away suitably impressed.

Verdict: 3.5 /5

The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 17 July 2011 Blu-ray

Extended edition

Continuing the epic trilogy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings brings together all the plot strands that we have been following in the last two movies as Middle Earth becomes a battle ground. Dark Lord Sauron’s army has developed into a mighty legion who rage war on the city of Minas Tirith, where white wizard Gandalf takes refuge with Pippin, whilst Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli seek out The Army Of The Dead. Meanwhile Froddo Baggins and Samwise Gamjee, along with an increasingly conflicted Gollum close in on Mordor.

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The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring

Posted on June 30, 2011 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 29 June 2011 Blu-ray

Extended edition

J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary trilogy was one of those acclaimed book(s) that people had tried to adapt for years. Ralph Bakshi’s classic animation although well received could only touch the surface of what the books were about, and it wasn’t until New Zealand born director Peter Jackson delivered his trio of movies that finally fans and newcomers alike could truly be swept up in the world of Middle Earth. Which is where we join young Hobbit, Frodo Baggins who comes into possession of ‘the one ring’. With the evil forces of Sauron building themselves an army to rage war until they can possess the power of the ring for themselves, a fellowship is formed to help Frodo travel out of the Shire and on to Mordor, where he must dispose of the ring in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was originally created.