October’s here, Halloween is due and that can only mean one thing: yep, it’s the season of the horror movie. If you love to be scared then there’s plenty that should keep you shockingly entertained whilst those who are terrified of being terrified would be well advised to take up knitting or something over the coming weeks. First up there’s Zombieland in which Jesses Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson play survivors in a world that’s overrun with zombies. Part horror, part buddy movie this promises to be a breezy and exciting – and mildly gory – affair. A little more hardcore will be the second part of Rob Zombie’s re-imagining of the ‘Halloween’ franchise, imaginitvely titled Halloween II Whilst the first part of the story of killer Michael Myers had it’s moments – in particular the performance of Malcolm McDowell as the obsessive Dr Loomis and some good set pieces – it also felt a little redundant. Perhaps the sequel can provide the requisite thrills and spills – no matter what happens, I’m sure it will keep the gorehounds happy. But if you’re looking for a really inventive horror, then search out Pontypool, a wonderfully tense Canadian film described as a ‘cousin to the Zombie film’. To say too much about it would ruin what is an extremely clever and taut piece of work, so just take my word: if you see it playing, take the chance to go and see it. The same goes for Colin, the Zombie move that took Cannes by storm. Made for a reported £45, the film tells the story from the point of view of the Zombie and manages to be both scary and moving at the same time.
Forget what I said earlier: you don’t have to pick up those knitting needles just yet, as the more easily scared amongst you will still have plenty to choose from. Animation fans can get their fix with the newest Disney/Pixar film UP (which Culture Vulture has recently given away tickets to lucky readers) and the chance to see the original Toy Story in 3D. You can also see Roald Dahl’s classic Fantastic Mr Fox being given the animation treatment with voice work from the likes of George Clooney.
Away from the mainstream, and there’s the chance to discover Shane Meadow’s latest film Le Donk and Scor-Zay-Zee. Made on a miniscule budget over the course of a week, the film sees Paddy Considine playing a burnt-out roadie trying to get his rapper protégé (the titular Scor-Zay-Zee) a support gig with The Artic Monkeys. This fake documentary is extremely funny – if sometimes a bit indulgent – with Considine ad-libbing for his life and everyone generally having a great time. An interesting addition to the work of the man responsible for This Is England. More serious matters now as Katalin Varga is a remarkable and considered revenge drama that manages to be both thoughtful and engrossing. A labour of love for the director, who took many years to complete the project, this Hungarian set film is typified by a powerful central performance and some absolutely stunning shots. If you feel a bit more energetic then look out for the limited theatrical tour of All Tomorrow’s Parties, the brilliant documentary showcasing a number of acts at the renowned music festival. Compiled from footage shot by fans, this is a must for music lovers as it features the likes of Belle and Sebastian, The Battles, Grinderman and many more. The tour sees the film paired with live performances from the likes of Gravenhurst and Les Savy Fav. Also look out for Rumba – the opening film of last year’s Leeds International Film Festival – which is a beautiful and inventive (almost) silent comedy. It’s rare that a film that is unique as this comes along, and it is really worth your time.
Speaking of Leeds International Film Festival, the largest regional festival in the UK takes place from November 4th-22nd. They’re already announcing a load of special events, previews and much more exciting stuff so get yourself to www.leedsfilm.com or sign up to their Facebook HERE. I will see you there.
Check online for release date, certificate and running time information for all films.
If you have any film related news, email Laurence Boyce at laurence@netribution.co.uk.