plot twist

Double Agent (Teen Titans: The Judas Contract review)

Posted on by Tim Kuefler

Animated comic book movies have been around for decades at this point, but I think it’s high time we recognize the efforts of one studio in particular who has consistently show up to play ball.

 

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017)

Cast: Stuart Allan, Jake T. Austin, Taissa Farmiga, Sean Maher, Christina Ricci, Brandon Soo Hoo, Kari Wahlgren, Miguel Ferrer
Director: Sam Liu
re-released on blu-ray April 18, 2017
******** 8/10

IMDB: 7.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%, Audience Score 71%
The Guardian: n/a

I’ve written about Sam Liu before. He also directed the Batman: The Killing Joke movie which I reviewed last summer, so in order to save some time, I’m going to dive right into the plot summary and then tell you what I think about this most recent DC original animated film.

Courtesy of Wikipedia…

Five years ago, the original Teen Titans (consisting of Dick Grayson as Robin, Speedy, Kid Flash, Beast Boyand Bumblebee) rescue Princess Starfire of planet Tamaran from her captors sent by her evil older sister Blackfire who had staged a coup and forcibly took the throne. As she is no longer able to return to her world, the Titans offer her a home on Earth as one of them.

In the present, Dick Grayson (now called Nightwing) rejoins the Teen Titans to track down a terrorist cult led by Brother Blood who plans on capturing the team to absorb each of their unique abilities with a machine that he has tested on Jericho (whom his assistant and lover Mother Mayhem quickly shoots afterwards). Brother Blood hires the mercenary Deathstroke to deliver the Titans to him, which he obliges to do for both the money and get revenge on Damian Wayne for foiling his evil plans a few years ago and replacing him as Ra’s al Ghul’s heir before Damian turned against the League of Assassins. Deathstroke monitors the Titans through his double agent Terra, who joined the team a year prior and whom he rescued after her parents turned their whole village against her and tortured her. When Damian grows suspicious of Terra’s behavior and starts tracking her, he is captured by her and Deathstroke, thus revealing her as a spy to Damian.

Terra acts cold and distant towards the other Titans despite their welcoming attitude, but eventually warms up to them. During the night celebrating her one-year anniversary with the Titans, she shares a tender moment with Beast Boy and kisses him. The next day, Deathstroke kidnaps Blue Beetle at the soup kitchen he works at, Beast Boy at a convention where he thought he would do a podcast with filmmaker Kevin Smith, and Starfire at the apartment shared by her and Nightwing. Dick discovers what happened to the other Titans and is attacked by Deathstroke. He manages to escape by faking his own death, while Terra captures Raven in Titans‘ Tower.

Deathstroke and Terra bring the Titans to Brother Blood, but since the machine cannot operate properly without a fifth Titan (as Slade had failed to capture Nightwing), Slade hesitantly offers him Terra instead. Brother Blood starts draining the Titans of their powers and ascends to godlike status, but they are rescued by Nightwing. Nightwing and Robin fight Deathstroke, while the rest take on Brother Blood, who has absorbed all of their powers. The two villains are stopped by the intervention of Terra, who is thoroughly hurt and enraged at Slade for his betrayal. Brother Blood is depowered by Raven unleashing her inner fury as a demon and killed by Mother Mayhem, while Deathstroke is buried underneath multiple rocks thrown by Terra. Too ashamed to face her former allies after betraying their trust, Terra decides to bring down the entire area. Beast Boy attempts to assist Terra in escaping the crumbling fortress, but Terra pushes him back and is buried underneath multiple layers of rubble. Beast Boy digs her up, and she dies in his arms.

In the epilogue, Beast Boy goes on Kevin Smith’s podcast and talks about the Titans with the host. He mentions that the team has a “wonderful new member” and that he will always miss Terra.

In a post-credits scene, Jericho is shown to have survived the bullet Mother Mayhem shot at him earlier.

I’ll just come right out and say that this movie is refreshing to watch. There are complex adult relationships portrayed on the screen, some well placed profanity, and while the violence doesn’t overwhelm, it is decidedly more graphic then your average PG-13 fare. Featuring an ensemble cast, and then spending time with each character was a wise movie on the part of DC, because each of characters is developed in such a way that they become more compelling then any live-action counterparts we’ve seen thus far.

Starfire, Beast Boy, Blue Beetle, and Deathstroke all have great arcs, and it’s very satisfying to watch Terra meet her end as the revealed Judas of the team.

Pros: The animation, pacing, and storytelling are all top-notch, but as already mentioned, the relationships between characters, especially the romantic ones, are fascinating to watch. The Teens are all so dramatic and appealing to watch.

Cons: There is a decent amount of filler at the beginning of the film, with previous Titans on a mission and the meeting of Starfire. This flashback and the one of Terra’s home life seem out of place and very uncomfortable to watch, especially with the Deathstroke seduction scene. Also, Terra turns too quickly.

Runtime: 1 hour 24 minutes

Points of Interest: Adapted from a Teen Titans series from the 1980s, this story has also been adapted for the Teen Titans animated series of the early 2000s. Beast Boy appears on a podcast with Kevin Smith in the movie, in real life Kevin Smith is a huge comics fan, and has a particular affinity for Batman.

I think that overall the plot with Brother Blood, the contract with Deathstroke, and the hidden mole of Terra gave the movie the steam it needed to make it around the block. It should be celebrated for it’s adventurous and adult themes, even if Deathstroke and Terra have be really weird personal relationship in the background. The leadership tactics of Star Fire, versus old hat exercises from Nightwing.

theories Summarized

With over twenty movies in their catalogue at this point, DC has done an excellent job of adapting some of their best stories for home release, and this Teen Titans story is one of the better ones. Yes you can see a lot of the plot twists from a mile away, but it does such a good job of getting you there, that I think the journey really is the most important part in this case.

Speaking of twists, this week on Watch Culture, Andre and I give a recommendation on 2011’s Source Code, and I bet you’ll enjoy it. That said, I’m out of theories for now.

Tim!

Don’t Stop Breathing (Don’t Breathe review)

Posted on by Tim Kuefler

Shock value has it’s place in film, but I’m of the school that believes that there are only two real ways to achieve those results without looking like you’re pandering to the audience.

  1. The shocks have to be unique and unexpected; this is the best case scenario
  2. You need to be overwhelmed by them, which will produce either a sense of dread OR satire-infused laughter

 

 

 

Don’t Breathe (2016)

Cast: Stephen Lang, Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto
Director: Fede Alvarez
released on blu-ray November 29, 2016
******** 8/10

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IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%, Audience Score 80%
The Guardian: ****/*****

Fede Alvarez only has two directorial credits to his name to date, but he is already establishing himself as someone to be reckoned with. After releasing a short film to YouTube in 2009, he caught the attention of Ghost House Pictures, who decided to give him the directorial responsibilities for the Evil Dead remake – no small task to be sure. Fast forward a few years later and the movie did well but it’s not regarded as highly as the original but I personally think it’s a strong movie in it’s own right.

Then Alvarez was given the opportunity to make Don’t Breathe, what he calls an exercise in reversal. A challenge against the complaints of Evil Dead. An original story with limited blood that focuses on shocking the audience with real world horror. It also subverts some tropes about scary houses and home invasions being a horror for the owner.

The movie introduces us to Rocky (Jane Levy), Alex (Dylan Minnette), and Money (Daniel Zovatto). They live in Detroit and make money by breaking into homes through Alex’s father’s security company. Rocky has an abusive home life and wants to leave for California with her little sister as soon as possible.

Money receives a tip from their buyer that a blind Army vet (Stephen Lang) has $300,000 in cash in his house, given as a settlement after a young woman killed his daughter in a car collision.

After drugging the Blind Man’s dog, the teens are only able to break into the house through a small window because the security system is reinforced with additional locks. Unable to find the money, Money shoots a locked door and wakes the Blind Man who overpowers and kills him. Rocky hides in a closet, but sees the Blind Man open the safe. After he leaves, Alex and Rocky take the money and attempt to leave, but not before the Blind Man learns that there were more intruders than just Money..

Heading into the basement, the pair are surprised by a restrained, gagged woman in a padded cell. She is Cindy, the woman that killed the Blind Man’s daughter. They free her and attempt to leave, stopped by the Blind Man, who mistakenly shoots and kills Cindy. Rocky and Alex flee while the Blind Man shuts off the lights.

Rocky gets into the vents, while Alex is attacked by the newly awake  guard dog, and then is seemingly killed by the Blind Man. Meanwhile, the dog pursues Rocky through the vents, and she is eventually captured by the Blind Man. She wakes up restrained, where the Blind Man reveals he artificially inseminated Cindy to replace the child she killed. He then attempts to artificially inseminate Rocky but Alex knocks him out and handcuffs him.

Rocky and Alex attempt to leave one last time, but the Blind Man breaks free and shoots Alex. Rocky is able to escape, pursued by the dog, though she does trap it. The Blind Man uses this as an opportunity to recapture her, but at the last moment she disorients him with the house alarm system, and knocks him into the basement where he shoots himself by accident. Finally able to leave Detroit, Rocky and her sister see a news report that the Blind Man survived a B&E, but no mention of the stolen money.

 

Pros: Alvarez employs the familiar techniques of suspense quite well, and even manages an excellent plot twist that will surprise even the most liberal of sensibilities. The plot is tight and pacing is well kept.

Cons: The three protagonists are undercooked meat. Which makes it difficult to accept the antics that get them locked in the house in the first placee AND all of the little noises they make which set off the alarms for the Blind Man.

Runtime:  1 hour 28 minutes

Points of Interest: Each of the actors wore restrictive contact lenses – Stephen Lang’s were designed for low light, while the other actors wore lenses that dilated their pupils but also greatly restricted their vision. The film was originally titled A Man In The Dark.

This is one of those rare instances where doing the opposite of what works paid off in spades. Lang is a menacing villain and while it might not be obvious why he should be one from the outset, by the time you’ve finished, his purpose is clear. The twist is vital to the films success, but I can almost guarantee no one will see it coming. Get it? See it coming?

Don’t Breathe is one of those movies that I could likely make into an annual venture along with the rest of my horror film collection, but I don’t think it is infinitely re-watchable. This is to the credit of Fede Alvarez, as he has brought something shocking to the table which demands respect and proper attention. Don’t Breathe is a non-supernatural horror-thriller with a place on your shelf, just make sure to dust regularly, otherwise I recommend not breathing near your collection.

Tim!

Monkey Mania (The Gift review)

Posted on by Tim Kuefler

I feel compelled to tell the truth dear readers, especially after this weeks film. Seeing a “Certified Fresh” logo on the box art of the blu-ray may have been the clincher that won me over VS watching South Paw or Pixels. That, and I heard a number of bad things about the other two movies.

But that is neither here nor there when it comes down to it. It’s Theatrical Tuesday, and I’ll provide you with a film review, dammit.

 

 

 

The Gift (2015)
Cast: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel Edgerton
Director: Joel Edgerton
released on blu-ray October 27, 2015
******** 10/10

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IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%, Audience Score 78%
The Guardian: ****/*****

This is Joel Edgerton’s first feature length film. He has been known for a number of performances over the years (Owen Lars in Star Wars, Gawain in King Arthur, Brendan Conlon in The Thing, and Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby, among 60 other roles), but this is Edgerton’s third time producing a film too.

Wait! He directed, helped produce, and acted in this film? Yes. But lots of actors have done that before. Heck, Jon Favreau and Eli Roth act in their own movies ALL THE TIME.

But this is notably Edgerton’s first time directing a full length movie.

Anyway, now that I’ve made my point clear, this one was amazing my friends. I am so glad I picked it up, because it has cemented itself in my top 10 for movies this year, and assuredly in my top 5. I’ll have to get back to you on where it lands at the end of the year though.

So what is this story about?

Simon Callum (Jason Bateman) and his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall) have recently moved back to Simon’s home-town of Chicago for his career and to work on starting a family. They are visiting a furniture store when Simon is approached by an old acquaintance from high school. Simon struggles with the exchange until the guy introduces himself as Gordon Mosely, or Gordo. This jumpstarts Simon’s memory and they agree to exchange numbers and get together sometime.

Gordo later stops by unannounced with a gift of window cleaner and contact numbers for local services, after having left some wine. Robyn invites him in, gives him a tour, and insists he stay for dinner. The three have some dinner together and Gordo tells a story of Simon’s class presidency. Building up the idea of his slogan “Simon Says” to suggest he gets whatever he wants, which definitely turns Simon off and Robyn somewhat as well.

Simon decides that Gordo shouldn’t visit anymore and leaves a joke on the fridge referring to his HS nickname Gordo the Weirdo. But Gordo continues to leave gifts and stop by during the day, until he happens upon the message on the fridge and leaves in a hurry. The couple are later surprised when he invites them to a dinner at his house.

They drive up to a nice home and are greeted by Gordo, but learn that the other couple have cancelled . The three make some small talk before Gordo is interrupted by an important work call and says he needs to leave to take it. While they are alone Simon and Robyn snoop through the house and Simon continues to make fun of Gordo. They find women’s clothing in the house, contrary to Gordo’s earlier comment that he is single. When Gordo does come back, Simon asks about his work, and Gordo admits he is not working and that he is estranged from his wife and family but staying at her place. Simon asks Robyn to leave and tells Gordo to stop visiting them.

The next day Robyn discovers dead koi fish in their pond (originally a gift from Gordo), and that their dog is missing.

Simon goes back to Gordo’s, and is greeted by a woman he assumes is Gordo’s wife, but we learn he broke into that house. The couple decide to involve the police but Gordo had previously worked for the family he used as a decoy and likely had a key. The cops can only question Gordo without evidence and he’d know the Callums sent them.

Robyn doesn’t handle the tension well. She steals pills from a friend of hers and later faints in the bedroom. Waking up on the bed instead of the floor.

Super spooky right?

I can’t write much more without giving away the twist at the end, but I will confirm that it doesn’t end how you think it might. In fact there is a solid 45 minutes of buildup left in the story before the move ties up lost ends and which will leave you clutching your chest, and possibly sick to your stomach – particularly with monkey masks.

Pros: This one is another slow burner, but considering it’s a shorter movie and the pauses and pacing are intentional, it helps. Jason Bateman has 100% given the performance of his career to date, and I hope he does another serious film. Edgerton’s storytelling ability is amazing, and I WILL watch his next movie.

Cons: However the plot twist turned out (we aren’t sure at the end), what is implied is pretty messed up and would be hard to walk away from, no matter what.

Runtime: 108 minutes

Points of Interest: Joel Edgerton filmed his scenes well in advance of shooting and completed them in less than a week. Gordo gives 10 or 11 gifts throughout the film, depending how you interpret events. There is an alternate ending to the film…

Seriously though, you need to watch this movie. Run, don’t walk to your nearest purchasing method and sit yourself down. You will cringe, you will think, and you will be impressed. This movie is THAT well done.

I don’t have much else to say at this time folks. I hope you have an excellent Tuesday, and if you are able to celebrate Remembrance Day tomorrow, please give it the respect it deserves. I’ll see you for some more theories in the evening.

Tim!