High Tension (French) - Patti

The name of this one pretty much sums it up. The tension ran extremely high for Rob and I from start to finish. This foreign slasher flick is full of gore, gore, gore. I honestly felt that gurgly feeling that I sometimes have right before I get phsyically sick at least three times.

Two college friends plan to spend a relaxing weekend together in the countryside with the one's family. Simple enough, right? Well, this is a horror film; let's keep that in mind. The intensity gets kicked up a notch about 20 minutes into the film. And once it begins, it never lets up. Never. The pacing is consistent. The gross-out factor is relentless. The story is.....

Hmmm. Okay. There are some holes. In fact, if you watch this powerful film until it's revelation at the end, you will undoubtedly notice the inconsistencies within its plot. We still have many unanswered questions. But when we think back to how it grabbed us by the *%#@+ and kept us engaged (and awake) for it's brief 90 or so minutes, we're happy. The build-up is what was fun.

Sometimes enjoying a movie is more about the thrill of the ride than the film itself. To enjoy "High Tension," one has to suspend their disbelief. If you're a realist, this isn't the film for you. If you can appreciate the director and writer's artistic vision, it's worth checking out. (Just keep a trash can nearby.)

VERDICT
WHO FELL ASLEEP: neither
WHO RECOMMENDS IT: both (but only for horror fan die-hards)
BUY/RENT/SKIP: rent

A History of Violence - Patti

This is the one movie you absolutely MUST see this year! Adapted from (get this) a graphic novel, "A History of Violence" is an engrossing story of one man's journey to protect his family... yet, it's so much more.

I had no idea of the plot other than it was going to be brutally bloody and that it was directed by David Cronenberg when we decided to see "Violence." The movie has one of the best openings I have ever seen. You have no choice but to sit down and hold on tight for the ride that is about to start. It had me at hello, if you know what I'm saying! ; )

Without a doubt, this is Cronenberg's finest film since "Dead Ringers" or "The Fly." The cast is outstanding and their performances are first-rate. The story appears to be straightforward. However, things are definitely not what they seem. Do yourself a favor: Read as little as you can and just go see this movie. You will thank me later. Trust me!

Take note, however, if you are in any way squeamish. This film has some of the most graphic depictions of "real" violence that I have seen since "Saving Private Ryan." Still, it worked. I'm not sure how Cronenberg pulled it off...but he did. I cringed when brains were blown out, but I was moved by the character's motivation for blowing them out. It was more than just rooting for the hero. It was following him on his journey, understanding him, and empathizing with him in the end.

VERDICT
WHO FELL ASLEEP: neither
WHO RECOMMENDS IT: both
BUY/RENT/SKIP: buy

The Fog (2005) - Patti

During the month of October, we tried to watch as many horror movies as we could. This was one we actually paid for to see at the theater. Why? I guess just to get into the spirit of Halloween. Plus, I really liked the original film from 1980; even with Adrienne Barbeau in it!

Well, this version is pretty true to the former. No wonder... John Carpenter (who directed the 1980 film) produced this 2005 outing. If you're not familiar with the story, in a nutshell, this is it: A quaint coastal town is haunted one evening by the ghosts of its founding fathers. The ghosts ride in on the "fog" and they come back with a vengence. Seems as though someone had done someone wrong way back 100 years ago and it's payback time.

What was different in this newer version? The back-story for starters. I found that to be really interesting. I never quite understood why the ghosts we so pissed off in 1980. Plus, the ending. Hated this new one. Absolutely hated it. No other way to say it... it sucked!!!

The effects were also different. Lots more gore. Did I mention leprosy? But I think the original wins in this category. I'd rather see a spooky white mist than a CG "creep." There's just something scarier about the unknown.

The actors also left me wishing we were at home watching our DVD of the old movie. Okay, I can live without Adrienne Barbeau (apologies to any fans out there). But you have to admit... Jamie Lee Curtis had a much better scene with a zombie in the hospital than Maggie Grace did! (Jamie was at the height of her scream queen fame when The Fog came out.) However, Selma Blair was probably the best out of the entire new cast. But that's still not saying much.

What did I think overall? I jumped, I screamed, I felt entertained to a degree. It was like a thrill ride at an amusement park. Would I want to ride it again? Nah, probably not. I'd much prefer watching the eerie B-movie from 1980 that gave me nightmares as a child.

VERDICT
WHO FELL ASLEEP: Rob (after about 20 mins. in the theater!!!)
WHO RECOMMENDS IT: neither
BUY/RENT/SKIP: skip

Me and You and Everyone We Know - Rob

A simple, beautiful story, told with humor and pathos, skillfuly shot and wonderfully acted. There are no "lasers," car chases, swords, or explosions. Just quirky characters in real-life situations that are sometimes humorous and, at the same time, heartbreaking.

Shoe salesman Richard (John Hawkes) is a soon-to-be single dad of two boys, dealing with his separation and the new responsibilities it brings. Christine (writer/director Miranda July) is an aspiring artist, lonely and isolated, creating performance art that illustrates her desire for a mate who might be a sympathetic soul who "gets" her.

Fate brings them together, and intertwines the lives of all the characters, but will they end up together, or will their reluctance to let themselves be happy keep them apart?

One of the best movies you've never heard of...

VERDICT
WHO FELL ASLEEP: Patti here and there
WHO RECOMMENDS IT: both
BUY/RENT/SKIP: buy