Dog’s Movie House – Luc Besson’s “Dracula” An Odd Bird Of A Film With Some Interesting Moments!
Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog here with a look at the latest cinematic version of Bram Stoker’s classic vampire novel “Dracula.” This one is written and directed by notable filmmaker Luc Besson, who gave us “The Fifth Element” and “La Femme Nikita” among others. This version makes some rather severe changes to Stoker’s story while keeping the essential narrative intact. The film is set in not only Transylvania but in Paris rather than England. Several of the characters have been changed from the book as well, although they are essentially playing similar roles in the a different costume. Besson leans into the tragic romance that drives the story but leaves most of the scares at home!
Continue readingDog’s Movie House: “Dunkirk” Dynamic, “Valerian” Pretty But Inert!
Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog!
As an unabashed fan of both Luc Besson and Christopher Nolan, I have to admit I was excited when both filmmakers are releasing new movies on the same day. Besson has “Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets’ adapted from a famous French comic book, while Nolan is releasing the war drama “Dunkirk” detailing the harrowing evacuation of three hundred thousand British soldiers from the beaches of German-occupied France. Unfortunately only one of these films is up to each of the director’s lofty standards. “Valerian” is a beautiful film to look at, but a somewhat standard story keeps it from being anything but serviceable. “Dunkirk” on the other hand is a terrific, immersive piece of entertainment that will stick with you long after you leave the theater. Continue reading
Dog’s Movie House: New “Transporter” Running On Low Octane!
Howdy folks! It’s The Kendog!
Frank Martin (Ed Skrein) takes on a bad guy in “The Transporter: Refueled”
How much you’ll like the new “Transporter: Refueled” will depend on a couple of things. First: whether or not the absence of Jason Statham is a deal breaker. Second: whether a fourth go (five, if you count the television series) at an already derivative action franchise is right up you’re alley for a night at the movies. For me, “The Transporter: Refueled” is not a total waste of time (see “Agent 47” for a prime example of this) but despite some decent action scenes and some good chemistry between newcomer Ed Skrein (Game Of Thrones) and Ray Stevenson (Thor, HBO’s Rome), this film simply serves as an exercise in action mediocrity. Continue reading
