Review: The "Red Riding" Trilogy (2009)

The trilogy was written by Tony Grisoni, but directed by 3 different directors. Tony Grisoni started off his screenwriting career with "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", a film not well received by critics, but is living its days as a cult classic. He moved on to do some smaller hit and miss projects, then in 2009 released a popular, well received trio project, the "Red Riding" trilogy. Each is a full length film featuring characters who cycle in and out of each film, with each experiencing their own development. The films are set in Yorkshire, England, during a time of major corruption in the police department. The officers are all together unique, with their own selfish motives, and only some come to confront their darkness. Each film is very good, but altogether a great work.

"Red Riding: 1974" (2009)

The first of the film sets the tone for the series, starting off with a huge bang. The film is carried by a grand performance by Andrew Garfield (soon to be in the new Spider-Man reboot). The film is beautifully shot, each scene more interesting than the previous. The story is relentless, pursuing each character's darkness, moving at high rates of speed and as an audience member, you are waiting to see the crash. The film really has no comparison, it isn't like another movie or series. It is set in a time and place in which most Americans aren't familiar with, but incorporates the common police corruption identifiable by all.

Here you see the effects of corruption, on the small and big, the would be innocent and guilty. The story is compelling, you're emotions like a roller-coaster riding apart the track. This is noir, and a mystery that unravels deeper and deeper, then even deeper. There just aren't many good films based on police corruption worth watching, this one is definitely worth it.

It is a powerful film, and by the end, you will want to watch the next 2 immediately. It is a film that feels directed by David Fincher, from the dark sin in "Se7en" to the mystery thriller of "Zodiac". They are all filmed in the same style.

"Red Riding: 1874"

8.5 / 10

"Red Riding: 1980" (2009)

The second of the series is definitely and obviously the least of the three. I believe it is a key piece of the overall story, in showing the continual and more perverse world of the corrupt officers, but does take a step down.

The story is about "The Yorkshire Ripper" who preys on young women of a poor community. A detective arrives to investigate the crimes, and discovers many inconsistencies, then finds himself surrounded by pressure and corrupted officers.

The film is less compelling than the first, but still offers more than enough to hold it's own. The performance is steady and very good in quality, but there is a lacking greater performance where the first and third are strong. Still, I believe the film carries itself slowly but surely to the finish line, right into the great finish of the third installment.

"Red Riding: 1980"

7 / 10

"Red Riding: 1983" (2009)

The final chapter in the "Red Riding" trilogy hits closer to home than the rest. The third film hits on the more sensitive issues surrounding the more than decade long corruption. I make an attempt to harbor all spoilers, so the effects of the film is delivered fully to it's viewer.

An officer who is in all three films, is now in position to make key decisions. He can aid his fellow officers, who he has grown extensive relationships with, or he can dig up enough compassion to expose the truth no matter the cost. The final film brings the series together, giving much needed remedies to open wounds in the story. I admire the idea of 4 large stories being told, and taking 3 films to do it. I love the styles used, the performances, the films are standout great pieces of work.

"Red Riding: 1983"

8 / 10

For a serious fan of film, this series is a must see. Whether you want performance, a lesson in how to tell a story, or an example of great cinematography, you will enjoy this series.

The "Red Riding" Trilogy

9 / 10

Review: Walt Disney's "Pinocchio" (1940)

In the beginning Walt created Disney and Disney Animation. The animation was good, and hand drawn. The films had great story and art, as Walt was hovering over the projects. Then Walt said "Let there be Snow White", and there was Snow White. Walt saw that it was good and separated his from the rest, calling his "good" and the other's "bad". And there was distinction of quality in animation.

Here, is "Pinocchio", Walt Disney's second well-known full length animation. It is a story about a clock-maker and crafter Geppetto who desires a son, and makes a wooden puppet. Then a magical fairy brings the puppet to life, giving Geppetto his 'son'. Of course Pinocchio isn't a real boy, but he desires to be. He sets out to earn the right of becoming a real boy by proving his bravery, honesty, and unselfishness. Instead he becomes tempted and fooled around every corner, becoming a scared, lying, selfish 'boy'. But when his father Geppetto is taken by a beast, Pinocchio sets out to save him.

"Pinocchio" is one of the best, if not the best classic Disney animation, I have ever seen. The story reveals the wickedness and dependence of man, and then redemption. I saw the film as a child and remember how terrifying the film was, and maybe I only saw it one time for that reason. I wanted the funner more exciting movie, not the honest and gross one.

The film looks amazing, visually championing to any current animated project. The music chosen is amazing as most classic Disney films. The character of Pinocchio is simple, but the situations and characters around him are what amplifies his own character. From the monstrous whale to the creepy villains on Pleasure Island. And perhaps the darkness is even darker with each sitting of the film.

The idea that a child's film would impact such a variety of age groups is great, but the fact that a film as such would pock and prod at such serious implications is far better. You are gross, living in a gross environment, in need of saving. Bam. It is too bad most children's films now are so empty, appealing to adults in humor as it's perversity passes over the heads of the youthful viewer, missing a more powerful message.

This film is truly for all ages, and has lasted over 70 years. This is a must-see film. If you or your child have not seen this film, and you are considering a trip out to see "Shrek 8: The series will not die", you are a fool. Take a trip to the nearest retail store, buy the DVD and a box of popcorn, and watch the movie at home. You will have seen a superior film and own it for future viewing.

"Pinocchio"

9.5 / 10

Review: Nicolas Winding Refn's "Drive" (2011)

Nicolas Winding Refn, director of "Bronson", "Valhalla Rising", and also the "Pusher" trilogy just delivered perhaps the year's best film so far. A film which displayed a "Gone in 60 Seconds" type appearance in it's preview, couldn't be further from. This film revealed just how valuable it is to have a great performance. I have felt for a long time that a performance can carry a film with a bad story, but a great story cannot carry a film with a bad performance. Ryan Gosling is proving this fact over and over. The roles he decides to take are not going to launch him into DiCaprio type stardom, but he surely deserves nearly all the success for each film he played in. There hasn't quite been a 'big time' film for him, after starring in chick flicks and small independent projects.

In "Drive", Ryan Gosling has shown me that after each film, he is consistently getting better and better. He plays "Driver" and sometimes "Kid" in the film, subtly never giving up his name. The character is a well mannered, well groomed, hardworking stunt driver by day... and a well disciplined driver for hire by night. The Driver decides to fall in-love with a neighbor, who's husband gets out of jail, makes a couple bad decisions, and bam... the Driver finds himself invested in a situation that grows bigger and bigger, and one he may not be able to drive out of.

The film is a beautiful one. Each scene is well thought out, and consistent scene after scene, never giving me an 'out of place' feeling. The movie has many slow moments, but it is valuable time for the viewer to be the Driver... in thought. Each slow moment allows the viewer to think the thoughts of the character himself. The thoughts and feelings are obvious but each character reaction is a real time reaction allowing understanding to take place. The facial expressions of the actors in the film are good, but great from Ryan Gosling. He can seemingly read lines with his facial expressions. His dramatic moments and moments of suspense all come so naturally and also so surprising one thrill after the other.

This is an thrill ride for everyone. From people who don't normally do action flicks, to those who relish in them. When the action happens, it happens with perfection. Cinematography is remarkable. You could have a good idea about what could possibly take place in the next couple scenes, but simple camera angles, and lighting trickery meant all the difference.

The dialog is scarce and meaningful. The Driver doesn't employ or show any interest in small talk, instead decides to observe and be observed. The Driver doesn't share with the audience any kind of back story. We get no information about the character's history prior to the film's beginning. Everything we know about him, we see.

The score of the film fits everything the film did, event he pink font for the title and credits pleased me. The rest of the cast includes... Carey Mulligan (Jenny, "An Education"), Bryan Cranston (Walt, "Breaking Bad"), and Ron Perlman ("Hellboy"). They all accomplish the assumed goals, but none of them bite the heels of Ryan Gosling.

While Quentin Tarantino is successful with great raw action sequences, he also creates some of the best dialog in all the world of film. Nicolas Winding Refn isn't concerned with quotability. He simply places his interest in good film, which I intend on owning the day the DVD is released. This is a must-see film for everyone. So far the year's best. This is an action movie for film savvy intellectuals... not necessarily just for the fans who limit themselves to more recent flicks pumped out by Hollywood's new boyfriend Michael Bay.

"Drive"

9 / 10