I recently read a review, that claimed that John Hyams’ “Universal Soldier: Day Of Reckoning” was better than most of the ‘Universal Soldier’ films that were released theatrically (‘Day of Reckoning’ was direct to video). I am not sure if that’s the case, though it is more violent. And by ‘violent’ I mean lots of MMA-type violence that’s more physical than most are accustomed to seeing. And while I enjoy that most of the effects on display are practical, it’s a brutal film, though there’s something to be said about the way it doesn’t glorify any of the acts of physical violence on display.
The plot is more complex than traditionally found in films of this nature, and works best if you let it unfold at its own pace, because there’s a logic to the presentation, though you’ll won’t see it unless you sit through the entire film.
Jean-Claude Van Damme, as the film progresses, seems to be channeling Col. Kurtz from Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now,” which can’t be a coincidence. All the other characters seem to exist just to get the stuffing beat out of each other, and don’t make much of an impression.
John Hyams happens be the son of Peter Hyams, who directed films like “Capricorn One,” “Time Cop,” “Outland,” and “The Relic,” among many others. John Hyams filmography isn’t quite as extensive, though it’s growing.
I was drifting around the Internet, when I found this YouTube post from Jace Hall (the guy who’s spearheading the upcoming (?) “Space: 2099”). The recording isn’t the best, and Landau (Commander Koenig from the original series) doesn’t say all that anything that most fans of the original series don’t already know, but it’s good to see him not only still in command of his faculties, but he actually brings up the upcoming series to his questioner.
Which I thought was really cool.
And I have to give credit to Hall because, while what little I know of the news concept doesn’t exactly inspire me, at least he appears to care about the original.
When I heard that Joe Carnahan was moving on to a remake of Michael Winner’s “Death Wish,” from the aborted “Daredevil,”I was relieved that another property has made its way back to The House Of Ideas (where he joins the Punisher and Blade). What I wasn’t so crazy was that another film that didn’t require a remake, was being remade.
Especially when there are so many cringe-worthy films out there much more deserving.
Joe Carnahan, via ScreenRant, says that his film is definitely not a reboot, though he admits that it does take certain liberties with the story, though the core–a man’s avenging himself on the people that harmed his family–seems to be intact.
Which brings me to the question of how much can his film differ from the original? Carnahan says that he’s going to change the location, as well as the whole vibe of the film.
That being said, how many can he actually make that preserve the structure and themes of Brian Garfield‘s novel?
Deadline: New York has a great interview with Guillermo Del Toro, from Comic-con, where he’s discussing his upcoming “Pacific Rim,” as well as how he feels about “The Hobbit,” and “At The Mountains Of Madness.”
“Streets of Fire,” “48 Hrs.,” “Another 48 Hrs.,” “Last Man Standing,” “Supernova” (which he disowned because of creative differences between him and the studio that released the film) are among the films directed by the uber-talented Walter Hill. If that were the only role he played in Hollywood, there would be enough material for a distinguished career.
Though there are the films that he’s produced, like the Alien saga, and many others. The Village Voice has an interview with Hill, and it’s worth reading if only to hear of the fate of the proposed remake of his masterpiece, “The Warriors.”
For those of you, like me, that happen to think that Guillermo del Toro is the best thing to happen to American genre film since latex, Vulture has an interview.
Milton’s Paradise Lost will be coming soon to a theater near you, by way of Alex Proyas (of “The Crow,” “Dark City,” “I, Robot,” etc), though my question is when did Alex Proyas–a very talented director, by the way–take the helm of this project?
That being said, I suspect that as long as he’s allowed to do things the way he thinks that they should done it should be fine, unlike in the case of “I, Robot,” which had a bit of studio interference.
The last I heard this project was being handled by Scott Derrickson (“The Exorcism of Emily Rose”), who’s also talented (though perhaps not yet in the league of Alex Proyas) though I thought that “The Day The Earth Stood Still” was somewhat underwhelming.
Here’s a video where Scott Derrickson mentions the project, albeit somewhat hesitantly, around 4:40 minutes in.
It appears that this is Justin Timberlake’s year. First “Bad Teacher,” Friends With Benefits,” and now “In Time.” He has an earnestness that’s refreshing, though I am not sure that I buy him as a serious badass, or someone that can carry an entire movie.
Then again, the film also has Cillian Murphy, who’s always interesting and a bit left of center.
Only time will tell.
Spike Lee has confirmed that he is doing “Oldboy,” according to Aintitcoolnews. The article makes the point of telling us that it’s a remake of Chan wook-Park’s film, not the anime. Also, according to Blackfilm he’s revisiting some of the characters from his breakout 1989 film, “Do The Right Thing” in “Red Hook Summer.”
Spike Lee, despite what one may think of his politics, is an interesting and incendiary director, whose presence enriches the movie scene and seemingly presents endless opportunities for discussion, contemplation, and debate.
Lots, and lots of debate.
Apparently, Spike Lee isn’t the only person who doesn’t quite enjoy Tyler Perry films.
Remake of Carpenter’s ‘Escape From New York’ Dropped By New Line
Edited 7/21 at 1231
According to Deadline, New Line is dropping the reboot of “Escape From New York.”
This is great news because I can’t be the only person tired of remakes seemingly for the purpose of name recognition and–I assume–because they’re easier to do in that you’re working in a already established universe that’s slightly tweaked (if that).
Based upon an interview with John Carpenter on Bloody Disgusting, he doesn’t care as long as he gets paid, though it’s clear from the tone of his responses that he doesn’t care for the situation.
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