‘Upstream Color’ Review: Shane Carruth’s Sci-Fi Film Disappoints

Shane Carruth struck a chord with viewers his debut Primer in 2004. His  long-awaited sophomore effort Upstream Color, a tripped out sci-fi film, is a muddled mess that fails to hit the mark.. Carruth succeeds in bringing an excellent look to the proceedings, but the story is an incomprehensible wreck that fails to completely engage the viewer, which is ultimately too bad.

Color stars Amy Seimetz as Kris, a woman who – at least by appearances – is drugged, abducted and implanted with an exotic plant worm. The abductor then fleeces her of all her cash while she’s under hypnosis. The abductor will not resurface throughout the film nor be explained in any manner. That is a recurring theme in this film. There is a pig that becomes involved, a strange man who records sounds and shows up in numerous scenes, as well as some sort of karmic exploration and notions, but good luck successfully explaining any of it.

The fallout of Kris’ abduction makes her wary of men. She reluctantly forms a relationship with Jeff (Carruth). The lack of palpable compatibility between these two greatly foils that storyline. In truth, he’s not a very strong actor, but that would be forgivable if other things worked themselves out. 

Wooing through lies in “Upstream Color.”

Carruth can get away with a lot. He made this film practically all by himself, from directing to writing to acting to scoring to the distribution of the film. Still, that doesn’t excuse a storyline that lacks any sort of clarity or sense of purpose. The nature of well-done science fiction forces us to explore something about ourselves and human nature. In this instance, the message, if there is a specific one, is so muddled that there is no point in trying to figure it all out.

I cannot recommend this film on any level. It’s too bad because it is shot well and some of the plot elements are exciting. It’s almost a companion piece of sorts to Terence Malick’s To The Wonder in spirit and look. Unlike that film, but in a similar vein, the execution is too indecisive to make things matter in the end though. Shame.

Sponsored Video: Cornetto Films Presents ‘Cupidity’ Short Stories

Cornetto is one completely unique ice cream brand. The brand has developed ‘Cupidity’ under the moniker of Cornetto Films. ‘Cupidity’ is a series of four short films featuring eight lovers and “some very wise cupids.” Teenagers created these four films as part of Cornetto’s redesigned ongoing brand strategy, which focuses on online content more. These cleverly concocted films feature high production value as part of Cornetto’s “Enjoy The Ride, Love The Ending” productions.

The short titled “Margot” is below. The film features a star-crossed gal (Margot) who pines for a man photographed in magazines. When a thief enters her shop at closing time, he steals Margot’s most prized possession – her collection of photographs of the man she desires. The thief splits into a taxi, but ends up disappointed with his haul. Only then can fate intervene. I’ll let you inspect the rest of the tale for yourself, but there is a fun lesson for us all involved.

Additional films in the series are “Kismet Diner” (with a diner as a backdrop, naturally), “Beauty and The Geek” (self-explanatory? Maybe.), and “X Phobia” (a longer tale set in Los Angeles). All of these shorts can be accessed below. For more information on Cornetto, take a look at their Facebook page (where you can “Like” it, of course) or if you prefer, you can follow them on twitter. Feeling daring? Do both.

This post is sponsored by Cornetto, but all thoughts are The Film Nest’s.

Have a look at the video below. Enjoy!

Somali Pirates to Hi-Jack Tom Hanks’ Ship in ‘Captain Phillips’ Trailer with Movie Synopsis

Tom Hanks is in need of a hit in my eyes. Paul Greengrass, director of two of the Bourne films may be just the man to deliver. Captain Phillips, based on book of true events, sees the peaceful Captain hijacked unarmed. One minute he’s eating a Denver omelette, the next someone is sticking a gun in his face. The rest you can see for yourself. The official synopsis is below:

The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.

Enjoy the trailer, looks pretty good.

Three Girls Night In Films You May Have Missed…

You may think you’re the resident film buff in your group of friends: always the first to catch the latest flick at the cinema, and you always pre-order your Blu-rays months before they are even released. You may have, however, let a few brilliant films slip under the radar…

Since a recent survey by Ladbrokes Bingo revealed that 59% of women preferred a girls night in to a night on the town, we thought we’d let you know about three of the best films which are sinfully over looked during girly movie nights.

Put your phone onto silent, crack open the bottle of wine and get your favourite girly friends over for a movie night you’ll never forget!

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2012)

Ewan McGregor takes a break from gritty, dramatic characters to give audiences a delightful, charming performance in a film with a lot of heart.

Brilliantly British with a warm love story at the centre, the bizarre premise of introducing rivers for fly fishing into the desert takes a back seat to the love story between McGregor and co-star Emily Blunt.

While the film can occasionally feel a little off balance as it struggles to capture the magical essence of the hugely popular source material, it is the off-beat performances of the stars which persuade you to stay.

Sure, it’s very sentimental and very aware that it’s a sentimental film. However, this is not a problem as you will end the film feeling warm and fuzzy inside, which can be no bad thing.

Critics may have been divided by this film, but it’s perfect for an easy-to-watch addition to any girly movie night.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

This adaptation from a book of the same name, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is perfect for anyone looking for a film with a little more depth.

Based in an American high school, the film follows the life and times of 15-year-old Charlie who finds it hard to fit in. He becomes friends with two seniors, one of which is played by Harry Potter star Emma Watson, who show him the possibilities life holds and what it means to be “infinite”. With dark twists and shocking revelations, this is a coming-of-age film which doesn’t hold back and takes great joy on taking you on the ride along with the characters.

Letters to Juliet (2010)

Playing with plenty of conventional love story stereotypes, Letters to Juliet could feel a little cheesy was it not for the fantastic performances from the A-list cast.

Amanda Seyfried is the ultimate chick-flick heroine as she is continuously believable, and can make even the hardest of cynics believe in true love.

This is a fairy-tale story which is sure to make you swoon, with amazing shots of Italy and Verona. If you’re a fan of Romeo and Juliet, this will be a real treat as we are shown the inspiration for the romance, and the story is given a little twist.

Sponsored Video: Coors Light and Jean Claude Van Damme Make A Hilarious Team

Jean Claude Van Damme. His name is synonymous with several things, chief among them would include: Hollywood action star, martial arts (kickboxing, at least), decade of the 80’s and 90’s icon, and…now you can add comedic genius to this distinguished list. After his autobiographical JCVD documentary hit from a few years ago, Jean Claude seemingly has seen his career become resurrected. He’s done voice work in the Kung-Fu Panda animated films and has obtained a role in Sylvester Stallone’s genre-destroying The Expendables 2. Yes, the Bloodsport king is even showing new sides to his personality with his recent string of Coors Light commercials.

Van Damme can be seen drinking the classic beverage that I once nicknamed my car, “The Silver Bullet,” after (true story). Coors Light has a history of interesting branding to say the least, which spans commercial attempts from the “Love Train” songs to rapper-slash-actor pitchman Ice Cube’s “You think you colder than me?” efforts. JCVD adds another wrinkle to their brand marketing strategy with often-hilarious spots that talk about how cold Coors Light is, with Van Damme quipping away. Think, him making snow angels or ripping his frozen hair out in one piece. Good stuff.

The video below is yet another example of this growing, dynamic relationship. You’ll instantly recognize the epic 80’s pop tune and enjoy his winter companion in this piece. Have a look and feel free to go grab a cold Coors Light or three this weekend. Hopefully, you’ve earned it.

This post is sponsored by Coors Light, but all thoughts are The Film Nest’s.

The Film Nest’s Platinum Nest Awards For 2012 Movie Year

In what has actually been a fairly decent movie year, at least as far as the top films of the year goes, I struggled to conclude what would win the overall big prize of Platinum Nest Best Picture. I continually, even as I write this list, flip flop between Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained and Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master. Both are wholly original works and both are completely different movies and thus difficult to compare. Ultimately, the primacy-recency theory is also at play with Django having been released half a year after The Master. Still, in the slightest of edges, as I write today, I am going with PTA’s completely genius opus. Top to bottom, from acting to originality, I give it the very slightest of edges. I can accept either as the award winner in any category though, essentially. Read on for the rest of the winners and losers of The Film Nest’s Platinum Nest 2012 Movie Awards.

Best Picture

The Master

Best Director

Paul Thomas Anderson – The Master

Best Actor

Joaquin Phoenix –The Master

Best Actress

Naomi Watts – The Impossible

Best Supporting Actor

Philip Seymour Hoffman – The Master

Best Supporting Actress

N/A

Worst Actor

Quentin Tarantino – Django Unchained

Worst Actress

Cody Horn – Magic Mike

Best Comedy

Ted

Best Action Movie

The Dark Knight Rises

Best Science Fiction Movie

Looper

Best Screenplay (Original or Adapted)

Quentin Tarantino – Django Unchained

Best Scene

“Processing Scene” – The Master

Runner-Up

“Bruce Wayne Climbs Out Of Hell” – The Dark Knight Rises

Funniest Moment

“Flash Gordon Party Scene” – Ted

Runner-Up

“Joaquin Phoenix Sex With Sand Figure” – The Master/”Tiger Woods” Extra Scene – The Dictator

Movie You Missed But Shouldn’t Have

Moonrise Kingdom

Most Underrated Movie

Looper

Most Overrated Movie

The Avengers

Runner-Up

Lincoln

Worst Movie

Tower Heist

Top 5 Movies

The Master

Django Unchained

Looper

The Silver Linings Playbook

The Dark Knight Rises

George Clooney, Brad Pitt & Jamie Foxx Share A Past High School Talent

Here’s a slightly off topic post for once. Three of the biggest movie stars we have going today all share a high school past skill, talent or background, if you prefer. George Clooney (Out of Sight), Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained) all used to play high school basketball. But, as if anyone in particular is interested, we needed photo proof, and we have it. Below, a 14-year old Pitt was a baller for the Cherokee Rejects (I believe). Eric Bishop (the former, real name of Jamie Foxx if you weren’t aware (was a jeri-curled baller in high school and Clooney (long known for his basketball prowess) was a two sport star for his school team. Check out the pics below for photo evidence and enjoy! Thanks to SI.com for the heads up.

The Director of ‘Source Code’ Has Signed To Helm ‘Warcraft’ Film

The World of Warcraft is one of, if not the, most successful video game franchise of all time. The highly-anticipated film to be based on the movie, titled Warcraft, just landed its director, according to THR. Duncan Jones, son of David Bowie to many, director of the outstanding Moon and decent Jake Gylenhaal thriller Source Code, is the choice to direct. This is interesting news for the young talented helmer, but also could be a stretch, which makes it all the more interesting.

The respective budgets of his films have been $1 mil for Moon, $35 mil for Source Code and with Warcraft, the budget should well exceed 9 figures. This film has potential franchise written all over it, like the LOTR trilogy, or Batman or even Twilight as reasonable comparables. The sky is the limit here for the fantasy film, but with Jones tackling an enormous project and still being semi-unproven, this will be interesting to follow as it develops going forward. I like this choice, with it being a bit risky and my being a fan of Jones, although having no real knowledge of WOW. What do you think?

HBO’s “Entourage” Movie Is Officially A Go

Ari Gold, Vincent Chase, Drama, Turtle and E will be gracing the big screen after all it appears, as Warner Bros and HBO have greenlit a film version of the TV hit series Entourage, according to Deadline. The news of a movie based on the show, which was initially a pop culture phenomena only to get progressively worse and go out with a collective thud, should receive mixed reviews. The stars aren’t exactly lighting the acting world on fire of late, which similar to SATC, also has to have played a role in the “go.”

I was with HBO while the original “Entourage” was under development and saw the pilot long before it aired, so I have mixed feelings about seeing a film version of it. I don’t think that it is exactly being clamored for, but also it has been long rumored, HBO has taken a bit of a hit in recent years without Entourage, The Sopranos and Sex and the City, and of course, the last show I mentioned spawned two films, each commercially successful, if critically worse than the previous. Alas, we will get to see the team based on Mark Wahlberg’s life assembled on the big screen in time it appears. React!

SAG Award Winners: 2013 Screen Actors Guild Film Award Winners List

The Screen Actors Guild awards rarely rates on any radar as being a truly major awards show, despite being in its 19th year. The balancing of film and TV work, similar to what The Golden Globes does, is part of the problem. The fact that there are only a few film awards is another. The other issue is what also makes it unique, the fact that the awards are voted on by their peers (other actors). The awards can be seen (moreso than others) as gladhanding others, simply a popularity contest in many cases. Whoever the coolest (read: hottest) kid in school wins the award. Not saying this holds entirely true, but that can be the perception. Still, in this year perhaps more than others, maybe the SAG awards are an indicator of Oscar success. Take a look at the 2013 SAG awards winners list and see if you can see any of these winners losing in their respective categories come Oscar time.

MOVIES:

Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, “Lincoln”

Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, “Silver Linings Playbook”

Supporting actor: Tommy Lee Jones, “Lincoln”

Supporting actress: Anne Hathaway, “Les Miserables”

Cast: “Argo”

Stunt ensemble: “Skyfall”