Review (Dracula Untold)

Published

10 years ago

October 10, 2014

Review By: John Burrell Jr.
Release Date: October 10, 2014
Studio: Universal Pictures, Legendary Pictures
Director: Gary Shore
Screenwriter: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless
Starring: Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Diarmaid Murtagh, Dominic Cooper, Samantha Barks
Genre: Action, Adventure
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of warfare, vampire attacks, disturbing images, and some sensuality)
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The legend of Vlad the Impaler / Dracula has been around for awhile. There’s been multiple books, TV shows and films depicting the origin of the monster. Dracula Untold is another entry in to that pantheon. This time Vlad is depicted as a hero. A king with a monster like past that will do anything to save his people. When the Turkish army comes to take a thousand young boys to train as soldiers and request that Vlad give up his own son to the Turkish army he quickly slays the men and a war between Transylvania and the Turks starts. Knowing that his small country can’t withstand the might of the Turkish Sultan’s hordes he turns to a dark source of power. Now, with three days to use the power of the vampire can he stop his kingdom from being destroyed ? Will he be able to stop his humanity from slipping away ?

The acting in this film is passable. Nothing Oscar worthy here, but Luke Evans does own the role of Vlad and makes him seem strong yet vulnerable. The story is actually done well and incorporates aspects from the many stories that involve Vlad and Dracula. It’s actually told a little backwards as he was a monster that by mere mention of his name men trembled but once he took on the vampire powers for more human reasons. This telling of the story made it feel like you should cheer the so called beast for his motivations alone. The action scenes were done well except the occasional special effects budget cut. For example there’s a scene where most of it is shown through a swords reflection only showing slight flashes of bats flying on the battlefield and noises in the background. The few shortcuts they used were OK because when they went all out it was awesome. The hand to hand stuff was good too especially the final battle between the Turks and Vlad.

This movie wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I expected a special effects heavy crapper but I was pleasantly surprised by the story they presented. I probably won’t watch this film ever again but I do believe it’s worth at least one viewing as it is a fun time to be had.

Streaming

What to Expect from the New Season of Squid Game: Thrills, Twists, and High Stakes

Published

8 hours ago

September 12, 2024

Angie Quidim

The highly anticipated new season of Squid Game is set to deliver even more nail-biting suspense and shocking twists that fans of the global phenomenon have come to love. As the series returns, viewers can expect an escalation in the deadly games, with new challenges that push participants to their physical and psychological limits.

In this season, the stakes are higher than ever as a new group of contestants enters the arena, each with their own desperate reasons for participating. The games are more dangerous, the alliances more fragile, and the betrayals more heartbreaking. With the introduction of new characters and deeper insights into the shadowy organization behind the games, Season 2 promises to expand the *Squid Game* universe in unexpected ways.

The creators have teased that the upcoming challenges will be more complex and terrifying, testing not only the contestants’ physical endurance but also their moral boundaries.

Expect to see returning characters facing new dilemmas, as well as fresh faces whose backstories will tug at viewers’ heartstrings.

The new season is rumored to feature shocking revelations about the origins of the games and the true motivations of the game’s organizers, ensuring that fans remain on the edge of their seats.

Squid Game has captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary, and Season 2 is poised to take these elements to the next level. Fans can brace themselves for a roller-coaster of emotions as the game continues with even more at stake.

Streaming

Bonjour sweet love patisserie review

Published

1 day ago

September 11, 2024

Angie Quidim

Rating: 7/10

Platform Crunchyroll

Bonjour Sweet Love Patisserie is a delightful treat for fans of romance and cooking anime. Set in the prestigious Fleurir Confectionary Academy, the story follows Sayuri Haruno, a kind-hearted girl who enrolls in the school’s special confectionery course. Surrounded by handsome male instructors and fellow students, Sayuri navigates the world of baking while developing sweet friendships and potential romances.

The anime shines in its charming character interactions, light-hearted humor, and visually appealing desserts that are sure to make your mouth water. However, with episodes running around five minutes each, the series sometimes feels a bit rushed. The plot, while enjoyable, is fairly predictable, sticking closely to typical reverse harem tropes. That said, its short length makes it a perfect watch for those looking for a quick and sweet anime fix.

While Bonjour Sweet Love Patisserie may not break new ground in the genre, it does what it sets out to do well: offering a sugary escape into a world of love, pastries, and heartwarming moments.