Tag: War

Unicorn Wars is an Anti-Fable With a Strong Message

Depending on how well you know Alberto Vázquez’s works, Unicorn Wars is more of more of a precautionary tale.

Unciron WarsGKIDS
Coming to theatres and VOD Mar 10, 2023
Played at the Victoria Film Festival Feb 9th

Anyone enamoured with the colourful visual teases from the trailers for Unicorn Wars by Alberto Vázquez will get more than an anti-fable presented to them. That’s how this filmmaker describes his work. Here, his animated work looks at the conflict for power at the Magic Forest, where the teddy bears here are taught a myth where if one can kill and drink the blood of the last unicorn, they will be king. The idea is a nastier spin on what Lord Voldemort believed in the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and the cost looks worse!

The rivalry between these two species is age-old, and as for who is truly pure, we’re not meant to really know for certain. I don’t want to side with either given how horrible the depths of hatred runs deep.

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What’s new in Inglourious Basterds 4K release?

Inglourious Basterds (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)Just when Universal Pictures thought they couldn’t top their Special Blu-ray edition of Tarantinos’ Inglourious Basterds, they are tweaking their 4K release. Between this and an exclusive to HMV (UK), there’s also a Cine edition.

This region specific release includes:

  • Slipcase with Spot Gloss finish
  • 36-Page Photo booklet
  • 4 x Art Cards
  • 8 x Character Cards

It’s been twelve years since the release of the special edition, and this film is worth revisiting since it helped make Christoph Waltz the star. He plays Nazi Colonel Hans Landa, a ruthless interrogator whom Lieutenant Aldo “The Apache” Raine (Brad Pitt) and his team are after. Well, sort of. There’s actually two plots by different organizations trying to do away with the leadership as the war continues on. It’s tough to decide who is worse, and that’s part of the joy of why this film is considered quintessential Tarantino. 

The bonus material includes:

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Who Is The Puppet Master in The Suicide Squad?

While Suicide Squad is not likely to integrate with the rest of the DCEU anytime in the future, I’m hoping this rework proves that making more Rated R films is a must.

DC FanDome: 'The Suicide Squad' Unveils Cool Footage And New PostersBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Warner Brothers
Playing at theatres and HBO Max

Spoiler Alert

James Gunn has topped himself since he was given complete freedom to redo Suicide Squad. That 2016 film was great at introducing villains to do the dirty work that Uncle Sam doesn’t want to acknowledge, but isn’t all that memorable. This 2021 soft reboot that adds The to the title surpasses everything David Ayer attempted, and ups the ante. James‘ eccentric vision even includes a crazy build up to the finale typical for a Troma film (where this filmmaker got his start). Whether Ayer had to abide by the rules the Warner Bros and DC established with this franchise or he just did not understand the characters at all, Gunn makes the motley crew (from beginning to end instead of those who survived) rootin’, tootin’ hilarious. 

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Could War for the Planet of the Apes Be The End of the Saga?

imageBy Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)
*Spoiler Alert

No previous knowledge is required to get up to speed before War for the Planet of the Apes. This third and possibly final film of the trilogy recaps the essential bits of lore needed to show that life on Earth is bad not only for ape-kind but also the humans. The Simian virus has taken its toll on humanity and it’s an ongoing threat which is evolving before the survivor’s very eyes. Those who are still around have banded together in enclaves and think extermination is key to reclaiming their position in the animal hierarchy.

Caesar (Andy Serkis) is the leader and he just wants his tribe to be left alone. They are not at completely at fault for the calamity. However, there are soldiers who think otherwise. Colonel (Woody Harrelson) leads a nearby army faction thinking he can do what’s best. Unfortunately, his motives do not jibe with other groups, and he’s considered a renegade. After he killed the wrong apes in a midnight raid, these two leaders are going to face each other head on. Well, that’s if nothing else gets in their way. Both are facing their own demons.

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Time is Against the Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part One Movie Review

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

MockingjayPerhaps the biggest argument against The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part One is the decision by Lionsgate Studio to split the film up. Is there enough narrative to make the 390 page book fit into two films? Usually one page of dialogue in screenplay equates to one minute of screen time. A basic formula to book writing suggests that 50 to 70% of what’s written be spoken. Based on that math, there’s enough content for one movie. Ever since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows started the trend (that book has about 600 pages), Twilight Breaking Dawn followed (629) — just how many more young adult book series must imitate this cash cow formula? Sadly, most of this film felt very drawn out before the story that matters finally takes flight near the end of the second act.

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