Woman in Black

Woman In Black

The Woman in Black is a great film for those who like supernatural thrillers, where you're not totally grossed out by gore and other special effects. It also a good horror for those just starting out on the horror genre, or even those who prefer there to be more of a well written plot, as many slashers, that I have experienced, have had no real plot, other than a crazed psycho killing everyone due to jealousy.
 This thriller features the character Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe), a widowed lawyer, who is sent to an old house to file the recently passed occupants affairs. The house, which is only accessible at certain times of the day, due to the tide, allows for the characters to feel trapped and alone on the island. Upon arrival, Kipps finds the village people to be hostile, and did not want him going near the house, making his work very difficult. However, after befriending a rich local, he and Arthur start to investigate the mysterious happenings. Happenings which are being blamed on the ghost of the recently deceased's sister. 

The opening scene of the film still gives me chills. Dead children and eerie children's singing really does scare me and I know it scares many others too. Jumpy films, where you don't know what's coming is why this film is so scary. One specific scene, you get a low angle shot from outside looking up at the whole house , which then zooms to the window where Kipps is standing. Seconds later, when suspense has built, the woman in blacks face appears next to Kipps.

I love this film from the realism, the setting is amazing, the plot; everything just ties so well together to make it as believable as the unknown can be.

Produced by: Richard Jackson, Simon Oakes, Brian Oliver

Directed by: James Watkins

Based on Susan Hill's Novel

'You could have saved him' 

Genre: Supernatural Thriller/Horror

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Roger Allem

Three words to describe the film: Scary, eerie, chilling

Rating: 4/5 

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Taken- Action Heaven or Action Hell

Taken is one of my favourite films of all time. Why? Well lets see! 

I don't feel like the trailer really lets you see how incredibly immersive the film is. One thing the trailer does show however, is the high dramatic atmosphere, a feeling of him 'hunting down' the criminals who have taken his daughter. The fact that the movies camera angles, many being point of view shots, enable you to feel that you are also going with Bryan, played by Liam Neeson. This makes you watch on the edge of your seat and because of the obvious hero character role of Bryan, people want him to succeed, I mean, who doesn't love a hero?

THE FILM ITSELF

The film shows the hardship of having a high maintenance job, whilst trying to remain an active member of a family. It shows some relatable events such as teenagers growing up, parents being separated and new adventures and the fun or dangers that come with new responsibility. There's also one vital message in the film, which shows us as humans, that we will fight as hard as we can for two things: survival and love. Bryan Mills is a retired C.I.A agent, and in the opening scenes of the film, we can see that his job took a toll on his relationship with Lenore, played by Famke Jassen and his daughter Kim, played by Maggie Grace.

The casting is just brilliant. Not only do we have iconic, 'foreign' criminals but we have some unknown, 'low key' actresses, such as the mother and daughter. By low key, I mean, aren't regularly spoken about, as I am aware that Famke Jaseen may be recognized by her character, Jean Grey in X-Men. This casting allows us to totally believe the story, as well as the fact that Liam Neeson, well known for action movies, acts as the anchor and motive for you to initially watch this movie as it entices action junkies. Secondary audiences, for example my Mum, who isn't the biggest action fan, enjoyed this movie because of the heartbreak caused through Bryan losing Kim, both physically and mentally to her mother and step-father.

The Taken Franchise

This is not the only film in the Taken series. Taken 2 is directed by Oliver Megaton with the original cast which means that the troubles of family life can continue throughout and with the 3rd movie on the way, I'm excited to see how things have escalated. The second film is very much for the action junkie fan from the first movie, with more action scenes and brutalities than ever. This film also challenges the stereotypes of fragile women as his daughter takes a more active role...This comes as no surprise after the torture she had to endure from the first film!  

'I will look for you, I will find you and I will kill you'
Movie rating: 4/5
Three words to describe the movie: exhilarating, immersing, impacting
Genre: Action
Director: Pierre Morel
Writers: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen
Starring: Liam Nesson

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