"Annihilation" Review By Tim Hellman

'ANNIHILATION': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The new science fiction horror flick from writer/director Alex Garland (who also performed both duties on 2014's 'EX MACHINA'). It's about a biologist who volunteers to lead an expedition into a dangerous environmental zone, after her husband comes out of the zone seriously injured, and the sole survivor of his expedition. It's based on the novel, of the same name, by Jeff VanderMeer. The film stars Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny and Oscar Isaac. It's gotten nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics, but it also performed really poorly at a test screening (which prompted a Netflix release overseas, instead of a theatrical one). I think the film is a very dark and bizarrely beautiful sci-fi masterpiece, and I can also see why a lot of people won't like it.

A year has passed since a team of soldiers entered an environmental disaster zone, and never returned. One soldier, named Kane (Isaac), suddenly reappears, much to the desperate relief of his biologist wife Lena (Portman), but he doesn't remember where he's been or how he got home. Then he has a sudden medical emergency, and is rushed to a hospital. In an attempt to help him, Lena decides to join a team of all female scientists, on an expedition back into the environmental zone. Things of course don't go as planned.

The movie is very hauntingly beautiful, and it's especially highlighted by an awesomely haunting score, and some breathtaking visuals. The story is interesting, but it's definitely slow-paced, and the climax is much more of an intellectual payoff than a spectacular action scene (which many viewers might be hoping for). So I can definitely see why some people would hate this film, but I loved it. It's one I definitely won't forget anytime soon too, and it's great to see Natalie Portman (my old favorite actress) back in top form!

Official Trailer and Poster for the Upcoming Thriller "Good Time"

A24 recently released the official trailer for their upcoming release "Good Time". The film stars Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Barkhad Abdi and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

"Good Time hits theaters on August 11th.

Press Release:

GOOD TIME gets a hallucinatory new trailer and poster with stunning accolades from its Cannes premiere.

The Safdie brothers' exhilarating New York thriller stars Robert Pattinson in a headlong rush into crime and chaos. The overwhelmingly positive reactions out of the Cannes Film Festival mark a thrilling turn for the filmmakers and a career-defining performance for Pattinson.

"Good Time": Official Trailer

"Morgan" Review by Tim Hellman

'MORGAN': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A sci-fi-horror-action flick, directed by Luke Scott (in his directorial debut). The film was co-produced by Luke's father (Ridley Scott), and his production company (Scott Free Productions). It was written by Seth W. Owen. The movie stars Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy (of 'THE WITCH' fame), Rose Leslie, Boyd Holbrook, Michelle Yeoh, Toby Jones, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Paul Giamatti. It tells the story of a highly skilled risk-assessment consultant, who must decide whether to terminate a very advanced artificial humanoid being. The movie has received mixed reviews from critics, and it's also bombing at the Box Office. I highly enjoyed it!

Morgan (Taylor-Joy) is an extremely advanced human hybrid; she looks and acts much like a normal human girl. She's highly emotionally unstable though, and she recently lashed out at a scientist (Leigh); by stabbing her (multiple times) in the eye with a pen. The company that funds the science experiment, hires a risk-management consultant, named Lee Weathers (Mara), to decide whether Morgan should be terminated. They send the specialist to the isolated location where Morgan's being held at, in order to decide whether the humanoid must be killed. Something goes terribly wrong.

The movie definitely isn't the most high concept sci-fi thriller out there; it definitely doesn't rival Ridley's greatest films either (like 'BLADE RUNNER' or'PROMETHEUS'), but it's still a lot of fun! The action scenes are awesome, it's emotionally involving, and it's also extremely intense (as well)! Mara and Taylor-Joy are both excellent, in their female empowering leading roles; and you couldn't have asked for a cooler supporting cast (not for this type of low-budget B-movie thriller). I think it's a pretty impressive debut film for Luke Scott!

Official Film Clips for the Upcoming Sci-Fi Thriller "Morgan"

20th Century Fox recently released clips the upcoming Ridley Scott produced film "Morgan". The film is directed by Luke Scott, who is the son of Ridley Scott. "Morgan" stars Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Toby Jones, Rose Leslie, Boyd Holbrook, Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Paul Giamatti.

"Morgan" hits theaters on September 2nd.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: WhatIsMorgan.com 

Plot Synopsis:

A corporate troubleshooter (Kate Mara) is sent to a remote, top-secret location, where she is to investigate and evaluate a terrifying accident. She learns the event was triggered by a seemingly innocent "human," who presents a mystery of both infinite promise and incalculable danger.

"Morgan" Film Clip: Beautiful Baby

"Morgan" Film Clip: Dear Morgan

"Morgan" Film Clip: Morgan's Progression

"Morgan" Film Clip: What Would You Do?

First Teaser Trailer for the Upcoming Chiller "Morgan"

20th Century Fox recently send us information that they've released the first trailer for the Ridley Scott produced film "Morgan". The film is directed by Luke Scott, who is the son of Ridley Scott.
"Morgan" stars Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Toby Jones, Rose Leslie, Boyd Holbrook, Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Paul Giamatti.

No release date for "Morgan" has been announced at this time.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: WhatIsMorgan.com 

Plot Synopsis:

A corporate troubleshooter (Kate Mara) is sent to a remote, top-secret location, where she is to investigate and evaluate a terrifying accident. She learns the event was triggered by a seemingly innocent "human," who presents a mystery of both infinite promise and incalculable danger.

"Morgan": Teaser Trailer

"Anomalisa" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'ANOMALISA': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)


The first R-rated animated movie, to ever be nominated for Best Animated Feature (at the Academy Awards, and the Golden Globes), is this stop-motion drama flick. It was directed by Charlie Kaufman, in his third directorial effort (and it's his first time helming an animated feature), and Duke Johnson (who's had plenty of experience, directing animation on TV). The film was written by Kaufman, and it's based on his 2005 play (of the same name). The movie tells the story of a socially awkward 'self-help' author, who finally meets a young woman who inspires him; while on a business trip, away from his family. It stars the voice talents of David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tom Noonan. I enjoyed it, about as much as I've enjoyed all of Charlie Kaufman's films (except for 'ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND', that's my favorite).

Michael Stone (Thewlis) is a popular writer, who specializes in 'self-help' books; that travels to Cincinnati, to promote his newest novel. He has severe problems relating to other people, even his own wife and son; who he always hears speaking with the same male voice (Noonan). Then he meets a young woman, named Lisa (Leigh), and he thinks he's finally met someone he can connect with. The voices, in his head, keep trying to stop him though.

The film is about everything you've probably come to expect, from Charlie Kaufman; except it's animated, using stop-motion puppets. The movie is really bizarre, but it's also a great examination; of what makes certain people unique, and unable to relate to others. Some people (including multiple friends of mine) think you can diagnose every person like this, with aspergers. Life is much more complicated than that though, obviously. The film is creepy, sad and strange; but it's also moving, and inspiring, in many ways. It's really interesting to watch, too, and just a really unique experience!