Shutter Island

Shutter Island
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, and Max von Sydow
Runtime: 137 minutes
Rating: R

*Note* - This will be a fairly vague movie review, so as to not give away any details about the story and ending.
Shutter Island is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, and Ben Kingsley. Scorsese is at the top of his game working from a screenplay adapted from Dennis Lehane's book of the same name. Lehane is the author of a couple of other books that have been adapted into movies, such as Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone. While I haven’t read any of Lehane’s books, I have seen all the adaptations and this is by far my favorite.
As Shutter Island begins it is 1954 and U.S. Marshalls Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) are aboard a ferry to Shutter Island, home to Ashecliffe, a prison for the criminally insane. They have been sent there to investigate the disappearance of one of the inmates. Upon beginning their investigation Teddy starts to suspect that things aren’t as cut and dry as he originally thought. Dr. John Crawley (Ben Kingsley) is in charge of the inmates (or patients as he prefers to call them) of the institution and seems to have genuine compassion and concern for those he is in care of. However, it is the uncooperative staff that gives rise to Teddy’s suspicions that there is more than meets the eye to Ashecliffe.
I was very excited to finally go see Shutter Island last week. I have been waiting months to see this movie since it’s originally scheduled release date in October was changed to February. Usually that is a bad sign when a release date is changed to January-March, a time traditionally known as a dumping ground for movies that the studios don’t have too much faith in. However, this movie is the exception.
I was completely engrossed in the movie from the time my cheeks hit the seat until the credits rolled. The movie is gripping and suspenseful. Directed by a master that is only getting better with age. The acting across the board is solid, with excellent performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben Kingsley. Just when you think that you have figured out the story and that you know exactly what’s going on, you are presented with something that completely changes your perspective. I dare you to find a rollercoaster at Six Flags that has more twists and turns than this movie. My advice is to go into this movie prepared to have your mind taken on a ride, so just sit back and enjoy.
I still find myself sitting around thinking about the different twists and turns that had my head spinning for much of the movies running time. Not only do I recommend that you go see this movie, but I am going back to see it again the next chance I get...and when it comes out on blu-ray, I’m buying it.

The Buzz on Shutter Island is 4 ½ stars out of 5

The Wolfman

The Wolfman
Director: Joe Johnston
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving, Emily Blunt
Runtime: 102 minutes
Rating: R

“The Wolfman” is a remake of the 1940’s original, starring Lon Chaney Jr. While I have seen the original, it has been too long ago and I was too young to remember the movie aside from the cheesy werewolf makeup. I said all of that to say that this will not be a review comparing the new to the old, simply a review of the film just released.
The movie begins with Gwen (Emily Blunt) writing to Lawrence (Benicio Del Toro) informing him that his brother and her fiancé, Ben, have been missing for several weeks. As Lawrence arrives he is informed that Ben’s body was discovered in a ditch the previous morning. After Lawrence sees the body (or what’s left of it) he goes to the local tavern where rumors of a foul beast are swirling. Well it isn’t long until Lawrence is attacked and bitten by this “foul beast” or werewolf and that is where the real blood and gore begin…as well as the story.
Now I’m sure you want to know if the movie is any good. I can tell you that it is a decent movie. The acting is good as well it should be with the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Benicio Del Toro, and Hugo Weaving taking up the majority of the screen time (Sorry Ms. Blunt you have yet to wow me). The special effects are on par, but it is noticeable when the film switches from practical to computer generated effects. The make-up is outstanding and I found myself just staring at Benicio Del Toro every time he was on screen in full werewolf makeup. (I can’t wait to watch the special features when this thing hits blu-ray)
My problem with the movie lies with the plot and the lack of character development. I think a little more time could have been spent on character development. As the movie came to a close I wasn’t as concerned about the characters I had been watching for almost two hours as I should have been. Overall, it just wasn’t that scary or frightening. Don’t get me wrong, the movie has its moments of suspense and fright, but it wasn’t enough to have me on the edge of my seat at any point during the movie.
“The Wolfman” is the type of movie that falls into the wait and rent category for me. It was good, but I don’t feel it was worth the ticket price. Save your money and go see Shutter Island, a movie that looks like it will be fantastic.



The  Buzz on The Wolfman is 2 1/2 stars out of 5