Monday, April 30, 2012

I Saw A Movie. In A Theater! WOOT!



 Welcome to my posting for May Monster Madness, a blog hop hosted by ANNIE WALLS, LITTLE GOTHIC HORRORS and SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES.  I hope y'all will take some time and visit some (ALL!) of the participating blogs.

I went to the movies on Saturday.  Like I actually got up, dressed, got in the car and drove to a real movie theater!  My daughter wanted to see The Raven and since I'm also a fan of Edgar Allan Poe and John Cusack, how could I possibly resist the call of $12.00 movie theater popcorn and $6.00 Coke, Poe and Cusack?

Cusack did an excellent job of portraying Poe.  Although, I was expecting a more debauched, less dashing Edgar Allan, I did find John Cusack to be believable. The movie provides a unique take on what happened before Poe's mysterious death in 1849.  "The Raven" is basically a good old-fashioned whodunit!

The movie centers around the three days prior to Poe's death.  Murders are being committed in Baltimore by someone copying Poe's more famous poems and stories.  Luke Evans plays Inspector Fields, who seems ahead of his time in the use of forensic science. Mr. Evans has very prominent canine teeth and it was a bit disconcerting 'cause I kept thinking he might be a vampire but I was just mixing up my genres during a Skittle high.  I wasn't familiar with Luke before this movie and teeth aside, he did an excellent job of playing a detective who thought about the "why" of the crimes and not just the "who".

Emily Hamilton, Poe's love interest, is portrayed by Alice Eve.  The woman is angelically beautiful.  She loves Edgar Allan in spite of his alcoholism and drug dependency because his writing and devotion speaks to her soul.  His deep and selfless love will be what surprises in the end.

I'm not sure what movie critics are saying about the movie, I don't read them because they usually hate every movie I love.  I really enjoyed "The Raven", so screw the paid critics and listen to me!  The film didn't rely on over the top CGI or huge movie "stars".  It told an intriguing, suspenseful story through good acting and excellent writing.  The movie was a beauty to watch because of the attention to detail in costuming and sets along with skilled cinematography.  I'm giving "The Raven" four bats!

 Smiley from millan.netSmiley from millan.netSmiley from millan.netSmiley from millan.net


 


   

14 blew out from under the bed:

Little Gothic Horrors said...

"I kept thinking he might be a vampire but I was just mixing up my genres during a Skittle high." Hahaha.

Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! The movie seems to be getting iffy reviews but I really want to see it anyway. LIke you, I don't care what the critics say. I like to make up my own mind.

"I really enjoyed "The Raven", so screw the paid critics and listen to me!" ❤ ❤ ❤

BlacknickSculpture said...

My wife and I haven't seen a movie in the theater in quite some time. Sounds like The Raven would be right up our alley! Thanks for the heads up ; )

Akelamalu said...

I can't remember the last time I went to a Cinema, we usually wait until they come on TV or maybe my brother downloads them and passes them on to us.

Ron said...

Nitebyrd, I can't thank you enough for sharing this review because I've been DYING to see this film. Great clip!

I love dark, Gothic-type movies like this.

Also, I love Poe's work.

Did you know that he lived here in Philadelphia for awhile? His home is a historical landmark on Spring Garden Street. I've seen it.

Glad you were able to get out and see this movie. GREAT review!

X ya, Sis!

Daph said...

My family and I want to see that also
we went to the movies on Friday the 13th and saw Cabin In The Woods. I so enjoyed it. I love certain movies on the big screen. This was one of em

CrystalChick said...

Since I adore John Cusack and always enjoyed Poe's work, I definitely want to see this.
Glad you liked it, and thanks for the review.

Mortuis said...

I haven't seen a decent Poe movie since the Roger Corman/Vincent Price flicks of the 60s - and to have Poe as the hero - oh boy!

However, given that these days it's cheaper to buy the DVD than to go to the theater - not to mention easier on your arteries - I'll be waiting for the DVD.

Wicked said...

I loved this movie too! Although for me, John Cussack never really became Poe for me. I felt like it was John Cussack playing John Cussack pretending to be Edgar Allen Poe. lol Regardless it was very well done and was a ton of fun to see in theaters! Glad you enjoyed it too!

<3 Jess

Anonymous said...

Oh now thats cool!
I can't tell you the last time I went to the movies.
That would requiretime
and money...
Laughing
I am so glad you had a good time!
yeah!

Fat Controller said...

We have been on a movie-going streak at the moment. There are just so many good movies around - Shame, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Iron Lady, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel...But this one we HAVE to see. I just hope it comes to our little kingdom soon.

pensive pumpkin said...

I have to admit, I skimmed over most of the review because I haven't seen it yet. Maybe tonight!!! Yay!!!!


Love your bats, BTW. Awesome.

nitebyrd said...

Little Gothic Horrors ~ I did like the movie. When I actually haul my butt out to a theater and a small fortune, I want to see some action, heads exploding, be scared or laugh myself sick. I want a beginning, a middle and an end. I HATE movies that make me go, "Huh?" when they are over. The Raven was perfect!

BlacknickSculpture ~ I think it was well worth the popcorn money!

Akelamalu ~ Usually, I do the same. I haven't wanted to rush out and see anything in forever. I'm actually still trying to catch "Black Swan". The next movie that I will go to the theater for is, "Abraham Lincoln - Vampire Hunter", it looks AMAZING! (The book was great!) Oh, I will be seeing "Dark Shadows" on Sunday!

Ron ~ You'll enjoy it, I think. I didn't know he lived in Philly! Thanks! I'm going to be in The Poconos area at the end of the month. My friend has gifted me with a ticket to come and see her! If time wasn't going to be so limited, I'd come to Philadelphia to see you.

nitebyrd said...

Daph ~ That is also a film I'd like to see. There was a preview for The House At The End of the Street that looks really good, too!

CrystalChick ~ I'm a fan of Cusack's. I try to catch all his movies. I was watching, Sixteen Candles the other day, he was a BABY! LOL

Mortius ~ No one will ever replace Vincent but Cusack was a passable Poe, IMO. It definitely is cheaper to buy the DVD, that's for sure - even before it goes on sale!

Jess ~ Cusack portrayed Poe for the masses. I doubt he/the movie would have been as good if he tried to capture all Poe's idiosyncrasies. He portrayed a more "attractive" Poe for the uninitiated, perhaps. Thanks for stopping by!

Illuminary ~ The time! Yes! I felt a bit guilty for sitting eating popcorn and Skittles instead of doing laundry. Well .... not really. But, still .... ;)

Fat Controller ~ Yes, I know what you mean. So many movies, so little time! I am taking some of that valuable time on Sunday to see Dark Shadows, though. I'm a bit sad that it will be a comedy but I trust Tim Burton and Johnny Depp to still pay tribute to the original series. A series that I love/loved! You'll enjoy, The Raven so I do hope it comes to where you live very soon.

nitebyrd said...

pensive pumpkin ~ You didn't have to skim! I wouldn't have given too much away because I know the movie was so new that not many had seen it. Did you go? How did you like it? Aren't those bats the cutest? I have a thing for bats. And skulls. And zombies. And bizarre rabbits. And .... Thanks for visiting my blog!