Glass (2019)

If it wasn't for Glass, I probably would have never seen Unbreakable, one of the best origin films ever, nor Split, its marvellous standalone sequel. If I hadn't loved those two films, on the other hand, I would have never sat through two hours of whatever the hell Glass is. 

Set immediately after Split, Glass opens with an aged David Dunn (Bruce Willis) who, helped by his son, Joseph (Spencer Treat Clark), tries to stop Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy) and the twenty-four personalities that reside within him. Things don't go exactly as planned and both David and Kevin are locked up in a mental hospital where David's archenemy, Elijah Price aka Mr. Glass (Samuel L. Jackson), is also staying. As if that wasn't bad enough, David has to deal with a psychiatrist (Sarah Paulson) who is out to prove that the three men do not have super-human abilities. 

The plot was neither Unbreakable nor Split's strongest suit, so I was not expecting anything grand from Glass under this aspect. Unfortunately, it turned out to be even worse than anticipated. Not only it makes no sense whatsoever, it features twists that, at the same time, are predictable and unexpected as they are completely devoid of logic, and it just basically just a lame excuse to have the three characters reunited in one film, but it's not interesting, it's not compelling, it just simply does not keep you hooked like its predecessors did. 

The main reason both Unbreakable and Split worked for me was the characters —while not every single one of them had the depth or development they deserved, they were interesting —especially Kevin—, likeable and realistic. In Glass, they have the same issues —they are shallow and the development is nearly nonexisting—, only this time they are pretty uninteresting and quite annoying to be honest, especially the psychiatrist.

The performances are also disappointing. Bruce Willis gives a dull, uninspired performance as he essentially sleep-walks through the entire film; Samuel L. Jackson is mediocre to say the least as Mr. Glass; Anya Taylor-Joy, who reprises her role of Casey, has barely something to work with; and the same goes with Sarah Paulson who not only is given absolutely nothing to do but has the most excruciating lines of dialogue.

Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

M. Night Shyamalan's direction is also pretty bland and boring. The film indeed lacks the tension and suspense required by a psychological thriller —this is what Glass is supposed to be, right?—, there's no atmosphere, and the cinematography is lifeless.

There's a light at the end of the tunnel though, and it's James McAvoy's performance as Kevin and his multiple personalities. Already the most compelling aspect of Split, McAvoy is yet again mesmerizing, and the switching between personalities is more impressive than ever. This guy is just fascinating to watch and about the only logical reason to watch Glass.

Split (2016)

After watching and loving Unbreakable, I followed Sid's suggestion, and I checked out its (standalone) sequel, Split.

The story follows Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), a teenager with a traumatic past, and two of her classmates, Claire (Haley Lu Richardson) and Marcia (Jessica Sula), who are kidnapped by Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), a man suffering from dissociative identity disorder. While the three girls try to find a way to escape, Crumb's psychologist, Dr. Karen Fletcher (Betty Buckley), delves deeper in his disorder and realises there's something wrong with him.

Plot-wise, there isn't much to say as it's a pretty simple story with some twists —at times predictable— and turns along the way. Also, it's not the most appropriate thriller storytelling as there is more telling than showing. And yet the story is very interesting, compelling, and suspenseful, and will keep you on the edge of your seat for a great portion of the film's running time.

Just like with Unbreakable, the reason Split works as good as it does is the characters. While Casey's friends couldn't be any more clichéd than that, the character of Casey is nicely written, she is given a backstory through flashbacks, and, although she's the typical girl with a troubled past, you cannot help but root for her. It also helps that Anya Taylor-Joy gives a good performance and she is able to deliver the chemistry that gradually builds between her character and her abductor. Amongst the secondary characters, Betty Buckley gives a convincing performance as Dr. Fletcher.

As for Crumb, he is such an interesting, fascinating villain because of his multiple personalities we get to meet —whether it's Denis or Patricia trying to protect Kevin, the artistic Barry, or the goofy and funny 9-year-old Hedwig, the character is always compelling. Most of the credits go to James McAvoy for delivering yet another outstanding performance. We don't get to see all of Kevin's twenty-three personalities, but he nails every single one we meet —homosexual, heterosexual, man, woman, young, old, kid, beast, he's always convincing and believable. My favourite personality? Hedwig. Although McAvoy kind of sounds like Tommy Wiseau when playing the 9-year-old boy, he is a delight every time he's on screen, and he's the reason I cared about Kevin.

Universal Pictures

Just like its predecessor, Split is slowly paced but M. Night Shyamalan manages to build tension and suspense nevertheless, and with the help of a creepy, uneasy atmosphere —enhanced by the beautiful cinematography, sets and the score from West Dylan Thordson— delivers an intense and terrifying film.

PODCAST 78: Devil & Saint Nick

This week Forest & Cory go it alone as John is on leave, visiting with some family for the holiday season. With John outta the way, Forest shares his thoughts on Devil, and Cory reviews the Dutch holiday horror Saint Nick. A Santa movie with "black face".

CONTINUE READING

Did You See TITANS? How About AIRBENDER? Here Is Why You Should Reserve Judgement On 3D Conversions!

Wow. Can't a guy go on a few days vacation around here? Right now I am sitting on the coast of Nova Scotia with no cell phone service and very limited Internet. Trying to relax, while yet another 3D conversion tries to wipe 3D off the map. Of course that will not happen but still to say it is an irritant is an understatement.

So M. Night Shymalongadingdong releases the snorefest THE LAST AIRBENDER while I am gone. I actually thought at one point, given the exceptional effects and potential for a great story, that he can't miss with this one. Now I have lined up with the masses on drumming this guy out of Hollywood. Or something. I will say this: We don't know exactly whose ultimate decision it was to convert this pile of %#@* to 3D, but they should be forced to watch it on an endless loop for a week straight.

It sounds like executives saw how lousy it was going to be and as it was too late to pull the plug decided to maximize any revenue coming in by making it 3D after the fact. Sounds plausible doesn't it? If this is true, I am sick to my stomach. It would be even worse than the decision to convert CLASH OF THE TITANS because AIRBENDER executives would at least have knowledge of what can go terribly wrong through TITANS.

I have long held this belief: If you have the time (and I said TIME as in a year at least with current technology) then by all means convert your new feature length film using a reputable company. BUT if you do not have time on your side, nor the financial ability to get it done right - LEAVE IT ALONE.

Further, there are enough titles that need to be converted to 3D from a boundless library of studio classics that will keep everyone very busy for the years to come. What is going to fill the programming slots of those brand new S3DHD channels we are/will be getting? Sure 3D sports and live entertainment, but there needs to be lots of work done with those existing movie libraries. More than enough work for everyone.

But will common sense prevail? Apparently not - at least not in the short term. In fact there is a backlash mounting now against 3D conversion and if they are not careful - against ALL 3D conversions.

Here is why you should reserve judgment on 3D conversions:

1. The technology is rather young. Every month there are new strides being made in the process.
2. Certain companies are FAR better than others in converting material. In time, the better companies will rise to the top as in any capitalist market.
3. Inexperience with a new genre leads to bad decisions being made - time corrects inexperience and future decisions will reflect the errors being made today. And THEY ARE being made today.
4. Wait to see HARRY POTTER's finales in converted 3D. Then make a decision.

Are future native 3D projects threatened by this onslaught of stupid conversion decisions? No. We have AVATAR under our belts. We KNOW what a good 3D movie looks like and there is an obvious deep thirst for that entertainment. What is happening now though is that audiences are becoming fluent with 3D terminology and will start insisting on native 3D movies rather than conversions. And whose fault is it? Studio executives. I can't point the finger at anyone else right now. It is a shame. ALICE IN WONDERLAND was done very well. 3D conversion CAN be done very well.

Personally, TRON cannot get here soon enough. Disney - move the launch up will you? ;-) We need a good solid native 3D blockbuster again and I know without a shadow of a doubt that TRON: LEGACY will fit the bill. In the meanwhile I am a tad worried. I have suspected for some time now that PIRANHA is going to suck - I DIDN'T think AIRBENDER would and it did.

So could PIRANHA be a worse decision for 3D conversion? I hope not. Just keep humming the mantra TROOOOOONNNNNN. TROOOOOOONNNNN in your mind and this should all be over in a matter of months. Deal?

Must Watch: Two More Clips From THE LAST AIRBENDER!

We have two more eye catching scenes from the upcoming M. Night Shyamalan 3D adventure THE LAST AIRBENDER. Too bad they are not in higher resolution, but you can definitely catch the excitement.

So just what are we getting ourselves into here with THE LAST AIRBENDER? To me it is looking more and more like one heckuva ride. Take these two clips for example: The effects look extremely well done and they blend in nicely with young, yet characterized actors who look truly invested in the scenes. In my opinion, this is nothing less than a blockbuster waiting to happen. Assuming the story fits with its own dogma.

Check out the clips below!





What do you think? Are you up for this movie or what?

THE LAST AIRBENDER Will Be In 3D!!

Jim here. Ain't It Cool has news that M. Night Shyamalan's THE LAST AIRBENDER will be converted into S3D!

From what I have seen from the first trailer it looks stunning. Word is it only gets better with the next trailer being shown in front of IRON MAN 2.

THE LAST AIRBENDER hits 2D and 3D screens July 2.

I have to say I was very skeptical about the movie in the beginning. Perhaps it rubbed me the wrong way by trying to use "AVATAR" in its title at one time! And M. Night Shamalong-a-ding-dong hasn't had too great a track record lately. But I will be the first to admit that THE LAST AIRBENDER looks very appealing. And my opinion may be changing not only for the project but for the director himself.

If they can spend the time and money to do the conversion right, I believe it will be very successful. Fingers crossed on the conversion!