The Final Cut: Dark Water Looks Dim, Fantastic Four Full Of Action

This week, The Final Cut takes a closer look at a remake of a Japanese horror film and a long awaited film starring 4 of our favorite comic book characters.  Out in limited release this Friday are: Chronicles starring John Leguizamo; Julie Johnson starring Courtney Love and Mischa Barton; The Beautiful Country with Tim Roth, Damien Nguyen and Ling Bai; and Murderball, a Sundance pick directed by Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro.  As always, please feel free to post your comments on any of this weekends’ new releases.

DARK WATER

Starring: Jennifer Connelly, Ariel Gade, John C. Reilly

Dahlia Williams (Jennifer Connelly) is starting a new life; newly separated with a new job and a new apartment, she’s determined to put her relationship with her estranged husband behind her and devote herself to raising her daughter, Ceci. But when the strained separation disintegrates into a bitter custody battle, her situation takes a turn for the worse. Her new apartment - dilapidated, cramped, and worn - seems to take on a life of its own. Mysterious noises, persistent leaks of dark water, and strange happenings cause her imagination to run wild, leaving her to wonder who is behind the endless mind games. As Dahlia frantically searches for the links between the riddles, the dark water seems to close around her. But one thing trumps all others in Dahlia’s world: no matter what it is that’s out there, nothing is going to harm her little girl.

The latest in remakes of Japanese horror films, Dark Water has a great cast, which means we should expect good acting in this film.  I’ve heard that this film has little plot, but that Salles does a good enough job directing to make it worth while, and also makes Roosevelt Island look and feel more frightening than it actually is.  The biggest worry I have about this Gothic film is that it may be boring and slow, since many who have seen it claim it is one, the other, or both.  I personally have no idea how it plays out, so I’m going to have to say, “View it at your own risk!”

FANTASTIC FOUR

Starring: Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis

Based on the Marvel comics, the “Fantastic Four” consists of Reed Richards, Sue Richards, Benjamin Grimm and Johnny Storm. They rocketed into space in an experimental starship, the first humans to attempt interstellar travel. But a freak encounter with cosmic rays changed their lives forever, granting each unique powers. Now, they continue to challenge the unknown as the greatest team of superhuman adventures ever assembled.

Another movie based on comic book heroes, Fantastic Four combines action with humor in this 1hour 45 minute long film.  The release date was almost pushed back due to the time it took to finish the CGI, but they were able to finish on time, creating great graphics throughout the movie.  I’ve enjoyed the past couple of comic book films that were released, and I’d been looking forward to this film for a while.  This film seems like it will be really entertaining, and I’d recommend seeing it this weekend.