Keeper

Keeper marks Osgood Perkins' seventh directorial feature. Trivia: he is the son of actor Anthony Perkins. I hadn't heard of Osgood until all the hype about Longlegs, with Nic Cage, began to swirl about. I didn't love Longlegs as much as I was hoping to. It started great, but it never seemed to get going. Then came along The Monkey. I had a blast with this one. The Monkey was a fun horror film. Which brings us to his latest: Keeper. As I type this, the Rotten Tomatoes critic and audience scores sit at 51% and 40% respectively - a splat, as RT puts it. I had planned to see it in the theatre but didn't get around to it in time. A shame, I believe. I would have loved to see it on the big screen because it's a visual stunner. Like Tornado I just reviewed, the colour palette of this film is beige, brown, and grey. It feels like you walked into a GAP store in the mid '90s. Ha. Anyway, the story is a creepy cabin in the woods tale, except the cabin is an minimalist modern beautiful home, set in an idyllic forest with a tranquil stream running nearby. Oh, and there is another house nearby - crazy cousin Darren lives there. So, the plot is simple, Dr. Malcolm Westbridge (Rossif Sutherland) brings his new girlfriend Liz (Tatiana Maslany) up for a weekend at his "cottage." Malcolm's self-described asshole cousin lives next door. Things go strange quickly. Perkins knows how to make a haunting and disturbing atmosphere out of almost nothing. It's a formulaic story but the surreal and haunting images felt so fresh that my film-nerd squirrel tail went straight up with excitement. And Tatiana Maslany's performance, going loopy, is a fun trip. Keeper is a keeper. Catch it streaming or go rent it from Movies 'N Stuff here in Ottawa.        

The Conjuring: Last Rites

This marks the 4th and potentially last film in The Conjuring series (not to mention the Annabelle and The Nun spin offs, each with multiple entries of their own - The Conjuring Universe). Although this horror franchise seems to be doing well because they keep making them - conjuring up money I say - so you never know if it's really over (one last jump scare, a few more dollars, eh?). Take my money! I have loved them all, at least The Conjuring films. The chemistry between Lorraine and Ed Warren (played by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson) is undeniably great - I would watch another four Conjuring films! So, is Last Rites any good? I'm biased but of course it is! It's great! Maybe the best since the first. Ignore the Rotten Tomatoes score! Pay no attention. What's this one all about? Well the Warrens have a daughter, Judy (Mia Tomlinson) and she seems to have inherited her mother's powers to perceive unwanted spirits. A family needs help but Ed's heart isn't good, so he shouldn't be fighting ghosts - doctor's orders. But hey, this family really needs help and The Warrens, well they don't run from a fight. Sinks of blood, haunted mirrors, axe wielding ghost farmers, creepy dolls, and a bunch of other ghoulish nonsense to get us ready for the Halloween season ahead. Exorcism fun for the whole family. Grab some popcorn, the body of Christ, and some holy water and catch this entity in theatres now. Rent it from Movies N' Stuff in Ottawa when it becomes available.     

Sketch

I saw this at the St. Laurent Theatres here in Ottawa. Occasionally they have first run films, like this one, but mostly it’s second run stuff and a lot of Indian action movies. I didn’t want it to go past everyone without it getting the attention it deserves. It is distributed by Angel Studios, a Christian-themed entertainment company. As an atheist I have no problem watching anything put out by any religion, so long as I don’t feel like I am being judged or preached at. There is nothing preachy happening here. This is simply a great family film, a kid’s film, with a great concept. It’s about Amber (Bianca Belle), a young girl who channels her emotions into her sketchbook. Amber’s drawings are often dark, monstrously so. Her brother discovers a magical pool of toilet bowl blue water that can fix things. When Amber’s sketchbook accidentally falls in, her drawings come to life. The movie feels like something that would have been produced in the 80s. By today’s standards, it’s frightening - Pet Sematary, Jeepers Creepers, and Arachnophobia spring to mind, but not quite as visceral. It’s a family movie after all. First-time writer director Seth Worley has made a special film, touching, and delightful. Let this one draw you in and colour your day. In theatres now. Rent it from Movies’N Stuff when available. 

Together

Relationships are hard, especially for artists, and extra especially if they aren't hugely successful. Just read my review on Materialists and you will get an earful. Together is the horror movie version of Materialists. Well not quite, but close enough. Dave Franco plays Tim, a mid-thirties musician who still hasn't "made it" on the scene. His teacher girlfriend, Millie - played by Alison Brie - has accepted a job two hours away from the big city teaching in a small town. City boy Tim has agreed to move there, although he doesn't seem thrilled about it. Their ten-year relationship needs some work. They need some bonding time. Well they get it alright. This is a body horror picture and it puts together (see what I did there) different pieces of different horror movies - The Descent, The Shining, Alien, The Thing, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers to name a few. It glues aspects of these films together (wink) and gives us something that feels fresh thanks to writer/director, Michael Shanks. Together also has some outstanding and terrifying visuals. You should definitely get together for this one. In theatres now or go rent it from Movies 'N Stuff in Ottawa when it comes out.   

Materialists

I have a friend who told me when I was going to Algonquin College to get a "real" job, that women don't want a guy who isn't financially secure - long haired artist freaks are romantic, but women will eventually dump my ass because nobody wants to be poor. Was my friend right? I will admit that poverty sucks. I have managed to be an artist, a writer and have a full time job. I also got married and had kids. I know a writer who did not compromise, never got a "real" job and just wrote - he also got married and had kids. He suffered in poverty for decades and had just as much shitty writing success as me. What's my point? Most artists, writers, actors, painters, cartoonists, never reach the heights of George Clooney or Stephen King. Heck, even moderately successful writers here in Canada still have some sort of side job (teaching, etc.) to make ends meet. What has this all to do with the movie, Materialists you ask? Well this is the heart of the picture - do you marry the guy with money and have an easy life or do you marry the struggling actor, the love of your life and be poor? This is Lucy's (Dakota Johnson) dilemma. Lucy has given up her dream to become an actor and now she is a high-end Manhattan matchmaker for the wealthy. Along comes handsome, tall, and extremely rich Harry (Pedro Pascal) who doesn't want Lucy's services, he wants Lucy. Lucy likes money and eating in fancy restaurants. Will she end up with him or John (Chris Evans) who is at the top end of his 30s and still living with roommates and working a part time job to support his acting dream? Full confession, I didn't care for writer/director Celine Song's first film, Past Lives. However I certainly enjoyed this one. This is a smart film for adults and Song's writing is strong. I was impressed. All these actors I mentioned have been Marvel superheroes. I bet they all did it for the money. Catch this regular person movie at your local repertory theatre or if you are in Ottawa, rent it from Movies 'N Stuff.  

The Ballad of Wallis Island

It is very hard not to be charmed by this lovely little film which is a kind of mashup of Local Hero meets The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. What's it all about? Lottery winner and music fan, Charles (Tim Key) has a dream to bring his favourite folk duo, McGwyer & Mortimer - (Herb McGwyer and Nell Mortimer played by Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan) back together after their break-up thirteen years prior for a private show on the remote island of Wallis. Charles and his late wife were huge fans of the duo. Charles is planning on having the concert of the fifth anniversary of her passing. There is a lot of what you might consider schmaltz, but it doesn't come off that way. And it goes in directions I didn't expect largely due to Charles himself. He has a personality like a goofy birthday card, the dialogue he spews is a rhyming sing-song of pop culture nonsense which you cannot help but enjoy. The music is great and the chemistry and tension between Herb and Nell is well done. These characters felt real. This was playing in theatres for a long time. If you missed it, it's now streaming on Prime. Or go rent it a Movies 'N Stuff here in Ottawa. 

Sorry, Baby

Writer, director, and star, Eva Victor needs to be nominated for all the awards this season. I'm truly impressed. I would say she is extraordinary, except after watching Sorry, Baby the word "extraordinary" might be triggering. This is a portrait of a woman, Agnes, an academic college professor of literature, who undergoes a traumatic event and its aftermath. It's personal. It's also funny despite the heavy subject matter. The characters are fully formed and the dialogue is very well written - natural, witty, and smart. Naomi Ackie plays Lydie, Agnes's best friend and trauma confidant. Lucas Hedges plays Gavin, the next-door neighbor and potential love interest. And then there is the small role of character actor, John Carroll Lynch as Pete, the sandwich maker. I love Lynch in everything he does. He always fills the frame with warmth (or terror, depending on the role). Sorry, Baby is a story about surviving trauma. It's also about healing and friendship. It's intelligent, funny, honest, and empathetic. It is another clear example of why I go to the movies. It will no doubt make my list of best films of the year. In Ottawa it was playing at the Bytwone (maybe it will come back). No doubt it is likely to show up at the Mayfair. And I know it's on order for rent at Movies 'N Stuff on Kilborn. Catch this one for sure. 

Friendship

"Dumb and Dumber" meets "Swimfan." Tim Robinson plays Craig, a kind of socially unaware man-child whose wife has recently gone through cancer and survived. They have a teenage son and have put their house up for sale. A package arrives on their doorstep. Wrong address. Craig walks it over to his new neighbor, Austin (Paul Rudd). Austin is a weatherman on the local news. He is also in a band. Craig is smitten with Austin's effortless coolness. When Austin invites Craig to hang with him and his bro friends one night, well it goes all awkward. There is a lot of funny stuff here and sometimes the jokes take the whole length of the movie to hit the punchline. Craig getting stronger-stuff from the teenager at the cellphone store was a highlight. I don't want to tell you too much because I want you to discover everything yourself - like the entrance to a secret cave that leads to a land of magical comedy. Catch it in theatres now or go rent it from Movies 'N Stuff when it becomes available. 

Gimme Shelter

Stage security at rock concerts seems to have come a long, long way since 1969. But then again, do we have outdoor concerts with 300,000 people anymore? "Gimme Shelter" is a 1970 documentary about the 1969 Rolling Stones concert at the Altamont Speedway in sunny California. It was a free concert and people thought it might be a companion bookend to Woodstock from early that year. The Hells Angels were hired as security for the show. When I was a young man, I read "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test" and Hunter Thompson's "Hell's Angels." I was fascinated with this period of American history - mostly the story of LSD and how it came to affect so much of the culture. It surprises me that I only got around to watching this documentary now. It's a fascinating time capsule. It's also a horror movie. The Rolling Stones were at the height of their popularity and fans were ravenous to see them, touch them physically if possible. The film starts with Mick Jagger watching footage of his band performing at Madison Square Garden, during which three individuals, fans, rush the stage to touch, hug, or somehow engage physically with the band - all three within minutes of each other. Mick and the boys kept playing. Scary for them. What's even scarier? Hells Angels. As I said, this is a horror movie. People tripping out of their gourds, stoned to the hilt on LSD and/or mushrooms, zombie-like march towards the stage, some of them naked. It's "It Follows" but for real. There is a terrifying scene where Mick is singing on stage and beside him is a man who looks like he is transforming into a zombie or werewolf - high as a loon. I watched in complete horror. From the start you know there is a death coming and the whole film is filled with dread. Both riveting and horrifying, one of the most fascinating rock documentaries you will see. Watch it on the Criterion Channel or go rent it in Ottawa from Movies 'N Stuff. 

The Darjeeling Limited

I have a complicated relationship with Wes Anderson. I love some of his films: "Rushmore," "Isle of Dogs," "The Grand Budapest Hotel," and "The Royal Tenenbaums." However a lot of his work feels repetitious. Anderson's characters always remind me of J. D. Salinger's fictional Glass family - white, precocious, wealthy, and liberally educated in the arts. In an Anderson film, a character will read a list of things they are packing in a suitcase, or a list of things they need to do. Sometimes this can be charming or even funny, but often I find it annoying. This isn't Anderson's problem, it's mine. If I don't enjoy it, I shouldn't watch. Which is maybe why I avoided "The Darjeeling Limited" for so long. It came out in 2007 when my kids were just one and three and it quickly passed me by. Recently two of my closest film nerd friends told me I should watch it; "It's good" they said. One of them was Peter Thompson, owner and operator of Movies 'N Stuff here in Ottawa. Maybe he was telling me that at the time to make sure I purchased from him the old Blockbuster DVD I held in my hand. I bought it. Watched it. "The Darjeeling Limited" might just be my new favourite Anderson film. It's certainly his most personal film, most human. What's it all about? Three brothers (played by Owen Wilson, now two-time Academy Award winning actor, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman) travel through India after their father's untimely passing to find their mother who is at a Christian monastery. It's a road trip movie. I was delighted from the opening shots. There is a warmth and honesty these characters have which doesn't often permeate Anderson's other work, or at least not as much. I loved this film. Catch it streaming or go rent it from Peter at Movies 'N Stuff here in Ottawa. 

Inland Empire

Recently we lost filmmaker David Lynch. Here in Ottawa, the Mayfair Theatre has once again stepped up and has been putting on a David Lynch retrospective - applause, Mayfair; job well done. I had the good fortune to catch "Inland Empire," one of only two Lynch films I hadn't seen. I like weird, I like surreal. The films of Alejandro Jodorowsky for example, "The Holy Mountain" and "El Topo." And such recent wonders as, "Titane," and "Beau is Afraid." Lynch's other films, "Blue Velvet," "Wild at Heart," "Lost Highway," and "Mulholland Drive" all fall into this dreamscape world. "Inland Empire" might just be Lynch's most ambitious work. It's a movie about a dream, set inside a movie about a dream - maybe? Yes, that makes no sense, and neither does "Inland Empire." It might just be the strangest and most challenging of Lynch's works. Days later I'm still digesting it. Packed with strange situations and repeating themes, it's a mental workout in a gym where everyone suddenly breaks into dancing. Lynch is painting in dreams. As a result, sometimes it feels impenetrable, you're grasping for something to hold onto but the handrail has turned into a homeless person begging for change. This is not for you Marvel film goer. This might not be for those folks who like art films. This is for hardcore Lynch fans and people who like to sit around in coffee shops and pretentiously say, "I watched 'Inland Empire' and it was simply brilliant," (insert person sipping a cappuccino, pinky extended). I jest, although I think there might be some pretentious Criterion film nerd shit going on with anyone who says they love and/or understands this film. It's certainly a film I'm glad I saw and I think it may be Lynch's masterpiece, at least in his own mind, or did I dream that? Go rent it from Movie 'N Stuff here in Ottawa or watch it on the Criterion channel.  

Adolescence

Way back in December of 2021 I posted a review of "Boiling Point" starring Stephen Graham. If you haven't seen that film, you can go rent it from Movie 'N Stuff here in Ottawa. Stephen Graham and director Philip Barantini are back with a four-part series currently streaming on Netflix. Once again, like "Boiling Point," each episode is one-shot, one-take, with no edits or cuts. It's become a thing, this one-shot style. I'm not sure it always works or is necessary in general, but here, it works oh-so-very well. With this technique, there is no time to look away. It creates an incredible intimacy between you, the viewer, and the characters. You are there with them as it's happening in real time, you get to experience it as they are experiencing it. In this case, the arresting of Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) for a crime and the fallout for his family - dad (played by Stephen Graham), mom (Christine Tremarco), and sister (Amelie Pease). These actors are all wonderful, but Owen Cooper - my god, this kid was outstanding. Hats off Mr. Cooper, you are a star. And Stephen Graham, he brought me to tears with his performance - pass the tissues. Graham knocked it out of the park. There is an episode where Jamie speaks to a psychologist who is played by Erin Doherty - she also gives a tremendous performance. This series is riveting, heartbreaking, and extremely heavy. It's also one of the best series I've seen in a long time. Catch it streaming on Netflix. 

Scarecrow (1973)

 As you are likely aware, we recently lost the great Gene Hackman. Here in Ottawa, the Mayfair Theatre (Ottawa's oldest movie theatre and my favourite place on earth) has been putting on a Gene Hackman retrospective to honour the late actor. Class act, Mayfair. Last night I went with a good friend to watch "Scarecrow," staring Hackman and a very young Al Pacino. I took film very seriously at a young age and there was a time when I sought to watch all the films of actors like Gene Hackman - if they weren't available for rent at my local video store, didn't play at the Mayfair, or weren't shown on TV, there was no other way to find them. "Scarecrow" was one of those films I missed. What a delight this movie is. From the opening shot, watching Hackman come down that sun-soaked hill to the credits, I thought, "They just don't make them like this anymore." Hackman plays an ex-con looking to open a car wash business and runs into Pacino, an ex-sailor. Their adventure begins. Part "Midnight Cowboy," part "Cool Hand Luke," part "The Last Detail," it's a whole lot of nostalgia - for both the actors, a time before cellphones, and an are when you could smoke a cigar inside a department store. I don't think it has the emotional punch of "Midnight Cowboy" but "Scarecrow" certainly features two wonderful performances by two great actors in their prime. Definitely a film to seek out. Go rent it from Movies 'N Stuff here in Ottawa. 

Nickel Boys

Nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, "Nickel Boys" is the story of Elwood Curtis, a smart young black teen who gets thrown into a brutal reform school (Nickel) in Southern USA in the 1960s. He befriends Turner, another black youth, who seems to know his way around the institution. Nickel is something out of "The Shawshank Redemption" or "Cool Hand Luke" except all the boys here are black, and they might end up buried at the back of the property. A good chunk of the film is shot from the first person point of view of either Turner or Elwood, like "Hardcore Henry" except without all the action. At first I found this visual choice a little off putting but in the end I think it gives the movie more gravitas than it might hold otherwise. Director RaMell Ross has crafted a very arty film. It jumps through time and images of the civil rights movement are presented at times with others: American life in the 1960s, dream sequences with alligators, and snapshots of contemporary pieces (toy trinkets, buttons) from forensic digs of discarded children who we are to assume have suffered horrific deaths. Some of this felt like an exhibit you might find in a modern museum of art. I think it gives the film it's power, rather than being another "Jailhouse" picture. This one carries weight. Catch it in theatres or if you are in Ottawa, rent it at Movies 'N Stuff when available. 

Memoir of a Snail

"Memoir of a Snail" is an animated stop-motion film and it's not for kids. This is about as black a comedy as you will find and I enjoyed every minute of it. I even laughed out loud - a rare thing for me. What's it all about? It's a life reflected back upon by Grace Pudel (voiced by Sarah Snook, who you might know as the spicy ginger, Shiv Roy from HBO's "Succession"). Grace has a hoarding problem, all things snails. She even wears a snail hat, with two little snail-like antennae eyeballs. Grace recounts her life, narrating from birth with her twin brother. Grace was born with a cleft lip and this film embraces all things messy and strange and in some odd ways, normalizes them, which is the charm of the film and its beauty. This is a warts-and-all story of mental illness, sexual fetishes, an unflattering look at religion, dementia, and hoarding, however done with such love and silliness, these things don't feel so heavy. Grace meets Pinky (Jacki Weaver) an exuberant and quirky older woman who reminded me of a cross between Mrs. Roper and Maude (from "Harold and Maude"). Pinky smokes Cuban cigars and loves gardening and life. Pinky is a free spirit and this is exactly what Grace needed in her life. The details in this film are simply a joy. Pay attention to all the reading material - so much fun. "Memoir of a Snail" is anything from sluggish, it's a fun and fast ride. And it's not for kids. Catch it in a rep theatre now or rent it from Movies 'N Stuff if you are in Ottawa.  

Rat Race

 Are you kidding me? Am I kidding you? I'm not joking around here. This is a comedy from 2001 which I believe I promptly ignored upon its release. I'm not sure why I ignored it because it's directed by Jerry Zucker, who has given us, along with his brother David Zucker, such comedy classics as 'Airplane!" and "Top Secret!" - two films which I love. I was rooting around my local video store, Movies 'N Stuff and came across "Rat Race." I might have made some disparaging comment to owner and operator, Peter Thompson. He heard me and subsequently discovered I hadn't seen it. He insisted I should. I took it home and watched. I laughed out loud - a rare thing for me. It's a race for two million dollars. It stars Rowan Atkinson, John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg, Cuba Gooding Jr., Seth Green, Jon Lovitz, Breckin Meyer, and Amy Smart. Jon Lovitz has never been funnier. This movie will be proudly displayed on the McPherson Movie Marquee Shelf at Movies 'N Stuff - just ask Peter to point you to it. And if anyone ever asks you if you want to buy a squirrel, seriously considerate it. One of the best slapstick comedies you will every see. No joke.  

The Promised Land

Fans of "The Man in the Iron Mask," "Tombstone," "The Count of Monte-Cristo," and this kind of historical period piece should check out co-writer and director, Nikolaj Arcel's film, "The Promised Land." This Danish film stars Mads Mikkelsen as Ludvig Kahlen, a 30-year, army-serving captain who wants to turn the vast wasteland of Jutland into a habitual farming community - in the name of the King! And Ludwig would like a noble title and some servants of his own in return. It's an underdog story. It's a story about class, racism, cruelty, and ego. It's about winning at the expense of those we love. Ludwig's neighbour, Frederik De Schinkel (Morten Hee Andersen) is a rich, spoiled drunk who wants Ludwig to fail at all costs. And the woman Frederik has his eye on for marriage, well she wants nothing to do with Fredrick and all to do with Ludwig. So there you have it. This film is a captivating drama and it's beautiful to look at. I'm not a huge fan of period pieces and I loved this one. Catch it on CRAVE or rent it from Movies 'N Stuff here in Ottawa. 

A Pure Formality

"Cinema Paradiso" is directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. It's probably my favourite film about film, the love of film. It came out in 1988 when I was eighteen. I never bothered to follow Tornatore's career or seek out his other work. I'm not sure why. Peter Thompson, owner and operator of my favourite video store Movies 'N Stuff recently told me I needed to watch, "A Pure Formality." Directed by Tonatore, it stars Gérard Depardieu and Roman Polanski. Depardieu plays a writer, lost in the rain in the French countryside, running away from what exactly, we don't know; a mystery. Polanski is a detective trying to solve a fresh homicide. This is a clever game of cat and mouse. It's a visual treat, a Hitchcockian thriller. For me, to watch a relatively young, Gérard Depardieu was also such a great joy. He was an actor who was a regular staple of my cinema watching (like Michael Caine or Gene Hackman) growing up. He is an unconventional leading man because of his hulking stature - it has always endeared me to him even more. Anyway, "A Pure Formality" is a cinephile's wet dream. The ending may be controversial - go see Peter at his store after you have watched it to talk about the ending. And you can thank me later. For rent at Movies 'N Stuff.  

His Three Daughters

Katie (Carrie Coon) and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) have come to stay with their sister, Rachel (Natasha Lyonne) to be with their dying father who is living at home in hospice care. Rachel is an adult and has been living with their father in her shared New York apartment. Between smoking her daily weed, Rachel has been shouldering the heavy burden of looking after their dad, for the most part. The movie begins close to their father's end. Azazel Jacobs wrote and directed this smart and poignant film. Each character is given a full life. You know these people. The older A-type judgement sister, Katie, who pours and drinks red wine like she were stabbing someone. The peacemaker, Christine, the former deadhead, hoping everyone can just get along. And Rachel, the pot smoking piece of damaged goods who seems to have a chip on her shoulder. The actors here breathe full life into these characters and you feel them. These people are real. This is a meditation on family dynamics, identity, and death. "His Three Daughters" is one of the best movies of the year. Expect to see this one at all the award shows. Catch this now in theatres. Soon to be streaming on Netflix or wait and go rent it from Movies 'N Stuff here in Ottawa when it arrives on the shelf. 

Coraline

It's a rare thing for me to watch animated films. I don't seek them out. "Coraline" came out in 2009 when my kids were three and five, so it was overlooked as something I might take them too. Fast forward to 2024 and my now eighteen year old son's girlfriend asks me, have you seen "Coraline?" To which my answer was a polite and simple, "No." I didn't bother to be snooty about it. In my head it was something like, "Little girl, I watch films, not cartoons." I kept my inner snob hidden. But then I was down at my local video store, Movies 'N Stuff, and the owner, Peter told me he had just gone to see "Coraline" in 3D. "Is it any good?" I asked. "What? You've never seen it? It's great." (I feel like this line has been used by me and every other film nerd a million times). Peter has movies for sale (and rent) at his store. There was a copy of "Coraline" for $5. I purchased. I watched. Now I blog about it because it was wonderful. What's it all about? This stop motion film is about a girl, Coraline who moves into a creepy old house with her writer parents who have no time for her. She discovers a hidden door to an alternate version of her world, where her parents are attentive to all her needs and cook her favourite foods. The only thing is they have black buttons for eyes. Then things get dark, so dark it's almost not for kids. But it is. This isn't Disney, so it isn't cutesy. The amination has this grungy DYI feel to it. It's so creative and interesting and thus felt surprisingly fresh. The closest thing I could compare it to is if you crossed Tim Burton with "Wallace and Gromit" and threw in a little Loony Toons. I loved the story and all the side characters. If you haven't see it ("What? You haven't seen it?) then this is something to watch during this Halloween season. Button up!