Once deemed one of the most radical and influential directors of modern times, Gus Van Sant’s recent filmography has been defined by minor successes and colossal blunders.

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Twentieth Century Fox raids the vaults in search of a holiday hit, and uses one of its most revered and timeless science fiction classics as target practice. The original 1951 The Day the Earth Stood Still remains a trendsetting space-age fable.

A flying saucer lands in Washington D.C., and its crew of two (a humanoid and a powerful robot) warn the world’s leaders of impending doom unless man abandons his war-mongering ways. Under the expert direction of Robert Wise and propelled by one of composer Bernard Hermann’s most memorable scores, the film is unquestionably a standout. (more…)

The newest James Bond entry wastes little time amping up the adrenaline by immediately dumping the audience in the middle of a multi-car, engine-whining chase through Italy. As the title character runs his slick little Audi in the red, Quantum of Solace makes no attempt to veil its intent on providing a no-holds-barred action extravaganza.

After the rather brilliant predecessor, Casino Royale, this newest 007 has plenty to live up to not only the action side, but in terms of storyline as well. The question remains: Does this latest iteration of Ian Fleming’s debonair spy have the gadgets to keep audiences bonding with Bond? (more…)

You’ve probably been wondering what is up with this new teen vampire flick. Is it just another High School Musical or is there more to it than the hype? This review is for you, my friend. Here are the top 5 things you should know about the film Twilight. (more…)

Oliver Stone’s W. is sticky, like dried Jack Daniels on a saloon dance floor. The more you want to remain true to you own vision of the man, whether that is on the right or left, the more you will feel compromised.

Stone traps you in his sap by offering a surprisingly balanced look at the controversial President that presents his strengths and weaknesses. W. is a curiosity when one looks at the mercurial director’s oeuvre because the film is more of a tragic comedy than a serious biopic.

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As the horror remake explosion continues in Hollywood, true fans of the genre are left in limbo deciding whether to embrace it or to take offense. It must be realized that these films can carry equal weight to the most sorrowful dramas and the most hilarious comedies. There is a delicate balance that exists as directors line up to remake these classics and one must discern whether their intentions are altruistic or parasitic. How do we begin to separate the respectful pilgrims from the marauding thieves? Well, for one, there is an earnestness in their approach marked with a humble disposition that guards the legacy. However, one must stay vigilant and be ready to act when the louse appears ready to grow fat off the back of horror history. In an effort to preempt these mischievous interlopers, Feature Film Review has compiled the list of remakes below that may not transcend the original, but get it right……spirit and mind. (God have mercy on anyone who ever touches The Exorcist.)

Original: Dracula (1931)
Remake: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

The mythology of Dracula endures largely due to the ghoul’s frequent appearance in motion pictures (despite invisibility in still photographs). Certainly the silent German classic Nosferatu fashioned the blueprint, but it was the 1931 Universal classic Dracula that brought the bloodsucker’s legacy to a boil. Audiences were shocked by the bold sexuality and hellish happenings of Todd Browning’s adaptation of the Bram Stoker novel. Bela Lugosi’s stage-to-screen vamping as the Transylvanian Count would mark the start (and peak) of his career as his accent, dress, and creepy presence would define the character in popular culture. (more…)