It

Fear is a powerful force. In It an evil entity lives in the sewers and emerges every twenty-seven years to feed off of fear by taking people, especially children. In the opening scene, we watch mesmerized in terror, awaiting little Georgie’s fate as he meets Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård), holding his lost paper boat in the storm drain. By the end of the scene, we know exactly what kind of horror film we’re in for. It’s going to be gruesome, disturbing and intense. Prepare for the nightmares.

Months after Georgie’s disappearance, his older brother Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) believes he might find Georgie in the sewers. Bill and his friends set out to explore, but bullies in pursuit of the new kid detour them, thankfully. The new kid, Ben (Jeremy Ray Taylor), has been researching Derry’s history and found some disturbing facts. Facts that might lead them to Georgie. And Betty. And Patrick. The more they find out, the more each of the kids encounter what they’re most afraid of. And that damn clown pops up to scare them at the perfect moments.

For full disclosure, I have not read the book by Stephen King the film is based on, nor have I seen the tv mini series from 1990. Maybe that helped me enjoy this film on its own so much. I’d love to hear how this film compares to its predecessors.

The scariest moments of It work mostly with jump scares and creepy images that get so in your face you can’t look away. It may sound cheesy, but even with some obvious CGI, man oh man is it effective! I found myself cursing with fear every time Pennywise barred his gruesome teeth. I nearly jumped out of my seat during the garage scene.

My favorite scene is not one I expected at all and stands apart from the rest of the movie. Caution, mild spoilers ahead! When Beverly (Sophia Lillis) is alone in her bathroom, she hears voices down the drain of her sink. She inspects, looking closer, when suddenly hair lashes out, wraps around her and pulls her closer and closer! She struggles and screams and just as we’re afraid she’ll go down too, blood shoots out of the sink like a geyser. It shoots in her screaming mouth! It flies in the air and coats the entire bathroom. It’s like Johnny Depp’s death in Nightmare on Elm Street on steroids. It’s like the elevator from The Shining opened in there. Tarantino movies don’t use this much blood! To top it all off, Beverly’s father can’t see the blood. It makes Beverly wonder if she’s losing her mind.

What makes It such an enjoyable film is the great cast of kids. Bill and his friends are a fun batch of outcasts. Richie (Finn Wolfhard from Stranger Things fame) is the skeptic full of dirty wisecracks. Eddie (Jack Dylan Grazer) is the little hypochondriac, giving us plenty of unwanted facts about AIDS and gray water. Ben is the new, lonely and smart kid that bullies pick on because he’s fat. Stanley (Wyatt Oleff) is the Jewish kid who doesn’t want to get into trouble. Mike (Chosen Jacobs) is the home-schooled black kid who lost his parents. And Beverly is the pretty girl the whole town has the wrong idea about. The bullies that plague the kids are just as well cast and strike fear in us just as strong as Pennywise does.

I don’t see It earning any Oscar nominations (okay, maybe one for makeup) or going down in film history as anything amazing or groundbreaking. But if you’re a horror fan, I highly suggest going out the theater soon to see It. It’s a wonderfully crafted bit of terror that can really make you jump on the big screen. The characters keep you emotionally invested and engrossed while the horrors keep you on your toes and your adrenaline pumping. I can’t wait to see how Chapter 2 goes.

“Time to float!”

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Crimson Peak

Horror films in the 21st century have become stale with so many modern takes on old characters, nightmares fueled by technology and enough exorcisms to bore the Pope. However, Crimson Peak is refreshing bit of modern film macabre in a gothic setting perfect for a fresh ghost story.

The film jumps right into giving us the creeps, showing young Edith in bed as a ghoulish specter of her recently dead mother curls up next to her to warn her young daughter, “Beware of Crimson Peak.” The image is a wonderful piece of nightmare fuel looking both festering and other-worldly with no doors or walls able to hold it back. It’s not the last time the image will be used and it gets better each time.

Years later, Edith (Mia Wasikowska) is a young aspiring novelist living with her father. When Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) comes into town, the two strike up a friendship that dares to bloom to romance. When Edith’s father is suddenly murdered, she marries Thomas and moves in with him and his sister, Lucille (Jessica Chastain), at their family’s dilapidated mansion. Only after a few days there, and some ghostly encounters, does Thomas slip that his mansion is nicknamed Crimson Peak. Makes sense with the ominous blood red dirt it was built on. And we quickly see why Edith was warned to beware Crimson Peak.

I cannot bear to discuss the plot in too much detail for fear of giving away any major spoilers. But believe me, this film is engrossing and has some great surprises up until the end.

The visual aspects of the film are even better than the wonderfully woven plot. So many scenes have perfectly eerie color pallet mixing red and green in unnatural ways. It makes the film look witchy and foreboding. And Thomas’ mansion itself is a perfectly macabre setting. The roof of this huge house is practically gone, the main hole looks down into the huge entryway. When it snows, there’s a pile of snow in the middle of the house, right at the bottom of the stairs. The floor there is rotting, oozing the blood red mud under the floorboards. The rest of the mansion is just as creepy, impractical and fantastic.

Crimson Peak is a fantastic horror film that covers many aspects of the genre. It starts out as a spooky ghost story, turns into a psychological thriller, throws in some bumps in the night and tops it off with some surprisingly compelling slasher moments. Director Guillermo del Toro does not disappoint and paints a vivid world for this fantastic story. It’s a treat that can be enjoyed all year, but it’s ghostly qualities make it perfect for the Halloween season.

“Ghosts are real, that much I know. I’ve seen them all my life…”

Happy October!

Welcome to October, boys and ghouls! Here at The Best Picture Project, I like to share some delightfully spooky and downright terrifying movies to enjoy during the Halloween season.

This season is especially fun for me because my little boy is very into all things Halloween. He requests The Nightmare Before Christmas and trips to the Halloween store nearly every day. I can’t wait to share some slightly spooky films and local fall traditions with him. Check my Twitter account to hear more on those adventures.

You can check out previous reviews in the October Haunts section and look forward to new ones in the next coming weeks. I welcome and encourage any suggestions for a film I should review. As Sammy Terry would say, “Pleasant nightmares!”

I Love The Historic Artcraft Theatre

Today I’d like to do something different and write about my new favorite place: The Historic Artcraft Theater of Franklin Indiana.

It was my brother who first told me about The Artcraft. He went to a showing of To Kill A Mockingbird there with friends and was blown away. For nearly an hour on the phone he gushed over the place, from the old seats to the dings of the projectors to the little old ladies selling popcorn. I knew I had to check the place out.

The view down Main Street.

A few weeks later, The Artcraft was doing an afternoon showing of The Wizard of Oz. My son had never stayed awake past Munchkinland, so I set out with him to go make sure he was one of the greatest films of all time properly.

The Artcraft’s setting is picturesque and perfect. It rests in Franklin Indiana’s quaint downtown. Looking down the street is the beautiful courthouse. Just around the corner are lovely cafes, shops and a great pizza joint. The bright red and white marque is wonderfully retro and it’s blinking lights transport you in time before you even enter.

In preparation for The Wizard of Oz, the volunteers there (the whole theater is run by volunteers) had decorated. On the sidewalk was an enchanting yellow brick road. On the doors were painted poppies and “Surrender Dorothy” written above the entrance. I was told in the evening there were people in costumes.

The Artcraft decorated for The Wizard of Oz.

Inside, we were greeted by some of the friendliest people I’ve met in a cinema. The popcorn is sold at a fair price and is locally grown. As my son and I looked for a seat, one of the friendly volunteers brought us a booster, my kid certainly needed it.

Before the film began, a man came out onto the stage with a microphone. He thanked us all for coming and asked if this was anyone’s first trip to their theater. My son and I and a handful of others raised their hands. He continued to give us a brief history of The Artcraft, explain a few renovations they’ve made over the years and encouraged us to come back for future shows, including a showing of Back to the Future with a free car show, boasting two DeLoreans. I was so bummed that I couldn’t make it to that one.

After his announcements, it was still not time for the film. There are always two main traditions before the feature: everyone stands to sing The Star Spangled Banner (complete with an old film with the words on screen) and then a cartoon is shown, usually of the Looney Tunes variety.

Waiting for an evening show.

Now, I have grown up on The Wizard of Oz and seen it on TV countless times, but seeing it in a theater, on a beautiful 35mm print was awesome! Even my three year old boy was entranced for most of the film. I was so proud that he didn’t cry when he was obviously scared by The Wicked Witch of the West and Oz’s pyrotechnics. I’m thrilled that I could give him a real first look at The Wizard of Oz at such a lovely theater.

We love The Artcraft so much, we came back again and again in the summer for their weekly kid’s summer programs. We saw a few kid friendly films including Babe and Space Jam, each visit a pure delight.

For months I told my brother that we needed to see an evening film there. A few weeks ago, I finally got a Friday evening free to see a movie at The Artcraft with my brother and his lovely fiance. We saw 12 Angry Men, a first viewing for my brother and future sister-in-law. We had dinner down the street and settled in early, watching the theater become nearly full for a black and white courtroom drama from the 1950s.

Lovely tickets and flyers printed for each film.

The pre-film festivities were a bit different in the evenings. There was the cute skit both based on the film and advertising a future event at the theater. There was a raffle, where the winner received a small silly gift to help them be a better juror, since we were seeing 12 Angry Men. But the best part was where they brought out a big map on a board and figured out who came the furthest to visit that night. A burly man from east Texas won that night. They said a couple from Australia had won the week before.

My most recent trip to The Artcraft was to see Mary Poppins with my son on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Word must be spreading quickly about this amazing little theater, because the house was nearly full. Perhaps the fact that Cosmopolitan recently named The Artcraft Indiana’s coolest movie theater has something to do with the big crowd.

Going to The Artcraft Theater is a film experience like no other. Every showing is an event, warm, inviting and family friendly. The volunteers treat you like family, even if it’s your first visit. The beautiful 35mm prints they find give movies you’ve seen before new life and character. And they have the most wonderful projectionist who let my son and another child see the booth and explain how they show the films.

Sure, sometimes you want to see the latest blockbuster in the new cinema with the reclining seats and are willing to pay $8 for half stale popcorn. But that’s not The Artcraft’s style. You walk into the past and sit at attention in the older seats. You snack on local, delicious, lovingly prepared popcorn. And you see classic, loved and unforgettable films that have shine brighter over time, just as The Artcraft Theater does.

Check out more at their website: http://www.historicartcrafttheatre.org/

*This article was not paid for by The Arcraft or any affiliates. Alyson Krier chose to write about it out of free will and pure love. All pictures were taken by Alyson Krier, who is not a very good photographer. Thanks for reading.

The Lion King

As the lights went dark in the theater last weekend, I watched my son’s face in anticipation. I’ll always remember how I felt at the start of The Lion King. The singing call and the sun rising startled and shook me inside. I remember being amazed, mystified and engrossed in the film, especially in that stunning beginning. I think The Lion King pushed me from a kid who liked movies to a young film fan. I was eight then, my son is only three now. As the opening number slammed shut with the title in red on the screen, my son asked in his movie-theater whisper, “Can I hold the drink?” I sighed with nostalgic tears in my eyes and handed over the drink. I hope one day he finds a movie the defines his childhood like The Lion King defined mine.

The Lion King is more grand than your average animated film. The story isn’t a fairy tale, but a story of power, family and destiny set within the animal kingdom on the African savanna. Simba (voiced by 90s teen star Jonathan Taylor Thomas and 80s teen star Matthew Broderick) is a young prince excited about his future as king. His wise father, Mufasa (voiced by the even more iconic James Earl Jones), tries to teach Simba what it means to be king while his uncle, Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons), plots to worm his way onto the throne. After Scar murders Mufasa, in one of the most devastating scenes known to Disney, he convinces young Simba the death was his fault. Afraid, Simba leaves the Pride Lands and Scar rules with his band of hyenas. After years of Hakuna Matata, Simba learns that his kingdom is in ruins and he must face his uncle to reclaim it and fulfill his destiny. The story is basically Hamlet with animals, but most American 90s kids didn’t realize it.

Everyone loves the music from The Lion King.  Many kids grow up knowing all the songs by heart. And rightfully so, even the bouncy I Just Can’t Wait to be King has aged wonderfully. Three of the songs, Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight and Hakuna Matata were Oscar nominated, with Can You Feel  the Love Tonight winning.

The score is also Oscar winning and perfectly reflects the movie. It’s heavy, yet whimsical, can be very serious and solemn and rooted in its African themes. I can easily listen to The Lion King’s score for hours. It’s such a beautiful soundtrack to envelop an equally visually beautiful film. The styles compliment each other perfectly and it feels like a beautiful celebration of life.

I personally believe The Lion King defines the height of the Disney Renaissance. Never before had Disney animation been so crisp, flawless and intense. And the level of storytelling was raised to a level that could fulfill the hearts and souls of all. I feel very lucky to have been at the perfect age to see this film in its original release and to grow up on its ideas of owning your past, fulfilling your destiny and stepping up to take charge of your own life. Now, sharing this film with my child is an amazing treat, and give the circle of life greater meaning. 

“You see? He lives in you.”

Dunkirk

Christopher Nolan’s newest film, Dunkirk, is a war film like no other. Personally, I made sure to see this film in a 70mm IMAX cinema and I highly recommend doing so. For many film fans, it is an experience not to be missed.

Enemy Germans surround Dunkirk and are closing in. All the British troops have been driven onto the beach, waiting for ships to take them home, just across the channel. Overhead, German planes make bombing runs, taking out ships carrying wounded home and scattering men on the beach.  Only a few daring British pilots are taking the planes down, one by one. And across the channel, British civilians are bringing their own boats to rescue the troops and bring them home.

The writing in this film is incredibly sleek and spartan. There is no side plot about bringing a certain boy home, no flashbacks to ladies who send love, no bootcamp comradery to bring these boys together. Unless you pay very close attention, you hardly catch any names of these characters. The story is simply what we see: Men waiting for boats. Men waiting for the tide. Pilots chasing down the enemy. An old man and boys venturing across the channel to help. Dunkirk focuses on two crucial elements: time and survival. We are simply put right into the action.

The camera’s point of view often feels like we are alongside the men we see. This is especially intense below deck when a torpedo strikes, on deck as a ship capsizes, and underwater as all hell is breaking loose above. The aerial views are both beautifully serine and intense, many of them filling the full IMAX screen. The images throughout the film do not feel sensationalized, or emotionally pulled toward a certain character, but focused on portraying this intense moment in history in an honest, frank but respectful manner. There is also no images of enemy Germans, which can make them all the more terrifying.

The level of suspense Nolan has created in Dunkirk can rival Hitchcock. Young men carrying a wounded man on a stretcher run down the crowded pier, trying to make it to the boat on time as enemy planes make a run overhead. The eagle-eyed pilot (Tom Hardy) has a broken gas gauge, can he take down the next plane before fuel runs out? Men wait for the tide inside a grounded ship, then Germans start using it for target practice. Will it still float? Can they even risk escape? And the waiting game for the thousands of men on the beach, with that ticking and pulsing soundtrack, can drive a man mad. The whole film is incredibly tense and doesn’t let up until the end.

I expect Dunkirk to receive quite a few Oscar nominations in the coming season. Right now I’d bet that it can easily take both sound categories. The sound effects were amazing and some of the noises left me rattled. Cinematography and visual effects seem very likely nominations as well, especially with the great and daring uses of the IMAX cameras. And depending on the competition, there is a good chance Nolan could get a directing nomination. I hope to see Dunkirk nominated for Best Picture. It’s truly a great film.

“You can practically see it from here.”

Cars 3

Cars 3 takes the loved four-wheeled franchise back to its racing roots. This time, Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) is the older racer looking for a new edge against the next generation. The rookies are all highly trained using the newest technology, statistical analysis and fancy simulators. After a devastating wreck in the first act, McQueen wants to make a comeback. And if he doesn’t, he’ll be forced into retirement.

When McQueen meets his new trainer, Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo), that phrase about old dogs and new tricks comes to mind. It’s fun to watch Cruz, a fan of McQueen’s since she was a child, work with him and try to ease him into new exercises, including hanging him upside down and making him name his tires. But McQueen needs to get his wheels dirty and soon he and Cruz set out across the American south to find the car who taught his mentor, Doc Hudson.

This is where McQueen and Cruz get back to the heart and roots of racing. They visit little southern towns where cars race on dirt tracks and make new friends that teach them the way Doc was taught. There’s even a bit calling back to the old moonshine runners that inspired NASCAR.

My favorite scene, and my son’s too, is when McQueen and Cruz accidentally enter a demolition derby. Not wanting to ruin his reputation, McQueen is in disguise. The track is a muddy figure eight, with banged up, souped up cars aiming straight for them. The car who steals the scene is Miss Fritter, an old school bus with flame-exhaust longhorns. She’s the town’s favorite and what she’s done with her stop sign made my kid yell, “Whoa!”

While all of the old fan favorites from the original film make an appearance most of those from the second film do not. In fact, the film does not acknowledge the events of 2 at all, and that’s just fine by me. Perhaps the creators agree that it was just a big mess.

However, I believe they more than make up for the bumbling sequel in 3. Under the guise of stock car racing, the storytellers have once again woven a wonderful story about personal growth, much like the original. The film is driven by McQueen’s drive and given a new heart with the introduction of Cruz. The story of mentor/mentee and how those relationships evolve over time is wonderfully done in a perfectly Pixar way. Cruz’s backstory is poignant and rings true for anyone who has dreamed, but been too intimidated to go for it.

As many know, Pixar’s Cars films are a favorite of one adorable demographic: boys between the ages of 2 and 6. So taking my three year old son to see Cars 3 was an extra special experience. Watching the newest Cars film next to my wiggling, energetic kid, with him giggling at Mater’s antics whispering his race car sounds was a nearly perfect experience. I highly recommend sharing this one with the little ones.

“You’ll never be the racer you once were. You can’t turn back the clock, kid, but you can wind it up, again.”