On DVD and Blu Ray - "Stoker" -Those looking for something a little different for their viewing pleasure might want to give this quiet, brooding and downright creepy little coming-of-age Drama/Mystery from Korean Director Chan-wook Park (Oldboy) a spin- it's a beautifully filmed, highly atmospheric Hitchcockian affair that's heavily influenced by the iconic auteur's Shadow Of A Doubt (1943).
Australian Actress Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland 2010) portrays "India Stoker", a free-spirited outcast whose life is thrown into flux when her Father (Dermot Mulroney) dies in an automobile accident on her 18th birthday. Nicole Kidman (Dead Calm) plays India's emotionally unstable mom- If I had one major complaint to log here, it would be that the highly talented veteran Actress is decidedly underused. Enter a charming and mysterious estranged Uncle, played by an effectively chilling Matthew Goode (Watchmen), who decides to spend an indefinite period supporting the two- much to the displeasure of a suspicious India. Let's just say that the phrase "It runs in the family" is applicable here.
Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) makes a brief appearance as a concerned aunt while Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac) is only featured in a few flashbacks. Performances are fine across the board with Wasikowska impressing me the most. Look for greater things from the 23 year old actress in the future.
Expect a couple of third-act twists and a handful of murders along the way- a couple of graphic kills might stay with you for a while. It's weird, it works to hold your attention (even if it moves a little slow) and it's a pretty damned good alternative to the Summer Movie Blockbusters being dumped off the assembly line right now. Recommended.
8.0 out of 10
No comments:
Post a Comment