STACK #147 Jan 2017

REVIEWS DVD&BD

The well from hell. DEEPWATER HORIZON

Upping the Dante. INFERNO

Release Date: 18/01/17

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Release Date: 18/01/17

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In 2010 the Transocean exploratory rig Deepwater Horizon exploded, claiming eleven lives and spilling over 200 gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The human story that got lost in the wake of the biggest ecological disaster in US history is the focus of Peter Berg’s intense dramatisation, which details what unfolded aboard the rig from the crew’s perspective. Mark Wahlberg and Kurt Russell are the kind of guys you want around during a catastrophe of this magnitude, but even they are overwhelmed by the ferocity of the destruction. There are no heroics here; this

Ron Howard and Tom Hanks reunite for this adaptation of Dan Brown’s most recent bestseller, which delivers the kind of propulsive thriller the author’s pulpy plots demand. Professor Robert Langdon (Hanks) awakens in a hospital bed with a case of temporary amnesia, but that doesn't stop him from piecing together the cryptic clues that link Dante’s depiction of Hell with a deadly pathogen that threatens the world. It’s the usual race from one art gallery, museum and basilica to the next, and some of the plot twists are glaringly obvious, but the cracking

is the story of a desperate scramble for survival, and it’s a miracle that more lives weren’t lost. Deepwater Horizon establishes an ominous mood of impending disaster before dropping the viewer into a raging inferno of exploding steel, toppling gantries and geysers of oil and mud. SH

pace and Hanks’ earnest performance as the thinking man’s Indiana Jones holds it all together. If anyone can save the world it’s Langdon, even if he has lost his memory; the guy can still recognise a Florentine spire from his hospital window, even if he can’t remember what coffee is. SH

Into the woods. BLAIR WITCH

Some secrets are too big to keep. PETE'S DRAGON

Release Date: 25/01/17

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Release Date: 18/01/17

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Ignoring the dire 2000 sequel, this return to Blair Witch country features a new group of documentarians, led by the brother of the still missing Heather, who mounted the first attempt to uncover the local legend. Having stumbled across a YouTube video that suggests his sister might still be alive, he convinces five companions to accompany him into the cursed forest, and before long the signature sticks and stones begin appearing around their campsite. Director AdamWingard ( You’re Next ) respects what made The Blair Witch Project

Disney continue raiding their vaults for animations to drag (on) into the real world, with this CGI-infused (sadly no actual dragons heeded the casting call) reimagining of the 1977 tale. The story’s changed to satisfy PC sensibilities, but Pete’s Dragon remains an engaging, family-friendly romp. Following a car accident, a young lad is left lost in a forest all alone. Thankfully he’s adopted by Elliot – a big, green, friendly giant (note the extra adjective, as we don’t want Spielberg lawyering up) who is, of course, of the dragon persuasion. Years later, when loggers progress

work, recreating the shakycam and adding his own sinister touches. If you regard the original as a terrifying classic, you’ll find this sequel superfluous. If you’re still wondering what all the fuss was about, this is the Blair Witch film you’ve always wanted to see. SH

further into the forest, Pete is discovered by a ranger (Bryce Dallas Howard). Taking him in, Pete tells how he was raised by his winged friend. Cue Ranger Gracie’s dragon-believing dad (Robert Redford) – and the requisite bad guy who sees landing a dragon as a ticket to big bucks. AF

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