This month, we’ve been mostly sitting with 3D glasses firmly stuck to our heads. Superheroes and superfish: Isn’t that what 3D was made for? My eyes hurt.Wrath of the Titans*sign* Why do I do this to myself? I knew it was going to be bad. I guess I just have a soft spot for silly Greek fantasy films. And word was that the creators had learned their

lesions from their previous film, the appalling Clash of the Titans. So is this true? After being betrayed, Zeus is imprisoned in the underworld. Only Perseus can rescue him and prevent the apocalyptic return of the Titans. It would be easy to simply slag this film off, but let us put things into perspective - the actual pace of the film flows a lot smoother than its predecessor and the special effects / 3D

actually works in this film (a huge flaw in Clash). The only thing that grinds my gears was the continuous plundering of Greek mythology that has become standard in Hollywood (Cyclops?! The Minotaur?! In a Titans film?!) but this might just be the schoolboy in me. In any case the character of Hades is a much more complicated and rounded individual, which is a nice bonus. Still an awful film, but a good example of a sequel outdoing the original, and testament to the fact that you can actually polish a turd.

Marvel’s Avengers AssembleYes! Yes! Yes! The Avengers have finally assembled! Now there are probably some non-comic fans out there who are thinking ‘getting a bunch of superheroes together? That’s not for me.’ Well let me tell you, this film transcends the genre and is accessible to everyone. Dream team of Captain America,

Thor, The Hulk and Iron Man are brought together to undo super villain Loki’s scheme of inter-galactic invasion, but can these damaged individuals put aside their inflated egos and function as a team? The film is

more than just an amazing special effects display. What is nice is the effort made to show how dysfunctional each avenger is, and as a team. The real task not being Loki’s plans, but in overcoming their personal demons - this being the true mark of a superhero. Furthermore there is so much talent in this film, with each actor delivering quality to their roles and interactions, but the film’s shining glory is its humour. Director Joss Whedon brings his brand of sharp observational comedy right into this film, meaning it doesn’t get bogged down in geek jargon. This makes the film accessible to the uninitiated as a comedy-action film, regardless of its fantasy back-story.

Silent HouseWe’re big fans of films that experiment with something different, even if it fails. This is

actually a remake of a 2010 Uruguayan film, but addresses the same challenge - can you shoot a horror film in real time? Sarah and her father are moving back into their old holiday house but while he’s out the house is besieged by an unknown person or

persons. In one respect there is nothing new here, a simple home invasion horror and while you’re watching it there is nothing really to shout about. This is more of a hindsight movie, whereby you only release its virtures when you’re thinking about it afterwards. The time restrctions mean there isn’t a lot of character development, plot, or much else for that matter but it does manage to create some pretty good suspense and it actually packs a lot into its limited time frame, including a few good creepy moments. Praise should also be given to actress Elizabeth Olson (Sarah) whose continious performance practically carries the entire film. For what is a low-budget novelty horror film, Silent House is an interesting little project. But comes across like something a film student would make. For curioisty seekers only.

Piranha 3DDLet me begin by saying, I loved Piranha 3D. Which is why Piranha 3DD is such a let down. Whereas the first film was a tongue-in-cheek homage, this is just a cash-in: an exploitation of an exploitation film. Basically the piranhas from the first film have worked their way to a water park full of horny teenagers and stripper

lifeguards. The film is obviously trying to replicate 80’s teen sex-comedies but its lack of vigour means it just ends up being boring and unfunny. The best parts of this lazy and hollow sequel are in the trailer, the rest is just filler. Whilst the first film had heart , Piranha 3DD is void of the same buzz . The highlight of this film is the introduction of David Hasselhoff, who makes the film his own (playing a bizarrely sombre and depressing version of himself as a washed-up celebrity) but sadly he doesn’t even turn up ‘til half way through and then only for brief moments. Piranha 3DD has sex gags, gore, film references and cameos: How can you screw that up?! Answer: By being too self-aware and going overkill on the shock-comedy wherein the illusion of being a genuinely trashy film is lost .

Reviews From The Outer Rim recently attended a special screening of Troma Entertainment films, including the UK premiere of Father’s Day, hosted by its legendary co-founder Lloyd Kaufman. An article on the event will be in next month’s issue of Deep, along with an exclusive interview with Kaufman on www.reviewsfromtheouterrim.com. In the meantime, Jaws returns to our screens on the 15th of June.

Iron Sky • The Raid • Prometheus • The PactFor more film reviews visit www.reviewsfromtheouterrim.com.

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