Movie Review: Time Lapse

Trouble ensues as quickly as prosperity arises for a group of three friends, who find a camera that photographs one day into the future. Time Lapse is a sci-fi thriller, directed and written by Bradley King, that exposes the jealousy and greed that stem from knowing the future. This is one film that I could not take my eyes off of. Despite the idea of seeing into the future being a tad unrealistic, the situation this group of friends is forced to be in feels incredibly real. After viewing this film, it is understandable why it was nominated for numerous awards and the winner of five separate festival awards.

The film begins with three roommates; Callie, Jasper, and Finn, who notice they have not seen their neighbor in quite some time. In a search for him they not only discover he has died, but the trio of friends also find a camera positioned directly into their living room window. The camera snaps a picture at the same time every day that shows a photograph from exactly 24 hours in the future. How would you react to such an intriguing discovery? How could you use the future to benefit you and those around you? These are all topics Time Lapse deals with while also focusing on the strain and pressure such power creates.

With most time-travel movies, the logic of the story itself is normally tough to keep up with. However, this film explains just about everything that happens and the reason it happened a certain way. This film also has obvious connections to The Twilight Zone which almost every sci-fi fan can appreciate. Because of the film's refreshing perspective of classic time traveling traits numerous guesses can be made on what will happen next. These guesses however, are often struck down with the story line's quick turns toward the unexpected ending.  

I would recommend this movie to any one who is a fan of sci-fi films or for those just scrolling through Netflix with nothing interesting in there queue. King's approach to show how power and greed can destroy relationships both mentally and physically is an interesting one to say the least. The ending of the thriller also left me with a sore brain the next couple of days. Even if you are not a fan of the genre, go be a nice person and support underground film. 

Review: Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

I have read plenty of comics throughout the course of my adolescent years. However, none of them have been as ground-breaking as Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. This four part series, first published in 1986, not only brought Batman back into the limelight of popular culture but also redefined the hero himself. This redefinition of the Caped Crusader took him away from the cheesy jokes and camp style of 1960's television to the Christian Bale portrayed Dark Knight whom we have all grown to love.

The story is set in the near, dark future as 55 year old Bruce Wayne decides to return from retirement to save Gotham City despite heavy opposition from the Gotham City Police Department. Rather than being smart and methodical, this aged Bruce Wayne trades in nifty tricks with his utility belt for pure jaded rage. Instead of avoiding death and it's consequences, the Dark Knight chooses to stop fearing it. This is seen many times throughout the graphic novel as Batman gets out of life-threatening situations because "it is not the right time". This take on the hero was completely revolutionary at the time as Miller is also credited with helping start the dark age of comics. This shift in comic book culture focuses on the adult-oriented story lines of popular heroes.

According to Complex Magazine, The Dark Knight Returns ranks number four on their list of 25 Comics You Need To Read Before You Die. Shortly after the release of the series, Frank Miller said one of his main goals was to "give Batman his balls back". Interestingly enough, this series is respondible for many of the storylines featured in the popular Batman movies, including the upcoming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Miller later released a sequel titled Batman: The Dark Knight Stikes Again between 2001-2002. However, the second miniseries did not recieve such high critical praise like the original series did. There is also a third part in the works that is expected to debut in Fall of 2015.

While I am currently reading the Watchmen series by Alan Moore, which many critics regard as the best comic series ever written, The Dark Knight Returns is among the best works I have ever read. It adds a perspective on the world's greatest dectective that has yet to be replicated with an ending that will leave you shocked for days. I consider this a must read for all comic and superhero fans alike.

Also, if this review was not convincing enough for you to pick up The Dark Knight Returns... this picture should certainly do the trick.