This week at the movies: A spooky thriller about a factual forest (Japan’s Aokigahara Forest to be exact) and its sinister, supernatural powers; and Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a valiant explorer who attempts to survive the brutal wilderness of the American frontier.
The Forest
“Rising with terrifying grandeur at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan, the legendary real-life Aokigahara Forest is the suspense-filled setting of the supernatural thriller. A young American woman, Sara (Natalie Dormer of Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games), journeys there in search of her twin sister, who has mysteriously disappeared. In the company of expatriate Aiden (Taylor Kinney of Chicago Fire), Sara enters the forest having been well warned to ‘stay on the path.’ Determined to discover the truth about her sister’s fate, Sara will have to face the angry and tormented souls of the dead that prey on anyone who dares come near them. These malevolent spirits lying in wait for Sara at every turn will plunge her into a frightening darkness from which she must fight to save herself.” – Comingsoon.net
What the Critics Say: A little slow moving; visually entertaining, but maybe not the scariest film you’ll ever see. The Chicago Tribune reports: “… [The director Jason Zada] establishes a mood of sullen grief and methodical dread. There's not a lot of filmmaking energy in The Forest, and roughly 40 minutes of story surrounded by 45 more minutes of Dormer in nonverbal distress.”
Perfect For: Those who love to be spooked out of their seats, but more by suspenseful scenarios versus classic horror scenes intended for shock value.
Our Take: If you enjoy eerie suspense and decide to see this one, you may never look at tall trees the same…
The Revenant
“Inspired by true events, The Revenant is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. The Revenant is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel).” – from Comingsoon.net
What the Critics Say: An Oscar winner, for sure – both the film itself and Leo as its leading actor (no surprise there). Raves Rolling Stone: “It's a virtuoso performance, thrilling in its brute force and silent eloquence… The Revenant shows DiCaprio stretching his acting muscles, testing himself, eager for challenge. That you do not want to miss.” And The Wall Street Journal adds: “The Revenant is primal. It is the lethal force of a wild animal, the savagery of man against man, the sustaining power of revenge, and the beauty of vast, snowbound lands seemingly untouched...”
Perfect For: Fans of the Wild West epoch and/or adventure-combat films; Leonardo DiCaprio lovers (aren’t we all?).
Our take: You had us at “Leonardo DiCaprio”…
