STACK January 2017 Issue 147

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REVIEWS
DVD&BD
2010 the Transocean exploratory rig Deepwater Horizon
ploded, claiming eleven lives and spilling over 200
llons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The human story that
t lost in the wake of the biggest ecological disaster in US
story is the focus of Peter Berg’s intense dramatisation,
hich details what unfolded aboard the rig from the
ew’s perspective. Mark Wahlberg and Kurt Russell are
e kind of guys you want around during a catastrophe of
is magnitude, but even they are overwhelmed by the
rocity of the destruction. There are no heroics here; this
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
The well from hell.
DEEPWATER HORIZON
Release Date: 18/01/17 Format:
on Howard and Tom Hanks reunite for this adaptation
f Dan Brown’s most recent bestseller, which delivers
he kind of propulsive thriller the author’s pulpy plots
emand. Professor Robert Langdon (Hanks) awakens in a
ospital bed with a case of temporary amnesia, but that
oesn't stop him from piecing together the cryptic clues
hat link Dante’s depiction of Hell with a deadly pathogen
hat threatens the world. It’s the usual race from one
rt gallery, museum and basilica to the next, and some
f the plot twists are glaringly obvious, but the cracking
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
Upping the Dante.
INFERNO
Release Date: 18/01/17 Format:
oring the dire 2000 sequel, this return to Blair Witch
untry features a new group of documentarians, led by
brother of the still missing Heather, who mounted
first attempt to uncover the local legend. Having
mbled across a YouTube video that suggests his
ter might still be alive, he convinces five companions
accompany him into the cursed forest, and before
g the signature sticks and stones begin appearing
und their campsite. Director AdamWingard (You’re
xt) respects what made The Blair Witch Project
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
Into the woods.
BLAIR WITCH
Release Date: 25/01/17 Format:
isney continue raiding their vaults for animations to drag
n) into the real world, with this CGI-infused (sadly no
tual dragons heeded the casting call) reimagining of the
77 tale. The story’s changed to satisfy PC sensibilities,
t Pete’s Dragon remains an engaging, family-friendly
mp. Following a car accident, a young lad is left lost
a forest all alone. Thankfully he’s adopted by Elliot – a
g, green, friendly giant (note the extra adjective, as we
n’t want Spielberg lawyering up) who is, of course, of
e dragon persuasion. Years later, when loggers progress
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
Some secrets are too big to keep.
PETE'S DRAGON
Release Date: 18/01/17 Format: