26th January, 2016.
OK, I think I’ve had a little success, today.
Really.
Remember I told you — a few days ago, now — I was trying to sell off my sister’s old laptop?
I managed to do so, today.
Picking up a tidy sum, in return.
My sister, Ruth, got her share: I got a fish supper and a movie.
Didn’t I just … ?
The film in question? Was the straight to video 2015, Paul Hyett directed, Neil Marshall penned, Howl.
And ‘straight to video’ … ? Isn’t necessarily bad.
~≈Â≈~
Starting at Waterloo Station, Howl introduces us to Joe (Ed Speleer): a train guard just about to clock on to a late shift.
A late shift with unrequited love, Ellen (Holly Weston), the girl in charge of the tea trolley …
On an overnight train that’s been delayed, and hits a forested wild part of Britain, at midnight, under a full moon, with a bunch of the snottiest passengers that one could hope to meet.
The fact the driver, Tony — Sean Pertwee, in one of his shortest appearances — ends up getting out of the train to see what it’s run over … ?
And … well …
You can tell the journey’s facing issues, can’t you … ?
And not just a shortage of wet-wipes.
~≈Â≈~
Now …
You’re possibly wondering two things, aren’t you? You’re wondering exactly what I meant by ‘straight to video’ not necessarily being bad?
And whether Howl was any good?
Yes: Howl’s a good film.
It’s not got the biggest budget, most of the cast are unknowns, and it’s only Paul Hyett’s third film as director: he’s previously done time as prosthetic effects designer and builder on various films. Including some for Neil Marshall, co-writer and director of Dog Soldier.
For all that … ?
Cast, director and crew have knocked out a low budget film that is short, sweet, well paced, and very watchable.
Yes, it’s gone straight to video: which, only a few years ago, would have been the biggest insult in cinema.
But with this?
I think the idea pays off: it gives Hyett a chance to learn the job of director, cast and crew a chance to pay bills and be seen, and the writers a chance to test out ideas.
AND gives us a watchable film at a reasonable cost.
Personally?
I think they’ve made a film that isn’t artistically meaningful, replete with answers for trying philosophical questions.
No.
They HAVE made for an entertaining film: one that’s provided me with a good night’s viewing, and that will do the same for you.
Howl.
★★☆☆
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