[Review] 'Green Room' an unforgettable punk rock horror film
Independent director Jeremy Saulnier brings this twisted unforgettable tale of a momentous punk rock attitude crashing into the world of shock and uncertainty in Green Room.
Inspiring and struggling hardcore punk rock band members Pat (Anton Yelchin), Tiger (Callum Turner), Sam (Alia Shawkat), Reece (Joe Cole) are delusional punk rockers named the Ain’t Rights.
[youtube id="Q8XSARX3DQg"]
Low on funds with an itch to perform, the Ain’t Rights make their way to a back of the woods hardcore punk rock club. Unaware of its usual crowd the Ain’t Rights find themselves performing in front of REAL hardcore punk rockers who just so happen to be Nazi skinheads.
Leaving the show, Pat sees something he wasn’t supposed to see. Caught in the middle of a bad situation turned worse Pat and his band mates are thrown into a dark world of drugs and murder from the hands of the ruthless club owner and his no moral limit henchman.
Green Room
Director: Jeremy Saulnier
Rating: R
Release Date: April 22, 2016 (Chicago), April 29 nationwide
In Green Room we see these young inspiring punk rockers go through hell trying to make it out alive. This real human reaction leaves a unsatisfying feeling of unpleasantness because of the unfamiliar future of what may happen next.
This in your face cut throat style of story telling leaves urging questions of what’s going to happen next. Focusing and centering the green room located backstage of the bar they just performed in visual director Saulnier uses every inch to paint a haunting picture of no escape.
Amber (Imogen Poots) and Pat (Anton Yelchin) stood out as both unsuspecting untraditional figures. All the characters in the film go against what we’ve seen in past horror thrillers which also creates a surprising momentum of story telling.
Music fans will also enjoy this film for it’s taste and showcasing of music from artist like Corpus Rottus and Battletorn as well as original music from the films band the Ain’t Rights.
A huge standout moment of the film is how Patrick Stewart emerges as a complete terror and haunting villain with no human remorse. As the leader of white skinheads, Stewart’s soft spoken portrayal is truly menacing.
Stewart’s portrayal alone is reason enough is see this film but definitely not its only one. In Green Room we see a captivating story that leaves us wanting more every second. This thriller is one that many will talk about for years for it’s original take and its brilliant delivery.
Check out the interview with producer Jeremy Saulnier.
[Weekly Netflix Fix] You Have to Watch Blue Ruin, BoJack Horseman
With August coming to an end, Netflix ramped up their new Netflix Instant titles with some truly amazing films. For '90s kids, there's a trio of 3 Ninjas films to reminisce and feel nostalgic over the cheese that was karate-themed '90s films. If you like your action a bit more serious, there's Tony Jaa's The Protector 2. If you're in the mood for a good laugh, Ice Cube has your back with Barbershop 2: Back in Business. If you're looking for your new favorite animated series, there's the Netflix-exclusive BoJack Horseman, which I can't recommend enough. However, my big recommendation for this week comes in the form of the independent revenge thriller, Blue Ruin. I caught it at last year's Chicago International Film Festival and instantly falling in love, writing about the film and its director, Jeremy Saulnier:
Revenge thrillers are usually about the fulfillment of revenge and the journey the character takes to accomplish it. Blue Ruin, however, takes it to the next level with moments of character introspection balancing the weight of blood. In just his second feature length film, writer/director Jeremy Saulnier showed how much potential he can bring to the film world; it’s only a matter of time before the film world takes notice.
You can check out the full list of new Netflix Instant additions below.
- 3 Ninjas: High Noon At Mega Mountain
- 3 Ninjas: Kick Back
- 3 Ninjas: Knuckle Up
- The Protector 2
- Barbershop 2: Back in Business
- Blood Glacier
- BoJack Auditions for Frank Underwood
- BoJack Auditions for Horse Beast
- BoJack Auditions for Larry
- Horsin' Around
- The Motel Life
- Young
- Being Mary Jane
- Parenthood: Season 5
- Swan Princess: A Royal Family Tale
- Test
- 30 for 30: Hillsborough
- 30 for 30: White, Blue and White
- Blue Ruin
- The Chef, the Actor, the Scoundrel
- Foyle's War: Series 7
- BoJack Horseman
- Go for Sisters
[Trailer] Blue Ruin
[youtube id="hCXRTdzkDas"]
Revenge lives within us all. While some may be able to forgive and forget, not all are so fortunate to have this capability. Blue Ruin tells the tale of a man's return to his hometown when the murderer of his parents is released 20 years after the crimes were committed. Originally returning for his own act of vengeance, the man soon finds himself fighting to protect his abnormal family in this acclaimed thriller.
Blue Ruin seems to be captivating many of those who have been privileged enough to view it. Winner of the FIPRESCI prize at Cannes Film Festival in 2013, the film has been making its way through all of the major film festivals including Sundance and the Toronto Film Festival. It also was featured at the Chicago International Film Festival. You can check out Ruby Hornet's review here.
The film directed and written by Jeremy Saulnier starring Macon Blair will open in theaters on April 25, 2014.
[CIFF Capsule Review] Blue Ruin
[Ruby Hornet will be attending the 49th Chicago International Film Festival from 10/10 - 10/24. Be sure to follow along as we bring you coverage from the longest-running competitive international film festival in the country. You can find all of our coverage from this year's CIFF here.]
Blue Ruin
Director: Jeremy Saulnier
Country: United States
CIFF Screening: October 13, 2013 (8:15pm)
[youtube id="uIwzTUzmXto"]
20 years after the double murder of his parents, Dwight returns to his hometown when the convicted murderer is let free. After he takes vengeance into his own hands, the tables are turned on him as the now-deceased murderer's family begins a manhunt to avenge their relative's death. Blue Ruin is a psuedo-noir film rife with violence, bloodshed, and a great example of a revenge thriller.
Blue Ruin is dark, both visually, thematically, and humorously. Scenes where harsh shadows envelop Dwight invading an empty house are contrasted with funny dialogue exchanges between himself and those around him, whether they're with his hunters or his high school best friend. Dark comedy can be a mixed bag if used incorrectly or exaggerated, but Blue Ruin balances it well. Not many films can laugh at a witty response, jump when somebody's face is blown off, then laugh again when it comes to disposing the body.
Revenge thrillers are usually about the fulfillment of revenge and the journey the character takes to accomplish it. Blue Ruin, however, takes it to the next level with moments of character introspection balancing the weight of blood. In just his second feature length film, writer/director Jeremy Saulnier showed how much potential he can bring to the film world; it's only a matter of time before the film world takes notice.
Score: 
7 out of 10