Friday, August 23, 2019

Midsommar (2019)




Midsommar is a tough film to sum up in a simple statement. It's a horror film, to be sure, but it also is about a failing relationship.  And it could be looked at as a dark fairy tale cautioning one on the dangers of being the outsider in a seemingly welcoming community.  Regardless of how you view it, the film is gorgeous looking, the acting is solid and scenes are riddled with clues of events yet to come, which keeps you engaged.  And, though the 2 1/2 hour running time might cause some to worry it drags out, that's not the case.  It's the creepiest film I've seen that takes place in daylight.  You won't get any jump scares, but the sense of dread is intense and haunting.

The core of the story revolves around the deteriorating relationship between two college students, Dani Ardor (Florence Pugh) and Christian Hughes (Jack Reynor).  Christian wants to end the relationship, and is encouraged to do so by his friends Mark (Will Poulter) and Josh (William Jackson Harper), but once Dani is traumatized by a family tragedy, Christian puts his plans on hold.

A few months later, Dani finds out that Christian, Mark and Josh are going to Sweden, as their friend Pelle (Vilhelm Blomgren) has invited them to the Harga, a midsummer celebration that occurs once every 90 years, in his ancestral commune.  The couple argues, resulting in Christian reluctantly inviting Dani to join them.

Hey, we're just a group of American students in a foreign land,
observing a possibly pagan ritual.  What could possibly happen?

The group arrives and meets an English couple invited to the celebration by Pelle's brother.  And if you think all goes well, and the six outsiders experience a deep appreciation of another culture's traditions, well, let's just say you walked into the wrong movie.  Mayhem does ensue, but only after the film ratchets up the tension and makes the beautiful location feel very creepy.

To be honest, I had a sense of deja vu once the group arrived in the commune.  It was only when the first warning to the main characters that all wasn't right with this celebration that I caught myself muttering, "Why don't you leave?  Haven't you seen The Wicker Man?"

Oh god, not that one!
NOT THAT ONE!!

I don't want to say writer/director Ari Aster ripped off Robin Hardy's 1973 masterwork of horror.  But the plot, involve outsiders within a pagan culture which they don't understand, and the community members harboring their own agenda, it would be impossible for comparisons to be made between the two films.  And both films move with a slow, deliberate pace, but Aster isn't copying the earlier film's pace.  Midsommar wouldn't have worked if it moved any faster.  If you can put aside any desire to compare the two, you'll find plenty to enjoy.

One thing that does become evident early on is that the commune acts more like a cult towards the outsiders.  The sun doesn't set during the summer months in that part of Sweden, disrupting the group's circadian rhythm.  Well, that and sleeping in a large, open dorm building with crying infants.  Also, the group partake in psychedelics (as well as a few potions, delivered without their knowledge) offered during the celebration, adding to their sense of disorientation.  It does explain why the group stays in the commune, even when it appears they know they shouldn't.  And it shows what seals Dani's fate, as her hallucinations are mostly about her recent trauma, and becoming one with nature.  Keep this in mind, as you might think the main actors are falling flat once the film reaches its climax.  The actors are playing their characters as tripping balls and dealing with extreme fatigue, making them numb and easily manipulated.

Don't worry, it's all natural.
Just don't expect to feel your toes for a while.

As I mentioned above, the acting is solid all around.  Pugh and Reynor are terrific as a couple staying together even though it's obvious the relationship is over.  Though Christian delays breaking things off after Dani's family trauma (and understandable so), he comes off as someone wanting to do the right thing, but unable to find a way.  And Pugh plays her character as one looking for stability in her life, even if it means staying in a sour relationship.  Their discussion concerning Christian's announcement that he was planning to travel to Sweden without her is well played, as the couple doesn't yell at each other, but more engage in a quiet verbal knife fight that Dani ends up winning.

But that brings up one of my problems with Midsommar.  As Dani and Christian's relationship is the focal point of the film, it seems to be shuffled into the background as things go bad.  As the story progresses, Dani and Christian hardly talk to each other.  While one could take this as a continuing sign of their crumbling relationship, it keeps the script from setting up the climax.  Instead, their issues get replaced by a new fracturing relationship, as Christian's decides to write his thesis on the commune, conflicting with Josh's plans.  Meanwhile, Mark just walks about playing the ugly American, vaping everywhere and urinating on sacred trees, while Josh breaks his agreement with the commune elders, marking them both like camp councilors in a slasher film.

But as the film reaches his climax, the relationship takes center stage once again.  But it comes off as rather a forgone conclusion rather than evolving from the interaction between Dani and Christian.  The event that pushes the climax forward is one that one might see as the tipping point, and the mix of drugs and exhaustion set up by the commune does give the audience a sense that it was going to happen.  Still, I'd like to have seen more interactions between Dani and Christian to set it up, rather than the other characters taking over the middle part of the film.

Look, I know we haven't dealt with our relationship for a bit of screen time,
but now's a good time to bring it up again, as the final act is on the horizon.

But the film's biggest flaw is in the first event that indicates something is wrong with the Harga.  Now, as a horror film fan, I know screenwriters have to keep the protagonists in the haunted cabin/woods/asylum/whatever, even as the warning signs continue to build.  But those indications that things are about to go south usually start out slow and gradually build, even though the audience knows what those signs are leading towards.  After all, we are watching a horror film, so weird noises in the basement and missing friends mean something to the audience, and not to the characters on the screen.  At least not until the bodies start turning up.

But in Midsommar, the first warning sign skips Defcon 1 to 4, and blasts well past 5.  I'm not going to give it away, but once you see it, you wonder why the characters aren't leaving their belongings behind and racing through the forest towards the main highway.  It's that dramatic, and as the group hasn't been doped up long enough to overcome their sense of self-preservation, it feels silly that the commune elders are able to keep them from leaving.  Okay, you could argue that since Christian and Josh are anthropology graduate students, they might stay on to learn more about the group.  But that just doesn't work, given what happens.  Seriously, if the characters really think these people would let you write about their commune after what happens, they are dumber than most of the camp councilors filling the screen in the 80s.

I know you might think it's time for us to leave, but the commune elders say it's all normal.
So everything must be good, right?

That moment might stretch your suspension of disbelief, but if you can get past that, Midsommar is a nice, slow building horror film.  Aster's direction is sharp and the film looks beautiful, and the hints spread throughout the film of what's to come don't require a second view to catch, as Aster makes them obvious without being overly blatant.  The performances are solid, though I wish the script had spent more time dealing with the interactions between Dani and Christian.  And it's nice that the script doesn't turn the commune members into stereotypical horror villains, a fault of other films dealing with similar subject matter.  It's easy to get the sense that they don't feel they are doing anything wrong, which makes their actions even more harrowing.

You might not be burning to revisit it soon, but Midsommar is quite effective and, if you haven't seen it yet, you might want to check out the home video.  It's been reported on the Internet (and we all know everything on the web is true, so keep that in mind) that 30 minutes were cut from the theatrical release, partly to earn the film an R-rating.  This doesn't feel surprising, as the theatrical version contains some some very strong sexual content.  I don't know if the additional footage will add anything new to the film, but it will make for an interesting evening.  You just might not want to make this a first date viewing.

Just a suggestion here.  If you've visiting a commune and some guy is carrying
a giant wooden mallet, it might be time to LEAVE!









Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Summer is coming to an end, but not the Horror/Sci FI/Fantasy events around the Pacific Northwest!


Yes, summer is coming to an end, but it looks like we'll still get a few last days of sunny weather before the clouds and rain becomes the norm once again.  I'm not complaining, mind you, as it signals we're getting closer to THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR, but you might want to soak up some sunshine before it becomes a fond memory.

Me, I'm just going to enjoy not having to risk igniting in the sunlight
when I walk to the grocery store.

Of course, if you'd rather stay out of the sun, check out this edition of the Weekly Update for all the cool Horror/Sci Fi/Fantasy events happening this week in the Pacific Northwest.  You'll find lots of movies and stage events, as well as a few markets, cons and MORE, all waiting to keep you cool and out of the sun!

Be sure to check out the Horror/Sci Fi/Fantasy Calendar if you're into long range planning.  I'm a bit behind in adding events to the page, but I hope to remedy that over the next few days, so keep checking back!

If you want your event listed on the site, just email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with the details and promotional artwork, and I'll do the rest.  As always, you won't have to pay a dime, since postings on the site are FREE!

From Ashland, OR, to Vancouver, BC, The Shadow Over Portland has you covered!

Now Showing 

Gods and prehistoric monsters invade the Summer Repertory Series at the Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark St in Portland, OR)!  Check out Ray Harryhausen's classic Jason and the Argonauts, presented in GLORIOUS 35mm.  Or spend some time exploring Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park.  Both movies play through Thursday, August 22.  Please note, this is not a double feature and if you want to catch both, you'll need two separate tickets.  For more details, including showtimes, visit the Academy Theater website.

Buy Tickets Now

Oh no, there goes The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR), go go Godzillathon!  It's a weekend full of Kaiju goodness as the theater brings Destroy All MonstersGodzilla vs. MegalonGodzilla vs. Mechagodzilla and Godzilla on Monster Island to the big screen from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1, all in GLORIOUS 35mm!  Tickets go on sale to the general public at noon on Thursday, August 8.  For more details, including showtimes, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

Looking for Monsters

The Beneath is gearing up for its second year under the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, OR, and is looking for volunteers to play monsters!  If you're interested, visit The Beneath website and click on the Monsters Needed button.

Film Festival Submissions

The 11th Annual GuignolFest: 3-Day Horror Movie Contest is signing up teams now!  For more details, visit the Facebook Page or the GuignolFest website.

August, 2019

Wednesday, August 21

Weird Wednesday returns to The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Highway in Tigard, OR) tonight with...  Well, with a really good movie, 1962's Carnival of Souls.  The film starts at 9:15 pm and admission is FREE, but you must be 18 or older to attend.  And don't forget to support The Joy's ongoing efforts to keep Wednesdays WEIRD by stopping at the concession stand for some tasty treats and beverages.  For more details, visit The Joy Cinema website.

Thursday, August 22

Tickets are still available for tonight's production by Tacky WackyNew Mutants: A X-Men Themed Drag Show at Crush Bar (1400 SE Morrison St in Portland, OR).  Doors open at 8:30 pm for this X-traordinary performance.  You must be 21 or older to attend.  Be aware, the performance on Wednesday, August 21 has SOLD OUT.  For more details and a list of performers, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Friday, August 23

The Summer Repertory Series at the Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark St in Portland, OR) ends with the first, and possibly, best summer movie made, Steven Spielberg's Jaws, presented in GLORIOUS 35mm.  Or head to Camelot (or not, it's a rather silly place) with Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  Both movies play through Thursday, August 29.  Please note, this is not a double feature and if you want to catch both, you'll need two separate tickets.  For more details, including showtimes, visit the Academy Theater website.

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The 7th Street Theatre (313 7th St in Hoquiam, WA) will screen Star Wars: A New Hope today and tomorrow at 7:30 pm and on Sunday, August 26 at 2 pm.  Don't miss this chance to see it on the big screen!  For more details and information on ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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This news is MOST EXCELLENT!  The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) celebrates the 30th anniversary of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure by screening a digital restoration of the film.  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

Saturday, August 24

The Creeping Museum Artist Market takes place this afternoon at the Alberta Abbey (126 NE Alberta St in Portland, OR).  Doors open at 4 pm, or enter at 3 pm with Early Bird Admission for $10.  Presented by the not-for-profit art collective The Creeping Museum, this one-day event features handmade goods, vintage clothing and curiosities and MUCH MORE!  For more details and Early Bird Admission, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The Destiny City Freakycon V - A Mini-Horror Con takes place from 1 to 6 pm today at Destiny City Comics (218 St Helens Ave in Tacoma, WA).   Guests include independent horror film director Tonjia Atomic, independent horror film director Joe Sherlock, shock rock band October Games, and MUCH MORE!  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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To celebrate Wyrd War's release of Charles Bernstein's score on vinyl, head to The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) for a screening of The Entity in GLORIOUS 35mm!  Based on the true story of a woman who was repeatedly sexually assaulted by an unseen force, the film features an amazing performance by star Barbara Hershey as she is victimized by the entity and the disbelieving men investigating the case.  For more details, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

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The 5th Annual Celtic Fantasy Faire takes place from 10 am to 6 pm today at Shute Park (750 SE 8th Ave in Hillsboro, OR).  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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Geek Girls, time to leave the husband/boyfriend and kids at home, as Geek Girl Brunch Portland hosts a brunch celebrating Buffy The Vampire Slayer.  You must be 21 and older to attend and are invited to show up in costume (it's not required).  Brunch will take place at The Original Dinerant (300 SW 6th Ave in Portland, OR), and the event is FREE (though you are responsible for your food and drink purchases).  For more details and to RSVP (required, as space is limited), visit the Facebook Event Page.

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Salem Movies in the Park will screen Solo: A Star Wars Story tonight at the Riverfront City Park (200 Water St NE in Salem, OR).  The movie starts at around 8 pm and admission is FREE, though donations are suggested.  For more details, visit the Movies in the Park website.

Sunday, August 25 


The Northwest Film Center presents Brian Yuzna's body-horror critique of the upper class, Society, at 7 pm tonight at the Portland Art Museum Whitsell Auditorium (1219 SW Park Ave in Portland, OR).  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the NWFC website.

Monday, August 26

Monday Movie Night at the Waterland Arcade (22306 Marine View Dr S in Des Moines, WA) will present Stephen King's so-bad-it's-AMAZING Maximum Overdrive tonight at 7 pm.  Expect some trivia and score a free drink by wearing your best Stephen King or AC/DC attire!  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The Fashion in Film series at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) will screen the film version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, starring Kristy Swanson and Donald Sutherland, tonight at 7:30 pm.  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

Tuesday, August 27

Oh crap, here comes the clowns!  The Nerd Out (3308 SE Belmont St in Portland, OR) brings the Radioactive Geeks crew to test your knowledge in a Stephen King/Clowns Trivia Night.  Your team of 2-4 people will compete in four rounds to win PRIZES!  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Wednesday, August 28

Re-Run Theater at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) presents the action filled two-part episode The Living Legend from the original Battlestar Galactica tonight at 7:30 pm.  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

Thursday, August 29

Get Your Geek On: Three Year Anniversary takes place at 9:30 pm tonight at Crush Bar (1400 SE Morrison St in Portland, OR).  This variety show has featured bellydance, drag, burlesque, circus, singing and comedic acts in the past, with characters from comics and movie to literature and video games.  To find out what's in store this time, you'll have to show up and see.  Doors open at 9 pm.  For more details, including advance ticket sales and a list of performers, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Friday, August 30


Godzillathon begins its rampage at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) with a screening of Destroy All Monsters in GLORIOUS 35mm tonight at 7 pm.  For more details, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

Saturday, August 31

Godzillathon continues stomping through The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) with a screening of Godzilla vs Megalon in GLORIOUS 35mm today at 2 pm.  For more details, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

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Godzillathon continues stomping through The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) with a screening of Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla in GLORIOUS 35mm tonight at 7 pm.  For more details, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

September, 2019

Sunday, September 1

The Northwest Film Center presents the scariest movie ever released by Disney, Return to Oz, at 7 pm tonight at the Portland Art Museum Whitsell Auditorium (1219 SW Park Ave in Portland, OR) in GLORIOUS 35mm!  Dorothy, back in Kansas, is about to undergo electroshock therapy because of her belief in the world of Oz.  She manages to escape to Oz, only to find it threatened by another evil force.  Featuring some fairly scary stop-motion (created by Will Vinton Studios) and a queen with a collection of various disembodied heads, it's not the cute musical from the 30s.  For more details and advance tickets, visit the NWFC website.

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Godzillathon continues stomping through The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) with a second screening of Destroy All Monsters in GLORIOUS 35mm today at 2 pm.  For more details, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

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Godzillathon ends its rampage at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) with a screening of Godzilla on Monster Island in GLORIOUS 35mm tonight at 7 pm.  For more details, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.