Monday, November 30, 2015

Movie review: Frontline: hunting the nightmare bacteria

Investigating the rise of untreatable infections around the world, Frontline reporter David Hoffman engages with hospital administrators, health officials, and families.

David Hoffman (Correspondent), Sarah Childress (Reporter), Will Lyman (Narrator), Arun Rath, Emma Schwartz.

Frontline: Hunting the Nightmare Bacteria has correspondent David Hoffman investigating the disturbing resilience of bacteria and the rise of untreatable infections. Speaking with health officials, hospital administrators, and families we learn that antibiotic resistant bacteria are increasing dramatically throughout the world. Multiple causes of these Gram Negative bacteria are identified, as are indications that the problem will persist as long as we continue to use antibiotics as we do currently.

Rather than acting, those in this Frontline episode are not actors. That said, most interview and present well.

Camera work and backgrounds are good with nice addition of video from other sources and well done camera shots. Dialogue was good, and Hoffman asked some good questions, though there was some repetition. Sound was well done.

Frontline: Hunting the Nightmare Bacteria is a well done episode investigating the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria around the world, with focus on several particular cases as examples. Those with an interest in world health, antibiotics, or infectious diseases should find this one educational and interesting.

With some mild, potentially disturbing content for the youngest viewers, there is nothing else here to limit audience age or maturity.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 1.13.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: TV Documentaries, TV Shows, Documentaries, Science & Nature TV, Science & Technology TV Documentaries

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Sunday, November 29, 2015

Movie review: Black Mirror

Black Mirror is a made-for-television sci-fi series focusing on the darker side of technology and human nature. Each story is a self-contained tale of the thriller, drama, or sci-fi genre that feature a current world twist of some kind.

Bryony Neylan-Francis (Sex worker), Shawn Aldin-Burnett (Passerby), Daniel Kaluuya (Bing), Toby Kebbell (Liam), Rory Kinnear (Michael), Hayley Atwell (Martha), Lenora Crichlow (Victoria), Daniel Rigby (Jamie).

Black Mirror is an interesting anthology series with a nice variety of stories focused on entertaining with slight twists on reality and technology. Each story is self-contained with an independent plot and characters, much like the original Twilight Zone series. The stories are presented nicely with an interesting variety of plots, depth, and attention to detail. Though not every episode may be for everyone, there is a bit of something here for most everyone.

Acting was good throughout with nice presentation and emotion. Most actors seemed to be comfortable and deliver fairly well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are enjoyable and varied throughout the different episodes but in general are well done with good detail. Effects are minimal but good. Dialogue also varied greatly between episode but other than some difficult accents, was pretty good. Sound and soundtrack were somewhat bland.

Black Mirror is an enjoyable, if short, series that presents a nice variety of stories with an interesting focus on slight alterations to reality. Sci-fi and drama fans should enjoy this the most.

With some adult content including violence, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2011 - 2013
Reviewed: 1.12.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: TV Sci-Fi & Fantasy, British TV Dramas, TV Shows, British TV Shows, TV Dramas

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Friday, November 27, 2015

Movie review: Kid cannabis

A high school stoner decides that smuggling pot across the Canadian border into Idaho might make for a nice career. Gathering a few friends, they set up a smuggling operation that succeeds beyond expectations and creates problems they never imagined.

Jonathan Brown (Nate), Kenny Wormald (Topher), Aaron Yoo (Brendan), Ron Perlman (Barry), John McGinley (John), Corey Large (Giovanni), Bryce Hodgson (Scuzz), Alex Arsenault (Dustin), Jeffrey Ballard (Patrick), Luke Jennings (Terry), Kieran Large (Mike), Amanda Tapping (Nate's Mom).

Kid Cannabis begins with some background and character development which explains to us that Nate and Topher are essentially stereotypical stoners looking for an easy quick buck, approaching life as one big party. When they discover the possibility of smuggling pot into the U.S. across the Canadian border, things get much more interesting as do their lives. But when the operation grows beyond their expectations things quickly get out of hand. Based on a true story, Nate creates a fair sized smuggling operation which the film follows through to a conclusion with law enforcement.

Acting was mediocre here with Brown feeling out of place and as if the role was beyond his experience. Wormald was slightly better but with a smaller role it just wasn't enough. Perlman and Tapping probably had the most experience of anyone in this one, and both did fairly well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were pretty good with nice use of natural scenery and video camera footage. Stunts were mild but reasonable. Dialogue was good but the comedy aspect was seriously lacking. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Kid Cannabis while interesting, isn't quite as billed. There really isn't a lot of comedy here and what does exist is poorly executed. As a drama and short walk into the world of drug smuggling, it is somewhat entertaining.

With some violence, foul language, extensive drug use and representation, nudity, and sexuality, save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 1.13.15
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Independent Comedies, Dramas, Independent Movies, Independent Dramas, Comedies

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Movie review: America Declassified

Focusing on some of America's most well-known conspiracy theories and mysteries, scientific testing and forensic tools are used to explore unusual stories and locations. Rumored bunkers, unusual crimes, aliens, and surviving disasters are some of the topics.

Ben McGee, Mike Baker, Ted Steward (Narrator), Kenneth Altman (Sound Man), James Bamford, Jonah Bauserman, Richard Belzer, Sandra Butler, Mark Dice, Anita Dickason.

Each episode of America Declassified takes a hard look at a mystery or rumor and using scientific methods, attempts to prove or disprove each one. Though the approach sounds solid, there is obviously some drama and dramatization added to keep things interesting. As we also find out in the last episode, a behind-the-scenes look, there was even pertinent footage and information that was left on the cutting room floor.

Though not acting in the traditional sense, McGee and Baker were the two main characters in the series and both presented well.

Camera work was nicely done with solid shots and good technical work. Sets and backgrounds were generally physical locations but were presented well with good camera work. Dialogue was solid if repetitive much of the time. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Those who enjoy conspiracy theories and mysteries will likely enjoy this one quite a bit. From the Travel Channel, America Declassified is more dramatic than factual possibly but quite entertaining.

With some mild content concerns like crime photos, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 1.12.15
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Reality TV, TV Shows, Investigative Reality TV

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Monday, November 23, 2015

Movie review: In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale

Farmer is a simple man with a simple life until an army of violent creatures called Krugs kills his son and kidnaps his wife. Farmer, learning the Krugs are controlled by the evil Gallian who hopes to kill King Konreid, sets out to claim vengeance and recover his wife.

Jason Statham (Farmer), Leelee Sobieski (Muriella), John Rhys-Davies (Merick), Ron Perlman (Norick), Claire Forlani (Solana), Matthew Lillard (Duke Fallow), Brian White (Commander Tarish), Ray Liotta (Gallian), Burt Reynolds (King Konreid).

In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale launches right into the middle of a story already in progress. Though we don't get a lot of character background or development up front, a lot is presented as the plot continues to roll along and the film does a decent job of holding our interest. As the story takes a few turns, we see some depth and as action picks up the film develops a good pace with a nice mix of action, adventure, sci-fi, and a definite dramatic aspect. Of course, we are left with the expected Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was reasonably well done with Statham delivering nicely as usual. Sobieski was okay but definitely underused. Rhys-Davies supported nicely as did Perlman and Forlani. Lillard was completely mis-cast and felt out of place entirely. Reynolds was only slightly better cast, but at least tried to fit his role. Liotta, as always, made a good bad guy.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done. Blended with CGI, the film had a nice substantial, big-budget feel which helped. Effects were pretty good though minimizing details of the Krugs felt like a mistake. Dialogue was enjoyable and fairly reasonable. Sound and soundtrack were both well done.

Overall In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale is a sci-fi fantasy flick with a fair amount of action and a reasonable plot that should entertain a wide range of audiences. Ignore the poor reviews and give this one a shot if you are an action sci-fi fantasy fan.

With some intense violence and possibly disturbing creature images, save this one for teens and above.

Released: 2007
Reviewed: 1.12.15
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Foreign Action & Adventure, Action & Adventure, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy Movies

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Sunday, November 22, 2015

Movie review: Invasion

When small rocks start falling from the sky a latent human virus is activated and spreads quickly to the entire population. As humanity is being transformed into a new alien race, a small group of scientists race to find a cure and save the world.

Luke Perry (Beau), Kim Cattrall (Dr. Sheila Moran), Rebecca Gayheart (Cassy), Christopher Orr (Pitt), Jon Polito (Det. Kemper), Neal McDonough (Randy), Rosanna DeSoto (Nancy), Castulo Guerra (Eugene), Louis Crugnali (John).

Small rocks falling from the sky trigger a latent human virus which begins transforming the human race into aliens. Once transformed, the aliens share a hive mind and begin to infiltrate society and government at the highest levels. A small group of scientists realize the danger and begin working feverishly to create and distribute a vaccine. But can they save humanity? Broad as the plot sounds, this one translates well to the big screen and moves along at a nice pace.

Acting was reasonably well done with Perry doing better than expected. Cattrall had moments of quality delivery punctuated by overacting and appearing to be lost. Gayheart was enjoyable if a bit green, while the remainder of the cast did fairly well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are pretty good throughout with a solid, realistic feel. Effects including costuming, makeup, action scenes, and CGI were enjoyable with good detail. Dialogue did okay at presenting the storyline but could have had a bit more depth. Sound and soundtrack were decent.

If Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets Night of the Living Dead sounds like an interesting film, check this one out. Likewise if you enjoy older sci-fi films. A bit long at almost 3 hours, this made for TV movie should be one that die-hard sci-fi fans will enjoy.

With some potential disturbing content, save this one for teens and above.

Released: 1997
Reviewed: 1.11.15
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Alien Sci-Fi, TV Miniseries, Sci-Fi Thrillers, Dramas Based on the Book

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Friday, November 20, 2015

Movie review: Quicksilver Highway

This is actually two stories: Chattering Teeth which is a Stephen King story, and The Body Politic which is a Clive Barker story. Chattering Teeth is a lovely story about a man who picks up a hitchhiker who has malicious intent only to be defended by a quirky toy bought for his son. A set of chattering teeth.
The Body Politic is an interesting trip into insanity when a surgeons hands rebel against him and try to organize a hand revolution. Both stories are told as stories by an unusual character, Aaron Quicksilver, to people he meets on his travels or in the course of business.

Christopher Lloyd (Aaron Quicksilver), Matt Frewer (Charley), Raphael Sbarge (Kerry Parker/Bill Hogan), Missy Crider (Olivia Parker/Lita Hogan), Silas Mitchell (Bryan Adams), Bill Nunn (Len), Clive Barker (Anesthesiologist).

Although the film wasn’t much on the fear factor scale, both plots were unique to my knowledge and were enjoyable to briefly contemplate. The narration style of the film by Lloyd as a character in a plot tying the two stories together really didn’t do anything for the stories themselves and I think leaving that part out and developing more of the two stories would have made for a much better film.

I hesitate to say acting wasn’t good in this one but rather that the problem was depth. The film seemed to run screaming past character development and right into the attempted scary parts. Instead the result was a complete lack of empathy for the characters and a pediatric feeling overall. Disappointing considering the story writers.

Camera work and sound were decent throughout the film however dialogue shifted from entertaining to juvenile frequently. Special effects left something to be desired and were actually funny in parts.

If you enjoy light-hearted sci-fi or horror that just isn’t scary, check this one out. Otherwise, leave this off your Must See list.

Other than adult concepts and violence this one is pretty plain so viewing by preens and above should be fine.

Released: 1997
Reviewed: 1.9.15
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Made-for-TV Movies

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Movie review: Mystic River

Sean, Dave, and Jimmy survive a childhood trauma before drifting apart growing up. When Jimmy's teenage daughter is murdered the investigation reunites the three, bringing back memories and pain of childhood.

Sean Penn (Jimmy), Tim Robbins (Dave), Kevin Bacon (Sean), Laurence Fishburne (Whitey), Marcia Harden (Celeste), Laura Linney (Annabeth), Kevin Chapman (Val Savage), Emmy Rossum (Katie), Adam Nelson (Nick Savage), Robert Wahlberg (Kevin Savage), Tom Guiry (Brendan), Spencer Clark (Silent Ray).

Directed by Clint Eastwood, this all-star cast delivers an emotional tale of childhood trauma leading to emotional and ethical trauma in adulthood. The plot is solid and the film moves along at a pretty good pace, building suspense and mystery very well. The misdirection and intrigue are delicious as we contemplate ethics and morality in an emotionally charged situation. The story winds down with a well done twist that wraps up loose ends well.

Acting was very well done here. Penn and Robbins both delivered wonderful performances with strong emotion throughout. Bacon was good but a bit bland. Linney, Fishburne, and Harden all did well and brought good quality and depth to the film. The rest of the cast did well, delivering solid performances and good emotion.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all good with a realistic feel and good detail. Action scenes were mild but well done throughout. Dialogue was very enjoyable with good detail and depth that moved the story along well. Sound and soundtrack were good as would be expected from a big budget film.

At 138 minutes of run-time, Mystic River flows for a long time but the entire journey is enjoyable. With a wonderful cast, good technical work, and a storyline that is presented very well those who enjoy a good crime thriller or mystery should enjoy this one a lot. Put Mystic River in the top half of your Must See list.

With violence and foul language, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2003
Reviewed: 1.5.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Psychological Thrillers, Crime Thrillers, Mysteries, Film Noir, Thrillers

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Monday, November 16, 2015

Movie review: Mad Max: Fury Road

The desert wastelands remain full of crazed survivors fighting for the necessities of life in this post-apocalyptic fourth episode of the Mad Max story. Having lost his wife and child, Max wants only peace and solitude but once again is pulled into the wasteland insanity. Teaming up with Furiosa, Max and others may finally find their peace.

Tom Hardy (Max), Charlize Theron (Imperator Furiosa), Nicholas Hoult (Nux), Hugh Keays-Byrne (Immortan Joe), Josh Helman (Slit), Nathan Jones (Rictus Erectus), Zoe Kravitz (Toast the Knowing), Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (Angharad), Riley Keough (Capable), Abbey Lee (Dag), Courtney Eaton (Cheedo).

Rather than a reboot, Mad Max: Fury Road is a continuation of the Mad Max saga started so many years ago. The film finds Max still in the wasteland which is still populated by insane post-apocalyptic survivors fueled by gasoline and the need to survive. Of course, it doesn't take long before Max is pulled back into the insanity. Teaming up with Furiousa, who is fighting to find her version of Eden along with a few indentured women, Max may finally find some peace as well.

Acting was pretty good in this one with Hardy doing a decent job. But, he is no Mel Gibson. Theron was an interesting choice and did well with her role. Hoult was enjoyable adding dimension to things. Byrne was a perfect choice for his part and did nicely. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets and backgrounds were simply awesome in this film. Without question there is extensive CGI in the film but it is extremely well done adding nice depth and detail. Costuming was also very nicely done with the representation of Immortan Joe being exceptional. Automobiles used in the film were also very creative showing a lot of imagination. Dialogue was a bit flat in spots but pretty good. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

Mad Max: Fury Road is a nice addition to the franchise after all this time. Purists comparing this to the original films will probably complain about the plot which is thin and used purely to fuel the action. I felt the film actually did a decent job of focusing on the intent of the original; gasoline fueled post-apocalyptic insanity.

With plenty of violence and disturbing images, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 11.16.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy, Sci-Fi Action & Adventure, Post-apocalyptic films, Action & Adventure, Action Sci-Fi

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

Friday, November 13, 2015

Movie review: Avengers: Age of Ultron

The Avengers are back to once again save Earth from a lethal threat. When Tony and Bruce try to activate and use a peacekeeping program called Ultron, the program becomes self-aware threatening humanity.

Robert Downey Jr. (Tony/Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce/Hulk), Chris Evans (Steve/Capt. America), Scarlett Johansson (Natasha/Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Clint/Hawkeye), James Spader (Ultron), Samuel L. Jackson (Fury), Don Cheadle (James/War Machine), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Quicksilver), Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda/Scarlet).

Avengers: Age of Ultron while being an entertaining story, is a somewhat well worn plot based on the surprising premise of a mistake. Tony finds an incredibly superior artificial intelligence program and rather than realizing the danger it presents and destroying it, as anyone would at this point in time, he simply turns it on. The remainder of the film has the Avengers fighting to fix that mistake. Though the action was fun, the premise is pretty tough to swallow.

Acting was good as always in this franchise. Downey uses his arrogance well as usual. Hemsworth delivered a bit less in this one, while Ruffalo delivered a bit more. Evans, Johansson, and Renner put forth some great energy. Spader was perfectly cast as Ultron and the CGI really brought through his personality. The rest of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with nice detail and creativity but the film wouldn't be what it was without the CGI. CGI was nicely done and surprisingly realistic for a fantasy film. There were some overdone bits here and there but even they were fun. Dialogue was mild but fit the film, the cast, and moved things along well. Sound and soundtrack were nicely done.

Overall Avengers: Age of Ultron is a fun and entertaining film if you can get past the storyline and just enjoy the adventure. Younger viewers will probably enjoy this more than their parents but, this is a decent choice for family movie night that should keep everyone entertained.

With some foul language, mild sexuality, and a lot of action violence, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 11.7.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Sci-Fi Action

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Movie review: Furious 7

Returning to the United States, Dom and his crew are ready for life to settle down a bit. But that isn't about to happen when Deckard Shaw sets out after Dom to get revenge for his comatose brother.

Vin Diesel (Dom), Paul Walker (Brian), Jason Statham (Deckard Shaw), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty), Jordana Brewster (Mia), Tyrese Gibson (Roman), Ludacris (Tej), Dwayne Johnson (Hobbs), Lucas Black (Sean), Kurt Russell (Mr. Nobody), Nathalie Emmanuel (Ramsey).

Dom and his team are ready for some downtime in the U.S. after defeating an international terrorist. But the vacation is short when Deckard starts hunting Dom to avenge his brother. Complicating things is a new software program that can track anyone anywhere, which is desperately sought after by Mr. Nobody, a government official. Competing for the software is a ruthless terrorist who will happily eliminate Dom and his team if necessary.

Acting was decent once again though Diesel is starting to show his age, as are a few others. Walker, who will be missed greatly, did a nice job once again. Statham is an enjoyable addition who brought a bit more energy to this episode. Rodriguez felt a bit off in this one, and Johnson seemed underused. Russell was an interesting addition, that almost worked, and he did pretty well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were solid as they have been in this series but CGI is definitely becoming more of the film. Several scenes in this one were completely, absolutely ridiculous and obviously impossible without CGI. Bluntly, the CGI was ridiculously over the top leading us to compare this to a Transformers movie. Dialogue was okay, as were sound and soundtrack.

Overall if you are a fan of the franchise you will likely enjoy at least parts of this one. If you are watching for the hot cars, hot girls, or incredible action you may still be entertained. Likewise if you crave intense CGI. But if you want anything at all based in reality, move along.

With plenty of violence, some sexuality and mild foul language, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 11.4.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thrillers, Crime Action, Crime Thrillers, Heist Films

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Monday, November 9, 2015

Movie review: The Divergent Series: Insurgent

The factions are uneasy and it appears war may be on the horizon but Tris hasn't lost hope yet, continuing to resist with others. But Jeanine believes she may have found a solution that will avoid war. The problem is, it requires a special Divergent leading to Tris once again being hunted.

Kate Winslet (Jeanine), Jai Courtney (Eric), Shailene Woodley (Tris), Mekhi Phifer (Max), Theo James (Four), Ansel Elgort (Caleb), Miles Teller (Peter), Zoe Kravitz (Christina), Tony Goldwyn (Andrew), Ashley Judd (Natalie), Naomi Watts (Evelyn).

Tris and the team are back, struggling still against the social design which defines them all. Except for Divergents of course. Gearing up for war, Tris suddenly finds herself, and all other Divergents, hunted when Jeanine discovers an object she believes may be able to end the faction conflicts. The rest of the film is a lot of action, and some drama, along with slow plot development of the easily expected storyline. There just aren't a lot of surprises here and without much plot, things slow down despite the action.

Acting was decent with Winslet once again doing a fine job as antagonist. Courtney stirs things up well and plays a thug quite nicely. Woodley has an updated look, but her talent hasn't changed much and continues to feel a bit out of character at times. James was solid, as was Teller who brought some good depth to things. Judd was very good, as was Watts.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good but really what you are watching here is a lot of CGI. Thankfully, it is pretty well done despite several beyond belief scenes. That said, the CGI fit incredibly well with dream sequences and exhibited very good quality. Dialogue was good, though quite serious through the whole film. Sound and soundtrack were nicely done.

Overall The Divergent Series: Insurgent is a flick teens will probably enjoy. The film has action, suspense, romance, and violence but for more mature viewers this may not be enough. The plot doesn't have a lot of depth and takes its sweet time presenting. Fans of the books may enjoy this one but those who are watching the film expecting a lot to happen may be disappointed.

With plenty of violence and some brief sexuality this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 11.4.15
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Fantasy, Sci-Fi Adventure, Fantasy, Adventure

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

Friday, November 6, 2015

Movie review: The Wolf of Wall Street

Based on the memoirs of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, Martin Scorcese brings to the big screen the life of a Wall Street high-roller whose career ended with a stint in federal prison.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Jordan), Jonah Hill (Donnie), Margot Robbie (Naomi), Matthew McConaughey (Mark), Kyle Chandler (Agent Denham), Rob Reiner (Max), Jon Bernthal (Brad), Jon Favreau (Manny), Jean Dujardin (Jean).

The Wolf of Wall Street launches with some mild background, slips quietly into character development, then slaps us upside the head as the main storyline is ignited. The film continues to build momentum and pace as Jordan's life comes unhinged in an avalanche of drugs, money, and excess. Finally tamed a bit when the government begins to question things, the film wraps nicely with a reasonable ending. Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, this is a roller-coaster ride from start to finish.

Acting was very well done here with DiCaprio and Robbie delivering lovely performances and working well together. Hill and Reiner also did nicely with solid emotion. Chandler was good but felt a bit disconnected at times. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable and did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with nice use of natural scenery. Detail and fit were well done. Physical stunts were nicely done throughout. Dialogue was enjoyable with a nice mix of intelligence and sarcasm. Narrative moments by DiCaprio were enjoyable as well. Sound and soundtrack were both good.

The Wolf of Wall Street is a somewhat over-the-top film showcasing the over-the-top life of Belfort, and it is a nice success. Good technical work, well done acting, along with a good pace and high energy make this one entertaining film. Those who enjoy a good crime drama should like this a lot.

With plenty of strong sexual content, graphic nudity and explicit sexuality, persistent drug use and foul langue, and violence, save this for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 1.4.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Dramas based on Books, Crime Dramas, Biographical Dramas, Dramas, Dramas based on real life

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Movie review: The Damned (Gallows Hill)

Their car washed off the road during a flash flood, a family finds shelter in a nearby home that used to be an Inn. But when they get nosey and ignore the owner's rules they find a terrible secret is being hidden.

Peter Facinelli (David), Sophia Myles (Lauren), Nathalia Ramos (Jill), Carolina Guerra (Gina), Sebastian Martinez (Ramon), Gustavo Angarita (Felipe), Julieta Salazar (Ana Maria), Tatiana Renteria (Marcela).

The Damned begins well enough with some character introduction and development along with plot setup. Once the family begins nosing around the Inn, things get more interesting when they release a young girl from a locked box in the basement, not realizing she is an ancient evil spirit. This ratchets up the pace and suspense nicely through to a fairly well done ending with some BOO moments and spooky events along the way.

Acting was reasonably well done with Facinelli and Myles putting forth decent performances. Ramos, Guerra, and the remainder of the supporting cast did fairly well with good delivery and apparent comfort.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were pretty good though dark scenes in the basement, and around the box, were difficult. Physical effects and stunt work were mild but nicely done with good attention to detail. CGI creature effects were very nice, delivering a spooky effect without driving the film. Dialogue was challenging with heavy accents and subtitles throughout. Sound and soundtrack were both good.

The Damned ends up being a fairly well done horror flick with a nice balance between visual, physical, and psychological horror. Though not an entirely original plot, horror fans should enjoy this one.

With mild nudity, foul language, blood, violence, and disturbing images this should be fine for mature teens and above.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 1.4.15
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror Movies, Supernatural Horror Movies

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Monday, November 2, 2015

Movie review: Dead Country

A deadly alien virus has infected a small rural town, turning people into flesh-eating zombies. The alien responsible works diligently with a few locals to keep the virus from spreading even further.

Andrew Merkelbach (Orion), Christopher Shen (Shen Lee), William Butler (Narrator), Janet Keijser (Janis), Lloyd Kaufman (Lloyd), Jacqueline Lovell (Teri), William Malone (William), Ted Mikels (Minister for Defence).

Dead Country is a zombie flick that may just turn you into a zombie! There was no plot, though it may have been eaten by zombies. There were no character introductions or even names given for characters, and only a ridiculous attempt at creating a setting for the film. Using subtitles to make main plot points is a good indicator that a film has problems, and this one had more than we can list. Topless females, regardless how cute or beautiful, do not make up for poor quality from every other aspect of the film.

Acting was absent here. Merkelback was unconvincing in every way. Shen was mildly better but again, failed as an action hero. Slowing down fight scenes for overweight actors does not make them better. Missed cues, bad timing, poor delivery, lack of emotion, obvious lack of familiarity with the script, and these are only a few of the problems. The dog might have been the best actor in the film, though we do have to give kudos to the topless ladies in the film.

Camera work was horrendous. Do NOT point the camera at the sun, nor at a spider-web for more than 3 seconds no matter how cool it is. Switching filters on every scene makes a film hard to watch, stop it, and the incessant shaking as well. Sets were bland and boring. Makeup was almost interesting however, sausages are not entrails and CGI blood will never, ever look realistic. Dialogue was so bad to almost be offensive. Soundtrack was bad enough the Mute button was required to maintain sanity.

Dead Country is dead to us. If we never run into this film again, it will be to soon. If you are into horrible, no-budget lame excuses to get your friends in a film and women to go topless then you will love this one. For anyone else wanting actual entertainment find something, anything, else and forget this one exists.

With plenty of lame gratuitous nudity, foul language, blood, gore, and violence all done in the worst way possible, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 1.4.15
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Zombies, Sci-Fi Horror, Alien Sci-Fi, B-Movie Horror

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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-Reviews posted here are my opinion and meant as informational for prospective viewers and are not meant to malign, defame, or otherwise harm anyone or anything. They also are not meant as advice or counsel , not necessarily factual or absolute, and the author will not be held responsible for the results of their use.
-Comments are NOT the opinion of this author, nor is he responsible or liable for the comments or their results. I will try to moderate them in a reasonable (to me) manner.
-Translation of any portion of this blog may result in other than desirable language for which the author is not responsible. Furthermore, I’m not an English major so there will be bad grammar and punctuation found here. There may also be language that is intentionally objectionable to support my opinions. Tough.
-Copyright: All reviews and opinions expressed here by the author are owned by the author. Please enjoy reposting and/or linking, I ask only that you give proper credit and inform me you have used my content for your own pleasure and devious purposes.
-Legal limit on damages: .02 cents, U.S. (Yes, I will give you my 2 cents worth if you abuse me in court).