Friday, April 29, 2016

Movie review: Bone Tomahawk

Bright Hope is a quiet Old West town until several settlers are abducted by a vicious, mysterious, cave-dwelling tribe. Hoping to rescue the missing people, Sheriff Hunt sets out with a make-shift posse that has grossly underestimated the barbarity of the enemy.

Kurt Russell (Sheriff Hunt), Patrick Wilson (Arthur), Richard Jenkins (Chicory), Matthew Fox (Brooder), Lili Simmons (Samantha), David Arquette (Purvis), Evan Jonigkeit (Deputy Nick), Sid Haig (Buddy).

While at first glance Bone Tomahawk looks like a slow moving Western, about an hour into the film you will start wondering what the hell just happened. Character introductions, background, and plot setup are slow to unfold to be sure. However, once the cowboys and Troglodytes are engaged the slow moving Western theme dissolves and Bone Tomahawk becomes a somewhat disturbing and fast paced horror flick. While the storyline has familiar but disparate elements, they blend well and make for surprisingly good entertainment.

Acting was enjoyable with Russell back in a Western role which seems to suit him well. Jenkins was very good here with excellent delivery throughout. Wilson was an interesting addition but did a nice job of selling his role. Fox, Simmons, Haig and the remainder of the cast did very nicely and seemed to work well together.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done with beautiful natural scenery and good technical quality. Action scenes, and the little CGI identified, were well done with violence being particularly detailed and disturbing. Dialogue was enjoyable with good depth. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

Bone Tomahawk is so slow to start that many viewers will be lost but have faith, when the horror shows up it is quite good. If you are looking for a Happily Ever After story that makes you feel good be warned, this is not the film you are looking for.

With some gruesome and disturbing violence, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.21.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Drama, Adventure, Western Drama, Western Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Movie review: The Secret Rules of Modern Living: Algorithms

Algorithms are everywhere controlling many aspects of our daily lives behind the scenes. From the cycling of traffic signals to computer dating, algorithms are key. So what are they?

Host: Professor Marcus du Sautoy

The Secret Rules of Modern Living: Algorithms dives into these often complex calculations showing us how they are used in our daily lives without us even being aware of them. Sautoy does a nice job of giving us an entry-level introduction to a couple of different algorithm types and how they are used in real life. The examples are easily understood and nicely demystify the complexity of algorithms.

Admittedly acting is often questionable in documentaries but Professor Marcus du Sautoy does a decent job and comes across as a fairly articulate and amicable fellow.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are nicely done. The series uses a nice mix of natural scenery and CGI to present different types of algorithms. Dialogue is good though a bit more depth, or maybe more episodes, would be nice. Sound and soundtrack are good.

The Secret Rules of Modern Living: Algorithms is a nice introduction to the concept, but only an introduction. Those new to the concept should enjoy this one while those wanting more depth and detail may be slightly disappointed.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.19.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Documentaries, British Documentaries

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, April 25, 2016

Movie review: Hacking the System


Life hacks can make the world a much easier, and sometimes more fun, place in which to live. In this series host Brian Brushwood helps us with theft prevention, choosing secure passwords, traveling, restaurants, gambling and much more!

Hosts: Brian Brushwood, Jason Murphey

Brian has made a career out of thinking like a criminal and in this series; Hacking the System, he shares with us some of his tips and tricks. From preventing theft to getting a good deal at a restaurant, Brian seems to know all the tricks. The shady as well as the legitimate.
The series is enjoyable with some humor and a direct, beginner approach at explaining things. The variety of hacks is entertaining and amusing.

Acting, such as it is in reality TV shows, is pretty good. Brian is congenial and delivers well. Jason plays a good straight-man for Brian's humor and experiments. Others who join briefly, while less practiced bring a nice element to the series.

Camera work is fairly well done throughout. Sets and backgrounds are enjoyable with a good mix of studio and natural elements. Action scenes feel largely unscripted and realistic. Dialogue was okay thought a bit more detail and explanation at times would have been nice. Sound is good.

If you are a fan of reality TV, or life hacks, you should enjoy this series which moves along pretty quickly.

Nothing here to limit audience age unless you have younger kids who might try some of the more dangerous hacks without supervision.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.19.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Reality TV

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Movie review: Under the Dome

Based on the Stephen King novel, the small town Chester's Mill in Maine becomes cut off from the rest of the world when a transparent dome descends. Covering the town completely the residents, and others unlucky enough to be in town when the dome descended, struggle to discover the dome's secrets while learning to rely on one another.

Mike Vogel (Dale 'Barbie' Barbara), Rachelle Lefevre (Julia), Alexander Koch (Junior), Colin Ford (Joe), Mackenzie Lintz (Norrie), Dean Norris (Big Jim), Eddie Cahill (Sam), Marg Helgenberger (Christine).

Under the Dome launches nicely with some good sci-fi as the dome descends upon Chester's Mill. Much of season 1 is spent dealing with the dome and the resulting isolation. Season 2 brings parallel plot lines to the story and a slight shift away from the sci-fi aspect toward a conspiracy aspect. Season 3 feels like a rush to tie up loose ends as the series finishes due to cancellation.
While the series is interesting, it also feels very disjointed and contrived at times. Having not read the book yet I can't make a comparison but if the reviews are any indication this went off the rails when it was picked up and extended as a series, then again when it was discontinued. The result is a series that starts well with much promise before changing direction and leaving us with an unresolved mess.

Acting was enjoyable in this series with a consistent cast of characters and some good experience. Vogel was entertaining and somehow managed to fit even when it didn't feel like he should. Lefevre was okay and worked well with Vogel and others. Koch was appropriately creepy at first but felt out of place when his character changed toward the end. Norris fit his role nicely and did well, as did the remainder of the supporting cast which seemed to benefit from some of the more experienced actors.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable with good diversity, a solid feel, and nice support of the sci-fi aspect. CGI and effects were well done, particularly around the dome itself. Action scenes were solid and consistent. Dialogue was well done with nice depth. Sound and soundtrack were mild but fitting.

Under the Dome is an interesting concept, made even more interesting with sub-plots and parallel story lines. Technical work is decent, and acting is enjoyable. It is also a mess of reactions to production company uncertainty. Die-hard King or sci-fi fans may enjoy parts of this one.

With some violence and possibly disturbing concepts, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.19.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: TV Sci-Fi Fantasy, TV Mystery, TV Drama, Series based on a book, TV Series

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, April 22, 2016

Movie review: The Diabolical

Madison and her two children are being terrorized nightly by a malicious presence that seems to be growing stronger. She tries enlisting paranormal experts and others but when they are all too frightened she turns to her scientist boyfriend for help.

Ali Larter (Madison), Max Rose (Jacob), Chloe Perrin (Haley), Wilmer Calderon (Miguel), Kurt Carley (The Prisoner), Merrin Dungey (Mrs. Wallace), Joe Egender (Carl), Patrick Fischler (Austin), Arjun Gupta (Nikolai).

The Diabolical doesn't waste much time, delivering minimal character introductions and plot setup before jumping right to the main story. Once the scary bits show up things get much more interesting and the pace picks up a notch. With a few added elements the film does a decent job of being spooky for while until, closer to the end, a few twists are thrown in. The story finishes nicely and does a decent job of wrapping thing up.

Acting was good from Larter who delivered pretty well. Rose and Perrin did nicely and delivered well considering their age. Calderon fit well and worked nicely with Larter, and the rest of the cast. The remainder of the cast did nicely throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were fairly simple but well done with most of the film taking place inside a house. Effects were well done with some good BOO moments and well done costuming. Action was mild but also nicely done. Dialogue was enjoyable with reasonable depth and plot movement. Sound and soundtrack were good.

The Diabolical ends up being a decent horror flick. The plot is simple and somewhat worn, but a few added elements and nice creature effects elevate the film slightly above the average. Sci-Fi Thriller or Horror fans should enjoy this one.

With disturbing images and adult situations, older teens and above should be fine with this one.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.18.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi Horror, Thrillers, Sci-Fi Thriller, Supernatural Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Movie review: Cop Car

When Travis and Harrison come across an abandoned cop car they are at first scared, but that quickly changes when they find the keys inside. Now enjoying themselves on a joyride, it isn't long before they realize they have gotten themselves in the middle of a mess in which the cops aren't always the good guys.

Kevin Bacon (Sheriff Kretzer), James Freedson-Jackson (Travis), Hays Wellford (Harrison), Camryn Manheim (Bev), Shea Whigham (Man), Sean Hartley (Motorcycle Cop), Kyra Sedgwick (Dispatcher).

Cop Car is the simple story of a couple of kids joyriding in a cop car that becomes quite a bit more. Once Kretzer starts looking for his missing car the boys quickly realize they are in the middle of some seriously dangers activity. Thankfully the film focuses as much on the boys and their adventures as it does Kretzer, which keeps the story interesting and supports a fast pace. The film finally finishes with an ending that adds even more depth while completing things nicely.

Acting was good with Freedson-Jackson and Wellford both delivering very well and working nicely together. Bacon was enjoyable in a familiar role that, through no fault of his own, was difficult to swallow at times. Manheim was a surprising, but enjoyable, addition to the film and did well, as did the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were mild but good. This one apparently takes place in the middle of nowhere and it really comes through in the scenery and backgrounds. Action scenes were well done, enjoyable, and fit the film. Dialogue was decent with nice depth and a realistic feel. Sound and soundtrack were fitting.

Overall Cop Car is an enjoyable Crime Thriller that blends the familiar scenario of joyriding with criminal elements providing and entertaining film that moves at a nice pace. Crime Thriller or Crime Drama fans should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.18.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Crime Thriller, Crime Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, April 18, 2016

Movie review: The Visit

Having never met their grandparents, who were estranged from their mother for many years, Becca and Tyler travel to their remote Pennsylvania farm for a weeklong visit. But, the vacation quickly turns to a nightmare when Nana and Pop Pop appear to be engaged in some strange activity and exhibit disturbing behavior.

Olivia DeJonge (Becca), Ed Oxenbould (Tyler), Deanna Dunagan (Nana), Peter McRobbie (Pop Pop), Kathryn Hahn (Mom), Celia Keenan-Bolger (Stacey), Samuel Stricklen (Conductor), Patch Darragh (Dr. Sam).

The Visit begins well enough with some mild character background and plot setup as we meet Becca, Tyler, and their Mom. Once the kids are with their grandparents the story looks a lot like a drama, which does get slightly more interesting when they begin to exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer's. Just about the time this one looks like it isn't going anywhere a couple of incredible twists are added and the film takes off like a rocket.

Acting was good with DeJonge doing a nice job and appearing to work well with others. Oxenbould was decent as well though a bit more experience will help. Hahn delivered as usual in a smaller role. Dunagan and McRobbie did nicely and both felt perfectly creepy at just the right moments. The remainder of the cast was solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are enjoyable and nicely done with good use of natural scenery and a good, solid feel. Effects were somewhat mild but fit the film well. Dialogue had good depth and moved the story along at a good pace. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

If you are familiar with M. Night Shyamalan films then you know things are rarely as they seem. The Visit is no exception. If you enjoy films that take their time building tension and challenge assumptions, check this one out. Just don't give up before the plot twists appear!

With some disturbing behavior, including brief nudity, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.18.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, April 15, 2016

Movie review: Curve

Mallory is headed to her wedding, driving through some desolate countryside, when her car breaks down. Hitchhiker Christian offers to help fix the car and she offers him a ride as reward, but it doesn't take long to realize Christian is a psychopath.

Julianne Hough (Mallory), Teddy Sears (Christian), Penelope Mitchell (Ella), Madalyn Horcher (Katie).

Curve begins well enough with some good backstory before things go absolutely sideways. Now with a fixed car and hitchhiker Christian riding along, Mallory realizes he is a psychopath and her only solution as he holds her at knifepoint may be to run off the road. Unfortunately that only makes things worse when they both survive and she is trapped in the car at Christian's mercy. Toss in a couple of intersecting storylines and things get fairly interesting.

Hough was pretty good in this one delivering multiple emotions as her character morphed and had to deal with new situations. Sears was absolutely and wonderfully creepy, and seemed to work well with Hough. The remainder of the supporting cast, in very minor roles, did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable with extensive use of natural scenery. Action scenes, particularly the intensity around Mallory being trapped in the car, were nicely done. Dialogue was good with nice depth and movement. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Curve is a nicely done thriller that holds attention pretty well and delivers some heart-pounding action despite the somewhat familiar plot. Those who enjoy a good thriller or action flick without the need for enlightenment should like this one.

With violence, blood, foul language, sexual references, and graphic nudity, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.5.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Action Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Movie review: Final Girl

For years a group of young men has been taking young blonde girls into the woods where they are hunted and killed for sport. When the group sets their sights on Veronica, not realizing she is a trained killer, they may have finally bitten off more than they can chew.

Abigail Breslin (Veronica), Wes Bentley (William), Logan Huffman (Danny), Cameron Bright (Shane), Alexander Ludwig (Jameson), Reece Thompson (Nelson), Francesca Eastwood (Gwen), Gracyn Shinyei (Young Veronica).

Final Girl begins with the hint of a backstory as Veronica and William meet and she is recruited as his pupil. William then trains Veronica to be a killer, explaining that she will eventually defend herself against a group of young men who kill women for sport. Along the way there is a bit of romance and some mild character development. Eventually Veronica engages the group of killers as her final test, proving she has the skills to kill. The film finishes without explaining anything that has just happened, or answering any of the questions it raised about how everything came about.

Acting was decent with Bentley delivering well and working nicely with Breslin. Breslin was enjoyable though she felt a bit odd for the role at times, seeming both too young and fragile. Ludwig was a nice fit and did well in his role as antagonist, and Huffman rocked his quirky role. Bright and the remainder of the cast were solid and delivered nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were pretty good. Forest scenes were nicely done with a fitting creepy feel. Action scenes were decent and fit the film well. Dialogue was enjoyable but it would have been nice had it explained some things better. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

Overall Final Girl, while interesting, doesn't come close to telling an entire story and actually somewhat frustrating from that perspective. Those who enjoy action or horror and care less about a coherent storyline should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.5.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Teen horror, Action & Adventure, Action Thriller, Crime Action

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, April 11, 2016

Movie review: The Returned (2015)

The Returned focuses on a small town and a group of people who, after being dead for years, return with no signs of aging and no memory of how they died. As they try to reintegrate with friends and family they find the world has moved on and even more strange; they aren't alone, there are others who have returned.

Kevin Alejandro (Tommy), Agnes Bruckner (Nikki), India Ennenga (Camille), Sandrine Holt (Julie), Sophie Lowe (Lena), Mark Pellegrino (Jack), Jeremy Sisto (Peter), Mat Vairo (Simon), Mary Winstead (Rowan), Tandi Wright (Claire), Dylan Kingwell (Victor), Aaron Douglas (Tony), Keenan Tracey (Ben), Rhys Ward (Adam).

The first few episodes of The Returned were slow to get things moving and didn't hold interest well at all. After that things got mildly more interesting up to the last couple of first season episodes, which were quite good. Sadly, it sounds like the series was dropped so we will never have a conclusion.
The storyline is interesting not because people have returned from the dead, but because they don’t appear dead in any way, are not zombies, and for them it doesn't seem time has passed. Their reintegration drama is a big focus of the series but some nice parallel plot lines and hints at things such as serial killer's and special powers help hold interest. When the last couple of first season episodes begin tying up loose ends they do so nicely while adding more twists and turns that make us eager for the second season that will never come.

Acting was interesting if not always good. Ennenga did nicely with a genuine feel throughout. Holt played well against Kingwell, who was perfectly creepy in his role. Lowe was okay but a little dry. Pellegrino seemed an odd fit but did pretty well working with Wright, who delivered nicely. Sisto was okay but felt manipulative, or as if he was hiding something. Winstead, Vairo, and the remainder of the cast did nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are enjoyable with a solid, realistic feel throughout. CGI and effects were a bit on the campy or beginner level but didn't seem to detract from the series. Action scenes were mildly better done. Dialogue was enjoyable and solid, as was sound and soundtrack.

Overall the only real disappointment with The Returned is that it won't be returning and we are left with a cliffhanger. Sci-fi fans should enjoy this one with drama fans being a close second.

With some mild nudity, sexuality, foul language, smoking and alcohol use, and adult situations this surprisingly should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 3.29.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: TV Sci-Fi, TV Mysteries, TV Horror, TV Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Movie review: The One

In this futuristic action flick Gabriel is confronted by an evil duplicate of himself from a parallel universe who has killed over 100 other duplicates in other universes, his power growing with each death. Now with just the two of them left, good must battle evil in an effort to be The One.

Jet Li (Gabe Law, Gabriel Yulaw, Lawless), Carla Gugino (TK Law, Massie), Delroy Lindo (Agent Roedecker), Jason Statham (Agent Funsch), James Morrison (Officer Aldrich).

This one kicked off with nice plot construction and character development via good action scenes. The plot is very interesting as Gabe travels multiple universes killing duplicates of himself to attain their power and become immortal. With the addition of Roedecker and Funsch chasing him down across universes things get even more exciting and take the action to a higher level. In the end, Li fighting with Li in a good vs. evil battle is a much better climax than expected though the Disney ending with a twist comes off a bit corny.
With a good plot and nice fight scenes this one was pretty good until the point Gabe becomes so powerful he can wield full-dress police motorcycles as baseball bats with one hand. At that point the film jumped from plausible to ridiculous and became nothing but mindless action fodder.

Acting was mixed with Li actually doing pretty well playing multiple parts. Lindo was good as usual while Statham seemed to be playing below himself, granted this movie is 8 yrs old so he was a bit fresher when it was made. Action scenes were good where ridiculous special effects weren’t used to provide superhuman powers. Sets and background were also nice while dialogue was boring and the soundtrack non-existent.

Overall this was a better than most martial arts flick with a decent plot but, a worse than most sci-fi film.

Plenty of foul language and violence but no nudity so this one is okay for teens and above. Put it about the middle of your Must See list if you are a Li, Statham, or martial arts fan.

Released: 2001
Reviewed: 3.28.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thriller, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, April 8, 2016

Movie review: Lifeforce

As Halley’s Comet comes traveling toward earth the deep space shuttle Churchill, on a joint British-American venture, is sent to observe but in the tail of the comet they find an unusual ship. Investigating, they find the ships vampire looking inhabitants all dead but, they also find 3 humans in seemingly perfect condition in suspended animation. After bringing the 2 men and a woman aboard their shuttle and eventually back to earth things start going very wrong when the female awakens. As the death toll mounts life on earth is threatened and the British government scrambles to fix things.

Steve Railsback (Col. Tom), Peter Firth (Col. Colin), Frank Finlay (Dr. Hans), Mathilda May (Space Girl), Patrick Stewart (Dr. Armstrong).

How can you go wrong when you take a beautiful naked woman (May) and let her walk around throughout the movie, toss in some sci-fi space science fiction, add interstellar vampires and top it off with some very nice special effects? You can’t! Although the acting is a bit flat in this one, and the special effects are a bit clumsy and outdated at this point, this is still a wonderful film and the creature effects when people are changed are lovely. I’ve seen this one a couple of times and although the ending is a bit corny and uneventful, the film overall is great. The mix of different genres into one film along with a plot that ties things together nicely is a joy.

As mentioned, acting is a bit flat in parts and could benefit from some energy between the characters. Plot was nicely one and moves along pretty well. Dialogue is appropriate and not overdone however, sound is not well done at all. Music volume increases dramatically during action scenes requiring you to lower the volume just to have to turn it back up later when the action is over. Sets (this was done in 1985 remember) are well done as are most special effects.

This is a very enjoyable film and well worth watching if you can remember it was made over 20 years ago. If you have a need for the most cutting edge effects then pass it over as you will be disappointed.

Plenty of nudity in this one is the only thing keeping it from teens and below.

Released: 1985
Reviewed: 3.28.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Horror, Alien Sci-Fi, Alien horror, Zombies

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Movie review: Hellraiser VI: Hellseeker

This is the 6th installment in the Hellraiser series and the studio summary is quite misleading. Kirsty is back, out of the mental institution, and married to Trevor. Things get interesting when the couple is in a car crash and Kirsty is lost in a river. Trevor begins to hallucinate and soon loses the distinction between reality and dreams and begins to suspect he may be trapped in hell.

Pinhead (Doug Bradley), Dean Winters (Trevor), Ashley Laurence (Kirsty).

This was actually a very disappointing episode in the franchise. Both Pinhead and Kirsty play small roles and there was very little of the Cenobites at all. The plot was interesting and consistent with previous themes but this was much more a psychological thriller than it was a Cenobite horror film. The film was really only a horror flick in the last 20 minutes. Not at all what I expected from a Hellraiser film.

Acting was mostly centered around Winters who just isn’t that interesting. He didn’t come close to bringing the energy for the role and the lack of interaction with other characters made him seem somewhat disconnected. The connection to the Cenobites was not well made in the plot at all which didn’t help.

Sets and camera work were okay but nothing special. Special effects also were okay but not exciting. Same with dialogue and sound.

Overall this was a decent thriller but not a very good horror flick.

I think there was some nudity, foul language and some gore at the end. Keep this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2002
Reviewed: 3.28.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi Horror, Supernatural Horror, Cult Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, April 4, 2016

Movie review: Hellraiser

Clive Barker’s directorial debut which started it all. When the Cotton’s move into an old house they apparently inherited they find a hideous creature which also happens to be Larry’s brother Frank, who is also Julia’s ex-lover. Having had his body taken by the Cenobite’s, Frank is brought back to life by some spilled blood. But he will need more, a lot more, to complete the rebuilding of his body. And even then, the Cenobite’s may not let him keep it for long.

Andrew Robinson (Larry Cotton), Clare Higgins (Julia Cotton), Ashley Laurence (Kirsty Cotton), Sean Chapman (Frank Cotton), Doug Bradley (Pinhead), Nicholas Vince (Chatterer), Simon Barnford (Butterball), Grace Kirby (Female Cenobite).

I love the Hellraiser franchise and this movie is the reason. The first time I saw it I divided my time between saying Oh Wow and fantasizing about Ashley Laurence. The first 15 minutes of the film may be a bit slow but things get very interesting after that. And it isn’t until about an hour in that we get to meet the man that we will love to fear and hate through the rest of the series, Pinhead. After that this is an edge of the seat nail-biter. Incidentally I'd love to have a replica LeMarchand Configuration puzzle box if anyone feels so inclined!

To be fair, acting is a bit dry in this one for me. But the film makes up for it with a plot that has some nice twists and originality, some good special effects, and alien alternate dimension monster people that give a great case of the chills. Add some excellent blood and gore effects, some warped torture and violence, and you are off and running on a great horror ride.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are looking a bit dated at this point but they in no way detract from the film. Special effects are wonderfully fun with Pinhead and his elaborate costuming, and Frank with his ever changing appearance and lack of skin. Dialogue is pretty good and helps smooth over some bumps. Sound and soundtrack are good.

If you have never seen this, be sure to see it before seeing the rest of the series. If you have never seen it and like horror flicks, put this toward the top of your Must See list and prepare yourself for a treat.

Obviously this one is really only okay for older teens and above.

Released: 1987
Reviewed: 3.28.16
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi Horror, Supernatural Horror, Cult Horror, Fantasy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Movie review: It Waits

While on isolated duty at a forest firetower Danielle tries to deal with the death of a close friend, a drinking problem, and her relationship with her boyfriend. Little does she know those will be the least of her problems when a mythical creature begins killing people and tormenting her with their remains.

Cerina Vincent (Danielle), Dominic Zamprogna (Justin), Matt Jordon (Wakinyah), Miranda Frigon (Julie).

The plot of this movie was actually quite confusing. Why the creature picked her to stalk and torment but then didn’t kill her when it had the chance just didn’t make much sense at all. Even the myth around the creature was never well explained with confusing history from a local tribesman mixed with cave drawings. The only thing that was explained well was the death of Danielle’s friend, Julie, and why she was so emotionally upset. It almost seemed as if they couldn’t decide if this should be a drama or a horror so they went with drama and decided to just stick in some horror scenes to spice things up.

Although Cerina Vincent was a pleasure to look at, it just wasn’t enough to keep this movie from being flat and lifeless. Acting was mediocre at best with  absolutely no energy between the actors.

Camera work was disappointing with jerky movements used to create the feeling of desperation or urgency that were overused. Sets were decent but not overly interesting. Special effects had potential but because we didn’t even get to see the creature until an hour into the film they just didn’t have the impact they could have had.

Overall the best description I have for this one is that it is a complete paint-by-numbers horror flick. Nothing really exciting or original here so leave this one toward the bottom of your Must See list. There were a few good BOO moments but again, it just wasn’t enough to save this film.

No nudity, little foul language but a good dose of scary moments, blood, and snarling creature scenes should keep the younger kids away from this one.

Released: 2005
Reviewed: 3.25.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Creature Films

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, April 1, 2016

Movie review: Donnie Darko

Donnie is a troubled teen to the extreme. With obvious mental issues Donnie makes friends with Frank, a 6 foot tall evil doomsday-prophesizing rabbit who convinces him to do strange things. Add in sleepwalking, family drama, teachers who are strangely fanatic, and a new girlfriend and Donnie basically implodes.

Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie), Holmes Osborne (Eddie), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Elizabeth), Mary McDonnell (Rose), James Duval (Frank), Patrick Swayze (Jim), Drew Barrymore (Karen), Noah Wyle (Prof. Monnitoff), Katharine Ross (Dr. Thurman), Jena Malone (Gretchen).

This movie starts off strangely before zipping completely off the reservation into some dark, twisted, hallucinogenic mind altering space of warped craziness that is as far from logical and coherent as is possible. But toward the end of the film, everything is brought back together in a brilliant finish that brings coherence to the rest of the film. You may not get it on the first viewing, or even the second, but there is a logical moral point in the plot and it is conveyed in the film.

Acting was pretty good in this one considering many of the now big names were quite inexperienced at the time. Jake G was impressive in his role, displaying a good range of emotion. Malone was good in her supporting role as well and I loved McDonnell who always brings strong emotion to a role.

Sets, background, sound and dialogue were all nicely done but really of little consequence. Special effects supporting Donnie’s delusions were the important part and they were pulled off well considering the main effect was a freaky bunny head.

Overall this is a strange, warped journey that will likely appeal to a very limited audience. If you want to just be entertained, forget this movie. You have to think to watch this movie and if you can’t keep an open mind you will absolutely hate this film.

Plenty of foul language, drug use, and some violence but this one should be okay for older teens and above.

Released: 2001
Reviewed: 3.25.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy, Sci-Fi Drama, Sci-Fi Cult Classics

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-Content may change over time resulting in inaccuracies. I also make mistakes, some will be here.
-I have no control over what is at the other end of any links you may find here.
-Film pictures, dvd covers, film banners or whatever you like to call them are copied here from widely available public locations. I did not create them nor do I own them.
-Any files, programs or downloadables are provided only for convenience and fun. I in no way warrant, represent, or otherwise imply they won’t cause you problems. Use at your own risk! If your computer blows up I don’t want to even hear about it.
-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).