Monday, May 30, 2016

Movie review: Shanghai Knights

When Chon's father is murdered he heads to London to avenge his death with best friend Roy in tow. But revenge may have to take a back seat when the two end up trying to solve an even bigger case involving the Royal Family.

Jackie Chan (Chon), Owen Wilson (Roy), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Charlie Chaplin), Tom Fisher (Artie Doyle), Oliver Cotton (Jack the Ripper), Fann Wong (Chon Lin), Alison King (Prostitute), Constantine Gregory (Mayor).

Shanghai Knights begins well enough setting up the plot nicely while including laughs right from the start. While the rest of the film does tell a story, and the plot is mildly interesting, this is really about the comedy. From one laugh to another, slapstick or dialogue, they just keep coming in this one. Of course, the film finishes with a Happy Ever After ending that well all saw coming well in advance.

Acting was pretty good, but pair it with the comedy and it was great. Chan was his usual, if not a bit warmer in this one, and enjoyable. Wilson was over-the-top dorky, which seems to work for him and he delivers it pretty well. Wong was solid and nice. The remainder of the supporting cast were solid throughout.

Camera work was good, while sets and backgrounds were very nice with good variety and detail. Action scenes were mild but a lot of fun and actually helped the comedy aspect. Dialogue was campy, corny, and fit the film perfectly. Sound and soundtrack were well done.

Shanghai Knights is simply an enjoyable action comedy. Technical work is spot on, acting is enjoyable, and the laughs are plentiful. Those who are able to sit back and enjoy a silly comedy for what it is should enjoy this one.

With some mild violence and sexuality, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2003
Reviewed: 5.24.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Action Comedy, Slapstick comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Movie review: Sahara

Dirk and Al, with backing from The Admiral, are explorers in the worlds oceans. Dirk is fascinated and fixated on finding a long lost Ironclad ship which this time takes them to South Africa. There he encounters the lovely Eva, a UN doctor on a mission of her own to determine the source of a disease outbreak. Soon they find themselves as allies against Massarde, a businessman who cares less for the environment than he does for money.

Matthew McConaughey (Dirk Pitt), Steve Zahn (Al), Penelope Cruz (Eva), William H. Macy (Admiral Jim Sandecker), Lambert Wilson (Yves Massarde), Rainn Wilson (Rudi), Delroy Lindo (Carl), Lennie James (Kazim).

After the groundwork is laid for Ironclad history, this one kicks-off with laughs and action which last right up to the end. I've seen quite a few reviews trashing this movie and I just don't get it. Yes, the story was a bit farfetched and reality is taking a nap, but this one is a lot more reality based than many other popular films today. (There were such things as Ironclads and I'm a fan, but I have never heard of the idea that one got lost in Africa).
I enjoyed the story (based on a Clive Cussler book) even if it was a bit hard to swallow. It moved along well with no dead spots or nap time.

Acting throughout was very good. McConaughey, Zahn, and Macy are a great combination! McConaughey and Zahn were appropriately over the top in this one. Cruz was a nice addition and apparently had good chemistry with others. Rainn Wilson also did well and was quite funny. Lambert Wilson, Lindo, James and the rest of the cast did well.

Camera work was excellent as were sets and backgrounds. Action scenes and supporting CGI were nicely done throughout. Dialogue was campy, silly, and fit the film well. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

This is a pretty good family movie with no nudity and little foul language. It does have some violence but I would term it as mild compared to current standards. Anyone 10 and older should be fine watching this one.

Released: 2005
Reviewed: 5.24.16
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thriller, Action, Adventure, Comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, May 27, 2016

Movie review: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Her relationship with Joel failing, Clementine undergoes a procedure to have him erased from her memory. When he finds out, Joel does the same to remove Clementine from his memory. But the impact of the loss prompts them both to rethink things and grasp at every shred of their relationship that remains.

Jim Carrey (Joel), Kate Winslet (Clementine), Elijah Wood (Patrick), Mark Ruffalo (Stan), Kirsten Dunst (Mary), Tom Wilkinson (Dr. Mierzwiak), Jane Adams (Carrie), David Cross (Rob), Thomas Ryan (Frank).

Though not without some bland scenes, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an enjoyable mind-twist of a film that almost demands your attention if you want to understand what is happening. As Joel and Clem realize erasing their memories may have been a bad choice, they shift gears and begin to fight to retain every shred they can. This is where the film gets deliciously entertaining and at the same time mildly confusing with the help of a few twists and parallel plot lines.

Acting was very good with Carrey delivering solid emotion throughout. Winslet was also quite good with high energy and an apparent chemistry with Carrey. Wood was decent in his smaller role, while Ruffalo contributed well to the film. Dunst and Wilkinson did nicely, both in the main story and a parallel plot line. The rest of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were slightly bland but fit the film perfectly and appeared nicely done. Action scenes, and what little CGI there is, are fitting and fairly well done. Dialogue had good depth, detail, and helped keep a confusing storyline entertaining. Sound and soundtrack were nice.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind ends up being an enjoyable romantic sci-fi that blends elements nicely for a well rounded and enjoyable story that makes us question the use of logic in matters of the heart. Acting and direction are both good as is the emotional aspect of the story.

With some sexuality and profanity, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2004
Reviewed: 5.24.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance, Sci-Fi Drama, Romantic Drama, Romantic Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Movie review: The Godfather: Part III

In this final installment of the Godfather Trilogy, Michael Corleone is older, wiser, and focused on legitimizing the family business. But younger family members and even the Vatican seem to be working against him, as does life as he tries to make amends and repair his personal life.

Al Pacino (Don Michael Corleone), Diane Keaton (Kay), Talia Shire (Connie), Andy Garcia (Vincent), Eli Wallach (Don Altobello), Joe Mantegna (Joey Zasa), Sofia Coppola (Mary), Raf Vallone (Lamberto), Franc D'Ambrosio (Anthony Coreleone).

The Godfather: Part III is a wonderfully done conclusion to the trilogy. Now years older, Michael wants to legitimize the family business, partially by aligning finances with the Vatican, and prepares to give up control of the family. But despite his plans it seems everyone is against him; the younger family members, his own daughter, and the Vatican itself. Even trying to repair his love life seems impossible.

Acting was decent in this episode, but not nearly as good as the first two films. Pacino delivers very well as usual and continues to fit his role well. Garcia also did very well with nice delivery and energy as his role grew. Coppola was less impressive with her lack of authenticity making her character hard to swallow, a problem similarly seen with Shire. The remainder of the cast was solid and did very well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were once again nicely done with a genuine, solid feel throughout. Action scenes were mild but enjoyable and fitting. Dialogue is very good detailing the plot and moving things along at a nice pace. Sound and soundtrack are solid.

While the Godfather Trilogy is wonderful, The Godfather: Part III is probably the least well received of the films. Several characters and their actions didn't quite fit with previous installments leaving this one feeling a bit disconnected. Still, fans of the Trilogy should enjoy this conclusion to the story.

With a fair amount of violence, foul language, and mild sexuality this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 1990
Reviewed: 5.24.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Drama, Crime Drama, Mobster films, Trilogy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, May 23, 2016

Movie review: She's Gotta Have It

Nola is a young, free-thinking woman who can't seem to decide between the three men she is dating. Will it be Mars the bike messenger, traditionalist Jamie, or male model Greer? Or, could she choose all three?

Tracy Johns (Nola), Tommy Hicks (Jamie), John Terrell (Greer), Spike Lee (Mars), Raye Dowell (Opal), Joie Lee (Clorinda), S. Epatha Merkerson (Doctor Jamison), Bill Lee (Sonny).

She's Gotta Have It is one of Spike Lee's first films and it shows. The plot line is somewhat interesting but remains largely undefined in the film due to a lack of communication between characters. Essentially Nola is highly sought after as a partner for some reason, but never really communicates why she is unable to choose between her 3 suitors while hinting maybe she shouldn't have to choose. Toss in a couple of others who are potential or past suitors, make sure everyone knows about everyone else, and the story becomes a confusing mess of indecision and intimacy.

Acting was pretty rough in this one. Johns wasn't bad but she really couldn't convey the sexual energy and attraction the plot implied. Hicks was interesting and did fairly well. Terrell felt a bit out of place, which led to his character feeling out of place. Lee was interesting but also felt rough with both delivery and emotion. The result was a serious lack of connection with the characters.

The film was one of Lee's first, made when he was young, and obviously with a low budget. From that perspective technical work was pretty good. At the same time, it was difficult to watch. Lingering shots on objects, black and white scenes mixed with color, and a strange focus on sexuality made it a strange mix indeed. Dialogue was mediocre and left a lot not only unexplained, but defied common sense at times. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

She's Gotta Have It was recommended to me by someone at a Con as a good representation of an alternative lifestyle. Sadly, I have to disagree. The film felt more like a relationship mess that never got talked about, let alone cleaned up. Fans of Spike Lee, or black classics, may enjoy this one.

With plenty of sexuality, nudity, adult situations, and mild violence, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 1986
Reviewed: 5.17.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Indie Romance, Indie Comedy, Comedy, Romance

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, May 20, 2016

Movie review: Insidious: Chapter 3

Set years before the haunting of the Lambert family, Insidious: Chapter 3 takes us back to the beginning. Or does it? In this episode gifted psychic Elise comes out of retirement to help Quinn, a young girl who has become the focus of a malicious supernatural entity.

Dermot Mulroney (Sean), Stefanie Scott (Quinn), Tate Berney (Alex), Ele Keats (Lilith), Lin Shaye (Elise), Angus Sampson (Tucker), Leigh Whannell (Specs), Michael MacKay (Man who can't breathe).

Insidious: Chapter 3 begins nicely with some character introduction and plot setup where things start to get a little weird. From there the movie takes focus on the horror and the rest is a nice ride with some good BOO moments and disturbing events. The plot is a bit thin here, looking like your basic supernatural horror, but the film holds interest well and does a decent job delivering the horror.

Mulroney was okay but has never felt like a solidly emotional actor to me so delivery was lacking a bit. Scott was enjoyable with good emotion and apparent chemistry with others. Keats was a nice fit for her role and pulled it off quite well. Sampson, Whannell, and the remainder of the cast were solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with a solid quality feel. Some darker scenes were challenging but it actually helped draw attention. CGI and effects were nicely done throughout. Dialogue was nicely done with good depth and movement. Sound and soundtrack were good and fitting.

Fittingly, Insidious: Chapter 3 ends with a scream and leaves things open for the next chapter, just as it should as a prequel. Though the plot is simple the technical work and acting more than makes up for it. This is a solid horror thriller genre or franchise fans should enjoy.

With violence, disturbing images and horror, foul language, and some BOO scenes, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 5.11.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Supernatural Thriller, Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Movie review: Startalk

Startalk is a talk show hosted by famous astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson. In this series Neil discusses pop culture and science with notable guests such as Jimmy Carter, Dan Savage, Richard Dawkins, and more.

Host: Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson

Startalk is easily assumed to be a science program with Tyson hosting but really it is more of a talk show, including a comedic co-host with each episode. With an impressive roster of famous guests both in person and in video interviews the series touches on a wide range of topics from global warming to intimacy and evolution. While there is some science discussed the show really focuses more on the history and future of visionary scientific and other leaders.

Being a talk show there isn't much acting. That said, some of those being interviewed were more engaging than others.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were fairly bland. There is no real action or CGI here to speak of. Dialogue was excellent despite Tyson frequently trying to look cool or pump himself up. Sound was good.

Startalk is quite simply a lot of fun for your brain. It is very engaging to hear from his famous guests their visions of the future, or why they did certain things in the past that have helped shape the world. Those who enjoy a cerebral television series should enjoy this one.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 5.10.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: TV Shows, Talk Shows, TV series, Science, Technology

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, May 16, 2016

Movie review: Pootie Tang

What do you get when you mix an unrelenting crime fighter with a recording sensation who speaks in an indecipherable vernacular? Pootie Tang! In this film Pootie goes head to head with an evil corporate mogul enticing kids to smoke, drink, and eat fast food.

Lance Crouther (Pootie Tang), J.B. Smoove (Trucky), Jennifer Coolidge (Ireenie), Reg Cathey (Dirty Dee), Robert Vaughn (Dick Lecter), Wanda Sykes (Biggie Shorty), Chris Rock (JB/DJ/Dad).

Pootie Tang pretty well jumps right into the story before backing off and giving us some background. Though this is most definitely a comedy there is an actual plot, thin as it is. The film often doesn't make much sense, particularly if you aren't a fan of black classics or Louis C.K. While there are a few laughs so much of the film is built on obscure references and previously released comedy films that for many the comedy is a miss.

Acting was amusing if nothing else. Crouther was actually quite entertaining and delivered his part well. Coolidge was in-type and delivered her usual. Cathey was amusing in his role but felt a bit rough around the edges. Vaughn was also cast in a familiar role which he handled well. Sykes was wonderful, hysterical, and did quite well. Rock almost felt like an afterthought but did okay.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were entertaining but nothing really exciting. Action scenes were somewhat elementary but fit the film. Dialogue was interesting if not entertaining and yes, hard to follow at times. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

In the end, for what it is Pootie Tang seems like a pretty good film. That said, if it isn't your type of comedy you probably aren't going to enjoy the film much. If you enjoy satire or black classics you should enjoy this one.

Pootie Tang has some foul language, drug use, and sexuality but really, it should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2001
Reviewed: 5.10.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Satire, Spoofs, Comedy, Action Comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Movie review: The Martian

A manned mission to Mars goes horribly wrong and Astronaut Mark Watney is whisked away in a storm, presumed dead, and left behind by his crewmates. Even more horrible, Mark actually survived and finds himself stranded and alone with limited supplies.

Matt Damon (Mark), Jessica Chastain (Melissa), Kristen Wiig (Annie), Jeff Daniels (Teddy), Michael Pena (Rick), Sean Bean (Mitch), Kate Mara (Beth), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Vincent), Sebastian Stan (Chris), Aksel Hennie (Alex).

The Martian is quite simply an incredible ride full of tension, torment, and excitement. Mark being left on Mars may be the hook, but the real story is how he will survive and if he will ever get home. Being stranded is a problem but being unable to let those on Earth know you are still alive is even worse. And with the best chance for rescue years away Mark will have to find ways to grow food, produce oxygen, and try to maintain his sanity.

Acting was very nicely done with Damon delivering exceptionally well. With a nod to Ridley's directing, Damon brought good emotion to every aspect of his character throughout the film. Chastain also did quite well with solid delivery. Daniels, Pena, Bean, Ejiofor were all good and supported well. The remainder of the cast, too many to mention, did wonderfully and acting was a big part of what made this film a success.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were beautiful and captured very well. CGI and effects were awesome and came close to ruling the film. Space scenes were a delight, fully imparting the dimension and size of things along with the lack of gravity. Dialogue was enjoyable which is amazing considering much of it is Damon speaking to himself. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall The Martian is an enjoyable, mind-melting 2 hours of Sci-Fi Action & Adventure you don't want to miss. Intense drama, Sci-Fi Adventure, and space fans should enjoy this one quite a bit.

With some foul language, mild nudity, mild gore, and some intense scenes, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 5.2.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy, Sci-Fi Adventure, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi Action Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, May 13, 2016

Movie review: The Godfather: Part II

Exploring the Corleone family roots, Don Vito's life from Sicily to crime boss in New York is revealed. At the same time a parallel storyline follows his son Michael, who is running things now that Vito is gone, as he expands into Cuba and deals with endless murder and betrayal.

Al Pacino (Michael), Robert Duvall (Tom), Diane Keaton (Kay), Robert De Niro (Vito), John Cazale (Fredo), Talia Shire (Connie), Lee Strasberg (Roth), Michael Gazzo (Pentangeli), G.D. Spradlin (Sen. Geary), Gastone Moschin (Fanucci), James Caan (Sonny).

Vito is gone and Michael is running the show; into Las Vegas, Hollywood, and now Cuba. The Godfather: Part II takes a step back, showing us how Vito grew up in Sicily and eventually came to New York establishing a large crime syndicate. The film also takes a step forward, following along as Michael works expanding the family business into other areas while dealing with marital problems, betrayal, and of course murder.

Acting was once again quite good with Pacino doing an excellent job with his role. Duvall was solid and enjoyable as always. Cazale did pretty good with a rough role, as did Gazzo. The remainder of the supporting cast delivered nicely and were enjoyable to watch.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with an authentic feel throughout, sometimes even feeling larger than life. Dialogue was pleasant with nice depth and plot movement. Sound and soundtrack were very nice.

Overall The Godfather: Part II continues the story begun by the first film, with a similar feel and tone that truly make this feel like an extension rather than a separate film. Fans of the first film, or the genre, should enjoy this one. Pacino fans should enjoy this opportunity to see the actor when he was much younger.

With some sexuality including partial and brief nudity, plenty of violence, gore, and foul language, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 1974
Reviewed: 5.2.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime Drama, Mobster films, Classics, Period Pieces, Movies based on books

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Movie review: The Big Picture with Kal Penn

A variety of topics such as crime, trash, space invasions, and food are analyzed using data and interviews. Take a deep dive into a variety of topics with host, Kal Penn.

Kal Penn - Host

The Big Picture with Kal Penn is a surprisingly interesting journey into a variety of topics that while familiar to most of us, are things we typically don't think much about. Each episode is a deep dive into a subject that in turn explains how and why we see much of the world as we do. And even explains a few things we don't see. While well detailed, the series is not overly technical and engages the average audience nicely. I particularly enjoyed the crime episode which explored crime as a business unit and explained how without it the economy could collapse.

Acting… other than from Penn, who makes a decent host, there isn't really a cast or much acting in the series.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable with a nice mix of actual locations and studio sets. Visuals were infrequently aided with CGI which was nicely done. Dialogue, from Penn, was solid and provided good details. Sound and soundtrack were mild but good.

Billed as a TV Documentary, The Big Picture with Kal Penn is an enjoyable series that focuses in on some interesting topics. Don't let the bland sounding series or episode descriptions fool you. This is a very engaging, and intellectually stimulating, series worth a watch.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.29.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: TV Documentaries, TV Series, Documentary, TV Mini-Series, Social & Cultural Commentary

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, May 9, 2016

Movie review: Fringe

With unexplained phenomena popping up FBI agent Olivia Dunham is at a loss. But when she teams up with a formerly-institutionalized scientist and his son she finds reality may be more strange than she ever imagined.

Anna Torv (Olivia), Joshua Jackson (Peter), John Noble (Walter), Jasika Nicole (Astrid), Lance Reddick (Broyles), Blair Brown (Nina), Michael Cerveris (Observer), Leonard Nimoy (Bell).

Fringe is the name of the division created when Olivia begins working with Walter and Peter. Walter, a formerly-institutionalized scientist, was formerly working on fringe science and is able to explain much of the strange phenomena taking place. But with his involvement Olivia realizes there is much more to the world than she ever imagined. Fringe does a wonderful job of weaving together the entire series, taking imagination and time travel in amazing directions.

Acting was good with Torv delivering nicely throughout the series, including in dual roles. Jackson was enjoyable with nice presentation and apparent chemistry with others. Noble was incredibly entertaining and pulled off a difficult part very well. Nicole was enjoyable, fun, and just plain cute. Reddick, Brown, and the remainder of the supporting cast also did quite well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done with plenty of variety throughout the series. CGI and effects were good and plentiful and supported the storyline well. Dialogue was enjoyable with good depth and breadth throughout. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

Fringe is a surprisingly well done and varied sci-fi that actually matures before your eyes. Starting as a fairly simple sci-fi, the series progresses into a twisted time-travel multiverse web with morality and ethics thrown in, well, just because. Sci-Fi fans should enjoy this one a lot until they realize the series has concluded.

Some mild adult situations, violence, and potentially disturbing images but really this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2008-2013
Reviewed: 4.29.16
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Genre: TV Sci-Fi, TV Sci-Fi Drama, TV Mysteries, TV Supernatural Sci-Fi, Time Travel

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Movie review: Expedition Unknown

Archeologist Josh Gates travels the world looking for artifacts missing through time, and to solve some of our most famous mysteries.

Josh Gates, Randy Burrell (Wyatt Earp), Justin Cannady, Steve Cole, Gregory Deyermenjian, Ed Easterling, Mike Evans, Shusaku Kakizawa, Ric Maddox (Virgil Earp), Stephen Matyas.

Expedition Unknown is an engaging and enjoyable series that follows archeologist Josh Gates as he travels the world trying to solve famous mysteries and find artifacts lost in time. Each episode is a self-contained journey of discovery and adventure. Some of the things episodes focus on; Mayans, Amelia Earhart, the Nazca lines, Jesse James, and more.

Josh actually does well as a reality TV host. I wouldn't call what he does acting, but he is entertaining and amusing. Supporting cast and guests did nicely.

Camera work was well done and nicely captured some of the exotic, and difficult, locations in which the episodes took place. There was some added action and drama in the series, but it was mild and for the most part, entertaining. Dialogue was good with Josh doing fairly well at explaining the mysteries he is following. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

If you enjoy the History Channel, Reality TV, or mysteries you should enjoy this series. Episodes are 42 minutes in length so the series works well in short bursts.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2015
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: TV Shows, Travel TV, TV Documentary, Reality TV, Documentaries

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, May 6, 2016

Movie review: Below

During WWII the American submarine, Tiger Shark, stumbles upon a sinking hospital ship. With the survivors aboard, the war still going on around them, and the Tiger Shark still on a mission, tension runs high and goes even higher when things stop adding up.

Matthew Davis (Odell), Bruce Greenwood (Brice), Holt McCallany (Loomis), Dexter Fletcher (Kingsley), Nick Chinlund (Chief), Olivia Williams (Claire), Scott Foley (Coors), Andrew Howard (Hoag).

Below is an interesting mix of terror, action, emotion, and more. The story launches well with character introductions in parallel with plot setup and execution. The plot includes some nice twists and parallel plot lines that hold interest very well. Add in some military action, a submarine as the setting, and there is plenty going on in this one. The film finally wraps up with some nice drama that does a fair job of finishing things.

Acting was good with Greenwood fitting his role well and delivering nicely. Williams seemed to work well with others and her delivery was solid. McCallany was appropriately irritating for his role, and the remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work was good and despite the main set being a submarine, visuals were enjoyable and well done. CGI and effects fit the film well and had a nice, realistic feel. Action was good without taking over the film. Dialogue had nice depth and moved things along, while sound and soundtrack were quite nice.

Overall Below is a nicely done thriller with good technical work, acting, and an enjoyable storyline. Fans of thrillers, horror, or military action should enjoy this one.

Some foul language and violence, but this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2002
Reviewed: 4.27.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural Thrillers, Horror, Military Action

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Movie review: Eden

A soccer team on their way home is stranded on a deserted island when their plane crashes. In no time the surviving members begin battling for dominance as their social structure breaks down and the struggle for survival at any cost becomes reality.

Nate Parker (Slim), James Remar (Coach), Jessica Lowndes (Elena), Eugene Simon (Kennefick), Sung Kang (Connie), Ethan Peck (Andreas), Diego Boneta (Arnie), Joey Pollari (Georgi), Nicole Pedra (Eva).

Eden begins with plenty of plot setup, character introductions and development, and lack of energy. About 9 minutes in when their plane crashes, things start to get a lot more interesting. The rest of the film moves along pretty well with several twists and plenty of drama. Stranded on an island, surviving the plane crash was just the beginning. Now they battle not only the elements for survival, but each other as well as the worst of humanity is revealed.

Acting was actually pretty good in Eden. Parker was solid for the most part, as was Kang, Boneta, Pedra and others. Lowndes was enjoyable, despite her character feeling inconsistent. Peck was enjoyable with good delivery and emotion.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were lovely. Natural scenery was beautiful and enjoyable. Action scenes were good with nice detail and a realistic feel. Dialogue had nice depth, variety, and kept things moving despite some poorly explained events. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Eden was okay but seemed to rely a lot on simply stranding people on an island. Some of the personality issues that appeared are what kept things interesting but they weren't explained or explored well at all. Drama fans should enjoy this one.

With disturbing images, violence, foul language, mild nudity and sexuality, older teens and above should be fine with this one.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 4.27.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, May 2, 2016

Movie review: Navy SEALs: The Battle for New Orleans

Zombies have come to Louisiana, and so has a team of Navy SEALs tasked with containing them. All of their skills will be needed as the SEALs fight to save the city, and their own lives.

Ed Quinn (LT), Michael Dudikoff (Cmdr. Sheer), Rick Fox (VP Bentley), Chad Lail (Gunner), Molly Hagan (Agent Thomas), Stephanie Honore (Amanda), Damon Lipari (AJ), Massimo Dobrovic (Dave).

Navy SEALs: The Battle for New Orleans begins with a teaser of things to come before settling into some plot setup and character development. Thankfully it doesn't last long and about 12 minutes into the film things get a lot more interesting as the zombie infection begins to spread at light speed. From there the film is a mess of action scenes and mild plot movements that don't do much to explain what has happened. The story finishes with a dose of morality

Acting was mediocre at best here. Quinn was decent but could have delivered more emotionally. Dudikoff fit his angry military office role nicely. Fox was flat and obviously a nod to the current political climate. Hagan was solid, as was Lipari and to a lesser extent, Honore.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds had a decent Reality TV feel that fit the film theme pretty well. Action scenes and CGI were reasonably well done, if somewhat mild. Dialogue was dry and could have used more depth. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Navy SEALs: The Battle for New Orleans is a decent entry-level zombie flick with a mildly interesting plot and decent technical work. If you are looking for something new to the zombie genre, or intense action and adventure, this one will probably disappoint. If you are instead seeking something a bit more mild, check it out.

Violence, gore, mild foul language and sexuality can all be found in this one which should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.27.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Zombies, Horror, Military Action & Adventure, Zombie Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Movie review: Extinction

Nine years ago the zombie apocalypse became a reality and since then Patrick, Jack, and their daughter Lu have managed to stay hidden and survive. Finally venturing back into the world they find that the zombie virus has mutated to survive and a new, even more dangerous breed of hungry undead is roaming the planet.

Matthew Fox (Patrick), Jeffrey Donovan (Jack), Quinn McColgan (Lu), Valeria Vereau (Emma), Jeremy Wheeler (Bus Driver).

Extinction begins wonderfully, throwing us in the middle of a fast moving zombie virus outbreak in some of the worst situations imaginable. From there the film settles into a lethargic pace with character development and focus on a dramatic parallel plot line that really isn't that interesting. Toward the end of the film the action picks back up a bit, we finally see more zombies, and things finish pretty well.

Acting was interesting, if nothing else, with the energy between Fox and Donovan not quite feeling right. Fox delivered nicely and sold his role well. Donovan was okay, but a bit low on the energy scale and his character didn't translate very well. McColgan, with an engaging smile, presented very well. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done throughout. The residences and living situation were good with nice detail. CGI and action scenes were good, particularly zombie action and movement which was well done and nicely creepy. Dialogue was okay but could have had more depth and explained some things better. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Overall Extinction is an enjoyable and interesting zombie flick, if you are okay with plot holes, weak dialogue, a focus on drama, and a lack of zombie action. Then you will enjoy it a lot! For most of the rest of us this one will fall a bit short.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 4.25.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Zombies, Zombie Horror, Sci-Fi Thriller, Sci-Fi Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

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