Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Movie review: UFOs: The Best Evidence Ever (Caught on Tape)

Researchers and experts examine video footage of UFO's to determine if they are real. Professional and amateur photographers around the world have captured amazing objects traversing our skies. Are alien visitors already here?

Jonathan Frakes - Narrator, Chuck Riley - Announcer

UFOs: The Best Evidence Ever (Caught on Tape) takes a look at video and still footage of unexplained flying objects around the world. With interviews of the photographers themselves, and other professionals with UFO experience, this TV documentary tries to answer the question; Are UFO's real?

There really isn't much here beside a lot of home video footage and plenty of questionable conjecture about what the filmed objects might be. While interesting, some of these videos have already been disproven and others are easily dismissed with a little logic and common sense.

Until, if ever, UFO's are finally explained we will probably remain curious. While this documentary is interesting if simply for the footage presented, it doesn't provide much in the way of hard science. It does try to inject some drama however, which is a large part of making the series mildly interesting.

Technical work, for the series not the UFO footage, is fairly well done and fitting for a documentary. Frakes is an enjoyable narrator and does a nice job of pumping up the drama.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2000
Reviewed: 6.22.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Documentaries

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, June 27, 2016

Movie review: Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon?

Examination and discussion of photographs and other evidence by skeptics and experts suggests the U.S. government may have faked NASA's moon landings.

Mitch Pileggi - Narrator, Bill Kaysing, Brian Welch, Brian O'Leary, Howard McCurdy, Julian Scheer, Paul Lazarus III, Paul Fjeld, Jan Lundberg.

Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon raises some serious questions about NASA's moon landings. Though many of the questions can easily be answered, some such as camera lens hash marks that are impossibly blocked by objects in photos are much harder to explain logically. Though objects left behind on the moon have since been photographed, somewhat squashing the conspiracy theory, some evidence still indicates things may have been edited or manipulated.

Did NASA and the U.S. government edit photographs and video? Most likely. Yet, at the time we were in a space race with the Soviet Union so it does make some sense that sensitive objects or actions that would give away secret information would have been manipulated to keep them from view. Regardless of truth, this is a very interesting documentary that takes a hard look at lunar landing evidence and asks some really interesting questions.

Narration and interviews were pretty good for a documentary.

Technical work was decent with plenty of archival film footage, photographs, and interviews.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2001
Reviewed: 6.22.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Documentaries

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Movie review: John Wick

A mob hit man, John walked away from the world of crime when he married 5 years ago. But after his wife dies and thugs break in to his home the next day, beating him and killing the dog that was the last gift from his wife, John launches a war for revenge.

Keanu Reeves (John Wick), Michael Nyqvist (Viggo), Alfie Allen (Iosef), Willem Dafoe (Marcus), Dean Winters (Avi), Adrianne Palicki (Ms. Perkins), John Leguizamo (Aurelio), Lance Reddick (Charon), Bridget Moynahan (Helen).

John Wick begins with the death of John's wife followed by the delivery of her gift to him; a puppy for companionship. Only a few days later, thugs intent on stealing his car break into his home, beating John and killing his dog. Now recovered, John sets out for revenge only to find the lead thug is the son of his former employer. The rest of the film is a delicious blend of espionage and suspense punctuated with intense action scenes. Plot development and depth is a consistent focus which supports the action scenes very well and lifts the film above the level of a simple action flick.

Acting was pretty good in this one with Reeves convincingly pulling off his action-hero role despite a lack of dialogue for his character. Nyqvist played a crime boss pretty well and seemed to work well with Reeves. Allen was okay but didn't quite fit either the role of a thug or a spoiled child. Dafoe, Winters, Leguizamo, and Reddick were all enjoyable, as was the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were fairly well done with nice variety and a solid feel. Action scenes, and CGI to support them, was well done. Fight scenes were well executed, and we absolutely loved the 'double-tap' theme and resulting head-shot blood spray. Dialogue, despite Reeves lack of lines, was good and filled out the plot nicely. Sound and soundtrack were good.

I've been disappointed by action films with only a nod to the plot as a vehicle for violence, but John Wick does a decent job of adding depth to the plot. Yes it is still a simple revenge flick, but one that is more enjoyable than most.

Intense violence, check. Mild drug use, check. Plenty of colorful foul language, check. Violence, gore, and explicit double-tap head shots complete with blood spray, check and check. Save this one for older teens, or just tell younger kids it is a video game.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 6.17.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime action, Action & Adventure, Crime, Action, Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, June 24, 2016

Movie review: Spy

CIA analyst Susan spends most of her time in front of a computer supporting field agents with dangerous operations. But when meek and mild Susan is thrust into the field to investigate the disappearance of her partner she turns into more of a superspy than anyone ever expected.

Jude Law (Bradley Fine), Melissa McCarthy (Susan), Miranda Hart (Nancy), Rose Byrne (Rayna), Jason Statham (Ford), Morena Baccarin (Karen), Allison Janney (Elaine), Jessica Chaffin (Sharon), Sam Richardson (John).

Spy begins by jumping right into the action and story with Susan and Fine in the middle of a mission that ends poorly, but locks the theme for the rest of the film. As Susan steps up, and out into the field as an active agent, the humor finally ramps up while the plot is realized to be slightly more than a comedy vehicle. The second half of the film is a fun mix of action and comedy, including some hysterical innuendo and slapstick, that concludes with an appropriate Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was surprisingly enjoyable and fun. McCarthy may not be a great actress, but she does nicely with the comedy, particularly when sarcasm was involved, and fit her role perfectly. Law fit his role well but seemed to lack energy at times. Byrne was wonderful in her role and played a villain quite nicely. The quirky, dorky performance Hart put forth was fun and funny. Statham was very silly and delivered a lot of energy, and the remainder of the cast was solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were slightly better than similar films with a solid and appropriate feel. CGI and action scenes fit the film nicely, are well done, and contribute well to the film. Dialogue was dramatic, silly, sarcastic, and just plain fun throughout. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

If you are looking for a light-hearted comedy that holds interest without trying to create artificial depth, check this one out. With a solid, experienced cast and some good laughs, Spy moves along at a nice pace and holds interest well.

With some sexuality, foul language, violence, and gore, this should be fine for older teens and above. Really most of these things are used for comedic impact, rather than for shock value.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 6.13.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action Comedies, Comedy, Crime Action, Satire, Action

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Movie review: Alien Blood

An alien mother determined to save her daughter and unborn child break into a house in the English countryside to hide out. Unfortunately, the house is home to a group of vampires.

Francesca Manning (Helene), Rebecca Stirling (Monique).

I really can’t say much about this film because I didn’t watch it. About fifteen minutes into the movie I was bored stiff and so completely uninterested I had to turn it off.

Up to that point, I had seen nothing good about this film. The acting looked awful, sets were ridiculous, sound was appalling, there had been little or no dialogue, and camera work was horrible. Not only was there nothing happening yet to indicate a plot, I was so disconnected and turned-off by this film I didn’t care.

Pass on this one.

Content advisory: none, because I didn't finish the film.

Released: 1999
Reviewed: 6.8.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Horror, Alien Sci-Fi

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, June 20, 2016

Movie review: Grindhouse: Death Proof

Stuntman Mike may be out of the movies but he isn’t out of the game. After transforming his car into a death proof machine he uses it to satisfy his cravings as a psychotic serial killer terrifying women on the road. But when he targets a couple of stuntwomen and their friends the game is taken up a notch.

Kurt Russell (Stuntman Mike), Zoe Bell (Zoe), Rosario Dawson (Abernathy), Vanessa Ferlito (Arlene), Sydney Poitier (Jungle Julia), Tracie Thorns (Kim), Rose McGowan (Pam), Jordan Ladd (Shanna), Quentin Tarantino (Warren).

Consistent with the Grindhouse films this is done in the genre of a bad 1960’s film with corny lead-in previews, bad video quality, and crummy camera work. And it hits the mark dead-on. With plenty of vintage Tarantino dialogue this one starts off pretty slow. Pretty girls trying to be sexy girls are about the only thing making the first 40 minutes bearable. After that the plot finally begins to congeal and things get a bit more interesting. After another 40 minutes about the time it feels like the movie is going nowhere, things really get interesting and the actors seem to find their pace and spark with each other.

Acting is maybe not the most enjoyable part of the film but it is quite interesting. Russell plays a role that is anything but typical for him very nicely. Bell, Ferlito and Poitier do well while Dawson and McGowan were superb. Even Tarantino does a decent job in his part.

Written by Tarantino, the dialogue and plot were twisty and curvy in all the right spots. Camera work was very good and consistent with the overall theme. Background and sets were good as was costuming and effects. Music was interesting as it always is in a Tarantino film and fit things perfectly.

Overall this isn’t the best of Grindhouse but it is a very enjoyable film, if you are a Tarantino or Kurt Russell fan.

Foul language, violence, sexuality, mild nudity, drugs and alcohol are all a big part of this one so save it for older teens and above.

Released: 2007
Reviewed: 6.8.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thrillers, Slashers & Serial Killers, Suspense & Thrillers

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Movie review: The Ice Pirates

In a future where water has become the most valuable substance Space Pirates have taken to stealing ice from freighters.  But when they are captured and become property of Princess Karina they find themselves helping her to find her father and free the universe from those controlling the water.

Robert Urich (Jason), Mary Crosby (Princess Karina), Michael Roberts (Roscoe), Anjelica Huston (Maida), John Matuszak (Killjoy), Ron Perlman (Zeno).

This film is about as B-movie campy as you can get. The plot is really just an excuse for sexual innuendo, masked political humor, and general silliness. Made during Urich’s 15 minutes of fame and Huston’s 20 minutes of sexiness, this one will have you alternately chuckling and shaking your head. In line with the genre, even the acting in this one is campy and awkward. The film never takes itself seriously as evidenced by the appearance of Space Herpes!

Camera work is well done for the genre and even funny at times itself. Sets and costuming are very well done. Dialogue is pure B movie, as is acting and plot. Sound is rough, again fitting the genre.

Overall, if you are a B movie fan you will likely enjoy this one a great deal. It is a well done production for the time and has plenty of campy laughs. If you are looking for something with more depth to the plot, or just generally more thought provoking, leave this one off your list.

The movie is rated PG but there are plenty of sexual references and some questionable language. Keep this one for preens or above, and away from the younger kids.

Released: 1984
Reviewed: 6.8.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, B-movies, Sci-Fi Adventure

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, June 17, 2016

Movie reviews: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Agent Phil Coulson, from Marvel's The Avengers, assembles and leads a team of top S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Tasked with investigating unusual threats deemed too dangerous for the public to know about, the agents are a last line of defense before calling The Avengers.

Clark Gregg (Coulson), Ming-Na Wen (Melinda May), Chloe Bennet (Skye), Ian De Caestecker (Fitz), Elizabeth Henstridge (Jemma Simmons), Brett Dalton (Grant Ward), Henry Simmons (Mack), Nick Blood (Hunter).

The first season of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is a bit rough with somewhat thin plots and less than exciting acting. By the end of the first season we start seeing nice improvements with the cast and with plot lines crossing seasons and episodes in season 2, things get much better. The series is an obvious attempt at maintaining and building interest in The Avengers series but actually works fine by itself. The depth of some episodes is hindered by time as this is a TV series, but most are wrapped up nicely.

Again, acting was a little rough in the beginning but this cast really found their feet. Gregg does an awesome job fitting intelligence, curiosity, and humor into his character. Wen is a lot of fun and settled into the series nicely. Bennet grew into her role pretty well, as did Dalton and Simmons. Caestecker and Henstridge both did very well. The remainder of the cast, with some familiar names, supported nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all enjoyable but CGI is the master here. Effects were very well done with good detail and fit throughout the series. Dialogue was funny, sad, and everything in between and holds interest pretty well. Sound and soundtrack are quite good.

While Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. may be aimed at a younger audience, and is obviously focused on supporting a franchise, it is also a solid series from Joss Whedon with many of his trademark moves. Whedon, Avenger, sci-fi, or CGI fans should enjoy this one.

With plenty of sci-fi action and violence, mild sexuality and foul language, and a few frightening scenes, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 6.8.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, TV Sci-Fi & Action, TV Sci-Fi & Fantasy, TV series

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Movie review: Poltergeist (2015)

Much like the 1982 original, this remake follows the Bowen family as they move into a new home which they quickly discover comes complete with dangerous spirits. When the spirits take their youngest daughter Madison, the Bowen's desperately recruit help.

Sam Rockwell (Eric), Rosemarie DeWitt (Amy), Saxon Sharbino (Kendra), Kyle Catlett (Griffin), Kennedi Clements (Madison), Jared Harris (Carrigan), Jane Adams (Dr. Brooke Powell), Susan Heyward (Sophie), Nicholas Braun (Boyd).

This version of Poltergeist does a pretty good job of following the original film. After moving into a new home the Bowen family quickly begins to see some strange things happening. When their youngest daughter Madison engages the entities, she is abducted and the family quickly scrambles for help enlisting first a science department and then Carrigan, a TV reality show host. The story moves along at a good pace and there are some nice BOO moments. Updating the film with more modern CGI was a nice move.

Sadly acting and direction is where this one fell short. Rockwell felt scattered in a role that had him moving between being a lousy husband and a great one. DeWitt felt somewhat unemotional in a role that really needed some deep emotion. Sharbino fit her part but her character was slightly more than window dressing. Catlett delivered pretty well but also fell a bit short on emotion. Clements did okay, while Harris and the rest of the cast were a bit dry.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were pretty good and technical work compared to the original improved nicely. CGI fit the film well and was enjoyable with good creepy scenes and BOO moments. Dialogue was okay but with better direction, could have added more to the film and storyline. Sound and soundtrack were pretty good.

The original Poltergeist film was a nice, spooky story focused on the supernatural. This version seems to focus more on updated technical work and acting, and as a result loses some of the scare value of the original. While this is worth a watch, it is simply a mediocre entry in the supernatural horror genre and a poor representation of the original.

With some mild sexuality, and plenty of supernatural creatures and events, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 6.8.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Thriller, Classic Remakes

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, June 13, 2016

Movie review: The Man from U.N.C.L.E

Inspired by the 1960's TV series, this Cold War thriller set in the 60's brings together CIA Agent Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin. With a global crime cartel threatening the world, Solo and Kuryakin must work together to save the world. Can they do so while also following their own secret agendas?

Henry Cavill (Solo), Armie Hammer (Illya), Alicia Vikander (Gaby), Elizabeth Debicki (Victoria), Luca Calvani (Alexander), Sylvester Groth (Uncle Rudi), Hugh Grant (Waverly), Jared Harris (Sanders), Christian Berkel (Udo).

The Man from U.N.C.L.E reminds me very much of the original series, of which I was a casual fan. Here we have Solo and Kuryakin put together to save Gaby as she defects to West Germany, after which the three find themselves working together against a global threat. The rest of the film is action, adventure, and spies being spies with their own hidden agendas bubbling to the surface. Though the plot may be a bit worn, this feels like a nice reboot of the series which ends well and leaves room for future films.

Acting was good from Cavill who presented well and seemed to have good energy with others. Hammer on the other hand almost felt detached from his role at times, and whomever thought he could deliver an accent made a huge mistake. Vikander was enjoyable but more character development would have helped. Debicki was a nice nemesis, and the remainder of the cast was solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are well done and nicely recreate the 60's Cold War era. Action scenes were enjoyable, perfectly fitting for the film, and realistic for the most part. Dialogue was solid with good depth. Sound and soundtrack were mild but appropriate.

At the end of the day The Man from U.N.C.L.E is an enjoyable spy action thriller that fits pretty well with the original series. If you like a good spy action film you may enjoy this one. I think of it as a James Bond film without the steroids.

With some partial nudity, sexually suggestive content, and fairly graphic violence this actually should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 6.4.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Spy Action & Adventure, Spy Thriller, Espionage Action, Action & Adventure, Movies based on a TV series

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Movie review: Curse of Chucky

Chucky is back and once again out for some twisted vengeance. In this installment, Nica begins to suspect the cute red-haired doll her niece has been playing with may have killed her mother. Of course, that is just the start of the killing for Chucky.

Chantal Quesnelle (Sarah), Fiona Dourif (Nica), Danielle Bisutti (Barb), A Martinez (Father Frank), Maitland McConnell (Jill), Brennan Elliott (Ian), Summer Howell (Alice), Brad Dourif (Charles Lee Ray/Chucky).

Curse of Chucky has the freaky doll appearing mysteriously once again, only to cause more chaos and bloodshed. This time Chucky is seeking vengeance on the descendants of a family he knew as Charles Lee Ray. Infiltrating their household, it takes a bit before Chucky is discovered to house the soul of Charles by which time it is too late. Toss in a few distractions like a lesbian romance, broken marriage, and a wheelchair, and the story actually has a bit of depth. Just don't expect much more.

Acting was pretty good from Fiona Dourif, with solid delivery and decent emotion. Bisutti did well and fit her role nicely despite the lesbian aspect not fitting well. McConnell was slightly more than window dressing, as was Martinez. The rest of the cast was decent.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are fairly well done though much of the film takes place in the dark, or close to it. Action scenes and animation around Chucky were nicely done with good detail and realistic feel that was disturbing when Chucky was the focus. Dialogue was thin and could have had some depth while contributing more to the plot. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

I enjoyed the Chucky franchise for a while but the novelty of a serial-killer doll quickly wore off when the theme quit evolving. Sadly, Curse of Chucky is a mild variation of the previous films that really adds nothing new. At a minimum you would think Chucky would get smarter, or more creative with his killing.

With some sexuality, violence, gore, foul language and an animated serial-killer doll, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 6.3.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Crime Horror, Sequel films

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, June 10, 2016

Movie review: The Do-Over

Two out-of-luck high school buddies decide to fake their own deaths and start over fresh with new identities. Assuming the identities of a couple of wealthy men, their new lives look wonderful until they learn the people they are impersonating are in more trouble than they could have imagined.

Adam Sandler (Max), David Spade (Charlie), Paula Patton (Heather), Kathryn Hahn (Becca), Nick Swardson (Bob), Matt Walsh (Shecky), Renee Taylor (Mrs. Kessler), Sean Astin (Ted-O), Catherine Bell (Dawn).

The Do-Over is about 90 minutes of typical Sandler crotch humor without much substance. Roughly the last 20 minutes however, there is a bold attempt at tying the film together and finishing with some meaning. Maybe next time Adam. Still, there were some good laughs here and Sandler's affection for sexy women and girl fights does help.

Acting was better than expected, even from Sandler who delivered slightly better than usual. While Spade was good, using him as a straight-man for Sandler's wit felt like a dismissal of his talents. Hahn was psychotic as usual and fit her role perfectly. Patton was interesting and did a decent job. Bell, Guzman, and the remainder of the cast were pretty good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were mild but solid. Action scenes were silly but fit the film. Dialogue was campy, corny, dramatic, and at times just plain useless. Sound and soundtrack were decent.

Sandler fans should enjoy The Do-Over, as will most teenage boys that still find farts funny. Those wanting a quality film, a reasonable plot, or something beside crotch-humor should probably look for something else.

With some disturbing and graphic nudity, and sexuality, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 6.3.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Action Comedy, Late Night Comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Movie review: Minions

In this Despicable Me prequel, the minions tell their story of villain-worshipping. Flashbacks, narration, and linguistically garbled speech show us how the minions became to be such wonderful henchmen.

Sandra Bullock (Scarlet), Jon Hamm (Herb), Michael Keaton (Walter), Allison Janney (Madge), Jennifer Saunders (The Queen), Geoffrey Rush (Narrator), Steve Carell (Young Gru), Pierre Coffin (The Minions).

Minions may be a prequel, but it is also a lot of fun by itself. The minions may be bumbling, incoherent, and short but they are devoted to their current villain boss. The problem is, they can't seem to stay employed. Bouncing from one boss to another, much as they bounce all the time, the minions find employment with a variety of unsavory and dangerous villains. They also have fun every single second and while we can't understand them, we seem to end up laughing along anyway.

Acting, well, there wasn't any because this is an animated film. That said, voice work was quite enjoyable. Bullock worked well as a villain, and paired well with Hamm who delivered nicely. Saunders also did well as The Queen. Coffin, the voice of the minions, seems quite talented and did a wonderful job.

Though I am not much of an animation fan, the work here felt pretty good. While this is a film aimed at younger viewers so things are kept pretty simple, they are also technically well done. Animation was minimalistic but enjoyable, and was timed nicely with the soundtrack. Perspective and backgrounds were nicely detailed. Sound and soundtrack were also good.

While not an adult film, those of you with younger children who get stuck watching this one should still enjoy it. There are some good laughs, and the minions are just plain silly fun.

Oh, and before I forget… BANANA!!

Nothing here to limit audience age. Go crazy kids!

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 6.3.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Children & Family movies, Animation, Comedy, Family

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, June 6, 2016

Movie review: Frankenhooker

Jeffrey Franken is a brilliant inventor, creating a remote controlled lawnmower. The same lawnmower that hacks his fiancée to pieces. So Jeff invents a way to reassemble her using body parts from prostitutes.

James Lorinz (Jeffrey), Joanne Ritchie (Mrs. Shelley), Patty Mullen (Elizabeth), J.J. Clark (Mr. Shelley), C.K. Steefel (Dolores), Louise Lasser (Mom), Charlotte Helmkamp (Honey), Joseph Gonzalez (Zorro).

In Frankenhooker, Jeff is a med-school dropout and inventor whose fiancée is killed by a runaway lawnmower that he invented. Able to save her head, Jeff decides to rebuild her body with readily available parts from prostitutes. Though this may sound like a reasonable plot for a horror film, this is actually a ridiculously done B-movie. The plot is really secondary to poking fun at low budget horror flicks and other Frankenstein films.

Acting was awful here, or was it? While performances were lacking from just about every aspect, that also could have been the intent of the film. Lorinz felt like he was trying to inject some depth to his character but it came off as a very poorly done impersonation. Gonzalez, while physically fitting for his role, felt dry and inexperienced, as did the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all B-movie fodder with strange lingering shots, poorly done sets, and backgrounds that felt incidental. Effects were ridiculously elementary and rough, but surprisingly added to the comedy impact of the film. Dialogue was campy, corny, and often lacking purpose. Sound and soundtrack lacked energy.

If you are a B-movie fan you should enjoy Frankenhooker, which is darn near a poster child for the genre. Who recommended this thing to me anyway? Those hoping for an actual horror flick, exciting effects, or quality acting may be disappointed.

With plenty of gore, drugs, sexuality, nudity, and foul language, save this for older teens and above.

Released: 1990
Reviewed: 5.30.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Cult Comedies, B-movies, Cult Horror, Frankenstein satire, Sci-Fi Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Movie review: Terminator Genisys

Terminator Genisys, a prequel to the original film, takes us back in time to see who Sarah Conner was and how she became the mother of Resistance hero John Connor. Terminator cyborgs seem as timeless as they are relentless, but a fractured timeline with an unexpected past may change everything.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (Guardian/Pops), Jason Clarke (John Connor), Emilia Clarke (Sarah), Jai Courtney (Kyle), J.K. Simmons (O'Brien), Dayo Okeniyi (Danny Dyson), Courtney Vance (Miles Dyson), Byung-hun Lee (T-1000).

Terminator Genisys is billed as a prequel but the film changes so much we thought we knew that it is more like a relaunch of the franchise. With bits of previous film clips and CGI, Terminator Genisys adds depth to the story and shows us a backstory for Sarah that is hard to imagine. Using a fractured timeline the film is even able to do some rewriting of history. The action and pace of the film are wonderful, even if the time jumps are tough to follow at first, and the story is very entertaining.

Acting was darn good in this one. Bringing back Arnold had to be challenging, and CGI is obviously used in several scenes. Yet, his creepy new terminator smile was hysterical and he can still deliver a good line. Emilia Clarke did very nicely as Sarah, delivering a performance that fit the character well. Courtney was a good choice and did well, as did Jason Clarke as John. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were exciting and the film obviously had a healthy budget. Action scenes, and many other parts of the film, were helped with a heavy dose of CGI which for the most part was well done. Dialogue was enjoyable with some nice humor thrown in along the way. Sound and soundtrack were both nice.

I really thought the Terminator series was about done and starting to smell of desperation but Terminator Genisys could easily be the platform for a relaunch. The film redefined the characters and the story, and did both quite nicely. Fans of the series should enjoy this one, if they can ignore the critics knocking it.

With plenty of violence, mild nudity, sci-fi gore, and mild profanity, teens should be fine with this one. You may have a hard time keeping them away from it!

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 5.27.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, June 3, 2016

Movie Review: The Mangler Reborn

A decade after the laundry folding machine dubbed The Mangler by the press after a series of killings are blamed on the machine, a new machine is built from the scrapped parts of the original. Unfortunately the builder is eaten by the new machine and then spit back out, requiring him to feed the thing to keep his flesh from decomposing.

Aimee Brooks (Jamie), Reggie Bannister (Rick), Weston Blakesley (Hadley), Scott Speiser (Mike), Juliana Dever (Louise), Sarah Lilly (Beatrice), Renee Dorian (Gwen), Rhett Giles (Sean).

The plot of this film is a nice continuation of the original story, with a nice hungry new machine.  I even got my hopes up seeing Reggie Bannister (from Phantasm fame) on the credits. Sadly, even with a decent plot, this one was disappointing.

It is hard to review this film knowing it was made with no-budget. Almost the entire film takes place inside one house, special effects are mostly blood spatters, and there were only a handful of actors to pay. From that perspective, it was a very good film with decent camera work, sound, acting, and sets.
But from a sequel to a big budget film, this was horrible with sparse sets, unimaginative repetitive sound, poor dialogue, and low budget actors.  From that perspective, this was a disappointment.

Regardless, after the first 15 minutes the film just stopped moving forward and instead repeated itself for the next hour. Even the ending was a complete non-event.

If you are a diehard horror fan, this one has a fair amount of blood, guts, and pretty girls getting killed. You might be somewhat entertained. For those who want a bit more depth, pass on this one and look for something better. 

Plenty of blood, guts, gore, violence and some brief nudity should keep this one out of the DVD player until after preens and below have gone to bed for the night.

Released: 2005
Reviewed: 5.25.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Movie review: Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Thomas and the Gladers, having escaped the Maze in the original film, find themselves again pitted against WCKD. Traversing the Scorch, a wasteland devastated by solar flares, they team up with resistance fighters and discover WCKD may have more sinister plans than they ever imagined.

Dylan O'Brien (Thomas), Ki Hong Lee (Minho), Kaya Scodelario (Teresa), Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Newt), Dexter Darden (Frypan), Alexander Flores (Winston), Jacob Lofland (Aris), Rosa Salazar (Brenda), Giancarlo Esposito (Jorge), Patricia Clarkson (Ava Paige).

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials picks up where the original film left off with Thomas and the Gladers now free of the Maze and in search of a safe haven. Hoping to team up with the resistance group Right Arm, they search the Scorch and quickly realize WCKD is still after them and fighting back is the only option. But when WCKD's plans are revealed fighting back quickly turns to fighting for life. Sadly, all of this sounds better than it actually is. The storyline really has nothing to do with the original film aside from the characters and the thin plot is much less entertaining than it sounds.

Acting was decent but obviously hampered by the poor plot and lack of character development. O'Brien delivered solidly once again. Scodelario felt flat and largely without depth or emotion, though that may have been due to direction. Sangster once again felt mature for his role but delivered well. Lee, Darden, Flores and the other Gladers did well. Esposito and Clarkson fit their roles nicely and delivered well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done and the film appears to have had a big budget. CGI, effects, and action scenes were well done with good detail and a solid feel. The infected were enjoyable with good costuming and effects which created a nice impact. Dialogue was okay but could have helped the story and character development much more. Sound and soundtrack are good.

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials is a decent Sci-Fi Action flick by itself, but unfortunately it doesn't do a thing for the franchise. The plot is largely unrelated to the original film leaving this one looking a lot like a cookie-cutter post-apocalyptic action film. We ended up wishing the zombie aspect would have had more focus. At least then it could be called a zombie flick.

With foul language, violence, gore, and potentially disturbing images this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 6.1.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Action, Sci-Fi Fantasy, Sci-Fi Thrillers, Post apocalyptic films, Zombie films

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Movie review: Fright Night 2

Traveling to Romania for a high school study trip, Charley and "Evil" Ed already have an interest in the supernatural and occult. But encountering sexy professor Gerri Dandridge the two find themselves face to face with a real-life vampire who wants nothing more than to drink and bathe in the blood of Charley's ex-girlfriend, Amy.

Will Payne (Charley), Chris Waller (Evil Ed), Jaime Murray (Gerri), Sean Power (Peter Vincent), Sacha Parkinson (Amy), John Bateman (Chaperone), Alina Minzu (Shayla), Adi Hostiuc (Dragomir).

Fright Night 2 begins with some decent plot setup and character introductions as the story begins to unfold. Realizing they have a vampire problem in Gerri, Charley and Evil enlist the aid of famous TV vampire hunter Peter Vincent. While consistent with the theme and plot of the first film, this sequel is a bit more mature with less campy comedy and better dialogue. The action and intensity ratchet up consistently through the end of the film which culminates with a lot of blood as expected.

Acting was pretty good with Payne doing a nice job as Charley. Waller was a very good choice for Evil and did well, reminding us constantly of the first film. Murray was an enjoyable choice as nemesis and delivered well, as did Power and the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were pretty good with big, authentic feeling sets and nice technical work. CGI was a bit excessive at times, but overall well done. Dialogue was good but the campy comedy of the original was definitely missed. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

When the sun comes up and the last vamp goes home Fright Night 2 is seen for what it is; a fun, teen scream vampire flick that mirrors the original with a few plot updates and a new cast. Those who enjoyed the original as it was will likely enjoy this one as well. Those wanting a continuation of the story or added depth will probably be disappointed and should sink their fangs into something else.

With some sexuality and mild nudity, violence, gore, foul language and vampires this should be fine for older teens and above. Or really any kids for whom you are not responsible.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 5.25.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Teen Screams, Vampires, Horror, Supernatural Horror, Vampire Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Mine mine mine!!!!

Blog disclaimer and copyright information. . .

-I hope to make this blog revenue generating in the future and as such any posts found here may be paid posts. If you want to pay me to post for you, let me know!
-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).