Movie review: Surgeon aka. Exquisite Tenderness

As a child, Julian witnesses the death of his brother at the hands of an inept and sadistic doctor and grows up to become a psychotic doctor who somehow justifies his killing of innocent people to further his research. Years later his girlfriend, Theresa has him fired for his illegal research and thinks that is the end. But Julian returns, more psychotic than ever and determined to make Theresa pay for what she has done to him.

Isabel Glasser (Dr. Theresa), James Remar (Dr. Benjamin), Sean Haberle (Dr. Julian Matar), Malcolm McDowell (Dr. Stein), Peter Boyle (Lt. McEllwaine).

Although the summary sounds good, I would place this one about the middle of the pack when it comes to horror / thrillers. Incidentally, the picture on the cover is nowhere to be found in the film. The plot was interesting if not wholly original but it just wasn’t delivered very well. The movie seemed jerky, with bursts of activity and plot advancement followed by a lull in which nothing very exciting happened. Toward the end of the movie Dr. Julian seemed to become almost supernatural, being stronger than everyone else, able to heal himself from critical injury, being smarter and more stealthy than anyone else, and getting lucky beyond belief. It was almost as if the plot got written into a corner and the only way out was to change the rules at the last second.

Acting was a mixed bag with Remar and Haberle doing a decent job and Glasser being just plain annoying and inept after a while. Camera work and sets were average as was sound and dialogue.

You could do worse than this one but you could also do much better.

There was some nudity in this one, foul language, and a healthy dose of violent gore. Save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 1995
Reviewed: 7.21.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Horror, Horror, Slashers and Serial Killers, Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Herbie Hancock: Possibilities

Made in a somewhat documentary style, this film takes you behind the scenes with Herbie Hancock while he collaborates with Christina Aguilera, Sting, Annie Lennox, Paul Simon, Santana, Damien Rice and John Mayer.

I have been hearing and seeing a lot of Herbie Hancock credits lately so I was interested when I ran across this film. It was interesting hearing in his words how collaboration works with different artists and even more enjoyable to see it happening.  I particularly enjoyed the part with John Mayer and came away with more respect for his creative talents. I was also very surprised at Christina Aguilera’s vocal capabilities. I was a bit disappointed with Sting in this one as I am a big fan but the type of music he was making just wasn’t to my tastes.

Some of the shots in this one are pretty dark which was a bit frustrating but otherwise it was technically well done.

If you are a Herbie Hancock fan I would say this is a must see, very informative and enjoyable to watch.

Released: 2005
Reviewed: 7.20.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Music, Documentary

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Kama-Sutra: The Secrets to the Art of Love

This is an instructional video covering 50 different positions and is intended as a primer on the erotic Indian arts. Channeling sexual energy and intimacy to bring couples together, achieve higher levels of orgasm, and inner peace are the goals here.

This is much better done than many Kama-Sutra instructional materials I have seen before. Positions are presented by a man and woman in a modest bedroom setting and video is most often rotating to show the complete position. This was much better than illustrations I have seen where you only get one perspective and it is hard to understand the complete position.

Audio includes a brief description of the position and information regarding the level of physical ability required for the position, which partner will benefit from more pronounced stimulation in the position, if it helps delay male orgasm or provides for quicker female orgasm, and if there are any dangers or tips for success of the position.

This was also a nice balance between true instructional video and pornography. The actors were nude obviously, but there was also fondling and touching evoking nice emotion of events but falling short of becoming porn. Music was good in parts but became a bit repetitive after a while.

Overall this was a nicely done video and well worth watching by anyone interested in learning the erotic arts or as a good refresher on some of the basics.

Released: 2006
Reviewed: 7.20.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Documentary

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Rest Stop: Don’t Look Back

Nicole and Jess set out for California a year ago and were never heard from again. When Jess’s brother Tom returns from Iraq he sets out along with his girlfriend Marilyn, and best friend Jared, to find them. Instead they find the Rest Stop and the same psychotic madman who may have also killed Jessie and Nicole.

Movie review: Rest Stop: Don’t Look Back – 2008
Richard Tillman (Tom), Jessie Ward (Marilyn), Graham Norris (Jared), Joey Mendicino (Jessie), Julie Mond (Nicole), Brionne Davis (Driver), Steve Railsback (Owner).

This one kicks off with some good horror action which at the same time gives us some background and basis for the rest of the movie. Things then slow down for a bit as the rest of the cast is developed before jumping back into the twisted story. I don’t like comparing episodes in a series but I will here because this one felt like a cheat. The original was about terror and horror whereas this one delved into the supernatural in what looks to be nothing more than an attempt to continue the story. I would guess they made enough money off the first film they felt it was worth continuing but had written themselves into a corner. Poof, use ghosts! Problem solved. It felt like this story was forced in an effort to continue the original and sadly it added nothing to the original story. The film felt more like a re-telling of the original with different characters and perspective with the supernatural slant necessary only to maintain continuity with the series.

Acting was pretty good with Ward and Norris both putting out great effort. Railsback does a great job of being freaky and creepy and I loved him in this role. Camera work, sound, dialogue, background and effects were all well done. Gore shots were pretty good with a great Squeamish Factor at points.

Plot was a bit disjointed at times but overall the story can be followed easily. Overall a decent horror flick but a disappointment compared to the original. Put this about the middle of your Must See list.

Brief mild nudity, foul language, violence, blood, and gore so save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 7.20.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Teen Screams, Horror, Slashers and Serial Killers, Thriller, Supernatural Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Mulholland Falls

A special LAPD police squad led by Max Hoover investigates the murder of a young woman, Allison, who had an affair with Hoover and Timms, the head of the nuclear agency. When the murder investigation leads to the military and causes questions about national security, the LAPD ends up with more than a simple murder on their hands.

Nick Nolte (Max Hoover), Melanie Griffith (Katherine Hoover), Chazz Palminteri (Ellroy Coolidge), Michael Madsen (Eddie Hall), Chris Penn (Arthur), Treat Williams (Col. Fitzgerald), Jennifer Connelly (Allison Pond), Daniel Baldwin (McCafferty), Andrew McCarthy (Jimmy Fields), John Malkovich (General Timms).

I was actually surprised by this one and enjoyed the film. The plot is a bit cliché and predictable but a few twists kept it interesting. There was some good mystery to the film, decent action scenes, drama, sex, and good old fashioned violence with saps.

Nolte was much better in this one than I expected and Palminteri did a great job. I thought most of the acting in this one was well done.

Sets, effects and sound were all nicely done. Dialogue was a bit lacking in parts and Nolte’s mumbling low rough voice was difficult to hear at times.

If you enjoy a good cop flick, or 50’s themed movies you will most likely really enjoy this one.

Beware the nudity, sex scenes, violence and language and keep this one for the oldest of teens and above.

Released: 1996
Reviewed: 7.17.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Thrillers, Crime Drama, Crime Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Hateful Eight

Bounty hunter John is delivering Daisy Domergue for hanging when the two become stranded, along with six others, at a post-Civil War haberdashery in Wyoming.  But the strange characters are only the beginning of a nefarious plot.

Samuel L. Jackson (Maj. Warren), Kurt Russell (John), Jennifer Leigh (Daisy Domergue), Walton Goggins (Sheriff Mannix), Demian Bichir (Bob), Tim Roth (Oswaldo), Michael Madsen (Gage), Bruce Dern (Gen. Smithers), James Parks (O.B.).

As usual Quentin Tarantino takes an unusual approach to storytelling and The Hateful Eight is no exception. Presented in chapters, out of order of course, the film does a wonderful job of making promises on which it really never delivers. While the story was good, it might well have been just as good in order. The plot is entertaining but stews together quite slowly and as often the case in Tarantino films, includes plenty of graphic violence and gore. The final chapter ties things together well but overall is something of a non-event after almost 3 hours of build-up.

Acting, as it should be with a cast like this, was wonderful. Leigh did a great job, delivering a range of emotion and quirky mentality that fit the film perfectly. Jackson was entertaining as usual and did nicely. Russell was in-type and contributed well, as did Roth and Madsen. Goggins was another enjoyable bright spot with very good energy. The remainder of the cast was solid and did quite well.

Camera work was enjoyable with the 70mm picture being consistently clear and crisp. Sets and backgrounds while somewhat simple were enjoyable and well done. Action scenes were intense and well executed. Dialogue was campy at times but solid with some nice touches of humor. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall The Hateful Eight is an interesting and entertaining western that Tarentino fans will likely enjoy more than most. Those who enjoy an intense western should enjoy this as well, though they may be frustrated with the storytelling approach.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 7.17.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Westerns, Crime Action, Action & Adventure, Crime Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Firewall

Jack has built a great life as a bank security consultant, protecting the bank and his life behind a firewall he has built. But when criminals abduct his family he is forced to circumvent his own security protections and rob the bank he is protecting.

Harrison Ford (Jack), Virginia Madsen (Beth), Carly Schroeder (Sarah), Jimmy Bennett (Andy), Paul Bettany (Bill), David Lewis (Rich), Zahf Paroo (Ravi), Robert Forster (Harry), Robert Patrick (Gary), Alan Arkin (Arlin).

Firewall begins with some nice backstory and character development before moving to the main plot. Once the criminals show up and abduct Jack's family, the action and suspense begin to build fast as Jack watches his life fall apart. It seems no matter what Jack tries, the bad guys are a step ahead. On the run from just about everyone, and with nothing to lose, Jack begins to fight back and the film intensity increases nicely. The story wraps up with a Happily Ever After ending that, after all the intense action and suspense, is almost a non-event.

Acting was good with Ford doing nicely as a corporate action hero. Madsen was a nice choice and seemed to work well with Ford. Bettany made a good criminal, and also seemed to have good chemistry with others. Forster and Patrick were both in-type and fit their roles well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable with a nice authentic feel throughout. Natural scenery and locations were used well. Action scenes were pretty good with a realistic feel and good detail. Dialogue was solid and moved the story along well. Sound and soundtrack were a bit better than usual.

While Firewall is 10 years old, and the storyline is hardly original, this one is still worth watching. The experienced cast does a good job and technical work is on par for a big budget film. If you enjoy solid suspense or thrillers, you should enjoy Firewall.

With plenty of violence, some blood and gore, blender abuse, foul language and potentially disturbing scenes, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2006
Reviewed: 7.11.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Action, Suspense, Crime Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Lightspeed

When his funding is cut-off Edward experiments on himself and becomes Python, a snake-man who blames his problems on Daniel. When an accident gives Daniel super-speed powers and turns him into Lightspeed, he goes after Python.

Jason Connery (Daniel Leight/Lightspeed), Nicole Eggert (Beth), Daniel Goddard (Python/Edward), Lee Majors (Tanner), Michael Flynn (Dr. Findlay).

This is a Stan Lee comic book theme made into a movie and although it is called Lightspeed, this movie never moves beyond a crawl. Beyond the meeting of two superhero’s, the plot in this one just never really develops.

Action is dull and flat, as is acting. Special effects are unimpressive to say the least. There is no chemistry between the actors and although I can see potential for Connery as an actor he was absolutely the wrong person for the role of Lightspeed. Even more experienced actors, Eggert and Lee, were flat, dull and lifeless in this film. Add to that the problem of Python being very difficult to understand this one wasn’t just boring, it was frustrating.

The movie was so uninteresting it took me 3 days to finish it because I kept falling asleep.

I am not sure what this is rated but I don’t recall any nudity or serious foul language so preens and above should be find watching this one and the younger kids may be the only ones to even enjoy it.

Released: 2006
Reviewed: 7.10.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action Sci-Fi, Comic books, Action, Fantasy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Left In Darkness

Celia is taken to a frat party by a friend on her 21st birthday to cheer her up since her mother died during childbirth and it is usually a sad day for her. The party is more than she expected when she is drugged, raped, dies, and becomes trapped in purgatory. Not knowing who to trust, and dealing with hostile dead such as her father and grandfather, Celia tries to figure out how to survive and make it to heaven.

Monica Keena (Celia), David Anders (Donovan), Tim Thomerson (Joe), Chris Engen (Doug).

This is a rather unique and interesting plot using the idea of soul eaters and the possibility of different conscious levels and types of souls that are found in purgatory.  The deception and misdirection make the story even more interesting and require some thought to be fully understood.

This movie was much better than I expected. Keena did a great job of provoking emotion in her role and Anders did a really good job playing an emotionless pseudo guardian angel. The plot moved along pretty well for the most part although Celia’s constant flip-flopping decision making did get a bit tedious for a while. Things also got a bit confusing toward the end but the ending itself was nicely done if somewhat hard to swallow considering things that happened earlier in the movie.

Camera work was well done and sets were interesting with good detail and continuity. Sound and dialogue we okay but balance could have been a bit better.

With very little blood and guts or nudity, the biggest concerns in this one are adult concepts and some language.  This movie is well worth watching in my opinion but, save it for teens and above.

Released: 2006
Reviewed: 7.10.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Satanic Stories, Supernatural Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Passengers

Claire is a counselor who is tasked with working with the surviving passengers of a plane crash when she realizes their individual accounts of the crash differ. As she digs for the truth she encounters the hostile airline employee, Arkin, and crosses professional lines with a passenger, Eric. But what she finally finds may hold the biggest surprise of all.

Anne Hathaway (Claire), Patrick Wilson (Eric), Andre Braugher (Perry), David Morse (Arkin).

This movie starts off slow and remains slow until about the last 10 minutes when things finally get somewhat interesting and we realize, this has been done before. And better.
Character development is sporadic and sparse which makes sense in the end but until then is just plain frustrating. The plot itself is rather simplistic but the film seems to go off in several directions to fill time until the big reveal toward the end. In the meantime the story isn’t very good with a serious lack of chemistry between Hathaway and Wilson. Braugher performed well as always while Morse did his usual great job of being a jerk.

Special effects were at a minimum so nothing new there. Sound, dialogue, backgrounds, and camera work were all nicely done but couldn’t save this one. The plot just didn’t have much energy until the end which, although very good, isn’t enough to make up for the first 80 minutes.

Overall a slow moving attempt at making a dramatic thriller that has a hard time holding audience interest. If you are a serious Hathaway fan or dramatic thriller fan give it a shot, otherwise pass on this one.

Mild destruction images and sexual scenes but no nudity and little foul language that I could remember. Preens and above will be fine with this though they will likely get bored with it before long.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 7.5.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Thrillers, Mystery, Supernatural Thrillers, Psychological Thrillers

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Demon Hunter

When Asmodeus, a demon, decides to populate the world with his evil offspring by forcing women to bear his children the Catholic Church hires Jake as a Demon Hunter in the hopes of saving humanity. When the Church then has doubts about Jake’s ability they pair him with Sister Sarah, who Jake finds may not be of any help at all.

William Bassett (Cardinal White), Tania Deighton (Succubus), Billy Drago (Asmodeus), Sean Patrick Flanery (Jake Greyman), Colleen Porch (Sister Sarah).

Not the most original of plots but it is somewhat interesting. Jake as a fallen-angel half-breed offspring is an interesting twist to the story. Although this one falls under the category of horror, it also has quite a sexual side with plenty of topless and scantily clad women and sex scenes. Tossing a nun in to help the hero is a little strange but provides for a nice twist at the end.

Billy Drago, as usual, does a wonderful job playing the strange demon Asmodeus. Flanery also did well, making a much better action hero than I expected. Deighton and Porch were both delightfully sexy and played their parts well.

This one had good action scenes with decent quality effects. Camera work and dialogue were also well done. The soundtrack was very nice with some good tunes adding to the story.

All around, this was a decent film and worth watching if you are a horror or satanic romance fan. Nothing groundbreaking or incredible but a decent plot, good action, and gratuitous female nudity keep it interesting.

This one should probably be seen only by older teens and above due to nudity and sex scenes.

Released: 2005
Reviewed: 7.5.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Satanic Stories

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Sleepers

Based on a book by Carcaterra, when four boys pull a deadly prank they are sent to a reformatory where guards, led by Nokes, abuse them repeatedly. Years later when two of the boys encounter the guard as adults and exact their revenge they end up standing trial and making everyone decide between justice and loyalty.

Kevin Bacon (Nokes), Billy Crudup (Tommy), Robert De Niro (Father Bobby), Ron Eldard (John Reilly), Minnie Driver (Carol), Vittorio Gassman (King Benny), Dustin Hoffman (Danny), Terry Kinney (Ferguson), Bruno Kirby (Shakes’ Father), Frank Medrano (Fat Mancho), Jason Patric (Lorenzo ‘Shakes’ Carcaterra), Brad Pitt (Michael).

I have seen this movie a few times and love it every time. The film starts off good with character development and the back-story needed for the second half of the film. The young actors in this part of the film are excellent and deliver the story wonderfully while at the same time providing some very disturbing images.

Bacon does great in his role as an abusive guard making the audience despise him completely. The second half of the film is brought to life by the impressive list of actors who all deliver beyond expectations. Even De Niro who is hard to imagine as a Priest pulls it off beautifully. Together they bring new elements to the second half of the film that bring morality to question so strongly it is almost as disturbing as the first half of the film.
Acting by everyone was wonderful throughout. Sound, dialogue, and camera work were all nicely done. Backgrounds and sets were very nice and did a lot to support the depth of the film.

Overall this is an excellent film worth watching more than once. Warnings of disturbing sexual content are not to be ignored. Violence and language are also present in this film. Save this one for adults and above only and take note, the film is over two hours long.

Released: 1996
Reviewed: 7.4.16
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Dramas Based on Books, Courtroom Drama, Thriller, Crime Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Hellraiser V: Inferno

Corrupt cop Det. Thorne finds a puzzle box at the murder scene of an old High School acquaintance and takes the box when his sticky fingers get the best of him. Not knowing the power of the Lament Configuration, he works the box and soon can’t tell what is real and what is imagination. In a world of torture and pain, nothing is what it seems and as he learns, he is actually in the puzzle.

Craig Sheffer (Det. Thorne), Nicholas Turturro (Det. Nenonen), James Remar (Dr. Gregory), Doug Bradley (Pinhead), Nicholas Sadler (Bernie), Lindsay Taylor (Chloe).

This episode in the Hellraiser series is a definite deviation from previous versions. The plot is interesting and this is a pretty good stand alone movie but, putting it in context with the series so far it really doesn’t do anything to further the overall storyline. So as a Hellraiser episode in the franchise, this was disappointing with very little Cenobite screen time. As a horror flick, I would say this is a bit better than average psychological thriller. It was nice to see a return to the original Hellraiser theme of punishing the guilty and in that respect, it did maintain the franchise.

Acting by Sheffer was confusing, seeming to be over the top at times. But, if he was supposed to be a cop you would hate, then he hit the mark nicely. Remar also did a nice job, and Sadler rocked.

Camera work, sound, special effects, and sets were all of the good quality you expect from the Hellraiser franchise. Put this one about the middle of your Must See list.

Although more psychological than physical, there are still some good blood and guts, as well as torture scenes in this film so keep it for teens and above.

Released: 2000
Reviewed: 7.4.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Satanic Stories, Crime, Mystery, Sci-Fi Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Final Destination

When Alex has a vision revealing the plane he and his classmates are on is going to crash, he convinces several of them to disembark, saving their lives in the process. But before long they realize Death is feeling cheated and their only chance for survival is to figure out the grand design even as they begin dying in strange accidents.

Devon Sawa (Alex), Ali Larter (Clear), Kerr Smith (Carter), Kristen Cloke (Valerie), Seann Scott (Billy), Daniel Roebuck (Weine), Roger Smith (Schreck), Chad Donella (Tod), Tony Todd (Bludworth).

This is the one that started it all and makes us wonder if Fate is real, and if Death has a plan. In a nutshell this is a Teen Scream flick with the High School drama and inexperienced acting but with an excellent plot. The story builds slow at first with some character development followed by setup for the plot and action part of the film. Once the characters start to figure out what is happening things get interesting as unusually complicated deaths start to take place. The plot stays interesting with more than a few BOO moments, surprises, and minor twists to keep us guessing.

As mentioned, the cast was somewhat inexperienced but that lent itself to making the story more believable. It actually felt like the characters were as surprised as the audience by events in the film. Larter and Smith both stood out in their roles, Larter as the class oddball and Smith was very good as the class bully. Scott did well playing his usual campy self.

Sets, sound, dialogue and backgrounds were all done well and the film appears to have had a nice budget. Special effects were very well done with simplistic effects creating some of the most dramatic impact in the film.

Overall this is a very good Teen Scream Horror well worth watching, particularly if you are interested in the rest of the series.

Some violence, language and terrifying images but really this one is okay for teens and above. No nudity, sex scenes, or extreme language.

Released: 2000
Reviewed: 7.4.16
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Teen Screams, Supernatural Horror, Cult Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Terminus

A near fatal auto accident causes David to come in contact with a strange alien life form which in turn, drives him toward self-preservation and potentially saving the human race.

Jai Koutrae (David), Kendra Appleton (Annabelle), Todd Lasance (Zach), Bren Foster (Agent Stipe), Brendan Clearkin (Ned), Vincent Andriano (O'Mally), William Emmons (Agent Lubinski), Steve Le Marquand (Sherriff).

Terminus begins with the story already unfolding from the perspective of some government agent types and we quickly realize there is something big happening here. The story then shifts to the perspective of David, a down on his luck father who suffers a near fatal car crash that brings him in touch with an alien life form. Somehow the alien force compels David to anticipate and work against some unknown future event, reminding us of other better known alien flicks. The remainder of the film is a meandering, unexplained progression of events leading up to an ending that while tying everything together neatly, also feels like an escape.

Acting was decent but the characters, despite what appears to have been a decent script, don't seem to have a lot of emotional energy. Koutrae fit the role but felt somewhat detached. Lasance was slightly better but seemed restricted by his role. Appleton probably conveyed the best emotional performance and did nicely. The remainder of the cast, though still feeling a bit dry, did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were simple but good. Natural scenery felt solid and well used. CGI was okay but could have used some polish in a couple of scenes. Action scenes were nicely done with a realistic feel. Dialogue was dry, slow, and could have done a lot more to add depth in this film. Sound and soundtrack were bland but fitting.

Overall Terminus is a mixed bag. The bulk of the film is only mildly entertaining but the ending ties things together well while also adding the depth that was missing throughout most of the film. If an ending can redeem a film for you, check this one out. But if you are someone who desires depth on the entire journey, you may be slightly disappointed.

Some mildly disturbing alien stuff, violence, some foul language and a sexual reference or two, but this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 7.3.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Alien Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Thriller, Independent Sci-Fi, Supernatural Thrillers

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Less Than Zero

Returning home from his freshman year at college Clay finds his ex-girlfriend, Blair, now in a relationship with his ex-best-friend, Julian. But their chaotic relationship based on clubs, parties, and cocaine may destroy them all.

Andrew McCarthy (Clay), Jamie Gertz (Blair), Robert Downey Jr. (Julian), James Spader (Rip), Tony Bill (Bradford), Nicholas Pryor (Benjamin), Donna Mitchell (Elaine), Michael Bowen (Hop), Sarah Buxton (Markie).

Less Than Zero doesn't waste much time on background or plot setup, instead jumping straight to the story and character development. When Clay returns home at the behest of ex-girlfriend Blair, he finds she is involved in a cocaine fueled roller-coaster relationship with his ex-best-friend Julian. The remainder of the film could almost be a public service message against drug use, paired with an exploration of Hollywood trust-fund brats. Though showing some age, the film moves along pretty well and the story is entertaining.

Acting was pretty good here, despite the main players being quite young. McCarthy fit his role well, despite his character not quite making sense at times. Gertz was entertaining, fit her role nicely, and it was amusing to watch her neckline jump around throughout the film. Downey put a lot of energy into his role, which he pulled off very well. Spader was good in a role that would become a staple of his career. The remainder of the cast was solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all representative 80's standards with solid sets that felt expensive, and simple direct camera work. Action scenes are realistic and well done throughout. Dialogue is a bit campy at times but overall good and moved the plot along. Sound was good, and the 80's soundtrack was enjoyable.

Although Less Than Zero is beginning to show some age, the story remains enjoyable as does acting and technical work. Fans of 80's films or the main cast should enjoy this one.

With some sexuality, violence and blood, foul language, drug use including withdrawals, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 1987
Reviewed: 6.26.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Crime Drama, Movies based on books

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Masters of Horror: Rob Schmidt: Right to Die

Cliff walks away from an auto accident in which his wife, Abbey, is burned over her entire body and left on life-support.

Movie review: MOH Right to Die – 2007
Martin Donovan (Cliff Addison), Julia Anderson (Abbey Addison), Robin Sydney (Trish), Corbin Bernsen (Ira).

Only after he makes the emotional decision to terminate life-support does Cliff realize that Abbey’s spirit is out for revenge and he somehow needs to keep her alive. As he races to find a donor for the full skin transplant she needs, his lover Trish, and loathsome attorney, Ira, just seem to keep getting in the way.

A Master’s Of Horror entry from Rob Schmidt, this one falls pretty squarely in the horror category with little psychological or dramatic side-effects. The storyline was a mix of past and present which seemed a bit confusing and repetitive a couple of times but overall the story flowed well. A couple of nice twists toward the end brought back viewer attention when it was starting to wane and made for a nice ending.

Plenty of blood, guts, and a scary looking Abbey were very good. Special effects were nicely done and camera work was quality throughout.  Dialogue and sound were also well done.

Acting was pretty good by everyone. Bernsen did a good job once again of being the attorney everyone loves to hate, and I really do!

Compared to other MOH entries I would put this one about middle of the pack. A decent entry but, there have been several better and several worse.

With blood, guts and some language this one is probably okay for preens and above.

Released: 2007
Reviewed: 6.22.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Cult Horror, TV Horror, TV Series

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Mimic 3 – Sentinel

As a man with severe allergies to common things, Karl spends most of his time in his bedroom using photography of the outside world, particularly his apartment complex, as his hobby. When strange things start happening he, his sister, their mother, and a friend who lives in the building try and defend their apartment complex against the Judas Breed insects.

Lance Henriksen (Garbageman), Karl Geary (Marvin), Alexis Dziena (Rosy), Rebecca Mader (Carmen), John Kapelos (Det. Dumars), Amanda Plummer (Simone).

Sadly, this movie was a complete disappointment. The synopsis above is the most you will hear about the plot. It isn’t explained at all in the movie, apparently relying on the assumption that you have watched the first two already and can figure it out yourself. Speaking of the creatures, you don’t really get a look at them until well into the film and you never do get a really good look. Although they had potential it was just hard to be afraid of them.

Acting was mediocre with the best performances coming from Dziena, Kapelos and Plummer. Geary was so irritating that I kept hoping the bugs would get him!

I was also completely disappointed with the camera work in this one. The film was so dark that if you don’t have the drapes closed and the lights off you are going to miss a lot of the scenery and action. Even after adjusting TV display to make things brighter, things just didn’t show up. At the same time, some of the special effects were pretty good, and there is some nice gore. Sound was boring at best and although dialogue was okay, it really didn’t do much to further the plot or generate a connection with the characters.

Although I’ve made it sound like this one was boring, and it was, the creatures could probably still scare the stuffing out of younger kids. Young teens and above should be okay with this one.

Released: 2003
Reviewed: 6.22.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi Horror, Sci-Fi Thriller, Creature Features

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