Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Movie review: Legend

Identical twins Reginald and Ronald Kray, two of Britain's most notorious gangsters, flaunted their lifestyle in front of the authorities while terrorizing the public with their criminal activities.

Paul Anderson (Donoghue), Tom Hardy (Reggie Kray / Ron Kray), Christopher Eccleston (Nipper), Emily Browning (Frances), Colin Morgan (Frank), Tara Fitzgerald (Mrs. Shea), Taron Egerton (Teddy), Sam Spruell (Jack).

Legend begins nicely using character narration to set the scene, introduce the characters, and move into the main story. As the Kray brothers start to expand and grow their criminal empire, their lives become much more chaotic, as does their mental state. Add some interesting romantic aspects, attention from the U.S. mob, and we end up with an interesting and engaging biopic. I don't know how much of the film is real versus entertainment, but the Krays' story is definitely interesting!

Acting by Hardy is exceptionally well done. Imagine how difficult it must be to work two main characters in the same film! Browning was a good choice to work with Hardy and delivered nicely. Egerton had an interesting role and did well, as did the remainder of the supporting cast overall.

Camera work was nicely done with a nod to CGI and editing as well. There must have been a lot of work putting Hardy in front of himself throughout the film and technical work on this aspect is very well done. Sets and backgrounds were enjoyable with a nice, solid feel. Dialogue was good, but difficult, requiring we watch with captions. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Expecting comedy and action, Legend actually turned out to be a solid crime thriller instead. The story is interesting, technical work well done, and acting is enjoyable. Genre fans, those who enjoy period pieces, or biopic fans should enjoy this one.

With some strong sexual content, plenty of graphic violence and gore, persistent profanity, and disturbing scenes, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 8.12.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Crime drama, Crime Thriller, Crime, Biopics, Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, August 29, 2016

Movie review: They're Watching

Shooting film in a remote European village for their home improvement show, an American TV crew finds themselves the focus of hostility from the locals after interrupting a private religious ceremony.

Brigid Brannagh (Becky), Kris Lemche (Alex), David Alpay (Greg), Mia Faith (Sarah), Carrie Genzel (Kate), Dmitri Diatchenko (Vladimir), Christian Balint (Goran).

They're Watching begins with a glimpse of the ending before jumping into a home improvement reality show. Brief history and plot setup out of the way, the film shifts to current day with some more character introductions. After a long journey building suspense as the story plods along we finally start to sense something is wrong about an hour into the film. After some more plodding, things finally get interesting in the last 10 minutes as the film rushes to redeem itself.

Acting by Brannagh was good with nice delivery and authentic feel. Lemche was dark but good as always. Alpay was enjoyable despite not seeing a lot of him, as was Faith. The remainder of the cast were pretty good with decent delivery and fit.

Camera work was solid throughout. Sets and backgrounds were nice with good use of natural scenery. CGI and action scenes in the last 10 minutes of the film were fun and finally delivered what we came for. The blood spray and mutilations were particularly fun. Dialogue was a bit dry and lacking energy. Sound and soundtrack were typical horror movie fodder.

They're Watching is a tepid horror flick other than the last 10 minutes or so. Billed as a horror comedy, the humor just isn't that good and 10 minutes of horror does not a film make. If you want horror, skip this one and move along. If instead you enjoy suspense more than actual horror, check this one out.

With foul language, graphic violence, gore, and disturbing scenes, save this for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 8.9.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Thriller, Horror Comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Movie review: Standoff

Fleeing from vicious killer Sade, 12-yr old Bird takes refuge in a farmhouse in which suicidal vet Carter is living. With only a single bird-shot shell left for his shotgun, Carter must use all his resources to save himself and Bird.

Thomas Jane (Carter), Laurence Fishburne (Sade), Ella Ballentine (Bird), Jim Watson (Officer Baker), Joanna Douglas (Mara), Laura de Carteret (Woman), John Tench (Roger), Ted Atherton (Priest).

Standoff begins with some mild backstory and character introductions before Bird witnesses an assassination by Sade. Fleeing to the nearest farmhouse, she takes cover with suicidal vet Carter. The remainder of the film is a story of psychological warfare as Carter, with only one shotgun shell left, tries to defend against well armed Sade. The film finishes as expected with the drama concluded, emotional issues resolved, and everyone out of bullets.

Acting was mediocre here. Jane delivered his usual stoic and unemotional performance, which fit the role fairly well. Fishburne was enjoyable with a solid performance and good energy. Ballentine put forth a good performance with nice emotion and delivery. The remainder of the cast was solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were pretty good with most of the film taking place inside a farmhouse. Action scenes were nicely done with a gritty, realistic feel. Dialogue was decent, adding most of the plot depth. Sound and soundtrack were mild but good.

Standoff ends up being a decent action thriller with as much psychological action as physical. The story moves along at a decent pace and builds suspense pretty well. This one is pretty standard for the genre, but fairly well done at the same time.

With foul language, violence, and gore, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 8.9.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action Thriller, Action & Adventure, Crime Action & Adventure, Suspense

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, August 26, 2016

Movie review: What Women Want

Nick is a chauvinistic womanizer and advertising executive who thinks he knows what women want, but really doesn't. After a strange accident enables him to hear what women think, Nick realizes he was wrong. And that now he has almost unlimited power.

Mel Gibson (Nick), Helen Hunt (Darcy), Marisa Tomei (Lola), Alan Alda (Dan), Ashley Johnson (Alex), Mark Feuerstein (Morgan), Lauren Holly (Gigi), Delta Burke (Eve), Valerie Perrine (Margo), Judy Greer (Erin).

What Women Want begins with some background and plot setup before Nick is electrocuted, allowing him to hear what women think. From there the story is a silly, and infrequently emotional, roller-coaster comedy as Nick realizes the error of his ways and begins to find his humanity. Toss in a few odd characters and a focus on the workplace, and you have a 2 hour romantic comedy. Of course the film finishes with the necessary Happy Ever After ending and a lesson in morality.

Acting was fun with Gibson fitting and delivering his part well. Hunt was enjoyable as always and seemed to work well with Gibson. Tomei is absolutely wonderful at playing a crazy woman and fit the film perfectly. It was nice seeing Burke on screen again and she did well, as did the remainder of the cast. Greer, in a smaller role, managed it very well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good but not exciting. Action was mild but fitting and good. Dialogue was nice with some good comedy alongside the emotional moments. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

What Women Want is a bit campy at times but overall an enjoyable romantic comedy that lightly challenges audience morality here and there. Genre fans should enjoy this one. Those wanting depth and exploration may be slightly disappointed.

With some mild sexuality, mild profanity, and a couple of slightly frightening scenes, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2000
Reviewed: 8.8.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Movie review: Blitz

Brant is something of an Old-School cop who believes in doing the right thing, just not in a socially acceptable manner. And when he is tasked with taking down a serial killer called Blitz, things become even more chaotic.

Jason Statham (Brant), Paddy Considine (Nash), Aidan Gillen (Weiss), Zawe Ashton (Elizabeth), David Morrissey (Dunlop), Ned Dennehy (Radnor), Mark Rylance (Roberts), Luke Evans (Stokes).

Blitz begins well enough with some character introductions before moving into the action. Though a basic serial-killer plot, this one has a bit more depth with Brant fighting some emotional demons and being paired up with Nash, a homosexual cop. Though once they are paired up the film finds more depth both emotionally, and with humor. The story finally winds down with an ending anyone who has seen a Statham film will likely expect.

Acting from Statham was good. He obviously had to put more energy into this one as it was less about the violence than it was the humanity. Considine worked well with Statham and delivered nicely. Gillen is a solid choice for nemesis and does a good job. Ashton, Morrissey, and the remainder of the supporting cast were solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were fitting and solid throughout. Action scenes were fairly realistic and well executed. Dialogue was good, though some accents were a bit difficult at times. Sound and soundtrack were a little edgy and a nice change from cookie cutter elevator music.

Blitz may not be groundbreaking or add much to the crime action genre, but it is an enjoyable flick. There are a few slow spots but overall the pace is good, as is technical work and acting. Genre, or Statham, fans should enjoy this one.

With some nudity and sexuality, graphic violence and gore, foul language, drug and alcohol use, and disturbing images, this one should be reserved for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2011
Reviewed: 8.8.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Crime Action & Adventure, Action & Adventure, Action Thriller, Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, August 22, 2016

Movie review: Sinister 2

Courtney and her twin boys move into a deserted house hoping to escape their abusive husband and father. Instead they find a house marked for death by way of introduction to Mr. Boogie; a demonic spirit devoted to collecting the souls of children.

James Ransone (Ex-Deputy So & So), Shannyn Sossamon (Courtney), Robert Sloan (Dylan), Dartanian Sloan (Zach), Lea Coco (Clint), Tate Ellington (Dr. Stomberg), John Beasley (Father Rodriguez), Lucas Zumann (Milo), Jaden Klein (Ted), Laila Haley (Emma), Caden Fritz (Peter), Olivia Rainey (Catherine).

Sinister 2 begins well enough as a continuation of the story from the original. Ex-Deputy So & So is back and still struggling to understand, and stop, Mr. Boogie who is collecting the souls of children. Super 8 movies are still a main focus, as are the unusual forms of murder, and the intermittent appearance by Mr. Boogie.

Yet, this sequel is a disappointment after seeing the first film. The role of Mr. Boogie and how he controls the children is never well explained. And a couple of plot twists actually end up being plot holes which is disappointing after lengthy buildup. There are some good BOO moments, and the storyline does have potential, but execution is lacking in this addition to the franchise.

Acting, which helped save this one, was pretty good. Ransone steps up in a larger role and pulls it off pretty well. Most of the time. Sossamon was enjoyable and fit her role well. Robert Sloan did very well with good fit and emotional delivery. Dartanian Sloan was okay but felt like he reached his limit a couple of times. Zumann, Klein, and the remainder of the 'ghost children' were enjoyable and overall the cast did a nice job.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were minimalistic but solid and fit the film well. CGI and effects, including action scenes, were good with some nice scary moments and realistic action. Dialogue was okay, a bit campy at times, but overall decent. A bit more explanation around some key plot points would have helped. Sound and soundtrack were mild but solid.

Sinister 2 is not an easy movie to review. Compared to the original this one is disappointing. As a stand-alone film I think it fails completely and those who haven't seen the first film will be even more disappointed. With knowledge from the first film, this one ends up being a mediocre horror flick that will likely kill any interest in a third film.

With plenty of graphic violence and gore, some foul language, and disturbing scenes, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 8.8.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Serial Killers, Horror, Supernatural Horror, Thriller, Mystery

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Movie reviews: Jim Jefferies: Freedumb

Returning in his second comedy special, Jim Jefferies takes aim at American freedom and the political system with tidbits about his family and other subjects.

Jim is back with his trademark storytelling comedy and dark humor. Once again finding humor at every turn, he is able to make you laugh at yourself with ease.

This time around Jim wasn't quite as funny. Maybe it was the material, with rape being a tough one to laugh about, or the last half hour being a political lecture. There are still some laughs to be found here, just not on the same level as his last special.

Jim still presents well with good expressions, gestures, and use of stage area.

Technical work is once again well done.

Jefferies or stand-up comedy fans should enjoy this one.

With plenty of foul language, as is the case with most late-night comedy, save this for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 8.5.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Stand-up comedy, Dark Humor

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, August 19, 2016

Movie review: Jim Jefferies: Bare

Jim Jefferies pontificates on airline travel and the TSA, gun control, orgies, and more. With painful honesty about his own life, there is something here for just about anyone to laugh over.

In this comedy special Jim Jefferies presents his usual humor in the form of stories from his life. Touching on gun control, South Africa, his child and wife, along with many other controversial and interesting subjects, Jim seems able to find the humor in just about any situation.

This is my first exposure to Jim and I found his style of storytelling very enjoyable. He seems able to take the mundane parts of our lives and find humor at every turn, and express that humor to an audience. In the process he offends plenty with a chuckle for which there are no apologies. Racy, edgy, and full of laughs is a good description for this comedy special.

Jim's screen presentation is good, using movement and expressions to add even more to his comedy.

Technical work is good with nice lighting, framing, and good sound.

If you like a nice comedy show, check out Jim Jefferies: Bare.

With plenty of foul language, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 8.5.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Stand-up comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Movie review: The Exorcism of Molly Hartley

Now many years after The Haunting of Molly Hartley, a night of celebration ends with two corpses in Molly's bathtub. Under possession of a demon, her only salvation may come from a fallen priest.

Sarah Lind (Molly), Devon Sawa (Father John Barrow), Gina Holden (Dr. Hawthorne), Peter MacNeill (Chaplain Davies), Daina Leitold (Janet), Julia Arkos (Beatrice), Tom McLaren (Father James).

The Exorcism of Molly Hartley begins with a flashback showing us her original exorcism six years ago, which may have been botched. Fast forward and we find Molly possessed once again and Father Barrow possibly her only hope. As the demons inside Molly grow stronger, the race is on to stop them before hell is unleashed upon humanity.
As exorcism films go, and there are plenty, this one is pretty good. There are a few plot holes that at times had us questioning things, but the horror is entertaining enough to keep us from dwelling on them. Other reviews and ratings for this film are pretty low and fair enough, it doesn't bring much to the genre. And for those who insist on perfection the minor plot holes could be traumatic. Yet, the horror here is quite good

Acting was a bit inexperienced at times but overall pretty good. Lind does a nice job with a variety of emotions and an ever changing character. Sawa was a bit dry at times but solid. Holden felt a bit out of place in a couple of scenes, but came through as did MacNeill and the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable with good variety and detail. The film apparently had a nice budget with good costuming and well done CGI. Action scenes were solid, realistic, and fit the film nicely. Dialogue was nice even if some of the 'demon speak' was difficult. Sound and soundtrack were fitting.

Overall The Exorcism of Molly Hartley, which can be watched without seeing the original film, is a nicely done supernatural horror flick. Fans of the genre, or exorcism films, should enjoy this one.

With some intense sexuality, nudity, plenty of gore, violence, disturbing images, profanity, and drinking thrown in for good measure, save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 8.5.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, August 15, 2016

Movie review: The Wave

Though Norwegian fjord Geiranger residents expect rocks to fall at times, they are not at all ready for an 85-meter high tsunami as a result. When geologist Kristian realizes what is about to happen he has only minutes to warn the community and get out of harms way.

Kristoffer Joner (Kristian), Ane Torp (Idun), Jonas Oftebro (Sondre), Edith Haagenrud-Sande (Julia), Fridtjov Saheim (Arvid), Laila Goody (Margot), Arthur Berning (Jacob), Herman Bernhoft (Georg),  Silje Breivik (Anna).

The Wave is a Norwegian film so step 1; check your language settings. The film is pretty mild and mundane to start with character introductions, development, and plot setup. Once things get rolling the film gets a bit more interesting with some suspense and drama, despite this being a fairly average action suspense thriller. The story finishes about as we would expect with a bit more drama and a Happy Ever After ending.

As mentioned, this was originally filmed in another language. While voiceover work was better than many, it just didn't convey emotion well and felt flat. That also makes it hard to evaluate acting, which actually felt pretty good. Joner didn't seem like a fit in his role, but he pulled it off. Torp did nicely and seemed to work well with Joner. Oftebro, Saheim, and the remainder of the cast were decent.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with good use of natural scenery which was absolutely stunning. Action scenes and extensive CGI were reasonably well done with nice detail and a good fit. Dialogue was pretty good, though there could have been a bit more depth. Sound and soundtrack were nice.

Overall The Wave is a fairly well done disaster film, despite voiceover work and a mediocre storyline. Fans of disaster or action drama films may enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 8.4.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thriller, Dramas, Disaster film

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Movie review: The Giver

In the future a community has been created without pain and suffering at the expense of history and memories. When young Jonas is selected to receive all the memories for historical purposes he discovers the disturbing truth about life as he knows it.

Jeff Bridges (The Giver), Meryl Streep (Chief Elder), Brenton Thwaites (Jonas), Alexander Skarsgard (Dad), Katie Holmes (Mom), Odeya Rush (Fiona), Cameron Monaghan (Asher), Taylor Swift (Rosemary).

The Giver begins with some plot setup and character introductions before things quickly get much more interesting. In a society where pain, suffering, and choice have been removed by eliminating memory, history is passed from the Giver to the Receiver in the form of memories. When Jonas is selected as Receiver of Memories and begins his journey, he quickly finds the world is not as it seems. Learning to feel emotion, Jonas struggles with the current social structure, believing the experience of life has been denied.

Acting was good in The Giver with Thwaites doing very nicely in his lead role. Bridges was solid and fit his role nicely. Streep was good and can still project power on screen. Skarsgard and Holmes were good, but very subdued. Rush, Monaghan, and Swift in a cameo, along with the remainder of the cast were enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are well done with a solid, authentic feel and fitting variety. Action scenes were mild but contributed well, as did CGI. Dialogue did a nice job of explaining things and moving the plot along. Sound and soundtrack were nice.

While The Giver at times is reminiscent of Logan's Run and a couple of other films, it is presented very well here and does a nice job of leading us to engagement of our own emotions. Aimed at younger viewers, adults should enjoy this as well and the film is a great choice for family movie night.

With some mild violence and disturbing images, The Giver should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 8.4.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Drama, Sci-Fi Thriller, Thriller, Drama, Romance

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, August 12, 2016

Movie review: Sinister

Moving to a new home in a new town to write a new book, true-crime writer Ellison discovers a box of Super 8 home movies in the attic. Ellison quickly finds the movies, dating to the 1960's, document the work of a serial killer.

Ethan Hawke (Ellison), Juliet Rylance (Tracy), Fred Thompson (Sheriff), James Ransone (Deputy), Michael D'Addario (Trevor), Clare Foley (Ashley), Nicholas King (Bughuul), Vincent D'Onofrio (Prof. Jonas).

Sinister launches with some fairly shocking horror before moving to character introductions, development, and plot setup. From there the film builds intrigue well as Ellison discovers a box of home movies that implicate a long-term serial killer at work which directly relates to the story he is writing. But when he realizes the serial killer may not be human, and the problem supernatural, the story takes some nice twists and turns with plenty of BOO moments and horror. The finish is a bit weak, and there are some ridiculous moments that are almost laughable, but the horror is there as well.

Acting was good with Hawke delivering a solid performance in his lead role. Rylance was decent and fit well with Hawke. Thompson was an interesting choice and felt softer than usual, as did D'Onofrio. Ransone, D'Addario, Foley, and the remainder of the cast were enjoyable and did nicely.

Camera work was good and while the darker scenes contributed to the horror aspect, they also made parts of the film difficult. Sets and backgrounds were good with a solid, realistic feel. Dialogue was good for the most part, with only a few scenes that didn't blend well. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Sinister ends up being a fairly sinister horror flick with some good scares, an interesting plot, and solid technical work. Those who enjoy a good scare should enjoy this one.

Delivering some mild sexuality, plenty of graphic blood soaked violence, disturbing images, foul language, smoking, drinking, and terror, this should actually be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2012
Reviewed: 8.4.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Supernatural Horror, Horror, Slashers and Serial Killers, Mystery, Thrillers

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Movie review: The Chosen

When young Angie is inhabited by a demon her family struggles to find a solution and send the demon back to hell. The way out; sacrifice other blood family members in her place. But who to choose?

Kian Lawley (Cameron), Elizabeth Keener (Eliza), Angelica Chitwood (Caitlin), Chris Gann (Uncle Joey), Dayna Devon (Aunt Jean), Wiley Oscar (Jehoshua), Mykayla Sohn (Angie), Casey Knight (Randy), Emily Killian (Megan).

The Chosen starts off well enough with character introductions and plot setup before moving to the main storyline. As the plot evolves there are a few twists thrown in to keep things interesting, and leaving some of the family history out definitely keeps us guessing. Regardless, this one had the B-movie smell all over it and never did wash it off. Despite some misdirection, the story finally finishes where most of us thought it might after watching the first 20 minutes.

Acting was rough in this one. Lawley was okay but could definitely use some polish. Keener did not feel authentic in any way and added little to the film. Chitwood was okay but probably wouldn't hold up in a larger role. Gann was a mess and obviously out of his comfort zone. Sohn and the remainder of the cast were mediocre.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were pretty good. Though most of the film took place in a single home, it felt realistic and fit the film. Action scenes and CGI were fairly well done and enjoyable. Dialogue was thin, campy, and found to be lacking. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Overall The Chosen is an entry level horror flick suffering from poor writing and casting. Technical work was decent but just couldn't overcome some of the other problems. Those who enjoy rough, unique, B-movie horror should enjoy this one.

With mild sexuality, blood, some foul language, and disturbing situations this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 8.3.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Thriller, B-movie, Supernatural horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, August 8, 2016

Movie review: Pandemic

Searching for survivors of a zombie virus outbreak a doctor, tactical officer, navigator and driver set out from their secure base into the zombie infested suburbs.

Rachel Nichols (Lauren), Alfie Allen (Wheeler), Missi Pyle (Denise), Mekhi Phifer (Gunner), Paul Guilfoyle (Greer), Danielle Russell (Megan), Pat Healy (Ward).

Pandemic seems like a fairly tepid zombie flick at first, but things quickly become more complicated. Though the plot isn't anything new, some twists on the traditional zombie make this one more interesting. Zombies that can think and strategize? Yikes! And when the infected outnumber the uninfected things take on a much more desperate note. Add a couple more twists with the characters and the story had more depth than was conveyed in the film.

Acting was decent with Nichols putting forth a fairly solid performance. Pyle was enjoyable as well and fit the film better than expected. Allen was a bit rough to start but found his footing, as did Phifer. The remainder of the cast was decent.

Shot in the "first-person shooter" perspective, camera work was more than a little annoying when changing from first-person to scene shots, and even more confusing when switching between people for first-person perspective. Sets and backgrounds felt like natural scenery and fit the film well. Action scenes and zombies were fairly well done if mild. Dialogue was a bit bland and definitely could have benefitted the film with more depth. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall Pandemic is a reasonably well done zombie flick, even if the "first-person shooter" perspective annoys you as much as it does me. Zombie fans should enjoy this one but those wanting a polished film or emotional depth may be slightly disappointed.

With plenty of graphic violence, blood, and gore, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 8.3.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Horror, Zombies, Apocalypse, Action Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Movie review: Holidays

Which holiday is your favorite? An anthology, Holidays takes a darker look at the most popular holidays proposing traditions and beliefs behind them that may not be as happy as we had believed.

Lorenza Izzo (Jean), Mark Steger (Bunny Man), Harley Smith (Holly), Seth Green (Pete), Clare Grant (Sara), Ruth Bradley (Elizabeth), Aleksa Palladino (Persian), Michael Gross (Father), Jocelin Donahue (Carol).

Holidays is a collection of bizarre stories that take a darker look at our most popular and loved holidays. This is really a mixed bag of stories. Some are disturbingly gruesome, some are funny, and others simply made no sense at all. While there is some delicious horror here, some of the episodes drag on a bit and others take confusing or pointless detours.

Acting was a bit rough in some episodes, but pretty good in others. There are simply too many actors to mention here so suffice to say you may be impressed while at the same time being disappointed.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds much like the acting left something to be desired at times. Poor film quality and lighting was a problem in several episodes. Action and costuming however were pretty good and helped the horror aspect a lot. Dialogue was again mixed with some good and some bad. Same with sound.

Overall if you are a horror fan, check this one out as there are plenty of disturbing horror scenes. If you don't enjoy short films or intense, disturbing horror, take a pass on this one.

With plenty of graphic violence, gore, sexuality, disturbing images, and foul language this should probably be saved for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 7.27.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Comedy, Horror Anthology

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, August 5, 2016

Movie review: Burn Notice

Michael Westen is a very good spy. He has also received a burn notice which disavows his employment as a spy and strands him in Miami. Putting his special ops training to work, Michael and a few friends help those in impossible situations.

Jeffrey Donovan (Michael), Gabrielle Anwar (Fiona), Bruce Campbell (Sam), Coby Bell (Jesse), Paul Tei (Barry), Seth Peterson (Nate), Lauren Stamile (Agent Pearce), Jack Coleman (Strong), John McGinley (Card).

Burn Notice is seven seasons of explosions, bullets, deception, and manipulation. The series begins with the premise Michael is a spy who has been burned, leaving him stranded in Miami on threat of death if he leaves. With no job and no money, he turns to his friends for help and uses his spy skills to help those in desperate situations. Along the way there is some romance, good comedy, and plenty of action. Sadly, the series falls into a routine with each episode bringing a new problem situation that often plays to the long running and tired series plot line. The result is a strong start, good depth in the middle, then a slow descent into repetition leading to a necessary series conclusion.

Acting by Donovan was pretty good, even if he felt detached much of the time. Anwar was awesome delivering a nice mix of sexy alongside an obvious desire to shoot everyone. Campbell added an enjoyable comedy element to things and improved somewhat throughout the series. Bell was enjoyable, delivering a solid performance, as did the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are pretty good with decent use of natural scenery and good quality. Action scenes were intense with plenty of explosions, bullets, and violence. Dialogue was good with a nice mix of comedy, drama, and nice narrative explanations. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Overall if you enjoy a good crime TV show or spy action & adventure check this one out.

With a lot of violence, some sexuality, blood, gore, and adult situations this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 7.27.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime TV, Spy action & adventure, TV Action & Adventure, Crime Series

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Movie review: Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Thirty years after the Empire was defeated by the rebels the Empire rises again as The First Order once again determined to rule the galaxy. With help from the Resistance, a small group of rebels is determined to retain freedom for the galaxy.

Harrison Ford (Han), Mark Hamill (Luke), Carrie Fisher (Leia), Adam Driver (Kylo), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe), Andy Serkis (Snoke), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO).

Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens was definitely a surprise. Because we have seen it before in 1977. The evil Empire builds a Death Star, or in this case a bigger Death Star. More like a Death Planet. A map to Luke, rather than the Death Star, is found in a droid. The Resistance executes a plan, involving driving an X-wing fighter to the core of the Death Star, I mean Death Planet, and blows it up. In the process Luke, I mean Rey, starts on a path toward being a Jedi trained by Jedi Master Luke. Sound familiar? Despite all of that, and the fact this film really did nothing to move the plot forward but was simply character replacement, it is still fairly enjoyable.

Acting was top notch with many of the original cast returning once again. Ford pulled his role off nicely but sadly it seems, for the last time. Driver was an interesting choice for nemesis and almost pulled it off. Ridley was enjoyable and shows good promise for growth. Boyega and Isaac did well and fit the film nicely. The remainder of the cast did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are big, impressive, and well done as would be expected from this franchise. CGI of course was extensive and also good. Animation work with BB-8, and others, was very well done. Dialogue was solid even if it felt recycled from the original film. Sound and soundtrack were nice.

Despite this film being a disappointment from the storyline perspective, Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens is a pretty good reboot and does a nice job of replacing an aging cast and introducing new actors. Fans of the franchise will probably have mixed feelings about this one.

With some violence and potentially disturbing scenes, this should be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 7.22.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Adventure, Blockbusters

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, August 1, 2016

Movie review: The Ruins

When two young couples take a vacation in Mexico they have the time of their lives. Until, that is, they decide to visit a remote archeological dig at some previously undiscovered Mayan ruins and get more than a history lesson.

Jonathan Tucker (Jeff), Jena Malone (Amy), Laura Ramsey (Stacy), Shawn Ashmore (Eric), Joe Anderson (Mathias), Sergio Calderon (Lead Mayan).

A simple summary for a simple movie. This one starts off with mild character development before settling into the telling of the real story. What it doesn’t do is tell a complicated story or really shock us with anything very revealing or extremely original. This is a simple story that doesn’t even attempt to give us good history or delve into the deeper questions of why or how things happen.

Although young and relatively unknown, acting was decent by the entire cast. As simple as the story was, it included the necessary horror elements with blood, guts, cute girls, pointless boob shots, mild sexual scenes, alcohol, a few BOO moments, and recklessness of youth.

CGI was surprisingly well done in this one without going overboard and making the story ridiculous. Camera work, sound, backgrounds, and dialogue were all nicely done exhibiting a quality made film.

Overall, this was a decent entry level horror flick with all the elements based on a solid simple spooky story with a nice twist or two to keep things interesting.

Foul language, some nudity, mild sexual scenes, and mild horror like blood, guts, gore, and self-mutilation so save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 7.21.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Creature Features, Dramas based on books, Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

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