Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Movie review: Sausage Party

After falling from a supermarket cart Frank the wiener and his food friends must race back to their proper aisles before the Independence Day sale. Though there is danger on every shelf, the journey may just be a revelation as well.

Seth Rogen (Frank/Sgt. Pepper), Salma Hayek (Teresa), Maryke Hendrikse (Loretta Bun/Cherry/Plum), Jonah Hill (Carl), Bill Hader (Firewater/Tequila/El Guaco), James Franco (Druggie), Nicole Oliver (Sally Bun), Edward Norton (Sammy), Scott Underwood (Gum/Twink/Pizza), Kristen Wiig (Brenda).

Sausage Party is absolutely hysterical, if you like crotch humor. It is also entertaining, if you enjoy animation. The plot is amusing, if you enjoy irony. From Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Sausage Party is a silly look at the life of food in a supermarket and how that food, were it conscious somehow, could have a twisted perception of the world. Though this film may not be for everyone, you have to admit a story that examines the philosophy of food is somewhat unique.
The film begins well with some nice crotch humor, which it then builds upon as the plot expands. Though it is easy to dismiss the storyline as ridiculous, some slight examination reveals the irony and provides a bit more entertainment. Oh, and Stephen "Gum" Hawking was hysterical!

Voice work was a lot of fun in this one with some well experienced actors lending their talent. All did very well and were enjoyable throughout.

Animation work was fairly simplistic and elementary, but solid and fitting for the film. Dialogue was consistently funny and focused persistently on sexuality. Sound and soundtrack were enjoyable with a couple of good tracks.

While Sausage Party may not be for everyone, and is certainly not for minors, the story is silly, simple, and fun. Those who enjoy late night comedy should enjoy this one while those who are easily offended probably won't make it past the first 15 minutes.

With plenty of foul language and animated yet somewhat graphic sexuality, violence, drugs, and more foul language, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 11.11.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Late Night Comedy, Adult Animation

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, November 28, 2016

Movie review: Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang

Follow the rise of artist Cai Guo-Qiang from his childhood in China to the realization of his lifelong dream, the Sky Ladder.

Guo-Qiang Cai, Wen-You Cai, Wenhao Cai, Ben Davis, Jeffrey Deitch, Phil Grucci, Thomas Krens.

Cai Guo-Qiang, a child in Mao's China, has become an art world superstar with fireworks and pyrotechnics his favorite medium. Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang follows the artist from his childhood to stardom and the realization of his lifelong dream, the Sky Ladder. Building a sky ladder out of fireworks sounds almost impossible, and in the film Cai thought so as well at one point, but he delivers once again with a spectacular show. If you have an interest in how fireworks are created, why, and in seeing leading-edge displays this is a great start.

As a documentary there really isn't much acting here. That said, Cai and others in the show presented pretty well.

Camera work must have been a challenge with this one. Good use of drones and footage from multiple locations, at a variety of speeds, did a nice job of capturing the fleeting images. Dialogue was pretty good, though you should be okay with subtitles if you are going to watch this one. Sound and soundtrack were just fine.

Overall Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang is a very nicely done documentary both from the perspective of a biography and as exploration of explosion art. Cai's fireworks displays are simply incredible.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 11.8.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Documentary, Social & Cultural Documentaries, Fireworks

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Movie review: The Heat

Ashburn is an uptight, ambitious FBI agent hoping her insistence on protocol and procedure will land her a promotion. In Boston to hunt down a Russian gangster, she finds herself paired with local cop Mullins and her strong dislike for protocol and procedure.

Sandra Bullock (Ashburn), Melissa McCarthy (Mullins), Demian Bichir (Hale), Marlon Wayans (Levy), Michael Rapaport (Jason), Jane Curtin (Mrs. Mullins), Spoken Reasons (Rojas), Thomas Wilson (Capt. Woods).

The Heat begins by showing us what a great cop Ashburn is, and how strongly she is focused on following the book. Next we get to see what a great cop Mullins is, despite her strong disregard for everyone and everything, including rules. The story then puts the two of them together, assigns them to taking down a Russian gangster, and the rest is a string of laughs as the two poke at each other through the bitter end. While there are some good laughs here, the plot and storyline are really pointless in relation to the humor.

Acting was decent from both Bullock and McCarthy, and the two seemed to work well together. The two delivered some decent comedy along with the rest of the cast despite some slow spots. Bichir was good in a smallish role, as was Wayans, Rapaport, Curtin and the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were reasonably well done if somewhat plain and minimalistic. Action scenes were decent and usually added nicely to the humor. Dialogue was campy, corny, and about as expected. The reliance on foul language was a bit disappointing but did generate some laughs. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

If you enjoy a mild, late night comedy check out The Heat. If on the other hand you are easily offended, pass on this one. Likewise if you are looking for a solid, detailed plot.

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

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 11.6.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Action Comedy, Late Night Comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, November 25, 2016

Movie review: The Heartbreak Kid

After being burned in his last relationship, Eddie jumps into his next with both feet. On his honeymoon he begins to think he made a mistake which is only made worse when he meets his perfect match.

Ben Stiller (Eddie), Malin Akerman (Lila), Michelle Monaghan (Miranda), Jerry Stiller (Doc), Rob Corddry (Mac), Carlos Mencia (Tito), Scott Wilson (Boo), Polly Holliday (Beryl), Danny McBride (Martin).

The Heartbreak Kid begins with some backstory and character introductions before Eddie and Lila meet and the humor jumps up a notch. On their honeymoon, Eddie begins to realize Lila is a bit different than most women. When he meets Miranda though, he knows he has finally found his perfect match. But it seems life may have other plans for Eddie. The rest of the film is one laugh after another through the Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was good with Ben Stiller doing a nice job with his usual delivery. Akerman was hysterical and kudos to her for the variety of situations in which she did so well. Monaghan was enjoyable and seemed to fit with Stiller well. It was nice seeing Jerry stiller in this one, along with Mencia, both of which did well. The remainder of the cast was solid and did nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with a nice, quality feel. Action scenes were fun and funny at the same time. Dialogue had some great laughs and moved things along at a good pace. Sound and soundtrack were well done.

Fans of Stiller, the Farrely brothers, or late night comedies should enjoy this one. While there is a romantic aspect to the film it really takes back-seat to the humor.

With strong sexual content, nudity, foul language, and more fairly graphic sexuality, save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2007
Reviewed: 11.4.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Late Night Comedy, Romantic Comedies

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Movie review: Dazed and Confused

High School Seniors and incoming Freshmen collide on the last day of school in 1976. Parties, pot, girls and the requisite Freshman hazing are on tap along with the beer.

Jason London (Pink), Joey Adams (Simone), Milla Jovovich (Michelle), Shawn Andrews (Pickford), Rory Cochrane (Slater), Adam Goldberg (Mike), Anthony Rapp (Tony), Marissa Ribisi (Cynthia), Ben Affleck (O'Bannion), Parker Posey (Darla), Matthew McConaughey (Wooderson).

Dazed and Confused is a fun, campy story following High School Seniors and incoming Freshman on the last day of school, May 1976. As the Freshman hazing swings into full tilt and the last day of school celebrations commence, the humor really gets moving. From there the film is a silly, fun journey through teen sexuality, drugs, alcohol, and troublemaking with a few moral and ethical situations thrown in to keep things real.

Acting was amazingly good and fun in this one. London was solid throughout as was Adams. Cochrane was absolutely hysterical while Goldberg showed his acting skills haven't changed in many years. Affleck and McConaughey were both easy to spot with their trademark presentations. The remainder of the well known cast was enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nice with a realistic feel throughout. Action scenes and the numerous muscle cars were great to see. Dialogue was campy but fun and kept the film entertaining to the end. Sound was good, and the soundtrack was a delight with some great, appropriate classic rock.

Dazed and Confused is quite simply a lot of fun. Those who came of age in the late 70's or early 80's should enjoy this one quite a bit.

With some mild sexuality and references, violence, hazing, foul language and plenty of drug use, this should be fine for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 1993
Reviewed: 11.4.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Late Night Comedy, Cult Comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, November 21, 2016

Movie review: Glitch

Called to the local Yoorana cemetery in the dark of night, Sr. Constable James Hayes discovers six people that have risen from the dead in seemingly perfect health. Knowing this will shock the small Australian town of Yoorana, James decides to keep things under wraps, but a second discovery may change his mind.

Patrick Brammall (James), Genevieve O'Reilly (Elishia), Emma Booth (Kate), Emily Barclay (Sarah), Ned Dennehy (Paddy), Sean Keenan (Charlie), Andrew McFarlane (Vic), Daniela Farinacci (Maria), Hanna Monson (Kirstie), Aaron McGrath (Beau), Rodger Corser (John).

Glitch launches right into the story with local cop James responding to a call at the local cemetery. Finding six people have risen from the dead in perfect health he enlists Elishia, the local doctor, to help him keep the six hidden, fearing for their safety. The rest of this original series, six episodes in all, does a great job of delivering small revelations in each episode building good depth. The only problem is that the series is short and ends as a complete cliffhanger with no answers.

Acting was good with Brammall delivering well and working exceptionally well with Booth and Barclay, who both also did very well. O'Reilly was enjoyable with good delivery, as was Dennehy. Monson was appropriately annoying, and Corser delivered perfectly. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work was solid throughout. Sets and backgrounds were simple and plain with an apparent use of natural scenery and fit the film nicely. Action scenes were good with help from costuming and makeup. Dialogue was enjoyable even with a few difficult accents. Sound and soundtrack were reasonably good.

Glitch is so good and so short with a cliffhanger ending that the series almost feels like a cruel tease. The storyline, acting, and technical work are all good and we would love to see more, including answers to some of the questions left open. Those who want a complete story should avoid this one.

With blood, gore, violence, nudity, and mildly disturbing adult situations, this should be fine for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 11.2.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: TV Horror, TV Mystery, TV Drama, TV Series

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Movie review: The Pyramid

A team of archaeologists using satellite imaging has found a buried Egyptian pyramid which may be the oldest ever found. Entering the pyramid in a rush, the team quickly realizes it is unlike any pyramid they have seen before.

Ashley Grace (Nora), Denis O'Hare (Holden), James Buckley (Fitzie), Christa Nicola (Sunni), Amir K (Zahir), Faycal Attougui (Corporal Shadid).

The Pyramid begins nicely as a camera crew joins the archaeologists at the pyramid site with plans to join them inside. Racing into the pyramid due to an Egyptian government shake-up, the explorers quickly find it designed to trap something, unlike other pyramids. Searching for a way out, the group realizes there are other creatures inside, and they are hungry. The remainder of the film is a journey of horror, tension, and discovery through to the end, which was quite fitting.

Acting was decent with Grace putting forth a nice lead role performance. O'Hare did okay for the most part but missed the mark on a few scenes. Buckley was enjoyable, as was Nicola, both of which fit the film well. Amir K was enjoyable in a smallish role, as was Attougui. The remainder of the cast was solid.

Camera work, a challenge when trying to present a dark space like a pyramid, was pretty well done. The first-person footage was rough and slightly overused, but fit the theme. Sets and backgrounds were decent and it felt like a pyramid. Or a cave, which it was as well. Action scenes were decent but CGI creature effects were somewhat lacking and obvious, for which we dropped a star. Dialogue was good and moved along well. Sound and soundtrack were reasonably well done.

While The Pyramid is an enjoyable entry-level horror flick, that is all it is. The depth here is shaky, acting decent, and technical work a bit rough at times. Those looking for a mild horror flick should enjoy this one, while those wanting consistency or depth may be disappointed.

Violence and gore are the only things to limit audience age in this one, which should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 11.2.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Action, Adventure

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, November 18, 2016

Movie review: Night of the Living Deb

After a girl's night out Deb awakens to find herself in the bed of the most attractive man in Portland, Maine. But when Ryan finally gets Deb out of his apartment regret takes a backseat as they find themselves in the midst of a zombie apocalypse.

Maria Thayer (Deb), Syd Wilder (Stacy), Ray Wise (Frank), Michael Cassidy (Ryan), Chris Marquette (Chaz), Shawn Phillips (Zombie Authentication), Brian Sacca (Col. Newton), Julie Brister (Ruby).

Night of the Living Deb begins with some fun character introductions and plot setup before the zombie apocalypse launches us in a new direction. With the zombies now in full attack mode, Deb and Ryan try to stay alive and make it to Frank's house hoping it will be a safe haven. Instead the humor ratchets up a notch and things get even crazier.

Acting was enjoyable with Thayer delivering a silly performance pretty well. Cassidy was decent as the straight-man in the film and worked well with others. Wise was surprisingly more funny than expected while Wilder, enjoyable to watch, wasn't quite so funny. Marquette however was hysterical, and the remainder of the cast was good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are simple and somewhat plain but fitting and enjoyable. Action and zombie scenes were good with nice gore and a fun approach. Dialogue was appropriately campy and delivered some nice laughs. Sound and soundtrack were mild but good.

If you are looking for a light-hearted zombie flick with some laughs, Night of the Living Deb is a decent choice. Though not groundbreaking, the film has a decent plot, good technical work, and enjoyable acting. Fans of zombie comedies or zombie satire should enjoy this one.

With some comedy gore, mild foul language, and light sexuality, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 10.31.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Comedy Horror, Romance, Comedy Romance, Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Movie review: Kingpin

When a handless bowler, an Amish bowling prodigy, and a seasoned con artist collide the result is a bowling tournament.

Woody Harrelson (Roy Munson), Randy Quaid (Ishmael), Banessa Angel (Claudia), Bill Murray (Ernie), Chris Elliott (The Gambler), Lin Shaye (Landlady), William Jordan (Mr. Boorg), Zen Gesner (Thomas).

Kingpin begins with some backstory, character introductions, and a few laughs. As things begin to careen crazily the plot starts to develop as more laughs are delivered. The story finally comes together in the end with a slew of laughs and plot finish that most will see coming well ahead of time. Though as with comedies like this, the ending means a lot less than the journey.

Acting was surprisingly good with Harrelson once again doing a great job in a comedic role. Quaid showed he still has the chops and is willing to go the distance. Nicely done. Murray was another great choice and delivered well as always. Shaye… absolutely hysterical. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were mild but enjoyable and fitting. Action scenes, such as they were, used good physical humor with dialogue. Dialogue was good with some nice laughs and only a light sprinkle of drama. Sound and soundtrack were enjoyable.

Kingpin is a surprisingly light and fun comedy that doesn't take itself, or the audience, too seriously. The laughs are decent, the plot almost realistic, and technical work good. Those who enjoyed the campy comedies of the 80's should enjoy this one.

With some adult humor and sexual references, mild violence, and foul language this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 1996
Reviewed: 10.31.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Sports Satire, Satire

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, November 14, 2016

Movie review: Containment

When a mutated super-virus with a 100% mortality rate is accidentally released in Atlanta, authorities scramble to find a cure. In the meantime, the city is quarantined behind a cordon to contain the outbreak.

David Gyasi (Lex), Christina Moses (Jana), Chris Wood (Jake), Claudia Black (Sabine Lommers), George Young (Cannerts), Hanna Lawrence (Teresa), Trevor St. John (Leo), Kristen Gutoskie (Katie), Zachary Unger (Quentin).

Containment begins well with nice character introductions and plot setup before smoothly moving to the main plot. As the virus is realized, the city is quickly cordoned off and the intensity moves up a notch. As the quarantine lingers, the film shows us how those inside the walls survive, cope, try to escape, and even profit. Focus then expands to include the emotional drama of key characters, and begins to explore the origins of the virus with a new subplot.

Acting was good with Gyasi delivering a nice performance reminiscent of Denzel Washington. Moses did nicely in a variety of conditions and seemed to work well with others. Wood was very good with solid delivery and emotion. Black, Young, and the remainder of the cast were solid and delivered well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were solid with a realistic feel and nice variety of locations. Action scenes were well done with nice detail. Gore and blood were plentiful and again, the series had a solid feel. Dialogue had good depth and moved the story along nicely. Sound and soundtrack were nothing exciting but fitting.

Containment takes a nice view and approach to a virus outbreak with a look at how a potential quarantine might work, and how those on both sides of the fence might react. The drama and emotion are nice touches that keep the audience engaged. Those who enjoy a solid drama should enjoy this one.

With plenty of blood, gore, some graphic violence, disturbing adult situations, and mild sexuality, this surprisingly should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 10.31.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Drama, TV Drama, TV series

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Movie review: The Trust

When two Las Vegas cops discover the secret hiding place of a drug ring they decide being burglar's pays better. But creating a crazy plan to steal the loot may be the easy part.

Nicolas Cage (Stone), Elijah Wood (Waters), Sky Ferreira (Woman), Ethan Suplee (Detective), Kenna James (Capt. Harris), Eric Heister (Irish Guy), Steven Williams (Cliff), Jerry Lewis (Dad), Kevin Weisman (Roy).

The Trust, although quirky from the start, begins pretty well with some introductions and plot setup. Things get rolling and move along through the first half of the film nicely, but the second half will leave some viewers in the dust when the reasonability of the film goes off the rails. We are eventually treated to a disappointing ending, never even fully understanding who owns the vault being robbed.

Acting was mediocre but I blame the casting. Cage, familiar with action roles, was cast instead as the comedy relief while still being told he would be the lead in a crime thriller. Likewise Wood, typically in less physically demanding roles, was cast as the chain smoking tough guy. Neither worked. A cameo by Suplee was nice, and the supporting cast was decent, but not enough.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were fitting if somewhat bland. Action scenes were mild but good. Dialogue could have used some polish and more depth. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

If you enjoy strange crime thrillers using actors cast contrary to their type and experience, check this one out. If instead you are looking for a more mainstream crime thriller, move along.

With some fairly graphic sexuality, violence, foul language, guns, and drugs oh my! Save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 10.27.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Crime Thriller, Crime Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, November 11, 2016

Movie review: ARQ

Trapped in a laboratory and stuck in a time loop, a couple fends off masked intruders while protecting a new energy source that could save humanity.

Robbie Amell (Renton), Rachael Taylor (Hannah), Shaun Benson (Sonny), Gray Powell (Father), Jacob Neayem (Brother), Adam Butcher (Cuz), Tantoo Cardinal (The Pope).

Renton is a disgruntled ex-government employee who has somehow gotten his hands on a new unlimited energy source, which also turns out to be something of a time machine. Along with his recently returned ex-girlfriend Hannah, the two try to defend themselves and the device against intruders. That is easier said than done when you are re-living the same day over and over.

Acting was pretty good with Amell delivering a nice, realistic performance. Taylor did fairly well, and seemed to work nicely with Amell. Benson, Powell, and the remainder of the cast were solid and overall acting in ARQ is enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are a bit simplistic but fit the story and setting nicely. Action scenes are well done which is good since we get to see them a dozen times or so. Dialogue moved the plot along well and added good depth to what could have been quite a boring film. Sound and soundtrack were good.

If you are a time-travel fan you will likely enjoy this one a bit. With good technical quality, acting, and storyline, ARQ is a solid sci-fi thriller.

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

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 10.27.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Thrillers, Sci-Fi Thriller, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Canadian Movies

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Movie review: Creative Control

David, a young advertising executive, is tasked with evaluating and preparing an advertising campaign for Augmenta virtual reality eyeglasses. Instead he begins to lose touch with reality after creating an avatar of his best friend's girlfriend and starting an affair with her.

Benjamin Dickinson (David), Nora Zehetner (Juliette), Dan Gill (Wim), Alexia Rasmussen (Sophie), Reggie Watts - himself, Gavin McInnes (Scott), Paul Manza (Govindas), Jay Eisenberg (Hollis), Himanshu Suri (Reny).

Creative Control begins coherently with some mild character introduction and plot setup. It doesn't take long for David to get and start using the Augmenta glasses, and even less time for him to make an avatar of Wim's girlfriend, Sophie, and begin an affair with her. At that point reality and fantasy becomes blurred, as apparently intended. But, the film almost does too good a job and the story ends up changing. Unfortunately, coherence is lost in the shuffle, as is audience interest. The twist at the end was nice but not enough to save this one.

Acting was reasonably well done with Dickinson putting forth a reasonable performance. Zehetner delivered a solid emotional performance, as did Gill. Rasmussen felt a bit stiff in a couple of scenes, while the remainder of the cast felt stiff and uncomfortable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were strange to say the least. The use of black and white video, with color scenes dotting the film, was apparently meant as an indicator but was again, lost on the audience. Dialogue was mediocre and could have had more depth. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

If you enjoy strange sci-fi you might want to check this one out. If using virtual reality for personal pleasure is no surprise to you, then you may want to pass on Creative Control.

With some fairly graphic virtual reality sexuality, nudity, some foul language, and a couple of violent scenes, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 10.26.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi Fantasy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Monday, November 7, 2016

Movie reviews: Hail, Caesar!

Eddie Mannix is a 1950's Hollywood fixer tasked with keeping the film stars out of trouble and filming running on time. But when a group of frustrated scriptwriters kidnap one of the stars Eddie may have to work some overtime.

Josh Brolin (Eddie), George Clooney (Baird), Alden Ehrenreich (Hobie), Ralph Fiennes (Laurentz), Scarlett Johansson (DeeAnna), Tilda Swinton (Thora/Thessaly), Channing Tatum (Burt), Veronica Osorio (Carlotta).

Hail, Caesar! Begins well enough with a few laughs at the beginning as a few characters are introduced and we get a feel for what Eddie's job is really all about. From there the film begins to jump around and look almost schizophrenic as it moves between sets and scenes that are not explained well at all. Being this is a Coen Brothers production we expected the quasi-intellectual humor but despite the good looking previews, this one failed to connect with the audience at all.

Acting should have been absolutely amazing given the cast here. Instead the big names were hardly used, but did nicely when they were. Brolin ended up trying to carry the film and as usual, just can't seem to deliver well enough emotionally to connect with the audience as a lead. Newcomer Ehrenreich did nicely, and Tatum was a nice surprise.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were widely varied and interesting, in a 1950's way. Action scenes were mild but okay. Dialogue was mediocre with much of the humor missing the mark completely and plot movement feeling forced. Sound and soundtrack were decent.

When all is said and done Hail, Caesar! Fails to do anything well. The humor misses the mark repeatedly, the all-star cast is largely missing, and the plot is less than interesting. Pass on this one, even if you are impressed by the cast and direction.

Nothing much here to limit audience age.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 10.26.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Musicals, Comedy Musicals

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Movie review: 13 Cameras

Newlywed, and newly pregnant, couple Claire and Ryan move to a new house across the country to start a new chapter in their lives. Instead their marital problems continue but turn out to be minor when they discover their landlord has been spying on them.

Neville Archambault (Gerald), PJ McCabe (Ryan), Brianne Moncrief (Claire), Sarah Baldwin (Hannah), Heidi Niedermeyer (Audry), Sean Carrigan (Joe), Jim Cummings (Paul), Gabriel Daniels (Junior), DeForrest Taylor (Cop).

13 Cameras begins with a brief nod to plot setup before launching right to the storyline, relying on the rest of the film for character introductions. The plot here is pretty simple; Claire and Ryan move into a new home which, unbeknownst to them, contains many hidden cameras which are constantly monitored by Gerald, their weird landlord. Claire being pregnant and Ryan being a cheater add some distraction and depth but really, the rest of the film almost feels like a stalker manual or a film made to appeal specifically to stalkers.

Acting was a mix here, with some pretty good scenes and delivery, and others which were equally bad. Archambault played a creepy, weird landlord almost too well. Moncrief was decent but could have used slightly more emotion in her delivery, such as with Baldwin's performance which was good. McCabe was okay but also felt a bit low energy. The remainder of the cast was mediocre.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with most of the film taking place inside a house as the primary setting. Use of video, basement scenes, and sets away from the house were poorly explained and left largely to audience imagination. Dialogue was somewhat flat, dry, and could have added a lot more depth to the film. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

While the premise behind 13 Cameras is truly disturbing, the film is not. The story is good, the film just doesn't develop enough depth to be scary, nor does it do much as a thriller. The result is an entry level horror thriller with a focus that may be more disturbing for some viewers.

Containing some nudity, sexuality, violence, and disturbing situations, 13 Cameras should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 10.25.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Horror Thriller, Independent Horror, Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Friday, November 4, 2016

Movie review: Deadfall

Siblings Addison and Liza on the run after a casino heist decide to split up. Liza encounters a prison parolee heading home for Thanksgiving and when Addison shows up, the two families collide with deadly consequences.

Eric Bana (Addison), Olivia Wilde (Liza), Charlie Hunnam (Jay), Kris Kristofferson (Chet), Sissy Spacek (June), Kate Mara (Hanna), Treat Williams (Sheriff Becker), Jason Cavalier (Deputy Travis), Maxime Savaria (Deputy Brice).

Deadfall begins well enough with some brief background and plot setup before Addison and Liza are separated at which point things get much more interesting. Liza connects with a prison parolee who may, or may not, be on the run while Addison treks through the snow killing people. Finally everyone gathers for Thanksgiving dinner with an ending feast that includes a couple of morality twists for the audience. But trust us, you will still want dessert in an hour.

Acting was pretty good with Bana delivering an appropriately psychopathic performance for his role. Wilde did very well and seemed to have good chemistry with everyone. Hunnam was decent but felt a bit dry a few times. Kristofferson fit his role but that was about it, while Spacek and Mara brought good work as always.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nice with the good use of natural scenery particularly enjoyable. Action scenes felt very authentic and added some needed energy to the film. Dialogue was solid leaving few questions unanswered while driving the plot forward. Sound and soundtrack were well done with some nice pieces.

While Deadfall may not be the most original crime thriller, it is worth a watch if you enjoy the genre. Technical work is good, acting is nicely done, and there isn't too much sexuality or blood resulting in a solid film.

While there is a bit of nudity and sexuality, violence and gore, and some very colorful profanity, older teens and above should be fine with Deadfall.

Released: 2012
Reviewed: 10.24.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Crime Thriller, Thriller, Crime Drama, Crime, Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Movie review: Selfless

When you are a billionaire facing terminal cancer what do you do? Have your mind transplanted into a new body of course! But when you find out the body is used not new, and the transfer procedure wasn't quite as advertised, you may wish you had paid more attention to the Return Policy.

Ryan Reynolds (Young Damian), Natalie Martinez (Madeline), Matthew Goode (Albright), Ben Kingsley (Damian), Victor Garber (Martin), Derek Luke (Anton), Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen (Anna), Melora Hardin (Judy).

Selfless is an interesting tale that examines the morality and ethics dilemma which arises from acting upon the desire for immortality. Facing terminal cancer, Damian decides to try a new procedure called Shedding; taking the mind of one person and putting it in a different body. But when strange memories begin to surface Damian realizes the body he was given was used, not new as promised.
The concept of the film was pretty good but execution was sadly lacking. We received very little background or chance to get familiar with Damian before his shedding so afterwards behavior that may have been significant was not recognized. As a result we had a lack of emotional investment in the film which is precisely what would have made it a great film.

Acting was good with Reynolds putting forth a very nice performance. Martinez was a good choice, playing well with Reynolds and delivering nicely. Goode was solid if somewhat bland, as was Kingsley in a smaller role than expected. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all nicely done with good detail and a solid feel. Nice use of natural scenery as well. CGI, effects, and action scenes were appropriate and done well. Dialogue was good and added a lot to this film, though a bit more detail would have been nice. Sound and soundtrack were mild but good.

Selfless while being a good film could have easily been a great film. Acting and technical work are well done, and the storyline is quite enjoyable. Those who enjoy a heavy dose of drama with their sci-fi should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 10.22.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Mystery, Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

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