Movie review: American Horror Story : Hotel (Season 5)

Season 5 of American Horror Story, titled Hotel, focuses on a downtown LA hotel named Hotel Cortez, recently purchased by the wealthy Will Drake. What Drake doesn't realize at the time is that the 90-year-old hotel is plagued by spirits.

Kathy Bates (Iris), Sarah Paulson (Sally), Evan Peters (March), Wes Bentley (John), Matt Bomer (Donovan), Chloe Sevigny (Dr. Lowe), Denis O'Hare (Liz), Cheyenne Jackson (Drake), Angela Bassett (Ramona), Lady Gaga (Countess).

Season 5 of American Horror Story definitely does not disappoint. This season the Hotel Cortez in downtown LA is the focus as it is purchase by wealthy designer Will Drake. Along with the hotel, Drake acquires the resident ghosts and demons including hotel designer March and his love interest, The Countess. The season follows along as the ghosts relive their past failures, and attempt to lure fresh blood in the front door.

Acting as excellent this season with Lady Gaga being amazing with both delivery and her apparent willingness to go the distance. Peters and Bates once again demonstrate the depth of their skills, as does Paulson in an appropriately fitting creepy role. O'Hare gave a wonderful performance throughout, as did Bassett and the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good as expected from this series. Though much of the season takes place in the same hotel, variety and detail is good. Effects and action scenes were well done with some good gore and more excellent detail. Dialogue was enjoyable as always with nice depth. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

American Horror Story continues to be an enjoyable franchise and Season 5 continues the tradition nicely despite the absence of Lang and Conroy. The seasonal stories, while bringing back cast members in new roles, are fairly unique, detailed, and quite disturbing. Franchise fans should enjoy this season.

With plenty of violence, gore, disturbing images, nudity, foul language, and adult situations this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 1.29.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Sci-Fi Horror, Serial Killers

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Ravenous

When injured soldier Capt. Boyd arrives at an 1800's Army outpost in California, he tells a disturbing tale about the fate of his regiment. Sent on a rescue mission, Boyd and his command instead find a sadistic cannibal.

Guy Pearce (Capt. John Boyd), Robert Carlyle (Ives/Colqhoun), David Arquette (Cleaves), Jeremy Davies (Toffler), Jeffrey Jones (Col. Hart), Neal McDonough (Reich), Joseph Runningfox (George), Sheila Tousey (Martha).

Ravenous is a strangely dark comedy that is equally stealthy. The story begins nicely, showing us why Boyd is being sent to a remote outpost. In transit, Boyd and his companions are ambushed by another solider who has become a sadistic cannibal. The remainder of the film is a disturbing journey of discovery by those who are unaware, and attempts to convert them to cannibalism.

Acting was nicely done with Pearce doing a solid job. Carlyle exhibited amazing transformation and was appropriately disturbing throughout the film. Arquette was in type as a stoned dork along with Davies. Jones was solid and fun as always, while McDonough was perfectly creepy and added well to the dark humor.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done. Use of natural scenery was very good and brought nice reality to the film. Action scenes were disturbing, gory, and wonderful. Dialogue was decent with some interesting humor that moved the story along well. Sound and soundtrack were unusual to say the least, with some odd tracks that were almost as dark as the humor.

With our appetite for flesh briefly sated, Ravenous is found to be a delicious, tasty horror morsel with just enough smoky black comedy melded against some thrills, action, and plenty of juicy gore. Those who enjoy dark humor or horror will want a big helping of this one, while traditionalists may want to search elsewhere for sustenance.

With plenty of gore, violence, some more gore, rivers of blood, mild nudity, drug use, intense gore and violence, and some more blood just because; save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 1999
Reviewed: 1.29.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Thriller, Dark Humor, Supernatural Horror

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Colony, Season 1

Los Angeles has been occupied by mysterious intruders, who isolated the city with a wall. Colony follows a family in which some members are collaborators and others rebels.

Josh Holloway (Will), Sarah Callies (Katie), Isabella Crovetti (Gracie), Peter Jacobson (Proxy Snyder), Tory Kittles (Broussard), Amanda Righetti (Madeline), Alex Neustaedter (Bram), Kathleen Perkins (Jennifer).

Colony is an interesting series in that the invisible intruders are never identified well. They could be aliens, or not, as we are given only a brief glimpse toward the end of the first season. Instead the story is really about a family split between collaboration with the invaders, and rebel resistance. The catch; not everyone is being open about their position. This drives the series in a more drama focused direction, which is offset by rebel encounters with invaders and espionage.

Acting was decent with Holloway doing a reasonable job. Callies was solid with good delivery and fit her role pretty well but, as usual also seems unsure of herself which diminishes her authenticity. Jacobson was quite enjoyable with great delivery in a role he fit well. Kittles, Righetti and the remainder of the cast were solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all nicely done with good detail, clarity, and fit. Action scenes and CGI are nicely done and again, exhibit good detail and technical work despite not showing us the invaders. Dialogue is solid and moves the plot along well. Sound and soundtrack are fitting.

Season 1 of Colony shows some good promise. The plot seems to have good depth and is so far nicely detailed. Technical work is solid without being over the top. Acting is good, as is dialogue, and the tease of aliens along with the sci-fi aspect hold interest pretty well. Let's just hope this one isn't cancelled as so many others are at this phase.

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

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 1.21.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: TV Series, TV Sci-Fi & Fantasy, TV Dramas, TV Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Clerks

Clerks follows a day in the life of Dante and Randal, two convenience store clerks. Hockey on the store roof, intellectual discussions about movies and life, and lack of motivation enhanced with weed and boredom are all on tap in this black-and-white Kevin Smith film.

Brian O'Halloran (Dante), Jeff Anderson (Randal), Marilyn Ghigliotti (Veronica), Lisa Spoonauer (Caitlin), Jason Mewes (Jay), Kevin Smith (Silent Bob), Scott Mosier (Willam), Scott Schiaffo (Chewlies), Al Berkowitz (Old Man).

Clerks is a ridiculously ironic adventure from Kevin Smith that launched Jay and Silent Bob into the public eye. Filmed in black-and-white, the humor is as dry as the acting at times but remains silly and fun. The soundtrack is very entertaining and rumors are that it cost more than the actual film. Now a cult classic, watch for the 80's references or to see the birth of Jay and Silent Bob.

Acting was amusing if not good. O'Halloran, and most everyone aside from Mewes possibly, were fairly dry and lacking animation. Anderson was an amusing straight-man with dry delivery of humor from an intellectual position. While there is a lot of inexperience in this film, it worked with the humor and theme.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds seem to be lacking on the surface but looking at production cost and experience behind the film, they are actually pretty good. Dialogue is campy, corny, dry, and infrequently hysterical. Sound is a bit rough, but the soundtrack is quite enjoyable.

Clerks may be showing some age but as a cult classic it lives on. Kevin Smith fans should definitely give this one a watch if they haven't seen it yet.

With some fairly extensive foul language, violence, and sexuality save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 1994
Reviewed: 1.21.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Cult Classics

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: 9 Songs

At a rock concert in London, student Lisa meets glaciologist Matt and they quickly develop a steamy relationship while making their own kind of music. Attending a variety of concerts, their intense intimacy comes to an end when Lisa returns home.

Kieran O'Brien (Matt), Margo Stilley (Lisa), and some bands.

Every once in a while an independent film comes along that is artistic, intelligent, thought provoking, and intense. This is not that film. Instead, 9 Songs is a thin excuse for pornography set to underground rock concert clips. Quite literally the film is a concert clip, followed by pornography, rinse and repeat. Unfortunately, neither the concert clips nor the intimacy are well done or entertaining.

Acting was absent. Stilley came across as somewhat demanding and physically selfish to the point of dominating. She also felt like a physical mis-match, trying to be sensual but looking more like a teenage boy than a woman. O'Brien was mildly better but in the end seemed to engage purely for the physical activity, which he enjoyed in a single, uninteresting mode. Adding in the apparent submissive nature of his character further confused the film.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were awful with fuzzy, out of focus shots and ridiculously poor lighting. Concert scenes appear to have been filmed with low resolution cell phones by people who don't know how to use them. Dialogue was inconsequential given the storyline and theme.

Overall 9 Songs is simply disappointing from every angle. Concert clip quality is so poor as to almost be unwatchable. Intimate scenes lack energy, imagination, and any of the provocation found in genre specific films. Unless you have a ridiculously compelling reason to watch this one, move along. It should not be difficult to find something, anything, that is more entertaining.

Disclaimer: This one was so uninteresting, and the technical work so poorly done, we couldn't even finish the film.

With explicit sexuality save this one for adults.

Released: 2004
Reviewed: 1.21.17
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Steamy Romance, Drama, Music, Romance

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Brown Bunny

After competing in New Hampshire, motorcycle racer Bud heads to his next race in California. Meeting various women and fans along the way helps with his loneliness, but past love Daisy is the one he truly craves.

Vincent Gallo (Bud), Chloe Sevigny (Daisy), Cheryl Tiegs (Lilly), Elizabeth Blake (Rose), Anna Vareschi (Violet), Mary Morasky (Mrs. Lemon).

Recommended by a friend, we gave this one a shot, making it about halfway through the film. It was at that point we began to question the mental stability of our friend. Boring is an understatement when describing The Brown Bunny. Dialogue is minimal and often detached without much frame of reference or relevance. There may have been a plot but it was ridiculously well hidden.

While we only made it halfway through the film, reviews online indicate it is most well known for a fellatio scene with Chloe and Gallo. Trust us, it is not even close to making the film worth watching. Rather, reviews describing this one as boring, lacking any actual content, and without artistic value are much more accurate.

Acting was most obviously missing from the film.

Technical work was disappointing to say the least. Sound in particular was a nightmare.

Overall take a pass on The Brown Bunny unless you have a ridiculous fascination with poor quality cinema disguised by use of the word 'art' as a descriptor.

With brief graphic sexuality, save this one for adults or anyone you would like to cause mental anguish.

Released: 2004
Reviewed: 1.16.17
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Indie Drama, Indie Romance

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Divergent Series: Allegiant

With the revelations of Insurgent fresh in their minds and Chicago falling into chaos, Tris and Four escape the walled city. But their hopes are quickly destroyed when once again, the truth is not as expected and they realize humanity is once again on the brink.

Shailene Woodley (Tris), Theo James (Four), Naomi Watts (Evelyn), Octavia Spencer (Johanna), Jeff Daniels (David), Zoe Kravitz (Christina), Ansel Elgort (Caleb), Miles Teller (Peter), Bill Skarsgard (Matthew).

Based on the last book of the trilogy, Allegiant rides the tide of revelations from Insurgent prompting Tris and Four to leave Chicago for the wasteland in search of answers. The drama leading up to their departure made some sense however, outside the city things quit making sense quickly. Suspension of logic and consistency is necessary immediately as the story devolves. Apparently realizing there was no substance left, the storyline comes full circle leaving us with the feeling of being cheated out of a story.

Acting was reasonably well done with Woodley doing well as usual. James did nicely and is more enjoyable than Woodley in action scenes at this point. Watts was a bit intense but good, as were Teller and Skarsgard who both added nice depth. Daniels fit his role and along with the rest of the cast, filled this one out well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good but CGI was the focus in this one. It felt like there was hardly a scene without CGI which felt a bit over the top once the story moved out of Chicago. Action scenes were intense but again, extensively CGI. Dialogue felt a bit forced at times, as if there was excess energy being used to make points. Sound and soundtrack were decent.

While The Divergent Series movies have been enjoyable, Allegiant feels like it tries to take off in a new direction only to return to the original story once again. Fans of the series will probably either enjoy this one, or dislike it, depending on the desire for consistency with the books.

With some mild nudity, intense violence, and gore, this should actually be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 1.12.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Adventure, Sci-Fi Action, Sci-Fi Drama, Movies based on books

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Conjuring 2

Traveling to London, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren are chasing supernatural ghosties once again. Dispatched by the church, the two are to investigate a ghost infected house and help the terrified single mom and her kids.

Patrick Wilson (Ed), Vera Farmiga (Lorraine), Madison Wolfe (Janet), Frances O'Connor (Peggy), Lauren Esposito (Margaret), Benjamin Haigh (Billy), Patrick McAuley (Johnny), Bob Adrian (Bill).

The Conjuring 2 brings back the original cast with Ed and Lorraine Warren continuing their work investigating the supernatural. Sent to London by the Catholic church to investigate a house haunting, they instead find a possessed young girl and her terrorized family. Sadly, this is all very predictable with scant new information in this sequel. The story finishes with something of a whimper, and knowledge that this will probably not be the last Conjuring we see.

Acting was good with Wilson and Farmiga both delivering well while working nicely with one another. O'Connor was okay but Wolfe, Esposito and Haigh really carried the family side of the story. McBurney, Adrian, Aarons, Botet, and the remainder of the cast were solid and delivered well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were decent with a solid, realistic feel despite the house seeming much larger and older on the inside than it did outside. CGI and effects were very enjoyable with nice use of lighting and mild shot switching. Dialogue was good and moved the story along well. Sound and soundtrack were fitting.

Overall The Conjuring 2 is a solid horror flick, it just doesn't add anything new and reminded us of The Omen and Poltergeist sequels which suffered a similar fate. Those who enjoy more predictable or cookie-cutter horror flicks should enjoy this one.

With some fairly disturbing horror scenes and some violence, save this one for older teens and young adults.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 1.6.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Supernatural Thriller, Sequels

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The OA

Gone missing for seven years, previously blind Prairie returns home, but with her sight restored and a mission in mind. As her tale unfolds, a new tale is written.

Emory Cohen (Homer), Scott Wilson (Abel), Alice Krige (Nancy), Patrick Gibson (Steve), Brendan Meyer (Jesse), Brandon Perea (French), Brit Marling (Prairie), Phyllis Smith (Betty), Ian Alexander (Buck), Jason Isaacs (Hap).

The OA begins nicely and quickly begins building depth, which it does throughout the series. With extensive character development, the storyline builds well and engages the audience nicely. As Prairie and her recruits dive deeper into her story things go in unexpected directions. The series winds down with an incredibly unexpected finish that really generates more confusion and questions than anything else.

Acting was nicely done with Marling delivering fairly well. Wilson and Krige both delivered well, seemed to work together well, and brought good depth to the series. Gibson, Smith, Isaacs and the remainder of the cast were solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all well done and as expected from a TV series with a good budget. Action scenes and CGI were mild but solid. Dialogue was good and moved the story along well. Sound and soundtrack were nicely done.

Overall The OA is an enjoyable, if somewhat confusing series. Technical work and acting are good, and the plot is interesting even if the ending is somewhat confusing. Those who enjoy a mystery or mind-bender should enjoy this one. Teens seem to find more depth with this one than do older adults.

With some fairly graphic sexuality, nudity, disturbing situations and images, assault, violence, and foul language save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 1.3.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: TV Shows, TV Dramas, TV Mysteries, TV Series

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Paranoid (2016)

When I young mother is brutally, and seemingly randomly, murdered on a playground a group of detectives are drawn in to investigate. Before long their investigation takes some strange turns none of them expected.

Indira Varma (Nina), Robert Glenister (Bobby), Dino Fetscher (Alec), Neil Stuke (Michael), Christiane Paul (Linda), Lesley Sharp (Lucy),Dominik Tiefenthaler (Walti), Michael Maloney (Crowley).

Paranoid begins well enough, jumping straight to the story with the playground murder of a mother in front of children. The film quickly adds the Ghost Detective to move things along, which drives the story to be bigger than originally expected. As the storyline expands, it also seems to lose some focus and the details get a bit muddy. The result is a story that feels like it is meandering with little direction to an ending that is easy to miss if you aren't paying attention.

Acting was somewhat lacking in this one. Varma trying to be funny felt out of place, as it did when she was put into intimate situations. Glenister was interesting, though his delivery was quite flat at times. Sharp was enjoyable with good emotion, as was Tiefenthaler. The remainder of the cast was mixed.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are enjoyable with nice variety, detail, and a solid feel. Action scenes are mild but decent. Dialogue was a bit dry and lifeless at times and could have added more to the film. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

While the first episode or two of Paranoid are good, and conceptually it sounds nice, the plot points in the series are so understated it loses energy and audience interest. Action or acting might have overcome the lack of energy but suffered from the same lethargy. Die hard mystery fans may enjoy this one but for most, take a pass.

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

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 1.3.17
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: TV Shows, British TV shows, British Crime TV shows, British TV drama

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Independence Day: Resurgence

Twenty years after the original invasion, the aliens are back to finish the job. Will Earth's defenses, built from captured alien technology, be enough to save mankind?

Liam Hemsworth (Jake), Jeff Goldblum (David), Jessie Usher (Dylan), Bill Pullman (Pres. Whitmore), Maika Monroe (Patricia), Sela Ward (Pres. Lanford), William Fichtner (Gen. Adams), Judd Hirsch (Julius), Brent Spiner (Dr. Okun).

It has been 20 years since the original alien invasion so appropriately Independence Day: Resurgence brings us up to speed by showing us where the main characters ended up. Once we have the basics the film loops back into roughly the same storyline as the original. It is almost impossible not to spend the rest of the film making comparisons as the plot and characters are so similar. Sadly, this reboot has none of the energy or chemistry found in the original, resulting in a lethargic film that feels like a re-run.

Acting was decent with solid performances by original cast members Goldblum, Pullman, Fichtner, Spiner, and Hirsch all of whom added good quality to the film. Hemsworth and Usher delivered well but never really felt like they were taking things seriously. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are well done and consistent with the original. CGI was pretty good, though there were some ridiculously obvious scale issues and excessive use of aliens removed a lot of the mystery. Dialogue was mediocre, lacking depth and engagement. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

Independence Day: Resurgence ends up being a lackluster remake of the original rather than a continuation of the story. The plot had little variation from the original and added nothing to the franchise. Those who never saw the original may enjoy this one, while everyone else will likely be disappointed.

Despite the mild sexuality, sci-fi violence, disturbing images, and foul language this one should be fine for any teens and above that may find it interesting.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 12.31.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Alien Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Adventure, Sci-Fi

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Based on the C.S. Lewis novel, this is the story of four children who are sent to a country home for safety during WWII. There they find a wardrobe that is actually a gateway to the land of Narnia, a mystical place with talking animals. In Narnia, they find that it is their destiny to conquer the White Witch and bring freedom to the Narnians.

Georgie Henley (Lucy), Skandar Keynes (Edmund), William Moseley (Peter), Anna Popplewell (Susan), Tilda Swinton (White Witch), James McAvoy (Tumnus).

I read The Chronicles of Narnia when I was much younger and don’t remember enough detail to say the movie did or did not represent the book well. Of what I do remember the movie seems to do a nice job with the overall storyline represented.
The plot moves along pretty well in this one. There are a few slow points during character development before the story really gets moving. With plenty of new characters being introduced, along with plot development, the rest of the film moves along quite well and the plot is solid and well detailed.

It is obvious the movie was aimed for a younger audience than some other mystical adventures on the market right now, with simple dialogue and creatures that were quite animated. That said, this movie still has enough plot for adults and would make great family night viewing. With a series to be reasonably expected, watching the movies could be a nice family event in the future as well.

Acting by the four main characters; Henley, Keynes, Moseley, and Popplewell was good however it was Swinton who put forth a wonderful performance as the White Witch. Camera work, sets, and sound were all well done while CGI was very nice. Dialogue was good if simple as it was focused on young viewers though some of the actors’ heavier accents were a challenge at times.

Overall, a very enjoyable movie, for younger viewers most of all. Adult fans of the books will likely enjoy this a lot while others may find it a bit immature.

Some minor violence but really nothing in this one to limit viewer age.

Released: 2005
Reviewed: 12.29.16
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Family, Movies based on books

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: X-Men: Apocalypse

The world's first mutant, Apocalypse, has returned after thousands of years and quickly determines extinction of the human race will result in his preferred new world order. The human race at stake, the X-Men scramble to build a team.

James McAvoy (Xavier), Michael Fassbender (Erik/Magneto), Jennifer Lawrence (Raven/Mystique), Oscar Isaac (Apocalypse), Rose Byrne (Moira), Evan Peters (Maximoff/Quicksilver), Sophie Turner (Jean), Tye Sheridan (Scott/Cyclops), Kodi Smit-McPhee (Kurt/Nightcrawler).

X-Men: Apocalypse launches well enough with some good backstory before shifting to current day and integration with the existing X-Men storyline. While the plot is interesting, integration was lacking with some confusing, if not incorrect, timeline issues. It also felt inconsistent that a well organized group like the X-Men, who have dealt with similar threats before, must scramble to put up a team of inexperienced fighters. That said, the film is enjoyable once reality and consistency are completely disregarded.

As usual, acting was pretty good in this addition to the franchise. McAvoy and Fassbender continue to mature and do quite well. Lawrence, while a very good actress, just doesn't fit the role of Mystique as well as Romijn. Peters continues to entertain and deliver well, as did Turner and Sheridan. Isaac and the remainder of the cast were solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all well done as expected from this franchise. CGI and action scenes were somewhat over the top, excessively fast moving resulting in a loss of detail, and CGI was quite obvious at times. Dialogue was solid, as was sound and soundtrack.

While X-Men: Apocalypse is a decent addition to the franchise, quick delivery and an increasingly convoluted timeline seem to be taking a toll on overall quality. Those who enjoy the franchise should enjoy this one which should also do reasonably well as a stand-alone film.

With plenty of violence and some gore, mild foul language, and potentially disturbing images, teens and above will be fine with this one.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 12.27.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Comic Book Superheroes, Fantasy, Sci-Fi Action, Fantasy Adventure

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Ghostbusters (2016)

When Manhattan is invaded by ghosts, a group of paranormal researchers step up to save the day. In this reboot of the 1984 blockbuster, the women are doing the ghost-busting and they aren't messing around.

Kristen Wiig (Erin), Melissa McCarthy (Abby), Kate McKinnon (Jillian), Leslie Jones (Patty), Chris Hemsworth (Kevin), Bill Murray (Martin), Andy Garcia (Mayor), Annie Potts (Desk Clerk), Dan Aykroyd (Cabbie), Ernie Hudson (Uncle Bill), Sigourney Weaver (Rebecca), Ed Begley Jr. (Ed).

Ignore the negative reviews, this remake was full of laughs and a lot of fun. While the film was obviously tied closely to the original with the same or similar characters and plenty of cameo appearances, it took a more direct approach with the humor which worked quite well. The story and characters will be familiar if you have seen the original, but with less focus on the plot the film and cast are able to inject more humor which really keeps this one rolling. Nods to the original are a lot of fun and add a level of familiarity to the film.

Acting was quite good here from everyone. Wiig was enjoyable with her understated delivery, while McCarthy whom is usually over the top, also felt subdued. McKinnon was absolutely hysterical and along with Jones, almost stole the show. Hemsworth was also quite funny and did well with the objectification nod to the original film. Cameo appearances by Murray, Aykroyd and others were perfect.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were okay but the heavy dependence on CGI backgrounds was easily evident. On the other hand ghost and effects CGI, along with action scenes, was nicely done and a welcome update. Dialogue was fun, campy, and delivered some good laughs. Sound and soundtrack were nicely done.

Overall this Ghostbusters remake is respectful of the original without trying to replicate the film. Instead the film focuses less on the plot and more on the laughs, including nods to the original film. Those hoping for a film to continue the franchise will be disappointed, while those who enjoyed the original but would like to see some updates should be pleased.

With some mild innuendo and foul language, this one is fine for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 12.22.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comedy

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Spectral

When you cannot see the enemy, who also cannot be stopped by bullets, it is time to try something new. That is exactly what one Army unit does after realizing they are no match for the strange entities determined to kill them.

James Dale (Clyne), Emily Mortimer (Fran), Bruce Greenwood (Gen. Orland), Max Martini (Capt. Sessions), Cory Hardrict (Alessio), Clayne Crawford (Sgt. Toll), Gonzalo Menendez (Capt. Cabrera), Ursula Parker (Sari), Stephen Root (Dr. Mindala).

Spectral begins with a military unit exploring a destroyed city when they are decimated by an unseen entity. Add a bit more background, some character development, then send in another military unit which then makes a bit more sense to the audience. The remainder of the film is military engagement with a strange entity that can't be stopped by bullets and is invisible. Once past the plot holes, after logic has been suspended, the story finally wraps up with an ending more simple than expected.

Acting was pretty good with Dale putting forth a solid, lead role performance. Mortimer was enjoyable while Greenwood was in-type and delivered his usual. Martini, Hardrict and the remainder of the supporting cast did fairly well throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good. It was obvious there was some good imagination behind this film. Action scenes and CGI were exceptional with good detail and unique presentation. Creature effects were very well done and enjoyable. Dialogue was okay but could have had more warmth and depth. Sound and soundtrack were good.

While Spectral does have some holes, and does require suspension of disbelief, it is a nicely done sci-fi with good depth, technical work, and a solid plot. Fans of the genre should enjoy this one, while those who insist their sci-fi be consistently logical may be slightly dismayed.

With some sci-fi violence and potentially disturbing images, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 12.19.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Military Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi Thriller, Action Sci-Fi, Action Thriller, Action & Adventure

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Late Bloomer

When 30 year old sex therapist Peter has a tumor resting against his pituitary glad removed, he undergoes the changes and experience of puberty within a three-week period.

Johnny Simmons (Peter), Blake Cooper (Josh), Kumail Nanjiani (Rich), Beck Bennett (Luke), Lenora Crichlow (Nikki), Paul Wesley (Charlie), Brittany Snow (Michelle), J.K. Simmons (James), Mario Bello (Brenda), Jane Lynch (Caroline).

The Late Bloomer begins nicely enough with some good comedy, character introduction, and a fair amount of plot setup. Things are funny with Peter as a sex therapist who has never had sex, but they become absolutely ridiculous once his tumor is removed and he begins puberty. From there the film morphs into more of a romantic comedy but maintains a good pace and holds interest pretty well. The story finally wraps up with a requisite Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was good with Simmons doing well in a role that must have been challenging. Snow did well and worked nicely with Simmons, bringing nice depth to the film. Cooper, Nanjiani, and Bennett were absolutely wonderful in supporting roles which they all handled very well. Crichlow, Lyubenova, Simmons, Bello, and the remainder of the cast were enjoyable and delivered nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were solid and as expected. Action scenes were mild but fit the film well. Dialogue was nice with good depth. Sound and soundtrack were mild but appropriate.

Overall The Late Bloomer is a light, enjoyable romantic comedy with good acting, technical work, and fun plot. Those who enjoy late night comedy or romantic comedies should enjoy this one.

With some fairly explicit sexuality, nudity, and adult situations you should probably save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 12.19.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Late Night Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Raunchy Comedy

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Yoga Hosers

Sophomore Colleen and her bestie Colleen spend most of their time doing yoga and playing on their phones until receiving an invitation to a Senior party. Discovering an ancient evil, the Winnipeg teens team up with a man hunter to ensure the party will go on.

Lily-Rose Depp (Colleen C), Harley Quinn Smith (Colleen M), Adam Brody (Ichabod), Johnny Depp (Guy Lapointe), Kevin Smith (The Bratzis), Stan Lee (Dispatcher), Jack Depp ('Peg Son), Tyler Posey (Gordon).

The Colleens' are a couple of airhead Canadian sophomore teens who enjoy nothing more than yoga and their cell phones. Invited to a senior party by a hot guy, the two start making preparations when all hell breaks loose in the form of Nazi created monsters. Teaming up with man hunter Guy, they may still make it to the party.

Given the talent, and probably money, put into this film you would think it was more than a thin attempt by Johnny Depp and Kevin Smith to elevate their daughters to the big screen. You would be wrong.

Acting here was a mess. To say Rose Depp or Quinn Smith were acting would be a stretch given the material they were presenting which was only mildly more interesting than toilet water. Brody was okay while Johnny Depp was entirely uninteresting. Smith, as all of the Bratzis, should have been discarded in favor of CGI.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were another mild mess. Action scenes, and CGI, were disappointing to say the least. Dialogue was immature and lacked any kind of quality. Sound and soundtrack might appeal to someone, somewhere.

Quite simply; do not waste your time on this one. If Smith and Depp wanted to support their daughters they would have been better served to simply write them each a check.

With some mild sexual references, comedic violence, and serious risk of brain damage, this should be fine for teens and older adults on hallucinogenic drugs.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 12.19.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Horror Comedy, Teen Screams, B-movie

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel