Monday, February 27, 2017

Movie review: Tales of Halloween

Tales of Halloween presents ten horror stories about Halloween night in a typical American suburb. But with killer pumpkins, angry spirits, and even alien possession, this is far from your usual trick-or-treat adventure.

Adrienne Barbeau (Radio DJ), Hunter Smit (Sweet Tooth), Barry Bostwick (Mr. Abbadon), Marcus Eckert (Billy), Lin Shaye (Mom), Mick Garris (The Phantom), Stuart Gordon (Sherlock Holmes), John Landis (Jebediah Rex).

Tales of Halloween, like many horror anthologies, struggles a bit with transition between stories but does better than most at creating continuity. The 10 stories are widely varied with both topic and presentation. Most are done well with only a few rough spots and a sense of humor is maintained through the entire film. The result is a fairly fast moving anthology that holds interest well and tests some interesting horror waters.

Acting was pretty good overall and the cast for this film was huge. Barbeau fit well as the Radio DJ. Bostwick did a nice job, as did Shaye. Cameo appearances by horror greats Garris, Gordon, Landis, and more were quite enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were as varied as the cast and stories. CGI, animation, and action enjoyed great variety. Some were silly, others campy, several a bit elementary, but all were enjoyable. Dialogue was solid and fun throughout. Sound and soundtrack were nicely done.

Overall Tales of Halloween is a nicely done anthology delivering some unusual stories very quickly with good attention to detail and technical aspects. Those who enjoy a unique approach to horror should enjoy this one.

With plenty of violence, gore, mild profanity, disturbing situations and monsters, and some mild sexuality, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 2.11.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Sci-Fi Horror, Dark Comedy, Horror Comedy

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Movie review: The Rezort

The global zombie war is over with the last remaining zombies confined to a desert island resort where guests can hunt zombies for sport. That is, until the security system fails and the hunters become the hunted.

Dougray Scott (Archer), Jessica De Gouw (Melanie), Martin McCann (Lewis), Claire Goose (Valerie), Elen Rhys (Sadie), Jassa Ahluwalia (Jack), Lawrence Walker (Alfie), Kevin Shen (Nevins), Sean Power (Spencer).

The film begins well enough, reminiscent of Jurassic Park and sure enough, The Rezort suffers the same fate with a faulty security model. While the film moves along at a decent pace and the zombies are plentiful and varied enough to satisfy most zombie fans, the characters just don't develop much charisma. The film finally devolves into a terror flick that finishes with a whimper and thinly veiled attempt at a sequel setup.

Acting was a mixed bag with Scott taking lead and delivering his usual stoic, somewhat dry performance. De Gouw in the strongest supporting role delivered slightly more emotion than Scott but still couldn't quite engage with the audience. The remainder of the cast generated only mediocre energy and audience connection leaving this one feeling somewhat 2 dimensional.

Camera work was good and blended well with CGI and action. Sets and backgrounds fit the film nicely with a solid feel. Sadly it took a full 30 minutes of plot setup and character introductions before we finally get some good zombie action. Dialogue was dry, somewhat lifeless, and didn't help the storyline much. Sound and soundtrack were fitting.

Overall The Rezort is conceptually solid and had the potential to be an awesome zombie flick, possibly even evolving into a franchise. Execution however was lacking from several aspects, the main one being cast and audience engagement. Die-hard zombie fans may find some enjoyment with this one while those who enjoy solid drama with their zombie may be disappointed.

With plenty of violence, gore, zombies, and some mild profanity this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 2.11.17
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Zombies, British Horror, Sci-Fi Horror

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Friday, February 24, 2017

Movie review: The Call Up

A group of online gamers are selected to try a new game utilizing cutting edge simulation technology. With the $100,000 prize on their minds, the group soon discover there may be more reality in this virtual reality game than they expected.

Chris Obi (Sergeant), Morfydd Clark (Shelly), Parker Sawyers (Andre), Max Deacon (Carl), Tom Knight (Marco), Adriana Randall (Taylor), Boris Ler (Zahid), Ali Cook (Edward), Douggie McMeekin (Adam).

When a group of elite gamers are selected to try a new state-of-the-art virtual reality game for a $100K prize they jump at the chance. Gearing up with the latest technology and learning the ropes, the group both comes together and the gamers begin to compete. Now immersed in virtual reality, the gamers discover the game is capable of causing actual harm and has consequences more severe than they imagined.

Acting was interesting if nothing else. Obi literally felt like a computer creation, fitting his role well as a result. Clark and Sawyers both delivered well but felt slightly out of place. Knight was appropriately a jerk, which he pulled off nicely while did a decent job with his subversive role.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable and fit the film very well. Action scenes and CGI were good with a solid fit and feel. Dialogue was rough with inconsistent movement and questionable reality paired with poor delivery. Sound and soundtrack were mediocre.

While die-hard virtual reality gamers may enjoy this one and the idea of gaming at the next level, the blend with sci-fi is not supported well by the acting or direction in The Call Up. The film feels disjointed, lethargic, and obviously lacks character charisma or audience engagement. Some sci-fi gamer fans may enjoy this one.

With some bloody violence and profanity, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 2.11.17
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Thrillers, Action Thrillers

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Movie review: Dog Eat Dog

Fresh out of prison, delusional Troy puts his insane crew back together for one last job: kidnap and ransom the baby of a mobster's enemy.

Nicolas Cage (Troy), Willem Dafoe (Mad Dog), Christopher Cook (Diesel), Omar Dorsey (Moon Man), Louisa Krause (Zoe), Melissa Bolona (Lina), Reynaldo Gallegos (Chepe), Jeff Hilliard (Gun Nut).

Dog Eat Dog doesn't so much launch as it does spew. I tried a couple of times to watch this mess and had such difficulty finding anything resembling a plot or coherency I'm not even sure the film can be reviewed. The plot, such as it is, is thin and used simply to facilitate the next scene providing fodder for the characters psychotic actions. The film finally finishes with a strange, ethereal ending that makes even less sense than the rest of the film.

Acting was absurd. Why Cage and Dafoe ever agreed to make this is beyond me. Cage tried to deliver and to be fair, it could have been a role that fit him perfectly. Unfortunately his character was paired with Dafoe, who was also in an insane role his skills couldn't save. While they both tried to do a good job, the roles and direction set them up for failure. The remainder of the cast was equally as painful to watch.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds felt dirty, dingy, and low budget to be kind. Action scenes were something of a disjointed mess, as was dialogue. Sound and soundtrack were quite possibly the best parts of this film.

Overall Dog Eat Dog is simply a mess. While those who enjoy quirky, indie type films or have intimate knowledge of the prison system and criminal underground may find some pleasure with this one, most will like see it as disjointed, psychotic, and lacking entertainment value.

With violence, blood, gore, sexuality, foul language, and more, save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 2.8.17
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Crime Drama, Drama based on Books

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Monday, February 20, 2017

Movie review: I.T.

Mixing business and pleasure is a bad idea as Mike is about to learn. As owner of a jet leasing company, with a beautiful home, wife, and child, Mike has it all. Or maybe he just has a lot to lose.

Pierce Brosnan (Mike), James Frecheville (Ed), Jason Barry (Patrick), Anna Friel (Rose), Stefanie Scott (Kaitlyn), Clare-Hope Ashitey (Joan), David McSavage (Andy).

I.T. begins nicely with brief introductions and set-up before moving quickly to the main plot. Mike's jet leasing company has made him wealthy and he seems to have it all. Befriending a new I.T. consultant Ed, things only get better. Until Ed begins to covet Mike's daughter, leading to a falling out between the two and Ed focusing his I.T. skills on making Mike's life miserable. Once the plot is set-up the film steps up to a good pace with a fair amount of action, drama, and thrill. The only downside here; the plot is familiar and the ending textbook, bringing nothing new to the genre.

Acting was decent with Brosnan still able to fill a varied role and deliver nicely. Frecheville was an appropriately creepy stalker and his role fit well. Friel, Scott, and the remainder of the supporting cast did a solid job.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are solid with a realistic, elegant feel that fit the film well. Action scenes were pretty good with a solid feel. Dialogue was reasonable but a bit bland. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Overall I.T. is a decent thriller with pretty good technical work. Sadly there isn't anything new here. The plot is familiar, including the ending, and while the film moves along well it never develops more than mild energy. Finishing with an ending that can be predicted before even seeing the film doesn't help. While dedicated genre fans may enjoy this one, others may feel the story is repetitive.

With some solid violence, blood and gore, sexuality, and foul language, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 2.8.17
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Thrillers, Irish Thriller, Crime, Drama, Mystery

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Movie review: Star Trek Beyond

Kirk and crew are back again in this series reboot released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original series. In this edition the Enterprise crew finds themselves battling a huge swarm of aliens with the help of an alien warrior and a long forgotten ship.

Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Karl Urban (Bones), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Simon Pegg (Scotty), John Cho (Sulu), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), Idris Elba (Krall), Sofia Boutella (Jaylah).

Star Trek Beyond is the next feature length episode in the current Star Trek franchise reboot. This time around while at a Federation outpost the Enterprise is destroyed by a ruthless alien swarm, and the crew marooned on a remote planet. Mustering resources as always, Kirk and crew with the help of an alien warrior and a long forgotten Federation ship, defend the Federation from the aliens and stop a potential galactic war.

Acting was once again very enjoyable with Pine doing a good job in the Captain's char. Quinto continues as Spock and does quite well, as does Urban who brings some good comedy relief. Saldana, Pegg, Cho and the remainder of the cast were solid and enjoyable. Yelchin was a wonderful Chekov and will be greatly missed in future episodes.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all nicely done with good detail and a monumental feel. CGI was extensive in this one and somewhat over-the-top, including a few goofs, but fit pretty well overall. Action scenes were decent, though fast switching was obvious to avoid detail. Dialogue was solid with good depth and a few laughs. Sound and soundtrack were enjoyable.

Overall Star Trek Beyond is another decent entry in the franchise despite some continuity issues with both plot and technical work. Die-hard franchise fans may take issue with timeline and continuity, but in the end will likely enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 2.6.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Action & Adventure, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Aliens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Thriller

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Friday, February 17, 2017

Movie review: Shooter

The government needs help preventing a presidential assassination so they convince expert sharpshooter Swagger to come out of retirement and seclusion. But when Swagger is framed for the attempt and starts tracking down the real criminals they find he is much more determined than they expected.

Mark Wahlberg (Bob Swagger), Michael Pena (Memphis), Danny Glover (Johnson), Kate Mara (Sarah Fenn), Elias Koteas (Payne), Rade Serbedzija (Sandor), Ned Beatty (Senator).

As I wasn’t expecting much from this movie I was pleasantly surprised at how good it actually was. The film starts well with good and simple character development then jumps right into plot development. It isn’t long before the action starts and from there things just get more and more interesting. Labeled as a Thriller, I would argue this one is more Action than thrill. The plot and action do venture into the unreal a few times but are quickly pulled back keeping the film from turning into something unbelievable. Political backdrop and shadow government implications keep an intellectual element in the film, which would be lacking without them.

Wahlberg did an excellent job in this one, displaying his talents well. Pena, Mara, and Serbedzija also did nicely. Glover was the big disappointment with serious lack of emotion and dialogue that sounded like he had a mouth full of marbles.

Action and effects were very well done throughout the film. Sets, sound, dialogue and camera work were all good while backgrounds were absolutely awesome. Wonderful landscape settings and camera shots.

Overall this was a very well done action flick with a nicely developed plot, good acting, and nice pace well worth viewing.

Plenty of violence, blood, and some foul language. No nudity or sex scenes though Mara is in her undies for a while, so the R rating seems a bit high. I’d say teens and above should be fine with this one.

Released: 2007
Reviewed: 2.3.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Mystery, Action Thriller, Political Thriller, Thriller

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Movie review: The Evil Dead

While five young friends vacation at a remote cabin in the mountains they unwittingly release spirits of the evil dead. As one by one they become possessed, flesh-eating zombies, Ash ends up being the sole survivor and struggles to find a way to save his friends.

Bruce Campbell (Ash),  Ellen Sandweiss (Cheryl), Richard DeManincor (Scott), Betsy Baker (Linda), Theresa Tily (Shelly).

This started off a bit slow and I was about to shut it off thinking it was a flop when the young girl out in the woods was stripped and raped by a tree. Yes, I said raped by a tree. After that the film took off like a rocket.
This is one of the first films from Director Sam Raimi, with Bruce Campbell, and it is a very good zombie flick that has gone on to become a cult classic and the beginning of a fun little franchise.

Considering this was made in 1981, the special effects are incredible. Time-lapse photography combined with what appears to be claymation and excellent makeup and gore special effects are great. Even the thick fog throughout the film was very good and while watching it was impressive to realize there are effects in almost every scene. There are some good BOO moments but the star of this film is the special effects and focus on gore and physical trauma. Body parts getting chopped off, gallons of blood and gore, pints of puke and pus. This is a zombie flick in the best sense and if you are a zombie flick fan this should be at the top of your Must See list.

Acting was a bit bland but it was interesting to see Campbell in one of his first roles since he has been in so many films since this one was made. Camera work seemed a bit inexperienced in parts but the special effects more than made up for it. Sound wasn’t impressive but well done.

Overall if you enjoy zombie films or good horror this is a definite Must See.

Due to nudity, content, and all the other stuff previously mentioned this one should probably be reserved for adults.

Released: 1981
Reviewed: 2.3.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Cult Horror, Zombies, Supernatural Horror, Dark comedy

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Monday, February 13, 2017

Movie review: 30-Second Bunnies Theatre: Season 1

Feature length films are re-enacted by animated bunnies, condensed to 30 seconds. Season 1 contains: Freddy vs. Jason, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Scream.

Jennifer Shiman, Douglas McInnes, John Mathot.

These are cute, funny, and amazingly they capture the overall storyline of the films they are mocking. As mentioned, there are only three one minute episodes so unless you are instant viewing these, don’t waste your time having a DVD sent, if you even can.

Animation is simple, low-budget, and fits the theme perfectly.

Due to adult content, save these for teens and above.

Released: 2004
Reviewed: 2.3.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Animation

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Movie review: Travelers

Centuries in the future, the human survivors of a global apocalypse have found a way to send consciousness back in time, placing it into people of the 21st century. When FBI agent MacLaren realizes random citizens are being possessed, he is advised of their mission in a most disturbing manner.

Eric McCormack (MacLaren), MacKenzie Porter (Marcy), Nesta Cooper (Carly), Jared Abrahamson (Trevor), Reilly Dolman (Philip), Patrick Gilmore (David), Leah Cairns (Kathryn), Arnold Pinnock (Agent Forbes).

Travelers begins wonderfully with episode 1 of the first season introducing us to the main cast and explaining the rather complicated manner by which Travelers arrive in the 21st century. The story is fairly simple; human consciousness from the future is sent back into terminal 21st century humans with the purpose of changing the future and saving humanity. From this point the series becomes exponentially more complicated with each episode which is more challenging than you might expect. Because there is no physical change, the audience must remember each character's past life, current status, and function as a team member. The result is a series that demands your attention.

Acting was pretty good with McCormack, who also produces the series, turning a solid performance. Porter does well with one of the least understood roles, while Cooper is a nice surprise at every turn. Abrahamson is a joy and seems to have good potential, as does Dolman and Gilmore. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and did very well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good despite an apparent small budget. CGI and effects are minimal but fitting. Dialogue has nice depth and details the storyline nicely. Sound and soundtrack are both solid.

Overall Travelers is an interesting new sci-fi series with a lot of potential. Technical work is good, acting is enjoyable, and the storyline is solid and well detailed. We will keep our fingers crossed this Nflix original series continues.

With some violence, mild drug use, and an attempted assault, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 2.3.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, TV Sci-Fi series, Crime TV series, TV drama series, Sci-Fi Drama

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Friday, February 10, 2017

Movie review: The Three Musketeers

The original three musketeers have been all but mothballed by the current regime, working menial jobs and being sent on silly errands. Half a step from being branded outlaws, young pup D'Artagnan reinvigorates the trio launching them on their greatest quest yet.

Matthew Macfadyen (Athos), Milla Jovovich (Milady de Winter), Helen George (Blonde), Luke Evans (Aramis), Ray Stevenson (Porthos), Til Schweiger (Cagliostro), Orlando Bloom (Buckingham), Logan Lerman (D'Artagnan).

This version of The Three Musketeers approaches the story from the perspective of D'Artagnan, a young farmer with dreams of romance and adventure. Finding the original three musketeers down and out, D'Artagnan pushes them back into the action and adventure, finding romance along the way. With something of a steampunk theme, this version of the story is lighthearted with some good laughs, nice plot movement, and reasonable focus.

Acting was enjoyable and at the same time, surprising. Macfadyen and Jovovich were solid but felt a bit lacking of energy. Stevenson and Lerman really carried the musketeers with good delivery, emotion, and nice laughs. Bloom also did well, as did Mikkelsen and Corden who were all sorts of fun. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done with good use of natural scenery and a grand appearance. CGI and action scenes were enjoyable, and the steampunk theme nicely done with solid detail and fitment. Dialogue was campy, silly, and a lot of fun. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall this version of The Three Musketeers is light and fun with good technical work. The story has nice depth, variety, and moves along at a good pace. Those who enjoy a light action & adventure flick should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2011
Reviewed: 2.2.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thrillers, Adventures, Drama, Romance

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Movie review: Passengers (2008)

After a horrific plane crash grief counselor Claire begins working with the survivors only to find their accounting of the crash differs from one another, and from the airline's official version.

Anne Hathaway (Claire), Patrick Wilson (Eric), Andre Braugher (Perry), Dianne Wiest (Toni), David Morse (Arkin), William Davis (Jack), Ryan Robbins (Dean), Clea DuVall (Shannon), Don Thompson (Norman).

Passengers is a good film, but the story is hardly original. This version is pretty slow moving and focuses more on the love story aspect than it does the mystery or supernatural. Those who haven't seen this story before, in any number of variations, will enjoy more mystery than others and may not notice the love story focus.

The film moves slowly building the mystery nicely and it is close to the end before the theme becomes obvious. In the meantime there is some solid drama, a few laughs, some tender moments, and even a bit of action. There is also some confusion as Claire, a grief counselor or therapist, seems to have more issues than her patients several of whom seem more qualified to counsel others than she does!

Acting was solid with Hathaway doing fairly well in a somewhat confusing role. Wilson was enjoyable with nice delivery and what appeared to be good chemistry with Hathaway. Braugher, Wiest, and Morse all delivered nicely as usual. Robbins was a nice addition, as was DuVall who, along with the remainder of the cast, did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are simple and realistic. Plane crash scenes are nicely done with good impact and a fairly realistic feel. Action scenes were intense and fitting with well done CGI. Dialogue was enjoyable with decent depth. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall Passengers is a decent retelling of a familiar story. Those who enjoy mild drama with their mystery, or unusual love stories, should enjoy this one.

With some potentially disturbing scenes, mild foul language, brief nudity and sensuality, this should be fine for teens and older.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 2.2.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Thrillers, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural Thrillers, Psychological Thrillers

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Monday, February 6, 2017

Movie review: Cleopatra’s Second Husband

Robert and Hallie hire sexy couple Zack and Sophie to house-sit for them while on vacation. But when they return the couple refuse to leave, seemingly determined to manipulate and control Robert and Hallie, destroying their relationship in the process. Robert, who was dominated by Hallie in the past, learns to embrace the sadistic and fight for what he wants.

Paul Hipp (Robert), Boyd Kestner (Zack), Bitty Schram (Hallie), Radha Mitchell (Sophie).

This is not a very fast paced movie but, if you can contemplate the psychology involved in things that are happening it will really hold your attention. If you can’t pay attention to the film, or enjoy the psychology, you are probably going to think this one is quite boring. The thriller part of the film really is the mental journey.  And what exactly the film had to do with Cleopatra is completely unknown and unexplained.

Acting was mixed with Hipp and Kestner pulling off good performances in the end while Schram and Mitchell were both a bit flat in my opinion.

Dialogue, sound, effects, camera work, and sets all were disappointing. Picture quality was very poor on instant viewing.

Forget the erotic in this one, there really isn’t much. This is truly a psychological thriller so again, if you don’t enjoy contemplating psychology, forget about this one. For those who can, this will probably be a somewhat enjoyable diversion.

Implied sexuality, violence, some foul language but older teens and above should be okay with this one.

Released: 1998
Reviewed: 1.30.17
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Thriller, Indie Thriller, Erotic Thrillers, Psychological Thriller, Drama

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Movie review: Romancing the Stone

When romance writer Joan’s sister is kidnapped in South America she heads off to find her and ends up in a wild quest for hidden treasure. With the help of mercenary Jack, her adventures resemble her fictional stories more than real life.

Michael Douglas (Jack), Kathleen Turner (Joan), Danny DeVito (Ralph), Zack Norman (Ira), Manuel Ojeda (Zolo), Jose Chavez (Santos).

Remember this one? If you have never seen this one, check it out. Think “Indiana Jones” with a bit lower budget and a lot more humor. With a ton of one-liners, the first 5 minutes are a bit slow but then things start moving and the laughs start coming. As it gets more and more hilarious the story gets more and more convoluted. There is a plot for those who require it but it is thin and it is really secondary to the point of this film which is to just have some fun.

Acting is hysterical by just about everyone involved. Douglas and Turner both deliver some good lines and seem to have pretty good chemistry together. Meanwhile DeVito and Norman biting at each other like lost gangsters is great. Toss in a military leader who likes to shoot everything and an insane drug dealer with his “Little Mule” and funny meets strange in a great way.

Sets, sound, camera work and background are all very good with scenery being breathtaking in many scenes. Dialogue was campy just like it was supposed to be.

If this isn’t a classic by now it should be, and if you haven’t seen it yet you should. Put this one in at the top of your Must See list.

Some adult humor, language, and a bit of graphic violence but really preens and above should be fine seeing this one.

Released: 1984
Reviewed: 1.30.17
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Action, Comedy

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Friday, February 3, 2017

Movie review: 30,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Lt. Aronnaux and the crew of the Aquanaut are ordered to perform rescue operations on a downed US submarine in the Marianas trench. They find the sub and also find Nemo, his advance submarine, his underwater city, his mechanical killer squid, and his ever growing insanity.

Lorenzo Lamas (Lt. Aronnaux), Natalie Stone (Lt. Cmdr. Rollins), Sean Lawlor (Nemo), Kim Little (Sustin),Declan Joyce (Cooper), Emilio Roso (Ramirez), Damien Puckler (Blackwell).

This is an adaptation and continuation of the Jules Verne classic that sadly is not a compliment to the original in any way. I had really hoped this would be a good special effects, CGI, tech update to the original but it really didn’t have enough special effects and what it did have wasn't very good. The plot had holes to begin with but toward the end the story completely lost continuity and stopped making sense at all.

Acting was pathetic with Lamas, a mediocre actor at best, giving the best performance of everyone involved.

Dialogue was horrible throughout. Special effects were not special at all and could barely be called effects. Sets were below average and costuming was absolutely horrible with the Navy uniforms being ridiculous. Whomever cast the film should probably be fired for not having a clue. Navy personnel with long hair, beards, and a Naval Captain who was barely thirty years old?

Overall this film was a waste of time and shouldn’t be anywhere near your Must See list.

I don’t recall any nudity or foul language so preens and above should be okay watching this however, it will probably be the younger kids who haven’t seen an adaptation of the story before who will get any value at all from the film.

Released: 2007
Reviewed: 2.3.17
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Drama, Sci-Fi Adventure, Sci-Fi Fantasy

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Postman

Post-apocalyptic America is a dangerous place to live with nobody trusting anyone else and rogue armies with the most dangerous, the Holnists, led by the demented General Bethlehem bent on race purification of survivors. When the Holnists capture a drifter he escapes at first chance and when he stumbles upon a mail Jeep, he assumes the identity of the dead mailman and convinces people the government, including postal service, has been restored as a means of acquiring food and support for himself.

Kevin Costner (Postman), Will Patton (Bethlehem), Larenz Tate (Ford Lincoln Mercury), Olivia Williams (Abby), Tom Petty (Bridge City Mayor), James Russo (Idaho), Giovanni Ribisi (Bandit 20).

Costner directed this one and although there are plenty of negative reviews, I love this movie. The plot is unusual and original and moves along at a good pace. The film feels like post-apocalypse meets steampunk meets survivalist film and surprisingly, it all works. I am a big fan of apocalypse films and sci-fi and this is a great mix of both with a detailed plot and technical work that holds audience attention.  There is so much more to this movie than can be put into a short review.

The cast is wonderful with good performances from the primary members as well as a supporting cast that does an excellent job. Patton is incredible in his role, as were Costner and Tate. I also loved the cameo by Tom Petty and the dialogue he has with Costner about being famous.

Camera work was very well done throughout the film and added to the storyline and emotion. Sets were incredible and high quality throughout. Dialogue and sound were also well done although the soundtrack could have used some good tunes.

Put this one toward the top of your Must See list if you haven’t seen it yet.

There is a fair amount of violence, some foul language, and some sexual scenes so this one should be viewed by older teens and above only.

Released: 1997
Reviewed: 1.30.17
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Adventure, Sci-Fi Drama

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Movie review: Shortbus

Known for carnal sexuality, the New York City underground club Shortbus calls to those with a desire for sexual exploration and self-discovery. Follow along as an interwoven group of hipsters frequenting the club expand and explore their sexuality.

Sook-Yin Lee (Sofia), Paul Dawson (James), Lindsay Beamish (Severin), PJ DeBoy (Jamie), Raphael Barker (Rob), Peter Stickles (Caleb/Stalker), Jay Brannan (Ceth), Alan Mandell (Tobias/Mayor), Justin Hagan (Brad).

Shortbus begins by challenging a conventional assumption about self-gratification, and only gets more unconventional from there. The characters in the film are confronting their own issues around a variety of sexuality issues but are also intertwined in some interesting ways. Much of the self-discovery is entertaining on an intellectual and physical level however, there are some things that just don't make sense. Engaging intimately with a known stalker for example.
While the stories are interesting; a sex worker who can't climax, a gay couple opening their relationship, the characters seem very self-absorbed and reluctant to confront their issues, despite doing so in a very openly sexual environment. The result is a story that feels very inconsistent, and a film that does not feel genuine.

Acting was very entertaining in Shortbus. Lee delivered a good performance with nice transformation. Dawson was solid and seemed to fit his role well, as did DeBoy who played against him well. Stickles, Brannan, Mandell, and the remainder of the cast were solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were a bit rough but added an authentic feel of reality to the film. Some rough shots surprisingly also added depth, removing the scripted feel of many films. Action scenes, erotic as they are, were good without turning the film into pornography. Dialogue was mediocre and could have used some depth. Sound and soundtrack were a bit bland.

Shortbus is an interesting examination of LGBT sexuality issues that will probably be outside the comfort zone of a lot of people considering the homosexual or gay focus of the film. Those who enjoy alternative sexuality and relationships may enjoy this one.

With plenty of graphic sexuality which is not simulated, nudity, sexual and other violence, foul language, drugs, and adult situations this should be viewed only by adults.

Released: 2006
Reviewed: 1.30.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: LGBT, Drama, Indie LGBT, Indie Drama, Erotic Romance

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

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