Friday, March 31, 2017

Movie review: The Hunger Season 1

 

 A series of erotic horror and fantasy short stories with a basis in lust and temptation that frequently seem to end with death. Terence Stamp introduces each episode with a brief but freaky opening that is usually somehow related to the current episode.

Terence Stamp (The Host), David Bowie (Julian Priest), Richard Jutras (Brent Barry), Kim Feeney (Carla).

This really seems to use Tales from The Darkside as a model except that the stories almost always contain some erotica. If you like seeing boobs and enjoy horror you will probably enjoy this series.

There are just to many stories in the series to review each one and at around 30 minutes each, hardly worth the effort. Several of the episodes were nicely done but for many others the theme started to look the same each time. Woman seduces or is seduced by someone, they get naked and have some form of sex, then something bad happens to one of them. Episodes are so short that in most character development was non-existent and the plot theme was fairly basic. Probably due to time restraints.

Acting was mixed through the series with some good and some awful. Most of the bigger names did fairly well or were obviously polishing their skills. Many of the lesser known actors also did fairly well so overall acting was pretty good.

Sets, background, sound and camera work were all fairly consistent while dialogue ranged from ridiculous to exceptional.

Overall I was disappointed in the series. Being as short as they were, minus the time for a long intro and review with The Host, the stories were rushed and had little depth. About the time you get interested and invested in a story it would be ending. There are other, much better stories available.

Nudity, explicit and implicit sexual scenes, blood, gore, violence and foul language are all a part of these so save The Hunger for adults only.

Released: 1997
Reviewed: 3.24.17
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: TV Sci-Fi & Fantasy, TV Horror, TV Series, Drama, Horror

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Movie review: Crowley

 

Occultist Aleister Crowley is transmitted into the body of Professor Haddo during a virtual reality experiment gone wrong. As those around Haddo begin to realize there is a problem, Crowley (in Haddo’s body) continues his depraved behavior with plenty of sex and violence as he plans to recreate The Chemical Wedding.

Simon Callow (Haddo), Kal Weber (Joshua), Lucy Cuden (Lia), John Shrapnel (Crowley)

Apparently this film is the result of Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson thinking he knew a lot about Crowley and co-authoring a script. It quickly becomes obvious he does not know that much about Crowley, nor does he understand plot continuity and coherence. On the upside, the soundtrack was decent.

I don’t know a lot about Crowley but this film doesn’t seem representative of what I do know. Having read the Chemical Wedding I found the attempted reenactment toward the end of the film ridiculous and without connection to the actual story at all. Punctuating the film, apparently for shock factor, are a few shots of feces and urination however, they are nowhere near the level of scatology implied by some reviews.

Acting by Callow was impressive. But, the film was very low quality. Camera work and the use of jittering for effect was lame, while sound, dialogue, and sets were all reflective of a low budget poorly written movie.

Overall there wasn’t much about this one worth watching other than the shock scenes and Callow, unless you like random low quality boob shots. As I was hoping to see a serious representation of Crowley or at least some interesting sex magick this was a complete disappointment.

Nude shots, sex scenes, urination, defecation, and masturbation included so save this for non-squeamish adults.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 8.4.09
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Erotic Thrillers, Thrillers, Supernatural Thrillers, Satanic Stories

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Monday, March 27, 2017

Movie review: Deepwater Horizon

 

When the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig exploded in 2010 it created the worst oil spill in U.S. history. This dramatization follows the events that led the rig to fail, and the heroic efforts and experiences of the 126 crew members aboard.

Mark Wahlberg (Mike), Kurt Russell (Jimmy), Douglas Griffin (Landry), James DuMont (O'Bryan), Joe Chrest (Sims), Gina Rodriguez (Andrea), Brad Leland (Kaluza), John Malkovich (Vidrine), Ethan Suplee (Jason).

Deepwater Horizon begins with some character introductions before shifting to oil rig operations. From there we are off and running as a cascade of poor decisions and bad luck lead us to the failure of the rig. The rest of the film details the reactions of those on the rig, including heroic actions by many to try and save others. While the film is emotionally intense and very well done, the sad result was 11 lives lost and the worst oil spill in U.S. History.

Acting was nicely done with Wahlberg and Russell both delivering very well and appearing to work easily with one another. Rodriguez was a bright spot with great delivery. Malkovich delivered wonderfully as always, as did Suplee and the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were very well done. The film does a great job of conveying the size and environment of a large oil rig. CGI was almost seamless and fit the film perfectly. Dialogue was solid and brought good depth to the film. Sound and soundtrack were good.

With many films based on true stories there is obvious embellishment to make the film more exciting. Deepwater Horizon on the other hand feels like a solid retelling of the story that translated well to the big screen. Technical work, acting, and the story itself are all very engaging and entertaining. Those that enjoy action drama films or have interest in the Deepwater Horizon story should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 3.24.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Drama, Action Thriller, Movies based on true stories

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Movie review: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

 

 In this much anticipated sequel Jack in fact does go back when his friend and previous head of his investigative unit, Major Turner, is arrested for treason. Racing to prove her innocence, and his own, Reacher realizes there is a conspiracy afoot.

Tom Cruise (Jack Reacher), Cobie Smulders (Turner), Aldis Hodge (Espin), Danika Yarosh (Samantha), Patrick Heusinger (The Hunter), Holt McCallany (Col. Morgan), Robert Knepper (Gen. Harkness), Jason Douglas (Sheriff).

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back doesn't waste much time, jumping right into the story with action and character introductions quick to follow. The groundwork in place, the film begins adding parallel storylines in an attempt to give the plot depth, which is somewhat lacking with this cookie cutter government conspiracy thriller. With an energetic new partner, new daughter, and dirt on his name, the rest of the film simply follows the action.

Acting felt a bit strange in this one. While Cruise is the headliner here, Smulders completely stole the show. Her action scenes were better, her delivery of emotion was better, and it even felt like she had more lines. Cruise's stoic expressions worked for a moment, until it started to look more like he was detached from the film and his character. Yarosh, Heusinger, and the remainder of the supporting cast rounded out the film nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were solid and well done. CGI and action scenes felt a bit toned down in this one and as a result expressed a realistic feel. Dialogue was good though, as mentioned, it felt like Cruise had fewer lines and Smulders carried the film. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is an enjoyable action thriller with a decent blend of crime, drama, action, and mystery. Fans of the first film should enjoy this one but may feel it doesn't quite measure up to the original.

With plenty of violence and some gore, this one should be okay for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 3.18.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thriller, Action, Adventure, Crime

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

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