Movie review: Love, Death & Robots

 

Love, Death & Robots is a collection of almost completely animated short stories covering genres that include sci-fi, comedy, horror, space, and war.

There wasn't much acting here. Most of the work by actors was voice work, which was well done by all.

Animation here covers a wide range. A couple of episodes we were actually questioning if they were animated or not. With most others the animation was obvious, but in almost every episode it was well done. What little visual acting there was is done well. Dialogue also ranges from serious to funny to a complete mess. Sound is good.

In the end Love, Death & Robots is a good collection of nicely done animation shorts. Those who enjoy animation, and even those who don't like myself, should enjoy this one.

With a fair amount of sexuality, nudity, violence, gore, disturbing images, and foul language, this one should probably be saved for older teens and above.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 4.11.19
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Fantasy, Animation, Comedy, Romance, Horror

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Jeff Dunham: Minding the Monsters

 

 Jeff Dunham is back with all your favorites. In this horror themed special each of his characters stars in their own horror movie trailer.

This time around Jeff and his crew take a look at Halloween. Complete with costumes, each character is introduced by a horror film trailer in which they are the star. From there it is like most of Dunham's standup as he interacts with each character. And as usual, the comedy is quite good bringing laughs with a variety of topics.

The stage set Jeff uses is fun with portraits of his gang and a warm, friendly feel. Camera work is good. The horror film trailers were a lot of fun and enjoyable. Sound is good.

If you have never seen Jeff Dunham, give him a shot. His use of puppets with comedy is fairly unique and a whole lot of fun. Those already familiar with his work should also enjoy this one.

With some sexuality and foul language, all comedy focused, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2012
Reviewed: 4.11.19
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Stand-up Comedy

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Highwaymen

 

 With notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde evading capture for years while on a crime spree, Texas Governor Ferguson allows two Texas Rangers to come out of retirement to catch the duo.

Kevin Costner (Frank Hamer), Woody Harrelson (Maney Gault), Kathy Bates (Ma Ferguson), John Lynch (Simmons), Thomas Mann (Deputy Hinton), Dean Denton (Deputy Alcorn), Kim Dickens (Gladys), William Sadler (Henry Barrow).

The Highwaymen is an interesting tale to say the least. Based on true events, the film follows the hunt for Bonnie and Clyde to their bitter end. What is unusual is that they are barely seen in the film until the end. Instead the story is presented from the perspective of two Texas Rangers who have come out of retirement, Frank and Maney, at the behest of Texas Governor Ferguson. The journey is an enjoyable one as the two Rangers reacquaint themselves with each other and rely on old fashioned detective work and instincts to get the job done.

Acting was solid with Costner and Harrelson both delivering well and appearing to work well together. Bates fit her role well gave a nice performance. Mann, Lynch, Sadler, and the remainder of the supporting cast were enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good with a realistic feel. Scenery was good and appears natural. Dialogue was good with some nice bits of comedy and contributed very good depth to the film. Action scenes were well done with good attention to detail.  Sound and soundtrack are enjoyable as well.

The story of Bonnie and Clyde is well known and been expressed in plenty of films. This one is a bit more unique with focus on the law officers who tracked them down, rather than on the criminals. Those with interest in the story of Bonnie & Clyde, or in crime drama, should enjoy this one.

With some foul language, violence, and a splattering of gore at the end, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 4.11.19
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Crime Drama, Biographical movies

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Unicorn Store

 

 After failing out of art school, painter Kit takes a boring office job in order to fit in with the world. Soon she receives a mysterious invitation to the Unicorn Store and a chance to fulfill her lifelong dream of adopting a unicorn.

Brie Larson (Kit), Samuel L. Jackson (Salesman), Joan Cusak (Gladys), Bradley Whitford (Gene), Mamoudou Athie (Virgil), Hamish Linklater (Gary), Karan Soni (Kevin), Martha MacIsaac (Sabrina).

Unicorn Store begins with a bit about Kit's art school failure, finishing with her move back home to live with her parents. Deciding to give up her dreams of art and fit in, Kit takes a temp job at an advertising firm where she quickly receives an invitation to the Unicorn Store. Visiting the magical store, Kit learns she may be able to realize her childhood dream of adopting a unicorn. But first, she must prove herself worthy. The rest of the film is a quirky but fun trip finishing with more realism than expected.

Acting was solid with Larson delivering quite well, and apparently doing a decent job of Directing at the same time. Jackson fit his unusual role well and managed it nicely. Cusack and Whitford did nicely as the concerned parents. Athie was good and seemed to work well with Larson. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are fairly mellow but dressed up nicely with glitter, ribbons, and bright colors. Dialogue is better than expected given the theme and genre. Sound and soundtrack are good.

Overall Unicorn Store is unusual and fun, but the drama can be heavy and the dialogue seems a bit mature for a PG film. While some adults may enjoy this one, I doubt the PG crowd will find it that entertaining.

With some foul language, this should be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 4.10.19
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Comedy, Independent Films

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

 

 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas follows the hallucinogenic adventures of a sportswriter and his lawyer on a three day trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas fueled by a large variety of drugs.

Johnny Depp (Raoul), Benicio Del Toro (Dr. Gonzo), Tobey Maguire (Hitchhiker), Michael Gogin (Dwarf), Larry Cedar (Car rental agent), Katherine Helmond (Desk Clerk), Craig Bierko (Lacerda), Mark Harmon (Reporter).

This is one crazy adventure. Forget about a plot, storyline, or meaningful depth. This is about random drug fueled insanity and it hits the mark well. The story moves along at a decent pace with some nice humor throughout.

Acting was pretty good here. Depp did a wonderful job with his role bringing the mentality of his character to the screen very well. Del Toro was a bright spot as well, working nicely with Depp and delivering his own brand of insanity. The remainder of the supporting cast was enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are decent. Dialogue was all over the map and crazily entertaining. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall this is a crazy, fun adventure that is fairly unique. Depp or Del Toro fans should check this one out.

With some mild sexuality, violence, gore, foul language, persistent drug use, and potentially disturbing images, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 1998
Reviewed: 4.8.19
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Adventure, Comedy, Dark Humor, Cult Comedies

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel