Movie review: Pawn Shop Chronicles

 A small Southern town's local pawn shop serves as a connection between a man searing for his abducted wife, a couple of white-supremacist meth heads, and a down-and-out Elvis impersonator resulting an a wild-goose chase of all-start proportions.

Paul Walker (Raw Dog), Matt Dillon (Richard), Brendan Fraser (Ricky), Kevin Rankin (Randy), Vincent D'Onofrio (Alton), Norman Reedus (Stanley), Chi McBride (Johnson), Elijah Wood (Shaw), DJ Qualls (JJ), Pell James (Cyndi), Lukas Haas (Vernon), Ashlee Simpson (Theresa), Thomas Jane (The Man).

Pawn Shop Chronicles begins where it should, in the pawn shop run by Alton and Johnson. From there the story shifts to an odd crime setting off a chain of even stranger events. As the film evolves, the strange things find a common connection via the local pawn shop. The story finally wraps with a strange ending that actually ties up loose ends and explains things better than we had hoped with some nice chuckles along the way.

Acting was surprisingly good with the entire cast delivering well. Dillon was well cast in his role, and Fraser did an excellent job as washed-up-Elvis. Wood and Qualls both did nicely in roles that fit them well. The remainder of the cast, too numerous to mention, did quite well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were pretty good but obviously not the focus. Action scenes were fitting and solid without being overdone for the film. Dialogue was fun with some nice comedy and decent depth for the genre. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

In the end, Pawn Shop Chronicles is a nicely done action comedy focused on providing a few laughs and an amusing storyline, which it does pretty well. Action comedy fans should enjoy  this one.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 5.9.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Comedy, Adventure, Crime, Action Comedy

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Extracurricular Activities

 Reagan is a mature, intelligent high school student whose after-school job is arranging the accidental deaths of his classmates' parents, for a price. But when a bumbling cop begins to connect the dots Reagan starts to feel the heat.

Colin Ford (Reagan), Darlene Vogel (Mom), Gary Hudson (Dad), Timothy Simons (Dawkins), Nicholas Cutro (Sam), Arianna Ortiz (Miss Peterson), Patrick Fabian (Mr. Wallace), Angela Kinsey (Mrs. Wallace).

Extracurricular Activities begins by showing us one of Reagan's arranged accidents that we don't even realize as such. As the story continues we get some character introductions and bits of backstory as we learn the depth of Reagan's job. Once bumbling Detective Dawkins begins to see the connections, things get much more interesting with an amusing game of cat-and-mouse through the fairly entertaining ending.

Acting was good with Ford delivering a convincing and solid performance. Simons delivered well and fit his role nicely. Vogel and Hudson fit well and delivered nicely, as did the remainder of the supporting cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good with a solid realistic feel throughout. Action scenes were fitting and fun. Dialogue was decent with reasonable depth and movement. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall Extracurricular Activities is a nicely done crime comedy that stays fairly light-hearted. The acting and technical work are good and story moves along at a nice pace.

Nothing much to limit audience age. Given the theme, preens and above should be fine with this one.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 5.9.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: 24 Hours to Live

 Reeling from the deaths of his wife and son, Travis takes a risky contract and is killed on the job. Brought back to life by a revolutionary new medical procedure, he has 24-hours to find redemption.

Ethan Hawke (Travis), Qing Xu (Lin), Paul Anderson (Jim), Rutger Hauer (Frank), Tyrone Keogh (Zera), Nathalie Boltt (Dr. Helen), Liam Cunningham (Wetzler), Jeremy Yong (Bisset), Susan Young (Vicky).

24 Hours to Live begins with some backstory around Travis and his military career. From there we are up to modern day when his family is killed and going off the rails, he takes a risky mission during which he is killed. Resurrected, he has 24-hours for revenge and redemption until the timer in his arm goes off and he dies. Again. At this point the film hits full-tilt action level and really gets moving through the somewhat disappointing ending.

Acting was good with Hawke delivering fairly well as an action hero. Xu was decent and delivered well. Hauer presented his usual and did good, as did Cunningham, Keogh and the remainder of the supporting cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are interesting and unusual with a nice variety of all. Action is solid, bloody, and rough around the edges as it should be. Dialogue is decent though a bit more depth would have been nice. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall 24 Hours to Live is a decent sci-fi action flick and Hawke does a decent job in the lead role. Technical work is interesting and the film flows fairly well. Those who enjoy action thrillers should enjoy this one.

With a bit of sexuality, plenty of violence and gore, and foul language, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 5.9.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Indie Action

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: 7 Splinters In Time

 A detective investigates his own murder, leading him to discover multiple versions of himself. And realizing not all versions are friendly leads him to realize one of the versions may be hunting him.

Edoardo Ballerini (LeFaux), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Alise), Austin Pendleton (Wax), Al Sapienza (Timms), Lynn Cohen (Babs), Sarah Sokolovic (Chess Girl), Akiva Schaffer (McFly), Lauren Fox (Mrs. Nightingayle).

7 Splinters In Time begins with what looks like a flashback before moving to a more industrial future, or so we assume. As the story unrolls something of a plot shows up in the form of repetition punctuated by odd effects and rapid collages. There is little character engagement which is fortunate as it gives us time to try and process the plot which feels almost intentionally confusing.

Acting is hard to pin down here given the industrial style theme which keeps characters at a distance, as if on a screen. Ballerini felt flat and lifeless through most of the film. Chriqui was more animated and emotional and delivered well, in detached scenes. Pendleton was fittingly quirky, as was the remainder of the cast.

Technical work here is also fairly unique with some interesting use of visual effects in storytelling. The film also incorporates a wide variety of film and filming techniques with debatable results. Dialogue was difficult to follow and felt lacking throughout. Sound and soundtrack are present. The film almost feels like experimentation with different techniques took priority over storyline.

Upon initial viewing 7 Splinters In Time felt like it lacked a lot. That said, it also appears to be an oddly dark film that would gain depth and quality with repeat viewings to help fill in the potholes. The film obviously wants us to think, but fails miserably at presenting a coherent question upon initial viewing, in this reviewers opinion; pushing responsibility for entertainment upon the viewer when it should rest squarely upon the film.

Foul language, blood, mild violence so this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 5.9.21
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Sci-Fi Thriller

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Coming 2 America

 Akeem realizes he has no suitable offspring as heir to his throne and begins to search for a solution. Learning he has a long-lost son in America, he and Semmi return in hopes of building a relationship with the boy to groom him for the throne.

Eddie Murphy (Akeem/Clarence/Saul/Randy), Arsenio Hall (Semmi/Morris/Rev. Brown/Baba), Jermaine Fowler (Lavelle), Leslie Jones (Mary), Tracy Morgan (Reem), KiKi Layne (Meeka), Wesley Snipes (Izzi), James Earl Jones (Joffer), John Amos (Cleo), Teyana Taylor (Bopoto), Paul Bates (Oha).

Coming 2 America rejoins much of the original cast years later after Akeem has ascended to the throne. Learning he has a son in America, and needing an heir to his throne, Akeem and Semmi return in hopes the boy can solve all their problems. The premise for the film established, the rest of the movie is a sad and largely overdone attempt to recreate the comedy and energy of the original film.

Acting was as much a mess as the storyline and technical work. Murphy used to have fun energy but we almost forgot he was a comedian in this one. Hall felt like he phoned a lot of this one in, while Jones was simply an annoying distraction, and we still don't know what happened to Snipes. Jones, Amos and others did fairly well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are disappointing with some ridiculous visual effects poorly used in an attempt to add quality or depth. Dialogue was disappointing with much of the attempted humor completely missing the mark. Sound and soundtrack add little to the film.

Overall Coming 2 America is a disappointing sequel that adds nothing to the franchise. If this looks at all interesting do yourself a favor and watch the original instead.

With some comedic sexuality, mild violence, and foul language, this would be suitable punishment for teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 5.8.21
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Comedy

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Excision

 

Troubled teen Pauline has dreams of working in medicine, and even more disturbing dreams when sleeping. The only one to understand her is her sister, who is slowly dying from cystic fibrosis, but Pauline has a plan to win approval of her demanding mother and others.

AnnaLynne McCord (Pauline), Roger Bart (Bob), Ariel Winter (Grace), Traci Lords (Phyllis), Matthew Gubler (Claybaugh), Jeremy Sumpter (Adam), Matthew Fahey (Nathan), Malcolm McDowell (Mr. Cooper).

Excision follows the story of troubled teen Pauline. Dreaming of working in medicine one day, at night she dreams instead of blood and necrophilia. At school Pauline is the weird shunned outcast, but she has a plan for that as well. As the film gets moving, we find much of Pauline's strange behavior a response to her demanding mother who it seems is never happy. With similar problems at school, Pauline begins to solve her problems by unusual and socially unacceptable means.

Acting from McCord was amazingly good. She did a great job delivering a disturbing performance. Lords fit well in her antagonist role, which she handled well. Winter and Bart were also enjoyable, while the remainder of the supporting cast was solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were interesting if nothing else. Dream sequences were well filmed and appropriately disturbing. Effects and action were mild but okay. Dialogue left a lot to be desired throughout the film. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

While acting may have been good here, the film really is not. The story feels completely incoherent at times with unexplained actions, or action that doesn't fit the situation. Many of the questions raised by Pauline's dreams and actions go completely unanswered with the film finally finishing with an ending apparently intended to do nothing more than shock viewers rather than complete the film. No idea why this is billed as a comedy as it is not funny in the least.

With some disturbing sexuality, nudity, blood, foul language, more blood, disturbing images, some more blood, adult scenes with blood, save this one for adults.

Released: 2012
Reviewed: 5.4.21
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Drama, Comedy, Psychological Thrillers, Slashers and Serial Killers

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Tesla

A biography following the struggles of visionary inventor Nikola Tesla. From his battles with Thomas Edison and J.P. Morgan, to his incredible breakthroughs around wireless power transmission.

Ethan Hawke (Tesla), Eve Hewson (Anne), Kyle MacLachlan (Edison), Dan Bittner (Ott), Karl Geary (Upton), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Szigeti), Jim Gaffigan (Westinghouse), Donnie Keshawarz (J.P. Morgan), Tallulah Silovsky (Young Anne).

Tesla begins with a small bit of backstory via narration by Anne, before smoothly shifting to important points in his history. While the film does expose Tesla's struggles marketing his inventions and convincing others of their benefit, it adds little to the story of Tesla's life in general. The story also takes some strange detours, focusing on conversations that never happened and a very weird karaoke break mid-film. The result is a story that feels incoherent and almost rambling at times.

Acting was interesting with Hawke delivering an appropriately quirky performance. Hewson was solid with nice delivery and fit. MacLachlan brought an unusual bit of depth, as did Gaffigan. The remainder of the supporting cast was decent.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds seem fitting and fairly solid with good detail. Effects and action are managed well without trying to take-over the film. Dialogue was okay but could have had more depth and better fit. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall Tesla is a mix of interesting facts about Tesla sprinkled with a shifting storytelling perspective and unusual detours that make little sense. Those who enjoy unique films or biographies should enjoy this one.

With some mild violence, this one is fine for teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 4.29.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Biography, History, Drama

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Stowaway

 

On a two-year mission to Mars, the three-person crew must make unimaginable choices when an unplanned fourth passenger is discovered mid-mission threatening the mission itself and the lives of everyone aboard.

Anna Kendrick (Zoe), Daniel Dae Kim (David), Shamier Anderson (Michael), Toni Collette (Marina).

Stowaway begins with the launch of the Mars mission craft with three crew-members aboard. Shortly after launch the crew discovers a fourth passenger, Michael, a member of the flight crew that was somehow trapped during launch. Unable to reverse course, and with limited resources, the crew struggles to preserve the survival of the crew and the mission while being forced to make unimaginable choices.

Acting was good with the four person cast delivering well. Kendrick, Kim, Collette and Anderson all seemed to work well together. The small cast and setting led to something of a shared-lead role which worked well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable with good detail and solid representation of space. Effects and action scenes were appropriately intense and fit nicely. Dialogue had nice depth and kept things entertaining. Sound and soundtrack are good.

What did not work were some of the details. Two astronauts on a dangerous, unplanned space-walk who are not using safety lines? No safety lines attached to tools? Visors not down during launch? Strange gravity effects on objects.

Overall Stowaway is entertaining and builds tension well, but don't focus on the details. The film moves at a good pace and holds interest. Those who enjoy sci-fi drama should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 4.29.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller, Sci-Fi Drama

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Project Power

 A new drug called Power has hit the streets of New Orleans, giving users unpredictable superpowers for five minutes. Or, they might explode. Focused on finding his daughter, the genetic source of Power, ex-soldier Art teams up with a local cop and a teenage drug dealer to stop those responsible.

Jamie Foxx (Art), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Frank), Dominique Fishback (Robin), Rodrigo Santoro (Biggie), Courtney B. Vance (Capt. Craine), Amy Landecker (Gardner), Machine Gun Kelly (Newt), Tait Fletcher (Wallace).

Project Power begins with character introductions and brief backstory on the arrival of Power in New Orleans. The players now in place, the plot begins to unroll as Art, Frank, and Robin realize Power is a problem. Teaming up, they focus on taking down those responsible and saving Art's daughter, the genetic source of Power. The journey up to the Happy Ever After ending is a nice mix of action, drama, and suspense and the film moves along well.

Acting was good with Foxx, Gordon-Levitt, and Fishback all delivering nicely and appearing to work well together. Santoro, Vance, and Kelly rounded out the cast nicely and supported well. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all good with a nice solid feel. Effects were good with nice detail and fit throughout. Action scenes were energetic and added well. Dialogue was pretty good, as were sound and soundtrack.

In the end Project Power is a nicely done crime action flick with solid acting and technical work. The plot, though familiar, is tweaked just enough to keep the story interesting and the pace helps keep the audience engaged. Crime action fans should enjoy this one.

With some mild sexuality, violence and gore, foul language and drug use, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 4.29.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Crime Action

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: 2067

 In the future all plant life has died on Earth and humans, surviving on artificial oxygen, are slowly dying. Called to leave his dying wife by a message from the future, utility worker Ethan may be the last chance to save humanity from environmental catastrophe.

Aaron Glenane (Richard), Kodi Smit-McPhee (Ethan), Ryan Kwanten (Jude), Finn Little (Young Ethan), Deborah Mailman (Regina), Sana'a Shaik (Xanthe), Matt Testro (Young Jude), Leeanna Walsman (Selene).

2067 begins with some character introductions before jumping quickly to the storyline. As we figure out the general plot, the story actually feels like it slows down. Throwing in some twists along the way, the film gains good depth, but the ending felt like it failed to really explain the film or do it justice.

Acting was a bit disappointing, feeling generally lackluster here. Smit-McPhee and Glenane honestly felt like they got their roles reversed. Smit-McPhee felt much more like a supporting actor than a lead, and when Glenane was able to show it, he felt like he would make a solid lead. Mailman showed glimmers, but totally missed other times.

Camera work, and backgrounds were pretty good, but set choice could have used help and left the film feeling cheap at times. Action scenes and effects were decent. Dialogue could have used more for sure. Sound and soundtrack are reasonable. What they couldn't overcome however, were the logic inconsistencies in the storyline which were quite obvious.

In the end, 2067 lacks energy and audience engagement. Overall quality is decent, but the film fails to tell the story well. Die-hard time-travel sci-fi fans may enjoy this one.

With some graphic violence and foul language, teens and above should be fine with 2067.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 4.23.21
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Time Travel, Fantasy, Action, Sci-Fi Action

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Tentacles

 When Sam meets Tara it seems like he will finally be able to move on after the recent deaths of his parents. Quickly falling in love, the two entwine their lives, much like a tentacle wrapping around fresh prey.

Casey Deidrick (Sam), Dana Drori (Tara), Kasey Elise, Dan Aid, Johnny Ramey.

Tentacles begins with the end of Tara's last relationship which gives us a solid clue about the theme of the film. Moving on, she quickly connects with Sam, a new man, in a new town. For a while it seems like life is going in a good direction as she and Sam fall in love. Before long however, it becomes obvious something is wrong with Sam and from there the horror finally shows up through the twisted ending.

Acting from Deidrick felt bland and fairly lifeless other than intimate scenes, in which his intent was blunt. Drori had decent energy and delivery but not quite enough to hold up the film alone. Elise was decent and supported well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are decent. Use of natural scenery was interesting and added a bit of depth. Dark shots were frustrating a few times, making effects difficult to judge. Dialogue was somewhat dry and lacking depth. Sound and soundtrack are lethargic.

Overall Tentacles feels slow, dark, and lacking energy. While this works for horror films, it works because there is actual horror, which is much more imagined than represented in this film. The result feels like a long tease that really fails on delivery.

With some nudity, sexuality, foul language, violence, gore, and potentially disturbing images, older teens and above should be fine with this one.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 4.22.21
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Horror, Drama

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The United States vs. Billie Holiday

The United States vs. Billie Holiday follows the life of Billie, trajectory of her career, and her affair with both drugs and the Federal Agent tasked with bringing her down on drug charges in an undercover sting meant to serve as an example.

Andra Day (Billie), Leslie Jordan (Reginald), Miss Lawrence (Miss Freddy), Natasha Lyonne (Tallulah), Trevante Rhodes (Jimmy), Dusan Dukic (Joe), Erik Harvey (James), Da'Vine Randolph (Roslyn), Letitia Brookes (Velva).

The United States vs. Billie Holiday is an interesting and entertaining biography that begins with an interview and a memory. Billie's life was definitely an adventure with plenty of sex, drugs, and music. Entering music out of necessity, she quickly began to soar professionally. And once she found drugs, the fall seemed to start. That is about the same time a narcotics agent began targeting Billie with an undercover sting operation and eventual attempted censorship of her music.

Acting from Day was very good with solid emotion and ownership of the role. Rhodes was decent and seemed to work well with Day. Jordan was energetic as always and delivered as usual, though didn't quite seem to fit the film. The remainder of the cast was good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good and feel fairly fitting to the period. Costuming was nicely done, as were mild action scenes. Dialogue was good with nice depth and fair movement, though 130 minutes of run-time felt a bit long. Sound and soundtrack are nicely done despite focusing on only a few different songs.

In the end it was Day that made this film. While the story and technical work are good, Day brought focus and energy to the film making it enjoyable as entertainment rather than just a story. Those with interest in the life of Billie Holiday will enjoy this the most.

With a fair amount of graphic sex and nudity, depicted violence, a good dose of foul language, and an overdose of drugs, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 4.22.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Biography, Music, Drama, History, Crime

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Tesla Files

 Prompted by declassified CIA documents, researcher Marc Seifer, astrophysicist Travis Taylor, and investigative journalist Jason Stapleton explore the life and work of Nikola Tesla, one of the greatest scientists in history.

Jonathan Adams (Narrator), Marc Seifer (himself), Travis Taylor (himself), Jason Stapleton (himself).

The Tesla Files begins by teasing us about the recreation of a Tesla experiment in which he caused light bulbs stuck in the ground to light. From there the film shifts gears and begins to look more like a conspiracy story. While Seifer seems mostly focused on connecting the dots in documentation, Taylor and Stapleton travel to several locations Tesla called home in hopes of discovering new secrets, which feels a bit misleading. For example, they imply the discovery of tunnels at Wardenclyffe is a surprise however, a quick search reveals archeology articles about the tunnels in 2016, two years before this series release. That said, the series is interesting and does gather quite a bit of information about Tesla in a friendly format.

Being a documentary there is not much acting. At the same time, it is quite obvious things are scripted for everyone, often resulting in awkward dialogue.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good and enjoyable. I don't know that the film shows you anything the public can't see if they wish, but it did bring a variety of locations together nicely. Dialogue was okay, though infrequently repetitive. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall if you have interest in Nikola Tesla this series does a decent job of showing us the variety of things Tesla worked on or created, experiments of his which have been recreated, and where information about him is found bringing us up to speed. It does not seem to add much new information not already known.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 4.21.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Documentary, History

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel