Carlito's Way: Rise to Power

Released: 2005

Reviewed: 10.27.09
Star rating: 3 out of 5

Jay Hernandez (Carlito), Mario Van Peebles (Earl), Luis Guzman (Nacho), Sean Combs (Nicky), Michael Kelly (Rocco), Jaclyn DeSantis (Leticia), Burt Young (Artie), Giancarlo Esposito (Jeff), Mtume Gant (Reggie).

In this prequel to Carlito's Way we see how Carlito embraces the world of organized crime and makes a name for himself. As his power grows, so do the threats to that power. Although he is on his way to lead the New York underworld it may takes less than he thinks to threaten his plans.



I mistakenly watched Carlito's Way before I knew this film had existed so I saw them out of order. Although I hate comparing films I just can't help it here. Billed as a prequel to Carlito's Way this one did explain to some extent how Carlito gained his power. It also ended in such a way that Carlito couldn't have continued and did the things found in Carlito's Way. It was as if they started off on the right path and then forgot about the second film and just made up the rest of the story. I just can't see how this is a prequel. Rating the film by itself it is a decent mobster flick that was somewhat enjoyable.

Hernandez did a decent job but I was more impressed by Van Peebles and Combs who both have much more depth than I had given them credit for having. Guzman delivered as usual and the rest of the supporting cast did a nice job. There wasn't a lot of energy here, but there was some.

Camera work, sets, and background were all nicely done and the film apparently had a reasonable budget. Dialogue and sound were also good, as were effects and action sequences.

Overall a decent mob flick but a failure as a prequel. Plenty of violence, foul language, drugs, and some sexual content but older teens and above should be fine with this one.

Karla

Released: 2006
Reviewed: 10.27.09
Star rating: 3 out of 5

Laura Prepon (Karla), Misha Collins (Paul), Patrick Bauchau (Dr. Arnold), Emilie Jacobs (Debbie), Alex Boyd (Nick), Cherilyn Hayres (Tammy), Fiona Manners, Tanya Lemelle.

Based on a true story, the husband-and-wife team of Karla and Paul abduct, sexually abuse, and kill three young women. The story is told from Karla's perspective as she recounts events to psychologist Dr. Arnold in an attempt to gain early parole.



This film kicks off in a disturbing manner and continues to gain momentum in that direction right up to the end. I'm surprised at the number of poor reviews I've seen as I found the film to be a delightfully disturbing look at a rare serial-killer team. I haven't read the book so can't compare it to that. Nor have I seen any of the actual video or news reports, so I can't compare to those. Standing by itself, the film delivers a disturbing plot and makes rape and killing look almost too easy. There are a few slow parts but the psychological development was as interesting as the action scenes to me.

Acting was okay but not outstanding by anyone. It was nice to see Prepon in something beside That 70's show and realize she does have talent. Collins and Bauchau delivered their usual performances, mild energy and audience connection. The rest of the supporting cast did well but lack of experience was obvious at times.

Camera work, background and sets were all mediocre and the film looked to be lower budget though that could have been intentional as I believe the setting was more than a few years ago. Sound and dialogue were okay, nothing special. Gore shots and action scenes were well done.

Overall I enjoyed this one, despite the dark and disturbing storyline. It was dark, moody, and threw the story at you head-on without plot conventions or diversions. With plenty of violence including murder, rape, and abuse along with plenty of foul language and disturbing sexual content save this one for adults and above.

The Darkroom

Released: 2006

Reviewed: 10.26.09
Star rating: 3 out of 5

Shawn Pyfrom (Stanley), Reed Diamond (Man), Ellie Cornell (Dr. Allen), Greg Grunberg (Bob), Lucy Lawless (Cheryl), Erin Foster (Kimberly), Julian Berlin (Loretta).


Waking up in a mental hospital with no memory of your life, including your name, is disturbing enough without suspecting you may have done something evil. So when an experimental drug that can possibly restore memory is offered to a man in just such a situation he agrees. Seeing opportunity, he escapes the hospital and as his memory starts to return he meets a young boy. The only remaining question is whether his returning memory will be a blessing or a curse.

This one briefly starts off well then stalls for a bit and looks like it will be a dud. Thankfully the plot then starts moving and the film gets much better. As the plot develops we are led down a path that doesn't take us close to where we expected with the twists thrown in at the end. The only real disappointments are poorly done plot contrivances such as a cop running a speed-trap on a deserted country dirt road so bumpy it would be impossible to speed anyway.

Acting was pretty good from Pyfrom and Grunberg. Diamond was a bit dry and emotionless while Lawless, Foster and Berlin all did very well. There just didn't seem to be a lot of spark between most of the actors.

Camera work, sets and backgrounds were okay but this was obviously a lower budget film. This was obvious with some of the special effects as well, particularly the mud monster and with vehicle stunts. The chain effects were nicely creepy though. Sound was poor with extreme variations between highs and lows. Dialogue was decent but could have been better.

Overall this was a decent thriller, not really a horror flick as billed. With average acting, decent plot, and lower budget this one lands dead in the middle of the ratings and category in my opinion. With gratuitous nude scenes, mild foul language, violence, and monsters this should probably be saved for the oldest teens and above.

Taken

Released: 2008

Review Date: 10.25.09
Star rating: 5 out of 5

Liam Neeson (Bryan), Maggie Grace (Kim), Leland Orser (Sam), Katie Cassidy (Amanda), Holly Valance (Sheerah), Xander Berkeley (Stuart), Gerard Watkins (St-Clair), Famke Janssen (Lenore).

When Kim and Amanda go to Paris on vacation together the last thing they expect is to be kidnapped by human traffickers and sold into forced prostitution. And the last thing the kidnappers expected was Kim's tenacious father Bryan dedicating his special forces and spy skills to finding Kim and ending their lives.

This one kicks off with character development and background in the form of a soft and sweet drama centered around Amanda's divorced parents Bryan and Lenore. Suddenly, the film kicks into overdrive with suspensful drama and action that has you on the edge of your seat in moments. Get comfy, because it doesn't slow down until the very end and even then I was expecting some incredible event that would set the movie up for a sequel. And I do hope they make a sequel! The action, suspense, and drama in this film were delicious. The plot was really pretty simple but the delivery was very well done. Nice action mixed with very few slow moments kept the plot moving and the tension level very high throughout the movie.

Acting was very nicely done by Neeson. This role fit him well and he played the part almost perfectly. Never being a huge Neeson fan, I was impressed with him in this movie. Supporting work by everyone else in the film was also nicely done.

Camera work, sets, background, and sound were all well done and added to the quality of the film. Dialogue was a bit of a challenge at times with a couple of other languages beside English and a variety of heavy accents.

Overall this was a very well done crime thriller or action film that I'm sure to watch again. If you like the genre, put this one at the top of your Must See list. No nudity, sexuality, or serious foul language so the biggest concern here with younger viewers would be the plentiful violence and explaining the world of human slavery. Mid-teens and above should be fine with this one.

Fast & Furious (4)

Released: 2009
Reviewed: 10.25.09
Star rating: 5 out of 5

Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto), Paul Walker (Brian), Jordana Brewster (Mia), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty), John Ortiz (Campos), Laz Alonso (Fenix), Gal Gadot (Gisele), Shea Whigham (Stasiak).

Dom has walked away from the messy life of racing after his brush with both the law and death in the first installment of this franchise. But in this episode Dom finds himself back in the middle of both racing and crime. Partnered once again with Brian, Dom is in Take No Prisoners mode as he tries to right some wrongs while performing convoy heists and racing through tunnels.

If you read my reviews you know I dislike comparing films but this was an excellent sequel to the original. With Diesel, Walker, Brewster and Rodriguez back to reprise their roles and a plot with elements of the original this movie was a true extension of the first film in every way. Picking up close to where the first film left off, this one immediately has the gang back to pulling heists and soon has Dom and Brian working together under-cover once again. There was one major disappointment to the plot when we lose a main character who I won't name so as to not spoil things but otherwise the film was wonderful. Brewster's role was much less sexy in this one which was also a mild disappointment.

Acting by everyone was on par with their roles in the original, with good delivery and chemistry. Oritz and Alonso were nice additions and also did well supporting. Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done indicating a well budgeted film. Special effects were very nicely done with only a few grossly over the top. Sound and dialogue were good and fit the film well.

Overall this was a very enjoyable sequel reminiscent of the original and well worth watching. If you are a fan of the franchise put this at the top of your Must See list, otherwise in the top half is good. Plenty of violence, some foul language and drug use, and mild sexual content but this should be fine for preens and above.

The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 10.22.09
Star rating: 3 out of 5

Michael Copon (Mathayus), Karen David (Layla), Simon Quarterman (Ari), Tom Wu (Fong), Randy Couture (Sargon), Natalie Becker (Astarte), Andreas Wisniewski (Pollux).

Mathayus is out for vengence against the evil King Sargon who killed his father and now rules his world. This prequel to The Scorpion King follows his struggle from boy to manhood as he learns about the world and struggles to exact his revenge and eventually become king himself.

This was a prequel to a prequel I believe. Interestingly enough, the further back in time they attempt to take this story the worse it becomes. The plot in this one was decent enough but seems to get bogged down in the end by special effects and an attempt at a dramatic finish that ties in to the next part of the story. The result is a mediocre action sci-fi without much emotional energy.

Acting by Copon was pretty good and he was convincing in his role, as were David and Quarterman. And Wu was just plain hysterical in his part. Couture was the big disappointment and completely miscast. Physically he fit the role perfectly but as soon as he opens his mouth it is obvious he has little to no acting talent. A different person in that role would have made the film so much better.

Camera work, sets and background were all nicely done exhibiting quality filmmaking. Effects were well done but a bit over the top in some scenes. Sound and dialogue were mediocre lacking serious energy. For the budget I expect this film had it didn't come off nearly as well as it should have.

In the end this was a mediocre film worth watching if you want to understand the whole Scorpion King story or maybe for family film night. Advisories warn against sexual content but I really don't recall seeing anything that should limit the viewing audience much. A fair amount of violence as well but teens and above should be fine with this one.

Death Race

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 10.22.09
Star rating: 5 out of 5

Jason Statham (Jensen), Joan Allen (Warden Hennessey), Ian McShane (Coach), Tyrese Gibson (Joe), Natalie Martinez (Case), Max Ryan (Pachenko), Robert LaSardo (Grimm), Jacob Vargas (Gunner), Jason Clarke (Ulrich).

In this futuristic mix of thriller, action, and horror Jensen is an ex-racer who finds himself back in prison and forced to compete in an insane 3-day race for world enjoyment. Driving an armored car fitted with machine guns, bombs, and other nasty devices against several other drivers he will gain his freedom if he wins.



If you are looking for mental stimulation, forget it. You won't find it here. There is much more to the plot than mentioned in the summary and though it is solid, it is only part of the story. The deal here is action, violence, car crashes, and explosions. The futuristic slant to the film and the way the races are shown makes for a very interesting film and lets the viewer be both detached and involved at the same time. I was a little disappointed at the Disney ending but it nicely brought the film back to reality at the same time.

Acting was decent enough with Statham delivering in his usual manner. Allen rocked as the evil Warden while McShane reminded me of Pacino in a few scenes. Gibson was very good playing a scumball while Martinez, Ryan, LaSardo and the rest did a great job supporting. There was a good balance between character development and plot movement that kept the film flowing well.

Camera work was good though scenes often switched frequently during action sequences making it challenging to watch. I was impressed with action scenes as there seemed to be very little CGI. Either it was done exceptionally well or there just wasn't much CGI used. Sets and background were awesome as were the vehicles. Sound and dialogue were also well done and lent to the feel of a quality film with a good budget.

Overall I enjoyed this one a lot. Granted the film will appeal to a specific type of viewer who enjoys car racing, futuristic themes, and testosterone fueled action without being mired in mental stimulation. This is total boy eye-candy from start to finish. If that's what you like plant this one firmly at the top of your Must See list. With plenty of foul language, violence, and gore save this one for teens and above.