Movie review: Street Trash

When a liquor store owner finds a dusty old case of Viper in the basement he decides to sell it to the local homeless and make a quick buck. This dark comedy follows along as the homeless find that Viper melts anyone who drinks it!

Mike Lackey (Fred), Bill Chepil (Bill The Cop), Vic Noto (Bronson), Mark Sferrazza (Kevin), Jane Arakawa (Wendy), Nicole Potter (Winette), Pat Ryan (Frank), James Lorinz (Doorman), Tony Darrow (Nick Duran).

Street Trash is a dark, satirical horror from the late 80's that jumps in your face from the start. The storyline is pretty simple; liquor store owner finds a case of Viper, sells it to the local homeless whom Viper melts when it is drank. To add some depth a few colorful characters were added giving us sexual assault, a psychopath reliving Vietnam, and the mob. As if that weren't enough, colorful language and some fairly explicit sexuality accompany the psychedelic melting bums along with raunchy humor. The result is a film you can't stop watching while wondering why you are watching it at all.

Acting was 1980's awful. Missed cues, poor delivery, and lack of emotion were prolific in this one. Lackey and Sferrazza were okay but not good enough to carry the film. Lorinz was enjoyable, if only because of his obvious inexperience and chemistry with Darrow.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were amusing if not enjoyable. The film was apparently shot in a junkyard somewhere which, while providing a realistic backdrop didn't quite fit at times. Special effects were wonderful 80's animation and stunt work that you just don't see anymore. Dialogue was campy, quirky, and just plain nonsense at times. Sound and soundtrack were surprisingly decent.

If you enjoy campy classic horror, B-movies, 80's low-budget special effects, or humor that is over the top, check this one out. For those wanting a plot with depth, or quality production and technical work, move along.

With plenty of foul language, disturbing sexuality including assault, alcohol use, nudity, and the potential for lasting brain damage, save this for older teens and above.

Released: 1987
Reviewed: 1.15.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Comedy Horror, B-movies, Campy Horror, Dark Comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Darkman

Almost killed by gangsters in an explosion, a scientist survives to become Darkman; an incredibly strong, devious, and emotionally tormented antihero.

Liam Neeson (Peyton/Darkman), Frances McDormand (Julie), Colin Friels (Louis), Larry Drake (Durant), Nelson Mashita (Yakitito), Jessie Ferguson (Eddie), Ted Raimi (Rick), Rafael Robledo (Guzman), Dan Hicks (Skip).

Darkman begins well enough with some character introductions and plot setup before the film settles into a decent pace of action and horror punctuated with drama. The story evolves well and holds interest nicely as we watch Peyton's life disintegrate despite his efforts. The plot shifts strongly as Peyton transforms into Darkman and ironically takes control of his now destroyed life.

Acting was pretty good with Neeson doing a much better job as Darkman than he did as Peyton. McDormand was solid if somewhat bland. Drake was a good addition, bringing a darkness to the film and driving the horror. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and delivered well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are nicely done with a big-budget feel throughout. Action scenes were plentiful and nicely done, though the film is starting to show some age with obvious, almost comical, CGI at times. Dialogue was decent with only a few campy moments. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Though showing some age at this point, Darkman remains an enjoyable horror flick due to good technical work, acting, and entertaining plot. Horror fans should put this one on their Must See list if they haven't seen it yet.

With some disturbing images, gore, and violence this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 1990
Reviewed: 1.12.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Action & Adventure, Comic book movies, Crime Action & Adventure, Horror Thrillers

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Godfather

Organized-crime is a thriving business and Vito Corleone is on top of the world, until a rival family tries to kill him. Barely surviving the attack, Vito's son Michael steps in to take over the family business and seek revenge for the attack on his father.

Marlon Brando (Vito), Al Pacino (Michael), James Caan (Sonny), Richard Castellano (Clemenza), Robert Duvall (Tom), Sterling Hayden (Capt. McCluskey), John Marley (Woltz), Diane Keaton (Kay), Abe Vigoda (Tessio).

With a stellar cast and storyline The Godfather is an intricate story that takes a deeper look into an organized-crime family. The plot is detailed and broad painting a big picture of crime, as well as bringing us into the drama and emotions of a well organized crime family. The result is a film that engages the audience on several levels and holds interest well.

Acting was quite simply wonderful with this cast of stars. Brando delivered very well and truly felt like a mob boss. Pacino, young as he was here, did nicely with good delivery and emotion. Caan and Duvall, also quite young, both showed their skills here supporting the main characters very well. The remainder of the cast with few exceptions was very good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all nicely done in this apparent big-budget film. Action scenes are good but are also showing some age. Amazingly, old as this film is, it still feels timely when viewing. Dialogue was enjoyable with nice detail and great depth. Sound and soundtrack were nicely done.

I'm not a big fan of crime films nor am I fascinated by organized-crime but The Godfather quite simply is a must-see film. The cast, technical work, and storyline make this a timeless classic that you should see if you haven't.

With violence, foul language, and nudity save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 1972
Reviewed: 1.12.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime Drama, Mobster films, Classics, Period Pieces, Movies based on books

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Tom Segura: Mostly Stories

Sarcastic and comically bitter Tom Segura pontificates on meeting Mike Tyson, flying, body piercings and men's bodies.

Tom Segura: Mostly Stories is a perfect title for this show as Tom's comedy is shared primarily via stories. Thankfully he is a good storyteller who is able to grab and hold your attention through the punchline. With some mild impressions and a smattering of foul language Tom does a nice job of bringing you into his story and making you feel a part of it while bringing out some good laughs.

The setting is a typical stage format without much in the way of decoration. Camera work is good with Tom well framed and focused upon throughout the show. Sound was well done, and his dialogue was enjoyable.

Those who enjoy off-color or after-dark comedy should enjoy this one.

Rated TV-MA, this one should be fine for older teens and above who have probably already heard, and possibly used, most of the foul language heard in this show.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 1.11.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Stand-up comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: StageFright: Aquarius

Frustrated with progress of his musical about a mass killer, the stage manager locks his cast inside the theater vowing to practice until they get it right. What none of them realize is that an escaped mental asylum lunatic is locked inside with them.

David Brandon (Peter), Barbara Cupisti (Alicia), Comenico Fiore (Police Chief), Robert Gligorov (Danny), Mickey Knox (Old cop), Giovanni Radice (Brett), Clain Parker (Irving), Loredana Parrella (Corrine).

StageFright: Aquarius is a strange entry level horror flick that seems to focus more on how the story is told than on the story itself. The plot is familiar, somewhat worn, and has more than a few holes. Though the story is horror, the film seems to focus more on the suspense and drama. The result is a serial killer running around wearing a huge owl head for no apparent reason while a bunch of stage actors run around screaming.

Acting was somewhat bland here with Brandon leading the pack and delivering a low energy performance. Some of the main cast did better investing energy in their performances but it wasn't quite enough, leaving the film feeling bland and lacking.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were typical 80's with a mild fake feel and fuzzy camera work. Action scenes were mild throughout. Dialogue was campy, corny, and could have done more to add depth. Sound and soundtrack were mild.

Overall StageFright: Aquarius isn't a bad film, but it isn't a great film nor does it add much to the genre. Fans of foreign films, Italian films, or foreign horror may enjoy this one. For the rest of you, find something more current.

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

Released: 1987
Reviewed: 1.8.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Foreign Horror, Italian Horror, Mystery, Suspense

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Human Centipede 3: The Final Sequence

Searching for a solution to prison costs, warden Bill and his accountant Dwight find inspiration in the first two Human Centipede films, deciding to turn their prisoners into the largest human centipede ever.

Eric Roberts (Gov. Hughes), Bree Olson (Daisy), Tommy Lister (Inmate 178), Robert LaSardo (Inmate 297), Tom Six (Himself), Dieter Laser (Bill Boss), Laurence Harvey (Dwight), Clayton Rohner (Dr. Jones).

The first two films were quite strange and this one is no different. Warden Boss is tired of unruly prisoners, overcrowding, and riots. He is also quite literally insane and along with his accountant, decides stitching the inmates together into a human centipede will solve all his problems. Throw in some disturbing sexual behavior, cruel twisted violence, and some alcohol and you are in for one warped roller-coaster ride of depravity and lunacy.

I couldn't tell if Laser is actually, truly insane or just a really good actor. Either way his performance was quite disturbing on several levels. Olson was an interesting choice and while pleasant to look at, seemed to be in this one specifically as a porn star. Roberts did well with a somewhat mild and thankfully normal role. Lister and LaSardo were good as always, and it was nice seeing Harvey in a reasonably normal role as well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were mild but good and seemed to fit the film well. Action scenes ranged from tepid to truly disturbing and were well done. Gore in particular had great impact. Dialogue was mediocre with Laser being ridiculously difficult to understand at times. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

The Human Centipede franchise has found a niche with incredibly disturbing and controversial images and themes. The Human Centipede 3: The Final Sequence is no different. Those who enjoyed the first film should enjoy this one as well.

Quite simply the best warning for this film is to not watch it if you are disturbed by alternative sexuality, gore, violence, or socially controversial themes. If instead you can accept it as entertainment you should enjoy this one.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 1.8.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Suicide Theory

Percival is having a rough life he would prefer to simply end. The problem is; he is immortal. A failed suicide attempt under his belt and a paid hit man who can't seem to get the job done, Percival must come to terms with his life before he can die.

Steve Mouzakis (Steven), Leon Cain (Percival), Joss McWilliam (Thomas), Matthew Scully (Brad), Todd Levi (Doctor), Nicholas Cooper (Todd), Erin Connor (Jessica).

The Suicide Theory begins by jumping straight to Percival hiring Steven to kill him. Of course this leads to the two learning about each other which is accomplished via extensive dialogue that unfortunately just isn't very interesting. Some mild action is thrown in but even that isn't enough to keep the story entertaining.

Acting was a bit rough here. Mouzakis felt out of place with a strange attitude and apparent self-worth. Cain was mildly more interesting but couldn't carry the film himself. The rest of the cast was mediocre, feeling somewhat unpracticed and inexperienced.

Technical work in this one was also a bit rough. Washed out colors, strange perspectives, and poor lighting dominated the film. Action scenes were decent enough. Dialogue was somewhat bland and lethargic. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

The Suicide Theory is quite simply a difficult film to engage with. Those who can connect with the story will probably enjoy it quite a bit while those who can't will likely feel the film is a waste of time. Which one will you be?

With violence, foul language, gore, and some sexual content this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 1.8.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime Drama, Crime Thriller, Independent Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel