Movie review: Kink

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Movie review: Love

Murphy may be living in Paris with his wife and child, but it is the intense sexual relationship he used to have with Electra that occupies his mind.

Aomi Muyock (Electra), Karl Glusman (Murphy), Klara Kristin (Omi), Ugo Fox (Gaspar), Juan Saavedra (Julio), Gaspar Noe (Noe), Isabelle Nicou (Nora), Benoit Debie (Yuyo).

Love begins by jumping straight to the sexual aspect of the film in a scene with Murphy and Electra. The story that evolves is a reliving of Murphy's relationship with Electra contrasted against his current life. Along the way his relationship with Omi begins and the film finally wraps up by showing us Murphy's real life and memories are completely intertwined.

Although the film sounds like it has a good plot, it really doesn't. The film smacks of a guy regretting the choices he made, wishing he could re-live sexual adventures, and electing to tell his story as soft-core pornography. The result was an excruciatingly slow moving film that lacked a plot with depth and was only interesting as long as the intimacy lasted.

Acting was dry and surprisingly emotionally detached for a film that was supposed to be about love and emotion. Glusman, despite attempts otherwise, came across simply as a guy wanting to sleep with women which actually detracted from the film. Muyock was mildly better with some decent bursts of emotion. Kristin, and much of the rest of the cast, felt like they had no emotional energy for the film.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were decent if somewhat mild. Intimate scenes were good with just enough detail they felt erotic without being raunchy. Dialogue was almost pointless through much of the film which is good, because it wasn't. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

As a film about romance, this one almost completely fails. As soft-core pornography it isn't bad. View accordingly. And if you are not okay with nudity, sexuality, or genitalia you may want to pass on this one.

With plenty of graphic sexuality, nudity, mild violence, and foul language, save this one for adults and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 9.12.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Romance, Drama, Independent Drama, Foreign Romance, Steamy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Revenant

While on a fur trading expedition in the 1820's, trapper Hugh Glass is mauled by a bear and left for dead by his hunting team. Alone in the wilderness and fighting for his life, the desire for revenge drives Hugh to stay alive and seek justice for his murdered son.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Hugh), Tom Hardy (Fitzgerald), Domhnall Gleeson (Capt. Henry), Will Poulter (Bridger), Forrest Goodluck (Hawk), Paul Anderson (Anderson), Kristoffer Joner (Murphy), Joshua Burge (Stubby Bill).

The Revenant begins with some character introductions and setup before smoothly transitioning to the main plot with the bear attack on Hugh. While the summary implies revenge is the main story, it is really about survival. The things Hugh must go through to survive are intense and incredible to say the least and the film builds suspense and tension wonderfully. The story finally winds down with an appropriate, if somewhat meek, ending.

Acting was very well done with DiCaprio putting forth an incredible performance under a variety of intense situations. Hardy also delivered very well with good emotion and intensity, and apparent chemistry with DiCaprio. Gleeson and Poulter were enjoyable in supporting roles, as was the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were simply incredible. Scenery was beautiful, intense, used well, and a big part of the film. CGI and effects were very nicely done and added depth to the film. Action scenes were often brutal and very dramatic. Dialogue was good though use of subtitles was needed at first to overcome some accents. Sound and soundtrack were very nice throughout the film.

As a story The Revenant is an attention grabber, and was translated to film well. The intensity and tension are built wonderfully and the story moves along well with only the mild ending being slightly disappointing. That said, the over 150 minute run time became a bit tedious toward the end. Action adventure fans should enjoy this one.

Be warned, this film is ridiculously intense. The bear attack alone will disturb many viewers, and other events will impact the rest. Extreme graphic violence, disturbing gore, nudity, sexuality, and foul language mean this one should be saved for older, mature teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 9.12.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Western Action, Action Thrillers, Adventure

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Dead Set

Housemates in the Big Brother house are oblivious to the horde of fast-moving zombies that are wreaking havoc on the film studio grounds.

Jaime Winstone (Kelly), Andy Nyman (Patrick), Riz Ahmed (Riq), Warren Brown (Marky), Liz Brice (Alex), Beth Cordingly (Veronica), Adam Deacon (Space), Kevin Eldon (Joplin), Kathleen McDermott (Pippa).

The Big Brother housemates are nearing the end of the season when one of them is voted out of the house. Saying her farewell, she walks out of the house right as a zombie outbreak reaches the film studio grounds. What the series doesn't do is transition into the zombie apocalypse at all, it just is. From here the rest of the series is a fairly typical zombie flick as people struggle to survive.

Acting felt pretty rough in this one as apparently experience, and in some case skills, were lacking. Eldon was interesting and seemed to fit his role well. Nyman played a jerk perfectly. The remainder of the cast was okay at best.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were lacking somewhat in Dead Set. Camera work was shaky, fast moving, and elementary at best. Sets and backgrounds actually felt contrived, leaving the series without an authentic feel. Action scenes were okay but supported well by costuming and good gore. Dialogue was flat and accents were hard to follow. Sound was mediocre.

Overall you best be a serious zombie fan to watch Dead Set. Along with adding nothing to the genre, technically the series is a bit messy and acting is weak to say the least. That said, reviewers seem to either hate or love the series so if you do watch, I hope you enjoy Dead Set.

Believe it or not this one has some gore and violence! In addition you will find; sexual references, nudity, more gore, profanity, and more violence. Save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 9.8.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Zombie films, British zombie films, Horror series, British TV series

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Owl Power

Following two barn owls chicks as they develop and mature, Owl Power explores the special abilities and adaptations that make them such good hunters and mysterious nighttime dwellers.

Paul Christie (Narrator), Lloyd Buck, Rose Buck, Luna the owl, Lily the owl.

Nature: Owl Power dives into the lives and physiology of owls to help explain their impressive hunting skills and nighttime lives. Following two barn owl chicks, Luna and Lily, from birth to maturity with their handlers and trainers, Lloyd and Rose Buck, we get a good look at how owls develop. Testing the owls against other birds such as pigeons and falcons explains a lot about how owls hunt. And taking a look at parts of the owls physiology is incredibly interesting as well as educational.

Camera work was very well done with some great pictures of owls both in nature and captivity, at rest and in action, including in flight. Use of natural scenery, infrared filming, and graphics was nicely done and easily explained some of the concepts being discussed. Dialogue was educational and easily understood. Sound is well done.

If you have an interest in owls, check this one out. The documentary explains most of the common mysteries around owls in a comfortable manner even younger viewers should enjoy.

Nothing here to limit audience age. A few scenes of owls catching mice, but nothing that should disturb younger viewers.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 9.8.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Documentary, Family films, Nature & Science

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Man Up

Sometimes being in the wrong place at the right time is a good thing. And sometimes, being in the wrong place at the wrong time can help you find Mr. Right.

Lake Bell (Nancy), Simon Pegg (Jack), Ophelia Lovibond (Jessica), Sharon Horgan (Elaine), Paul Thornley (Adam), Rory Kinnear (Sean), Ken Stott (Bert), Harriet Walter (Fran), Olivia Williams (Hilary).

Man Up begins with some extensive character introductions and background laced with tiny bits of humor. As the story starts rolling things get a bit more interesting and the humor starts slowly increasing. With Nancy and Jack now interacting the story becomes a fairly high-energy and humorous romantic comedy. At the same time the story doesn't really add much to the genre nor are there many surprises up through the Happy Ever After ending.

This one caught my eye because of Pegg, and he didn't disappoint. Though a more PG role for Pegg, he delivered wonderfully and brought the comedy as always. Bell didn't look like a good match with Pegg at first, but she slipped into the role and pulled it off quite well. Lovibond, Horgan, and the remainder of the cast had much smaller roles which they all managed nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with nice natural looking sets that fit the film. Action scenes were mild but fitting. Dialogue was good and had nice depth, though in a couple of scenes accents were a challenge. Sound and soundtrack were enjoyable throughout.

As romantic comedies go Man Up doesn't break any new ground, but the film is funny and engaging without requiring much contemplation. The story flows well at a good pace and the 88 minute run-time is plenty. Fans of lighter-hearted romance films, or mild comedies, should enjoy this one.

With some foul language, including sexual references, this should be fine for older, mature teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 9.8.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Romantic comedy, Comedy, Romance, British films

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Road Trip

After cheating on his girlfriend and video taping the infidelity things can't seem to get much worse for Josh. Until one of his friends accidentally mails the tape to her. Setting out on a road-trip to intercept the tape, things can only get better for Josh now!

Breckin Meyer (Josh), Seann Scott (E.L.), Amy Smart (Beth), Paulo Costanzo (Rubin), DJ Qualls (Kyle), Tom Green (Barry), Rachel Blanchard (Tiffany), Anthony Rapp (Jacob), Fred Ward (Earl), Andy Dick (Motel Clerk).

Road Trip begins with some good character introductions and plot setup before things really begin rolling. When the plot shows up the film completes morphing into a crotch humor comedy as the four friends finally hit the road. The rest is a fairly easily anticipated adventure of bad choices, worse choices, accidents and general mayhem. With a slight twist the film finishes well.

Acting was okay with Meyer delivering his usual for the time. Scott was in-type here and as always, fit the role nicely, though he seemed a bit subdued in this one. Smart, Costanzo, and Qualls all did well. Green was absolutely hysterical, with Ward and Dick right behind.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with nice use of natural scenery. Mild action scenes and a nice explosion were enjoyable. Dialogue was campy, corny, and almost romantic at times. Sound and soundtrack were fitting and fun.

Overall Road Trip is a fun little Late Night Comedy that delivers a few laughs without requiring a lot of attention or taking itself more seriously than it should. Teens and genre fans should enjoy this one.

With nudity including in a sexual context, sexuality, crude humor, drug use, and adult situations, save this for older teens and above.

Released: 2000
Reviewed: 9.7.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Late Night Comedy, Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Adventure, Comedy Adventure

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie Review: Sliding Doors

What if your love life and career both hinged on your catching a train? This is the case for Helen, an attractive London woman, as both versions are shown to the audience as alternate realities.

Gwyneth Paltrow (Helen), John Hannah (James), John Lynch (Gerry), Jeanne Tripplehorn (Lydia), Nina Young (Claudia), Virginia McKenna (James' Mom), Kevin McNally (Paul), Terry English (Cabbie).

Sliding Doors begins with some mild character introduction and background before the plot begins to unfold. As the two alternate timelines begin to take shape the theme holds interest well and both stories develop nicely. Past the first half of the film however, things begin to feel a bit psychotic as the realities overlap and blend to some extend. Things are finally unwound a bit and the film finishes about as expected, but also on a bit of a flat note as the hanging philosophical question is pretty much swept aside.

Acting was pretty good in Sliding Doors with Paltrow delivering quite well as usual. Hannah was an interesting choice to play against Paltrow, and felt very much like a mismatch at first, but he pulled it off well and managed to fit nicely. Lynch was solid with reasonable delivery. Tripplehorn fit her role perfectly and was enjoyable as always, as was the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good and appear to use natural sets and scenery most of the time. Action scenes are mild, often funny, and enjoyable. Dialogue is solid and fits the film well. Sound and soundtrack are good.

Overall Sliding Doors is an enjoyable Romantic Comedy with some nice laughs and a dose of moral dilemma. What it doesn't have is a well done ending, leaving us feel like there was a lot of buildup without satisfaction. Genre fans should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 1998
Reviewed: 9.7.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Romance, Comedy, British Movies, British Romance

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Charge

In 2009 the Isle of Man held the world's first zero-emissions gran prix. In 2010 the teams returned and raced again. Charge follows the teams as they design, build, and eventually compete against one another on one of the most grueling race tracks in the world.

Narrator: Ewan McGregor

History was made with the first zero-emissions motorcycle gran prix on the Isle of Man TT course in 2009. Charge follows the teams as they design, build, and eventually race their machines against one another. While the film does focus on the race itself, most of the time it is focused on how the teams prepared to compete, and learned from their mistakes. Returning in 2010, the sport is obviously growing quickly and electric motorcycles are proving to be worthy competitors on the street in the future.

One of the more interesting characters in the series was Cedric Lynch, a self-taught electric motor developer who apparently has a better grip on electric motors than most. Eccentric is a good description for Lynch, as is brilliant. Though every team had challenges of some kind, their struggles clearly showed what worked and what didn't, resulting in a nice leap in reliability between the first and second years.

Camera work was good, capturing prep work on the bikes as well as many good racing scenes. Backgrounds were natural and enjoyable. Dialogue was good though some heavier accents were difficult. Sound was solid.

If you have any interest in the future of electric vehicles be sure to check this one out. Though a bit light on technical details at times, most likely due to the preservation of intellectual property, the series does a nice job of exploring the rise of electric motorcycles and the challenges involved.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2011
Reviewed: 9.4.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Documentary, Sports Documentary, Science & Nature

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Caught on Camera

In Great Britain there is a prolific number of CCTV cameras constantly being monitored by police and private individuals for trouble. Follow along as host Nick Wallis shows us how the cameras are used and some of the disturbing incidents caught on film.

Host: Nick Wallis

There are a ridiculous number of CCTV cameras in use in Great Britain by both police and private individuals. Caught on Camera takes a look at how police are using CCTV to not only solve crimes, but to help people by being proactive in many situations. While it is interesting to see how CCTV is being used, which is impressive in some cases, the series starts to feel repetitive after the first couple of seasons. Drunk people and brawlers get a bit tedious after the first couple of seasons.
Something for Americans to remember while watching is that Great Britain does not use the U.S. legal system. The laws, and how they are enforced, is not the same so while some actions may seem to violate individual rights they in fact may be well within the law in Great Britain.

Camera work here is focused on CCTV footage which in many cases is surprisingly good. The series also uses some body camera footage, and film from a police helicopter. Natural scenery is the only background used in the series, and there are no sets. Action and violence is not scripted but is instead real CCTV footage. Dialogue is fairly well done for a documentary. Sound is decent.

Caught on Camera appeals for a couple of reasons. First the series is a reality show, displaying how people act when they think nobody is watching. Second, the series paints a graphic picture of how privacy is being discarded in favor of security. Those with an interest in either subject may enjoy this one, though as mentioned the series does become somewhat repetitive after the second season.

With some graphic violence, this should actually be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 9.4.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: TV Shows, British TV, Crime TV, Reality TV, Documentary

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Deadpool

Ward is an ex-Special Forces operative turned mercenary when he is diagnosed with advanced cancer. Volunteering for a research project that could cure him, it instead leaves Ward disfigured with superhuman healing powers launching him on a path to revenge.

Ryan Reynolds (Wade/Deadpool), Karan Soni (Dopinder), Ed Skrein (Ajax), Michael Benyaer (Warlord), Stefan Kapicic (Colossus voice), Brianna Hildebrand (Negasonic), Morena Baccarin (Vanessa), Style Dayne (Jeremy).

Deadpool is quite simply an unusual approach for a film, particularly for a Marvel production. The story begins with some background on Wade before slipping into the storyline. The storyline however is somewhat out of order, showing some action scenes before they are explained. Along the way there are plenty of laughs from simple humor as well as profanity and crude actions. The film wraps up with a bit of a corny ending, and hopes for a sequel!

Acting was quite enjoyable with this one. Reynolds with his sarcastic humor was a perfect fit in his role and delivered very well. Skrein made a wonderful villain with nice energy and a good fit playing against Reynolds and Baccarin. Baccarin was a nice choice and showed a more racy side of herself with class and style that fit the film well. The remainder of the cast was solid throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done and blended expertly with CGI. Action scenes were intense and also supported well with CGI and effects. Dialogue was good with nice depth, plot movement, and audience engagement with the characters. Sound and soundtrack were enjoyable.

If you are looking for something original and unusual that retains mainstream appeal without unrealistic focus on being artistic, check out Deadpool. Fans of action adventure, late night comedy, or comic book superhero's should enjoy this one quite a bit. Those easily offended by profanity or crude humor may want to take a pass.

With plenty of graphic and hysterical foul language, graphic violence and gore, sexuality, and nudity this should be fine for older teens and above who will try and see it regardless.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 9.2.16
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Genre: Action Comedy, Action Adventure, Late Night Comedy, Comic Book Superheroes, Fantasy action

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Houses October Built

Filming a home-made documentary, five friends set out to find the best Halloween haunted house they can. Instead something finds them, and begins haunting them at every turn.

Brandy Schaefer, Zack Andrews, Bobby Roe, Mikey Roe, Jeff Larson, Bob Ballou, Tansy Alexander (Trannyotomy), Kahl Brice (Head Clown), Robert Benjamin (Clown), Chloe Crampton (Porcelain).

The Houses October Built begins with some interviews before moving to the main plot. As the five friends set out to find the best haunted houses, strange things begin to happen and it appears they may be the hunted instead. While the rest of the film tries to lay out a plot and storyline, trying is all it really does. Interviews mixed with random horror do not a movie make. Though there are a few creepy moments, redemption is not in sight.

Acting was mediocre at best, while most was a bit worse.

Camera work was awful with seemingly everything but the kitchen sink thrown in trying to keep things interesting. While variety is nice, so is stability and consistency. Sets and backgrounds, which appeared mostly natural, were nothing special. Dialogue had a few interesting moments but could have done much more. Sound was decent.

Overall unless you absolutely must see every horror film ever made, skip this one. But if you have a home-made horror fetish be sure and check this one out.

With some nudity, foul language, and some disturbing scenes, older teens and above should be appropriately bored stiff by this one.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 8.30.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: David Cross - Making America Great Again!

From the Paramount Theatre in Texas comes just over an hour of ponderings on various topics by David Cross. Pontificating on the American swagger, religion, and politics including Donald Trump, David definitely has an unusual view of things.

David Cross

David Cross has played some interesting characters in films so I'm not sure why I thought his comedy would be any different. He takes a different, almost quirky, view of things putting together something resembling logic that, together with comedy, is as funny as it is strange. Casually strolling around the stage, David does a nice job of mixing different types of humor and a nice variety of topics.

Camera and spotlight work was good. Stage setting was simple but worked. Sound was good, even when David was doing unusual things with the microphone.

While I'm familiar with David the actor, I wasn't previously familiar with his comedy and found it quite enjoyable. Those who are offended, not just easily, may want to think twice about this one. Meanwhile the rest of us will be busy chuckling.

With plenty of foul language but nothing else, this may be fine for older teens.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 8.30.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Stand-up Comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Gaslight

Years after the murder of her aunt in her home, Paula and her new husband move back into the same house. But Gregory, her new husband, has a secret to protect. Even if it means driving his new wife insane.

Charles Boyer (Gregory), Ingrid Bergman (Paula), Joseph Cotton (Brian), Dame May Whitty (Miss Thwaites), Angela Lansbury (Nancy), Barbara Everest (Elizabeth), Heather Thatcher (Lady Dalroy), Lawrence Grossmith (Lord Dalroy).

Gaslight begins with some mild backstory and character introduction before moving to the main plot. Moving back to the house in which her aunt died, Paula struggles emotionally which Gregory sees as an opportunity to help hide a secret he has been keeping. The rest of the film is a nice mix of misdirection and subtle hints that cast Gregory in a highly suspicious light.

I heard about this film as the origination of the term Gaslighting, and as a good explanation of the term. While the film may explain the original meaning, it doesn't seem to fit well with the currently used definition which seems much more common and less criminal.

Acting was enjoyable with Bergman delivering wonderfully. Boyer also did well with good delivery and emotion. Cotton and Whitty were fun in supporting roles they handled nicely. Lansbury, much younger here, fit her role well and was solid, as was the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with most of the film taking place inside a single house. Made in 1944, this is a black and white that is showing some age. While colors and effects may be missing, the film is well done and easy to watch with good technical work. Dialogue was enjoyable though a bit more explanation about Gregory's secret and other events would have been nice. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall Gaslight is a very enjoyable Classic Thriller. Fans of classics, black and white films, and the slow-build thrillers of the 40's should enjoy this one.

Nothing here to limit audience age. Preens and above should be fine with this one.

Released: 1944
Reviewed: 8.22.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Classic thrillers, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Crime Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Forest

When her twin sister disappears in Japan's "Suicide Forest", Aokigahara Forest, Sara sets out to search for her. Instead she finds the woods a playground for the supernatural.

Natalie Dormer (Sara/Jess), Eoin Macken (Rob), Stephanie Vogt (Valerie), Noriko Sakura (Mayumi), Taylor Kinney (Aiden), Yuho Yamashita (Sakura), Terry Diab (Grandma), Nadja Mazalica (Young Sara/Young Jess).

The Forest begins well enough with some minor backstory and character introductions. After Jess goes missing things get slightly more interesting as Sara sets out in search of her missing twin. Once the story moves to the forest things get much more interesting as the supernatural aspect of the film moves into focus. The rest of the movie is a supernatural horror ride with some thrills, chills, BOO shots, and a nice twist for an ending.

Acting was decent with Dormer doing a nice job in her dual role with good delivery and emotion. Kinney was enjoyable and did a good job generating doubt with his delivery. The remainder of the cast was solid and fit the film nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good although some of the darker forest scenes were a challenge. Action scenes and CGI were good with nice detail and fit. Dialogue was a bit thin at times, and could have easily added depth to the film. Sound and soundtrack are mild but enjoyable.

Despite a somewhat unusual storyline, The Forest ends up being a basic haunted-woods script with a few mild twists. The plot is interesting, technical work fairly well done, and acting solid making this a nice mid-level horror flick that genre fans should enjoy.

With plenty of graphic violence and gore, some foul language, and just plain scary scenes, this surprisingly should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 8.18.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Supernatural Thriller, Thrillers

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: APEX: The Story of the Hypercar

APEX: The Story of the Hypercar takes a look at a visionary carmaker and his desire to break into the hypercar market, competing against names like Ferrari and McLaren. Along the way the film takes a look behind the scenes at top-secret development facilities, and how the cars are tested on the track.

Zachary Levi (Narrator).

While APEX: The Story of the Hypercar sounds as if it examines the class as a whole, the film really focuses on Swedish entrepreneur Christian von Koenigsegg. His vision is to build a hypercar based on a 1:1 horsepower vs. weight ratio. But rather than focusing on the technical aspects of the car, the film focuses more on competition to market and track testing. Along the way we get a brief look at development by competitors such as Ferrari, McLaren, and Pagani.

Being a documentary there really isn't much acting here, just interviews, which were enjoyable.

Camera work was pretty good with nice use of natural scenery and action cameras used both in and on the cars being examined. For a documentary this one did a nice job of putting us in the drivers seat. Interview dialogue and narration were good. As was sound and technical work overall.

If you are someone who wants design details or a focus on technical specifications you may be a bit disappointed with this one. But if you want a big picture look at hypercar development and marketing, you should enjoy this one.

Nothing here to limit audience age. In fact, younger car fanatics will probably enjoy this one.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 8.13.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Documentary, Automobile

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Hush

A deaf writer who retreated into the woods to live a solitary life must fight for her life in silence when a masked killer appears at her window.

Kate Siegel (Maddie), John Gallagher Jr. (Man), Michael Trucco (John), Samantha Sloyan (Sarah), Emma Graves (Max).

Though deaf, the vibrations of sound in a big city are too much for Maddie, a writer who decides instead to live remotely in the woods. But when a killer appears at her window, his intentions to terrorize and kill her quite clear, Maddie realizes she is truly alone. As the killer uses her lack of hearing against her, he finds Maddie much more aware of what she can't hear than he expected. Rather than explaining the plot well, Hush prefers to focus on the terror and suspense, which is does quite well.

Hush does an amazing job of putting you inside Maddie's head with an understanding of how life would be without sound. The film then uses this new education of yours to its advantage, impressively ratcheting up the terror index with nary a peep.

Acting was very good with Siegel delivering a wonderfully complex performance, really selling her characters inability to hear. Gallagher Jr. also did nicely, coming across as quite menacing and psychotic. Trucco and Sloyan had small parts but delivered well.

Sets and backgrounds were mild but fitting for the film. Camera work did a good job of reinforcing Maddie's lack of hearing which, along with creative use of sound, really brings you into the world of a deaf person. Action scenes were good with a solid, realistic feel. Sound, again, was used well to support the theme of the film.

Being trapped by a killer is a well worn storyline to which Hush adds some new variables, freshening up the plot and making things a bit more interesting. The result is a sleeper film with good technical work, acting, that builds suspense and terror well. Genre fans should enjoy this one.

With graphic violence, foul language, and intense terror scenes, reserve this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 8.13.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Thrillers, Horror Movies, Slasher and Serial Killer, Suspense, Terror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel