Movie review: Phantasm: Ravager

In this final chapter of the long-running Phantasm series Reggie and the gang are once again battling the Tall Man through time and space. Will this be the end?

A. Michael Baldwin (Mike), Reggie Bannister (Reggie), Dawn Cody (Dawn/Jane), Gloria Henry (Rocky), Stephen Jutras (Chunk), Angus Scrimm (Tall Man), Bill Thornbury (Jody), Daniel Roebuck (Demeter).

Phantasm: Ravager picks up where the story left off but just in case you forgot, we get to follow along as Reggie walks through the desert alone reminiscing to remind us. Before long we are back in familiar territory with spheres and Reggie drooling over a pretty woman, Dawn. And true to the franchise time and space seem to warp without explanation between mental institutions, dimensions, and flashback footage from previous films.

Acting was par for the course with Bannister and Baldwin delivering their usual. Scrimm is still delivering the creepy, though his role this time around felt softer somehow. Thornbury, Cody, Henry and the remainder of the cast were a mix of rough and rougher.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds have improved slightly in this franchise over the years and this entry was no exception. Dialogue was okay for the most part. Sound and soundtrack are the usual.

Overall this one sadly feels like a generic entry in the franchise that recycled events, adding little to the story. As an ending to the franchise, if it really is, this was a bit disappointing. Fans of the series may feel a bit let down by this one while those new to Phantasm will be hopelessly lost and confused.

With some blood, gore, and foul language this one should put teens and above to sleep easily.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 6.24.20
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Action, Supernatural Horror, Cult Classics

copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Rocketman

The musical biopic of Elton John and his rise as a performance powerhouse. From a small town boy to musical superstar and everything between.

Taron Egerton (Elton), Jamie Bell (Bernie Taupin), Richard Madden (John Reid), Bryce Howard (Sheila), Gemma Jones (Ivy), Steven Mackintosh (Stan), Tom Bennett (Fred), Peter O'Hanlon (Bobby), Evan Walsh (Elton Dean).

Rocketman wastes no time getting straight to the music while spilling a few beans about upcoming scenes. Before long we are well into his life and the accompanying problems. The surprising part of the film was that Elton does not seem to have had a happy life. That said, the film is a well done story with nice depth and plot movement.

Acting from Egerton was exceptionally well done with solid emotion in an incredible variety of situations which he handled very well. Bell worked well with Egerton and also delivered solidly. Madden, Howard, Jones and the remainder of the supporting cast delivered well throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good with a real-life big-screen feel which fit well with such a strong storyline. Effects are minimal and good. Dialogue was a big piece here and handled very well. Sound and soundtrack are two more stars here with excellent choice of songs for the film and wonderful performances of the same.

The music and drama are blended so well here that biopic and musical fans alike should enjoy this one. While I have no idea of accuracy, those with an interest in learning more about Elton should enjoy it as well.

With a fair amount of sexuality, a bit of mild violence, prolific foul language and adult situations, I would try and save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 6.24.20
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Biography, Music, Drama, Musical Biographies, Films based on Real Life

copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Harriet

Based on the life of American hero Harriet Tubman, Harriet chronicles her life as she escapes slavery to become one of the most prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad ferrying many to safety and freedom.

Cynthia Erivo (Harriet), Leslie Odom Jr. (William Still), Joe Alwyn (Gideon Brodess), Clarke Peters (Ben), Vanessa Calloway (Rit), Omar Dorsey (Bigger), Henry Hall (Walter), Janelle Monae (Marie).

Harriet begins by showing us the life of Harriet, and the circumstances of her slavery. The film quickly establishes power dynamics of the time while rolling out much of the remaining cast, and the story gets rolling. The film moves along well and doesn't miss a beat when Harriet escapes her slave masters shifting quickly to her role with the Underground Railroad. The remainder of the film has a few minor supporting plot points but seemed to lose coherence toward the end and feel rushed.

Acting was solid with Erivo delivering exceptionally well in multiple settings. Alwyn assumed the role of antagonist and managed it nicely. Dorsey fit well in his almost disturbing role while Peters, Calloway, Monae, and the remainder of the supporting cast were solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds all felt period appropriate and solid with strong use of what appeared to be natural scenery. CGI and effects seemed to be minimal. Dialogue was good and the real meat of the film. Things moved at a good pace with nice detail. Sound and soundtrack are very enjoyable.

Overall Harriet feels like a good representation of the life of American icon Harriet Tubman. Action is very good, technical work well done, and the story itself emotionally impacting for a variety of reasons. Those who enjoy historical or biographical dramas should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 6.20.20
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Biography, Action, Period Pieces, Social Issues

copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel