Movie review: Red Notice

 Hunting the world's most notorious art thief, Booth, FBI profiler Hartley realizes he must team up with the criminal to catch an even more elusive crook who seems to always be one step ahead.

Dwayne Johnson (Hartley), Ryan Reynolds (Booth), Gal Gadot (Bishop), Ritu Arya (Inspector Das), Chris Diamantopoulous (Voce), Ivan Mbakop (Tambwe), Vincenzo Amato (Gallo), Rafael Petardi (Ricci).

Red Notice is the silly fun that happens when you put three big name actors together who all enjoy a few good laughs. Hartley is on the hunt for notorious art thief Booth when they are both double-crossed by Bishop. Teaming up, the two set out to take Bishop down giving Booth the art he desires and Hartley the arrest he is seeking. The result is an action adventure with more than a few laughs and a storyline that moves long well up through the Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was enjoyable with Johnson, Reynolds, and Gadot all delivering very well and appearing to work well together. Arya and Diamantopoulous both did nicely and brought a bit more depth, while the remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are nicely done with just enough detail given the genre. Action scenes and visual effects are nicely done and integrated together well. Dialogue is a lot of fun with some good laughs and nice subtle humor. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall Red Notice is quite simply; fun. The film remains light and casual with good laughs while moving the storyline along at a nice pace. Those who enjoy fun action comedy should enjoy this one.

With some mild sexuality, some violence, foul language, and a few crude references, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 12.20.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller, Adventure

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Army of Thieves

 In this Army of the Dead prequel, German safecracker Dieter is recruited by a mysterious woman to crack three notorious safes across Europe just as the zombie apocalypse begins.

Matthias Schweighofer (Dieter), Nathalie Emmanuel (Starr), Ruby Fee (Korina), Stuart Martin (Brad), Guz Khan (Rolph), Jonathan Cohen (Delacroix), Noemie Nakai (Beatrix), Christian Steyer (Wagner).

Army of Thieves begins well, showing us a bit of Dieter's life and how he was recruited for the biggest safe-cracking heist in history. With Dieter now a part of the gang and the heist execution underway, the film develops more depth and begins hinting at the upcoming zombie apocalypse. As the suspense intensifies so does the action, and plot depth continues to grow through the fitting ending which adds nicely to the original film.

Acting was good with Schweighofer delivering nicely and maturing well through the film. Emmanual also contributed well and seemed to work well with others. Fee was solid and entertaining as usual, as was Martin and Khan. Cohen gave a solid performance and the remainder of the supporting cast was good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are nicely done with good variety, use of natural scenery, and an overall solid feel. Action scenes fit the film nicely and added well. Dialogue was good with nice movement and depth, though captions were appreciated due to some of the heavier accents. Sound and soundtrack are nicely managed.

Overall Army of Thieves is a very good sequel to Army of the Dead, yet stands alone as a solid film as well. The storyline is fairly unique and holds interest well. Acting and technical work are well done leading the film to flow nicely from start to finish. Those who enjoy crime or heist films, unusual suspense films, or even the prelude details of a zombie apocalypse should enjoy this one.

With some fairly graphic violence and a fair amount of foul language, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 12.20.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Thriller, Comedy, Crime, Action, Prequels

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Fear Street: Part Three - 1666

Fear Street: Part Three - 1666 has Deena returning to 1666 where she learns the truth about Sarah Fier and the night that cursed Shadysiders forever. Meanwhile, in 1994, ther fight for survival and Shadyside's future continues.

Kiana Madeira (Sarah), Ashley Zukerman (Goode), Gillian Jacobs (Adult Ziggy), Olivia Welch (Hannah), Elizabeth Scopel (Real Sarah), Benjamin Flores Jr. (Henry), Randy Havens (George), Julia Rehwald (Lizzie).

Fear Street: Part Three - 1666 finally brings us to the truth about Sarah Fier and the beginnings of the Shadyside curse. With Deena now in 1666 as Sarah, the friends struggle to reunite Sarah with her hand in 1994 with hopes of breaking the curse. As the story unrolls quite a few loose ends and connections are explained, though the timeline movement remains a bit confusing. Once again, once characters and plot are in place, the film takes on a good pace through to the end.

Acting was again solid with Madeira, Zuckerman, Jacobs, Rehwald, and Flores returning again and once again delivering well. Havens, Scopel, and the remainder of the supporting cast were enjoyable and solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are again nicely done with good variety and a reasonably solid feel. VFX and physical effects also remain consistent and fitting. Dialogue continues to have decent depth and move things along, while the varied soundtrack remind us of the storyline timeframe.

Fear Street: Part Three - 1666 does a decent job of wrapping up the franchise. Acting, technical work, and plot remain consistent with the franchise once again. And again, those who enjoyed the first 2 films should enjoy this film and the storyline conclusion.

With a fair amount of sexuality,  plenty of violence, gore, foul language, and potentially disturbing images and scenes, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 10.25.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Teen Screams, LGBTQ Films, Horror Series, Mystery

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel
 

Movie review: Fear Street: Part Two - 1978

 

Returning to Shadyside, this sequel takes place in 1978 when school is out for the summer and Camp Nightwing is welcoming their summer campers. But when the legend continues and another Shadysider is possessed by the urge to kill summer camp turns into a real fight for survival.

Sadie Sink (Ziggy), Emily Rudd (Cindy), Ryan Simpkins (Alice), McCabe Slye (Tommy), Gillian Jacobs (C. Berman), Kiana Madeira (Deena), Benjamin Flores Jr. (Josh), Ted Sutherland (Nick Goode).

Fear Street: Part Two - 1978 begins with C.Berman as this sequel is tied back to the original, though the timeline is more than a little confusing. The Shadyside curse has followed the Shadysiders to Camp Nightwing where the carnage continues when a camper becomes possessed by the urge to kill. With the plot now in place, the story becomes about survival and solving the curse before everyone is killed leading to a fairly fast moving ride to the end.

Acting was once again pretty good with Sink and Rudd both delivering well in a variety of scenes. Simpkins added nicely and delivered well, as did Slye, Jacobs, Madeira, Flores and the remainder of the supporting cast many of which returned in their previous roles.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are again nicely done with good variety and a reasonably solid feel. VFX and physical effects also remain consistent and fitting. Dialogue continues to have decent depth and move things along, while the varied soundtrack remind us of the storyline timeframe.

Overall Fear Street: Part Two - 1978 is an enjoyable sequel consistent with the first film. This installment builds on the main plot while adding nice depth to the storyline and characters. Those who enjoyed the first film should enjoy this one.

With a fair amount of sexuality,  plenty of violence, gore, foul language, and potentially disturbing images and scenes, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 10.25.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Teen Screams, LGBTQ Films, Horror Series, Mystery

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Fear Street: Part One - 1994

Following a series of brutal slayings, a group of teens realize town folklore is real. Setting out to fight an evil force that has plagued their town for hundreds of years. Welcome to Shadyside.

Kiana Madeira (Deena), Olivia Welch (Sam), Benjamin Flores Jr. (Josh), Julia Rehwald (Kate), Maya Hawke (Heather), Charlene Amoia (Rachel), Ashley Zukerman (Goode), Jeremy Ford (Peter), Noah Garret (Skull Mask).

Based on the books of the same name from R.L. Stine, this first installment of the trilogy begins nicely with some character introductions and storyline setup before shifting smoothing to the main plot. The story, unrolled in reverse in the trilogy, builds depth quickly while entertaining as only a teen scream can. Things move along at a brisk pace without excessive focus on the horror with a preference for drama. This first film doesn't quite finish as expected, but does leave us ready for more.

Acting was entertaining with Madeira doing a decent job, as did Welch, and the two seemed to work well together. Flores fit his role well, as did Rehwald who delivered nicely. Zukerman was appropriately dark and suspicious, while Ford delivered nicely. The remainder of the cast was solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are nicely done with good variety and a reasonably solid feel. VFX and physical effects are integrated well and the film flows nicely. Dialogue has good depth for the genre and moves things along, as does the focused and enjoyable soundtrack.

Overall Fear Street: Part One - 1994 is a good start to the trilogy. While a younger cast and dialogue point the series toward a younger audience, the full-length film approach and storyline spanning all 3 episodes grabs older audience attention as well. Those who enjoy modern horror flicks should enjoy this series.

With a fair amount of sexuality,  plenty of violence, gore, foul language, and potentially disturbing images and scenes, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 10.24.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Teen Screams, LGBTQ Films, Horror Series, Mystery

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel
 

Movie review: Kate

 

While working in Tokyo, highly skilled assassin Kate botches a hit on a member of the yakuza and quickly finds she has been poisoned. With less than 24 hours to live, she sets out to exact revenge on her killers while also forming a strange bond with the daughter of a previous victim.

Mary Winstead (Kate), Woody Harrelson (Varrick), Miku Martineau (Ani), Tadanobu Asano (Renji), Jun Kunimura (Kijima), Michiel Huisman (Stephen), Miyavi (Jojima), Mari Yamamoto (Kanako), Kazuya Tanabe (Shinzo).

Kate begins with a flashback to a previous mission in which she killed a man in front of his daughter. We then rejoin Kate, a highly skilled assassin, many months later as she contemplates retirement. But on a final job, she misses her yakuza crime boss target and then quickly realizes she has been poisoned. The remainder of the film is an action fueled journey as Kate tries to exact revenge before her time runs out.

Acting in Kate felt mediocre. Winstead felt cold much of the time, and didn't quite fit the role at others. Harrelson was decent in a smaller role, as was Martineau. The remainder of the supporting cast did reasonably well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are decent through most of the film. That said, VFX were several times so far over the top they couldn't be missed. Physical action scenes were decent, though again VFX took over frequently. Dialogue was a bit dry and lacking. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall Kate is a lethargic entry in the action & adventure genre. The film feels like a cookie-cutter copy of others and the dark theme suppressed attempts at generating energy. The result are easily anticipated plot points and slow movement. Those who enjoy mild action & adventure should enjoy this one.

With some sexuality, violence and gore, and foul language, save this for older teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 10.21.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Action & Adventure, Crime, Drama

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Brightburn

 

In this superhero horror, a child from another planet crash-lands on Earth and is found by a couple who adopts him as their own. Years later his true nature comes to the surface and nobody is safe.

Elizabeth Banks (Tori), David Denman (Kyle), Jackson Dunn (Brandon), Abraham Clinkscales (Royce), Christian Finlayson (Fauxhawk), Jennifer Holland (Ms. Espenschied), Emmie Hunter (Caitlyn), Matt Jones (Noah).

Brightburn is an interesting entry in the superhero horror genre. Falling to Earth as a child, Brandon is raised as a human by two loving parents when he begins to exhibit unusual abilities. While we think for a moment he might become a superhero, our hopes are quickly dashed when it appears Brandon may prefer decimation of the human race. The remainder of the film is a dark twisted trail through to the end.

Acting was decent with Banks and Denman both delivering fairly well. Dunn was well cast and fit his role both visually and with his skills. Jones was an enjoyable addition and did well, as did Hunter, Clinkscales and the remainder of the supporting cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were mild but fitting though some darker scenes were challenging. Action scenes and VFX worked together nicely to give the film a supernatural feel that felt reality based. Dialogue was okay and moved things along fairly well. Sound and soundtrack are good.

Overall Brightburn is a dark but enjoyable sci-fi horror that gives a new perspective on a familiar story. Those who enjoy superhero horror or darker films should enjoy this one.

With somewhat graphic violence, foul language, and potentially disturbing scenes, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 10.17.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Superhero horror, Sci-Fi horror, Sci-Fi Drama, Mystery, Horror

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Zombieland: Double Tap

 

Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock are once again back on the road killing zombies in Zombieland: Double Tap. The sarcastic dysfunctional family faces off against evolved zombies, survivors, and of course, each other.

Jesse Eisenberg (Columbus), Woody Harrelson (Tallahassee), Emma Stone (Wichita), Abigail Breslin (Little Rock), Zoey Deutch (Madison), Avan Jogia (Berkeley), Rosario Dawson (Nevada), Luke Wilson (Albuquerque).

Zombieland: Double Tap begins by bringing the group back together on a road trip. Before long their sarcasm evolves to dysfunction punctuated by encounters with other survivors and disturbingly evolved zombies. The main cast relationships are grown and achieve a bit more depth while the addition of new characters kept things moving along well. The addition of new announcements by Columbus as narrator was enjoyable, but overall this one had fewer laughs than the original.

Acting was solid with Eisenberg, Harrelson, Stone, and Breslin all delivering well in their familiar roles. Deutch, Dawson, and Wilson were all nice additions that brought polish and laughs to the film. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid, enjoyable, and contributed very well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were once again solid with a realistic feel. That said, this one seemed to rely more on VFX for backgrounds, and even some action scenes, than the original leaving the film feeling a bit flat. Physical action was nicely managed. Dialogue was good, though more laughs would have been nice. Sound and soundtrack are pretty good.

Overall Zombieland: Double Tap is a pretty good zombie flick. Those finding this one first will not be lost but, go back and see the original, you won't want to miss it. The film has decent depth, some good laughs, and moves along at a nice pace. Those who enjoy lighter zombie flicks or comedies should enjoy this one.

With some mild sexuality and crotch humor, violence, gore, foul language, more of all of the above, and potentially disturbing images, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 10.5.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Zombies, Sequels, Action, Horror

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Bloodshot

 After being killed, combat soldier Ray is resurrected by the RST corporation as the superhero Bloodshot. His blood replaced with nanites, Ray is nearly unstoppable and able to heal instantly. But RST still has control of his mind leading Ray to question reality.

Vin Diesel (Bloodshot), Eiza Gonzalez (KT), Sam Heughan (Dalton), Toby Kebbell (Axe), Talulah Riley (Gina), Lamorne Morris (Wigans), Guy Pearce (Harting), Johannes Johannesson (Baris), Alex Hernandez (Tibbs).

Bloodshot begins with the death of Ray and quickly after, his resurrection as Bloodshot. Brought back to life by RST and Harting, they retain control over his brain, resetting Ray after each mission. As Ray begins to question reality he focuses his new abilities on finding the truth where his new strength and ability to heal instantly prove him a formidable adversary. Much of the story moves along at a quick pace with plenty of action through the end.

Acting was okay with Diesel delivering his usual, but starting to show his age. Gonzalez was an enjoyable choice, did fairly well, and seemed to work well with others. Heughan was a perfectly annoying jerk, and Pearce delivered his shifty doctor role nicely. Morris was a great addition, bringing some much needed levity. The remainder of the cast was good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were reasonably well done with heavy VFX integration. Effects, physical and CGI, were pretty good with only a few overdone scenes that felt out of place. Dialogue was decent and moved things along fairly well. Sound and soundtrack are enjoyable.

With some sexuality, plenty of violence and gore, foul language, potentially disturbing scenes, save this for teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 9.15.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-fi, Comic Books and Superheroes, Sci-fi & Fantasy

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Vacation Friends

 Marcus and Emily meet another couple on vacation in Mexico and quickly become friends, but the relationship becomes strange and awkward when they return home.

Lil Howery (Marcus), Yvonne Orji (Emily), John Cena (Ron), Meredith Hagner (Kyla), Robert Wisdom (Harold), Lynn Whitfield (Suzanne), Andrew Bachelor (Gabe), Tawny Newsome (Brooke), Barry Rothbart (Darren).

Vacation Friends begins with Marcus and Emily heading to Mexico for a much needed vacation. Within the first 10 minutes character introductions are mostly complete, plot setup achieved, the two couples have met, and the plot begins to unroll. From there the film is an active adventure as conservative Marcus and Emily are exposed to adventure and thrills by Ron and Kyla, their new friends. The film finally finishes with a Happy Ever After ending that is easily seen coming.

Acting was good with Howery and Orji delivering well and seeming to work well with others. Cena and Hagner were perfectly cast, fit their roles wonderfully, and delivered well. The remainder of the supporting cast added some depth and did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all well done with good use of natural scenery and a solid, realistic feel. Action and effects are fun and fitting. Dialogue is good with some nice humor and good movement. Sound and soundtrack are solid.

Vacation Friends is a fun, fairly fast moving comedy adventure that focuses on the fun first. With some decent laughs and fun storyline, those who enjoy light comedy should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 9.13.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Voyeurs

 

When young couple Pippa and Thomas move into their dream apartment, they quickly realize they can see into their neighbors apartment across the street. Shortly after they realize the neighbors are frequently intimate and hardly shy, leading their curiosity into obsession.

Sydney Sweeney (Pippa), Justice Smith (Thomas), Ben Hardy (Seb), Natasha Bordizzo (Julia), Katharine So (Ari), Cameo Adele (Joni), Jean Yoon (Dr. Sato), Cait Alexander (Sam), Blessing Adedijo (Mere).

The Voyeurs begins innocently enough as Pippa and Thomas finally join their lives together, moving into their dream apartment. Almost as quickly, they realize they can easily see into the neighbors apartment across the street and the neighbors are not shy with their intimate activities. Before long, curiosity turns to obsession with Pippa and Thomas injecting themselves into their neighbors lives. From there the film is an interesting cat-and-mouse adventure with some great twists and tension.

Acting was good with Sweeney and Smith both delivering well. Hardy was interesting but really not likeable. Bordizzo was solid and enjoyable. So, Adele, and the reminder of the supporting cast were good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were solid with good variety and a realistic feel. Physical effects were good and fit the film nicely. Dialogue was enjoyable with nice depth and movement. Sound and soundtrack are fitting.

The Voyeurs is an enjoyable, interesting, and entertaining film that blends intimacy with drama, mystery, and thrills along with a plot twist or two that add nice depth. Those who enjoy intense drama or unusual mysteries should enjoy this one.

With plenty of sexuality some of which is fairly graphic, nudity, adult situations, foul language, mild violence and gore, save this one for adults and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 9.13.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Erotic Thriller, Young Adult

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Attack the Block

 

When hostile alien monsters invade an inner city housing project in London a teen gang steps up to protect the tower block and their home. As the battle escalates, unlikely alliances are made in hopes of defeating the alien invaders.

John Boyega (Moses), Jodie Whittaker (Sam), Alex Esmail (Pest), Leeon Jones (Jerome), Franz Drameh (Dennis), Simon Howard (Biggz), Maggie McCarthy (Margaret), Danielle Vitalis (Tia), Jumayn Hunter (Hi-Hatz).

Attack the Block begins with some character introductions that also serve as plot setup and paint the setting for us. The aliens quickly arrive and engage with a teen gang living in a London tower block, and the gang quickly digs in to protect their home. From there the film is a fast and somewhat funny action adventure flick that moves long at a good pace without taking itself too seriously.

Acting was okay with Boyega delivering reasonably well. Whittaker delivered nicely and actually fit the film fairly well. Esmail, Jones, Howard, and the remainder of the supporting cast were reasonably good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were decent though a lot of darker scenes were challenging. VFX and creature effects were interesting and the film actually found a way to have alien monsters we could see without being able to see the alien monsters. Dialogue was okay and moved things along. Sound and soundtrack are fairly well done.

In the end Attack the Block is a fairly enjoyable sci-fi action adventure film with good technical work, acting, and a story that moves along well. Teens will likely enjoy this the most.

With a couple bits of mild sexuality, plenty of violence and gore, foul language, and potentially disturbing images, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2011
Reviewed: 9.13.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Aliens

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Grudge (2020)

 This sequel to the 2004 film with the same name continues following the story of a house cursed by an angry spirit that will hunt and kill anyone who enters.

Tara Westwood (Fiona), Junko Bailer (Ghost), David Brown (Sam), Andrea Riseborough (Muldoon), Demian Bichir (Goodman), Joel Garland (Greco), Lin Shaye (Faith), John Cho (Peter), Betty Gilpin (Nina).

After a young mother murders her family in her own home, Detective Muldoon investigates and finds the house is cursed by an angry spirit who hunts and brutally kills anyone who enters. Instead of solving a crime, Muldoon finds herself struggling to save her own life and that of her son as the relentless ghost now hunts them.

Acting was okay with Riseborough and Bichir delivering reasonably well. Bailer was solid, and Shaye delivered her usual. Cho was well cast and fit his role nicely. The remainder of the supporting cast was good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds all have a solid realistic feel and fit the film well. Action scenes and VFX were blended well and managed nicely. Dialogue was okay but could have used a bit more depth. Sound and soundtrack were somewhat lethargic.

The Grudge (2020) tries hard to extend the storyline from the original film with some related events and characters, but in the end the effort feels flimsy. Storyline aside, this version just never developed the energy of the original, even when relying on events and characters from the original film. A few surprise scares, but nowhere near the tension of the original.

With violence, gore, foul language, and disturbing images, save The Grudge (2020) for older teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 9.8.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Thriller, Psychological Thriller

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Take Shelter

When Curtis begins having apocalyptic visions, he decides to build out the storm shelter in his back yard to protect his wife and deaf daughter. As the visions progress, he questions if it is him they need protecting from.

Michael Shannon (Curtis), Jessica Chastain (Samantha), Shea Whigham (Dewart), Tova Stewart (Hannah), Katy Mixon (Nat), Robert Longstreet (Jim), Ron Kennard (Russell), Scott Knisley (Lewis).

Take Shelter begins well enough with some character introductions and setup. The plot takes a while to show up as Curtis begins having unusual visions with growing intensity. Convinced a major storm is coming, he builds out the shelter in his back yard. While doing so, we learn more about his past and Curtis begins to question his sanity. The film feels like it wraps with multiple endings, none of which completely fit.

Shannon delivered very well in Take Shelter with a solid emotional performance. Chastain also did nicely with good fit and delivery. Whigham delivered as usual, and the remainder of the cast supported well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all well done with a solid feel and nice use of background scenery. Physical and visual effects had good detail and fit for the film. Dialogue could have used a bit more but was okay. Sound and soundtrack were mild.

Overall acting by Shannon, if you are a fan, is the most entertaining part of this film. The film felt like it lacked energy and character engagement.

With some graphic violence, gore, and foul language, save this for older teens and above.

Released: 2011
Reviewed: 8.25.21
Star rating: 2 out of 3
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Indie Drama

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel
 

Movie review: Jolt

 Lindy has an impulse control disorder resulting in strong rage and homicidal urges which she controls using an electrode system to shock herself. But when the new love of her life is murdered the electrodes come off.

Kate Beckinsale (Lindy), Jai Courtney (Justin), Stanley Tucci (Dr. Muchin), Bobby Cannavale (Vicars), Laverne Cox (Nevin), Gregory (Curtis), Ori Pfeffer (Delacroix), David Bradley (Fizel), Susan Sarandon (Woman).

Jolt begins with a bit of humor alongside character introductions and setup. Lindy now in love with new guy who is promptly murdered, the film turns a bit darker. As Lindy forgoes electricity in favor of action, the energy ratchets up a notch and things get slightly more interesting as the storyline gains depth. The film wraps with an unusual ending that seems to try and tie up loose ends, or setup for a sequel.

Beckinsale was decent in this one in a role that seemed to fit her pretty well. Courtney was also well cast and delivered solidly, as did Tucci in a lighter role. Cannavale was good as always, and the remainder of the cast supported well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good, including darker scenes of which there are plenty. Action was well managed, as were visual effects. Dialogue was good but it would have been enjoyable for the humor to continue throughout the film. Sound and soundtrack are nicely done.

While Jolt is unlikely to win any awards, it is a light action thriller that moves along at a decent pace. Acting is reasonably good, as is technical work, and the plot has just enough depth. Those who enjoy milder action violence should enjoy this one.

The film has some sexuality, quite a bit of violence, and plenty of foul language so save it for older teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 8.25.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Thriller, Action & Adventure

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Cosmic Sin

 Far in the future, a group of soldiers including a disgraced retired general who is recalled, is sent on a preemptive strike against a new alien enemy civilization in hopes of preventing an interstellar war.

Frank Grillo (Ryle), Bruce Willis (Ford), Brandon Lee (Braxton), Corey Large (Dash), Lochlyn Munro (Locke), Costas Mandylor (Bleck), CJ Perry (Cantos), Perrey Reeves (Dr. Goss), Eva De Dominici (Sayle).

Cosmic Sin starts with a bit of reading as we zoom 500 years or so into the future, learn we are not alone in the universe, aliens are not always nice, and interstellar war is on the horizon. To solve this problem, a group of soldiers is sent to attack an alien civilization as a preemptive strike. If that idea wasn't bad enough, a disgraced retired general with past alien issues is recalled to join the mission. The remainder of the film is sci-fi action through the flat ending.

Acting was a bit of a mess here. Grillo was dark, brooding, and sporadically over the top as usual. Willis was in the film, but with his lack of lines or much else, was he really? Large was fun, while Munro and Mandylor delivered their usual. The remainder of the cast was okay.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were mild but good. Costuming was well done. Effects were decent with fair attention to detail, good movement, and reasonable fit. Dialogue was on the thin side, while sound and soundtrack are fitting.

Cosmic Sin is very possibly an apt description of this film. The story felt like it was lacking life and energy which, considering the storyline is about saving humanity with an interstellar war, was surprising. The plot lacked originality but okay, Willis is in the film and will save it. Instead, Willis was almost part of the background cast with few lines and even less emotional delivery leaving things to Grillo in a limited role. Most will find the film lacking in several ways.

Some violence, mild gore, and some foul language, but this should bore the socks off anyone over 15 years old quite easily.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 8.24.21
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, Aliens, Action & Adventure

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Blood Red Sky

Her transatlantic flight hijacked by terrorists, a mother with a strange illness springs into action to protect her son, exposing her true self in the process and potentially endangering all of humanity.

Peri Baumeister (Nadja), Carl Koch (Elias), Alexander Scheer (Eightball), Kais Setti (Farid), Dominic Purcell (Berg), Graham McTavish (Drummond), Kai Baulitz (Buchner), Roland Moller (Karl), Chici Ajufo (Curtiz).

Blood Red Sky begins at the end before rolling to a flashback and starting over. Here the story jumps right to Nadja to try and give us a sense of her mysterious illness. From there, the hijacking plot takes over for a while before the two are combined into a vampire horror flick with an airplane twist. The film winds back around to what we thought was the ending, adds a twist, and finishes fairly well.

Acting was interesting. Baumeister was completely unlikeable at first, but got much better. Koch was pretty good and brought good depth to the story. Setti was okay, while Purcell was type-cast nicely once again and delivered his usual. McTavish, Baulitz, and the remainder of the cast were decent.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds felt realistic other than some wide open spaces on the airplane. Effects were handled nicely and fit well. Dialogue was okay with reasonable depth. Sound and soundtrack are fairly lethargic.

In the end, Blood Red Sky sticking vampires on an airplane to create a horror flick is an interesting and fairly unique approach which was managed well. Horror fans, vampire fans, and even plane disaster fans should enjoy this one at least somewhat.

With a fair amount of blood, gore, violence, disturbing images, foul language, some more blood and violence, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 8.24.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Vampires, Action, Thriller, German

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel
 

Movie review: Hunter Killer

 Unproven submarine Captain Glass is tasked with the extraction of a Navy SEAL team attempting to rescue Russia's president from a rogue general staging a military coup. Instead Glass finds his boat at the center of not only the rescue operation, but possibly a war.

Gerard Butler (Glass), Gary Oldman (Donnegan), Common (Fisk), Linda Cardellini (Norquist), Corey Johnson (Captain), Adam James (Forges), Carter MacIntyre (XO), Michael Nyqvist (Andropov), Toby Stephens (Beaman).

Hunter Killer begins with mild character introductions and setup before quickly moving to the main plot with a somewhat familiar storyline. Unproved submarine Captain Glass is sent to Russian waters to extract a seal team rescuing the Russian president. Instead Glass finds himself essentially at war with Russia, but with a fellow Russian submariner helping him out. The story finishes with a rather bland Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was solid with Butler and Oldman delivering well, though if you were hoping to see Butler in an action role forget it. Fisk fit his role nicely and managed it well, as did Cardellini. Nyqvist was well cast and did nicely, as did MacIntyre and the remainder of the supporting cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with a fairly solid, realistic feel. Variety of settings and use of natural backgrounds were good, while heavy visual effects were well done. Dialogue had good depth and movement. Sound and soundtrack are decent.

Overall Hunter Killer is a solid action thriller with a strong military aspect that most should enjoy despite a few technical plot holes. The story moves along well, the characters are mostly likeable, and the film develops some depth without becoming overly dark or serious.

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

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 8.24.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Thriller, Military, Action & Adventure, Drama

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Fantasy Island

 

Fantasy Island is a magical place where secret dreams come true. Run by Mr. Roarke, guests at the tropical resort live their dreams up until they turn to nightmares and then must solve the island's mystery to survive.

Michael Pena (Mr. Roarke), Maggie Q (Gwen), Lucy Hale (Melanie), Austin Stowell (Patrick), Jimmy Yang (Brax), Portia Doubleday (Sloane), Ryan Hansen (JD), Michael Rooker (Damon), Parisa Fitz-Henley (Julia).

Fantasy Island launches pretty well with some interesting plot setup and character introductions. From there the film turned into a fairly bland suspense style mystery. Guests to the island are allowed to live out a single fantasy however, the island is a bit twisted and so the fantasies take dark turns the guests don't expect. The guests then need to solve the island's mystery to survive, though how exactly that works is itself a mystery. The biggest disappointment with this one; it had none of the energy or fun of the original series and was instead dark and negative.

Acting was actually good here with Pena doing a nice job. Maggie Q was decent, if a bit stiff. Hale was fun as was Stowell, Yang, and Hansen. Doubleday fit her role well and delivered, as did Rooker, also in type. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were decent with a fairly solid feel and good fit. Action was good with nice intensity and detail. Dialogue was reasonable and moved things along, though the humor was flat. Sound and soundtrack are solid.

Overall Fantasy Island is a low-energy horror fantasy flick which many will enjoy. Those hoping to find an extension of the TV series will be seriously disappointed.

With some mild sexuality and nudity, violence, gore, and a few foul words, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 8.15.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Action, Fantasy, Adventure

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Fanboys

 A group of friends waiting years for release of Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace sets out on a cross-country trek to steal a copy from the Skywalker Ranch when one of the is found to be terminally ill.

Dan Fogler (Hutch), Jay Baruchel (Windows), Kristen Bell (Zoe), Sam Huntington (Eric), Chris Marquette (Linus), David Denman (Chaz), Christopher McDonald (Big Chuck), Isaac Kappy (Garfunkel), Seth Rogen (Seasholtz).

Fanboys begins like a Star Wars film, with a rolling storyboard. From there we are introduced to the characters and before long the plot appears. Now the setup is done, the group of fanboy friends sets out on their crazy road trip to Skywalker Ranch to steal a copy of Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Along the way are more than a few pokes at the Star Wars franchise, George Lucas, and plenty of nods to Star Wars characters and actors with included laughs. The story wraps nicely with a fun ending for a fun film.

Acting was enjoyable, if a bit inexperienced. Fogler delivered well in a fun role, as did Baruchel. Bell and Huntington both did nicely, as did Marquette. The remainder of the supporting cast was fun and fitting.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are decent with reasonable detail for the film genre. Action scenes were fun and funny. Dialogue had some nice laughs alongside the drama, and presented decent depth. Sound and soundtrack were solid and well done.

Overall Fanboys is simply silly fun. The story is fun and has some laughs, and the cast was solid. Star Trek fans and those who enjoy lighter comedy should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 7.12.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Spoofs, Satire, Comedy, Late Night Comedy, Drama

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel