Monday, November 2, 2015

Movie review: Dead Country

A deadly alien virus has infected a small rural town, turning people into flesh-eating zombies. The alien responsible works diligently with a few locals to keep the virus from spreading even further.

Andrew Merkelbach (Orion), Christopher Shen (Shen Lee), William Butler (Narrator), Janet Keijser (Janis), Lloyd Kaufman (Lloyd), Jacqueline Lovell (Teri), William Malone (William), Ted Mikels (Minister for Defence).

Dead Country is a zombie flick that may just turn you into a zombie! There was no plot, though it may have been eaten by zombies. There were no character introductions or even names given for characters, and only a ridiculous attempt at creating a setting for the film. Using subtitles to make main plot points is a good indicator that a film has problems, and this one had more than we can list. Topless females, regardless how cute or beautiful, do not make up for poor quality from every other aspect of the film.

Acting was absent here. Merkelback was unconvincing in every way. Shen was mildly better but again, failed as an action hero. Slowing down fight scenes for overweight actors does not make them better. Missed cues, bad timing, poor delivery, lack of emotion, obvious lack of familiarity with the script, and these are only a few of the problems. The dog might have been the best actor in the film, though we do have to give kudos to the topless ladies in the film.

Camera work was horrendous. Do NOT point the camera at the sun, nor at a spider-web for more than 3 seconds no matter how cool it is. Switching filters on every scene makes a film hard to watch, stop it, and the incessant shaking as well. Sets were bland and boring. Makeup was almost interesting however, sausages are not entrails and CGI blood will never, ever look realistic. Dialogue was so bad to almost be offensive. Soundtrack was bad enough the Mute button was required to maintain sanity.

Dead Country is dead to us. If we never run into this film again, it will be to soon. If you are into horrible, no-budget lame excuses to get your friends in a film and women to go topless then you will love this one. For anyone else wanting actual entertainment find something, anything, else and forget this one exists.

With plenty of lame gratuitous nudity, foul language, blood, gore, and violence all done in the worst way possible, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 1.4.15
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Zombies, Sci-Fi Horror, Alien Sci-Fi, B-Movie Horror

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Friday, October 30, 2015

Movie review: Dark Skies


The Barrett family realizes something is wrong when strange things begin happening in their home and to their children. As things escalate they begin to fear for their lives and come to realize they have been in danger far longer than they ever imagined.

Keri Russell (Lacy), Josh Hamilton (Daniel), Dakota Goyo (Jesse), Kadan Rockett (Sam), J.K. Simmons (Edwin), L.J. Benet (Kevin Ratner), Rich Hutchman (Mike), Myndy Crist (Karen), Annie Thurman (Shelly).

Dark Skies doesn't mess around much with character introductions or background, jumping straight to plot at about the 7 minute mark. From there things get stranger exponentially until it is obvious the family is under attack and in serious danger. With a few twists along the way the film maintains a good pace and remains interesting through the end. Although alien abduction isn't a new or unique concept, the approach taken by Dark Skies provides an interesting perspective on the subject.

Acting was good with Russell and Hamilton working well with each other and delivering solid, emotional performances. Goyo and Rockett also did well with good energy throughout. The remainder of the supporting cast contributed well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were simple but well done with a simple, direct approach. Effects were nicely done throughout, fitting the film and situation very well while maintaining a realistic feel to the story. Dialogue was good, though there could have been more depth. Sound and soundtrack were fitting.

Dark Skies is in the end a nicely done alien abduction film with good aspects of horror, suspense, and drama. Fans of the alien genre and alien close encounters should enjoy this one a lot. Those anticipating intense action or horror may be disappointed.

With violence, sexuality, drug use, and disturbing images all involving teens this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 1.3.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror Movies, Sci-Fi Thrillers, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Alien Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Horror Movies

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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