Movie review: Quicksilver Highway

This is actually two stories: Chattering Teeth which is a Stephen King story, and The Body Politic which is a Clive Barker story. Chattering Teeth is a lovely story about a man who picks up a hitchhiker who has malicious intent only to be defended by a quirky toy bought for his son. A set of chattering teeth.
The Body Politic is an interesting trip into insanity when a surgeons hands rebel against him and try to organize a hand revolution. Both stories are told as stories by an unusual character, Aaron Quicksilver, to people he meets on his travels or in the course of business.

Christopher Lloyd (Aaron Quicksilver), Matt Frewer (Charley), Raphael Sbarge (Kerry Parker/Bill Hogan), Missy Crider (Olivia Parker/Lita Hogan), Silas Mitchell (Bryan Adams), Bill Nunn (Len), Clive Barker (Anesthesiologist).

Although the film wasn’t much on the fear factor scale, both plots were unique to my knowledge and were enjoyable to briefly contemplate. The narration style of the film by Lloyd as a character in a plot tying the two stories together really didn’t do anything for the stories themselves and I think leaving that part out and developing more of the two stories would have made for a much better film.

I hesitate to say acting wasn’t good in this one but rather that the problem was depth. The film seemed to run screaming past character development and right into the attempted scary parts. Instead the result was a complete lack of empathy for the characters and a pediatric feeling overall. Disappointing considering the story writers.

Camera work and sound were decent throughout the film however dialogue shifted from entertaining to juvenile frequently. Special effects left something to be desired and were actually funny in parts.

If you enjoy light-hearted sci-fi or horror that just isn’t scary, check this one out. Otherwise, leave this off your Must See list.

Other than adult concepts and violence this one is pretty plain so viewing by preens and above should be fine.

Released: 1997
Reviewed: 1.9.15
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Made-for-TV Movies

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Movie review: Mystic River

Sean, Dave, and Jimmy survive a childhood trauma before drifting apart growing up. When Jimmy's teenage daughter is murdered the investigation reunites the three, bringing back memories and pain of childhood.

Sean Penn (Jimmy), Tim Robbins (Dave), Kevin Bacon (Sean), Laurence Fishburne (Whitey), Marcia Harden (Celeste), Laura Linney (Annabeth), Kevin Chapman (Val Savage), Emmy Rossum (Katie), Adam Nelson (Nick Savage), Robert Wahlberg (Kevin Savage), Tom Guiry (Brendan), Spencer Clark (Silent Ray).

Directed by Clint Eastwood, this all-star cast delivers an emotional tale of childhood trauma leading to emotional and ethical trauma in adulthood. The plot is solid and the film moves along at a pretty good pace, building suspense and mystery very well. The misdirection and intrigue are delicious as we contemplate ethics and morality in an emotionally charged situation. The story winds down with a well done twist that wraps up loose ends well.

Acting was very well done here. Penn and Robbins both delivered wonderful performances with strong emotion throughout. Bacon was good but a bit bland. Linney, Fishburne, and Harden all did well and brought good quality and depth to the film. The rest of the cast did well, delivering solid performances and good emotion.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all good with a realistic feel and good detail. Action scenes were mild but well done throughout. Dialogue was very enjoyable with good detail and depth that moved the story along well. Sound and soundtrack were good as would be expected from a big budget film.

At 138 minutes of run-time, Mystic River flows for a long time but the entire journey is enjoyable. With a wonderful cast, good technical work, and a storyline that is presented very well those who enjoy a good crime thriller or mystery should enjoy this one a lot. Put Mystic River in the top half of your Must See list.

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

Released: 2003
Reviewed: 1.5.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Psychological Thrillers, Crime Thrillers, Mysteries, Film Noir, Thrillers

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Movie review: Mad Max: Fury Road

The desert wastelands remain full of crazed survivors fighting for the necessities of life in this post-apocalyptic fourth episode of the Mad Max story. Having lost his wife and child, Max wants only peace and solitude but once again is pulled into the wasteland insanity. Teaming up with Furiosa, Max and others may finally find their peace.

Tom Hardy (Max), Charlize Theron (Imperator Furiosa), Nicholas Hoult (Nux), Hugh Keays-Byrne (Immortan Joe), Josh Helman (Slit), Nathan Jones (Rictus Erectus), Zoe Kravitz (Toast the Knowing), Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (Angharad), Riley Keough (Capable), Abbey Lee (Dag), Courtney Eaton (Cheedo).

Rather than a reboot, Mad Max: Fury Road is a continuation of the Mad Max saga started so many years ago. The film finds Max still in the wasteland which is still populated by insane post-apocalyptic survivors fueled by gasoline and the need to survive. Of course, it doesn't take long before Max is pulled back into the insanity. Teaming up with Furiousa, who is fighting to find her version of Eden along with a few indentured women, Max may finally find some peace as well.

Acting was pretty good in this one with Hardy doing a decent job. But, he is no Mel Gibson. Theron was an interesting choice and did well with her role. Hoult was enjoyable adding dimension to things. Byrne was a perfect choice for his part and did nicely. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets and backgrounds were simply awesome in this film. Without question there is extensive CGI in the film but it is extremely well done adding nice depth and detail. Costuming was also very nicely done with the representation of Immortan Joe being exceptional. Automobiles used in the film were also very creative showing a lot of imagination. Dialogue was a bit flat in spots but pretty good. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

Mad Max: Fury Road is a nice addition to the franchise after all this time. Purists comparing this to the original films will probably complain about the plot which is thin and used purely to fuel the action. I felt the film actually did a decent job of focusing on the intent of the original; gasoline fueled post-apocalyptic insanity.

With plenty of violence and disturbing images, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 11.16.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy, Sci-Fi Action & Adventure, Post-apocalyptic films, Action & Adventure, Action Sci-Fi

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Avengers: Age of Ultron

The Avengers are back to once again save Earth from a lethal threat. When Tony and Bruce try to activate and use a peacekeeping program called Ultron, the program becomes self-aware threatening humanity.

Robert Downey Jr. (Tony/Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce/Hulk), Chris Evans (Steve/Capt. America), Scarlett Johansson (Natasha/Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Clint/Hawkeye), James Spader (Ultron), Samuel L. Jackson (Fury), Don Cheadle (James/War Machine), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Quicksilver), Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda/Scarlet).

Avengers: Age of Ultron while being an entertaining story, is a somewhat well worn plot based on the surprising premise of a mistake. Tony finds an incredibly superior artificial intelligence program and rather than realizing the danger it presents and destroying it, as anyone would at this point in time, he simply turns it on. The remainder of the film has the Avengers fighting to fix that mistake. Though the action was fun, the premise is pretty tough to swallow.

Acting was good as always in this franchise. Downey uses his arrogance well as usual. Hemsworth delivered a bit less in this one, while Ruffalo delivered a bit more. Evans, Johansson, and Renner put forth some great energy. Spader was perfectly cast as Ultron and the CGI really brought through his personality. The rest of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with nice detail and creativity but the film wouldn't be what it was without the CGI. CGI was nicely done and surprisingly realistic for a fantasy film. There were some overdone bits here and there but even they were fun. Dialogue was mild but fit the film, the cast, and moved things along well. Sound and soundtrack were nicely done.

Overall Avengers: Age of Ultron is a fun and entertaining film if you can get past the storyline and just enjoy the adventure. Younger viewers will probably enjoy this more than their parents but, this is a decent choice for family movie night that should keep everyone entertained.

With some foul language, mild sexuality, and a lot of action violence, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 11.7.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Sci-Fi Action

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Furious 7

Returning to the United States, Dom and his crew are ready for life to settle down a bit. But that isn't about to happen when Deckard Shaw sets out after Dom to get revenge for his comatose brother.

Vin Diesel (Dom), Paul Walker (Brian), Jason Statham (Deckard Shaw), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty), Jordana Brewster (Mia), Tyrese Gibson (Roman), Ludacris (Tej), Dwayne Johnson (Hobbs), Lucas Black (Sean), Kurt Russell (Mr. Nobody), Nathalie Emmanuel (Ramsey).

Dom and his team are ready for some downtime in the U.S. after defeating an international terrorist. But the vacation is short when Deckard starts hunting Dom to avenge his brother. Complicating things is a new software program that can track anyone anywhere, which is desperately sought after by Mr. Nobody, a government official. Competing for the software is a ruthless terrorist who will happily eliminate Dom and his team if necessary.

Acting was decent once again though Diesel is starting to show his age, as are a few others. Walker, who will be missed greatly, did a nice job once again. Statham is an enjoyable addition who brought a bit more energy to this episode. Rodriguez felt a bit off in this one, and Johnson seemed underused. Russell was an interesting addition, that almost worked, and he did pretty well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were solid as they have been in this series but CGI is definitely becoming more of the film. Several scenes in this one were completely, absolutely ridiculous and obviously impossible without CGI. Bluntly, the CGI was ridiculously over the top leading us to compare this to a Transformers movie. Dialogue was okay, as were sound and soundtrack.

Overall if you are a fan of the franchise you will likely enjoy at least parts of this one. If you are watching for the hot cars, hot girls, or incredible action you may still be entertained. Likewise if you crave intense CGI. But if you want anything at all based in reality, move along.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 11.4.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thrillers, Crime Action, Crime Thrillers, Heist Films

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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Movie review: The Divergent Series: Insurgent

The factions are uneasy and it appears war may be on the horizon but Tris hasn't lost hope yet, continuing to resist with others. But Jeanine believes she may have found a solution that will avoid war. The problem is, it requires a special Divergent leading to Tris once again being hunted.

Kate Winslet (Jeanine), Jai Courtney (Eric), Shailene Woodley (Tris), Mekhi Phifer (Max), Theo James (Four), Ansel Elgort (Caleb), Miles Teller (Peter), Zoe Kravitz (Christina), Tony Goldwyn (Andrew), Ashley Judd (Natalie), Naomi Watts (Evelyn).

Tris and the team are back, struggling still against the social design which defines them all. Except for Divergents of course. Gearing up for war, Tris suddenly finds herself, and all other Divergents, hunted when Jeanine discovers an object she believes may be able to end the faction conflicts. The rest of the film is a lot of action, and some drama, along with slow plot development of the easily expected storyline. There just aren't a lot of surprises here and without much plot, things slow down despite the action.

Acting was decent with Winslet once again doing a fine job as antagonist. Courtney stirs things up well and plays a thug quite nicely. Woodley has an updated look, but her talent hasn't changed much and continues to feel a bit out of character at times. James was solid, as was Teller who brought some good depth to things. Judd was very good, as was Watts.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good but really what you are watching here is a lot of CGI. Thankfully, it is pretty well done despite several beyond belief scenes. That said, the CGI fit incredibly well with dream sequences and exhibited very good quality. Dialogue was good, though quite serious through the whole film. Sound and soundtrack were nicely done.

Overall The Divergent Series: Insurgent is a flick teens will probably enjoy. The film has action, suspense, romance, and violence but for more mature viewers this may not be enough. The plot doesn't have a lot of depth and takes its sweet time presenting. Fans of the books may enjoy this one but those who are watching the film expecting a lot to happen may be disappointed.

With plenty of violence and some brief sexuality this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 11.4.15
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Fantasy, Sci-Fi Adventure, Fantasy, Adventure

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Wolf of Wall Street

Based on the memoirs of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, Martin Scorcese brings to the big screen the life of a Wall Street high-roller whose career ended with a stint in federal prison.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Jordan), Jonah Hill (Donnie), Margot Robbie (Naomi), Matthew McConaughey (Mark), Kyle Chandler (Agent Denham), Rob Reiner (Max), Jon Bernthal (Brad), Jon Favreau (Manny), Jean Dujardin (Jean).

The Wolf of Wall Street launches with some mild background, slips quietly into character development, then slaps us upside the head as the main storyline is ignited. The film continues to build momentum and pace as Jordan's life comes unhinged in an avalanche of drugs, money, and excess. Finally tamed a bit when the government begins to question things, the film wraps nicely with a reasonable ending. Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, this is a roller-coaster ride from start to finish.

Acting was very well done here with DiCaprio and Robbie delivering lovely performances and working well together. Hill and Reiner also did nicely with solid emotion. Chandler was good but felt a bit disconnected at times. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable and did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with nice use of natural scenery. Detail and fit were well done. Physical stunts were nicely done throughout. Dialogue was enjoyable with a nice mix of intelligence and sarcasm. Narrative moments by DiCaprio were enjoyable as well. Sound and soundtrack were both good.

The Wolf of Wall Street is a somewhat over-the-top film showcasing the over-the-top life of Belfort, and it is a nice success. Good technical work, well done acting, along with a good pace and high energy make this one entertaining film. Those who enjoy a good crime drama should like this a lot.

With plenty of strong sexual content, graphic nudity and explicit sexuality, persistent drug use and foul langue, and violence, save this for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 1.4.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Dramas based on Books, Crime Dramas, Biographical Dramas, Dramas, Dramas based on real life

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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