Movie Review: The Core

Due to experiments by Zimsky, the core of the Earth has stopped spinning. To save the planet, the plan is to burrow into the center of the earth in a prototype vehicle and detonate nuclear devices to restart rotation. A group of researchers, Josh, Zimsky, Serge are put together to travel in the vehicle built by Braz and piloted by astronauts Iverson and Rebecca to the core.

Aaron Eckhart (Dr. Josh), Hilary Swank (Maj. Rebecca), Delroy Lindo (Braz), Stanley Tucci (Dr. Zimsky), DJ Qualls (Rat), Bruce Greenwood (Cmdr. Iverson), Tcheky Karyo (Serge).

As a sci-fi fan, this one had my attention from the beginning. The plot is interesting but the graphics, effects, sets, and acting had me glued to the TV. The film is fairly fast paced with few slow parts. Between the amazing scenes, intense emotional interactions and drama, and overall possibility of the end of the earth, this one generates interest on several levels.

Acting was fairly well done by everyone involved and there seemed to be good chemistry between most of the cast. All delivered well and added good depth with a solid feel to the film.

As mentioned, CGI, graphics, and special effects were very well done. Images of the earth interior were quite interesting and Virgil, the craft used, was very well done. Dialogue was well done and advanced the plot with very little junk thrown in for filler. Sound was a bit frustrating with low volume during conversations and very loud music during action or stress scenes.

If you like sci-fi action thrillers, you will probably enjoy this one a lot. Technical work is good, the well known cast does nicely as expected, and the storyline is interesting.

The PG-13 rating seems a bit high for this one. I would say preens and above should be fine viewing this with no nudity, very little violence, gore, or foul language.

Released: 2003
Reviewed: 10.10.16
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Action, Sci-Fi Adventure, Action, Sci-Fi Thrillers

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Philadelphia Experiment (2012)

Continuing research begun with the original Philadelphia Experiment, scientists hope to finally find a way to cloak warships. Instead they bring back the USS Eldridge, the subject of the original 1943 experiments, and a host of new problems.

Nicholas Lea (Bill Gardner), Michael Pare (Hagan), Ryan Robbins (Falkner), Emilie Ullerup (Molly Gardner), Gina Holden (Kathryn), John Reardon (Deputy Reed), Malcolm McDowell (Salinger), Marsha Regis (Rami).

The Philadelphia Experiment (2012) begins well enough as it jumps straight to the current experiments on invisibility leading to the sudden appearance of the Eldridge more than 60 years after the original tests and disappearance. Sadly, the film then strays off with no solid links to the original film, devolving into a mild sci-fi. The rest of the film follows scientists, and victims, as they try to understand and remedy the problem, sending the Eldridge back to 1943 before space and time are ripped apart.

Acting was decent with Lea putting forth a decent performance. Pare being cast in this film, in a different role that is contradictory to his role in the original, was amusing but that was it. Robbins was an interesting choice and delivered nicely. Ullerup, while she had good energy, spent it in the wrong places and felt overly dramatic. McDowell was a solid addition, and Reardon did pretty well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were reasonably well done. CGI however was obvious and felt contrived which actually detracted from the film. Action scenes were okay, though several were over the top and absolutely inconsistent with the previous film and story. Dialogue was soft and could have used more depth. Sound and soundtrack were mediocre.

Overall this sequel is somewhat disappointing. The lack of focus on the original film or story, poor CGI, thin storyline, and lack of chemistry with the cast park this one squarely in the mediocre sci-fi category. Those with strong interest in the legend, or original film, will likely be disappointed with this one.

Other than some mild sci-fi horror, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2012
Reviewed: 10.10.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Adventure, Sci-Fi Fantasy, Action Sci-Fi

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Ghost Town

Pincus may lack people skills but when he dies, is revived, and wakes with the ability to see ghosts that is the least of his problems. That is, until the ghosts figure out Pincus is the only one who can hear them.

Ricky Gervais (Pincus), Greg Kinnear (Frank), Tea Leoni (Gwen), Aasif Mandvi (Dr. Prashar), Bridget Moloney (Receptionist), Billy Campbell (Richard), Alan Ruck (Ghost Dad), Kristen Wiig (Surgeon), Aaron Tveit (Anesthesiologist).

Ghost Town begins by jumping right into the story and plot with character development along the way. As the story evolves things get much more interesting with humor and depth showing up. The rest of the story is a funny, reasonably paced adventure with some mild misdirection that does a nice job of holding audience interest. And of course, a Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was good with Gervais delivering pretty well. Kinnear fit his role perfectly, as did Leoni who did wonderfully as always. Mandvi, Wiig, and the remainder of the supporting cast was funny and enjoyable throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were what you would expect from a mainstream comedy drama with a fairly well known cast and a decent budget. Nothing special, but nothing shabby either. Action scenes were mild but solid. Dialogue was funny, dramatic, and fitting for the film. Sound and soundtrack were nice.

While Ghost Town may not be the most original of films the story, cast, and humor keep things entertaining from start to finish. Fans of happy romantic comedies should enjoy this one. If instead you are looking for a good ghost story or sci-fi, this isn't it.

With some mild comedy based sexuality, mild violence,  and a few foul words, this one should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 10.5.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Romance, Fantasy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: X-Men: Days of Future Past

When the human-mutant war takes a dire turn the X-Men devise a final solution. Hoping to prevent the war entirely, Wolverine is sent into the past and tasked with changing history once and for all.

Hugh Jackman (Wolverine/Logan), James McAvoy (Charles), Michael Fassbender (Erik), Jennifer Lawrence (Raven/Mystique), Halle Berry (Storm), Nicholas Hoult (Hank/Beast), Anna Paquin (Rogue), Peter Dinklage (Dr. Trask).

X-Men: Days of Future Past launches well with some nice intensity up front. From there the film slips into the main plot with character development taking place throughout the remainder of the film. Sadly, it also re-writes X-Men history and as evidenced by the lack of action, that is the main goal of this film. With only mild action, this one has a lot more drama, emotion, and history than other films in the series and because of that we found it lacking in entertainment value.

Acting was decent with Jackman delivering his usual. McAvoy invested good energy in this one and supported the film well. Fassbender was decent, and Lawrence did nicely as always. Berry, Stewart, Janssen and other big names were hardly used in this one and the acting quality suffered as expected.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good and blended well with CGI. CGI was okay but felt like imagination was lacking a bit in this one. Action scenes were okay, there just weren't enough of them. Dialogue was solid with nice depth. Sound and soundtrack were fitting.

Overall X-Men: Days of Future Past is a mixed bag. The cast is shaken up, history is modified, action is lacking compared to previous films, and technical work lacked energy. Some may enjoy this one while those expecting high-energy and historical consistency will likely be disappointed.

As always with X-Men; intense violence, sci-fi violence, nudity, mild foul language, and suggestive material none of which should bother teens and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 10.5.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Films based on Comic books, Action, Sci-Fi

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Fifty Shades of Grey

Based on the novel, Fifty Shades of Grey follows the erotic relationship of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. Ten years her senior, wealthy Christian has unusual and specific tastes in which Anastasia quickly becomes very interested.

Dakota Johnson (Anastasia), Jamie Dornan (Christian), Jennifer Ehle (Carla), Eloise Mumford (Kate), Victor Rasuk (Jose), Luke Grimes (Elliot Grey), Marcia Harden (Mrs. Grey), Rita Ora (Mia Grey), Callum Rennie (Ray).

Fifty Shades of Grey is an interesting story following the formation of an erotic relationship between Christian and Anastasia, who finds his unusual tastes interesting. Having not read the book I can't make a comparison, but without a doubt many of the films critical reviews seem based on the book instead.
The relationship expressed here was not only consensual, but Christian was very communicative about his interests and respected the limits Ana set. At the same time I would say the relationship negotiations, which are only mildly represented in the film, are more than I have seen from most in the lifestyle.
Regardless, the film is an interesting look at BDSM from a relationship structure perspective with drama and emotion thrown in to round things out.

Acting was decent with Johnson delivering quite nicely in a variety of, what I'm sure were challenging, situations. Her chemistry with Dornan also worked well in the film. Dornan was good but came across as somewhat dry and detached at times. Rasuk, Rennie, and the remainder of the cast in much smaller roles supported nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable with good attention to detail. Color and furnishings were well used to support the theme of the film. Action scenes were mild but good. Dialogue was nicely done and added good depth to the film. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall Fifty Shades of Grey just isn't for everyone. Apparently those who have read the book will probably not enjoy the film. Likewise those who are offended by BDSM or unusual erotic relationships may not enjoy this one.

With plenty of strong sexuality, nudity, adult situations, and some foul language, save this one for adults and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 10.5.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Romance, Romantic Drama, Steamy Romance

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Easy

Watch as a diverse collection of Chicagoans explore love, sex, and technology in this star-studded original anthology. See how love can change us, life can be cruelly ironic, and similarities expose differences.

Jane Adams (Annabelle), Zazie Beetz (Noelle), Aya Cash (Sherri), Dave Franco (Jeff), Michael Chernus (Kyle), Jacqueline Toboni (Jo), Orlando Bloom (Tom), Kate Micucci (Annie), Hannibal Buress (Jason).

Easy is an interesting anthology that explores sex and relationships with a minor focus on the impact of technology. Each episode is different and explores a different aspect of relationships, to a lesser extent sexuality, and in some cases, the good or bad impact of technology. Couples trying to reignite their sex lives, challenging social perceptions, the irony of life slapping us in the face, and how a career can strain a relationship and more are presented for your viewing pleasure and contemplation.

The cast in Easy is fairly impressive, including some of the situations in which they are placed to perform. Adams was fun and interesting as always. Beetz was enjoyable, if a bit green feeling. Dave Franco was pretty good, as was Chernus and Toboni. Micucci, whom we have never seen more of before, was enjoyable as always as was Buress.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were solid and fairly standard for the most part, as we have come to expect from this streaming video outlet. Dialogue was well done, moving the storyline along with realistic depth. Sound and soundtrack were both enjoyable.

Easy is easy to like with decent production quality, a solid cast, and constantly changing stories that explore relationships and sexuality with both depth and humor. Those whose dislike their traditional values being challenged may want to pass on this one.

With some fairly graphic sexuality, nudity, adult situations, and questionable language, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 9.28.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: TV Shows, TV Series, TV Comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: End Day

Traveling from London to New York, a fictional scientist experiences multiple doomsday scenarios presented in a Ground Hog Day style. With commentary by various experts, this 48 minute long BBC production explores several common catastrophic events.

Glenn Conroy (Dr. Howell), Bill McGuire, Jay Melosh, John Oxford, Frank Close, Brian Cox, Robert Andrews (Dead Man), Craig Court (Scientist).

End Day uses an interesting approach, showing us several doomsday scenarios from the perspective of Dr. Howell in a reality TV theme. The documentary jumps straight to it, unrolling the first scenario immediately. As the world ends, the next scenario begins with much of the initial plot and storyline setup. Dr. Howell learns of the events from media and other sources, and we get to experience their impact with him in real time including the end of the world and the film.

Acting was decent with Conroy doing a fair job in a mild role. The scientists interviewed did well and presented good insight and information consistent with the theme of the film. The remainder of the cast were solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done with the impact you would expect of extinction level events. CGI completed things, giving us a nice look at some unimaginable catastrophes. Dialogue was a bit rough, but better than many documentaries. Sound was good.

Overall End Day is an enjoyable documentary mainly because of the storytelling approach. Those who enjoy their information with a bit of entertainment will like this the most. Those who prefer the facts without fluff will probably be disappointed.

Nothing here to limit audience age so teens and above should be fine.

Released: 2005
Reviewed: 9.28.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Documentary, End of the World, TV Shows, British TV, Science and Nature

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel