Movie review: Deadfall

Siblings Addison and Liza on the run after a casino heist decide to split up. Liza encounters a prison parolee heading home for Thanksgiving and when Addison shows up, the two families collide with deadly consequences.

Eric Bana (Addison), Olivia Wilde (Liza), Charlie Hunnam (Jay), Kris Kristofferson (Chet), Sissy Spacek (June), Kate Mara (Hanna), Treat Williams (Sheriff Becker), Jason Cavalier (Deputy Travis), Maxime Savaria (Deputy Brice).

Deadfall begins well enough with some brief background and plot setup before Addison and Liza are separated at which point things get much more interesting. Liza connects with a prison parolee who may, or may not, be on the run while Addison treks through the snow killing people. Finally everyone gathers for Thanksgiving dinner with an ending feast that includes a couple of morality twists for the audience. But trust us, you will still want dessert in an hour.

Acting was pretty good with Bana delivering an appropriately psychopathic performance for his role. Wilde did very well and seemed to have good chemistry with everyone. Hunnam was decent but felt a bit dry a few times. Kristofferson fit his role but that was about it, while Spacek and Mara brought good work as always.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nice with the good use of natural scenery particularly enjoyable. Action scenes felt very authentic and added some needed energy to the film. Dialogue was solid leaving few questions unanswered while driving the plot forward. Sound and soundtrack were well done with some nice pieces.

While Deadfall may not be the most original crime thriller, it is worth a watch if you enjoy the genre. Technical work is good, acting is nicely done, and there isn't too much sexuality or blood resulting in a solid film.

While there is a bit of nudity and sexuality, violence and gore, and some very colorful profanity, older teens and above should be fine with Deadfall.

Released: 2012
Reviewed: 10.24.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Crime Thriller, Thriller, Crime Drama, Crime, Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Selfless

When you are a billionaire facing terminal cancer what do you do? Have your mind transplanted into a new body of course! But when you find out the body is used not new, and the transfer procedure wasn't quite as advertised, you may wish you had paid more attention to the Return Policy.

Ryan Reynolds (Young Damian), Natalie Martinez (Madeline), Matthew Goode (Albright), Ben Kingsley (Damian), Victor Garber (Martin), Derek Luke (Anton), Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen (Anna), Melora Hardin (Judy).

Selfless is an interesting tale that examines the morality and ethics dilemma which arises from acting upon the desire for immortality. Facing terminal cancer, Damian decides to try a new procedure called Shedding; taking the mind of one person and putting it in a different body. But when strange memories begin to surface Damian realizes the body he was given was used, not new as promised.
The concept of the film was pretty good but execution was sadly lacking. We received very little background or chance to get familiar with Damian before his shedding so afterwards behavior that may have been significant was not recognized. As a result we had a lack of emotional investment in the film which is precisely what would have made it a great film.

Acting was good with Reynolds putting forth a very nice performance. Martinez was a good choice, playing well with Reynolds and delivering nicely. Goode was solid if somewhat bland, as was Kingsley in a smaller role than expected. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all nicely done with good detail and a solid feel. Nice use of natural scenery as well. CGI, effects, and action scenes were appropriate and done well. Dialogue was good and added a lot to this film, though a bit more detail would have been nice. Sound and soundtrack were mild but good.

Selfless while being a good film could have easily been a great film. Acting and technical work are well done, and the storyline is quite enjoyable. Those who enjoy a heavy dose of drama with their sci-fi should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 10.22.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Mystery, Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie reviews: Black Road

In a future, splintered U.S. a cybernetically enhanced mercenary tries to protect a woman from her angry ex-husband.

Sam Daly (Dylan), Simon Templeman (Sterling), Leilani Sarelle (Lisa), Michelle Lombardo (Sarah), Kenajuan Bentley (Eddie), Danforth Comins (Bruce), Dan Donohue (Dr. Paul), Mike Estes (Mohawk).

Black Road begins with some mild character introduction before moving to the plot. While things aren't explained well, they also are not very complicated and the plot in this one turns out to be pretty simple. Dylan is a cybernetically enhanced mercenary who comes to the rescue of Lisa when she is attacked. When she explains her ex-husband is violent, and has hidden a large amount of gold on his property, they strike a deal. The rest of the film is a mess of action scenes, sexuality, and poor plot points winding down to a flat ending.

Acting was somewhat disappointing with Daly feeling detached and frequently unemotional. Templeman was interesting only so much as his character was about the most unusual in the film. Sarelle did okay but appeared to rely on her physical assets rather than contributing with acting skills or emotion. The remainder of the supporting cast was mild at best.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were also a mix. Some scenes were well filmed with nice sets and backgrounds while others were poorly lit, out of focus, and framing was poor. CGI effects were mild but fit well. Dialogue was bland, often felt forced, and didn't add much to the film. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Overall Black Road was somewhat disappointing. The sci-fi aspect was thin and unused, acting was bland and lacked depth, as did dialogue and action scenes. As background noise this one works okay but those looking for a true sci-fi action thriller will likely be disappointed.

With some fairly explicit sexuality, nudity, and violence save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 10.21.16
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Action Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Independent Thrillers, Thrillers

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Finest Hours

Based on a true story, The Finest Hours recounts one of the most historic Coast Guard rescue operations ever seen. When a winter storm hits the East Coast in 1952, four Coast Guard members set out in a small lifeboat to rescue more than 30 sailors stranded on their oil tanker, which has been ripped in half.

Chris Pine (Bernie), Casey Affleck (Ray), Ben Foster (Richard), Eric Bana (Daniel), Holliday Grainger (Miriam), John Ortiz (Wallace), Kyle Gallner (Andy), John Magaro (Ervin), Graham McTavish (Frank).

The Finest Hours begins with some character introductions and backstory as Bernie and Miriam first meet. The story transitions smoothly as a large winter storm bears down on the East Coast, ripping apart a tanker ship just off the coast of Cape Cod. Bernie and three other Coast Guard members set out in a small boat, against all odds, to try and save the tanker crew.
The real story here, represented in the film, is truly incredible. It is amazing the men on the tanker were able to shape their destiny at all, let alone buy enough time to be saved. Adding in the story of the Coast Guard crew sent on the rescue mission only adds to the depth and intensity of the film.

Acting was good with Pine doing a nice job as a humble hero. Affleck was good with nice delivery, as was Foster, Bana, and the remainder of the cast. Grainger was a solid choice to play against Pine and put forth a very nice performance.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were wonderfully done with a solid, realistic feel. CGI and effects, which obviously played a big part in this one, felt realistic and added greatly to the film. Dialogue had good depth and moved the story along nicely. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall The Finest Hours is a solid Action Thriller with good production quality, acting, and an incredible storyline. Action Thriller and Action Drama fans should enjoy this one.

While the film does have some profanity, it should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 10.21.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Drama, History, Action Thriller, Action Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Bound

When real estate broker Michelle meets Ryan she senses the chemistry immediately. What comes next however is a journey into BDSM that she never expected.

Charisma Carpenter (Michelle), Bryce Draper (Ryan), Morgan Obenreder (Dara), Michael Monks (Preston), Daniel Baldwin (Walter), Andy Tran (Lee), Mark Wilson (George), Hayley McLaughlin (Alana), Noel Arthur (Jesse).

Michelle is a real estate broker focused on saving the family business with little time to find a satisfying relationship. Meeting Ryan by chance, the sparks are obvious. As is his interest in BDSM which becomes apparent almost immediately. Ryan exposes Michelle to more and more but to his surprise it seems Michelle may actually be interested in a role reversal. While this is one is obviously riding the Fifty Shades of Grey wave it lacks the emotional detail but incorporates a couple of nice twists.

Acting was okay in this one but could have been better. While Carpenter is a joy to see in this setting, her acting feels a bit stiff and unemotional at times. Draper was decent but often felt like he was little more than eye candy. Obenreder did okay in a smaller role, while Monks did a nice job of being a jerk. Baldwin was mediocre while the remainder of the cast did reasonably well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with a classy, solid feel. Action, or romantic scenes in this case, were enjoyable. Dialogue was a bit thin, leaving focus on the visual with an obvious lack of emotional detail. Sound and soundtrack were decent.

Overall Bound feels a bit confused apparently trying to send an emotional message that isn't clear, with a secondary focus on the physical aspect which is also not explored well. Those who enjoy spicy after-dark movies may enjoy this one while those looking for depth will be disappointed.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 10.21.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Steamy, Romance

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey

Following the Earth's one-year journey around the sun, hosts Kate Humble and Dr. Helen Czerski take a look at the impact the journey has on our planet's weather.

Hosts: Kate Humble, Dr. Helen Czerski

Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey takes a look at how the Earth's annual journey around the sun impacts weather on our planet. Traveling the world, Kate and Helen examine significant events that take place throughout the year and what exactly influences those events. Using easy to understand language and details this series does an incredible job of explaining natural events. Explanation of the Earth's orbit and changing orientation was particularly enjoyable.

Acting was enjoyable from both Humble and Czerski. Both have an obvious enthusiasm and interest in nature, and science in general.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds focus primarily on natural locations and scenery was used well and added nicely to the depth of the series. CGI and animation was nicely done and simply explained some challenging concepts. Dialogue was solid with nice depth and detail. Sound is enjoyable, as is the soundtrack.

Overall Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey is a very nicely done BBC documentary that does a great job of explaining our solar system and how our journey around the sun impacts our planet's weather. Anyone with an interest in learning more about our weather patterns or solar journey should enjoy this one.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2012
Reviewed: 10.21.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Documentary, BBC documentary

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Last Witch Hunter

A powerful coven resurrects their Queen who quickly sets in motion a plan to unleash a plague upon New York City, and eventually the world, ending humanity. An immortal witch hunter, priest, and good young witch are the only things that stand in their way.

Vin Diesel (Kaulder), Rose Leslie (Chloe), Elijah Wood (Dolan 37th), Olafur Olafsson (Belial), Rena Owen (Glaeser), Julie Engelbrecht (Queen), Michael Caine (Dolan 36th), Joseph Gilgun (Ellic), Isaach De Bankole (Schlesinger).

The Last Witch Hunter begins with some good history and character introductions before moving to present day, which serves to help the film connect with the audience. Shifting to the plot, while it is obvious Kaulder is hunting witches some of the important details, and even plot movements, are not explained well. The result is a film that devolves, losing coherence and interest along the way, until it finally winds down with a fairly typical Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was a bit disappointing here. While Diesel may make a decent action hero to look at, his acting chops don't seem to be improving much. Wood was mildly entertaining, as was Olafsson. Leslie was enjoyable, as was Caine who delivered nicely as always. The remainder of the supporting cast was okay.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good and blended heavily with digital effects that only felt over the top a few times. CGI added good depth to this film but also landed it squarely in the fantasy realm. Dialogue was lacking, particularly when it came to plot points and movement. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Overall this is an entry level action fantasy aimed at younger audiences which will likely enjoy it the most. Adults and strong sci-fi fans may feel this one lacks depth, quality, and consistency.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 10.15.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Action, Sci-Fi Fantasy, Action Sci-Fi Fantasy, Supernatural Sci-Fi, Action Adventure

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel