Movie review: How It Ends

 

 When a strange apocalyptic event takes place and he loses contact with his pregnant fiancee, Will teams up with Tom, his soon to be father-in-law to find her. What the two don't expect is to grow closer during their travels as humanity falls into chaos.

Theo James (Will), Kat Graham (Sam), Forest Whitaker (Tom), Nicole Ari Parker (Paula), Grace Dove (Ricki), RJ Fetherstonhaugh (Soldier), Aaron Hughes (Dan), Lanie McAuley (Liza), David Lewis (Wagoneer Man).

How It Ends begins well enough with some good character introductions and plot setup that is deliciously mysterious. With Will and Tom now underway to find Sam, the two are faced with the sinking of humanity into chaos which actually brings them closer together. While that sounds great, the film is not, so why not stop at a water park for no reason! There were no aliens or explanation of any kind regarding the apocalyptic event and no real reason for the chaos. Finally, the film just stops leaving us wondering How It Ends.

Acting was decent with James and Whitaker both doing well and appearing to work well together. Dove was a nice addition, though she felt a bit rough. Graham, Lewis, and the remainder of the supporting cast did reasonably well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds felt natural, appropriate, and natural scenery was used well. CGI was minimal but good. Dialogue let a lot of unanswered questions, and it felt like even the characters left a lot unsaid. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Since How It Ends does not show us how it ends, nor do we even know why it might be ending, and the film itself has no ending, the only reason to watch How It Ends is if you do not enjoy endings.

With a bit of mild sexuality, plenty of violence, foul language, and disturbing images, you can use this one to punish teens and above.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 8.1.18
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi Thriller, Action Thriller

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Before I Wake

 

 Still recovering from the death of their young son, Mark and Jessie welcome orphan Cody into their life with the hope he will help them move on even as they give him love and a home. Soon they realize something strange is happening and Cody has abilities they never anticipated.

Thomas Jane (Mark), Kate Bosworth (Jessie), Jacob Tremblay (Cody), Annabeth Gish (Natalie), Topher Bousquet (Canker Man), Dash Mihok (Whelan), Jay Karnes (Peter).

Before I Wake launches by showing us where Mark and Jessie are in their lives and, due to the death of their son, why. The couple is then presented with the opportunity to adopt Cody, a young boy left alone after the death of his mother. Their first night with Cody the couple are amazed by multicolored butterflies throughout the house, which dissolve when Cody wakes. Things only get stranger as Mark and Jessie realize the depth of his abilities and how they can impact reality.

Acting was reasonably good with Jane delivering as usual. Bosworth was enjoyable and seemed to work well with others. Tremblay was solid and delivered his unusual role well. Bousquet, Mihok, and the remainder of the cast were solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good with most of the film taking place on just a few sets. Effects were nicely done and added good depth to the film. Dialogue was okay and moved the plot along at a decent pace. Sound and soundtrack are mediocre.

Overall Before I Wake is at best a mediocre horror flick with a storyline that feels recycled from other films. And frankly, the film does a poor job of bringing the horror. Instead we find a more emotional journey with bits of horror that tease us to keep watching for more. Those hoping for an intense horror flick will likely be disappointed.

With some violence and disturbing images, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 7.30.18
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Thrillers, Supernatural Thriller

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Downsizing

 

 A solution to the challenges of over population, lack of food, water, and humans drain on natural resources called Downsizing, which shrinks humans to five inches tall, has been discovered. Paul and his wife Audrey decide to Downsize in hopes of saving money and the environment but when Paul wakes from the procedure he learns Audrey backed out at the last minute.

Matt Damon (Paul), Kristen Wiig (Audrey), Christoph Waltz (Dusan), Hong Chau (Ngoc), Rolf Lassgard (Dr. Asbjornsen), Ingjerd Egeberg (Anne-Helene), Udo Kier (Konrad), Jason Sudeikis (Dave).

Downsizing begins with some character introductions before Paul and Audrey decide they want to be downsized to help the environment and enjoy financial freedom. However when Paul awakens from the procedure he finds Audrey backed out at the last minute and remains full sized. As Paul tries to navigate his new life alone, and with an unexpected reduction in assets, he finds the small world may not be so different.
Billed as a comedy, there really isn't much laughter here, just plenty of social commentary.

Acting was decent with Damon delivering a solidly emotional performance. Wiig was good and seemed to work well with Damon. Waltz fit his role well and delivered much of the laughs, such as they were. Chau also contributed greatly and brought a few laughs. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are mild suburban fodder for the most part, but felt fitting and solid. CGI was minimal and nicely done, as were action scenes. Dialogue was entertaining, but not amusing. Sound and soundtrack are pleasant.

Overall Downsizing is something of a disappointment. Expecting a comedy with social satire, instead we found plenty of social commentary and only a few laughs. Another hope was for focus on the sci-fi aspect which was apparently just another hook, like comedy, to acquire viewers before assaulting them with social complaints. The result is a film that, due to deceptive marketing, will likely be enjoyed only by those who stumble upon it accidentally.

This one has some moderate sexuality, foul language, mild violence, and drug use, so save it for older teens and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 7.30.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Satire, Social Commentary

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Kingsman: The Golden Circle

 

 When the Kingsman headquarters are destroyed and the world held hostage by a psychotic drug lord, the Kingsman discover a hidden sister organization in the United States. Together the two groups unite to defeat their common enemy.

Taron Egerton (Eggsy), Edward Holcroft (Charlie), Mark Strong (Merlin), Hanna Alstrom (Princess Tilde), Julianne Moore (Poppy), Channing Tatum (Tequila), Halle Berry (Ginger), Elton John (Himself), Jeff Bridges (Champ), Colin Firth (Harry/Galahad).

Kingsman: The Golden Circle begins by reintroducing us to Eggsy, and action at a ridiculous pace. When things finally slow to a fast sprint we find some character introductions and then it is back to the crazy action. While the film moves along well, attempts to add depth are obvious and mild. With action now the focus, action scenes become more and more unbelievable until we were literally laughing. While the first film had style and class, this one feels like a quick knock-off.

Acting was interesting if nothing else. Egerton was unique and entertaining. Moore was a lot of fun in this one and brought some good laughs, as did Tatum. Berry, Bridges, and Firth all delivered nicely. Elton John was a fun surprise and had a bigger role than we would have expected.

Camera work and backgrounds are solid throughout. Sets were enjoyable with good depth and detail. At the same time, CGI was extensive and not well blended. Action scenes were fast and very unrealistic. Dialogue was okay though shifting accents were difficult at times. Sound and soundtrack are nicely done.

Some may enjoy this one with more of a CGI focus and satirical plot. Those looking for something similar to the first film may be slightly disappointed.

With some sexuality, plenty of violence and gore, foul language, and extensive alcohol use, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 7.26.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Action Comedy, Comic Books and Superheroes

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

 

 The last Jedi believes the Jedi must end. But when found by Rey, who is exploring her newfound abilities, Luke guides her to the true meaning of the force even while growing concerned about pull from the dark side. As she learns, Rey tries to convince Luke to aid in the Resistance battle against the First Order.

Mark Hamill (Luke), Daisy Ridley (Rey), Carrie Fisher (Leia), Adam Driver (Kylo), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe), Andy Serkis (Snoke), Domhnall Gleeson (Hux), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Benicio Del Toro (DJ).

Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi begins, as usual, with some space text mean to bring us up to speed on things. From there we jump right into the war between the Resistance and the First Order, with sub-plots coming close behind. During the rest of the film we pretty much just watch the pretty CGI and wonder, what just happened!? Unlike previous films, this one does very little around character growth and the characters many of us do know are warped and twisted until we don't know them anymore. Even the humor here feels flat and forced.

Acting was mediocre at best. Hamill was decent but no longer fit his role. Ridley was interesting but felt one dimensional. Driver missed it completely, coming across as a spoiled child rather than an evil leader. Del Toro was amusing and quirky as usual and fit his role well. The remainder of the supporting cast felt bland and somewhat lifeless.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good but far behind the CGI, which was excellent. The film depends heavily on CGI and effects, which were nicely done throughout. Dialogue could have done a lot more to add depth and generate audience interest. Sound and soundtrack are solid.

Sadly, I'd be surprised if Star Wars fans enjoy this one much. The only real positive being that it fills in a few gaps in the story. Beyond that, this one felt like an injustice to previous films in the franchise.

With some mild sexuality, violence, gore, foul language, and disturbing images, this should actually be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 7.24.18
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Action & Adventure

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel