Movie review: Kink

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Movie review: Love

Murphy may be living in Paris with his wife and child, but it is the intense sexual relationship he used to have with Electra that occupies his mind.

Aomi Muyock (Electra), Karl Glusman (Murphy), Klara Kristin (Omi), Ugo Fox (Gaspar), Juan Saavedra (Julio), Gaspar Noe (Noe), Isabelle Nicou (Nora), Benoit Debie (Yuyo).

Love begins by jumping straight to the sexual aspect of the film in a scene with Murphy and Electra. The story that evolves is a reliving of Murphy's relationship with Electra contrasted against his current life. Along the way his relationship with Omi begins and the film finally wraps up by showing us Murphy's real life and memories are completely intertwined.

Although the film sounds like it has a good plot, it really doesn't. The film smacks of a guy regretting the choices he made, wishing he could re-live sexual adventures, and electing to tell his story as soft-core pornography. The result was an excruciatingly slow moving film that lacked a plot with depth and was only interesting as long as the intimacy lasted.

Acting was dry and surprisingly emotionally detached for a film that was supposed to be about love and emotion. Glusman, despite attempts otherwise, came across simply as a guy wanting to sleep with women which actually detracted from the film. Muyock was mildly better with some decent bursts of emotion. Kristin, and much of the rest of the cast, felt like they had no emotional energy for the film.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were decent if somewhat mild. Intimate scenes were good with just enough detail they felt erotic without being raunchy. Dialogue was almost pointless through much of the film which is good, because it wasn't. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

As a film about romance, this one almost completely fails. As soft-core pornography it isn't bad. View accordingly. And if you are not okay with nudity, sexuality, or genitalia you may want to pass on this one.

With plenty of graphic sexuality, nudity, mild violence, and foul language, save this one for adults and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 9.12.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Romance, Drama, Independent Drama, Foreign Romance, Steamy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Revenant

While on a fur trading expedition in the 1820's, trapper Hugh Glass is mauled by a bear and left for dead by his hunting team. Alone in the wilderness and fighting for his life, the desire for revenge drives Hugh to stay alive and seek justice for his murdered son.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Hugh), Tom Hardy (Fitzgerald), Domhnall Gleeson (Capt. Henry), Will Poulter (Bridger), Forrest Goodluck (Hawk), Paul Anderson (Anderson), Kristoffer Joner (Murphy), Joshua Burge (Stubby Bill).

The Revenant begins with some character introductions and setup before smoothly transitioning to the main plot with the bear attack on Hugh. While the summary implies revenge is the main story, it is really about survival. The things Hugh must go through to survive are intense and incredible to say the least and the film builds suspense and tension wonderfully. The story finally winds down with an appropriate, if somewhat meek, ending.

Acting was very well done with DiCaprio putting forth an incredible performance under a variety of intense situations. Hardy also delivered very well with good emotion and intensity, and apparent chemistry with DiCaprio. Gleeson and Poulter were enjoyable in supporting roles, as was the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were simply incredible. Scenery was beautiful, intense, used well, and a big part of the film. CGI and effects were very nicely done and added depth to the film. Action scenes were often brutal and very dramatic. Dialogue was good though use of subtitles was needed at first to overcome some accents. Sound and soundtrack were very nice throughout the film.

As a story The Revenant is an attention grabber, and was translated to film well. The intensity and tension are built wonderfully and the story moves along well with only the mild ending being slightly disappointing. That said, the over 150 minute run time became a bit tedious toward the end. Action adventure fans should enjoy this one.

Be warned, this film is ridiculously intense. The bear attack alone will disturb many viewers, and other events will impact the rest. Extreme graphic violence, disturbing gore, nudity, sexuality, and foul language mean this one should be saved for older, mature teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 9.12.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Western Action, Action Thrillers, Adventure

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Dead Set

Housemates in the Big Brother house are oblivious to the horde of fast-moving zombies that are wreaking havoc on the film studio grounds.

Jaime Winstone (Kelly), Andy Nyman (Patrick), Riz Ahmed (Riq), Warren Brown (Marky), Liz Brice (Alex), Beth Cordingly (Veronica), Adam Deacon (Space), Kevin Eldon (Joplin), Kathleen McDermott (Pippa).

The Big Brother housemates are nearing the end of the season when one of them is voted out of the house. Saying her farewell, she walks out of the house right as a zombie outbreak reaches the film studio grounds. What the series doesn't do is transition into the zombie apocalypse at all, it just is. From here the rest of the series is a fairly typical zombie flick as people struggle to survive.

Acting felt pretty rough in this one as apparently experience, and in some case skills, were lacking. Eldon was interesting and seemed to fit his role well. Nyman played a jerk perfectly. The remainder of the cast was okay at best.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were lacking somewhat in Dead Set. Camera work was shaky, fast moving, and elementary at best. Sets and backgrounds actually felt contrived, leaving the series without an authentic feel. Action scenes were okay but supported well by costuming and good gore. Dialogue was flat and accents were hard to follow. Sound was mediocre.

Overall you best be a serious zombie fan to watch Dead Set. Along with adding nothing to the genre, technically the series is a bit messy and acting is weak to say the least. That said, reviewers seem to either hate or love the series so if you do watch, I hope you enjoy Dead Set.

Believe it or not this one has some gore and violence! In addition you will find; sexual references, nudity, more gore, profanity, and more violence. Save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 9.8.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Zombie films, British zombie films, Horror series, British TV series

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Owl Power

Following two barn owls chicks as they develop and mature, Owl Power explores the special abilities and adaptations that make them such good hunters and mysterious nighttime dwellers.

Paul Christie (Narrator), Lloyd Buck, Rose Buck, Luna the owl, Lily the owl.

Nature: Owl Power dives into the lives and physiology of owls to help explain their impressive hunting skills and nighttime lives. Following two barn owl chicks, Luna and Lily, from birth to maturity with their handlers and trainers, Lloyd and Rose Buck, we get a good look at how owls develop. Testing the owls against other birds such as pigeons and falcons explains a lot about how owls hunt. And taking a look at parts of the owls physiology is incredibly interesting as well as educational.

Camera work was very well done with some great pictures of owls both in nature and captivity, at rest and in action, including in flight. Use of natural scenery, infrared filming, and graphics was nicely done and easily explained some of the concepts being discussed. Dialogue was educational and easily understood. Sound is well done.

If you have an interest in owls, check this one out. The documentary explains most of the common mysteries around owls in a comfortable manner even younger viewers should enjoy.

Nothing here to limit audience age. A few scenes of owls catching mice, but nothing that should disturb younger viewers.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 9.8.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Documentary, Family films, Nature & Science

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Man Up

Sometimes being in the wrong place at the right time is a good thing. And sometimes, being in the wrong place at the wrong time can help you find Mr. Right.

Lake Bell (Nancy), Simon Pegg (Jack), Ophelia Lovibond (Jessica), Sharon Horgan (Elaine), Paul Thornley (Adam), Rory Kinnear (Sean), Ken Stott (Bert), Harriet Walter (Fran), Olivia Williams (Hilary).

Man Up begins with some extensive character introductions and background laced with tiny bits of humor. As the story starts rolling things get a bit more interesting and the humor starts slowly increasing. With Nancy and Jack now interacting the story becomes a fairly high-energy and humorous romantic comedy. At the same time the story doesn't really add much to the genre nor are there many surprises up through the Happy Ever After ending.

This one caught my eye because of Pegg, and he didn't disappoint. Though a more PG role for Pegg, he delivered wonderfully and brought the comedy as always. Bell didn't look like a good match with Pegg at first, but she slipped into the role and pulled it off quite well. Lovibond, Horgan, and the remainder of the cast had much smaller roles which they all managed nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with nice natural looking sets that fit the film. Action scenes were mild but fitting. Dialogue was good and had nice depth, though in a couple of scenes accents were a challenge. Sound and soundtrack were enjoyable throughout.

As romantic comedies go Man Up doesn't break any new ground, but the film is funny and engaging without requiring much contemplation. The story flows well at a good pace and the 88 minute run-time is plenty. Fans of lighter-hearted romance films, or mild comedies, should enjoy this one.

With some foul language, including sexual references, this should be fine for older, mature teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 9.8.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Romantic comedy, Comedy, Romance, British films

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Road Trip

After cheating on his girlfriend and video taping the infidelity things can't seem to get much worse for Josh. Until one of his friends accidentally mails the tape to her. Setting out on a road-trip to intercept the tape, things can only get better for Josh now!

Breckin Meyer (Josh), Seann Scott (E.L.), Amy Smart (Beth), Paulo Costanzo (Rubin), DJ Qualls (Kyle), Tom Green (Barry), Rachel Blanchard (Tiffany), Anthony Rapp (Jacob), Fred Ward (Earl), Andy Dick (Motel Clerk).

Road Trip begins with some good character introductions and plot setup before things really begin rolling. When the plot shows up the film completes morphing into a crotch humor comedy as the four friends finally hit the road. The rest is a fairly easily anticipated adventure of bad choices, worse choices, accidents and general mayhem. With a slight twist the film finishes well.

Acting was okay with Meyer delivering his usual for the time. Scott was in-type here and as always, fit the role nicely, though he seemed a bit subdued in this one. Smart, Costanzo, and Qualls all did well. Green was absolutely hysterical, with Ward and Dick right behind.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with nice use of natural scenery. Mild action scenes and a nice explosion were enjoyable. Dialogue was campy, corny, and almost romantic at times. Sound and soundtrack were fitting and fun.

Overall Road Trip is a fun little Late Night Comedy that delivers a few laughs without requiring a lot of attention or taking itself more seriously than it should. Teens and genre fans should enjoy this one.

With nudity including in a sexual context, sexuality, crude humor, drug use, and adult situations, save this for older teens and above.

Released: 2000
Reviewed: 9.7.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Late Night Comedy, Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Adventure, Comedy Adventure

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel