Movie review: The Darkness

Returning from a Grand Canyon vacation, the Taylor family begins to realize something is wrong when young Michael begins to exhibit even stranger behavior than usual. Haunted by a supernatural force, the fight for their lives begins.

Kevin Bacon (Peter), Radha Mitchell (Bronny), David Mazouz (Michael), Lucy Fry (Stephanie), Matt Walsh (Gary), Parker Mack (Andrew), Paul Reiser (Simon), Ming-Na Wen (Wendy), Alma Martinez (Teresa).

The Darkness begins with the Taylor family vacation to the Grand Canyon from which mentally challenged Michael brings back a few seemingly innocent stones. In fact, removal of the stones unleashes an ancient Anasazi supernatural curse upon the family. The rest of the film, as the family struggles to survive, is a roller-coaster ride of haunting events and suspense through to the Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was okay with Bacon delivering his usual. Mitchell did pretty well with solid delivery, and seemed to work well with Bacon. Mazouz delivered nicely throughout, while Fry felt a bit detached. It was nice seeing Wen in a different role, which she managed well, as did the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are solid and well done. Good use of CGI around the supernatural aspects of the film, along with action scenes. Dialogue is okay with only a few rough spots and lacking information. Sound and soundtrack are decent.

While The Darkness sounds good on paper, the film uses a somewhat worn plot with few modifications and really doesn't bring anything new to the genre. This almost feels like a cookie-cutter film someone simply churned out. Kevin Bacon fans, or die-hard supernatural horror fans may enjoy this one. The rest of you will be disappointed at the lack of depth, originality, and lackluster technical work.

With some violence, gore, disturbing images, and mild sensuality this one is fine for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 3.15.17
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Thriller, Suspense, Supernatural Thriller

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

 

Movie review: The Purge: Election Year

 

This year The Purge coincides with an election year and politicians have lost their traditional exemption. Staunchly opposed to The Purge, Senator Charlie Roan quickly becomes targeted for death while protected by a single CIA agent.

Frank Grillo (Leo), Elizabeth Mitchell (Sen. Charlie Roan), Mykelti Williamson (Joe), J.J. Soria (Marcos), Betty Gabriel (Laney), Terry Serpico (Earl), Edwin Hodge (Bishop), Brittany Mirabile (Schoolgirl).

While we are familiar with The Purge at this point, The purge: Election Year adds a new variable by removing the exemption politicians had previously enjoyed. Accordingly, this sequel begins with some backstory and plot setup. Once The Purge begins however, focus is lost and the plot takes a backseat to the violence and mayhem of The Purge. The result is a film that laid the groundwork well, then left it behind in favor of action and violence.

Acting was decent with Grillo presenting fairly well. Mitchell was an enjoyable addition, fit her role nicely, and worked well with Grillo. Williamson was enjoyable, as were Soria and Gabriel in strong supporting roles. The remainder of the cast was solid with Mirabile being particularly fitting in her part.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are well done with a solid feel and nice attention to detail. Action scenes felt realistic for the most part with little obvious CGI. Dialogue was good though it wasn't quite enough to keep the plot centered in the film. Sound and soundtrack were nice.

While the concept of The Purge is still new enough and unique enough to be interesting it appears the franchise is beginning to falter. Those who enjoy this franchise may enjoy this one but probably not as much as previous entries. Given our most recent election, this one may appeal to those who have never seen The Purge before but like the concept.

With plenty of fairly graphic violence, foul language, and disturbing images, teens are going to see this one regardless so just keep it away from preens and below.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 3.11.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Crime Horror

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Metallica: Some Kind of Monster

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster follows the band as they record "St. Anger", their 2003 album recorded despite extensive personal and professional difficulties.

James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo, Jason Newsted, Bob Rock.

Metallica, one of the most well known rock bands ever, came together 2001-2003 to record their album, "St. Anger". During the same period a camera crew was following them night and day, capturing their creative process, personal struggles, and professional issues within the band.

Originally intended as a reality-TV series this 2-part series is more drama than it is anything else. We actually tired of watching the immature and ridiculous drama after the first episode and didn't waste our time on the second. My viewing partner is a HUGE Metallica fan and found little to no value in this one.

There was no acting. If there was acting, it was so horrible we didn't know it was acting.

Camera work is decent. Sound is okay. Dialogue is centered around foul language.

Unless you absolutely cannot absorb enough about Metallica, don't waste your time with this one. And even then; think twice.

With foul language and mild nudity this should be okay for teens and above. Which ironically makes it great punishment for teens and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 3.9.17
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Documentary, Music, Music Documentary

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Amy Schumer: The Leather Special

In this stand-up special Amy examines body parts and how they are used, intimacy, the dating scene, and the impacts of fame at Denver's Bellco Theater.

With her usual grace and wit, Amy tackles some delicate and unusual subjects head-on at full throttle leaving little in doubt. Though she isn't as funny here as she has been in the past, her direct and unashamed discussion of intimacy in detail, along with other topics, is hard to ignore and easy to respect. In this special Amy keeps things moving along, despite only touching on a few topics, and delivers some nice laughs.

Actress or not, I do enjoy her facial expressions. That said, I don't know if the leather outfit was intended to be unflattering or her wardrobe assistant should be shot, and then fired. Still, her presentation was good.

Camera work was solid and I saw no misses. Stage is simple but well done and works nicely for stand-up. Sound was good.

I think if you are an Amy Schumer fan you may be somewhat disappointed. She just didn't seem to be on her game with this one. And even if you are a stand-up fan, you still may want to think again. Amy dwells a lot on some of the less appealing aspects of intimacy, body parts, and a lengthy discussion on the impact of food poisoning to the body.

Save this one for adults and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 3.9.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Stand-up Comedy

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Wreck Trek

Half a dozen people from around the country come together for an unusual trek. With no budget they will find and fix 3 salvage cars which they will then drive from Berlin, Germany to Cape Town, South Africa.

John Lovejoy (Lovie), Tony Perez (Tony P), Rob Evans, Johnathan Lee-Howarth (JLH), Susan Fecher, Lucy Rava.

Wreck Trek Season 2 follows John and friends as they locate salvaged cars in Britan which they will resurrect and then drive from Berlin, Germany to Cape Town, South Africa with no budget. Along the way the group must deal with mechanical issues, personality conflicts, governments, rebels, and generally bad driving.

While the first episode was somewhat interesting the series quickly reveals itself as a strange version of reality TV. It is about then we realize that we are watching a train wreck and can't look away. As difficulties increase, particularly around personalities, the series turns into more of a drama than an adventure. Ending is the one thing that is done right.

Acting was mediocre at best but then, we don't expect much from a reality TV series. Lovejoy was interesting until overwhelmed by stress at which point he becomes close to worthless. Tony is probably the most likeable and interesting character in the show. Rava was enjoyable, like John, until the stress added up and she turned terminally grumpy.

Camera work was decent with good detail and fair use of natural scenery. Dialogue was rough throughout the series, but frequent checks with each cast member was a nice approach. Sound was okay.

Overall Wreck Trek is a wreck that is hard to stop watching once you start. Fans of reality TV adventures may enjoy this one. For anyone else, drive away quickly!

This should be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 3.4.17
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Reality TV, TV Shows, Travel TV, Adventures

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Extraction

While transporting a government weapon, veteran CIA operative Leonard is kidnapped by terrorists with a global agenda. But when his CIA analyst son realizes there is no plan for his rescue, he sets out on his own secret mission.

Bruce Willis (Leonard), Kellan Lutz (Harry), Gina Carano (Victoria), D.B. Sweeney (Robertson), Joshua Mikel (Drake), Steve Coulter (Sitterson), Dan Vilzerian (Higgins), Heather Johansen (Stevens), Christopher Bowen (Purvis).

Extraction launches with Leonard's kidnapping, immediately putting us into the main plot of the film. The story then takes a step back with character introductions and some backstory. Finding our way back to the main plot, the action picks up and things move at a good pace through the end of the film. While this one sounds good on the surface, the plot is fairly well worn and doesn't bring much, if anything, to the genre.

Acting was decent with Willis delivering solidly while finally letting someone else be the action hero. Lutz delivered nicely with solid energy and emotion. Carano was lovely and brought a much needed element to the film. Sweeney and the remainder of the supporting cast were enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds all felt very nicely done and the film obviously had a fair budget. Action scenes were numerous and nicely done throughout. Dialogue had fair depth and consistency. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall Extraction may not be the most original or enthusiastic action flick, but the story is entertaining, the acting good, and technical work enjoyable. Fans of Willis, Lutz, or the genre should enjoy this one.

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

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 3.4.17
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Crime Action, Action & Adventure, Action Thriller, Crime Thriller, Espionage

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Mechanic: Resurrection

Bishop has given up life as a contract killer but is drawn back in when his nemesis kidnaps his new girlfriend. To save her he must accomplish 3 assassinations, as he does best, while making them look like accidents.

Jason Statham (Bishop), Jessica Alba (Gina), Tommy Lee Jones (Max), Michelle Yeoh (Mei), Sam Hazeldine (Crain), John Cenatiempo (Jeremy), Toby Eddington (Adrian), Femi Elufowoju Jr. (Krill).

Mechanic: Resurrection is quite simply a pointless action thriller showcasing Statham as an action hero. After giving up life as a contract killer, he is pulled back in when beautiful Gina crosses his path and the two fall in love. The problem is; Bishop knows she is being blackmailed to seduce him, confronts her, then continues to meet the demands of the kidnapper and fall in love with Gina. It is at this early point in the film that the plot breaks down and we realize this is simply The Jason Statham Action Hour on steroids. The plot is fairly pointless for the remainder of the film which is chock full of incredible action scenes and Jason with no shirt.

Acting was par for the course with Statham delivering his usual tough-guy performance punctuated with some drama scenes. Alba delivered well and worked nicely with Statham. Jones was an enjoyable surprise in a smallish role that he presented wonderfully. Yeoh, Hazeldine and the remainder of the supporting cast did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with a nice variety of grand sets and natural backgrounds. Action scenes were very well done with good detail and plenty of over-the-top scenes. Dialogue was mediocre and used purely to facilitate more action. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

If you are a Statham or action thriller fan who doesn't mind a thin plot you should enjoy this one quite a bit. Others may find this one lacking in depth and somewhat detached from reality.

With some mild sexuality, plenty of violence, a fair amount of gore, and foul language this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 3.3.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Action, Adventure, Action Thriller, Crime Thriller

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel