I forget to review a lot of the movies I see and this is one. So, here goes!
If you liked House, Creepshow and Army of Darkness, you'll love this hidden gem. Ron Perlman (Hellboy) plays a monk interviewing a graverobber, played by Dominic Monaghan (Lost, Lord of the Rings), who is about to be executed.
Mild gore, violence and language. Super acting, soundtrack and cinematography. The plot weakens a bit towards the end, which will bother some people and not affect others. Still, this is one fun horror-comedy. Several of the scenes are just downright hilarious is you like black humor.
Two dead and rotting thumbs up!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Movie | Outlander | Pass
I love it when genres are mixed. In this film, not to be confused with the Sean Connery classic Outland, the genres of scifi, medieval swords and dragons are thrown together.
I'd rather not give away the plot, but the start of the film is a soldier from another time and space crash lands in Norway, 700ad. Unfortunately, he brought something with him. Something that wants to kill and eat everyone.
Great action, good music, nice effects. There are a couple of notable actors, but mostly they are a bunch of unknowns (at least to me). Ron Perlman is the exception and he plays a bit role. Regardless, the acting is just fine.
This 2008 flick starred James Caviezel. He was excellent. Very reserved...a stranger in a strange land (of Vikings).
And let us not forget the gorgeous, lush and powerful score by Geoff Zanelli, who also did the Hitman soundtrack. Awesome.
If you liked Reign of Fire, you'll love this one. It's epic.
Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
I'd rather not give away the plot, but the start of the film is a soldier from another time and space crash lands in Norway, 700ad. Unfortunately, he brought something with him. Something that wants to kill and eat everyone.
Great action, good music, nice effects. There are a couple of notable actors, but mostly they are a bunch of unknowns (at least to me). Ron Perlman is the exception and he plays a bit role. Regardless, the acting is just fine.
This 2008 flick starred James Caviezel. He was excellent. Very reserved...a stranger in a strange land (of Vikings).
And let us not forget the gorgeous, lush and powerful score by Geoff Zanelli, who also did the Hitman soundtrack. Awesome.
If you liked Reign of Fire, you'll love this one. It's epic.
Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
Movie | Tank Girl | Pass
This movie is nearly indescribable. It's wild, to say the least.
Tank Girl is a rebel, based on an underground comic strip character. She's a wild child that likes gunes, mohawks, cigars, army boots and blowing stuff up. Her world is a nihilistic future where water is the commodity.
There's a bad guy who runs everything and psychotically wants to kill everything and everyone, played by Malcolm McDowell. There are mysterious man-eating creatures that nobody knows anything about.
Great music. Great sets. Fun cheapo scifi FX. Highly enjoyable acting.
What I didn't love is the level of violence. Tank Girl watches as everyone around her is tortured and killed, but doesn't seem overtly concerned about it. Still, it's pretty campy and not particularly gruesome.
An interesting twist is Tank Girls' sexual ambiguity. She obviously likes boys, but it doesn't seem like she dislikes girls, too. Makes the character a bit more interesting, actually, without going too overboard.
Overall, a classic of B-movie scifi...a Grrl Power Mad Max made in the 90s.
Two thumbs up - with all of the fingernails painted with a house brush!
Tank Girl is a rebel, based on an underground comic strip character. She's a wild child that likes gunes, mohawks, cigars, army boots and blowing stuff up. Her world is a nihilistic future where water is the commodity.
There's a bad guy who runs everything and psychotically wants to kill everything and everyone, played by Malcolm McDowell. There are mysterious man-eating creatures that nobody knows anything about.
Great music. Great sets. Fun cheapo scifi FX. Highly enjoyable acting.
What I didn't love is the level of violence. Tank Girl watches as everyone around her is tortured and killed, but doesn't seem overtly concerned about it. Still, it's pretty campy and not particularly gruesome.
An interesting twist is Tank Girls' sexual ambiguity. She obviously likes boys, but it doesn't seem like she dislikes girls, too. Makes the character a bit more interesting, actually, without going too overboard.
Overall, a classic of B-movie scifi...a Grrl Power Mad Max made in the 90s.
Two thumbs up - with all of the fingernails painted with a house brush!
Movie | Enemy Mine | Pass
I don't know how I forgot to include this 1985 scifi classic starring Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr.
A fighter pilot is stranded on a hostile planet with the only other occupant an enemy alien.
The movie, while certainly cheesy, is a superb comment on the realities of war, friendship and commitment. We modern humans sure could learn a thing or two from the messages presented in this forgotten gem.
The rest of the cast are completely forgettable, except for Bumper Robinson and Brion James (Blade Runner).
The production pays fantastic homage to previous scifi classics. Lost In Space and Star Trek come to mind. Some of the dialogue is poorly written and occasionally the editing goes a bit haywire, but these two minor foibles don't detract whatsoever from a marvelous movie.
Two thumbs waaaaay up.
A fighter pilot is stranded on a hostile planet with the only other occupant an enemy alien.
The movie, while certainly cheesy, is a superb comment on the realities of war, friendship and commitment. We modern humans sure could learn a thing or two from the messages presented in this forgotten gem.
The rest of the cast are completely forgettable, except for Bumper Robinson and Brion James (Blade Runner).
The production pays fantastic homage to previous scifi classics. Lost In Space and Star Trek come to mind. Some of the dialogue is poorly written and occasionally the editing goes a bit haywire, but these two minor foibles don't detract whatsoever from a marvelous movie.
Two thumbs waaaaay up.
Movie | Return To Me | Pass
This was on cable last night. We've seen it several times, including an original viewing in the theater back in 2000. Surely this is one of our favorite "date" movies of all time. Not too cheesy for the guys and the good for the gals!
David Duchovny stars as a guy who's wife has died. Minnie Driver is the woman that received her donated heart after the accident. You can see where this is going and there certainly is a wonderful way that this movie develops.
The supporting cast is superb, too. Everything about this movie is superb, in fact. If you're looking for a "date" movie and you haven't seen this one yet - get it!
Two thumbs up!
David Duchovny stars as a guy who's wife has died. Minnie Driver is the woman that received her donated heart after the accident. You can see where this is going and there certainly is a wonderful way that this movie develops.
The supporting cast is superb, too. Everything about this movie is superb, in fact. If you're looking for a "date" movie and you haven't seen this one yet - get it!
Two thumbs up!
Movie | Alien Trespass | Pass
No gore, very mild violence, clean language, no sex ... this is a good one for pre-teens up to teens-at-heart.
Eric McCormack plays a scientist that crosses path with an alien who is hunting a runaway monster from outer space that turns people into goo. There are several other faces that you might recognize like Robert Patrick (Terminator 2), Jonathon Young (Sanctuary), Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years) and Sage Brocklebank (Psych).
The actors are obviously having a lot of fun with these roles and the dialogue and this movie would make a good, clean, fun movie for Monster Movie Night!
Two thumbs up.
Movie | Double Whammy | Fail
This humorless comedy stars Denis Leary as a cop with a bad back who fails to stop a fast-food restaurant killing spree.
It's a bummer, this movie. The cast is super, including Steve Buscemi. But, the plot is stupid and there are no jokes. Maybe an occasional smirk, but nothing more. I wanted to like it, but there was nothing to like.
It would have worked better as a drama with quirkier characters and more plot twists.
Interestingly, the music used is superb.
One half thumb up, which qualifies as a FAIL.
It's a bummer, this movie. The cast is super, including Steve Buscemi. But, the plot is stupid and there are no jokes. Maybe an occasional smirk, but nothing more. I wanted to like it, but there was nothing to like.
It would have worked better as a drama with quirkier characters and more plot twists.
Interestingly, the music used is superb.
One half thumb up, which qualifies as a FAIL.
Movie | Death Hunt | Pass
Charles Bronson plays his typically stoic role in this 1981 retelling of The Most Dangerous Game.
It's the 30s in the Yukon and a loner who just wants to be left alone tangles with a bunch of moronic country hicks (trappers). The Mounties get involved and everything goes to poop.
Stunning scenery and Lee Marvin steals the entire movie. There are several supporting roles by actors that made me go, "Hey, I remember that guy!" including Carl Weathers (Predator), William Sanderson (Blade Runner), Len Lesser (Seinfeld) and several others.
There's some pretty hardcore language and violent scenes, surprisingly. If you're in the mood, it's a keeper.
It's the 30s in the Yukon and a loner who just wants to be left alone tangles with a bunch of moronic country hicks (trappers). The Mounties get involved and everything goes to poop.
Stunning scenery and Lee Marvin steals the entire movie. There are several supporting roles by actors that made me go, "Hey, I remember that guy!" including Carl Weathers (Predator), William Sanderson (Blade Runner), Len Lesser (Seinfeld) and several others.
There's some pretty hardcore language and violent scenes, surprisingly. If you're in the mood, it's a keeper.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Movie | A New Wave | Fail
This bank-robbing buddy movie stinker was written, directed and stars Andrew Keegan (Camp Nowhere, 10 Things I Hate About You) and costars John Krasinski (The Office), Lacey Chabert (Party Of Five) and Dean Edwards (Saturday Night Live).
There are occasionally creative moments, but even these are so poorly done (blurry, poorly framed shots and dialogue that drags) that it's not worth your time watching this dud.
A disappointment.
There are occasionally creative moments, but even these are so poorly done (blurry, poorly framed shots and dialogue that drags) that it's not worth your time watching this dud.
A disappointment.
Movie | The Curse of the Living Corpse | Pass
The year is 1898 and father (say, "Faaaaathuuuh" like you're English) has died, leaving his millions to his tortured family. But before they get their inheritance, they must wait a year and follow his strict guidelines or they will all die horrible deaths.
This 1964 movie is not terribly unpredictable (in fact, it's a remake), but still a lot of fun to watch. The men are handsome, the women are gorgeous and the cast includes a 32 year old Roy Scheider in, supposedly, his first film role. They just don't get much sexier than this!
Two thumbs up!
This 1964 movie is not terribly unpredictable (in fact, it's a remake), but still a lot of fun to watch. The men are handsome, the women are gorgeous and the cast includes a 32 year old Roy Scheider in, supposedly, his first film role. They just don't get much sexier than this!
Two thumbs up!
Movie | Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging | Pass
A cross between the classic teen angst 80s movies (Pretty In Pink, Some Kind Of Wonderful, etc.) and the squeaky clean pain of the High School Musical franchise, this Brit film delivers what it promises. If you're not interested in teeny bopper girls pining over hunky boys, then skip it. But, if you get a kick out of their life process (which can be so funny and painful, all at the same time), then go for it!
Contains a bit role by our man Alan Davies, wonderful shots of Eastbourne and a superb title.
Contains a bit role by our man Alan Davies, wonderful shots of Eastbourne and a superb title.
Movie | Thank You For Smoking | Pass
A completely uninteresting premise, lifted out of the waste basket by a superb cast and excellent cinematography. Aaron Eckhart plays a big tobacco lobbyist. That's it. That's the whole plot. Surprisingly, it works and is worth a gander.
Movie | Sunshine Cleaning | Pass
This 2008 movie is a perfect Little Miss Sunshine Part 2, although it is completely unrelated other than Alan Arkin and the indie feel of the movie.
Two sisters go into the business of cleaning up crime scenes. Yes, the crime scenes are a little gross, but not overly. The thought of what happened and the way the plot and dialogue is written handle it perfectly. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are picture perfect in their roles and superbly watchable. This is really a relationship drama.
Would make a perfect double shot with the excellent Cleaner, which is much more serious.
Two sisters go into the business of cleaning up crime scenes. Yes, the crime scenes are a little gross, but not overly. The thought of what happened and the way the plot and dialogue is written handle it perfectly. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are picture perfect in their roles and superbly watchable. This is really a relationship drama.
Would make a perfect double shot with the excellent Cleaner, which is much more serious.
Movie | Push | Pass
I actually really enjoyed this 2009 movie. There are hokey elements and the ending is...well, let's just say some will love it, some will hate it. I loved it. Interesting cast. Spectacularly shot and scored, this flick is about a guy with telekinesis powers who gets involved is a search for a girl with similar powers. Will he find her before "The Division" does?
Superbly filmed in Hong Kong. More movies should film in exotic locations.
Superbly filmed in Hong Kong. More movies should film in exotic locations.
Movie | Cross of the Seven Jewels | Fail
I'd heard about this movie for several years, so I finally watched it. That was my first mistake. My second mistake was not turning it off sooner. This late 80s Italian werewolf flick was just so bad. It could be good if you're interested in laughing directly at a crappy movie. Otherwise, save your money and your time and do something productive with your life. Anything else will do.
Movie | Wieners | Fail
This 2008 dud was a dog. Starring a good cast, including Zachary Levi (chuck), Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live) and Fran Kranz (Dollhouse), this is yet another uninspired road trip movie that is similar to Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. If you liked that movie, you'll probably love this one. That's your right! And, you must always fight for your right to...party. I didn't find this at all funny, although I loved Dumb and Dumber and Something About Mary. Hey, sometimes the funny bone is hot...this movie was not.
Movie | The Sniper | Pass
This 1952 film-noir stars Arthur Franz as a psycho that can't stop himself from killing women. Extremely creepy, disturbing, thought provoking and a true classic. No gore. The fabulous scenes of San Francisco were surely inspiration for Dirty Harry.
Movie | Transformers 2 | Fail
We felt two ways about this movie.
Firstly, this is a perfect summer blockbuster. Huge visuals, awesome action, killer soundtrack, appealing stars. You'd be hard pressed to find a better usage of your hard earned money, than this action romp.
Secondly, this movie was disappointing (kids, can you say bipolar?).
Megan Fox was downright ridiculous. It's actually impossible to tell if she can act at all in this movie.
John Turturro, Kevin Dunn and Julie White (who play Shia's parents) steal the show. They are brilliant with the really crappy script. Without them and the power of LeBeouf's amazing screen presence, this movie would have been eye candy and nothing else.
The storyline was terrible. Want to know all of the plot holes? There are several articles online right now detailing the loooong list. I'll leave you to read those, if you're interested.
But, needless to say, you'd think with the time, effort and budget they could have done a lot better.
So! A empty-headed rompfest that's bags o' fun. Transformers...robots in disguise (because they desperately need a better script).
Firstly, this is a perfect summer blockbuster. Huge visuals, awesome action, killer soundtrack, appealing stars. You'd be hard pressed to find a better usage of your hard earned money, than this action romp.
Secondly, this movie was disappointing (kids, can you say bipolar?).
Megan Fox was downright ridiculous. It's actually impossible to tell if she can act at all in this movie.
John Turturro, Kevin Dunn and Julie White (who play Shia's parents) steal the show. They are brilliant with the really crappy script. Without them and the power of LeBeouf's amazing screen presence, this movie would have been eye candy and nothing else.
The storyline was terrible. Want to know all of the plot holes? There are several articles online right now detailing the loooong list. I'll leave you to read those, if you're interested.
But, needless to say, you'd think with the time, effort and budget they could have done a lot better.
So! A empty-headed rompfest that's bags o' fun. Transformers...robots in disguise (because they desperately need a better script).
Movie | Killshot | Fail
This 2008 lackluster story of an American Indian hitman (Mickey Rourke) who gets framed by his own boss is a dud. At least, that's the interesting portion of the plot. Ninety percent of the time is taken up with Rourke pursuing Lane and Jane for very little reason. Okay, there IS a reason (he kills everyone who sees him, for obvious reasons)...but, really, that's so unrealistic. The writers couldn't come up with anything better?
It starts out promising enough, then crawls along till the unsatisfying conclusion. Also stars Diane Lane, Thomas Jane, Rosario Dawson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, to no avail.
This well shot film was released concurrently with Rourke's critically acclaimed The Wrestler, which I found excruciatingly painful to watch. Skip both, Skipper.
It starts out promising enough, then crawls along till the unsatisfying conclusion. Also stars Diane Lane, Thomas Jane, Rosario Dawson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, to no avail.
This well shot film was released concurrently with Rourke's critically acclaimed The Wrestler, which I found excruciatingly painful to watch. Skip both, Skipper.
Movie | The Happening | Fail
First of all, let me say that I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of M. Night Shyamalan's past flicks, with the exception of Wide Awake, which was an anomaly.
Unfortunately, he now adds The Happening to the anomaly list. The duality of this travesty fascinated me. It was a cool concept, but it was horrifically written. It had a great cast, but the acting was absolutely atrocious. Seeing shots of an area I live and work in didn't save this stinker, either.
See any of Shyamalan's movies, just not this one or Wide Awake.
Unfortunately, he now adds The Happening to the anomaly list. The duality of this travesty fascinated me. It was a cool concept, but it was horrifically written. It had a great cast, but the acting was absolutely atrocious. Seeing shots of an area I live and work in didn't save this stinker, either.
See any of Shyamalan's movies, just not this one or Wide Awake.
Movie | Jesus Camp | PASS
Two thumbs up. An "important" film. Especially for parents and folks who work with kids, I think.
Movie | They Call Me Trinity | Pass
After all of the Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns, surely this 1970 film must be one of the top cult classics of the genre.
And, this is most definitely my favorite movie from Terence Hill and Bud Spencer, those two GIANTS of the theme. Still, there are too many to list that should also be listed. If you like this one, you should check out their catalog.
Lots of subtle (and not so subtle) humor, great gunplay, ridiculous plot, fantastically cheesy music and suitably bad acting means this is a must see. And that's saying something coming from me - I'm a HUGE fan of this genre. You need proof? I've read EVERY book by Louis L'Amour - all 126. So, there!
And, this is most definitely my favorite movie from Terence Hill and Bud Spencer, those two GIANTS of the theme. Still, there are too many to list that should also be listed. If you like this one, you should check out their catalog.
Lots of subtle (and not so subtle) humor, great gunplay, ridiculous plot, fantastically cheesy music and suitably bad acting means this is a must see. And that's saying something coming from me - I'm a HUGE fan of this genre. You need proof? I've read EVERY book by Louis L'Amour - all 126. So, there!
Movie | The Sandlot | Pass
Frankly, I'm surprised how much kids like this 1993 movie. Granted, it's a really fun, well done movie, but the themes are not goofy and there is very little slapstick.
Basically, a coming of age flick about a group of pre-teen boys who bond playing baseball.
Warning: cussing and adult themes. Super cast. Super score. Super script. Two thumbs up.
I have not seen the sequels.
Basically, a coming of age flick about a group of pre-teen boys who bond playing baseball.
Warning: cussing and adult themes. Super cast. Super score. Super script. Two thumbs up.
I have not seen the sequels.
Movie | The X Files (2008) | Pass
The X Files episodes and the subsequent movies fall into several categories...supernatural,
Movie | Monsters Vs Aliens | Pass
This 2009 homage to 50s monster movies was superb. Engrossing story. Hilarious for both kids and adults. Rewarding and a classic, with a nice subtext about fempower. The sound FX are, frankly, amazing. See this in a theater if you can...for the sound system.
Movie | Assault on Precinct 13 (2005) | Pass
Yes, it has plot holes. But, they are certainly tolerable.
What they did (extremely) right is this: get a fantastic cast, reset the season (to superb effect), change up the bad guys and keep all of the thriller elements.
Surprisingly, a keeper.
Movie | Run Fatboy Run | Pass
I am a big fan of Simon Pegg and Dylan Moran and this was a predictable yet mostly enjoyable romantic comedy film. The fact that David Schwimmer directed it is just plain odd, too.
If you're looking for better Pegg and Schwimmer fare, check out Big Nothing - an excellent (very) black comedy that not many folks saw. Definitely not family fare!
If you're looking for better Pegg and Schwimmer fare, check out Big Nothing - an excellent (very) black comedy that not many folks saw. Definitely not family fare!
Movie | The Exiles | Pass
Superb and atmospheric film from the 60s about young Native Americans living in Los Angeles. Just a knockout of a movie! Two thumbs waaaay up.
Movie | Code 46 | Pass
I absolutely loved this movie. It's just my cup of tea - simple without being stupid, clever without being painful. They really made the most out of very little, presenting a futuristic world that is so believable, so seemingly real. Masterful!
Tim Robbins is an insurance fraud agent investigating a possible crime. In the process, he falls head over heals for and has an affair with a woman played by the marvelous Samantha Morton.
The plot is simplistic, with dialogue that mixes multiple languages in a rapid-fire, natural way. The FX are so minimal and integrated so well, that the movie could be mistaken for NOT being scifi.
In the near future, your genetics determine who you can love and mate with. With cloning an every day part of life, this becomes a real issue.
Brilliantly and lovingly filmed. The soundtrack is gorgeous, utilizing excellent world beats (and a Coldplay track).
The pace will be off-putting for some. Others will find the plot confusing. I loved every minute.
THREE cloned thumbs up!
Tim Robbins is an insurance fraud agent investigating a possible crime. In the process, he falls head over heals for and has an affair with a woman played by the marvelous Samantha Morton.
The plot is simplistic, with dialogue that mixes multiple languages in a rapid-fire, natural way. The FX are so minimal and integrated so well, that the movie could be mistaken for NOT being scifi.
In the near future, your genetics determine who you can love and mate with. With cloning an every day part of life, this becomes a real issue.
Brilliantly and lovingly filmed. The soundtrack is gorgeous, utilizing excellent world beats (and a Coldplay track).
The pace will be off-putting for some. Others will find the plot confusing. I loved every minute.
THREE cloned thumbs up!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Movie | The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) | Pass
A thug and a mastermind criminal - that's the difference between this 2009 remake and the classic 1974 thriller, The Taking of Pelham 123 (based on a real event). The original had really interesting characters, with depth and convolutions. This is pretty much a flashy actioner with no real development. That's not necessarily a bad thing and viewers won't know the difference unless they've seen both.
Denzel Washington and John Travolta star but don't do a heck of a lot. Neither do the supporting stars. John Turturro, Luis Guzman and James Gandolfini's formidable talents are wasted, pretty much. I could have done with less swearing, fewer slow-mo helicopter and speeding car scenes and more character development.
Still, it's entertaining, not too violent and doesn't insult the viewer. See this one and then make it a point to see the original if you haven't already. If you have, I'd still recommend it. There are enough twists to be interesting.
Denzel Washington and John Travolta star but don't do a heck of a lot. Neither do the supporting stars. John Turturro, Luis Guzman and James Gandolfini's formidable talents are wasted, pretty much. I could have done with less swearing, fewer slow-mo helicopter and speeding car scenes and more character development.
Still, it's entertaining, not too violent and doesn't insult the viewer. See this one and then make it a point to see the original if you haven't already. If you have, I'd still recommend it. There are enough twists to be interesting.
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