vonnahwill Reviews

The Captive (I) (2014)

Had major potential, then fell short. Fast.

[5/10 · 5 February 2015]

Naturally, I was intrigued by "The Captive", great plot and amazing actors, what could possibly go wrong? From the start, I could tell this movie was going to have a ton of flashbacks, which is fine, until those flashbacks kinda become irrelevant because the viewer has no idea which flashback comes first. Strike 1. The introduction of Scott Speedman was a treat, until he was a bit weird acting and since that was never explained, I guess that was just his character?.. Then the part where Ryan Reynolds character has an abusive past was brought up (in reference to plot), then was never to be heard of again. Strike 2. Still don't know much about the wife's character. Strike 3. No explanation about the relationship of the two detectives (Dawson & Speedman) but since Dawson seemed to have a picture of Speedman's niece in her office, it's to be assumed they're in a relationship. OK. And for the focus to be the family of the missing girl, I feel it rarely focused on them. Strike 4.

This movie just needed a lot of tweaking. Starting with some back story of the characters at the beginning. And less flashbacks. More explanations. And more focus on how the unit was actually working towards finding the missing child.

Cargo (I) (2011)

Unexpected surprised.

[8/10 · 24 August 2013]

I thought this would be like most human trafficking films. But Cargo surprised me. I felt it was more about getting to know the main characters than anything else. We learned their story, we got to understand them. For the most part, the film took place in one setting, but that was fine by me, especially considering the dialogue that was being exchanged through this setting. The characters had a bond, whether you notice or not, it's there. Both actors were fantastic. Natasha Rinis actually made me tear up a little, because she let us feel what she was going through. I would like to see her in more films, giving that same emotion. The same with Sayed Badreya, great work. Cargo surprised me a lot.

I would be interesting in more of the writers/directors work. 8/10 rating and I would recommend.

Airborne (II) (2013)

Just.. Awful!

[2/10 · 22 August 2013]

I found the plot seemingly okay. About 45 minutes into the movie and I still didn't see any relevance. Needless to say, I turned it off.

I knew this movie would be an utter waste when there was an empty airport.. There was however, an excuse to fill that void.

Didn't pay much attention to the acting because I was waiting for the movie to get interesting, which never happened. With a little bit more action during the film, it could've received a more solid rating..

Not familiar with the writer or director, though I did recognize the director from the film. Would possibly check out more of their work.

I wouldn't recommend.

ATM (I) (2012)

What I expected...

[21 August 2013]

Initially, I wasn't even going to give this movie a try, it sounded too much like movies I've previously seen. Then, I finally give in. Whether that was a good idea or not doesn't really matter because this isn't a film I had big hopes for to begin with.

The plot wasn't too enticing, but I wanted to see how a movie setting could focus entirely at an ATM. I liked that there was a little build up in the beginning, instead of jumping right into things, but that's where it ended for me. The entire film was too predictable for me, with a not so surprising ending.

I can't exactly say this was a terrible movie, because it wasn't. It all depends on what you prefer, and like I said, I've seen too many movies like this with the same plot, different setting.

I would rate this movie at overall 6/10 because the acting wasn't bad and the actors did good with what they had.

I am familiar with the writer's work and would give him more chances in the future. So I would recommend this to others, because I like to give all writers chances and want others to have their own opinions.

The Girl Next Door (2007)

Extremely Chilling

[10/10 · 20 August 2013]

The hardest part to come to terms with is, it's based on actual events. This film is disturbing within self, but to know a human being had to endure such acts is very chilling. Anyone familiar with the story of young Sylvia Likens would understand the intensity of this film.

The Girl Next Door is very similar with the film An American Crime which stars Ellen Page. Both films are different, yet give the viewer a disturbing image of what a young girl had to endure.

Scenes are hard to watch, but it's a must see. Everyone must know this story...

I found the overall talent to be fantastic. 10/10.