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Reviews
Shutter Island (2010)
Highly enjoyable psychological thriller
I went to see this film not knowing what exactly to expect other than a 2+ hour goose-chase Leo and his partner have to endure. Without spoiling anything, what I saw was a completely different film which caught me off guard and completely obscured my perspective of what I expected from the film. Instead, it opened my eyes, took me to the edge of my seat, and got me thinking about what was REALLY going on in Shutter Island.
While the film doesn't exactly start off strong, it slowly picks itself off the floor and carries you to the very edge of your seat up until the last minute of the film. The true premise behind the film plays out very strong and it's fortunate that the great premise is also backed up by great actors who play their roles splendidly. It really shows that these film-makers and actors put skills and heart towards making this a highly enjoyable and highly intelligent psychological thriller.
I felt that the only weak point in the film was the music. While the score definitely had some great atmospheric pieces orchestrated to perfection, it also had a loud and persistent cello note played almost to the rhythm to that of the Jaws theme. This note was played throughout the film. While it was a bit tedious, it didn't take away from the original tension built from the film's gloomy and suspenseful atmosphere, so it was easily forgiving.
Fortunately, the minor score issue is the only thing that I could possibly find wrong about this film. Almost every other aspect of this film presents itself professionally and creatively. While it is certainly not a solid 10 in my book, I still gave this film a 9 because it's a highly enjoyable film if you simply learn to keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. With the exception of minor setbacks, the good(s) definitely outweigh the bad(s) and I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who is looking for that breath of fresh air from intelligent psychological thrillers.
Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009)
Nostalgic and Satisfying
Going into this movie, I wasn't too excited seeing as the last few sequels haven't been anything more than less-than-stellar quick cash-ins. Even the 4th film, which brought JCVD back and included some great faces, such as Michael Jai White and Bill Goldberg, couldn't help save the unfortunate dying of the franchise. What I saw, though, was completely unexpected... for a change, I was SATISFIED.
This, I guess you could call it, non-canon Sequel goes back to the UniSol roots from the first film, with Van-Damme and Lundgren, and maintains a modern-era with the fresh face of UFC's Arlovski. Frankly, this combination works quite well. All the men look great and play their roles respectively. It's great to see an old mash-up that I haven't witnessed since 1992.
Nostalgia aside, this film delivers. While the acting isn't TOP-NOTCH (come on they're brainwashed super-humans) the film itself is jam-packed with action. With its over-the-top violence, explosions, weaponry, and superb fight choreography you can't help but sit at the edge of your seat with an anticipating grin for the next showdown. While Arlovski definitely packs a punch, Lundgren and Van-Damme definitely deserve a praise for their performance given their respective ages.
Overall, I gave this film an 8/10 because it's definitely a MAJOR step up in the Universal Soldier franchise, and a great return for Van-Damme and Lundgren in the realm of action films. As a direct-to-video it's definitely put together quite nicely, the action is top-notch, the special effects are great but not overdone, the casting fits perfectly, and the direction of the film maintains a steady pace of satisfying action. If you enjoyed the first Universal Soldier from 1992 and completely ignored the last three films, then you will definitely enjoy this blast from the past. Even if you've never seen any of the films from the franchise, you will still enjoy this film as being just another great stand-alone action flick with a top-notch cast. Go check this one out, you won't be disappointed!
The Collector (2009)
Saw's less likable brother-in-law
That's the best way I can describe this film. While it has that SAW vibe to it, it doesn't necessarily feel like a SAW film, and while it was enjoyable it certainly wasn't anywhere near as good as what we've seen before. With that said, enough of the comparisons, this review is based on The Collector. The film definitely has mixed reviews, but that's normal because it's neither a great film nor a bad film. This film is simply there, and while it doesn't bring anything new to the table, it's still a decent slasher film.
PROS: The film does a fine job of building up tension and releasing it with a satisfying execution, so to speak. The traps can get pretty exciting, and some come at the audience by surprise. It almost makes you wonder just what else might be hanging around the house. While it's nothing more than a slasher film, it really tries to go beyond that by adding death-traps and having victims spring into them rather than having a brainless brute stabbing people.
This is what makes it so interesting, our killer is actually quite interesting and his work is very entertaining. I also like how they managed to keep the villain mysterious as to keep the audience speculating as to who it can be while subtle hints are thrown at you throughout the film. You may have an idea of who it can be by the end of the film, but fortunately the face is never revealed. The mask adds a nice touch too!
CONS: It's unfortunate that the film fails to include two major details that several other horror films lack: premise & character development. Often times you pick up on major plot-holes that don't get answered by the end of the film. It's entirely up to the film-makers to develop their characters so we care and sympathize for the victims. This film tosses a rich father, a plastic mother, a slutty daughter, and an average little girl at the audience and expects everyone to care when they're attacked. I actually enjoyed their deaths simply because I didn't know anything about them and I found them to be more annoying than vulnerable. Even the killer has no background, we don't know why he's there, why he collects, why he's after the family, etc... we simply know he's there and he's dangerous.
The film also lacks a premise. Again, the audience is given a scenario where a person who is robbing the rich family now has to help save that same family from another person who is out to collect. It really doesn't build up from that any longer. You are given a 90 minute showing of a thief going through one death-trap after another, and it's unfortunate that the SAW people couldn't come up with some kind of unexpected and wacky plot-twist. Plot-holes (such as how this collector managed the build and set all these traps in one night with the family still around) also dilute the film.
OVERALL: While the movie has both good and bad, it certainly isn't a bad movie. Even the major issues can often be overlooked once you realize you are simply watching another horror/slasher film with a slight twist. There is plenty of blood, traps, breasts, and deaths for any horror-hound to get excited about. This film is no SAW, but if you stay away from the comparisons and treat this as another late night popcorn horror flick, you may actually sit back and enjoy it... just don't expect any major twists or anything. I gave this film a 6/10 because even with all the issues it's still enjoyable as a stand-alone slasher film.
2012 (2009)
2+ hours of over-hyped mediocrity
Running at over two hours, there is only one exception to a long film: the film has to be GREAT. This film, is not so great, therefore its extensive length also makes it tedious and redundant after the first half. This film is neither good nor bad. It doesn't hold on very long, but it doesn't let go too soon.
PRO: Jackson Curtis and his family are highly enjoyable, and the little girl definitely steals the spotlight. The casting choice is pretty decent too, I enjoyed Cusack's performance, and a few of the other cast members shined on the spotlight. Also, the special effects are stunning. The disasters are phenomenal albeit completely done in CG. If you have seen the trailer, then you know how great the film looks with its high-budget effects. Although...
CON: ...if you have seen the trailer, you have basically seen the entire film. Again, I can't stress enough at the film's length. What this film does well is disasters, what it doesn't do well is plot, development, dialogue, and a few other minor let-downs that dilute the overall quality of the film. While the effects are great, you can only watch and enjoy it for so long within a 2+ hour film. You notice the film slowly starts to become redundant, and the WOW factor quickly wears out to a point where you simply don't care very much.
OVERALL: I think the film had a great thing going. It started off as a highly enjoyable apocalyptic thriller with a great cast, but with its lengthy/redundant premise it slowly drains out the fun factor and leaves you anxiously waiting for the film to end. It's unfortunate that with all this hype, the film turned out to be nothing more than another mediocre Hollywood blockbuster. That is why I gave the film an average score of 5/10.
Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever (2009)
Pointless & disgusting... but I can't stop watching
Like most people saw this movie, I've seen the first one and enjoyed it. I hoped this would be a great successor to the last film. Sadly what I got was a rushed, unimaginative mess. So why is it that I can't stop watching it? Well... allow me to elaborate using simple Pros and Cons.
CONS: This movie has no plot, no meaning, no premise, no story, no script. It's tacked on as by means to gross a few critics and cash in on the first film's name. Within the first hour of the film I am treated to an angsty teenage 'geek' and his chunky, horny, filthy-mouth friend. Their Highschool years are almost over, the main character wants to be loved, and the fat kid wants to get laid. Sound familiar? Yeah, I was under the impression that I was watching 'Superbad' too. Toss in a bully and a school Prom and you have yourself another teenage drama. We've seen this Highschool teenage drama in far too many films, and it's unfortunate this film is plagued with the same treatment. Luckily the last 0:30:00 of the film changes everything, and this is where the PROS begin.
PROS: Gorehounds, you will love this film. This film is 'Carrie' with blood, guts, infections, breasts, genitals, infected breast/genitals, vomit, feces, glued finger-nails, urine flavored punch, smashed faces, and the list goes on. The shock factor is RED HIGH in this film. While the gore isn't necessarily the strong point, it's all the other creative methods of shock value that will have even the grotesque veterans cringing. It's not necessarily the shock itself that had me hooked, but the creative methods invested in the shocks. As the movie progresses you start to think about different ways the infection can actually spread when you have a school full of vulnerable teenagers. The possibilities are endless! CONCLUSION: I gave this film a 4/10. It's riddled with plot holes, shallow characters, overused plot, and horrible dialogue. BUT, if you've come to expect a Cabin Fever film, then you'll be happy to know the shock value is abundant. It's that reason alone that I gave this film a 4. Gorehounds will be ecstatic at the film's creative direction to an infectious genocide. While I was still slightly disappointed with its departure from the woods and into the realm of Highschool, I still managed to leave the film with a slight grin on my face.
Give it a chance. Wait until a DVD release and rent it if you still feel indecisive. By no means is it better than the first film, but it's still a worthy mention. Slightly below mediocre, it has its moments...
Ninja Assassin (2009)
Not what I had expected
Being directed by the same person who made V and being produced by the same people who brought the Matrix. Mix this together with the premise of Ninjas, I expected some pretty amazing fight sequences and some meaningful special effects followed by a coherent plot with a rather decent character development. I was a bit disappointed with what I had actually seen. I was simply shot down from my high expectations.
Let's start with the story. To be honest, there really is no story. Raizo is simply out for blood in an attempt to save Mika and take his revenge on his 'abusive' Sensei. Besides Rain's character, we are left in the dark about the rest of the characters. The development simply isn't there. We don't know why these agencies are investigating Ninjas and we don't know why Raizo is protecting them. There is no purpose, motive or meaning to any of it. We were fortunate to get a flashback of Raizo's disturbing past and what has led him to where he is now.
Knowing the production of the Wachowski brothers made me happy and sad. There characteristics were present in this film. While the film did have some great action choreography, it was diluted with an excessive amount of GCI, and while that worked in the fictional world of the Matrix, it just didn't work here. The swords, the ninja stars, hell... even the ninjas themselves were CG half the time. The ninjas are seen teleporting from one spot to another in the dark, exaggerating to the point where I get the feeling that I'm watching 'Ghost' and not Ninja Assassin.
Again, what the film does do right is the action choreography. The moves, the camera angles, and the bloody limbs all make for a great action flick. I do admit though, the blood does exaggerate and go overboard at times but it can easily be forgiven and forgotten. While the trailer won't show you just how bloody the film is, believe me, it's BLOODY compared to most films about ninjas. Of course, going into a film about hack and slash ninjas, one shouldn't come off surprised at the sight of blood and limbs.
All in all I gave this movie a 5/10, because I had my expectations high and I was slightly disappointed. This film is a mediocre action flick at best. Often-times it's even hard to describe it as martial-arts because of the excessive use of blood and GC. Even so, if you watch this film with a clear open mind, and keep your expectations to a minimum, you can actually enjoy this film for what it is: a mindless hack-and-slash action film for guys.
Ninja (2009)
Fun, albeit flawed
This movie has potential, but within that potential are several flaws. Though the flaws don't make this a terrible movie, they do deter from some of the film's positive aspects.
The film tells the tale of American orphan Casey who is raised into a clan of ninjas and rivaled by an equally powerful warrior. Eventually the rival's anger gets the best of him and he is banished for breaking a ninja code of honor. He is then forced to pursue a new career in assassinations and theft for an evil organization. Casey must use what his master has taught him over the years to protect the sacred 'box' and stop his rival. Sounds promising, right? Well, it goes slightly downhill from here. Casey is accompanied by a female companion who is able to out-maneuver Casey several times, yet she manages to get herself caught and nearly killed several times. She bears a huge burden of Casey, and most of the film consists of Casey keeping her from getting hurt, saving her from getting killed, and finding her after she gets kidnapped.
Unfortunately the negatives continue. The movie tries to hard to merge East with West, and often times I find myself cringing at the Japanese actors attempting to speak coherent English, although I do admit Casey does a splendid job. Throw in some incompetent cops who can't seem to do anything right but get in the way and die, and you have yourself a crumbling premise.
Another problem is the character development. We don't really get a background check of most of the cast as to how they ended up where they did and why they are exactly there. Which brings me to my next problem, the so called evil organization. Without any intent, motive, or purpose we are introduced to this organization of wealthy leaders and street thugs. The thugs are persuaded to join this clan and they are represented with leather hoodies and a branding to the chest. How they got there, what are they doing, why are they doing it remains a mystery. It seems the film-makers just wanted to toss a group of enemies as sandbag punching fillers to get Casey's juices flowing.
Well, it worked... which brings me to my positives. This movie has a lot of action, a lot of amazing choreography, and a lot of blood. Mix it together, and you have yourself a winning combination. While the blood CG seems to be a bit off, that can be forgiven due to it's minimal budget internet release (I). The action is kept as realistic as possible, while maintaining a lot of amazing ninja skills we've grown to love from Eastern cinemas. The slow-motion and camera work is top notch, and the cinematography deserves a praise. For a (I) this movie is built and presented really well.
Another positive is the actor who plays Casey, Scott Adkins. Some viewers might recognize him as Uri Boyka from 'Undisputed II' (and soon to be III). This man is BEYOND fantastic at martial arts. He is right next to Michael Jai White as being one of the best American martial artists I've witnessed. He can very well be the Van Damme of the 21st century. He's built well, his acting is great, and his fight choreography is simply amazing. The stunts, added with the camera angles and the slow-mo make for a roller-coaster of a ride.
This movie may not be the BEST martial arts movie out there, but it is simply enjoyable to watch for any fan of martial arts. If you enjoy the brutal street brawls of 'Undisputed' and the choreographed martial arts of 'Ong Bak' then you will DEFINITELY love this movie. Just don't expect anything from the story, the extras, and rest of the actors. Go into this film with an open mind, and a thirst for bloody good violence, and I'm sure you will leave satisfied.
I gave this movie a 6/10 because even though the goods outweigh the bad, it's simply hard to ignore the fact that there still are flaws to the film. Regardless, it is a very enjoyable film, and to those who enjoy martial arts films and/or enjoy East meets West mash-ups, then you will definitely enjoy this film! Give it a try!
Daybreakers (2009)
Breath of Fresh Air
Lately there have been an abundance of vampires in Hollywood media. Everyone is trying to add something different to the vampire mythology. While most forms of media stray from what makes vampires so iconic, this film sticks to the core. Instead of vampires glittering, they burn. Instead of applying lip-gloss and attending high-school, they hunt for humans by means of survival.
Now, what makes this film a breath of fresh air is the fact that the plot is flipped in reverse. Instead of humans fighting for survival, it's now the vampires who are fighting for survival. Instead of humans fighting off vampires, it becomes vampires fighting off vampires. What this does is keep all the core elements that make vampires great, and adds a fresh new perspective through the eyes of vampires, thus giving its viewers a new take on the undead.
A lot is done well for this film. The casting is top notch, and the acting is stellar. The plot is kept strong for most of the film, and the setting/atmosphere is splendid. You really get that dark humanly derelict future where technology is accustom to the survival of the vampires. As the plot starts to develop, the film also provides the viewers with a subtle sense of sympathy towards the once feared undead. The blood is great, the violence is abundant, and there is plenty of gore available for those horror fanatics... which all of this ALSO brings me to my next point.
There are a few details that keep this film from being a 10 in my book. The premise of vampire survival starts off strong and hooks you to its plot. The characters are slowly introduced one by one, and the film does a great job of developing each of the significant characters emotions and personality. While film starts off strong, the ending completely ignores everything the viewers have developed and unleashes a violent bloodbath possibly to appease the viewers who came to this movie expecting a strong-R horror bloodbath. While I do like my gory violence, this film seems to take it's meaning out of context and put it into what became an random bloodbath of an ending.
Still, a slapped on ending and a few other minor hiccups don't deter from the film's excellent presentation and overall design. It's a different movie, but it's certainly a great movie. It's a great take on vampires, and it definitely does more things right than wrong. I gave this movie an 8/10 and I think anyone who enjoys vampire flicks with a little more meat and bone will get the satisfaction they crave out of this film. I feel that this is definitely a step in the right direction for vampires in the media.
The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005)
This film is an INSULT
Every second of this film is an insult to The Crow franchise and everything Brandon Lee has worked for. This film has taken everything that has made the first film great, and completely stripped and mutilated it for what it's worth... and let me tell you, this film isn't worth much.
Before I get to the acting, let me say that the casting choice is an absolute joke. From Reid to Ortiz, these people were simply offered a quick cashing opportunity and fell into a trap that will forever smudged their careers far more than it's already been. For others such as Mr. Hopper, I expected better. Not only has Hopper managed to disappoint me and shatter my hopes, but I've now lost faith in his future career. Super Mario isn't as bad as it gets folks.
Now for the acting itself. I don't know why they thought having a bunch of grown Hispanic men attempting to do traditional Indian dances to revive a crow by making themselves look silly by hopping around like drug-addicts was a good idea. Maybe on paper?... no, not even on paper. Throw in some idiot kamikazes, and an white old 'pimp' talking in poorly forced Ebonics, and you have yourself a disaster.
The premise of the film is very stale and boring as well. It's simply the same premise as the first 500 remade films, just a bit more watered-down and stripped of any intelligence. With no real motive or reason to care for the main character, I'm often times left wanting him dead. I'm not quite sure if it's the acting or the emo makeup-attitude-speech combo. His loved one dies, so he goes around beating people up and spitting annoying melancholic one-liners. In the end, there is simply nothing to look forward to, but when the movie will finally end.
The music is about average as well. Nothing will really compare to the orchestral genius of the first film, but at least an average soundtrack would slightly help. The first film's music was captivating, dark, and atmospheric just like the film itself. In this sequel, it's just another score that goes faster than it comes. While not ENTIRELY disappointing, it's still ignored and not cherished as it was with the first film.
Now, I don't want to continue comparing this sequel to the first film simply because I want to forget this film ever existed. I want the franchise to keep whatever dignity it has left over and stop opening the wound. Folks, this movie is bad. I suggest, no, I ENCOURAGE you stay FAR away from this movie as possible. If you have seen and enjoyed the first film, you DO NOT want this filth etched into your brain, because there is no turning back I gave this movie a 1/10, if there was anything lower I would gladly apply it so. Unfortunately this film mutilates everything I loved and grew up with. It's simply much more depressing than the emo main character of this film. Bad acting, mediocre music, horrible casting, no premise... a childhood nightmare. Please AVOID THIS MOVIE AT ALL COSTS.
Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball (2010)
Not ENTIRELY bad
A lot of people argue that it has bad acting and bad CGI but forget that this was a straight to video release. With such a limited budget, the film-crew can only do so much so well. Taking everything into account, this film is nothing but a mediocre sequel that could have gone unnoticed with or without its release.
With that said, if you ignore some of the minor flaws, it's actually a decent flick. The acting and CG are NOT bad, they're simply mediocre and can be somewhat forgiving when you take into account the budget. If you can an open mind you will hardly notice anything wrong with the GC, and of course if you go into watching this film you shouldn't expect very much from the acting.
What is disappointed, though, is the fact that the premise of the film is simply there to do everything the first film did; and not necessarily better. This film doesn't add or remove anything, it simply plays it VERY safe. The whole assassins after bounty direction is kept intact, and it's VERY unfortunate that most of the assassins share VERY similar characteristics with the previous film's assassins; some even make returns. It's so similar it's actually quite striking.
Putting the bad aside, it has the typical over the top'guy-movie' flare that the first film had. It has guns, women, sex, violence, and plenty of blood to go around. Some of the action scenes seem a bit overboard, such as shooting exploding midget clowns out of a cannon, but that's what one can come to expect from a movie with such flare. The action never slows down, and the plot twists keep on rolling back and forth.
OVERALL: If you have seen the first movie, you have pretty much seen the second movie. That's not to say you shouldn't watch this film. This film is best enjoyed if you can simply tune out every bit of your brain and simply enjoy the movie. Don't worry about the GC, don't worry about the acting, don't worry about plot-holes, don't worry about what's changed since the first movie, just watch the movie for what it's worth: an over the top sequel to an action flick for guys (and maybe gals too).
I gave this movie a 6/10. Nothing special; a bit above mediocre at best, but still enjoyable.
Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead (2009)
Mediocre at best
The third chapter to the Wrong Turn trilogy. What we have here is nothing more than the first film simply watered down and sent straight-to-video (V). That wouldn't have necessarily been a bad thing... if the movie had any sort of meaning to it.
Now, the bad acting and mediocre CGI blood can be forgiving because the film IS a low-budget (V) film. When the film-makers work with low-budgets they usually have to rely on the movie's other key components such as character development, plot, music, etc... you know, something that would give this movie a meaningful purpose. Here is where the film falls short, because it really has no meaning and serves no purpose.
The film's plot is something anyone, who has seen the first two, should be relatively familiar with. A group of people are stranded helpless and have to defend themselves and make it out alive before they are taken in by a group of demented 'hicks.' Take this plot, add a bunch of 'tough-guy' cons, throw in a few horny teenagers, some 1 1/2 killers, and a truckload of blood and you have yourself a finished product.
Normally some mindless violence is fine and acceptable, but again, this movie is a watered-down version of the first film. So essentially the deaths are reduced quality and quantity wise and even the killers are reduced quality and quantity wise. While the first film shocked its viewers with these odd-ball creatures and gruesome deaths, you simply get 1 average SLIGHTLY deformed hillbilly, and his mini-me, and some people average scenes.
OVERALL: Sure, this movie has plenty of downfalls. It definitely lacks compared to its predecessors, but that can be slightly forgiven because of its (V). If you have seen the first two, and you want to unfold another chapter in its tale, or you are gifted with the ability to tune out your mind and enjoy mindless/pointless violence then this movie will do you justice. Just don't go about expected too much from this, you will be disappointed.
I gave it a 5/10. This film is simply mediocre at best.
Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
Zathura is random and boring...
Yup... that just about describes Zathura... random... and usually boring. It starts off with two brothers who are constantly fighting, and their older sister who hates everyone and doesn't want to do anything but sleep during the day. Then things get crazy when the younger brother finds an old board game, Zathura, and starts to play it.
Then random/pointless events happen in no particular order. Spin the key, press the button, grab a card, something weird happens, repeat. Everything happens then, from a meteor shower, to a giant killer robot, to a bunch of lizard people who want to eat the children... out of nowhere. It just goes on and on... throughout the entire movie I was sitting there waiting for them to finish to darn game already...
So a series of random events happen, and then it's all followed by a big "twist," which is also pretty lame. Then someone wins the game, everything goes back to normal, and yeah... you've just watched Zathura...