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Reviews
Knock 'Em Dead, Kid (2009)
'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid' Knocked Me Over!!
Okay, I saw this film in LA in February and the one word I can use to sum up this film is - originality. The overall look and aesthetic of the film was spot on - the acting was good - and the story, well, original is one word, different could be another. The story is such a non-linear, refreshing turn from the formulaic three-act-structure so prevalent in today's commercial cinema.
The plot concerns Bret, a relatively clean-cut teen, who's ready to leave his hometown in Connecticut and go away to school. He hangs out with these 2 guys (1 tough, 1 stoner) and dates a girl. But...as our story opens, he and his buddies jump a guy, they were told raped a friend of theirs, and pummel him. Then Bret goes to a get together and meets another girl who threatens his relationship with his girlfriend.
One day a cop starts asking questions about the assault and then Bret gets caught cheating with this new hottie causing Bret's world to spiral. The film goes full speed ahead towards a strange ending but a fitting one - filled with an out of control cop and some crazy acts.
The way the story is told is so matter of fact and it seems like a docudrama at times and feels like real life - granted the story could've used more 'hollywood' but hey - it seems more like reality. This makes the film work.
There is a scene show in a car between Bret and the new girl that is shot so beautifully that I re-watched it right away. The lighting, the composition, the blocking - all so well done.
By the time the film reaches the end (and I won't spoil what happens), Bret and the viewer are drained.
Now, there are some scenes which are a bit wacky and some the story itself gets weird at times but overall the direction and acting are very good. Check this film out, it's different and worth a look!
Revenge of the Boogeyman (1983)
One of the Worst Films EVER Made
I purchased this on DVD and what did I get? A piece of useless garbage that you can't even give away for 1 cent on ebay. Trust me, I tried.
This is one of the worst films ever made. Here's why, the DVD of Boogeyman 2 isn't the VHS version from the 80's, it's a hack job from a hack director who went and took forty+ minutes worth of footage from the first film and the 'new' Boogeyman 2 footage is a bunch of scenes that play in a fast forward mode - what the ??????????? Also, the director shows himself speaking about the proceedings that is spread out through the film. This makes no sense and is so badly done that it leaves the viewer chucking the DVD in disgust.
The original part 2 was a decent horror film but this new DVD version is a worthless piece of garbage.
AVOID this film. (Note: I found a use for my DVD as I used it for a coaster)
The Long Riders (1980)
Hands Down the BEST WESTERN Ever Made!!
I don't care what people say about the casting. I don't care what people say about the script. I don't care what facts may have been toyed with. This film is amazing. All I have to say to any film buff, film student, or filmmaker, is this - watch the James/Younger gang escape from their failed heist in Northfield by smashing through the glass of another establishment - and all the while remember that those are real horses with real stunt men - that is amazing. Forget today's long drawn out westerns and the silly CGI in other films - THE LONG RIDERS is Walter Hill's greatest film. Hands down.
I am amazed at almost all of the set pieces in this film. And David Carradine and James Keach carry the film perfectly cast! This film is sadly overlooked and is not only a great western, this is one of the greatest films ever made.
Hollywood (2007)
Hollywood WOWed me!
My son passed this film along to me since he said it was one of the most interesting shorts he'd ever seen (and because he knew some of those involved). Directed by Christopher L. Golon, 'Hollywood' is so watchable and chock full of zest and life that one can deal with what seems like a forced conclusion. The film is a cautionary tale with a true feel to the world it depicts.
It is the story of a Detective in LA who ventures into the Hollywood underworld to find a woman's missing daughter. To me the film's journey was similar to both 'The Searchers' and 'Hardcore' which both feature a righteous man who's looking for a young girl who has been soiled by miscreants. My problem is the film's ending as if Golon wasn't sure how to end it. But I understand that the theme was tough and the film's design was a tough one that I wouldn't quite be sure how to end either.
The premise and performances are what counts (as well as the awesome visuals, Golon was his own DP and wow, some of the shots are stunning) but there's no question that the strength to the film's acting is Kevin Michael Turner's monumental performance as the Detective. He had me believe his character with such intensity and a ferocity that makes the viewer believe everything from this character.
'Hollywood' works because it is such an effective film, with a theme that was handled very tastefully. While the actors all seem to be very pleasing for the eyes, this film also has a visual sense of style and it makes strong use of it's blacks and blues.
Very good job to all. I recommend this film with a high regard - great acting, great cinematography, and a good story!