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Just Before I Go (2014)
Sometimes you have to die to be reborn
When I saw that Sean William Scott and Rob Riggle was in this, I was expecting a raunchy comedy poking fun at failed relationships and suicide, and I was hesitant to dive into this. Imagine my surprise when I found a well acted, beautifully directed film about love, loss and redemption. Ted(Scott) is an average man living an average life when he finds his world suddenly torn apart and comes to the conclusion that existing is not an option. Before he offs himself, he decides to return to his childhood home and confront his past head on and finally tying up all his loose ends. He returns and finds things are not what they seem, and the more he tries to keep an arms distance from his 'friends' and family, the more he gets sucked in to the chaos. Just Before I go has its outlandish moments, but just when things start to be silly, its counterbalanced with drama. While the main focus is on Ted and his situation, other characters start to interact and their own personal drama unfolds until they all merge together. Funny and poignant, Serious and silly...this is a movie not to be missed.
Everly (2014)
Top Notch Mayhem!
If you've seen Knights of Badassdom, then you kind of have an idea of what director Joe Lynch has for you in Everly. Take out the humor of the first film, add a LOT of blood, gore and the ever so sexy Salma Hayek shooting everything in sight and you could call this "Maiden of Badassdom"! OK so the name of the movie is Everly. Everly (Salma Hayek showing her hard action style ala Banditas) is introduced as a prostitute who is being raped and tortured (off screen). How this terrified woman suddenly becomes a female John Mclaine is never explained but once that first bullet is fired it's ON. Just non-stop bullet action with blood and gore flying left and right. In the middle of all the bloodshed and action, lies a somewhat patchy backstory, a reconciliation and a death with honor. The brutal action and gunplay is so predominant that the why's and how's of the story is almost irrelevant because you just want that action to continue. You have whores with guns, Yakuzas with guns, an attack dog, a swat team and then 2 really OTT characters with even more OTT henchmen. All these characters and their situation is so fun to watch that when you are finally introduced to the actual villain who is responsible for all the carnage he's kinda of a let down. He's stiff and well compared to what's been happening he's...boring. I loved this. I haven't had this much fun watching a low-budget action romp since THE TOURNAMENT with Ving Rhames. Similar in style, scope and unrelenting mayhem. Think I need to go watch that one now!
Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015)
Why All The Hate? There's Lots To Love!
I was very leery about watching Hot Tub Time Machine 2 after reading the countless negative reviews on this site and others. I finally decided to go ahead with it and I am glad I did. I now realize the majority of the hate is stemming from John Cusack being missed. I don't feel that the first one 'worked' because of John Cusack, but it worked because of the 'ensemble', the humor and the pacing of the film. That being said, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 is no different because again the 'ensemble', the humor and the pacing is there (although, after all, it IS missing John Cusack....kind of). I found this movie enjoyable. It had it's fair share of funny moments (let's all remember that THIS is a comedy), and the characters we've come to know and love from the first movie are still the same. Adam Scott is the new 'addition', playing the son of Adam (John Cusack) and maybe this is where the film stalls a bit. Scott's character to me was a bit annoying, although in fairness he did have a couple of hilarious moments. Enjoy this for what it is. It works and it's funny. Don't compare it. Think Back to the Future and Back to the Future 2. One might have been better than the other, but they both worked. So does Hot Tub Time Machine 2. And if you're worried about John Cusack..don't be...you'll see.
Good People (2014)
Competent crime thriller without the frills
Tom and Anna Wright (James Franco and Kate Hudson) are in London, in debt and trying to remodel an inherited house. Just 2 people minding their own business. Enter a dead body, drug money, 2 criminals with different agendas and a snooping cop with his own agenda and you have yourself a decent little potboiler. This is a movie that you've seen many, many times. Just told a little differently, and adds its own unique perspective on things. James Franco and Kate Hudson give a good performance as the beleaguered couple, but isn't believable as an ass kicking couple. Tom Wilkerson plays a great but generic detective and Omar Sy in my opinion steals the film and chews up the scenery as Genghis Khan although his role is not as prominent as it should have been. This feels like a straight to DVD release, but it doesn't feel cheap. It's engaging and the story flows. The climactic ending has a suspenseful feel, but it's by the book. So there it is: A decent, if somewhat flawed and clichéd thriller that IS worth your 90 min. Glad I watched it!
Housebound (2014)
This Movie is a SCREAM!
This little gem from New Zealand tells the tale of Kylie Bucknell (played by the terrific Morgana O'Rielly) a drug and drink fueled petty criminal who gets sentenced to be housebound (or house arrest as known here in the US) at her Mom and Step-Dad's house. All is not well between parent(s) and daughter and the living arrangement causes great distress. Mom is convinced that the house has a restless spirit living there much to the chagrin of Kylie. But then the fun begins.
Housebound is an amazing mix of borderline slapstick comedy mixed with a liberal dose of horror and mystery. The movie makes you laugh out loud, then startles you with its (many) jump scares and then has you right back laughing again. This film is simply well crafted. Amongst the fusion of comedy and horror lies a nifty murder-mystery and it offers up plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. Without giving anything away, I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised with the neat twists the film offers. SOLID acting from Morgan O'Rielly and Rema Te Waita as the well meaning but dim witted Mom, Miriam. See this movie! I mean how many times have you ever viewed a good natured, engaging and charming comedy/mystery/horror film? Oh and as far as the squeamish factor goes, well there's not a LOT of blood but there is some and the gore is kept to a minimum. But don't let that dissuade you. This NEEDS to be seen!
Bad Words (2013)
No Bad Words for Bad Words
Jason Bateman shines as Guy Trilby and as the director of this pitch black comedy with a heart. This is not a laugh out loud big budget comedy, but a sly sarcastic and cynical one comparable to CEDAR RAPIDS. Jason Bateman stars as Guy Trilby, a disgruntled, foul-mouthed 40 year old who is on a honorable, but misguided quest to handle his 'daddy' issues. Having never passed the 8th grade, Guy is strangely articulate and is quick with the insults. He finds a legal loophole that enables him to compete in a spelling bee with 10 year olds, and conquers with grim determination. He meets a cute 10 year old boy who reminds him of himself. Their budding friendship and the ensuing somewhat predictable story line is funny and strangely heartwarming. Never dull, Jason Bateman directs this with warmth and charm. Very watchable, and a few stellar moments that had me in tears with laughter. Bad words is Bad (in the good sense).
Serbuan maut 2: Berandal (2014)
Simply AMAZING!!
I love MERANTAU and I love RAID: THE REDEMPTION. I am very impressed with both Gareth (the director) and Iko Uwais. In both movies, the story flowed well, and the fight scenes had to be seen to be believed. I just finished watching RAID 2, and while its touted as a sequel (after all, the events happen 2 hours after RAID) it really isn't. A couple of characters from the first film make an appearance, but are quickly dispatched. If there is ANY connection, it would be Reza the police chief, but he is really kind of an afterthought in this film. RAID 2 is a mafia film without the guns, and the violence amped way up to 11. Coherent story line, characters that are very interesting, and fight scenes that words can't do justice to. Speaking of characters, Hammer Girl and her brother Baseball Bat Man definitely deserve their own spin off and I for one would love to see their back story. My chief complaint would be that they did not get enough screen time. Also Yayan Ruihan (Mad Dog from the first film) has a great part as a loyal assassin who kills to take care of his estranged family. His part was the most emotional and shocking of the film. There are so many stand out scenes in this film. There is a prison riot sequence that is outstanding, as well as the triple assassin sequence that needs to be watched. My favorite (well at least one of them) was the kitchen scene. Oh that kitchen scene. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I'm watching this one over and over again for sure.
Geung see (2013)
Amazing Hong Kong Horror
Growing up in Japan during the 80's, I remembered the Chinese 'hopping' vampire movies. In Japan we called them 'pyon, pyon' (the sound that they made when they hopped.) I still have the toy figures and the stuffed version too. I was very excited when I learned of RIGOR MORTIS and realized it was a up to date retelling of the 'hopping' Vampire. Unlike the 80's version, there is no humor in RIGOR MORTIS. It starts off bleak, turns creepy/eerie and then goes into dark and depressing mode. Its an ensemble piece, where you are introduced to several characters and their prospective back stories. You meet a washed up actor who moves into a dreary apartment complex for the purpose of committing suicide, but is saved by a former vampire hunter who now makes glutinous rice for the other tenants. You meet a priest who dabbles in the dark arts, a troubled woman and her young albino boy and a seamstress who becomes widowed and is robbed of her happiness. Without giving too much away, the seamstress takes a slow, methodical slide into madness and despair and well, you have to see for yourself what happens. Add twin ghosts and a hopping vampire and you have yourself a scenario where no good will come out of it. There are scares (but not of the jump variety), but Juno Mak is more interested in creating a creepy, depressing vibe but does it with such a style that you find yourself glued to the screen watching helplessly as the events and despair slowly unfolds until the twisted ending. I highly recommend this film. There is something here for everyone: the story, the visuals, interesting characters etc. Think of this film as a roller coaster. It takes a while to get up that first steep climb, but the drop is worth the wait.
Odd Thomas (2013)
Fantastic Adaptation!
Loved this movie! I work as an electronic specialist at Target, and one day this movie appeared on the shelf. I didn't even realize that a film adaptation was even made. I thought that it was a straight to DVD, so I cringed a little, thinking it would be so-so. When I saw that Stephen Sommers had directed it, I perked up. After all, this was the director of The Mummy! I did my homework and found out while the critics hated the movie, the fans loved it. So I dove in. The movie is fast paced, and the characters (Odd, Stormy, Officer Porter) were very likable. There is a cameo from Arnold Vosloo (the mummy from THE MUMMY) and a funny moment courtesy of Patton Oswald. The story is faced paced and never drags. There isn't any scary or creepy moments, but dare I say it, Odd moments. Sure the Bodachs can be viewed as 'scary', but it's more of a thrill like what you would see in THE MUMMY, or even (going old school here) THE FRIGHTNERS. A very safe, fun thrill ride with a bittersweet ending. More please!
Lord of Tears (2013)
A Gothic Horror full of Dread
I'm picky when it comes to horror films. The Exorcist,Burnt Offerings, Carnival of Souls (the original) and The Legend Of Hell House are in my top 10. You can see from my taste that I like a well rounded story to go with my fright. Lord Of Tears earns a spot on my top 10 with it's Gothic horror/art house feel. Right from the get go, you sense a feeling of dread that you can never shake off, and feel helpless as that feeling of dread turns to major creepiness. The main character James, played with subtle innocence by Euan Douglas is warned by his deceased mother Not to go to his inherited estate but does and meets Evie, played by the delicious Lexy Hulme. The two hit it off very quickly, and start to unravel the mystery of the house and his past. This movie is a slow burn and is not recommended for those who enjoy over the top, clichéd horror such as slashers and gore. The film is very moody and understated. The art house vibe is shown during the dance and seductive pool sequences. The pool sequence in particular teases you with a clue of what is to come via the music. No jump scares, but the ambient noises and the loud roar of thunder come suddenly and without warning. Best when viewed in the dark, but be warned: you will think about this film long after its over and will not sleep easily, because of this.
In the Blood (2014)
Gina Carano serves huge heaping of beat-downs.
Watched this because of mostly good reviews this film got, but went into it a bit cynical. Meh acting with good fight sequences. Luis Guzman, Danny Trejo and Treat Williams provided believable roles and Gina Carano provided the beat-downs. Very watchable, and enjoyable. Other than the yawn inducing beginning, the only other 'problem' I really had was Danny Trejo's character. He comes across as a boorish ass when he's first introduced, completely disappears, and shows up at the climax as the people's champion. Kinda does not correlate. But enough grievances! The movie is watchable and entertaining, and that's what counts right?
Ride Along (2014)
A Buddy Cop film without the fun
I like Ice Cube, so I decided to try this out. As far as Buddy/Cop films go my favorite still is THE OTHER GUYS. RIDE ALONG is very similar to THE HEAT, because both movies try hard to be funny and engaging, but the characters fall flat. Case in point, Ice Cube's character is a tough as nails, no-nonsense detective who likes basking in the glory. Like Melissa Mcarthy's foul-mouthed cop in THE HEAT, they just leave a bad taste in your mouth. As for the foil, Kevin Hart is annoying, whinny, and unfunny. I've seen his stand-up, I know he's got the funny, but like Sandra Bullock's uptight character in THE HEAT, you just want to slap both characters upside the head and tell them to get over it. The story is by the numbers, and you pretty much know what's gonna happen. It was nice to see Laurence Fishburne, but felt bad he was in this mess. One of the reviewers got it right when they said all the good stuff is in the trailer. 4 out of 10.
The Lords of Salem (2012)
An old school WTF?
First of all I liked the film, OK? Having said that there were some problems though. It got my attention from the get go, but I started to get restless about 20 mins in. This is one of those movies you peek at while doing a myriad of other things, but this movie also requires your absolute attention or you will be lost. So I stayed put and watched it dutifully and guess what? I STILL was left scratching my head at the end of the film. I think that Zombie is a great auteur and has vision. You can also see his influences. The title sequence screams of early to mid '70's 'art house horror' and there is a similarity to the movie "House of the Devil." The focus this time isn't on gore and OTT violence, but a general uneasiness and genuine creep out. The movie is unsettling and continues to build and build on this creepiness and unease until the WTF ending. Sheri Moon did a great job, and it was neat to see Dee Wallace Stone and Meg Foster again too. Definitely requires a second viewing.
This Is 40 (2012)
Excellent waste of 2 hours
Truly enjoyed this movie. Don't understand all the hate. It's a look at a marriage of a couple who are both approaching 40. Think of it as a month in the life of. Great humor with drama intertwined. What I really love about the Aptow pics is the dialog. I could and did relate with a lot of the situations presented in the film. Melissa McCarthy has a small role, and is a scream! To see and hear Graham Parker and the Rumor was a blessing. (Billie Jo Armstrong from Green Day has a neat little cameo) and the remaining music was eclectic and fun. To me this movie demands another showing, and that's what I will do in the next day or two. Ignore the haters and give it a shot. It's worthy of your time.
This Must Be the Place (2011)
Amazing!
Saw this movie title at work and immediately decided it was worth a look. I guess I really wanted to love this movie, and I did. Wonderful acting from the always talented Sean Penn and Frances McDormand. The Tai Chi scene was sweet and silly.) Bono's real-life daughter, Eve Hewson is a wonderful surprise as well. The film is full of odd characters and odder situations and kept me alert with the many curve balls it throws your way. Watching this movie is akin to taking the scenic route instead of the highway where you know you will find surprise after surprise and nothing is what it seems to be. Take a little trip and try this one for size, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.