mdbauer-98178 Reviews

American Maniacs (2012)

Has its moments but not terrible

[7/10 · 20 November 2022]

There have been a few movies I thought weren't that good, but I watched it anyway because of the way it was filmed. This movie is one of those. Some handheld camera work along stationary work and with the type of film and filtering they used made this movie have a "feel" to it. It succeeded because by the time you were done watching it, you felt like you needed a shower - or maybe an acid wash. The acting wasn't that great, nor was the story. It seemed disjointed and uneven. Some things were left to your imagination. Even with that against it, I still gave it a 7 based on the filming techniques.

Cashback (2006)

Outstanding!

[9/10 · 5 March 2022]

I rarely rate movies, but this one is an exception. I wasn't expecting to see what I saw since the blurb gave very little to go by, but this movie left me going, "Wow". The pace is not fast, but between the cinematography, character development and story, this is winner. Cleverly put together movie. Brilliant!

Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun (2005)

Strange Movie

[5/10 · 6 February 2022]

I love watching films from the 70s because of the weak film quality and basic soundtracks. This film filled those requirements. There have been a handful of "not good" movies I've watched to the end strictly because of the cinematography. This is one of those. It's not because the cinematography was great, but it captured the 70s style of filming enough that I went back to see what year it was made which is why I gave it a "5" instead of a lower rating.

The story was very Charles Manson-esque in its deliver. The acting was weak, but it didn't really matter because the story was the same. I did like the filming locations a lot in this film though. The locations along with the filming style gave it a "feel".

I'm not disappointed that I watched it, but I wouldn't watch it again or even recommend it to a friend.

Killer Tumbleweeds (2008)

Just watch it!

[8/10 · 14 August 2021]

I don't normally leave reviews, but I had to on this one. Killer Tumbleweeds? Really? As soon as it started, I could see that there was virtually "no budget" for this film, but I have to say I enjoyed it. I wouldn't put it on a "must see" list. Not even close, but it was fun seeing so many people who were not really top tier actors (or actors at all) having a good time making this film. That made it worth the watch - at least to me. There were times when they were filming and you could see people passing by looking at them more than likely unaware that they were filming a movie. I gave it an 8 because it was fun. That's all. Fun.

Vampire Diary (2006)

Just... Just.. Interesting.

[10/10 · 14 March 2021]

I found this movie to be quite good. Wasn't expecting much from it with some of the other reviews, but I was surprised. It was clever in its filming approach and different in its presentation and perspective. I enjoyed the "documentary" style approach immensely as it kept the characters alive - the ones that lived anyway. It also kept scenes that could have been over the top gory shaded and less intense. The dark soundtrack kept in step with the film as well. Same old story here (in a sense), but done in a completely different fashion. I enjoyed the characters though many reviewers called them, for lack of a better term, wanna-be vampires. Myself, I found their characterizations well done seeing that their fascination with the vampire world was similar to those who might attend Star Trek conventions in costume. If you have any doubts about this movie, I would say to give it a try.

Hubie Halloween (2020)

Typical Adam Sandler comedy - fun

[10/10 · 12 November 2020]

There are a lot of people blasting the voice he used, but I thought it fit well into the movie. When you watch an Adam Sandler comedy, you get what you get. Myself, I enjoy his movies because they are fun. This one is no exception to me. It was fun. It also, like so many of his movies, have many of the same actors but in different parts. I really like that because they are like old friends.

Waterfront Nightmare (2012)

Interesting movie at best

[7/10 · 9 August 2020]

I gave this movie a 7 for the fact that whoever did the filming and editing was a genius. It's actually the only thing that kept me watching it. I can't say as much for the audio. It was easy to hear, but seemed to be "out front" as if it was overdubbed.

The story was what you would expect from a "B" movie. It did offer some interesting twists though from a story that kept you guessing. It had good characters who were lost in mediocre acting. Not bad, just mediocre.

Even with that said, this movie is still worth a watch. Don't go out of your way to watch it, but it's one to keep in your queue.

Inspector George Gently (2007–2017)

Brilliant!

[10/10 · 21 October 2016]

This show has to be, without a doubt, one of the best crime/drama shows ever written and portrayed by a cast of fantastic actors. It's set in the 60s. Even the filming gives it the vintage feel as they tackle crime(s) and some of the same social issues we experienced here in the United States during the same era. Even more, it is set in the days before DNA was even a forethought. They had to solve the crimes with intellect and reasoning. The show is set with an older, seasoned cop teamed with a younger, gung ho cop who is not afraid to take shortcuts as he learns the ropes of how crimes are really solved. There are times when you will love the younger cop and times you will want to give him a backhand. As with most British crime shows, their ability to keep you in the dark as to who the killer is is quite amazing. You can't go wrong with this show.