silicontourist Reviews

Hellhound (I) (2024)

Not great but its worth a view if you have nothing else!

[5/10 · 14 May 2024]

Louis Mandylor is a seasoned actor with a lot of films under his belt but, has mainly played support roles throughout his career. You get some fine views of the city and a well choreographed bunch of action scenes; the best, as 1 reviewer has remarked, being the rooftop battle.

I enjoyed watching it even though it did have a few scenes that seemed to be idea's running low. When the pace was not slow (there are only 3 or 4 of these moments) it is a sharp well paced unfurling of events. The support actors all do a good job and make it a film that lies somewhere between an A and B film. Camera work throughout is well done and you will like the city views.

I would say that it lacked tension and tense moments but, this may be different for other viewers.

Madame Web (2024)

Not a terrible film but it very boring...IMHO

[2/10 · 14 May 2024]

It wasn't the best, or worst, film so far in 2024 but, I must say that it just plain bored me to tears. According to some of the reviewers here we are apparently not allowed to give it a low score, or say that it was disliked etc. It still does not give them the right to be rude because people disagree with them.

Anyway! I am digressing here. The most boring thing about the film was definitely the 3 girls that, Madame Web was tasked to protect. To me there was no excitement, no build up to tense moments etc and a lifeless script. I had started to view it and had to force myself to keep on till the end; which I was very relieved to reach when it arrived. I don't think there will be a sequel to it but if there is, I will not be watching it.

Its a case of see it for yourself and decide about it. I would just ignore the reviews and go with your own feelings on it!

Aliens Uncovered: Origins (2023)

Nothing New In This Waste Of Time Non Revealer!

[1/10 · 23 February 2024]

The way this is titled is just as bad as click-bait typo's etc on the internet because they uncovered no off world Aliens etc at all. It should have had a title like, "The Origins of American UFO Covert Lies". It spends a lot of time going over WW2 stuff, introducing lots of people with nothing important to say to you. It comes across as if they are hiding something from the viewers also and drags on dreary style. The only thing I gleamed from this was the name of the organization put together before Operation Blue Book or, the Majestic 12 were even thought of. It did do one good thing - which other documentary UFO show's never tell you - and that was threatening of people who saw other worldly events.

Bored me to tears and wasted my time...just like the American government!

The Tiger's Apprentice (2024)

A Same Old Kind Of Story But An Enjoyable Animation To View!

[7/10 · 23 February 2024]

I read all the comments first and there was an awful lot of poor nit-picking remarks; more to do with personal taste than the film itself...I though so anyway!

Now its not the best animation that I will most likely see this year but it was still a well thought out (especially the children talk style) bit of fun. The opening scene is straight out of one of the live Spider-Man films of the protagonist hero being bullied...again! Its about time they dropped that very old bullyboy theme as, not all hero types will get bullied. Anyway the story has a good dialogue, rolls along at a good speed (sometimes the action etc was a little too fast for me to take it all in) and, crystal clear sharp vibrant colours.

I suspect mothers and fathers will enjoy this just as much as their children.

Wild Is the Wind (2022)

It Was Ok But It Bored Me All The Way Trough!

[3/10 · 21 February 2024]

This film had a clever story and the actors (all unknown to me) as I just don't watch South African films or television) were mostly good at their job. But for me I found neither of the aforementioned could do anything for this dragged out, overlong, lacklustre and unexciting thriller; that wasn't for me! The racism stood out clearly from both the black and white people of the town, though I couldn't quite put a date to the timescale. I don;t suppose the corruption of the police forces of SA has changed any differently that at the time of apartheid so, there was nothing to unveil/reveal throughout the entire depressing film run.

I give it a 3 solely for the majority of good acting in the dark dreariness.that it made me feel.

First They Killed My Father (2017)

CAMBODIA Is Corrupt, Callous And A Worthless Criminal Country!

[10/10 · 17 February 2024]

For those old enough to remember and who have watched this film, there is a thought that I immediately resurrected from my past. It was of the 1984 film 'THE KILLING FIELDS' which this film is also about; from the eyes and mind of a little 5 year old girl. Like a good many others she suffered at the hands of idiotic, brainless savages of the Kmer Rouge communists. They were in power for (what must have felt like a lifetime of horrendous day to day existence) but they executed over 1,000,000 in their various cross country Killing Fields of murder, butchery and slaughter. 20,000 mass graves were found and after a lengthy fact finding mission , estimates of the total deaths resulting from Khmer Rouge policies, including death from disease and starvation, ranged from 1.7 to 2.5 million out of a 1975 population of roughly 8 million.

Its a beautifully filmed film, good direction from Angelina Jolie and, fantastic, really top notch acting from all concerned; especially the little girl playing the role of the books author. It is a must see film!

The saddest thing, from my point of view after seeing a documentary in 2023, is that many of those same murdering scum are still alive today and, though people know who many of them are, the Cambodian government will not put them on trial.

Orion and the Dark (2024)

A Possible Cure For Some Children's Nyctophobia (Fear of the Dark)

[10/10 · 4 February 2024]

Judging by a couple of the early reviews we once again have the unpleasurable company of a couple of morose nitpickers. It doesn't matter who the maker is etc because, your not bothered about a films maker but the films content!

Myself? Well I loved it! I thought it was a totally unique idea for a child's cartoon and, I believe a great deal of children will enjoy this a lot. Its not a laugh a minute comedy (I had a grin or 2 but no deep belly laughs) and it does not matter at all; its still a whole lot of fun! The characters are all easily likeable and, children will want them at the top of their next Christmas presents list's.

Put a little light in your darkness and have a good time with this sweet dream.

Cricket & Antoinette (2023)

Modern Animation From The Early Greek Storyteller Aesop.

[7/10 · 13 January 2024]

Aesop (650 CE-564 CE (Common Era) was a Greek fabulist and storyteller, credited with a number of fables collectively known as Aesop's Fables. Obviously the tale has been altered for the modern animation factor by the Croatian film makers.

The animation looks like an older 2D design but it is colourful, sharp and clear. I think children will like it (if it is dubbed into the language of those watching); as they also will not notice the little errors here and there. I used English subtitles to view my copy of it and they were correct in every translated word.

Although the animation, story et al are all good I personally did not find anything about it that I could give it a thumbs up to. I wouldn't say it bored me but it did not thrill or excite me with anything Alas! I just didn't find it interesting though I think many others may do so.

An Unknown Compelling Force (2021)

The Only DYATLOV Documentary That Reveals The Russian Cover Up Of Lies!

[10/10 · 12 January 2024]

Anyone new to this story need only see this one documentary. Its extremely in depth about the mysterious events (that occurred on February 1st or 2nd in 1959) and the disgusting way that the Russian authorities (i.e. The Government) misled the families and the public with lies and a cover ups.

I have known of this incident for a good many years and though the documentary is quite thorough, it is also misleading in what it advertises itself as having done. They say that they discovered the truth as to what happened to the 9 hikers and, the horrific conditions in which they were all found but, this is not true. How they died is still unknown and unproved. There conclusion was/is just a theory but, it is based upon the recent findings of a Russian criminal pathologist; due to the fact that the files were released to the public after the fall of the Russian dictatorship.

For myself it is good to know that an Eastern pathologist from Russia and, another from the West, came to the same decision 60 years after the incident. I, after discovering the story, 20 plus years ago reached the same conclusion as, at the time researching what I could, I found that it was plain as day!

Governments in the West do the same lies and cover ups that communist dictatorships and many oppressed peoples countries have done forever!

Carlos (2023)

The Life And Story's Of A Musical Legendary Genious.

[9/10 · 6 January 2024]

Legendary people are few and far between but Carlos Santana is more than worthy of the title! I have been into this guy's music since I was a young kid; through my DJ' years to where I am today.

Although I did find this documentary to have some interesting moments I, have to admit that I think it was a bit scrappy. It jumped about a lot and a lot of the used previously unseen footage was fairly dull and only of interest , most likely, to the superfans. He has a good outlook on what he wants to do but came over to me as finding it hard to know who he is; maybe that is why in some of his younger days footage he comes across as a total dick! I don't think I would ever watch it again as it just wasn't of a very high standard.

97 Minutes (2023)

A Nothing New Terrorist Hijacking Plot That Is Drably Lacklustre !

[1/10 · 6 January 2024]

Its my own fault for watching this when I knew it had Alec Baldwin in it; he is someone I have never been able to like! Anyway...he is in a typical terrorist plane hijacking that has nothing new in the way it is played out, except for the twist you don't really see coming at the films end. Baldwin does nothing to improve the agony of this dismal piece of flotsam and, all the other actors follow his example.

Apart from the ludicrous scenarios there isn't a single person you give a damn about; something which is vital to any film as it helps if you have an interesting character to root for.

Watch it at your peril!

Fast Charlie (2023)

Pierce Is A Very Likeable Assassin You Would Not Want To Cross!

[10/10 · 6 January 2024]

From Remington Steele through the 007 James Bond, and his later, films, I have always enjoyed Pierce Brosnan in.screen appearances. This latest foray on the screen has him as a very cool, laid back and dangerous assassin. The story plot is nothing really new but it is done with a lot of panache and style. It is a smoothly unfolding story with a gripping hold to your viewing because, you can just sense something is not right .

The actors Pierce, Morena and (an almost unrecognisable) James Caan play their roles superbly ( a surprise for me as regards Caan, as I've never liked the man as an actor). When the end finally unwraps, we at last find out (what we felt was not right from the beginning) that there has been a twist to the plot all along. It gives a great ending to the film which I think many would agree; its certainly pleased the reviewers so far.

Well worth seeing!

Head on a Plate (2023)

A Totally Pointless Film In Which Everything Is BAD To Worse

[1/10 · 29 December 2023]

The only thing of any note that was interesting, and nice to view, was the pre film introduction starting images. After that there is nothing of any credibility to like; it becomes a nightmare to force yourself to watch through to the end! I recognized none of the players and I think they were amateurs. None of them had copious amounts of lines to speak and it was bland to listen to when anyone did do their script lines.

I am sick to death of this 2023 year of films containing loads of females with messed up bodies of pointless tattoo's. Three of the four women in this movie are covered in them and they all look like stick thin malnutrition models and, nothing therefore visually good looking or sexy is even in view.

There is no story whatsoever and no flowing rhythm in the scenes, due to it looking like its all disjointed and not knowing where its going and what its supposed to be. If it was a film school project it would be failed and used in future courses as the "How not to do a film" example.

I regret even giving this a 1 star as it doesn't deserve a good mark at all; only bad marks!

The Remaining (I) (2014)

Bible Thumping Hogwash!

[1/10 · 9 November 2023]

I was brought up as a catholic with a devout catholic mother but with a protestant father. I had little choice but to attend a catholic school and, that had me hating nuns because it confirmed to me that Nuns were vicious awful people (there are a few who are not) who thrived on beating/caning children. I was an altar boy who was meant to go to school/college for trainee Priests when I was 11 years of age. After many talks with my head priest about the faith and receiving no solid confirmation for any of the questions I put to him, I decided I wanted no more to do with an unproved and wicked religion.

I have mentioned the above so that you understand I do know what I am talking about when it concerns bible thumping theory etc. I am an old man now and I have come to hate all religions as they are nothing but a literal hell on earth, caused by over the top religious fanatics who act like they are insane. Religion is the evil that exists foremost on our planet and, it is thrust, on all of us who do not believe, upon everyone constantly in the form of this kind of rubbish that I have been watching. The acting and the film was just pure God-Squad preaching under the guise of a film/horror story.

Why can't anything that is about a religious theologian ideology be kept off/out of mainstream media and shown only on designated television channels. Its a hurtful cheek to people of other religions to have Catholicism rammed down their throats when it is not what they follow.

I never have to watch films based upon other religions (I have watched the odd documentary or two), even the Jehovah Witnesses have gone quiet these days; why can't the annoying pain in the neck Catholics keep it to themselves and stop hassling/pestering all of us who are not of their faith.

Its only got a 1 score because I have to give it a score to have my review uploaded.

All films of a religious nature should be clearly stated as such in the opening credits so that people, who do not want to watch such BS, can have the choice to switch to something else!

Ape vs. Mecha Ape (2023)

Sub standard codswollop of poor CGI and camera work.

[1/10 · 4 November 2023]

If ASYLUM is trying to become the western sci-fi pinnacle, of ridiculous fantasy films, to take top place away from the Japanese studios they are wasting their time! It took Japan 30 years plus of making the likes of Godzilla films to firmly cement top position in Creature feature action sci-fi.

The main letdown of this debacle was the little screen time of any actual fight scenes between the subjects of the films title. They actually only fight twice on screen and both for very short times and, the choreography of the scenes was ludicrous. The Gatling arm mounted machine gun, that Mecha Ape uses, would have ripped Abe (the apes name) to shreds; no matter that he was 45 feet high in size.

Sharknado, for me, is the worst of the production releases from the ASYLUM studios but, this is a very, very, very close second!

There is way too much ridiculousness about this film for me to include in this review. If you really, really must see how bad it is then, you are going to have to watch it!

The 2 Ape models do look very good however. They are not up to the high standards of the latest King Kong and Godzilla special FX though.

The Mill (2023)

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY IS COMPLETELY WORTHLESS EVERY DAY

[2/10 · 2 November 2023]

I have no idea why this film was even made because it is/was truly dismal entertainment that did not entertain me. The films subject matter and the one place scenery setting, does however serve the dismal story very well. I think perhaps that a good many people will not last through this film as it will remind them all too much of their own dismally dreary working lives, in a similar lack-less blood sucking company's that employ them.

That is the only thing about the film that is a good point but, it could have been told in about 40-60 minutes. You don't need an overly long drawn out film to show you how working for a company or corporation is bad for your health, family life, social life and your well being.

We are all slaves to the system because nobody has the guts to fight the system in one outcry of millions of voices and, this film kind of points it out to the viewer!

The Bell Keeper (2023)

The Plot Is A Good Idea But The Film Was Not!

[1/10 · 2 November 2023]

A film with four teens - 2 girls and 2 boys who are dating couples - plus Liam, who is the brother of one of the other guys. There is also a weird filling station woman, 2 dumb-ass redneck local cops, a girl looking for her missing brother and an immortal called Hank the killer.

The film begins with the two couples being typical whining females and unfunny males. They are a cringe quartet who are totally unlikable and whom you hope are killed off as soon as possible; because they just get on your nerves.

From that bad start the film goes on and on and on, but does not get any better. Its a shame really because I thought that the plot outline was good, a story that could have made a decent film. Unfortunately there was just nothing in the input given by any of the cast and, it just dragged on slowly. To me it rated as a C film and I stuck with it to the end and was very thankful when it ended.

No tension, no scary moments, no shocks and no horror...so no point to it having been made!

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Blatantly Noticeable That Spielberg Never Had A Hand In This Outing!

[7/10 · 27 October 2023]

It just lacked that Stephen Spielberg fantasy magic dust that made all the previous Indiana films so magical. I did however still enjoy watching it (though I agree with one of the reviewers that it was overly long for what it offered up).

It lacked good jokes and humour and the script was a little scrappy and unsure, in that you never get to know any in depth background on the Dial of Destiny itself. Explanations, in films of the last few years, have been very lacking and downright diabolical stupidity of the scriptwriters; and the directors. Ford does his best and holds the film together but other than the films opening 10 minutes or so, it lacks the usual slow build up of dastardly craziness, funny people, actions and events that we have become used to in the previous outing.

As a huge fan of Indiana Jones I still enjoyed it well enough that I could watch it again but, to newer viewers It may be found to be wanting in large parts of the story.

Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013)

Not A Single Piece Of Anything Decent/Good About This Utterly Boring Waste Of Time!

[1/10 · 27 October 2023]

The last Mi'kmaq reservation film I watched was the fairly good, 'BLOOD QUANTUM', which also starred A. D. Jacobs. I never got to see this when it was released and looked forward to watching it. I was half way through it by which time I was absolutely bored stiff.

The main bad points of this drab-fest were the overuse of foul mouthed language (which I am sick to death of in modern day films), the atrocious lackluster deliverance of any decent acting skills and, a collective mishmash of internal stories that have no information background that links them all together. It has most of the main cast just meandering through the film either wasted on Marijuana or drunk as skunks, thus leaving no thread of a build up to a supposed revenge finale' or even payback.

It lacks anything of tense interest and feels very much like its a film students amateur offering as a first year test piece.

I have always had a huge interest in the history and stories of the Indian tribal nations and, have always enjoyed all that I have been able to watch/see. Alas however this just bored me and is the first negative Indian natives/nations film that I have spoken badly about!

The Last Exorcism (2010)

It Will Keep You Transfixed Right Up To The Twist.

[8/10 · 26 October 2023]

The usual style of Exorcism film this is most certainly not. Neither is it the scare you to death quality film like the 'The Exorcist (1973)'; still one of the scariest films of all time. But! It is a well made and good film to watch.

I found it to be a very slow mover and lacking in any real super scary ingredients. It does have quite a varied bunch of characters, from an overbearing father and a weirdo son to, a man of god who is a self confessed charlatan con artist.

The story unravels rather than reveals the content to the viewer and it does have a couple of shock moments, here and there, as it keeps you almost mesmerized. I think people will enjoy this different approach to Exorcism; whether they be the type to be scared of their own shadows or the type to be tensely on edge with horror films. And the films ending? Oh yes, the ending. Well that's one Hell of a twist that you will have to see it all to know just what happened!

P.O.W. the Escape (1986)

An Entertaing Film Not Made For The Oscars

[7/10 · 26 October 2023]

David Carridine may be a Tai-Chi expert but as Bruce Lee was quick as the Flash, Carridine is slow as a snail. Here he is making a similar type of film to the Chuck Norris, as Colonel Braddock, Vietnam POW rescue films of the same 1980's decade.

There is nothing new to be found in this film as everything in/about it has been seen/done before. Having said that it is still an enjoyable sit down to watch no brains needed release. Carridine is his usual lethargic self and the camp commandant, played by the well known Mako, is the sadistic guy who does not actually like communism so, he want;s to make a deal with Carradine to get to America with all his stolen American prisoners belonging etc.

Like I have said, its not Oscar quality but its good enough to pass your time away.

The White Storm 3: Heaven or Hell (2023)

The Storm Has Reached Its End In The Usual Entertaing First Rate Finish!

[9/10 · 24 October 2023]

If you don't already know, this film is the third, and final, film in the three part epic film series. Like the first two the premise and background of the story is about a Hong Kong drug enforcement unit out to catch the bad guy drug pushers and co. It revolves around two undercover cops who work their way close to the head drug lord and, who get into all sorts of action packed scenarios. Its typical of your macho man styled Chinese film but, with an actor like Louis Koo at the head, its a certain winner and potential box office hit.

The action gore from Hong Kong to the Thailand border of Myanmar; it even includes corrupt Thai cops; which is a real life problem.

The acting is great from all involved and its a non brain taxing couple of hours of sheer perfect entertainment.

Stake Land (2010)

You Can Stake Your Life On This Excellent Film!

[8/10 · 24 October 2023]

It may have been made on a low budget finance but, its another one of those perfect examples of how a good director, and actors, can put a Midas touch to a cheap to make release! This was one of the last Vampire films to retain the well known Vampire characteristics; before all the future films started taking them in other directions of lesser quality.

There are a couple of other inner stories within the film but neither of them detract or distract from the original story plot. It even manages to give the viewers a character you can totally hate more than the Vampires themselves.

The acting from the main people is solid and well put forward and, the new approach to killing the Vampires was explained at the right time and in good detail. This is a good film to watch even if you're not a horror/vampire film fan!

Awareness (2023)

BE READY TO PULL THE PLUG BECAUSE ITS DULL AS DISHWATER!

[3/10 · 18 October 2023]

Once again yet another film that explains nothing to you as in subject matter or character background information, On top of that there is nobody you give a real damn about so, I found myself not caring what happened to anyone in the film. Both parties that are vying for control of the films main character are totally untrustworthy and very dislike-able and, the main character himself is just your typical youth, unthinking, rash and a petulant dipstick.

I think the directing of this film left a lot to be desired and the story (though a fairly good idea) just rambled about in an non thrilling meander. The only thing that was well presented, choreographed and enacted were the action/fight scenes.

This may have been a far more interesting film had a talent like Guillermo del Toro had been the director.

Apaches (2023)

A superb start that decayed as it went on to the final disappointing ending.

[5/10 · 17 October 2023]

The film opens to the viewers with a narration by the films main character, Billie. It then moves onto the young Billie with her brother, Ricky, and little Paulie (who for some reason is called Polly in the credits and by the so called professional critics). For me this/these are the best 15 minutes of the film and portrayed by the wonderful young actress, Chloé Peillex as young Billie. This young lady commanded the screen and you cannot take your eyes off of her eyes that are just amazing; I was memorized by them. In this opening we are given the character introduction with background of young Billie and her brother Ricky but, we do not get one for young Paulie.

Moving on to the main part of the film with a grown up Billie back on the streets of Paris hellbent on revenge. None of the introduced characters are given backgrounds information, just hearsay details from rumours. Jesus, the films main bad guy, was mediocre to almost boring (though the critics are all fawning about the actor who plays the role) and the gang member parts are played well but uninteresting. The film completely lacks what should have been a tightly tense build up to the final (poor ending) moments but, it lacks all the elements that would keep you glued to the screen with anxious interest for the revealing end.

The music used was totally out of place (it was from the 1960's, 60-70 years ahead of the films time. It gets a 5 score from me for the fantastic first 15 minutes acting.