Stephen King’s work is constantly adapted for the screen and it looks like critics would have preferred if his 2006 novel “Cell” hadn’t. Directed by Tod Williams and starring John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, the film tells the story of Clay (Cusack), a man who witnesses a scene of chaotic mayhem when an electronic signal turns hundreds of cell phone users into rabid killers. Desperate to find his estranged wife and son, Clay teams with a train driver (Jackson) to battle the horde of murderous “phoners” as the city descends into apocalyptic madness.
Bob Grimm of CV Independent wrote that the movie “is easily one of the worst adaptations ever of a King story.” He also criticized the leads acting and the editing, “Cusack seems pissed to be in this thing, while Jackson is clearly bored and seems resigned to the fact that he signed up for a stinker. Eli Roth was originally slated to be the director, and he left due to creative differences. Maybe he was arguing that a film like this should be crazy and even funny. This film takes itself a little too seriously, and boasts some of the worst editing you are likely to see this year.”
Read More: ‘Cell’ Trailer: Samuel L. Jackson and John Cusack Star In Stephen King Movie
Arts Bham’s Corey Craft gave it one and a half stars out of five describing the film as unimpressive. “There isn’t much of a satirical edge to this material, making it feel dull and heavy-handed; the humor is sparse and falls flat; and the horror mayhem, such as it is, is unimpressive compared to any number of basic cable horror TV shows” he writes. “And all this is even before the plot completely falls apart in the final 20 minutes.”
“The movie should have gone straight to voicemail instead,” says Consequence of Sound critic Nico Lang. Agreeing that the story is better read than seen, he says, “‘Cell’ isn’t nearly as luridly entertaining as it should be.”
Read More: James Franco To Star In Film Adaptation Of Stephen King’s ‘Drunken Fireworks’
Patrick Cooper of Bloody Disgusting agreed with Grimm that the actors and the film lacked enthusiasm, “You’d think ‘Cell’ would be an entertaining ride. It’s not. It’s gratuitously grim and gloomy, with no real message to drive this misery home.” Adding, “‘Cell’ closes out on a finale that will justifiably frustrate most. The story packs absolutely no punch and the solid stable of actors look bored for most of he film.”
“Cell” is available on demand and will see a limited Us release on July 8.
Watch the trailer below:
Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Emails Newsletter here.
Related storiesQuentin Tarantino Laughing Supercut: Amazing Video Shows Every Time a Qt Character ChucklesJames Franco To Star In Film Adaptation Of Stephen King's 'Drunken Fireworks'Stephen King's 'It' Casts Bill Skarsgård As Pennywise The Clown...
Bob Grimm of CV Independent wrote that the movie “is easily one of the worst adaptations ever of a King story.” He also criticized the leads acting and the editing, “Cusack seems pissed to be in this thing, while Jackson is clearly bored and seems resigned to the fact that he signed up for a stinker. Eli Roth was originally slated to be the director, and he left due to creative differences. Maybe he was arguing that a film like this should be crazy and even funny. This film takes itself a little too seriously, and boasts some of the worst editing you are likely to see this year.”
Read More: ‘Cell’ Trailer: Samuel L. Jackson and John Cusack Star In Stephen King Movie
Arts Bham’s Corey Craft gave it one and a half stars out of five describing the film as unimpressive. “There isn’t much of a satirical edge to this material, making it feel dull and heavy-handed; the humor is sparse and falls flat; and the horror mayhem, such as it is, is unimpressive compared to any number of basic cable horror TV shows” he writes. “And all this is even before the plot completely falls apart in the final 20 minutes.”
“The movie should have gone straight to voicemail instead,” says Consequence of Sound critic Nico Lang. Agreeing that the story is better read than seen, he says, “‘Cell’ isn’t nearly as luridly entertaining as it should be.”
Read More: James Franco To Star In Film Adaptation Of Stephen King’s ‘Drunken Fireworks’
Patrick Cooper of Bloody Disgusting agreed with Grimm that the actors and the film lacked enthusiasm, “You’d think ‘Cell’ would be an entertaining ride. It’s not. It’s gratuitously grim and gloomy, with no real message to drive this misery home.” Adding, “‘Cell’ closes out on a finale that will justifiably frustrate most. The story packs absolutely no punch and the solid stable of actors look bored for most of he film.”
“Cell” is available on demand and will see a limited Us release on July 8.
Watch the trailer below:
Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Emails Newsletter here.
Related storiesQuentin Tarantino Laughing Supercut: Amazing Video Shows Every Time a Qt Character ChucklesJames Franco To Star In Film Adaptation Of Stephen King's 'Drunken Fireworks'Stephen King's 'It' Casts Bill Skarsgård As Pennywise The Clown...
- 6/14/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Cinema Retro issue #35 has now shipped to our subscribers worldwide. No other magazine centers specifically on the great Golden Age of film making: the 1960s and 1970s. Every issue is packed with exclusive interviews, rare photos and insightful columns about classic and cult movies that virtually no one else covers in this kind of detail. Please support classic cinema in the print format by subscribing or renewing today!
Highlights of this issue include:
Mike Siegel's 12 page in-depth report on the tragedy and triumph in the making of Bruce Lee's last film, Enter the Dragon Mark Mawston's exclusive interview with Ian Ogilvy, who talks about filming She Beast, Witchfinder General and his close call with playing James Bond Extensive report from Tim Greaves on the underrated Alistair MacLean spy thriller When Eight Bells Toll, which afforded young Anthony Hopkins an early starring role. Peter Cook pays tribute to "The...
Highlights of this issue include:
Mike Siegel's 12 page in-depth report on the tragedy and triumph in the making of Bruce Lee's last film, Enter the Dragon Mark Mawston's exclusive interview with Ian Ogilvy, who talks about filming She Beast, Witchfinder General and his close call with playing James Bond Extensive report from Tim Greaves on the underrated Alistair MacLean spy thriller When Eight Bells Toll, which afforded young Anthony Hopkins an early starring role. Peter Cook pays tribute to "The...
- 5/23/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Aram’s life has gradually grown into a painful existence, but things only get worse when his planned kidnapping goes wrong and all hell breaks loose, as teased in the first trailer for Scherzo Diabolico, the new film from Adrián García Bogliano that comes out on VOD, Digital HD, and DVD on May 3rd via Dark Sky Films.
Previous Press Release: A desperate man is pushed to take an extreme action to alter his life, but it may turn out to be the worst decision he’s ever made. The shocking Scherzo Diabolico, the new film from genre maestro Adrián García Bogliano, will be available on VOD and Digital HD platforms on May 3, 2016.
With Scherzo Diabolico, the prolific and wildly inventive Adrián García Bogliano (Here Comes the Devil, Late Phases, The ABCs of Death, Penumbra) has created a tale of dread concerning a seemingly mild-mannered man who enacts a disturbing plan for vengeance.
Previous Press Release: A desperate man is pushed to take an extreme action to alter his life, but it may turn out to be the worst decision he’s ever made. The shocking Scherzo Diabolico, the new film from genre maestro Adrián García Bogliano, will be available on VOD and Digital HD platforms on May 3, 2016.
With Scherzo Diabolico, the prolific and wildly inventive Adrián García Bogliano (Here Comes the Devil, Late Phases, The ABCs of Death, Penumbra) has created a tale of dread concerning a seemingly mild-mannered man who enacts a disturbing plan for vengeance.
- 4/12/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
A kidnapped teenager raises hell for her captor in Adrián García Bogliano’s Scherzo Diabolico, coming out on VOD and Digital HD on May 3rd from Dark Sky Films:
Press Release: A desperate man is pushed to take an extreme action to alter his life, but it may turn out to be the worst decision he’s ever made. The shocking Scherzo Diabolico, the new film from genre maestro Adrián García Bogliano, will be available on VOD and Digital HD platforms on May 3, 2016.
With Scherzo Diabolico, the prolific and wildly inventive Adrián García Bogliano (Here Comes the Devil, Late Phases, The ABCs of Death, Penumbra) has created a tale of dread concerning a seemingly mild-mannered man who enacts a disturbing plan for vengeance.
Aram (Francisco Barreiro, We Are What We Are, Here Comes the Devil) is a low-paid accountant living an unbearably dull existence. With a nagging wife who...
Press Release: A desperate man is pushed to take an extreme action to alter his life, but it may turn out to be the worst decision he’s ever made. The shocking Scherzo Diabolico, the new film from genre maestro Adrián García Bogliano, will be available on VOD and Digital HD platforms on May 3, 2016.
With Scherzo Diabolico, the prolific and wildly inventive Adrián García Bogliano (Here Comes the Devil, Late Phases, The ABCs of Death, Penumbra) has created a tale of dread concerning a seemingly mild-mannered man who enacts a disturbing plan for vengeance.
Aram (Francisco Barreiro, We Are What We Are, Here Comes the Devil) is a low-paid accountant living an unbearably dull existence. With a nagging wife who...
- 3/24/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Highlights of this issue include:
Mike Siegel's 12 page in-depth report on the tragedy and triumph in the making of Bruce Lee's last film, Enter the Dragon Mark Mawston's exclusive interview with Ian Ogilvy, who talks about filming She Beast, Witchfinder Generaland his close call with playing James Bond Extensive report from Tim Greaves on the underrated Alistair MacLean spy thriller When Eight Bells Toll,which afforded young Anthony Hopkins an early starring role. Peter Cook pays tribute to "The Art of Deception"- a look at the use of matte paintings in famous films. Michael Commes takes a fun filled visit to The House of Bare Mountain, the infamous nudie monster flick Esteemed photographer Keith Hamshere shares his memories and photos from The Living Daylights, Murphy's War and Death on the Nile. Raymond Benson's Ten Best Films of 1954 Patrick Cooper pays tribute to Robert Mitchum and The Friends of Eddie Coyle Lee Pfeiffer's "Take Two" column examines Assignment K starring Stephen Boyd and Camilla Sparv Brian Hannan looks at what was hot at the boxoffice in 1966 Sheldon Hall reviews a video release of Jacques Rivette's films Daniel D'Arpe celebrates the cult sci-fi flick Starcrash starring Caroline Munro and David Hasselhoff. Adrian Smith joyfully uncovers the 007 sexploitation spoof Bonditis Plus Darren Allison's latest soundtrack news and reviews, Gareth Owen's "Pinewood Past" column and the latest movie book and DVD reviews.
USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro Issue #35 USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro Issue #35 $15.00 Usd UK : Cinema Retro Issue #35 UK : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £8.50 Gbp Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #35 Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £10.50 Gbp Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #35 Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £12.00 Gbp...
Mike Siegel's 12 page in-depth report on the tragedy and triumph in the making of Bruce Lee's last film, Enter the Dragon Mark Mawston's exclusive interview with Ian Ogilvy, who talks about filming She Beast, Witchfinder Generaland his close call with playing James Bond Extensive report from Tim Greaves on the underrated Alistair MacLean spy thriller When Eight Bells Toll,which afforded young Anthony Hopkins an early starring role. Peter Cook pays tribute to "The Art of Deception"- a look at the use of matte paintings in famous films. Michael Commes takes a fun filled visit to The House of Bare Mountain, the infamous nudie monster flick Esteemed photographer Keith Hamshere shares his memories and photos from The Living Daylights, Murphy's War and Death on the Nile. Raymond Benson's Ten Best Films of 1954 Patrick Cooper pays tribute to Robert Mitchum and The Friends of Eddie Coyle Lee Pfeiffer's "Take Two" column examines Assignment K starring Stephen Boyd and Camilla Sparv Brian Hannan looks at what was hot at the boxoffice in 1966 Sheldon Hall reviews a video release of Jacques Rivette's films Daniel D'Arpe celebrates the cult sci-fi flick Starcrash starring Caroline Munro and David Hasselhoff. Adrian Smith joyfully uncovers the 007 sexploitation spoof Bonditis Plus Darren Allison's latest soundtrack news and reviews, Gareth Owen's "Pinewood Past" column and the latest movie book and DVD reviews.
USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro Issue #35 USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro Issue #35 $15.00 Usd UK : Cinema Retro Issue #35 UK : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £8.50 Gbp Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #35 Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £10.50 Gbp Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #35 Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £12.00 Gbp...
- 10/19/2015
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
One of my favorite indie horror releases of the 2015, We Are Still Here is making its way to Blu-ray and DVD just in time for Halloween:
Press Release: A tragic death leaves a married couple devastated, but their misery soon turns into mortal fear in the thoroughly haunting new film We Are Still Here. The Dark Sky Films/Mpi theatrical release, from the producers of The House of the Devil and Cheap Thrills, comes to Blu-ray and DVD on October 6, 2015. We Are Still Here is an atmospheric, classically constructed haunted house story, but with modern, heightened tension and action. After their teenage son Bobby is killed in a car crash, Paul and Anne Sacchetti move to an isolated 19th-century house in the New England countryside to try to start a new life. But soon the grieving couple begin to sense they are not alone in the old house. The Sacchettis'...
Press Release: A tragic death leaves a married couple devastated, but their misery soon turns into mortal fear in the thoroughly haunting new film We Are Still Here. The Dark Sky Films/Mpi theatrical release, from the producers of The House of the Devil and Cheap Thrills, comes to Blu-ray and DVD on October 6, 2015. We Are Still Here is an atmospheric, classically constructed haunted house story, but with modern, heightened tension and action. After their teenage son Bobby is killed in a car crash, Paul and Anne Sacchetti move to an isolated 19th-century house in the New England countryside to try to start a new life. But soon the grieving couple begin to sense they are not alone in the old house. The Sacchettis'...
- 8/26/2015
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Crescent Bay may seem like a quiet retirement community on the surface, but do a little digging and you’ll discover there’s more terror than tranquility to be found, for on evenings bathed in the light of the full moon, people have been dying, and not of natural causes. Retitled Late Phases: Night of the Lone Wolf, Adrián García Bogliano’s latest hits home media in March with a handful of bonus features:
Press Release – “New York, NY (January 23, 2015) – There’s something awful hiding in the woods and it’s coming after the unsuspecting in the gripping and acclaimed Late Phases: Night Of The Lone Wolf. From the director of Penumbra, Cold Sweat and Here Comes The Devil, the horror film will be available for Digital Download and on Blu-ray and DVD from Dark Sky Films on March 10, 2015.
Blind war veteran Ambrose McKinley (Nick Damici, Stake Land,...
Press Release – “New York, NY (January 23, 2015) – There’s something awful hiding in the woods and it’s coming after the unsuspecting in the gripping and acclaimed Late Phases: Night Of The Lone Wolf. From the director of Penumbra, Cold Sweat and Here Comes The Devil, the horror film will be available for Digital Download and on Blu-ray and DVD from Dark Sky Films on March 10, 2015.
Blind war veteran Ambrose McKinley (Nick Damici, Stake Land,...
- 1/23/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Here’s a brand new clip from Adrian Garcia Bogliano’s Late Phases, a practical effects heavy werewolf film Patrick Cooper raves about, opening in limited theaters tomorrow. Penned by Under the Bed‘s Eric Stolze, Dark Sky’s latest horror offering that stars Stake Land‘s Nick Damici, Ethan Embry, Lance Guest, Erin Cummings, Rutanya Alda, Tina Louise, Caitlin […]...
- 11/20/2014
- by MrDisgusting
- bloody-disgusting.com
Get your silver shotgun shells ready for director Adrian Garcia Bogliano’s Late Phases, a practical effects heavy werewolf film Patrick Cooper raves about. Opening in limited theaters November 21, here’s a new clip that isn’t for the dog lovers out there. You’ve been warned. Penned by Under the Bed‘s Eric Stolze, Dark Sky’s latest horror […]...
- 11/13/2014
- by MrDisgusting
- bloody-disgusting.com
On the run after a bank heist, José and Tony need a place to lay low for awhile, especially since a handful of hostages and José’s son are along for the ride. They stop at a small tavern in the countryside, but they would have been better off turning themselves over to the law, as their pitstop is inhabited by a coven of merciless, wicked witches in IFC Midnight’s Witching & Bitching, coming to DVD in the Us on October 14th.
“When a bank heist in the city doesn’t all go according to plan, Jose and Tony find themselves in possession of some hostages and speeding through the mountains of Spain, hoping to quietly slip over the border. Not wanting to give up his custody days to his ex-wife, Jose has also brought his son along for both the robbery and the ride. Little do they know that...
“When a bank heist in the city doesn’t all go according to plan, Jose and Tony find themselves in possession of some hostages and speeding through the mountains of Spain, hoping to quietly slip over the border. Not wanting to give up his custody days to his ex-wife, Jose has also brought his son along for both the robbery and the ride. Little do they know that...
- 9/25/2014
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
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