Krisp8888 Reviews

Defending Jacob (2020)

Incredible first 7.5 episodes followed by an awful ending

[6/10 · 12 June 2020]

*Mild spoilers follow, I wish I had known going in...*

It is really difficult to rate this series. It really depends on how this series is being viewed. As a first season with a planned second season, this would be an exceptional season of television. As a mini-series that is supposed to tell a contained story, well this series gives us 7.5 episodes of absolutely riveting television, followed by a final half that is shocking, upsetting, and does not answer the central question of the series. I don't feel like this is spoiling much; I wish I had known going in. At least I would have had leveled expectations. At least I wouldn't have gone the entire series, absolutely absorbed in having the most central question of the series answered - only to be left hanging. Chris Stuckmann said it best. The series presents a central question - did Jacob do it? And in the end, the show shrugs it's shoulders. "Eh, heck if I know." Perhaps the writers did it on purpose, as sometimes in life we really never know. But what comes before is so devastating, so upsetting, it demands answers. It is almost cruel to leave the audience without them. As a first season, it is an exceptional first season, with a shocking and devastating end that requires a second season to wrap things up. As a mini-series, this was just major emotional manipulation without any resolution.

*Major spoilers follow*

Not knowing, after all, that is what drove the mother of the series off the deep end. Just simply not knowing, and living with the guilt that it was possible. It was possible that her son took the life of another, and left another mother grieving an incomprehensible loss. But this series is not real life, and it just feels like a major cop-out. The show spends half of its runtime presenting itself as a murder mystery "who-dun-it". There is a massive revelation at the end of episode two, that is never directly addressed. It is information only we, the audience, is given - and then it is left without any explanation. And only a lot of speculation. Then the final episode rolls around, and I just have to talk about the ending. It really is why I am here.

It's been days since I finished the series and I am still bothered by how it all wrapped up. Or failed to. I think I've expressed my frustration that we never find out who killed Ben Rifkin. There is a lot of reason to believe Jacob may have, but just as much evidence to believe it was a pedophile, Patz. (Can't remember his first name) Through the course of the series, we really see the mother (can't remember her name) slowly falling apart. She remembers a moment from Jacob's childhood, when he tried to hit another boy from behind, on the head, with a bowling ball. She is constantly questioning whether her son could have done this. Her first thought when the news came out about Ben's death was that she was "glad it wasn't her son." And she wondered if she should feel awful for that. Andrew assured her everything was feeling that way, and it was completely normal. And possibly it was. But we see her mental state become very fragile over the course of the series, staring endlessly at a painting in the office of a biological doctor they see for her son. I was pained that the show kept beating her up. She had one happy moment grocery shopping, and she ran into Ben Rifkin's mom. Word on the street was that Jacob was the killer. Instead of having a heartbreaking moment between these two mom's, Ben's mom spat right in her face. She leaves the store distraught. This is the kind of series we are watching here. This family is destroyed, it could all be for nothing as in the end of it all we STILL don't know if Jacob did it. The mom absolutely loses it driving Jacob to a hair cut, and grills him on whether he did it, as she continues increasing the speed. Many random Youtubers commented that it seems he's innocent, as he maintains his innocence even as his life is in danger. As she goes past 70. Eventually, he finally says "Fine, I did it! If that's what you want to hear!". She tells him she loves him and plows the car into a tunnel. She is left relatively unscathed with supposedly no recollection of the accident. Jacob is in a coma. Andrew is lying to her about it being an accident and is all alone in the house. Whether Jacob was innocent, will never be known. Unless a season two takes place. I hope it does. I really want to love this show. I did for the first 7.5 episodes. (It is only an 8 episode series) But that final half of the last episode. As a series finale, it is one of those endings that are so bad, it ruins the entire film. But in this case, it's an 8-hour film. The first 7.5 hours were so good, so riveting. This series needs a proper ending. I hope the powers that be will find a way to give it one.

Secrets & Lies (2014)

Well crafted show that fell apart in the end. No payoff.

[4/10 · 4 July 2015]

*NO SPOILERS YET*

I will keep the first part of this spoiler free, and will provide fair warning before I divulge any spoilers. This was a pretty well crafted series. Cinematography, acting, writing, and directing were all very good. New bombshells and twists presented themselves around every corner, always keeping the audience guessing. The finale was incredibly intense. However, the final twist I just didn't buy, and for me it caused the entire series to fall apart. In the end, I felt there was no payoff for this series, with an awful ending and a final twist I just didn't feel worked. Now I am going to start getting into spoilers. I personally wish I had read spoilers previously, as I probably wouldn't have wasted six hours on this show.

*SPOILERS BEGIN*

So the final twist for those who don't know and decided to proceed, is that Ben's youngest daughter Eva is the killer. Now Eva looked to have been somewhere between 8 and 10 years old. I know that children kill. It is hard to believe, and it is a rarity, but it has happened. Eva was just not developed in the show to be a psychopath though, and the motive given is that she believed killing Tom would cause Jess to leave town (thus saving her parent's marriage). I guess it's debatable as to whether the ending was plausible. I just didn't buy it. And so what are we left with? A series that showed Ben frantically trying to figure out who killed Tom for six episodes, while his family fell apart and his wife left him, taking the kids. And in the end he seems to be back together with his wife, but now his youngest daughter is facing prosecution for murder. What an awful ending. I just didn't buy it, and felt there was no payoff. Overall the series is well done, though, hence the three stars given. I wish I hadn't wasted my time though.

Within (III) (2014)

An exceptional short

[10/10 · 25 May 2015]

Within was absolutely exceptional.

The acting was top notch with great performances from everyone involved. The directing was phenomenal, the score was great, and the cinematography was especially impressive, creating quite an atmosphere.

The film had a very strong, thought provoking script, that stuck with you long after the end credits rolled, about finding connection in the internet age. Robert Joseph Butler's previous short "Olivia's Cross" was also absolutely exceptional, and this is definitely a very talented up and coming filmmaker to look out for. Looking forward to his future works.

True Story (I) (2015)

Don't trust the reviews - this is a must see

[9/10 · 18 April 2015]

I had been looking forward to True Story since I first saw the trailer in December. And then I read reviews tonight on it and was pretty worried. I actually almost didn't go to the theater to see it. I almost considered waiting for the DVD (or Digital HD rather, Ha) release. I am glad I didn't.

I am not going to recap the entire summary of the film, as if you are reading this, chances are you already know it, and if you don't, the less you know the better. I just finished researching the true story of the film, and it appears this film is quite close to the truth. (Unlike the characters in the film)

This is a movie about deception involving characters that fabricate the truth to incredible lengths and spin endless webs of lies. One character to a lesser extent to the other, but I found it interesting how this film portrayed the similarities between these two men. The story is brilliantly woven, and extreme attention to detail is paid. The cinematography is beautiful, the acting is solid, this is just all around an exceptionally well made film. It's tragic, yet very thought provoking.

The main two complaints I heard in critical reviews were that the film lacked suspense, and that it was a whole lot of buildup with no payoff. The no payoff criticism concerned me the most, as I can't stand movies like that, and that criticism seemed to be the biggest people were making.

Realize going in, this is a psychological drama/thriller. I personally was riveted and in constant psychological suspense, but there isn't any real physical suspense throughout the film. The suspense comes from a psychological place, falling victim to the constant mind games, and not knowing what the truth really is.

And as for the biggest criticism, that there wasn't any payoff, I couldn't disagree more. I'd like to ask these critics to their face - how much more payoff are you looking for? Given the details of the true events, there isn't any more payoff that could have been provided, in fact, I felt the payoff of this film to be big. It was a psychologically riveting experience that provided a lot to think about long after the end credits rolled.

Chronicle (2012)

A surprisingly original, dark, and simply phenomenal film.

[9/10 · 26 February 2012]

*Minor spoilers if any. Nothing further than what is shown in the trailer.

I wasn't overly interested in this movie upon release. The superhero genre is very overdone, as is the "found footage" genre(and most films use the "found footage" technique just to make up for a weak plot line).

This film was (surprisingly) very original, unlike anything I have ever seen. This is not a masterpiece, I wouldn't call it "Brilliant", but it is very original, and thoroughly enjoyable.

The premise is that 3 teenagers(Matt, Andrew, and Steve) get "Superpowers" from a mysterious underground cave. When they discover these "Powers", they begin strengthening them, and having a lot of fun int he process. I think the writer of this film sat around and asked himself "What would I do if I got superpowers"? As in most films about "Superheroes", they are trying to save the day. In "Chronicle", they are throwing a football around in the clouds.

The first half continues on that route, with them using these powers to prank unsuspecting and baffled people. This is a surprisingly entertaining and hilarious thing to watch.

Then when we get to the second half of the film, it begins pulling viewers further and further down an emotionally riveting spiral downward, as things take a dark turn.

Andrew we have developed through the first half as a bit of an outcast that is dealing with am abusive father and a dying mother(whom he loves dearly). His home-life has turned Andrew into a rather disturbed boy.

Andrew emotionally is going through this downfall, and we are pulled right into it with him. What started as a fun and downright hilarious film becomes very dark, and very disturbing.

By a certain point of the film, Andrew could easily be classified as mentally ill, and being mentally ill and having these powers are not a good combination.

This is a fun, hilarious, intriguing, emotionally compelling, intense, and at times disturbing film all in one(and at only 83 minutes to boot!).

I was especially skeptical of the "Found-Footage" technique, though I thought it was done very well here. It wasn't so much "Found-Footage" as about half the film being shot from a different point of view(whether it be Andrew's camera, Security Camera's in a hospital, Security Camera's in a bank, etc.). And roughly half of the movie is filmed in the standard form.

I have already seen "Chronicle" twice, and would see it a third time in a heartbeat. As of now, this is easily my favorite film of 2012(with Source Code winning that award for the year of 2011).

If you haven't seen "Chronicle", I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys a great movie. Come on, I am somebody who traditionally doesn't like superhero or "found footage" movies! If I loved it, who wouldn't?!

Hereafter (2010)

An excellent film only a few flaws short of a Masterpiece.

[9/10 · 5 November 2010]

This is by far the best movie I have seen in quite some time (since Brothers - starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey McGuire, and Natalie Portman). This film is only a few flaws short of being considered a Masterpiece, in my book.

Minor Spoilers may follow. Not worthy of the Contains Spoiler box. There is nothing in this review you will not find out by looking at the synopsis or viewing the trailer.

The plot is very unique, as it does not follow normal storytelling procedure. Similar ways of storytelling have been done before, yet I feel this film perfected the trend.

This is a film that is advertised to be about the after-life, and while it is the primary theme of the film(And the source of the title), the film is more about the characters touched by death, and less about the supernatural aspect of it.

The film contains three primary story lines.

The first is of a reporter named Marie. Marie is played by Cécile De France, who gives a superb performance. Marie's life is turned upside down when she barely survives a major tsunami. She in fact dies for a short period of time, and has a vision better known as a Near Death Experience. She becomes convinced of an after-life of some sort, and her journey of discovery, causes her life to fall apart.

The second story line is about a psychic named George. George is played by Matt Damon, who I also felt gave a wonderful performance. I have seen Damon in numerous films, and you can see his aging, in his hair, face, and his performance! This storyline seems to be the center of the film, the anchor that holds the film together. George is blessed with a gift he considers to be a curse. George has the ability to speak with those who have passed away from this life. He feels this keeps him from living a normal life, and in his effort to run away from the his gift, he finds himself bitter and lonely.

The third storyline is of a boy named Marcus. Marcus is played by twins Frankie and George McLaren. I personally felt this performance to be very disappointing considering the otherwise very strong acting. I found the children's acting to be extremely unbelievable, and it made it very difficult for me to take such a tragic storyline, seriously. Marcus and his twin brother, Jason, live a hard life with an alcoholic mother. Marcus's life is shattered when his twin brother is killed in a tragic accident, and he is left alone, desperate to find answers.

The film spends less time on the supernatural aspect of the after-life, communicating with the dead, etc., and more time on the characters involved.

The story-line's alternate, and much of the film focuses on the different characters. What happens, how they are affected, and every little event that pushes them closer to the intersecting of their lives. It spends a lot of time on character development, while keeping the film interesting, compelling, and very entertaining. I never found myself bored in what could have been a very dull two and a half hours, had it been done the wrong way. The characters were developed so deeply, that I truly cared for every little thing that went on, something very difficult for a film to do in such a short period of time. The character's lives eventually intersect, and they help each other in ways they never could have imagined.

The opening sequence of the Tsunami contained some of the best special effects I have ever seen of a disaster on screen. That scene alone makes it a must-see on the big screen.

The other issue I had with Here After, is that the ending was not awful, but with Two and a half hours of lead up, I expected a stronger conclusion, with greater closure. It left the audiences to infer, which after this sort of film, I want a conclusion that leaves me without questions, an ending that leaves me breathless. The ending was adequate, but it left much to be desired. While it was not ideal, it is no reason to let this film remain unseen.

Overall, I loved this film. I felt it beautifully portrayed the lives of three people touched by death, and their journey to one another. It left the concept of an after-life for ones own interpretation, and it gave much to think about, to dwell on, long after the end credits roll.

Here After is Beautiful. The pace is perfect. The acting is superb(though the McLaren twins performance fell short), And this film is like I previously stated, a few flaws short of being a masterpiece.

I would recommend this film to anybody wanting to experience an intelligent film, for one with a mature mind. If you are looking for a film with action, thrills, and chills, this may not be for you. But if you want a beautiful film about mortality, this is a must-see.

-Kristopher

The Butterfly Effect (2004)

A Masterpiece

[9/10 · 9 July 2010]

This film is Masterpiece-plain and simple.

The pacing is perfect. The acting Superb. The writing Phenomenal. This film has great style and cinematography, as well as an exceptional plot. The only reason I give the film a 9 is for the scene involving the Dog which I skipped- Thank god for DVD!

This film is a supernatural thriller in one sense- but in another, it is about real people and real problems.

It starts out with Evan- a young boy suffering from blackouts. Many crucial parts of his life are lost due to these blackouts- so he begins to keep a journal, per request by his doctor. Traumatizing childhood events eventually lead to his mother and him moving away to escape the life that they are living in suburban hell. As an adult- he finds his first love, Kayleigh. She is a struggling waitress. A conversation about the past leads to her suicide. As his life crumbles, he relives his fathers mistakes and finds that he can go back in the past through the journals he wrote, and relive the moments in his life he missed. He soon finds that he can change the past. He hopes that by changing things in his childhood that led to Kayleigh's suicide- he can save her in the present. But every small change he makes, changes the lives of everyone around him. The quote at the beginning of the film explains it perfectly "Can something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing cause a typhoon halfway around the world??" This is a film with many hidden meanings that cause a lot to think about after the credits role.

This is a dark film and deals with many controversial issues that could be disturbing to some. I do not want to go too far into detail, but just warning that it has some very real, dark, controversial issues presented.

This film shows that every moment counts and that every single thing that happened, happened for a reason. This is not a simple piece of entertainment, but a very meaningful work of art that I recommend to anyone who I think has the mindset to appreciate a sophisticated work of art like The Butterfly Effect.

See the Directors Cut First as the ending is phenomenal. Then watch the ending of the Theatrical Version after. Both endings are great- but the Theatrical Ending does not have as much meaning and power packed in- but was added to give the film a mainstream appeal.

Remember Me (I) (2010)

A wonderfully made movie

[8/10 · 9 July 2010]

*No Spoilers in this Review.*

I was pleasantly surprised by this one. This was a very good film.

The film starts off like a bittersweet love story. Tyler is a troubled young man who recently lost his brother to suicide. His parents are divorced and his relationship with his father is not a good one. The one person who he truly connects with in his family is his younger sister, Caroline. After a run in with the Law- Tyler tries to get back at the cop who busted his face by getting involved with the cops daughter, Ally. Ally witnessed her mothers brutal murder 10 years earlier after a mugging gone bad. Things change when Tyler begins Falling for Ally.

This is not a Love story alone though. Family Values are heavily portrayed in this film along with other very intriguing sub plots. The film has a very nice pace to it and I love the overall style of the film. The ending I felt was a great fit- as it portrayed reality. It portrayed how the families changed because of what happened and gave the film meaning, depth. The issue is that the trailer makes the film out to be a bright, feel good, love story- and it is a bit deceiving. It is a very serious, dark film, with a inner beauty to it. I would have liked more "Happy" Moments- but this film is not "Happy" in the least. And you need to know that going in. This is a film that heavily involves tragedy- and you have to know that going in.

What this film is, is wonderfully made. It is a story about Love, Family, Life, Death, and how one person can change the lives of everyone around them.

The Plot is smooth. The cinematography is great. And the Music is wonderfully composed. A well made, well written, well acted film for anybody who likes a realistic film that deals with real issues. In the end- it touches your heart and makes you think.

"If you could hear me, I would say that our finger prints don't fade from the lives we've touched."

Go see this film!