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mousenhowz
Reviews
Trick 'r Treat (2007)
the best little Halloween movie of ALL TIME
Run, don't walk to the video store to buy this on DVD or Blue ray. Save it for Halloween night or watch it beforehand if you so desire. 3 out of 4 of my friends loved it, one of the 3,a skeptical one, enjoyed it throughly. I had not seen this movie in a while because of the "so many movies, so little time" effect but I watched it a few nights ago and still absolutely adore it. As Christmas is Santa, Christmas trees, presents, the baby Jesus, etc, Trick r Treat is classic Halloween nostalgia. I love Creepshow and I llllllluuuuuuuvvvvvv Trick r Treat even more. As a movie, this is truly a definite treat for Halloween. Watch it with friends or with your sweetie and get plenty of candy corn to supplement your diet but see it soon. Sam loves you.
Hardbodies 2 (1986)
Hardbodies 2: not that bad but not nearly as good as orig
This one was better with a second look but still is a lame sequel to the superior summer greatness of "Hardbodies". Like somebody said in a another review and paraphrasing, the slapstick was overblown and very unfunny. The eye candy in the movie is worth the price of admission. The acting is bad in most cases but the main leads do good with the material that they have.
The best thing I could suggest is get the two-pack of both films and view Hardbodies 2 on it's own merit if it has any at all.The cowboy guy from the first movie returns in the second one as well as the real estate lady from the first one but all is lost in the translation. This movie is for completest only in the 80s summer beach flick genre.
If you are new to this genre try the 80s classics "The Beach Girls" "Spring Break" and the orig "Hardbodies" before trudging your way through this one.
True Grit (2010)
Hard to match the original film
Remaking True Grit was a great idea that doesn't pan out in the long run. I am a big fan of the Coens and I absolutely loved "No country for old men" but this remake lacks the humor of the original. Some hinted that it wasn't as entertaining as the original and I would have to agree. Honestly, the first time I watched it, I fell asleep. For me personally it is not that much of a stretch to fall asleep during movies, you can ask my friends, but I guess this one is a little long in the tooth at certain points.
As for the cast, Jeff Bridges is a good actor but his portrayal of Rooster is too overdone and (pardon the pun) too gritty. He is not as animated as John Wayne and that is one of the missing elements. The girl(Haylee Stanfield) is very good but I still like Kim Darby better. Darby was much more spirited in the role IMHO. Matt Damon is good as LeBoufe, much better acting than Glen Campbell in the same role but still Glen did a fair job and was just there as a means of fodder for the Duke anyway. The guy that plays Lucky Ned Pepper was probably the best in the whole movie but in too short of a role.
As for cinematography, it is a beautifully shot film. The Coens do excel in this area for sure.
****possible spoiler**** The pace of the movie is better after the first 30 min is over as opposed to the original version which was a laugh riot especially the exchange between Mattie Ross and Stonehill played by Strother Martin in the orig. The guy who plays Stonehill in the 2010 version is a bit too dry and humorless.He is probably not a bad actor in other roles but this portrayal is a little too stiff.
****possible spoiler**** A minor point for those offended easily language wise, there is only one minuscule instance in the orig of cussing but in this one Rooster says one too many of a certain word compared to the original, however, it was not that profuse.
****possible spoiler**** I have heard some complain about the ending but the Coens are generally by the book about such matters so the ending didn't personally bother me.
DarkWolf (2003)
Hip,smart, sexy and scary enough
I am sorry, I do not agree with the low rating here. I am werewolf fanatic, I have seen the majority of the genre. This one does not pale in comparison to any of the good ones. It is mentioned here about the acting ability of some of the actresses, I actually think they do a good job here. Of course, as a dude, I am always glad to see hot chicks but this qualifies as a very good werewolf story/movie. Underrated IMO. I am impressed. Werewolf fans you need to ck this out. No offense to the other reviewers but the low rating does not reflect the fun and genuine heart of this movie. The effects, to me, are fine for an updated werewolf flick. The background historic werewolf theme adds to the flavor. For a straight to video release, this one deserves a lot more praise than it is given. A very cool werewolf flick. To the other reviewers that rated this low, please give it another chance. Thx
The Wolfman (2010)
2010 Wolfman, not a disappointment
As a fan of werewolf movies, I honestly had a good feeling that this remake was going to be good. The only thing I read going in was a snippet of Roger Ebert's review regarding the effort of the film-makers in the tribute fashion. What I didn't know was that the film was going to be GREAT!!!!. I watched this with a friend of mine and we were both astounded at this one. Fun to watch and a visual masterpiece. It captures the mood of the time period and as it was shot in merry old England, captures the countryside gloriously.
Even though it has mixed reviews in the critical realm and on IMDb and even though it had limited box office returns in the states but good worldwide returns,I predict this movie will have a good debut on DVD and blue ray and will become a grower in the hearts of the people in years to come. Kudos to the treatment by the filmmakers to re-create a classic. JOB WELL DONE!!!!. And to the werewolf fans,my friends and I all loved Dog Soldiers beforehand but this movie is giving it a run for it's money on our personal lists. Can't wait until the next full moon!!! :-)
P.S. If you enjoyed "Sleepy hollow" you will like this one, no doubt.
A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985)
Revenge is sweet
Although the orig ranks of one of the all time best, this sequel more than lives up to it.
The beginning is mind blowing with the ride of a lifetime that has to been seen to be appreciated.
The camaraderie of the two principle male characters is an added twist and enhances the story. At first they seem like they are not going to get along and get into a fight but later comically tease each other in class with both taunting the other by friendly laughter at the right moment.
Also the love interest between the girl and her ride to school is intriguing and does not cross the boundaries early in the game.
*possible spoiler* The 2nd appearance of Fred is fun also with him hiding in the bushes then appearing in the boiler room and then taunting the lead dude by using a famous line that I will not divulge here by spoiler.
This movie is underrated and deserves a second look by Freddie fans. It is far from boring and IMO is the most entertaining in the series.
Personally it is "the" sequel that I go back to the most in the whole line of Fred empire movies.
The Donner Party (2009)
worth watching
you'll eat it up :-). the cinematographer fit the right mood of this somber yet compelling event.the music fits the mood as well. the cast is very very good. Crispin Glover actually plays the straight role with a few twists here and there.this is the director's first, he succeeds and his future work will be worth watching. according to a review i read on the external reviews, the movie was shot at the Donner Pass. that ramps it up a bit for me and the historical aspect. a very very good attempt at storytelling. since this is the first review published for this movie, i will refrain why i changed my orig vote from 8 to 10.Overall a great attempt at storytelling. not as good as maybe Alive but well worth the viewing considering the grim subject matter.
The Last House on the Left (2009)
Superb remake
Excellent acting, excellent suspense, excellent revenge flick. Brutal,yes,but much less brutal than the original. The shock value of the original is gone or faded or muted somewhat but the directing of this one is more solid (no offense to Wes Craven)but kudos to his producing of this one and to Sean S. Cunningham of Friday the 13th fame for his hand in producing as well as others.
You will probably recognize some of the actors and actresses you see here and their experience in other films clearly shines through.
This is not the ultimate revenge flick(see Death Wish) but it ranks high on my list and I am sure it will on yours.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Very, very good remake
I have watched the original film a few times before and watched it again last night or early this morning. I have also watched, for the first time,the sequel "Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2", today. I haven't finished TCM 2 but it is near the end. Anyway, as far as sequels and horror movies go, Texas Chainsaw Massacre "2003" edition, succeeds and excels in it's intention of capturing the shear(although pruning shears were not the weapon :-)terror of the original TCM.
Having the "hottie" Jessica Biel in it is definitely a major plus, in my book!!!! But aside from her awesome looks, she can definitely act and is a good updated scream queen of a new generation. Also having R Lee Ermey is a major(I love unintentional puns since he was a former servant of our country)plus as well. kudos to the casting directors. All of the rest of the cast do well, but these stand out!!!! Rent it or buy this or any Halloween season.
The Stepford Wives (2004)
overdone
I will first state that I have only watched the first 20 to 30 minutes of the film but my limited comments will suffice.
POSSIBLE SPOILER The first movie was a suspense thriller with a smidgen of black comedy but this one tries too much too quick and fails initially. The suspense element of the first one is virtually ignored in this remake. I am an optimist on many levels in life and I wish that this movie had succeeded but the reasons are clear why it did not succeed within the first few minutes. They just tried to too darn hard and it sadly falls on it's head. Because I am an optimist, I will later watch the rest of it for posterity's sake only.