seanrushdrive Reviews

Good Fortune (2016)

Unpretentious rags to riches story

[9/10 · 14 June 2017]

After the success of the Tickell's documentary Fuel, their foray into Good Fortune continues their tradition of covering topics that focus on social relevance. In this case: John Paul DeJoria. This real success of this film lives and dies with DeJoria. His charisma is unparalleled and magnetic to the viewers. We see the rise of an honest and humble man. That being said, the film explores tough periods of his life: facing homelessness, failed marriages, bunking with biker gangs. It shows the highs and the lows, which are quintessential to any biographical piece. The crux of the film is showing what Paul really stands for: Philanthropy and giving back. The Tickell's hone this subject in to display the joys of conscious capitalism, which DeJoria makes a point to exuberance in his life. The film shines its brightest at this moment and will easily give the viewer hope for humanity.Weaved into the film is a killer soundtrack and asides from famous celebrity friends. This is the best crowd pleasing film of the year for anyone looking for a film that will enlighten their outlook on life.

Urban Hymn (2015)

Sing a song and it'll feel better

[9/10 · 7 June 2017]

Urban Hymn, a new film by Michael Caton-Jones, explores depths in London-based youth delinquents that are seldom discussed. Following Jamie, a troubled teenager, she has multiple run ins with the law. She bunks with other troubled kids and feels the need to cause trouble and harm for no true cause other than to live for the moment. But she meets Kate, a social worker, who challenges Jamie to transform herself and abandon her abrasive attitude and make something of herself. This is not a clean act as temptations in the form of possessive friend, Leanne, keeps Jamie in check and fears for being abandoned. Regardless, Kate is determined to show Jamie that she has true potential that can really take her to better places. It's a feel good movie that focuses on character and amazingly, these actors keep the momentum moving and the film more engrossing. It's well paced and sensitively directed. The music is enlightening and pivotal to the story. Wonderfully true to life, film lovers will discover that Urban Hymn really gives character study a good name!

Walk of Fame (I) (2017)

Big Stars Shine Bright

[9/10 · 3 April 2017]

Films like Walk of Fame continue a welcomed tradition of simple films telling simple stories, albeit with a big punch of humor that levels the story, elevating this film to beyond enjoyable entertainment. The film stars Scott Eastwood an aspiring lawyer, Drew, who failed the bar exam twice. Idling at dead end jobs to pass the time, his big inspiration comes in the form of Nikki, a wannabe actress who attends an intense drama class led by the incomparable Malcolm McDowell. Drew follows his animal instincts and joins the class to get close to Nikki, but along the way challenges in the form of committed, idealistic classmates and McDowell's teaching style change his perception of showbiz. This film's humor is raging and when it delivers it does it was posh and shameless delight, which come as a big payoff with its storytelling. Walk of Fame is a film made by dreamers for dreamers looking for great laughs. This is entertainment at a basic, enjoyable level that will invite its viewer to sit down, relax and enjoy the ride.

1 Night (I) (2016)

A thoughtful romance!

[9/10 · 16 February 2017]

A film like 1 Night comes along every now and then and surprises me on how much more territory the romance genre has left to offer film goers. We live an era where moviegoers want lust, like Fifty Shades Darker. But that message is blank and meaningless. A film like 1 Night has dignity and intelligence that drives the romance of the film. Instead of skin flick, we have a smart flick. The acting is natural and honest. No kinky billionaires here. Common people are the characters and that allows the story and the audience to empathize and put themselves in the character's shoes. The film succeeds in laying all of its cards on the table to give rare, romantic sincerity to the narrative and dialogue. But there are several surprises up its sleeve that guarantee a grander mosaic and deeper message that will surely invite all to a gleefully welcomed second viewing. The message is clear: Romance never dies, it's transcendent.

Attack of the Lederhosen Zombies (2016)

"It's all downhill from here!"

[9/10 · 1 February 2017]

Attack of the Lederhosen Zombies is an exhilarating, fast paced gore-fest that plays with the troupes of a classic genre and elevates them to delightful, satirical bliss. The classic set up all horror fans love are here! The director playfully twists them into an entertaining, high wire act of comedy-horror that real horror film fans will surely appreciate.

The film is about a cocky ski star who must step up to do what's right when a zombie outbreak begins in the Austrian Alps (no thanks to a well meaning Austrian scientist) and simultaneously tries to win his strong willed girlfriend back. Director Dominik Hartl wisely takes advantage of his snowy locations with the assistance of his cinematographer, using anamorphic lenses to add gorgeous scope to his setting with care that aspiring cinematographers will surely take copious notes of. The actors have A-game with their willingness to take every situation their characters experience with levity and appreciated focus. This film has some surprising delights that range from classical music appreciating dancing zombies (reminiscent of Polanski's The Fearless Vampire Killers) to the chic and sleek snowboarding of Steve (Laurie Calvert) that will having you cheering for the heroes and excited for the winter olympics!

I thought this was a great addition to my ever expanding film collection. Any REAL fans of cult and retro horror films looking for something new and fresh with incredible visuals, hilarious fast paced action, and of course, hungry Austrian zombies should definitely check this one out. It's killer!