well folks, I got to say, as a Brazilian, that the portrait of Rio is not very flattering... And, unfortunately, very true. Some stupid things aside (for example, gambling is prohibited in my country since the 40's), this light-weight martial arts flick delivers, gave me some well-received giggles and Mitchell hold his own as a fighter and is quite credible as the main man.Using the character of Xian, played with gusto by Dennis Chan, as the link to the most famous movie of this series, starred by Van Damme, the plot shows a harsh reality, the women trafficking and children abandonment in my country with levity and good laughs with very good fight scenes. Definitely, a nice example of how a Direct-to-video sequel can be when a little care is taken; it does not have to always be garbage.
Reviews
27 Reviews
Puncture
(2011)
Lock this movie in your radar and engage
5 August 2012
I have to be as honest as possible here: the only reason I came to discover this little indie gem was because of Chris "Steve Rogers/Johnny Storm" Evans participation on it. It was one of those lazy, hot weekend nights, just returning from a much needed bar-hopping experience with some good friends, a little wasted and with no sleep whatsoever in the horizon. Clicked on the online services I happen to subscribe and browsed aimlessly, looking for something to entertain myself waiting for Morpheus' call. Saw a picture of Mr. Evans on the cover, looking all somber and bleak, sporting a beard, holding a needle on his hand. Well, the first thing I thought about was "well, folks, I bet Evans is on total Nic-Cage-on-crack mode; this must be fun to watch". And I have clicked on to start. Boy, and I was wrong. The movie is everything except Evans going haywire and stuff. A highly enthralling and interesting subject, supported by an excellent cast and compelling drama, "Puncture" makes a louder thud than anything a few bearded fatsos could dream of, simply by presenting facts and giving us characters we care about. Evans is at his best, aided by the co-director Mark Kassen, the surprisingly restrained Marshall Bell and Bret Cullen in their task to raise some questions. I suggest to watch this precious movie back-to-back with "The Constant Gardener". That aspirin will never be the same again.
Knockout
(2011)
Middle-of-the-road generic underdog story
3 January 2012
Nothing new about this recent D-to-D starring Steve Austin as Mr. Miyagi, oops, Dan Barns, a former boxer turned janitor who puts a nerdy kid under his wing and teach him the noble art as a way of learning how to handle life itself.
The good thing is that the flick has a heart, is well rounded and the characters are sympathetic enough to warrant some entertainment.
Of course we movie gobblers have seen the same story done dozens of times, but who does not love to see an underdog get the prize?
The highlight is that Steve Austin is charismatic enough and keeps it real most of the time, compensating the less than thrilling protagonist.
The dialog is cross and direct from a bad self-help book; however, is said with some dignity and Austin shows he is not only a killing machine, he has potential to not embarrass himself in more meaty roles.
A nice time waster, if you do not have anything else to do and likes to tackle this kind of movie.
The good thing is that the flick has a heart, is well rounded and the characters are sympathetic enough to warrant some entertainment.
Of course we movie gobblers have seen the same story done dozens of times, but who does not love to see an underdog get the prize?
The highlight is that Steve Austin is charismatic enough and keeps it real most of the time, compensating the less than thrilling protagonist.
The dialog is cross and direct from a bad self-help book; however, is said with some dignity and Austin shows he is not only a killing machine, he has potential to not embarrass himself in more meaty roles.
A nice time waster, if you do not have anything else to do and likes to tackle this kind of movie.
Outland
(1981)
A Worthy Variation
6 September 2011
A federal Marshall, O'Neill (Sean Connery), is sent to Io, one of Saturn's moons, to oversee the security of a mining facility. Since the place is not exactly warm and fuzzy, we can all figure out this not a reward for good services rendered.
Unfortunately, a feeling shared by O'Neill's wife, who leaves for Earth with their son, tired of being pushed around the solar system because of him.
Meanwhile, some very strange happenings start poking around, with workers suddenly reacting hysterically and violently.
Doing a little digging, reluctantly helped by the washed up station doctor Lazarus (Frances Sternhagen), O'Neill uncovers a scheme to uplift the facility productivity without much regard for labor regulations - and some highly illegal chemical help, for that matter - spearheaded by the slimy and corrupt general manager, Sheppard (Peter Boyle).
Striving for redemption, O'Neill will find out how hard a virtue can hit, when he sees himself isolated from the other workers, even marshalls, either too bribed or too scared to help him, and chased by professional goons.
This is an effective western rendition in a science fiction set up, with the good cast and the unoriginal yet tight script helping a lot to swallow some of the movie's shortcomings.
For instance, the guns used are almost surreal (sawn-off shotguns, for Pete's sake!); the effects of alien atmosphere exposure are so over the top is hard to suspend disbelief (the blowing heads look cool though) and, the worse thing, the exterior on foot with special suits chase (however, the suspense level is pretty decent).
If you can put aside those minor peeves, any action/sci-fi/western fan will enjoy this flick.
Highly commendable, specially for Connery fans.
Unfortunately, a feeling shared by O'Neill's wife, who leaves for Earth with their son, tired of being pushed around the solar system because of him.
Meanwhile, some very strange happenings start poking around, with workers suddenly reacting hysterically and violently.
Doing a little digging, reluctantly helped by the washed up station doctor Lazarus (Frances Sternhagen), O'Neill uncovers a scheme to uplift the facility productivity without much regard for labor regulations - and some highly illegal chemical help, for that matter - spearheaded by the slimy and corrupt general manager, Sheppard (Peter Boyle).
Striving for redemption, O'Neill will find out how hard a virtue can hit, when he sees himself isolated from the other workers, even marshalls, either too bribed or too scared to help him, and chased by professional goons.
This is an effective western rendition in a science fiction set up, with the good cast and the unoriginal yet tight script helping a lot to swallow some of the movie's shortcomings.
For instance, the guns used are almost surreal (sawn-off shotguns, for Pete's sake!); the effects of alien atmosphere exposure are so over the top is hard to suspend disbelief (the blowing heads look cool though) and, the worse thing, the exterior on foot with special suits chase (however, the suspense level is pretty decent).
If you can put aside those minor peeves, any action/sci-fi/western fan will enjoy this flick.
Highly commendable, specially for Connery fans.
What Starts Crappy, Ends Crappy
19 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
To initiate this review of the season finale, I feel I must explain something to all readers out there.
Every review I made for the series is marked "Spoiler Warning". Since I don't know what the IMDb editors will consider a spoiler, I did it to avoid blacklisting. Hope you guys out there will understand and enjoy my reviews; I certainly enjoyed creating them.
With that behind us, how is the last episode of "Fear Itself"? Well, it closed full circle. The pilot was stupid and this last one, ditto.
The episode title is, look, "The Circle". At least, if has a sense of irony.
A mixed bag of "Evil Dead" with "Night of The Living Dead" with some sprinkles of "Pitch Black" and "The Dark Half", this plot is all over the place.
They say hell is repetition; maybe the producers took it too literally and didn't allow the season finale to have a voice of his own, making it just a bad regurgitation of previous genre entries.
They had, even, the sadistic touch of making Ashley Scott repeating the same lines for almost 3 minutes. Man, come on! No wonder there will never be a second season. At least, props to NBC for trying!
Every review I made for the series is marked "Spoiler Warning". Since I don't know what the IMDb editors will consider a spoiler, I did it to avoid blacklisting. Hope you guys out there will understand and enjoy my reviews; I certainly enjoyed creating them.
With that behind us, how is the last episode of "Fear Itself"? Well, it closed full circle. The pilot was stupid and this last one, ditto.
The episode title is, look, "The Circle". At least, if has a sense of irony.
A mixed bag of "Evil Dead" with "Night of The Living Dead" with some sprinkles of "Pitch Black" and "The Dark Half", this plot is all over the place.
They say hell is repetition; maybe the producers took it too literally and didn't allow the season finale to have a voice of his own, making it just a bad regurgitation of previous genre entries.
They had, even, the sadistic touch of making Ashley Scott repeating the same lines for almost 3 minutes. Man, come on! No wonder there will never be a second season. At least, props to NBC for trying!
I Wish I Were a Killer
19 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Another sub par episode, with a lot of psychological mumbo jumbo to justify the action.
The plot just doesn't kick, although you can see the effort of the cast and crew to make it happen; but it is just too convoluted and the connection that makes Aaron Stanford's character so tuned in to make the reenactment of the murder possible is never explained, at least I could not get it.
I don't know, this "Dead Again" wannabe is annoying, the characters are not likable, the constant light changes to mark the flashbacks and present day scenes are only splashed in your face, never made organic by the director.
Even the generous amount of blood doesn't save it from being one of the worst episodes in the series.
To end it, the cast gives a bad performance across the board, with the awful Eric Balfour receiving the crown of Wooden King. Who casts this moron?
The plot just doesn't kick, although you can see the effort of the cast and crew to make it happen; but it is just too convoluted and the connection that makes Aaron Stanford's character so tuned in to make the reenactment of the murder possible is never explained, at least I could not get it.
I don't know, this "Dead Again" wannabe is annoying, the characters are not likable, the constant light changes to mark the flashbacks and present day scenes are only splashed in your face, never made organic by the director.
Even the generous amount of blood doesn't save it from being one of the worst episodes in the series.
To end it, the cast gives a bad performance across the board, with the awful Eric Balfour receiving the crown of Wooden King. Who casts this moron?
A Complete Mess
19 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The combo of John Dahl, a fine director of crime and suspense tales and Lem Dobbs, who created the incredible "Dark City" and "The Limey" could not miss, right? Wrong! This piece of crap reaches the top level of turd. The main character, played by Ethan Embry, is the epitome of idiocy. The events unfold in a fast pace, but makes no sense. Every action of his makes things worse and worse. You, as an audience, just wants him to die.
The main problem is that the supernatural element feels totally fish-out-of-water and doesn't work at all, taking away all the interest in the story.
Without the forced element of the doppelganger, it would have worked as a study on desperation. With it, it is just stupid and annoying. And the ending... Oh, God, please!
The main problem is that the supernatural element feels totally fish-out-of-water and doesn't work at all, taking away all the interest in the story.
Without the forced element of the doppelganger, it would have worked as a study on desperation. With it, it is just stupid and annoying. And the ending... Oh, God, please!
Where is The Supernatural?
19 July 2011
Another example of an episode who forces a supernatural element just to justify his presence in a so called horror series.
But, unlike the previous one, "Chance", here it works.
The director, Rob Schmidt, of "Wrong Turn" fame, makes an incredible job in generating suspense and trying to keep the final twist a surprise... And almost succeeds, because the end really is forced.
But the way until there goes on smoothly, with a nice cast and excellent camera work and cinematography; the close up on the professor after the stairs fall is really creepy.
With this one, the score of "Fear Itself" is Turds 6 x 5 OK episodes.
But, unlike the previous one, "Chance", here it works.
The director, Rob Schmidt, of "Wrong Turn" fame, makes an incredible job in generating suspense and trying to keep the final twist a surprise... And almost succeeds, because the end really is forced.
But the way until there goes on smoothly, with a nice cast and excellent camera work and cinematography; the close up on the professor after the stairs fall is really creepy.
With this one, the score of "Fear Itself" is Turds 6 x 5 OK episodes.
Barking at The Moon
19 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Another good entry of this anthology, giving a new spin on the werewolf myths that quite worked, at least for me, with a good icing of humor.
The story unravels nicely and the main character arc is competently done, from bland couch potato to a more involved and self confident anti hero.
The best thing here is that the surprise ending was actually surprising! It is unprecedented in this formulaic series, and it has a cool bite in the final scenes.
Another cool stuff is the wolfy family; vegan and quite nice to tell you the truth. I laughed with that...
So far, the score is still on the bad side. 5 shitty episodes against 4 mildly good ones.
The story unravels nicely and the main character arc is competently done, from bland couch potato to a more involved and self confident anti hero.
The best thing here is that the surprise ending was actually surprising! It is unprecedented in this formulaic series, and it has a cool bite in the final scenes.
Another cool stuff is the wolfy family; vegan and quite nice to tell you the truth. I laughed with that...
So far, the score is still on the bad side. 5 shitty episodes against 4 mildly good ones.
A Dish Well Served
19 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
It took a few weeks, but this series has another good episode in tow, with the show belonging to the fantastic actor Doug Jones.
Probably the more prominent actor to work behind masks and make-up since Lon Chaney - he has made a number of excellent performances without showing his real face - Jones chews the scenery, literally, with this new serving about the aftershocks of cannibalism.
He is totally demented as the city boy who gets lost in the woods and returns to his family with a little change in diet that will put everyone in peril, giving us in the audience a few gruesome scenes to make our skin crawl.
After a lousy choice of cast in the last episode, "Community", that undermined a quite interesting story, in here the poles are reversed: the excellent cast turns the table on an average script.
Let's see what the future brings, but "Skin and Bones" raises the bar in this uneven anthology.
Probably the more prominent actor to work behind masks and make-up since Lon Chaney - he has made a number of excellent performances without showing his real face - Jones chews the scenery, literally, with this new serving about the aftershocks of cannibalism.
He is totally demented as the city boy who gets lost in the woods and returns to his family with a little change in diet that will put everyone in peril, giving us in the audience a few gruesome scenes to make our skin crawl.
After a lousy choice of cast in the last episode, "Community", that undermined a quite interesting story, in here the poles are reversed: the excellent cast turns the table on an average script.
Let's see what the future brings, but "Skin and Bones" raises the bar in this uneven anthology.
Damn It, Not Even Superman Saves All
19 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Oh, guys, why do I keep trying to have hope on this anthology? Again, a nice genre director, Mary Harron (from "American Psycho", no less) is knocked out by a lazy script and bad casting.
At least, the plot tried to tackle more contemporary fears, such as violence, being part of a community, things like that; it is quite unnerving how people give away basic freedoms to feel "part of the herd" and avoid the "dark real world".
But the bad performance from the lead, Brandon Routh - let's face it, everyone here was as bad as him - along with a very stupid third act, undermined all the suspense created by Harron, who managed to emulate a very nice Stepfordesque quality to the show.
I mentioned the third act because there are some 180 degrees shifts on some characters that are so out of the blue you cannot help to say WTF?! And there goes the neighborhood...
At least, the plot tried to tackle more contemporary fears, such as violence, being part of a community, things like that; it is quite unnerving how people give away basic freedoms to feel "part of the herd" and avoid the "dark real world".
But the bad performance from the lead, Brandon Routh - let's face it, everyone here was as bad as him - along with a very stupid third act, undermined all the suspense created by Harron, who managed to emulate a very nice Stepfordesque quality to the show.
I mentioned the third act because there are some 180 degrees shifts on some characters that are so out of the blue you cannot help to say WTF?! And there goes the neighborhood...
Avoided The Turd
15 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
After the last episode, it was anxiously expected what another veteran, Stuart Gordon (of "Re-Animator", "From Beyond" and "Dagon" fame) could bring to the mix.
Fortunately, it was as expected.
A tension-ridden, cleverly filmed "Child's Play meets Hannibal Lecter" type of bag, with good suspense and some gore to heat things up and keep the ball in play for the series.
I really love contained horror stories, meaning that I really appreciate genre movies that happens in a very tight surrounding and not so many characters. The choice of making it happen at a deserted police station was very nice.
Full of references to another movies, this episode was fun.
My only peeve with it was with the ending, a little far fetched. But it worked.
Fortunately, it was as expected.
A tension-ridden, cleverly filmed "Child's Play meets Hannibal Lecter" type of bag, with good suspense and some gore to heat things up and keep the ball in play for the series.
I really love contained horror stories, meaning that I really appreciate genre movies that happens in a very tight surrounding and not so many characters. The choice of making it happen at a deserted police station was very nice.
Full of references to another movies, this episode was fun.
My only peeve with it was with the ending, a little far fetched. But it worked.
The Turd Has Risen
15 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Friends, the producers achieved what I thought was impossible, concocted an episode worse than the pilot.
And they did it with gusto, calling the awful Darren Lynn Bousman (of the "Saw" series fame) to helm this one, bringing all his cheap edit tricks and style-over-substance thang to the mix.
Since the beginning, I knew I was about to see a "hip and modern" - whatever Bousman thinks that is - teen angst ridden plot. Smelled "Twilight" crap all over.
During the development, the previously quoted stench became more and more unbearable and I started to be very annoyed by the stupid decisions the main character made - the hot to trot Brianna Evigan - and a red light started to flash: "idiotic twist ahead".
And so it came.
Man, this ending was atrocious. The idea was not so bad, really. The problem was how the episode reached that point. And the capacity of some "zombies" to keep popping up on every corner.
Damn, this episode was a waste of time.
And they did it with gusto, calling the awful Darren Lynn Bousman (of the "Saw" series fame) to helm this one, bringing all his cheap edit tricks and style-over-substance thang to the mix.
Since the beginning, I knew I was about to see a "hip and modern" - whatever Bousman thinks that is - teen angst ridden plot. Smelled "Twilight" crap all over.
During the development, the previously quoted stench became more and more unbearable and I started to be very annoyed by the stupid decisions the main character made - the hot to trot Brianna Evigan - and a red light started to flash: "idiotic twist ahead".
And so it came.
Man, this ending was atrocious. The idea was not so bad, really. The problem was how the episode reached that point. And the capacity of some "zombies" to keep popping up on every corner.
Damn, this episode was a waste of time.
Not Even Close, But Shows Some Effort
15 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
After a lousy start with "The Sacrifice", this anthology series gets a little better with this episode.
The real problem here is that the rest of the episode never lives up to the high octane beginning, with an intense performance from Noseworthy and Roberts. After that, is all downhill.
The excellent directing job by Anderson (from "The Machinist" fame) almost saves the day, with a nice sense of dread throughout and nice details to enhance the experience (the spooky drawings inside the old house are cool and frightening, for instance).
But only a good director can't save a bad script. And this one is really bad. And Roberts forgot how to act, seriously. His leading man is noisy, over-the-top and bland.
I fear for the remainder of this series...
The real problem here is that the rest of the episode never lives up to the high octane beginning, with an intense performance from Noseworthy and Roberts. After that, is all downhill.
The excellent directing job by Anderson (from "The Machinist" fame) almost saves the day, with a nice sense of dread throughout and nice details to enhance the experience (the spooky drawings inside the old house are cool and frightening, for instance).
But only a good director can't save a bad script. And this one is really bad. And Roberts forgot how to act, seriously. His leading man is noisy, over-the-top and bland.
I fear for the remainder of this series...
Not A Third Strike
15 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Finally, this series hits a good one.
The plot is a good one, although formulaic and used up; the actors deliver and the ending is awesome, worthy of EC Comics.
Ronny Yu, from "The Bride of Chucky" gives a lot of energy to the talky and slow burn script. The identity swap between a straight arrow and a criminal is always interesting to watch, if the execution is right.
And the Asian director nailed it, with a lot of tension, even with the major twist being seen miles away. Clifton Collins Jr. owns it and dominate every scene.
Well, the series avoided the third strike, with the first episode worth watching.
The plot is a good one, although formulaic and used up; the actors deliver and the ending is awesome, worthy of EC Comics.
Ronny Yu, from "The Bride of Chucky" gives a lot of energy to the talky and slow burn script. The identity swap between a straight arrow and a criminal is always interesting to watch, if the execution is right.
And the Asian director nailed it, with a lot of tension, even with the major twist being seen miles away. Clifton Collins Jr. owns it and dominate every scene.
Well, the series avoided the third strike, with the first episode worth watching.
A Home Run
15 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
So far, the best one.
The veteran director Landis and newcomer Victor Salva (from "Jeepers Creepers") created the best episode yet.
With good use of sound, nice imagery (the close ups of saints are cool), fast pace and reasonable editing, it suffers only in the heavy handed plot device to deliver the ending.
After a really annoying start, the plot goes on nicely to the final twist, with some welcome hints of humor and witty dialogs.
The grade and the compliments must be understood that are given within the context. In a lackluster series like this, "In Sickness and Health" is the best of the lot yet.
It doesn't mean is good, genre-wise. Only correct and fun, as expected.
The veteran director Landis and newcomer Victor Salva (from "Jeepers Creepers") created the best episode yet.
With good use of sound, nice imagery (the close ups of saints are cool), fast pace and reasonable editing, it suffers only in the heavy handed plot device to deliver the ending.
After a really annoying start, the plot goes on nicely to the final twist, with some welcome hints of humor and witty dialogs.
The grade and the compliments must be understood that are given within the context. In a lackluster series like this, "In Sickness and Health" is the best of the lot yet.
It doesn't mean is good, genre-wise. Only correct and fun, as expected.
Bad Start at Fear Itself
15 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The premise seemed pure gold.
Take a few of the up and coming horror/terror writers and directors (with some proved and worthy veterans), put together some classic and new takes on genre favorites, throw at them the chance to create, practically, a short movie a week to air them on TV, a medium that, in the last decade, has become THE place for quality genre entertainment.
What can I say other than "the horror, the horror..."? The series starts with a bump.
The production values, with great set pieces, excellent make-up and a nice atmosphere, are about the only thing that makes this pilot watchable. The plot is dumb, the actors are bad and the "new" take on vampirism is so full of holes it is incredible that the actors don't start laughing on screen.
A really bad start to this anthology.
Take a few of the up and coming horror/terror writers and directors (with some proved and worthy veterans), put together some classic and new takes on genre favorites, throw at them the chance to create, practically, a short movie a week to air them on TV, a medium that, in the last decade, has become THE place for quality genre entertainment.
What can I say other than "the horror, the horror..."? The series starts with a bump.
The production values, with great set pieces, excellent make-up and a nice atmosphere, are about the only thing that makes this pilot watchable. The plot is dumb, the actors are bad and the "new" take on vampirism is so full of holes it is incredible that the actors don't start laughing on screen.
A really bad start to this anthology.
Rising Sun
(1993)
Dumbed-down, yet effective
6 April 2011
This adaptation of Crichton's novel of the same name is flawed, specially in some key casting (Snipes is wrong for the part) and tone choices (the main relationship is badly portrayed, some characters enter and leave without regard and the action scenes seem very off).
However, it makes the grade into the above-average category of high-tech thrillers for the excellent Sir Connery performance and the adherence, in about 80%, to the gripping and quite scary, economically speaking, original plot.
Crichton was never afraid to take a stand and the movie version, although clearly into a more action-driven-politically-correct approach, tried to present a more layered portrayal of the business war arena, without hiding the author's criticism of the American posture towards the velvet covered Japanese iron hand on such matters, which is refreshing.
The pace is lightning fast, the convoluted plot is presented in a very satisfactory fashion - the audience can understand what is going on and why - and the almost 2-hour movie passes by with grace.
The little disappointment goes for the last 20 minutes, that present a rather stupid conclusion (different from the book, I might add) and wastes the audience time with perfunctory developments that could, easily, have remained in the edit room floor.
However, it makes the grade into the above-average category of high-tech thrillers for the excellent Sir Connery performance and the adherence, in about 80%, to the gripping and quite scary, economically speaking, original plot.
Crichton was never afraid to take a stand and the movie version, although clearly into a more action-driven-politically-correct approach, tried to present a more layered portrayal of the business war arena, without hiding the author's criticism of the American posture towards the velvet covered Japanese iron hand on such matters, which is refreshing.
The pace is lightning fast, the convoluted plot is presented in a very satisfactory fashion - the audience can understand what is going on and why - and the almost 2-hour movie passes by with grace.
The little disappointment goes for the last 20 minutes, that present a rather stupid conclusion (different from the book, I might add) and wastes the audience time with perfunctory developments that could, easily, have remained in the edit room floor.
Devil
(2010)
A new start? Let's wait and see...
3 April 2011
Well, this flick is not good, but it is not bad either.
Stays in the middle road, which is a far better outcome for the "cursed" Shyamalan, who, in a wise choice, stepped back to produce and let other filmmakers take care of the ride. Anyone who has seen the last four or five movies crafted by him will, surely, agree with this decision.
With a very interesting premise, "Devil", unfortunately, falls flat with the stuff that matters: the environment is not claustrophobic enough and the characters are too thinly developed for us to care about, hurting hard the experience. And the amount of exposition, in a very stupid way, by the Jacob Vargas character, a security guard that belongs in Vatican, is very annoying.
However, the film is not a complete disaster and earns the grade due to some honest and gripping performances, a very clever and intelligent usage of sound design and a cool twist on the end, subverting the usual logic of Hollywood catharsis.
"Devil" deserves a commendation for trying to break the mold, even with a lot of problems. It just blows my mind how Hollywood just do not understand what is needed to make a good horror flick...
Stays in the middle road, which is a far better outcome for the "cursed" Shyamalan, who, in a wise choice, stepped back to produce and let other filmmakers take care of the ride. Anyone who has seen the last four or five movies crafted by him will, surely, agree with this decision.
With a very interesting premise, "Devil", unfortunately, falls flat with the stuff that matters: the environment is not claustrophobic enough and the characters are too thinly developed for us to care about, hurting hard the experience. And the amount of exposition, in a very stupid way, by the Jacob Vargas character, a security guard that belongs in Vatican, is very annoying.
However, the film is not a complete disaster and earns the grade due to some honest and gripping performances, a very clever and intelligent usage of sound design and a cool twist on the end, subverting the usual logic of Hollywood catharsis.
"Devil" deserves a commendation for trying to break the mold, even with a lot of problems. It just blows my mind how Hollywood just do not understand what is needed to make a good horror flick...
Dawn of the Dead
(1978)
Zombie Ambition
20 January 2008
No matter what everyone out there says, this flick is "THE" zombie movie of all time, period.
Pappa Romero is at his peak as a writer/director, delivering engaging character development (withdelighted nods to underrated Ken Foree, simply chewing the scenery as the true hero of the proceedings), gruesome and splattering violence(some shots are really disgusting), hard-hitting criticism at the society (which are unfortunately still valid) and, to end the whole thing, a touching love story!!!!
Damn, is this fella good or what? The quite long running time and slow pace can be harmful to most viewers,specially those not accustomed to use their brains while watching a movie. The plot unfolds step by step, with more than occasional scenes of the main characters doing jack-nothing, like gathering food or testing clothes. But it has a purpose, I assure you guys.
Because all of it is important to hint what is between the lines. The social commentary beneath the exploding heads and guts pushes the experience to another level. Some shots of the mall are really disturbing in their simplicity, creating an uneasy and insanity-inducing atmosphere throughout the whole thing.
The special effects and make-up are creative and effective, aiding the tension and fear into an almost unbearable high. The relentlessness of the monsters (both human and zombies) is bone-wrecking, with many cool and violent action sequences to balance it all.
Violent, smart, tense and then some! "Dawn of the Dead" is a must-see for all film fans, even those who can't stand the genre; it excels in expert film-making and intelligence.
Pappa Romero is at his peak as a writer/director, delivering engaging character development (withdelighted nods to underrated Ken Foree, simply chewing the scenery as the true hero of the proceedings), gruesome and splattering violence(some shots are really disgusting), hard-hitting criticism at the society (which are unfortunately still valid) and, to end the whole thing, a touching love story!!!!
Damn, is this fella good or what? The quite long running time and slow pace can be harmful to most viewers,specially those not accustomed to use their brains while watching a movie. The plot unfolds step by step, with more than occasional scenes of the main characters doing jack-nothing, like gathering food or testing clothes. But it has a purpose, I assure you guys.
Because all of it is important to hint what is between the lines. The social commentary beneath the exploding heads and guts pushes the experience to another level. Some shots of the mall are really disturbing in their simplicity, creating an uneasy and insanity-inducing atmosphere throughout the whole thing.
The special effects and make-up are creative and effective, aiding the tension and fear into an almost unbearable high. The relentlessness of the monsters (both human and zombies) is bone-wrecking, with many cool and violent action sequences to balance it all.
Violent, smart, tense and then some! "Dawn of the Dead" is a must-see for all film fans, even those who can't stand the genre; it excels in expert film-making and intelligence.
Scorpion Spring
(1995)
Road Movie Garbage
30 December 2006
A very cheesy and dull road movie, with the intention to be hip and modern, shown in the editing style and some weird camera angles, resulting only in sleepiness.
The cast is wasted, the writing is stupid and pretentious. The only thing worthwhile is the top-notch Lalo Schifrin's soundtrack, really cool and also the opening sequence, very original and interesting.
Run if you can, the bad opinions and comments about this flick are totally deserved; it is really pure garbage. Of course that this has its charm, of watching a movie which everybody would not drop the beer glass on if it were on fire, but save it for a stormy day where you have absolutely nothing else to do.
The cast is wasted, the writing is stupid and pretentious. The only thing worthwhile is the top-notch Lalo Schifrin's soundtrack, really cool and also the opening sequence, very original and interesting.
Run if you can, the bad opinions and comments about this flick are totally deserved; it is really pure garbage. Of course that this has its charm, of watching a movie which everybody would not drop the beer glass on if it were on fire, but save it for a stormy day where you have absolutely nothing else to do.
Pan's Labyrinth
(2006)
Astonishing and Terrifying Fable
30 December 2006
Boy, this Guillermo del Toro fella really delivered this time! What a movie, friends, what a movie... Powerful imagery, upsetting scenery, wonderful performances, a real tour-de-force. When we see the first images and check the dim and grim lighting, we know what is about to come: something that yet entertaining is going to raise thoughts in our little heads, as we follow the little Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) journey into the world of fascism and ambiguity, represented by her stepfather, Captain Vidal (Sergi López, fantastic) and her guide to the Underworld, Pan (Doug Jones, a master of gesture and voice inflexions). I have seen in very few opportunities such a happy combination of masterfully directed script with excellent and frightening effects, that (oh, my God) actually help telling the story, instead of blowing away the audience attention. A true masterpiece, go see it, chum!
Best of the Best II
(1993)
Pure Martial Arts Trash
3 October 2006
Just sad. That is all I have to say about this flick. Coming from a promising yet common beginning, the "Best of The Best" series had a major lump in this sequence. The guys went free falling and delivered a stupid plot, like thousands of B martial arts movies that we can see everyday. The Three Amigos - Tommy, Alex and Travis - are now living in Vegas and have to face the mortal reign of Brakus, a humongous minion that owns the Coliseum, along with Weldon, his forefront ally. Eric Roberts performance is embarrassing, he really shows that the age is weighing on his shoulders; Sonny Landham is embarrassing, with his camp laughs and wood-faced expressions; Ralf Moeller is embarrassing, mumbling dumb dialogues all over the place and totally clueless; and Wayne Newton did not have to be so cheesy, he has more talent that that. Not even the fights are cool, they look like sub-Van Damme type, with poor choreography and even poorer players. The only good thing about this movie is his length, short enough to not be completely boring, the tremendous effort by the director Robert Radler to save something and the excellent skills of Phillip Rhee, really fantastic. Run away if you can, and try the other two installments, much better that this crap...
Best of the Best
(1989)
Fix Delivered
29 September 2006
Well, nothing more than the average sport flick that Hollywood is proud to present us for ages. The difference here is the excellence of the cast, which counts with legends such as James Earl Jones, Sally Kirkland and Louise Fletcher as bonuses, along with a, if not great, at least nice set of second team actors like Eric Roberts and the late Chris Penn. The tournament scenes are well-choreographed and filmed, without the fast pace modern films have and allows the audience a few cheers with the matches/battles. Another cool thing to see is the Korean training, compared to the couch potato Americans. It is hilarious to watch, also, the first time Sally Kirkland's character enters the training room. Earl Jones/Couzo's face is priceless. The secret to enjoy martial arts movies is easy: put aside the cliché subplots and enjoy the ride, fellas.
Zombiethon
(1986)
If You have nothing else to do...
6 June 2006
A compilation of zombie clips whose only true reason for existence is showing a lot of movies that have never reached our shores here in Brazil, due to the fact we were living in a hardcore military dictatorship at the time of the depicted movies release. So, it was an undying pleasure to finally see some scenes from "Zombie" and "Fear", of Lucio Fulci, that were censored and banned in my country. The other clips are all right, but the poor production and involuntarily funny special effects shown, together with the nudity exploitation, harm a little the experience of watching them; although it is always interesting to see European horror movies because of the different atmosphere and general delirious climate of such flicks. The linking segments are OK, but nothing memorable and with a glimpse of welcome irony. I give thumbs up, but stays in the average.
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