Is it just me?? Or is this show just one big long drawn out snore fest. I was a fan of the books as well, but after awhile I also started to find it boring and exceedingly repetitive to the point that I stopped reading it.
As for the show, I like the cast of actors, characters. The production values are good. And the scripts seem to be well written. I guess it's just the content that needs some tweaking. I need something more to go on than a bunch of arguing and complaining in every episode. I seen a poster the other day, that basically said an hour of people bitching and sometimes a zombie shows up.
Now the Zombie tales are about people and the undead are a backdrop. But, it doesn't have to be so boring. The season has been picking up as it has progressed. But I am getting to the point that I may be in favor of not having any more seasons if things don't get spiced up some.
Maybe they need to be on the road more, scavenging supplies as they go. Traveling and running into more strangers along the way. And losing someone every 5 or 6 episodes. And just follow the core of the group. Throw the red shirts to the zombies to keep things interesting.
Maybe I should look back at the book and see what has gone on since I stopped. But the last time I did that, I didn't even read to the end. Since it was just like more of the same over and over again.
There are more than a handful of good shows out now to keep up with. I don't know if this will be on my schedule next season or not.
Showing posts with label Horror. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Horror. Show all posts
Friday, February 22, 2013
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Woman In Black
Seen this one yesterday, and it's a great old school horror movie.
No reliance on gore, or violence that you seen in what passes for horror in the modern movies. This is old school creepy. Like Paranormal Activity. Darkness, shadows, moving things in reflections, opening doors, noises..
For a first outing by former Harry Potter the only issue I have is, that he looks almost too young for the role. But the addition of some stubble, and such does go a long way to fixing that.
It's a period piece, which I was very pleased with. The village he arrives at to do his work has one car. And the local are mostly scared of it. No telephones.
And I have read that some reviews found that since he was in no real personal danger since the woman in black preys on children. Removed any tension we the audience feels since we know nothing will happen to him. I didn't think so. I liked following him along through the mystery.
And even though I knew only children had died. I still wasn't entirely sure that something wouldn't happen to him.
Irregardless I enjoyed this movie, and I hope that the horror genre is finally swinging back from blood and gore, and what has been labeled as 'Torture Porn' and is coming back to old school scares and creepy. Less is more people.
Performances were good, Especially Sam if I remember right. The richest man in the county who owned the car. I've seen him in many movies, but I especially liked him here.
4 out of 5 stars.
No reliance on gore, or violence that you seen in what passes for horror in the modern movies. This is old school creepy. Like Paranormal Activity. Darkness, shadows, moving things in reflections, opening doors, noises..
For a first outing by former Harry Potter the only issue I have is, that he looks almost too young for the role. But the addition of some stubble, and such does go a long way to fixing that.
It's a period piece, which I was very pleased with. The village he arrives at to do his work has one car. And the local are mostly scared of it. No telephones.
And I have read that some reviews found that since he was in no real personal danger since the woman in black preys on children. Removed any tension we the audience feels since we know nothing will happen to him. I didn't think so. I liked following him along through the mystery.
And even though I knew only children had died. I still wasn't entirely sure that something wouldn't happen to him.
Irregardless I enjoyed this movie, and I hope that the horror genre is finally swinging back from blood and gore, and what has been labeled as 'Torture Porn' and is coming back to old school scares and creepy. Less is more people.
Performances were good, Especially Sam if I remember right. The richest man in the county who owned the car. I've seen him in many movies, but I especially liked him here.
4 out of 5 stars.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Contagion
Right off the top I will say that this movie reminded me a lot of the old original version of 'The Andromeda Strain'
It was like watching a documentary of sorts. It's not a gross out movie, or anything of the sort. It's a medical documentary / drama.
It was a good movie, but it's dialogue heavy, no action to speak of. And could almost be compared to a zombie movie (And some reviews have)if you think of the virus as the spread of the zombie horde infections, with the break down of society.
The part of the movie that seems to fall apart for me, is when we find out that something like 5% ( I don't remember the exact number that was mentioned) of the world was susceptible to the virus. Little hard to believe that modern society would collapse with that number. But then again, whenever there is a holiday you can't go to the grocery stores because of the people. You'd think they'd all starve if the store was closed for a day.
But then when you start to think that way, most people only have a few days to a week of supplies at home. And stores maybe a little more. And if trucks and supplies stop moving then things could rapidly spin out of control..
Which I guess is where this movies horror really is.
3.5 stars out of 5
It was like watching a documentary of sorts. It's not a gross out movie, or anything of the sort. It's a medical documentary / drama.
It was a good movie, but it's dialogue heavy, no action to speak of. And could almost be compared to a zombie movie (And some reviews have)if you think of the virus as the spread of the zombie horde infections, with the break down of society.
The part of the movie that seems to fall apart for me, is when we find out that something like 5% ( I don't remember the exact number that was mentioned) of the world was susceptible to the virus. Little hard to believe that modern society would collapse with that number. But then again, whenever there is a holiday you can't go to the grocery stores because of the people. You'd think they'd all starve if the store was closed for a day.
But then when you start to think that way, most people only have a few days to a week of supplies at home. And stores maybe a little more. And if trucks and supplies stop moving then things could rapidly spin out of control..
Which I guess is where this movies horror really is.
3.5 stars out of 5
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
I had higher than average expectations for this movie based on who was behind it. Del Torro has been doing some fantastic stuff. Especially his vampire novels.
But this movie by no means being a bad movie just didn't seem to be all that great at anything.
I didn't find the movie to be very exciting, scary, creepy, weird, surprising or anything else you could use to describe it. I did find the back story mildly interesting. And not the flashback at the beginning either. But the sequence of exposition with Holmes and the Librarian when they basically link the creatures to the tooth fairy..
The performances were ok, the house was suitably old and ancient looking.
And they manage to keep the creatures in shadow until the end.. When they just get stupid. Prime example being when they set the trip wire on the stairs to trip Holmes who basically cracks her head on the floor and passes out. Now, I will admit it's unclear if they slices her leg to hinder her, or if she did it in the fall. But either way they proved earlier they were capable of murder and could have killed her, and dragged Sally to the basement. But.. they left Holmes there so she could wake up and follow them down.
Just like the sequences with Pierce. They had the opportunity to kill him as well, but didn't. Instead opted to try and gas him to death with the car. Not too mention, all his skulking around staring into key holes just so the director could try and gross out the audience with the needles to the eye attempts.. Made no sense to me, with what he knew he should have been kicking down doors going to his kid and girlfriend, not taking his time staring into keyholes..
If anything was creepy it was Sally. I don't know the actress, but if she was acting, and not genuinely creepy she was doing a good job.
I feel this movie could have been much better than it was. It had all the pieces but they just didn't seem to click. I didn't care about any of them. Except maybe Mrs. Underhill (If I remember the name). And I had no sense of dread as Holmes discovered the houses' secret. And most of that you could see a mile away. The fact that she would be the one to believe while the father was so wrapped up in work, and not paying attention the details. Give them credit for making the Mom a deadbeat and the father dealing with it all though. As well as Holmes dying in the end instead of some sort of noble male sacrifice. I did like how that ended.
So basically overall I didn't hate the movie, but didn't particularly like it all that much either..
2.5 stars out of 5
But this movie by no means being a bad movie just didn't seem to be all that great at anything.
I didn't find the movie to be very exciting, scary, creepy, weird, surprising or anything else you could use to describe it. I did find the back story mildly interesting. And not the flashback at the beginning either. But the sequence of exposition with Holmes and the Librarian when they basically link the creatures to the tooth fairy..
The performances were ok, the house was suitably old and ancient looking.
And they manage to keep the creatures in shadow until the end.. When they just get stupid. Prime example being when they set the trip wire on the stairs to trip Holmes who basically cracks her head on the floor and passes out. Now, I will admit it's unclear if they slices her leg to hinder her, or if she did it in the fall. But either way they proved earlier they were capable of murder and could have killed her, and dragged Sally to the basement. But.. they left Holmes there so she could wake up and follow them down.
Just like the sequences with Pierce. They had the opportunity to kill him as well, but didn't. Instead opted to try and gas him to death with the car. Not too mention, all his skulking around staring into key holes just so the director could try and gross out the audience with the needles to the eye attempts.. Made no sense to me, with what he knew he should have been kicking down doors going to his kid and girlfriend, not taking his time staring into keyholes..
If anything was creepy it was Sally. I don't know the actress, but if she was acting, and not genuinely creepy she was doing a good job.
I feel this movie could have been much better than it was. It had all the pieces but they just didn't seem to click. I didn't care about any of them. Except maybe Mrs. Underhill (If I remember the name). And I had no sense of dread as Holmes discovered the houses' secret. And most of that you could see a mile away. The fact that she would be the one to believe while the father was so wrapped up in work, and not paying attention the details. Give them credit for making the Mom a deadbeat and the father dealing with it all though. As well as Holmes dying in the end instead of some sort of noble male sacrifice. I did like how that ended.
So basically overall I didn't hate the movie, but didn't particularly like it all that much either..
2.5 stars out of 5
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Fright Night and Conan The Barbarian 2011
Fright Night 2011 is a remake of a 1980s somewhat teenage vampire horror movie. Not all that bad really. It went to have a sequel, which I don't remember at all, and since it's not on Netflix yet, probably won't see until who knows when.
I will say that this is a rare movie, where the remake is much better than the original. And hopefully it does well. And from what I have read it seems to be.
It's that odd mix, of comedy with horror without becoming too much of a joke. They managed to update the film sensibly to 2011 from 1985 or so.. without it all coming apart.
And this credit I will place squarely before the feet of the writer. The one person that every movie and show needs, but usually get's the least respect and attention.
Which now leads me to my second part..
Conan The Barbarian 2011.. I mean, after almost 30 years and zillions of rewrites they still couldn't seem to make anything but a mess.
I liked the cast, it's an action movie after all. Sword and Sorcery (Not Fantasy)so I wasn't expecting Shakespeare regardless of your opinions of Momoa (See Game of Thrones or SGA)
But when you have $90 million dollars, and all the backing in the world. And the movie is simple.. And they still couldn't get the job done.
Which should be of no surprise really.. When was the last time they could make Fantasy or Swords and Sorcery anyway?? Lord of the Rings almost a decade ago, and then the original Conan movies before that.
After all, they couldn't even make a Dungeons and Dragons movie work. And that should have been easy.
They can make good action movies with cars and guns in them. But make that horses and sword and it all falls apart.
But anyway, we had one movie with a low budget $18 Million, relatively small cast. And a great writer being a 1980s remake vs another 1980s remake with $90 million budget, larger cast all the sets and backgrounds in the world. And apparently no writer to speak of And years of developement time and both in 3D and guess which one comes out ahead??
Yeah, when will they learn to start with a great writer and a better script. And stop short changing where it counts. Just because it's an action movie doesn't mean it shouldn't make any sense.
Fright Night 2011 3.5 stars out of 5
Conan The Barbarion 2011 2 stars out of 5
I will say that this is a rare movie, where the remake is much better than the original. And hopefully it does well. And from what I have read it seems to be.
It's that odd mix, of comedy with horror without becoming too much of a joke. They managed to update the film sensibly to 2011 from 1985 or so.. without it all coming apart.
And this credit I will place squarely before the feet of the writer. The one person that every movie and show needs, but usually get's the least respect and attention.
Which now leads me to my second part..
Conan The Barbarian 2011.. I mean, after almost 30 years and zillions of rewrites they still couldn't seem to make anything but a mess.
I liked the cast, it's an action movie after all. Sword and Sorcery (Not Fantasy)so I wasn't expecting Shakespeare regardless of your opinions of Momoa (See Game of Thrones or SGA)
But when you have $90 million dollars, and all the backing in the world. And the movie is simple.. And they still couldn't get the job done.
Which should be of no surprise really.. When was the last time they could make Fantasy or Swords and Sorcery anyway?? Lord of the Rings almost a decade ago, and then the original Conan movies before that.
After all, they couldn't even make a Dungeons and Dragons movie work. And that should have been easy.
They can make good action movies with cars and guns in them. But make that horses and sword and it all falls apart.
But anyway, we had one movie with a low budget $18 Million, relatively small cast. And a great writer being a 1980s remake vs another 1980s remake with $90 million budget, larger cast all the sets and backgrounds in the world. And apparently no writer to speak of And years of developement time and both in 3D and guess which one comes out ahead??
Yeah, when will they learn to start with a great writer and a better script. And stop short changing where it counts. Just because it's an action movie doesn't mean it shouldn't make any sense.
Fright Night 2011 3.5 stars out of 5
Conan The Barbarion 2011 2 stars out of 5
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Ruins
Is a horror novel written by Scott Smith. I would call it more of thriller or survival horror novel myself, now that I've managed to finish it.
A typical setup, kids on vacation in a foreign land end up going into the jungle, and become trapped and slowly killed / picked off by some terrible presence in the jungle. They can't leave, and can't contact help. Their only hope is to try and conserve their resources until help can come to them. Hopefully before it's too late.
The bulk of the novel deals with the stress and condition of the people stuck together, as the try and cope with the hardships of their predicament and running out of supplies. Not too mention the thing that creeps around the edges.
I didn't have much trouble figuring out what the evil thing was, and I would give credit for being different about it. Rather than going with something more 'normal' so to speak.
I would think this would make a fantastic movie, and it would follow the usual tropes quite well. If they wouldn't muck with it too much. But, it would probably be better suited as a mini series for cable. Maybe one of the things they did twenty years ago.. Make it five parts, Monday to Friday and run an hour a day.
But I can't think of anything right now since V first aired in the early 1980s for that.
Anyway, it was a good book. And the fact that I picked it up blind on a used book shelf for like $3 was even better.
4 out of 5 stars
A typical setup, kids on vacation in a foreign land end up going into the jungle, and become trapped and slowly killed / picked off by some terrible presence in the jungle. They can't leave, and can't contact help. Their only hope is to try and conserve their resources until help can come to them. Hopefully before it's too late.
The bulk of the novel deals with the stress and condition of the people stuck together, as the try and cope with the hardships of their predicament and running out of supplies. Not too mention the thing that creeps around the edges.
I didn't have much trouble figuring out what the evil thing was, and I would give credit for being different about it. Rather than going with something more 'normal' so to speak.
I would think this would make a fantastic movie, and it would follow the usual tropes quite well. If they wouldn't muck with it too much. But, it would probably be better suited as a mini series for cable. Maybe one of the things they did twenty years ago.. Make it five parts, Monday to Friday and run an hour a day.
But I can't think of anything right now since V first aired in the early 1980s for that.
Anyway, it was a good book. And the fact that I picked it up blind on a used book shelf for like $3 was even better.
4 out of 5 stars
Saturday, April 30, 2011
INSIDIOUS
Insidious is an interesting blend of a horror movie. It comes across definitely as a mash up of The Amityville Horror and Poltergeist. And I was glad, that instead of going with the little girl again. They centered it around the boy.
It seem to follow the Poltergeist path through the movie, with the sightings, sounds and strange happenings. Right up to the last third of the movie, when they call in the Parapsychologists to investigate the house. Even though they had moved, the spirits had followed them.
Anyone paying close attention would have noticed some hints that things may not be as they appear. And there may be something strange about one other in the house, besides the boy. And pertaining to this person, I saw the ending coming a mile away. But that didn't mean I didn't like it.
To jump ahead about the ending. I would like to have seen a little more about it, not just the abrupt end. I'm fine with the way it ended, but a little more info about it would have been more.. 'Horrific' maybe is a better description. Makes more sense when you know what happened.
The new 'Older' woman lead Parapsychologist was great. I can see her in the role established from Poltergeist. Even though I hadn't seen her since her role in Kingpin over a decade ago. And I liked both her colleagues. They added a slight break in the tension up until this point.
At first I wasn't sure what to think about the last third of the movie. The astral projection stuff, and the whole venture into possession and the astral realm was rather interesting. And the portrayal of it all seemed like something about an old movie from the 1940s or something. With the jump cuts, black and white or washed out imagery, fog and lantern and stuff. By the time it was over, I kind of thought it was just surreal and rather brilliant way to portray it. And it was just downright weird. Which was great for what they were trying to do.
It just didn't seem to mesh with what we were seeing for the first two-thirds of the movie. It felt out of place. So, I don't know what to say about that.
I liked the demon, that was at the center of it all. Forked tongue, hooves and all. Just didn't much care for his face paint.. As every kid there pointed out in ear shot. They put Darth Maul in the movie. Seeing as how most of them were only five years old when Phantom Menace came out.. Anyway..
Even the introduction with the credits and especially the title card of 'Insidious' with the washed out coloring, and shadows playing across it all seemed old school horror. Was a great touch.
Over all I will say it was a great 'Haunted House' movie. And there doesn't seem to be a lot of them lately. Even though they tried to pull the bait and switch and it was really the boy who was Haunted. But, wait he isn't actually kind of thing. Still well worth seeing.
3.5 Stars out of 5
It seem to follow the Poltergeist path through the movie, with the sightings, sounds and strange happenings. Right up to the last third of the movie, when they call in the Parapsychologists to investigate the house. Even though they had moved, the spirits had followed them.
Anyone paying close attention would have noticed some hints that things may not be as they appear. And there may be something strange about one other in the house, besides the boy. And pertaining to this person, I saw the ending coming a mile away. But that didn't mean I didn't like it.
To jump ahead about the ending. I would like to have seen a little more about it, not just the abrupt end. I'm fine with the way it ended, but a little more info about it would have been more.. 'Horrific' maybe is a better description. Makes more sense when you know what happened.
The new 'Older' woman lead Parapsychologist was great. I can see her in the role established from Poltergeist. Even though I hadn't seen her since her role in Kingpin over a decade ago. And I liked both her colleagues. They added a slight break in the tension up until this point.
At first I wasn't sure what to think about the last third of the movie. The astral projection stuff, and the whole venture into possession and the astral realm was rather interesting. And the portrayal of it all seemed like something about an old movie from the 1940s or something. With the jump cuts, black and white or washed out imagery, fog and lantern and stuff. By the time it was over, I kind of thought it was just surreal and rather brilliant way to portray it. And it was just downright weird. Which was great for what they were trying to do.
It just didn't seem to mesh with what we were seeing for the first two-thirds of the movie. It felt out of place. So, I don't know what to say about that.
I liked the demon, that was at the center of it all. Forked tongue, hooves and all. Just didn't much care for his face paint.. As every kid there pointed out in ear shot. They put Darth Maul in the movie. Seeing as how most of them were only five years old when Phantom Menace came out.. Anyway..
Even the introduction with the credits and especially the title card of 'Insidious' with the washed out coloring, and shadows playing across it all seemed old school horror. Was a great touch.
Over all I will say it was a great 'Haunted House' movie. And there doesn't seem to be a lot of them lately. Even though they tried to pull the bait and switch and it was really the boy who was Haunted. But, wait he isn't actually kind of thing. Still well worth seeing.
3.5 Stars out of 5
Monday, February 7, 2011
Let Me In
It took awhile, but we finally have a great movie with a vampire in it. Not since Interview with a Vampire have I seen something that at least seemed fresh (And I mean the novel, not sure about the movie, it's been awhile)
Based on a Swedish Novel, which also has a movie. It's more of a normal movie where one of the main chars just happens to be Homo Sapiens challenged. No super powers, glitter or Heroics here. Just the curse of the existance, and trying to make friends and live somehow. The main chars just happen to be twelve years old. One of them, for a very very long time.
Check out wikipedia for more on the source, and in the mean time to go see this movie. I only wish I could have seen it in theaters.
4 out of 5 stars
See it immediately
Based on a Swedish Novel, which also has a movie. It's more of a normal movie where one of the main chars just happens to be Homo Sapiens challenged. No super powers, glitter or Heroics here. Just the curse of the existance, and trying to make friends and live somehow. The main chars just happen to be twelve years old. One of them, for a very very long time.
Check out wikipedia for more on the source, and in the mean time to go see this movie. I only wish I could have seen it in theaters.
4 out of 5 stars
See it immediately
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Paranormal Activity 2
Seen this one on opening weekend. Wasn't quite sure what to expect from it. Being a sequel and as I have learned, a prequel I guess I did expect more of the same.
But what it seems I got, was exactly the same, just with different names and a new house. By the time the movie was over I was glad to be leaving the theatre.
The movie was pretty much the same as the first one. Although they did do an interesting job of tying them both together. And the other problem, is for some reason the lead actress looks very familiar but I can't seem to find out from where. I would have greatly preferred an entire cast of unknowns. Which, it mostly was to me but for her.
Seeing as this was a clone of the first movie, the plot was of no great surprise. And neither was any of the bumps or moving doors or anything of that nature. Sticking so close to the original pretty much destroyed any suspense or surprise that this movie may have contained. There wasn't even any mystery to be had. At least the first one had some mystery, and a general tone of horror, like a blanket settling over the people in the house. That something was very wrong.
It's never a good sign for a horror movie when the audience is laughing and snickering more than jumping or just silent. And the verdict was in before the movie was even half over.
Disappointing, but not totally bad.
3 stars out of 5 (Probably should wait for DVD)
But what it seems I got, was exactly the same, just with different names and a new house. By the time the movie was over I was glad to be leaving the theatre.
The movie was pretty much the same as the first one. Although they did do an interesting job of tying them both together. And the other problem, is for some reason the lead actress looks very familiar but I can't seem to find out from where. I would have greatly preferred an entire cast of unknowns. Which, it mostly was to me but for her.
Seeing as this was a clone of the first movie, the plot was of no great surprise. And neither was any of the bumps or moving doors or anything of that nature. Sticking so close to the original pretty much destroyed any suspense or surprise that this movie may have contained. There wasn't even any mystery to be had. At least the first one had some mystery, and a general tone of horror, like a blanket settling over the people in the house. That something was very wrong.
It's never a good sign for a horror movie when the audience is laughing and snickering more than jumping or just silent. And the verdict was in before the movie was even half over.
Disappointing, but not totally bad.
3 stars out of 5 (Probably should wait for DVD)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Dark Rising
I seen this movie on the shelf at Blockbuster several times. And it looked interesting if for no other reason than the green cover with the babe in some sort of bikini armor and a helmet on.
As it turns out, it's a Canadian film made about 3 years ago. And it was kind of interesting beyond said warrior woman in skimpy armor.
The star of the movie was WWE Christian. Well, he was the best friend of the star I guess. But he had the best role. He was interesting and funny. And all around a good performance.
As for the rest of the movie, beyond some brief nudity and a story that reminded me of the old Evil Dead movies without the log cabin. Wasn't much to see.
It ends with what appears to be a cliff for a sequel. But somehow, I doubt one will be coming any time soon.
So if you want to see a Horror / Comedy with some Nudity and a funny performance from Christian this is your movie.
2.5 Stars out of 5 (better rent it to be safe)
As it turns out, it's a Canadian film made about 3 years ago. And it was kind of interesting beyond said warrior woman in skimpy armor.
The star of the movie was WWE Christian. Well, he was the best friend of the star I guess. But he had the best role. He was interesting and funny. And all around a good performance.
As for the rest of the movie, beyond some brief nudity and a story that reminded me of the old Evil Dead movies without the log cabin. Wasn't much to see.
It ends with what appears to be a cliff for a sequel. But somehow, I doubt one will be coming any time soon.
So if you want to see a Horror / Comedy with some Nudity and a funny performance from Christian this is your movie.
2.5 Stars out of 5 (better rent it to be safe)
Sunday, September 19, 2010
DEVIL
This was a pleasant surprise. I guess it may go to show that M. Night may be better placed these days in the idea department and let other people run with it, putting together the scripts and directing the movies.
This movie turned out plenty entertaining. And the movie focused on the cast stuck in an elevator for the whole movie, wasn't as boring or anything as I would have thought. Reminded me a lot of Clue the movie without the comedy.
Who killed who, with what and when.. Seeing as every time the lights went out, someone was going to die. Also felt a lot like an extended episode of Twilight Zone..
I wouldn't quite call it a horror movie at all, more of a Thriller to me. If anything I was dissappointed in that the 'Devil' wasn't quite as creepy or supernatural as I would have liked. The black contact lenses are just done to death. I would have prefferred a spectre like entity with horns and some smoldering or something that just fades away at the end when he loses.
Well worth seeing, and hopefully we won't have to wait 2 years for the next one..
3.5 stars our of 5
This movie turned out plenty entertaining. And the movie focused on the cast stuck in an elevator for the whole movie, wasn't as boring or anything as I would have thought. Reminded me a lot of Clue the movie without the comedy.
Who killed who, with what and when.. Seeing as every time the lights went out, someone was going to die. Also felt a lot like an extended episode of Twilight Zone..
I wouldn't quite call it a horror movie at all, more of a Thriller to me. If anything I was dissappointed in that the 'Devil' wasn't quite as creepy or supernatural as I would have liked. The black contact lenses are just done to death. I would have prefferred a spectre like entity with horns and some smoldering or something that just fades away at the end when he loses.
Well worth seeing, and hopefully we won't have to wait 2 years for the next one..
3.5 stars our of 5
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Resident Evil 4 : Afterlife
Well, after four of these movies what is there left to say about them. They're not very good at anything they do. Not very scary, no horror, not creepy and hardly interesting.
But then, most of anything I can think of right off that Paul W.S. Anderson has made hasn't been any better. The acting was decent, nothing wrong with the special effects. Movie was long enough. But as seems to be par for the course the story was mostly non existent.
And at this point, when they keep harping about how the world has succumbed to the T Virus and we see all this global destruction.. Where does Umbrella keep getting all these toys from anyway?? Do they have massive manufacturing plants on the moon or something?? If the movie was any good really, and made much sense within it's own paradigm we would have what they call 'suspension of disbelief' but we don't..
And they seem to have tossed in some seven foot tall Super Mutant with an Axe Hammer for good measure.. Not too mention why were all the zombies in L.A. congregated at the one sky scraper anyway.. They aren't supposed to be that intelligent or were the people in the building making sure to goad them back when their goldfish memories forgot about them.. I mean it would have taken some work to get them all there from every corner of the city..
After four installments these movies are just tiring, their not horror, action, drama, scary, creepy, interesting or much of anything really but a waste of money and two hours of time give or take.. Not even good spectacle movies Ala Independence Day, 2012 or anything else done by Devlin or Emmerich.. And least of which not even a good Zombie movie..
And let's not forgot except for some name dropping and the title, the movie(s) have pretty much nothing to do with the games. And the story for Resident Evil 5 (The game) was more interesting than this movie.
1.5 out of 5 (Don't even rent it)
But then, most of anything I can think of right off that Paul W.S. Anderson has made hasn't been any better. The acting was decent, nothing wrong with the special effects. Movie was long enough. But as seems to be par for the course the story was mostly non existent.
And at this point, when they keep harping about how the world has succumbed to the T Virus and we see all this global destruction.. Where does Umbrella keep getting all these toys from anyway?? Do they have massive manufacturing plants on the moon or something?? If the movie was any good really, and made much sense within it's own paradigm we would have what they call 'suspension of disbelief' but we don't..
And they seem to have tossed in some seven foot tall Super Mutant with an Axe Hammer for good measure.. Not too mention why were all the zombies in L.A. congregated at the one sky scraper anyway.. They aren't supposed to be that intelligent or were the people in the building making sure to goad them back when their goldfish memories forgot about them.. I mean it would have taken some work to get them all there from every corner of the city..
After four installments these movies are just tiring, their not horror, action, drama, scary, creepy, interesting or much of anything really but a waste of money and two hours of time give or take.. Not even good spectacle movies Ala Independence Day, 2012 or anything else done by Devlin or Emmerich.. And least of which not even a good Zombie movie..
And let's not forgot except for some name dropping and the title, the movie(s) have pretty much nothing to do with the games. And the story for Resident Evil 5 (The game) was more interesting than this movie.
1.5 out of 5 (Don't even rent it)
Monday, July 12, 2010
P R E D A T O R S
Was a pretty good movie. I can't say I was expecting much with how these things usually go. But with the director and casting choices I was pretty hopeful.
The movie turned out to be a throwback to the 80's and was probably the best Alien / Predator movie since Predator 1 and Aliens (2). Smart choice not going with the usual action star type to lead the movie.
Only real issued I had were with Fishburne (Who I usually like quite well.. Anyone remember Deep Cover?? ) His part just seemed pointless mostly, and a waste of time. His part could have been told with a found journal or torn notebook pages. Or even better, let the group find his hiding hole with him gone. And just the journal to tell the tale of a lone survivor and his 10 seasons on that rock and no clue what had happened to him.
Other than that the Predator dogs were interesting, wasn't enough stalking and such of the group. And it would have been very nice to see the Yakuza win that duel for a change. Not have a double KIA. That sucked.. A scene thrown back to Predator 1, but this time the human wins would have been so much better.
I've read that Rodriguez is interested in a sequel.. I'm not sure that is a good idea. This one worked, and was pretty good overall. Let it rest. They will need to do something quite different with the game preserve for a sequel not to seem like been there done that before.
The movie turned out to be a throwback to the 80's and was probably the best Alien / Predator movie since Predator 1 and Aliens (2). Smart choice not going with the usual action star type to lead the movie.
Only real issued I had were with Fishburne (Who I usually like quite well.. Anyone remember Deep Cover?? ) His part just seemed pointless mostly, and a waste of time. His part could have been told with a found journal or torn notebook pages. Or even better, let the group find his hiding hole with him gone. And just the journal to tell the tale of a lone survivor and his 10 seasons on that rock and no clue what had happened to him.
Other than that the Predator dogs were interesting, wasn't enough stalking and such of the group. And it would have been very nice to see the Yakuza win that duel for a change. Not have a double KIA. That sucked.. A scene thrown back to Predator 1, but this time the human wins would have been so much better.
I've read that Rodriguez is interested in a sequel.. I'm not sure that is a good idea. This one worked, and was pretty good overall. Let it rest. They will need to do something quite different with the game preserve for a sequel not to seem like been there done that before.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Paranormal Activity 2
The trailer was attached to Twilight: Eclipse.. Fantastic.. I can't wait to see it. Looks like an awesome old school outing once again. Creepy as hell, with the trailer even having tons of little details to watch for in the scenes. Must try and see this opening night with a full audience.
I hope it beats the hell out of the crap they call horror these days. Since if I recall it's due in October along with the perennial Saw release /yawn
I hope it beats the hell out of the crap they call horror these days. Since if I recall it's due in October along with the perennial Saw release /yawn
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Daybreakers
Go out and rent this movie. I missed it when it first came out in theaters. Which was too bad, because it's actually not bad at all.
Nice change of ideas, to have the world basically populated with Vampires and the humans are the rarity. Almost seemed like a take on modern society whether intentional or not, about overpopulation and the dwindling of natural resources. In this case human blood.
I wouldn't even call it a horror movie really. I could so far as to say I would have liked it to have been a HBO mini series type of thing, or possibly a couple of movies that could have started with the beginning of the plague and the rise of the vampire society to the fall of humans all in a 10 year span. And than have this movie which dealt with the crunch of lack of resources and the search for a synthetic substitute and the discovery of the cure. And the people who want to stay vampire for all the 'health' benefits that it imparts.
Was kind of humorous how the new society was very much like the old, but on the opposite side of the clock.
Anyway, held my attention for a couple hours. And is certainly worth the rental.
Nice change of ideas, to have the world basically populated with Vampires and the humans are the rarity. Almost seemed like a take on modern society whether intentional or not, about overpopulation and the dwindling of natural resources. In this case human blood.
I wouldn't even call it a horror movie really. I could so far as to say I would have liked it to have been a HBO mini series type of thing, or possibly a couple of movies that could have started with the beginning of the plague and the rise of the vampire society to the fall of humans all in a 10 year span. And than have this movie which dealt with the crunch of lack of resources and the search for a synthetic substitute and the discovery of the cure. And the people who want to stay vampire for all the 'health' benefits that it imparts.
Was kind of humorous how the new society was very much like the old, but on the opposite side of the clock.
Anyway, held my attention for a couple hours. And is certainly worth the rental.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Where has all the Horror Gone..
Well, got back from the first showing of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2010.. I won't say it was absolutely horrible. But, I would certainly say to wait for rental. And not purchase.. But rental.
Not a lot to think about with this one, it pretty much staggers from A to B to C. Jackie doesn't have much of a part to work with. And I liked the character of Quentin but not so much Nancy. Chris was better, and she doesn't last nearly as long. For that matter Dean was it?? That dies in the diner at the start, was more likable and he was only in the movie for 5 mins or less.
I didn't think it was as bad as the reviews are saying, but then again, I'm old enough to remember the original somewhat. But also, old enough for it to be fuzzy. I don't remember how serious Freddy was in #1.. I presume he gained a lot of his charm in the sequels as they got campier.
But I didn't much care for Freddys look in this one, and the few one liners he did have didn't come off all that well. Unfortunately Jackie is no Robert Englund. And that's too bad.
The Crazies was a better horror movie. And these days they don't seem to even make horror anymore. Just action / thriller / Slasher flicks. Not much old school anymore a la Amityville Horror (Still havent seen the remake) and last years Paranormal Activity was a wonderful throwback to old school real Horror movies. Not the torture porn etc.. that passes as horror today.
And this movie was just full of cheap / jump scares. Nothing really scary or horror buildup at all I found.
Not a lot to think about with this one, it pretty much staggers from A to B to C. Jackie doesn't have much of a part to work with. And I liked the character of Quentin but not so much Nancy. Chris was better, and she doesn't last nearly as long. For that matter Dean was it?? That dies in the diner at the start, was more likable and he was only in the movie for 5 mins or less.
I didn't think it was as bad as the reviews are saying, but then again, I'm old enough to remember the original somewhat. But also, old enough for it to be fuzzy. I don't remember how serious Freddy was in #1.. I presume he gained a lot of his charm in the sequels as they got campier.
But I didn't much care for Freddys look in this one, and the few one liners he did have didn't come off all that well. Unfortunately Jackie is no Robert Englund. And that's too bad.
The Crazies was a better horror movie. And these days they don't seem to even make horror anymore. Just action / thriller / Slasher flicks. Not much old school anymore a la Amityville Horror (Still havent seen the remake) and last years Paranormal Activity was a wonderful throwback to old school real Horror movies. Not the torture porn etc.. that passes as horror today.
And this movie was just full of cheap / jump scares. Nothing really scary or horror buildup at all I found.
Weekend
Stargate: Universe is coming up tonight, I think it's a new ep. I didn't check the PVR schedule today.
And A Nightmare on Elm Street is coming out, with Jackie Earl Haley. Looking forward to getting to that. Rated 18A so should cut down on a lot of the rabble from getting in to ruin the movie. Wonder if Dokken is on the soundtrack..
And A Nightmare on Elm Street is coming out, with Jackie Earl Haley. Looking forward to getting to that. Rated 18A so should cut down on a lot of the rabble from getting in to ruin the movie. Wonder if Dokken is on the soundtrack..
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