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Reviews
Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005)
Classy horror film
Having watched the other version, I was unsure what to expect when viewing this, as there must have been a reason why it was initially unreleased, but was pleasantly surprised to find a well paced, nicely photographed, supernatural chiller, much more classier than 'Exorcist the Beginning', despite telling essentially the same story. Minor faults aside, such as some obvious digital effects, the basic storyline remains the same, despite some character changes, like the crippled teenager, but it unfolds much better, and the location work, as opposed to studio interiors, gives it a more epic feel. Although giving in to the commercial demands of an Exorcist movie with some gory effects, for the most part it was very absorbing and kept the viewer engrossed until the satisfying ending. It's a shame this version was not given a wide release theatrically instead of its trashier replacement.
Carlito's Way: Rise to Power (2005)
Not as bad as most direct to DVD movies
Having read some of the negative reviews, I approached this with low expectations, but straight away was surprised by the good cast and classy production values, which were much higher than the usual movies released straight to DVD. Although not specifically a prequel, as it seems to be set in the same decade as the Pacino film, it stars the likable Hernandez playing the same charismatic character. The story kept you entertained all the way through until the end, which was the only slight disappointment. The final shoot out was a little anticlimactic, but managed to tie up the loose ends satisfactorily enough. Overall, worth a watch if you enjoy gangster movies, but don't set your expectations too high.
88 Minutes (2007)
Exciting, real-time thriller
This suspense thriller starring Al Pacino as a police psychologist/teacher, is a fast paced, entertaining little film, which keeps you gripped all the way to the end, even if the story is sometimes a little difficult to follow and doesn't really add up.
Pacino is good in the lead role, and seems to rise above the B movie material, which could explain why this film hasn't really been given a major theatrical release. If it wasn't for him, the movie could easily have gone straight to DVD.
Although the plot is full of holes and the identity of the killer and their motives calls a lot into question, it's the ride itself which is very enjoyable, and works perfectly well as a lightweight Friday night movie.
28 Weeks Later (2007)
Fairly good sequel
If the makers of 28 Weeks Later set out to make a shocking, gruesome and intense horror film, then they succeeded, but it was such a frantically paced movie, half the time I had trouble working out was going on.
The film moved at such a breakneck pace, it barely had any let up for the audience to absorb what was happening, unlike the original which had a steadier pace and allowed the suspense to build gradually, rather than a full on assault.
I found some of the scenes shocking, especially the dad becoming infected with the virus and killing his wife, and the main soldier getting burned to death, which was harrowing to watch.
The film was very graphic and intense, but was more shallow than the first one, as the characters weren't as strong and it didn't really add much to the story from 28 Days Later. It worked better as just a straightforward zombie/action film.
Targets (1968)
Creepy little thriller
I just bought the DVD after reading some positive reviews and I wasn't disappointed as this is a well paced, quietly disturbing thriller, which although not overly violent, manages to creep under your skin, especially considering it was made in the 60's and has relevance even today when compared with the recent gun killings in America.
Without spoiling the storyline, Boris Karloff practically plays himself and the way the two separate story lines converge, leads to a darkly humorous ending.
If you enjoy thrillers and want to be kept entertained and gripped, then this movie is worth a look.