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Reviews
Showgirls (1995)
Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be
Showgirls is a very good behind the scenes movie for Las Vegas showgirls. Sadly though Elizabeth Berkley took a big hit. One thing is I thought was too risque for her. Her fan base is largely preteens (think "Saved By The Bell") and going from a "G" rated TV show to a "R-17" movie is a huge leap. Berkley's was obnoxious but was done so by order of the director.
The whole cast was pretty much casted perfect and the scenery was fabulous. The plot was think and the dancing was enjoyable. Only problem I had was all the nudity this movie had and there was a lot of it. Funny though that just about the entire female cast was shown full frontal but none of the male cast was. In the bedroom scene the actor remains covered up from waist down, no big thing but being in the bedroom could have gone that extra step to make it more believable.
What I liked best is this movie really doesn't drag as with everything going down (main plot and all subplots) it doesn't have time and zero actor had nothing to do. If I come across a decent price copy I'll pick it up as it is a good dramatic movie. Only thing I wonder of is what critic's saw to ban the movie. I'll admit this could have been done with less nudity relying on the storyline to carry the film.
Sybil (2007)
A Remake With Some Merit
When it comes to remake's I'm definitely not a fan but have given some a chance. My judgement watching a remake is very tough because it has to at least be somewhat near the original. It's been 48 years since the original with Sally Field and Jo Ann Woodward and their performances were incredible. Now watching the new version my first thought was of course the two main leads Tammy Blanchard and Jessica Lange were good.
Here they mainly show the child abuse in small pieces focusing mainly on character and patient study between doctor and patient. Their performances are good and together they compliment the original. Tammy Blanchard kinda had big shoes to fill playing the part of Sybil, Jessica Lange herself gave a stellar performance. It's hard to compare both movie's as they both covered a case unheard. The one thing that grabbed my attention quickly was the length. They took a 3 hour movie and made it a 85 minute one. So what impressed me is this movie isn't rushed they just don't focus that much on the abuse the original did but focus on the treatment.
I would recommend this as this one actually stands tall by itself and doesn't insult the original. Shockingly this movie wasn't up for any Awards such as Emmy or Golden Globe and both actresses gave award worthy performances in my opinion.
The only thing that hurt this movie from getting a 10/10 from me is that even though this movie wasn't rushed it doesn't give ample time to feel the main characters. It jumps too fast and feeling for them becomes a challenge. Still I give it a 8/10 for a great try.
Equals (2015)
Very slow pace but good
When it comes to science fiction the rules of movie making does not apply. When it comes to story/plot, actor's and action well that can make or break a movie. Here Nicholas Hoult and Kristen Stewart star in a society where emotions no longer prevail. All who live within this world are free from everything. As our two leads slowly start to feel for each they must control their feelings as they head towards the forbidden.
This is a good movie but it takes too long to get going, there isn't enough action to keep the average audience satisfied but enough dialogue to satisfy the older audience. After about 40-50 minutes does this movie start to pick up and draw you in. The two leads Hoult and Stewart are good but not enough to draw you in, their chemistry isn't strong enough to hold a audience. The only big thing this movie relies on is story and pace. I agree that the music and some of the scenes drag on. After the first half dose it start to up it's pace and then it continues to crawl. I did not like the end as it leaves too much open and also leaves the wonder of what happens.
I won't recommend this but do say it'll fill a boring night if anything.
Hot Seat (2022)
Better than expected
Not too many movies outside of Superheroes, franchises or G-Rated movie's offer anything interesting. Most for that matter are usually nothing more than paycheck movie's. The last few (20) about (4) was anything to talk about and the rest forgettable. Here a former computer hacker is forced to steal cyber fund's or have is daughter abducted. I can honestly say that I knew who the mastermind was instantly as it was that obvious.
Mel Gibson a Hollywood legend sadly slip's to B-Rated movie's, people need to let go of his past. I mean EVERYONE is human and do dumbass things, he being a celebrity only made things worse. Here he does a pretty good job and a experienced bomb expert. Gibson did his best with what he had to work with.
Kevin Dillon can't really say I'm a fan of his and he just doesn't cut it. I don't think I've ever seen him in a movie I actually liked. I don't think he's got what it takes to carry a movie and it does show here. I thought his performance was pretty flat.
Shannen Doherty gives a good performance considering the fact she's battling cancer. I give her Kudos for her strength and courage. Between Mel and Shannen they give the movie the boost it needs to keep it from becoming just another action movie.
Michael Welch I can't say recall him and after a 25 year career thus far I'm shocked. He actually gave a good performance, only issue is he doesn't get the screen time.
As for the direction, it could have been better, the writing could have been more intriguing, the effects at least weren't CGI and the base could have been more interesting. A few things that go down I think hurt the movie such as an explosion at the beginning and a jogger (Dillon) shrugs it off and keeps jogging. The villain is too easily pointed out and becomes a how they catch him movie. Hacking a firewall isn't as easy as it's shown but hacking 5 would be nearly impossible to hack. Finally I started noticing that it was becoming a "Speed" wannabe, action right up to the final frame (bomb on female/daughter as well.
Did I enjoy it, for the most yes as it's one of the better movies outside the Hollywood norm. Would I recommend it, that I don't know. Would I watch it again, yes as it does entertain and delivers the goods.
Burning Palms (2010)
*Sigh's loudly*
Problem with this type of movie is, you have to take the good with the bad. The first, second and final were pretty good, the third and fourth just went nowhere. Even the better ones weren't as strong as they could have been. I think the strongest two were about a lady who's finger starts smelling after sex and the fifth about a rape victim who corners her raper to repeat the act. Those two would actually make a descent movie of those topics. The first one was good but could have been better. The third one Fourth were to me the weakest ones with the fourth earning the weakest award. Since they are short stories you don't get a strong enough plot line nor strong characters. The director Christopher Landon does a good job bringing it together and the bigger named actor's add to the list. It was also good to see Nick Stahl back in front of the camera. Other than that it's a so-so movie and nothing to write home about.
The Shed (2019)
Could have been so much more
Just like shark movies there's a endless flow of vampire movies. Though this could have had a stronger story it was however pretty descent I do say. It's not the same cliche as they usually are. We start out with a kill and go from there, problem is is it's then used as a bully killer. It's also very predictable and that alone steals the fright.
This is a B movie with several unknown actors that seem to portray their characters pretty good. The blood and gore may be plenty but is overshadowed by the predictable plot. Only other thing I noticed was where the director wanted to go with this. A horror, comedy or both. It is in the end a descent movie that moves along and doesn't take itself too series.
October Moon (2005)
8 for a hell of an effort
You can't even call this movie a spaghetti budget movie. Calling it a shoestring might be more appropriate. On a budget of a unheard of $13.000.00 I wouldn't have expected what this movie offered. I did go in with zero knowledge of the budget and never would have guessed that low. It's cheaply made and looks it but is utterly saved by a very good story and interesting characters. I did watch this movie for the fact that "Night Of The Living Dead" actress Judith O'Dea is in it but only has little screen time which is sad.
The movie itself comes off as a gay themed "Fatal Attraction" type movie. It centers on our two lead's
Sean Michael Lambrecht as Corin and Jeff Dylan Graham as Jake who's relationship seems to have ran it's course and slowly deteriorate. When Corin's work load starts to weigh him down his boss hires a new man to relieve the pressure. At first all is good but soon the new hire Elliott played by Jared Howard starts to feel attracted to Corin. As time goes on and the attraction grows it soon turns to obsession and murder.
The story is very character driven and right which makes up for the cheap budget. One thing about this movie is it's dialogue driven so not much action really happens till the last 15-20 minutes. Another plus is it actually moves at a good pace and doesn't drag scenes out. Focusing on a homosexual relationship however may not be for everyone. I say to at least give this movie a try as it does have something to offer. No CGI throughout, no explosions and no shootouts but good story telling.
I'll add that I'm really not a fan of cheap movies but this one did have my attention. Would I have guessed the budget... not even close, I would have started around $100-150.000.00. Yes you can't really tell it's that cheap. And the story is fantastic, the acting now is I will say pretty much below average but above par. Can't hire big name's on the budget at hand.
After all is done the final product was more of a work of love, a dream project come true.
Skinflint: A Country Christmas Carol (1979)
Blast from the past
How I remember this well and at the time was crazy about country music. Having one of my idols Lynn Anderson in it along with Barbara Mandrell fresh off the smash hit (Sleeping Single In A Double Bed) not to mention such popular acts at the time as Mel Tillis, Tom T. Hall, Hoyt Axton, Dottie West and Larry Gatlin. The acting I'll agree wasn't the best and the production was alright considering all the then big name's in country music at that time. It does however come off as a stage play which places it in it's own platform.
The story which has been told countless times as a mean miserly who is mean to everyone. Is cheap, doesn't spend any money and refuses to be happy. It's when he's visited by a ghost who warns scrooge (skinflint) to change or face three ghost. Tom T. Hall plays the ghost's, we all know the rest of the story. Don't expect too much Christmas songs as most are ample album filler.
Now after 44 year's you would think that this movie would have been released on either VHS, Beta or DVD by now. As someone else states that with all these cable stations showing anything Christmas that this one would appear. Though it's not the best version of it but not the worst either and many of the cast have done since retired, passed away or continue on the road performing in smaller settings.
If you're not a classic country music fan you might find it hard to get into as I say that the acting isn't the best. Every year I look for this one to no success. If you get the chance give it a try, you might not like the movie but it does have some good music in it.
Perfect Plan (2010)
Pretty good tense thriller with pops in it
Buying a house/mansion requires a lawyer to check the background make sure it's a good deal. From my or my parents experience the lawyer proved a good move. There's no such thing a paying cash without a lawyer to assure all is ok. A multimillion mansion for $650K is a steal and should have raised red flags. As for the acting it was pretty good to say the least. The plot was great and the chemistry between the actors was pretty good. I agree though with another review is that the two main male characters were pretty close to looking like brothers.
This was pretty much predictable at times and despite the flaw's this movie had was still enjoyable. It moved at a good pace and kept the viewer happy. I think adding a soundtrack to fit the scenes would have made this movie better. It's predictable at times but many movies are and the plot twists helps. If it were on DVD I'd actually buy it for my ever growing collection.
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
More than I expected
I'll be honest, when I first saw this movie I was expecting no where near what I saw. The reality of war in all it's gruesome splendor. What I expected was a extremely heavy dialogue movie considering the year it was made. The harsh realities is definitely what made this movie stand out and to me the greatest war movie ever. Not saying that "Platoon" or Saving Private Ryan" or even "We We're Soldiers" doesn't deliver for they definitely do but this one still beats them to the punch. Now I'm not really a war movie buff but this movie does grab your attention and never let's it go until the very last frame when the ending credits show. This movie was a sure bet for best picture and so honorably deserved it. I can't recommend this movie more than I do because it's what war really was. This movie greatly delivers the goods and any war movie buff this is a must watch for them.
Dogs (1977)
Beware of man's best friend
Believe it or not but there was a time when you went to the movies and had a good list to choose from. Not like today when Hollywood is cramming superhero movies down out throats. A time when Hollywood still had ideas and not every movie was a remake. The 70's did however produce some good movie's and proved that sex wasn't required to have a good movie.
Now I have seen several movie's where animals attack such as frogs, sharks, ant's, snake's, rabbits and now dog's.
The movie however suffers from a few things one is the dredded test of time as it is dated and the strong sense of being a TV movie due to it's low budget. It does give some future stars as Erin Gray of pre-Dallas
George Wyner of future Spaceballs and the only big name in the movie David McCallum of Man From U. N. C. L. E .
Dog's suddenly starts attacking their owners and everything else that moves and a college professor and his colleague rushed to determine why dog's are attacking people and how to stop them. Easy plot that actually works and doesn't drag on like most others do. I do have it in my collection and watch it from time to time. If you're against animal brutality you might wanna pass on this one but if you can overlook it for a bit you can enjoy a huge overlooked movie.
Steel Magnolias (2012)
Better than expected
Been awhile since there was a movie I couldn't wait to see and it was this one. First off let me say that the bulk of these reviews are comparing this to the original. I say if you write a review write it without comparing. True that these actresses had some pretty big shoes to fill and three were as big as the original actresses. Alfre Woodard is no Shirley McClain and didn't steal any scenes she was in. Queen Latifa was good but didn't have that punch that Sally Field had and Jill Scott was definitely no Dolly Parton. Condola Rashad did a descent job and acted like normal. Now I didn't expect these actresses to convey the story like the original but they more or less gave the movie a different vibe and that alone is a accomplishment.
The carnival scene and all those Easter eggs were omitted from this version and to be honest I thought that scene did nothing for the original as well but just
to stretch the movie out more. The death scene in this movie had more of a punch I say but overall this movie was entertaining.
I gave it 7 out of 10 star's as the move as a whole lacked the certain punch and just doesn't hit the target.
This review came from a guy that has sat through some pretty bad movies I talking about the mockbusters that makes a cheaper version of a big budget with has been actor's that utterly miss the mark. Movies that had shoestring budget's and gone out of their way to prove it. I however will prefer the original as it has more heart than this.
Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
He has it in him
Tom Cruise is a love him or hate him actor who built his earlier career on commercial Hits. His acting more or less was plausible at most but somehow I knew that with the right cast he could shine. With such hits as "A Few Good Men", "The Firm" & "Rain Man" he proved his acting ability. I couldn't however see him in this movie as he never really did a hardcore drama before. Being cast with such heavy weights at the time gave TC a run for his money. He had to step his game up or get left behind. With such names as Tom Barringer, William Dafoe to name a few he had to put those lightheaded movie's behind him. I was amazed by his performance and somehow knew he'd get the Oscar, sadly he was only nominated which is a honor in itself.
The movie itself held nothing back and didn't sugarcoat anything. From the war scenes to the medical, coming home, parade and protest this movie really showed us the truth about what our men went through. Now I'm not a war movie fan and this movie isn't just about war but rejoining a life with huge obstacles in front of him. Ever actor gave it their all and Oliver Stone proved the director he is.
This is one of the few war pictures that I get into and love to watch. I really can't express how much this movie actually moved me and can't recommend it enough. If you doubt Tom Cruise give this a try and I'm sure you'll agree that he is a good actor.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Lost it's magic
I'm a pretty big Disney fan so I look forward to seeing movies made by Disney. I agree with some other reviews that most of this movie was peer lackluster and uninspiring. I personally loved the song "Under The Sea" which is a huge standout in the original and here it couldn't hold a candle to the original. "Part Of Your World" was vocally perfect but just didn't do it for me. I admit that I ended up not finishing the rented movie as it just wasn't doing it.
None of the characters were to me interesting and yet in the original they were captivating. Compared to "The Lion King" another remake was a hundred times better than this. I can't even give it more than 3 out of 10 stars cause I'd be foolish to give it more. I hope Disney does better the next time but better yet doesn't follow Hollywood and get caught up in tons of remakes.
Jeepers Creepers: Reborn (2022)
That's a no from me
Why can't Hollywood make movies like they use to. This so called wanna be was one huge mess. From the characters to the creeper to the gore it was a total disaster. The characters starting with the two leads were so not into each other despite playing lover's. The black was or looked nothing like being scared, looked like his biggest challenge was not to laugh. The female who couldn't move without screaming from pain becomes some Rambo chick. The film crew where obnoxious if anything. Almost forgot the creeper, a different guy played it and thought he had big shoes to wear he just couldn't do it. Even his actions were enormously off and didn't even come off as creepy. Seeing Dee Wallace in this (elderly couple in the beginning) was false advertising for this movie.
I had to be high on coke when I brought this garbage cause I'm usually a lot better at picking out movies. In this movie everything they did literally made no sense. Like walking 20 yards from a car to take a piss, getting upset/mad at nothing, the creeper motioning no with his finger and also killing people at random. If I remember correctly he acted on fear and not randomly.
I can't believe I'm about to say this but I was so glad when the creeper offed the entire film crew so at least he was good for something. I sat through this whole thing waiting for it to get better and just kept getting worse like running up stairs then running down stairs, running back up stairs and back down stairs. I assure you all that this movie will no doubt collect dust before the next time I watch if I am ever that bored again. I honestly gave this thing zero stars because giving it one sounds like too many.
Supercell (2023)
Very good movie with a good story
Not sure what many of these reviewers were watching but I found this movie pretty good. One of Anne Heche's final roles before she lost her life in a tragic wreck (may she Rest In Peace.) As for the rest of the cast Skeet Ulrich was very good as a storm chaser driver, Alec Baldwin just can't play the bad, the rest of the cast were pretty good. The actor who plays the son Daniel Diemer was ok but a different actor may have helped. As for the s/f they were within budget and with that were good.
This movie however wasn't based on tornadoes but a son trying to get to know his father who was a victim of a tornado seen at the beginning. His mother would be forever happy if he'd (her son) would give up chasing tornadoes. I think this movie did a fine job in not only telling a story but offered some form of suspense along the way. Movie was made more or less like "The Core" very story driven.
With a limited budget the director (still very unknown and new) did a great job in getting this movie made. Having a few big names in it didn't hurt any. If you like story driven movie's then this one would be great, if all you want is CGI and explosions well guess you won't like this movie then.
Murder of Innocence (1993)
Why wasn't this a miniseries
I've read the reviews and 2 out of 19 were bad so who do you believe. The 17 that were basically spot on, Valerie bertinelli really gave a Emmy Award winning performance but why she wasn't nominated is the big question. Her performance was to me threw the roof but the movie told in roughly 90 minutes doesn't show all we the viewer needed to see. The supporting cast seemed to struggle to keep up with Bertinelli as she gave us the good's. There is sadly a few unanswered questions, such as why she laced fruit drinks and made marshmallow treats with poison. What made her finally snap and why didn't her husband have her committed.
Valerie Bertinelli shine's as Laurie Dane (Dann in real life) as a troubled woman who is trapped in a world that seems out to get her. A world that slowly eats her sanity away and causes her to carry out one hideous crime after another till she takes her own life. The however fells to explain what happened to her during her childhood that would torment her as an adult. Stephen Caffery plays her husband who does try to help her but she's out of his range. Jerry Hardin plays her father, the only man who can reach out to her.
I found this movie like "The Burning Bed" a bit hard to watch at times like when she shoots innocent children or laced drink's and snacks with poison. Valerie Bertinelli really shined and gave to me her best performance of her career. I never heard of this movie till recently and watched it online, not really being a fan of Bertinelli really shocked me. It's a movie that should have been a miniseries but would it have worked as a 3 hr movie is the big question. Still this movie delivered the good's.
Fourth Man Out (2015)
A good coming of age gay movie
I was a little skeptical about this movie and kept it in my que for about a week. I watched it last night and was surprised about how good it was. A great character driven movie or buddy movie where lifetime buddies gather to celebrate one's birthday when he comes out to them. He was a bit nervous about the other three guy's turning their back on him. The part where he tries to come out to his mom is accurate. Adam (Evan Todd) a gay actor in real life played his part very good. Parker Young (Chris), Chord Overstreet (Nick) and Jon Gabrus (Ortu) are strong supporting actors that helps keep the movie flowing. Adam, a blue collar mechanic tries to find a partner through online dating which adds plenty of comic relief. The better part of the movie is a pretty good drama that reflects how friendship should be.
Only thing is is that again Hollywood played it safe and went lighthearted with good results. I would love to see Hollywood make a movie based on how it really is when young people come out to their parents and are snubbed/kicked out and have to survive on the streets. The harsh reality that many fear in coming out. Though here with "4th Man Out" it was all good and everyone was supportive while he struggled to try and fit in.
I was surprised though that with a budget of $650.000 it would have that cheaply made look. It does however look like it was made on a bigger budget. It has a scene or two mainly from meeting possible partners in a restaurant (always the same restaurant and same table.) Other than that it doesn't look like a cheaply made movie. That to me is a good director who worked his magic and the editor(s) who also worked their magic. Having a strong cast was definitely a huge plus, plus the chemistry between the four lead actors really was the icing on the cake.
I won't reveal much about this movie except to say that it was far better than expected with a strong cast and a good story with equally good directing. This is one I'd recommend for kids to watch to show/teach them that straight or gay that person is still the same person they were before coming out and how trust can be honored. I will definitely add this to my library.
The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
What A Hidden Gem
I admit that I know nothing about motorcycles, that being said the title to me was a bit misleading. I purchased a DVD movie pack from eBay and "The World's Fastest Indian was one of them. I kept brushing it off in watching it even though I am a Anthony Hopkins fan. With nothing to do or watch with over 700 title's just didn't want to sit through something I watched too many times and decided to give it a try. Glad I did because it was one of the better movies I've sat through in a while. Now to me Anthony Hopkins is a actor's actor and with 3 Oscar's to prove his worth. Funny because I decided to watch it for another actor in it. All I said was it better be good and it was beyond good.
A little historical piece about Burt Munro who earned a place in motorcycle sports history and to date holds a record that has yet to be broke. The characters he meets on his way to Utah's Salt Flats are interesting. His endless one liners are very amusing and some which made me giggle a few times. His persistence and not taking no for a answer was all the more grand.
Why I never watched this sooner will never be known but glad I did. Anthony Hopkins performance along with a strong cast was more than I was expecting. I highly recommend this movie to everyone even if you're not into motorcycles or any type of supercross you will definitely enjoy this movie. I'm glad I have it in my collection to view again.
Backdraft 2 (2019)
A Stand Alone Movie used as a sequel
I'll be honest and say that this movie along with 100's of other sequels just doesn't have that punch. Jon Anderson (Sean McCaffrey) doesn't have that knack to carry a movie. He's a good actor but here he's just plain and flat. I've seen him in and own two other movies where he does so much better but here he didn't have that spark. There was no emotions in his dialogue, he just delivered his line's evenly and without feeling. The rest of the cast were a bit better but not standouts. The best parts were with Donald Sutherland (reprising his role as Ronald) and as good as he was to me couldn't save this movie. William Baldwin also reprising his role as (Brian McCaffrey) seemed way off plus his character in this movie really had nothing to do but say a few lines. As someone stated Baldwin s character wasn't that memorable in the original and this movie proved it.
All the climax scenes were built up but for mainly a let down. Even the big climax at the end wasn't all that either. I have it in my collection as a double feature "Back draft 1 & 2" which I've had for a while and finally watched it. It's easy to see why while watching this movie why only 2 from the original actors reprises their role. The movie itself I thought was weak not only in story but plot and direction. It's one of those going nowhere and taking it's time getting there movie's. There are a couple strong scenes that grabs your attention but other than that it's a one time deal.
Break Night (2017)
Better than expected
I admit that after watching "Finding A Family" also starring Jared Abrahamson, I was wanting to see him in something else. After seeing him in this movie I have to say he's a gifted actor who hasn't been offered that breakout role yet. Here he plays a safe cracker who severed time and now wants out but is lured into one more job. Against crooked cops, his girlfriend we wants back and old dealers to deal with makes running away from the past hard.
It's a well written, well acted and casted good but it offers a few needless characters that do nothing for the story. The humor part I really didn't see with an occasion of one scene I didn't even giggle. The dramatic aspect is super with loads of dialogue and some pretty violent scenes. It is however a low budget movie that doesn't show the low budget feel meaning the direction was top notch.
What got me by surprise is very few characters smoke despite the heavy drug use. The relationship between
Jimmy and Louly could have been better or showed more than one main scene. The crime bosses with their heavies could have been better and the 2 cops throughout the movie just wasn't that convincing to me. Other than that it's a good movie.
I have it 9 stars as I thought the acting at times was flat and the story seems to wander at times. When 2 black characters come in it makes you wonder where they fit into the story. I could of had that extra punch to give it that push but remains on safe mode. Could I recommend it, well I would play it safe and let this be as this type of movie isn't everyone's fort.
Dance Flick (2009)
What did some people see in this movie
I'm not sure how some gave this movie anything above a 5. The acting is purely second rate and doesn't even try to be funny. I own this in a set which made me view it out of not only boredom but for something different. Now coming from the Wayans family you'd expect a over the top parody like "Airplane" or Naked Gun". Here it's just one lackluster joke after another and nothing new to contribute. A couple of names on here that are usually better couldn't even save this one.
The whole movie looks rushed and the actors looking somewhat confused about the direction they were given. Now I love parody movies because it's a comical look at what figure of speech can do on a comical level. What was even more annoying was some of the characters that seemed to be in your face. I couldn't recommend this to anyone as it just isn't funny.
The Loft (2014)
Five lives changed forever
Not sure where to take this one but it was a good movie with a good plot. The five male lead's were all named actors that's been around awhile. The plot is; the five guys share a loft for exotic affairs so a hotel room won't appear on their credit cards. What starts out great ends fatally for one woman. The rest of the movie is trying to find out who is guilty.
The five men are:
Vincent Stevens: architect and designer of the building where the loft is situated. Married to Barbara and father of their children, he initially suggests the five friends use the loft as a private oasis. He is set up by the other men to be accused of the murder.
Dr. Chris Vanowen: a psychiatrist married to Allison and half-brother to Philip. Chris and Philip have a half-sister, Zoe. He is the most reluctant of the men to loft idea and the last to accept a key; Chris eventually does so because he is attracted to Ann, who eventually becomes his mistress. Ann warns Chris not to fall in love with her because she is a prostitute, and he gives her his key as proof he does not use the loft with other women.
Luke Seacord: married to Ellie, who is an insulin-dependent diabetic. He discovers the body in the loft and initially calls Vincent and the others over. The police later insinuate that Luke is attracted to Vincent, and it is Luke who records the men's activities in the loft without their knowledge.
Marty Landry: heavy drinker and an obvious lecher. He and his wife Mimi separate when a woman Marty slept with on a business trip shows up at his home.
Philip Williams: half-brother to Chris as they have the same mother and recently married to Vicky, the only daughter of a wealthy property developer who is also Philip's boss. Philip is a drug user who grew up in a dysfunctional household with his abusive father and is very protective of his younger sister Zoe. He warns the other men off having sex with her.
The back stories of the five central characters alone spelled a strong story but this where the hit or miss comes. Were the five actors strong enough to portray their given character, from what I saw 4 did a good job. Of that for I say one was borderline and that was Karl Urban who actually shines in action movies. The one character that should have had a stronger actor was Luke Seacord (Wentworth Miller). Yes he is a dramatic actor famous for "Prison Break" but seemed to struggle here.
This story has been told a few times using both male and female star's for central characters. One I remember most is "Sins Of The Past " which actually had a better story to it. Here all they do is point fingers and argue. I do say that this movie does hold your attention and the who did it is to me pretty obvious though I was half right.
The rest of the cast was good but with a story like this "good isn't good enough." Once you meet the main characters the movie picks up and slowly builds to a ending I saw coming. I found it enjoyable non the less and it does make for one of those boring nights.
13 Hrs (2010)
Not bad for a low budget movie
One thing I gotta say about British horror movie's is they know how to vision the werewolf. The acting is average as the actors can only work with the script given. The writer's on the other hand really gave each character nothing to really do and the I'm afraid hurts the movie. Just about everything is here, gore, venturing off on their own and helpless characters.
It is easy to see that the budget was small maybe 1-2 million if that. With a few star's (Tom Felton - Harry Potter franchise, Gemma Atkinson and Josh Bowman) as well as bigger UK names and up and coming. The plot oh something I've seen many times (out of the way mansion, teens partying and the parents divorced. Sadly the story that supports the plot was weak. The gore was at best minimal and forget comic relief. The movie quickly becomes predictable and at times start's to drag on.
It is somewhat entertaining to say the least and holds your attention which is pretty rare for this type of movie. A tighter story could have done wonder's here, not having a screaming chick would have been a dream and having everyone work together well now I'm getting into wishful thinking. I give it 7 out of 10 star's mainly for the fact that despite all the minuses this movie still held my attention. Would I recommend it, good question cause like I said this movie isn't all that. It was released under two titles
In the UK and other countries it was 13 HRS and in the US and Canada Night Wolf.
Kent State (1981)
Interesting look at that historic event
This happened when I was 7 years old so hearing about it wasn't irrelevant at the time. I actually learned about this some years later looking something else up. Sadly no one was charged as it was impossible to point fingers at who fired fatal shots. That part reminded me of another tragic event when a roof collapsed on a full theater during a blizzard and all lawsuits were dropped as it was impossible to point out who was at fault.
The story is written pretty good and accuracy is about 60% the rest for dramatic purposes. I know it was a movie and not a documentary so being spot on is something that doesn't happen here. The end was a bit rough to watch as unarmed students lost their life that day. Wish they would have gave the fatal and injured the honor of being mentioned and how the injured moved on.
From what is shown I believe the squadron leader should have been made responsible for that act. Keith Gordon is a good actor and the 4th movie I've seen him in. Seeing Wil Patton in a early role was a site. In all this movie to me really stood out and gave us the closest to what happened that day. The film makers really blended fact from fiction pretty good and overall made a movie that was well above TV standards. I'm also sure more went down that day but from what the movie show's is pretty much how I feel it went down. Protests and protesters can become violent and that's when suspension and being kicked out of the college comes in.
I will add this to my collection as I not only found it interesting but totally lost in the movie itself and doesn't really feel like a two plus hour movie. I highly recommend it because of the historic event that should have never happened.