June 2, 2016 “Hidden In The Woods” (*1/2 out of four) was an ugly, unpleasant drama about two sisters raised in isolation by their backwoods abusive father (Michael Biehn). When he murders two investigating cops who arrive at his house, they escape but are mired in further problems with their drug-dealing and equally evil uncle (William Forsythe). Biehn is solid as always in unusual villain role and supporting performances are good but you’ll be numbed by all the sleaze. Not exactly a candidate for family-friendly filmmaking. Continue reading →
June 1, 2016 “Abandoned” (*1/2 out of four) was a boring melodrama based on actual events about four sailors (led by Dominic Purcell) who set sail in New Zealand but are capsized by a tidal wave and drifted for 119 days lost at sea. You’ll feel adrift and lost at sea by the end of this misfire. Extremely similar to 2013’s “All Is Lost” but to put it mildly, none of these blokes have Robert Redford’s charisma or star power. Director John Laing even dares to have the crew singing “Farewell and Adieu” at the end as a reminder of “Jaws” and the right way to make this movie. Abandon all thoughts of watching this and watch those two films instead. Continue reading →
June 1, 2016 “Life On The Line” (** out of four) was a trite melodrama about a crew of electrical grid workers (led by John Travolta) who brave the day-to-day dangers of their job with ease but are soon fighting for their lives in the midst of a deadly storm. Well-intentioned movie dedicated to the many electricians who have both risked and lost their lives is bland and heavy handed. A Southern accent is simply not to John Travolta’s best advantage. Continue reading →
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