May 7, 2019 “The Husband” (*1/2 out of four) was an illogical and stupid thriller about a teenage daughter (Addy Stafford) who is initially happy when her mother (Jennifer Lafleur) falls in love with a successful entrepreneur (Chris Johnson) but she soon realizes he is a sociopath and psychopath who is intent on destroying both of their lives but finds her mother and no one else will believe her. Umpteenth “Fatal Attraction” story is as blunt and ordinary as its title and often laughably obvious. Final showdown at the end is particularly weak but at least movie is over soon after. Continue reading →
May 7, 2019 “American Exit” (**1/2 out of four) was a reasonably effective father-son reconciliation drama in which a dying father (Dane Cook) takes his estranged teenage son (Levi Miller) on a road trip to try and re-establish a relationship with him and make up for lost time before he dies but the road hits a few detours. Not as powerful or compelling as it could have been, and weakened by an unnecessary drug subplot involving Udo Kier, but made worthwhile by Cook’s strong and believable performance. This easily marks the best performance of his career and Claire Van Der Boom also has some touching moments as the boy’s mom. Continue reading →
May 5, 2019 “The Convent” (*1/2 out of four) was a wan supernatural thriller set in the 17th century in which a young woman (Rosie Day) is saved from execution and is led to a priory to repent her sins but soon (yawn) finds a greater evil laying within the church which naturally leads to exorcisms and religious upheaval. Yet another horror movie loaded with pretentious religious symbolism and paranormal activity that makes you wish “The Exorcist” had never been made. Michael Ironside is wasted as the magistrate of the church. Is there a chance in Hell that someone can save his career from this kind of junk? Continue reading →
May 5, 2019 “I’ll Take Your Dead” (*1/2 out of four) was a mindless thriller about an older man (Aidan Devine) who works for the underworld and makes bodies disappear that are dumped on his farm acres. When a young girl (Jess Salgueiro) that he finds is still alive, they begin to develop a relationship with one another but her attempted killers from the underworld find out about this and try to show up to finish the job and mayhem ensues. Intriguing premise goes absolutely nowhere, as film soon sputters and becomes tedious and talky and only comes alive in its fiery climax. Devine is good in the lead and does what he can with paper-thin writing. Continue reading →
May 4, 2019 “Life Like” (*1/2 out of four) was a practically lifeless melodrama about a wealthy young couple (James D’Arcy and Addison Timlin) who acquire a robot (Steven Strait) for household help but the more he is at home with them, the creepier and more life-affirming he seems which leads to them all questioning their state of being and the status of their relationships. Derivative and warmed-over story feels like remnants of much better films, specifically “A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)” and “Blade Runner.” Just because the story is centered on a robot doesn’t mean the characters and story have to have such little personality. Continue reading →
May 4, 2019 “Tooth Fairy” (*1/2 out of four) was a toothless horror story set in England in which a family (Claire-Maria Fox, Claudine Aumord, and others) are haunted and slaughtered by the gruesome title character who is out for revenge until they band together to try and stop him. By-the-numbers junk which no horror fan will want left under their pillow. What’s next? A horror movie about the Easter Bunny? Continue reading →
May 3, 2019 “Hell Girl” (* out of four) was an unholy mess about a young group of ghost hunters (Lauren Compton, Ana Maria Estrada, Greg Gastelum) searching for a demonic creature who impregnated a woman 160 years ago and they discover that (naturally) one of their team members is the ghost’s offspring and their team is being targeted for slaughter. Very quickly, though, you may find yourself rooting for the demon because none of the team members are very bright (or very likeable). One-time great character Tom Sizemore shows up as (what else?) a slimeball but someone needs to bring his career back from Hell. Continue reading →
May 2, 2019 “7:02: Only The Righteous” (*1/2 out of four) was an utterly stupid horror drama set on the night of Obama’s election win in 2008 in which six none-too-bright friends (Paul Antonie, Karina Bonnefil, Lela Elam, and others) congregate to celebrate his victory but the night doesn’t exactly go as planned. Believe me- none of these characters (or the filmmakers) will be running for office anytime soon. Attempt at making a horror story centered around politics and Obama’s presidential victory is a complete mess. Even at 1 hour and 14 minutes, this still feels padded and prolonged. Continue reading →
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