June 19, 2021 “The Superdeep” (** out of four) was a super-derivative sci/fi horror hodgepodge about a small research team (Milena Radiluvic, Sergei Ivanyek, Nikokay Kovbas, and others) who venture deep beneath the subterranean surface of the ocean to explore a deep borehole but find a humanoid from the deep that threatens their existence and all of humanity if it comes to the surface. Nowhere near the worst of its kind, with good cinematography from Hiyak Kirakosyan as a definite highlight, but far too long at nearly two hours and last half-hour is such a brazen rip-off of both “Alien” and “Aliens” (and also “The Terminator”) that you may be in disbelief. You may as well watch those classics again instead of this umpteenth ripoff. Continue reading →
June 18, 2021 “Buckskin” (** out of four) was a hollow and routine Western set in 1820 Texas in which a seasoned fur trapper (Tom Zembrod) journeys into the mysterious buckskin woods in the hopes of saving a young boy (Blaze Freeman) but finds that he may not want to be saved as they form an unexpected bond with one another. Well-shot (by Anthony Gutierrez) like most Westerns and features a sweeping music score but comes up empty as it goes over all-too-familiar territory from many other past (and better) Westerns. Game effort from veteran neo-Western director Brett Bentman but still lacks the panache and richness of Sergio Leone, Sam Peckinpah, or even Walter Hill. Continue reading →
June 18, 2021 “Scorn” (**1/2 out of four) was a sporadically effective melodrama about three friends (Lindsley Register, Christie Osterhus, and Alexander McPherson) who ruminate on their past struggles with addiction, infidelity, and various other personal struggles in an apartment together over one night. Three-character story is mildly incisive with some sharp dialogue and strong performances but is unable to sustain sufficient interest for a feature-length film. Overall worth checking out especially for independent film fans but may have worked stronger as a play. Continue reading →
June 17, 2021 “There’s Something In The Shadows” (0 out of four) was a worthless imitation of “The Blair Witch Project” about a group of friends (Pete Bennett, Darran McAree, John Solomonides) who venture to the wilderness of Scotland to seek out paranormal activity and soon find that an ancient dead spirit is lurking and that all their lives are in danger. Relentless handheld camerawork may cause you to have vertigo and character’s annoying dialogue and shrill screams may result in you needing medication for migraines but film is still a puzzling bore. This turkey makes either of the “Blair Witch” sequels look like “Halloween” by comparison. Continue reading →
June 16, 2021 “Just Another Dream” (** out of four) was just another ordinary family drama about a 14-year old (Kayden Bryce) who has foretelling and foreboding dreams; her concerned mother (Kristy Swanson) takes her to see a professional (Dean Cain) over this but soon starts to wonder if the girl needs mental health help or is she a visionary with extra-sensory perception? Film builds momentum and engagement in the final third and ends up making an emotional connection but initial buildup is relatively hokey and banal. Swanson is good in the lead and played a similar character in Wes Craven’s “Deadly Friend.” Continue reading →
June 16, 2021 “Secrets Of A Gold Digger Killer” (** out of four) was a bland suspense thriller about the title middle-aged woman (Julie Benz) who seduces a multimillionaire (Eli Gabay) and charms and insinuates herself into his family (Georgia Bradner and Roan Curtis) and attempts to murder him for his money. By-the-numbers story is cranked out without much suspense or surprises or (yes) secrets. Benz is strong as usual but is unable to enrich this tired material. Based on Suzy Spencer’s best-selling novel. Continue reading →
June 15, 2021 “Night Walk” (** out of four) was a fairly trite pulp melodrama about two lovers (Sean Stone and Sarah Alami) who are torn apart by their cultural and social separations resulting in him going to prison where he faces more division when he is thrown in the midst of violent and escalating battles between Muslim inmates (led by Ricco Ross), Neo-Nazis (led by Mickey Rourke), and corrupt prison guards (Patrick Kilpatrick and Costas Mandylor). Collection of has-been actors from the ’80’s (yes- Eric Roberts and also Richard Tyson and Tom “Tiny” Lister, Jr. are part of the cast) give new coat of paint to a well-worn story. Allegedly inspired by the love story of “Romeo And Juliet” but owes more than a bit to “Penitentiary.” Stone is director Oliver Stone’s son. Continue reading →
June 14, 2021 “Cannibal Troll” (*1/2 out of four) was a sub-routine horror thriller about a group of female friends (Georgina Jane, Zuza Tehanu, Barbara Dabson, and others) off on a weekend camping trip in the wilderness who become hunted by a beastly troll and they all try to fight back to stay alive. I guess it’s only ironic that a film that boldly rips off “Deliverance” is released the day after Ned Beatty dies. Even “Wrong Turn” told this exact same story with far more shock, scares, and skill nearly two decades ago. It’s horror movies like these that make one want to become a vegetarian. Continue reading →
June 14, 2021 “Lethal Love Letter” (*1/2 out of four) was a lethally derivative suspense thriller about a successful businesswoman (Clare Grant) whose life and career get turned upside down; could it possibly be the laughably sinister new hunk (Rick Malambri) who she recently met? Thoroughly obvious and predictable film made for those who’ve never heard of “Fatal Attraction” or its countless imitators. Lars Lindstrom’s attractive lighting and cinematography is one of the only virtues for this programmed timewaster. Continue reading →
June 14, 2021 “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” (*** out of four) was a fun sequel to the 2017 smash about the wacky bodyguard (Ryan Reynolds) who has a continuing relationship with his assassin friend (Samuel L. Jackson) which grows increasingly dangerous as they try to save his wife (Salma Hayek) and various underworld and law enforcement (Morgan Freeman, Frank Grillo, Gary Oldman) become involved. Much like the original- this one never stops moving and throws in everything but the kitchen sink. Thin story is buttressed by enough explosive action and cockeyed humor to keep it off-the-wall from start to finish. Kudos also for being the first film to unite both Freeman and Jackson together on screen! Continue reading →
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