Category: Uncategorized

“Encounter” (*1/2 out of four) was a third-rate encounter of the worst kind involving yet another found-footage story of a newlywed couple (Justin Arnold and Andrea Nelson) who rent an old farmhouse to do a thesis when they are suddenly beset by (yawn) paranormal activity that leads them to think the farmhouse is haunted. But the only animals that one might hope to find in this farmhouse is either dogs or turkeys because this is certainly what this film resembles. Only for those desperate to watch anything in Redbox or Netflix. Arnold and Nelson’s sincere performances are wasted.

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“Evan’s Crime” (*** out of four) was an affecting drama about a middle-class suburban kid (Douglas Smith) who is arrested for a drug raid with his friends of which he had no involvement in and then is railroaded by an ambitious federal prosecutor (David Arquette) to looking at nearly 30 years in prison, during which time his father dies and his life falls apart. Interesting melodrama about the futility and machinations of the court system and drug laws is well-acted and well-told. Only the far-fetched climax and tacked-on happy ending ring false.

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“The Hurt Business” (*** out of four) was a hard-hitting documentary about the rise of MMA fighting and how it has grown to be a lucrative international business but also film shows in frank detail about the brutal long-term damage (both emotionally and physically) it leads to for several former and current MMA fighters. Features interviews from stars Luke Adams, Ben Askren, and Josh Bartnett and is narrated by Kevin Costner. Film was made from the producers of “Bowling For Columbine” and “Fahrenheit 9/11” but bears similarity to Will Smith’s “Concussion” from last year. Not a great film but an interesting story of fighters who are aware of the dangers and consequences when they step in the ring but know no other way of life.

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“Ironweed” (*1/2 out of four) was a stultifying adaptation of William Kennedy’s Pulitzer-prize winning novel that was set and shot in Albany and is being re-released in theaters in upstate NY for it’s near-30th anniversary from 1987; an alcoholic homeless war veteran (Jack Nicholson) returns to his hometown in Albany for the first time in years and tries to make peace with his family who he walked out on years earlier after a tragedy and rekindle a relationship with his long-time companion (Meryl Streep) who is also homeless and is dying. Fascinating for those of us who live in Albany to see many familiar streets and settings on film; otherwise, this is dreary, depressing, and goes on forever at nearly two-and-a-half hours long. Film remains a big disappointment considering the talent of its stars and also director Hector Babenco who previously directed “Kiss Of The Spider Woman.”

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“It Watches” (* out of four) was an unwatchable horror movie about yet another haunted-house and paranormal activity, this one set in Los Angeles where a young man (Ivan Djurovic) is recovering from an accident and agrees to watch over the home of his buddy (Rick Irwin) but he soon realizes he is not alone in this dilapidated and creepy mansion. Umpteenth and unpleasant rip-off of “The Amityville Horror” and “The Shining” is a real bore. Horror fans would best “watch” those classics again instead of wasting your time with this drivel.

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“Fender Bender” (** out of four) was an illogical horror thriller about a 17-year old (Cassidy Freeman) who just gets her driver’s license and soon gets into a minor accident on the road with another driver (Bill Sage) who turns out to be a serious sicko who begins stalking her and her friends. Violent, by-the-numbers horror show has a few good scares and kills but not much else to make it memorable. Neither the best nor worst of its kind. This was horror director Mark Pavia’s first film since “The Night Flier” in 1997 which makes you wish next time he does more with his 18 years off.

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“Underworld: Blood Wars” (** out of four) was a visually dazzling but empty fifth entry in the now-wearisome series about the continuing adventures of vampire slayer Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and her battle to end the eternal war between the Lycans and the vampire clan who betrayed her in the past. Strictly by-the-numbers movie is hard to tell from previous entries and is for diehard fans of the series only. Even Beckinsale looks like she’s just going through the motions. Full of striking blue lighting and sumptuous cinematography that has become the series trademark but the story and characters could have used an infusion of fresh blood.

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“Siren” (*1/2 out of four) was a schlock horror thriller set at a bachelor party in which the groomsmen unleash a fabled predator on the festivities which leads to chaos and a long night of screaming and murder. Inspired by the segment “Amateur Night” from the 2012 horror anthology “V/H/S” and the title is ironic given the movie is strictly amateur night in terms of acting and filmmaking. Inspire yourself to pick up a better horror movie instead.

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“The Edge Of Seventeen” (** out of four) was a silly coming-of-age drama about an insecure 17-year old (Hailee Steinfeld) and her troubling journey through high-school, especially after finding out her best friend (Haley Lu Richardson) is dating her older brother (Blake Jenner). Steinfeld, who was so good in the remake of “True Grit”, is annoying in the lead role. Film covers much of the same ground that “Thirteen”, “Clueless”, and “Mean Girls” did- and much better. Woody Harrelson is amusing in a minor supporting role as Steinfeld’s sarcastic teacher.

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“Allied” (***1/2 out of four) was a mesmerizing WWII melodrama about a U.S. intelligence officer (Brad Pitt) who becomes married to a French Resistance fighter (Marion Cotillard) who he meets behind enemy lines; however upon returning home and having a child, he soon comes to suspect she may be a German spy and if so he will have to kill her or be killed himself by his country for treason! Old-fashioned story is high-powered by two terrific performances from Pitt and Cotillard who have electric chemistry together. Leisurely paced but crackles with suspense, wit, and romance in a way that harks back to Hollywood’s Golden Age. First-rate filmmaking from director Robert Zemeckis.

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