Archive for the 'Movie Reviews' Category
January 26th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
By the end of Gold, I was more concerned with star Matthew McConaughey’s choice to invest himself into the character of Kenny Wells than the story I was just told. Given how the film is loosely based on the Bre-X mining scandal from 1993, seeing McConaughey develop a gut and shave his head to create a balding effect was puzzling. Did this amount of effort ultimately make the character (who has a physical resemblance to no real life figure) more interesting thematically? I did not really think so, which speaks more to how unremarkable this film felt as a whole.
a Continue reading ‘‘Gold’ Finder (Movie Review)’
January 26th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
The illustrious Slamdance Film Festival 2017 is almost over and it’s been a wild ride. Movies, jury duties and reviews galore, have made the Park City excursion a memorable time indeed. But before we announce winners in Narrative (and the many other respective categories!) wanted to get up a few more reviews of flicks I saw outside my official duties. Strange mother/son stories, docs about strong gals and backward boys and flick about finding closure all adorn the four reviews enclosed. Check out the skinny on The Erlprince, Hotel Coolgardie, Supergirl and Suck It Up below.
Continue reading ‘Slamdance 2017 – Four Feature Film Reviews’
January 25th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Gotta say that in the Midnight section and late night movies line-up, Sundance has been surprisingly disappointing to me so far. (Sole exception being the five-star Northern Ireland revenge flick Bad Day For The Cut!) A handful of flicks dabbling in gross and disturbing plus a disappointing doc have brought the magnificent movie vibe to a low. (But rest assured I have film faith and many more to go!) So check out the skinny on some flicks that may or may not be hitting a theater near you – the review of the fearsome foursome via the Sundance Film Festival 2017 below! Continue reading ‘Sundance 2017 – Four Feature Film Reviews’
January 24th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Things are moving at light speed here at Slamdance 2017 and with features, shorts and my own Narrative Jury duties it’s quite a haul. (But an amazing one!) First up are my reviews for a gaggle of shorts handed to me over my time here. Whether it was through a personal reach out by the filmmaker or one I saw before a feature, anyone who got their short into my movie loving hands has equal consideration below. So in various categories including animation, documentary, anarchy, experimental and simple block section, check out the massive twenty-two short film reviews below. (In keeping with the shorts theme each review is quick!) Plus hit the bottom for a little behind the scenes insight via my special Jury Section – enjoy!
Continue reading ‘Slamdance 2017 – Twenty-Two Short Film Reviews’
January 23rd, 2017 by Jason Coleman
After a few underwhelming film false starts for me via the famed Sundance Film Festival 2017 (those reviews coming later!) I recently came upon a mecca movie here in Park City in the form of a five-star fabulous flick. The movie in question goes by the name of Bad Day For The Cut, but fortunately for film fans it’s proves to be one good night at the movies. An Irish import and official selection for this year’s Midnight Section, the film is about an average farmer who decides to seek some revenge for the murder of his mother. Steeped in bold black comedy, colorful kills and bloody satisfaction, Bad Day For The Cut also features tasty turns by leading man Nigel O’Neill as the payback seeking son and Susan Lynch as the truly nasty baddie of the piece. Continue reading ‘Sundance 2017 – “Bad Day For The Cut” Director Chris Baugh Talks Revenge (Plus Bonus Five-Star Review!)’
January 22nd, 2017 by Brian White
That’s right. I said it. While I have been completely disgusted by what has been transpiring with the American public these past couple days (rioting, violence, destruction) since the Inauguration there’s no doubt about it, the women very much have the power in XXX: Return of Xander Cage. Feminists cannot argue that. Without the many women players in this particular outing our titular hero would not have been the smashing success he is. You hear that feminists? Equal opportunities are everywhere in this new Paramount outing, which if you’re keeping score is the third film in this wild XXX action franchise. So now that I have my little political rant off my chest, as I too feel like a piece of meat at times, let’s talk about the good, the bad and the ugly in XXX: Return of Xander Cage. Continue reading ‘Feminists Rejoice! Xander Cage Returns! (Movie Review)’
January 20th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
On January 19th, I was able to attend the screening of the first film to be shot live and broadcast simultaneously into theaters in England and the U.S. While one would expect an experience like this to be the brain child of some indie filmmaker making his name, a new, unexpected Cloverfield movie, or some found footage experience coming out of Blumhouse Productions, it actually came from the mind of Woody Harrelson. Lost in London is the result of an idea Harrelson had for a film, following an actual experience he had in London back in 2002. As the film opens, we are told “too much of this is true” and are then off and running on a unique odyssey shot in one take, with one camera.
Continue reading ‘Lost In London: A Comedic Odyssey Matched With Experimentation’
January 20th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Keeping in tune with the current 80’s theme, but adding a little humor to the mix (I think we all need it today!) it felt like time to celebrate cinema with a little raunchy in the reels – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! For today’s selection we’re getting rid of political correctness, throwing caution to the wind and taking a swig off a stiff one all in the name of unbridled 80’s comedy. Starring a man who went on to become an acting icon alongside an eclectic cast of misfits, deviants and malcontents, it’s the tale a small get together that turns into one of the craziest soirees in movie history. Drugs, booze, guns, fire trucks and everything that makes life worth living for – Tom Hanks may be embarrassed by it but today we hail…Bachelor Party!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Bachelor Party”’
January 19th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
There is a point in xXx: Return of Xander Cage where Vin Diesel starts wearing a giant fur coat, as if to suggest this 49-year old skater/adrenaline junkie/tattoo harvester/former spy was not cool enough for audiences already. The coat is not a huge part of the film (and thinking about it now, I’m curious if it is possible for it to even come back for a sequel), but it represents the utter ridiculousness that is this movie. With that in mind, this is also a film that embraces its ridiculousness. With all the action films that treat themselves so seriously or provide cool thrills at the expense of groups that continue to be vilified, here’s a cartoon-come-to-life that mixes bro moments with diverse fun.
a Continue reading ‘‘xXx’: Reports Of Xander Cage’s Death Were Greatly Exaggerated (Movie Review)’
January 18th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
The story behind McDonald’s is almost as fascinating as the world’s obsession with the McRib. The Founder is a straightforward attempt to tell that story (of the history, not the pork sandwich), with a focus on Ray Kroc, the man who turned McDonald’s into what it would come be today, for better or worse. Given what took place, the topic is ripe for a solid film, but despite a screenplay full of ideas and potential to morph into something cinematically great, the film feels undercut by fairly standard direction that takes less of a bite into the material than the customers do into their Big Macs.
a Continue reading ‘‘The Founder’ Has A Well Done Screenplay Served With Undercooked Direction (Movie Review)’
January 13th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Both my breakdancing and 80’s vibe are in full boogaloo swing as I continue to check out high hair flicks – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! This week it’s all about comedy and crazy characters as we head into what can only be described as Tootsie in high school with a side of Yentl. Featuring a fed up gal who decides to see how the other sex lives, there’s plenty of laughs, love and teen debauchery (courtesy of the great Billy Jacoby!) running rampant as a very fetching female tries to be…Just One Of The Guys!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Just One Of The Guys”’
January 12th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Filling in the slot for requisite January horror film, The Bye Bye Man seeks to push a new supernatural baddie on audiences and hope the thrills he brings are worthwhile. Married duo Stacy Title (director) and Jonathan Penner (writer) have put together a fast-paced thriller that brings together elements from many horror favorites, including Candyman, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween. Working with a decent budget (for horror standards), The Bye Bye Man does plenty to reward viewers on a sensory level, but it doesn’t do much with its concept to build any sort of clever mythology or engage beyond simple horror delights.
a Continue reading ‘It’s A Coat, It’s A Dog, It’s ‘The Bye Bye Man’ (Movie Review)’
January 12th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
There’s going to be some major Park City film coverage taking over this month, so before I head out thought I’d leave you film fans with a quick current critical film sneak peek to tide you over. So in my very first Encapsulated Movie Reviews column of 2017 I lost some sleep and took on a whopping seven films that you can check out while I’m movie binging in Utah. A doc on family vs. religion, a heist flick by a gal who’s been making movies since she was twelve, a dark drama about disappearance, a graphic novel come to life, a suspense story told from two different perspectives and two horror tales that both scream beware of strangers – WHEW! Check out the skinny on the films An Act Of Love, Coin Heist, Claire In Motion, Bad Kids of Crestview Academy, Detour, We Are The Flesh and The Bye Bye Man all below!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – Seven New Indie Titles’
January 11th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Remember that 80s cartoon Monster Trucks? It was about a strange creature from underground that inhabited a kid’s truck. The monster, the kid, his girlfriend and a scientist would go on to have adventures, while G-man came after them. If this isn’t ringing a bell, it’s because I made all of that up. Not made up is this film, a live-action cartoon made for a family audience. It’s not particularly deep and it’s quite rough around the edges, but it’s also a movie we really don’t see much of these days – a live-action, PG-rated, adventure film. That doesn’t make the film’s ridiculousness inconsequential, but I also can’t say there isn’t fun to be had in this wacky concept.
a Continue reading ‘‘Monster Trucks’ Is A Silly Creature Feature For Kids (Movie Review)’
January 8th, 2017 by Brian White
It wasn’t until I completed my Christmas Eve review of Underworld on 4K Blu-ray (here) that I realized how hated the franchise was in my inner circle of confidants. I felt like a minority for the first time in my life. However, that’s not to say there aren’t fans out there because there totally are. All you have to do is look no further than the endless forums of fans proclaiming their love for the 2003 film now on 4K Ultra HD to realize there’s still a viable fanbase out there. Although I don’t think any one of them can honestly look me in the eyes without smirking and say 2012’s Awakening was the strongest of the franchise and deserved a follow-up. I would have been A-okay if that was the final nail in the coffin, but low and behold we have a new entry in the seemingly never-ending franchise, that truly lives up to its subject matter…vampires. It’s 2016 folks. Once again the new Underworld film, this time dubbed Blood Wars, sees a spectacular January release date. We all know what that means for films like these so let’s now take a look at how well it fairs down below. Continue reading ‘‘Underworld: Blood Wars’ Sucks The Final Blood Out of the Franchise (Movie Review)’
January 6th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
A new year begs for a new category focus and with my massive and comprehensive examination of the Miami Vice: The Complete Series DVD up this week it felt time to head back to the 80’s – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Going back to a decade with seemingly lighter and more out there film fare, we’re starting things off with a obtuse, but oh-so entertaining flick about a gaggle of guys who are hot to get their friend back – no matter what the cost. Filled with a notable cast, some great action and a director who at the last minute jumped ship, time to man up and dammit…Let’s Get Harry!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Let’s Get Harry”’
December 23rd, 2016 by Jason Coleman
Currently watching Fences, a play turned movie that feels a tad stagnate, it reminds me that this week’s current stage to screen hidden gem is once again due to delight – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Today’s selection is a great example of how to take a former piece of theater and make it cinematic. Expanding on characters and locations, taking inspiration from real life people and matching it with the style of the controversial voice of the day are surefire signs of a movie to remember. So let’s hit the airwaves for some quick witted opinions via our humiliation loving host. He’s crass, he’s crude, but most of all he’s got ratings in the world of…Talk Radio!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Talk Radio”’
December 22nd, 2016 by Jason Coleman
This is it short review film fans – my final edition for 2016! I’m still combing the cinematic remains of year end films to possibly fill out the Top Ten list but these are the last titles I’m giving you critical skinny on. Taking on missing daughters, politicians and religion check out the Encapsulated Movie Reviews for Julieta, Miss Sloane and Silence below!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – Three New Indie Titles’
By the end of Gold, I was more concerned with star Matthew McConaughey’s choice to invest himself into the character of Kenny Wells than the story I was just told. Given how the film is loosely based on the Bre-X mining scandal from 1993, seeing McConaughey develop a gut and shave his head to create a balding effect was puzzling. Did this amount of effort ultimately make the character (who has a physical resemblance to no real life figure) more interesting thematically? I did not really think so, which speaks more to how unremarkable this film felt as a whole.
