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maglanpro
Reviews
Vanishing on 7th Street (2010)
Very Disappointing (minor spoiler)
The previews for VANISHING seem to promise a "last man on earth" tale ... ala I AM LEGEND. That is by no means, this film. It lacks logic and imagination in its execution. Worse of all, it is (there is no more appropriate term) .... boring. Effects are close to amateur in their execution and incredibly repetitive. Action? ...... none. A non stop cliché filled score annoys rather than sets a mood. The cinematography is extremely dark and depressing .... difficult to see what is happening and generally ugly in its design. The story? (MINOR SPOILER) Let's just say, it's presented as a mystery or puzzle but it is one without an answer. So what is there? I'm not sure what there is that would justify two hours of viewing. Saw it at the Toronto International Film Festival Midnight Madness screening and the audience was right (and ready) for a supernatural thriller. I certainly don't want to, and can't, speak for every one there but judging by the mild applause and the number who left before the traditional Q+A, the film failed for them.
Dark Water (2005)
Strange Casting Decisions
Really not a bad film. Tense and disturbing ... not at all what the previews suggest. However, I found the casting of the three young girls very odd. Not in their acting abilities but simply in how they appeared. They all looked so much alike that it was extremely difficult to tell who was who. Perhaps the director was trying so say something with this but (for what it's worth) I feel he added unnecessary confusion.
But, all in all, a well crafted film .... one that separates itself from the flood (no pun intended) of "scary little girl" horror movies.
NOTE: Again, the previews released by the studio are misrepresenting the film
Suspended Animation (2001)
Filled with surprises
Highly recommended. This film constantly takes the viewer in directions he/she does not expect. Just when you think you know where it's going, it takes the viewer into a new unexpected plot twist. Great characters, directing and (let's not forget) writing. Try to see this, it's not what you think it's going to be
Moontrap (1988)
An Independent Film made by guys who love science fiction
Most of the so called "reviewers" of MOONTRAP seem to not realize that this film was made in Detroit by people who (with a very limited budget) were trying to make an entertaining science fiction film. If may have succeeded or failed, but at least they were trying to create something with independently raised money. Instead of sitting back and criticizing others without ever doing any production of their own, they made the effort. And before others draft their "reviews," I would suggest they look up the (true) review that VARIETY gave MOONTRAP.
MOONTRAP was produced before CGI dominated the effects business (in fact, before there were CGI). It's visuals range from really good to not-so-hot but maybe that's part of its charm.
Anyway, give it a chance.
By the way, I agree that VIRUS has amazing similarities to MOONTRAP. And has any one noticed the design of the robot in HARDWARE .... also a MT look? And finally, take a look at STARGATE for some eye opening MOONTRAP references.