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MikeHope44
Reviews
The Collective (2023)
A fun simple action film with potential for more.
A straight forward fun indie action film! While characters could have been given more background and some of the villains demise could have lasted just a bit longer for impact.
The film doesn't waste time with any pointless subplots and the film's star the talented Lucas Till (X-Men First Class, Wolves, Monster Trucks, Son of the South and MacGyver (2016) ) carries the film nicely as he awesomely plays out his action sequences and has his signature charming screen presence. Would definitely love to see him in more action films!
The ending suggested there could be a sequel and I would definitely love another one of these films directed by Tom Denucci where we can dive more into the characters while still keeping it action packed!
If you're looking for a nice popcorn action film nothing more nothing less than definitely check this one out!
Son of the South (2020)
Good movie about an unsung hero and message that's needed today!
It's a great film with splendid performances from all the cast and gives a message still much needed today on fighting for equal rights and putting an end to racism. Lucas Till (MacGyver) gives a wonderful charismatic performance as Bob Zellner and really brings to the screen the good heart and willingness to look beyond the ignorance and racism Bob's grandfather and many of his peers had. While the film does get heavy at times it's definitely one that needs to be seen!
Santa Jaws (2018)
One of the better of SYFY's Shark films.
The concept of the film makes it obvious it shouldn't be taken seriously and once that is realized it's actually a fun entertaining film. The acting was pretty good from everyone and the film's lead Reid Miller (Play by Play, A Girl Named Jo) carries the film nicely.
The emotional moments of the film came off as genuine and there's definitely some laugh out loud moments. I actually wouldn't mind a sequel to it (as long as it doesn't go on too long like the Sharknado films) and i'll definitely be adding it to my playlist of Christmas movies this year as well.
If you like cheesy but entertaining movies definitely check this one out!
Mamaboy (2016)
'Mamaboy' Delivers!
'Mamaboy' tells the story of Kelly Hankins played by Sean O'Donnell (It's Sketchy, The Win) and how HE takes on pregnancy during his senior year for his longtime sweetheart Lisa played by Alli DeBerry. He's a guy he can handle it right? Think again......
The cast did a wonderful job at bringing their characters to life. Mikey Reid was hilarious as Kelly's oddball best friend 'Ditto' and he and Sean worked well off each other throughout. Dylan Riley Snyder (Kickin' It) nailed his part as the pesty 'Milton'. Other standouts for me were Cassidy Ann Shaffer who played a girl crazy for Kelly named 'Candy', Jesse Miller as 'Nurse Zelda', Pamela Finny who played 'Mom' and 'Uncle Theus' played by J.D. Rudometkin.
I thought the pregnancy aspect was handled nicely as well. I tip my hat off to the makeup/special effects department for keeping it as realistic as possible stretchmarks and all! I'd also like to point out how it was cool that different sizes of the belly were used for each stage. In many other pregnancy films a character will find out they're pregnant and a scene or two later already look like they're 6 months!
As a fan I must say I thought Sean O'Donnell definitely delivered (both literally and figuratively) in his first lead role. He has a charming on screen presence and I thought he was not only funny in the comical scenes but also handled the more emotionally driven ones nicely as well. Taking on a role like this also shows he's not afraid to play characters who are unconventional or put into unconventional situations which I think will definitely broaden the horizon for him as an actor. Looking forward to seeing what awesome characters he takes on next. I'm definitely on board for him!
In conclusion 'Mamaboy' is humorous, heartfelt, entertaining and sprinkled with some cheesy goodness. There are even some surprising twist along the way! Props for it also being an original story in a current movie world where everything is either a remake or an upteen sequel. I definitely recommend checking this gem out!-Michael
Uncaged (2016)
A Howling Good Indie Werewolf Movie
I bought the DVD on the day of it's release and this is definitely one of the more better werewolf films i've seen as of late. There's a bit of everything suspense, horror, comedy, gore and action.
It's refreshing to see that this particular film doesn't just rely on the beast itself to carry out everything. This is also a story driven film which makes it all the more interesting to watch as everything plays out.
The special effects of the werewolf transformation may not be top notch Hollywood style but as a werewolf movie fan I applaud them for going with practical effects and animatronics it brings out more creativity and get's the actor involved instead of just having CGI do everything.
Definitely a talented cast everyone seemed invested and brought the goods to the table.
Ben Getz (Grotto, Multi-Player) does a wonderful job carrying his first full length film and if you buy the DVD (which I recommend because it comes with a funny blooper reel and audio commentary with the cast and crew) you'll find that not only is he talented but very dedicated to his character as well especially during certain outside scenes. That's something that will definitely work in his favor as an actor and I look forward to seeing more of him in future roles.
Kyle Kirkpatrick, Zack Weiner (was hilarious throughout) and Paulina Singer were strong standouts as well.
You'll find the title of this film is very fitting metaphorically because the beast in Jack himself is "Uncaged" once he reaches a certain age and literally because while Jack gets a cage with the exception of one time he tends to transform before he's securely inside which leads to some interesting things.
All in all i'd give this movie a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's a decent indie werewolf flick that's not like some of those thriller/horror movies you watch one time then forget about a few weeks later. This one has nice rewatch value that you'll enjoy for many full moons to come.