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Reviews
Sucker Punch (2011)
Wow - an absolutely amazing epic film
This film was not at all what I expected. In all honesty I was beginning to be somewhat disappointed about halfway through the movie, but the film really brings it in for an amazing ending. Like others I expected something visually stimulating based on trailers, and this film goes beyond those expectations. I did think some of the action scenes were a little too long and too much focus on using slow-motion techniques with zooming in on details, but the film as a whole more than makes up for it. The story is an amazing one. I do wish they developed the background story more and at times I was wishing they made more obvious transitions between all of the alternate realities present, but upon seeing the film in it's entirety I think they did a great job overall. The story is heart-wrenching, and is one that makes you think about your own life. All in all, they may have done things a little differently than I wanted but in the end the film is absolutely NOT a letdown and leaves me really wanting to focus internally. Something I will definitely be adding to my collection.
Nobody (2007)
Bizarre but brilliant
Let me start off by saying this movie makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever. I did find that annoying like other reviewers and wanted some sort of conclusion. However, the acting done by the entire cast and just for the mere sake of artwork this is a film I will respect and most likely watch over and over again, trying to make sense out of it. The best I can offer is that it is a nightmare - there are so many questions I have about this film that are left unanswered. But just the sheer brilliance of being able to confuse me and intrigue me as a viewer has earned the right to place it in an element of needing to watch it again. The best movies for me are ones that can evoke emotion from me, and while this movie once again made absolutely no sense - I thoroughly enjoyed being led through the bizarre and unreal journey. I loved Costas Mandylor as an actor before this film for his delivery and tough guy attitude that he conveys in most of his films. After seeing it I can also say that I now highly respect him as an actor. I am sure his role in the film was extremely challenging to play and he did it with conviction. This movie doesn't resolve anything and is highly confusing - I wouldn't want to watch it often. Once again however, I respect it for the art that it is and I am sure I will be watching it again. In terms of recommending the movie, I would only recommend it to people that I know would enjoy the kind of mental torture and art aspect of this film. I don't believe this film is for the general public and I would warn anyone before watching this film that they should be prepared to be thoroughly discombobulated.
Primal Doubt (2007)
An OK film to watch when nothing else is on
This film was your typical murder mystery film. It had some twists and turns, but was also pretty predictable. I had my suspects narrowed down to 2 people and one of them did turn out to be the killer. The film tries half-heartedly to throw you off throughout the film by suggesting other possible killers but I just didn't find them believable. I will say that I was surprised on who was murdered initially, because I would have thought it was going to be someone else from the description and opening scene of the film. I watched this film because I have been a fan of Costas Mandylor in other films mainly the Saw series, Sinners & Saints, and Sub Zero. I think Costas does an excellent acting job in this film as well. I also think the cast was fair for the most part. However, I do think that Janine overacted. The rest of the cast was believable. The writing in the film itself was not done well. It was a good premise and I would watch it again sometime on a boring afternoon, but I don't see it being one of my favorites.
Torn (2010)
An interesting idea that falls flat
When I saw the trailer for this film, I felt like I HAD to see it. I am a big fan of both Costas Mandylor and thrillers, so the trailer looked really good to me. Right off the bat, you can tell this is an indie film, just from the quality of cinematography used. I think there were 3 excellent actors in this film, being both the main characters Costas Mandylor and Damien Richardson as well as there was also another actor who played one of the main character Steve's coworkers whom he has a conflict with that also did an excellent acting job. Most of the rest of the actors were fine, but those 3 stood out. Also there was one actor that stood out for a different reason and that was Damon Hunter who played a Private Investigator. I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say his performance was completely unbelievable. I was disappointed with this film as a whole because I think the premise has so much potential. However, I didn't feel like the idea was fully developed upon and the ending itself for me personally was anti- climatic. I think the actors did what they could with the film and don't fault most of them for their performances, but the writing was somewhat scattered and as I said the ending was a disappointment. I would watch this film again if only to brainstorm on it and think of what could be done better, not to mention the fact of Costas Mandylor being great eye candy. That being said I wouldn't recommend it to friends unless I planned on developing the story further with them. Again, just a really great idea that could have been better developed. Basically seeing this movie wanted me to take the initial idea of it and make it better.
Sinners and Saints (2010)
Better than I expected
I don't usually watch action. I prefer horror. I watched this because Costas Mandylor was in it and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the movie contained an excellent cast of actors entirely and it kept my attention throughout the whole film. Johnny Strong was a great star of the film and I feel as though he really made the main character believable. I really enjoyed it and in fact I now own the movie for further viewing. I will say that some of the shooting scenes seemed rather lengthy, but the overall story and plot as a whole was very interesting to me. I thought the use of human psychology throughout the film definitely added something. I wouldn't say this is my favorite movie, but it was definitely entertaining and collection worthy. Another great movie with Costas Mandylor in it, what more could a fan ask for?