lathe-of-heaven
I have been collecting movies for over 40 years now. The very first ones were in BETA (yes, BETA... 😁) then VHS and eventually about the turn of the century DVDs and finally Blu-rays when they began to be 'The' format. I've chosen not to go 4k though. Although I do have a nice, reasonably priced 50" telly that upscales everything very nicely. I have a VERY old OPPO Blu-ray player, the very first of their 'High End' line (BDP-83) I've had it serviced a few times by OPPO and it is still playing just fine. In reading many of the complaints and troubles of some of the 4k players and discs, and being perfectly happy with the excellent picture quality I have now, I decided not to transition to the 4k world. If I get 'Ahold' of 4k Blu-ray files I use software to convert them to HD 1080 Blu-rays which works just fine. Between movies and series (each full series counting as '1') I have over 9600 titles.
I also even more avidly have collected vinyl records for the same period of time. I have over 2600 albums on vinyl, many original pressings from when they came out, and also high quality 'Audiophile' pressings of some of my favourite albums. I have probably around 8000 albums in FLAC (lossless) stored on mirrored multiple HDDs, so I've been doing this awhile... 😊
I've also designed a website over many years just for fun that has many different areas of interest, including some of my poetry and a music section where I have several pages describing different Genres and provide samples of each one. I also have a Google Folder with pictures and detailed descriptions of my SOUNDROOM SYSTEM & COLLECTIONS. So, please feel free to take a look at any of these if you wish to do so:
lathe-of-heaven.com
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9ja3UKob7tppW4Y38
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLp_bD-39ZaKx01P98EJ0Q
Cheers!
Jaime (Southern California)
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Companion (2025)
I know... I'm going against the tide here, but, I will do my best to give you the reasons why...
Okay... I've reviewed probably well over 300 movies here over the last 15 years or so, and generally I do not add a review when there are already so many here.
BUT... the reason why I am adding a brief review amidst these 300+ already, and in reading them I see that some others do indeed agree with me, for those who may feel like I do about movies like this I think it may be helpful to share how this movie struck me personally.
Straight out, right from the start, the overly 'Hip' tone put me off. Unless a film is done REALLY well and cleverly written/acted/directed, I usually do not care for movies that are kinda 'Cute' in the sense that they are in effect saying, 'Hey look how cool and hip we are', especially with the dialog that was being exchanged between all those 'Hip', 'Cool' very unrealistic people.
It just is not my thing, really. I understand if others, which many here are, into that kind of style, almost self-referential, then fine you may really like it. To me personally although I honestly do love a wide variety of styles in movies, and yes, they can be light hearted, don't always have to be serious or 'Heavy' But, the way that the style in which this movie was written and directed mainly just comes across as very Plastic and unbelievable.
In a case like this, I don't feel that it is the actors fault, because they simply follow the tone and direction of what they are given so they are not the ones who carry the ultimate responsibility for the way they come across. The style presented here just comes across to me as VERY artificial, superficial, and makes it very difficult really to 'Get Into' the story at all.
Heh, sorry to get real wordy, I guess this review is not really going to be 'Brief' after all, my apologies... : )
But, yeah, that's pretty much it. Probably the worst culprits to me as an actual film as far as it being truly engaging in any way or drawing the audience into the story at all, would be the writing and direction. If perhaps the same story could have been told in a more realistic or truly clever way, then sure the story may well have been very good. But, to me, honestly, I just didn't get the impression that the writing was very sharp or believable at all. And yes, I agree with many here that the introduction in just the first few minutes basically shows it's hand in what the tone of the film will be when she says what she does in just the first few sentences.
So, basically that's it. And, I don't know if that may indeed be very helpful to some others here. But, honestly, I would say for people who really get into movies where they are intelligently written, and NOT insulting the intelligence of the audience, and who appreciate films that give some depth and substance to their characters and especially their dialog with each other, then like me you may very well find this film somewhat lacking.
Superficial, not very well or cleverly written, characters poorly come across as real people at all and are FAR too busy trying to be 'Hip' and 'Cool' to relate to in any realistic way.
Sorry about that, but with all the very positive reviews I felt I really should throw in here my honest impressions as to the way the movie struck me.
I gave it a '5' because it is not Gawd-Awful, but very shallow and unsatisfying.
I hope that helps...
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The way I rate movies on 'My' curve : )
5 - Flawed, Not really recommended
6 - Passable, Worth a watch, not highly recommended
7 - A Solid, Entertaining Film.
Hotel de Love (1996)
Beautifully made, excellent Romantic Comedy, I feel one of the very best! Extremely well done and most entertaining...
Wow... This is not normally the type of movie that I watch. There are just a handful of romantic comedies that I really like. This one truly is one of the very best.
It is extremely well written and acted. Every character is portrayed perfectly. I love the humour in this which I feel is very funny and truly situational in the purest sense.
I saw this probably over 25 years ago, I had it on VHS. I believe I still have it. I was looking all these years to find it on DVD or somehow get a good print of it. FINALLY, after all this time, I found a nice HD print of it online.
In my lowly and wretched opinion, there are VERY few films on this type that are this good. To give you some idea at least as to what I find well done and entertaining I'll mention the few that come to mind. First and Foremost, primarily because I LOVE Sandra Bullock, the film she did with Hugh Grant called 'TWO WEEKS NOTICE' is probably my all time favourite. So, incredibly funny, both of them in absolute top form. A very close 2nd, and more of a Teen Comedy, but with romance, and perhaps an even better pure Comedy, would be 'BETTER OFF DEAD' with John Cusack.
Other films that I also really like which would fall under that one are 'AMERICAN SWEETHEARTS', 'FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, and the other Hugh Grant films of this type. Honourable mention would go to 'SERENDIPITY'...
So, that will give you some idea that even though this is not the type of film I would normally choose to watch first (that would be mostly Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller, Film Noir, etc...) But, this one is most definitely one of my all time favourites!
And, what makes this one so good, in addition to it being brilliantly done, is that it has a very satisfying romantic side too.
So, yes, I gave this one a very rare '9' and I feel it very much deserves it.
Black River (2001)
DO NOT read the titles on these reviews unless you want the story SPOILED! Good Telefilm, decently entertaining...
Yes, first and foremost, DO NOT even look at the titles here because you can always count on some Dip$h*t Numbnut giving everything away, just in their title. So, just a kind warning...
A basically good story, fairly decently executed. The main guy is OKAY in his role. The supporting characters I thought were actually better. But, even so... a fairly clever idea moderately well executed. I think that if the writing and direction had been just a little sharper, then this story could have had more impact, but the idea is good.
Again, a moderately entertaining Telefilm based upon a Stephen King short story, one of his more fun ones.
It you are not expecting full theatre grade quality and enjoy a good little mystery of what the hell is going on in this town, then you should enjoy this movie somewhat.
Again, DO NOT read the other review titles unless you want the entire story SPOILED!
Blood Punch (2014)
Very clever concept, well written and directed. Not your usual Sci Fi Thriller. I would STRONGLY advise NOT reading many of these Spoiler laden review titles here...
Okay, first and foremost, I would humbly suggest that you do NOT read the other reviews here. I KNOW that sounds a little self serving, but as usual, a number of these witless reviewers totally give away the primary concept in their titles, so just trying to save you entering Spoiler Territory.
So, what we have here is a very clever concept that if it has not already been Spoiled for you, you will come to understand as the story progresses. It is a concept that has indeed been used in a few other also really good Science Fiction movies, but of course I'm not going to name them as others stupidly have done here even in their titles.
I, on the other hand, and HOPING that the idea behind this clever film has not already been ruined for you, do NOT wish to give away anything but simply as I usually try to do is give you my impressions about how well I think the film is made and if it is worth watching.
The characters are very well developed and in many cases quite amusing. The ONLY thing that honestly drove me almost totally insane is that I SWEAR at least one tobacco company must have foot the entire bill for this movie. I mean literally EVERY 2 minutes if not more often, someone, mainly the girl is lighting up. I mean, it is done to the point of total absurdity. Seriously... There must have been like 200 cigarettes lit in this movie. I personally found it REALLY annoying and somewhat insulting. I honestly saw absolutely no point in it, so FWIW there you go...
So, yes, this is a very good, clever concept that is ultimately very entertaining. If you have been fortunate enough to avoid Spoilers so far, then I think you might find this film a fun ride... I gave it a strong '7'... I KNOW I haven't given a lot of details, but there is almost no way to do so without ruining the story.
Levels (2024)
A '5'...? Seriously...? This was one of the best Science Fiction ideas I've seen in a long time...
Look, I'm not saying that my 'Taste', such as it is, is the be-all, end-all of everything, but people are rating this movie a '5'? I mean, really, how many films not only have such a great concept, I feel one of the best since 'THE MATRIX', and are written, directed, and acted this well do we really come across these days? I mean with THIS kind of quality? And people rate it a '5'... Nonsense...
I don't know what people would want in a good, serious, 'Hard' Science Fiction story these days that this movie doesn't offer. More explosions, more killing, more effects? But, to me, being an avid Science Fiction lover ever since I could read, this is truly one of the better, well made films that I've seen in quite a while.
The main quality here is an extremely intriguing idea that is presented I feel in a very effective, exciting, and most entertaining way. Yes, there are films with more 'Action' in them like the Iconic 'TERMINATOR' (1 & 2) 'TOTAL RECALL', and such, and yeah, they are great Sci Fi films, no question. But, this is a much deeper concept driven story that really wows more in the area of the 'What is Real and what Isn't' theme, along with a great sense of Mystery and suspense, not to mention excellent writing and good performances. I mean, to me, I REALLY felt for that fellow in the beginning, powerfully so, and the only way you get that is through an extremely well done performance and this was one of them.
So, basically, if you appreciate or enjoy Science Fiction movies that have a bit more of a 'Hard' Sci Fi, technologically driven story that has the bonus of being very well made and well acted, then yes, you should absolutely have fun with this one, it will take you on quite a journey.
I gave this one what I feel is a VERY well deserved '8', not the completely puzzling '5' that it has now.
MOST HIGHLY Recommended!
'Hukkunud Alpinisti' hotell (1979)
Very, Very, VERY unusual film. For its time, quite intelligently and sharply directed with a very effective Surreal atmosphere...
Unfortunately, some of the other reviews and especially their titles somewhat give away ahead of time what the audience really doesn't come to know until towards the end of the story. So, I guess my first suggestion would be to be careful which reviews you read about this movie.
It is a very unusual film, that sets off being somewhat of a Crime/Mystery story, which it definitely is, but later transforms somewhat into something else. Like I mentioned, I do not want to give anything important away.
I don't think I've ever seen an Estonian film before, it is an interesting language. I expected it to sound more like Russian and Polish, but it didn't really. I wonder what the roots of the Estonian language are?
Especially for the time and I'm assuming by filmmakers that didn't have a ton of experience, I felt it was quite a stylish and sharply written/directed movie that really kept the audience in suspense as to what was actually going on.
There are some really nice Surreal touches that many times in films like this may come across as a bit dated and pretentious, but quite honestly I was rather surprised that the cinematography, sound design, and the editing contributed to a pretty solid atmosphere that I think perfectly blended a Crime/Mystery with more Surreal aspects.
Someone else mentioned the movie 'ALPHAVILLE', and I would say that there are some similarities in the look and mood of the film. But, the eventual reveals are more subtle.
So, a bit on the 'Artsy' side, but for this type of movie done at that time, I think it was put together in an engaging and effective way. It may not appeal to everyone, but to ones who perhaps like movies that are a bit more on the Surreal and somewhat understated side, then you might find this one intriguing...
I gave it a '7' due to its quality and effectiveness, perhaps leaning more towards it's artistic slant. But, maybe considering 'Mass Appeal' some may consider it more of a '6'
Blood Quantum (2019)
Very effective, sharply written, and well acted, MUCH better than your run of the mill Zombie film...
I really enjoyed this one, and I'm not a huge fan of Zombie movies. But, I really liked the Native American setting and wherever they filmed it had a strong, desolate, kind of isolated feeling which really added to the doom filled atmosphere.
The actors were mostly Natives too, you could tell by their names. That gave the film kind of a unique setting where you had a genuine feel for the people.
The writing I felt was particularly sharp. I really liked some of the clever lines and the dry, subdued humour, it worked really well especially in such a grim film.
The suspense was extremely well done too, building the dread and relentless fear quite effectively as time went on. I really liked some of the quirky characters too which I feel due to the excellent writing and acting really came across as very believable.
Towards the end of the movie I kind of questioned the motives of why a certain guy did what he did, especially after the writers and the actor did such a good job of building this complex character and some true sympathy for him. I found that rather strange that they took the story in that direction, although I can see how they wanted to plot to go.
Also, for me personally, the one critique that I would have is that when you have such a powerful and relentlessly grim film like this, I think then you really have to 'Pay Off' the audience to some extent with the ending due to putting them through so much throughout the movie. And, without giving anything specific away, I really feel that with all that the characters and the audience went through, they could easily have made the ending a lot less grim. Just for me, I think at that point, the audience could have used a bit more of an uplifting ending and I feel that they just went a tad overboard with some negative happenings, that honestly just were not really necessary.
But yes, overall an extremely well made and very effective, very scary Zombie movie that has very sharp writing and acting and is far above average for a film of this type.
Last Gasp (1995)
Decent Supernatural Thriller. Well acted with an effective mood and good atmosphere...
What I feel raises this one above a fairly simple premise is the good atmosphere provided by the cinematography, lighting, good direction and such.
Also, I mean, it's Robert F'n Patrick for Goodness sake! :D
The acting is actually above average where in this kind of Horror movie many times that is precisely what brings it down. As mentioned, Robert Patrick is of course excellent and plays the part of the doomed fellow very well. The main woman plays her character in a refreshingly understated way. The Private Detective played his usual, semi-slimy role which he is really good at portraying. And, the supporting actors all seemed to be decent. Even her friend who could have VERY easily come across in an annoying way, but carried off her role very well.
What I enjoyed too was that the writing was particularly sharp for this kind of film. Nothing Earth shaking, but here and there they tossed in a subtle, clever line now and then which I really liked.
One thing that I think maybe could have been done a little better was that I don't feel that the way they had Robert Patrick portray his character was very clear about how exactly he was affected. Was he aware of everything the whole time, or what? I just thought that could have been portrayed a little more clearly. The way they had him come across was a little vague and not totally consistent... I mean, sometimes he came across as super cocky like he was not ever in 'Control' of himself, and other times he seemed like he was feeling really sad about what he had done.
So, definitely worth a watch if you like this kind of Supernatural Horror film, and especially if you like Robert Patrick.
I gave it a strong '6' Almost a '7' but maybe for me just shy of that.
Sit ting fung wan 2 (2011)
Yes, much better than the first film. Tighter storytelling, more action, more suspense...
Yep... Heh, I read some of these other reviewers and they wax so poetic, some really love to 'hear' themselves talk... : )
I'll just give it straight and plain. This film is indeed much more engaging and much better put together than the first one. I also reviewed the first one and the thing that took away from what was really a very good idea in that movie is I felt the long build up from the beginning included too much slow moving 'Drama' Whereas this one hits you right out of the gate with punch and power.
There is no need to see the first film before this one since the story and characters are completely different. The only reason it is entitled as 'OVERHEARD 2' is that the people behind the camera are the same ones that brought you the other movie. And I believe a couple of the same actors are in this one, but in quite different roles. And, it also deals with financial misdeeds and surveillance like the first one.
Very well written, directed, and well paced. All the actors do a great job and I feel the story really ratchets up the tension and builds to an excellent and somewhat moving ending.
I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys well made Financial Action/Thrillers from China. This is indeed one of the better ones!
Sit ting fung wan (2009)
I agree with Moviebest on this one... Great idea, but really diluted with a LOT of drama...
Basically that...
I had seen this a while back and I remember liking it, as a matter of fact I originally gave it a '7' here. So, I wanted to see it again because I remember it being a really clever idea.
It starts out great with some excellent intrigue, but very soon I feel anyway it really gets bogged way down by a TON of drama. I mean, I KNOW these Chinese movies usually include a lot of that and it does give the characters more depth and such. But, in this case, I honestly feel that they really overdid the Drama where about half way through this time, I just didn't even feel like finishing it.
So, it is a very competently made film, and well acted with a nice interplay between the characters. But, like Moviebest's review here, I think that the story became to weighed down and sort of padded out with too much Drama.
So, I lowered my rating to a '6' Still worthwhile, but not quite as sharp as I thought I remembered it.
Le mangeur d'âmes (2024)
Effective, VERY dark Thriller... Not really my kind of 'Fun' Horror movie, but honestly very well made...
Yeah, this is definitely not my kind of 'Horror' film. I tend to like the more 'Entertaining' type of Horror stories. But, I must admit that this one is indeed very well made, and if you are one who likes the darker, more 'Reality' based Horror movies, ones that are more involved with the 'Evil that men do', then you may find this one interesting.
I don't want to give away the major 'Misdirection' in this film (as others have stupidly done here in some reviews) but, although it may not be quite what you are expecting as to the real key of what is going on, still, the way it is made and the way it is well directed is very effective in building a very strong Mystery/Thriller and a definite sense of unease...
Like I say, when you get to the end depending on your sensitivities, you might feel like, 'Oh... that is rather unpleasant', but at least the way it is done does not overly dwell on this aspect once it is revealed.
So, what you have here is a very well crafted, rather Dark, Mystery/Thriller that effectively packs a punch. Just don't expect to feel particularly uplifted afterwards.
Circuito chiuso (1978)
Unfortunately, reviewers have used a word in their titles that gives away a major plot point and ending... And, NO, this is not a Giallo.
I don't know what people are thinking, but a certain word should NOT be used in reviewing this film, and certainly NOT in the title without a SPOILER warning!
I don't normally report other reviews, but in this case it honestly does give away the whole premise and ending which a viewer would NOT know otherwise until actually seeing the ending. So, hopefully they will remove the word that I've mentioned.
So now, with that said... and hopefully these other reviews (and especially their titles) have not ruined the movie for you. Thankfully, I had not read any of the user reviews before watching (I almost never do for this very reason - I usually only read External Reviews where the reviewers have enough sense NOT to spoil the film)
Okay... Now my impressions of the movie. It is indeed a very different, odd film. It's not really my kind of movie due to all the rather mundane dramatic interactions of the people. However, I can appreciate the unique idea (well, at the time the movie was made it was rather unique) which ultimately tied well into what appears to be an intriguing Murder Mystery.
And no... it is not really a Giallo at all. It has none of the trappings or convoluted atmosphere or story of any Giallo or even Neo-Giallo. But, it is a good mystery if you can wade through all the chit chat and time going through all the dialog between all these characters.
The film has an average rating of a '7', which is probably merited. But, based upon whether I personally would enthusiastically recommend it, uh, not really. Thus my giving it a '6', which in my case means basically that it is a decent idea and maybe worth a watch, but not something I would get too worked up about...
Supernatural: Skin (2005)
Yep, yet another excellent episode... Written by an X-Files guy and directed by a Voyager guy... :D
I am SO glad I stayed with this show, even though at first I really thought it wasn't going to be that great.
This one was directed by the fellow who played Tom Paris on STAR TREK: Voyager. I knew that he had become a well known television director as also the woman who played B'ELanna Torres who has gone on to be a very good television director.
I also noticed that this episode was written by John Shiban, one of the principle guys at the X-Files. So, even going into this episode, I figured it would likely be pretty good, and it was... : )
I almost can't believe how good this show is, it truly has every bit of the quality of the X-Files series which I personally feel is one of the best shows ever made.
Anyway, if each episode is as good as they last two have been, I will absolutely come back here each time and praise it!
Supernatural: Bloody Mary (2005)
So far, episodes 4 and now this one have been stellar!
What I think makes this series work so far, including of course the excellent direction, writing, and acting, is that they take the subject of the story VERY seriously.
I mean, how many people could take a simple, universally known urban legend, almost a child's scary story really, and handle it in such a way that creates a truly suspenseful, quite effective Supernatural Thriller?
I think that really testifies to the talent behind this show (at least so far, I just started it... : )
Of course having some of the very best creative minds coming from the mind blowingly awesome X-Files, I'm sure doesn't hurt at all.
But, with so many modern supposed 'Horror' stories being portrayed with varying levels of self referential, wink-wink approaches, to me anyway I find it extremely satisfying to see a story like this executed in such an excellent manner.
After being so impressed with the last episode and now this one, I'm REALLY looking very much forward to seeing how this show develops. At first, I was thinking that it was just going to be some kind of superficial 'Monster of the Week' series. And, that is true. But, like most memorable films and shows, it is the WAY it is done that makes all the difference...
Ogsuyeog gwisin (2022)
A fairly standard Asian Horror movie. Not a whole lot stands out though...
I guess the best I can say about this film is that it isn't too bad a way to spend the time. As I mention in the title, there honestly isn't anything special that really stands out about the story or the way it's done.
I mean, it's not awful, but basically just middle of the road. The overall story is mildly interesting, the point of what is actually happening and why is not a bad concept. It's just my lowly and wretched opinion that it probably could have been done with a bit more style and a deeper, more effective atmosphere.
The acting and everything is okay, nothing terrible. And yes, there are the usual jump scares, but that is honestly just about all there is to the actual mechanics of how the story is told.
It's kind of too bad too because like I mentioned before, the overall idea is actually pretty good, and rather creepy, really. But, I almost get the impression that the filmmakers, although probably somewhat talented, didn't really seem to spend a whole lot of time or thought in putting the film together.
So, not a terrible time waster, but nothing truly deserving a glowing recommendation either...
Gallows Hill (2013)
This is a case of decent writing, good acting, fair atmosphere, but ultimately just not that strong of a story...
Basically, that's it...
The mood and look of the film were very good. The primary concept was fine, although somewhat familiar.
Many times with these Horror movies what really lets them down is subpar acting. But, I must admit that in this case I truly did not feel that there was anything wrong with the acting, all concerned did a fine job representing their roles.
And, without spoiling anything, one thing that I felt that did stand out, although it was very brief and somewhat minor towards the end, was that there was an added ability of the 'Entity' that was kind of a cool idea and revealed some surprising things.
But, ultimately, and I can't honestly point out exactly what was missing here, but the resulting story just seemed to end up without quite as much of a 'Punch' as I think it could have.
So, a somewhat familiar type story told in a competent way, but all in all not really anything that stands out in any way. A mildly decent watch if you don't have a whole lot else going on... : )
Supernatural: Phantom Traveler (2005)
Wow, a very, VERY rare review for me for a tele episode...
Heh, I've written maybe 300 or so movie reviews, but I never ever write episode reviews. But, in this case I will indeed make an exception.
When I started this series, especially the 2nd episode, I thought, Geez this is just gonna be some monster of the week and I really was not terribly interested.
But, then by episode 3 it was more of a mystery and MUCH closer to an X-File, and I found it pretty engaging because you were wondering what what happening and what was behind it.
And then THIS one... WOW! To me, this was a perfectly executed episode! The way they crafted the story, and how so much was at stake, and again, creating a truly riveting mystery. And then, giving it a very strong, realistic, Wham/Bang ending!
Now, THIS is the kind of stuff I can get into and this shows me what they can do with this show. I am an AVID X-Files fan due to the extremely excellent quality of whatever they did, even the supposed 'weaker' episodes. And this one had every bit of the same power and engagement as a good X-File episode.
If overall the series continues along with this level of genuine quality in the writing, acting, directing all around, then yeah, I'm now REALLY looking forward to seeing what is to come... :D.
Fortress 2 (2000)
Lots of fun, a bit more on the humorous side, but some great action too!
Like most everyone else here how rated this film decently and didn't P*$$ all over it, I really enjoyed it and yes, I was quite surprised at how good it was considering it is a sequel to what I feel is a very Classic film by the great Stuart Gordon.
So yeah, obviously not as absolutely classic and sharp as the original (I mean, how can you possible replace Kurtwood Smith, really!) But, otherwise I felt some really good thought went into it and the action in it honestly was pretty good.
I think for a follow up of such an all time Classic, I truly felt it was done well and I found it very fun and engaging.
Definitely worth more of a '7' than its current low rating...
The Unhealer (2020)
Above average Retro Horror/Thriller. Sharply written, with excellent character work that raises this film above most others of this type...
Basically that...
This could have been your run of the mill Schlocky modern day Horror film. To me, what really raises it considerably above most efforts like this is that the filmmakers clearly put a lot more thought into it, especially the dialogue, and the director also really knew what he was doing.
Not only did I really like the Retro-Horror feel of the movie, but I especially liked the way the characters were written and directed. It wasn't just 'Thrown away' like so many other films of this type with paper thin characters and dumb dialogue. Some of the writing and particularly the reaction of the characters were quite strong.
The story itself is a great, Classic Old-School type Horror story but I feel done really well. Heh, it was great seeing the awesome Lance Henriksen doing his thing even at his age. The guy is truly one of a kind. And, I really liked the interchanges between the main guy and the girl and primarily the way the 'Hero' was portrayed. He honestly seemed like a regular guy with normal and believable reactions to what was happening. And, even small roles like the coach, the Dad of two of the 'Bad' boys, really made me laugh at how sharply he portrayed his character.
If you like an old fashioned, Retro 1980's style Horror movie that is actually done quite well and particularly well written, directed, and acted, you should really like this one. MUCH better and more entertaining than most modern Horror films of this type.
Time Trap (2017)
Heh, I certainly HOPE the directors/writers pay attention to the multiple comments about the totally Horrible dialogue... Otherwise, like most others, a great concept!
I just had to throw in my tiny bit here... I never EVER add a review when film has some many already (900+!) But, I checked many of the reviews, and sure enough, like every OTHER one mentions the 'Horrible' dialogue.
And, every other one also mentions that it is a great concept.
Yeah, guys, if you even SEE this review... PLEASE take note... F'n cut out all the mindless, truly stupid chatter and is hugely annoying and bloody continuous. I would strong guess too that you likely added a frigg'n TON of that in post. Guys, trust me... DUMP IT! I mean, just one of a thousand examples, they're climbing for their lives at the end, right, and they are saying things back and forth CONSTANTLY like 'Hang on!', 'I got this!' and the absolutely stupefying, 'I'm kill'n it!'
Seriously...
Like, really, CONSTANTLY throughout the entire film, this kind of unbelievable, and extremely annoying chatter just goes on and on. And, this is while they are in a seriously unknown and dangerous situation, like people with dead friends and running for their lives are going to be firing back and forth with these completely unfathomable lines. That just about totally ruined the movie. Seriously.
If I can figure out a way to edit out all that insultingly $h*tty dialog and keep what otherwise is a very good film, I will absolutely do it.
I still gave it a generous '6' just because the concept is so damn cool. I just honestly cannot wrap my mind around people who are this sharp to come up with a story like this, writing such Gawd Awful dialog. At the very beginning when they were having fun and also when they were driving out to the place, sure, that was kinda fun and sharp. But seriously, when the Mystery really starts, talk about completely taking all the wind out of the danger and suspense by them snarking back and forth with, again, yes, the most Hideous dialogue you can imagine.
One thing I thought was funny in reading the reviews here is how they kept coming up with the absolute worst adjectives to describe the dialogue... 'Horrible', 'Awful', 'Terrible', 'Stupid', 'Mindless', etc., etc... I finally gave up trying to keep track of the all :D
So yeah, plug your ears about 75% of the time and you have a great little Science Fiction film, if you can get through it.
Guys... PLEASE... release another version, director's version or whatever, but take out all the F'n insulting dialog and I will buy the damn thing!
Bod obnovy (2023)
Outstanding Czech Science Fiction. Futuristic technology very well rendered. Very engaging story, both along Science Fiction lines and as a Crime Thriller...
Oh yeah, really enjoyed this one. Loved the futuristic visuals, very cleverly done. They did not miss a single detail in the technology of what could be, very sharp!
A most engaging Crime Thriller too. It posits a fantastic possibility of being able to Restore people who have died. There may have been other Sci Fi films along these lines too, but quite honestly I feel this has done it better than most others. There are some nice twists and turns in what is actually going on which really keeps the audience very much involved. I absolutely LOVED the representation of the architecture and landscapes, just marvelous!
The acting I thought was very well done. Even though it is not anywhere near my native language, and even reading the subtitles, the acting overall was excellent. I don't know if it is a reflection of the culture in general, but I really liked the very low-key, understated manner that everyone displayed. I don't know, but just the fact that everyone was so damn calm, I think it just really added to the overall weight and power of the story.
This is definitely NOT a big, Slam-Bang Sci Fi movie with huge special effects. So, if you are more in the mood for that, look elsewhere. Think the low-key, elegant look and feel of a film like 'GATTACA' The style of this one is very similar, but with a bit more detail in the surrounding environment. So, if you like really cool, well designed low-key futuristic Tech combined with a really good Crime Thriller, you should really enjoy this one! I gave it a very rare but much deserved '8'...
Moh soen gip (1991)
Heh, man... Where the hell do I start...? Funny as hell, intriguing in kind of a 'You can't take your eyes off of it' way...
Basically that...
What a trip... I'm not conversant on these particular types of films. About the only one that comes to mind that I've seen that sort of reminds me of it is 'HIRUKO THE GOBLIN', but maybe not quite as Fantastical as that. There are some entertaining fight scenes where the choreography isn't too bad. There are indeed some beautiful Asian ladies here, and sorry to be such a 'Guy', but they certainly can be quite lovely.
I mean, it's clearly NOT a super well made film by any definition, but after perhaps fast forwarding a few times in the beginning, a bit later I must admit that it did start to become a bit mesmerizing in some ways.
I can't seriously recommend this as a 'Good' movie, but if you do like this kind of thing and enjoy some fairly decent fighting action (with, granted, some pretty dodgy wire work) then, hey, if you don't have a hell of a lot of better things to do, you might find some entertainment value in this one. I would recommend, though, DEFINITELY try to throw down a few beers (at least) while watching this, it certainly can't hurt...
Lord of Misrule (2023)
People Dissing this movie simply do NOT know good Folk Horror... The best movie of its type since the original 'WICKER MAN'...
Firstly, this 5.x rating is nonsense... Normally I try to be very even handed with reviews and not get too worked up, but in this case we honestly have a very, very good film that is extremely well made, well acted, and with a fantastic Folk Horror atmosphere, in my lowly and wretched opinion the best I've seen since the original 'WICKER MAN'
The reason why I feel so strongly about this movie is because it seems that we so rarely see such a well thought out, deeply intriguing Pagan/Folk Thriller without a bunch of heavy handed, over the top cruelty or violence. In this case, we have a very well crafted film that has TONS of genuine and creepy atmosphere which strongly lends itself to some good suspense and Mystery.
Yes, the story is a bit on the slower side than what is considered 'Horror' these days, almost a throwback to when these kinds of movies relied more on building a good, effective atmosphere with continuously tightening up the tension until a powerful ending. And, what I personally like about the ending, without of course spoiling anything, is that we have something that I feel is refreshing and unlike the usual cliched 'Sting' at the end, but still with a pretty strong surprise.
It is too bad that a lot of people come here and gave this excellent and well made film such low scores, simply because THEY just don't care for slower, more atmospheric, Folk Horror stories. It's like I've said many times before in my reviews... I personally hate sadistic movies that feature Torture Porn. But, it would be unfair for me to come here and rate all the movies like that poorly just because I personally do not like them. That would not help others who happen to like those kinds of movies in any way to know whether it is a 'Good' film or not, would it.
So, I refrain from doing that although I very much do not like those kinds of movies. It would be very nice if others would show the same respect for the types of films that they simply don't care for or find 'Boring' as many say here, and not deliberately lower the score for those of us who DO indeed really like this type of Horror. Thus my rare but I feel definitely earned '8' rating that I gave it.
If you don't like, slower, more atmospheric Folk Horror films, then please just give this one a pass and kindly don't ruin the score for those who do like them. BUT... if you do like these kinds of Folk Horror stories like the Iconic 'WICKER MAN' (original of course) then you should really enjoy this excellent, well made, and I feel quite effective Horror story.
Curiosity Kills (1990)
Oh yeah... Always really loved this movie! Forget the 3 other haters here... : ) This is a great, really fun Thriller with a very Cool Jeff Fahey...
Just a great film. I've had this one since the VHS days and I'm sure I have it on DVD and also an HD WebRip of it somewhere.
It is a ton of fun, I don't get these other Hosers P*$$ing all over it, it honestly is a very entertaining Thriller which totally capitalizes on the meaning of its title. Rae Dawn Chong is her lovely self, and I can' possibly praise Jeff Fahey enough. I don't know why that guy didn't hit it a LOT bigger than he did. His role in the very unfairly maligned 'THE LAWNMOWER MAN' (Director's version of course) proves that he can actually act and was a powerhouse performance. Here, he is like THE slickest MOFO Killer you ever saw.
So, if you like 1990's Thrillers (I do!) and you like a really fun and involving suspenseful ride, you will totally enjoy this one.
MOST HIGHLY Recommended!
One Percenter (2023)
An intriguing premise but ultimately a somewhat disjointed film. A very unique approach, pretty corny dialog, and some effective surprises towards the end...
This is a very different movie. I can see how the filmmakers were indeed trying to be creative in its approach from the perspective of an 'Action Film Star'...
There is some pretty rough dialog throughout that is both intentionally and unintentionally funny in a quirky kind of way. I thought the main guy was pretty cool and played his part well. But, the acting overall is not what you would call the very best, and that's putting it kindly.
I guess the unusual setup and the fight choreography particularly towards the end with the two main Good/Bad guys is what keeps one's interest mostly. But, the script, such as it is, kind of brings the movie down a little.
You have to hand it to the imagination behind some of these films, they do indeed come up with some truly out of left field twists towards the end, which I felt in this case were fairly effective.
I liked the two different fighting styles of the Good/Bad guys at the end. The Bad guy was very much like Bruce Lee, very 'Still' very precise, VERY fast! The Good guy using his Wave technique was more fluid. So, it was rather fascinating watching how their totally different fighting styles worked together.
I would say that overall it is an okay movie, fun in parts, with an unusual premise. To me personally, the ending 'Twists' add another point because of their clever and somewhat vague nature, thus my '6' rating...
Definitely flawed, but if you get into it, it does hold your interest for all these quite disparate reasons.