Vivekmaru45 Reviews

Night Swim (2024)

One of the better horror films I've seen start of 2024.

[6/10 · 6 February 2024]

This movie reminded me a lot of M. Night Shyamalan's Lady In The Water(2006), for some reason or another...

This film is more "supernatural" than being your average creature-feature flick. The plot being a family of four move into their new house where the find weird goings on in the swimming pool that is is fed oddly enough, by an underground spring in the area.

The father of the family Ray has been forced to retire from his baseball career due to illness. Taking a swim in the pool he finds that he draws tremendous healing power from it. However all of this is not without consequence. For every healing that is done by this miraculous pool, there is a price to be paid. Watch the film and see what happens next...

Verdict: enjoyable one-time watch. Decent acting, background-music, directing, photography and script. This is the preferred standard or "norm" for me for a horror movie of this caliber. Believe far worse horror films are being made these days...

Migration (I) (2023)

Also don't forget to see Duck Duck Goose(2018).

[10/10 · 23 January 2024]

One of the best animated features I've seen at the end of 2023. My, how CGI has evolved over the years. The feats this technology has accomplished in animation is mind-blowing. Gone are the days of traditional 2D hand-drawn cartoons.

Though the traditional 2D style still is a great favorite of mine and suits the older cartoons from the 1930's all the way to the 1990's.

As computer technology evolves, so does CGI. Great strides have also been made in the form of computer storage technology as well. Gone are the days we used to watch great films on videocassettes. CD's and DVD's and even Blu Rays are slowly being phased out in favor of cloud based video streaming.

As most of the world is now on smartphones, means this device is the most preferred and readily available to watch any video content.

Back to this film. It is about a family of four ducks who are enticed by a group of migrating ducks to travel to the island of Jamaica. Will they ever reach there? What adventures will they encounter along the way? It's all up to you to watch this excellent animated movie and find out what happens next...

Verdict: simply marvelous. My eyes never left the screen start to finish, which is rare these days due to over-saturation of content both on digital TV and the internet. However this one is an exception to the rule. Excellent voice-acting, simplistic and enjoyable plot and characterization are the saving graces.

Some 2D animated features for you to see: Watership Down(1978), The Plague Dogs(1982), The Secret of NIMH(1982), The Great Mouse Detective(1986). Thank you for reading this review and as Mister Spock always says,"live long and prosper".

Fort Apache the Bronx (1981)

Above average cop drama about the grim reality of the streets for a patrol cop.

[6/10 · 23 January 2024]

I've a lot of respect for actor Paul Newman. His performances in the films Hud(1963), Torn Curtain(1966), The Sting(1973) and The Drowning Pool(1975), have cemented my affection for him. He was an incredibly handsome actor with a warm and kind heart.

However one area he was never exploited was in action-films as an action hero, like Arnold Schwarzenegger did in Commando(1985), Bruce Willis did in Die Hard(1988) and Sylvester Stallone in the Rambo series of movies. This was a shame since I have seen him brawl in action scenes quite well and deliver a great intensity in performance. So as a main action hero and also roles in murder suspense and horror, especially in horror, he has done no work. Only The Drowning Pool is an exception as the only murder mystery Newman had starred in.

This film is a crime drama about day to day violence on the streets of the Bronx, brought on by delinquency due lack of educational institutions and welfare services. The movie also shows the effects of negligence and corruption within the law force.

This is an adult themed film I believe and not meant for younger viewers. We have cameo appearances by the beautiful and sexy actresses Pam Grier and Rachel Ticotin. Ed Asner and Ken Wahl(The Gladiator 1986) have larger roles withing the film.

Verdict: above average cop drama with decent acting by all involved and worth a watch if you've got time to spare.

More cop drama films: Dirty Harry(1971), Serpico(1973), Copkiller(1983), Cop(1988), One Good Cop(1991), Heat(1995).

Thanks for reading this review and as Mister Spock always says, "live lone and prosper".

Man Afraid (1957)

Excellent American drama with a moral to it.

[10/10 · 23 January 2024]

I was well entertained by this late 50's film. Normally movies like this have a slow pacing, however this one is more interesting and the pacing is terrific. Your eyes will never leave the screen start to finish.

The plot concerns Rev. David Collins(played by George Nader) who surprises a burglar in his house and accidentally kills him. Feeling profound remorse for his actions, he tries to apologize to the victim's father Carl Simmons(played by Eduard Franz), who is a tailor by profession.

However Carl will hear none of it. He refuses to speak to David. Meanwhile David tries again and again to appeal to Carl's sensibilities.

What will happen next is for you to see and find out!

Verdict: excellent acting, background music, direction and script. I would also recommend for your collection of 50's thriller movies.

The Man They Could Not Hang (1939)

A film whose concept was ahead of its time.

[10/10 · 6 January 2024]

Heart transplant surgery in the current 21st century as I am writing this review, has been done fifty thousand times across the whole world. But in the late 30's, the concept was at an experimental stage and no one would dare perform it at the cost of risking the life of the patient. To note, the first human heart transplant that had been carried out by the South African surgeon, Christiaan ('Chris') Barnard at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town on December 3rd, 1967.

In this movie, veteran actor Borris Karloff plays the role of Dr Savaard, a scientist who had devised an artificial heart to replace the original. He wants to test this artificial heart on a volunteer Bob Roberts who is a young medical student. However things get complicated when Bob's fiancée, Ms. Crawford, fearing the experiment will fail, rushes to the police department. Savaard is subsequently arrested before he can finish his experiment.

Verdict: excellent script and acting by the legendary Borris Karloff. The film will captivate you start to finish. The background music is more than adequate and photography and direction is excellent. In closing, I would recommend another heart transplant movie called Threshold 1981 directed by Richard Pearce and starring the excellent duo of Donald Sutherland and Jeff Goldblum.

Merry Little Batman (2023)

One of the best animated Batman movies I've ever seen second only to Batman Under The Red Hood(2010)

[10/10 · 31 December 2023]

I saved this to watch on New Years eve 2023 and boy was I rewarded. What an excellent watch I had. I had my doubts about this when I watched the trailer to this animated feature. But this animated movie blows away the inferior trailer.

I should point out that this is a hand drawn animated Batman cartoon with a particular style of animation. It reminded me more of the Dexter's Lab cartoons I used to watch on cable TV those days...

The film shows a 8 year old Damian who wants so badly to impress his superhero father Batman. However his father is so overprotective of him that Damian despises him initially. Later on some thieves break into Wayne Manor, when Batman is on a mission, leaving Damian who is the only occupant at the time to fend for himself the best he can(shades of Home Alone 1990 also a Christmas movie).

There are plenty of nostalgic references to Batman(1989) throughout. All the iconic supervillains of yesteryear are all here. The cast though meager delivers tremendously. Excellent script, animation and voice-acting to boot. Thank you Bob Kane(1915-1998) and Bill Finger(1914-1974) for the character of Batman.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)

An Eggcellent sequel.

[10/10 · 31 December 2023]

I saw the my first Chicken Run movie way back in 2000. Now 23 years later I'm seeing this excellent sequel that picks off from the first.

The first film had Mel Gibson's voice acting talent as Rocky The Rooster. Here sadly he is missed. I thought he aught to reprise his role one last time... Zachary Levi(Shazam! 2019) takes over the role of Rocky. He does a decent job however Mel Gibson was way more experienced and versatile as an actor.

We also see Thandiwe Newton(The Pursuit of Happyness 2006) take over the role of Ginger the chicken from the original actress Julia Sawalha(Absolutely Fabulous TV Sitcom).

The plot of the animated film concerns the birth of Rocky and Ginger's daughter Molly and a new chicken nugget processing factory that opens up in the vicinity of the little island sanctuary they live on.

Verdict: excellent and also worth watching again. Excellent tongue-in-cheek humor and superb direction and background music. The characterization was also well done as well as the script. Hopefully this concludes the Chicken Run movies.

Silent Night (2023)

An action thriller from the legendary John Woo of Hard Boiled(1992) fame.

[6/10 · 27 December 2023]

In the 90's I saw an action movie that forever changed my appreciation of that genre: Hard Boiled. This film went on to become a cult phenomena and created its own action sub-genre.

Woo returns six years after directing Manhunt(2017). This marks his return to American film-making following his last venture Paycheck(2003). So it has been a really long time he had last directed a film with American actors made for a mainstream American audience.

Plot: a man's seven year old son is killed by a stray bullet fired during a gang related shoot-out. The man vows revenge at any cost. This then is the simple plot of this film. Now with movie like these and also the fact that it is directed by an action director, you can expect intense car chases and firefights and close-up action scenes.

Verdict: I consider movies like Hard Boiled, Hard Target Broken Arrow and Face/Off John Woo's masterpieces. This film, though very lovingly directed, lacks rewatchability. This is mainly due to the fact that the script is a dull one. Also I found the background music rather poor and unsuited to a film of this caliber. On the bright side the acting and photography is excellent. I would consider this a decent time-pass film.

P. S. Fans of Chow Yun-Fat(Hard Boiled) should watch this excellent movie Prison On Fire(1987). Thanks for reading this review and as Mister Spock always says,"Live long and prosper".

The Cost (2022)

One day Matthew Holmes will win an Oscar.

[10/10 · 24 December 2023]

Outstanding film and direction. This is a film made by a highly acclaimed director whose previous film The Legend of Ben Hall(2016) received high praise.

Rarely do I get the chance to see a gem of a film, so masterfully crafted like this one. The tale is one of revenge. The title implies the aftermath or repercussions of a done deed. The movie is about a woman who was brutally assaulted and killed. The husband and brother of the woman seek their own revenge after the killer has served his time in jail. What happens next is for you to see and find out...

I have seen plenty of revenge films: Wes Craven's The Last House on the Left(1972), Meir Zarchi's I Spit On Your Grave(1978), Robert Lieberman's The Tortured(2010) and of course the legendary Charles Bronson Death Wish series of films.

Verdict: highly recommended. Excellent acting and photography along with very good background music. My eyes never left the screen from start to finish.

Some more revenge films: The Exterminator films(1980-1984), The Star Chamber(1983), Death Sentence(2007), Eye For An Eye(1996). Thank you for reading this review, and as Mister Spock always says, "Live long and prosper".

The Killer (2023)

An above average thriller from the director of Seven(1995).

[6/10 · 11 November 2023]

I don't need any introduction of director David Fincher. He was the reason my enjoyment of films grew from watching great films of his during my teenage years, up to my adulthood. Alien 3(1992), Panic Room(2002) and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button(2008) are other great films of his. But Seven remains his masterpiece. The film he'll always be remembered for and Alien 3, a close second. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button and Panic Room will also be regarded as great film-making. So he has crafted some good movies in his lifetime.

This movie is akin to a day in the life of a high-end contract killer. The film focuses on his mindset and his agenda. The movie shows all the paths he has trodden on and will tread again if need be. Another famous film just like this, I am tempted to write down here is: The Day Of The Jackal(1973).

That movie is a pure masterclass of a solid thriller that will live through the ages. There is no film that will or ever can match it. In The Line Of Fire(1993) and Assassins(1995) are other good movies. And how can I forget to put down The Mechanic(1972) starring the late Charles Bronson(1921-2003) and Jan Michael Vincent(1944-2019).

Back to The Killer: the film is about a contract killer and the circumstances that lead him on a path of vengeance. The movie has some intense action scenes, often execution style. The pacing is fast. The direction, photography, editing and sound effects are excellent. Directors like David Fincher are a rarity these days. If you look at Fincher's film credits, he does not have too many movies to his name which is a shame. He should've directed more thriller movies like Seven or maybe a prequel to Seven. He also should have directed more science fiction horror movies like Alien 3. If they had thought about making a Predator 3 in those days, they should've let Fincher direct it. Thanks for reading this review and as Mister Spock always says, "Live long and prosper".

P. S. Rest in peace Ronald Lee Ermey (March 24, 1944 - April 15, 2018) who played Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket(1987) and the role of Police Captain in Seven(1995). He also played Sheriff Hoyt in the fifth and sixth installments in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He is missed...

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

I have seen a much superior film Fat Man and Little Boy 1989 starring the legendary actor in Paul Newman.

[1/10 · 11 November 2023]

Now that was a very good film. It also shows the death by radiation of scientist Louis Slotin(his name changed to Michael Merriman in the movie) played in the movie by veteran actor John Cusack. Oppenhiemer is played by the legendary Dwight Schulz of The A-Team TV series. You might also want to read The Strange Death Of Louis Slotin in the book "Man Against Nature" by Charles Neider. There are also other exceptional stories in the book and be sure to read them all. Thank me later.

Now onto this film. It shows the life of Oppenhiemer(played by veteran actor Cillian Murphy of 28 Days Later fame) the man responsible for creating the two bombs Little Boy and Fat Man that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. To this day the incident remains one of the most barbaric and inhuman acts committed by mankind. The effects from the radiation produced by these bombs lingered on for 10 years. The movie deals with his private life, lovers, personal turmoil etc.

Verdict: acting is questionable. Sound-effects and background music score are futuristic synthesizer type and haunting. Borrows from the legendary Tangerine Dream. You better check out all the movies that featured music by Tangerine Dream. Thief 1981, The Keep 1983, Wavelength 1983, Firestarter 1984, Vision Quest 1985, Red Heat 1985, Near Dark 1987, Miracle Mile 1988(my personal favorite).

Overall this is an emotional biopic by Christopher Nolan who rose to fame with his Batman movies. Don't expect this to be an action oriented film like Batman. You're better off watching Fat Man and Little Boy that features a better cast and script. Thanks for reading this review. And as Mister Spock always says, "Live long and prosper".

Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)

Above average horror-suspense-thriller based on the game of the same name.

[6/10 · 28 October 2023]

I really enjoyed about a half hour or so of this engrossing film. I have never played the game nor ever will. But the movie was really interesting up to a point, when the farcical elements became too apparent.

I mean utterly ridiculous. This borders on the realm of fantasy horror. Stick to real life. There are more unusual stories based on actual events than made up fantasies. However I'm being a little lenient here because the film is based on a PC game and with all the tongue in cheek dark humor therein.

Plot: it is a dark tale indeed. A man lost his brother when he was a young boy, kidnapped in broad daylight at a park. He witnessed the kidnapping but is unable to communicate this to his parents and save his brother. He is tormented by this guilt up to his adult life. Things take a mysterious turn when he gets a job as a night guard at an abandoned family diner known as Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. There he falls asleep and starts dreaming again of the same day his brother was kidnapped. Watch the film to find out what happens next...

Verdict: much better than most of the dull horror films I have seen this year like Pet Sematary Bloodlines and Exorcist Believer. This is a very good movie but as the old adage goes, "too many cooks spoil the broth". If kept to reality, rather than supernatural horror, this would have been a very good movie.

A movie based on a real-life incident: Adam(1983).

The Exorcist: Believer (2023)

Mildly entertaining horror film about demonic possession not at all related to the works of William Peter Blatty(1928-2017).

[5/10 · 26 October 2023]

In the 80's I was privileged to view a horror film unlike any other - The Exorcist based on a novel by William Peter Blatty. Actors Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow(1929-2020), Jason Miller(1939-2001), Lee J. Cobb(1911-1976) and Linda Blair are forever inscribed to my memory. Exorcist spawned two sequels. The last directed by Blatty himself and starring the legendary actor George C. Scott. Exorcist 3 is the final chapter, period. Exorcist 2 The Heretic received negative reviews on release because it was a different film from the William Friedkin one. Exorcist 2 The Heretic was directed by the legendary director John Boorman who has directed some exceptionally good films: Point Blank (1967), Hell in the Pacific (1968), Deliverance (1972), Zardoz (1974), Excalibur (1981) and The Emerald Forest (1985 undoubtedly his best film). I have seen all of these movies and recommend them to you wholeheartedly. Exorcist 2 is the only possession horror film to star Richard Burton(1925-1984). Some good films of his are The Medusa Touch 1978, The Wild Geese 1978 and Absolution 1978.

The concept of The Exorcist concerns an Assyrian demon called Pazuzu(considered the king of the demons of the wind, and the son of the god Hanbi). In Exorcist a small girl, Regan, becomes possessed by Pazuzu. The first two Exorcist films deal with the story of Regan and ordeals. The Exorcist: Believer(2023) was made to milk success from the works of Blatty. I feel this is an ill conceived project. An absolute joke of a movie.

Believer concerns two girls who become possessed by demonic entities. The whole movie is centered around them and Victor Fielding(Leslie Odom Jr.) whose daughter Angela(Lidya Jewett) is among the two possessed. The film is a straight-forward exorcism film, similar to Friedkin's but with a less talented ensemble of actors and cheap CGI effects.

Verdict: barely entertaining but sat through it because of Leslie Odom's performance as a father committed to saving his daughter. Cameo appearances by Ellen Burnstyn and Linda Blair do not help the film in any way. I feel sad that actors Richard Burton, Max Von Sydow, Jason Miller and Lee J. Cobb are no longer with us. Rest in peace you immortal souls. Ned Beatty(1937-2021) who played the pilot in Exorcist 2 is also no longer with us. Ned's performance in the rare to find film T Bone N Weasel(1992) is superb. I was privileged to watch that film on cable in the late 90's.

P. S. If you have been reading this long, here's a treat for you. Raphael Sbarge who plays Pastor Don Revans in Believer has a good horror-science fiction film called The Hidden 2(1993 the sequel to the cult horror film The Hidden 1987). Watch this film if you haven't done already and thank me later. Thanks for reading this review and as Mister Spock always says, "Live long and prosper".

Saw X (2023)

Never forget this name: Darren Lynn Bousman the director of the masterpiece Saw 3(2006).

[5/10 · 22 October 2023]

In 2004 I saw my first modern survival horror film in Saw. I watched it because I'm a big fan of Danny Glover(Predator 2 1990, The Saint Of Fort Washington 1993). The film was directed by James Wan in his directorial debut. He later went on to direct some cult horror and action movies like Dead Silence and Death Sentence both released in 2007 and the first two installment of the horror franchise Insidious(2010-2013). He also directed the first two installments of yet another horror franchise in The Conjuring(2013-2016).

Now Darren Lynn Bousman is credited with directing parts 2,3 and 4 of the Saw Franchise. He was a director I had great hopes of becoming a legend. However this was not true. After the Saw movies he sunk into oblivion. He resurfaced when he directed the Saw spin-off movie Spiral: From The Book Of Saw(2021) starring the acclaimed actor comedian Chris Rock.

In my personal opinion Saw 1-4 are worth your time. The rest of the franchise is mediocre. The spin-off movie Spiral was actually a homage to the fans of the franchise but I don't consider it a part of the Saw films. In my opinion if you wanted to own one movie in the franchise, then go for Saw 3.

Saw 3 is one the best revenge/horror films I've seen in my life and Angus Macfadyen the actor who played Jeff, a grief-stricken father who was consumed with vengeance after the death of his son Dylan in a drunk driving crash, was the reason why.

Okay now onto Saw X. I think this is a prequel to the 2004 film. It shows the backstory of John Kramer a.k.a Jigsaw. The movie shows the part of his life and the circumstances that led to committing the acts that he did. Shawnee Smith makes a welcome return. Though I'm not such a big fan of hers, she is quite a talented actress. Costas Mandylor(Saw 4) also makes an appearance. The film has gory and grisly traps that are a trademark of the Saw films. So the film is interspersed with both story and horror elements.

Verdict: well, if you seen all the previous installments then this would be just another useless add-on film. I think they should've stopped after Saw 3 which meant sense because they wanted Saw to be a trilogy. Saw X isn't a clever film, rather it is dull and predictable. There is another film quite similar I've seen called Mindhunters(2004) directed by Renny Harlin and Escape Room(2019) directed by Adam Robitel. P. S. Not to forget to mention the Cube trilogy of horror films(1997,2002,2004). Thanks for reading this review and as Mister Spock says, "Live long and prosper".

Totally Killer (2023)

A slasher too cliched to be watched. Pointless.

[1/10 · 10 October 2023]

I've watched more than four decades of horror films. Diverse ones at that and even includes foreign language horror films.

The slasher genre is nothing new. It is a staple of American popcorn cinema. And that's what makes me disturbed. That society actually enjoys films like these.

Serial killer Ted Bundy stated in an interview that real-life serial killers watched slasher movies for their entertainment.

Back to the film: imagine back to the future crossed with the slasher film Halloween or Friday The 13th. The movie is about a teen who is transported back through time via a time machine into the late 80's where she must find and stop an elusive serial killer dubbed "The Sweet 16 Killer".

All this should sound interesting, but in truth, the movie is boring as heck. Better to watch The Burning(1981) a superior slasher film in every way and also another gem: Intruder(1989), my personal favorite.

The acting in Totally Killer is lousy. The direction and sound-effects are mediocre to the point that past slasher films will look like solid gold.

More 80's slasher movies to see: Motel Hell(1980), Just Before Dawn(1981 directed by Jeff Lieberman), The Funhouse(1981 directed by Tobe Hooper), Curtains(1983), Body Count(1986 directed by Ruggero Deodato), Clownhouse(1989 directed by Victor Salva).

I've seen all of the above and recommend them for a guide to this genre and thanks for reading this review.

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)

Pleasantly surprised. A hidden gem of a movie.

[10/10 · 8 October 2023]

I'm a big fan of both Clint Eastwood(The Good The Bad And The Ugly 1966) and Jeff Bridges(Fearless 1993). So it was an unexpected pleasure to see both of them in an action-thriller-buddy film.

The plot is simple enough. A notorious bank robber dubbed The Thunderbolt(for his use of an Oerlikon 20 mm cannon to break into a safe) on the run, disguised as a preacher makes a happy encounter with a small time crook called Lightfoot.

The two instantly become friends and embark on an adventure that inadvertently leads them on another heist. The movie also stars veteran actors George Kennedy and Geoffrey Lewis.

Verdict: excellent entertainment and a movie you can add to your collection.

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (2023)

It's so bad that it makes Pet Sematary Two(1992) look like a masterpiece.

[1/10 · 7 October 2023]

Both the original Pet Sematary and its sequel were directed by Mary Lambert. Pet Sematary was the first Stephen King horror film I had seen in the late 80's.

Stephen King would later become my best bet for horror movies throughout my teen years. I have seen most of the film adaptations of his books. There are too many films based on his works to write them all down here.

Pet Sematary was a special movie for me because it concerned a burial ground that brought the dead back to life. It was later revealed as a native Indian Mikmaq burial ground that was cursed. Mainly pets who had died before their time were buried here. They came back to life, however their personality became evil. So it seem that some evil force was at work here taking over the dead pet and bringing it back to life. No human being was ever allowed to be buried here because of this reason.

In the first movie Pet Sematary, Louis Creed's dead son was buried in the Mikmaq burial ground located beyond the Pet Sematary and accessible by a rough and difficult path. This formed the basis of the first film.

The second film introduced Edward Furlong(Terminator 2 Judgment Day 1991, Brainscan 1994). This sequel deals with the accidental death of sheriff Gus Gilbert(Clancy Brown who played the iconic Kurgan in Highlander 1986) and his burial in the Mikmaq burial ground.

This latest installment is said to be a prequel of the first film and concerns the character played in the first film called Jud Crandall(played by the excellent actor Fred Gwynne).

Verdict: boring. Never understood anything I just watched. Too many unnecessary characters, a bogus script to boot. However the film as per norm is filled with gory scenes that gives its trademark.

Some good Stephen King films I have watched in the past: The Shining(1980), Creepshow(1982 also starred in one segement: The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill), The Dead Zone(1983), Silver Bullet(1985), Cats Eyes(1985), Maximun Overdrive(1986), Creepshow 2(1987), Misery(1990), Graveyard Shift(1990), The Night Flier(1997), Sleepwalkers(1992), The Langoliers(1995), Thinner(1996), Quicksilver Highway(1997), 1408(2007).

Thank you Stephen King for giving joy to a boy growing up watching your great movies.

Reptile (2023)

A very slick thriller good enough for a one-time viewing.

[10/10 · 7 October 2023]

Even though I'm not a huge Benedicto Del Toro fan, I respect his long contribution in the film industry. He was an actor who came into prominence in the 90's. His movies are a mix of high and low budget fare. I like two of his movies, namely, The Wolfman(2010) and Sicario(2015).

Back to this film. The plot concerns a man who finds his wife murdered in his house. He immediately phones the local police. Detective Tom Nichols(Benedicto Del Toro) investigates the case, but finds holes in the husband's story. He slowly uncovers a web of corruption. This then is the gist of the movie. I have seen many similar films: Serpico(1973), Mangnum Force(1973), Tango & Cash(1989), Eraser(1996), Cop Land(1997), Phoenix(1998), Training Day(2001) and so on. In my opinion the plot is all to familiar, but the overall acting and direction are the film's saving grace. The photography and background sound-effects were superb for me and enhanced the movie till the end.

I would recommend this movie to anyone fond of dark thrillers. Thanks for reading this review.

The Equalizer 3 (2023)

I still find the first one to be the best.

[5/10 · 4 October 2023]

I saw the first in 2014 and nine years later, hopefully, the conclusion to this trilogy. The main emphasis of these movies are crime and punishment. The Equalizer is like a person who punishes evil people who are beyond the reach of the law. There are so many movies like these that I will not even begin to recommend which ones for you to see. Denzel Washington is a great favorite actor of mine. I've seen countless films of his, some very good like Fallen(1998) and Deja Vu(2006). He has acted in diverse films spanning many genres. He is an actor that can make you smile or cry depending on the role he is portraying.

This movie is basically just an all out war between Denzel's character Robert McCall and the Mafia. So you would typically expect over-the-top violence and action. And this is where director Antione Fuqua excels. Training Day(2001) and Tears Of The Sun(2003) are two excellent movies of his.

Verdict: if you want to complete watching the trilogy then go ahead. However for me this is nothing but repetitious action and acting. If you've seen all the 80's action classics like First Blood(1982), Commando(1985), Raw Deal(1986), The Delta Force(1986), Die Hard(1988), Red Heat(1988) then give this one a skip.

Talk to Me (I) (2022)

Worst horror film I've ever seen. Stir Of Echoes(1999) is a much superior film than this.

[1/10 · 12 September 2023]

Trust me. I've watched more than four decades of diverse horror films. The genre is nothing new to me. This is a supernatural horror film about an embalmed hand that is further preserved by encasing it in a ceramic material.

Rumor has it that the hand belonged to a psychic and if you held on to the hand and uttered some key words it would make contact with you while you drifted into a trance. While in the trance like state, you would lose total control of your body.

This then is the horror element of the film. You try watching films like The Legend Of Hell House(1973), The Changeling(1980), Fear No Evil(1981), Poltergeist(1982) and you see how mediocre this genre has turned over the years...

Absolutely the worst casting I have ever seen. The film seems to me catered for a select audience and will not appeal to veteran horror buffs who grew up watching 70's, 80's and 90's horror classics.

Nothing to recommend here and also don't expect a gritty climax to a movie made on a shoe-string budget I hear.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

For me the 2007 movie TMNT is still the best I've seen.

[1/10 · 2 September 2023]

And of course Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987 that started it all. This movie uses a different animation technique that is off putting to me. No doubt it's an artsy technique more like washed out water-color style with color blending. But the frame rate is very slow with this style.

This movie is not for everyone. It's full of nostalgic jokes and tongue in cheek humor. The story of how the Turtles came to possess their powers is somewhat retold. Master Splinter looks goofy in this one and less disciplined. The characters of all the Turtles are parodies of the true original 1987 animated series. All the side characters also did not impress me. The sound-effects are more of the synthesizer type and here also the nostalgia prevails. They tried to give a 1980's vibe and failed.

Plot: After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers. Their new friend, April O'Neil, helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

Verdict: If you've seen the original 1987 animated series and all the subsequent live action movies(1990-1991-1993) then give this one a hard pass. Again if you've got time to waste then do watch this one.

The Boogeyman (I) (2023)

I'm going to be harsh. I give this one 0/10 but 1 is the lowest you can go on the ratings here. Sinister(2012) starring Ethan Hawke was a much superior film.

[1/10 · 2 September 2023]

There are a job lot of films titled "Boogeyman". Let me start with the Ulli Lommel film The Boogeyman 1980. Then there is Stephen King's short film The Boogeyman 1982 which is free to see on the internet. Then there is Boogeyman 2(1983) and The Return Of The Boogeyman(1994). Then lastly there is the Stephen Kay directed Boogeyman(2005) film that I'm fond of. Stephen Kay's Boogeyman spawned two sequels Boogeyman 2(2007) and Boogeyman 3(2008).

So now let's BOOGIE with The Boogeyman 2023 edition based on the Stephen King short story. Simply put: it's about a house with an ancient creature living in it that feeds on the life force of unsuspecting victims. It has to terrify and isolate its chosen victim before it finally attacks and feeds. The house it currently inhabits has a sordid history of bizarre disappearances. Enter a family of three: Father, teenage daughter and her small sister. Soon they will realize they are not alone in the house and that something malevolent is stalking them at every turn...

This then is the premise of the film. Again shoddy casting has ruined the film. The sound effects are above average. The C. G. I. Effects are decent and not overdone. The direction is questionable. The movie is plain boring and only picks up towards the ending as with most substandard horror films. For the director it was a wasted effort. Demons, ghosts and whatnot do not exist. They only exist in the deluded mind. Up to now conclusive proof of ghosts and spirit entities have not been proven. Hell, they haven't even proven the existence of God.

Verdict: not recommended for seasoned horror buffs. I'm fond of the 2005 version of the Boogeyman and Sinister(2012) as purely fantasy entertainment. I would recommend you start watching wholesome family entertainment like the TV sitcoms of the 80's: The Jeffersons, The Cosby Show, Different Strokes, Sanford And Son, Goodtimes, Webster, Silver Spoons, Small Wonder and many more. Wholesome family entertainment and refreshment for the mind and soul. There's British comedy like The Two Ronnies and Mind Your Language TV show that are also very good. If you like detective series then the Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes TV series and the Agatha Christie Poirot starring David Suchet is worthy entertainment. Also worth noting that some of these shows may be available to see for free online, so do check.

Thank you for reading this review and hope your lives are full of happiness and joy. Thank you once again.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)

Brings nothing new to the table(pun intended).

[3/10 · 1 September 2023]

The problem is that I've seen too many vampire movies in my time. Vampire 1979 being one of the most impressive performances by the late Richard Lynch, may he rest in peace. I have seen countless actors portray Dracula, from Bela Lugosi to Nicholas Cage. Some were excellent, some were not. Some movies were very good and some just passable watching. Some were science fiction hybrids like Lifeforce(1985), The Ghosts Of Mars(2001) and Dracula 3000(2004). Some were vampire comedies like My Best Friend Is A Vampire(1987), Vampire's Kiss(1988) and Dracula Dead And Loving It(1995 take my word for the most hilarious spoof on vampires). Some were action oriented like the Blade Trilogy(1998-2002-2004), Van Helsing(2004) and Ultraviolet(2006). Some were gothic style atmospheric horror movies like the Hammer Dracula films and Dracula 1977(TV), Nosferatu The Vampyre 1979 and Dracula 1979. Not to forget to mention the Dan Curtis Vampire movies and Dark Shadows TV Series.

So from start to finish it's been quite a ride watching these undead bloodsuckers do their stuff on screen. Back to this film. It is about a chapter of the Bram Stoker novel Dracula about the ship Demeter that is transporting the Count. To put it short, one chapter from the novel has been adapted into an entire film of just about two hours(1hour:58minutes:39seconds total running time including end credits). The vampire scenes are very good. If you're into creature features then you'll like this one. The director tried to do his best, offer us something new but for me ultimately he fails to do so. Vampire(1979) is available free to see online and much better entertainment than this. First of all the casting and acting quality in the film is substandard. The background music is also inadequate and at times it is lacking. This script should have been modified and made more intriguing. Because of the disastrous casting the film suffers. I found myself drawn to none of these actors. Because these days all people are interested in is their paycheck. They have no love for their profession. Before we had great actors like Laurance Olivier, Richard Burton, Peter Ustinov, Alec Guinness, John Gielgud, Michael Hordern. These were actors that had great knowledge of theatrical acting which is fast becoming a lost art. These were theater legends. You cannot jump into acting - you need to hone your profession in drama school for like 10-15 years perfecting your art. This means also ultimately the Hollywood casting profession has become a joke.

Back to the movie: it is a tragedy. The Demeter is a doomed ship. The title of the movie says it all. The atmosphere as always is dull and gloomy throughout and tries to maintain a gothic style as with the Bram Stoker novel. This proves to be its undoing. Here is the flaw: the script is tailored for actors with real theatrical talent. These current crop of actors cast in this film are clueless. Either a rush job has been done on this film or the director and cast have no real communication between them. And the most obvious fact is the usage of CGI to make the viewer be enthralled by all the horror and gore.

So I don't know how to recommend to you to see this film. If you've seen all the films I've mentioned above then give this film a hard pass. But if you have time to spare then watch it but you won't find anything new here.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Farewell Indiana Jones and enjoy your well deserved retirement.

[1/10 · 1 September 2023]

This is the last installment of the Indiana Jones franchise and it had to end somewhere. What better time than now because Harrison Ford has given us the best years of his life starring in blockbuster films and even carrying the entire film on his own shoulders due to his dynamic screen presence.

If you're a fan of his than this film: Frantic(1988) directed by the legendary Roman Polanski should be in your collection. Simply put Harrison Ford is just fantastic in this one. I think his second best performance should be The Fugitive(1993). I won't go into his other films, you can check them out yourselves but these two movies are special.

Let's go back to the 80's when my parents first took me to the drive-in cinema to watch a remarkable movie: Poltergiest(1982). From then onward I went on to see such great movies like E. T.(1982), Jaws(1975), The Empire Strikes Back(1980), Conan The Barbarian(1982), Highlander(1986) and so many more... The visit to the cinema was the high-point of my life. I have seen some great movies on the big screen and some classic American B-movies meant for overseas success. I have seen more than four decades of American cinema. And now I'm witnessing the end of it. Hollywood has become the stuff of jokes. It's just a byword now. There are no talented actors like Burt Lancaster, Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Paul Newman, Lee Marvin, James Coburn, Richard Burton, Charles Bronson, Charlton Heston, Gary Cooper, Lee Van Cleef, Jack Palance and many more legends. These were "REAL ACTORS" who were dependable and could carry entire films on their own. Nowadays the actors Hollywood churns out are no better than watching paint dry.

So watch movies from the 30's to the end of the 80's. Great TV shows as well during that era: Sanford And Son, The Jeffersons, Goodtimes, Different Strokes, Silver Spoons, Webster and many more... Also great action TV shows like The A Team, Knight Rider, Street Hawk, Airwolf, Macgyver, V(1983-1984 TV series starring Marc Singer and Jane Badler).

So lets end it up by reviewing Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiniy. As with most Indiana Jones movies except Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom, the plot device is almost always an "artifact". And these artifacts always hold some great power and are sought after by evil men and their henchmen. This one deals with an Antikythera mechanism, designed by Archimedes himself, which reveals time fissures allowing for possible time travel. Hitler's Nazis are looking for the artifact in order for them to rule the world. However as you have guessed it, they didn't count on Indiana Jones to foil them at every step.

Verdict: the movie is 2hrs34mins start to end credits. You will find your mind drifting on to other matters while watching this garbage. I wasted my time on this. Only loyal fans of the franchise should take this as a closure. The movie is heavily CGI(computer generated imagery) and this is the downfall of many movies these days. People are genuinely sick of overuse of this technology. You will find one day entire movies created by artificial CGI effects and all the actors simulated. The photography and sound effects are decent. The script is "BORING". Harrison Ford is not the actor he was years ago. I'm sure that he did this only for the fans and to put an end to Indiana Jones wanderings. And of course he was "PAID" for this last role.

Enjoy your well deserved rest Indy.

Mob Land (2023)

Masterpiece dark thriller in the same vein as No Country For Old Men(2007).

[10/10 · 27 August 2023]

I enjoyed this one. Actors John Travolta(Face/Off 1997), Stephen Dorff(Blade 1998) and Kevin Dillon(The Blob 1988) are favorites of mine. Also Shiloh Fernandez(Dead Girl 2008) gives a powerful performance.

So all these great actors in combination make this film work. This is a no-nonsense dark and bleak thriller and one that kept me engrossed till the very end.

The plot is about two brothers(Kevin Dillon and Shiloh Fernandez) who rob a local pill mill run by the mob. After the incident the mob send an enforcer(Stephen Dorff) to recover the stolen goods. Added to the mix is the local Sherrif(John Travolta) who has demons of his own.

Verdict: engrossed from start to finish. Nicholas Maggio who made his directorial debut, also wrote the script. From his first effort I see that he is an A-grade director. He will only continue to impress.

More dark thrillers to see: Coma(1978), Jagged Edge(1985), Frantic(1988), The Ambulance(1990), Desperate Measures(1998).

Thank you for reading this review.