The five minute opening bridge sequence of this film may be one of the most realistic and overwhelmingly exciting in motion picture history. And that is only the start. With electric intensity the suspense continues to build and the horror eventually reaches an unendurable climax. Unmatched special effects work and cinematography of Oscar caliber will have the individual viewer fighting for breath as an outstandingly written script goes for the jugular. Beautifully and skillfully directed with an exciting cast of young actors you will be seeing much more of in the future, this is not only the best entry in this franchise. It is also a truly magnificent motion picture of incredible proportions on its own and could hardly be more highly praised.
Reviews
108 Reviews
Red State
(2011)
A Powerfully Magnificent Film
20 January 2015
There is no doubt that this is the most superbly directed, excellently written, and stunning film of the year and deserved every single accolade it received. Smith is an imaginative, insightful, and supremely talented director and this is his best work so far. What is most amazing about what he does with this motion picture is that he gets the most powerful performances from his cast than they have given in years. Goodman and Parks especially shine in their respective roles and are absolutely incredible. Neither has never been better. The imagery Smith offers the audience can never be forgotten and will haunt viewers for decades. Red State is one of those rare motion pictures that win awards because they actually deserve them and not because of Hollywood hype.
The Philadelphia Experiment
(2012 TV Movie)
Well Done Indeed!
20 January 2015
Take one of the better science fiction films of the the past, add an even more intelligent script, superb direction, and excellent production values and you have this stunning remake of the 1984 Philadelphia Experiment. The cast includes some of the best actors of our time doing work that is nothing less than breathtaking. The combination of star power, great special effects, fabulous twists on the original plot, and the backing of Syfy results in a sure-fire hit that should receive a much higher rating than it does here. Fans of the original will welcome this production and the inclusion of familiar faces from the 1984 classic. This is science fiction as it is meant to be: smart, well produced, and with a cast that is undeniably one of the finest assembled for any film project.
Black Cadillac
(2003)
Exceptional Film Production
17 January 2015
Superb direction, screenplay, and stunning production values make for one of the finest horror/car chase films ever recorded on celluloid. It doesn't hurt that the actors are uniformly outstanding in their respective roles with Randy Quaid giving what may well be the performance of his distinguished career. He dominates and mesmerizes in every scene in which he appears, offering gravitas and incredible power to this stunning motion picture. The twist and turns in the plot can never be anticipated and the screen seems to burst into flames of excitement as each second passes. Overwhelming in its intensity and with a screenplay that never fails to shock, this is definitely not a movie for the faint of heart.
Angels & Demons
(2009)
A Powerfully Magnificent Film
17 January 2015
This is certainly the best work of director Ron Howard and actor Tom Hanks so far. Both the acting and direction are nothing less than superb and the script blows the lid metaphorically off Vatican political intrigue. The suspense is absolutely unrelenting and the backdrop of Rome is used in the same way Hitchcock utilized locations. The film is intelligent as well, with brilliant dialog and incredibly insightful plotting. For all viewers this will be a motion picture they will never forget and the fact it was snubbed at the Academy Awards is additional proof of their irrelevancy. This is a simply magnificent motion picture that deserved more acclaim and awards than it received as Hanks and Howard demonstrated what genius truly is and the cinema art form has never been more clearly shown.
The Ultimate, Authority of a Documentary Covering the Entire Genre
13 January 2015
Superbly researched, beautifully edited, expertly written, and a tremendous tribute to the horror genre unlike anything ever produced before. The overwhelming facts, clips, trivia, and expert commentary who were part of making these films flood the screen. It is a documentary not to missed by anyone interested in the genre as well as a any student of cinema. The artistry of these motion pictures will shock viewers and anyone who sees it will come away with a true appreciation of the writers, producers, directors, and actors who made this unique form of cinematic expression possible. A true American art, the genius, the imagination, and the ultimate beauty of these films have finally been given monument they deserve.
Feast
(2005)
A Veteran Actor Excels Under the Direction of His Son
7 January 2015
Mr. Clu Culager, one of the most gifted and underrated actors of the screen, delivers an absolutely stunning performance under the direction of his director-son, John. The teaming of these two talents results in a very inspired, unique horror film, in which Clu Culager does some of his best work. The story is overwhelming in its intensity and the suspense starts from the first shots of the motion picture and never lets up for even a second. Culager has described the creative process of acting as painful and it is no wonder when you put your heart and soul and all you are into a role as he does in this piece. John Culager certainly demonstrates through his direction that incredible talent runs in the family and there is an obvious mutual respect between father and son that breathes fire into one of the finest horror films to be produced in many years. The standard Clu Culager set at the beginning of his career and which he has demonstrated as of the highest caliber in role after role has not faded with time, in fact growing even more superb in essence as the years pass.
Paintball
(2009)
A Superb Genre Film
6 January 2015
Excellent direction, imaginative writing, and truly superb acting by a cast of relative unknowns make for one of the best films of this type to be seen in quite some time. The story is stunning and easy to believe, with the respective actors giving performances that may well be those of a lifetime. The director keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with suspense and never lets up, bringing realism as well and fantasy elements to his work. It is odd how overlooked this motion picture was in the year it was released but it is now there on video for those looking for a film of imagination, incredible tension, and totally unique. The performance of these actors are not to be missed and the director is someone to expect great things from in the future. A rare gem that deserves cult status.
Headspace
(2005)
Excellent All Around
6 January 2015
The finest performance Sean Young has given since Blade Runner highlights this truly amazing film and showcases some of her best work. The script is superb, the direction like lightning, and the suspense unrelenting. Young sets the tone for the entire film in the first few minutes and they are minutes no one who sees them will ever forget. Young is nothing less than dynamite and unfortunately the rest of the movie suffers a bit. However, an overall outstanding cast, a director working with a screenplay of unique eloquence and imagination all come together to make for one of the finest horror films of all time. An underrated masterpiece that deserved far more recognition.
Absentia
(I) (2011)
Standout Performances by the Lead Actors
4 January 2015
Katie Parker and Courtney Bell give what may well be the most powerful performances of their respective careers in this humble horror film. While the film itself is not without flaws and the writing is a bit weak, the two female stars are unforgettable, leaving appreciative audiences absolutely stunned by the realism and dramatic electricity they bring to their work. They are truly remarkable and they are fantastic in every scene in which they appear. And one or the other is in every scene, making this motion picture uniquely theirs and a showcase for greater things to come. For no other reason than Parker and Bell, this is certainly must see cinema in order to witness such talents on the silver screen.
White House Down
(2013)
James Woods Is Tremendous!
3 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
James Woods gives what is nothing less than the performance of a lifetime and proves once again that he is one of the great actors of his generation. While the film itself is deeply flawed, badly written, directed, and acted (particularly by Foxx), Woods dominates every scene in which he appears and sets the screen afire with each appearance. He is the central part of this film, its heart and soul, and it is he who is the true star of the motion picture. Sadly, the story is ridiculous but Woods makes the audience believe what is taking place is indeed possible with the power and skill of a veteran actor of magnificent stature. His resume speaks for itself and he deserved an Oscar nomination for this, if not the very statue itself. Anyone who sees his incredible work in White House Down will never forget it and will have the image of a true artist at work forever seared into their psyche for all time.
Stunning Performance by James Urbaniak
8 November 2014
In an episode that will both shock and delight, James Urbaniak gives the performance of a lifetime. He creates a character you will never forget and dominates every scene in which he appears. It is pure magic to watch him work and with the support of the rest of the excellent cast, it is something that was an Emmy worthy guest appearance. Never has a villain been more creepy, insidious, and frightening in the Criminal Intent series. The smile he creates for this character will make your skin crawl. The final scenes are riveting and should be part of any history of episodic television. Even Eames and Goren seem absolutely repulsed by this man. The victims of his perversion also give fine performances as he and his partner's sad victims. Do not miss this very special episode. The work of James Urbaniak will haunt you for all time.
Murdoch Mysteries
(2008– )
Excellent Historical Mystery Series With Fresh Setting & Characters
3 November 2014
Superbly written, this imaginatively realized series features a wonderful cast of characters and unique stories that are finely acted. Yannick Bisson is perfect as Murdoch and Thomas Craig is exceptional as his commanding officer at Police Station 4, Toronto. With a change of scenery, the Victorian time setting, and far above average direction, this is a show for those looking for something new and unusual in the mystery vein. Some may nitpick minor historical inaccuracies but to American viewers this is a vision of Canada we may know little about. The characters are realistic and brought to life with great skill in scenarios that often have them meeting well-known figures from the time period. At times there is a tendency to incorporate modern sensibilities but overall the attitudes of the characters reflect the era. Especially refreshing is Murdoch's sensitivity and devout faith. This is not often depicted in any character on television and it is something that defines him in a unique way. While a big part of who he is, there is no attempt to indoctrinate the viewer, only to show a significant aspect of what makes Murdoch the man he is. He also questions his faith and struggles with it, making him an even more realistic person. Most of all, this is a very entertaining program and that has much to offer the discerning viewer. It is indeed a little gem from Canada that should not be overlooked or dismissed for minor flaws but enjoyed for the great pleasure it is.
Birdsong
(2012)
A Superb Novel Ruined by the Casting of Eddie Redmayne
28 August 2014
Single handedly, the "actor" Eddie Redmayne destroyed a so-so adaptation of a wonderful novel by giving a wooden, stiff, and even gross performance. He must be the most repellent "leading man" in the history of film. Of course, the script, direction, and ridiculous set design gave him a big boost in turning this into incredible junk, but it was Redmayne who was so completely unsuited to his role and who caused many to turn away in disgust with his fish-like kisses during the love scenes. These were crucial to the story and he made them repulsive beyond all comprehension. The rest of the cast was good but they were up against a brick wall with Redmayne. Of all the actors available in the UK, excellent actors with charisma and a bit of sex appeal, why was this weird, sexless person cast in the pivotal role? If the creative team behind this disaster set out to make a film that would be a complete failure, they couldn't have succeeded much more effectively. It isn't simply bad, it's terrible, and they had to do this to one of the most popular and moving novels ever published in Great Britain. Couldn't they find something less important to stick this lackluster and stomach turning "star" in?
Under the Dome
(2013–2015)
Fine Science Fiction With A Delightful Cast of Newcomers
27 August 2014
Featuring an impressively delightful cast of newcomers and some familiar faces as well, Under the Dome is one of the truly excellent television science fiction dramas in the history of the medium. It is also the single best adaptation of any Stephen King book. With a superb cast, especially with the addition of Dwight Yoakam and Sherry Stringfield, each episode features some stunning performances from both veterans and young actors alike. The writing is the most inspired being featured currently on series TV and each script is absolutely enthralling, exciting, and highly intelligent. The special effects are beyond those routinely produced on television science fiction and are deserving of the description "special" since they are in many cases much superior than motion picture productions. Technically, dramatically, and creatively, this is riveting television indeed and it was quite satisfying when the proposed one season mini-series was expanded to an open-ended series. When television is this darn good, you just want it to never end. It was very disappointing that this past Emmy awards did not include any awards recognizing this great series and, if fact, not even a single nomination. When something of this quality is overlooked, it is nothing less than an outrage! If the third season is anything like the second, the creative team behind the program will once again outdo themselves as the story of Chester Mill continues to unfold and we become even more involved with the finely etched characters who live there.
Titanic II
(2010 Video)
Outstanding Entry to the Titanic Filmography
22 August 2014
Not being familiar with the work of Shane Van Dyke, I was stunned to see that he both brilliantly directed this film while giving a superb lead performance of power and sensitivity. Quite a feat when directing a large cast in a special effects extravaganza. Working from an intriguing concept and a very strong script, Van Dyke gives Cameron's version of Titanic a run for the money with ground breaking creative choices that make the very most of the resources at his disposal. His camera work is magnificent and it is clear he has studied many of the past great cinema masters. However, his style is creatively unique and all his own, even if inspired by the best in film history. With incredible excitement and overwhelming emotion, this is an outstanding story of man against the elements, the sea, and his own hubris. A strong supporting cast does truly fine work in depicting how ordinary people face possible catastrophe and rise to the occasion heroically in many instances. The final scenes are some of the most spectacular in the film and filled with heartbreak, sacrifice, and overwhelming human courage. This motion picture is certainly required viewing for anyone with a popular or scholarly interest in the grand but tragic tale of the original Titanic in 1912. The differences in what happens with the Titanic II are technologically, historically, and dramatically satisfying indeed. Shane Van Dyke is a name to remember and a creative auteur of untamed vision and his next work is one that will be highly anticipated by anyone devoted to cinema.
The Hand
(1981)
Michael Caine is Superb
20 August 2014
A towering, powerhouse performance by Michael Caine brings life to Oliver Stone's horrifically bad film, The Hand. Caine receives an unreserved and enthusiastic ten stars while the film itself is a one star bomb. Caine brings a gravitas to the movie that overwhelms the ludicrousness of it all and his is a performance that clearly depicts his stunning gifts and ability to bring depth and meaning to any project and role. He only surpasses his work here in The Island, one of the very worst films ever made and still one worth watching for Caine's magnificent skill at raising the worst directors' work to a level of some acceptability, if not art (recalling The Island is painful and was one of the worst cinema experiences of my life although Caine gave it all he had.) The Hand is just terrible and the story and direction both fail miserably. From start to finish, one wonders how anyone could believe this would make a fine film. The sole redeeming feature of the motion picture fiasco known as The Hand is that Michael Caine is such a truly superb actor that he single handedly pulls this stinking mess from the sewer of bungled films and brilliantly distracts viewers with his excellent work so they are not completely embarrassed to find themselves watching total trash.
Evil Roy Slade
(1972 TV Movie)
One of the Funniest Western Comedies Ever Made
19 August 2014
While this is a made-for-TV movie, it is nothing less than one of the greatest Western comedies ever produced for any medium, and perhaps one of the funniest movies of any genre. John Astin gives the performance of a lifetime and demonstrates clearly that he is much, much more than Gomez Addams. He is absolutely brilliant in this role and Dick Shawn is superb in a comic gem of a part. The supporting cast of well-known talents are hilarious in their respective roles as well. The script is intelligent yet has its share of slapstick humor that works magnificently. The dialog is laugh-out-loud funny and the sight gags are so well done that you will never forget them. The humor never lets up and there is never a down moment in this high energy take-off on westerns and even television. Evil Roy Slade is an example of what a great creative team is capable of producing for television, the very definition of side-splitting comedy, and an accomplishment that all involved should be proud of. One must return again to the wonderful performance of John Astin, an actor who did stunning dramatic work on the television series Insight and was a comic delight on "I'm Dickens, He's Fenster." He should have been given roles more deserving of his talent on a regular basis, but what he has done over the course of his career is amazing and in each part he's played, his gifts as an actor have shined brightly. Without him, Evil Roy Slade would not be the brilliant comedy film it is.
Shining Through
(1992)
A Sweeping Romantic Thriller Set During the Darkest Hours in History
18 August 2014
Melanie Griffith gives the performance of a lifetime in this majestic film, putting to bed the idea that "they don't make them like they used to." While technologically superior, Shining Through is similar to the motion pictures they made in the 1930's, with style, lavishness, and true star power. The tension is overwhelming throughout but it is the closing scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat. However, the characterizations are superb and as the thrills build one upon the other until that shattering climax, you feel you know all these people intimately and have a stake in their ultimate fate. The director does a magnificent job, working from a script that ranks with one of the greatest ever adaptations produced in Hollywood. The epic scope, realism, and stunning chemistry between Michael Douglas and the lovely Melanie Griffith lights up the screen. In fact, this is Hollywood at its finest, with the creative artists doing outstanding work, cinematography that is blinding in its beauty, and the overall recreation of time and place leaving one with a true sense of historical truth. Certainly an artistic triumph, the thrilling set piece scenes are incorporated with the drama perfectly and the romance is an integral part of the story. The gravitas of the era, when Nazi evil challenged the very foundations of Western Civilization, is treated with respect and reflects the courageous actions of those who opposed that evil in a way that makes this motion picture a fitting tribute to all who risked their lives to preserve human decency and civilization from the bloody clutches of the Reich's monstrous savagery. This a story that demanded to be told and the framing device of the veteran spies on a television talk show is emotionally overwhelming and deeply moving. A truly magnificent motion picture, intimately powerful and yet tremendous in historical scope, it will leave you breathless.
Gosford Park
(2001)
Magnificent
12 August 2014
A fantastic cast under the superb direction of Robert Altman is absolutely wondrous in this great film. With a standout performance of unequaled simmering sexuality by Emily Watson, this is a incredible look into a bygone era and a clash between both cultures and classes. The script deserved the Oscar it won and certainly the ensemble award from SAG can not be argued with. However, Emily Watson should have received an Oscar nomination for setting the screen on fire once again with a performance that proves what a truly gifted actor she is. The way she captures the flesh and blood of her character is astonishing and as an example of some of her earlier work, it shows prophetically the path of greatness she has followed throughout her cinema career. As a supporting player or the lead, Watson never fails to give a performance that leaves audiences stunned by her talent.
Mad TV
(1995–2016)
Abominable On Every Level and Ultimately Unforgivable
12 August 2014
An uninspired and creatively disastrous sketch comedy program that should have been canceled following its first horrendous season. Obviously an attempt to counter the superb Saturday Night Live, MADtv lacked on-screen talent of any consequence and writing that was hardly worthy of broadcast, even on this amateur level show. With uniformly unfunny cast members and humor that was rarely comprehensible in addition to being unlaughable, the title seemingly had nothing to do with the brilliant MAD Magazine. This has to rank as one of the worst television programs in the history of the medium and it is almost impossible to recall anyone who went on from this debacle to do anything of consequence. Oblivion was the fate of nearly all participants and the writers most likely took up another line of work after MADtv limped to an unnoticed, decade overdue cancellation. All involved should be embarrassed by their participation and if they somehow remain active in the industry, must leave this abominable trash off their resumes and live in constant fear of being discovered as once being responsible for such horror. MAD Magazine did serious damage to its prestige by associating itself with something like this and it will take many years for the wounds inflicted upon the astonishing literary satire that was MAD, the beloved and much acclaimed magazine, to at last heal. Unfortunately, that nightmare association, so unneeded, so ugly, and so mercenary, may never be forgiven until several generations have passed and such painful memories fade into the mists of time. Two stars are granted here in honor of the excellent skilled technicians who labored untiringly and offered a magnificent effort to make this so-called "show" watchable in spite of the abysmal final product that so relentlessly violated our television screens.
Parts Per Billion
(2014)
An Utter Failure
5 August 2014
An apocalyptic film in which there is never a payoff. No "event" ever takes place and certainly isn't depicted. It is completely inexplicable. Where are the huge waves and destruction of the Statue of Liberty? Where are the nuclear blasts and shock waves? No flaming comet is shown approaching earth or rampaging contagion depicted spreading across globe. While the movie is well acted, it is a bitter disappointment. There is no complete breakdown in the power grid, mobs of zombies, or any of the plethora of apocalyptic scenarios available to the film makers. It makes no sense at all and three stars are awarded simply because the acting is good. If there had been some suggestion that another planet had been discovered and only a short time was left until that earth would be obliterated by it, then it would worthy of a much better rating.
Belle
(2013)
Good Film Highlighted By A Stunning Emily Watson Performance
4 August 2014
This is a good historical film, well directed, and with a quite excellent screenplay. It captures the time period superbly with outstanding sets, costumes, and photography. Tom Wilkinson does his usual strong work and Emily Watson is absolutely wonderful as his wife. Watson is like a streak of lightning across a summer sky and ignites the screen with her subtle majesty. It is not unusual for this magnificently gifted actress to enhance a motion picture experience with her presence simply because she is the greatest actor of our time. The rest of the cast does fair work and brings to life some very interesting characters. The story is fascinating at times and is an interesting glimpse into a society and its history. However, it is the electric performance of Emily Watson that captures our attention and holds it throughout. Even in supporting roles, Ms. Watson is nothing less than superb and she emerges from the weakest films triumphant. It is no accident that such a fine actor as Tom Wilkinson is again teamed with her as he must realize that her overwhelming talent will elevate any film and challenge him to do his own best work, with results that will garner wide acclaim.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
(2014)
Intellectually Stimulating Zweig Cinema Magic
4 August 2014
A visionary director of obvious intelligence has taken a screenplay of gold in hand and created a stunning, literate, lovely motion picture for those of us who seek the intellectually stimulating in cinema choices. When it was announced that the wonderful author Stefan Zweig was the inspiration for this film, we were incredulous but tantalized. Upon experiencing this beautiful motion picture, we were speechless. It was thrilling to see Zweig's spirit embraced, alive on the screen and permeating celluloid. Superbly directed by Anderson with characters brought to life by a cast of great actors, especially Ralph Fiennes and F. Murray Abraham ( a delight to see Abraham indeed!), the proceedings are amazingly Stefan Zweig cinematically realized at times. The wit, the quirkiness, the satire is all there, yet the dark cloud of future totalitarianism casts a shadow across laughing faces as a portent of things to come. The tragic cataclysm of fascism in 1930's Europe is seldom far from our thoughts as we watch the incredibly photographed, fairytale landscapes before us. This is simply a wondrously made movie, set in a mythical country that is virtually Oz-like in appearance. The humor is broad and almost slapstick in sequences but there is something much darker beneath all of it and a certain overall uneasiness experienced by audiences. Without doubt one of the very, very few films of the last decade that truly deserves our unreserved acclaim. It is certainly director Anderson's most accomplished and meaningful work and our admiration for him is now quite intense, to be sure. He has honored Stefan Zweig most appropriately and deliciously, surely inspiring a renewed appreciation and even rediscovery of Zweig and that is the real triumph of this quite intellectual piece of cinema magic.
Homicide: Life on the Street
(1993–1999)
One of the Finest Network Television Programs Except For One, Single Awful Season
3 August 2014
This is a superb television show and one of the most memorable ever presented by a network. Intelligent, fascinating, and powerful, Homicide had characters of substance portrayed by some of the best actors to ever work in the medium. The writing is stellar and many of the episodes are literally unforgettable. Episodes such as the subway one with guest actor Vincent D'Noffrio (forgive my spelling of the actors' names in this review) and another titled All Is Bright with Kathryn Erbe as an AIDS victim (before their Criminal Intent success) are deeply moving and beautifully done. With the exception of one season, when abominably untalented and intensely unlikeable actress Michael "I got my gun took!" Michelle almost single handedly sank the program with performances so horrible they were beyond comprehension, the high level of quality was maintained for the entire run of the series. For all involved with this show, this was a remarkable accomplishment and their work (with the exception of Michelle and her irritating, bizarre, and invasive "contribution", one which I feared would be repeated when she appeared in two episodes of House. Fortunately, House fired her for being stupid and inept, a judgment that surely could be applied to her acting abilities, and something that caused millions of viewers to cheer jubilantly in relief until their throats were raw) represents the finest television has ever presented. One star is deducted from what should be a ten star rating due to the catastrophic decision to inflict Michelle upon loyal viewers and turn an entire season into garbage by giving her character an unforgivable amount of screen time with a plot about her being beaten up and relieved of her gun. It was painful to watch something so badly done and such truly terrible acting. What were they thinking? She was nice to look at but even her personality was repellent. No one had ever heard of her before and little is seen of her since but tragically, her unrealistic image as a whining, wailing detective is burned into memories because nothing so horrifically awful had ever been part of such an excellent program before. When she suddenly showed up on the superb series, House, viewers felt their blood run cold and stomachs turn as she threatened to curse another fantastic show with her presence, as short lived as her presence was after an unprecedented outcry from viewers alerted creative forces to the senseless and potentially disastrous mistake made! It is a blessing that since she is older, her looks can not get her many roles and those she gets are on programs no one watches, so when she destroys them no one really notices. However, that one star must be deducted for the reason her casting was so egregious an error that it can never be forgiven and will remain one of the most inexplicable and downright brainless creative choices in television history. If the producers wanted an African American female as part of the detective force, many great actresses were overlooked, talented women who would have made a very positive addition to the series and deserved the role. A dozen come to mind, yet the beauty of Michelle seem to have blinded the producers to her complete and utter lack of talent and the terrifically negative impact her casting would make. It is sad to think of all the truly gifted black actresses turned away in favor of someone who is more a vapid model than an actual actor with any skill at all. Otherwise, those nine stars are well deserved indeed.
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