Phillip_Tomasso Reviews

Haunt (I) (2019)

Solid Straight Forward Horror Movie

[7/10 · 9 October 2023]

Minimal build-up. Movie gets right to the point. Creepy clowns. A maze of a haunted house for Halloween lovers to try and get through ... Creative kills, inventive traps ... pretty much intense from start to finish.

This is a perfect flick to kick off October. Looking for something to watch with the lights on, I recommend HAUNT.

I did not recognize any of the actors. Kind of the first slasher film cast, because I can see the main female and lead roles step up the career after this.

One reason I picked it was because of the director (Roth) and the fact it was by the same writers of A Quier Place.

Hypnotic (2023)

Very INCEPTION- like. Good Film! Plenty of twists

[7/10 · 10 September 2023]

This is a bit of an over-the-top scifi-thriller. However ...

Determined to find his missing daughter, Detective Danny Rourke (Affleck) finds himself spiraling down a rabbit hole while investigating a series of reality-bending crimes. Aided by Diana Cruz (Braga), a gifted psychic, Rourke simultaneously pursues and is pursued by a lethal specter (Fichtner), the one man he believes holds the key to finding the girl.

Plenty of action, intriguing storyline. Trippy - with Plenty of twists!

Biggest issue is the constant explaining of what is going on. Over and over. It is like - ah, yeah. I am not dimwitted.

Ben Affleck. Alice Braga. William Fichtner.

#Peacock.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

A Perfect Addition to the Franchise!

[9/10 · 3 July 2023]

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

A non-spoiler review.

This was something of an emotional ride. We see an elderly Henry Jones, Jr. His life has taken turns that leave him feeling old, obsolete, and alone.

The first several scenes, aside from the opening sequence will hit hard with the aging Indy audience. It is what happens. Our relevance diminishes, our place becomes less secure and obvious.

That theme is visible throughout. The horse vs the motorcycle. Times change. Moves forward. We can't keep up. We can't always matter.

The story is great. The characters are wonderful. The action is intense and crazy. Naturally, the suspension of reality and believability are necessary-- but that is the point of any movie.

The ending is heart ringing. The sad, the lonely, the obsolete rings again. Until we are given just a flash of something more, something poignant...

I loved every second of this adventure. Money vs family. Preservation vs profit.

Hands down, a perfect -- perfect -- addition to the franchise. A fun, but passionate and fitting potential "end" of Henry Jones, Jr's reign.

Damn. I already want to see it again!

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

A 4 Star Review Only Because I Couldn't Finish It

[4/10 · 12 May 2023]

I have tried 3 times to watch this movie. Each time I became easily distracted. I would pull out my phone. Go to the bathroom. Nod off.

I just found it overwhelmingly boring. I mean, it didn't hold my interest at all. I often judge a film by whether I pull out my phone or not. (This is at home. Not in a theater. Had I saw this in a theater I would have been FORCED to finish it, or take a nap).

I kept giving it a try, because 1) I watch all things Marvel, and 2) The first one is one of my favorite Marvel films. I will never forget how exciting the first film was! Edge of your seat kind of film.

I may try a 4th time, but I doubt it.

Dashcam (I) (2021)

LOVE the Main Character!

[8/10 · 19 October 2022]

See a lot of (left) reviews hating on the film because of the main character. I loved her. Was she a bit annoying? Yes. She was meant to be. She carried the movie. Her constant chatter was well done. (Also she was right on with her points and stance. She said it like it was). Awesomeness...

While not found footage exactly, I enjoyed the Live Stream POV, and the scares were fun.

Amar Chadha-Patel gave a fun performance, as well. And I do seem to like Rib Savage's work.

Basic premise is the start of the pandemic. A woman from the US meets up with her old friend from England. They were in a band together. They got trapped in an all night ... excursion when the woman agrees to give an old woman a ride ...

Not a Great movie, but definitely a worth-the-watch film.

Senior Year (2022)

Now vs Then

[7/10 · 13 June 2022]

I think the reason Rebel Wilson 's SENIOR YEAR is so funny is because it pits today's teens (society) against the early 90's teens (society).

The comedy openly calls out all the illogical ways things have changed.

Not the funniest film, but it made me laugh quite a few times.

The Wheel of Time (2021– )

Absolutely Loving The New Series

[10/10 · 23 November 2021]

I watched and re-watched the first three episodes. I am also now reading the book.

I understand what adaptation means. I am not expecting the two media platforms to be identical.

I like the cast, the pacing and the cinematography. I cannot wait to see where it leads in this first season, and hope there will be more.

I love fantasy shows (Shannara Chronicles, Letter to the King, Shadow and Bone, Legend of the Seeker ...)

This is great. Amazon has the right approach. And by releasing an episode each week they will increase the tension the way HBO did with GOT. Get everyone talking week after week!

Phillip Tomasso Author of Wizard's Rise.

The Tomorrow Man (2019)

Filmed in my city!

[6/10 · 15 January 2021]

The movie stars John Lithgow and Blythe Danner. The reason I wanted to watch and discuss this movie is simple. Back in 2017 I was driving down Spencerport Road, and I passed a small grocery store. The Gates BigM. The parking lot was roped off. An old baby blue pick up truck, and a tiny sedan were parked side by side near the main road.

That wasn't the interesting part. The interesting thing was the movie camera on wheels following actor, John Lithgow from the truck up to the store's entrance - and the group of people wearing headsets behind the man filming the scene.

I pulled into the Tim Horton's across the street and watched some of this movie being filmed. Turns out John Lithgow -- who has won Tony's, Emmy's, Golden Globes, and Screen Actor Guild awards -- was born in Rochester, NY. Where I live. Where the Gates' Big M is located. Other local locations were also shot in the Rochester area, including a booth scene in Rorhbachs on Buffalo Road. It's hard not to get a little more excited, and feel a certain sense of pride when a motion picture is filmed in your old neighborhood.

With both a degree from Princeton, and Harvard, John Lithgow has made quite a name for himself, and over the decades has had quite the acting career.

Co-starring with John Lithgow is the still lovely, Blythe Danner, who is currently 77 years old. This actress has always reminded me of my Aunt Maryjean - on my mother's side. Same mannerisms and general appearance. If you knew my aunt, you would agree. And if you don't, you are just going to have to take my word on it.

Danner began her acting career fifty years ago, in 1970 - the year I was born. She was nominated for Best Supporting actress in a comedy for her role in Meet the Parents with Ben Stiller, as well as receiving nominations for The Last Kiss with Casey Affleck, and for Best Actress in I Will See You In My Dreams with Martin Starr and Sam Elliot.

Ok. The Tomorrow Man, at 94 minutes, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2019 and had a limited US release in May that same year. The movie brought in 350K at the box office, but kind of got dismissed as medicore on IMdB (the independent movie database), and less than mediocre on Rotten Tomatoes.

The romantic drama was both written and directed by debut writer and director Noble Jones. The tag line for the film says it all. It reads: Ed spends his life preparing for a disaster that may never come, Ronnie spends her life shopping for things she may never use. The two will try to find love.

It is a perfectly laid out - opposites attract - idea that gets kind of marred by Lithgow's character Ed Hemsler. I believe Lithgow did the best he could with the script he was given. The issue comes from the idea that Ed is a 75 year old who behaves like a cross between Sheldon from Big Bang Theory and Raymond Babbitt from Rain Man.

Somewhat infatuated with Ronnie, Ed more or less follows her while she is shopping, and to where she works. He begins awkward conversations and eventually asks her out on a date. As a Doomsday Prepper, he is positive Ronnie feels the same way. He has carefully watched her buying items at the Big M, always paying with cash -- yes, he is convinced she is on the same page he is on when it comes to preparing for the end of the world (and the inevitable apocalypse in between).

Ronnie's past, and her shopping habits are not tied to Doomsday Prepping at all. She is worried once Ed sees the way she lives her life, the two will have nothing left together.

Ed has his secrets, secrets he kept from his son but worries about sharing with Ronnie. The last thing he wants is for her to think he is crazy.

As the two explore the truths behind each other's pasts, they increase the chance of growth as an aged couple still anxious to find true love and potential happiness.

There is a most awkward and amusing sex scene that has little to do with the characters, and everything to do with the setting and place. And one of the worst scenes takes place while they are driving in that beautiful vintage baby Blue Ford -- and Ed wants to confess his true feelings (Here is where Sheldon and Raymond possess the body of John Lithgow as he pulls to the curb and goes running off into the fields).

Despite that breakdown, and some of the over-the-top dialogue, I found myself enjoying the building of the quirky and unusual romance. Like I said, I judge a movie by the time spent playing on my phone while watching the picture.

I did not play with my phone at all. With that being said, I also agree with 5.7 out of 10 Stars found on IMdB. It is a fair rating for a mid-list film. You may not love it, but I don't think viewers will hate it, either.

I'm Phil Tomasso, and this has been a Rewind Movie Review.

I hope you stop back often, subscribe, bookmark, and tell your friends - if they want in-depth, honest information on a film, there is only one place to get it.

Pledge (2018)

Revenge of the Nerds meets Friday the 13th

[8/10 · 10 January 2021]

"Few Get In. None Get Out."

This movie is like what might happen if Revenge of the Nerds met Friday the 13th. It is Pledge-Week on a college campus. Three friends make their way from one fraternity to the next, certain they will get into one of the Greek frats.What they learn, instead, is that they are annoying, and creepy, and that the people at the houses they visit would rather make fun of them rather than let them pledge.

When a stunningly beautiful young woman invites them to a party, they decide to go. They have more than exhausted the campus opportunities. In a tucked away mansion, the three find themselves in the center of an amazing party. They are surrounded by loud music, hot chicks, and the group of guys running the house have taken a special liking in the trio.

When they come back the next day, they learn they are only 10 members ever in the "club," the three of them are the only pledges being considered. And then ... the hazing begins. The nightmare begins.

Trapped inside the mansion tucked in the middle of nowhere, the three friends realize their dream of joining a fraternity, of acceptance, inclusion -- are rocked to the core as the hazing turns to torture, One problem with escape. There is no way out . . . very little chance of getting away.

For a low budget horror film, the cinematography is top notch. Every single one of the actors does a great job, You can't help but like the three nerds (Byrd, Botello, Weiner), and Aaron Dalla Villa is a pretty cool villain.

I found myself holding my breath more than once, and a few times, I even cringed and thought about looking away. (I was raised on horror, so looking away is never an option). This thrilling tale is far from perfect (as are most movies, even big budget films), but I really enjoyed this one! Know how I know it was compelling and entertaining? I didn't play with my phone once. (That right there is a good sign).

Phillip Tomasso Author of the crime novel, YOU CHOOSE

After Darkness (2014)

It's About the Death of Family, not the Sun!

[7/10 · 1 January 2021]

The sun is dying. The effect on the planet is detrimental. Cold. Darkness. Hunger. Earth is in danger (as would be the entire solar system). The movie focuses on the Beaty family. On the first day of spring, and the sun does not rise, The Beatys are trying to make the best of things. They have a big house, heat, and food.

It is Clara's birthday. Clara is portrayed by Stranger Things' Natalia Dyer. Her father is the head of the family. He is trying to take care of everyone. Raymond Beaty (Tim Daly - Wings) is beyond eccentric. His helicopter means of parenting is done with an iron fist. His pressure to keep the family safe becomes more intense when he realizes his family isn't taking the situation they are in more seriously.

The Beatys struggle keeping it together. They deal with real, every-family-type situations. Including the death of a loved one, and a baby on the way. There are plenty of secrets. The thing is everyone knows them, but no one will admit them. No one will talk about them.

Siblings. Children. Parents. In-laws. Considering they are all stuck living together under one roof during the end of the world, the making for intense family drama is all right there. The ingredients are poured, and the father is always churning away at them.

The family is waiting for help. Someone is supposed to come and rescue them. There is supposed to be sanctuary in some caves, somewhere. It seems like no one is coming to help. Their relatively safe life amidst the apocalypse is threatened. But is it by the world falling apart outside, or the family falling apart from within?

While science fiction, this is more of a family drama. Dysfunctional with a capital D. The dying planet seems almost secondary to the story of death, and loss, and love. The actors do a great job, and the dialogue is on point. Is there hope? Redemption? Or just the sun hurrying up and being dead so the misery can end?

I hate assigning a number rating to a film. But out of 10, I would give this film a well-earned 7 Stars.

Phillip Tomasso Author of the science fiction novella EXTINCTION

The Owners (2020)

A little over the top -- but a good film!

[6/10 · 1 January 2021]

Three friends have a horrible idea. They heard about a safe in the basement of an old retired doctor, and his nurse. When the couple goes out for the evening it seems like the perfect time for a burglary. There are only two problems with the plan. Mary (Maisie Williams - GOT) is Nathan's girlfriend. They borrowed her car, and she is not leaving until she gets it back.

The second problem is much, much worse. The innocent old couple is not what they seem.

This is an almost fun thriller. While you have zero sympathy for the thieves, you soon learn feeling bad for the old couple is pointless. They may be old, and they may be retired, but you soon find yourself rooting fore them.

As a fan of Maisie Williams, I decided to give this new horror flick a shot. It is fast and at times a bit intense. The ending, a bit over the top, is horrific and scary. There is an Alice-in-Wonderland bizarre sense to the way the plot unfolds. I also got a little taste of Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibe. Remember the scene at the dinner table. "Hit her, grandpa! Hit her." Yeah - weird like that.

The movie is perfectly timed at just over an hour and a half. Any longer and the film would lose its bite.

I enjoyed the suspense, and the calm, cool, and collective Dr. Huggins (Sylvester McCoy - Hobbit / Dr. Who). He was creepy as hell!

Phillip Tomasso Author of the supernatural horror novel, Woman in the Woods.

Carrie (2013)

Netflix Movie Review: Carrie (2013)

[6/10 · 2 October 2014]

**Plot Spoilers**

I will never forget reading Stephen King's Carrie., nor will I ever forget watching the movie Carrie (1976). I am not a fan of remakes, or reboots. I find them pointless when the original is indisputably a classic. I will admit when I received the email from Netflix that the 2013 rendition of Carrie was on line, I was a little excited, maybe it was because it is October, and there a few horror movies worth the watch.

I think everyone knows the synopsis of the film (novel). Carrie White may have been unfashionable and unpopular, but she had a gift. Carrie could make things move by concentrating on them. A candle would fall. A door would lock. This was her power and her sin. Then, an act of kindness, as spontaneous as the vicious taunts of her classmates, offered Carrie a chance to be a normal and go to her senior prom. But another act--of ferocious cruelty--turned her gift into a weapon of horror and destruction that her classmates would never forget.

It is a simple plot, but so packed full with depth and underlying themes that are so uncomplicated they are genius.

I was prepared to dislike the remake. The original had Sissy Spacek as Carrie, and Piper Laurie as Margaret White, Carrie's mother. The two carried the movie. Their acting is what made the movie such a success. Laurie was amazing. Creepy. I had nightmares from her performance as a religious heretic, a Bible thumping fanatic. Spacek was so timid and shy, so pathetic and weak. I could never imagine anyone else playing either role nearly as well. I remember trying to watch other movies with Spacek, and just couldn't do it. She scared me. Even though she was never the evil in the story.

In the remake, Julianne Moore is top billed, portraying the role of Margaret White, while Chloe Grace Moretz landed the part of Carrie. Unfortunately, but showing great diversity, Moore nailed the role of Margaret White. Normally an attractive woman, Moore has forever scared me. She managed to capture and add to the role, paying complete homage to Piper Laurie's performance. Moretz had big shoes to fill. At times she came very close. Mostly she missed. Just missed. Moretz is far too pretty, far too cute to garnish much sympathy or empathy. This is not meant to imply Spacek was not an attractive woman, however, when she was Carrie, she was Carrie! Now, with that said, Moretz did elicit emotions in me while watching the movie. I felt for her character when she talked with the gym teacher about being asked to prom, and when Tommy Ross actually asked her to prom. Moretz did portray sense of sweet innocence that made me like her. All I meant was, she is no Sissy Spacek when it comes to this . . . legendary and iconic role. (Think Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka . . . close, but no cigar). Some pluses include seeing more into Margaret White. Just a bit more of her as a sick person. It added to the story. It added to the horror.

The high morals gym teacher, Mrs. Desjardin (Miss Collins in the original), played by Judy Greer, was well done. She kept the performance true to the original, played by Betty Buckley. The roles of Sue and Tommy Ross, Chris, Billy Nolan, and Norma were non-eventful in both movies and, sadly, hardly worth the mention.

The remake is more relevant. I feel like the reboot serves a purpose. The incorporation of cell phones, the internet and YouTube were essential to draw in teen viewers. It made the movie appeal to a wide audience. It exposed a new generation of Stephen King and horror fans to a classic in a way that would make sense, and was relate-able. For that, I understand and applaud the new rendition. The special effects were extreme, a bit thick and poured on, but did assist in the prom scene.

The climax, when Carrie returns home after prom to tell her mother she was right, that they all laughed at her, was as graphic and impacting and sad, and troubling as it was the first time I saw it in the original. The women did an amazing job at recapturing that . . . magic. The overall sense of loss and dread, and emptiness were complete.

If I were seeing the movie for the first time, I'd have easily given it 5 Stars. However, there is no way I can evaluate this version of Carrie without comparing it to THE Carrie. And for that, I am forced to give the movie 6 Stars. And this may be a spoiler, but I was kind of upset that Carrie's hand did not shoot up out of the grave in the final scene. I waited for it. Never happened. (Might be why I am giving it a 6 instead of a 7).

Phillip Tomasso Author of Blood River and Vaccination http://www.philliptomasso.com/

Charlie Countryman (2013)

Dark. Edgy. Engrossing!

[9/10 · 24 July 2014]

Charlie Countryman was a bizarre love story; a twisted romance. The film was written by Matt Drake, directed by Fredrik bond, and stars Shia LaBeouf and Rachel Evan Wood and Madds Mikkelsen. At 108 minutes, the movie is Rated R --for language, violence, nudity and drug use.

I am not sure I can write a review that will do this unique film justice. I am going to try. Charlie Countryman is an unexpected, action- packed, out-of-touch-with-reality tragedy. To a point.

When Charlie's (LaBeouf) mother dies, he talks with her ghost. He needs direction, since it is far too late for answers. When he decides to head overseas, he meets a man on the airplane. The talk seems trivial at first, heartfelt by the time the other passenger falls asleep. Unbeknownst to Charlie, secrets are revealed.

Charlie meets and falls immediate in love with a young Gabi (Wood), a young and beautiful Romanian woman. Gabi cannot escape her past. Her ex- husband, Nigel (Mikkelsen) is a vicious psychopath, dangerous and extremely jealous. Despite threats to leave Gabi alone, Charlie is unable to walk away. He wants to know everything about Gabi. Charlie finds out everything about Gabi.

Gabi's father has a tape. On it is incriminating evidence that would land Nigel in prison, forever. No one knows where the tape is. Nigel expects Gabi to help him locate and retrieve it.

Ecstasy laced drinks, expensive strip clubs, cellos, crazy driving, guns and brutal violence fill the frames of the film.

There is no turning your back on love. Even if your life depends on it. That is how Charlie sees his future --as short of a future as it may turn out to be.

Fantastic cinematography, a perfectly selected soundtrack, and correctly cast --Charlie Countryman is one of those films that has you holding your breath without realizing your lungs are catching fire. Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and James Buckley are perfect in their supporting roles, adding plenty of humor to an otherwise consistently dark and almost morbid movie.

How this movie isn't more popular is beyond me. It was very well done and completely engrossing.

Phillip Tomasso Author of The Vaccination Trilogy

Jug Face (2013)

Chilling. What Urban Legends Are Made Of

[7/10 · 16 July 2014]

For his first feature film, writer and directer Chad Crawford Kinkle has crafted a chilling, redneck-hick horror legend film in Jug Face. Ar 81 minutes, the log line on IMDb reads: Jug Face tells the story of a pregnant teen trying to escape a backwoods community when she discovers that she may be sacrificed to a creature in a pit.

The movie features Lauren Ashley Carter as Ada where close-knit families of moonshiners live to serve a pit deep in the woods. A potter creates jug with a face that resembles people within the community. The person "featured" must be sacrificed over an open, living pit filled with what looks like blood. A ghost-child is the speaker for the dead. When Ada discovers the newest made jug, it is her face depicted, her face looking back at her.

Although betrothed, Ada is pregnant with another's child. She does not want to be the next Jug Face sacrifice, so she steals and hides the potted jug. Her actions cause a disruption in order. The ghost-child is not happy, nor is the community as more and more people needlessly die. In an attempt to right wrongs and stop needless sacrifices, Ada and the potter try to fix all that went wrong.

This is a horror movie pure and simple. Frightening and gritty. It will not make you scream. Or jump. It will give you chills and perhaps have you sleep with the lights on.

The cast is made up of lesser known name actors and actresses that are talented and believable. Carter is an amazing Ada. If you are looking for a compelling tale, filled with blood and the stuff urban legends are made of, then I recommend Jug Face. I give it a 7 out of 10 Stars.

Phillip Tomasso Author of The Vaccination Trilogy www.philliptomasso.com

The Station Agent (2003)

Completely Compelling!

[9/10 · 15 July 2014]

I love when a movie makes me want to write a review; when it can force a flood of emotions through me all at once. When this happens, I know I've just enjoyed a film. The Station Agent is that kind of film. Released in 2003, the movie Written and Directed by Thomas McCarthy (2012, Meet the Parents, Up) is impressive. I was touched. So many aspects of the story really hit me hard. At only 89 minutes, I admit I was sad to see it end.

The movie stars Peter Dinklage. I have been a long time fan of Dinklage, since long before Game of Thrones. I feel like Dinklage is finally earning the respect deserved as an amazing actor if only thanks to the HBO series.

The synopsis on IMDb reads: When his only friend dies, a man born with dwarfism moves to rural New Jersey to live a life of solitude, only to meet a chatty hot dog vendor and a woman dealing with her own personal loss. This is more of a simple log line. It does not convey the heartfelt scenes and simple dialogue that builds the story and just moves the plot constantly forward.

Fin McBride, portrayed by Peter Dinklage, is something of a boring man. As a dwarf, he seems accustomed to ogling stares, childish taunts and strangers taking his photograph. While he does his best to ignore the obscene behavior of others, there is no way it does not eat away at him. No way it does not slowly destroy his soul. When his employer dies, he learns he has been left a small piece of property and decides to move into an old train station in an attempt to hide from everyone, from life.

Unfortunately, (or fortunately), his "neighbor," Joe Oramas (Bobby Cannavale), runs an hot dog stand next door. Overly friendly, and chatty, we learn that he lives life to the fullest while dealing with a sick and elderly father.

PeterDinklageThe amazing Patricia Clarkson plays Olivia Harris; a married woman who is dealing with the recent death of a child. Rightfully so, her absent-minded behavior is nearly aloof as she tries to piece together puzzles about life that just won't fit anymore.

It may not seem it, but all three suffer from a need for seclusion, as well as for a chance or opportunity to figure out what life is all about. With no easy answers, with no real definition as to why or how, what or what for . . . the three bond as friends, as foes, as people. Their complex backgrounds are clear and apparent and depressing.

The relationships feel right. Genuine. The minor characters are strong, and just interesting enough to make the entire cast complete, full.

With completely compelling characters and an amazing story line, McCarthy 's has shared with everyone a movie that should NOT be missed. The Station Agent is heartfelt and inspirational. It is one of those rare films that long after it is over, you know will not forget it. Ever.

Phillip Tomasso, Author of The Vaccination Trilogy www.philliptomasso.com

Oculus (2013)

Surprisingly Horrific

[8/10 · 9 June 2014]

When I first saw trailers for this film, I decided it looked lame. I was set against paying ten bucks for a film I knew I'd hate. Oculus recently hit a bargain theater in the area. With little else to do, I figured, why not?

Rory Cohcrane portrays Alan Russell. Due to a job, he's moved his family into a new house. For his home office he bought some furniture including an old, old mirror. With him he brought his wife, Marie (Katy Sackoff), his ten-year-old son, Tim and thirteen-year-old daughter Kaylie.

The story takes place in the present, and eleven years earlier. As "adults," Brenton Thwaits plays Tim, and Karen Gillan is Kaylie. Garrett Ryan is the ten-year-old, and Annalise Basso is young Kaylie. All four actors do an amazing job.

During a particular night in the past, the Russell family issues come to a head. Tim is arrested for shooting and killing his father. Locked away in a psychiatric hospital the movie begins with his release. Upon his release his sister has one goal in mind. She has kept a pulse on the mirror's whereabouts, and recently bought it at an auction. The intent, to destroy it and the evil spirit living inside and behind the glass.

The mirror will not allow any harm to come to it. It has powerful defenses. It controls a person's mind within a radius. It implants thoughts and memories. It also steals them. The illusions, and delusions are horrifying and complex.

The plot continually jumps back and forth between present and past. I worried this would hurt the storytelling. At first the jumps are obvious, then seamless, and instead create amazing amounts of tension and suspense.

The scares are not cheap. The plot is well-crafted and tricky and well- played. It was a scary movie with great characters and a smart story. The acting was spot on, and the chills never stopped. Yes – there is a fair amount of ground worked laid in the first twenty or so minutes. But it was informative and interesting. After that, the terror is non-stop and edgy.

I loved the film. Am almost mad I did not rush to theaters to see it when released. Mike Flanagan both wrote and directed the movie on a $5 million dollar budget. At 103 minutes (and rated R), I'd have to give Oculus 8 out of 10 Stars, and label it as one of the most entertaining horror movies I have seen in a while.

Phillip Tomasso, Author of The Vaccination Trilogy and other novels! www.philliptomasso.com

Nebraska (2013)

Academy Movie Review: Nebraska

[10/10 · 2 April 2014]

I watched the film trailer for Nebraska. It did not look good, or entertaining. In fact, it looked downright boring. Dry. Filmed in crisp black and white, and with a limited original soundtrack, Nebraska is Rated R for language. The 114 minute movie, directed by Alexander Payne, caught me off guard. 220px-Nebraska_Poster

The picture was nominated for six Academy Awards. Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Bruce Dern), Best Supporting Actress (June Squibb), Best Original Screenplay (Bob Nelson) and Best Cinematography (Phedon Papamichael).

Although Bruce Dern did not take home an Academy Award, he did win a Best Actor Award at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Fifty-four years in the business, and a solid work history. The man is talented. The award well deserved.

Woody Grant (Dern) lives in Montana. He received a Sweepstakes announcement in the mail. It says he's won $1,000,000. To collect he needs to mail the form back (with a list of new magazine subscriptions) to Nebraska. However, Woody would rather visit Nebraska to collect the winnings in person.

David (Will Forte), Woody's son, sells stereos. His girlfriend left him. Nothing is going right. When he sees the letter his father carries around, he tries his hardest to get his absentminded father to understand the announcement is a scam, that there is no money to be won.

Woody's wife, Kate (Squibb), is at her wit's end. Woody's tireless efforts to reach Nebraska on foot are causing the family to consider placing Woody in a retirement home. David steps up. He needs a break from life, anyway. He loads his father into the car and plans to take him to Nebraska, hoping to bond and salvage a relationship that was never good anyway. When family and old friends learn of Woody's "good fortune," everyone feels they deserve a piece of the pie.

Squibb, Devin Ratray and Tim Driscoll –who play David's cousins– are hysterical. Forte is the straight man. Dern is slow and calculated with nothing much to say, but everything he says either comes out profound or comical.

I loved the movie. I highly recommend it. Highly! 10 out of 10 Stars, easily. Easily! Throughout the movie, I compared Nebraska to Napoleon Dynamite. It is the same style of storytelling, with just a bit more drama. The one-liners are non-stop. I laughed out loud from beginning to end. The story was fantastic. The pacing was perfect. The acting (with the exception of Forte, sadly), was excellent.

Phillip Tomasso Author of The Vaccination Trilogy www.philliptomasso.com

This is my 3rd Academy Movie Review, (See also Dallas Buyers Club, and 12 years A Slave).

Contracted (2013)

Netflix Movie Review: Contracted

[7/10 · 2 April 2014]

Eric England used a limited budget to shoot Contracted, a 78 minute horror movie. The film is Rated R. There is brief nudity, strong sexual content and bad language. Caroline Williams, who plays the main actress' mother, mother, might be the only actress in the film with substantial credits in her portfolio.

Samantha (Najarra Townsend) is a lesbian. She works as a waitress, and is in a failing relationship. To make matters worse, she is stuck living back at home with her mother (Caroline Williams).

After her drink is tampered with at a party, she leaves with a mysterious man. Sex is initially consensual, but when Samantha begs him to stop, he does not and she is raped. The next morning Samantha does not feel well. She has memories about the night before, but they are fleeting.

Slowly, Samantha realizes something is terribly wrong. With hemorrhaging, and bloodshot eyes; a rash and a spreading infection, Samantha searches for help. Isolated and alone, she tries to deal with the changes, afraid to risk damaging her relationship beyond repair if the truth about her hetero experience is revealed.

It isn't only Samantha's physical health that deteriorates, so does her mental health. Rationale goes out the window in this creepy horror film. While there are not many "scares," overall I found the concept and storyline chilling. It kept my interest from beginning to end. I felt like I was seeing the first ever zombie movie; as if Samantha was THE Patient Zero. I give Townsend a lot of credit. If this was her first film (I could not find anything else with her in it), she did an amazing job telling the story. Her nervous twitches, and movements, her line delivery and actions . . . I look forward to more films with her staring in them. I believe Contracted deserves 7 out of 10 Stars.

Phillip Tomasso Author of The Vaccination Trilogy www.philliptomasso.com

Divergent (2014)

Movie Review: Divergent

[9/10 · 22 March 2014]

I suppose this will be as much a book review as it is a movie review. I went with a group of friends and saw Divergent yesterday morning. The Pg-13 film was 139 minutes long. I will start my review by saying it was over in the blink of an eye and left me wanting so much more.

Prior to the release, critics blasted the film. It received an average 3.5 out of a possible 10 Stars on I.M.D.B. This made me apprehensive. Critics also kept comparing Veronica Roth and her novels to Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games. Scathing reviews said that Divergent was nowhere near as equally riveting as The Hunger Games.

The stories are nothing alike. The only similarities I saw come from a strong female teen lead character. Is Katniss anything like Beatrice (Tris)? I suppose, but she is also completely different; motivated by a unique set of circumstances. No. I change my mind. Other than both being female, and teens, and the main characters of their own trilogies -- there are no other similarities. (Do not get me wrong. I enjoyed The Hunger Game books, and so far, the movies. I am just missing the point as to why the two sets of books/movies are being compared. There isn't one. And they shouldn't be).

Personally, if you have not read the book Divergent and see the movie, I suspect the movie will be complicated. Not un-followable, just complicated. The plot is not simplistic despite being geared toward teens. I do know several people who have since seen the movie without having read the book and enjoyed the film just the same. Anyway . . .

Set in a futuristic Chicago, a community is enclosed behind an electrified fence. The community is split into 5 Factions to keep things running smoothly. The intelligent faction is known as the Erudite; the honest, Candor. The peaceful people are known as Amity, and the brave, Dauntless. The selfless faction, the one Beatrice belongs to, is Abnegation. One is born and raised in the faction of their parents. On your sixteenth birthday, teens undergo a test to see which faction they actual belong in. Regardless, a person can pick to be in any of the other four factions, or stay in the faction they were raised in.

When a teen chooses to leave the faction they were raised in, it is upsetting. They must say goodbye to their family. There is a good chance they will never see them again. And if you fail in your knew chosen faction, you can not return home. You become what is actually the 6th faction. The Factionless -- those who don't belong to any faction, and live like the homeless, scavenging for food, and clothing, and shelter. . .

Beatrice's test results are inconclusive. They do not point to any one faction. Instead, they point to them all. She is what the government calls, Divergent. This is dangerous. Divergent do not think like anyone else, and therefore are a threat. Forced to keep the test results a secret, Beatrice must pick where she feels she best belongs.

Abnegation has always been in charge of the local government because they are selfless and can therefore be trusted with politics. Beatrice discovers a plot by the Amity to overthrow the Abnegation. Chemical injections given to Dauntless will leave their minds susceptible to suggestion, making them dangerous and unstoppable --since the Dauntless train to be warriors, the police of the nation, the protectors of all.

The movie is constantly compelling. The time flies. Beatrice (Tris) is played by Shailene Woodley. Never heard of her before. She nailed the role of Tris. (She reminded me of a young Tatum O'Neal. The way she talked. Something about her eyes, too. (The Fault in Our Stars will be released later this year, starring Woodley, as well). With forthcoming releases of Insurgent and Allegiant, she will surely be a star to watch.

Theo James portrays Four. He also someone I have never heard of prior. At first, he was not what I pictured when reading the novel. Seemed a little too old. However, as the movie progressed, I think I saw what casting directors picked up on during auditions. He was Four. No way around it.

While directed by Neil Burger, written by Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor, Roth did not give up her creative input. She also helped write, and co-produce the film. Good for her. Although some story elements from the novel are missing, overall the movie stayed mostly true and on point.

Compelling and action-packed, great acting, and some intense scenes (yeah, I jumped once or twice), I found Divergent so entertaining. I cannot wait for the next in this bound to be popular trilogy.

Phillip Tomasso Author of The Vaccination Trilogy www.philliptomasso.com

12 Years a Slave (2013)

Academy Movie Reviews: 12 Years A Slave

[9/10 · 13 March 2014]

I will be reviewing Academy awarded and nominated films. The first in this series is "12 Years A Slave."

I watched it last night. An emotionally draining film. It was brutal and depressing. The acting was outstanding by the entire cast. I am not surprised that this film won 131 of the 137 nominations received. (Academy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, Screen Actors Guild, and so on …)12yearsaslave

Award winning director, Steve McQueen, has directed many short, and one other feature films. 12 Years A Slave should allow for this talented director to finally explode in Hollywood.

Based on a true story, Solomon (portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor) tells about his need to Survive. As a FREE man once living in upstate New York, Solomon is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Although Solomon hid the fact he was educated, and could read and write — he oftentimes stood up for himself, (but rarely for others). The fear that filled him was powerful. His goal remained constant, and commendable … to stay alive and make it back home to his family. To Freedom.

While some of Solomon's encounters reveal. . .kindness, most of the slave owners and hired hands treat the slaves with less respect than what is shown to pigs in a stable. This is not an easy movie to watch. The violent and abusive physical, mental, and sexual treatment of human beings was more than enough to make my stomach churn. I had a constant knot in my gut, and oftentimes had to wipe tears from my eyes. There are countless scenes where people are whipped, hung, beaten, berated and raped.

However, this was a movie I am glad I saw. It was powerful and provoking. It made me angry and very sad. I find it difficult and horrifying to believe slavery was prevalent in our country, and even more shocking that it lasted as long as it did.

12 Years A Slave is an "R" rated, 134 minute long film that will hold you captive. It is the compelling story and the constant disgust that kept me from rarely so much as blinking. There are far too many actors and actresses to name. All deserve credit for their roles in the film. All deserve awards. It is only March 2014, but I believe I've just seen the best movie of the year.

Phillip Tomasso Author of The Vaccination Trilogy and other equally impressive novels! http://wwww.philliptomasso.com

Texas Chainsaw (2013)

Netflix Movie Review: Texas Chain Saw 3D

[7/10 · 14 February 2014]

The Independent Movie Database gives the Texas Chain Saw movie an overall 4.8 out of a possible 10 Star Rating. I did not read any of the reviews. I feel viewers under-appreciated the work. The director, John Luessenhop, does not have a slew of credits Texas attached to his name, however, I thought in trying to keep with the original Chain Saw film, he pulled off a worthy sequel. There were more of these films than I originally thought.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, 1974 (Marilyn Burns) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 2, 1986 (Dennis Hopper) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Next Generation, 1995 (Renee Zellweger) Leatherface: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre III, 2003 (Kate Hodge) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (Remake), 2003 (Jessica Biel) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Beginning, 2007 (Jordana Brewster) The Texas Chain Saw, 2013 (Alexandra Daddario)

Some big names tied to the franchise, no doubt. Anyway . . .

The movie picks up where the original 1974 movie ends. Leatherface let Marilyn Burns escape the farmhouse. He returns as Sheriff Hooper arrives to investigate. The Sawyer family is holed up inside, protecting the simple-minded family member mostly responsible for the mass killing spree that turned their basement into an animal-like slaughterhouse.

Like any good redneck town, an angry mob of vigilante civilians pull up. Pickup trucks and shotguns. Unable to control the mob alone, Hooper is forced to watch the events spiral out of control. A shootout ensues and the farmhouse is torched. Everyone except an infant survives.

Present time: Heather Miller (portrayed by Alexandra Daddario) receives word that a grandmother she didn't know existed has passed away. In the will, Miller inherits a huge house in Texas. She and her boyfriend Ryan (Trey Songz), Nikki (Tanya Raymonde), Darryl (Shaun Sipos), and a hitchhiker decide to stay the night in the house.

Things fall apart fast from there. A chain saw wielding killer is on the loose, the five people in the house are not safe, but neither are the people of the town. Burt Hartman (Paul Rae), didn't just lead the mob to murder years and years ago -- he is now the Mayor. He will go to any lengths to protect the town, and the people in it. Even if that means doing unthinkable things to protect and keep buried the sins of the past.

Miller, learning that she is actually a Sawyer, is in a desperate race to assemble the puzzle pieces of her new found heritage, while fighting to keep herself and her friends alive. Can she succeed at uncovering and exposing truths that have been hidden for so long? Or will she loose herself, and her life, trying?

Quite sexy midriffs and long legs decorate the screen, but no nudity. There is some bad language. A ton of gruesome and detailed violence. Horrific mutilation scenes. All on par for a classic Chain Saw film.

Pretty good acting, believable dialogue and suspense kept me from Facebooking and Tweeting. Texas Chain Saw is a mix of slasher film coupled with a suspense/mystery. It was both intense and scary. I enjoyed the actual story. The only thing I hope -- no -- the only thing I pray, is that this is it. This is the last one. But I've prayed that prayer before. It rarely comes true. Still, I've enjoyed all but one in the series of Chain Saw movies (Renee Zellweger, sorry). I give this movie 7 out of 10 Stars.

Phillip Tomasso Author of VACCINATION and EVACUATION www.philliptomasso.com

Stand Up Guys (2012)

Netflix Movie Review: Stand Up Guys

[7/10 · 2 January 2014]

"They say we die twice. Once when the breath leaves our body, and once when the last person we know says our name."--Valentino

The 2012 Fisher Stevens film, Stand Up Guys, has a strong cast. Bringing in $3 million at the box office, it was clearly something of a flop. Unfortunately, Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin might not be the draw they once were. The 95 minute, Rated R mob-like movie was, if anything, consistent. Not great. Not horrible.

Valentino, "Val" to his friends -- Pacino to you and me, is just released from prison after 28 years locked away. "Doc" (Walken) meets him at the gate. Retired made-men, the two head back to Doc's, where a pull-out sofa bed is ready for Val. Having spent his retired days painting sunrises and sunsets, Doc is pretty set in his routine. A little frisky after decades behind bars, Val is hoping to party.

Nightclubs, and whore houses, some robbery and plenty of reminiscing is what unfolds. Doc was able to track down his daughter, but not his granddaughter. The regrets of his life apparent in his face, in his words, and even in his actions. Somewhat bitter, Val, was sent to prison and never talked. Never gave anyone up. Took the punishment all on his own.

Mark Margolis portrays the mob boss character, Claphands. He has not forgotten Val, or part of why Val was in prison. Claphands' only son was murdered by Val. The only fair thing is revenge. The clock is set. At 10:00 AM, Val will be dead. One way or the other.

Enter Alan Arkin as Hirsch. Doc and Val rescue their old time friend from a retirement home. They steal a Mustang, and they paint the town red. That is, until they find a surprise in the trunk of the vehicle. And then participate in serving up some serious justice.

Many scenes, I hate to admit are just over acted by Pacino. However, the story continues to move forward. It is often touching and slightly emotional. It is often humorous and slightly compelling. Overall it is a solid rental, or Netflix kind of film. I did not play with my phone, or scroll statuses on Facebook. It's how I rate a film, people. For these reasons, and the simple respect for the cast, I am giving Stand Up Guys 7 out of 10 stars. Why 7? Because it really was a pretty good film. Not great. But Pretty good. (Lots of bad language, some violence, No Nudity).

Phillip Tomasso Author of the Best Selling Vaccination Trilogy http://www.philliptomasso.com/

Bounty Killer (2013)

Netflix Movie Review: Bounty Killer

[9/10 · 28 December 2013]

Bounty Killer, released September 2013, is appropriately Rated R. The 93 minute film directed and co-written by Henry Saine, stars Matthew Marsden. I watched this movie, not expecting much. In fact, just the opposite really, I expected cheesy and lame. Love it when I am wrong (sometimes, lol). Bounty Killer 2013

Think Mad Max, meets Quentin Tarantino. Bounty Killer opens in the midst of an apocalypse brought on the globe by greedy corporations, (villains in gun-metal blue suits, white pressed shirts and sunlight yellow neckties). A Counsel of Nine has been created by the people. It is the only way to fight back against the Corporations still reeking havoc on a clearly dying society. The Counsel sets up a force of bounty killers and uses them to track down CEO's and business big wigs now Wanted for all the wrong doings, and injustices they have caused and allowed to spill out over the continents.

The bounty killers very similar to bounty hunters, except those on the posters are Wanted dead. Not alive. Like any Wanted system, the bigger the corporate leader, the more the bounty. The killers are treated like celebrities. Media-made-famous, and loved by the people. The killers make a difference, setting out to right all the wrongs. That is, until the Counsel puts out a bounty on Drifter (Marsden), who is one of the most famous killers of them all. And all Marsden wants to do is reach the Counsel and plead his case, despite being repeatedly warned that he will be shot and killed before ever entering the Counsel.

In a race from point A to point B, Drifter is joined by a small band of friends, like his newest gun caddy (Barak Hardley), and the number one bounty killer, Mary Death (Christian Pitre). It is a dangerous trek across the radioactive badlands; facing the Gypsies–a formidable group of cannibalistic bounty killers with agendas against Mary Death and Drifter.

Other stars in the film include Gary Busey as Van Sterling, Beverly D'Angelo as Lucielle, and Eve Jeffers as Mocha Sukata. Filled with some great action, credible dialogue, creative blood and gore killings, sexy women and a compelling plot, I enjoyed Bounty Killer very much. There was still some cheesieness to it, but I did not find anything lame. I did not play with my phone, and while not as classic a film as Mad Max, it was nearly parallel in storyline. I am giving Bounty Killer 8 out of 10 Stars!

Phillip Tomasso, Author of VACCINATION and EVACUATION http://www.philliptomasso.com/

Devil's Pass (2013)

Netflix Movie Review: Devil's Pass

[6/10 · 28 December 2013]

In February of 1959, nine hikers in the Ural mountains were found dead. This is a fact. There is a lot of mystery around the deaths. Apparently the hikers tore their way out of their tents. The images scattered around camp barefoot, and died of hypothermia. There are many people to this day who feel the deaths were part of a Russian government cover-up.

Devil's Pass a 2013 (Rated R) UK-Russian horror film, directed by Renny Harlin). It is the fictional account of an American woman, Denise Evers (Gemma Atkinson) and her team of four others as they re-trace the steps of the original hikers on a trail through the east shoulder of the mountain Kholat Syakhl (which means, Mountain of the Dead) — also known as Dyaltov's Pass.

There is nothing extraordinary about the movie. It is filmed in the all too common "Found Footage" style, scenes spliced together from a couple of hand-held cameras. However, the acting was well done. J. P. Hauser (Luke Albright) and Audy Thatcher (Ryan Hawley) are hired on as expert climbers for the journey. While, Denise's film crew consists of Holly King (Holly Goss) and Jensen Day (Matt Stokoe).

Prior to the trek, the team meets and interviews a woman who was part of the '59 Search Party. The woman (Nelly Nielsen) recounts events around the discovery of eleven bodies. Eleven, not the nine that has always been reported, adding to the conspiracy that the Russian government might have been involved in sweeping facts under the proverbial rug.

Finding their way toward the mountain, it becomes clear that Thatcher and Hauser are convinced that Denise is creating drama for her documentary, and not at all buying into anything supernatural about the deaths of the original nine hikers. With sub-zero temperatures, mysterious footprints around their camp, and a severed tongue — doubt is quickly turned to fear, and everyone except Denise want to abort the mission and just go back down the mountain.

I will not reveal what the reconstruction party discovers. At first, I thought it was lame. The movie had held my interest completely, up until the point revelations are made. I kept watching, regardless, and thankfully. The twist that is not apparent until (like any good movie) is at the very end, and to me, made the movie over all that much more … I want to say brilliant, but if I do, it is for the twist and not the entire film. The film was good. The twist, brilliant.

Devil's Pass entertained me. I did not play with my phone during it. No Facebooking, no texting (or minimal). And I enjoyed the story. For these reasons, I will give the movie 6 out of 10 Stars!

--Phillip Tomasso Author of VACCINATION and EVACUATION http://www.philliptomasso.com/

The Hunter (IV) (2011)

Netflix Movie Review: The Hunter

[9/10 · 14 December 2013]

The Hunter stars Willem DaFoe and Sam Neill, is based on the novel by Julia Leigh, with the screenplay by Alice Addison and Wain Femiri. This 2011 film is Rated R and 100 minutes long. The R Rating has got to be for brief scenes of violence and some blood, as well as the few hunted animal scenes.

Let me start by getting the plot synopsis down. Martin (Willem Dafoe), is a mercenary hired by a large biotech company. The company is looking for the last known Tasmanian Tiger, thought to be close to or extinct. It's Martin's job to find out for sure. Their interest is in the tiger's DNA. That is the job. Find the animal and return it to the labs for testing.

Posing as a university scientist, Martin arrives in Australia and finds room and board with Lucy (Frances O'Connor), and her two children, Sass (Morgana Davies) and Bike (Finn Woodlock). Lucy's husband has gone missing, roaming for research the same Tasmania "jungle" that Martin plans to explore. The depression is deep and Lucy has taken to sleeping pills and avoiding reality.

In between his treks into the forests of Tasmania in search for the elusive tiger, Martin develops a relationship with the kids, which provides a healing of sorts for Lucy. A sort of come-to-terms with the fact that she must get out of bed and care for the family she still has.

There is great animosity from the locals. They want Martin gone, and believe his research and presence, is the reason they are out of work. It was the same way they treated Lucy's husband. Their jobs revolve around destroying the beauty that is Tasmania (and it is beautiful), while they think Martin's preservation studies are what is keeping them from employment.

The tension builds as the locals become more hostile toward Martin and the family he lives with. Some one is also tracking him when he journeys out into the wilds of Tasmania. His discoveries in the forest makes him a threat, to many people, for several reasons and before long a plot around stopping him is obvious. It comes down to survival and choices, both are complicated to do, and the stress and complexity of it all is not lost on Martin.

The scenes in Australia are amazing. The country is gorgeous. There is limited dialogue. The movie is moved forward by the visual-ness of it all. You understand what is happening more by watching, than by listening. That was odd for me. It usually dialogue that drives a film, or a book. Not so in this case. And it worked.

Dafoe portrays the deep levels of his character well. Just the loneliness, and the need for love and the almost investigator in his personality is alive in the performance, as are the performances by O'Connor, Davies and Woodlock. This is NOT an action packed film. It moves at a moderate to sometimes very slow pace, however it was compelling and enjoyable and at times intense and unexpected.

For all the above listed reasons, I am giving The Hunter a full 9 out of 10!

Phillip Tomasso Zombie Novelist http://www.philliptomasso.com/