axe_hallorann Reviews

Blackout (II) (2023)

Drama with horror elements.

[5/10 · 27 April 2024]

As far as werewolf movies are concerned this is a bit of a disappointment. While I appreciate the focus on the human element, and the suffering of the protagonist, there was really no heart-pounding thrills or werewolf horror that the viewer is expecting to see. I understand that there was little budget for the film, but the horror was minimal compared to what the poster and trailer leads you to believe. I enjoyed the use of art throughout the film, and Alex Hurt's performance was very good. The rest of the cast was a bit subdued in their performances, and many of the sociopolitical themes seemed unnecessary for the general story. Larry Fessenden is a very talented actor and filmmaker, and will always keep an eye on his projects. I know he's been focusing on the humanity of the "monsters" in his films lately (Deranged being another), but I hope he remembers to keep them horrific in a classical sense as well.

Stopmotion (2023)

Mainly a collage of influences.

[5/10 · 20 March 2024]

While not a terrible film, it's too sparse in its storytelling. The entire experience can be summed up in one sentence: "An animator loses her grip on reality and descends into hallucinatory madness and self-destruction." That's basically the entire "plot" of the story. This visuals are essentially a collection of other artist's influences rolled into 90 rather tedious minutes. Obvious elements of The Brothers Quay (grotesque faces and bodies), Jan Svankmajer (using meat as a medium), and David Lynch (mainly his art projects) were clearly used. Many films have documented a character losing their mind, and this film doesn't break any new ground in that arena. "Repulsion", "Censor", "Possum", and "Jacob's Ladder" (just to name a few) are far more compelling at depicting mental breakdowns while also containing an interesting story. Ultimately the film is watchable and will probably be enjoyed by those with very limited film experience.

An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn (2018)

Desperately unfunny

[2/10 · 13 August 2019]

What a dreadful attempt at comedy. The jokes don't land, and, although there's a great cast, there would be more humor with punching yourself in the face. What happened to comedy? It's super hard to find anymore.

Upstart Crow (2016–2020)

Brilliant and hilarious

[8/10 · 17 November 2018]

Ben Elton shines again in this brilliant and witty send-up of Shakespeare. Clever writing and acting that manages to make modern references within the Shakespearean context. Many ignorant fools complain about a laugh track, but the show is filmed with a studio audience. Others say it's a rip-off of Blackadder, but seeing as both shows are written, and created by, Ben Elton there's obviously going to be some similarities in humor. Please enjoy this wonderful comedy, and ignore the bleatings of imbeciles that have no knowledge about the subject they're mashing into their keyboard with Neanderthal fists.

Terrifier (2016)

I love this movie so much...

[6/10 · 12 June 2018]

I've watched this film a few times now, and I can say that this is truly a breath of fresh air in a mostly stagnant abyss of genre. There are seldom low-budget films that actually deliver, and this is my current favorite. Art the Clown is far superior as a horror villain because he has more style and personality (albeit silent) than the other offerings that are currently available (I'm looking at you, Victor Crowley). The masterful use of practical effects also elevates this film from the current IT incarnation. Murderous clowns have been done many times, but Art is the real deal; just when you think he may have some humanity he proves otherwise: "Oh, he's not so bad...wait...WHAT?...holy crap, he's pure evil and loving it!". I know the end somewhat set this up for a sequel, but I kinda hope it's left as a great "one and done". There's a lot of crappy horror movies out there, and this is destined to be a cult favorite. True fans of horror will most likely adore this film.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Hollywood fails again

[3 August 2017]

Why does Hollywood insist on making remakes, reboots, and franchises when they nearly always fail? Gone are the days when studios were willing to take risks and give a break to fledgling filmmakers. The studio heads are all money-men that use algorithms to generate money over content, and have absolutely no knowledge (or love) of cinema. Having said that, this movie has bad writing, poor casting, sub-par CGI (The Matrix holds up better), and it is intensely stupid to boot. How the hell would somebody so quickly identify a John Denver song nearly 150 years after it was released? Can you think of a song that old? Give me a break; I can only suspend my disbelief so far. This is exactly what you would expect from a shameless, soulless, hollow attempt to capitalize on a beloved sci-fi classic. Just avoid this cash-grab garbage and watch the first two movies again. Or maybe just throw $17.99 (Amazon in standard def!) down the toilet and punch yourself in the face. Unwatchable for me (I couldn't finish it), shameful at best. Why not come up with something original?

Bone Tomahawk (2015)

Over the top fun!

[8/10 · 24 October 2015]

You gotta see Bone Tomahawk. I know it sounds like the name of a porn star, but it's actually a western, horror, comedy. Kurt Russel and Richard Jenkins are in it, so you know it's gonna be good. The first image is of someone getting their throat sliced...literally the FIRST image. There's lots of witty and wry banter among the characters as they embark on a mission to save people being held captive by cannibalistic troglodytes. Yes, that's what I said. The first two acts play like a fairly conventional western, but holy crap, the third act is like Sam Raimi and John Capenter on overload as it becomes more and more over the top. It has some Tarantino-esque vibes and some cheesy sets (particularly a cave with primitive prison cells) that help make the movie fun. Richard Jenkins is unrecognizable; I was shocked to find out it was him. He was totally transformed- great actor. I was very pleased by this film, and I think it could achieve cult status if people give it a chance.

Vicious (2013–2016)

Very funny and witty. Give it a chance!

[9/10 · 16 August 2014]

I am so very pleased with this excellently written and performed comedy. The dialog is sharp and witty, and the actors are predominantly over 70 (which showcases their amazing talents and experience). I don't think there's ever been a show about a gay couple that is actually played by two gay actors, much less two knighted actors of such high caliber. The scathing insults they throw at each other are reminiscent of classic shows ranging from The Honeymooners, The Jeffersons, or Married With Children (and many others). Even though the insults are constant, there's also a heartfelt sweetness and love between the two leads that is undeniable.

I've read the many negative comments here, and I'm utterly appalled by the ignorant, puritanical, and completely humorless people that are out there. To say that the main characters are stereotypical is absurd. Remember, these characters were together in 1960's Britain; homosexuality was illegal and the culture was completely different from today's much more enlightened attitudes. Much of the humor is delivered from an older perspective, and most people lose their tolerance for BS and social niceties as they age. I've been with my partner for 25 years, and, although we don't openly insult each other, we both find this show to be hilarious and sweet. Don't let the trolls and haters influence you to see the show, just give it a chance.

PS- The people upset by the "rape" joke are uptight idiots. The joke did not belittle rape, it was funny in context of who said it. Ask any comedian and they'll tell you any subject can be funny under the right circumstances or context.

Kyatapirâ (2010)

Adaptation snub?

[6/10 · 18 May 2011]

I wonder why the short story of the same name is never given credit. Especially since it was written by Edugawa Rampo*, the "father of Japanese mystery". Is this blatant plagiarism or is the story so famous that it needs no reference? The film is intermediate in its adaptation, keeping the general premise of a limbless veteran and his tormented wife. The Rampo text is much darker and depicts the wife as relishing in sexually teasing her "lump of flesh". The film version adds visualizations of the "caterpillar's" war crimes in China during WWII; memories of which haunt the miserable creature. Unfortunately, the film tends to dwell on the tedium of their lives (eating, sleeping, "sex") and not the psychological/physical abuse that the wife perversely doles out.

*Edugawa Rampo is a phonetical pronunciation of Edgar Allen Poe in Japanese: "Edugaw-Aram-Po"

Ballad of a Soldier (1959)

Stylish and exhilarating...

[8/10 · 5 January 2007]

Ballad of a Soldier is an exciting tale of a young soldier's adventure while returning home on leave. The cinematography is reminiscent of Truffaut or Bergman, and the pacing is excellent. Although not as shockingly realistic as Come and See, this film portrays the pain Russia was dealt during WWII. There does seem to be a good bit of propaganda for the Russian Army (the way all the commanding officers are big softies and frequently bend the rules), and this does seem rather disingenuous. Unilke the kindness and respect portrayed in Grand Illusion (Renoir's account of prison camp civility from WWI), Ballad of a Soldier leans a bit more toward Triumph of the Will in its seemingly unrealistic depiction of authority figures. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and would say its criticisms are dwarfed by its triumphs.

Tenderness of the Wolves (1973)

Not intended as a documentary...

[6/10 · 17 June 2006]

I found this film to be more interesting than I expected. The film, to me, is clearly not meant to be a historic film about Fritz Haarmann. There is a line in the film that makes a reference to the Nazi's (their rise to power wasn't until nine years after Haarmann's execution) and how difficult life is for everyone in post-war Germany. The character of Fritz Haarmann was used as a metaphor for the German people "cannabalizing" each other just to survive. The costumes, language, and vehicles also seemed to be of a later decade. Much like Werner Herzog's "The Enegma of Kaspar Hauser", "Tenderness of the Wolves" uses a real historical figure (taken with some liberties) as a criticism of society as a whole. Having said that, the film is not particularly outstanding in any way. The concept is interesting, and contains the leading actors of Fassbinder's "Ali: Fear Eats the Soul", as well as Fissbinder himself. Still, I would have to say the film is only slightly above average; both as a Fassbinder film and the German New Wave.

Beat Angel (2004)

Future cult classic

[6/10 · 31 May 2005]

I recently had an opportunity to see the film. Although I studied literature in college, I read little Jack Kerouac. Fortunately this film does not require being an erudite on beat literature to appreciate. In fact, the film whets my appetite to read more. The style of the Beat Angel captures the look and feel of classic films from the late sixties and early seventies: The editing and photography reminded me of Alice's Restaurant and Easy Rider. Technically speaking, Beat Angel is right on the mark. The locations were intimate and warm, and the on-location mountain trek scenes were quite impressive. The acting is very solid: Frank Tabbita and Vincent Balestri give moving and heartfelt performances. Tabbita's character undergoes a painful transformation from a bitter jerk to a more empathetic person seeking enlightenment under the tutelage of Kerouac. Balestri as the spirit of Kerouac is stunning. There are long, single-take, monologues delivered by Balestri that show his passion for Kerouac and his philosophy of life and literature. I was very impressed with the story, the acting, and the overall production. Refreshing and surprisingly original, Beat Angel is a unique excursion into beat literature and culture. This film could easily become a cult classic and find its way into classrooms as required viewing. I feel confident that anyone with an appreciation of literature and/or independent film will enjoy Beat Angel.