Reviews

I was watching a new film called 'You Can't Run Forever', and it was so poorly done (though had the same premise) that I felt compelled to load up 'Alone' and watch it instead.

The way the film builds tension is fantastic. The writers slowly built it brick-by-brick.

The stalker is well-acted and creepy as hell. The woman slowly comes to understand what's happening and, likewise, does a super job in her acting. The cinematography and the use of the focus during scenes also added a lot of nice touches to the storytelling.

The latter half of the film is, I think, quite well done. I loved the ending.

Hopefully you enjoy it too.

I'm not sure what it is this year, but I'm absolutely sure whoever wrote this watched High Fidelity and thought... you know what's missing? An evil robotic Santa and even more absolutely annoying pedantic dialogue.

The protagonist is so annoying I couldn't even be bothered to watch if the Santa offs them or not. I turned it off 20 minutes in. However, if you enjoy listening to two arrogant, silly people debate about the most random and inconsequential things before a monster goes on a rampage, then this film will be right up your alley.

As for me, I say don't waste your time or money. It's garbage.

I'd heard good things so I gave it a try. Suffice it to say, I love found footage horror and this was exhausting to watch, due in large part to having the absolute most annoying lead actress I have ever seen.

And honestly, if you can make it past ten minutes watching this lead I admire your patience. I had to turn it off around 30 minutes in because I simply couldn't stand to watch this person anymore.

Gave it 3 stars because there were some gory moments that made me cringe, but jeez Blumhouse, you've got to give us SOMETHING to root for if you want us to sit through a film.

It could have been really, really good. (Heck, they brought back nearly the entire cast of the original.)

I gave it three stars only for the scene in the barber shop. The rest of the movie was just a very unfunny attempt to cash in on a classic.

Luckily most of us get to see it basically for free.

It's a comedy, but not really.

It's a thriller, but not really.

There's a romantic element, but it's certainly not a romance film.

I'm not sure exactly how to describe it, except to say that this film crosses several genres, and that I thought it was very creative and interesting. It reminded me a little of 'A Simple Favor', except not quite so dark.

Carey Mulligan is superb. Bo Burnham is very funny. I wanted to punch nearly every other male character in the film.

Self-funded, Unknown actors, Nebulous story

I wasn't expecting much given the factors above, but this film was entertaining, had a good story, and I enjoyed the heck out of it. In particular I enjoyed the acting range of the villains, who were capable of both admirable and endearing charm AND overwhelming sinister presence.

I'd love a sequel!

I'll give it an 8.

Yes, there is a bizarre quality to some of the characters and scenes, but the character of Chappie is absolutely captivating. His journey and development are similarly interesting, and I left this film with my thoughts swirling.

The acting of the principals is quite good, though Jackman's a bit of a caricature, and the 'gangstas' are just odd. The action and cinematography are on par with 'District 9', if not an improvement.

The more bizarre elements (namely, the really weird 'gangstas') I think can be chalked up to my inexperience or lack of knowledge of South African culture, and likely, the critics' inexperience and lack of knowledge of South African culture.

Don't listen to the critics. This film is good.

Got a chance to catch a free screening of this last night, and Jenny Slate floored me.

Yes it's crass (which I enjoyed) and it was even more enjoyable for the fact that its strong female lead was the source for most of it. Her character, Donna, is equal parts adorable and flawed, which makes this a very different and subversive rom-com from what most folks are conditioned to expect out of the genre.

That, and it's absolutely hilarious. I truly don't understand how any of the folks reviewing this could have sat through an hour and a half of it without laughing.

This movie gets a two from me due to a few well done action sequences.

Apart from that this movie is dry, slow, entirely too long, and completely mis-marketed. The trailer tells you this will be a suspense thriller about a next-door cop intruding and harassing his neighbors, and generally being creepy.

I knew this wasn't what I signed up for fifteen minutes in, when I realized that Samuel Jackson's character wasn't being portrayed as a villain, but more as a black man (with a bit of bad luck) who simply hates white people. The direction of the story makes it appear as if the white man deserves what he receives, which I found insensitive, offensive, and unfortunate. There are very uncomfortable racial overtones in this film, and I simply cannot recommend it.

Frankly, I would have asked for a refund if I hadn't watched the entire film. Avoid this one like the plague.

I didn't quite know what to expect with Pan's Labrynth. (Didn't even realize I was part of a test screening for it...) With that sad, this was one of the most amazing films I've ever seen. The imagery and cgi are top-notch, and (dare I say) believable! Elements of fantasy blend well with the setting of the war-torn Spanish countryside, without pretentiousness and overbearing presentation.

The violence was intense at moments, but it wasn't violence for the sake of violence. You won't see men falling to pieces on screen as with other war movies, but you will see commentary on human nature expressed through particularly intense moments.

What perfected this movie for me was the character of Captain Vidal, and his contrast with the Faun and Mercedes. My hatred for this character kept me on the edge of my seat through most of the film.

Do yourself a favor. Skip Stomp the Yard and The Hitcher. Pan's Labrynth is a film you will never forget.

I was fortunate that this movie was still playing at three theaters in my area this week. With junk like Santa Clause 3 and The Return in the theaters, I wanted something that looked truly stimulating.

I wasn't disappointed.

The Prestige is quite possibly one of the best films of the year. For starters, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Hugh Jackman perform magnificently, and will keep your eyes riveted to the screen. David Bowie was a nice surprise, and the recipient of a makeup job so convincing that my brother and I almost disbelieved it was he. Piper Perabo and Rebecca Hall are very convincing. Scarlett Johansson's performance is somewhat flat, but she makes up for it with sex appeal and flair.

Apart from the acting, the effects, sets, and ambiance of this film make for an excellent period piece. I was particularly enamored with the scenes in Colorado Springs. Simply spectacular.

I will reiterate the conclusions of the aforementioned writers. This movie is a magic trick unto itself, with the magnificent writing and twist of plot.

You too, won't be disappointed if you go to see it. Leave Santa Clause 3, Deja Vu, Bobby, Borat, and Flushed Away in the theaters. If you can get out to see The Prestige, it is well worth it.