dcm_productions Reviews

Sharknado (2013 TV Movie)

I wanted to appreciate it for being "soo bad"...

[3/10 · 20 July 2013]

There are bad films (Jaws: The Revenge), and there are really bad films (Batman & Robin); there films that are so bad they're good (Showgirls), and there are bad films that are spoofs (Piranha 3D). And then there's films like Sharknado that touches on all these levels.

I wanted to appreciate it for being "soo bad", I was even looking forward to it! I was looking for that experience where you can't wait to tell someone about just how bad it was, that they should see "this scene" or "that scene". In the end, however, I just felt disappointing that it never reached that level.. it's just not really that great of a bad movie. I think this has a lot to do with laziness. Filmmakers like the Asylum are under the impression that the less you think about how to tell a story, the worse the movie. Couldn't agree less. Instead of crafting the best most epic bad movie Sharknado could be, the film feels padded by a lazy story. Whatever is convenient for the story to move forward will likely occur, but the solutions to these situations aren't really that interesting, so its all kind of moot.

I guess I just expected more of a bad film from this bad film. What I got felt just kinda lame and lacking in much of any real spoof humor. I thought I was going to see this crazy bad sharknado tank... what I got was a dull tour of the canned fish factory.

I'm giving it a 3-star, since that's pretty much the lamest rating.

A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

A Masterpiece of Psychological Horror

[10/10 · 2 March 2013]

If I had to pick one film that best represents the psychological horror genre, it would be Tale of Two Sisters. Not to be confused with the poorly crafted English remake, the original Korean film is superior in every way. Deeply disturbing, incredibly unsettling, and often unnerving enough to make you both grip your seat and want to get out of your seat at the same time. It's brilliant, and masterfully executed.

When I saw this film in the theater during its festival run, I was amazed at how the audience literally gasped in unison, or jumped off the edges of their seats all at once... no other horror film I've seen has ever done this.

The 2-Disc DVD I imported has a beautifully crafted menu system using the film's haunting score and patterns of wallpaper seen in the film. The creepiest part-- and one of my favorite parts-- is how the patterns all seem to be alive... it really draws you into the story world that's been crafted.

I simply can't recommend this film enough. It's scary, it's haunting, it's terrifying, and yet quite beautiful. A rare gem of horror.

Tron: Uprising (2012–2013)

The Best Animated Series Ever Released by Disney

[10/10 · 20 December 2012]

Hopefully a sign of where Disney is taking some of their more mature properties, Tron: Uprising doesn't disappoint in telling the story that needs be told. I wouldn't dream of writing any spoilers here, my best advice is to watch the show and enjoy every moment yourself. Some of the best storytelling you'll ever see, sight & sound are top notch.

Taking place between the original Tron and the 2010 Legacy film, Uprising connects the dots between the two films with the pace of a well-crafted cyber thriller. In addition, all of the punches you'd expect to be pulled back by Disney are in fact shown with great result. It's as though someone just said, "let's roll with this one" and let the Uprising team just do their thing. Let's hope there's more like it in the future.