eric-fulcher Reviews

Shutter Island (2010)

Could Have Been Better

[7/10 · 23 March 2010]

I'm not saying this movie sucked because it had me cringing and being nerve-wracked at some moments. However, this film was rather predictable due to the dialogue and some of the editing became a bit overdone (especially with the flashbacks).

Nevertheless this film, directed by Scorsese, is worthy of a movie ticket and should have people coming out of the theaters being happy with the great acting and production.

Like Inglorious Basterds this film will either be a hit or miss. You'll either find it boring or awesome. I thought it boring at points but when this hits a low price I think I'll buy it on DVD.

Splinter (I) (2008)

Not bad but then again not that good

[6/10 · 23 March 2010]

Low budget horror is always a secret pleasure of mine because I think the genre is the hardest to be creative in. Seriously, how easy is it to scare someone? "Splinter" won't scare you nor necessarily creep you out however it will at some points test your limit in psychological terms.

The dialogue is great at time and then askew: some lines just don't fit and don't add comic relief or insight into the plot of character.

While the acting is enjoyable and worthy of praise the whole story, centered at a gas station, contains the characters rather than letting them break free and show the audience their true capabilities.

The story is predictable but the creature and its concept is somewhat original. It sort of takes a new spin on Carpenter's "The Thing" while adding its own unique spin... perfect combination. I liked the special effects and always keep in mind while watching that it's low-budget. Still, the animators and producers did a fine job at making a gritty creature.

Worth renting.

Terminator Salvation (2009)

A mainstream tangent

[7/10 · 11 June 2009]

T1 and T2 are classics because James Cameron successfully blended in special effects with real props, solidifying a great story with unique characters. The gritty action and emotional acting by Biehn, Hamilton and Arnold made the first two movies memorable.

T3 always gets a bad rap but come on: that car chase is freaking sweet, the ending is appropriate and it gives way to T4.

"Terminator Salvation" isn't as original as people make it off to be. It doesn't follow the previous model of the first three installments exactly. Rather, it adds a twist on the old storyline.

While director McG did a great job with camera angles, explosions and the overall lasting affect on us audience members, the acting, CGI and permeable story.

T1, T2 and also T3 used real props, though T3 did use more CGI than props. T4 relies solely on CGI for it's gigantic space craft, motorcycle robots and other technological items.

T4's story is weak and seems virtually impossible. How can Connor and his men still have all these weapons and aircraft? Wouldn't the machines simply locate them and destroy. They did it once, why not again? And the worst part is the acting. Sam Worthington emerges from an obliterated crater and into a devastated planet, only to immediately accept the idea of Judgment Day. Kind of weak. Bale does a good job but with the minimal use of Bryce Dallas Howard as Kate Connor the movie lacks the emotional balance between the hatred of people versus machines the understanding human nature common with woman.

I don't know. It was an all right movie, but I'll stick with the first three. Maybe T5 will make better sense.

Land of the Lost (2009)

Another Ferrell movie

[7/10 · 11 June 2009]

What I hate about people is how they don't give Will Ferrell a chance. He's a funny man. Granted not all his works are great, but neither were all of Chris Farley's or Adam Sandler's.

"Land of the Lost" is worth the ticket price because it's funny, random, most likely improvised and holds true throughout. Granted the last half hour is a bit of a drag compared to the first hour, the movie is still full of laughs and unbelievably original story-line.

Yes the costumes are weak in detail, and the whole interaction between the humans and animals is far-fetched, but that's the whole point of the comedy: it's supposed to make you laugh.

All those people expecting their 1970's TV show to be revived can get a life. The movie is good, definitely makes a good rental, and I enjoyed it.