paramount-services Reviews

The Poker Club (2008)

Decently put together, but all too easy plot

[3/10 · 22 April 2009]

Johnathon Schaech has definitely got talent, writing and acting in this although it was a mediocre film. The plot seems all too easy and done plenty of times before, but it still somewhat keeps your interest. It was obviously not a Hollywood hit with a huge budget, but for what they had, I believe it turned out OK.

The story follows a lead character Aaron(Johnathon Schaech)and his response to him and his friends killing a burglar on their poker night. They make a commonly used film move and dump the body and get rid of the evidence. Things begin happening to the people involved in this murder and evidence points to our lead character as a determined and suspicious detective (Judy Reyes) investigates Johnathon's character. The plot leads us to an interesting, but non-surprising twist in the end which leaves the audience questioning elements about Aaron's wife and her actions. Johnny Messner once again plays an obnoxious character who is not too likable, for reasons explained in the film. Overall, wasn't too bad considering, but there's definitely better straight to DVD features out there to watch.

Obvious why it's a DVD feature, but still have to give credit to Johnathon Schaech for his drive and determination to adapt this screenplay and get it made.

Crank: High Voltage (2009)

I think I used "FUN" too many times!!!

[7/10 · 20 April 2009]

First off, this film is basically dumb fun. Not taking anything away from it or those involved in it, but it is at times ridiculously dumb, equally fun and one hell of a ride.

Jason Statham is great once again as his second time portraying Chev Chelios, now an ex hit man in search of his stolen heart. It sounds crazy, but it is crazy fun! Amy Smart is great as Chev's girlfriend and you better believe there's another public sex scene in this! Great cameo by Corey Haim who plays a mullet-wearing pimp. Dwight Yoakum is funny as hell too. But! Clifton Collins Jr. steals the show in this one as El Huron. He is absolutely brilliant in every role I've seen him in and this role is no exception. His Mexican accent, his handlebar mustache, his cowboy boots...I could go on all day.

The film has some oddities, for example a King Kong type fight sequence, a "F**K YOU CHEV CHELIOS" montage and an interesting flash back of Chev as a kid. It's all OK though, because this type of film can get away with it...it's chaos unfolding in front of your eyes. Very fun chaos. The flashback scene was a bit much and no need to develop Chev's character any further than it has already, we get the point, he's a bad ass and always has been that way. Other than the flashback scene, this film will take you on a thrill ride across Los Angeles, dealing with Mexican gangsters, Chinese Triad Mafia, random old ladies, a porn industry strike and Kaylo's twin brother Venus looking to avenge his brother's murder.

This film breaks rules. This film hits hard. This film is extremely fast. And this film is hilariously action-packed. This film is for anyone who wants to have fun and laugh for an hour and a half. Absolutely brainless, but it's fun as hell. Have fun!

Running Scared (2006)

Paul Walker delivers

[8/10 · 20 April 2009]

Running Scared has a very gritty look and feel to it. Paul Walker was great! He was totally believable inside and out from beginning to end. Writer/Director Wayne Kramer is to credit for Paul's and every other actor's performance as well, the Director's job is make sure the intensity and level of belief in a character is on point. This film has a decent story with a couple good twists to it that will leave the audience surprised. The action is almost non-stop with a level of anxiety that is felt through Paul Walker's character where we're hoping he overcomes the obstacles that are being thrown at him.

Johnny Messner plays probably the most annoying character in the film. Using ridiculous dialogue and actions at times, makes him look to be trying too hard. Chazz Palminteri is surprisingly cast as a weak supporting character who does his best to bring out a brutal and corrupt detective. But overall, the actor's in this film did a very good job with this plot and their development, namely a young Cameron Bright who does a great job as a disturbed and abused child. By far the most intense and gruesome scene is where a hockey stick and puck are employed to attain truth and cause.

Near the end to the dismay of the audience and the mob "Joey" works for, he reveals a pertinent clue that gives this film a good characteristic and makes it much more interesting. The first time watching Running Scared, I was really surprised with the ending and I was not expecting it at all. This is a very entertaining film and definitely worth watching and/or buying. Enjoy.

Bobby Z (2007)

Not too bad for straight to DVD

[5/10 · 17 April 2009]

For a seemingly low budget film, Bobby Z wasn't too bad. Moves pretty quickly, but with a weak storyline and plot, it is clear why it was a straight to DVD feature. Paul Walker does a decent job with a character that an Actor won't be able to do much with, except go with the flow. No real surprises, or twists and turns, just straight to the point B rated action. Actually has some pretty good fighting sequences and shoot outs. Laurence Fishburne is surprisingly cast as a supporting with a weak performance, mainly due to the script and content and possibly direction as well. Bobby Z is definitely a good B movie, with a rating of 5 overall considering everything listed above. All in all, this film is definitely worth watching if you're just chillin' with 97 minutes to spare. And Paul Walker is not nearly as bad an Actor as everyone tries to make him out to be. Have fun.