MoviesReviews101 Reviews

Heir of the Witch (2023)

Heir of the Witch takes us down a path of nightmares and reality.

[8/10 · 9 August 2023]

Heir of the Witch is a horror thriller following a young woman that finds the family curse coming back to haunt her. She finds her quiet life turned upside down by temptation as her nightmares from her past increase.

This is a horror that dives into the idea of coming from a family that was branded a witch, generations before. It shows the increased burden placed on them in modern life. The story gets to play it out in a mix of soap opera drama and nightmares haunting the descendant. This gets to create good scares and ones that have a lasting scare factor in the nightmares experienced.

The movie has strong performances throughout the cast with writer, director and star Victoria U Bell's performance shining through. If you want a nightmare fuelled story, you will get one here.

Maggie (I) (2015)

Maggie is the best emotionally driven zombie film I have seen that has a constant sad feeling about every single scene.

[8/10 · 9 May 2015]

Maggie is a film that really surprised me, you see the name Schwarzenegger and you would be thinking action you also add in the fact it is a zombie film you would expect to see all out action. The story ends up being a very bleak look into a zombie outbreak, instead of focusing on the early outbreak we see how the world has coped with slow turning. In an era of zombie films coming out every week we see each film try to think of a unique zombie kill over an actual story. Maggie ends up giving us a tough story of how hard life will be when you know you will lose someone set in the world where a zombie has infected that said loved one. I will say the film does come off very slow and the trailer is slightly misleading but I do think it ends up being a pleasant surprise. (8/10)

Actor Review

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Wade is the loving father of Maggie who has travelled for two weeks to find Maggie. Wade wants to spend Maggie's final weeks before she turns into a zombie with her before having to face the toughest decision of his life. it would be fair to say that this is Arnold's best acting role because he doesn't have to do any action material or silly one liners, a performance I didn't think he was capable off. (8/10)

Abigail Breslin: Maggie is the teenage daughter of Wade's who has been bitten by a zombie, she has only a couple of weeks to live before she finally turns, she gets to spend those final weeks with her family while slowly starting to get worse. Abigail continues he transformation from child star to young actress showing she still has the talent we saw first time we saw her. (8/10)

Support Cast: Maggie has a supporting cast that is trying to help ease the pain, we see friends try to make Maggie enjoy one last time together, we see the family struggling with the idea of losing her, and we see the law side trying to make sure the infection doesn't spread around the community. Each member of the cast shows how much the loss will be to them making the impact of each scene they turn up on Maggie.

Director Review: Henry Hobson – Henry gives us one of the best but most of all original ideas of a zombie film. (9/10)

Drama: Maggie has to be the best drama that involves zombies of all time. (9/10) Horror: Maggie uses the idea of zombies but it would be hard to say this is a true horror film. (5/10) Thriller: Maggie is a film that we know what will happen but we want to see how everything will unfold. (9/10) Settings: Maggie uses bleak settings for nearly every scene making us know how dark the situation the characters are facing is going to be. (10/10) Special Effects: Maggie isn't a film that relies on its special effects but we do get to see the slow transformation in Maggie come through very well. (9/10) Suggestion: Maggie is one that has to be watch by horror fans to show them all we don't need silly gore to make a zombie film interesting. It could also be enjoyed by everyone because you don't need to be put off by the zombie idea. (Watch)

Best Part: Emotional effects of a zombie outbreak. Worst Part: It does feel slow at times.

Believability: The idea of losing someone within an amount of time is a real experience people go through but the zombie side isn't. (5/10) Chances of Tears: I think this could get a few tears. (3/10) Chances of Sequel: No Post Credits Scene: No

Skin Trade (2014)

Brilliant Pure Action Film

[8/10 · 23 April 2015]

Skin Trade is a film that I went into not expecting anything amazing but the cast make enjoyable action films so this had to be watch. What is got was a pleasant surprise with a great story that enters into the realm of reality (without the endless bullets part) where we have a real look into the horrors of the human trafficking business. I maybe well be slightly biased towards action films but I must say this one pulls you in early and simply never lets you go. We do get a few generic traits in both good and bad guys but hey, this film isn't going to be about character building it is about fighting. I am willing to say this is the best storyline in an action film that I have seen this year. (9/10)

Actor Review

Ron Perlman: Viktor Dragovic is the Serbian mobster who runs a human trafficking ring around the world. When he gets captured and his son is killed he takes out the man responsible before going into hiding. Ron makes for a great villain with his blank stares when he comes face to face with Nick that show he really has no fear or regret for his characters action. (8/10)

Tony Jaa: Tony Vitayakul is the Tokyo agent trying to stop the human trafficking working with his connection in the US to stop it. Tony teams up with Nick to take down Viktor after losing his partner to one of Viktor's men. Tony kicks serious butt here showing he is ready to take the US market by storm. (8/10)

Dolph Lundgren: Nick Cassidy is the good cop who finally gets to take down Viktor but due to a technicality ends up on his bad side when Viktor takes out his family leaving him for dead. Nick sets out on a one man crusade to kill anyone working with Viktor and anyone who gets in his way. Dolph does a great job apart from when he is running where he looks like he is showing his age. (7/10)

Michael Jai White: Reed is the FBI agent who gets involved in trying to take down the human trafficking ring offering help where it is needed, but he is really staying close to inform Viktor about investigations. Michael does a solid job in the supporting role where he gets to have a great fight with Tony Jaa. (6/10)

Support Cast: Skin Trade has a supporting cast that includes the victims of the Skin Trade as well as the people involved in dealing in it or preventing it.

Director Review: Ekachai Uekrongtham – He does a great job directing this all out action film that never seems to let you take a breath. (8/10)

Action: Skin Trade is filled with hand to hand combat, chases and firefights to keep the action rolling throughout. (9/10) Thriller: Skin Trade starts off making you interested but by the end of the film I was at the edge of my seat waiting for what will happen next. (10/10) Settings: Skin Trade takes the action all over the world showing just how widespread the human trafficking really is. (9/10) Suggestion: Skin Trade is an absolute must watch for any action fan out there, dare I say action film of the year? (Action MUST Watch)

Best Part: Jaa & Lundgren together. Worst Part: Lundgren running. Action Scene Of The Film: Jaa versus White.

Believability: The idea behind what is going on is a very real problem but the action side it not. (5/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: It could have a sequel. Post Credits Scene: No Similar Too: Taken

Overall: When it comes to Action Skin Trade is packed with everything you want and then some, being the action surprise film of the year.

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Exists (2014)

Verdict: High Definition Found Footage

[8/10 · 10 April 2015]

Exists has to go down as one of the best horror films of this years and it follows a very basic idea for a story. Friends go down to the woods and end up disturbing a Bigfoot leading to them having to fight to survive. This is easy to make easy to follow but I do have one big question really, did we need the found footage angle? When you watch you will understand that the footage all looks way to clear for a true found footage, but it did give them an excuse to use a couple of original ideas for the footage being recorded and also gave them a chance to be able to jump between shots because of the multiple cameras. I feel this is a very good and enjoyable horror film that doesn't need the found footage angle. (8/10)

Actor Review

Dora Madison Burge: Dora is one of the friends who doesn't seem to get many lines early in the film. Dora like the other lady of the film doesn't really get a chance to do anything in the film. (4/10)

Samuel Davis: Matt is the nephew of the cabin owner who ends up having to stick up for his brother before going off alone to look for help. The character of Matt is a good first victim and Samuel does a solid job with his small amount of time. (6/10)

Roger Edwards: Todd is your alpha male of the group who manages to put a plan in action to defend the friends who stay behind even though he doesn't like the behaviour of Brian. Roger does a good job and makes his performance look realistic with all the emotions his character has to go through. (7/10)

Chris Osborn: Brian is the camera man and expert who tries to communicate with the Bigfoots but only seems to insight their rage. He is also related to the owner of the cabin. Chris does a give a good performance and can't fault him, but did his character really need a camera for the whole film? (7/10)

Denise Williamson: Elizabeth is the last member of the friends who is the girlfriend to Todd and much like Dora doesn't get a chance to say much in the first half of the film. Denise doesn't really get any screen time to work with if I am being perfectly honest. (5/10)

Support Cast: Exists only has small appearance from any other actor who only appear to surprise.

Director Review: Eduardo Sanchez – Eduardo has evolved his style in the found footage genre to carry on his ability to make a frightening horror film. (8/10)

Horror: Exists manages to build tension very early making nearly every scene have a feeling that something will happen. (9/10) Settings: Exists uses the isolated setting to its advantage by putting our victims on the location the Bigfoot knows perfectly. (10/10) Suggestion: Exists is one that all the horror fans should watch it really does manage to make everything high tension from start to finish. (Horror Fans Watch)

Best Part: Making an instant impact. Worst Part: Couple of annoying shaky cam moments. Scariest Scene: First attack.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: No Post Credits Scene: No Similar Too: Willow Creek

Oscar Chances: No Runtime: 1 Hour 21 Minutes Tagline: The legend is real. So is the terror.

Overall: Exists has to go down as one of the best horror films this year, fully of tension and scares, a must watch for horror fans.

Dead Rising: Watchtower (2015)

Dead Rising: Watchtower is easily the best video game adaptation to date, fun filled, blood soaked entertainment.

[8/10 · 28 March 2015]

Dead Rising: Watchtower is based on the video game which is one of my favourite ones, so don't expect to get a Walking Dead level story. This story ends up giving us everything you would expect to see from Dead Rising video game, it has all of the traits with the wacky over the top weapons and blood splatter around every corner. The most important word to describe this film world be fun but you could use enjoyable or easy to watch. I personally really enjoyed this because I am a fan but I could understand the non-fans thinking this is just another zombie film. As a fan I will rate this high because it could easily be put in the list of good video game adaptations. (7/10)

Actor Review

Meghan Ory: Crystal O'Rourke is the infected woman who knows how to survive zombies but she is running low on Zomdrex, meaning she has to fight her way through the zombies to look for her next dose. Meghan does a good job as the kick ass heroine of the piece. (7/10)

Virginia Madsen: Maggie is a grieving mother who loses her daughter to the zombie outbreak and ends up teaming up with Crystal and Chase to try and survive. Virginia gives a solid supporting performance but it really here to show the human effect of the outbreak. (6/10)

Jesse Metcalfe: Chase Carter is an aspirating reporter who finds himself in the middle of a zombie outbreak where his dreams of a story go against his quest for survival. Jesse does a good job in the lead role playing a character that is very similar for Frank West from the original game. (7/10)

Dennis Haysbert: General Lyons is the man in charge of the quarantine and the plan to firebomb the town, he makes himself look like the hero of the situation even though he has an alternative motive. Dennis plays the traditional General role solid but never offers anything new to the idea but doesn't need to. (7/10)

Rob Riggle: Frank West provides a running commentary from a newsroom on how to survive the situation and simply not holding back on his comments. Rob steals every scene he is in as the charismatic Frank West the survivor from the original game. (8/10)

Support Cast: Dead Rising: Watchtower has a large supporting cast that includes the other people trapped inside the walls be it the good or the twisted, as well as the military outside the wall with Chase's plucky partner trying to uncover the story from the outside.

Director Review: Zach Lipovsky – Zach does a good job here which is surprising after his last outing. (7/10)

Action: Dead Rising: Watchtower is filled with plenty of blood coated action throughout. (9/10) Horror: Dead Rising: Watchtower puts us into a zombie outbreak making it feel like we are trapped much like the games. (8/10) Thriller: Dead Rising: Watchtower does keep you wanting to see what happens next and who will turn up around the next corner. (8/10) Settings: Dead Rising: Watchtower creates the isolation for our survivors as they become trapped inside the town. (9/10) Special Effects: Dead Rising: Watchtower uses great special effects with the zombie kills throughout the film. (9/10) Suggestion: Dead Rising: Watchtower is one for all the zombie fans to enjoy, it is really just fun and enjoyable to watch. (Zombie Fans Watch)

Best Part: Frank West everything about him was great. Worst Part: It won't please the serious zombie fans. Action Scene Of The Film: Final fight. Funniest Scene: Frank West interviews.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: Could easily have one, depends how popular it was. Post Credits Scene: No Similar Too: Dead Rising Video Game.

Oscar Chances: No Runtime: 1 Hour 58 Minutes

Overall: Dead Rising: Watchtower is easily the best video game adaptation to date, fun filled, blood soaked entertainment. Rating 85

Nailbiter (2013)

Nailbiter is a surprise package of a horror film that has a lot of potential that doesn't all shine through

[6/10 · 27 March 2015]

Nailbiter is a tale of two things one I like the over I hate. Let us start with what I liked, the idea of becoming trapped during a storm works well also adds potential realism to the story. The creatures works well with the whole weather changes people and also feels slightly fresh for the horror genre. Now for the negative, one of my big pet hates in horror is going somewhere or doing something you really didn't need to do. This film puts our family in a position they really didn't need to be in, they could and any responsible parent would have kept their children at home during a tornado problem. Add in to this we get the problem where the family could have just carried on driving because the tornado was behind them. The tornado goes over the shelter but does NO DAMAGE to the house, really? And finally why would you run to the shelter instead of drive to the house. OK enough of the negatives let's look at the good again, the whole cult like community works nicely but I think the strongest part of this film is you really don't know what the creatures will be. I think this film is a real miss mash that really could have been brilliant but shouldn't be looked at negatively. (6/10)

Actor Review

Erin McGrane: Janet Maguire is the mother of the family, she is recovering from an alcohol problem but has been clean for six months. She has to keep her family safe against an unknown enemy after they get caught in the middle of a tornado. Erin does fill the parent role well but never really shines. (5/10)

Meg Saricks: Jennifer Maguire is the eldest daughter of the family who has to look strong to her younger sisters, all while showing her ability to use what she can find. Meg is meant to become the star of the show but doesn't show enough to make her a powerful enough leading star. (5/10)

Joicie Appell: Mrs Shurman is the old lady who lives in the house along with the creatures who are hungry after a storm. Joicie does a solid job as the leader of the creatures but doesn't get enough screen time to give away enough. (5/10)

Support Cast: Nailbiter has a mix of supporting characters, we have the younger two daughters who really don't shine, the creatures all work well but it is the members of the community that needed more time to show how this storm idea works.

Director Review: Patrick Rea – Patrick really did give us a good idea for horror, it may have a few negatives but the positives all work well for the film. (7/10)

Horror: Nailbiter fills the horror check list well by creating isolation, a mysterious creature and putting a small group in real danger. (8/10) Settings: Nailbiter uses isolation for the setting with weather affecting it, but it also makes everything look like an area you could simply drive passed. (8/10) Special Effects: Nailbiter has solid effects for the creatures but as we only see them in glances it all works to keep the mystery. (8/10) Suggestion: Nailbiter is one for the horror fans to try, I think you may get rewarded with a gem but don't expect brilliance. (Horror Fans Try)

Best Part: The film not being afraid who it kills. Worst Part: Did they need to go?

Believability: I do think it is not believable but I do like how it has a feeling it could be real. (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: It is open for one. Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No Runtime: 1 Hour 22 Minutes Tagline: Fear will surface

Overall: Nailbiter is a surprise package of a horror film that has a lot of potential that doesn't all shine through.

The Voices (2014)

Verdict: Delightfully Dark Comedy

[8/10 · 19 March 2015]

The Voices is one of the few comedies I have seen recently that actually made me laugh and that is simply down to the story being able to come off looking serious but use the ideas in a comic tone. We get a very good thriller that tackles serious mental health problems and we also get very real characters that have social problems, misleading woman thinking it is alright to lead a man on and an over flirty person who thinks everyone could be good. Mixing them together we see how normal life can be but add in the two pets who if this was a cartoon one would be an angel the other the devil in a situation where people actually double think before acting. I think this story will go down as one of the better ones of the year and will certainly appeal to the right audience. (8/10)

Actor Review

Ryan Reynolds: Jerry the disturbed man who hears voices from his pets, he tries to fall in love with a co-worker but things don't get well and he accidentally kills her. Jerry has to figure out what to do before getting involved with another employee Lisa. Ryan also provides the voices for all the animals including Mr Whiskers the cat and Bosco the dog who try to help him make decisions in his life. Ryan gives a great performance showing his full range of emotions and comic timing throughout this film. (9/10)

Gemma Arterton: Fiona co-worker who leads Jerry along because she thinks she is better than everyone else. She uses Jerry when she needs to and ends up getting killed by him, before continuing to talk to him from beyond the grave. Gemma gives a good performance in a supporting role. (7/10)

Anna Kendrick: Lisa co-worker who is interested in Jerry and ends up getting involved with him and she could be the one to get him to solve the problems he is having. Anna goes well in the supporting role playing a character we are used to seeing her in. (7/10)

Jacki Weaver: Dr Warren who is Jerry therapist who is trying to make sure that he stays strong through the mental health problems he is suffering through. Jacki does well in the supporting role. (7/10)

Support Cast: The Voices doesn't have the biggest supporting cast we only have the odd appearance from fellow co-workers.

Director Review: Marjane Satrapi – Marjane does a great job directing this dark comedy that really works on so many different levels. (8/10)

Comedy: The Voices has a brilliant level of comedy used throughout mostly in the dark level though. (8/10) Crime: The Voices enters into a crime world once Jerry starts killing people even if they are accidental at first. (8/10) Thriller: The Voices really does keep you guessing as you don't know how Jerry can keep getting away with what he has done as well as guessing who will die next. (9/10) Settings: The Voices puts us in a small town showing how everyone knows everyone else and when people start going missing no one knows who to suspect. (8/10) Suggestion: The Voices is going to be a film I suggest seeing but if you don't like dark comedy you won't like this one. (Watch)

Best Part: Bosco thinking Jerry has crossed a line. Worst Part: It won't be the right film for certain people. Funniest Scene: Bosco hearing the door knocking.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: No Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No Runtime: 1 Hour 43 Minutes

Overall: I honestly have to say this is one of the funniest films I have seen in recent years, it manages to become a dark version of Doctor Dolittle but maintain the humour.

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The Culling (2015)

potentially good

[3/10 · 15 March 2015]

The Culling manages to look like it could have been a lot better but let's look out how things played out. We do follow the clichés there is no question about that and we do get the characters making stupid horror movie mistakes, separating and not listening to instruction. The issue I had was that the film doesn't seem to want to identify the force until it is too late which takes away the reason why the characters are running around aimlessly at times. When we do finally get the reveal it does again come off clichéd but works for what this horror is trying to achieve. You can see the low budget used on this film which doesn't help because the acting takes away from certain moments that are highlights. I think this had a lot of potential but just went in the wrong directions. (4/10)

Actor Review

Jeremy Sumpter: Tyler the ex-boyfriend of Emily but still friends with everyone, he goes on the trip hoping to win Emily back but really comes off as a big softy. Jeremy manages to make us get annoyed with his character as he clearly looks out of place in this role. (2/10)

Elizabeth Di Prinzio: Emily the head strong trainee nurse who really takes charge of the situation, she manages to stay calm while the rest overreact and tries to understand the situation. Elizabeth tires to be a good lead and shows all the character needed but really isn't strong enough for the role. (4/10)

Brett Davern: Sean the trademark asshole of the group who only ever thinks about himself, you will grow to hate this character quickly. Brett does a good job making you really hate this character. (6/10)

Chris Coy: Hank the fifth wheel of the group who panics way too much making all the wrong decisions. Chris really looks like this was mailed in. (2/10)

Linsey Godfrey: Amanda fresh out of rehab but hasn't learnt her lessons because she still wants to take drugs, she becomes an easy victim for the spirit because of her weaknesses. Linsey doesn't do anything of any quality in the role. (2/10)

Support Cast: The Culling has a supporting cast of the children and the family but never really uses them to the best of the abilities.

Director Review: Rustam Branaman – Rustam manages to take every possible cliché and turn it into a film that really isn't very character driven but does have one very good horror moment. (4/10)

Thriller: The Culling you don't seem to want to care about the characters as they just make the silly mistakes over and over again. (2/10) Settings: The Culling does create the isolation factor needed nicely. (8/10) Special Effects: The Culling has a mix of good and bad effects, but I will say it is due to low budget. (5/10) Suggestion: The Culling is one that you could watch on late night TV only I wouldn't go out of my way to see it and I wouldn't suggest anyone else too. (Late Night TV)

Best Part: When Amanda looks in the closest, good jump scare. Worst Part: Not following instructions.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: It is left open for one, but I doubt it. Post Credits Scene: No

Runtime: 1 Hour 22 Minutes Tagline: When the devil breeds...a new evil is born.

Overall: The Culling is a very clichéd horror thriller that doesn't come off as well as it could, but it really did have potential.

Monsters: Dark Continent (2014)

Verdict: Insulting Toward the Original

[2/10 · 14 March 2015]

Story: Monsters: Dark Continent starts with narration from Michael Parkes (Keeley) a reluctant solider who explains that the monsters have started to spread destroying cities through the Middle East, where the new Infected Zone is. Frater (Harris) is a sniper who has completed his mission before making his swift getaway back to the US base. Flashback I think to watch Michael and his unit Frankie (Dempsie) Inkelaar (Soller) and Shaun (Sawyers) back in Detroit preparing to be shipped out again. We learn how the unit all has each other's back and will fight anyone to protect each other. Drugs, booze and hookers this must mean we are having a leaving party because that is what everyone does right? Well that was a painful excuse to show boobs in a war based film. Now for the real story to start, we are now following the helicopter assault of a heard of giant monsters which is quickly completed. Frater and Forrest (Pinnock) run the base and give the new recruits the rules on how to survive the situation. We follow the soldiers on basic missions around towns as we witness the effects of war not just on with the monsters but with the terrorists. The unit has been on plenty of patrols without seeing much action before they get a mission to locate a group of missing soldiers. When the convoy gets hit, the mission changes to one of survival against a human enemy as well as a monster threat. Frater, Michael, Inkelaar and Frankie are the four surviving members of the unit who have to try and stay ahead of the enemy, but aren't very successful. Before long Frater and Michael are left alone, captured by the enemy they have to escape while the enemy is dealing with a monster attack. Monsters: Dark Continent moves the action to a different continent and never explains how the monsters ended up in that location considering the first one being set in Mexico. The most part of this film is a dreadfully boring war story that just has monsters on the outside of it, I am willing to say I don't even know what the point of having the monsters in this film actually is. The war side of the story has been done so many times it offers nothing to the genre and ends up ruining anything the first film created. I personally think this will be one of the worst stories of the year. (2/10)

Actor Review

Johnny Harris: Noah Frater the veteran on tour who leads the unit on the mission and after things go wrong he takes charge of the inexperienced unit as they try to fight against enemies both human and monster. Johnny ends up being a very generic soldier who has been at war too long. (3/10)

Sam Keeley: Michael the rookie soldier who is with his unit and after they all die he is left alone with Frater as they try to survive against the odds. Sam fills the generic rookie soldier and doesn't make an impact in the role. (3/10)

Support Cast: Monsters: Dark Continent has a supporting cast that includes the fellow soldiers who mostly die early on and we get to see the effects of their death on the two remaining soldiers.

Director Review: Tom Green – Tom doesn't do the original film any justice and gives us one of the most misleading films of the year. (2/10)

Sci-Fi: Monsters: Dark Continent tries to put us in a world where the monsters are now part of the world but doesn't rise to the levels it could have. (5/10) Thriller: Monsters: Dark Continent is meant to be a thriller but you will spend time looking at your watch wondering how much more. (2/10) Settings: Monsters: Dark Continent brings the action to the Middle East but never explains why it ends up there. (4/10) Special Effects: Monsters: Dark Continent has one positive, the monster creations all look very good and very real throughout the film. (10/10) Suggestion: Monsters: Dark Continent is really going to have to be one to avoid, it is too long, too dull and lacks any real monster action. (Avoid)

Best Part: The monsters all look very real. Worst Part: Too Long and no monster action. What Could Have Been Better? – Explain how the monsters ended up in the Middle East, Involve the monsters, make it interesting.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: Left open to one and made right I would watch a sequel. Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No Runtime: 1 Hour 59 Minutes Trivia: The main actor from the first Monsters movie Scott McNairy is signed on as an Executive Producer for Monsters:Dark Continent.

Overall: Very disappoint sequel to one of the best low budget films of recent years. Rating 25

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Digging Up the Marrow (2014)

Verdict: Great Horror Mockumentary

[8/10 · 21 February 2015]

Story: Digging Up the Marrow starts by interviewing a string of stars/artists/film makers and other people involved in entertainment about monsters and what drove them to enter the form of work they are in now. We meet horror director Adam Green (Playing himself) and his cinematography Will Barratt (Also playing himself). The two are making a documentary about the success and the connection to the fans. One fan Detective William Dekker (Wise) who claims there are real monsters and on the third interview they decide to film his story. Dekker believes there is a place called The Marrow just under our own Earth surface where these 'freaks' of the world live without us knowing about them. Adam, Will and William look plan to spend a night looking for the monsters, the rules are simple follow Dekker's rules and we learn that this monster investigation is an obsession for Dekker even if Adam is taking it lightly. The first night the crew struggle with lighting because using the camera light would expose them watching the monsters. When Adam tries to push the limits of the rules but goes too far but captures one of the monsters on camera. Taking the footage back to Editor Jason Either (Playing himself) and monster movie legend Kane Hodder (Playing himself) who believe everything to be a hoax of sort. Two weeks later Will and Adam return and along with Dekker try to think of an idea to be able to film the monsters by creating light source that looks natural. The new idea is a success as the cameras capture a new monster, but the project has to go on hold so Adam goes on tour to the horror conventions. During the month away Adam learns that Dekker has been reaching out to bigger horror directors to tell his story, in another turn of events Dekker has been visiting the Marrow entrance and acting strangely making Adam question Dekker's sanity. Determined to get to the bottom of the story Adam and Will decide investigate the Marrow entrance without Dekker to see if the story is true without Dekker being able to put anything on, before learning the truth. Digging Up the Marrow puts together the idea of what found footage films have been failing with, but without being fully designed as a found footage film. It uses the real director to give the film a true documentary feel but also uses the camera being what we see. Mixing the group together we get to see a very effective horror film that does have a few shocks, it almost pokes fun at all the paranormal investigation type shows without being a flat out comedy and tries to break the fourth wall on many occasions. I personally really liked this idea and simple put this is an effective horror because when the scares happen they are effective. (8/10)

Actor Review

Ray Wise: William Dekker the man who believes that there are monsters just under the surface of the Earth and has reached out horror directors to help tell his story. Ray gives a good performance as the potential crazy man who could have a true story to tell. (9/10)

Adam Green: Adam plays himself as the horror director who has been given the story and investigates the story Dekker has given him. Adam ends given a natural performance that shows how Adam wants to find and understand real monsters. (8/10)

Will Barratt: Will plays himself and is the man behind the camera through the most part of the film, he is Adam's friend and along the way he offers the idea to bounce potential theories between the two. Will spends most behind the camera so it is hard to rate highly but does help give the role a natural feel. (7/10)

Support Cast: Digging Up the Marrow has a supporting cast that is names in horror world that are mainly only used for interviews and learning about what could be real or effects.

Director Review: Adam Green – Adam does a great job directing this making us feel like it could be a real documentary that is filled with horror. (8/10)

Documentary: Digging Up the Marrow uses the documentary idea by giving the film a full mockumentary idea. (9/10) Fantasy: Digging Up the Marrow takes us into a fantasy world of what could be under the surface of the Earth. (9/10) Horror: Digging Up the Marrow lets the horror build up and when we get the scares they are effective. (9/10) Mystery: Digging Up the Marrow offers up the mystery of what could be real throughout. (8/10) Thriller: Digging Up the Marrow does keep you guessing to what will happen next and you really don't know what monster will turn up next. (9/10) Settings: Digging Up the Marrow uses the settings that work well for the genre, the idea that everything with the monsters is in the dark shows how everyone knows the monsters are meant to be in the dark. (9/10) Special Effects: Digging Up the Marrow uses great practical effects for the monsters when we eventually see them. (8/10) Suggestion: Digging Up the Marrow is one that horror fans should be watching as it will be one of the better ones this year. (Horror Fans Watch)

Best Part: Car attack. Worst Part: It does have a slightly slow moving start. Scariest Scene: First monster appearance is good jump scare.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: No Post Credits Scene: No Similar Too: The Buried Secret of M Night Shyamalan

Oscar Chances: No Runtime: 1 Hour 38 Minutes Tagline: You will believe.

Overall: When it comes to horror films we have seen plenty of different types but a mockumentary style works in this new way that has good scares throughout. Rating 80

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Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2014)

Verdict: Pure Zombie Fun

[7/10 · 14 February 2015]

Story: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead starts by having heavily armoured man run out of barn to retrieve a car, they are fully armed and take out zombies left, right and centre. Rewind time to the day before where Benny (Burchill) tells his story of what he was doing before the zombies turned up, where his friends were missing one a zombie one his first victim. Barry (Gallagher) tells the story of what he did before he got to the group where he has to protect his wife and child after a routine day. We see how Brooke (Bradey) Barry's sister is doing a photo shoot before encounter and witnessing her friends turn into zombies. Barry arms himself and his family with common handyman equipment to make a daring escape at night. We see Brooke get kidnapped by soldiers and Barry's family turn leaving him with the decision to put them out of their misery. Brooke has been taken for experiments and finds herself tied up in a room with both zombies and other victims. Returning to Barry alone on the roadside where he meets a stranger who leads him to meet Benny. We continue to see the experiments being performed on Brooke while Barry finds a couple more survivors who explain what has been happening and also help discover a new fuel supply. And we are back to the beginning, which explain why they have to take the car the way they do. Car armoured, fuel tank filled the three survivors set out to try and get to Brooke. Brooke discovers that the experiments that have been getting performed on her have given her the ability to control zombies. We see how Barry, Benny and Frank have a great means of transport where nothing can get to them, they find out that they can only run the car by day because the zombies become faster and deadly by night. Brooke having her new powers plans her own escape and with them she becomes the most powerfully person on the road and teaming up with her brother to get revenge on the people who took Brooke. Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead manages to take what is a very familiar villain on the zombies and makes it step up to the next level, it loses any serious side to make way for the fun side and it is like watching a zombie video game unfold on front of you. This doesn't mean it is a bad thing rather just accepts that it isn't going to be the most serious and that you should just sit back and enjoys the action. The core parts of story are easy to follow and the supporting characters take most of the action while out lead just plays angry throughout. This is a story the die-hard zombie fans will enjoy but don't expect a game changer. (7/10)

Actor Review

Jay Gallagher: Barry who has to kill his family after they turn and sets out to find his sister before it is too late. He gets heavily armoured up along with other survivors to uncover the truth. Jay does a solid job as the angry man who has lost loved ones to the zombies. (7/10)

Bianca Bradey: Brooke who is an artist who gets kidnapped by the military men and put through experiments only to end up with the power to control zombies to do anything she wants them too. Bianca does a solid job even if most of the film she is tied up. (6/10)

Leon Burchill: Benny stranger who joins Barry on his mission to get Brooke back, he makes the silly choices and says all the wrong things but is easily the funniest character in the film. Leon is the scene stealer with his comments will make you laugh as we know that Barry is keeping his cards hidden Benny just blurts out anything. (7/10)

Support Cast: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead has your typical zombie survivors supporting cast with the soldiers, and people trying to survive with past that will reflect their eventual deaths.

Director Review: Kiah Roache-Turner – Kiah does a good job directing one of the better zombie films on recent years and one that will make you enjoy the film. (7/10)

Action: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead is filled with action with plenty of zombie killing action. (9/10) Horror: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead puts you in a zombie apocalypse which always makes for good horror. (8/10) Settings: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead puts the action in the Australian outback which makes for a different setting than we are used too. (8/10) Special Effects: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead uses very good effects with the zombie kills. (9/10) Suggestion: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead is one for the horror fans to enjoy especially if you like a zombie film. (Horror Fans Watch)

Best Part: The final human villain's death is very good and original. Worst Part: Might have had more action. Action Scene Of The Film: The car retrieval.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: Could have one. Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No Runtime: 1 Hour 38 Minutes

Overall: Wyrmwood is one of those horrors films that tries to redefine the genre of action horror with zombies and does a very good job. Rating 73

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Fear Clinic (2014)

Can you fears come to life?

[6/10 · 30 January 2015]

Story: Fear Clinic starts by Dr Andover (Englund) talking about fears and how he has come up with a cure to people's fears. We learn that after he got endless praise for his work we hear that something went wrong with his ideas. Move to a diner where a lone gun man bursts in on a killing spree which is just part of the experiment that the girl gets lost in. Moving forward a whole year we meet Sara (Dourif) who is student that during a blackout has her own nightmare about the gun man. Sara goes to the fear clinic in search for answers or a treatment for her fears from Dr Andover. With Andover not the same man it appears certain patients are having relapses and one of the patients died. Andover is full of regret for what happened to Paige and is very reluctant to let anyone use the chamber again. This doesn't stop Osborn (Terrell) going behind his back to set up the chamber to try and save another sick patient. Andover learns that what he had been working on has bought something back and created a substance that pushes people to reach newer more intense levels of fear. The third patient Blake (Dekker) gets bought in we learn that his fear is to do a real incident. Andover finally gives the machine another chance and the first patient is Blake, while things don't go bad they don't get any real answers. Each member of the study was all part of a restaurant shooting and each member is trying to get over the fear that has been created from the situation. A force is trying to get through to the real world by using the fears created by these people and the chamber Andover created. Fear Clinic takes us into a world where we see the characters already taken over by their fears but for now controlling them. We get to see how one event could change lives forever and how the affects will scar them for life. We also end up having to see how messing with science could lead people into trouble especially where no one thinks about side effects. The story follows the characters with all of these mixing together as they must learn to control the fear rather than run from it because we see fear take control and become real. The films uses psychological horror to get the most part over and though the jumps are easy you will be thinking about what happens for a while. (7/10) Actor Review Thomas Dekker: Blake a gunshot victim who was part of the clinic but this time he has started to improve after going into the chamber. Thomas does a solid job but spends half his screen time not in a working state but his character does hold some secrets. (6/10) Robert Englund: Dr Andover genius scientist who at one time was at once the leading name in scientific research but after his tests go wrong things take a turn for the worse, but this is his chance to redeem himself by saving these people. Robert does a solid job in a role that was going to gather the horror fans. (7/10) Fiona Dourif: Sara our heroine who is trying to get answers and seems to be the connection between everyone while she is trying to cure her own fear. Fiona continues to look like she might be a star of bigger and better things with this performance. (7/10) Support Cast: Fear Clinic has a supporting cast that includes patients, doctors and nurses who all help the story continue as most of them are who get affects most by whatever it is that is after them. Director Review: Robert Hall – Robert does a solid job creating a horror that makes you think. (7/10) Horror: Fear Clinic uses psychological horror making you think about what is happening with a couple of attempted jump scares. (7/10) Settings: Fear Clinic uses the setting of the clinic well putting our characters trapped and isolated. (8/10) Special Effects: Fear Clinic uses solid special effects especially with the twisted creature creation. (7/10) Suggestion: Fear Clinic is one for the horror fans to give a go to I think they will enjoy the way this film unfolds. (Horror Fans Watch) Best Part: The chamber secrets. Worst Part: I think a few too many things to ask about. Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: No Post Credits Scene: No Oscar Chances: No Budget: $1 Million Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes Trivia: Corey Taylor's first film role Overall: Fear Clinic isn't the scariest of horror films out there but it will make you think so if you like that idea for horror you will like this. Rating 65

Wild Card (2015)

Verdict: Statham Action Thriller Stamp Repeated

[6/10 · 30 January 2015]

Story: Wild Card starts with a last December timeline where Nick Wild (Statham) is drinking in a bar where he gets mixed up with Osgood (Casella) and his girl DD (Vergara). We see a girl beaten up and dumped outside a hospital and her only word is Nick after being asked who did it. Nick is a security consultant for attorney Pinky (Alexander). A young man Cyrus Kinnick (Angarano) wants to hire Nick to bodyguard him during a night in the casino. We see that the opening fight was just a play to make Osgood look good for the girl. Holly (Garcia-Lorido) was the girl from the hospital and while released she turns out to be friends with Nick and calling out was for his help. She recounts that story of what happened with three guys raping and beating her up, Holly wants Nick to find the guys responsible so she can sue them. Nick has connection all over town apart from the hotel where the incident happened but he does find out who it was Danny DeMarco (Ventimiglia) but he is warned away. Nick takes Cyrus on the night around Las Vegas while being conflicted about what happened to Holly, leaving Cyrus in his low stakes gambling Nick goes to Holly and ends up getting involved with helping her get her revenge. Nick pays Danny a visit leaving all three of them laying giving Holly her chance at revenge. Roll credits, wait we have only had 45 minutes so far. Nick heads to the casino to try and kill some time with his croupier friend Cassandra (Davis) as Nick knows this will be his last night in Vegas. Nick hits an unbelievable streak on the table making the money he wants so he can leave the city once and for all. Nick's gambling problems come back to hit him when he decides to risk it all to make enough so he will never have to return to Vegas, but blows it all. Cyrus final reveals why he has made contact with Nick and wants to learn how to lose his fear of the world but Nick has to deal with the DeMarco's. Wild Card gives us what we are used to from a Jason Statham film, we know he will end up in a fight against multiply opponents while trying to do the right thing. Taking that away we do get elements of the film which take on a more serious note, like his gambling addiction. Unlike certain films touching on the same subject matter we get to see people come and go from the story early than we would expect. When it comes to the base story it works out nicely for an enjoyable action thriller but don't expect anything ground breaking. (7/10)

Actor Review

Jason Statham: Nick Wild specialist who knows the right people at all the levels of Vegas who ends up helping a friend get revenge on a guy who beat them up. After he does this he ends up having to fight his own demons with addiction while showing a young man around the city. Jason does what he does best, acting moody and kicking ass. (7/10)

Michael Angarano: Cyrus Kinnick young man who hires Nick to show him around town but it turns out he might have a different motive. Michael does a solid job but his character seems to get buried in all the action. (5/10)

Milo Ventimiglia: Danny DeMarco gangster who abuses a woman leading to Nick helping get revenge against him. Milo does a good job with him continuing to take the weasel like villainous role. (7/10)

Support Cast: Wild Card has plenty of supporting characters who mostly only appear in cameo like performance from the better known stars, Stanley Tucci, Sofa Vergara to mention a couple.

Director Review: Simon West – Simon does a solid job directing this to make an action thriller than works with Statham in the lead. (7/10)

Action: Wild Card has a couple of fight scenes that all come off very good in the end. (7/10) Thriller: Wild Card doesn't manage to pull you in as much as it could because each chapter of the story seems to get put together very well that is closes it before making us wonder what will happen next. (4/10) Settings: Wild Card uses Vegas as the setting which is always a good setting for the subject matters involved. (9/10) Suggestion: Wild Card is one for the action fans to enjoy, it won't test you too much but can be enjoyed by the fans of the genre. (Action Fans Watch)

Best Part: Final fight. Worst Part: It feels like it could end after the revenge scene. Action Scene Of The Film: Final Fight.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: Unlikely Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No Budget: $30 Million Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes Tagline: Never bet against a man with a killer hand Trivia: Remake of The Heat (1986)

Overall: This really is just another action film that can be enjoyed but won't add too much to the genre in the long term.

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Mortdecai (2015)

Painfully Boring

[1/10 · 30 January 2015]

Story: Mortdecai starts by introducing himself and explaining how he is searching for something that will make him complete. Mortdecai (Depp) is an international antiques dealer who is no broke and after a deal goes wrong his muscle Jock (Bettany) has to help him escape. Mortdecai like most rich men who think they can have everything but he is being controlled by his wife Johanna (Paltrow). Mortdecai will have to continue to sell his possessions to help raise the money he need.

After an art restorer is murdered the work she is working on is also stolen leading to Inspector Martland (McGregor) leading the investigation which means seeing Mortdecai to learn about any deals in the works. Mortdecai agrees to help but only to keep the file about his closed. We watch how Mortdecai investigates who could have taken the painting while other interested parties also look into finding out who has it.

Mortdecai tries to enter into the world of a heist film and uses all the generic trademarks of one too. The problem is that it tries to be a comedy heist and simply put there are no laughs leaving everything coming off very hard to watch. The on running moustache jokes gets boring very quickly but they keep returning to it every five minutes and when you have to resort to vomit gags you know you ran out of ideas. This ends up being one of the most boring films I have seen in years and with such star power you would expect a lot more. (1/10)

Actor Review

Johnny Depp: Mortdecai an eccentric millionaire who gets caught up in trying to find out who took a famous piece of art. His adventures are weird and wild as he doesn't have a true understand of the world outside his rich circles. Johnny really needs to stop trying to play weird characters because it just doesn't work anymore. (2/10)

Gwyneth Paltrow: Johanna wife of Mortdecai who has to try and sale work to regain the family fortune while dealing with a potential love interests from long term friend Martland. Gwyneth did look the part for this role but can't pull off the comedy. (4/10)

Paul Bettany: Jock the muscle and man slave of Mortdecai who solves all the problems he finds himself in. Paul is the only one that gets any sort of laugh with his womanising ways but such a waste of talent in this role. (5/10)

Ewan McGregor: Martland MI5 agent who is looking for the missing art work along with Mortdecai. Ewan doesn't make the impact his character should and ends up being a boring cop. (3/10)

Support Cast: Mortdecai is filled with different parties who want to art or Mordecai himself they all come off very generic and offer nothing new.

Director Review: David Koepp – David gives us one of the worst films of the year already. (2/10)

Comedy: Mortdecai doesn't have any quality laughs. (0/10)

Settings: Mortdecai uses well known settings to tell us which country the events are happening in. (5/10)

Suggestion: Mortdecai just avoid like the plague, even die-hard Depp fans will think this is terrible. (Avoid It)

Best Part: Not one.

Worst Part: Depp performance.

Improve Ideas: Make it funny.

Believability: No (0/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Chances of Sequel: Please God No.

Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: Unlikely

Box Office: $10 Million first weekend.

Budget: $60 Million

Runtime: 1 Hour 47 Minutes

Tagline: Sophistication has a name

Overall: I have seen a few stinkers in my time but this actually makes Ocean's 12 look like it should have won best picture.

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Cyberbully (2015 TV Movie)

Verdict: Brilliant Thriller

[9/10 · 15 January 2015]

Story: Cyberbully starts by showing Casey (Williams) getting ready for a night out but someone is messing with her music. After getting hearing a tweet about her Casey's good mood crashes, with her friend off out she wants to get even with the person responsible and her friend Alex (Davies) agrees to help. After she gets her revenge Casey finds out she isn't talking to who she thought was in fact she is dealing with a hacker who has full access to her computer watching over her every move. Casey trapped in her own room being blackmailed by the mysterious hacker who is using her computer to affect her life and her friendships. When the tables get turned on Casey showing her to in fact be the cyber bully we find out the hackers true motives. Casey has to learn to face the consequences of her action while trying to figure out who the hacker is. Cyberbully tells the very true life fact that people out there will react negatively to material on the internet, while we see how some comments are just on the mean side we also see how some are planned to attack the person. We see the consequences of such a small comment could have because it will lead to much more serious comments that will change people. The story shows how easy it is to get affected on the internet and how easy it is to become the victim. The film tell us how vile people can be showing a very true warning, my only concern is that this is a warning that young people should be seeing and the program is focused to be on later because once you are old enough to realise that people can just be deleted, blocked and not everyone's opinion matters you can ignore these people. This really was one of the best pieces of television I have seen in a long time. (9/10)

Actor Review

Maisie Williams: Casey the only on screen star of the film who finds out that not everything is what it seems online and when she thinks she is being victimised the tables turn to show that she is in fact the bully without even knowing it. Maisie shines in this and shows why she is fast becoming one of the first names people suggest for her age bracket roles. (10/10)

Support Cast: Cyberbully doesn't have anyone else on screen, the character appear in videos or over instant messaging, each character helps Casey struggle with the next problem in her ordeal with the hacker.

Director Review: Ben Chanan – Ben does a great job directing showing a very real problem in the world while shooting it in complete real time to show how quick things could happen. (9/10)

Thriller: Cyberbully is a thriller that could have gone in a very bad way, but this really is edge of the seat from very early on until the very final moment. (9/10) Settings: Cyberbully only uses the one setting and that is Casey's bedroom, showing how trapped she becomes because of the hacker. (10/10) Suggestion: Cyberbully is a must watch for anyone that uses the internet to communicate because everything you say, recorded or even do could be used against you. (Watch)

Best Part: Williams shines. Worst Part: Nothing. Lessons Learned: Be careful on the internet.

Believability: This could be very real and cyber bulling is becoming a real problem in the world. (10/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: No Post Credits Scene: No

Awards: This could win a television award or two. Runtime: 1 Hour

Overall: Thriller That Hits Hard

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Into the Woods (2014)

Verdict: Too Long

[5/10 · 8 January 2015]

Story: Into the Woods starts by 'once upon a timing us' we have a small village on the edge of the woods where Cinderella (Kendrick) Jack (Huttlestone) and a childless Baker (Corden) along with his wife (Blunt) all live. Cinderella is left pushed around by her step sisters and mother making her do all the work. Jack is struggling with his mother to make ends meet and has to sale the only cow. The Baker and his wife let little Red Riding Hood (Crawford) head off into the woods to see granny. When the witch (Streep) from next door promises to lift the curse on The Baker's family that she had placed years before where she has taken the baby sister of the Baker. The Baker must go into the woods to retrieve certain items which will lead him to clash with all the characters who possess one of the items. We know all these characters from their fairy tales so we know the paths they should be taking and we follow The Baker as he falls into the stories to collect the items required. The Baker ends up becoming a catalyst to all of the stories to achieve the items as we continue to see the favourite characters and their fairy tale outcomes. Into the Woods really does try to squeeze as many different fairy tale characters into the story and for the first half of the film I will say it works well adding slight twists to the stories we all know and loved as children. Where the film goes in a bad direction is for the second half, where everything just seems to go in a downward spiral. I appreciate this could be a way to show how happy endings don't always happen but it really ended up coming off messy. We do have some terrible miss-casting too that hold the talented singers down. The film does jump between fairy tales too much and if you don't know the basic story you might end up feeling lost to the actual point in certain parts of the film. This ends up being a very messy musical that had potential to be something very good. (4/10)

Actor Review

James Corden: Baker helpless lead who has to go into the woods to retrieve items from the fairy tales in order to lift the curse put upon his family by the witch next door. The Baker has to become the reluctant hero of the story. How did James Corden get a lead role in a film with such a talented cast? He really looks like a fish out of water here. (2/10)

Emily Blunt: Baker's Wife who against her husband's orders follows him into the woods to help him retrieve the items before the deadline. Emily does a good job here showing she can play nearly any role in films now. (7/10)

Meryl Streep: Witch who has put the curse on the Baker's family, she sets the couple a list to retrieve while keeping his unknown sister locked away from the world. Meryl gives a good performance but what would you expect from the best in the business. (7/10)

Anna Kendrick: Cinderella the lowly slave to her step mother and sisters who breaks out of her home to go to the King's festivals where she meets Prince Charming. Anna continues to make a name for herself in these musical performance and does a good job here. (7/10)

Chris Pine: Prince Charming who is searching for Cinderella after she runs from the festival. He hunts her down after she loses her golden slipper. Chris does a solid job here but sometimes looks lost with the singing side of the story. (6/10)

Daniel Huttlestone: Jack young boy who trades his best friend and cow for magic beans only to learn to see the world in a new perspective. Daniel follows up his scene stealing performance in Les Miserable with another scene stealing performance here. (8/10)

Lilla Crawford: Little Red Riding Hood off to see her grandma in the woods only to come across a wolf who tries to trick her. Lilla makes a good debut in the role showing her singing talents. (7/10)

Support Cast: Into the Woods does have plenty more of the fairy tale favourites or villains appearing that round of the cast nicely but in the end they don't help the story.

Director Review: Robert Marshall – Robert tries to make this a good film but the source material isn't used well enough here. (5/10)

Adventure: Into the Woods with all the adventures going on it is hard to enjoy any of them unfolding. (5/10) Comedy: Into the Woods was this a comedy? (0/10) Fantasy: Into the Woods delves into the fantasy world to create the environment well. (7/10) Musical: Into the Woods is full of singing but no catchy songs to be heard. (4/10) Settings: Into the Woods uses the setting well to make them feel like they are real. (8/10) Special Effects: Into the Woods uses good effects to create the different characters that appear. (7/10) Suggestion: Into the Woods is one to try, I think it will appeal more to certain fans but the musical fans man end up feeling let down by the end. (Try It)

Best Part: Jack is interesting take on the character. Worst Part: James Corden as the lead.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: No Post Credits Scene: No

Awards: Nominated for 3 Golden Globes including Best Motion Picture in Musical or Comedy, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. Oscar Chances: It might get a few nods, but I am not sure how. Box Office: $96 Million so far Budget: $50 Million Runtime: 2 Hour 5 Minutes

Overall: Uncatchy Musical

Forget Me Not (II) (2009)

Verdict: Forgot This Quick

[5/10 · 13 December 2014]

Story: Forget Me Not starts like all good horror films with a screaming victim running from something not getting any help, leading her to return home not knowing what has happened. We fast forward a couple of years (they didn't say how many) and meet our protagonist Sandy (Schroeder) along with watching a girl who is in a coma. We also meet the generic random group of friends who all act close and are just up for partying. The group of introduced friends and Sandy recount a game they once played in the graveyard when they were younger and decide to go to the fore mentioned graveyard to play the game drunk. They are joined by a mysterious girl to play a game where they run around the graveyard until they are found or risk becoming a ghost. Yeah this sounds mad to me too. The game leads to Sandy witnessing the mystery girl jumping off a cliff before rewinding to a younger time when Sandy used to play with another friend. After that night the friends start getting picked off by the mysterious girl and for each friend that gets killed off the memory of that person is lost by everyone but Sandy. Forget Me Not does turn the slasher film on its head with certain ideas, mainly the fact only one member of the group knows the people who have been getting picked off. The unoriginal side to the story comes with the ways the characters get picked off and the over use of drugs, drink and sex. I have said it before not every teenager does drugs, is hyped up on sex and drink drives. Once you get through the many slasher side to the story we end up getting a mystery ghost story that works out nicely without shinning because it happens to late in the film because they waste too much time with the slasher side of it. (4/10)

Actor Review

Carly Schroeder: Sandy our leading lady who keeps seeing her friends vanish from the memories of the rest of the group and she has to figure out herself what is going on before losing everyone she knows. Carly really shouldn't be a leading lady. (3/10)

Support Cast: Forget Me Not has the complete generic supporting cast who are all easy to tell a part with their clear motives and are all disposable. I would look at more of the performance but they are all quite bad and the characters all make the typical stupid horror decisions.

Director Review: Tyler Oliver – He does try to combine the two different genre of horror but it sometimes gets pulled down by the other. (5/10)

Horror: Forget Me Not because this film tries to combine the two genres the suspense never gets built up for solid scares, but the creation do come off freaky. (6/10) Thriller: Forget Me Not as you don't really care who lives or who dies you are left to not worry too much about who is next but you do want to know why. (7/10) Settings: Forget Me Not doesn't create any settings that stick around long enough to be effective to the story. (4/10) Special Effects: Forget Me Not the creation of what the dead turn into is quite freaky which makes the only solid quality in the film. (7/10) Suggestion: Forget Me Not is one for the late night TV fans out there, it doesn't have enough to suggest a must watch. (Late Night TV)

Best Part: Creations of the dead. Worst Part: Most of the acting.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: No Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No Budget: $1.3 Million Runtime: 1 Hour 43 Minutes Tagline: Some friendships never die

Overall: Generic Characters in Over Ambitious Story Rating 50 Check out more reviews at www.moviesreview101.com

Violet & Daisy (2011)

Verdict: Genre Mixing

[8/10 · 13 December 2014]

Story: Violet & Daisy starts by introducing our two protagonists Daisy (Ronan) and Daisy (Bledel) acting like two normal teenage girls who complete their latest job dressed like nuns. The two teenage assassins take a holiday where they get called in for another job and as they need to money they take it. Russ (Trejo) their handler gives them the details on the target known only as The Guy (Gandolfini). Our two assassins are on the job so they can get the latest dress from their favourite fashion designer Barbie Sunday (Horn). After falling asleep waiting for The Guy he arrives home covers them up and gives them cookies and milk. The girls find themselves in a moral predicament when they get to know someone before having to kill him. The Guy is almost waiting for them to kill him leading the girls to want to know more about his story. Things take a turn when another rival group of assassins are in on the job, who also wants The Guy killed. Violet & Daisy was a surprise to me I kind of went into the film expecting an all guns a blazing action film but I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. We end up getting a drama about two teenagers who learn the side effects of their jobs while we also get the idea of one man wanting to leave the world before he can make up for everything he did wrong. We get to see how the three people chat and learn to finish the next chapter of their lives before it is too late. We have friendship tested, regret challenged and lies uncovered. All of these things help make this very interesting even though it goes against everything you have ever been taught about assassin's films. (8/10)

Actor Review

Saoirse Ronan: Daisy younger of the two hit girls who is still learning the ways but is enjoying the ride along with becoming best friends. She enjoys the friendship and the travel while letting her friend do all the killing. Saoirse does a good job in this here second teen assassin role. (8/10)

Alexis Bledel: Violet having a previous partner dying she has become close with Daisy to level of best friends as they travel the world as assassins. She is haunted by what has happened as well as learning more about trusting people. Alexis does a good job in the role she would have been slightly too old to be playing. (8/10)

James Gandolfini: The Guy who is the target for the two girls after stealing from their boss. He is dying and wants to end his suffering but slowly over the meeting he sets up one last goodbye to his daughter. James does a good job in this role. (8/10)

Support Cast: Violet & Daisy has a small supporting cast with most characters only turning up in one or two scenes to push the story in a different direction.

Director Review: Geoffrey Fletcher – Geoffrey does a good job directing this story about friendship and regrets. (8/10)

Action: Violet & Daisy doesn't really have much action in it, we have a couple of very short shoot outs which all play very well. (6/10) Drama: Violet & Daisy focuses on its characters and how they all see the world and beyond interacting with each other. (9/10) Thriller: Violet & Daisy keeps you guessing to what will be revealed next along with what could happen next. (8/10) Settings: Violet & Daisy keeps most of the setting in one place with most taking part in the apartment of The Guy. (9/10) Suggestion: Violet & Daisy is one to watch it is pleasantly surprising that could be enjoyed by all. (Watch)

Best Part: The awkward but important interaction between the three. Worst Part: Don't expect all out action.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: No Post Credits Scene: Small one near the start.

Oscar Chances: No Runtime: 1 Hour 28 Minutes Tagline: Too much sugar can kill you. Trivia: One of James Gandolfini's last acting roles before his death on June 19, 2013.

Overall: Enjoyable Drama

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We Are What We Are (2013)

Verdict: Brilliantly Built Up

[9/10 · 1 December 2014]

Story: We Are What We Are starts by letting us meet Emma Parker (DePaiva) as she goes about her day only for her to have some kind of illness and dying. Moving back to her house we meet her child Rose (Garner), Iris (Childers) and Rory (Gore) who have gone into their family traditional fasting. With the father Frank (Sage) grieving it is up to the girls to identify their mother. To keep up with their mysterious traditions Iris now has to step up as the eldest woman in the household. While the family continues to grieve the loss, the young daughters plan to take over the tradition. The girls learn about the history of the family and how they survived for years with the tradition. While they are preparing things Doc Barrow (Parks) finds a bone and starts looking into missing persons including his daughter. While we know what is going on it isn't until the preparation for the meal that we see what the Parker family is really doing. We Are What We Are does what many horror film fail to do that is create a genuine shock moment, and this builds it up to levels I haven't seen in recent horror films. We get the basic idea of hiding the idea without giving too much away before slowly revealing small parts of the film before we get the big reveal. It is hard to even find a negative side to this story telling it is told with near perfection. It pulls you in to each scene leaving you wondering what will happen next waiting for something big to happen and when it finally does it is worth the wait. This is simple, it is how you make a horror that will shock. (9/10)

Actor Review

Ambyr Childers: Iris Parker eldest daughter who has to take over from her mother after her death in prepare for the family traditions. She wants to keep her younger siblings but has to go through one last ritual before trying to escape. Ambyr does a great job in the lead role and could easily be a name in horror for years to come. (9/10)

Bill Sage: Frank Parker father of the household who is showing the effects of years of cannibalism but still forcing his young family to continue to follow the traditions after his wife dies on the first day of them. Bill does a great job in the leading role where he shows a full range of emotions. (9/10)

Michael Parks: Doc Barrow local doctor who upon finding a bone starts to think he could uncover the truth about what happened to his daughter who has been missing for a while now. Michael gives a good performance and continues to show that he is always good to go to in horror. (9/10)

Julia Garner: Rose Parker younger of the two sisters who has to help her sister in the work but is clearly too young to be involved in that sort of thing. Julia gives a great performance and starts the shock moment. (9/10)

Support Cast: We Are What We Are has a small cast but the remaining members of the cast all offer to the main story be it the officer trying to ask simple questions with a romantic angle with Iris or neighbour who has helped the family they all work well to help the main story.

Director Review: Jim Mickle – Jim does a great job directing a horror that is a genuine shock value contender. (9/10)

Drama: We Are What We Are uses the drama side of the story to build up everything the characters are going through. (9/10) Horror: We Are What We Are hides the horror until little parts get revealed before we see the real horror of what they are doing. (9/10) Thriller: We Are What We Are builds up to shock everyone with the final moment. (9/10) Settings: We Are What We Are uses settings to make everything seem like it could be your very own neighbour instead of making anything a creepy looking location. (9/10) Suggestion: We Are What We Are is a must watch for all the horror fans out there, it actually will shock you. (Horror Fans Watch)

Best Part of We Are What We Are: Not giving too much away too fast. Worst Part of We Are What We Are: Hard to find one. Oh My God Moment: The final moment will shock you.

Believability: It creates the story to make it look like it could be very real. (9/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: Could have one Post Credits Scene: No

Awards: 7 Awards including Best Horror Film in Toronto After Dark Film Festival. Oscar Chances: No Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes Tagline: Blood is the strongest bond.

Overall: Genuinely Shocking Horror

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The United States of Leland (2003)

Verdict: Beautifully Troubled Drama

[7/10 · 29 November 2014]

Story: Looking in a mixture of flashbacks of what leads up to the crime as well as seeing the effects it has had on the people's lives involved. We follow how a seemingly awkward teenager's look on life changes leading to the fatal consequences. We also see how the both families deal with the aftermath. We also see how one man tries to help only to end up looking like he is trying to make something for himself, but also learns to look at things a different way because of his time with Leland. Mixing it all together we get to look at how one person view of the world can change it for everyone involved. (8/10)

Actor Review

Don Cheadle: Pearl a teacher at the detention centre who takes an interest in Leland, mostly to start a book about him because he seems different to the rest of the teenagers in the centre. He tries his best to do the right thing but in the end is left helpless with what happens in the end. Good performance showing he can walk into lead roles with ease. (8/10)

Ryan Gosling: Leland the troubled teenager who has killed an autistic kid, but his reasons are unknown and it is not until he speaks with Pearl he shows his reasoning which shows the world in a very different view. Good performance showing that Ryan was always going to be a big name in the world of Hollywood. (9/10)

Chris Klein: Allen friend of the family who has been involved with one of the daughters of the victim's family, but when he starts to feel distant from the relationship he tries his hardest to make amends for the murdered child. Good performance from Chris showing he could have been a star, but he has yet to shine. (7/10)

Jena Malone: Becky love interest of Leland as well as sister to the murdered child, whose own problems have pushed Leland away and led him to see the world very differently. Solid performance from Jena who starred in plenty of these type of dramas in the early noughties. (7/10)

Kevin Spacey: Albert father of Leland who has been very distant in fact he hasn't seen him since he was six as he pays for Leland to spend time away around the world. Good performance in the few scenes he is in. (7/10)

Supporting Cast: With an exceptional supporting cast including Michelle Williams, Lena Olin and Kerry Washington, we get solid performances from all of them. (7/10)

Director Review: Matthew Ryan Hoge – Good direction throughout to make a compelling drama. (8/10)

Drama: Brilliant drama looking at how one crime can change so many people's lives. (9/10)

Settings: Each setting seems to be leading to the final outcome for our leading boy Leland. (7/10)

Suggestion: This is one to try, I really don't think it will be popular for many people as the subject matter is bleak and sometimes tries to balance too many stories. (Try It)

Best Part: The relationship between Pearl and Leland.

Worst Part: Not enough time spent with Leland and Pearl.

Believability: No (0/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Chances of Sequel: No

Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No

Box Office: $350,000

Runtime: 1 Hour 48 Minutes

Tagline: Crime. Confusion. Compassion. They're all just states of mind.

Overall: Compelling drama

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Grindstone Road (2008)

Verdict: Simple Ghost Story

[5/10 · 29 November 2014]

Story: A couple moves to get over a family tragedy in this case an accident that leaves their son in a coma. The wife feels guiltier as she was driving and struggles with her own sanity. The husband is trying to get on with life and support his wife but is getting tired of it. Everything has been built up for a basic drama but this is a horror. As the wife is more vulnerable she starts getting visited by a ghost child, which does the usual scares her first but in reality wants her help to discover what happened to him. The story tries to throw in a few twists and turns but with very limited characters introduced it struggles to really surprise us. It is a simple ghost story that is easy to watch but really isn't anything standing out. (5/10)

Actor Review

Fairuza Balk: Hannah who has been involved in an accident leaving her son in a coma, she is stuck suffering for what happened but she starts getting visited by a ghostly figure of a young boy. Once she realizes the house they moved into might be haunted she tries to figure out about its history only to discover the boy was murdered in the house. Good performance in the simple investigator role. (6/10)

Greg Bryk: Graham husband to Hannah who is trying to put the life back together and accepting their son will not wake up from his coma. He struggles to cope with everything that is happening with his wife but tries to support the best he can. Simple supporting performance. (4/10)

Walter Learning: Ted a neighbour who helps with the renovation of the house, but reluctant to tell much about the history of the house. Basic supporting performance. (5/10)

Joan Gregson: Linda partner of the neighbour who tries to make them all feel welcome, but also reluctant to talk about the houses history. Another basic supporting performance. (5/10)

Director Review: Melanie Orr – Simple ghost story created with the ABC moments for the character to go through. (5/10)

Horror: No real scares used at all, but the basic ghost story told. (4/10)

Settings: New house good setting for ghost story but otherwise nothing used that is that special. (7/10)

Suggestion: If you are bored and this is on one night give it a try otherwise this isn't one to be going out of your way to see. (Late Night TV)

Best Part: Creepy Toy?

Worst Part: No real thrills of scares.

Believability: No (0/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Chances of Sequel: No

Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No

Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes

Tagline: There goes the neighbourhood

Overall: Ghost Story without scares

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Time Lapse (2014)

Verdict: Intriguing

[7/10 · 21 November 2014]

Story: Time Lapse starts by meeting struggling artist Finn (O'Leary) as he can't find his inspiration for his next piece of work. We see how he works as a building manager to keep money together, we meet his girlfriend Callie (Panabaker) and his roommate Jasper (Finn). The friends investigate a resident who seems to have gone missing and discover a camera taking photos of their living room. Upon discovering that the camera takes a photo of the next day, the group try to figure out what is going on and discuss what they could use to their advantage. While they continue to make money from the camera suspicious starts to grow on them. Ivan (Spisak) Jasper's bookie learns of the camera and soon ends up forcing them to continue getting the photos results so he can benefit from them. The friends grow distant as they continue to question why they end up in the situations in the photos. Time Lapse gives us a time travel films that gives us plenty of questions, with each photo putting the group into a situation they can't explain. This gives us as viewers the question what would we do if we saw ourselves in a photo that hasn't happened in a position we could explain. Where the story get let down is in the generic characters that do the trademark time travel mistakes. We have the greedy monetary, the one who sees things improving for them personally and the one who gather inspiration even though they question the morale side. As many time travel films do they test the character development even when the science behind it all never gets fully explained. Time Lapse is a very interesting story that keeps you guessing without really pushing you to any limits. (7/10)

Actor Review

Danielle Panabaker: Callie aspiring author who wants to continue working on her work and see the camera as a way to make money and focus on her work. Callie turns out to be planning to gain more attention from her boyfriend with the photos. Danielle gives a good performance and shines when the final twist is revealed. (7/10)

Matt O'Leary: Finn young artist who has been struggling with his work but after the camera shows him his next picture he agrees to join in the work. The reluctant member of the friends who gains motivation from what he sees in the photos. Matt gives a good performance. (7/10)

George Finn: Jasper gambler who gets the three into trouble by making too much money after the camera reveals the results of the races. The member who gets caught up in his gambling addiction and becomes obsessed about photos, leading to his friends to be put in danger. George gives a good performance. (7/10)

Support Cast: Time Lapse only uses a few supporting characters who each offer something to what happens, be it explaining what is happening and what could go wrong with it.

Director Review: Bradley King – Bradley does a great job directing a time travel film that really makes you think. (7/10)

Sci-Fi: Time Lapse uses the theory of time travel to push a story where the characters get pushed into action they couldn't. (7/10) Thriller: Time Lapse doesn't fit the full thriller side a story uses but keeps you wondering what will happen next. (7/10) Settings: Time Lapse only uses one setting being a residential home where the three friends live together showing that they have become trapped in the world where they can't escape a future they think they can't change. (9/10) Suggestion: Time Lapse is a film that should be tried by all fans of the time travel genre because it really shows you don't need too much to get everything you need in a film. (Try it)

Best Part: Time Lapse best part is the theory behind the camera. Worst Part: Time Lapse weak point in never really explaining the science behind the camera.

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: No Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No Runtime: 1 Hour 44 Minutes

Overall: Great Time Travel Film

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The Mask (1994)

Verdict: Strong comedy

[8/10 · 20 November 2014]

Story: The Mask starts by taking us to the Edge City where all the action will take place. We see the Mask released from its locked up underwater treasure chest, we then get to meet our protagonist Stanley Ipkiss (Carrey). Stanley is a lonely banker who gets walked all over by his co-workers along with people taking advantage of him during his daily life. When his bad day continues to get worse he finds a mask that transforms him into a charismatic mad man. After the Mask character gets involved in a bank robbery he ends up making enemies with the criminal minds in the town putting Stanley's life in danger. Stanley must learn to measure his new found confidence gained from the mask to save the girl and clear his name. The Mask makes for a great comic book story, it plays on the very simple ideas of not having enough confidence until you can become someone else. It also looks to follow very simple save the girl from villain story, easy to work with and makes for an overall entertaining idea. The Mask doesn't try to throw any twists in the story keeping it easy to follow. It really comes off as a simple comic book story that can be followed and enjoyed by all. (8/10)

Actor Review

Jim Carrey: Stanley Ipkiss/The Mask as Stanley he is quiet laid back banker, who lets people walk all over him. After he puts on The Mask he becomes a mad man with no fear. Jim does a great job balancing the two characters with ease and being able to bounce between them with a blink of an eye. (9/10)

Cameron Diaz: Tina Carlyle beautiful woman who approaches Stanley in the bank but her motives are not what they seem. She becomes a romantic interest for Stanley. Cameron makes her debut in film here and does a good job in the damsel in distress role. (7/10)

Peter Greene: Dorian criminal that The Mask gets involved with after losing his long planed out bank job. He wants to the power of the mask but soon shows the darker side inside him. Peter does a good job as the villain but never offers anything we haven't seen before. (7/10)

Support Cast: The Mask's supporting cast is henchmen, police officers and a friend of Stanley's. They all play their part to offer a few laughs for The Mask character.

Director Review: Chuck Russell – Chuck does a good job directing this fun comedy film. (7/10)

Comedy: The Mask offers plenty of laughs, with Carrey being the main cast member offering them. (8/10) Settings: The Mask uses the settings well creating a city that is under threat from a crime lord. (9/10) Special Effects: The Mask uses its special effects well that really haven't dated 20 years on. (10/10) Suggestion: The Mask is a must watch for anyone who just wants to watch an entertaining comedy where Jim Carrey shines. (Watch)

Best Part In The Mask: The Mask character is over the top and fun. Worst Part In The Mask: In today's market the story will look one dimensional. Funniest Scene In In The Mask: The Mask watches Tina perform at the club. Favourite Quote: 'Somebody Stop ME!'

Believability: No (0/10) Chances of Tears: No (0/10) Chances of Sequel: Has a terrible prequel Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: The Mask was nominated for Best Effects, Visual Effects. Box Office: $351 Million Budget: $18 Million Runtime: 1 Hour 41 Minutes Tagline: Stanley Ipkiss is not the man he used to be. Trivia: Jim Carrey was paid $450,000 for his work in the film, a huge bargain for New Line because the deal was signed before Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) became a surprise hit, and made The Mask a hot property for the summer 1994 release schedule; Carrey then inked a $7 million before this film opened to star in Dumb & Dumber (1994).

Overall: Ssssssssssmoking! Comedy

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Sex Ed (2014)

Verdict: Smart Comedy

[8/10 · 17 November 2014]

Story: Sex Ed starts by seeing our protagonist Ed (Osment) struggling to find a teaching job. He lives with an over horny womanizing roommate JT (Powell) who gets all the luck with the woman compared to Ed. Ed decides to go and confront the school board about not even being given an interview. Finding out the only job available is an after schools activity co-ordinator. Upon learning that there is no sex education in the school he decides to teach the students. While JT thinks it is a bad idea because of his lack of experience. Ed goes ahead anyway and starts to learn more about his students and himself. Ed has to overcome a Reverend who wants no sex education in the school but the student have fast started calling Ed their favourite student this leads to Ed trying his luck with Pilar a student's sister.

Sex Ed comes off mixing two types of films, the first is the teacher who starts off unpopular by both student and parents, while the second is a romantic comedy about finding yourself. Both stories in Sex Ed play next to each other and work with nice balance. Sex Ed looks at the importance of teaching young people about sex one way or another and without the proper education they will end up unaware of the side effects. While on the romantic comedy side we look at how one man's problem are over analysed by both him and his friends when it comes to mixing up sex and love. We get to see most characters go through life lessons which people are not always brave enough to face. Sex Ed is a good comedy and easily one of the better ones out this year. (8/10)

Actor Review

Haley Joel Osment: Ed Cole the teacher who can't find a job, but by taking the chance he gets a job looking at after school activity co- ordinator and starts teaching them about sex education. Even though he doesn't have the most experience he gets the message across while he learns more about himself. Haley does give a good performance here showing he might have overcome his personal problems and getting his career back on track. (8/10)

Glen Powell: JT best friend of Ed who gets all the girls and is always around to stick up and pump him up whenever Ed gets down. Glen gives a good performance in the supporting role and usually has extra laughs. (7/10)

Lorenza Izzo: Pilar sister of one of his student who Ed takes a shine to and joins for dinner along with the family. She does go on a date with Ed but she only teaches him about the woman who mistreat a guy. Lorenza gives a solid performance which is only here for her looks. (6/10)

Support Cast: Sex Ed support cast includes the students, family members of the students and a very wise landlady who each learn and/or give advice to Ed as the story unfolds.

Director Review: Isaac Feder – Isaac does a good job to create a good romantic comedy that balance to focused stories very well. (7/10)

Comedy: Sex Ed uses smart jokes instead of lazy jokes which most sex based comedies do. (8/10)

Romance: Sex Ed tells us not everything is about sex while love is what it is really about. (7/10)

Settings: Sex Ed only uses a couple of settings but each one gives us good identity to which story we are following. (8/10)

Suggestion: Sex Ed is a romantic comedy that is worth a watch, I will suggest this to any who asks. (Try It)

Best Part: Haley Joel Osment shines.

Worst Part: Not enough people will see this when it is clearly better than other comedies out there.

Funniest Scene: Ed walks in on JT for a second time.

Believability: Sex Ed tackles very real issues and looks at the challenging issue that could stop the issues getting solved. (8/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Chances of Sequel: No

Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No

Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Tagline: Fake it till you make it

Overall: Funny Comedy Worth A Go

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Devil's Pass (2013)

Verdict: Gets better as it goes

[7/10 · 15 November 2014]

Story: We start by being told lose facts about the case, before our heroes tell us why they are studying the mystery. We see the group using their cameras telling us we are going to be dealing with found footage idea. The group of five includes a film student, audio expert and two climbers. It doesn't take long 7 minutes for the film to tell us the five go missing and that it becomes a big story around the world. Flashback to one month earlier we follow our heroes as they look to complete their investigation into the Dyatlov Pass incident. We see how strange things start to happen to the group as they get closer to the location of the incident.

When I went into this I really didn't know what to expect, I started thinking we would just have the group running around the snow being haunted by something but as it unfolds it turns into accidentally uncovering a conspiracy. Even though it used the idea of found footage the camera work isn't too shaky only have one real scene that is shaky which works for the effect of the story. It really works this because just when we think we understand what is going on that theory gets blown out the water and with a final twist that will shock and leave you asking questions it comes off very enjoyable. (7/10)

Actor Review

Holly Goss: Holly our lead student who puts together the team to help in her studies. She ignores the first few warnings to continue on the way and along with Jensen keeps a secret that could put everyone in danger. Holly gives a good performance in the lead role who puts her group at risk to get the truth. (7/10)

Matt Stokoe: Jensen our film student who suggests filming everything, he gets caught up with Holly trapped before making an impossible choice. Jensen gives a OK performance but spends more time behind the camera. (6/10)

Luke Albright: John Patrick (JP) our expert climber who is always prepared. After getting shot he ends up being left behind and becomes the first victim of the true terror of what is after the group. Matt gives a solid performance but fails to make an impact. (6/10)

Ryan Hawley: Andy our adventurer who believes he is ready for the mission. He gets injured during the first main incident and helps the rest escape. Ryan gives a standard performance but never ends up having enough time to make an impact. (5/10)

Gemma Atkinson: Denise our audio expert who also adds an extra female member to the team. Gemma gives a standard performance but never really has anything to work with, but she is the voice of reason. (5/10)

Support Cast: Filled with the Russians that tell the story, try to stop them but mostly very rarely seen.

Director Review: Renny Harlin – Unlike most found footage films this gets a well know director putting his experience stamp on directing. (7/10)

Horror: It only really has one horror worthy scene that is filled with jumps, calm and jumps again. (7/10)

Mystery: With the mystery never being solved it is good to see how each door could open a new mystery. (10/10)

Thriller: Without the group creating anything to make you care about them and the fact the film tells you they are missing early on it loses it thriller side because you know what will happen. (3/10)

Settings: Good setting for horror creating isolation with is good for any horror film. (9/10) Special Effects: We get good effects once the group enter the door with solid creature creations. (8/10)

Suggestion: Not having too many scares but good mystery side all works well but many horror fans might find thing a little bit of a let-down for scares. (Horror Fans Try)

Best Part: Creatures

Worst Part: Not enough scares.

What Could Have Been Better? – More scares and not giving away the outcome of the group early on.

Improve Ideas: Explain the footprints, make us care about this characters.

Lessons Learned: When weird unexplained stuff happens just get the hell out of there, don't keep investigating.

Scariest Scene: The creature attack.

Believability: Even though the group are looking into a real event what happens is all part of one conspiracy idea. (0/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Chances of Sequel: No

Closing Credits Rating: Filled with photos of the real group who had the unexplained happen to them. (7/10)

Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No

Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

Overall: Give it time and it might impress

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