Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

An aging arcade game character decides he's tired of being the bad guy, and if he could just get a medal then he could have some friends and respect... and pie.  If the picture I put up seems out of place its on purpose. None of my preconceptions about this movie survived past the first 15 minutes. While obviously aimed at a younger audience some of the themes, though morally simple (like all truths), are served up in very complex manners. (Remember this is a cartoon). There are some parts that have to be specifically directed at us veterans who actually remember video arcades. (Do they even exist anymore?) I flat enjoyed the hell out of this one and plan several more viewings. The pacing of the movie is along the lines of Monsters Inc. including the great big warm fuzzy tacked on the end. A very clever and well put together bit of animation. Highly Recommended.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

When the Boogeyman threatens to strike the hope and joy from the children of the world the guardians assemble to stop him. Whoever is running Dreamworks these days is rocking the house, this is another top shelf production (they raid Pixar or something?). Great use of some older characters like Man in the Moon and the Sandman in pitching one heck of an exciting thrill packed ride. Nothing too scary so it should be safe down the line. Young and old will have sore faces after all the smiling during this one. Hard to imagine this not being added to the shelf of holiday favorites. Highly Recommended.

Stitches (2012)

A bizarre birthday accident violates the sacred rite of the clown so all must die... laugh dammit, laugh! Pretty much what you expect, cheesy 80's style slasher film, but this one has a little surprise for you. Unbeknownst to anyone there is a secret order of the clown which states any clown who dies without finishing the gig will roam the earth as a vengeful undead clown thing or something.  This is sort of a Bad Santa version of cheesy B slasher movies. Mr Clown is delightfully raunchy and I have no idea what the canned bean scene was about (at least I think thats what they are) but its both funny and silly all at once.  Its not quite as in your face as Hobo With a Shotgun but its along those lines. I laughed out loud in a couple places. If you like to mix your wannabe horror with your almost comedy this would be a saucy selection.

Money Shot (2012)

Borrowing a wad of cash from his hit man uncle a loser and a has been collaborate to make a movie. Don't go into this one expecting much, the inclusion of Jason Mewes is what  attracted my attention. Basically this is a low budget hodgepodge of pieces of other movies without making overt reference to the fact. Its not without some bright spots however and some laughs can be found if you are in the proper state of mind. Mind bending narcotics may help. Not much of a film but still better than the Grammys.

The ABCs of Death (2012)

This is a 26 story anthology, a story for each letter of the alphabet by a different director. The word I will use to describe this one is interesting. The stories run the gamut from good to bad to weird to WTF?. If you are a serious movie junkie I would say its worth watching for the experience, if you are a casual movie goer this probably won't appeal to you. If anyone remembers The Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation its much like that in the delivery with some winners and some losers. Definitely something different. Due to the short duration of each segment this is one you will have to actively watch to appreciate. 

Freaky Deaky (2012)

A couple small time ex-cons try to ply their way into an old associates inherited fortune.  The way this film starts I was ready for some pretty funny stuff but after the pre title scene is over the movie is more along the lines of Jackie Brown meets Justified. Still pretty entertaining fare despite the inclusion of Christian Slater. The movie moves along at a nice brisk pace with a wonderful 70's backdrop of drugs, partying, and semi clad partiers. Great cast of almost familiar players (you will recognize many of them, just not remember names), some witty dialogue and almost dialogue, and a story-line that seems like it was lifted from The Rockford Files. I enjoyed this one despite it not being quite as funny as it could have been. Oh but they do blow up Andy Dick and Christian Slater so you have that to look forward to. If you want something entertaining and easy viewing this wouldn't be a bad pick.

Love and Honor (2013)

When a soldier in the Vietnam war gets a letter from his life long sweetheart breaking things off he heads home to confront her.  This is a story about character, friendship, and making sure you do the important things in life. Despite the backdrop this is less a movie about war or politics and more about people and passion. There is a tiny cheat on the back end that insures the story ends on a positive note. Enjoyable viewing with a man-style fuzzy.

Hitchcock (2012)

A look at a man who's name has become synonymous with suspense and horror during the making of one of the worlds most well known horror movies, Psycho. Anthony Hopkins portrayal in the title role is hands down one of the best and most convincing I have ever seen.  I don't know how accurate the events portrayed are but its an absolutely top shelf movie. Make this one a priority. Highly Recommended.

Girls Against Boys (2012)

This is sort of a Thelma and Louise slasher B movie, less yaking and more killing.  Shae is having man trouble when her co-worker Lu decides to share her psychotic habit of killing people with her... everything is fine for awhile until Lu decides she wants to keep Shae all to herself. Some pretty decent scenes of creative killing, FX are first rate, and some of the set-ups are unique and cool. I think this is one the gals will enjoy a bit more than the guys. Fairly entertaining.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (video part 1&2 2012/2013)

10 years after going into retirement The Batman dawns the cowl at 55 to battle a new menace, as well as old ones.  Frank Miller's graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns redefined comics in general and heralded a darker grittier story genre. In fact many Batman fans won't even speak to you if you aren't familiar with the Miller version. If you aren't familiar with the book but like Batman, see the videos first before you decide to hunt down a copy. The story itself kind of closes out the Bruce Wayne portion of the Batman mythos and portrays the Dark Knight with a more 'real world' backdrop. This is a much more a Frank Castle style Batman, militant and brutal, though still not homicidal. There is a lot of worthy social commentary in this one, and an engaging mature story-line, not really aimed at younger viewers.  Animation is adequate, though highly stylized, and reminiscent of the penciling style of Frank Miller. For fans this is a must see. Recommended

Antiviral (2012)

At some point in the future the obsession with celebrity gets to the point where people pay to be infected with diseases from them and eat genetically grown pieces of their flesh. I imagine this was quite the nightmare for whomever came up with this one. Production value over all is good, FX are a bit thin in places but it doesn't get in the way of the creepiness of the film. You can watch this one of two ways, either a creepy late night sci-fi horror or social commentary. Either way its a twisty creepy. You may never look at whitefish the same way again.

American Mary (2012)

A med student wishing to become a surgeon finds a more lucrative life servicing the desires of underground body sculpting. The lesson here for the boys is if you have a prodigy surgeon as a student with ties to the underworld you don't slip her roofies at a party and make a video of the bang bus. An interesting peek at the land of body modification and those who seek it. There is some blood and gore in this one, mostly of a surgical nature, but nothing too overboard.  Everything seems to be going well until the police start looking at her in the disappearances of some people who pissed her off. Not a bad watch. Nice little twisty that won't require a shower after.

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Beca goes to college and finds herself with the aid of an all female singing group. Yeah it sounds pretty lame, and that's why I put off seeing it this long. But I was wrong. This is one of those rare movies that has an extended shelf life and it gets better with each viewing, or at least it has for me. I've watched it about 5 times in the last 3 days.  Very humorous and engaging with all the players hitting stride like they have been lifelong friends. Reminds me of a mix of Fame, 10 Things I Hate About You, and The Breakfast Club all rolled together. (The Breakfast Club is a little cheat because it plays a pivotal part in the movie). Definitely a feel good film. Highly Recommended.

Stand Up Guys (2012)

After 25 years in prison Val is in for the night of his life... if he doesn't die first.  This is an enjoyable, moderately funny, die with dignity kind of story, sort of a shout out that just because you're old doesn't mean you aren't still people. Al Pacino and Christopher Walken don't disappoint and serve up an easy watching feel good movie with a little sass tacked on the back end for good measure. I wouldn't cross a desert to see this, but I wouldn't pass it by either.  Mama's lasagna with a respectable Chianti.

Life of Pi (2012)

A young man leaves India with his family but tragedy strikes and he finds himself adrift on the pacific sharing a life boat with the only other survivor, a Bengal tiger!  This is far from a puppy fluff feelgood fest where the tiger and the guy bond and become bestest buds.. much of his time is spent trying not to be killed by the tiger he has no way of escaping while trying to survive being shipwrecked... needless to say its a challenge!  This is a fine story driven family friendly drama that is done in an intelligent and enjoyable manner. Its hard to believe this movie is over 2 hours long as it just flies by. Granted I was going to take a pass on this but just like Slumdog Millionaire I was treated to a surprising and thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience. If you want to get away from the sex, violence, and foul language this is your daisy. Highly Recommended.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

Before seeking elected office, young Abe made his way by battling the forces of darkness.  I went into this expecting a serious cheese-fest but came out pleasantly surprised. Sure it has SOME cheese, but how could it not? Over all a solid and enjoyable production, all players perform admirably and you get treated to some very effective sleight of hand.  Finally the mystery of Pickett's charge is solved! Easy watching and fun. Recommended.

Django Unchained (2012)

The latest offering from Quinton Tarantino.  A freed slave turned bounty hunter goes on a blood splattering quest to reclaim his wife who has been sold to one of the most infamous plantations in Mississippi.  Okay QT fans don't require a disclaimer, you know before hand what to expect. This one has been taking considerable heat for the number of times 'nigger' is uttered (about the same amount as 'mother fucker' in any Samuel L Jackson movie and less than the average rap LP).  This whole argument is kinda mindless.. its kind of like counting the number of rounds fired in such a movie... if its a QT movie you know there will be a lot, it will be over the top, and it will be offered without apology. Nuff said. On to the grand design itself. I have to say I have been a little disappointed with the last couple QT movies but he hits stride with this one.  This was a lot of fun to watch and no expense was spared with the exploding blood packs and other grisly shooting FX.  Mindless violence, a hero filled with righteous fury, bad guys going down like moths in a bug zapper, and riding off into the sunset at the end... what more do you want? lol  Oh and Sheldon (aka Spike) Lee, why don't you pucker up and kiss my white ass! Pay attention to the R rating because they mean it this time. Recommended.

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

A movie about a movie with a dog thief and some gangsters. A star studded offering of kinda weird movie making. Heavy drinking screen-wright Colin Farrell gets sucked into an adventure that solves his immediate problem and opens another on the back end.  Anything with Christopher Walken in it is worth seeing as far as I am concerned. Sam Rockwell is another name that is moving up my 'must see' list of players. One thing this movie isn't is boring.. while sometimes it doesn't make much sense its still fun to watch.  So if you just want some violence seasoned, humorous, easy to watch entertainment that is worth viewing more than once, this would be one. Recommended.

In Their Skin (2012)

A family is confronted by a psycho seeking to steal their identities. This is kind of a luke warm thriller that I think will be more effective giving female audiences chills than male ones. Selma Blair's lead character is a bit much to deal with.. a bit too realistic portrayal of someone with emotional issues (got on my nerves), but once the shooting starts she pulls herself together relatively well.  There are a couple scenes that will have some people talking but for the most part this is relatively stale bread. Proof once again that if you are going to be an evil overlord you need to read and adhere to the damn manual!

Hyde Park on Hudson (2012)

A look at the not so secret affair FDR had with one of his cousins.  I will admit a measure of trepidation going into this one, and in the first 10 minutes or so I thought my fears of leg humping and political candy coating would be realized.  But thankfully I was in error. This was a light enjoyable uplifting movie with subtle situational humor. The lions share of the movie occurs during a visit by the King and Queen of England on the cusp of WWII.  Bill Murray does a believable, if not stellar, presentation of FDR.  He comes across as less a politician culled from old money wealth, and more just a very likable and down to earth regular Joe who enjoys picnics and hot dogs. Easy watching and enjoyable family friendly viewing.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Dracula's daughter has reached her 118th birthday and she wants to see the world!  After being chased off by a torch wielding mob of villagers, Dracula takes his infant daughter and builds a secret high end monster resort that guarantees a 'human free' environment.  Cute and enjoyable variation of Lady and the Tramp with modern humor and music. Family friendly and humorous that maintains a good pace with enough juvenile humor to keep the young ones enthralled. Recommended.

The Possession (I) (2012)

A box purchased at a local garage sales holds a demonic entity. Okay a few FX aside I found this movie about enjoyable as a root canal.  The level of dysfunction claimed by all the primary players (with the exception of Jeffrey Morgan) was more than I could stand. I will admit that I did not survive until the end credits before I exorcised myself from its influence. My advice? Don't buy the box.

The Impossible (2012)

Another 'based on true events' movie, this one about the tsunami of 2004 that wiped out coastlines all over the Indian ocean.  This movie jumps right in with the event occurring in the first 10 minutes and the majority of the film taking place in the aftermath. A great look at what life is like if you manage to survive something like this and hopefully after viewing this movie you will be encouraged to install a 'if we get separated meet back at the car' habit with your family.  Strong drama that highlights the strength and character of young Lucas both during and after the event.  Emotionally driven with solid work from all the primary players (thankfully the whiny kid doesn't have a big role). Tissues needed for the soft hearted.

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

The 'based on true events' hunt for the infamous terrorist Osama bin Laden,  self proclaimed mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. This was an enjoyable watch.  I had avoided it for fear of it being overly politicized  but aside from one WMD remark (conveniently forgetting that was the stated reason the prior admin was bombing the shit out of Iraq) that wasn't the case. Apparently some of the professional movie bitches were pissing and moaning about the depictions of interrogations.  Seriously people these days have no concept of what actual torture and cruelty is.  But that aside this was a nice brisk character driven (kudos to Jessica Chastain) drama with an action topping. There were a couple scenes where I was yelling at the idiots. Not that its hard to envision idiocy in gubment but you would think having your physical ass on the line would cause you to tighten things up a bit. Anyway the movie wraps up with the raid by S6 (not as flattering as other movies depicting spec ops) and the death of OBL. Overall a solid bit of film making that you can enjoy without being overly slimed by political bullshit.

Argo (2012)

After the embassy in Iran was overrun in the late 1970's the CIA cooked up a plan to rescue a handful of  Americans who avoided being kidnapped but are unable to escape the country. This is a pretty good drama with good tension, respectable performances, and a compelling enough story-line to grab and hold your attention. Based on true events (an increasingly meaningless phrase.. lol).  Not for adrenaline junkies.

Lincoln (2012)

In the waning days of the War of the States, President Lincoln fights to have the 13th amendment ratified.  Top shelf drama. This is what actors used to do before all the FX and gratuitous nudity (not that there is anything wrong with that). Daniel Day Lewis turns in yet another command performance as Lincoln, no surprise for me there. Sally Field as Mary Todd, I don't know much about the actual person but if she was half as tiresome as Sally Fields portrayed her its a wonder Abe didn't send her south to fight with the troops.  But its Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens who steals the spotlight every time he is in frame, outstanding!  There is a whole lot to like in this one for viewers who wish to enjoy the craft of players rather than the savvy of FX craftsmen. This one deserves the praise its going to get. Recommended.

The Giant Mechanical Man (2012)

This is a serendipitous tale of a couple people who feel they are powerless in their lives who find each other. This is a pleasant drama romance that finds a little humor along the way. There was no forcing with this one, it seemed to just unfold much like a day in your life would. A lot of smiling and a warm fuzzy as a treat for watching. Janice (Jenna Fischer) comes across as a very believable 'girl next door' who is just lost in her life that seems to be going nowhere "Why does it need to go somewhere? Why do I have to be 'somebody? Can't I just be me?".  I hope somebody notices her and forgets about Kristen Stewart but that's just me (and possibly 70% of the rest of the planet)..  Tim has something to say but nobody seems to be listening.  Things don't get too deep or philosophical however which lends to some nice easy viewing. A chick flick that you won't need a tissue for.

Dredd (2012)

In the future America is a vast radioactive wasteland. Civilization is limited to a walled mega-city that stretches from Boston to DC.  Law has been placed in the hands of 'judges' who apprehend, sentence, and execute criminals on the spot. I will admit I wasn't expecting much with this one and had never followed the comic, but was pleasantly surprised. This is a well made action adventure with plenty of bad ass. Despite small failings here and there this is a solid piece of film making and supports repeat viewings in a very satisfactory fashion. I especially liked the villain in this one.. cold blooded like a snake but not as pretty.. lol. Don't have to be a comic movie fan to enjoy this one. Thrill seekers should find plenty to enjoy. Recommended.

Cloud Atlas (2012)

A single thread of events connects six different lives spanning hundreds of years. Easily one of the best movies I have seen in some time and one that deserves the many viewings it will require to discover all the tidbits it has to offer. This is kind of a 'butterfly effect' on the time stream sort of movie but there is no time travelling involved (aside from the movie going back and forth between the different stories). In some places the connection is clear and others its fairly elusive, but don't give up!  Definitely aimed at the more cerebral movie goers, it nonetheless has some very cool action and FX.  Some liberties are taken with recent history (nuclear power in the 1970's was widely opposed by the 'socially conscience', something they decide to depict differently in the film) but some of the writing is nothing short of inspirational. Hugo Weaving as Nurse Noakes easily takes the title as scariest bitch from Nurse Ratchet. From a 1849 diary of a man who escapes death on an ocean voyage to the elderly storyteller sitting beside the fire on a distant planet hundreds of years in the future, all life is connected. The weak are meat, the strong shall eat. Simply an outstanding example of sci-fi. Excellent. Highly Recommended.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

The precursor to LotR.  Okay boys and girls after endless teasing, speculation, rumors, and crappy pre-screening reviews Peter Jackson's The Hobbit is finally on the screen for the rest of us. If you are a fan of LotR (and there is no reason I can fathom that you wouldn't be), I imagine this is on your short list of movies to see.  So there is much in this offering that made the prior trilogy the epic it was.. awesome cinematography, cool FX, better than adequate CGI, character humor, and a respectful adherence to the original Tolkien. I will go ahead and jump to the end, this movie stops when the Misty Mountain becomes visible to the group on the horizon. So they have the barrel ride, Lake town, encounter with Smaug, and the naming of Sting to go. Hopefully 1 of 2.  I will say this one doesn't have the same 'epic' feel of the trilogy, it may be that the story is moving considerably slower but thats just me. So while The Hobbit isn't pulling the same level of panty soaking awesome from me that LotR did, its still a very respectable and highly entertaining offering. Recommended.

The Life Zone (2011)

Three pregnant women are kidnapped from abortion clinics and forced to carry to term. I'm going to date myself here but this reminded me of an extended episode of Night Gallery. This is a low intensity film that thoughtful viewers will enjoy more than one looking for simple entertainment (this has nothing to do with IQ, its more what mood you are in or type of viewer you are). If abortion is an issue that you can't stand to listen to people argue about, this is not a film for you. The 7 months the movie is supposed to span is very compressed and the 3 women take their captivity surprisingly well... nothing overtly stupid and no hysterics... something that will come as a relief for many movie fans. Nice little biting twist at the end to tie things up into a neat package.

Zombie 108 (2012)

Zombies Chinese style! This sets up like a fairly typical B movie, small budget and friends of friends filling in as oatmeal slathered zombies. But those sneaky Asians just couldn't leave it at zombies, they throw in a couple American yahoos looking to get high, a drug lord/police raid on top of that and just in case you still weren't lost, a serial killer using the zombies as cover to practice his hobby. So you have 3 different converging story lines that lead to an epic battle with a Asian zombie Fat Bastard!  Lots of twisty in this one. It has some of the failings you would expect from a B production, but instead of running from it they embrace and incorporate it into the larfs. Much better and fresher than what you may think. Fans of the genre may enjoy this tasty take out, I did.

Branded (2012)

In a world we no longer control one man will rise up and shout 'I see you!' into the darkness.  This is what I would call a Russian version of  Brazil (1985) but with nowhere near the fanfare (to be fair Brazil was a much better movie). I hear people complain all the time how there is no 'original' ideas making it to the screen but then when it happens people avoid it like the plague. This is one of those original ideas. Now if you decide to see this understand a significant amount of it is in Russian, but there is enough English that the story is easy(ish) to follow. Set in the turmoil after the fall of the Soviet Union when a busload of western corporations shows up to take advantage of the new market, Misha (the main character) gets swept into advertising by recognizing a couple truths and soon he is one of the rich guys.  Then you throw in Leelee Sobieski (shown above just rocking the hell out of that little black dress) an American with ideas for a reality show who has a crush on Misha.  So they get the show up and running and that's when everything goes sideways. Taking actual social issues about fast food, advertising, and PR manipulation this movie turns it into a David and Goliath battle for our souls with some CGI critters thrown in to illustrate Misha's scary new powers. While not your average fare (isn't that kind of the point?) I found this to be a clever and thought provoking look at the things our society views as normal but from a foreign perspective, as well as just being an enjoyable viewing experience. I think another 20 minutes would have been useful though as they make you jump to keep up in a couple places. I'm not ready to give this one a Happy Monkey, but its knocking on the door. Recommended.

The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)

When a clan betrays its master over a shipment of gold Kung Fu Theater honor demands a reckoning!  Okay right out of the box if Russell Crowe gets your thighs warm DO NOT see this film or that image will be gone forever. This is a pretty standard Kung Fu theater style movie with a couple very cool character FX (like Bronze Body shown in picture), and a handful of fairly well known names to stick on the poster. (I have no idea what QT did.. maybe he stopped by the shoot and had a cup of java) and some Afrocentric back story with an urban beat.  Anyway the 'hero' is some rap figure I'm not familiar with who just wants to live the quiet life but gets boned for being a nice guy, and if that's not bad enough they go kill his girl too! Lucy Lui revives her Kill Bill role a bit, but this time as a madam of the hottest whore house in China that doubles as a guild of assassins. With gold on the line everyone but our golden hearted hero wants a taste!  Lots of Kung Fu action, some cool gadgets, some cool characters, and an unlikely underdog. The rap soundtrack worked to limit my enjoyment however, as the majority of the time it just didn't fit well with the action on the screen (sort of like Heavy Metal 2000).  I was hoping to come out of this one a lot more excited than I did but it didn't suck.

Grabbers (2012)

Strange Alien squid critters invade an Irish Island.  Not a bad watch, pretty funny, FX are respectable throughout. Sort of a Tremors meets Sean of the Dead or Black Sheep style movie. Very respectable.

Looper (2012)

In the near future time travel becomes a reality and because apparently people haven't gotten any smarter there is an immediate world wide ban. Of course those outside the law don't live within the law by definition. In the future it becomes almost impossible to dispose of bodies due to bio monitoring (they don't really elaborate on this, just sort of state it as a fact) so the fix is to send them into the past where they are killed by hit-men as the victim pops into existence. Well you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that this simple formula is going to go to shit somehow. First off don't start poking holes in it too soon, just let the film be what it is. Its not a mindless watch (well some of it is), but just accept some of the details as presented... makes it easier down the road. Okay, as you may or may not know I am a sucker for anything time paradox, so I was doomed going in. This is kind of a Terminator meets 12 Monkeys but with no huge cyborgs. Some of the paradox FX are freaky and mind blowing and they serve up the whole banana early so you don't have to wait for it. Now you have to overlook a rather glaring 'gee what could possibly go wrong?' when they get to 'closing the loop' (yeah huh?), but maybe its why they are criminals and not brain surgeons. Anyway I rather enjoyed this one.. has plenty of action and, despite the beating I just gave it, is deeper than the average fare.. especially when talking about the affect on memory. Definitely worth your time. Recommended.

Sound of My Voice (2011)

A pair of investigative reporters infiltrate a cult led by a woman who claims to be from the future. I will admit that I am kind of a sucker for these kind of films. They lay out the bread crumbs and let you follow along without beating you over the head with it. Definitely one you want to watch when you can give it your full attention. The story is straight forward without a lot of minor character and sub-plots. It ends kind of suddenly and not how you might think it will. Hard to say too much without giving things away. Recommended.

Touchback (2011)

15 years ago his game winning touchdown ended his dreams of being a pro football star. If you could go back and do things over would you? A small town hero struggles as his life circles the drain and in a moment of weakness finds himself reliving his glory days. This is a great feel good family friendly movie. In a world of incredible hardships this is a great count your blessings story. If you are tired of flash and bang and want something a bit more substantive this would be a great choice. Recommended.

The Expendables 2 (2012)

A team of mercenaries are sent after a CIA package that pulls them into a personal war with a local warlord known for his ruthlessness. This is a serious testosterone luvfest! Action heroes of the 80's and 90's collaborate to make this an explosive adrenaline rush of campy one liners and inside jokes leaning on old roles played by these guys. Van Dame either drew the short or long straw depending on how you look at it and gets to play the bad guy the rest are out to get. This puts a whole new spin on the term 'Manwich'. Plenty of what was in the first one but much less serious. Fans of previous action players should find this worth their while. After the initial raid there isn't much in the way of graphic FX but the violence is comic book style... and they make a point of running out of ammo... lol... great fun! Recommended.

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

Five friends head into the woods for another mindless slasher film.. or do they? Anyone remember Westworld (1973)? Its not often I say a movie is a must see, but this is one of them if you are a fan of the genre. (Joss Whedon fans probably already own 17 Japanese bootlegs) One of the first things you will notice is how many things remind you of other horror/slasher movies. Is that the cabin from Evil Dead minus the porch swing? Sure looks that way.. And that round puzzle box is that a nod to Hellraiser? (shh.. he didn't want to pay royalties to use the square likeness). Aside from a couple 'gotcha' shots there is nothing scary at all, in fact its cliched to the point of being funny and then there are the funny parts. All the players do very respectable work, in fact they are almost too refined for this type of movie.. if of course it actually was this kind of movie. Anyway back to the Westworld comparison, it basically follows it right along.. couple small glitches then things go to shit and everyone dies.. but Whedon just couldn't leave it at that. Recommended.

Total Recall (2012)

A man's life turns out to be an illusion. This is a reboot 1990 version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Ironside. In all the ways that matter this movie is exactly the same just with arguably better players. I imagine people will like it for much the same reasons they did the first one, cool FX, action, and a 3 pack.. 0.0! Or not like it for the same reasons, lack of depth and plot. Personally I enjoyed it by watching it for what it is instead of what it isn't. This version is a lot grittier with a Blade Runner style urban backdrop and a much more oppressive feel to the whole thing. Some of the details are a little different (no Mars) but in some places the dialogue is exactly (and I do mean exactly!) the same as the previous version. Although the action is intense it isn't graphic.

The Victim (2011)

A loner is dragged into a hairball situation when a women shows up at his cabin chased by a killer. This is pretty much a B movie written, directed and starred in by Michael Biehn (best known from Terminator, Tombstone, Aliens and The Abyss). The majority of this movie is a bit tedious highlighted by an extended sex scene. There is a small amount of nudity (no male, sorry ladies) and not much in the way of blood and gore. However if you can manage to stick with it there is a nice twist at the end that should bring a measure of appreciation.

Father's Day (2011)

Bad Taste (1987) meets Grindhouse in this summer camp of cheesy twisty. The only thing you really have to know about this one is they worship a demon named 'Fuckmanus'. Lots of everything that make B movies what they are with dialogue that sounds like Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino spent a weekend frying on acid and watching Roger Corman and gay porn. This is definitely not for those who think movies should do anything other than keep your eyes glued to the screen. Absolutely hilarious! Fans of Hobo with a Shotgun, Black Sheep, Evil Dead, and tasty vintage Carpenter movies like Prince of Darkness should be thrilled to spin this DVD. It starts off a little run of the mill so stick with it as it quickly ramps up and gets weirder, funnier, and more twisted. Some of the best stuff I have seen in awhile and one of the funniest 'how could you think it would be otherwise' endings ever! Loosen your panties and prepare to be horrified at how entertaining you will find this. Totally Fucking Sick!

One in the Chamber (2012)

A pair of assassins find themselves being maneuvered by two Russian crime families. This is like a low budget Assassins (1995) meets Shadowboxer (2005). While not quite the same caliber of either of those its still a respectable bit of work with more than a few memorable scenes. Both the assassin characters are very well done, though the lions share of the movie focuses on the Cuba Gooding character, Lungren plays a solid psycho in his own right. Despite its low IMDb rating I found it to be an enjoyable and entertaining watch.