Flight 7500, this is not the kind of movie you purchase but instead is worthy of one-time viewing via either On Demand or rental though for a lazy Saturday night flick, it’s still not half-bad. Again, it’s not very good but just passable enough for a wishy-washy recommendation.
Jurassic Predator, or as it was originally titled Xtinctions: Predator X, before somebody decided to utilize the French version in the hopes to capitalize on the success of Jurassic World, is a terrible film through and through; I’d say it’s SyFy quality work but that might be an insult to SyFy.
These three sets are more bargain releases for Mill Creek Entertainment with titles previously on DVD and in some cases Blu-ray so unless you don’t already own these, it might be worth picking up at $10 a pop, though don’t expect any frills and the video and audio transfers are so-so at best.
Home Invasion isn’t going to challenge one’s mind or anything but it’s not a terrible movie, perfectly passable (not to mention safe) for what it is, a quick direct-to-video flick destined to air on Lifetime.
Meadowland is a respectable enough debut from Reed Marano to the point that although it misfires on an emotional level, not to mention the screenplay could’ve used a re-write, it does excel with a stellar performance by Olivia Wilde.
“True Detective”: The Complete Second Season is definitely a step down from its predecessor, however, for all of its faults from a needlessly complicated storyline, substandard writing and too many characters (main ones anyway), I still found this season fairly entertaining due to the performances by Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams and yes, even Vince Vaughn.
Jenny’s Wedding had the ingredients to be a decent enough romantic drama but instead the talents are wasted with a sub-par script and little to no chemistry between Heigl and Bledel. With the likes of Tom Wilkinson co-starring and from the director of Beaches, this was a disappointing flick only worthy perhaps of a rental.
Adulterers is a bit heavy-handed and the writing, dialogue specifically, wasn’t the best, but it has its moments with some respectable performances from Sean Faris and a decent, if not unsatisfying, enough twist. The DVD released by RLJ is basic with no bonus material while the audio and video were OK.
Grace of Monaco might’ve been well meaning and the production and costume designs are well done and the performance by Nicole Kidman wasn’t bad but it’s easy to see why it failed to go to theaters and instead aired on Lifetime instead. However, when a movie opens with “the following film is a fictional account inspired by real events,” you’re already behind the eight ball.
Old 37 isn’t an entirely bad horror flick though it doesn’t pave new ground in the genre either. Kane Hodder solidifies his standing as a horror icon and Bill Moseley is making his own play. For gore-hounds this will probably be satisfying, others this is just another shelf-filler.
Charlie’s Farm might quench the thirst for some gore-hounds out there but for myself the acting is subpar, and you get a good idea why Tara Reid is slumming it with these kind of flicks, while Kane Hodder once again plays the role as the killer.
Lavalantula is the latest SyFy Original Movie trying to capitalize on the Sharknado trend hoping something else will catch on. One thing I will say about this one, it’s not quite as fun as Sharknado but it has some moments and its nice seeing Steve Guttenberg in the lead…
Hidden is an effective, if not low key, independent drama thriller with some solid psychological underpinnings and solid performances by Alexander Skarsgård and Andrea Riseborough. It’s not an entirely memorable flick and probably will one day air on SyFy. Unfortunately there’s not much to this release with no features, OK video/audio transfers and not even a scene access menu…
I actually had to look up what and when the original movie came out because I hadn’t the foggiest clue there was an Invoking 1 let along now The Invoking 2 and with the first getting wretched reviews, I guess it comes to no surprise this “sequel”, which is the latest in the anthology subgenre, doesn’t fair much better with so-so acting (at best) and stories which are run-of-the-mill bad.
“Madam Secretary” is an entertaining if not flawed series. Where it lacks in writing and plot, it more than makes up with a respectable ensemble cast including the still charming Téa Leoni leading the pack. I can only hope some of the issues get shored up in the second season but as a freshman series, it’s adequate.