Movieman's Guide to the Movies
The Final Word on Physical Media
Nightlight is yet the latest found footage horror film that takes more than a few cues from The Blair Witch Project though I guess moderate points for taking from a shaky camera to a flashlight instead. The acting isn’t the best but considering the material and environment, can’t judge them too harshly. Perhaps as a rental this might be fine especially combined for that person who enjoys the sub-genre…
Roommate Wanted isn’t a good movie but it is made tolerable by Alexa Vega and Spencer Grammar. However, the DVD cover artwork makes it out to be a horror thriller but instead we get a dark comedy which doesn’t always work but in the end, makes for a time waster, nothing more.
My Dad’s a Soccer Mom is not within my demographic (I have no kids) and family films really don’t appeal to me as the jokes are obvious and often not that funny. That said, some younger viewers will enjoy it and even their parents might be able to sit through it especially considering the vastly short 82-minute running time.
The Vatican Exorcisms can be added to the very long line of found footage movies and this one is not even done particularly very well with bad acting and a really dumb story that offers absolutely no scares whatsoever. The DVD release is pretty basic with minimal bonus material and average transfers.
Spare Parts is an inspiring and all around well made drama and features some fine performances from George Lopez to Jamie Lee Curtis and the four young men in the primary roles. The DVD released by Lionsgate is basic but the video and audio transfers are both well done while the bonus material is limited.
Dinosaur Island isn’t a very good movie but for the younger audience (probably 10 and under), it might be worth viewing, anyone older will find the acting to be pretty poor, some bad/cheap visual effects and a story that really isn’t all that interesting. The DVD released by Millennium is basic with no bonus material but the video/audio transfers are both well done.
Bedlam isn’t a terrible movie but it hardly stands out from any of the other horror direct-to-video flicks especially since it’s yet another found footage-like film. The acting is OK, though and I guess if this is your sort of thing, then perhaps it’s worth a rental, otherwise just wait for this to air on SyFy.
Roadside began with plenty of promise but even with a short 70-minute running time (sans opening and end credits), lingers far too long with a thin plot and honestly two characters who are not the most likeable couple to grace the small screen.
Hit by Lightning is kind of what you’d expect it to be based on its DTV status and the ridiculous front cover. It does have its moments and Jon Cryer makes for an affable main character, and Stephanie Szostak is as gorgeous as ever. But that said, it’s not a great movie, probably something you’ll find airing on TBS one day with some editing.
Always Woodstock is a well intentioned film but it’s falls into many of the tropes seen in so many character dramas (as mostly recently as This is Where I Leave You) but the lead actress, Allison Miller is so damn charming and almost makes the entire movie well worth at least one viewing… almost.
Final Prayer is yet another found footage film that might have a couple scares but it’s no different than any of the others that permeate the market every year. The acting is so-so and the camera work is jolting, probably to mask the film’s limited budget. I suppose if you enjoy the sub-genre or even collect them, this might be worth a watch, otherwise skip and wait until it airs on SyFy.
Altar isn’t a great supernatural thriller but effective one with solid performances by Matthew Modine and Olivia Williams and would make for good viewing on a Saturday night. The DVD released by Cinedigm is basic with fine video and audio transfers but only a trailer as a bonus feature.
Song One is a simple romantic-drama that, albeit not wholly satisfying like Once or Begin Again, still features solid performances by Anne Hathaway, Johnny Flynn and Mary Steenburgen. The DVD released by Cinedigm offers good video and audio transfer while the bonus material is disappointing with no commentary or even making-of featurette.
After watching The Better Angels, it comes to no surprise this not only was produced by Terrence Malick but was written and directed by his editor of To the Wonder and Knight of Cups, A.J. Edwards. Full disclosure, I am not a Malick fan and Edwards more or less copies his mentor’s style making for a downright dull and boring film.
The Master might be homage to the old school martial arts film but it’s not very well made, the acting is spotty and the unnecessary dubbing is distracting. The DVD released by Lionsgate is weak with no bonus material and so-so video and audio transfers.