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Pop Punk Zombies (2011)
Would you like fries with that?
Seriously, where do these horrible reviews come from? What type of person watches a movie called "Pop Punk Zombies," a straight to video home made cheeseball gore flick, with a budget of $5000 none the less, and expects ANYTHING other than EXACTLY what we got? These are the same people who buy a second hand Hyundai off of Craig's List and complain that it doesn't run like a new BMW. These are the type of people who, as employers, complain that they don't get devoted, professional attitudes from their minimum wage employees.
View this movie with an honest open mind, and realistic expectations and you will enjoy it very much. You like (very) pop punk? You like zombies? You like non-computer generated blood and make up effects? Congratulations! This movie is for you! My only complaint is that there is no nudity. Come on, every low budget horror flick needs T'n'A. Would have given it an extra star with a coupla boob shots bouncing away in fear from a zombie. Oh well, you can't have everything.
All in all, this is a very enjoyable hour and a half diversion. And you get all that for LESS than you'd pay for the second hand Hyundai!
The Least of These (2008)
Familiar story, excellently delivered.
You wont find any surprises in the plot. It's a story that's been done many times over, some successfully, most not so much. But, what makes this one stand out as successful is the excellent acting by the recognizable older faces, as well as the young actors. Shot, scored, and directed very simply, the locations and music add perfect compliment to the casually paced yet not slow story progression. Job well done by the director, composer and cinematographer, for not letting their own visions overshadow a movie that rightfully is about the characters. This is by no means a happy movie, but despite the heavy storyline, you will find yourself with a smile as the credits begin to roll, a smile that feels organic, not forced. Fine movie making.
Red Victoria (2008)
Best horror movie satire since the original Scream
I downloaded this movie. Yup, I admit it. Don't ask me where or how. But, by the time the credits were rolling, I was already logged into my favorite online retailer, and was purchasing the DVD. It's that good. Don't let the ridiculously low overall rating here dissuade you.
If you are looking for a straight ahead horror movie, you are in the wrong place. That's not what you'll find here. What this movie is, quite simply, is the best parody of the horror genre since the original Scream. And like Scream, it works as a comedy, a horror flick and as the satire.
Excellently written, acceptably acted (granting these aren't seasoned pros) and with much better than to be expected special effects, Red Victoria is a very pleasant surprise, and well worth your time and movie bucks to see.
Highly enjoyable, and highly recommended!
Seven Pounds (2008)
Truly astounding!
The secrecy surrounding this movie, along with the fact that it stars Will Smith, an actor I can always count on to chose the most diverse and interesting roles, made me very curious to see this film. It's not often I got into a movie, knowing NOTHING about it, but, in this case, it serves the film well.
Sadly, I'm afraid this movie will not be the massive hit it should be. It's far to intelligent for the average movie goer. I love popcorn flicks too, of course, but movies like this never tend to hit their mark. The film doesn't try to explain everything to the viewer up front, it lets the plot simply unfold in a way that will leave you confused, or at least incredibly curious, up until the very end. And, that is EXACTLY how this movie should be! Only negative, the out of tune piano score in two of the movies most emotional scenes. Clearly intentional, but to me, someone who always notices the score in a film (I'll buy soundtracks from films I hate, if the music is that good!), it was very jarring, and pulled me out of those moments.
All in all, this movie is phenomenal. Will Smith deserves a Best Actor Oscar, Rosario Dawson (who just gets better and better in the most diverse yet amazing roles {Descent, Clerks II}). And, thus far, with the year about to end, my choice for Best Picture of the Year.
Gran Torino (2008)
A truly well done film, even with a well worn plot
Sure, there is no such thing as originality anymore. Every idea has been done to death already, and the redemption theme is no different. But, regardless of that, Eastwood has still made an excellent film, that had me on the verge of tears near the end. The only other movies that come to mind that has the same effect are Finding Neverland and Gone Baby Gone.
So many movies like this try to find a "forced" happy ending, thankfully, Eastwood resisted the temptation of higher box office in exchange for making a "feel good movie." The film ended the only way it could have, and remain realistic.
Sure, Eastwood shouldn't have given into the hubris of singing the end credits theme himself, but, that's a small issue, and in ways, his rough, raspy voice fits the theme of the film well.
Only the fact that yes, the theme has been done countless times before makes this movie an 8 instead of a 9.
See this one!