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Reviews
Crawl (2019)
Don't Crawl, Run to see this movie.
"Crawl," a film that immerses its audience in a relentless surge of adrenaline and suspense, emerges as not just a thrilling cinematic experience but a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Directed by Alexandre Aja, this masterpiece marries a deceptively simple premise with phenomenal execution, crafting a narrative that is both a white-knuckle survival story and a profound exploration of familial bonds under duress.
At the heart of "Crawl" lies a straightforward yet exhilarating premise: a father and daughter, played with palpable intensity and vulnerability by Barry Pepper and Kaya Scodelario, are trapped in their family home during a Category 5 hurricane in Florida. However, the storm's fury is but a prelude to the real terror, as the rising floodwaters bring with them a deadly threat - alligators. The setting is claustrophobic, the stakes are sky-high, and the execution is impeccable.
Aja's direction is a masterclass in suspense-building. He utilizes the limited setting to its full potential, creating a sense of claustrophobia that amplifies the terror. Each frame is meticulously crafted to ratchet up the tension, with the water level steadily rising and the alligators becoming an ever-present threat. This is not just a survival story against nature's fury but also a battle against an apex predator, making for a riveting watch.
The performances by Scodelario and Pepper are nothing short of phenomenal. Scodelario's portrayal of Haley, a competitive swimmer who must use her skills in the most harrowing of circumstances, is both compelling and relatable. Her determination and resourcefulness shine through, making her an admirable protagonist. Pepper, as her estranged father Dave, brings depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Their dynamic is the emotional core of the film, adding layers to what could have been a straightforward creature feature.
The alligators themselves are terrifying antagonists. The special effects team has done an outstanding job in rendering these creatures with chilling realism. They are not merely obstacles to be overcome; they are embodiments of nature's indiscriminate wrath, adding a layer of unpredictability to the film. The use of practical effects alongside CGI enhances the realism, making the threat feel all the more imminent.
What sets "Crawl" apart is its ability to weave a compelling human drama within the framework of a horror-thriller. It explores themes of reconciliation, resilience, and survival against the odds. The relationship between Haley and Dave evolves beautifully, with their fraught history adding depth to their fight for survival. It's a poignant reminder of the strength of familial bonds in the face of adversity.
The cinematography and score work in tandem to elevate the film's immersive experience. The camera work is claustrophobic, often putting the audience right in the water with the characters, enhancing the feeling of entrapment. The score is haunting, punctuating the suspense with its crescendos and silences, masterfully manipulating the audience's emotions.
In conclusion, "Crawl" is a thrilling, heart-pounding experience that transcends its genre trappings. It's a film that would make any critic, be it the likes of Robert Egbert or beyond, wish they could express their admiration and awe in the most profound of ways. With its exhilarating premise, phenomenal execution, and deep emotional core, it stands as a testament to the power of cinema to thrill, terrify, and move us. It's a cinematic journey that is as smart as it is inviting, ensuring that once the credits roll, you'll be left breathless, yet utterly satisfied. "Crawl" is not just a movie to watch; it's an experience to be lived, a must-see first chance you get, an offering to the pantheon of films that remind us why we love movies in the first place.
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Ignore the bad reviews.
The first time I watched this movie I think I just fast forwarded through it. Because I managed to snag a 3D version of this movie and decided to give it another go, this time actually paying attention to the story line. I'll start by first saying that the special effects I witnessed are unmatched. The celebrities in this are fantastic to watch playing their roles superbly. I won't get into the storyline because there are multiple storylines like in the first movie. This felt alot like Armageddon as far as the love plots. I'd say just give it a go and if you're into Scifi you'll love it. *****
The Lost Tribe (2010)
The BEST of it's kind!
I didn't go in expecting much. But I kept it on in the background while I was having fun with my girlfriend. I don't know about these other reviewers. But for me...the experience of watching this movie left me satisfied. I just finished watching it and I think it was about aborigine's in the jungle. There isn't enough Cannibal Tribe movies out there but this was the best of it's kind. The characters, the story and most of all this awesome Director all got me perfectly invested in the movie. If you like movies about people being shipwrecked on an island with creepy jungles and Cannibals then this movie fits that description and does it perfectly well. I think this movie is terribly underrated and I recommend you give it a chance.
Quantum Apocalypse (2010)
It was better than average, for this type of B Movie.
All the characters were likable and interesting. The unlikely hero was a nice touch to the story. The locations although average were good enough. The special effects were extremely good, a bit brief but they served the movie as well. The story has some very interesting elements. The subplot had my imagination thinking of future ideas for sci-fi movies. This is a very good late night flick to cozy up and watch with someone. I've only recently got into watching B rated Apocalyptic movies. I've seen quite a bit of them. But this will be one of my favorites. Because there's plenty of fun and fear here. Plus an evil villain that springs out of nowhere to great effect. And by the way... It has a good ending!