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Spiders 3D (2013)
Arachnophobic? Then Pass this thriller up!
Once again, I'm amazed at the number of less than flattering reviews of these movies. Are audiences so spoiled by mega-buck blockbusters that they can't take a decent flick at face value and enjoy it? Fine, you don't care for the genre. Okay, then go watch a genre you enjoy and leave the petty nitpicking behind.
$7,000,000 (estimated) is not "low budget," so that group of hyper-critics can't denounce that. The story is fairly original (given a much worked over genre.) The film flows smoothly. Director Tibor Takács has done an admirable job of keeping the story on track and presenting it well. Lorenzo Senatore's Cinematography is excellent. The acting is quite good, actually. Patrick Muldoon, Christa Campbell, and William Hope deliver solid performances as do others. Someone commented, "Terrible CGI." Maybe it's me, but I thought the CGI looked pretty damn good. That was one heck of a lot of spiders wreaking one heck of a lot of havoc on New York.
I can't for the life of me understand why some reviewers find it necessary to absolutely trash films. Most are entertaining and each needs to be taken on it's own merits. If these people don't like these films so much, then why do they bother to watch them? Just to mindlessly trash them? If someone is going to write a review, write one with some substance and forethought.
Spiders is a well made film. It gets intense and delivers plenty of exciting entertainment - if that is what someone is looking for. If you don't like the genre, then don't waste your time.
I recommend Spiders without reservation - if you like this sort of thing. I sure do!
Storage 24 (2012)
A suspenseful sci-fi thriller with some class!
There seem to be far too many negatives immediately attached to a film just because it was made on a "low budget." It is as though costs alone represent the film's value. Today, very good movies can be made at remarkably low cost due to the broad availability of high quality HDV cameras, the lessened need for extensive lighting setups, reduced space for sets and equipment, and the ease of mobility from place to place. Additionally, skill bases such as Cinematographer, Camera Operator and Director can be combined into one person as can other skills. The result is a need for fewer crew members. There is an abundance of extremely good, easy to use, digital editing and special effects software one can use at home or office. The number of people who have gained film skills, from pre-production through post, is extraordinary. All this saves money. What is left is how well those film makers spent it and the end result.
Storage 24 is an example of talented people doing just that. They've managed to make a suspenseful sci-fi thriller with some class. It is entertaining - and, in the end, isn't that what it's all about?
Storage 24 has a good script by Noel Clarke, a capable Director in Johannes Roberts, and solid production values. The cinematography, by Tim Sidell, is commendable, as is the editing by Martin Brinkler. The dialogue, though not worthy of Shakespeare as some would demand, is believable. The acting is realistic and not over the top as in many films - Noel Clarke, Colin O'Donoghue and Ned Dennehy offer solid performances. The special effects are good while not saturating the film. The creature is
well, a very scary creature.
All in all, this is a well made film, with an interesting story line. I recommend it
but lay aside any assumptions you may have about "low budget" films.
Alien Raiders (2008)
A Brilliant & Intence Sy Fy Thriller!
This film is absolutely brilliant in its premise, setting, direction and cinematography. The story, written by David Simkins, with screenplay by Julia Fair, is original and cogent. The director, Ben Rock, does a superb job of bringing this suspenseful story to life. Walt Lloyd's cinematography sets the scenes beautifully without the darkening that too often hides the action. The camera work, primarily utilizing the relatively new Panasonic HPX 3000, is smooth and nearly flawless. Augie Hess's editing keeps the story moving at an intense rate. The acting? Above par in every way. The characters are well cast, believable, and distinguishable - that is, one can become immersed in the story without struggling to keep track of who's who. Across the board this is an exceptionally well made movie at every level. I recommend it to fans of thrillers and science fiction. Alien Raiders combines the very best of both.
Revenant (2012)
Creepy, just outright creepy!
Weary of slasher movies, gore just for the sake of gore, and bored with whizzo CGI effects just for the sake of whizzo CGI effects, I wanted to settle back to a simple, straight forward Ghost Story. One with a solid story line which, more or less, was neatly tethered to some level of reality and played out by reasonably decent actors.
In spite of rather low ratings and a couple of mindless reviews, I decided to watch this movie. I stumbled onto an excellent choice! The script is well conceived, logical and moves along smoothly without needless twists and turns. The story, although not altogether original, is captivating and the acting... well, this gem is blessed with exceptionally good acting - not forced, in your face, nor over the top. The actors render natural and consistent portrayals. The film is suspenseful with plenty of scary moments. The music score alone is sufficient to keep you on edge while inflicting huge goose bumps. The cinematography is excellent overall. Ahh, 'tis a wonderful thing to indulge in a well made spooky movie! A must see for serious spook fans.
Empire of the Ants (1977)
Good Movie! Worth Watching.
To begin with, I must confess that I've been an ardent fan of "monster" movies since I first started trekking off to every Saturday Matinée at eight years of age in the early fifties. Flat out love 'em! Of course, for the most part, these were "B Movies." With various exceptions these were aimed at "our" audience, made quickly and with absurdly low budgets. They served (beyond hopefully making money) to entertain. And, to entertain is what they usually accomplished. I believe that one should always take a film at face value. Did it effectively tell the story, no matter how absurd? Was the acting at least reasonably good and generally acceptable? Were the production values up to par, at least for a film with limited resources? How well did they do with what they had? And, in the end, did it entertain? With these factors in mind I rate this film higher than most have. That is, on the high end of "B Movies." The film is, considering the budget, well done overall. The actors, a notable "Star" list actually, are generally much better than the script they were given. (I had the pleasure to know co-star Albert Salmi when he starred with Barry Newman in the TV series "Petrocelli," 1973-1974. I met John David Carson when he guest starred as well. Both were able and versatile actors, as are several of the others.) The excessively loud and near constant screaming of high pitched women is a bit too much though. The special effects are decent and work particularly well, with a bit of forgiveness. Everything considered, the story is well told. I enjoyed this movie. It is, particularly if you are fond of the genre', suitably entertaining.
Unknown Caller (2014)
Well done Thriller - Worth watching!
I found this film riveting overall and, for the most part, fast moving. The story is direct, plausible, and easy to follow. The acting was very good all around. The score was appropriate while not overwhelming. The cinematography was quite good. The special effects were adequate. Frankly, the limited blood and gore were refreshing - I watch a film to be entertained, not grossed out. I rate a film on it's story line, delivery, production values, and overall quality. This film performs well in each category. Comparing one film to another I'll leave to others. Overall, a worthwhile and entertaining thriller. Recommended! - Erick Erickson
The Fourth Kind (2009)
Grossly under rated motion picture.
I'm amazed at the very critical reviews of this film. This is a First Class production in every way. It deserves much more credit than generally given. To begin with, the casting is perfect, the acting exceptionally good, and believable. The script works - it's very well written, "tight" and driving. The cinematography is also exceptionally good, as are the chosen locations. The few special effects are well done in a low key sort of way, not overbearing. The music score is a perfect fit. What more could one want? Regardless of whether or not the story is "true," this film stands on very solid merits. I'd recommend it to fans of this genre and movie audiences generally. "The Fourth Kind" is a great film that more than deserves a second look. - Erick.