Author: Stan

Today’s quick review: 2307: Winter’s Dream. Three hundred years in the future, a worldwide ice age has driven humanity to the brink of extinction, forcing them to rely on the labor of genetically modified beings known as humanoids. In what remains of Arizona, Commander Bishop (Paul Sidhu), a soldier using drugs to mourn the death of his wife, is called back in to hunt down ASH-393 (Branden Coles), the crafty leader of a humanoid rebellion.

2307: Winter’s Dream is a budget sci-fi action movie set in a harsh, frozen future. The film follows a team of soldiers tasked with hunting down rogue humanoids as they venture deep into the wastes in search of the most dangerous humanoid yet. 2307 features a decent premise and a plot that shows more care than the typical low-budget sci-fi flick. Unfortunately, what potential the story has is squandered by execution that leaves much to be desired.

2307: Winter’s Dream has two key problems that combine to cripple it: its characters and its writing. None of the characters are sympathetic or believable. Bishop and his team are caricatures of soldiers, more interested in shouting and trash-talking one another than finishing the mission. Their dialogue is abrasive and distracting, their tactics are lacking, and the film badly misjudges what would make its characters look cool.

The movie also has problems putting its scenes together, thanks mainly to the low quality of its writing. Apart from its jarring dialogue, 2307 just doesn’t have a good sense of how to play out its scenes. The soldiers bicker for no reason, the plot twists don’t carry the weight they should, and there’s little actual action to distract from the film’s other issues. The skeleton of the plot is fine, but the way it’s fleshed out is lackluster.

2307: Winter’s Dream is only worth a watch for die-hard science fiction fans who are more interested in ideas than execution. Its story shows glimmers of potential, mainly regarding the true story behind the humanoid revolt, but the quality of the film’s writing and acting is low enough that almost all of that potential is wasted. Give it a shot only if you’re curious about its missteps with its characters and dialogue; most viewers should steer clear.

For a much better take on the concept of hunting down synthetic humanoids, try Blade Runner or Blade Runner 2049. For a budget sci-fi movie with a similar plot and more robust execution, try Automata. For a sci-fi action movie with better tension and a tougher protagonist, check out Pitch Black.

4.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for modest potential let down by poor execution.

Today’s quick review: The Muppet Movie. Inspired by a run-in with an agent, Kermit the Frog leaves his swamp to travel to Hollywood, where he plans to break into show business. Along the way, he makes a bevy of new friends who join him on his journey, including Fozzie Bear, the Great Gonzo, and Miss Piggy. But their trip runs into trouble when Doc Hopper (Charles Durning), a sleazy fast food magnate, tries to make Kermit his mascot against his will.

The Muppet Movie is a classic family comedy that tells the story of how the Muppets got their start. It is a road movie at heart, following Kermit and friends on an eventful journey across the United States to get to Hollywood. The Muppet Movie establishes the template that later Muppet movies would follow, and it remains one of the best takes on the Muppet formula. Silly gags, heartfelt songs, lovable characters, and celebrity cameos abound.

The Muppet Movie does an excellent job of mingling humor and heart. The jokes never let up for long: no sooner has one bit of wordplay, character humor, or puppet-based slapstick passed by than something new arrives to take its place. Even more impressive is the fact that nearly all of the jokes hit their mark. Those who dislike the Muppets’ style of comedy won’t find much to entertain them, but fans will find themselves laughing from start to finish.

The Muppet Movie also has a surprisingly solid emotional core. The story is almost entirely free of real drama, but the few dramatic moments it has are simple, heartfelt, and resonant. The songs go a long way towards setting the tone of the movie. Some are upbeat, catchy, and packed with jokes, while others are slower, sentimental, and subtly poetic. The Muppet Movie wears its heart on its sleeve, and its pure, uncomplicated emotions are refreshing.

Watch The Muppet Movie when you’re in the mood for something funny, heartwarming, and carefree. It’s a must-see for fans of the Muppets and an excellent choice for fans of light comedy in general. Skip it if you prefer darker humor. For another Muppet movie with a more adventurous tone, try Muppet Treasure Island. For one with a similar premise, try The Mupppets Take Manhattan. For a madcap road comedy, try It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.0 for high quality and enduring charm.

Today’s quick review: Zodiac. In California in 1969, a serial killer calling himself the Zodiac taunts the police by sending letters to the San Francisco Chronicle. Paul Avery (Robert Downey, Jr.) of the Chronicle reports on the killings, while Detective Dave Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) spearheads the investigation. But the most avid investigator proves to be Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), a cartoonist for whom the Zodiac becomes an obsession.

Zodiac is a crime thriller and mystery based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer. The movie follows detectives, reporters, and amateurs as they try to crack the case of one of California’s most notorious serial killers. A great cast, realistic characters, top-notch direction, and an unrelenting mystery make Zodiac an engrossing watch from start to finish. Those willing to follow its twists and turns will be amply rewarded.

Much of Zodiac’s appeal comes from its characters. Paul, Dave, and Robert each bring a different style to the investigation. The three men are clearly drawn and capably acted. The film is clear about their motivations, their limitations, and the toll the case takes on each of them. The focus shifts between them according to the ebb and flow of the investigation. The interplay between them gives the mystery the depth of multiple perspectives.

Zodiac’s storytelling is no less effective. The camerawork, song selection, and choice of events to portray give Zodiac the brisk pacing that belies its lengthy run time. The individual scenes are captivating enough to guide the film through a years-long investigation full of red herrings and blind allies. The focus of the movie remains on the numerous, contradictory facts of the case, but Zodiac does know how to ramp up the tension when need be.

The result is a well-crafted, unpredictable mystery with the ring of authenticity to it. Give Zodiac a shot if you like craftsmanship, drama, and unsolvable mysteries. Skip it if you’re looking for a tidy story. For a fictional crime drama with an ensemble cast, a similarly elaborate plot, and high all-around quality, check out L.A. Confidential. For another well-executed crime story based on real life, check out The Untouchables.

7.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a captivating story and excellent overall quality.

Today’s quick review: Identity. When a thunderstorm washes out a desert highway, ten strangers are forced to take refuge in a remote motel. Their miserable night takes a turn for the worse when one of the guests is brutally murdered. With a killer on the loose and no way to get help, the remaining guests rally under the leadership of a limo driver (John Cusack) and a police officer (Ray Liotta) to try to survive the night.

Identity is a suspense thriller that traps ten strangers at a motel with a killer intent on picking them off one by one. Identity offers a tense mystery, skilled acting, and a couple of good scares. The film balances the danger of the moment with ominous hints that something larger is going on. Though not the most cerebral thriller, Identity has a fruitful premise and plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience guessing.

Identity makes good on its premise thanks to its strong fundamentals. Everything from the acting to the pacing to the atmosphere works smoothly together, and the overall quality of the film is hard to fault. The end result is not flashy, but it does deliver what it promises. However, Identity does take risks in one or two places; the last leg of the movie will either seem brilliant or out of place depending on your personal taste.

Watch Identity when you’re in the mood for a tense, well-crafted thriller that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Identity has just what it takes to engage fans of horror and darker mysteries; those hoping for a lighter watch will want to steer clear. For a crime thriller with a similar premise, less horror, and a more elaborate plot, check out Bad Times at the El Royale. For a weaker John Cusack mystery set at a hotel, try The Bag Man.

7.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid craftsmanship and an effective mystery.

Today’s quick review: The Brothers Grimm. In Napoleonic Germany, brothers Will (Matt Damon) and Jake Grimm (Heath Ledger) make their living by conning townsfolk with tales of witches and monsters. When the French army catches them in the act, the brothers are forced to investigate a rash of kidnappings that appear to be the work of magic. Expecting the work of another con man, they are shocked to learn that for once the fairy tale is real.

The Brothers Grimm is a fantasy adventure movie from director Terry Gilliam that’s loosely based on Grimms’ Fairy Tales. The movie follows the titular brothers as they’re dropped into a world of fairy tales that they’ve often exploited but never believed was real. The Brothers Grimm blends folklore, comedy, horror, and Terry Gilliam’s distinctive style to produce an inventive take on the classics. However, mixed execution and a dark tone hold it back.

The Brothers Grimm skews darker than other, similar fantasy movies. The film’s adventurous spirit and sense of humor should make it a light romp that plays with the conventions of the fairy tale genre. But The Brothers Grimm is peppered with horrifying moments that utterly ruin what levity the film has managed to build up. Twisted forms of magic, black humor, and a tone of menace all make The Brothers Grimm a much rougher watch than it first appears.

Beyond its tonal issues, The Brothers Grimm is a mixed bag. The premise has plenty of potential, the craftsmanship is generally sound, and the movie is packed with the creativity Terry Gilliam is known for. But The Brothers Grimm never clicks the way it should. The dynamic between the brothers works better on paper than in practice, neither one comes off as particularly heroic, and the plot relies on rules of magic that seem made up on the spot.

The end result is a hodgepodge of good ideas and bad missteps. The Brothers Grimm has enough in the way of basic quality to entertain those who can withstand its darker side. The movie should hold some appeal for fans of warped, Terry Gilliam-style fantasy, but there is enough horror in the mix to make it an uncomfortable watch for most viewers. For those who aren’t sold on the premise, The Brothers Grimm is not worth the investment.

For a more upbeat, action-oriented take on a similar premise, try Van Helsing or Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. For a comedy that explores the con man side of the story in greater depth, try The Brothers Bloom. For another offbeat adventure from Terry Gilliam, check out Time Bandits. For a sweeter fairy tale adventure, check out Stardust. For a dark fantasy drama with more artistry, check out Pan’s Labyrinth.

5.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for fine craftsmanship hurt by an overly macabre tone.

Today’s quick review: Dracula Untold. In the fifteenth century, Vlad (Luke Evans), the prince of Transylvania, faces a terrible choice: send one thousand boys to the Turks to become slave warriors or face annihilation at the hands of the Turkish armies. To protect his wife Mirena (Sarah Gadon) and son Ingeras (Art Parkinson), Vlad makes a deal with a vampire (Charles Dance), taking on its powers and its curse to fight back against the Turks.

Dracula Untold is a historical fantasy action movie based loosely on the life of Vlad the Impaler. Dracula Untold casts Vlad in a heroic role, a wise ruler whose love for his people forces him to strike a terrible bargain. The movie takes what could have been a shaky premise and makes a surprisingly credible attempt at spinning it into a full story. However, Dracula Untold comes up short in a few key ways that keep its efforts from paying off.

Dracula Untold invests heavily in its plot and its characters. Luke Evans makes for a sympathetic protagonist in Vlad, a former janissary who must go to great and tragic lengths to keep his son from suffering the same fate. The characters in general are not deep, but they do serve the needs of the story. The conflicts and relationships in the film are straightforward but effective, yielding a robust story setup that has all it needs for success.

However, Dracula Untold doesn’t quite have the dramatic chops to see its story all the way through. Vlad’s love for his family and the horrible sacrifice he must make to protect them make for potent dramatic themes, but the film overplays its hand and fumbles the execution of several key moments. The film also seems wed to the premise that one vampire can take on an army, skewing the plot and with it the outcome of the personal drama.

As for action, Dracula Untold fits comfortably into the middle of the fantasy action genre. Before his vampiric transformation, Vlad is a skilled hand with a sword, dancing his way through Ottoman troops with the help of solid fight choreography. After taking on the vampire’s curse, the combat becomes even more lopsided. Vampires in the film seem to have almost unlimited power, turning the later combat into a flight of fancy instead of a tense struggle.

Watch Dracula Untold if you’re an action fan looking for a respectable mix of story and action. Though Dracula Untold never rises to the level of greatness, its fundamentals are strong enough to make it a worthwhile watch for those interested in what it has to offer. Skip it if you’re not interested in action for its own sake, or if you’re looking for a more impressive entry into the genre.

For vampire action with a modern twist, check out the Underworld series or the Blade trilogy. For another reimagining of a classic horror story, one with somewhat more dubious results, try I, Frankenstein.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for solid action and a solid story.

“By iron and fire!” —Kaulder

Today’s quick review: The Last Witch Hunter. Eight centuries after he defeated the Witch Queen (Julie Engelbrecht) and was cursed with immortality, Kaulder (Vin Diesel) has become a legendary witch hunter. When a witch murders Father Dolan (Michael Caine), his biographer and friend, Kaulder must work with Dolan’s successor (Elijah Wood) and a young witch (Rose Leslie) to locate the killer before he can unleash an ancient evil on the world.

The Last Witch Hunter is an urban fantasy action adventure movie set in a world where witches continue to operate in secret, allowed to practice magic so long as they don’t harm humans. Kaulder, armed with lifetimes of experience, keeps the peace by hunting down those witches who use their power for evil. The Last Witch Hunter is a typical action fantasy movie with a few nice touches and a few shortcomings that keep it from doing more.

The Last Witch Hunter’s main draws are its lead, its world, and its action. Vin Diesel makes for an odd fit for the role of Kaulder, but he somehow works out. Kaulder shares his tough attitude and fearsome reputation with Diesel’s other characters, but Diesel has a harder time with the brainy, world-weary side of the character. In spite of this slight mismatch, Kaulder is a classic action protagonist and a worthy cornerstone for the movie.

The story takes place in a world that’s littered with strong ideas. The underground lives of the witches, the way magic works, and Kaulder’s own character are all fleshed out in a consistent way that hints at a large, rich universe. However, The Last Witch Hunter has trouble locking down its best ideas with the distinctive names and visuals needed to make them memorable, leaving it with a well-built world that comes across as generic.

The film’s action follows a similar pattern: workmanlike, plentiful, and often clever, but lacking the iconic moments needed to make it great. The Last Witch Hunter does a good job of finding ways to threaten Kaulder in spite of his immortality, using traps, drugs, and magic to keep his physical power from being overwhelming. But these indirect fights and a shortage of monsters mean that the film can’t truly take advantage of Kaulder’s talents.

The Last Witch Hunter is worth checking out if you’re a fan of the action fantasy genre. The movie comes up short in enough ways that most viewers would be better off with one of the more successful entries into the genre. But its misses are near misses, and The Last Witch Hunter offers enough in the way of world-building and action to be a fun popcorn watch for fans of Vin Diesel or the fantasy genre as a whole.

For witch- and monster-hunting action with more comedy and a heavier focus on action, check out Van Helsing, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, or Hellboy and its sequel. For a moodier urban fantasy film with horror elements, check out Constantine. For stylish vampire action in a modern setting, check out the Underworld series or the Blade trilogy. For Vin Diesel sci-fi action with an even tougher main character, check out the Riddick movies.

6.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a fun premise and decent execution, but without the vision or polish to stand out in a crowded genre.

Today’s quick review: Tau. Julia (Maika Monroe), a pickpocket saving up for a better life, is abducted from her home and locked in a cell by Alex (Ed Skrein), a genius who plans to run experiments on Julia to perfect his latest project. Her only companion is Tau (Gary Oldman), a prototype AI tasked with keeping her imprisoned. With the project deadline looming, Julia must outwit her captors and find a way to escape before she runs out of time.

Tau is a minimalistic sci-fi thriller about artificial intelligence. The title character is an advanced but flawed AI system designed by Alex to manage his home, including its security. It’s also the only thing standing between Julia and freedom. Tau offers a fairly interesting sci-fi premise, albeit one that has been explored in other movies. The quality of execution is high enough to tell its story well, but the movie lacks anything to set it apart.

Tau sets up its story well. Julia’s captivity is a ready source of tension. Alex’s house is an interesting setting with well-defined rules and boundaries for Julia to work with. The characters and conflicts are clearly established, while the cast’s solid acting is enough to bring its story to life. The film also dips its toes into the issues surrounding humanlike AI, although it doesn’t delve deep enough to say anything profound.

But the crux of the movie is the relationship between Julia and Tau, and this is where the writing begins to show cracks. The broad strokes of the relationship are fine: sensing an opportunity, Julia introduces Tau to the concept of personhood and teaches it about the world outside Alex’s house. But the particulars are clumsy. The film assumes a closer bond between Tau and Julia than it actually shows, and the script is merely workmanlike.

Tau has just enough going on to interest dedicated fans of the sci-fi genre, but the movie doesn’t offer enough to give it broad appeal. Give it a shot only if you’re interested in stories about AI for their own sake. For a minimalistic sci-fi thriller with a similar premise, check out Ex Machina. For a budget sci-fi movie about a man trying to outwit his AI jailer, check out Infinity Chamber. For a thriller about escaping a maniac, try Split.

5.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for a decent premise and craftsmanship that don’t amount to anything too special.

Today’s quick review: Extinction. Plagued by visions of an alien invasion, Peter (Michael Pena) has been growing more distant from his wife Alice (Lizzy Caplan) and daughters Hannah (Amelia Crouch) and Lucy (Erica Tremblay). But when his visions come to pass and high-tech invaders overrun the city, Peter and his family are forced to fight their way to the factory where Peter works, where his visions predict they will make their final stand.

Extinction is a budget sci-fi movie that chronicles one man’s attempts to protect his family through an alien invasion. Extinction follows the sci-fi survival formula with one major wrinkle: Peter’s recurring visions hint at a larger mystery. The movie splits its time between this mystery, the invasion, and the relationship between Peter and his family, resulting in a movie with a fairly good balance of mystery, action, and drama.

Extinction does have a few rough edges. The action and special effects are good enough to tell the film’s story, but they aren’t that impressive in concrete terms. The film uses Peter’s visions for lots of foreshadowing and one good reveal, but it doesn’t explore the concept in any depth. The same goes for the story as a whole: the invasion plotline is not rich enough to support the film’s better ideas, missing out on some of their potential.

Still, Extinction makes good use of the tools at its disposal and earns its spot as a worthwhile pick for budget sci-fi fans. Those looking for top-notch acting, writing, or special effects won’t find anything too impressive in Extinction and may want to skip it. Those who don’t mind the film’s limitations will appreciate its solid execution. For a more elaborate take on a similar premise, check out War of the Worlds.

5.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for a good plot and characters, kept from going further by the film’s limited scope.

Today’s quick review: MFKZ. Angelino (Kenn Michael) and his friends Vinz (Vince Staples) and Willy (Dino Andrade) are just a trio of losers trying to eke out a living in Dark Meat City, a sweltering, crime-ridden California metropolis. But when an encounter with Luna (Dascha Polanco) awakens strange new powers in Angelino, the friends wind up at the top of the government’s most wanted list, courtesy of a shadowy organization with eyes everywhere.

MFKZ is a heavily stylized French and Japanese animated action movie based on a comic by Guillaume “Run” Renard. MFKZ combines an eclectic urban setting, oddball characters, a whirlwind of a plot, dashes of sci-fi and fantasy, and a distinctive art style to produce an experience that’s messy, inventive, and stylish. Its unique vision and solid craftsmanship make it a worthy pick for those who think they’ll appreciate its aesthetic.

MFKZ’s most distinctive and most polarizing feature is its sense of style. The characters are edgy and exaggerated, with many who aren’t fully human. The environments are bleak and dilapidated, yet visually interesting. The film uses a wide range of techniques to control its ebb and flow, including tilted camera angles, schlocky title cards, and shifts in art style. Rampant gore, swearing, and sexual content also make MFKZ a mature watch.

MFKZ’s story is just as eclectic. The plot involves a global conspiracy, supernatural beings, corrupt cops, luchadors, gang warfare, cockroaches, and a harsh world that just seems to want Angelino, Vinz, and Willy dead. The film keeps up a nice sense of energy throughout, bouncing rapidly from one insane situation to the next. It also manages to balance tension with comedy, hitting a broad range of the emotional spectrum with skill.

However, MFKZ is not as good at finishing what it starts. Scenes that start strong don’t always stick the landing, while the movie as a whole has more interesting plot threads than it knows what to do with. MFKZ manages to avoid any major blunders; each aspect of the movie has sufficient payoff to justify its inclusion. But MFKZ misses several chances to take its ideas even further and accomplish something not just good but great.

Watch MFKZ if you’re interested in something stylized, energetic, and experimental. Its mature content, edgy art style, and loose storytelling will turn off most viewers, but those with the right set of tastes will find MFKZ to be a rare treat. For an experimental sci-fi movie based on a French comic book with a more subdued tone, check out Immortal. For a similarly chaotic sci-fi comedy with a lighter tone, try The Fifth Element.

6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a vivid and unique style; your score will vary wildly depending on your taste.