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joel from The Awful Show



Last Updated: 11/21/2009

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Gender: Male
Status: Married
Age: 35
Sign: Virgo

City: near denver
State: Colorado
Country: US
Signup Date: 11/26/2003

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Sunday, August 30, 2009 

Current mood:  listless
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

 

!SPOILERS! (maybe a few)
as i am currently watching 'Halloween: 25 Years of Terror'.... i'm realizing exactly how much i enjoyed Rob Zombie's 'Halloween II'.... not that i hate the originals, not that i hated the sequels.... it just got so silly over the years that it lost it's edge.... and what Rob Zombie has done, is given back the edge, the terror, the evil, the fear.... made the bad guy the bad guy.... granted, it's not the perfect horror film and it won't be looked upon as the quintessential scary movie of our time.... but despite all of the good or bad press you're hearing.... this is not a bad movie.... it's just a new spin on an old theme.... he's no longer just 'The Shape', the "boogeyman".... he's a real person who's out to kill you and he's not going to stop until he succeeds.... end of story....

so put aside your bullshit expectations set up by the media.... walk into this film with no expectations.... just go and make up your own damn mind....


 

it is no secret that i have a love of Rob Zombie.... i love all of his films, music and art.... he's my "man crush".... but there is reason to my maddness.... the man loves his horror and his monsters and it shines through everything he does.... he pays homage to all the greats.... he uses the same actors and scenarios to pay tribute to all the classics.... he's a horror lovers horror lover.... and for that i thank him..... and this was his take on where 'Halloween' was meant to go.... according to his mythos.... not according to the fans.... i can respect that and i actually got behind it after watching this film play itself out.....

the story picks up a mere minute after the last movie.... Laurie has just shot and "killed" Michael.... she's rushed to the hospital, he's rushed to the morgue, Dr. Loomis clings to his life.... it's all very much in line with the original 'Halloween II'.... right....? well, this is about where all of that ends.... yes, there is a rather grusome scene at the hospital, but that's mostly just to pay tribute to the hospital scene in the original....


 

there are many great scenes and reasons to praise this minor portion of the film, but i'll let you see that on your own time....

needless to say, it's all a dream.... Laurie wakes up and realizes it's a year later and her life is shit.... she is screwed up in the head and is living with Annie and her daddy, the local police man, at their home and working at a local store to pay the bills.... not the life she dreamed of, but what more can you expect for a survivor of a brutal attack by a serial killer wearing a mask and who's 7 ft tall.....?!?!

it's Halloween again in the town and this is flooding back the rush of bad memories in Laurie's head.... meanwhile, Dr. Loomis is cashing in on his 2nd book about the situation and not giving a shit about who he has to step on to make a buck.... and in this most recent re-telling of the story, he reveals that Laurie is in fact, Angel Myers, Michael's little sister.... this puts Laurie in a tailspin and sets us up for the 2nd act of the film.... the part where she goes apeshit, Annie gets the short end of the stick and we realize that Michael is far from dead.


 

it's actually revealed fairly early on that Michael is a drifter now.... he's basically a homeless guy with a mask and a knife.... something to which i thought i would find appalling, but Zombie makes it work.... he sets up Michael to be a killer without a reason.... someone in search of his lost little sister.... and someone so misguided and messed up, that he's being led around by a white horse, his dead mother and a child like version of himself.....?!?! in a very strange way it all works.... and works well....

Michael wanders the countryside, keeping to himself until a slight altrication with 3 hillbilly's and their dog which sets up a possible link between his sister and himself....? it's not covered very well and i look forward to the DVD commentary to expand on it.... needless to say, as Halloween approaches, he heads back into Haddonfield to wreak havoc on the little town, to find his baby "boo" and to killl everyone in his path.... all dressed like a man with no home for a year would dress....


 


finally, he finds his sister, she finds out she's his sister.... a whole lot of killing happens and the end....

rather than spend the entire review telling you line for line what happens.... i'd rather you go and see this movie for yourself and make up your own opinions.... i personsally, think that Rob Zombie has completed his vision of what he wanted this story to entail.... granted, i was a little off put by the ending.... it's not my movie.... it's Rob Zombie's movie.... so i will respect his wishes.... i think he's created something that will grow and take on a life of it's own as a new breed of slasher film.... that of the slasher as a human..... not some bullshit unstoppable killing machine.... yes, he's like a shark in his desire.... and bloodlust.... but he is at heart, a man.... that's it....

not unlike 'The Devil's Rejects', this movie sets itself apart from it's predecessor and requires repeated viewings to truly appreciate his overall vision... i think it's a great film and i think it deserves to be praised for doing somthing all it's own.... it said, "fuck you." to the fans and to the naysayers..... and Rob made HIS movie..... and i respect that far more than anything else he could have done.... i really enjoyed this film and i cannot wait to add it to my collection of DVD's.....


 

all in all, i would give this 4 out of 5 stars.... a film that requires more than one sitting.... i could have done without the ending.... and it was a little distracting to have a new little Michael Myers..... but despite all of that, i was glad that i had heard so many terrible things, because it allowed me to go in unjaded and with nothing to expect.... and he gave me what he wanted me to see... i'm sure there is a lot more i could say, but i'll end it by saying this about this film:

it's a slasher movie with a real slashser.

if you see this and disagree, so be it.... go back and watch the other films before Rob took over and enjoy them.... that's what they're there for.... i'm just proud of him for taking something old and making it feel new and making something stale seem fresh..... thank you Rob.... and i look forward to whatever is on your plate next....






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Friday, July 03, 2009 

Current mood:  fascinated
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

 

when i first heard about a new 'Rambo' movie.... i was skeptical.... and when i saw the trailer, i was even more skeptical.... and because of that i waited a long time to watch this movie.... a loooong time.... however, tonight i watched it.... and DAMN!.... what took me so long....!?!?

i remember watching 'First Blood' way back when.... and then watching 'Rambo II'.... and even watching the cartoon....! but i could never bring myself to watch 'Rambo III'.... i think because it was getting so over the top at that point that i couldn't stomach it.... it was a disease of the 80's and 90's filmaking to take a great concept and bastardize it so much that it becomes a cartoon of itself.... see: 'Police Academy', 'Robocop', etc.... and i, to this day, have not seen 'Rambo III'.... although it's on the way for tomorrow.... so i stayed away from this series for a long time.... but after watching 'Rocky Balboa', i needed to give this a shot.... it seemed that Stallone had waited for a long time for the right story for both of these films because he wanted something worthwhile.... i mean, he co-wrote and directed this....! the man knows his stuff....


 

this was not your 80's or 90's 'Rambo'.... this was gritty, somewhat realistic and much more stylish and well directed.... it felt more like the action sequences from 'Saving Private Ryan' than 'Cobra'.... and the storyline lended itself well to the artistic design of the film.... Stallone had a vision of seeing the film through the eyes of John Rambo.... and in my opinion, it worked.

in the past couple of installments, the films were so over the top and silly that you don't want to take the character seriously.... but in this film, Stallone has toned down the silly stuff to a minimum and made it all a lot more realistic.... i mean, there are some things that are over the top.... who cares....? it's an action movie....!


 

it seems to me that Stallone understands that this film won't change the world.... but he puts some pretty hefty doses of realism into the opening.... that you WANT the bad guys to die.... and die the most horrible deaths possible.... and any good action movie will make you HATE the bad guys.... and these characters are loathesome.... you want Rambo to gut them, torch them, decapitate them.... and he doesn't disappoint....!

basically, this is the Rambo film we've al been waiting for.... and just like 'Rocky Balboa', this is the best film in the series since the first one.... leaps and bounds beyond the last two.... all in all 4 out of 5 stars.... a solid action movie with a decent story and some kick ass action....!

i feel like a little kid after watching this.... Stallone made me want to fuck some shit up and he made me fall in love with him all over again.... kudos to you sir.





Currently watching:
Rambo (Widescreen Edition)
Release date: 2008-05-27
7:06 AM 
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Friday, April 10, 2009 

Current mood:  moody
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities


i have never seen a Bruce LaBruce movie.... nor had i heard of this director before seeing this film.... and i pride myself on having a broad scope in my film viewing.... but this one was new to me.... not just a zombie movie, a gay zombie movie.... and after the glowing review from an old friend.... i had to put this in my queue as something to watch and see what all the buzz was about....

from my initial research on the film (something i do with almost all of the movies and films i see), i found a lot of very mixed opinions on it.... from strongly for it to strongly opposed to it.... and one big thing that kept coming up and was brought to my attentions from the get go, was the very strong sexual content.... beyond the normal HBO after dark stuff.... what would have qualified it with an 'X' back in the day, but now gets it an NC-17 or an Unrated tag.... either way, nothing that's new to me.... i've seen several films that cross that line from mainstream cinema to near pornographic status.... and if it's used properly, it can be a very powerful tool.... sadly, it's most often used as a marketing tool.... (some pun intended)



the basic premise of this film is that: Otto has risen from the dead.... and the undead are not well liked in the world anymore.... they've gone from a being a deadly menace to a shambling nusance.... so much so that with each new generation of the undead, they're wiped out as quickly as the citizens can get armed and shoot them each in the head....

there are several twists on the traditional zombie theme here.... 1) zombies are able to think and speak now.... they still have the thirst for blood, food and human flesh.... but they can communicate and these leads to a much more in-depth character.... not just a shark like killer.... 2) the newest generation of the undead are gay.... and this has lead to even more hatred for them.... (do you see where this is going yet....?)



with all that being said, 'Otto' still stands apart as good filmaking.... granted, you're being hit over the head during the entire film by giant billboards about the message of the film.... but the film is so well constructed that it doesn't matter.... and honestly, the main character of Otto is brilliantly played by Jey Crisfar.... he's got charisma to spare and the costume designer made him an iconic outfit that made him memorable.... even though the majority of the rest of the actors are bland and horrible actors.... it doesn't matter.... Jey carries this film.

now, back to the explicit sex.... does it have a point in this film....? i'm going to argue the point and say, "no.".... there are spots where it proves to offset the violence.... but it gets to the point of being so over the top that it begins to detract from the film itself.... and in my opinion this film could have gone so much farther than it's near 'film student' status if he had been a little more well thought out.... instead of just going for the all out shock factor.... now, i may be coming at this from a different perspective than most.... and it has nothing to do with the fact that it's all sex between men (sometimes several men).... it's just pointless in most places.... that to me sets it back to amateur status....



all in all, what i would have liked to have seen was more of the shots like Otto walking in the yellow field of flowers.... i mean some of the scenes are so beautifully shot and edited that it's hard to believe that it's the same movie as some of the other scenes that are so void of anything worth mentioning.... and let me again say that 90% of the actors in this film must be friends with Bruce LaBruce.... because they are horrible....

at this point you're asking youself, did Joel like this movie....? yes, i did.
all in all i would give it 3 out of 5 stars, a close 4.... it's a thinking man's zombie movie.... not unlike 'Shatter Dead' which also contains hardcore sex and is poorly acted with a super low budget.... and it also suffers from the same criticism i had for this film.... but just like 'Otto', it contains such a unique idea that it makes it worth your time to set down and invest yourself in the story.... you won't regret it with either film....

look past the really rough edges and i think you'll be happy to find a diamond in the rough....
Currently watching:
The Terminal (Widescreen Edition)
Release date: 2004-11-23
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Friday, April 10, 2009 

Current mood:  blah
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
'Choke' (2008)

it took me a while to get in the mood to see this film.... i love everyone that is involved with it.... and i have always felt that Sam Rockwell would be an excellent lead actor.... and if you haven't seen 'Welcome To Collinwood', then you need to see movie as soon as you can.... a great precursor or follow up to 'Choke'.... (both star Rockwell)

the premise of this film is unique.... the way it's carried out is excellent.... and i can honestly say that i had no idea what to expect during this film.... everytime i thought i had it figured out, something stranger would happen and i'd be knocked on my ass.... not that it has a lot of action or anything like that.... it's just one strange event after the other....

i say a strong 4 out of 5 stars.... a sleeper that deserves a much bigger audience than it receieved....

'My Name Is Bruce' (2007)

i dare anyone who is reading this blog to not raise their hand when i say, "Who out there loves Bruce Campbell?".... if you didn't raise your hand then either 1) you're lying. 2) you broke your arm and are doing the best you can to raise it right now.... well, my hand is raised right now.... and when i heard this movie was coming out, i got excited.

the premise is genius.... a town that recruits Bruce Campbell to save them from an ancient evil menace.... but alas, he's not the hero: he's Bruce Campbell.... a movie actor with a whole lot of bad attitude and who's not doing as great as everyone would like to believe....

sadly, this wasn't as good as it could have been or as i hoped it would be.... granted, i didn't hate it.... i would say 3 out of 5 stars would be kind.... Bruce does the best with the material he has.... and he's so chock full of charisma, that you can't take your eyes off of him no matter what you do.... "Now gimmie some sugar, baby."

'Quarantine' (2008)

first off, this is a remake.... an almost shot for shot remake of '[rec]' (2007).... a Spanish horror film about a new anchor who is doing an on the street interview with a fire station and it's crew.... when they're called out on a job, she goes along and gets quarantined in a building with them and all of the people who live there.... and soon they're fighting for their lives from a disease that's turning them into maniacs....

i'm on the fence about remakes.... it just depends on which one i see first and which turns out to be the better version.... just like a fine piece of classical music.... each director (composer) creates a different vision of what they see the piece as.... and as i haven't seen the original yet, all i can say is that i enjoyed this movie....

3 out of 5 stars.... maybe a 4 in some areas.... but my one big problem with this movie was the ending.... it was given away over and over and over in the trailer.... and why in the hell would the studio do that....? it makes no sense to me.... oh well, it was a good ending anyway.... creepy.

'His Name Was Jason: 30 Years Of Friday The 13th' (2009)

a low cost 2 disc set.... i just wanted to say that, because it's a selling point of this documentary....

if you're a fan of 'Friday The 13th' or any of it's sequels.... then you need to see this movie.... it's better than the one in the box set that came out a few years back.... and has a lot more of the people involved in all of the movies.... not just one or two.... it's an extremely comprehensive look at the movies and everything that went into them.... right down to the history and mindset of Jason himself....

4 out of 5 stars for 'Friday The 13th' fans.... fans of horror documentaries.... or just someone wanting to get into the series and wants to know as much as possible before starting....

'Tokyo Gore Police' (2008)

did you see 'Machine Girl'....? watch that first.... then watch this.... but for either movie, watch them with a friend.... watching it alone doesn't have quite the same effect....

this is not a clever title.... this movie is full of gore.... weird gore.... strange gore.... low budget gore.... extremely gory gore.... (not for the weak of heart).... but it's still a fun movie at heart.... or maybe fun isn't the right word.... 'Machine Girl' was fun.... this is a bit more serious.... but if you like the gory horror movies of Japan.... or just weird campy blood fests.... this may be for you....

i would say 3 out of 5 stars.... mainly for the creative effort.... but a bit to long and somewhat too serious....
Currently watching:
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
Release date: 2005-12-13
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Thursday, April 09, 2009 

Current mood:  ashamed
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
when i write movie reviews.... it's usually because the movie made some sort of an impact.... either good or bad.... but there are so many other movies that i just enjoyed or mildly hated and i don't feel like trying to keep up with all of them.... so i just end up just writing a mass review.... this is one of those reviews....
'Transporter 3' (2008)

i've never understood why the 'Transporter' movie posters always show him with two guns flying through the air.... in 3 out of 3 movies he has actually failed to do that.... and the girl in this movie never even held a gun, i don't get it....! anyway....

i'm a Jason Statham fan. i have been. i probably will be for a while.... and i've enjoyed this franchise.... however, out of the 3.... i really found this one to be the most "plain".... the action was nothing new from the last 2 movies.... the dialouge was a bit weaker.... it didn't have the same punch, especially with the conversations between Frank and Tarconi.... and at the end, i honestly wasn't sure i cared what happened.... i even predicted the ending long before it happened....

maybe i'm just jaded from decades of action movies.... or maybe this series has gone as far as it can.... i don't know.... but overall, it's a good 3 out of 5 stars.... nothing new.... nothing to write home to mom about.... worth an afternoon, if you don't have much else to do....

'Dance of the Dead' (2008)

i think i've said this here before.... i'm not a fan of 'Ghost House Pictures'.... not at all.... but this is their new 'Underground' division.... and i may sing a slightly different tune after viewing this movie....

this is a wonderful little piece of low budget fun.... very much in the vein of 'Evil Dead 2' and 'Return of the Living Dead'.... not much money behind it, but it's got so much heart.... and the story, script and direction is so solid that it doesn't matter if you recognize any of the actors or not.... or if you believe the 'head shot'.... it just oozes "fun night in".

overall, a solid 4 out of 5 stars.... a movie i could re-watch anytime.... and one that may not break any new ground, but who cares....?!?! you can't help but have fun watching this.... and whether you were a nerd in high school, a jock or the popular kid.... you all have someone to root for.... (but being a nerd doesn't help.)

'Terror Firmer' (1999)

as most of you already know.... i have a HUGE crush on Lloyd Kaufman.... ever since i saw 'The Toxic Avenger' and our little interview with him on The Awful Show.... i have just increased that love of him.... and his work.... so after the JOY of 'Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead', i figured it was time to go back and catch up on what i'd missed in the last decade or so.... and this seemed like a great place to start....

boy, was i wrong....

honestly, i don't know quite what to make of this mess.... it's got a fun concept and some great characters, but it doesn't gel.... something is off in the formula..... it may be the lead character played by: Will Keenan.... he's just flat out uninteresting and kind of anti-charasmatic.... by the end of it i wanted to punch him in the face.... and i am very leary of watching 'Tromeo and Juliet' now.... and it's nothing against Lloyd.... i felt that his character was one of the best in the film.... as a blind movie director.... a stroke of genious.... and it lead to a lot of hilarious moments.... i just wish it would have relied more on him....

most of the other actors showed up and did their best.... and don't get me wrong, i didn't hate the movie.... i was just expecting more.... all in all a low 3 or high 2 out of 5 stars.... not something i ever need to see again.... and not the first Troma movie i would ever recommend.... watch this towards the end of your Troma viewing marathon.... but hey, maybe it's just me.
Currently watching:
Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares: Complete UK Series 1
Release date: 2009-03-03
8:52 PM 
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Friday, April 03, 2009 

Current mood:  lethargic
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

it's rare that a movie knocks me on my ass.... and even more so, the older and more jaded i become with film watching.... i've seen thousands of movies and films.... and have watched everything from terrible 'Z' grade movies to the best of the best.... (and everything in between).... however, every great once in a while, something comes along that renews your faith in filmaking.... this was one of those films.

i can count on one hand the number of times a film has caused me to not move for 2 hours solid.... and/or made my jaw stay dropped during the whole experience.... i had this happen while watching 'Let The Right One In'.... i've also had it happen with: 'Dead Man', 'Eraserhead', 'Dancer In The Dark'.... to name a few.... if you have not had this pleasure, it's when you become so involved in the story that you get lost in it.... you transcend from the couch into the television.... or from the theater seat to the big screen.... it's all engulfing.... some films it's easier than others.... but if you're truly invested in a film or movie, you can do it with almost anything.... however, certain movies grab you by the back of the head and just draw you in without any effort....

this film is a story about a vampire.... but not the vampire that we're used to seeing.... it's also a story about growing up.... but not the usual story about growing up.... it's an extremely unique storyline and the way it's told is beautiful.... the pacing, the script, the acting, the actors, etc.... all the way down to the editing and sound.... it all comes together to create a near pitch perfect piece of cinema.... i can't say enough good things about it.... and in an era of constant remakes and re-tellings of things we've all seen 100 times before.... it's wonderful to not know what to expect next.... to be suprised.... to feel like you've never seen a film before, a virgin....

the basic plot is this: a teased and taunted 12 year old boy finds a friend in an equally outcast 12 year old girl.... however, it's not that simple.... the little girl happens to be a vampire.... and while the rest of the world is sleeping, her caretaker is out killing innocents to keep her well feed and cared for.... during the day the little boy goes about his day in anticipation of spending time with her at night.... soon the friendship grows into something more, but not in the way you may expect.... and all the while, horrific things are going on around them.... and it doesn't really matter.... all that matters is that they've found each other....

this film juggles the horror and the beauty with such careful consideration, that you never feel like you're watching one film or the other.... it's just one amazing juxtaposition of both.... i liken this film to 'The Shining'.... however, it has elements of other films.... this is the closest realitive.... the film takes place in 1982 and the filmaking style and pacing feels like 1982.... it's beautifully shot in a soft sense that lulls you into a hypnotic gaze.... you can't look away.... and the pacing is so even that even though it's a slower moving film, you're never bored.... each scene is leading you somewhere.... and you know it.

i feel like i'm gushing.... and that i have nothing negative to say about this film.... but in all honesty, i have nothing bad to say.... it's the best vampire film i've ever seen and it's one of the top films of the past several years: horror or otherwise.... it walks a tightrope so masterfully that it deserves every bit of praise that i can muster.... every review that speaks highly of it is right.... it does not disappoint.... now, it may not be for everyone.... it is foreign and it is not your atypical venture.... but if you come into it with an open mind and a love of film.... i promise you that you will leave satisfied....

this is a film that will at some point be a part of my collection.... a proud part.... sitting at the top of my lists of the best films of the new millenium.... possibly ever.... 5 out of 5 stars.... hands down....

go add it to your queue, buy it in the store or rent it online.... just see it.... this film deserves an audience and a following.... it is that good and i will fight that belief to the end....

the most perfect film i've seen in a long time....
Currently watching:
Let The Right One In
Release date: 2009-03-10
10:50 PM 
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Friday, March 27, 2009 

Current mood:  groggy
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

ever since 1986, when artist Mike Zeck and writer Steven Grant, introduced their 4 part Punisher mini-series.... i was hooked.... after that i followed The Punisher's every move.... along with Daredevil, Longshot, Angel/Archangel and Mark Texeira's Ghost Rider.... since then there have been movies with all but one of these characters.... most of them have been not so good.... but back before that happened, i heard of a a movie version of The Punisher starring Dolph Lundgren.... i was excited.... granted at the time, he was still an 'A' list celebrity (almost) and so i figured it was going to kick ass....! then i kept hearing about constant legal issues with the violence and that it may never see the light of day.... so i waited and waited.... finally, at a comic convention, i saw a bootleg version of it.... it was onVHS and still had the timecode on it while it played, that's how illegal it was.... i watched it and i was pretty happy.... however, by today's standards, it's pretty tame.... sometimes even boring.... but at the time it was pretty raw for Marvel.... then years and years later, long after i stopped collecting comics, i heard of a re-boot to the movie.... this time with Thomas Jane.... i was not impressed and had severe doubts about it.... when i finally saw it, it was mediocre at best.... Marvel still hadn't done it right.... but it was better than the first try.... that brings us to now....

back about a year and a half ago.... i heard about a sequel to the Thomas Jane version of The Punisher, but without Mr. Jane.... all i could think was that it was going to be a direct to DVD crap fest.... then i saw some stills from it, then the poster, then the trailer.... i was starting to get geeked all over again.... he looked right, it looked plenty violent and it looked dark.... soon enough it hit the theaters and the reviews weren't bad.... most of them focused on the extreme violence and said it was on par with some of the most graphic horror films.... i was amazed that Marvel would go that route, but since they stamped it with their 'Marvel Knights' logo, i guess they assumed that gave them liscense to get raw....

last night, i had the time to finally sit down and decide for myself.... and as of this review being written i am watching it again.... Marvel just about got it right.... granted, no movie is perfect.... but it's nice to see them taking risks and trying to give the readers what they want.... a Punisher who truly 'punishes' the guilty.... wow. does he ever.

for the first time, the character actually looks like the comic.... no black spandex jumpsuit, no silly leather jacket, no dyed black hair.... Ray Stevenson is The Punisher.... he has it all down.... i was able to lose myself in the story and i was almost taken back to the original mini-series.... they even pulled in one of his most feared rivals, Jigsaw.... who was played with glee by Dominic West.... it was a bloodbath of guns, knives, explosions and some of the grittiest stuff that Marvel has brought to the screen.... i guess they took a queue from The Dark Knight and the recently released Watchmen....

but before you think i'm in love with this movie.... let's stop and talk about the flaws.... it still suffers from the comic book movie cliches.... there's a comedic cop, played by Dash Mihok, who proves to have some of the most inane scenes in the film.... they also included  an agent who is out to stop the Punisher, played by Colin Salmon, who of course befriends him in the end.... there is also moments with Jigsaw and his brother that are so over the top that it pulls you out of the experience.... they lay it on just a bit too thick for my taste.... there is also the over use of CGI for all of the blood.... it's used in places where a simple special effect would have been much more appreciated....

if i was to compare this to other comic movies.... i would most closely relate it to The Crow.... almost identical in the way it's presented.... right down to the big shoot out at the end.... granted, i enjoyed this a whole lot more than the rooftop sword fight in The Crow.... but it still felt a little contrived.... i can forgive this movie however.... The Crow ruined a nearly perfect storyline by putting too much of the Hollywood style ending into it.... so much so, that James O'Barr donated almost all of the money he eared from it to charity because he felt so guilty.... at least here i didn't feel cheated.... (yes, i still love The Crow movie.... i just have to seperate it from the comics.)....

before you run out to get this.... understand that this is not a sequel to the Thomas Jane Punisher.... this is a stand alone movie.... it can be watched all on it's own and enjoyed.... it has no ties to the other two movies.... not one.... and i'm kind of glad.

all in all.... a fine example of a good action movie.... a closer version to the comic than anything i've seen so far.... and all around a decent little flick.... i would give it 3 1/2 stars out of 5, maybe 4.... with the major drawbacks being the comedic relief and the big Hollywood style characters that they included to make it more accessable to the larger audience.... so if you're a fan of the comic book or like good bloody action with lots of swearing, this one might be for you....

just don't blame me when you groan during the last minute of the film.... i'm warning you now, it's kind of lame....
Currently watching:
Punisher: War Zone (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Release date: 2009-03-17
6:50 AM 
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Saturday, January 24, 2009 

Current mood:  inspired
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

every once in a while, you come across a movie that hits you in the gut.... one that catches you off guard.... one that is unique.... this was one of those films.

if you have OnDemand right now.... this is available until the 27th of January.... if not, it's available to rent through Netflix.... i'm sure there are many other places to find it.... but these are the couple that i know of right off the bat.... anyway, stop reading this review.... go watch it and come back and write a report on it.... then read the following review:

in all honesty, this is not an easy film to watch.... for those of us who are married and love our spouse, this film presents us with a bit of a problem: imagine a dirty bomb goes off in the middle of downtown, your spouse was right in the middle of it, you're stuck in your house, chemicals are released and you can't leave your house or you will die, you seal it up, your spouse comes home, what do you do....?

this is the basic premise of the story.... and it's all carried out on a fairly low budget.... it's almost like 'Dawn of the Dead', but without the zombies.... that same sense of claustrophobia.... that same sense of overwhelming dread and despair.... it's an experiment in how society might breakdown if something like this was to occur.... and in this day and age where 9/11 is still all too much of a reality, it hits very close to home.... hence the title: 'Right At Your Door'.

the films stars Rory Cochrane (Empire Records) and Mary McCormack (Private Parts) as the husband and wife struggling through an unimaginable sitation.... they both portray an example of an average married couple.... no overly dramatic scences of romance or love.... no sappy Meg Ryan moments.... it's more grounded in reality.... this couple loves each other more than anything, but they're not going to pull any punches because of this.... it's a very honest movie and i think that's one of the other things that really makes it uncomfortable to watch.... because it's easy to plug yourself into the midset of either of the characters....

how would you react if you got home just wanting to spend your last few moments on earth with your spouse and.... they won't open the door....? or what if you're safe at home and you're already dealing with the potential that your spouse is dead and you are just doing what you can to survive, then suddenly they show up at the door....? it is not an easy decision to make.... what's best for you....? what's best for them....? what's the best for everyone....? there is no right or wrong answer, just instinct.

all in all, a film that i would highly recommend you spend your time on.... one that you won't regret.... it's a simple piece of filmaking that is extremely well done.... well written.... well acted.... and just well done.

4 out of 5 stars.... one that takes a simple enough idea.... applies the basic groundwork of a horror film.... makes the horror something that is real and that we've all lived through.... mixes it all up and creates something unique and timeless....

oh.... and did i mention that it ends just as strong, if not stronger than the beginning....? my jaw was on the floor.
 
Currently watching:
Leaving Las Vegas
Release date: 2000-01-01
8:01 AM 
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Sunday, January 04, 2009 

Current mood:  frustrated
Category: Life

it's an interesting time, as we roll into a new year.... it's always a time when it feels like anything is possible.... right now, i'm just feeling kind of stuck.... not with my family or anything.... my family is the one thing i feel good about and that i love no matter what else is going on.... it's just life in general....

i've been unable to focus on my writing, which was something i'd been really working on a lot about a month ago.... i've been thinking about playing some music, but can't seem to get my motvation.... i've even been thinking about delving into my art again, however it's just not happening.... it's like i have the desire and not the fire.

i've been having a hard time at work.... i've struggled the last two months.... not really with my numbers as a whole, but certain aspects are weak and i feel like i've got this thing hovering over me.... it's like everyday that i go in, i worry about how things will go that day.... or how will i be by the end of the month.... i still love my job and the people i work with.... don't get me wrong, i'm happy to have a job at all.... let alone, one that i believe in....

i have been watching a lot of movies and films.... (no reviews, you might notice).... 'Hellboy 2: The Golden Army', 'Wayne's World 1 &2', 'The Mist', 'Zoolander', Talladega Nights', 'Semi-Pro', 'Stranger Than Fiction', 'Kit Kittredge: an American girl', 'Kung Fu Panda', 'Blades of Glory', 'Walk Hard: The Dewy Cox Story' and '28 Weeks Later'.... i'm planning on watching 'Hancock' tonight.... and this is how i've spent most of my time.... wasting my nights watching stuff....

i've kept myself pretty busy with The Awful Show.... and that's been my main creative outlet.... and luckily, most of my output there has been good.... or decent anyway....

i honestly don't know the point of writing this out.... i guess i just hope that maybe it'll kick me in the pants to start off the new year with a bold foot forward.... we shall see.

only time will tell....

Currently watching:
The Directors - Ron Howard
Release date: 1999-12-28
8:58 AM 
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Sunday, December 28, 2008 

Current mood:  numb
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

around this time of year, Christmas, i usually dig out the holiday flicks.... and enjoy some holiday cheer.... some of the standards: 'Die Hard', 'Christmas Vacation', 'Lethal Weapon', 'Silent Night, Deadly Night', 'Christmas Evil'.... etc.... i'm sure there are some i'm forgetting, but.... anyway.... this year i was looking for some new blood.... and i kept coming across this particular movie.... however, i was very hesitant based on some of the other similar titles like: 'Jack Frost' and 'Jack Frost 2'.... which are some of the worst holiday horrors ever.

after watching this movie, i don't know why i waited so long....!

this movie was fantastic....! it was fun. it was fast paced. it was action packed. it was gory. it was all of that and a small bag of chips.... it's no wonder it kept coming up in my recent searches as one of the better holiday horror movies of the past few years.... it's like naked chicks on ice....!

the basic premise is that Santa is actually the devil.... who made a bet with an angel back in the day and lost.... he bet the devil in a game of curling that if he won, the devil would have to spend the next 1,000 years bringing joy to the world in the form of Santa.... well, it's been 1,000 years and Santa is back to have his revenge on the world and he's done with the holiday cheer.... silly, yes....? hella fun....? absolutely.

from the opening scene with the who's who of character actors all at dinner and who all die in the first 5 minutes.... to the rest of the cast who's faces you may know, but the names of the actors you may not.... it's a B-list paradise.... and Bill Goldberg plays Santa with such glee it's infectious. everyone just seems to be having fun with the whole thing.... and it's rare these days to just have a good time during a movie.... everything has to have a message or be "important".... it's fun to check your brain at the door and just let fly with the blood and guts....

this movie has a lot of gore.... and violence, but it's never too much to take away from the movie itself.... the production design on the movie is amazing.... you root for the villian because he's so likeable.... and who doesn't want their own 'hell deer'....? not too mention that during the flashback of Santa losing the bet, they copy the old Rankin and Bass animated classics....! the dialouge is punny.... the acting is over the top.... i'm just giddy thinking about it.... i may just watch it again before returning it to Netflix....! that's how much i enjoyed it....!

all in all, 4 out of 5 stars.... mostly on the 'good time' scale.... it ain't going to win any awards.... and the sequel (if they make one) will probably suck.... but this is one that i want to add to my list of repeat holiday viewers.... it's a masterpiece of low budget filmaking that deserves a bigger audience than it's received so far....

so go and rent it now.... other wise, Santa may just come busting through your fireplace....! (p.s. it was produced by Brett Ratner ie: 'Rush Hour 1 - 3', 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and 'Red Dragon'.)

Currently watching:
Spaced: The Complete Series
Release date: 2008-07-22
6:52 AM 
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