"Inkubus"

CHRISTINE'S COLUMN:   I know I said not too many horror movies and thrillers. I was up last night for about 2 hours watching 15 minutes each of the movies I had in my que.  After 15 mins., it was "click-delete-click-delete-click-delete" and so forth. If they're not even worth me WATCHING, then they're not worth me REVIEWING…  That being said; I just got done with a movie called "Inkubus". The movie itself had a very tired premise …. tired plot,…tired and predictable ending. I even think the writers were tired, I dunno… SOMEONE fell asleep during the making of this movie, and the ONLY reason I'm reviewing it for you is my deep respect for Robert Englund. Although Englund started out his acting career with "A Nightmare On Elm Street". And as everyone about my age knows, that movie scared the daylights out of a LOTTA people. Because it was the first of its kind. But after "Nightmare….2, 3,  4, 5, 6---------25:Freddy In Space Enough Already" He was pigeonholed as "Freddy". I feel bad for him because he's stuck as a certain character. Never the good guy. Now, I've seen him in a host of interviews and the man couldn't be nicer and more down to earth. He's funny and charming and all good things. He is a Shakespearean trained actor. Think about that for a sec and then think about where he landed. Oh…crap……where was I? OH! right, a review.  Robert Englund was the lead in the film and he carried it all by himself, as the bad guy, with the ease and grace of a figure skater. Rob, I'm sorry you had to go through that. You're better than that and your fans know this.  There's nothing more to say. 2 stars. Yes. 2. In other words …. don't bother unless you miss seeing Englund's face.

Thanks for Reading

Until Next Time!

"The Tall Man"

Ok, so…. I just watched a movie called "The Tall Man". Jessica Biel was the lead role. There are some other pretty big named actors in there, as well, and they all do a SUPERB job with this movie. You can't help but watch until the end because once you think you have this movie figured out, it turns on you. And that's what makes it so exciting. You can guess the plot….small town in Washington State (who would want to live there with all that rain??) but, I digress…..And someone (hint, hint, wink, wink, the "Tall Man") is taking the town's children. I'll leave the rest to your imagination. I feel it's my obligation, however, to tell you that they don't show the children at all, so don't worry about seeing rapes and blood and gore of little kids. I'd never review a movie like that. You're welcome. DO IT!! Great movie! 4 shiny stars!

Thanks for reading!

Until Next Time!

"Knife's Edge"

 "Knife's Edge"
…hmm… ok…I was really thinking hard about how to review this one. It's a supernatural thriller (I think)….which really happened…What I mean to say is that the woman lead "sees" things and they happen in real life….AND she "sees" things that already happened. Confused yet? No? ok….Let's start with the opening scene. This one takes place in an isolated…. (guess… no c'mon, really guess, think hard…)  Ok, fine. In isolated MANSION!  HA! Almost had ya, didn't I? This family was apparently too rich for a cabin. Of course it turns out it was haunted…but WAS it?? hmm…And I'll say one more time. When you're   being chased by a stark raving lunatic with a huge knife, you don't grab your 6 year old son and run up two flights of mansion stairs. That's a lotta stairs when you think about it, especially since  the front door was FIVE FEET from the stairway. I mean REALLY??  This movie  had it's scary, startling parts. Not a complete loss  by any means. Just a lot of empty holes. Was the nanny a bad guy?? The husband? Was the WIFE the stark raving mad one?? Did he marry her just for the money?  And what was the purpose of spiking her sleeping pills with a hallucinogen??  That never got answered and it made no sense. I'm giving it 3 stars. And I can tell you ONE thing. I wouldn't be caught DEAD in that mansion!!. How many times do you have to hear "getttt outttt" before you actually LEAVE??? (rolling eyes)

Thanks for reading

Until Next Time!

"Heavenly Creatures"

 "Heavenly Creatures", starring Melanie Linsky and Kate Winslet in her very first starring role, was impressive to say the least. I'm not sure where they found her, (even I have to Google every now and again), but Kate Winslet was definitely in her element and born to act. I can say the same for Melanie Linsky. This story about two teenage girls, who meet at school, and develop a very close (almost disturbing) friendship was gripping and imaginative. And watching Winslet in her first movie role was an honor. The movie is set in New Zealand between 1952 and 1955. 4 stars equally divided into acting, directing, location and plot. YES. Give it a chance!  P.S.:  don't ever keep a diary! stupid, stupid, stupid!!

Thanks for Reading

Until Next Time

"The Wall"

This one is worth every minute guys. 
"The Wall'
Starring and BRILLIANTLY narrated by the wonderful Martina Gedeck, Pölsler's stripped down, philosophical slice of reflective sci-fi is a breath of fresh air within a genre driven by spectacle.The plot is compelling. Gedeck, who plays an unidentified woman who accompanies her cousin and husband to a secluded Austrian lodge. Set within the shadow of the Alps, this isolated cabin (yes, another isolated cabin, but WAIT!! The beauty of the scenery is worth the price alone) is the perfect dwelling for getting away from the hectic rhythm and grind of modern 21st century life. I can only hope to strive for 1/16 of the talent this writer had for the narration. Beautiful!

However, when Gedeck's party embark on a quick trip to the cabin's neighboring village, leaving her alone with Lynx( the family dog), she finds herself left for an unusual period of time, waking the next morning alone and curious as to their whereabouts. (Kinda X-Files-y, but classier).
Try not to miss this one, my friends. I'm giving this one 4 bright shiny stars!!

Thanks for Reading
Until Next Time
(and don't forget to share my blog!!)

"Extracted"

 OOOOOO!!!  Today's review is on a science fiction thriller (WAIT!!, don't be scared off by the words "science fiction") entitled "Extracted" This utterly surprising film stars Sasha Roiz  (you may recognize him from the hit series "Grimm") in his first ever lead role in a movie. (He's  been around in supporting roles),  This one has a host of actors that pull it together like a fine spider's web. And believe me, I got caught in it and devoured. Yes, it would probably help if you're a science fiction fan, BUT!! before you make any judgements, give it go!  What's the worst that can happen?  There was nothing scary about it at all, I promise. It was a fun ride and keeps you guessing till the end. It's not like "Alien" sic-fi. It's more of a thriller. A recommended roller coaster of suspense that has you rooting even for the bad guy! ("wait, what is this I'm feeling?? PITY?? He's a CRIMINAL!!" And so forth. I gave it 3 stars…only because 4 would be too generous….But two thumbs up for creativity, direction, plot, and acting. NICE JOB!!

Until Next Time
Thanks For Reading!

"Killing Season"

 I don't normally watch "war" movies. I think it hits too close to home. I don't like the truth about it. I guess that would mean I'm in denial. I don't know.  What I DO know, however, is that I promised to take requests, and I plan on keeping that promise, That being said… Tonight's review is  on "Killing Season", starring Robert De Niro and John Travolta. You know you can't go wrong with De Niro. But I had my doubts about Travolta. Boy was I surprised. They both did such an amazing job. Full of suspense and surprises, this film taught me a lot about the Bosnian war. Something I was ashamedly unaware of.  I'm trying to find the words to describe the movie without giving any of it away. It deserves better than that. Let me just tell you this: It was scary in a way I'm not used to. There was horror that I've never experienced until now. I will never forget it. And the sad part is that it really happened. I did my share of crying with this one. I recommend it highly. Five stars. Two thumbs up!  Get the tissues out and be prepared. This movies had a lot of violence in it. I wouldn't recommend it for the kiddies.

Thanks for reading.
Until Next Time!