The “Saw” movies after the first were a letdown to me, as well as “Touristas” being as dry and unoriginal as a remake of “The Hitcher”. My major issues with the first in the “Hostel” series were that I had no feelings towards any of the characters, the plot line moved way to slow, and the scenery was just not up to par with Eli’s previous film “Cabin Fever”. With all that going wrong I almost wrote off the sequel altogether. Lucky for me I did not.

The film starts off where the last one ends, and we get a conclusion with Jay Hernandez’s character. They move on to Italy, where our main characters, Beth (Lauren German “You are Here”) Lorna (Heather Matarazzo “Welcome to the Dollhouse”) and Whitney (Bijou Phillips “Havoc”) are studying art abroad. they befriend one of the art models (Vera Jordanova) who tells them of her get away spa retreat in the wonderful state of Slovakia. They stay at a Slovakian Hostel that has a very sinister secret (one we all know) and right away we are shown that things are not what they seem to be. We also get to look at the other side, the “evildoers” side if you will. We are shown the intricate workings of the secret organization and a bit more about the customers (played by Roger Bart and Richard Burgi).

The rest of the story plays out in the same fashion that all types in this genre do. However, Roth takes the time to introduce many new themes to the movie. Previously we only got to see the story through one character. This time around we are introduced to both sides of the story, the victim’s, as well as the assailants. He also did a really nice job of giving us some character background with some enjoyable twists that make this film more enjoyable for those of us who did not enjoy the first. The locales are shot with better angles, and the camera work is top notch. Eli also shows us what type of message he was going for, the human psyche and the will of survival, a lot more clearer than his previous work.

My only issues with this movie are that the storyline gives itself away a little too early and in doing so makes some of the film a bit too cliche. Another problem is, though I liked the ending, it was rushed a bit too much as if they were stuck with a time constraint and decided to use this part to cut back on. But over all I loved the way that the scenery was shot, the characters were given a stereotypical view but later on changed, and the message as a whole was portrayed. I am very happy with this sequel and am glad to see that Quentin Tarantino did not fall short on seeing Eli’s talent as a storyteller. A lot of people that I’ve read who gave a review complained about this installment but I have to disagree. I now am wanting to see his third installment of the series to see where he is going to take off from this storyline, as well as looking forward to watching the growth of his visions as I feel Eli Roth’s talents are being molded as he is getting more time with screen writing and directing. In closing I give Hostel: Part II, 6.5/10.

Great setting, good cast of characters, and a well translated from graphic novel onto cinema writing. For those of you who don’t know, this movie is based on the graphic novel created by Steve Niles. Although the setting is different in the comic series, the story translates even better onto screen….

We start off in this movie on the last day of sunlight in a small community in Alaska. We meet our hero of this film Sheriff Evan Oleson (played by Josh Hartnett) and partner Billy Kitka (played by Manu Bennett) investigating strange occurrences that are happening all over the community. Communication is cut, as well as all roadways already having been blocked for the 30 days of total night.

Things further get weird as a stranger somehow manages to make it into the town and cause havoc. Within the next few days, townsfolk end up getting killed off and mysteriously disappear. We are introduced to these creatures when Evan is viciously attacked by one of them. The vampires move about in a clan style way and are very well verse in hunting prey as you will see. They are given a primal hunting instinct with a bit of an immortal like intelligence that makes them deadly and scary at the same time. These are not your Anne Rice novel style vamps.

The rest of the movie moves like a chess game and each side is forced to move pawns, take risky maneuvers, as well as think ahead. The idea of their own humanity is even put to the test at most points (I will try my best not to give to much away because it is a pivotal moment). The vampires are terrifying and discourteous to the bitter end, showing no signs of relenting or letting anyone get out of this. Their sole purpose is to live and move on to do it again with the next town. Evan starts off as your average run of the mill hero, but due to drastic circumstances he becomes anything but. In his own words, “The things you do to save your own”. Stella also takes a more thoughtful heroine, taking care of the moral side of each character and trying to keep everyone sane and in check. As the days go on you really get a sense of desperation and hopelessness from the townsfolk that survive, and believe me they don’t survive for long. It all leads up to the 29th day when you get to see a wonderful ending that is filled with victory, defeat, happiness, and loss. I would highly recommend seeing this in the theaters if you can as the environment that is set in the film really envelops you with its isolation and freezing conditions. The terror scenes are done in great timing and the gore is kept to a fair amount that is just enough to shock you without going overboard or underwhelming. To David Slade I say great job. His efforts have put a smile on my face as well as a reassurance that horror films have not completely lost touch with actually feeding on the fears of the audience which most of today’s films have not been able to accomplish. He also worked with Stone temple Pilots doing the “Sour Girl Video” and is responsible for directing three of the many “Aphex Twin” videos (anyone that has ever seen these videos knows how great his imagination and creativity can go). So please, grab your significant other, pick up the big bag of popcorn, hide away your 20 oz bottles of pop/soda or water, and be prepared to feel the icy cold touch of 30 Days of Night!

I would highly recommend seeing this in the theaters if you can as the environment that is set in the film really envelops you with its isolation and freezing conditions. The terror scenes are done in great timing and the gore is kept to a fair amount that is just enough to shock you without going overboard or underwhelming. To David Slade I say great job. His efforts have put a smile on my face as well as a reassurance that horror films have not completely lost touch with actually feeding on the fears of the audience which most of today’s films have not been able to accomplish. He also worked with Stone temple Pilots doing the “Sour Girl Video” and is responsible for directing three of the many “Aphex Twin” videos (anyone that has ever seen these videos knows how great his imagination and creativity can go). So please, grab your significant other, pick up the big bag of popcorn, hide away your 20 oz bottles of pop/soda or water, and be prepared to feel the icy cold touch of 30 Days of Night! a very good 7/10!

Wahlberg did an excellent job in this none stop roller coaster action movie and is truly beginning to shine. I really love movies that portray a government as an evil entity as most of the time, this is completely true. As the story unravels, we’re introduced to the bad guys who we love to hate, but doesn’t Danny Glover look really old?

Almost everything about this movie is perfect. The cast, action sequences, cinematography and editing really emerge you into the twisting plot and the incredible dialog is just the icing on the cake, Another one of those movies you just don’t want to end.

The soundtrack was also magnificent and really fitting with the theme of the film, The drama although a little unrealistic at times, was nail biting stuff. I was very pleasantly surprised with shooter, I think you will be too. Mark Wahlberg is the next Bruce Willis.

I’ll give shooter a very admirable 8/10

Now from my understanding, this isn’t a true Grindhouse movie, Yes, there’s grainy, clunky editing and what not, but it just feels like an ordinary Tarantino movie.

There are many, many scenes in Deathproof that just seemed to last forever with absolutely no bearing on the plot, character development, or anything else for that matter. I was really disappointed – about half of the movie in fact is complete filler, I really expected more. The opening box office weekend was a bit of a disaster, only taking in $4.2m… Thats less than half of the budget for the entire film! The dialog and script were -ok- Again, I think I just had high expectations. The acting was very decent, Tarantino’s cameo was great (as usual) Mary Elizabeth Winstead played a very fine “Ditzy cheerleader” and looked stunning on screen. The majority female cast all had great chemistry and worked well together.

Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t bored with Deathproof, The acting and twisting plot were more than enough to keep me entertained, The scenes were aesthetically pleasing, even the seemingly endless banter scenes worked well and flowed.

Overall, this movie was just not on par with Planet terror. I’d give Deathproof a not as good as expected: 7/10

The original Resident Evil was a very easy to watch, brainless horror. Plenty of blood and gore, and a vaguely interesting, if somewhat un-imaginative storyline. I enjoyed it. However Resident Evil Apocolypse, the sequel, was a complete let down. Not even worth a mention, so i’m not going to. Lets pretend it never happened. So how did the third in this series, Extinction compare? It could of been a lot worse! (and better)…

The world is almost completely destroyed. Every country has been wiped out by the T-Virus. The remaining non-zombies are living in giant bunkers underground, or moving from city to city. Alice, the superhuman who’s blood holds the key to reversing the virus is travelling from city to city seeking refuge. She meets some people in trucks and promises to take them to the zombie-free promised land of Alaska! Why did none of them think of that before? Im guessing zombies cant stand a cool breeze!

Director Russell Mulachy, who became famous for his epic Highlander series, over compensates in every way where this film falters. Piling in more and more zombie deaths to cover the constantly growing cracks. Kind of like a cowboy builder desperately trying to stop a wall falling down.

Extinction does live up to the brain-dead, completely obvious franchise. Ripping off every scene of George A. Romero they can find en route, hoping the viewer wont notice. Sorry Russell.
The special effects were definately above average. Watching Alice grow in power, learning to control her telekinetic, psionic, mind-control or whatever they were called, powers. Lets face it, 90% of the men who go to watch this are going purely to see Milla Jovovich. The same as ultraviolt. The same as .45
One addition to the Resident Evil series were the T-Virus infected crows which highlighted a well crafted, pretty darn cool scene. Alfred Hitchcock anyone? At least they tried a different director i guess.

This is worth going to see if you are a fan of the series, or wish to watch a sub-par Romero rip-off.
Un-imaginative. Brainless, but not hideous. (kind of like a zombie nurse) 7/10

Cillian Murphy looks stunning on screen, this guy has a bright future. He’s already done some notable films but I think this is the role he will be remembered for.

So, we’re in the future, the sun is dying and the existance of humanity rests in 5 peoples hands. A ship containing a large nuclear bomb is sent on a daring mission to the sun in an attempt to “jump start” it. Unbelievable right? The special effects and sets are incredible, although the plot goes against everything I believe in as a regular Joe with common sense and more than 8 braincells, they way the movie is presented the scenario becomes almost believeable.

The action is terrific, the cast is perfect, the story and direction are the best I have seen in any Sci-Fi movie in years, even if your not a Sci-Fi fan I highly recommend checking this movie out, you wont be sorry. A radiant, cosmic 8.5/10

Gosling does an equally good job playing the DEA all star prosecutor, my only small peeve is the unnecessary romance subplot, completely detracts from the head-to-head whit fest that is completely entertaining and a joy to watch….

This movie didn’t do as well as I thought it would, It’s surprising when you look at the current drivel been thrust upon us at the moment; refer to our Wildhogs or Firstborn reviews.

Fracture delivers, big time. It’s a clever, thought provoking whit-fest that should keep you glued to your seat and completely engrossed. If it doesn’t, I’ll buy you a Pabst. 8.5/10

Popular, middle class high student (Justin Chatwin) is beaten and left for dead by a gang led by project girl (Margarita Levieva) who mistakenly believes he informed on her recent jewelery store robbery….

The half dead student dumped in the woods leaves his body and follows the investigation into his disappearance. A tad moralistic but the acting is quite good and the personal growth of the characters comes through rather well.

The movie seems to spend most of its time on the young Michael Myers (Tyler Mane) background, really developing his character and not really detracting from the overall plot only to do a “10 years later” on us. We have a good idea by now of what this guy is capable of after some of the brutal scenes leading to his loony bin lockup…..

So, the 10 years have passed, Myers escapes from his institute and goes in search of his only surviving sibling, his little sister. What baffles me is the time line, how many days/weeks have passed since He escaped? why wasn’t there a huge manhunt out for him? Why was this not on the news, warning of a serial killer on the streets?

Anyway, The movie was pretty solid, The environment was perfect, dark eerie nights, creepy visuals, the scenes were set for a classic horry movie, the teenagers weren’t too annoying, unusual and the acting was above par. If your a fan of Horror movies, you will enjoy this, but not as much as the original. 7/10

This is a great movie with very few flaws. A lot of time went into the script and cast selection. I’m not usually a fan of crime drama / thrillers but this one seemed different, almost like more of an effort was made during its production. There are a few plot twists that add to the movies flow, most of which worked.

Another thing I really liked about this film was the lack of unnecessary violence. It wasn’t your typical Hollywood flick with blood, gore and brutality… the violence used was in my opinion, necessary, and actually useful in delivering the plot. The dialog was crisp and incredibly well written and acted. A film that makes you think and the complete opposite of what I was expecting. I’d give The Lookout 8/10