House of Wax (2005) Review

 

House of Wax is not a film I would call good. However, in all honesty it was still a hell of a lot better than I was expecting. The good parts, while standing strong on their own, were oftentimes overshadowed by the bad. The scares were genuine but were often blocked out by its bad writing and mostly horrible acting.

The characters, while not deep, did possess a sense of humanity. How a character acted and responded to any particular situation was not so much set in stone but was fluid. Their actions and words responded to their character as they grew.

The writing, however, was just terrible and the acting didn’t help any either. Their characters, though, were still written in a way to convey their independent personalities. They weren’t just cookie cutters of each other. They were genuinely different and each brought something different to the film.

The scares were pretty good, too. You never really had a clue about what was going to happen next. There were times where I was literally shocked. Parts of this film, however, did feel a little lazy. There were a few opportunities where the cast had a chance to take out the antagonist but failed to do so. It’s like, in some instances, they didn’t even try.

Parts of this film were kinda predictable but that didn’t really take anything from it. The ending, while subtle in its execution, was legitimately terrifying and opened up the opportunity for a sequel.

While this film is by no means a masterpiece it is still worth a watch. Just don’t go into it expecting it to be the next big thing. Just go along for the ride.

7 out of 10

Princess Mononoke (1997) Review

 

Princess Mononoke is a film that stands above the average film in its genre. Telling an epic tale of Gods and Demons. What mankind will do to the earth out of greed and how they will fight anything that gets in their way. The characters were heartwarming and three dimensional. Full of heart and drive. Their personalities different than they initially appear. Each one grew and became better versions of themselves. Closer friends and bridging the gap between enemies. The musical score was fantastic but that is to be expected with a Studio Ghibli film. The writing was full of warmth and character. Everything seemed alive. From humans and animals to the Gods and Demons. Even the plants themselves brought life to this film. The movie, however, is a long one. And, in all honesty about half way through it I wanted it to end. However, having stuck to the ending all I can say is that I am so glad I stayed. The ending fit the story like a glove and brough much closure to the story. Yes the film is a long one but the wait is totally worth it.

9 Out of 10

War Horse (2011) Review

 

There are very few movies that I would call perfect but “War Horse” is one of them. It tells the story of a horse as he traveled from working in the field to being on the front lines. How the horse reacted to it and how he helped all those who came into contact with him.

The art direction fit the grandeur of the film. It had an epic story to tell and visually we were not disappointed. The writing, too, was phenomenal and the characters fit their actors very nicely. Their portrayal fitting like a glove.

The whole trip was an emotional ride full of ups and downs. Several scenes had me tearing up. Not just at the sad scenes but oftentimes the good ones, too. You found yourself cheering for Joey, the horse. You wanted him to succeed. You wanted him to be happy and that desire is what pushed me to finish the film.

This film is a Masterpiece. Very few movies even come close to this. This film is gonna pull at your heartstrings but you will be smiling the whole way through.

10 out of 10

Inferno (2016) Review

 

Inferno was one of those movies that really made you think. Its cast of characters is lively and three dimensional. They aren't always what they appear on the surface. Half the time you don't really know who to trust and when you do figure it out you are still full of doubts.

The story was gripping. Grabbing you by your very throat and squeezing the very life out of you. You never knew what was coming and every idea you would have about its direction is gonna leave you scratching your head wondering how you didn’t see that coming. The writing and acting, too, was top notch. Everyone fit their roles perfectly and every plot point hit with significant force. My jaw hit the floor several times just wondering what else the film would throw at me.

The fight scenes, while not as frequent or as violent as something like a John Wick movie, were still exciting and kept you on the edge of your seat. Following the film was easier than predicting where it was going and you never really knew what the outcome of each altercation was going to be. Every plot point just left you wanting more. Every word said by every character was like a drug. All you wanted was more and this film was exceptional because of it.

9 out of 10

Constantine (2005) Review

 

Constantine is greater than it appears on the surface. At first it looks as though another generic action film about Angels and Demons, Heaven and Hell but deep down it is so much more than that. It tells a tale of redemption and what one man will do for it.

John Constantine is an exorcist caught in a war between Heaven and Hell. As he banishes demons back into Hell he is hoping to buy something with them. In short, he wants into Heaven. Years prior he killed himself but was brought back to life a few minutes after. Because of his suicide, however, he is condembed to Hell. His only future is one of suffering and pain. Yet by casting these demons back into hell he hopes to rewrite his future, however doubtful as that may appear.

Isabel, played by Rachel Weisz is dealing with the suicide of her twin sister. Trying to prove that she didn’t in fact kill herself and as she goes down the rabbit hole she teams up with Constantine, in an attempt to find the truth and ultimately find a way to end the war that heaven and hell has brought onto this Earth.

The fight scenes in this movie were epic but that wasn’t what held the picture together. The glue behind it was the struggles and difficulties between the cast of characters. The history of Constantine and the struggles of Isabel. What they were willing to do and the fears they were willing to face to right to wrongs and bring some sense of peace to their lives and those around them.

The writing of this film was extraordinary. The characters were lively and three dimensional. They were complex and brought a lot to the table. You were never 100 percent sure what they were going to do and as they film progressed so too did they. In the end they weren't what they were and in some ways they were almost different people.

This film is one of those that is worth a watch, even if you aren’t really into this type of genre. It has a lot of action and a few good scares and in the end you won’t be disappointed.

8 out of 10

Porco Rosso (1992) Review

 Porco Rosso is one of those films that are hard to find faults in. Just about most of it was flawless, telling a story about love and war. The consequences of being a coward and how it can change you and those around you. The characters were lively and fit their personalities perfectly. From the arrogance of the pilots and the hatred that was thrown Porco Rosso’s to the love he felt for his Gina. Porco Rosso’s role was surprisingly human. Here, though, is one of the few faults in the film, and it’s not even a major one, either. The voice of Porco Rosso wasn’t done with the level of care as you would expect. It was good, and Michael Keaton did an amazing job with it, it just felt like his heart wasn’t really in it. However, at the same time Michael Keaton's voice did happen to fit his character of Porco Rosso. It just took a few minutes to accept that and I feel like Michael Keaton could have just put in a little more effort. In short, even though it fit the character it seemed a little lazy.

The art style was of your typical Ghibli tone. If you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all but that isn’t a bad thing. The colors are bright and amazing. They lept out of the TV and straight into your eyes and soul. I still see them when I close my eyes and it’s rather peaceful. The music, too, was delightfully charming. One of Ghibli’s strengths is their sound and music and that is one thing that will never go out of style.

All-in-all this was a masterpiece. Hitting all the right notes that told a story not just to you on the surface but who you are deep inside.

9 out of 10

Maggie (2015) Review

 

“Maggie” is not your traditional zombie movie. In fact it holds very little in the horror genre, leaning more instead on drama than scares. The film revolves around a man and his daughter. The daughter had been infected with the zombie virus and was slowly turning due to it. The story is that of sacrifice. What are we willing to go through to stay with the ones we love and what are we willing to do to ease their suffering?

The acting was crazy good. Arnold Schwarzenegger who played the role of Wade came across perfectly as the worried and concerned parent willing to do just about anything for his daughter. His daughter Maggie, played by Abigail Breslin fit her role in the film perfectly as well. They played off each other's strengths and the film was better because of it. You could see the love in them, their love guiding you along the path that they were having to take.

This film is also about hard decisions and personal sacrifices. The film put you in their shoes and really made you wonder what we are capable of doing. It asks hard questions and offers difficult answers. What are we capable of and what are we willing to do for family.

8 out of 10