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Defective - Rating: * * * * (Reviewed by Louis Stephenson)

1/31/2018

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THE STORY:
In a state where the citizens are heavily policed by Suits, Rhett Murphy (Colin Paradine) and his sister Jean (Raven Cousens) go on the run after he is classified as ‘Defective’. But when rebel Pierce (Dennis Andres) comes to their aid, the awful truth behind the Suits begins to unravel. Can they stop them?

Writer/Director Reese Eveneshen’s Defective took a year to film due to complications with funding. After witnessing the finished product I have a couple of questions. Such as, what the fuck? And how fucking short-sighted has today’s industry become?

I’ll admit I’m in love with your more modest little indie sci-fi thrillers like 2013’s Coherence. But quite frankly, I don’t think I’ve ever been so impressed by the ambition, the competence and the overall execution of a movie of this kind.

From the bold cinematography to the RoboCop meets ED-209 costume design of the Suits, from the killer drones to the exhilarating flares of violent old-school bloodshed. This movie has what it takes to go toe to toe with the Hollywood giants. I usually despise heavy usage of CGI blood, but in this case the visual effects team surpasses the efforts of most studio projects. Primarily because they actually took the time to balance the effects with their surroundings. The sound editing is pretty nifty too!

The main cast do a great job. Buff rebel, Pierce Felton is a fun character. While he does his best to offer us some relief from a pretty grim set of circumstances, this effort is overshadowed by the fact that his biggest scene is preceded by a harrowing implantation sequence involving the very beautiful Raven Cousens. She’s the kind of vulnerable yet tough gal that is so easy to route for. She also puts one in mind of a younger Melissa George, with a hint of Billie Piper. And Rhett? Just don’t underestimate Rhett!

LAST WORDS:
This movie deserved a lot more faith than it was given. I wouldn’t be surprised if a network didn’t snap it up tomorrow to develop it into one kick-ass TV series. If there’s any justice, Reese should have one hell of an exciting future ahead of him.
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Curse of the Witches Doll - Rating: *

1/31/2018

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THE STORY:
Adeline and daughter Chloe seek refuge at an old manor during wartimes. But soon after Chloe is found talking to a mysterious doll which appears to move on its own, the young girl goes missing.

If you’ve looked into viewing this little film you may have wondered the following: Is it a Conjuring rip-off? No. Is it an Annabelle rip-off? Sorry, but evil head-spinning dolls have been around a lot longer than that bitch. But I will say this, (attempts best Roger Jackson impression) “You’re gonna wish it was a Conjuring/Annabelle rip-off!”

Despite the movie’s many failings, which are too many to list, the better acting abilities belong to Helen Crevel as Adeline, a very capable leading lady. Through lesser screen partners and weakly written dialogue, she soldiers through. Let her talent pull you to safety as you witness the utter tedium that is this movie suffer from the snowball effect. Except that isn’t snow you’re watching getting bigger and bigger!

I was happy to see Michelle Archer in the mix as Doris. You may know her as Miss Perkins from the Dan Allen directed 2017 slasher remake, Unhinged. She comes in at a close 2nd acting wise, as she does seem to have a knack for losing herself in the characters that she portrays.

As for the witch’s doll itself, I don’t know what in the flying hell they were thinking. It isn’t creepy. It just looks plain stupid as it stands there during those dreadfully executed suspense shots. The damn thing belongs on the cover of a Scary Movie DVD for crying out loud! This is the doll that you see in the parody of an evil doll movie. All that and I’m pretty sure its ridiculous design is responsible for those 3 million trailer views that are being boasted about.

LAST WORDS:
Making a dismally bad horror movie is wicked enough, but making a dismally bad horror movie that is at least half an hour longer than it should be is a curse in itself.
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Navajo Joe - Rating: * * * 1/2 (Reviewed by Louis Stephenson)

1/25/2018

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THE STORY:
Native American, Navajo Joe – played by a tache-less Burt Reynolds – is hot on the trail of the crew responsible for the decimation of his village. After stealing back a train carrying hundreds of thousands of dollars from the very same crew, he puts the people of the town it was bound for in grave jeopardy. But then Navajo Joe offers to protect them. His price: A dollar a head… No.41 of 88 Films’ Italian Collection.

Much akin to the grim nature of our hero’s mission, Navajo Joe has a darker, serious tone in comparison to its fast-paced, vibrant cousin, The Mercenary. It’s one man against the world, and so his character’s journey requires patience and cunning. If there was a bloody gunfight every 5 minutes even Joe would have a problem!

Besides, your time is better spent on Morricone’s outstanding compositions. So powerful that when all is said and done, no one can really blame Tarantino. But they can certainly kick the shit out of themselves for not thinking of it first.

You don’t have to look far to find that it is no secret that Burt Reynolds hated making this movie. And frankly it shows in his work ethic. There’s no accent and in more than one scene he hurls a deadly blade like he’s passing a baseball back to the pitcher after the other team has hit a home-run. A former stuntman would know better. Luckily his character is seeking vengeance, so as long as he’s sitting on a horse looking pissed off, he’s got the part nailed down!

Duncan, played by Aldo Sambrell, is a fittingly nasty villain. He runs with the pack, but he has the fiercest bite. These people scalp human beings for a living, and this brute will gun down anyone for any reason. He’s had plenty of practice, starring in all three parts of the Eastwood-Leone trilogy. And he certainly makes for a worthy, if a little sneaky, adversary, especially in the final showdown.

LAST WORDS:
Undoubtedly the best thing about Navajo Joe is its truly epic soundtrack by Ennio Morricone. It’s just too good to be contained by only one movie! And to those of you looking to make a theme song with the name of a movie character that isn’t a total and utter cringe-fest, this is how it’s fucking done.

EXTRAS:
As with The Mercenary, 88 Films’ previous Spaghetti Western release, Eric Saldivar shares with us his broad wisdom on Sergio Corbucci’s violent tale of revenge. Be warned, however. There is a Reynolds centrefold circa 1972 visual gag involving a flesh-coloured body suit that is rather a hit or miss situation. Press Play at your own peril…
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Cannibal Farm - Rating: * * * 1/2 (Reviewed by Chloe Davies)

1/25/2018

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‘Escape from Cannibal Farm’ is a slasher horror film inspired by ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ set in the English countryside, where an upper-class family go for a camping trip together. These unsuspecting victims are trapped by cannibal farmers (obviously), and they have to attempt to escape the chainsaw-wielding madman. I’m very surprised by how much I genuinely enjoyed this film despite being hesitant at the start, with a melodramatic backstory behind the farmers. However, after this the banter between the main cast of the family managed to charm me, and actually made me laugh a few times. The dialogue was engaging and there’s good performances all round; although I have to admit, the character of Everett Blackheart (Peter Cosgrove) was unintentionally hilarious to me because he sounded just like Papa Lazarou from ‘The League of Gentlemen’. Kate Davies-Speak’s performance as Jessica is my favourite overall, particularly as her character develops.

The humour used at the beginning of the film also helps to contrast with the tension between the family members and the horror later on. Furthermore, it doesn’t feel like it takes too long to get to the action, but also allows enough time to develop the characters before the gory stuff gets going. Despite clearly taking influence from ‘Texas Chainsaw’, it’s still very much its own thing and isn’t a copy. There’s still originality, and enough good twists that don’t seem completely insane within the context of the film.

Finally, it finishes strong with a good ending that I didn’t really expect. It easily could have just had the survivors escape and let that be it, but it goes a bit further and even left me wanting a sequel. Overall, this is a well-made slasher that is unique and doesn’t rely on the influence of its predecessors. The characters were able to be given plenty of development thanks to Charlie Steeds’ script, and he makes it actually worthy of a re-watch.
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Coco - Rating: * * * *

1/24/2018

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Pixar is back! and after a few sequels of previous much loved franchises we are treated to a very original tale of family, loss and the land of the dead full of Mexican history and tears to boot. The question on The table however is this....Will we remember (pun intended) this film in a few years time like The Good Dinosaur? or will this be classed as the next Inside Out?

Coco follow the story of Miguel, a young boy in a family of shoe makers who has banned music in their family due to his great great grandfather leaving the family forever to get involved in the music business. The Great Great Grandfather in question is no other than Mexcian musical superstar Ernesto De La Cruz, a legend to Mexican music culture who got his BELL RUNG when he was crushed to death by a huge bell while on stage performing. With his passion to be a musician, and his anger to towards his family for denying him his dream Miguel runs away from home to take part in a talent show in town. Without a guitar the boy decides to break into De La Cruz's burial chamber and borrow his famous guitar, only to be transported to the other side. Now Miguel is one of the dead as he meets the dead relatives him and his family pay their  respects to ever year.

Miguel and his family of the dead head to the land of the dead, a vibrant city where the fallen reside. He is told he must get the blessing of his family to go back to the human world or he will never be able to leave, but his family want him to stop with his music which lead Miguel to run away in search of hi great great grandfather. On his escape he bumps into Hector, a down and out trying to make his way across the bridge to see his family. But no one has put up his picture, which means he can not leave. Miguel promises to put up Hectors picture up in the human world on the condition he helps him get to De La Cruz. This leads to a journey of heartache, music and friendship in the way Pixar does best, even including a lovable dog in the form of Dante, who I LOVED!

The Music is beautiful and fun, the colors are as vibrant as a day of the dead skull but what Coco does well here is discussing the theme of death and being forgotten (the scenes with Hector and his past will bring a tear to your eye I promise you) and the want and the urge to be remembered by your loved ones. Most of us have lost someone we love, and we all know how important memories are and Coco shows the importance of passing down those stories and memories of those who have left us. Remember Me is a beautiful song, and when Miguel sings this in the films final act it is heartbreaking and yet beautiful all in one moment.

This does for the idea of death what Inside Out did for the feelings of growing up. It is a life lesson on what is important in life and there for how important our memories are. Will Coco be remembered as well as Inside Out? I'm not sure it will and I blame this more on when this was released other than the film itself. If you was to release Coco during the summer blockbuster season and instead release Incredibles 2 in this slot then I would honestly say Coco would destroy all of this years animated films.

You need to see this film, if you see nothing else this month see this!
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Logan Lucky - Rating: * * *

1/21/2018

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I have been sitting on this review for a few weeks now. I have kept trying to go back and write it but after days of trying to review Logan Lucky I found myself with very little to say about it. That is not me saying it is a bad film it is just here is nothing that new here that got me thinking anything major about it.  It is a heist film. It is a heist film that takes the same storyline we have seen a million times before and does it again with slightly different characters.

How many times have we seen a group of people down on their luck after losing their job who decide to steal from their former employers to get 'what is owed to them'. It is fine, it is a perfectly good plot device but you know the outcome. They hatch a plan, the plan almost goes wrong, they get the money, the police are dumbfounded and the robbers get away with it. 

Now while the story is the same the acting is actually what puts this film above others like it. Channing Tatum and and Adam Driver worked well as the brothers in arms, or arm in Driver's characters case, and 007 star Daniel Craig worked well as the unhinged bomber Joe Bang and he delivered some of the films funnier moments including the bomb in a carrier bag scene.

As a whole Logan Lucky is a fun watch. The acting is good,  the story, while following the usual traits, is well put together and as heist films go this is one of the better ones out there. Give it a go, let me know your thoughts
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The Open House - Rating: * * * *

1/21/2018

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Netflix is helping make horror great again! you can fight me on this fact but over the last few years the streaming power house has released films like Hush, which was our top film of 2016, The Babysitter and now The Open House.

Starring 13 Reasons Why's Dylan Minnette The Open House follows the story of Logan who, after his fathers tragic death, has to move into his aunts empty house with his mum. The only drawback of staying in the house is every Sunday they have to leave for a few hours due to an Open House. Big house in the middle of nowhere......strangers coming in and out......creepy dungeon like basement setting..... whats the worse that can happen? Well alot of things in fact.

Strange things begin to happen around the house from the moment Logan and Naomi get to the house. There is the obligatory horror trope of the odd neighbor. strange noises in the night things going missed and a bad case of the boiler going off all the time. Naomi thinks it is Logan playing up, effected by the death of his father but we, and Logan for that matter, know differently. The film throws many potential culprits in the way, the creepy neighbor, the boiler man and Chris, a friendly store clerk who takes a liking to Naomi all perfectly placed to keep you guessing throughout. 

The slow build works well in the film, it can so easily lead to being too long normally but directors (and writers) Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote have structured this so well that at no point will the film leave you looking at your watch. The Direction as a whole was expertly executed, from the creepy basement scenes  with the matches to the imagery used around Logans glasses and vision that leads well into the films finale, and bloody hell what a ending. I loved this ending, didn't see it coming as I was sure I knew how it would end (No Spoilers).

The Open House is another film worth buying Netflix for. This is a must see and a great start to the horror scene for 2018.


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Butcher The Bakers - Rating: * * 1/2 (Reviewed by Louis Stephenson)

1/20/2018

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THE STORY
Thanks to a half-eaten penis sugar cookie, two no good bakers, Sam and Martin – played by Sean Walsh & Ryan Matthew Zeigler – are roped into hunting down and killing rogue grim reaper, Dragomir (Mike Behrens) who is picking off the souls of the townspeople for his own sinister agenda.

Sam and Martin certainly make for a likeable pair of idiots as the two actors seem to bounce off one another fairly well. However, I’m tempted to call this horror comedy a spoof because the bulk of the younger cast can’t seem to keep it together, or take the material seriously. Understandable, but that said, they’re clearly having a blast making this movie and if you’re in the right mood, the vibe given off can be quite infectious. And by the right mood, of course I mean drunk and stoned.

Because Butcher just screams stoner movie. It has most of the tell-tale signs. Slacker lead characters, questionable sugary treats, a plot so simple a child could follow it, dumb-ass conversations, even dumber fight scenes and the munchies. And yet funnily enough, there is a distinct lack of reggae music and the weed itself. Bakers who get baked? Was it too obvious a direction?

There are definitely some funny moments in there. But in the same vein as any lame-ass, over-hyped horror movie, all of those moments are in the trailer. The film’s own director and co-writer, Tyler Amm turns in a good performance as the town nut. Meanwhile, main villain Dragomir, who remains perpetually moist throughout the movie, or greasy, not sure which, put me in mind of Rollo from the History channel’s Vikings on crack.

I’m searching for a script editor credit and as of yet I can’t find one, and it shows because the majority of Butcher’s scenes are dialogue heavy. And on more than just a few occasions there are those unnecessary and just plain awkward lines that disrupt the flow so badly, it’s a miracle that they even bring it back around. Also, exposition that isn’t clever or ironic is bad enough, but the exposition here about events from the past that are neither relevant nor funny is just painful.

LAST WORDS:
Watch it drunk. Watch it stoned. Watch it with Nachos and cheese.
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Cat In The Brain - Rating: * * (Reviewed by Louis Stephenson)

1/18/2018

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THE STORY:
When people start being brutally murdered, famed Italian director Lucio Fulci believes he is the one responsible as he has been having nightmares and hallucinations about his own violent horror movies.

Is Fulci any good at playing himself? Only a few people can really answer that one! In all seriousness, considering the point he was at in his life and career at the time – his declining health certainly seems to be no secret – I believe Fulci used this in his performance the best way he knew how.

I understand the wisdom in revealing the sinister plot running alongside poor Fulci losing his mind. For one thing it’s an attempt to validate the movie inserts, convincing your more impatient viewers that they have not been conned into watching the Italian horror version of a Golden Girls clip show, when really, they have.

There’s no great film score here. Gone are the creeping bass drums of Zombie Flesh Eaters (1979) and the satanic choruses of The Beyond (1981). But we do have the playful inclusion of Edvard Grieg’s In The Hall of the Mountain King, or the Alton Towers theme tune if you don’t know what the fuck I’m talking about.

Still, Cat maintains the gory grossness that became one of the trademarks of a Fulci film. And at the very least he tries to keep us guessing until the very end as to whether or not the old director has indeed descended into madness and murder.

Some interesting points are raised in the 45-minute Bonus Feature, Brain Food. A Cat in the Brain is mentioned to have gained notoriety around the time of the Jamie Bulger murder in 1993, which I found intriguing as I imagined that the manner in which Fulci loses his sense of reality and fiction must look a lot like this psychological “disease” some people seem to think is festering within the minds of all hard-core horror fans.

The notion that Cat also inspired Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994) is more or less discouraged. And I agree. Ever since the original A Nightmare on Elm Street was released six years prior in 1984, one of the core ideologies of the series has always been about that question of reality. What is real and what isn’t real. With movies like Scream (1996) just around the corner, New Nightmare was just the next logical step in the evolution of Elm Street.

LAST WORDS:
The movie inserts aren’t as clear in the overall transfer, but this only makes it easier for newer Fulci fans to tell old footage apart from new footage. Apart from that, what else is there to say about a movie that is made up, not primarily, but mostly of other movies from the same director. I mentioned earlier that it could be mistaken for a clip show. Personally I prefer to skip those…
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The Cutlass - Rating: * * * (Reviewed by Chloe Davies)

1/14/2018

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‘The Cutlass’ is a drama/thriller based on a true story about Joanna (Lisa-Bel Hirschmann), a tourist in Trinidad who is kidnapped for ransom. Although it is marketed as a thriller, it doesn’t feel particularly tense enough to be considered one. The film is very well made overall with beautiful locations, professional cinematography and music, as well as good acting, but I still mostly feel indifferent towards it as a whole and can’t quite figure out why.

While the acting is good – especially from Hirschmann considering this is her first feature role – I didn’t care much about the characters and felt distant from them. Everything is reserved. There is one scene where the writing did make somewhat of an impact (despite the writing letting the film down at times with inconsistent narration), in which the kidnapper, Al (Arnold Goindhan) is talking to Joanna about what it means to really be poor. It highlights some important issues and feels authentic.

Overall, while this is without a doubt a competent film and is very well made in regard to the visuals, I found it difficult to connect with. However, this seems like something that could be widely enjoyed by lovers of drama, and to those who like low-key, reserved dramas in particular.  
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