I SAW THE TV GLOW (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Jane Schoenbrun

Cinematography: Eric Yue 

Editor: Sofi Marshall 

Cast: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Danielle Deadwyler, Fred Durst, Amber Benson, Michael C. Maronna, Danny Tamberelli

Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack.

I loved this film and I can’t recommend this film highly enough. It’s a film where not only about the filmmaking but the experience. As afterward it feels like a religious experience.. 

This film Destroyed me and made me feel devastated in a good way. Had me deep in thoughts afterward still thinking about it. I don’t know if I can ever do this film Justice in writing or talking about it. As I know emotionally or even intellectually I can be right or express my feelings exactly about this masterpiece. 

I purposely tried to know very little about it so that I knew only a few details and didn’t know where it was going or what to expect? But was willing to go wherever it took Me, come what may 

This film feels aimed At any outsider or misfit who felt or feels misplaced like they didn’t belong. Who is struggling in life and most importantly in an Identity? For anyone Made to feel like every move and decision is a mistake and there is something not quite right about you. Never seem To fit in with any crowd even the ones it seems like You should. How others seem to be on a different wavelength than you. Who just doesn’t Or can’t get it. 

This film might not be for everyone, but it’s Beautiful and full of heart and tragedy. Full of emotion. 

The film is alive with so many questions, theories, and realities. Almost every shot is filled with imagination, depth, style, and creativity. Thought and passion have obviously been put into each facet, Every moment felt filled with emotions.

Another masterpiece from writer/director Jane Schoenbrun whose previous film, WE ARE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR. Which was just as strong and surprising.

No spoilers, it’s a film to go into blind and to experience. Any further reading after this point, there is nothing but SPOILERS.

 Almost every shot in this film is filled with imagination, depth, style, and creativity. Thought & passion have obviously been put into each facet & detail. Every moment felt filled with emotions.

The film is about so many things but what it spoke to me and I’m sure many others. It seems to be about Regretting your decisions. Then Living with the aftermath. That might be a kind of existence but also In a way the death of your dreams and any real hope of happiness. Where it feels what seems like a certain suicide might have been better than Your current existence. 

it explores how some shows or forms of entertainment can be an escape for some to Get lost in. as they provide an escape but hope of a different reality with The themes and characters. That can become not only nostalgia eventually but also help them cope with the reality that sometimes is better. Eventually, one can get confused and can get lost. As it’s own wonderland or closely resembles your own struggles only in a more fantastic and world-ending manner. 

Also how one can get stuck in an identity that seems tight, but you let the scare control you. Convincing you that could be better for you than what is expected of programmed into you. Finding your own identity. How you can be trapped in an identity. That you are never comfortable in and force yourself to stay. Even though never quite happy and slowly killing you from the inside out. 

It also is about identity sexual and physical. As it is a film that has themes and experiences that might speak to a transgender audience and individuals. As well as the lgbtq community but can easily be understood by a Universal audience who are willing to be open to it. 

A beloved, lived-in fantasy seems better than anyone in reality as it is filled with so much imagination that anything can happen the same with reality but in fantasy, it stays better and more fantastic. whereas in life there can be long stretches of punishment, sadness, and boredom that feel like torture. How you can get lost in that fantasy. As it feels more rewarding and real. As you live vicariously through characters you identify with. So their victories feel like yours. Even though there is nothing to show for it. Like sports fans in a way. 

Where one parent seems more like a scary phantom who you can’t communicate with but is always around and the other truly loves you, but you still can’t seem to connect or communicate with them fully though they wish you would and love you endlessly and they are that may keep you grounded and you stay around for their sake. How that parent you are scared of might be the one who physically holds you back and makes sure you never escape. While the loving one bows out, you feel a sense of guilt and want to take care of them before their eventual exit.  

What could have been a story of triumph that feels like a tragedy of not following your way out being boring, responsible, and paying for it. Escape seems like the craziest idea. Haunting creating their own worlds and inviting you In to explore. The film is Unique mesmerizing and sincere. While leaving the audience in instant unease and astonishment. 

How you can look back at something that seemed so important and strong almost  life changing and once you get older you look back and it seems foreign to you completely  different from how nostalgia can play tricks on you you can be embarrassed or seen like a different existence 

It will also exist in nostalgia itself.  There are quite a few cameos from people who were popular and recognizable to those who came of age in the 1990s. a haunting reminder of ghosts from a previous time. Here as a reminder for some in the audience. As well as the pop culture  display and definitely the soundtrack 

How television or pop culture can bond us to others we never would have thought to approach or ever talk to. That can be lifelong friendships where shared interest is only the beginning.

Through all of this, the film stays true to the pop culture that is influenced by a mixture. That is very detail-oriented. Using the same fonts, images, and storyline episodes of them. Even the grains of aging tapes and quality degradation. As you can tell this is personal and very powerful.

It doesn’t even feel like I have made a scratch on the surface of this film. That is how deep it is. A similar feeling for some of the people who first saw STAR WARS who were not only amazed but wanted to tell everybody about it. Not to mention knowing how much it would eventually mean to others. (not as on as grand a scale audience-wise) but waiting for others to see it to discuss and lay in wait as others discover it and claim it as a future favorite. Though you were one of the early adopters. 

Grade: A 

LISA FRANKENSTEIN (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed by: Zelda Williams 
Written By: Diablo Cody
Cinematography: Paula Huidobro 
Editor: Brad Turner

Cast: Kathryn Newton, Cole Spouse, Liza Soberano, Joey Harris, Carla Gugino, Charlie Talbert, Henry Eikenberry, Bryce Romero, Joey Chrest 

A coming of RAGE love story about a teenager and her crush, who happens to be a corpse. After a set of horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a journey to find love, happiness – and a few missing body parts.

The film offers an original vision. That proves itself more than just stylish it actually has depth. So that in itself it is like a teenager or the mentality and mood of one.

It’s as if Tim Burton made a teenage girl film As it fits into his style and type of character, but not as much on a grand scale. Which makes you end up liking it more than I expected to. 

The film feels definitely like an 80s film and when they mentioned later in the film that the year 1989 it fits perfectly wish it had come out at that time though this also works as a kind of nostalgic throwback. While it’s set in suburbia the film also achieves making its own world that seems separate yet so close to our own with a lot more color coding. That calls to mind screenwriter Diablo Cody’s previous film JENNIFER’S BODY 

Very camping at times over the top, but yet has an odd comfort level to it all.It’s a good film for its target audience that actually fits even at times when it can be risky 

As at times it’s Right on the precipice of macabre strangely, it works and has its own innocence. At Times it can feel like a wacky comedy, but also fits in with the Heathers crowd the PG-13, it is a little risque 

even for its more violent and even some sexual scenes, it’s a little bit more suggested and creative in the ways that it presents it that are not exploited, but actually seem more creative at times. This feels like a rather expensive student film, though that is what is part of its charm and luckily written by Diablo Cody, making a comeback 

This is Zelda Williams making her directorial debut, and it feels that way, but it gets stronger and more focused as it goes along 

It’s a love story, at heart where all the feelings seem misdirected towards what you view as your ideal and are blinded to their red flags and the people who actually care about you and love you. You take for granted or fail To see the obvious.

Katheryn Newton is winning as the lead character with all of her issues and psychosis, yet is sweet, crazy, and hilarious.

This is one twisted film in romance whose wavelength works totally fits

GRADE: B 

BLOOD RELATIVES (2022)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Noah Segan

Cinematography: Andrew Baird 

Editor: Patrick Lawrence

Cast: Noah Segan, Victoria Moroles, Akasha Villalobos, C.L. Simpson, Tracie Thomas, Doug Benson, Ammie Masterson, Jones Proudstar, Josh Ruben 

A vampire’s loner lifestyle is thrown into disarray when a teenager shows up claiming to be his daughter, and she’s got the fangs to prove it. On a road trip across America’s blacktops, they decide how to sink their teeth into family life.

This film is more comedy with horror movie or monster movie elements.

As it tries to stay in a certain reality, showing the modern-day problems with being a vampire, and just generally getting older, it also opens up the world for other supernatural mysteries, while dealing with its own central father-daughter storyline.

Dealing with the clips of what might be your own life for being the center of it and having to sacrifice for another.

As the film is built more around the character’s relationship with one another and find little adventures or distractions for them to go on to strengthen their bond and test their limits.

Nice to see Victoria Moroles in another film after she was so memorable in the comedy PLAN B 

Here she is in another comedy, and while not as distinct, she definitely is memorable as she is pretty much like that film star here, With a different look.

This is star, Noah Segen’s feature film, directorial debut and it’s not bad. It’s a cute little film that places character over story, plot, action, or visuals and by the end, it feels like a good time though not necessarily special it does have its own voice.

It’s a film with steaks where not too much happens and feels kind of laid-back. It’s cute to spend some time with though it will certainly not rock your world.

Grade: C+

BRAIN DAMAGE (1988)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Frank Henlotter

Cinematography: Bruce Torbet 

Editor: Frank Henlotter And James Y. Kwai 

Cast: Rick Herbst, Gordon Macdonald, Jennifer Lowry, Theo Barnes, Lucille Saint-Peter, Vicki Darnell, Joe Gonzalez, Beverly Bonner

One morning, a young man wakes to find that a small, disgusting creature has attached itself to the base of his brain stem. The creature gives him a euphoric state of happiness but demands human victims in return.

This film has gained a reputation over the years as a cult film. It’s easy to see why.  This film is kind of an analogy of the writer and director, Frank Henlotter’s past drug addiction and trying to get clean. 

This is why even though at times, it might go over the top or feel ridiculous. It still feels personal and like it is trying to say something and or mean something.

The film stays campy with practical effects throughout. it also brings you back to a time when horror films were originally about something other than scares and the amount of violence, or necessarily being exploited there didn’t seem to be a set formula as much.

Of course, the film is a bit distasteful at times and dark-humored. Which leads to it being shocking, yet effective. 

The film does offer the highs of the addiction, and how magical and mystical he can feel, but also the downward spiral. Where, despite the amazing highs, they are ultimately bad for you, especially physically, and mentally. Even for those around you.

The film does crossover, or takes place in the same world as Frank Henlotter other films, with even a character from his debut film Brain Damage, making a cameo 

The film’s underground status makes the dangerous fascinating. As the film goes places most mainstream horror, films, or most films rarely do.

The film is not a combination, necessarily of drugs or a movie built on moral hierarchy yet it does show the damage and degradation that an addiction can have on a person.

Though dated the film definitely feels like a breath of fresh air. Especially watching it in modern times. This is definitely a film. I wish I had discovered sooner. Don’t make the same mistake. I did by waiting too long to finally watch it.

Grade: B+

THE MOD SQUAD (1999)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Scott Silver
Written By: Scott Silver, Stephen Kay and Kate Lanier
Based on characters created By: Buddy Ruskin
Cinematography: Ellen Kuras
Editor: Dorian Harris 

Cast: Giovanni Ribisi, Omar Epps, Claire Danes, Josh Brolin, Steve Harris, Richard Jenkins, Dennis Farina, Michael Lerner, Sam McMurray, Bodhi Elfman, Eddie Griffin, Holmes Osbourne, Toby Huss, Monet Mazur, Larry Brandenburg

Three troubled teens sent to jail are offered a deal to work with an undercover cop, uncover an intricate drug ring, and are caught in a deadly set-up. With cops on their trail, they have little time to solve the case and clear their names.

The nicest thing I can say about the movie is that they cast actors rather than stars. Even though they were trying to set up these up-and-coming to-be stars. Which actually gives the film, a little more authenticity, and credit than it probably deserves.

One of the problems with links character played by Omar Epps is that he’s just supposed to be the cool guy yet we rarely see him do anything that’s cool but as soon as he shows up his vibe, is that of the cool guy so you’re making the audience trust in assumption before actually exhibiting any of that type of behavior or action Which never really comes so it feels like a buildup only to be let down. Some might say is the same when it comes to this film though was there really any big demand for this film?

As it came out, remakes and reboots of old television series were kind of still successful, and a fad. Maybe the problem was it needed to tell the original story, but it also comes off as just another episode that could’ve been of the series.

As the villain seems to be a kingpin, but is a local kingpin, which realistically if you are kind of a side project, an undercover team makes sense, but it has all the excitement of taking down a local drug dealer now that really cinematic for an action film not real, even with all the intrigue that this film involves. 

I mean the film at least has all the villains as Caucasian, but then again, most of the characters are caucasian, with a sprinkling of minorities mostly African-Americans. So it makes clear who the audience source is for Home Truly is.

Now, here is where I get more into the problems of the film, which are overpowering. Any good takes the film might have. 

The film is kind of set up to fail as the most memorable character is taken away as Link was a cool and dangerous black guy from the show with an Afro here has Omar Epps with a regular haircut not particularly physically, scary, or too big. So that he resembles just a black guy without the Afro it feels like they are kind of castrated or circumcised. He has no iconic look, you know they could’ve at least made them bald (like hawk on SPENCER FOR HIRE) for here. He just comes off as normal and uninteresting.

Giovanni Ribisi is a good actor and his character is supposed to be a screwup, his overarching arc is supposed to finally by the end of the movie make good and become a kind of the facto leader. His loser status is so great that his parents don’t believe him have any faith in him or even really take him seriously. Plus at times he seems a little touched and this is supposed to be our hero of sorts and an ensemble. The closest thing we get to a leader or protagonist.

Claire Danes’ character Julie is an addict which makes her the most vulnerable and fragile of the team. Yet she was still hired to be undercover and strong enough for this job. Then her ex-boyfriend happens to be the villain. So she really has the most to lose here though is kind of treated as a damsel in distress rather than an Ingal part of the team I guess she is supposed to be the bait. Her character was kind of a sexpot here. She just seems to be kind of a basic normal girl who’s in the scene? Maybe it’s better as she doesn’t draw too much attention to herself. This would unfortunately be one of the last times she appeared in a studio film that was more after blockbuster viewers than anything else. 

Decided to revitalize the show as was common at times people recognize the name of the show, but at the time, not too many might’ve had memories of it as prime entertainment. On the plus side, you could write it without really copying it down too much but also there isn’t that huge of an audience either. Then the film stars are not unknown but no real stars they’re a more recognizable cast, which at least keeps the cost of the budget down but how is it going to make any money because it’s not like the film has two dramatic storylines it’s not that funny intentionally, and there are no real action sequences and the stakes aren’t big enough for you to really care or even be suspenseful. 

The film is supposed to be an ensemble, but the characters are separate through most, as each seems seduced or on their own separate adventure then they finally come together at the end. It feels like we should see them as a team, at least at first see how they work together, or at least the film could’ve shown how they learn to work together. Instead of just seeming like they separate stories, come together or cross paths at the end. The film is an origin story that should come off more as a film like THE DIRTY DOZEN as they are all ex-cons given a chance on a suicide mission who are forced together of sorts, to learn to make it as a team. They come off as a bunch of at the time hip club kids trying to solve a mystery that involves a conspiracy. If it was played that way with a bit more comedy and impressive action. The film could have worked 

Whereas you know, the enjoyment of this film is subjective as some might like, or enjoy, like a date or romance with a beauty that ends up, not working out in the end, or eventually, but good enough for the time being. Where it’s not right for some but good enough for others it all comes down to the right place at the right time, maybe something chemical or even the vibe. Unfortunately, this film just doesn’t seem to have exactly what it takes.

Grade: C- 

HIT LIST (1989)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: William Lustig 

Story By: Audrey K. Rattan

Written By: John Goff and Peter Brosnan

Josh Becker & Scott Spiegel (Uncredited)

Editor: David Kern 

Cast: Jan-Michael Vincent, Leo Rossi, Charles Napier, Harold Sylvester, Jere Burns, Rip Torn, Lance Henriksen, Ken Lerner, Frank Pesce 

A family man and a mob witness hunt for a hitman who has mistakenly kidnapped the family man’s son.

This actually makes a very engaging thriller, though it’s a character actor Paradise, and while everybody is doing their best, the main weakness is the person, casting the lead Jan Michael Vincent, who doesn’t seem to put his all into it, though probably with his name and star Power is why the film got made or financed in the first place. 

Though the film has enough heavy hitters in the cast. Not to mention supposedly Mr. Vincent was behind several problems with the production. This might be why such heavy emphasis is more on supporting cast members.

The film has plenty of action and plays like an action thriller that you would see on the big screen you know it has not so healthy budget though I think if someone else had played the lead, it would be better remembered I’m not gonna say it would be a classic, but definitely better remembered 

Especially as one of the twists of the film is based on what one would think is a ridiculous mistake, but moves the film forward 

The other flaw of the film is that really out of Jan Michael Vincent’s Circle. the only good guy or good character who is killed is really his best friend in the African-American character. You know there are several cops in the beginning who are protecting witnesses who get killed but we rarely or barely get to know them whereas the character played by Harold Sylvester you know we get to know and care about and then he is dispatched

The rip TORN seems to have fun, showing a scenery and going over the top of his role as a mob boss, Leo Rossi adds real heart and is a memorable character to the film, as a kind of wise guy who most of the characters are after in the first place 

Same with Charles Napier he just seems to go with the flow and really seems to be enjoying himself throughout as more of the federal agent on the case

it’s cool to see Lance Henriksen as this maniacal unstoppable killer who has a day job as a cover and then towards the end seems that no matter how hard you try to kill him. He’s like a horror movie villain he just won’t die. It’s interesting and ridiculous he is though he’s the most interesting character in the movie as he is a killer character, who deserves a better film script than this

Especially his character is so devious and calculated, but it makes this one mistake that changes. Everything seems a little bit ridiculous 

this film is more on the side of a guilty pleasure as you can’t really take anything seriously but it is a fun film to watch. I believe you will have a good time with. Especially directed by director William Lustig, even though this is one of the few director-for-hire jobs that he took. 

Grade: C

THE BRINK’S JOB (1978)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: William Friedkin

Written By: Walon Green

Based on “BIG STICKUP AT BRINK’S” By: Noel Behn

Cinematography: Norman Leigh 

Editor: Bud Smith and Robert K. Lambert

Cast: Peter Falk, Peter Boyle, Allen Garfield, Gena Rowlands, Warren Oates, Paul Sorvino, Sheldon Leonard 

A fictional retelling of the infamous Boston Brink’s Company robbery on January 17th, 1950, of $2.7M, cost the American taxpayers $29M to apprehend the culprits with only $58,000 recovered.

The film feels fact-based and amazingly recreated, Sticking to the facts.  though it also feels like the film has no personality. Which is evident as neither do the characters. 

Just as the characters never come off as interesting just there to do a job or complete a mission no real character to them. As it’s supposed to be a comedy though the jokes are far away and many calamities happen in the caper. 

We never get to know any of the characters or their quirks to see how they might be funny or add to the proceedings. Even when given more of a comedic scenario. It feels so basic with no excitement that it just comes across as flat. 

Technically there is nothing wrong with it, But it comes and goes very easily without too much to remember. The cast is good, the production design is beautiful and the movie-making is good. It just feels like a project that was exactly where everyone did what was needed but nothing more or nothing less.

The film looks great from a production design stand pony and it feels like you are in that time. 

This was a film that was originally set up under director John Frankenheimer who left after problems with the studio. William Friedkin took over the project but threw out the original script and ordered a new one. So it wasn’t exactly a for-hire job. 

The film just seems to lack any spontaneity or any humor that many of the characters and situations the characters find themselves in and that the actors are clearly capable of but seem reigned in a bit. 

Grade: C

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM (2023)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: James Wan

Written By: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick

Story By: James Wan, Jason Momoa, and Thomas Pa’a Sibbert

Based on the character AQUAMAN created By: Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger 

Cinematography: Don Burgess

Editor: Kirk Morris

Cast: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Randall Park, Nicole Kidman, Temuera Morrison, Dolph Lundgren, Martin Short, Indya Moore, John Rhys-Davies, Jani Zhao, Pilou Asbaek 

Black Manta seeks revenge on Aquaman for his father’s death. Wielding the Black Trident’s power, he becomes a formidable foe. To defend Atlantis, Aquaman forges an alliance with his imprisoned brother. They must protect the kingdom.

Luckily, this film isn’t as bad as it had been predicted or advertised. So what does work in its favor is that it feels kind of a bit like a retread of the first film as it has pretty much the same cast of characters who survived the first film, and essentially the same villain only this time who has managed to acquire more strength and power Through supernatural means partially being possessed, but still determined to take down Aquaman and Atlantis if he can.

Amber Heard who plays Aquaman’s wife in this film her role is either severely cut down from before or meant to just be a placeholder as a love interest. As she is barely in the film and is in an action or two, but really, given nothing to do and not too much importance.

The film plays more like a buddy comedy with Aquaman teaming up with his half-brother, who has been in prison and they learning and going through their differences to trust one another, and to join together, to save Atlantis, thus allowing his brother to get his honor back throughout.

This sequel like the first film has quite a bit of comedy. However in this film, the special effects are a little more distracting as they are not as impressive in fact, while watching the film, it feels like you’re watching a video game demo almost rather than a film. This is good when it comes to the action sequences when it tries to do the dialogue scenes it doesn’t quite fit as well.

If the film had maybe tried to give Aquaman a different villain, this film might have been worthwhile, but with it feeling like a retread, it kind of limits itself.

I am impressed that they managed to make Aquaman so dynamic on the big screen as before he had been either a minor character or more of a laughing stock at with his limited abilities and costumes in the past. 

This is a film where you can see the budget on screen, but somehow it limits itself which is a shame because there seem to be so many possibilities as you’re watching the film instead of what you get, which is ultimately disappointing.

This is a shame, as I was one of those who enjoyed the original way more than I expected to, but like the sequel to Shazam this film just feels like what you thought the first film was going to be it doesn’t improve, and in fact, it’s worse.

This is a shame, considering the impressive cast and Jason Momoa just looks like a badass superhero either way. 

Grade: C- 

SAW X (2023)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed & Edited By: Kevin Gruetert

Written By: Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg 

Cinematography: Nick Matthews 

Cast: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnove Macody Lund, Steven Brand, Octavio Hinojosa, Michael Beach, Renata Vaca, Joshua Okamoto, Paulette Hernandez 

A sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable.

These films have certainly come a long way to be the 10th film. This is a franchise that I never quite foresaw making it this long, but the company behind it, Lionsgate seemed determined to keep going as long as they can.  

Some films in the series are better than others, most of them have been pretty solid and admire that film that at first seems to be a one-off of shocks that as the films have continued through various different directors. Each film helps to mythologize not only the main character behind it all but has allowed it to grow and spread into a weird kind of movement throughout these films.

While the films have at certain points become a little predictable, they still manage to shock with either their gore or how it all ties together.

Unlike a franchise like Friday the 13th where it seems like more of the same with a few curves thrown in but still the same blueprint this at least tries with each film to have its own flavor even though like Friday the 13th franchise I prefer the sequels, but respect the first one after all it is the original.

This sequel is better than the one that came before it. Which was SPIRAL actually had Samuel L Jackson, and Chris Rock in those films so some of the bigger names in the franchise. That comes across more like Friday the 13th part five. When a curveball is thrown, that could set the films on a different path.

Who knows the future of the franchise as this one is actually a prequel to where it all started even before the original saw movie started.

This has all the requisite things you would expect from a movie plenty of plenty of traps and plenty of tension. What’s this one a little bit apart other than characters who have perished in previous sequels, is the return of Tobin Bell, in the lead role, and Shawnee Smith as his assistant.

Here we get the requirements of the film the film does offer Tobin Bell, more of a dramatic arc throughout to see and get into the mindset of what set him off and the consequences.

So it gives him a kind of respect as he has been the face of this franchise for so long, as well as of course the voice here he gets a chance to stretch his drama muscles and be in the film throughout not just in pieces.

As well as bringing him back, there is a certain better quality of the film, where it feels a bit more grounded and going back to basics, rather than stretching the believability and managing to keep it small scale. 

Watching this film reminded me that while most of the sequels, and the first one seem to be based on revenge that might be the catalyst, there is a message behind it, and truly in its own twisted ways it shows more of the evilness of the characters who were caught up in the game and their selfishness he does give them a fighting chance even if seemed rigged to fail it’s never quite personal. That involves characters who have a history with one another.

This would be a fine starting point though it is better maybe to watch them in order. 

The film gives the franchise fans exactly what they want and expect only here it go back to basics. 

Grade: C+

DAY OF THE DEAD: BLOODLINE (2017)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Hector Hernandez Vicens

Written By: Lars Jacobson and Mark Tonderai

Based on The Motion Picture “DAY OF THE DEAD” By: George A. Romero 

Cinematography: Anton Ogbyanov

Editor: Damien Drago and Ivan Todorov

Cast: Jonathan Schaech, Sophie Skelton, Jeff Gum, Marcus Vanco, Lillian Blankenship, Shari Watson, Ulyana Chan

A small group of military personnel and survivalists dwell in an underground bunker as they seek to find a cure in a world overrun by zombies.

Why? It must be for the money and trying to continue in the franchise but this is a disgrace. It’s not exactly another remake but has a similar type of story. As far as having one zombie subject kind of different from the rest and using him for his blood which might be an anecdote to zombieism (yes the film Is that ridiculous) it also keeps the theme of having most of the action happen in a kind of compound with military types all around.

This film is bad across the board. The acting is subpar and no notable performances or recognizable faces. The directing is horrible as is the storyline. The sets look exactly like sets even when they are supposed to be streets and classrooms. No one acts or makes rational decisions. Even the naysayers.

The only thing o can say was decent is the zombie make-up applies to Jonathan Schaech as the main zombie of the tale. It is nothing too special but for this production impressive. His is the only ok performance but then again he is playing a zombie. As his character makes no sense before he turns he was a test subject giving blood to a medical school. Yet obsessed with one of the students for no reason. To the point of hurting himself over her and then he tries to rape her. She is saved by the zombie invasion and then once he is discovered and captured he still seems to have the same agenda.

The film tries to throw in a romance. This only explains why the main Character gets away with so much. When others would have refused her requests.

The other characters come off as weak cliches with no characterization besides their looks, attitudes, and relationships with one another. Like the flirtatious guy with muscles who the filmmakers find a reason for him to be only in a t-shirt.

The film doesn’t add anything new to the genre. In fact, it embarrasses the genre by not adding anything to it and failing in all ways. Even if bad usually there is some kind of excess to make up for it. This film doesn’t offer that either

Grade: F