Tag: Justin Long

V/H/S/BEYOND (2024)

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Directed By: Jay Cheel (ABDUCTION/ADDUCTION)
Jordan Downey (STORK)
Justin Martinez (LIVE AND LET DIVE)
Christian Long and Justin Long (FUR BABIES)
Virat Pol (DREAM GIRL)
Katie Siegel (STOWAWAY) 

Written By: Jordan Downey and Kevin Stewart (STORK) (Based on the artwork by Oleg Vdovenko) 

Mike Flanigan (STOWAWAY)

Virat Pol and Evan Dickinson (DREAM GIRL)

Justin Martinez and Benjamin A. Turner (LIVE AND LET DIVE) 

Christian Long and Justin Long (FUR BABIES)

Cinematography: Taban Basu (DREAM GIRL)

Mike McLaughlin (ABDUCTION/ADDUCTION)

Kevin Stewart

Alexander Chinnici

Editor: Jay Cheel, Tanya Chhabvia, Jordan Downey, Thom Newell, Benjamin A. Turner 

Cast: Mitch Horowitz, Namrata Sheth, Rohan Joshi, Bix Krieger, Rhett Wellington, Libby Letlow, Matthew Layton, Alanah Pearce, Thom Hallum

Six bloodcurdling tapes unleash horror in a sci-fi-inspired hellscape, pushing the boundaries of fear and suspense.

At this point these movies are a tradition, That some can look forward to and some might dread. While the films aren’t as dynamic as when they premiered with this premise. They also seemed to have lost their way. As at first it seemed like a new way to present horror and had some excitement behind it. As well as giving emerging directors a chance to tell their stories in inventive short-form ways. 

After the second film, it felt like it was losing steam and even now this film while passable. it feels a bit stale or not as dynamic. It almost feels at times like a dumping ground. These films feel like a television show that has some standout episodes but disappointing seasons. Resembling the show AMERICAN HORROR STORIES. This version’s theme as there tends to be one with each new film is Aliens. 

The first segment is STORK which is one of the most violent out of the tales the first three of the tales truly are the goriest out of them all. This story is about a group of renegade cops hunting who they believe are serial kidnappers. Though once they enter the house they see what they are truly up against. While visually gifted, it plays more like a first-person shooter video game. This seems like the most mainstream and the one that could easily be seen as a spinoff of its own    

The next segment DREAM GIRL is set in India and follows a group of paparazzi photographers trying to get photos of a new female star whose films are constantly hits. Early in the film, there is a bit introduced which makes the story seem like it is going one way, and then by the end, it goes another way, As they find out to a degree what is behind the superstar’s success. This is one of the tales that seems like it might veer away from the main theme of Aliens 

LIVE AND LET DIVE seems like it is going in so many directions. By the time it literally lands the visual effects are impressive. it offers nothing really new or different. Except to provide a slasher-type tale with excessive violence. That is ok but frustrating in the many ways it could have gone. 

 FUR BABIES is next and noteworthy as it is written and directed by Christian Long and his brother Justin Long (Yes, the one and only) Now this short film has a premise that is ghastly and a bit original. This segment doesn’t belong in this edition; its theme feels like a holdover from the last one. It also seems like it’s only here because of who made it and is a case of celebrity. As he is one of the biggest names attached to this film even as director

STOWAWAY is the true final full tale about a young woman. who is trying to do a documentary on a location that is a hotbed of alien sightings and activity. She follows the trail of the sightings. She gets all she wants and more once she makes her way onto an alien craft and it takes off and we see her having to deal with the consequences. Which mixes with a home video of her as a little girl. that portrays her innocence and wonder about what is happening to her and the changes.  

then there is the wraparound story ABDUCTION/ADDUCTION which is really a documentary presentation of an alien invader video and its veracity that only lasts a few minutes. That seems used to tie everything together.

Now while one will stay critical of this anthology. one can also appreciate them for what they present and giving independent directors a showcase. it’s also nice to have a yearly franchise for Halloween.    

Grade: C

JEEPERS CREEPERS (2001)

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Written & Directed By: Victor Salva 
Cinematography: Don E. FauntLeRoy
Editor: Ed Marx 

Cast: Gina Philips, Eileen Brennan, Justin Long, Jonathan Breck, Patricia Belcher, Brandon Smith 

A brother and sister driving home through isolated countryside for spring break encounter a flesh-eating creature that is in the midst of its ritualistic eating spree.

When it comes to this film it will always come surrounded by controversy. Not only because of the director’s past crimes and their horrific nature of them but also because he has continued to make films for the general public. Not to mention in his work since he got out of jail for his crimes. His films have alluded to or given a showcase to his fetishes so to speak. At least that is what those who know of his past have been able to notice.

Especially when it comes to scenes such as him sniffing the boy’s underwear and seemingly intent on hunting the male lead down more than anything.

When it comes to Victor Salva he is a talented filmmaker. His film before this POWDER seemed to come across as a thinly disguised apology and a kind of begging for forgiveness about his past. Like this film, it was a surprise hit. Even though it was more of a family drama.

Here he gets to sink his teeth into an original tale. Where he even created a new iconic horror movie monster for a generation. The film definitely goes for jump scares and the element of surprise as it builds up the tension and sense of dread. As it is a film the audience has to have patience.

The protagonists of the film use back roads to avoid traffic. Which also sets the film’s mood of desolation. As we barely see any people other than The leads and the monster for plenty of stretches.

The film is a low budget yet still feels like a movie that could have been made in the 1970s or 80s where there is an emphasis on the special effects which are practical but it stays somewhat a mystery and instead focuses on the characters. Mainly the two leads who are playing siblings and as the film goes along.

The brother played by Justin Long goes from being more the happy-go-lucky joking character to the most haunted. As his sister becomes more and more tough and protective. 

The film is almost like THE PREDATOR. Not as action-packed but it is essentially a film about a monster hunting its prey.

One scene In Particular truly saves the film And is truly noteworthy the police station massacre. As this is a film that whenever there is the action you are thankful as the film truly becomes exciting.

The film truly never offers too much information on the creature; it could only go two ways. Part one in a series that will get into the origins of the creature (which it did) or remain a mystery as a one-off film (which might have been better. Especially for it having a more lasting legacy)

This is a film that is more In tune with watching it in a theater or the closest to a theatrical experience that you can manage to get its full impact. 

The film is seen as a classic by a few. As the scares are original yet feel cheap. It doesn’t help that the film was followed by two sequels that felt somewhat needed but didn’t do anything to deepen the lore or impress that they needed to be told. 

The other aspect that made me enjoy the film is it’s dark ending. Which really feels like a gut punch. 

Grade: C

JAY AND SILENT BOB REBOOT (2020)

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Written, Edited  & Directed By: Kevin Smith
Cinematography: Yaron Levy 

Cast: Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Fred Armisen, Jason Lee, Ben Affleck, Chris Jericho, Shannon Elizabeth, Rosario Dawson, Harley Quinn Smith, Joey Lauren Adams, Diedrich Bader, Craig Robinson, Justin Long, Donell Rawlings, Aparna Brielle, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Johnny Bananas, Joe Manganiallo, Karruche Tran, Melissa Benoit, Jason Biggs, Adam Brody, Val Kilmer, Kate Micucci, James Van Der Beek, Redman, Joe Reitman, Alice Wan, Brian O’Halloran, Tommy Chong, Keith Coogan, Molly Shannon, Dan Folger, Ralph Garman, Chris Hemsworth, Frankie Shaw, Treshelle Edmond 

Jay and Silent Bob inadvertently sign away their names and rights to the new Bluntman and Chronic movie. Now they head to Hollywood to stop the film from being made. Along the way Jay discovers that he is a father.

The film is a road-trip comedy. Where the story is there to explain and get the audience to the journey. Yet the reasons are more ridiculous.

It’s also a movie where half the fun of it is sporting the cameos and so-called guest stars

This is a film that is hard for me to review. Because as much of a fan as I am of Kevin Smith and his movies. At this point, he truly doesn’t care about impressing anyone outside of his fan base really or necessarily making more conventional films. At this point, he has a large following film-wise of usually the same age group most of his films are aimed at. Through podcasts, comic books as well as directing television shows. So that when he makes films it is for a niche audience of loyal fans and followers. So that it shows he is thankful and appreciated their loyalty. This is why for me it usually feels like a Joy to watch any new film he has ou

As usual, one has interest though more and more it seems like a chore. 

As with many different aging comedians like Adam Sandler and to a degree Eddie Murphy. He is willing to try new things once in a while but also seems like he is going after a young audience or the same audience he has always had only the next generation of them. By making his movies more for teens and kids. As they get juvenile and raunchy humor with big words but also as they get older they will find themselves loyal and beholden to him

As they grew up with his films. Planned or not. It also helps that he comes off always like a decent regular guy. Who just happened to get his dream job.

He also has always seemed to have a self-deprecating sense of humor and as he gets older he sharpens and aims for himself more and more. 

So that if you are a fan of his films and humor. You should enjoy this film. If not it might be a little harder for you to enjoy. As the fun of this movie is having previous knowledge of the characters and situations. Catching up with a lot of them over the years.

The film feels like a gift to his audience. As it brings back his most popular characters again for their own movie. A kind of sequel to JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK. Only as it seems to be directed to serve a younger teen audience. As well as hand it off to the next generation of characters and but like his previous film this feels like a present to pass on to his daughter. Who stars in this film And is a fine presence and likable. As she has appeared in many of his films previously and starred in YOGA HOSERS. Which thankfully this film is much better then. 

The film and its humor is still profane. Yet it still satirizes the characters as well as some of the actors participating in personal triumphs and give a reunion of sorts for various view askew character to appear throughout. As it shows just an exuberance of joy and goodwill which is how he also seems to snag some big names in self-deprecating cameos. 

The film ends up being crude yet fun it stays entertaining even if it feels a bit long and excessive. Also, he seems sometimes to be too hard on himself when being self-deprecating. 

The film stays purely comedic throughout in a more silly slapstick way and offers the young female characters not only a point of view but a chance to shine. Where the film isn’t all about sex nor focused on them more as sexual objects. He actually makes the characters and more part of the action. Which shows some growth for him. Not that he was a huge misogynist before or anything but wrote what he knew and characters more like himself. 

Your knowledge of his previous films will affect your enjoyment of this one. If you are a fan this will be a slam dunk, but if you are a critic of his previous work this will not be the one to convince you otherwise. 

Grade: C

TUSK (2014)

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tusk

Written, Directed & Edited By: Kevin Smith
Cinematography By: James Laxton


Cast: Justin Long, Michael Parks, Haley Joel Osment, Genesis Rodriguez, Jennifer Schwalbach-Smith, Ralph Garman, Ashley Greene, Harley Quinn Smith, Lily-Rose Melody Depp

When podcaster Wallace Bryton goes missing in the backwoods of Manitoba while interviewing a mysterious seafarer named Howard Howe, his best friend Teddy and girlfriend Allison team with an ex-cop to look for him.

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TUSK (2014)

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tusk1

Written, Directed & Edited By: Kevin Smith
Cinematography By: James Laxton 


Cast: Justin Long, Michael Parks, Haley Joel Osment, Genesis Rodriguez, Jennifer Schwalbach-Smith, Ralph Garman, Ashley Greene, Harley Quinn Smith, Lily-Rose Melody Depp

When podcaster Wallace Bryton goes missing in the backwoods of Manitoba while interviewing a mysterious seafarer named Howard Howe, his best friend Teddy and girlfriend Allison team with an ex-cop to look for him.

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ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO (2008)

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zack-and-mira

Written, Edited & Directed By: Kevin Smith
Cinematography By: David Klein 

Cast: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Jason Mewes, Traci Lords, Katie Morgan, Jeff Anderson, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Justin Long, Brandon Routh, Kenny Hotz, Tom Savini, Gerry Bednob, Jim Norton, Lauren Miller, Tyler Labine

Lifelong platonic friends Zack and Miri look to solve their respective cash-flow problems by making an adult film together. As the cameras roll, however, the duo begin to sense that they may have more feelings for each other than they previously thought.

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