Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Sirius (2013)


As some of you know, I have a deep interest in skepticism. I follow loads of skeptic related blogs and websites such as Randi.org, quackwatch.com, sciencebasedmedicine.org, michaelshermer.com, whatstheharm.net and when I'm not devouring fiction novels my reading involves such authors as James Randi, Michael Shermer, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris and Richard Wiseman. I even wrote a couple of skeptic-themed movie reviews for the JREF such as this review for "Resurrect Dead".

This isn't about me though. Author, skeptic and noted UFOlogist (the real kind) Robert Sheaffer recently posted a movie review over on his blog Bad UFOs. The film in question is called "Sirius" and is a pet project of pseudoscientist Dr. Steven Greer. It gained some public spotlight by promising free energy, a concept that physicists agree is impossible, and the corpse of an extraterrestrial being.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Fundraising Campaigns supported by DustyOnMovies

 Details
"Truth or Dare" is a horror film directed by and starring Jessica Cameron. This will be her directorial debut.

Why I'm Supporting
Well, I like the premise and always enjoy a good horror film. Jessica Cameron has been acting for a while and I love seeing someone who loves their craft enough to try directing. It also doesn't hurt that she's so damn pretty.
 





Saturday, April 20, 2013

It's in the Blood (2012)

Directed by Scooter Downey
Written by Downey and Sean Elliot
Starring Elliot and Lance Henriksen
Runtime 81min. - Not Rated (R-ish)
3 Stars (out of 4)

Now available on Amazon Instant and Vudu

Typically, when you rent a direct-to-video horror film with Lance Henriksen as its biggest star, you prepare yourself for mediocrity. That doesn't mean Henriksen's low-budget splatter flicks aren't fun, just not good. "It's in the Blood" completely turns that notion on its head. 

*Warning, the following paragraph contains loads of spoilers.*
The film features a father and son who, after an injury, get stranded in the forest where they're forced to fend off some mysterious predatory monster. For most horror films that would be the entire plot but "It's in the Blood" offers exponentially more. In fact, the amount of plot is both its greatest strength and weakness. It's refreshing to see well-developed characters, but sometimes the audience is expected to take on too much information. The lead character is dealing with extreme tragedy. His girlfriend/adopted sister was raped and killed by a stalker. The stalker is the town's deputy sheriff. The lovers' father is the town sheriff. The town sheriff could have saved them but was drunk - he became an alcoholic after his wife's death. Is that enough? No, our lead character also has photographic memory that comes in handy at the most convenient times. Plus he deals with depression by cutting and has been avoiding his dad for over a year. So it only makes sense that they decide to go on a long hike together.

The Host (2013)

Directed by Andrew Niccol
Based on the book by Stephanie Meyer
Starring Saoirse Ronan
Runtime 125min. - Rated PG-13
1.5 Stars (out of 4)


The idea of having two minds in one head has fueled countless sci-fi movie plots. Many of those films were low-budget horror and/or comedy. With "The Host", Stephanie Meyer has shown why the premise doesn't belong in a big budget film, at least not in one geared towards tween romance.

The plot revolves around an alien race that appear as shiny blue critters that look like they came from a deep sea documentary. These critters are then placed into the brain of humans where they take over the body and have access to the human's memories. But when one of these things is put into our resistant hero Melanie, it finds out humans won't go down easy.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Oz The Great and Powerful (2013)

Directed by Sam Raimi
Starring Mila Kunis and James Franco
Runtime 130min. - Rated PG
3.5 Stars (out of 4)

"Oz the Great and Powerful" is "Army of Darkness". Let me make my case in the form of a synopsis.

A man gets sent to a faraway place where he is claimed to be a prophesied "chosen one". He pretends to have great power to exploit the locals but tries to ditch his responsibilities when things get dangerous. Later he redeems himself by leading the people to freedom from an evil force. He doesn't have a real army so he uses his knowledge of technology to outsmart his enemy.

So tell me, is that Ash or Oz?

Then there's the fact that both films are directed by Sam Raimi. Like in AOD Raimi uses his beloved Three Stoogies-style physical comedy. In the beginning of Oz's trip spikes poke through the hot-air baloon's basket and nearly poke him in the eyes. If seeing that doesn't invoke the memory of Ash doing battle with eye-poking underground skeletons then you probably have never seen AOD.

Evil Dead (2013)

Directed by Fede Alvarez
Starring Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez and Lou Taylor Pucci
Runtime 91min. - Rated R
3 Stars (out of 4)

I saw this film with Mike Allen and Shalon Hurlbert who will be discussing it on an upcoming episode of "Tales To Terrify", a popular podcast from the guys behind StarShipSofa. I expect they'll have a comical, well-informed take on the movie. It was nice doing something nerdy around other nerds, even though my trivial knowledge isn't nearly as impressive in their presence.

I don't usually review current theatrical releases, but so much hyperbole is being thrown at the "Evil Dead" remake that I just can't resist.

Bee People (2012)

Directed by David Knappe
Starring Gregg McMahan
Not Rated

Playing at the Grandin Film Festival in Roanoke, Va.
Visit the Official Website for more information.
And here's a trailer.


"Bee People" is the story of an alien invasion. It involves a race of creatures that closely resemble bees but can disguise themselves as people.
Okay, so maybe that was a Doctor Who episode.

The alien angle would have been entertaining, but probably have taken away from the documentary aspect of the film.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Thale (2012)

Written and directed by Aleksander Nordass
Runtime 76 min. - Not Rated
In Norwegian with English subtitles
1 Star (out of 4)

Now available on Vudu and in select theaters

I rented "Thale" for a few reasons. Firstly, the trailer looked absolutely excellent. Secondly, I've been writing some sci-fi stories lately and this looked like a film that could provide some inspiration. Lastly, and this is probably the best reason, Scandinavia has been on a roll with films. "Troll Hunter", the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, "Klown", and "Rare Exports" are all prime examples of Scandinavian filmmaking. Oh and there's that guy....what was his name....Lars von Trier! And while I wasn't expecting a von-Trieresque masterpiece, I at least hoped this low-budget Norwegian sci-fi/horror film would continue the region's fine film-making tradition.

Two Thumbs Up



I'm not gonna do it. I just can't. Every other blogger in the world has written about Roger Ebert and there's simply nothing I can add. All I can tell you is that he inspired me in ways that greatly surpass movie criticism. I'd suggest anyone who hasn't to read "Life Itself" and learn a little about the man.

There's a rembrances section on RogerEbert.com that's absolutely wonderful. So instead of wasting your time let me just redirect you there.