Madison County (2011)

Written and Directed by Eric England
Starring Ace Marrero, Nick Principe and Dayton Knoll
Runtime 81min. - Rated R/Unrated on DVD
1 Star (out of 4)

"Madison County" is a bad film. It's going to be hard to expand my opinion beyond that simple sentence, but I will try.

To start with, this is easily one of the most forgettable films I've ever seen. Every scene feels like it's been clumsily reenacted from some other movie, like an 81 minute-long sweded film compilation. I'm sure I'll forget the entire plot of the film within the next month. Pieces like this occupy a tiny space in my mind where bad movies go to mingle with each other, so I remember them all as one confusingly awful brainfart.

Claustrofobia (2011)

Directed by Bobby Boermans
Starring Dragan Bakema and Carolien Spoor
Runtime 90min. - Unrated (Very Brief Nudity)
1 Star (out of 4)

Claustrofobia is now available on DVD.

When it comes to foreign language movies, horror attracts more Americans than any other genre. Casual movie fans tend to avoid anything with subtitles. "Inglorious Bastards" wasn't even a foreign film, but many Americans wouldn't watch it because of its subtitles. Horror movies seem to have immunity from this issue. Most of my readers have probably heard of Ringu, [REC], or High Tension, but how many of those same readers have heard of "Maria Full of Grace"? Probably not as many, which is a shame.

The Giant Mechanical Man (2012)

Written/Directed by Lee Kirk
Starring Chris Messina, Jenna Fischer and Topher Grace
Runtime 90min. - Rated PG-13
3 Stars (out of 4)

In conjunction with the Tribeca Film Festival, "The Giant Mechanical Man" has gotten a pre-theatrical V.O.D release. Links are available below the review.

"The Giant Mechanical Man" follows in the footsteps of the great sci-fi films of the past. Its chief influences are "Artificial Intelligence" and "Bicentennial Man". Jenna Fischer meets a tall android and they fall in love. They attempt to have children, but she gives birth to roombas.

Some people only read the first paragraph of a review before making a decision. This review is dedicated to those fine folks.

Meeting Evil - The Ending Explained?

7/30/12 Update: This (for some reason) is the most popular post on my blog. I'd love to encourage everyone to explore my site a little further. I typically post streaming links to the movies I review so you can watch it right then. Visiting the sponsors you see on this page is also a great help.

Also, don't forget to check out the Large Association Of Movie Blogs. If you love discussing movies, it's the place to go.
Warning: (Obviously) There are spoilers ahead!

Before we get started, here's a link to my original review.
http://dustyonmovies.blogspot.com/2012/04/meeting-evil-2012.html

There's a question mark the title because the ending of the film is subject to any number of equally valid opinions.

The reason I'm addressing the ending is to fill a need. My website stats have shown that many users find their way to my review by googling "Meeting Evil Ending Explained". I didn't go into any detail in the review because I didn't realize it would be a hot topic.

Bad Ass (2012)

 Directed by Craig Moss

Starring Danny Trejo, Charles S. Dutton and Ron Perlman

Runtime 90min - Rated R

3.5 Stars (out of 4)

Bad Ass if available on VUDU starting at $3.99. Link is below review.

At the time of this review, Danny Trejo has 17 credits for feature films in various stages of production. In addition to his numerous film roles he also does a lot of charity work. Not just donating money or giving speeches to congress, this guy is involved in real hands-on work. He spends his days trying to steer young people towards a better path. His goal is to share his mistakes so others don't make them. For those who don't know, Danny Trejo doesn't just play convicts on TV, he spent a good deal of time in San Quentin. If not for supportive friends and a lucky break it's likely he'd still be living a life of crime. I highly recommend the documentary "Champion" which chronicles his life and public service.

Free Film of the Week - Spun (2002)

Spun is a terrific film that doesn't get the credit it deserves. It follows meth addicts and dealers in much the same way as "Requiem for a Dream" except it approaches its subject with satire instead of drama. Free and legal on Crackle.

Street Poet (2010) A.K.A Fighting Words

 Directed by E. Paul Edwards

Starring C. Thomas Howell, Jeff Stearns and Tara D'agostino

Runtime 92min. - Rated R

1 Star (out of 4)

Now available on DVD

Ginsberg, Burroughs, Kerouac rolling in their graves

A battle cry against repression turned into obscenity for its own sake

Morphed, distorted by pseudo-thespian bottom-dwellers, desperate for nickels and dimes

Longing for identity, trying on various shades of fashionable topics fit for low-budget dramatic television

An Insignificant Harvey (2012)

 Directed by Jeff Kopas

Starring Jordan Prentice, Art Hindle and Kristin Adams

Runtime 79minutes - Unrated (some language and sexuality)

3.5 Stars (out of 4)

"An Insignificant Harvey" is available on-demand. Links at the bottom of the review.

"An Insignificant Harvey" is a classy piece of independent filmmaking. According to IMDB, this is Jeff Kopas' feature-length debut. He should be proud. I believe he's destined for big things.

Harvey (Prentice) is a little person, but the title isn't just referring to his physical stature. Having been raised in an orphanage, Harvey has some serious self-esteem issues about not being adopted. The movie is set in a small, cold Canadian town where the locals treat him dismissively. Those who don't dismiss him tend to point and stare. Ironically, Harvey has a gift for filming people. He lurks in the shadows and catches them at their most sincere. It's voyeuristic, but in a wholesome way. When questioned about his gift Harvey says that after he got a camera he just found people to be "so interesting". He essentially uses his camera to bestow significance on complete strangers. He longs for strangers to return the favor.

Dragon Eyes (2012)

Directed by John Hyams

Starring Cung Le, Peter Weller and Jean-Claude Van Damme

Runtime 88min. - Rated R

2.5 Stars (out of 4)

Dragon Eyes has the makings of an urban western. Cung Le plays a mysterious stranger who rolls into town with plans of wiping out the bad element. His motives are hidden from the locals but shown to the viewers. I dare not spoil those secrets, but they turn this martial arts flick into a redemption story.

The director has a good eye for style. The opening credits are in a font that's reminiscent of a 70's grindhouse film. They appear along side an old hot rod that's cruising down the road. The car is filmed from impossible angles that must have taken some real technical proficiency. The movie is in a slightly desaturated color with some sepia tones blended in to create a unique look.

7 Below (2012)

Directed by Kevin Carraway

Starring Ving Rhames, Luke Goss and Val Kilmer

Runtime 92min. -  Rated R

1.5 Stars (out of 4)

 "7 Below" will be available on DVD or V.O.D April 17th

Towards the beginning of "7 Below" Val Kilmer's character sustains a blow to the head that causes him to be delusional. It's very likely a similar event occurred just before he signed on to make this film. Many of his roles in recent years have been questionable, but I question whether this one is unquestionably the most questionable. Having an A-list actor can make a film more appealing, especially a film that has received very little publicity. However, it can also damage the credibility of the actor. The first effect is temporary while the other is permanent. I hope that's something that Kilmer realizes. Exacerbating the situation is his clear lack of interest in the role. This man is a true acting talent and his lack of effort in this film is just the consequence of his lack of passion for the material.

Meeting Evil (2012)

Notice that Wilson's face has been photoshopped. He has no cheeks!

Directed by Chris Fisher

Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Luke Wilson and Leslie Bibb

Runtime 90min - Rated R

 3 Stars (out of 4)

"Meeting Evil" is available on most V.O.D. platforms. Links below review.

I'm not sure if it was intentional, but the plot of "Meeting Evil" reminded me of "It's A Wonderful Life". This is something I'll mention again in the final paragraph so that it appears I have made some kind of clever connection between the beginning and end of this review. It's an advanced technique.

I hadn't really heard anything about this film so I was lacking expectations. I just saw who was starring in the film and thought, "Yeah, I'll watch that." I'm pretty sure that will be the way most viewers happen upon the movie given its quiet release. I saw there wasn't a single critic's review listed on its IMDB listing. That issue will be resolved soon.