Film reviews, entertainment news, and insight.
Archive for August, 2009
Acolytes (2008)
Aug 30th
Review date: 29-Aug-2009
Jon Hewitt’s Acolytes is a dark, moody tale of three teens who find themselves pursuing a killer, and soon running from the very same one. The young actors’ performances are nothing too spectacular, but fairly believable. Joel Edgarton’s performance of the villain is the standout, bringing an eerie realism to the picture. The film overall tends to drag on a bit, and some parts of the story just don’t make much sense. Also, the film tries very hard to scare you, with sudden ‘jump’ scenes almost every 5 minutes, which it could have done without (and would have More >
District 9 (2009)
Aug 30th
Review date: 29-Aug-2009
Peter Jackson is known for being behind epic films, and the case isn’t any different with District 9. The low-budget sci-fi action flick was primarily marketed online, but that didn’t stop the masses from packing the theater during a matinee three weeks after the initial US release date. Made on a slim budget of $30 million, the film makes the most out of the mockumentary style filming, CGI effects, and stock footage. What the film lacked in funding it made up for in performance and story. The audience becomes captivated by our hero Wikus and his unlikely relationship More >
13 Tzameti (2005)
Aug 29th
A Game to Die For
13 Tzameti, the French black and white film written and directed by Géla Babluani tells the tale of a young man named Sebastien (George Babluani) who works on home repair jobs in order to support himself and his family. On his latest job, he overhears a private conversation about a “job” promising a big payoff. Intrigued, Sebastien continues his work until the untimely passing of his client. Discovering a secret package containing details about the job owned by the recently diseased, Sebasiten makes the decision to take the place of the departed.
From there on More >
Good Dick (2008)
Aug 28th
Not your typical romantic comedy. It’s shot like the viewer is actually observing the characters first hand. The dialog was real, the story original, and just completely strange situations (a good thing). No cliches here, just two socially awkward characters (with whom we never get their names) with rough pasts that we assume account for their behaviors. One of the best independent films I’ve seen. Also recommended: In Search of a Midnight Kiss.
Rating: 6 out of 7
//Leaving Barstow (2008)
Aug 28th
Leaving Barstow gives us the true depiction of a real average teen growing up in a small town. No happy spoiled kids here. Just the real insight of a 18 year old struggling to make something of his life while dealing with a broken home. Our main character plays the part so well, you really think he’s had these experiences. This was a truly emotional journey that I’m sure many average American teens (or anyone who ever was one) can relate to on some level. A beautiful film.
Rating: 5 out of 7
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