Friday The 13th Maybe Delayed But At least There Will Be One

It looks like Friday The 13th maybe delayed a bit... But at least we'll get a chance to see him hack up a whole new set of campers!

That'r right folks, as it turns out, according to: Bloody-Disgusting, that the producers over at Platinum Dunes, 'Brad Fuller' & 'Andrew Form' may have pushed the due date for the movie up again from it's planned November release date to May 13th 2016... Is that a bad thing? I mean how cool is it that we are getting the 13th movie in the franchise on Friday the 13th?

Now this movie maybe running through some troubles, but be patient fright fans, because lets be honest... In the world of the master horror icons, lets recap recent times... We got the barely seen, (Doug Bradley-less), Hellraiser: Revelations (2011), A Child's Play movie that seems to have had almost no promotion upon release... Michael Myers... He seems to have been out of the lime light for a little over half a decade... And after the bust of, A Nightmare On Elm Street (2010)... It looks like the next Friday The 13th is going to be a little delayed... But Jason is coming in to save the day!

Here is a couple of trailers to wet your whistle with while you wait!

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Disturbed: This Moment (2011) - Song Review

Official Score = 2 1/2 Devils

I will be honest and say that I really like Disturbed... They are a great heavy metal band that actually gave me a lot of hope in a world that has been awash in popular music that includes teeny bopper singers that are meant to get 14 year old girls excited, (take that anyway you want... And trust me when I say that you are probably right... Sad!)

But for headbangers like myself from way back, seeing the downfall of great music in the late 90s through the early part of the new millennium was not only sad, but it was maddening, and thus I was glad to find bands like, 'Disturbed'... Now I will be honest and say that I was pretty sad to see that they have kind of gone on to other projects... Still they do rock!

I must say that, 'The Moment', from their album, 'The Lost Children' (2011), may not be the best, but it is not bad!

'This Moment' may not be the best song they have done, but it certainly is not the worst!

 Don't get me wrong, this song is fun, and it is cool that it was used in the soundtrack to, Transformers (2007), but it didn't have that pulse pounding element that most of the rest of their songs have... Most of their songs are like a watching a good horror movie or reading a good horror novel in and of itself, but this song is sort of like, 'listening to the end credits...' Definitely worth listening to if you like to wait for everyone else to leave the theater first... But otherwise kind of useless...

For the fans, the lyrics to: The Moment, by: Disturbed!

You will remember this moment as you dig into me
And from your smile now it seems as if you liked it
You'd better cherish this moment as you dig into me
You'll never get another chance at this

I won't stand another minute of your questioning me
You hear me, bitch, stop the interrogations over
I can't handle the feeling of your pestering me
How would you like to make my favorite list

No, you can't reneg
I love to see you beg

Dream this moment as you run away
You will only separate me from all I believe
This moment in brutality
You're the one who kept on pushing till I made you bleed

It seems your pride has been stolen since you stood up to me
I'll tell you now you know I think I really like it
So, learn a lesson from someone
Who will never repeat the many tragic mistakes of his past

I hope you savor this moment as you're still on your feet
So keep it quiet now, I think you're gonna like it
Words have their consequences when they're spoken to me
Better be careful when you're writing checks

Don't you question how
I stand above you now

Dream this moment as you run away
You will only separate me from all I believe
This moment in brutality
You're the one who kept on pushing till I made you bleed

Now, you know the answer, save yourself from danger
I cannot forget how all of this began
I know you know the answers, save yourself from danger
Beaten by a stranger, blood still on his hands

Dream this moment as you run away
You will only separate me from all I believe
This moment in brutality
You're the one who kept on pushing till I made you bleed

5 Great Video Game Series That Got Their Starts A Generation Ago

That's right folks, with all of the modern games that are coming out at such a rapid rate, that we some times forget where some of these staple franchises have come from, and so I thought that I would remind some of us out there where these modern games got their start:

At number 5: Castlevania.

For more information on this game please check out these scenes from, 'Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow 2' (2014), and 'Castlevania' (1986):

http://youtu.be/ENSDrPpFp-Y

http://youtu.be/pJk-zhp8aA0

At number 4: Contra.

For more information on this game please check out these scenes from, 'Hard Corps Uprising' (2011), and 'Contra' (1987):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzQKF9LUQ90

http://youtu.be/ZDOrp_TMGfA

At number 3: Mega Man.

For more information on this game please check out these scenes from, 'Mega Man 10' (2010), and 'Mega Man' (1987):

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnGfx0dfi7g&w=420&h=315]

 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaS1c-16frU&w=560&h=315]

At number 2: Sonic The Hedgehog.

For more information on this game please check out these scenes from, 'Sonic Boom' (2014), and 'Sonic The Hedgehog' (1991):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAhNkZWvZJ4

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3ny0Pr09S8&w=420&h=315]

At number 1: Street Fighter.

For more information on this game please check out these scenes from, 'Street Fighter X Tekken' (2012), and 'Street Fighter' (1987):

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_dM7SWLBTQ&w=420&h=315]

http://youtu.be/KLQ1aCOSQos

Skrillex: Cinema (2011) - Song Review

[caption id="attachment_330" align="alignright" width="220"] Official Score = 2 1/2 Devils[/caption]

Skirellx... Man so far I have to say that I am just extremely impressed with this guys masterful work!  I mean it has been rare for me to say that I have been a fan of techno, (I used to find the repetitive beats of older techno to be extremely irritating,) but since listening to Skrillex tear it up with what I could only describe as (alternative techno), to be both fun, and as an artist myself, a little bit inspiring!

Well this latest song I actually found out about, by mistake when I was looking for another song, and in all truth, I have to say that this song is not the worst song I have ever heard, it is also not a bad song, it just isn't a personal favorite of mine, that song being, 'Cinema'... A remixed version of a Benny Benassi song that first aired on WWE in 2011!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="472"] Skrillex doing, 'Cinema'.[/caption]

Now the truth is, is this song is not bad... It has all of the same beats and style that I would attribute to Skrillex and his mad genius, the only problem that I have found with this song is that it is not particularly original...

Oh don't get me wrong the song itself isn't literally every song that he has ever produced, and again it is not a particularly bad song, it is just not all that different, the tone for that song feels just about the same as, 'Bangarang' or even, 'My Name Is Skrillex'... In the end, I would say the greatest quality of Skrillex is his originality in his music and how he arranges it, and lacking that... You might get a good song, I just am not sure it is the, 'right song'

Anyway, this song does have it's moments, and if you give it a try, you might find the same thing as well!

http://youtu.be/k6lVhGeyXuw

Scream 4 (2011) - Movie Review

[caption id="attachment_325" align="alignright" width="263"] Official Score = 3 Devils[/caption]

In 1996 there was a soon to be legendary teen slasher movie, that would go on to define the slasher movie horror sub genre for the 1990s with the movie, Scream (1996)!

Believe it or not this movie (which was made by Wes Craven), had actually meant to be a spoof of previous slasher movies... The only problem is that it wasn't funny... As a matter of fact, despite the fact that this movie was not really all that funny, it actually turned out to be a piece of cinematic genius that would define that type of horror movie for the rest of the 1990s!

Why was this movie so defining? Well simply put I think it was because it added an element of mystery to the movie... What I mean by this is that this movie had a certain style and panache that definitely defined the 90s (as opposed to your usual Texas Chainsaw Massacre, or Friday The 13th, being more of a slash and grab!)

Now I do like both of those types of movies, but in this case, and I do think that this was largely due to the direction of Wes Craven (who helped define the mystery/slasher horror movie) and the writing of Kevin Williamson (who took it to a new level in the 1990).

I will also say that Hitchcock helped to trail blaze this type of movie, with that said though, Hitchcock's style vs what you would see in Scream are two different movies (i,e. with Hitchcock (as was the sign of the times) there was more mystery then horror, and with what you see in Scream, it is more of a balance of horror vs mystery!)

The reason that I mention all of this is that in 2011, Scream 4 was released in to theaters (unfortunately I did end up missing it then), but I recently saw it fresh... And I gotta say that this one is an interesting one...

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="241"] A fun one![/caption]

You see, this movie (which would reunite Kevin Williamson, Wes Craven, and the original cast members that were in the first 3 movies) told the story of how after many years, Sidney Prescott (Played by: Neve Campbell), comes back to her home town of Woodsboro during the anniversary of the original Woodsboro massacre as part of her publicity tour for her self help book...

What she doesn't know though, is that she isn't the only one that has come home... You see, it turns out that Ghostface has decided to come home to remake the legendary original story line in ways that she, nor Dewey (Played by: David Arquette) or his wife and fellow survivor of the previous massacres Gale Weathers (Played: Courtney Cox) may not be ready to combat!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Ghostface and Gail Weathers are just two of the original party players that have come together to reunite for the anniversary of the original massacre![/caption]

Another thing that I thought was kind of cool was the introduction of some of the talent that has been making waves on both the big screen and the small screen, like Hayden Panettiere, (Heroes), Emma Roberts (Nancy Drew) & Rory Culkin (The Good Son) to name a few!

Also I thought it was cool how they have utilized talented veteran actors and actresses like Marley Shelton (Planet Terror), and Anthony Anderson (The Departed)!

Now the unfortunate side of this movie (and I hope this movie does properly put the Scream franchise to rest), is A: This movie was definitely dated, and all though it was quite cool to enjoy a classic 90s style teen slasher... In the end, this movie unfortunately tried to re-create that 90s magic, while incorporating elements to make it fresh and new, yet failing to do so! B: I mentioned above that I hope this movie effectively allows this franchise to Rest In Peace... Well that is because this movie has gone everywhere it could... I mean the only directions they can take that I could think of would be to either 1. would be to add the same elements that made the original 3 great (which has been played out), or 2. to have Ghostface go after some other group of teenagers... Although if they do that then it will probably end up being as horrible as the second sequel in the, 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' series.

In the end, I am a fan of the series, and I definitely think if you are a fan of the series that you might like it as well!

http://youtu.be/UlaZfOiGaCU

The Thing (2011) - Movie Review

[caption id="attachment_325" align="alignright" width="263"] Official Score = 3 Devils[/caption]

John Carpenter (Halloween)… What can I say about the guy… I mean this guy is most definitely a true legend in the horror/science fiction genres! (I would go so far as to say that Halloween (1978) (a movie which he directed) was one of the first movies that helped me to become a true and long standing fan of horror movies!)

Now the reason that I mention him in this is that because besides directing true classics like, ‘Halloween’, or ‘Big Trouble In Little China’… He also directed the remake to a classic Howard Hawks movie that would eventually become so popular that people who, ‘HATE’ horror, and are not interested in Science Fiction still know of this movie… This movie of course is the movie… The Thing (1982)…

Now this movie which is a remake of the original, The Thing From Another World (1951) and told the story of how a group of American Researchers in the Antarctic end up having to destroy a Norwegian Helicopter, after it starts causing problems in the American Camp, while the Norwegian’s are trying to kill this fleeing dog (don’t worry, there is a lot more about this dog…) Anyway the American’s destroy this chopper, and as they go to investigate what the Norwegians are up to, they come across an Alien specimen that will eventually infect the team, and pit them in a struggle between their lives and their deaths, as well as the whole of the human race!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="216"] Definitely a fun one![/caption]

As for, The Thing (2011), this movie is a prequel that stars: Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Final Destination 3), Joel Edgerton (King Arthur), Ulrich Thomsen (Hitman), Eric Christian Olsen (Not Another Teen Movie), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (The Bourne Identity), Trond Espen Seim (Fallen Angels), & Jorgen Langhelle (Elling), and tells of the story leading up to Carpenter’s original movie!

You see, this movie tells the story of how after falling through the ice, the Norwegian research team end up finding an Alien space craft under the ice as well as an Alien himself!

So they end up creating a research team that is comprised of a few Americans (and although it is not conclusive, I suspect a Brit) to dig the craft and the Alien up… The only problem is that once they do so, they ultimately end up unlocking Pandora’s box, and waking up the Alien who will proceed to infect this crew in the same way that it infects the next crew, and if they can’t stop it… Well let’s be honest… No one can!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="553"] The team after they pulled up the Alien...[/caption]

Now for the bad part... this movie does seem to lack for a certain element of originality (I,e… the shot where they first burn an infected person in the snow in this new movie is almost the exact same shot that Carpenter used for his… The characters, ‘Sam Carter’ and, ‘R.J. Macready’ seem to be a little to similar to be coincidence. Also, although they did a great job in re-creating what the burnt out parts that were seen of the, ‘Norwegian Camp’ by the Americans in the first one would have looked like had they not been burned out… the rest of the set I suspect was probably what was used by Carpenter in his movie... Also, I did like the fact that they tried to use pistols in this movie, they still used Flame Throwers in this one (if you have seen the first one, then you will understand why I am asking, ‘does no one have a rifle in these movies’?

In the end, albeit the fact that this movie is not entirely original, it is a fun one, and I do hope to see the what is next for, ‘The Thing’…

 

http://youtu.be/UKjErC2JLQc

Chris Hemsworth... An Unstoppable Power House

[caption id="attachment_2363" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Chris Hemsworth in the role that made him a super star![/caption]

You know, one of the things that I have learned about the entertainment industry as time has gone on, and the further and further away that I get from those entertainers that I watched growing up, go from being the hottest new artist in their respective industries, to being the seasoned veterans (and sadly a few of them beginning that slow decent toward retirement), that the entertainment industry is a revolving door for artists...

A great example of this for me is the heavy metal band, 'Metallica'... Now I have absolutely loved their music since I was in High School (they are personally my favorite band of all time!) But to me, with all of the images I have seen of them, they have always looked... well not always like they were in their 20s or anything, but they never looked like truly aged... And I happened to see a picture of them recently... And they didn't looks like really old or anything, but they no longer looked like youngish head bangers, but like older seasoned musicians!

With that said though, since the new millennium I have seen a lot of actors and actresses come in and replace those that were the hot new actors and actresses in Hollywood... And a lot of them have been pretty good... Their have also been a few that I will admit that have been pretty awful... But the problem is that non of them have struck me as truly spectacular... Until now!

[caption id="attachment_2364" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Chris Hemsworth as, 'Thor' with Robert Downey Jr. as, 'Iron Man' in, 'The Avengers'... A good example of an actor who got his start in the 80s and another in the new millennium...[/caption]

Chris Hemsworth (Thor)... The truth is, is one for one every movie I have ever seen of his, I have absolutely always loved... Rather it be, Thor (2011), or even, The Cabin In The Woods (2011), I have found that everything that he has done has been truly a powerhouse performance!

Now the truth is, is when I first saw, Thor, I wasn't a huge fan of the movie... But that wasn't because of his role in the movie, no in this case I found that Mr. Hemsworth really lead a very commanding performance in the role.. And I found him really believable as the sorta of rich kid... 'God' that kind of took his role as the heir to, 'Asgard' and his path from that in to the responsible eventual leader!

And I found that he has held a very commanding leadership role in almost all of the films that I had seen him in... And the truth is, is at one point I began to wonder if he could only do well in a leadership role, but then I saw, The Avengers (2012)... And boy was I wrong!

[caption id="attachment_2365" align="aligncenter" width="640"] 'Thor' (Chris Hemsworth' with some of the other, 'Avengers'[/caption]

You know I thought because he was only in those leadership roles, that he might end up either intentionally or unintentionally stealing the show, or stepping on the other casts toes... (so to speak), but the truth is, is I found that he did not do that at all, and that he worked very well in a role where there really was not a primary role, but that all of the main cast was as important as the other... And he really proved himself in that capacity as well!

So in the end, I have to say that I was absolutely truly impressed with this powerhouse actor, and if you haven't seen any of his work yet, then why not check it out, I found him to be a fun actor, and if you check out his work, then you might find the same thing as well!
For more information on his work, please enjoy these trailers:

http://youtu.be/NsIilFNNmkY

http://youtu.be/UGWhXL-ADGY

http://youtu.be/UoqlBHSePw0

Curious Goods: Where Are The Now

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Louise Robbey (as Micki Foster), Chris WIggins (as Jack Marshak), & John D. LeMay (As Ryan Dallion) in the classic Horror TV series, 'Friday The 13th: The Series'.[/caption]

On October 3rd 1987 producer Frank Mancuso Jr. (Friday The 13th Part 2) along with, Louise Robey (Raw Deal) as, 'Micki Foster'', Chris Wiggins (Murder By Decree) as, 'Jack Marshak', John D. LeMay (Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday) & R.G. Armstrong (Children Of The Corn) as, 'Louis Vendredi' would release to the world a little known show that would go on to be a cult favorite among the legions of fans that this show still draws today... That show being, 'Friday The 13th: The Series'!

Well folks, besides Frank Mancuso's role in the production of this series, this series is not really affiliated or connected to the series, as Jason has never made it in to the show, nor has there been much of any interchange between the show and the movies for the cast from the movies... Never the less, it is a truly kick ass show... And I thought you might like to know where the staff of, 'Curious Goods' (The base of operations in the show) are now!

1. Actress and Musician, Louise Robey would go on after the show to have a role in the 1992 thriller, Play Nice, in which she would play, Jill Crane/Rapunzel... Sadly though this seems to have spelled the retirement for Louise Robey from acting...
As of last report, Ms. Robey was still working on various photography and music projects.

[caption id="attachment_2279" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Louise Robey in a scene from, 'Friday The 13th: The Series'![/caption]

2. As for John D. LeMay... He ended his career on the show a little early, but his work on the show led him to be the only cast member to date to ever have appeared in a, 'Friday The 13th' movie, having appeared in, Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday (1993)...
Since his time working on the show, Actor John D. LeMay has continued to work his craft in both the big screen and the small screen as well as going behind the camera when he directed what appears to be the only episode of L'Chaim L.A. to date...

[caption id="attachment_2280" align="aligncenter" width="450"] John D. LeMay in a scene from, 'Friday The 13th: The Series'.[/caption]

3. Chris Wiggins (who played, 'Jack Marshak') already had an extensive acting resume when he was cast for 'Friday The 13th,' and continued on with his work, with his last credit to date being the role of, 'Cornelius' in the children's TV series, 'Babar and the Adventures of Badou' for it's 2010 - 2011 episode.

[caption id="attachment_2281" align="aligncenter" width="416"] Chris Wiggins in a scene from, 'Friday The 13th: The Series'![/caption]

4. Steve Monarque... He would end up playing, 'Johnny Ventura' a man who would later replace John D. LeMay's, 'Ryan Dallion' on the show, as some one that is on the same quest with Micki to find the cursed items.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="299"] Steve Monarque in a scene from, 'Friday The 13th: The Series'![/caption]

After the show, actor Steven Monarque has continued to act, but he has also branched out in to writing & directing on screen as well as on the stage, as a matter of fact his play, 'Free Country' ended up winning, 'Best Play' at the, 'Strawberry One Act Play Festival' and won best film at the, 'New York International Film Festival' in 2011! As of most recent, it looks like the founder of, 'MonaVision Films' is working on his latest writing and directing project called, 'Please Say A Command'... A short film starring: Jerry Stiller (Seinfeld), which is being slated for release in 2014!

5. Last but certain not least veteran actor,'R.G. Armstrong' (who played, ' Louis Vendredi' in the series). This guy had a prolific career before the release of this show, and continued to work steadily up til about 2006... Unfortunately though, it looks like in 2012 R.G. Armstrong passed away...

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="642"] R.G. Armstrong in a scene from, 'Friday The 13th: The Series'![/caption]

In the end, this show may have ended years ago, but the characters and the actors that made this show a cult success will live on in the hearts and mind of the legions of fans that still exist to thus date!

http://youtu.be/EPgvcnp1F5g

Thor (2011) - Movie Review

[caption id="attachment_325" align="alignright" width="263"] Official Score = 3 Devils[/caption]

These days have to be a pretty exciting time for Marvel... I mean with the mega success of, The Avengers (2012), and their equally successful individual movies based on the Heroes that make up, 'The Avengers'... And with the slow resurrection of the series that helped Marvel really catapult in to the world of movies permanently... You just have to be impressed!

Now before I go on I should be honest and say that growing up I was a comic book fan... But the truth is, is if I had to choose between, 'The Avengers' or, 'The X-Men', I would have to say that, 'The X-Men' were always my favorite... But I will say that, 'The Avengers' were always pretty bad ass as well, (with, 'Thor' and, 'The Hulk' being 2 of my favorite characters...)

And that is why I was surprised the first time I saw, Thor (2011)... I don't know, I mean maybe it was because the movie took a decidedly different turn then the comic, I'm not really sure, but for whatever reason I just have to admit that I was very... 'meh', about the whole thing, that was until I saw the movie for the second time!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] 'Thor' (Chris Hemsworth) with his father, 'Odin' (Anthony Hopkins) in, 'Asgard'![/caption]

You see this movie, which was written by: Ashley Edward Miller (X-Men: First Class),  Zack Stentz (Agent Cody Banks), Don Payne (Thor: The Dark World) & Directed by: Kenneth Brannaugh (Hamlet), Joss Whedon (Angel). Starring: Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers), Natalie Portman (Star Wars: - Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace), Tom Hiddleston (Crimson Peak), Anthony Hopkins (Silence Of The Lambs), Stellan Skarsgård (The Glass House), Kat Dennings (Day One), Clark Gregg (Marvel's: Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Colm Feore (The Chronicles Of Riddick) & Idris Elba (Prometheus), tells the story of how a young and some what arrogant, 'Thor' (Chris Hemsworth), ends up going on a quest to the, 'Frost Giant' planet of, 'Jotunheim' after the Frost Giants attempt to breach, 'Asgard' and steal back the, 'Casket Of Ancient Winters' (an artifact of great power and importance to the Frost Giants...)

Well after the massive defeat that Thor and his soldiers suffered there, Thor and his soldiers end up going back to Asgard only after, 'Odin' comes to their rescue... Because of this, Odin ends up banishing Thor out of Asgard and down to Earth along with his hammer... (But powerless.) While he is there of course, he is seriously out of place... That is until he meets, 'Jane Foster' (Natalie Portman), and her research staff... And starts to learn how to fit in...

[caption id="attachment_2012" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Thor as he is trying to get his hammer away from the, 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' agents that are studying it![/caption]

During this time though, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) decides to seize the throne of, 'Asgard' when Odin goes in to his sleep, and when he learns that he is actually the son of the King of the Frost Giants and not Odin's son, Loki adopts a plan that will not only destroy his true home world, but would also destroy the brother he was so envious of, and hopefully gain the love and affection that he always wanted from, 'Odin'.

I mentioned earlier that this movie for me was better the second time, well the truth is, is if you are like me, then you like special effects movies, but are not a fan of movies that are just butchered with to much CGI.  The truth is, is when I first saw this movie I couldn't see past that, but when I saw this for the second time, I found that in truth that this movie truly was a fun one, and well worth it, and in all honesty I guess really my main critique on this movie is just how much they changed the story between the movie and the comics!

In the end though, if you haven't already checked this movie out yet, then I would say, 'give it a try', you may end up having a better experience then I did the first and the second time!

http://youtu.be/JOddp-nlNvQ

State Of Emergency (2011) - Movie Review

[caption id="attachment_325" align="alignright" width="263"] Official Score = 3 Devils[/caption]

Rarely do movie's truly impress me in the way that the classics have... I mean don't get me wrong there are definitely some truly awesome Horror and Science Fiction movies that have come out during this time that in my opinion really truly do kick some absolutely amazing ass! But there has not been a lot out there that have just for me matched up to a classic Wes Craven (Scream) movie, or a John Carpenter (Halloween) classic... Or heck, even a George A. Romero (Night Of The Living Dead) movie...

And speaking of George A. Romero, his Zombie movies I have found universally to be truly spectacular on a whole different level! I mean the gore is great, and the acting is spectacular, but the way he sets up the story through out the movie is truly chilling in a way that almost makes you see the Zombie apocalypse through this horror legends eyes!

And that is just part of the reason why, State Of Emergency (2011) was such a truly awesome film!

Written & Directed by: Turner Clay (Interception), starring: Jay Hayden (A Warrior's Heart), Andy Stahl (The Patriot), Tori White (Desert Of Blood), Scott Lilly (Drifter: Henry Lee Lucas) & Kathryn Todd Norman.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="470"] These guys are playing a very special game...[/caption]

This is the interesting story of how a small town on the East Coast becomes the location for the start of the end of the of the world...

You see this movie tells the story of Jim (Jay Hayden), a small town man who is living a small town life, but who with his fiancee is hoping to make a break for it and leave their small town trappings for the big city... There is only one problem, you see the day that he proposed to his girlfriend is the day that will change his life and the life of everyone around him when he discovers that not only is he and his girl friend at the epicenter of the end of the world, but that they are at the epicenter of the, 'Zombie Apocalypse'!

Now as more and more people are turning in to  Zombies, Jay tries to escape with his fiancee... Only to end up with his fiancee dying and he eventually taking shelter at the warehouse of a town person, and along with a couple of other people that have held up there as well!

And as the military is coming to their rescue, it will be up to Jay and his group to try and outlast the Zombie Apocalypse and wait for the military to arrive to rescue them before they join in with the rest of the townsfolk in the party that no one will ever forget!

In the end I could tell you a lot of reasons why this movie is truly amazing, but when it comes down to it, from the acting to the story, this movie just really reminds me of what is great about Romero movies, but with a great modern twist that is worth checking out!

http://youtu.be/hHoMvVE0Oho

Battle Los Angeles (2011) - Movie Review

[caption id="attachment_385" align="alignright" width="300"] Official Score = 2 Devils[/caption]

A few years ago Hollywood had a brief love affair with re-igniting the Alien invasion story concept, what with having released a remake to Orson Welles' (Citizen Kane) 1953 classic, War Of The Worlds, with Tom Cruise (Minority Report), and Skyline (2010) with Eric Balfour (24), to name a few...

Now for the most part it seems like it has been universally a bust... But there was one movie in there that I personally thought was pretty spectacular!

That movie of course being, Battle Los Angeles (2011):

Written by: Christopher Bertolini (Madso's War) and Directed by: Jonathan Liebesman (Ninja Turtles). Starring: Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), Michelle Rodriguez (Machete), Ramon Rodriguez (Harlem Hostel), and Bridget Moynahan (Noise).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Ssgt Nanz as he is preparing to go war with Aliens![/caption]

Battle Los Angeles is a fun tale of how Staff Seargent Michael Nantz (Eckhart), a veteran military officer who is about to retire from the service... That is until it looks like the Earth is being hit by a weird meteor shower!

What I mean by this is that these meteors start slowing down as they get closer and closer to the Earth!

You see it turns out that these meteors are actually an Alien invasion fleet that has come to take over! So now with Staff Sergeant Nantz's retirement having been rescinded, he and his new team are sent in to the battle zone in an effort to take back the city of Los Angeles, and help begin to stop this invasion from continuing!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Army as they go to war with the Alien invaders![/caption]

Now on the plus side, this movie has amazing special effects, to the point where when the humans are battling with the aliens in one of their apocalyptic battles, it almost brought tears to my eyes seeing how well made these scenes were!

This movie also has a great cast, I mean Aaron Eckhart is really proving himself as an man of action... So to speak... Michelle Rodriguez has proven herself to be a kick ass woman who can kick some major ass as a pivitol member of a tactical in the majority of the movies I have seen her in, and this one's no different! And lastly I did want to mention the awesome direction...

As a matter of fact, the only real draw back to this movie is that the story is really kind of grossly subpar! What I mean by this is that there is no real character development amongst any of the actors, in the posters they show what looks like the Aliens showing up at very points, in various area of the planet for decades, but never explain that, and also in the end you don't really care much for the people that these military officers are saving beyond the symbolism of the American Military being there to save their citizens from the enemies of the United States... Which is cool in real life, but in a movie is just not enough for me!

In total, this movie is definitely worth viewing at least once!

http://youtu.be/CWPkJD0YHeM

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) - Movie Review

[caption id="attachment_390" align="alignright" width="178"] Official Score = 1 Devil[/caption]

A few years ago when I first saw Iron Man (2008), I heard of a rumor that the plan for Iron Man, was to have him have his own individual movie series, but then to eventually create a sort of compilation movie, which would include, Thor, The Incredible Hulk & Captain America & the rest of The Avengers crew as well!

Now at the time I figured that the rumor would mean that there was going to be a whole slew of new superhero movies that would be coming out, including movies for, 'Thor', 'Captain America', and the rest of the, 'Avengers' crew from the epic comic book series from the epic Marvel Comic book series...

At the time though I didn't quite believe it, what with the fact that there were at the time only two, 'Incredible Hulk', movies and one, 'Iron Man' movie...

Boy was I wrong! I mean since then there has been another, 'Iron Man' movie, and, 'Thor' came out in 2011!

The only one that was really left was, 'Captain America', and low and behold... Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) was pretty much the last cog in the machine to be put in to place before the studios would start making, The Avengers!

Written by: Christopher Markus (You Kill Me), Stephen McFeely (The Life And Dead Of Peter Sellers) & Directed by: Joe Johnston (The Wolfman). Starring: Chris Evans (The Avengers), Hayley Atwell (The Return Of Captain Nemo), Sebastian Stan (Black Swan), Tommy Lee Jones (Men In Black), Hugo Weaving (The Matrix), Dominic Cooper (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), and Toby Jones (The Mist).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Captain America (Chris Evans) as he has gone to war![/caption]

Captain America: The First Avenger, tells the story of a very patriotic young man by the name of, 'Steve Rogers' (Evans), who during World War 2, tries at every chance that he can to join the Army, but usually ends up failing for medical reasons!

That is until one night, when while on a double date with his best friend Bucky Buchanan (Stan), and his girl, Rogers decides to split away from the pack and try his hand again at signing up for the Army... This time he actually makes it in!

You see, there is a German scientist that is working with a special research unit of the United States Army and billionaire, Howard Stark (Cooper), in an effort to create a genetic super soldier!

Well the good news is, that the experiment is a success and actually makes young, scrawney Captain Steve Rogers in to a large power house super soldier!

The only problem is that during the experiment, Doctor Abraham Erskine (Played by: Stanley Tucci), the person who is the project director ends up being shot by a Nazi spy that had infiltrated the ranks of the guests that had been invited to watch the experiment!

Now instead of doing it right and sending Captain Rogers in to the war to kick some ass, the government decides to send him on a USO tour as, 'Captain America' to promote American values and the positive side of going to war against Nazi Germany...

That is until one day while entertaining the troops in Italy, Rogers learns that his friend Bucky had been taken prisoner by the forces of, 'Hydra' (An organization which is controlled by a Nazi by the name of Johann Schmidt 'A.K.A The Red Skull' (Weaving).

After Captain Rogers rescues these soldiers from the forces of Hydra, the permanently christened, 'Captain America', is given his own crew, and is sent behind enemy lines to destroy, 'Hydra'!

Now the truth is, is I have to admit that this movie was pretty disappointing to me, some of the story was unbelievable beyond the point of my tolerance, (to the point where I am pretty convinced that the ending was created in an effort to throw Captain America in to, 'Present Day' New York.)

Also I have always enjoyed a good World War 2 war movie, but this one was just bland!

http://youtu.be/-J3HfllvXWE

Absentia (2011) - Movie Review

[caption id="attachment_322" align="alignright" width="258"] Official Score = 1 1/2 Devils[/caption]

Written And Directed by: Mike Flanagan (Still Life). Starring: Katie Parker (Cut), Courtney Bell (Mad Men), Dave Levine (Asylum), Morgan Peter Brown (Piggies), and Justin Gordon (We Were Soldiers).

The truth is, is that movies in which someone disappears due to supernatural causes are usually quite enjoyable... In all of these types of movies.... Absentia (2011) is definitely one of them...

Absentia tells the story of a woman by the name of, Tricia (Bell). Now this woman is pregnant and is about to attempt to move on with her life after her husband disappears without a trace seven years previous!

For her to be able to do so, her sister, 'Callie' (Parker) shows up in town to help her sister get the papers in order for her sister to have her husband declared legally, 'Dead In Absentia', Callie is also there to help get Tricia moved out of her apartment and in to a newer and better location!

During the first evening though Tricia begins to see her missing husband as a demonic entity, and during the next morning, while Callie is out jogging, she comes upon a man who looks like he is probably beaten up pretty bad!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Tricia's husband has just come home to say hello![/caption]

Later on that evening, thinking that this guy was probably homeless, Callie comes back to the tunnel where she saw the guy she thought was homeless. When she gets there though, she decides to leave the food that she had prepared for him in the tupperware on the ground.

As time goes on and more and more strange things happen to both Callie and Tricia, and after the mysterious re-appearance of Tricia's husband, 'Daniel', these two sisters are going to discover something that is going to change both of their lives forever!

Now the truth is, is that the special effects are pretty descent, cinematography is definitely reminiscent of Traffic (2000), but done in a right way. Also I thought the dynamic between Courtney Bell and Katie Parker was really cool, also I thought that Katie Bell and Justin Gordon in the whole did a great job in this movie... That's the plus side!

The minus side of all this is that, the character development for and amongst everyone else was pretty sub par, to the point where outside of the connection between Courtney Bell and Katie Parker, and the screen time that Katie Parker and Justin Gordon shared, I really didn't think that anyone else related to each other very well. I also didn't think the acting was very good by almost anyone.

Also this story is so disjointed on rather or not there is a super natural force that is looking to terrorize the people in this neighborhood or, if it is bland and normal...

So in the end, this movie is alright, but not great...

http://youtu.be/xLAJyimGgPo