Freaks (2019)

Starring: Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, Lexy Kolker, & Amanda Crew

Director: Zack Lipovsky - Rating: R - Score: 2 Stars

In the not so distant future, human evolution takes the next step. Certain people start to develop superhero like powers and are referred to as freaks. They are easy to spot, as often times, after using their powers, they bleed from the eyes. As with anything they don't understand, the government sees these people as a threat and has started to hunt them down. One such family, having recently lost a wife/mother has gone on lock down in a suburban neighborhood, this is their story. After seeing the trailer for this movie I was intrigued, until I realized it was just a rip-off of the X-Men, without the special effects. Basically they promote this thing like it's the next big thing in Science Fiction, when it's just a very old idea that's been done to death. As for the film itself, it takes forever to get going and even longer for you to realize just what the hell is going on. This crazed father is babbling on making no sense and keeping this little girl locked in this house. All she seems to care about is ice cream, more so than the life of her father or her personal safety, the whole thing was just so bizarre. As for the cast, there really wasn't any chemistry, Emile Hirsch was just awful, playing this paranoid babbling idiot. He's paired with Bruce Dern, who is far too old to really do much of anything, and then there's Chole (Lexy Kolker), the little girl stuck in the middle of all it. The bottom line, Freaks is an idea that has been done and done again, with a cast that so vastly different, that really doesn't click on any level. Worst of all it takes so long to get going and explain what's going on. By the time you finally get it, you've really stopped caring. Freaks looked cooled and has a trailer that will suck you in, but ultimately it's a disappointment. 

Angel Has Fallen

Starring: Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Nick Nolte, & Jada Pinkett Smith

Director: Ric Roman Waugh - Rating: R - Score: 5 Stars

When we think of iconic action heroes, the names that come to mind are John McLain, Rambo, or Jack Bauer, but what about Mike Banning? For a third time, Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) has proven himself to be the only thing standing between the U.S. President and assassination, only this time, he's also a target. In the third installment of the fallen series, Mike Banning saves the president from a drone attack, only to wake up in the hospital to find himself under arrest, accused of planning the whole thing. Now Banning must escape and find out who set him up, before they get to him and finish the job they tried to pin on him. Unlike most trilogies, every single one of these films is terrific, and despite different writers and directors, it has never lost it's edge. In choosing a favorite however, I picked this one, because it was so much different than the rest. Not only is Banning on the other side and in the position of trying to save himself as well as the President, but they bring his family into the story. We finally meet his estranged father, played masterfully by Nick Nolte. A paranoid former veteran living in the woods, the elder Banning is an absolute riot and brings much needed levity to a series that already given us so much. People will look at this and say it's just another action movie, just another attempt by Hollywood to continue to cash in on a successful movie, and normally I'd agree, but not this time. Angel Has Fallen not only features the new face of action films, but it also offers edge of your seat action, a compelling and dramatic story, as well as a little bit of humor, all things that you're normally hard pressed to find in just another action film. That's why we're labeling this one a must see movie! 

The School (2018)

Starring: Megan Drury, Will McDonald, Jack Ruwald, & Texas Watterston

Director: Storm Ashwood - Rating: NR - Score: 3 1/2 Stars

Lord of The Flies meets The House On Haunted Hill in the Australian psychological horror thriller, The School. Dr. Amy Wintercraig (Megan Drury) works in a hospital, on the spot where a hundred years ago a school once stood. The school however was burnt down by a trouble child and a lot of people died. As she cares for her comatose son, Dr. Wintercraig dreams of the school and the dead that walk it's decaying hallways, but is she dreaming or is she traveling through purgatory itself? This is one of those indie horror flicks that I felt could have gone either way. The beginning was kind of confusing and the hospital scenes were painfully slow. Things really don't get going until you meet Zac (Will McDonald), who literally makes this movie! McDonald is devilishly good as the charismatic lead of the "bad" kids and really puts on an unbelievable performance. Once Zac and his minions go after the adult intruder, the film becomes a chase through one scary area of the school after another, with surprises and secrets around every corner. A lot of writers would have settled for the secrets of this mysterious haunted school or for the warring groups of children, but the culmination of the two make for a unique paradigm, that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The School definitely takes a while to get going, but once it does, it is one thoroughly enjoyable ride.

Tron: Legacy

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, & Olivia Wilde

Director: Joseph Kosinski - Rating: PG - Score: 3 1/2 Stars

Do you have to completely understand a film to completely enjoy it? It is a question I had to ask myself after watching Tron: Legacy. Despite being released twenty-eight years after the first film, the sequel only offers a brief recap of the original film, and doesn't really provide enough information for those of us who haven't seen the first movie. That being said, what I gathered was that Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) created the most popular video game of it's time, which launched a billion dollar company, but it was more than just a game. There was also a virtual world where life and death battles took place and control of the real world was at stake. Somehow Flynn was trapped by his alter-ego, Clu, and stuck there, until his son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund), receives a message all these years later, and discovers his fathers secret world and also becomes trapped inside. Granted I don't really understand why this world was created in the first place, how "the bad guys" were created, or even who Tron actually is. Never the less, I still enjoyed the action the film has to offer, as well as the incredible special effects. The truth is that for a PG Disney movie, this was an incredibly complicated story, and the real appeal here was the special effects, which were revolutionary ten years ago. As for the cast, I really liked Garrett Hedlund, I thought he had a big future ahead of him, after Four Brothers, but for some reason he doesn't do many films like this and I don't run into him too often. Jeff Bridges on the other hand seemed very disinterested in reprising his role, almost as if he was doing it for a big pay day. Not to mention, the digitized younger alter-ego, Clu, was more than somewhat creepy. Overall, I really didn't get the point of the film, but it was entertaining enough and it killed a few hours, exactly what I was in the mood for at the time I watched it.

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Savages (2012)

Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Blake Lively, & Selma Hayek

Director: Oliver Stone - Rating: R - Score: 3 1/2 Stars

 

We've all seen our share of epic films that are based on the Italian Mafia, but few have done one that is based on the Mexican cartels. Additionally, this story is told from the prospected of a group outside the organization, bullied into working with the cartel. It's no secret that Ben & Chon (Kitsch/Taylor-Johnson) make the best weed in California. Everyone knows that their stuff is the stuff you want, including the Baja Cartel. The cartel go to the pair and make them a very profitable offer, but weary of getting into business with the ruthless organization, Ben & Chon turn them down, but when has the Cartel ever taken no for an answer? I very much dislike Oliver Stone. His films, especially his historical ones, are filled with conspiracy theory and inaccuracies, that people take as fact, and contribute to the ignorance of society. I gave Savages a shot however, because it is based on a novel, and we all know that films that were originally books are the best. Savages is every bit as ruthless and action packed as you'd expect it to be and beyond that it is loaded with star power. As for the story, it is what you'd come to expect from an Oliver Stone film, filled with unexpected twists and turns, but finally in a way that doesn't confuse the audience! Typically Stone's films go over the top and back around again, until no one knows what's going on, but this time, (perhaps the novels influence) the story is never hard to follow, just unpredictable, which is what you want! The filmmakers also so how manage to avoid the problem of too many cooks in the kitchen, despite the enormous cast, something I very much appreciated. The bottom line, Savages isn't Goodfellas or Casino, it isn't even close, but is a rare look inside the business of the cartels. I love how it's told from an outside perspective and that the main star power actually takes a step back for newcomers like Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Some parts of this film are brutal and it is quite long, especially the unrated version, but in my opinion, well worth your time.

Kids In America

Starring: Gregory Smith, Nicole Ritchie, Julie Bowen, & Stephanie Sherrin

Director: Josh Stolberg - Rating: PG-13 - Score: 3 1/2 Stars

Kids In America is more than just another teen movie, it's has a message to spread and came together in a very unique way. Principal Weller (Julie Bowen) is running for state superintendent and she wants her school to be perfect. All the troublemakers have been expelled and every little infraction means a long suspension. No one is happy about it, particularly the students, so they do the only thing they can, fight back! This film is based on a culmination of news stories from around the county, that feature students who were suspended for doing nothing more than expressing their first amendment rights. These stories are incorporated into the film and make up the basis for Weller's suspensions. As for the students, their ring leader is Holden Donovan (Gregory Smith), an honor student, and the last person you'd expect to be leading a student rebellion. I've long been a fan of Gregory Smith and this role was a detour from his normal routine. Smith always plays the sweet, lovable characters like Efram in Everwood or Dove in Rookie Blue, he's not known for comedy or for being the rebel. It was an interesting diversion that he pulls off quite well. The film is further supported by Julie Bowen and Nicole Ritchie, who are also playing roles that are out of their comfort zone. Kids In America is unique in that it's a comedy for teens that actually has a positive message. It also features a cast that is playing characters that they don't usually play, making for an even more enjoyable watch. Don't get me wrong I love comedies like Super Bad and 21 & Over, but it was a nice change of pace to see these kids acting out and getting into trouble for a cause, especially one that's near and dear to my heart.

Trucker

Starring: Michelle Monaghan, Jimmy Bennett, Nathan Fillon, & Benjamin Bratt

Director: James Mottern - Rating: R - Score: 2 Stars

Diane Ford (Michelle Monaghan) lives a solitary life. She loves her job as big rig driver, alcohol, and one night stands with strangers. Her life is exactly how she wants it to be, until he ex gets sick and she's forced to take in her 12 year old son, Peter (Jimmy Bennett), a son she never wanted, and has no idea what to do with. Trucker comes across as an edgy lifetime movie, with the sick ex-husband, the angry woman with the scarred past, and the child who is going to force her to change. Unfortunately, I don't like Lifetime movies, because they are so predictable and one-sided. That is exactly what Trucker is aside from the indiscriminate sex and cursing. I found almost nothing interesting about this film, except for the chemistry between mother and son. Peter is the best part of the film, because he's this weird looking kid in heavy metal shirts, calling his mother out on all of her bull. The things he says to her are pretty shocking and quite funny, and that's the only thing I can really say I enjoyed about this movie. It's clear that the writers were going for this dark, mid-western dramatic thing, that I like to call modern dark noir, (as seen in films like Winter's Bone), but they fall well short. Trucker just doesn't have enough substance to compete with films like that and is predictable to a fault. If I were describe this film in one word, it would be boring, and that is never a good thing.

Timeless

Starring: Abigail Spencer, Goran Visnjic, Matt Lanter, Malcolm Barrett, Paterson Joseph, Sakina Jaffrey, & Claudia Doumit

Seasons: 2 (2016-2018) - Network: NBC - Rating: 5 Stars

Timeless is one of those shows that was so ahead of it's time, that it was largely unappreciated for just how good it was. A devoted cult following managed to keep it alive for a second season and wrap up movie, but with all it had to offer, this show should have gone far beyond that.

With the help of a mysterious donor, tech genius, Connor Mason (Paterson Joseph), has developed a time machine. His goal is to explore where we came from, so hopefully we won't make the mistakes and learn where we're going. His mysterious donors however, have other more nefarious plans for the machine. Learning of these plans, an NSA whistle blower, with nothing to lose, Garcia Flynn (Goran Visnjic) steals the machine. Flynn plans to stop this donor from succeeding with their evil plans, by erasing them from time. This could of course do irreparable damage to the timeline, leaving us all in a world we wouldn't recognize. In response, with the help of Homeland Security, and the small original prototype of the machine, Mason puts together a team with the goal of stopping Flynn and protecting history at all costs.

The team that goes after Flynn is made up of a soldier, a historian, and another tech genius. During the first few episodes, it's difficult to see how such a strange trio would work well together. As time goes on, the chemistry is clear, as it's their differences that brings them together, and makes them such an effective team. Each episode is a trip to another era of American history, that is both exciting and educational. I majored in History, with a focus on American History, and this show has even taught me a thing or two. Timeless combines two of my favorite aspects of Science Fiction, Time Travel and Alternate History into a stunning adventure that can literally take you from one dramatically different time period to another, in the blink of an eye. It is an adrenaline fueled chase through history with everyone and everything on the line, so why didn't it work?

Timeless failed for two reasons, that were easily correctable had the network not rushed it to air without considering all the possibilities, something NBC is unfortunately notorious for doing. First of all, this was a very expensive show to make, with all the sets, costumes, and special effects, meaning it needed to get big ratings in order to survive, so where is the big name star? Timeless had no one of name attached to it, which makes a big difference! Some of these top stars cost a fortune, but they have hundreds of millions of followers across social media, you think some of them might tune in to watch their favorite stars new show? Next the producers seemed to have no concept of demographics. This is an historical science-fiction adventure, your key demographic is going to be men between 18-45, so where are all the woman? I know there aren't a lot of woman across American history, but they could have done something to appeal more to their demographic and improve the ratings.

Timeless is one of the most original shows I've seen come across network television in a very long time. It is well written, exciting, educational, and just fun to watch. You never know where you're going or who you're going to meet. I loved every second of this show, but the networks bottom line is profit, and without ratings, there is no profit, and another amazing show is dead before it even got started.

Southland

Starring: Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, Regina King, Ben McKenzie, Kevin Alejandro, Arija Bareikis, Michael McGrady, Tom Everett Scott, & C. Thomas Howell

Seasons: 5 (2009-2013) - Network: NBC/TNT - Rating: 4 Stars

In 2009, the mind's behind ER, gave the network something they weren't prepared for. A police drama, that was so realistic and ahead of it's time, that the network didn't even know how to promote it. NBC would wind up cancelling it after just 8 episodes, but thankfully someone at TNT saw it's potential and gave us four more incredible seasons.

Southland is an in depth look at the LAPD, in a way that has never been done before or since. Each episode follows patrol units on the beat, gang detectives on the job, and homicide detectives on the case. More than that, it shows you the kind of situations they come in contact with on a daily basis, as well as the struggles they go through in their personal lives, as a result of what happens on the jobs. The show tackles issues of injury, addiction, family trouble, and even PTSD. Additionally the show was done in such a way that all the language and violence was kept in, only bleeped and blurred for television, something that has since been removed on DVD and streaming, adding to the grittiness and rawness of the series.

Every episode focuses on a different set of cops, but in every episode you will see rookie office, Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie) and his training officer, John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz). The chemistry between these two is phenomenal and illustrates just how hard it is to become a cop. You witness all the mistakes, close calls, and shocking moments, up close and uncut, in a way that I've never seen done in a television series before. The detective scenes are equally as intriguing with the gang segments being very reminiscent of HBO's The Wire. Additionally, the homicide cases are well written, and the investigations are so detailed, not rushed the way you sometimes see in shows like Law & Order.

The cast is amazing, the writing is top notch, and the show is more real than anything I've ever seen on television, so why did it only last 43 episodes and get cancelled twice? As I said earlier, when it aired, the language was bleeped and the images were blurred, that's not conducive to keeping an audience happy, especially in today's market. Had this show come out 10 years later, they wouldn't have had to do that and things could have been different. Another flaw I find in the series, is the lack of story lines. Anything that happens in the show, rarely goes beyond two or three episodes. This is a bad thing, because there is nothing to keep you watching. With everything resolved so quickly, if a mildly interested viewer wants to stop watching, they can, because they already found out what happened.

The bottom line, if you enjoy police drama, than this is the show for you. It has a little bit of everything, it is by far the most realistic scripted portrayal of the police, that has ever been done on television, and it is loaded with stars. Every episode will have you on the edge of your seat, and if you're anything like me, you won't be able to stop after just one.

Where Have You Been!?!?!?

It has been TEN long months since the blog has been updated, which I suppose is only fitting, seeing as it's celebrating it's TENTH year! The truth is that when I started this blog, I was in college and had all the time in the world. I am a writer and when I needed a break from my own stuff, I started reviewing movies. The people who read them said they were more unique and to the point then any other reviews they've ever read, and that I should consider starting a blog, so I did!

Once I graduated, I started my own company and a 9-5 job, which gave me little time to write my own stuff, much less do movie reviews, even though I continued to watch a movie or a couple episodes of something every night. Over the years I've tried to keep up, but not only did I get busy, but with over 1000 reviews, the blog got huge and therefore expensive, further limiting just how much I could do.

I've never believed in asking for money for something like this, and having tons of movies I've picked up along the years or been sent copies of to review, I opened an eBay store to help fund the blog. At first it went really well, but supplies ran out fairly quickly. I asked you guys to donate your unwanted DVDs, Blu-Rays, CDs, and Video Games and you came through in a big way! Additionally I saved up the addition funds and bought wholesale movie lots on eBay, which I then turned around and sold individually and today that is how this blog is paid for. If you'd like to donate, I am still accepting donations, and if you'd like to support us, please visit our store - The Ultimate Movie Review Store on eBay! - I price each item out on Amazon and then round them down, so we are literally cheaper than Amazon!

Unfortunately, due to this current health crisis many of us are stuck at home. I have little to do until this passes and I have watched more movies and TV shows in the passed month, than I have in the passed year it seems! I've also gotten back to doing a lot of writing, and with dozens of reviews done, I will be going back to posting four reviews on a weekly basis for as long as I am able.

I really do enjoy writing these reviews and so many of you have told me how it helps you decide what to watch, because lets face it, streaming can be confusing! There are all these menus and rarely does anything have a 1 star or a 5 star rating. Most films are rated at about 3 stars, so how the hell are you supposed to know what's good and what's not? Not to mention their recommendation systems are usually terrible. Personally, I use IMDb's Watchlist feature. It's so simple, when you watch something, just go on IMDb and click add to watchlist. Then on the front page you'll get some pretty decent recommendations. Here is what mine looks like - IMDb Watchlist

Finally, there is a new site that I have found invaluable. You're stuck at home, you want to watch a particular movie or show, but you don't know if it's streaming, where it's streaming, and if you do decide to rent it, where is the cheapest place to get it. Well this site solves that problem - Just Watch - type the title, actor, director, whatever into the search bar and click, it's that simple!

That's all for now, as always I want to thank you guys for sticking around and supporting the blog! Please follow us on Facebook if you aren't already doing so. The Ultimate Movie Review on Facebook! - It is the easiest way to contact me, I also post trailers, movies news, games, just something else to keep you busy during these trying times. Best of health to you and yours, hang in there, things can only get better from here!

The Sasquatch Gang

Starring: Jeremy Sumpter, Justin Long, Addie Land, & Hubbel Palmer

Director: Tim Skousen - Rating: PG-13 - Score: 3 Stars

The story of The Sasquatch Gang is the story of what might have been, if only the producers had gone for the R rating. This unique film tells the story of the days leading up to a major discovery in town, from four different point of view, each stranger than the last. You see, in the woods of this small town, large foot prints and an even larger turd have been found in the woods, meaning one thing, it can only be the legendary big foot! An expert will be brought in to confirm the find, but until then, life continues on normally, or as normally as it can for a town that is perpetually stuck in the late 80s. First of all I love how the film takes place in modern day, but everything from the town, to the hair styles, and even the households seem to be stuck in the 80s, it was an ingenious twist to the story. The Sasquatch Gang is brought to you from the minds behind Napoleon Dynamite, so of course there are unique characters, strange voices, and a cameo by Jon Heder, but what's missing is the raunchiness. Similar to Napoleon Dynamite, this film has a lot of bark, but just no bite, and in my opinion doesn't nearly go as far as it should. Jeremy Sumpter stars and he is one of my favorite young actors in Hollywood. For me, it was a real treat to see one of his earlier film and witness just how far he's come, however he's still doing mostly independent films, and I don't understand why. It's clear even from a movie like this, that he could be doing so much more. The bottom line, The Sasquatch Gang has some funny moments, a couple of really great characters, and a lot of potential, but it doesn't get beyond the cute/silly label.

Flipped (2010)

Starring: Callan McAuliffe, Madeline Carroll, & Rebecca De Mornay

Director: Rob Reiner - Rating: PG - Score: 1 1/2 Stars

Critics have called Flipped, "A true gem", & "an instant classic", so I have to ask, what were they smoking when they watched this movie? The story follows Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe) who has just moved to a new neighborhood with his family. Before he's even gone into the house his new neighbor, Juli Baker (Madeline Carroll) has come over to say hi, and for her it's love at first sight. Bryce, being all of eight years old, finds Juli annoying, but that doesn't stop her from stalking him all the way to high school. Will Bryce always find her annoying or will he eventually feel the same way about her? Well, I think the title of the film is a huge spoiler in and of itself, but that's besides the point. The entire film follows their interactions together, first told from his point of view, and then again from her point of view, making the whole thing very repetitive. The film offers nothing else besides the interactions of these two kids, no side stories, no friends, and even limited family interactions, it's literally just one meeting between Bryce and Juli after another. This is a film by Rob Reiner, the Director of Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, Spinal Tap, and countless other great films! I realize that not everything is going to be a home run, but couldn't he see how boring this movie was? Flipped is slow, repetitive, and even the damn title is a spoiler. This is most definitely one you can skip.

Fern Hill

Starring: Daniel James, David James, Myles Bruce, & Mackenzie Harden

Director: Cole Claassen - Rating: NR - Score: 3 1/2 Stars

Fern Hill is one of those super independent, diamond in the rough films, that you'd be lucky to ever hear about. That's why I always recommend using features like IMDb Watchlist or rating what you watch on streaming sites! By doing so, you will receive suggestions for films you may never otherwise have known about, and that's how I found Fern Hill. The film follows Colin (David James), who's father's plane went down eight years ago. One night Colin has a dream that the answers to what happen to his father lie in a distant part of the Colorado wilderness known as Fern Hill. Along with his three best friends, Colin embarks on a mission, to go out into the wild, and find out what really happened to his father. Fern Hill is a very toned down version of Stand By Me, instead of bodies and guns you get haunted houses and strange loners living in the wilderness. It is most definitely a child friendly film, but at it's core, it's still a terrific coming of age story. All the kids have their own issues that bind them together and their own reasons for wanted to escape on this journey, leading to some terrific chemistry and character development. Perhaps the most impressive thing about this film however, is that all four boys are local children and were not in fact actors. Many of them haven't even done anything since this film, making for a very unique cast that feels more real than almost any other coming of age film you will ever see. I also enjoyed the way it was shot, as a low budget independent film, there is nothing flashy, fancy, or overly edited. Fern Hill is just an extremely real, enjoyable, feel good film, with scenes that will take you back to your own childhood.