Have we reached so low down the totem pole that we’re now ripping off Eli Roth movies? Is that the definition of desperation or what? “Aftershock” feels like one of those situations with “Poltergeist” where Eli Roth was ghost directing while Nicolas Lopez was credited as director. It’s a half hour of a lame tourist dramedy, followed by an hour of really silly gore and zero direction in its story, all leading in to a finale that shamelessly rips off the final scenes of “The Descent.” Thank goodness “Aftershock” is a merciful ninety minutes.
Category Archives: Movie Reviews
Exhumed (2011)
Director Richard Griffin’s horror thriller about a demented and warped family comprised of people that simply can not leave their home is an often enigmatic, perplexing, but excellent horror film. I often found “Exhumed” to be a brilliant spin on the “Spider Baby” with a Lynchian atmosphere that worked quite often. From the black and white palette, to the intricate play with shadows, “Exhumed” is constricted to one setting, but feels as if we’re in an entirely new and horrific world.
Choosing Sides (2013)
Director Lee Loechler’s comedy short is a hilarious and beautifully acted statement about the lengths parents will go through to bring their child over to their religion. And not as a sense of best intentions, but only for personal victory. As someone who spent his entire life being lured to Catholicism through any means necessary by many, “Choosing Sides” is a hilarious commentary on that moment where some parents begin trying to bring their children over to their faith.
Ruby and the Dragon (2013)
While I really like what “Ruby and the Dragon” seems to be setting out to do, I was never quite sure what director Phillip Jordan Brooks was hinting toward with his resolution. This makes “Ruby and the Dragon” a bit foggy in its intent, and what it’s all supposed to mean. “Ruby and the Dragon” is a short film about a young girl named Ruby who lives in a fantasy world. And why wouldn’t she? Her life is just one miserable event after the other.
Jedi Junkies (2010)
I’m surprised that a documentary titled “Jedi Junkies” about many fans that have a passion for “Star Wars” really seems to hold up its nose at the fandom. There are moments when the documentary wants to idolize the franchise that George Lucas molded, and then veers in to segments where we’re forced to explore the pitfalls of the fandom. There are even moments that seem to revel in exploring how much of a drag being a “Star Wars” fan can be, and how it’s consumed the lives of the people that follow the fandom so devoutly.
The Call (2013)
Director Brad Anderson’s thriller “The Call” is entertaining and unique only thanks to its ludicrous premise, and abundantly stupid characters. While the first half of the film presents glimmers promise with great tension, and taut atmosphere, it falters mid-way and never comes back from the depths of idiocy. Halle Berry is an experienced 911 operator who is tasked with helping a young girl who is being terrorized by a burglar, breaking in to her house. When the burglar kidnaps her, and the young girl is discovered in a shallow grave days later Jordan is traumatized and leaves her job. She blames herself for the girl’s murder. And for good reason. If you advise a victim to hide under the bed and keep quiet, then the phone is accidentally disconnected, why in the hell would you call them back knowing they’re still hiding and risk giving away their location?
Dear Mr. Watterson (2013)
“Tigers will do anything for a tuna fish sandwich!”
I first discovered “Calvin and Hobbes” in high school, where a curious glance in to one of their trade collections led to a love for the comic that’s lasted for many years. “Calvin and Hobbes” ended in 1995, but has continued to be an important part of many people’s lives. From fans, to modern cartoonists, Biller Watterson has left a large legacy behind, after “Calvin and Hobbes” went exploring. “Dear, Mr. Watterson” isn’t just a wonderful and insightful exploration in to the popularity of the comic, but why the comic has been so influential, years after its end.






