One of the major highlights of “Mallas, MA” is the immense direction from director Sean Meehan. Part of the 48 Hour Film Project, “Mallas, MA” feels like a feature length film busting from the seams of its short film trappings, and while the film itself is fine, I wanted more. Surely, the idea of ghost hunters getting more than they bargained for has been done, but there could be a real unique turn here about crises of conscience and respecting the dead, in the end. “Mallas, MA” benefits from the incredible direction from Sean Meehan who just has a clear visual idea of what he wants this film to be.
Category Archives: Movie Reviews
A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)
I am of the opinion that it would have been an excellent idea to pass the “Die Hard” franchise over from John McClane to his daughter Lucy. That would not only have been a fantastic move for an iconic franchise but breathed fresh air in to a stale movie series. Mary Elizabeth Winstead could have proven herself as an action heroine, the series could have revived the idea that females can lead action movies, and we could have visited a brand new character from the McClane legacy who could have brought a bold new angle to the “Die Hard” series. Sadly, casting females in action movies is still considered bold and new. The producers missed out on a golden opportunity to really change the genre as a whole. Instead we’re given this.
Smashed (2012)
Actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead has maintained a steady stream of notable genre work for many years and has shown herself to be a very good actress with enough charisma and enthusiasm to help carry genre gems like “Sky High” and “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.” On the flipside, Winstead has also garnered a huge fan base (me included) thanks to her model work and her incredible beauty and sex appeal. With “Smashed” Ms. Winstead seems intent to not only show that she’s much more than a pretty face, but proves to her audience that she’s so much more than a passable actress. Her performance in “Smashed” is Oscar worthy.
The Fog (1980) (Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray]
Director John Carpenter’s “The Fog” prides itself in being steeped in folklore, and takes on many of the classic traits we know as urban legends. Every urban legend has some source of truth to it and harbors a moral for its audience. “The Fog” creates a new urban legend from a horrific act of betrayal and human greed. Hence why the opening of the film begins with an old seaman regaling local citizens of Antonio Bay with the tale of the spirits on the sea.
Only God Forgives (2013)
Director Nicholas Winding Refn completely blew me away with his 2011 crime thriller “Drive.” It was a cerebral and stylish picture about redemption and atoning for our sins. “Only God Forgives” is that perfect film for cinematic enthusiasts looking for the right experimental movie to dip their toes in to. While Nicholas Winding Refn had every reason to follow “Drive” up with something equally mainstream, “Only God Forgives” goes beyond expectations.
Teen Beach Movie (2013)
Deep down, “Teen Beach Movie” feels like a loving and affectionate tribute to Ex-Mouseketeer, the late great Annette Funicello (to which the film is dedicated to). The gorgeous and talented actress spent her early years on the Mickey Mouse Club winning over the hearts of young boys, and then moved in to some of the most pulpy and celebrated surf movies. Those movies like “Beach Blanket Bingo,” and “Muscle Beach Party” featured a lot of music, simple plots, and were a celebration of surfing. With Frankie Avalon, Funicello gained immortality. What’s even more surprising is in many respects, Maia Mitchell resembles Annette Funicello. When she begins puffing her hair with her pigtails, and transforming in to the movie, she’s almost a living embodiment of the lovely young Funicello. The movie was being filmed before Funicello passed away, so perhaps it’s just all one big coincidence. Or perhaps it’s just serendipity.
Saturday Morning Massacre (2013)
Only many, many years later did Hanna Barbera begin presenting the Mystery Machine gang with actual supernatural threats once their audience matured. But even when facing actual zombies, and demons they were never really in actual danger. Director Spencer Parsons completely dodges copyright infringement while cleverly spoofing the iconic cartoon show with his own version of Scooby Doo. This time he offers up a more realistic group of crime solvers in a world where crime is very dangerous, and the police kindly ask them to “fuck off” whenever they solve a case on their own.