Into the Grizzly Maze (2015) (DVD)

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It’s a shame that “Into the Grizzly Maze” didn’t get a wider release, because while the cast is strong, director David Hackl delivers a very strong survival thriller. I’m not going to claim it a masterpiece, but for what it promises, it’s a damn solid action adventure that’s set against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness. Much like “The Edge,” it’s mainly a movie about men confronting their personal demons while battling a giant ferocious and cunning bear that has decided it’s had enough with humanity. After illegally poaching a bunch of bears, a rogue bear has decided to strike down any and all intruders, and begins slaughtering conniving hunters and officers alike.

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Big Match (2015) [Fantasia Film Festival]

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FANTASIA FILM FESTIVAL

Director Choi Ho’s “Big Match” is probably one of my favorite action movies of the year. It’s a wonderful amalgam of action, comedy, and thrills acting on a fast pace with a multi layered story of a man running against the clock. Choi Ik-ho is a man kicked out of professional soccer for rough housing and enters in to MMA to get his aggression out. With the help of his big brother Young-ho, Choi Ik-ho has become one of the greatest fighters of modern times. He’s kept under tight supervision by his big brother, a retired MMA fighter. But when he suddenly disappears, Ik-ho is suspect number one. Young-ho is suspected of being murdered, and Ik-ho is arrested.

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The Demolisher (2015) [Fantasia Film Festival]

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FANTASIA FILM FESTIVAL

I really do want to see more from Canadian director Gabriel Carrer, mainly because “The Demolisher” brought back waves of Nicholas Winding Refn and Michael Mann with it. “The Demolisher” is a slow burn and really stellar revenge thriller that picks up after an admittedly sluggish first half hour. “The Demolisher” picks up steam and collides in to an all out assault of blood shed, gore, and violence that help to explore the crumbling of a man’s sanity. Evocative of films like “Ms. 45” and “Death Wish,” Carrer channels the idea of trauma and its lasting effects and how it can toy with one man’s idea of justice for his beloved wife.  Continue reading

I, Madman (1989) [Blu-Ray]

Tibor Takács’ “I, Madman” kind of snuck up on me when I first saw it twenty years ago. I was primarily invested in the movie for the whole idea of fiction coming alive. I had no idea it would evolve in to a gruesome slasher and Giallo. That’s not a set back for me, but it’s really surprising how “I, Madman” looks and flows like a living comic book, but is never shy about grue and gore.

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Sweet Madness (2015)

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Since her inception in 1992, Harley Quinn has been one of Batman’s most intriguing and alluring rogues. She’s the ultimate fan girl to the point of lunacy, and her cunning along with her ability to match wits with just about anyone make her one of the most fascinating figures of contemporary culture. It’s no shock that director Peter Dukes sought to explore the inner most psychology of Harley, as she’s titillated just about everyone. And it’s satisfying that director Dukes is able to convey Harley’s persona so well. Despite the fact that Batman never appears, “Sweet Madness” is a pretty sick and brilliant fan film that puts Harley front and center.

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The Murders of Brandywine Theater (2015)

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It’s refreshing in this day and age that some indie filmmakers aren’t just content with splattering the audience with red ooze and goo and calling it a horror film. There are some filmmakers that really want to convey a story, and Larry Longstreth seems to be one of those directors who aren’t happy with just grossing people out. “The Murders of Brandywine Theater” is a complex, and very unique horror film that isn’t just eerie, but it’s also damn spooky to boot. To say Moxxy is a creepy antagonist really is underplaying the top notch puppetry that’s put to work here. Moxxy seems very rigid when we first see him, but soon enough he not only begins to take on his own life, but his limited expression make him a menace to be reckoned with.

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Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015)

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Because he’s fat! That’s the punch line for pretty much every joke in “Paul Blart 2.” In fact that’s been the punch line for most of Kevin James’ bland career. He’s fat. That’s why it’s funny when he falls down. He lies in bed eating a bottomless bowl of M&M’s. Because he’s fat. Get it? He flips over whenever he falls because he’s so fat. Get it? And he’s loud, too. I can’t believe anyone wanted a sequel to “Paul Blart,” but the first movie was a hit, so I assume a sequel was only logical.

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