Tag Archives: H

How to clear an office full of zombies (2013)

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In the spirit of the Boost Mobile promotion, the common thread in these “Stay Living” shorts is that the four characters chronicled in these films know they’re alive by use of their cell phones. They take pictures and videos of their killings and missions and stay connected, even after the end of the world. And, as explained in the intro film, they’ll all eventually meet up to compare notes, and split the loot four ways. Continue reading →

How to Build a Better Boy (2014)

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Disney seems to be having a good time mining the eighties lately with their original movies. First we had “Zapped!” which took the title from the raunchy eighties comedy along with a variation of the plot from “Love Potion No. 9,” while “How to…” is really just “Weird Science 3.0.” Except this time its PG rated, and much more based around feminism than misogyny. And rather than building on the entire “Frankenstein” idea, the writers set their sights on the US government surveillance and their plans to build a top secret robot that can infiltrate any setting.

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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) (Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD UltraViolet)

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It dawned upon me watching the opening of “The Desolation of Smaug”: Did we really need the first movie? The entirety of the first film is so based on propping up storylines that “The Desolation of Smaug” wastes no time and drops in to the action. We could have just featured thirty minutes establishing the journey and cut to the opening scene. In “The Desolation of Smaug,” the writers provide a prologue where Gandalf meets Thorin in a pub and asks him to lead the journey. They proclaim they need a “burglar,” and cut to Bilbo Baggins in action. So, what was the point of the first movie? The opening shot of Bilbo hiding in the rocks with his allies speaks sounds more than the entire director’s cut of “An Unexpected Journey” could.

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Horror Anthology Movie Volume 1 (2013)

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What with the welcome renaissance of the anthology horror film, indie filmmakers are pooling their resources to deliver films that can showcase everyone’s talents while entertaining an audience. “Horror Anthology Movie Volume 1″ is by no means a masterpiece, but it’s a very solid horror film with directing and storytelling that’s above par in comparison to many other anthologies I’ve seen in the past. Composed of six short films sewn together as one movie, “Horror Anthology Movie Volume 1” attempts to side step common horror tropes in favor of something new and unique.

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Harvey (1950)

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“Harvey” is another one of those non-conformists dramedies that asks what the harms is in being a little different. In a time where normality and conservative thinking were a standard, and psychology was still a new aspect of society, “Harvey” is yet another wonderful tale about a unique individual who changes the lives of everyone around him. That’s all thanks to the small ounce of magic he brings to people that have convinced themselves they’re normal, but really aren’t. While “Harvey” fancies itself as a dramedy, it’s first and foremost a light hearted romp through fantasy and imagination, and will often inspire raucous laughter from viewers.

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Hot Times at Montclair High (1989)

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If you’re going to try and mimic one of the most successful teen comedies of the eighties, at least have the budget to back it up. “Hot Times at Montclair High” is one of the lamest rip off of “Fast Times” I’ve ever seen. It’s one of those films that takes every chance to copy from the previous film, except it fails to deliver what made the film such a success. Like great writing, engaging characters, comedy, and a truly interesting series of narratives and sub-plots.

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) (Extended Edition) (Blu-ray/UltraViolet)

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For a movie with the subtitle “An Unexpected Journey,” Bilbo Baggins really does get a huge notice ahead of time. In fact he has enough notice to run away from his home and let the dwarves wait at his door step. Director Peter Jackson really has his work cut out for him, as he has to adapt “The Hobbit” while also trying to remind the audience that this is connected in a large way to “Lord of the Rings.” So, he shoe horns in a cameo from Frodo Baggins, as played by Elijah Wood, and we then enter in to the rather long story afoot.

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