It Follows - Movie Review

Walking right towards you, it's walking right towards you.

"It Follows" stars Maika Monroe and is about a young woman who has sex with a guy she's seeing and in turn receives some sort of thing that attracts something resembling a person towards her; it can be someone she knows or a completely random person. From there the film is just about her trying to get away from "it" and trying to find a way to get rid of "it" as well.

I must say the only thing that bugged me was the marketing of the film. I went in thinking that multiple beings were going to be following her, not just one. I actually think if there were two or three beings following her it would be more intense and get a lot more scares but there wasn't and there is nothing I can do about it.

With that being said, this film was pretty good. It had good jump scares that weren't cheesy. The suspense was always there in every scene and it made the hairs on the back of your neck stick up. The acting was very good and I bought the dialogue. It was short, but believable and real.

The score of the film was awesome. It was very techno and reminiscent of the what the film "The Guest" sounded like, which also had Maika Monroe. I am looking forward to seeing her in future films, she was very convincing in this role. But the biggest praise I can give this film was the cinematography. It was shot very well and some creepy angles and pans that made you feel uncomfortable and I believe that what its aim was.

Final verdict: I may only watch this movie once or twice more, but it delivers on every aspect. It is creepy, clever, and well shot. I do recommended seeing this and it is better than most of the garbage Hollywood has came out with in the last several years. Definitely go see it.

4 out of 5.
I am taking donations from Paypal! I would like to increase my blu-ray collection but I have to fix my car. If anyone wants to donate to me, that would be wonderful. I'll take one cent or one dollar. Any bit would help. Thank you!

Bedtime Stories (2008) - Movie Review and Huge Announcement

This is the second time I have seen this film. I saw it when it first came out but I really didn't remember anything from the first time I saw it. That is the gist of this film. It is forgettable after watching but I believe if you have an open imagination and can accept that some fairytale like things can happen, you will definitely enjoy this movie.

It is very childish, cliche, and convenient but you won't ask for your 100 minutes back. I watched this on VUDU in HDX and it looked good. The gumball scene looks the best. Children and kids will definitely enjoy this film and since this film, Adam Sandler has definitely had some stinkers... but this one isn't one of them. The Rotten Tomatoes rating is really harsh.

The acting is pretty basic and no one really stands out; but also no one stinks up the joint. Russell Brand's character could be tad bit annoying but other than that, the acting is tolerable. It was paced very well and it wasn't boring at all. I liked the "bedtime stories" because they were entertaining and brought my imagination out. I think the only you can argue was the premise of the film, but remember before you bash it that it was aimed for children and in that aspect it succeeds. I am a child at heart and really had my eyes glued to the screen on this one. It is a good watch-every-once-and-a-great-while film.

Final verdict: Go into this film with an open mind (know that its going to be very cheesy), accept the creativity, and you will enjoy this film once the credits roll. It's not a film that will consume your mind with thoughts, but if its late and you want something to watch just to pass time; this would be an ideal flick.

BKSTA gives this film a 3 out of 5.



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Kingsman: The Secret Service - Movie Review

It has been awhile since I have done a review. I will contribute it to laziness as well as the want to play my Xbox One and Playstation 4. I have seen quite a few movies since I saw "Her" at the beginning of 2014; some have been great and some have been not so great. In the span of the year I can say with strong conviction that "Kingsman: The Secret Service" is one of the best in that year span. There are some highly praised movies I have yet to see like "Birdman" and "Whiplash," but they are on the top of my must-see-as-soon-as-possible list and I will get there in time.

I was blind going into the screening for this film. I haven't seen as much as a trailer so I had no idea what to expect going in. When I left the theater in shock about how awesome this film was. Every facet of it was well done. Matthew Vaughn and his experience and directing style definitely translate to this film. I am so glad I got to see this early and ready to give a fair, full rounded review of this film that comes out on February 13th.

The first thing about this film I'd like to discuss is the action scenes in this film. The action sequences were done masterfully. If you are family with Matthew Vaughn's previous film "Kick-Ass," then you probably have a firm grasp on what I'm saying. Just imagine Hit Girl's action scenes from that movie and replace her with Colin Firth and other Kingsmen. There is one action scene that stands above them all and you will know it when it happens. Colin Firth delivers some of the best action moments and also the finale of the film features amazing action sequences. Matthew Vaughn is a director who knows how to film action and has a unique grasp on this art and kudos to him bringing this art to big screen.

Another aspect that makes this film so strong is the characters, three in particular: Colin Firth's, Taron Egerton's, and finally Samuel L. Jackson's. Colin Firth's character is your James Bond super spy type who excels at almost everything. Colin Firth is totally credible in this film and plays his role perfectly. He serves as a mentor to Taron Egerton's character in regards to training him to be a Kingsman. Taron Egerton's character is the one we see the most growth during the film. He plays the son of a Kingsman who died on the job and years later he is a punk and getting him in trouble. Colin Firth comes and gives him guidance and takes him under his wing. It's nice to see a fresh face in this role. In retrospect, he really is the main character and he plays his character very well. He is actually pretty funny too. I left really impressed and can't wait to see what he does next. Samuel L. Jackson's character is the villain and main antagonist in this film. And he is absolutely hilarious in this film. But given that, he really has a strong motive for his plans and isn't an excuse to have some sort of opposition in the film. Jackson and Firth have some nice back and forth's during this film and it is very intense. The supporting cast that includes Mark Strong and Michael Caine really shine as well. The other Kingsman recruits are a great presence pushing Taron Egerton's character to the brink during his training exercises and really helps Taron transform his character.

At the end of the day, this movie will have you leaving very happy. No matter what you go in thinking, you will come out different. This movie has great direction, superb acting, excellent script, and just pure awesome action sequences. You are invested from the moment the film starts and it doesn't let you go. At the end of the year, Kingsman: The Secret Service has a strong chance to be on your Top 10 of 2015. This is a fresh new take on spy movies and I implore everyone to pay to see this film. You won't be disappointed.

I give Kingsman: The Secret Service a 9 out of 10. The only knock is takes awhile to get into the action but once it gets there, hold on to your seat.

YouTube Channel?

I thinking about it. I'm not bad at iMovie because having a MacBook naturally I will use iMovie. This is a sample test video I made. What do you all think? I would do movie reviews and possibly TV season or video game reviews. It's something I'm considering due to the fact when I'm not working I am usually on my butt at home. Tell me what you think? I'd love some feedback. Thanks!

Her - Movie Review

When I first read the premise of this movie I said, "Hmm, did this film really get the green light?" and then it occurred to me that this has the potential to be one the most unique and original films that has came out recently. I still thought it was silly, but I think all the iPhone screenshots of people messing with Siri and trying to get her to say silly things and then it finally came to me that I was really interested and wanting to see this film.

Her takes place in the near future where technology has grown and has become an essential part of people's lives. Whether if it is for work, pleasure, or even both; technology plays a huge role. Joaquin Phoenix plays Theordore, a guy who is currently going through a divorce and battling loneliness while not being able to move on stop thinking of his soon-to-be ex-wife. Theodore then comes across the ad for a state of the art new operating system that calibrates itself to understand and help it's user with whatever they need. Theodore soon becomes very fond of the operating system, who gives itself the name Samantha, and continues to talk and build an actual relationship with Samantha and eventually he starts dating her.

The first thing that struck a chord with me is the excellent job of story telling. I feel like each scene builds the characters more and more and before we know it we become emotionally involved with them; especially Theodore. With each day, they become closer and closer and Samantha is bringing him joy and helping him move on from his past relationship and transforming him as we view each scene. But not only is Theodore transforming, but also Samantha. Joaquin Phoenix is very impressive in this movie and his performance is definitely one to remember come awards season. I found myself rooting for Theodore because he actually found someone who he can have a conversation with and who understands him and you see him so happy and forgetting the things that caused him stress and pain. But even in relationships with people, it can have its downs and it is really interesting to see how Theodore deals with them considering that she is programmed to meet his every need. Watching the relationship grow and blossom and Theodore react with it is such a sight to see.

Another thing that is impressive about this film is the humor. This film delivers some great laughs, both raunchy and sarcastic, and they come in some of the greatest moments of the film. The cinematography of the film is beautifully done and the whole setting and world that this film takes place in is very neat. It shows how much of the world is dependent on technology and how it becomes an actual part of us. The acting all around is superb as well as the voice work of the operating system by Scarlet Johansson. But Spike Jonze is really the reason why this film is so good. His writing and direction of this film spot on and his views on relationships, emotions, and feelings are spectacular. Why can't you fall in love with an OS? If it's returning feelings, emotions, and making you feel good inside; why fight it?

This film does have a strange premise, but Spike Jonze and Joaquin Phoenix deliver an interesting film that will make all of us think about not only love, but technology as well and how we use that technology. To be in love, does an actual body need to present? Or can it be just a voice in our ear coming from a computer. I found this film touching, funny, and unique and I definitely recommend that people should see it. If I had to sum this whole movie with one word it would be interesting because with this plot, that is really what it is.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Maximum Overdrive - Movie Review

Unplug all your electronics because the machines are taking over.

When a comet passes Earth, something happens to machines and electronics all over the planet and start to operate on their own. When all this starts going down, several people take refuge at the Dixie Boy Truck Stop and try to ride this attack out. Little do they know that a bunch of semi-trucks operating on their own are on their way to the Dixie Boy and guard the area and make sure none of the people inside leave. After a while, they decide to concoct a counter measure and escape.

The plot seems a little lame and the script is atrocious, but this movie doesn't disappoint or impress. If anything this movie is average, maybe a little below but it works. It can be classified in a few genres: action, thriller, comedy, and maybe horror. The film has some subtle comedy, but where it is really funny is how incredibly bad it is. I think Stephen King, who wrote and directed Maximum Overdrive, knew that his screenplay was silly and over the top. Granted, he didn't intentionally want it to be horrible, but at this some of his books and short stories were already made into films so the audience knows what they are going to get with a Stephen King movie.

Emilio Estevez is really the only big name in this film. He plays the parole grill cook Bill Robinson. His performance was decent considering the script and he delivers most of the one liners. Pat Hingle plays the truck shop owner who is selfish and morally insensitive. His performance could be described just like Estevez's, but way more over the top and annoying. There is also a two minute scene featuring a young Giancarlo Esposito, who you may know as Breaking Bad's' Gus Fring. Other than that, this cast is easily forgettable and full of undeveloped characters. It wouldn't be wrong to say that there would be a character you'd feel sad for if they died. The pace of the film moves pretty quickly and was a few exciting, good scenes. When the machines attack and the opening credit's bridge scenes are among my favorites in the film. Also the ending is kind of lame, but I will not spoil it. I'll leave that up to you to determine.

I do like the fact the Stephen King wrote the short story, wrote a screenplay based on the story, and directed the film. It was nice to see the film through the eyes of talent like Mr. King. He also makes a cameo as well, a very funny one I might add. Being known for having a very creative mind, he really just makes this film based on a pretty generic idea. Really, how many movies have you seen about machines becoming self aware and operating on their own. But personally, I still like this idea. He took his idea from Christine and added a bunch of action and traded in the muscle car for a semi.

Look out for the Goblin truck, he'll get ya!!

Overall this film is far away from a great film, but not the worst I've seen. If one statement can describe this film it would be: so bad it's good. I do think it is worth a viewing. It is a cult classic and you will always find it on cable. But it's definitely better if you watch the uncensored version. This is a fun movie and it has its moments, both good and bad, but it works. I don't think anyone will say they wasted their time with it. It has some cool scenes filled with action and comedy. Like I said, its not a masterpiece but its not downright horrible. Maximum Overdrive is just another ordinary Stephen King story: twisted, gory, and thrilling.

5 out of 10.
Watch once, if you like it... watch again.

Death Proof - Movie Review

In this Tarantino film, a typical serial killer a gets a twist; with a heavy dose of pure Detroit muscle. And bringing those two things together can only impress, correct? I sure think so.

Don't let Stuntman Mike drive ya home!

Death Proof is the 2007 Quentin Tarantino film starring Kurt Russell who plays Stuntman Mike, a Hollywood stuntman who follows around groups of girls and then kills them; though not with his bare hands, but with his car via collision... in which he survives. This is the second half of the Grindhouse Double Feature with the first half being Planet Terror by Robert Rodriguez.

We all know what we are going to get with Tarantino; very developed characters engaging in some very exquisite dialogue. We expect nothing less at this point in Tarantino's career and of course he brings it again and dominates it again. This film has some of the best dialogue I've ever heard. Quentin has always been knocked to never have female leads or at least key female characters. Well he struck that criticism down with Jackie Brown and later with the Kill Bill movies, and also does it again with this film but in an unique way. Both of those movies had female leads, strong ones I may add, surrounded with mostly male supporting cast. In Death Proof, Quentin has a male lead filled with a whole slew of females and makes the male the antagonist, which I think is brilliant because you can easily catch yourself in a situation where you actually might want to root for him instead of the girls he is stalking.

Another thing that impresses me is that Quentin is also the cinematographer of this film and you get to see what Quentin wants you to see and throws in some great subtleties as well. He has great techniques and uses some pretty awesome shots during this film, mainly when Stuntman Mike is on screen. The best use of the camera is in the second half of the movie when the second group of girls are eating lunch. Quentin panned the very long scene and had you feel like you were actually apart of the conversation. He does a great job as the director of photographer. What makes the dialogue in this movie stand out is that for the first time in a Quentin movie we are listening to a group of girls gossip and tell stories when we are used to in movies like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction when we are observing mostly male characters. I knew Quentin was good with dialogue, but seeing write these realistic conversations that these female characters have is truly a pleasure.

I'd hate to find myself in that position!

When it comes to the pace of the film, it tends to be between slow and moderate. But when you become engulfed in the dialogue, the speed of the film will not be an issue for the viewer. The tone of the film starts off very easy going, but when Stuntman Mike comes to the screen the tone suddenly moves to mysterious and scary. When the second half of the film begins, the second group of gals, we already we know what to expect to the mysterious tone is still with us and then the final act of the movie, the unbelievably exciting and tense car chase scene puts us to the edge of our seats and delivers us to a spectacular finish. When top car chase sequences come to mind, the end of this movie will be in the debate for greatest ever.

At the end of the day this film is very underrated and with the masterpieces the Quentin has made, this one will unfortunately will be left at the waist side. It is your typical Quentin film with few twists and turns from his tradition, but all in all you will get what he has given you in every film he's made and that is an action pact thrill ride with a satisfying ending.

8 out of 10.
A must see.

For my good buddy Dan the Man's Planet Terror movie review, the first half of Grindhouse, please click here. Be sure to visit his page http://dtmmr.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Spring Breakers - Movie Review

If you are going into this movie expecting a non-stop party movie like Project X or 21 and Over, you aren't gonna get what you were expecting. Instead you are going to get a movie that features partying, but the main focus being the twisted minds of some of these young women.

This is definitely one reason to see the film!

Spring Breakers is the story about three wild party girls (Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine) and their easy going friend (Selena Gomez) who want to leave school for spring break but don't quite have the money yet. The only way to resolve this in the eyes of the before mentioned three girls decide to rob a restaurant and get money for their spring break trip. When the girls get there they start doing what they came their to do and ended up getting arrested and later bailed out by a gangster named Alien (James Franco)and then things suddenly change for these girls.

I went in this movie with an open mind and not seeing the trailers and even though it was hard to watch sometimes; I respect what the director (Harmony Korine) achieved. He had a great style of shooting and I really appreciated what he has doing. There are times where their is a voice over over a scene of partying and then two minutes later, the scene where the voice over was being spoke came. I think that was pretty cool and really haven't seen anything like that. The performances were pretty decent. The three girls who were wild and crazy played their part like I would imagine, pretty annoying but that is the point. Selena has the innocent girl who tags along worked out very well and James Franco as Alien is hilarious. He can do that role of a goofy wannabe gangster off pretty well. The tone of the film was pretty dark and I think that worked pretty well. Like I said before, it's not a non-stop party movie like it looks like. It gets very dark and very deep and I think that alone makes it better.

A few people left the theater when I saw this and I understand why they did, it wasn't what they expected. Either you like or you hate it. If you aren't digging it 15 minutes in, you won't dig the other 75 minutes. There is more substance in this film that those other party movies. It does have flaws, its hard to watch. Some of the things these girls say, think, and do make you uncomfortable and question is this what society has come down to. It does open your eyes to the world we live in now where the stuff seen in this movie is what people do now. The second half of this movie gets very hard to watch and takes a direction that I think hurt the film. But its not that hard to make it through it.

Overall, its a different kind of movie but with a nice directorial twist. It is a tale of two halves. I am not going to recommend you watch this movie and theaters and this movie is a coin flip on whether you not you like it. Wait for the Redbox or Netflix if you want to watch it.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

Compliance - Movie Review

Compliance is a film that I heard a lot about from a bunch of my film critic friends and saw that it was getting favorable reviews. Now regardless if they were positive or negative, I totally wanted to see this film based on the plot but it was only in select theaters and of course didn't come to St. Louis. A few days when I was browsing Netflix I came across it and actually jumped out of my seat. I just had to find a time to watch it where I could be focused and that time was now.

Compliance is about a manager of a busy fast food restaurant (Ann Dowd) who gets a phone call from a police officer who informs her that one of her employees (Dreama Walker) stole some money from acustomer and wants the employee to be put in the back room until he gets there; and until he gets there, asks the manager to do certain tasks for him with each task getting more personal.

The film establishes a very nice tone in the opening minutes and really gets the audience entrenched in the setting and atmosphere of the movie. It shows how busy the store is, how stressed the manager is because her day isn't going, and how clumsy the teenagers working there are. I must say that the script of this film is very good. Given the events are based on a true story, and given research I did to see how true the story actually was... the script and story go hand in hand and the details are spot on. The way the film was directed was pretty impressive as well. It gives you the feel like you aren't watching a movie, but in fact you are in the restaurants witnessing the events that are going on. The mannerisms and the things these characters do, it's easy to see that they are the same things you and I would do if we were in the same situation. I don't want to give away the whole plot because about 30 minutes is where things really take off and get interesting. But I will say you will become interactive with the film. Some uneasy things do happen and they WILL affect you personally and the fact that these events REALLY happened, several times in many states, it will infuriate you .
It's a good movie with a really touchy subject. But it is a brilliantly made film with a lot of moments that will make you scream at the screen and ask WHY is this happening and WHAT is that character thinking... DON'T do it. I will say I enjoyed this movie as a movie itself, but I didn't enjoy the events going on. That would be pretty messed up. If anyone wants to watch a well made movie then this is your flick. The acting is superb on all counts (from the manager to the second cashier who haves only 8 minutes of screen time), and to me, the things the characters do given the position they are in I believe are very realistic in the way of how people would handle the situations they are placed in.

Some of you will be able to sit through this and not be disturbed; some will not want to finish because it will bother them. Honestly, I hope you can make it through because from a film stand point this movie is well made from all angles. Recommended.

4 out of 5 stars.