Log: week 42 / 2018
Simple but fun teen horror that doesn't really deliver on its premise, but is still a decent watch because of its enthusiastic quartet of lead actresses. Don't expect anything spooky or crazy, just some high school payback as four wannabe witches experiment with powers that reach way beyond their control.
Sweet, small and intimate drama about two roommates who want different thing out of life. The styling is fine but on a technical level it's a pretty cheap film. The acting is solid, the soundtrack decent enough and the drama works. It's not masterpiece material, but nice filler with a pleasantly short running time.
The message of this doc is still relevant, but the form is quite disappointing. There's too much personal stuff on Gore in there, time that could be spent on digger deeper into the numbers and graphs. At times it feels like attending a seminar, but the bottom line is still worth repeating and at least it's focused on science.
It's a bit weird seeing Gondry tackle a superhero flick, but the result is quite decent, especially when looking at the competition. The lighter mood is a blessing, Chou and Rogen are a decent duo and the finale was pretty fun and spectacular. It's definitely not a film without faults, but I expected a lot worse.
A horror mainly aimed at young adults. While the film is atmospheric and production values are high, Cortés refuses to build up and prolong tension. The potential for a good horror flick is definitely there, the concept is interesting, but when it's money time it's really underwhelming. A missed opportunity.
An action film in its purest form. Take away logic, take away character progression, take away plot. Just introduce Jason Statham and have him kick ass for roughly 100 minutes in various exotic locations. The result is what it is. If you like a simple action flick, this is an easy recommend. If you hate them, just avoid this one.
Often referred to as the spiritual successor to The Breakfast Club, which may explain why this one didn't do it for me. Many familiar names in the cast but they can't elevate the annoying, whiney characters they're supposed to portray. The drama is flat and Schumacher seems unable to create any kind of spark.
Pretty mediocre blend of action, crime and drama. Billy Tang is a somewhat generic director, the night club setting isn't too original and the drama never impresses. But there's some decent genre stuff in there, the pacing is fine and the actors do an okay job. It's simple filler, but it's an easy film to sit through.
A zany, outlandish and fun mix of action and mystery. It's not often China attempts a manga adaptation, but Yan Han clearly is the right man for the job. Animal World is a slick, lush and exciting genre bender, as long as you make peace with its rather preposterous premise. Already looking forward to the sequel.
A tragic attempt to make a horror film. The acting is uninspired, the effects (both traditional and CG) are laughable and Llosa has no clue how to create a tense or thrilling atmosphere. Then there is Jon Voight, who delivers one of the worst performances ever caught on film. A real disaster this one, never again.
Technically a remake, but who cares. Disgruntled old man has to coach a team of loser kids, things start off terrible, get progressively better, enter a short drama dip and as for the ending .. well, I'm not going to spoil it for you. Linklater has little to add to the film, lucky Thornton is there to keep is somewhat interesting.
Indonesian horror that mixes local ingredients with familiar Hollywood fare. The result is a little uneven, with a few bland performances and some poor CG scares, but there are also a couple of decent twists, the cinematography is nice and the latter half delivers on its premise. All in all pretty decent filler.
Casino Raiders spin-off, though marketed as a sequel. Hong Kong franchises can get confusing. Expect more Jing Wong gambling fun, only with a sharper action edge, kudos to the direction of Taylor Wong. The mix doesn't really work that well though and mediocre performances drag the film further down.
Evans ventures into the land of folklore horror. There's definitely potential there, but the film itself is a bit too uneven. The sluggish introduction has little pay-off and Evans' trademark nervous camera work doesn't do the horror justice. The finale is pretty cool though, just don't expect to see a full-blown horror flick.