The tradition continued this year as we tried to fit in as many horror movies as possible this Halloween season and we hosted our second annual 24 Hour Horror Fest! Here's our official list of Halloween movies from 2015.
To make it easier, I have rated the following films on a sliding scale from 1 to 5; 1 being the the worst, but we watched it anyway, and 5 being the best. As always, don't let my opinion be the only one you listen to. Form your own by watching as many movies as you can next Halloween!
In order of appearance:
Friday the 13th Part XII: The New Blood (1988)
A psychic teenager accidentally releases Jason from his underwater confinement to once again go on a nearly unstoppable killing spree.
Hokey, but these are the classics 3/5
Friday the 13th Part XIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
A boatload of teenagers on their graduation cruise accidentally snag Jason and drag him all the way to New York where he terrorizes Manhattan.
Pretty silly 2/5
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
Jason is blown apart (after having mysteriously reappeared at Crystal Lake) and his demonic spirit
goes looking for another Voorhees' body to take over.
Umm, no 1/5
Friday the 13th Part X: To Hell and Back (1995)
Jason is summoned back from Hell from some mischievous teenagers using a mysterious book found on the still standing Voorhees' estate. Will no one ever learn?
Ok, we've got to stop this. 2/5
Student Bodies (1981)
Filmed in my neck of the woods, Student Bodies has long been one of our favorite spoofs. The Breather is one of the best villains you'll ever see.
Sex kills in this horror comedy. 5/5
Intruder (1989)
A maniac killer targets the overnight crew of a local grocery store. I really enjoy this movie because of what happens at the very end.
I suggest the unrated version. 5/5
Near Dark (1987)
A classic vampire love story that will outlast and outdo any Twilight story ever written. A young man gets lured into a vampires' den by a beautiful young woman.
Can love cure vampirism? 5/5
Saw (2004)
Two men are trapped in a room together with no memory of how they got there. What they do know is that one must kill the other to survive.
The start of a franchise is usually the best, and this is true here. 4/5
Saw II (2005)
Serial killer, Jigsaw, has trapped eight people in a factory together inhaling a deadly nerve gas. It is up to one single to detective to unravel his riddles and save them.
An interesting sequel. Not bad. 3/5
Saw III (2006)
A doctor, a man whose son was killed in a hit and run, a detective and Jigsaw's protegee all have something in common in this gruesome sequel.
There's still a story here but it is a little far fetched. 3/5
Saw IV (2007)
Jigsaw and his apprentice are both dead but people are still dying. Who is carrying on Jigsaw's wishes, even after death?
Ok, I'll bite... 3/5
Saw V (2008)
Another group of strangers are put through Jigsaw style traps, but these feel different from before. More brutal. Meanwhile, an agent is on the tail of the new killer.
Maybe it's because we watched all of these in a row, but I am finding the overall plot line pretty fascinating. 3/5
Saw VI (2009)
In the final installment to Saw, the original Jigsaw's plans all come to fruition in one giant convoluted plan. If everyone had just done as they were asked, they all would have lived. Crazy.
Actually pretty well thought out, despite the plot holes. 3/5
Creep (2014)
What do you do when you find out that your client is a little nuts? In found footage/documentary style film, Creep tells the story of Josef's obsession with videographer Aaron.
I'll never quite look at Mark Duplass the same way again. 4/5
The Host (2006)
A young girl is kidnapped by a strange, man-eating creature. Her family refuses to accept her death and stops at nothing to get her back.
Very good Korean film. Not bad special effects. 3/5
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
Filmed in black and white, this movie is another pretty good vampire film. The people of Bad City are unaware that a vampire lives among them, let alone a very lonely and attractive vampire.
This foreign language film (Farsi) is worth putting on your list. 4/5
Witching and Bitching (2013)
A hilarious Spanish language film about men who bitch about women, a jewelry heist and, of course, witches.
So good, we watched it twice. 5/5
The Snowtown Murders (2011)
Based on the true story of Australian serial killer, John Bunting, it recalls events of how one man can influence young minds to murder and torture other people.
Intriguing because it was based on a true story. 3/5
Zombieland (2009)
In a land overrun by zombies, four strangers become friends on their cross-country journey.
With a cast like this, how can you go wrong? 5/5
Smiley (2012)
After learning that an online killer can be summoned anywhere and at anytime, an unstable teenager becomes so paranoid she thinks the killer is stalking her at every turn.
I did it for the lulz. 2/5
The People Under the Stairs (1991)
The People Under the Stairs is about a little girl trapped inside a creepy house, the strange things going on around her, the unwitting boy who rescues her and an urban legend about a hidden treasure.
We introduced a whole new generation to this Wes Craven horror classic. 5/5
Grabbers (2012)
Two peace officers in Ireland discover that the best way to fight blood-thirsty aliens is with a blood alcohol level of point-oh-deadly.
Read my review of Grabbers here. 5/5
You're Next (2011)
When a family comes under attack by masked killers, they never expected one of the guests would be able to take them on.
Way to go for kick-ass women! 4/5
The 'Burbs (1989)
Granted this movie is not really a horror movie but it does have all the elements: creepy neighbors, murder, intrigue and paranoia.
Who hasn't wanted to spy on their neighbors? 3/5
Return of the Living Dead II (1988)
The dead rise once again to seek out their favorite meal, brains. It is up to a group of teenagers, and a few inept adults, to stop them.
I admit, I love this one. 4/5
Trick 'r Treat (2007)
Five stories intertwine in this supernatural Halloween horror movie.
Trick or Treat! 4/5
The Lost Boys (1987)
Yet another classic vampire love story. I sense a theme. Boy meets girl, girl is a vampire, boy becomes vampire, boy must save them both.
Still better than Twilight. 4/5
House of Wax (2005)
A group of teens are deserted in a strange town and the only attraction is a wax museum. One by one they are killed and turned into wax figures.
Not a terrible remake, all in all. 2/5
Friday the 13th (2009)
An updated version of the original Friday the 13th. A group of young adults are terrorized by Jason Voorhees when they encroach upon his territory.
Not as good as the original, but worth a look. 4/5
I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
A woman is brutally attacked and seeks revenge on those who wronged her.
It's her revenge that makes this remake worth watching. 4/5
The Conjuring (2013)
Something is terrorizing a family in a rural farmhouse in the early 1970's. Paranormal investigators have been summoned to help them sort out the strange happenings.
I have never heard teenage girls scream so loud. It is definitely one of the better paranormal movies made lately. 4/5
Night of the Comet (1984)
This movie has one of my husband's favorite villains in it. Set in the aftermath of the passing a giant comet, a group of teen-aged survivors do what teens do best... Have fun!
Like Valley girls of the apocalypse. 4/5
Fido (2006)
A cloud of radiation has made it so that the dead come back. Set in the 1950's, Fido is an unconventional zombie movie.
Read my review of Fido here. 5/5
The Amityville Horror (1979)
Based on a "true" story, the movie follows the events of a book which follows the accounts given by the Lutz family of what happened to them in the infamous house.
Get out! 4/5
Stage Fright (2014)
Ok, I hate musicals. But this movie is all about a killer who kills people starring in musicals! Perfect! The songs are hilarious and totally tongue in cheek. The entire movie is making fun of musical theatre.
Stay tuned to listen to the credits. 4/5
Let Us Prey (2014)
On her first night in a small Scottish police station, a young police woman, other officers and prisoners become unwilling hostages of a mysterious stranger. Violence erupts as the stranger takes over their minds.
There are no such thing as accidents in this movie. 3/5
Teeth (2007)
If you ever thought women were evil before, you won't have any doubt after watching this movie. Sometimes abstinence really is the best policy, especially when you have teeth... down there.
Vagina Dentata! 2/5
I would love to hear what you watched this past Halloween season. Leave me a comment below! Check out last year's Halloween blog, too!
Monday, November 9, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
Fido (2006)
In a film set in the Nifty Fifties, Fido offers a very unique view of what could have otherwise been a traditional, gory zombie movie. Writers Robert Chomiak, Andrew Currie (also the director) and Dennis Heaton have created a world in which the elderly are feared, head caskets are a commodity and children are trained in small arms.
The Premise
A cloud of space dust has fallen to Earth and the radiation from it reanimates corpses. The living dead have a craving for flesh and that just won't do, thus Zomcon has been created to solve all you zombie problems. Zombies can be trained for menial tasks, people are buried with separate head caskets and citizens are trained in basic zombie killing tactics.
My Take
The Robinson's are the perfect example of a nuclear family; mom, dad, son and one on the way. Except that little Timmy doesn't seem to have a lot of friends and they are the only family on the block without their own zombie. The head honcho of Zomcon has just moved in down the street with his wife and daughter, and they have six zombies. What is one to do?
In a great example of "keeping up with the Jones's", perfect wife and mother, Helen Robinson (Carrie-Anne Moss), purchases a zombie for their household without consulting her husband. Gasp! Much to the eventual delight of their son Timmy (Kesun Loder), mom and dad decide to keep the zombie because he proves to be so useful. Bill Robinson, the father (played by Dylan Baker), remains suspicious of zombies throughout due to a traumatic childhood incident.
Timmy names the zombie Fido. Fido, who never speaks an intelligible word, is played by Billy Connolly (and if you ever want to talk about your singing days with The Humblebums, I wouldn't say no). There is a series of accidents in which Timmy protects Fido, Mom protects Timmy, and then Fido protects them both proving that zombies may not be the soulless, heartless beings we have made them out to be.
There are some fantastic supporting characters, too. Sonja Bennett and Tim Blake Nelson are the Robinson's neighbors. Nelson's character, Mr. Theopolis, once worked for Zomcon and may or may not have been fired for his inappropriate relationship with Tammy the zombie (Bennett). Cindy Bottoms, played by Alexia Fast, is Timmy's only human friend.
The Verdict
Expertly written and acted, Fido is one of our new favorite movies to watch in October. I love that it is set in the 1950's and is able to get away with the attitudes and ways of thinking that it does. I strongly recommend this film if you enjoy tongue in cheek comedy, dark humor and zombie movies. I give Fido 10 zombie attacks.
The Premise
A cloud of space dust has fallen to Earth and the radiation from it reanimates corpses. The living dead have a craving for flesh and that just won't do, thus Zomcon has been created to solve all you zombie problems. Zombies can be trained for menial tasks, people are buried with separate head caskets and citizens are trained in basic zombie killing tactics.
My Take
The Robinson's are the perfect example of a nuclear family; mom, dad, son and one on the way. Except that little Timmy doesn't seem to have a lot of friends and they are the only family on the block without their own zombie. The head honcho of Zomcon has just moved in down the street with his wife and daughter, and they have six zombies. What is one to do?
In a great example of "keeping up with the Jones's", perfect wife and mother, Helen Robinson (Carrie-Anne Moss), purchases a zombie for their household without consulting her husband. Gasp! Much to the eventual delight of their son Timmy (Kesun Loder), mom and dad decide to keep the zombie because he proves to be so useful. Bill Robinson, the father (played by Dylan Baker), remains suspicious of zombies throughout due to a traumatic childhood incident.
Timmy names the zombie Fido. Fido, who never speaks an intelligible word, is played by Billy Connolly (and if you ever want to talk about your singing days with The Humblebums, I wouldn't say no). There is a series of accidents in which Timmy protects Fido, Mom protects Timmy, and then Fido protects them both proving that zombies may not be the soulless, heartless beings we have made them out to be.
There are some fantastic supporting characters, too. Sonja Bennett and Tim Blake Nelson are the Robinson's neighbors. Nelson's character, Mr. Theopolis, once worked for Zomcon and may or may not have been fired for his inappropriate relationship with Tammy the zombie (Bennett). Cindy Bottoms, played by Alexia Fast, is Timmy's only human friend.
The Verdict
Expertly written and acted, Fido is one of our new favorite movies to watch in October. I love that it is set in the 1950's and is able to get away with the attitudes and ways of thinking that it does. I strongly recommend this film if you enjoy tongue in cheek comedy, dark humor and zombie movies. I give Fido 10 zombie attacks.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Skeleton Twins
Family life is even more complicated than your run-of-the-mill average life. Can a broken family help each other heal after tragedy? Writers Craig Johnson and Mark Heyman have managed to capture the tragic side of life, and still make it entertaining, in The Skeleton Twins.
The Premise
Estranged twins, Milo and Maggie, are reunited after Milo's suicide attempt. He moves in with his sister only to discover that she isn't any more stable than he is. Personalities and opinions clash as the past rears his ugly head. The siblings try to mend their relationship, leaving collateral damage in their wake.
My Take
I have a feeling that this film doesn't get nearly the respect that it deserves because of the casting. Stars Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig are widely known for their comedic roles and The Skeleton Twins is a (welcome) departure from their norm. However, the roles of Milo and Maggie, respectively, are a chance for Hader and Wiig to really dig in and show the audience that they are much more capable than SNL and other cheap jokes. That being said, this is my favorite film of both of theirs.
Milo and Maggie contemplate suicide on the same day. The only thing that saves Maggie is that Milo actually attempts it. After visiting him in the hospital, they decide that Milo will go back home with Maggie for a while to recover.
At home, Milo discovers that the perfect life that Maggie is trying to live is not so perfect after all. Her husband, Lance (Luke Wilson), couldn't be nicer or more perfect but that's also the problem. Maggie is attracted to the bad boys. And Milo is still attracted to his old high school English teacher (Ty Burrell). The one who lost his job for their inappropriate relationship.
The Skeleton Twins isn't all drama. There are wonderful moments of sibling bonding mixed in with the suicide and affairs and dead goldfish. Milo and Maggie get high and Nitrous Oxide and giving a rousing lip sync to Jefferson Starship's Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now. I can't hear that song anymore with thinking of Milo and Maggie.
The Verdict
Severely underrated. You can't go into The Skeleton Twins thinking, "Oh, what a funny cast." This movie shows you a more serious, and dare I say, better Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig. Director Craig Johnson brings out the best in overly positive Luke Wilson and gives you a different side of Ty Burrell. What happens when two damaged people need each other? They break each other down, then they pick each other up. That's family. I give The Skeleton Twins 2/2 twins. Give it a chance.
***
As a side note: Suicide is serious.
If you or someone you know thinks that suicide might be the answer, please talk to someone right away.
There's free help!
1-800-273-8255 (call toll free)
www.afsp.org
suicide.org
Save a life!
The Premise
Estranged twins, Milo and Maggie, are reunited after Milo's suicide attempt. He moves in with his sister only to discover that she isn't any more stable than he is. Personalities and opinions clash as the past rears his ugly head. The siblings try to mend their relationship, leaving collateral damage in their wake.
My Take
I have a feeling that this film doesn't get nearly the respect that it deserves because of the casting. Stars Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig are widely known for their comedic roles and The Skeleton Twins is a (welcome) departure from their norm. However, the roles of Milo and Maggie, respectively, are a chance for Hader and Wiig to really dig in and show the audience that they are much more capable than SNL and other cheap jokes. That being said, this is my favorite film of both of theirs.
Milo and Maggie contemplate suicide on the same day. The only thing that saves Maggie is that Milo actually attempts it. After visiting him in the hospital, they decide that Milo will go back home with Maggie for a while to recover.
At home, Milo discovers that the perfect life that Maggie is trying to live is not so perfect after all. Her husband, Lance (Luke Wilson), couldn't be nicer or more perfect but that's also the problem. Maggie is attracted to the bad boys. And Milo is still attracted to his old high school English teacher (Ty Burrell). The one who lost his job for their inappropriate relationship.
The Skeleton Twins isn't all drama. There are wonderful moments of sibling bonding mixed in with the suicide and affairs and dead goldfish. Milo and Maggie get high and Nitrous Oxide and giving a rousing lip sync to Jefferson Starship's Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now. I can't hear that song anymore with thinking of Milo and Maggie.
The Verdict
Severely underrated. You can't go into The Skeleton Twins thinking, "Oh, what a funny cast." This movie shows you a more serious, and dare I say, better Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig. Director Craig Johnson brings out the best in overly positive Luke Wilson and gives you a different side of Ty Burrell. What happens when two damaged people need each other? They break each other down, then they pick each other up. That's family. I give The Skeleton Twins 2/2 twins. Give it a chance.
***
As a side note: Suicide is serious.
If you or someone you know thinks that suicide might be the answer, please talk to someone right away.
There's free help!
1-800-273-8255 (call toll free)
www.afsp.org
suicide.org
Save a life!
Friday, February 13, 2015
The Fall (2013-?)
I have three main criteria when I watch new shows: good writing, good acting and good direction. If any one of those things lags, it can make a television series fall flat. The Fall, created and written by Allan Cubitt, fits the bill.
The Premise
A serial killer has been terrorizing the citizens of Belfast. A specialized detective from the MET (Metropolitan Police Service) has been brought in to track him down and bring him to justice.
My Take
The Fall is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the psyches of all the people that are touched by the events in this story. No one is written as stereotypical or flat or thought of as just a side note. Granted, having to watch the show on Netflix means that we are a little behind (which is so frustrating), but thus far, the timeline of events have been laid out carefully and thoughtfully. That's not to say there haven't been several twists and turns to surprise viewers along the way.
The Fall stars Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson. She has been tasked with the difficult job of tracking down a serial strangler in Northern Ireland. I've been a fan of Anderson since the X-Files and Detective Gibson is no Agent Scully. Anderson plays Gibson with such flawed casualness, that you can't help but be drawn into her story line. She is sexy, distant, emotional, smart and intuitive; a perfect choice to play Gibson.
Jamie Dornan is Paul Spector, the Belfast strangler. The show makes no secret of his sexual proclivities. Let's just say, The Fall gave Dornan plenty of practice for any bondage scenes he may have in 50 Shades of Grey. Paul Spector is a family man by day, married to Sally Ann Spector, played by the very talented Bronagh Waugh. He and his wife live a normal life complete with a mortgage, jobs and two small children. But Paul Spector can't help himself when it comes to stalking young, beautiful, dark haired women.
When officers start closing in on Paul, he begins to rely on his obsessive, teen-aged babysitter to give him his alibis. Aisling Franciosi plays 16 year old Katie Benedetto. She goes to extraordinary lengths in order to protect the man she loves. Even after he is accused of not only murder but of assaulting Annie Brawley (Karen Hassan) and kidnapping his old girlfriend, Rose Stagg (Valene Kane).
The team of Belfast officers are well rounded and extremely well played, each with their own unique personalities. They are played by John Lynch, Niamh McGrady, Emmett J. Scanlan and Bronagh Taggart and are too good not to get a mention.
The Verdict
The Fall is one of those shows that I have to binge watch when the new seasons come out on Netflix. Everything falls right in place with The Fall. I give it 4/4 murders. I am just so infuriated with Season 2's ending and can't wait for Season 3!
The Premise
A serial killer has been terrorizing the citizens of Belfast. A specialized detective from the MET (Metropolitan Police Service) has been brought in to track him down and bring him to justice.
My Take
The Fall is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the psyches of all the people that are touched by the events in this story. No one is written as stereotypical or flat or thought of as just a side note. Granted, having to watch the show on Netflix means that we are a little behind (which is so frustrating), but thus far, the timeline of events have been laid out carefully and thoughtfully. That's not to say there haven't been several twists and turns to surprise viewers along the way.
The Fall stars Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson. She has been tasked with the difficult job of tracking down a serial strangler in Northern Ireland. I've been a fan of Anderson since the X-Files and Detective Gibson is no Agent Scully. Anderson plays Gibson with such flawed casualness, that you can't help but be drawn into her story line. She is sexy, distant, emotional, smart and intuitive; a perfect choice to play Gibson.
Jamie Dornan is Paul Spector, the Belfast strangler. The show makes no secret of his sexual proclivities. Let's just say, The Fall gave Dornan plenty of practice for any bondage scenes he may have in 50 Shades of Grey. Paul Spector is a family man by day, married to Sally Ann Spector, played by the very talented Bronagh Waugh. He and his wife live a normal life complete with a mortgage, jobs and two small children. But Paul Spector can't help himself when it comes to stalking young, beautiful, dark haired women.
When officers start closing in on Paul, he begins to rely on his obsessive, teen-aged babysitter to give him his alibis. Aisling Franciosi plays 16 year old Katie Benedetto. She goes to extraordinary lengths in order to protect the man she loves. Even after he is accused of not only murder but of assaulting Annie Brawley (Karen Hassan) and kidnapping his old girlfriend, Rose Stagg (Valene Kane).
The team of Belfast officers are well rounded and extremely well played, each with their own unique personalities. They are played by John Lynch, Niamh McGrady, Emmett J. Scanlan and Bronagh Taggart and are too good not to get a mention.
The Verdict
The Fall is one of those shows that I have to binge watch when the new seasons come out on Netflix. Everything falls right in place with The Fall. I give it 4/4 murders. I am just so infuriated with Season 2's ending and can't wait for Season 3!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Quartet (2012)
There are few movies that are centered around and made for an older generation of stars. Far too often, talented seasoned stars will make an appearance as someone's parent or grandparent rather starring in their own movie. Quartet is a film that peeks into the lives of a retirement home that has been made especially for elderly musicians.
The Premise
An annual benefit has been planned to celebrate Verdi's birthday and to raise money to help with expenses at a home for retired musicians. A group of long time friends are in the midst of rehearsals when the fourth member of their quartet arrives unexpectedly at the retirement home, shaking things up.
My Take
Cissy, Wilf and Reginald are long time friends and opera singers who live together at a home for retired musicians in England. Every year the home puts on a benefit concert on Verdi's birthday to help raise money for the expenses of their beloved home. The benefit is being led by the larger than life, Cedric Livingston, played by Sir Michael Gambon. Cedric is determined to have the event go off without a hitch and it will be his way or no way at all.
Cissy, Wilf and Reginald, once part of a famous quartet, are rehearsing their various parts. One day, a new resident arrives at the estate. It is the much esteemed Jean Horton, the final member of the famous quartet, played by the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith. Jean has come to the retirement home begrudgingly and continues her diva like ways with the staff and her former colleagues.
Reginald (the wonderful Sir Tom Courtenay) and Jean were once married causing friction in the one time group of friends. Cissy, the very talented Pauline Collins, and Wilf, the very funny Billy Connolly, try their best to mend the broken quartet but to no avail. Cedric comes up with the idea to have the group reunite and sing at the Verdi benefit concert. Jean, however refuses to sing. But what Cedric wants, Cedric gets. After all, the show must go on.
The Verdict
Quartet was a wonderful vehicle for director Dustin Hoffman to really show his talent behind the scenes. All of the casting was wonderful from the main characters to the singers to the musicians to the staff at the retirement home. There as not a bad person in the bunch. The cast may have been primarily a cast of, shall we say, seasoned actors, but the movie's themes were still relatable to people of all ages. Love, loss, anger, grief and fear are things that we go through at all stages of life. Quartet (written by Ronald Harwood) was surprisingly funny and touching, given the setting. I give Quartet 3/4 members.
The Premise
An annual benefit has been planned to celebrate Verdi's birthday and to raise money to help with expenses at a home for retired musicians. A group of long time friends are in the midst of rehearsals when the fourth member of their quartet arrives unexpectedly at the retirement home, shaking things up.
My Take
Cissy, Wilf and Reginald are long time friends and opera singers who live together at a home for retired musicians in England. Every year the home puts on a benefit concert on Verdi's birthday to help raise money for the expenses of their beloved home. The benefit is being led by the larger than life, Cedric Livingston, played by Sir Michael Gambon. Cedric is determined to have the event go off without a hitch and it will be his way or no way at all.
Cissy, Wilf and Reginald, once part of a famous quartet, are rehearsing their various parts. One day, a new resident arrives at the estate. It is the much esteemed Jean Horton, the final member of the famous quartet, played by the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith. Jean has come to the retirement home begrudgingly and continues her diva like ways with the staff and her former colleagues.
Reginald (the wonderful Sir Tom Courtenay) and Jean were once married causing friction in the one time group of friends. Cissy, the very talented Pauline Collins, and Wilf, the very funny Billy Connolly, try their best to mend the broken quartet but to no avail. Cedric comes up with the idea to have the group reunite and sing at the Verdi benefit concert. Jean, however refuses to sing. But what Cedric wants, Cedric gets. After all, the show must go on.
The Verdict
Quartet was a wonderful vehicle for director Dustin Hoffman to really show his talent behind the scenes. All of the casting was wonderful from the main characters to the singers to the musicians to the staff at the retirement home. There as not a bad person in the bunch. The cast may have been primarily a cast of, shall we say, seasoned actors, but the movie's themes were still relatable to people of all ages. Love, loss, anger, grief and fear are things that we go through at all stages of life. Quartet (written by Ronald Harwood) was surprisingly funny and touching, given the setting. I give Quartet 3/4 members.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
That Awkward Moment (2014)
Sometimes you start a movie not really expecting much from it. We were watching one such film for filler one lazy Winter day while the kids were playing outside and my husband and I were tangled up on the couch with one ear listening for screams of pain coming from the yard and the other ear tuned in to the speakers of the television set. Then we had the pleasant surprise of getting involved with the characters and their lives in That Awkward Moment.
The Premise
Three best friends find themselves suddenly single and make a vow to stay that way. Things get complicated (and awkward) as each thinks they have met "the one". They try to pursue their relationships without letting the others find out.
My Take
According to the movie, that awkward moment in relationships always begins with the word, "So". "So where are we going?" "So what is this?" "So what are we?" It's that way of defining a relationship that makes it uncomfortable. I'll tell you what; I've never been so happy to be married.
That Awkward Moment centers around three best friends. Jason (Zac Efron) seems destined to be a perpetual bachelor. He has a girl for every day of the week, called his roster, and he is by all appearances quite happy to live this life. Daniel (Miles Teller) uses his best gal pal, Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis), as his wing man to help him score with the ladies. And Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) has recently been told by his wife that she wants a divorce.
Jason and Daniel treat recently single Mikey to a night out on the town. Daniel is using Chelsea to pick up chicks. Mikey is miserable. And Jason runs into Ellie, played by Imogen Poots. He and Ellie hit it off right away and go back to her place where he naturally comes to the conclusion that she is a hooker.
That Awkward Moment is full of appropriately awkward moments. Affairs, lots of sex, sex toys, mistaken identity, Facebook stalking, inappropriate costumes, car crashes, thievery, drunken nights and dirty jokes made for quite a few chuckles.
The Verdict
Miles Teller was hilarious as Daniel. As a trio, Zac Efron, Miachael B. Jordan and Teller worked together very well. The writing by Tom Gormican was clever and definitely entertaining. The supporting cast was spot on.
So.... What did I think of That Awkward Moment? I give it 3 guys and a girlfriend. It's silly, raunchy and worth an hour and a half of your time.
The Premise
Three best friends find themselves suddenly single and make a vow to stay that way. Things get complicated (and awkward) as each thinks they have met "the one". They try to pursue their relationships without letting the others find out.
My Take
According to the movie, that awkward moment in relationships always begins with the word, "So". "So where are we going?" "So what is this?" "So what are we?" It's that way of defining a relationship that makes it uncomfortable. I'll tell you what; I've never been so happy to be married.
That Awkward Moment centers around three best friends. Jason (Zac Efron) seems destined to be a perpetual bachelor. He has a girl for every day of the week, called his roster, and he is by all appearances quite happy to live this life. Daniel (Miles Teller) uses his best gal pal, Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis), as his wing man to help him score with the ladies. And Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) has recently been told by his wife that she wants a divorce.
Jason and Daniel treat recently single Mikey to a night out on the town. Daniel is using Chelsea to pick up chicks. Mikey is miserable. And Jason runs into Ellie, played by Imogen Poots. He and Ellie hit it off right away and go back to her place where he naturally comes to the conclusion that she is a hooker.
That Awkward Moment is full of appropriately awkward moments. Affairs, lots of sex, sex toys, mistaken identity, Facebook stalking, inappropriate costumes, car crashes, thievery, drunken nights and dirty jokes made for quite a few chuckles.
The Verdict
Miles Teller was hilarious as Daniel. As a trio, Zac Efron, Miachael B. Jordan and Teller worked together very well. The writing by Tom Gormican was clever and definitely entertaining. The supporting cast was spot on.
So.... What did I think of That Awkward Moment? I give it 3 guys and a girlfriend. It's silly, raunchy and worth an hour and a half of your time.
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