(Stephen King) A Good Marriage

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This film is based off novella, with the same title, written by Stephen King. After twenty-five years of a happy marriage, Darcy discovers that her husband is the Beadie serial killer. Darcy forces herself to continue living with this knowledge (in secret), but remains terrified that he will murder again.

This film was directed by Peter Askin. This is not the greatest Stephen King adaptation to be brought to life. It is full of the 'good family' cliches, especially in the beginning. The story itself creates an interesting portrait of a serial killer; he's a man who really does love his family and his wife, is an outstanding employee, but just kills people on the side. In some ways, the story is meant to make you question who the murderer actually is. Since the killer remains so ordinary, and there isn't enough built tension, there is no real thriller aspect within the film. The plot has a great basis, but its execution falls flat. Through time there are very small hints of what is happening within the character's mind. Without viewing the entire picture of the mental distress it is hard to fully comprehend the main character's ending motives. Which sadly makes the ending feel very random and conflicting. There is also a sick detective, who feels like he should be important, but is just pointless. Joan Allen played the role of Darcy Anderson. She was good in the role, but the story failed to complete her character's depth. Anthony LaPaglia played the role of Bob Anderson/Beadie. He was good at playing the typical all good father, but it was difficult to see that hidden killer within him. 

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! There is a great base plan for a fantastic film, but its execution plummets it success. 

This film is available through Instant Stream on Netflix.

Answer to last blog: Actor Russell Crow was originally intended to play the role of Robert McCall in the film The Equalizer. 

Que: A Good Marriage novella is part of a collection of stories entitled 'Full Dark, No Stars'. What other film was inspired from the collection?

Carrie

Big Driver

The Mist

Cat's Eye

The Equalizer (2014)

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This film is based off the television series of the same name. Robert McCall has set aside his dark past to start a new uncomplicated life. Then, during unrestful nights, he meets Teri. Teri is a prostitute working for Russian gangsters. After witnessing her abuse, he finds himself fighting for her freedom.

This film was directed by Antoine Fuqua. This film has a very open story with no solid secondary character or central villain. To say the least, it at least has two of each (secondary character/leading villain). However, it is the perfect origin story for a badass hero character. Even if he doesn't have the classic right hand hook punch. The open story works for the character's backstory, because it really opens his character to helping anyone that is being harmed. But, this keeps the film from having a solid focus. There is plenty of violence and explosions in this film. Interesting, the abundance of blood violence almost seems unnecessary particularly during its ending. He had plenty of options to collect weapons, but instead decides to stick to the home repair weapons found in a depot store. This makes the final battle ultimately cheesy. There may be a sequel to this film, soon, if the demand is high enough. What really makes this film is the performance that Denzel Washington plays as Robert McCall. He creates a dark and approachable character; which was crucial for this film. Marton Csokas, Teddy, was the opposing villain. Despite the cuddly name, he was a great dark villain. In many ways they are alike with a brush stroke of a difference. Johnny Skourtis played the role of Ralphie, and Chloe Grace Moretz played the role of Teri. Teri was a great strong character. Although she was the cause of McCall's change, she appears for such a limited time on screen. Even though it was all for her, she become forgotten rather quickly. Ralphie become the perfect replacement for Teri, even though his character shouldn't have existed. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a great action film that could've been better with more plot focus. 

This film can be found through Netflix DVD.

Answer to last blog: R. J. Cutler, If I Stay, directed episodes for the television show American High.

Que: Who was originally intended to play the role of Robert McCall?

Jason Statham

Terry Crews

Colin Farrell

Russell Crowe

If I Stay

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This film is based off a novel, with the same title, written by Gayle Forman. Within a single instant Mia Hall's life drastically changes because of a tragic car accident. During her out of body experience Mia is forced to chose rather she wants to stay and continue living, or end it all. Through this time she remembers her past and is forced to embrace a potential darker future. 

This film was directed by R. J. Cutler. This film is very much a young adult romance story with a supernatural twist. That means this film applies to specific teenage audience. It's also highly predictable and at some moments cheesy. Since it is made for teenagers it often falls into those misfit cliched moments. Although, it is comical that it gives these two teenage characters almost adult like freedom. However, underneath the obvious modern teenage flare there is a heartfelt and immensely emotional story. I think the story would've been more emotional had it focused a little more on her ailing family than her love interest. It is humorous that people will make way for the invisible character. It's even funnier that the doors will always remain open for this invisible character. The music is very oriented around punk with hints of classical. It works, but it would've suited the character more to focus mainly on the classical music. Keeping punk as its theme music makes it more inviting to modern teenagers, and keeps the audience from fully understanding the main character. Chloe Grace Moretz played the role of Mia Hall. She was great in this emotional role, but she might've been a little to confident to be a mistfit among misfits though. Jamie Blackley played the role of Adam. He was great in his supporting and familiar role. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a great emotional love story for current audiences. But, it relies to heavily on common teenage cliches to progress beyond it.

This film can be found through  Netflix DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actor Ben Feldman, As Above So Below, starred in the found footage film Cloverfield.

Que: What teenage television show has R. J. Cutler directed for?

The Secret Life of An American Teenager

American High

East Los High

Freaks and Geeks

As Above So Below

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Scarlett Marlowe is a young alchemist scholar who is eager to continue her father's work in searching for the philosopher's stone (a legendary stone that can change materials and grant eternal life). Scarlett gets a team together to search through Paris' catacombs. To retrieve the philosopher's stone they must venture through hell.

This film was directed by John Erick Dowdle. This film is another horror film that tells its story like found footage. It is a little weird, because it is unclear as to how many cameras were actually brought into the catacombs (I'd assume one per person). I still dislike found footage because it takes away a lot of the horror by cutting out anything that could've been of interest. If done right, it is a masterful technique that adds to the fear, but in this case it hinders this film. The story has a great set-up, but then it become cliched and is too quick to seek a fast ending. There is no real explanation as to whether or not Scarlett is an actual alchemist, or is just a scholar. If she was an alchemist in her own right this film should have been much more different. Although it is fun to watch experts fall into trouble, it turns into another story of people to desperate for knowledge or money. There is some violence, but not a lot of gore. There are a few make you jump scares, and one creepy monster, but nothing about this film has any lasting terrifying effects. What is awesome is that this film was actually shot in the catacombs, and most items used came from the catacombs. Peredita Weeks played the role of Scarlett Marlowe. She is good in the familiar role of the innocent scholar that gets everyone killed. Ben Feldman played  the role of George. He is great in a supporting, but does not stand out in any other way.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! This is a decent horror film that doesn't deliver any scares.

This film can be found through Netflix DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actor Kevin Sorbo, God's Not Dead, starred in the film Let the Lion Roar.

Que: What other found footage horror film has actor Ben Feldman starred in?

Quarantine
REC
Cloverfield
The Last Exorcism

God's Not Dead

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Josh Wheaton arrives to a new college, and decides to take Professor Radisson's philosophy course. On his first day of class, he is instructed to write on a piece of paper that God is Dead and sign it. Wheaton disagrees, and is forced to prove his reason for believing in God.

This film was directed by Harold Cronk. Okay, this film was created by a Christian company, so they do not have access to full Hollywood effects. With that in mind, the film does not have amazing production quality. This film has been endorsed by several Christian groups because of the belief that it will strengthen their beliefs, convince them to take a stand, and save more souls. This film, popular among Christian's, is probably one of the most bigoted films to be created. The idea of a student fighting a professor for his beliefs is great. But, they included several unnecessary secondary stories to create a ton of subtext. I can understand that it is wrong to punish students for not wanting to do things that go against their beliefs. That is a great concept, and if the film kept focus on just their argument then it would have been so much better. However, the hidden messages break what could've been a great story. The first secondary message it that all those who follow other religions (even if they are similar) are wrong and close minded. They show a Muslim father who banishes his daughter for following Christianity. This was very unnecessary and ironic writing. Another secondary story is that all intellects are not only assholes but are plagued by the curse of intelligence. True, most intellects are atheists, but not all. And, not all intellects are assholes. The final nail in the coffin is that you will wish you had God when your dying. The other complication is that not all atheists are evil or immoral, and everything good does not solely come from God. We are given free will for a reason. We are capable of being good and creating hope within ourselves. It is not bad to take a stand for your beliefs, but it is wrong to take your ideas and work it against people. It also assumes that all people fall into a particular stereotype, and that is how they assemble their characters. I know there is a feeling, from both sides of this argument, that you should attack first. I think that it should be approached with open minds from both parties, and a film that can do that will be a true miracle. Oddly, there are plans to create a sequel to this film-don't know how they could possibly do it though. 

Shane Harper played the role of Josh Wheaton. He was good in his very innocent role. He gave the film its heart. Kevin Sorbo played the role of Professor Radisson. He was brilliant opposing Harper. However, the script found several ways to ruin his character.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! This is a film for hardcore followers of the Christian faith. However, it's great concept is shattered with all the additional subtext.

This film can be found through Netflix DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actor Sala Baker played the role of Sauron in the original Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Que: What other religious film has actor Kevin Sorbo stared in?

Courageous

Let the Lion Roar

Heaven is for Real

Son of God

-Meredith Lawless-

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

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This film is based off the novel, The Hobbit, written by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is also the third part in the The Hobbit film series, and a part of The Lord of the Rings saga. The dragon Smaug who was attacking the river people is defeated. Desperate to rebuild their lives, the people travel to the mountain to seek their portion of financial aid. Thranduil, the Elven king, arrives to claim his rightful portion of the treasure. Thorin Oakenshield, being controlled by a sickness, decides to fight to keep the treasure. All the while a powerful orc army seeks to destroy all of them. 

This film was directed by Peter Jackson. Okay, if you are a true J.R.R. Tolkien nerd you will only enjoy the film because it is more of a world you love and will otherwise hate the film. If you are a fan of just the film series then you will love this conclusion. There is still too much use of extra fluff used to make the film fit more with the Lord of the Rings 'future' story, and the unnecessary use of certain familiar characters. However, even with this additional material from the other two films, the film offers a great conclusion for the series. This film is purely an extended battle sequence that has moments of Biblo and Thorin learning a little more about themselves. So, there isn't much thrilling plot development. Since it is based off the Hobbit novel, it never fully reaches the intense drama of the Lord of the Rings films. It is however, the darkest story in this Hobbit trilogy. It is just unfortunate that Smaug died so early in the film. The battle sequences are violent and somewhat gory, but effective. It does feel largely repetitive of Jackson's previous work, but it is a more darkly whimsical take on his repetitiveness. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a great closure to this film series with a shorter running time.

This film can still be found in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Actress Leanne Best played the role of the Woman in Black in the film The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death.

Que: Who played the role of Sauron in the original Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring film?

Sala Baker

Brent McIntyre

Alan Howard

Paul Norell

The Woman in Black: Angel of Death (2)

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This film is a sequel to The Woman in Black (which was based off the novel of the same name written by Susan Hill). Bombs are falling in London, so Eve Parkins travels with her school children and the headmistress (Jean Hogg) to the Eel Marsh House. 40 years later, the woman in black re-appears to continue reaping her revenge.

This film was directed by Tom Harper. This film makes several references to the original, but changes the ghosts usual routine. The story gives the woman a more humane side when she becomes attached to one of the little children. She murders to protect him, which is very different then her previous kill all rampage. This sequel also proves that this ghost is fairly unbeatable, so there can never be any victory. However, the ghost present another test of parenthood. There is an unnecessary character to provide easy answers that furthers the plot. For those audiences unhappy with the originals ending, this ending will prove better for them. All the scares are entirely jump scares. There is very little morbidity, but there is violence. Phoebe Fox played the role of Eve Parkins. Oaklee Pendergast played the role of Edward.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a decent sequel that gives more power and popularity to a powerful foe. 

This film can be found in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Singer Taylor Swift made an appearance in the film The Giver.

Que: Who played the role the Woman in Black for this sequel?

Leanne Best

Takako Fuji

Liz White

Daveigh Chase

The Giver

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Happy New Years to everyone. I also hope  that everyone had a merry Christmas, or happy Holidays!

This film is based off the novel, of the same name, written by Lois Lowry. In 2048, there is a floating city that houses the perfect community. There is no hate, no war, no famine, and no love. This city is govern by elders who seek advice from the Receiver of Memory, because all former memories have been erased. Jonas, is about to become a working member of the community leaving his childhood behind. He is given the position to become the new Receiver of Memory. However, his mentor has an ulterior motive to reveal the truth of their existence and the truth of the 'real' world.

This film was directed by Phillip Noyce. I have not read the novel to be able to compare the two. This film is another teenage rebellion story with some questions about humanity itself. It begs the questions about what our basic rights are as human beings, and what should we lose to end our distress. The story itself tells a familiar story that is sincere and heartfelt. However, it cuts a lot of corners in the finer details of the actual plot. Like, why are these genetically created beings born with all the memories of a 'real' world? If they were unwanted, wouldn't it be simpler to have them born without them? Even so, how can every human have access to these memories that only the Receiver of Memory should have? It also seems too easy to suddenly give characters feelings when none are meant to exist (because of a drug they take). However, the cinematography was beautiful to watch on screen. It made a dull background appear fresh. Starting from black and white and going into color was a great choice. Brenton Thwaites played the role of Jonas. He was good on screen playing the naive and brave character, but could not stand fully out from the rest of the cast. Jeff Bridges played the role of The Giver. He was great in this role. In several ways, he appears to be the main character. Odeya Rush played the role of Fiona. She was great at supporting the rest of the cast. Meryl Streep played the role of the Chief Elder. I loved her stoic nature in this film. She was the unexpected villain trying to maintain the harmony within the community, but her nature made you wonder how much she was hiding.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! There is a beauty in its story and its cinematography, but it could've been more emotionally gripping.

This film can be found from Netflix DVD.

Answer to last blog: Play Misty For Me was Clint Eastwood's, Jersey Boys, first directed film.

Que: What famous singer made an appearance in this film?

Lord

Adele

Demi Lovato

Taylor Swift