Knock Knock (2015)

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This film is a remake of a 1977 film entitled Death Game. Even Webber is a devoted father left home alone. On this stormy night, two young girls appear pleading for his help. The night quickly turns into a night of seduction; which leads to a game of cat and mouse. 

This film was directed by Eli Roth. This film is meant to be a twist on home invasion where the women are femme fatales. However, the two female characters only manage to come off as annoying and troublesome. It also doesn't help that it's impossible to view Keanu Reeves as helpless. But, the change does offer a fresh take on this popular genre. Just as it was intriguing to witness a man being raped on screen. The films satirical approach to 'torture horror' came off as too cheesy to be believable. Even though it has its twist, there are no real tense moments of suspense or horror to terrify its audience. The film also creates some predictable and uninteresting characters. Keanu Reeves played the role of Evan Webber. Despite not being able to see him as helpless, he was good in his role. He made the role as sincere as he could. Lorenza Izzo played the role of Genesis. Her performance felt unmotivated, but playful. Ana de Armas played the role of Bel. Her character was the clingy sexual follower. In many ways she was annoying, but it worked out.

This film can be seen on DVD.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! Despite having an original twist on a classic genre, it fails to create any real suspense.

Answer to last blog: Actress Maika Monroe, The Guest, starred in the horror film It Follows.

Que: What other film has director Eli Roth and actress Lorenza Izzo work together on?

The Stranger

Hotel Part: II

Blind Alley

The Green Inferno

The Guest

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David Collins approaches the Peterson family claiming to be an old war friend of their eldest son, Caleb. Shortly after the Peterson family allows him to stay with them, several accidental deaths occur that improve their lives. Anna Peterson, the oldest sister, is the only one who believes that these accidental deaths are connected to David.

This film was directed by Adam Wingard. This film is an action thriller that harkens back to an eighties film feel. There are plenty of action thrills and dark sequences to make this film entertaining. The ending felt satisfactory, but felt like it could've been more. However, it is very predictable. Naturally, there is plenty of violence, but I wouldn't call it gorey. I will say that this film features a group of very unintelligent characters. Maika Monroe played the role of Anne Peterson. Even though she played a typical rebellious daughter role, she gave the film its heart and some humor. Dan Stevens played the role of David Collins. His on screen presence made the character. Brendan Meyer played the role of Luke Peterson. His character was made too typical of the outcast teenager, and his performance suited the character.

This film can be seen on Netflix Instant Que.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a great thriller film that feels too typical.

Answer to last blog: Actor Jeremy Sumpter played the role of Peter Pan in the 2003 film Peter Pan.

Que: What other horror film has actress Maika Monroe starred in?

The Babadook

Housebound

It Follows

Jessabelle

Pan (2015)

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This film is a prequel to J. M. Barrie's stageplay Peter Pan. Peter is kidnapped from his orphanage by pirates and taken to Neverland. There he discovers secrets about his mother, and his fate to protect the fairy kingdoms. 

This film was directed by Joe Wright. This is offers a unique perspective on the origin story of Peter Pan. The story has a lot of potential. But it attempts to be too intelligent and creative that it neglects to present the childhood innocence and mischievous nature of Pan. It is humorously that it tries to reconnect with the original by offering innuendo's, and keep itself PC. I've recently noticed that modern children movies have chosen to take popular songs and re-use them instead of creating original music, and this film is no different. The steampunk and fantastical backdrop was great to watch on screen. The computer animation was overbearing, but looked pretty. Levi Miller played the role of Peter Pan. He was good at creating a sincere character. Garrett Hedlund played the role of Hook. His performance was over the top and too comical. Rooney Mara played the role of Tiger Lily. She was nice to watch on screen, but felt flat. Hugh Jackman played the role of Blackbeard. His performance was way too over the top, but it is easy to see how a cartoon version of Hook would've taken behavioral traits from him. 

This film can be seen on DVD.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! Good computer animation isn't enough to rescue this expensive children's film from its problems. 

Answer to last blog: Bill Hader was one of the voice consultants for BB-8, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Que: Who played the role of Peter Pan in the 2003 film Peter Pan?

Bobby Driscoll

Jeremy Sumpter

Frankie Muniz

Shia LaBeouf

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

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This film is the seventh film installment to the Star Wars film franchise, and is based off characters created by George Lucas. Thirty years after the destruction of the second death star, the First Order has arisen from the ashes of the Galactic Empire. They seek to destroy what remains of the Resistance, led by Leia Organa, and to destroy the last Jedi, Luke Skywalker. Now, a group of unlikely hero's will emerge to aide the Resistance and find Luke.

This film was directed by J. J. Abrahams. Okay, this film was obviously made to excite the fans of the classic saga, and amend the mistakes made with the prequels. However, non-fans of the Star Wars franchise will not easily enjoy this film. But, there are lot of little details that if thought about too hard could ruin the fun. There are some new planets, new secondary characters, and a new government that is introduced and not fully explained. They also leave a lot of hints about various aspects of the star wars 'verse that only die-hard fans would appreciate. There is also a lot of filler, in this story, that feels too much like filler. Once you've gotten to the ending, however, it all comes together nicely. Even if it does tread some way too familiar plot points. In many ways it feel like it tries to amend the prequels by providing the fans what they've been craving, but does not reach the point of greatness that the original series established. Fortunately, the story is dramatic enough and a thrilling fun ride that most can enjoy it. This film has managed to lessen the little on screen violence even more so than the previous films. There is some great computer animation, backdrops, and alien/robotic designs to offer plenty originality to the film. It'll be interesting to see what a different director brings to the plate.

Thankfully, the story did take the time to create three new primary characters, and allow the audience to understand them. The re-introduction of the classic old characters was great-even if it felt overburdened. The main characters really gave this film its heart. I did enjoy that all the big name actors were given small roles, and new actors were used to give the film a fresh feel. Daisy Ridley played the role of Rey. It was great watching a strong female character on screen kicking butt. John Boyega played the role of Finn/FN2187. His performance offered tons of comedy for the film. Adam Driver played the role of Kylo Ren. Unfortunately, he had a lot to live up to. He is literally treading in the footsteps of Darth Vader. He did not have the same presence, but you knew that he was an intimidating villain. Harrison Ford, Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill returned to their roles of Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker. Their return was great and memorable. Bringing back R2-D2 and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) was a little much, but nice. The introduction of new robot BB-8 was great.

This film can be seen in theaters.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great science fiction drama film that many audiences can enjoy. 

Answer to last blog: Actor James Gilbert, The Conspiracy, starred in the film Saw VI.

Que: Who was a voice consultant for BB-8?

Anthony Daniels

Kenny Baker

Frank Oz

Bill Hader

The Conspiracy (2012)

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Jim and Aaron decide to create a documentary about a conspiracy theorist; Ian Anderson. After Ian Anderson disappears, the documentary takes a strange and dangerous.

This film was directed by Christopher MacBride. Okay, this is a faux documentary film told through found footage. This film starts slow, but it builds suspense quickly. It ends the film by generating an even bigger conspiracy than what it began with-which is great. In a strange the found footage/faux documentary works great for this type of film. However, like most found footage it still feels like we're not getting the complete story. It is more of a suspenseful film than it is a horror. There isn't any gore, but there are questions asked about our government. Aaron Poole played the role of Aaron. James Gilbert played the role of Jim. They were both good at playing off each other in the obvious roles of non-believer and believer. However, either performer can be easily interchanged.

This film can be seen on Netflix Instant Que.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a good suspenseful film that makes use of the found footage formula.

Answer to last blog: Actor Robert Duvall, Wild Horses, is known for his role in The Godfather.

Que: In which of the Saw films did actor James Gilbert star in?

Saw IV

Saw V

Saw III

Saw VI

Wild Horses

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Texas Ranger Samantha Payne re-opens a fifteen year old case involving the disappearance of a young boy. She accuses local rancher Scott Briggs. This forces Scott Briggs to rethink his life.

This film was directed and written by Robert Duvall. The films story has two distinct characters living different lives who occasionally run into each other. The film would've done much better having followed one or the other. That being said, it is primarily an emotional about a father trying to mend his broken family before his death. The story takes several unexpected turns that make it feel like an soap opera drama. Sadly, there is a lot of build-up in this film but there is no fulfillment in the ending. Robert Duvall played the role of Scott Briggs. In truth, there is nothing likable about this character but he can be respected as a struggling father. James Franco played the role of Ben Briggs. He brought the most heart to this film. Josh Hartnett played the role of KC Briggs. He was great at supporting Franco. Angie Cepeda played the role of Maria Gonzales. She easily upstaged all the other performers in this film. Devon Abner played the role of Johnny Briggs. Even though there are three brothers in this family, and the father is trying to mend that family, he is the most unnecessary character in this film. He is also the easiest forgotten. Luciana Duvall (Luciana Pedraza) played the role of Samantha Payne. Her performance was lackluster, but the character was interesting for the limited time that she was on screen.

This film can be seen on Netflix Instant Que.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! It is a film that tries to be a family drama without any true direction.

Answer to last blog: Actor Ryan Reynolds, Self/less, voiced acted in the animated film The Croods.

Que: What film is actor Robert Duvall known for?

The Godfather

Cabaret

The Cowboys

Fat City

Self/less

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Damian Hale is a wealthy real state mogul whose dying from cancer. Damian decides to undergo a procedure to place his conscious into another body. However, Damian quickly discovers the secrets of the company who conducted the procedure.

This film was directed by Tarsem Singh. This film goes the typical route of becoming an action film. Which is unfortunate, because this film refrains from asking the deep psychological questions that could've made this film unique. It also doesn't place much focus on character development. This is also unfortunate since the film revolves around the central character's emotional development. The plot is very predictable. However, the action sequences are decent but not highly thrilling. Even though the backdrops a lovely to look at this film doesn't have the director's known artistic style. Ryan Reynolds played the role of Young Damian. Ben Kingsley played the role of Damian. When there are two actors playing the same role in different, it can very easily become difficult for one to cop the other. However, Kingsley wasn't on screen long enough to create a noticeable difference. Both actors were good in establishing an intelligent and emotional mogul. Natalie Martinez played the role of Madeline. She was a great supporting actress for Reynolds, but didn't do well standing on her own. Matthew Goode played the role of Professor Albright. He established a great villain to oppose Reynolds.

This film can be seen on DVD.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a decent movie that fumbled itself with a need to incorporate more action than story.

Answer to last blog: Director Alan Taylor, Terminator Genisys, directed the film Thor: The Dark World.

Que: What animated film did actor Ryan Reynolds lend his vocal talents to?

Epic

The Croods

Monsters University

Free Birds

Terminator Genisys

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This film is the fifth installment to the film franchise. Sgt. Kyle Reese volunteers to travel back to 1984 to protect Sarah Conner. However, unexpected events create a fractured timeline.

This film was directed by Alan Taylor. This film attempts to re-create the old terminator formula while taking the most enjoyable parts of the first two films and combine them. However, returning to this classic formula feels outdated and confusing. Combing the two first films, and trying to tie it into the Terminator Salvation, oversaturated the film. As treads some familiar ground, and gives it a fresh spin, turns into a real drunken nostalgia trip. The time travel becomes highly unnecessary in its storytelling. It ruined what might've been an all right and understandable story. The film tries to amend its problems with tons of over the top action; which was okay to watch on screen. Originally they wanted to create to sequels based off this timeline and a spin-off television series. All that has been brought down to one potential sequel. Emilia Clarke played the role of Sarah Conner. She was decent in the role despite feeling like a child throughout the film. Jai Courtney played the role of Kyle Reese. Hid lackluster was great at supporting E. Clarke. Arnold Schwarzenegger played the role of the Guardian (Terminator). Surprisingly he is still acting in action films. His performance is about as a good as it ever was in the series Jason Clarke played the role of John Conner. They've chosen to completely change the ideal and personality of John Conner. It was an unexpected turn, but didn't need to be there.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! It has some decent action, but its convoluted and outdated story ruins the film.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Greta Garbo played the role of Anna Karenina in the 1935 film Anna Karenina.

Que: Which comic based film has director Alan Taylor directed?

Guardians of the Galaxy

Thor: The Dark World

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Ant-Man

Anna Karenina (2012)

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This film is based off Leo Tolstoy's novel, of the same title. Anna Karenina meets Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky and has an affair with him. She is forced to choose what is proper in society, to remain with her husband Count Alexei Alexandrovich, or follow her heart.

This film was directed by Joe Wright. This film operates under the assumption that audiences have read and understand all the various parts of the novel its based off, so there are a lot of small points that go unexplained. Now the styling choice is imaginative, and it keeps the film from becoming to slow paced. It was enjoyable, but somewhat unusual, to go from feeling like your watching a stage production to live action. The costume design is also lovely to look at. However, the styling choice takes away from explaining these complex characters choices and the lessons they learn. Keira Knightley played the role of Anna Karenina. She was great in her emotional role of a woman lost in love. Aaron Taylor-Johnson played the role of Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky. He was a great supporting actor for Knightly, and he also gave the film its lively romantic nature. Jude Law played the role of Count Alexei Alexandrovich. He was a great supporting actor for Knightly.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a decent romantic story that uses cinematography to its story.

This film can be seen on Instant Que.

Answer to last blog: Actor Colin Clive played the role of Frankenstein in the 1931 film.

Que: Which actress played the role of Anne Karenina in the 1935 film?

Vivien Leigh

Rita Hayworth

Greta Garbo

Mary Astor

Victor Frankenstein

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This film is loosely based of the 1818 novel Frankenstein written by Mary Shelley. After Victor Frankenstein rescues Igor from the circus, he convinces Igor to assist him in creating a creature that will live beyond death.

This film was directed by Paul McGuigan. This film is meant to act as a re-imagining of the classic tale. However, this film only takes some liberties in changing the classic story, but keeps to the same familiar story. What keeps this film fresh is the take on the two popular characters. There are a few moments when the story gets strange, and some moments were it isn't logically explained. But, there is plenty of humor and emotion given to the two central characters. The computer animated homunculus was unique and unexpected. The animation used to create the creature was great and frightening to watch on screen. Even though the two main characters were enjoyable, there wasn't anything to create interesting secondary characters. Daniel Radcliffe played the role of Igor. His physical performance was great. His overall performance was very heart wrenching. James McAvoy played the role of Victor Frankenstein. He gave an eccentric character some emotion.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It has a lot of potential to be a great retelling, but it falls short of being highly creative.

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Director Stephen Frears, Philomena, directed the film The Queen.

Que: Who was the actor to play Frankenstein in the 1931 film?

Colin Clive

Boris Karloff

Vincent Price

Bela Lugosi

Philomena

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This film is based off the book, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, written by Martin Sixsmith. Political journalist Martin Sixsmith reluctantly decides to write an article about Philomena's search for her long lost son. Philomena lost her child after being sent to live in a coven.

This film was directed by Stephen Frears. Okay, this film is not made for heavy Catholic followers. In many ways it does express a darkened viewpoint of the religion's history. There are also some secondary political matters mentioned. There were some historical alterations made to create a more dramatic story. Both characters are well established to express the creator's viewpoint and keep the film enjoyable. Although, the character of Sixsmith can be seen as cruel from time to time. However, the character of Philomena gives the film its warmth and compassion. As much as this story provides enriched hope it also provides some sadness. Steve Coogam played the role of Martin Sixsmith. Even though his character is dislikable, he gives the character the right amount of juice to be enjoyable. Judi Dench played the role of Philomena Lee. Her character is typical of the generation, but she is easily liked.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great emotional and inspirational story about family.

This film can be seen in Instant Que.

Answer to last blog: Actress Willow Shields played Katniss Everdeen's younger sister in the Hunger Games franchise.

Que: What other film has director Stephen Frears direct?

The King's Speech

The Queen

The Young Victoria

Marie Antionette

Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

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This film is the final and fourth installment of the Hunger Game film franchise, and is based off the novel Mockingjay written by Suzanne Collins. Katniss Everdeen remains the face of the rebellion against President Snow. She decides that she will do anything to execute President Snow with her own hands.

This film was directed by Francis Lawrence. This film is faithful to the novel-even with its ending. This film follows directly behind the last installment in a great way; keeping the action and the tension flowing. The previous installment took a step back, and focused on the emotional parts of the story that inspire various characters to behave in a certain way. Part 2, carries out those characters actions. I know some people were upset that it was split into two parts, but it worked perfectly. This installment has more action and more violence than the previous films, because this is the final moments of the war. There may be a moment, or two, when younger, or squeamish, audiences might get scared.  The general story of this film makes a statement about war in general and the people who perpetuate it. The computer animation and the background were great to watch. For some unusual reason there are potentially make a prequel series; which is disappoint because it ended on the right note. I am curious, though, why they never kept the same cat throughout all the films. Jennifer Lawrence returned to the role of Katniss Everdeen. Even though her performance might be seen as dull, it worked for the film. Liam Hemsworth returned to the role of Gale Hawthorne. Despite being a great supporting actor for Lawrence, and spending more time on screen, he did not stand out amongst the cast. Josh Hutcherson returned to the role of Peeta Mellark. His performance was heartbreaking.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! A great ending to the Hunger Games franchise.

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Actress Sterling Jones played the role of Young Libby Day in the film Dark Places.

Que: Who played the role of Katniss Everdeen's younger sister?

Paula Malcomson

Jena Malone

Willow Shields

Natalie Dormer