ct_brandon

IMDb member since December 2010
    Lifetime Total
    5+
    IMDb Member
    13 years

Reviews

The Dark Tower
(2017)

(Spoiler-Free) Couch Potato's Review
Writing this review with some knowledge of the source material beforehand, I felt the movie was a nice addition to the overall story of The Dark Tower & it's effect on the universe entirely. The film serves more as a continuation of what is already in play left off after the last page of book #7, therefore, those unfamiliar with said material, may find themselves unsure of certain plot points or dialogue and their references to what has already been previously established. I felt the actors really played off their characters and moved with the tone & pace of the film. Visually stunning and amazing cinematography with plenty of angle & dolly shots to keep the pace of the action moving forward. I felt that the runtime was really fast for the story being told, and found areas where they felt rushed to get through the story. As with the novels, the film could've been broken down into several films to flush out characters and story lines. I really enjoyed the film overall and hope we will see more of the Man In Black & The Gunslinger, as their story is far from over.

Star Trek Into Darkness
(2013)

"The Wrath Of Star Trek II"
I hate always stated that if somebody wanted to make a good Star Trek or Star Wars movie, all they had to do is watch The Wrath Of Khan and Empire Strikes Back. Well, somebody finally listened and what we have is an almost equal to Wrath Of Khan. Probably the best Star Trek film ever made in some aspects. Everything you would come to expect is here. Non-stop action from start to finish and a true popcorn film with a great story. Once again, the acting is right on. I am more of a fan of this starship enterprise than any incarnations prior. My only complaint would be the villain. I was hoping for more of a name to be playing this part and just wasn't convinced he was the ultimate villain but by performance, not the writing. Perhaps if they would've acquired a more infamous villainy actor to portray "John Harrison" than I would've been completely sold. However, I am not a Trekkie but do love "The Wrath Of Khan" and now "Into Darkness". I highly recommend this film to those who loved Star Trek II: "The Wrath Of Khan" and the previous Star Trek reboot.

The Hospital
(2013)

If your sick, go to THE HOSPITAL
"If SESSION 9 was to rape I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE...THE HOSPITAL would be their rape baby!"

***THIS MOVIE IS INFECTED**** (SPOILER-FREE) I don't need to retell the plot nor will I give out any spoilers, but the movie delivers on brutal horror. It's the perfect recipe for the macabre: Add a throwback to 70's exploitation flicks mixed in with a supernatural spice, a dash of dark humor, and seasoned with an all-star cast of independent actors/actresses, makes up a well-balanced meal of a bloody massacre. The story moves forward at the right pace with some unexpected turns that I didn't see coming. Daniel Emery Taylor's costume and character look of psychopath "Stanley" is fabulous as It looked nothing like the actual actor. Amazing work by all the cast & crew on such a tight and rigorous budget/schedule shows what a collaboration of passionate people for their craft can accomplish to overcome adversities in order to witness their art come alive. The film contains violence, nudity, foul language, abundance of rape torture, and vicious gore. I have been infected. If your sick, then go to THE HOSPITAL. I'm sure they can cure your taste for terror.

Holliston
(2012)

Holliston Rocks!
This show is amazing! It's definitely one of my all-time favorites because it's made by horror fans....for horror fans. I love their "breaking the fourth wall" and all the horror movie references they attribute to it. Finally, a show that gets it. Adam Green and Joe Lynch are people that I could see hanging out with and that's what this show does. Let's you hang out with them. Dee Snider proves that his acting chops are as twisted as his singing chops and he's letting the world know he isn't going to take it anymore. Cori English is the next hot model in my opinion. Great actress. Not to mention all the cameos by horror legends is worth the look in itself. Holliston takes the sitcom formula and skunks it! Much like Adam did with Hatchet, They've reinvented the genre!

The Barrens
(2012)

Hitchcock.
First off, this is NOT just a horror film but more of a Hitchcock type suspense film. It's based on the Jersey Devil Legend and involves a troubled man who takes his family on a remote camping trip into the jersey pine barrens in which he begins to believe they're being hunted by The Jersey Devil. Now his own sanity is being questioned not by just himself but by his family as well. Is it the real Jersey Devil or the delusions of a psychopath? The climax is not a certain one as it isn't with most horror type films but this wasn't just a horror film as the director uses suspense more as a tool rather than a plug. As a fan of True Blood, I think this is Stephen Moyer's best performance outside of Bill Compton, and Mia Kirshner who I love in just about anything, always delivers. I saw this in a theater and I did "jump" on a few parts as did others. The director, Darren Lynn Bousman, (SAW II-IV Franchise) who Godfathered "Repo: The Genetic Opera" and my much-anticipated must-see "The Devil's Carnival", brought to life a story that will leave you questioning...does the Jersey Devil exist? Watch it and see...(btw, I'm never going camping again)

Zombie Atrocity: The Italian Zombie Movie - Part 2
(2010)

The best and most honest review part II
This movie is The Empire Strikes Back of zombie films! It's the second chapter in the series and the best thus far! It's a great film that answers all the questions left open from part I and opens up new ones Im sure that will be addressed in Part III. This film, much like Part I, has it all and much, much, more! It's my favorite one of the two and brings the story together. The story is very well written and played out by the actors and shows once again what a man can do with no money yet an imagination and a drive and desire to showcase his talents. The Italian Zombie Movie Part I & II will go down as some of the best independent films in the market and Im sure will become cult classics in the tradition of Italian zombie films.

Red State
(2011)

Red State is great
I was lucky enough to go see it on tour in Indianapolis. The film is just a work of art. Let me start by saying it's NOT a horror film. It is NOT a comedy. It is NOT a psychological thriller...It IS all the above! I place it along the lines with FROM DUSK TIL DAWN. It is a roller-coaster ride with twists and turns around every corner. It has Kevin Smith's humor planted in it but it's NOT a View Askew Film...it is absolutely out of Kevin Smith's world which shows off his directing chops and how far he has come along. If you didn't know he directed it...you'd never guessed. His dialogue is spectacular and the performances...they are Oscar worthy to say the least. The performances...WOW! Michael Parks ***(best performance to date by far...just ahead of From Dusk Til Dawn)*** is excellent as Abin Cooper and John Goodman steals the show in his best performance to date! Melissa Leo, Kyle Gallner, and Nicholas Braun is spectacular! The film is just magnificent and it's what all independent filmmakers strive to produce. I thought the story was truly believable and very disturbing but in terms of you can't look away once it get's started. So in a nutshell...Yes, I highly recommend this film. I would challenge anyone to argue this film with me. I can't wait to see HIT SOMEBODY...Kevin Smith's swan song.

Zombie Abomination: The Italian Zombie Movie - Part 1
(2010)

The best and most honest review.
When i take the time to write a review, I make it as honest as I can because that's what i look for when I'm reading reviews. Every film will have fans just like every film will have haters. The trick is to find the review from someone who enjoys the same type of films that you the reader does. Myself, I enjoy a vast variety of films. I think it's all a work of art. It's my church...my escape. if they taught school on television through movies...Id be a genius. I look at movies as a creative expression, especially in the independent market where big studio execs don't change every aspect of the script that made it good to begin with. Now, I like big popcorn movies as much as the next guy...but i also love low to no budget films as well. I like films that stand out from other films. Films that are not the same thing done over and over again. Now you know a little about my taste...let's get on with why your here...the review of IZM. What can I say about this film that hasn't already be said. It has everything. Action, Comedy, Drama, Gore, Horror, Spoofs, etc. Yes, it's made on a very low budget but don't let that stop you from checking this out. This film is, however, NOT for everybody. If your ONLY a fan of Big Budget Summer Blockbusters; Only like Major players in your movies; top of the line Million dollar f/x; No gore and just boring everyday Hollywood studio crap, then this film isn't for you. But, if you enjoy low budget independent films that are NOT boring; films that bring back memories of the youth; classic Italian spaghetti made zombie films; Then this movie is MOST definitely for you. I loved both parts I & II because I love seeing what a guy can do with no budget but nothing but love for the genre can come up with. Its the same reason why some people prefer college sports over professional, because it's more exciting because it's all about the love...same here. Part I sets up the story for part II which really takes off! I think what Thomas Berdinski and co. did here was utterly fantastic! I cant wait for Part III. Were taking the independent market back from the suits and it all starts here with IZM. I own the films and have watched them several times as each time I watch them, I notice something new. The films deserve a 10 but I'm saving that for IZM III and giving them something to strive for.

Scream 4
(2011)

The best and most honest review from a life long Slasher Kid
***THE FOLLOWING REVIEW REFERS TO ONLY THE SLASHER GENRE****** First off, when I look for a review, I like to know what kind of films does this person like because if they don't like the same things I do than maybe we are not on the same page of our tastes in films. EVERY movie will have a lover & a hater! What I like to know do they love or hate the same things I do before I can trust their review. So with that being said, let me tell you what I like and don't like. My favorite is John Carpenter's Halloween. The fourth installment I feel was the closet to the original as they got. The rest sucked. Other favs of mine are SCREAM, SAW, HOSTEL, HELL NIGHT, PROM NIGHT, MY BLOODY VALENTINE, Texas CHAINSAW MASSACRE, LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. ALL OF THOSE ARE THE ORIGINALS. In the sequel dept I like most sequels just because they are an extension of the originals. Not nearly as good but kinda like going back to a high school reunion. The 1st time, 2nd time, 3rd time, and so on. each time it loses it magic a little more. Now you get my likes...on with the review. SCRE4M is what it is. It's a sequel. Predictable, Commercial, & Enjoyable. The scares that made the original great have lost its magic with each passing sequel. The same storyline, the same characters except this time Gale, Dewey, & Sydney kinda lost their chemistry along the way. The opener: Pushy and Parody, which takes away from the scare. I was waiting for the Wayans brothers to come out during it. The new cast: mediocre at best. zero chemistry. the twists: predictable and pressing the realm of believability by really stretching why someone would go on a killing spree. What's next: SO and SO copied off me in high school so I went on a killing spree! But in tradition of sequels...it will fit right in. Friday the 13th Part IV, Halloween 4, SAW 4, Nightmare 4, and now Scream 4. Its in the same club. So, final thoughts: If your going to see a new kick-ass scary movie by Wes Craven...you'll be disappointed. If your going to see another sequel in the SCREAM franchise...you'll probably like it...not love it...but like it.

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