Movie Review - The Collection

The Collection

2012

The Cast

Though this is the sequel to "The Collector" and ties in well with the ending of the first film, it actually has very little to do with the original.  For starters, you have to forget the premise of the first as well as The Collectors modus operandi.  Like the original, these films work well if you don't think... at all.  Once you do you'll start spotting the massive gaping flaws in the story.  So in this chapter, The Collector has upped his game and has gone after a club full of young adults.  From which one survives.  Luckily for her, she has a loving and rich father who will do anything to get her back... so he sends in his own band of mercenaries to get her out... okay, everybody, let's march into the blood-spattered decrepit hotel and chant at the top of your voices, "Let's Go Die, Let's Go Die".  And so the carnage continues.

The thing which made the previous film so good is the same thing that makes this... the tension and suspense.  Dunstan is a maestro at manipulating the pace and atmosphere to get you on the edge of your seat.  Every time a trap is sprung you wonder how nasty it'll be... answer... very nasty.  That's the second thing keeping the audiences attention, the kills and the action.  There is a tonne of gore, enough to keep Hershall Lewis smiling in heaven, and plenty enough for the gorehounds.

Stewart is much better as Arkin in this film.  It would appear that being the collector's plaything has added an extra depth or two to him.  His motivation to escape is evident in every scene he's in.  Lee Tergesen does a passable job as the hired killer Lucello.  However, the rest of his merry men are ten-a-penny redshirts... proper cannon fodder.  So, it would appear that the writers decided not to fill out their characters too much.  Then there was Fitzpatrick as Elena, who was okay while she didn't say anything.  However, when she did speak she spoke with wooden tongue.

The special effects were awesome, the re-breaking of Arkin's arm and the escape attempt is quite nearly sickening.  The sewn together body parts is eerie and disturbing.  And the traps are gruesome and deadly.  Hopefully, all of this should be enough to satisfy, who needs a story, right(?)

The story really could have made this into a better and stronger film.  In the original, all you had to do was forget that it takes time to jerry-rig a house with all the traps, the collector used - forgivable, for entertainment's sake.

The character of the collector breaks into a house and leaves a present for the homeowners.  A trunk, inside of which is a tortured person from his previous escapade.  This "Present" is for shock value to throw the prey into confusion and fear.  Then he sets about torturing and killing everyone, but one, in the house... nobody lives.

This is even mentioned on a TV News Broadcast in the sequel.  There's been a spree of home invasions with this MO.  Even though it's the police being interviewed in the broadcast there appears to be no manhunt for The Collector.  No Task Force.  No FBI.  Then there's a party at a secret location... not too secret as TC's had time to set up a really nasty combine harvester trap, which is rigged to the trunk, hidden away in one of the rooms of the derelict house.  Boy, he was really hoping that somebody would be curious enough to go looking through a condemned building, so they'd set the trap off.

Then when we get to his hotel it just gets worse.  Not only does this killer torture and murder homeowners but he must also be picking up people off the street judging by the number of dismembered cadavers laying around...  Not only that, but he now has "The Collection" roaming around the place too.  People too scared to try and escape.  Most of which are high on drugs.  TC must be cooking the stuff or he really is one sick rich dude.  However, the strange thing is the traps in this place... a place that's his so he has all the time in the world to construct the best traps ever,  but are really weak-assed.  One of them is a hallway of plywood with nails knocked through them.  They don't even move together.  Another is a hallway full of bear traps.  Which you can easily get through by just walking to the side of them.  Damn this place really needed Kevin McCallister's touch.

Then there's the stitched together body parts.  Looks, like TC's been watching The Human Centipede, what a sicko...  This absolutely breaks with his persona.  There is no way that he would do this.  And then to arrange them in some kind of fluid inside glass canisters... believability is out the window.

Had the writers chosen, not to go down this path but to remain on the original and begin to explain TC's psychosis and background a little then it would have only helped to define the character better.  The strongest films give their audience an inkling into the psychopath and his thinking.  You know what's eating Norman, what's driving Michael, why Freddy is so evil, and even Jason gets a backstory and motivation.  These add to the power of their characters and hopefully the films.

If you're a gorehound then this film is definitely for you.  If you don't like blood then I'd recommend you stay away.

I give this a blood-soaked and gore-stained 6 out of 10.

The Trailer

Video Nasty - Don't Go In The House

Don't Go In The House

1979

Turbine Films Inc.

Film Ventures International / G T O Films Ltd / Cinefear / Arrow Film Distributors Ltd.

5.5 / 10

This is a dark psychological thriller about the consequences of child abuse.  Donny Kohler is a man who is growing increasingly detached from his life.  One day, while he's at work he witnesses an accident which causes one of his work colleagues to catch on fire.  While the rest of the workforce rush about trying to help the man Donny stands transfixed and spellbound by the sight.

It brings back to him the memories of his mother's retribution for misbehaviour, where she would hold his hands and arms above the open flame of the kitchen hob.  This triggers his psychosis, flames cleanse the sins of man... and woman.

Kohler played admirably well by Dan Grimaldi - who is very good at making this psychopathic killer appear as normal - then sets out on his mission of cleansing his town.  The most chilling part of this film isn't the killing or the portrayal of Kohler, but the killing room.  Kohler covers the walls, floor and ceiling in sheet metal and adds a meat hook in the centre of the room, from which to hang his prey.  It's the idea that he's thought this through to this extent so as not to burn down his house that makes it a very creepy and chilling issue and adds a deep psychological darkness to the character. 

However, there are issues with the story, especially in correspondence with Kohler's character.  There are some scenes that don't quite gel with his personality.  And some of the directing could have been better.  The scene when Kohler goes out with his friend and ends up attacking his date is well thought out story-wise; however, it could have been acted and directed much better  There is a few scene's like this.

The director, Joseph Ellison, who co-scripted the story with writer Joe Masefield and Ellen Hammill, does create a good film with a variable pace and flow, which helps to create atmosphere and keep the viewers interested.  However, I feel he could have done more to bring it above average.

The acting is okay though nobody shines through or dominates the film.  This is a shame because I think if Dan Grimaldi was a little stronger in his craft it would have made the film a hell of a lot scarier,

Overall, the film suffers from averageness, though it is worth at least one watch.  This is a film I would love to see remade, though adding a stronger cast and director, as I believe the story could make a classic film.  I would gladly recommend the film to anybody who likes darker psychological thrillers and isn't too distressed by graphic and gory scenes.   This left a chill in my bones and I will be watching the film again.

Nergling - Video Nasties Scare - Don't Go In The House

Movie Review - Reflections

Reflections

2008

Drimtrim Entertainment / FishCorb Films

Great Movies

5.75 / 10

The film that brought Timothy Hutton to my attention was The Dark Half.  It was his skill at playing both writer and psychological killer which kept my attention.  It's because of this performance that I watched this and his performance here, as the detective chasing a serial killer, pretty much carries the film.

This turns out to be a similar premise to the Stephen King story in the fact that there are twins; one is a man struggling to cope with his life and his brother, a psychotic serial killer.  Unfortunately, Hutton is not playing that role. Miguel Angel Silvestre plays the brothers Marco and Roberto.  This is not a spoiler as this isn't a major plot issue, and is revealed in the first section of the movie.  Writers Darby Parker and Jay Beattie should have used this to at least create a little mystery, tension, and suspense, which would have made the film much better.  Though the film really suffers from Silvestre's under-acting and woodenness.  Each time he spoke all I could see was Jean-Claude Van Damme as he sounds exactly like him.  Even JCVD would've added a bit more panache and power; also the fight scene's would have looked more realistic.

This is a "Columbo" style story.  You're told who the killer is early on and then the story centres on the detective's chase and apprehension of the criminal.  I much prefer the "Miss Marple" whodunnit murder mystery as it has the ability to bring the viewer into the story more.

Another issue with the film is the number of secondary cast members there are.  This is detrimental to the film as it draws the story and the viewer away from the heart and vitality of the story.  There's one scene that should have been critical to Timothy Hutton's character, Tom as he comes face to face with the death of his love.  However, due to the story being stuffed to overflowing with superfluous scenes and characters we never get the time to relate fully to this pair's relationship so we don't feel Tom's loss and anger at that scene.

That said, the rest of the cast are pretty good in their portrayals of their characters.  Director Bryan Goeres keeps the tempo of the film to an average pace.  Once again, I think he could have infused a little suspense and tension by fluctuating the pace accordingly.  If it wasn't for Hutton and the hope for a twist in the ending, as my imagination had conjured up a few, I would've hit the off button.

Then, when the twist comes, it's the obvious one.  Boy did I feel let down, not just because the twist was the most obvious but because the story which led to it could have been improved by better showing the progression to the twist.

If you like Timothy Hutton or "Columbo" style movies then you may like this but don't expect too much from it.  Otherwise, I would say, stay away.

Movie Review - Switchback

Switchback

1998

Pacific Western / Paramount Pictures / Rysher Entertainment : Paramount Pictures

9.25 / 10

This is a highly entertaining thriller packed with twists and turns in a good story and brilliantly directed and acted.

When a child is kidnapped and his babysitter is murdered in cold blood this starts a series events that will lead FBI Agent Frank LaCrosse (Dennis Quaid) back to the trail of a serial killer who has resumed his killing spree across America.  The writer and director Jeb Stuart weaves a nice story filled with powerful, strong, and believable characters and it's the characters which help to make this such a substantial movie.  Another plus is the twists which keep the viewer unsure of who the killer is.  Unfortunately, I knew who it was because the add blurb on the TV Guide gave it away - bad guide!

Not only does Stuart write a good story he can also direct a good movie.  Stuart has a good eye and gives the audience quite a few well-composed shots.  I really liked the scene where Lane Dixon (Jared Leto) wakes up in the car alone and feels a rumbling through the dashboard.  When he cleans the windscreen he sees a railway engine speeding towards him.  It's not until he jumps from the car that he learns they're just parked on a curve in the track.  Nicely thought out.  Stuart is also good at keeping the pace of the story and the film at the right speed.  The film does slow down at points, such as in the meetings, though it never gets boring as Stuart keeps these entertaining by adding humour to the characters conversations, especially Sheriff Buck Olmstead (R Lee Ermey) and his first in command Deputy Nate Booker (Ted Levine).  When the climax arrives he does a great job of building up tension nearly to the "on the edge of your seat" type.

As for the acting, this is a very strong cast as you can tell from the roll-call above and also includes William Fichtner and Danny Glover.  Not one of the cast fails to deliver a good performance; though, I would have to say that R Lee Ermey's character is one of the most likeable as the logical and full-of-heart Sheriff.  He also has some of the best lines.

I would recommend this film to everyone who hasn't watched it.  In an age of shaky cameras which can make you feel dizzy and quite sick at times, it's nice to watch a static cam film - I don't miss feeling sick at all.  If you like mystery thrillers with a detective spin then this should be right up your alley.

Movie Review - Code Of Honor

Code Of Honor

2016

The Cast

To be clear, I am a Steven Seagal, fan - I even liked the albums he did with Thunderbolt and even caught him live (one of the best gigs I've been to) - controversial, HUH!!!

So you would think I like all his films... well I don't - there have been quite a few stinkers in his career.  Code of Honor though doesn't give off too much of a stench.  Though I do believe that Steven Seagal's name shouldn't be top billing as it's Craig Sheffer (who I've liked since Nightbreed) who is the star of the show and has more screen time.

The story revolves around a serial killer, Colonel Robert Sikes (portrayed by Seagal) who is intent on killing gang members, being judge and executioner all-in-one, and the FBI Agent sent to help out the police in apprehending him, William Porter (played by Sheffer).

Seagal gives his usual moody, dark, and brooding acting stereotype (you always know what you get in a Steven Seagal Movie) as the armed forces trained serial killer.  No stretch there and I do think that he has his character wrote around his cliched style.

Craig Sheffer, however, does a decent job of portraying a helpful agent pursuing his once army buddy come friend.  Though something doesn't seem quite right about Agent Porter.

The story, written and directed by Michael Winnick, keeps a good pace, gives the viewer enough action to keep them entertained and a couple of twists that you don't see coming until they are revealed.  As for the action, there's not a lot of martial arts in the movie and when there is you're not sure if Seagal is doing his own moves.  There's a couple of knife-play scene's, though none come close to the sparks-flying speed spectacle of Under Seige.  Most of the action is based around gunplay which allows for lots of head-shots, blood splatter, and oodles of blood mist.  If you like a good body count film you'll like this.

If you like action films, you should like this as the story is pretty strong with a couple of twists, decent action and good direction.  I recommend to all.

I give this serial killer a 6.5 out of 10.

Movie Review - The Frozen Ground

The Frozen Ground

2013

The Cast

  

This is the story, based on true events, of Alaska State Trooper Jack Halcombe's search and conviction of serial killer Robert Hanson, who killed women in the late 70's and 80's.

There's a lot of crammed into the 105 minutes runtime. Though, on the whole, it's satisfactorily presented and keeps the viewer entertained and entwined.  The direction by Scott Walker, who also wrote the story, is tight and well crafted.  He does a great job of recreating the eras, both in sound and vision.

Nicholas Cage portrays the trooper Jack Halcombe, and though we know he can really act, Adaptation, Matchstick Men, World Trade Center, and Joe, here we have the usual Nicholas Cage being Nicholas Cage (though I have to say I am a fan of his work as his films are enjoyable).

John Cusack gives a subdued performance as the killer Robert Hanson.  Though, this makes the character more believable; on the outside, Hanson is a quiet man with a family who goes to work to provide - an ordinary man,  Though on the inside and in private moments he allows the psychopath to take the reigns.  Cusack does a good job of showing the frustration, anger, and desperation caused when the police net draws in closer.

The best performance is that of Vanessa Hudgens, who plays Cindy Poulson, the only survivor of Robert Hanson.  She expertly shows us Poulson's vulnerability, confusion, anger, distrust, and fear of her life.  There is a lot going on in this character's life as she's a runaway become prostitute.  Hudgens deftly handles the complexities and develops a believable character, giving the viewers someone to relate to.

Brad William Henke does an outstanding portrait of a criminal thug, come, henchman, Carl Galenski.  His formidable size is foreboding.  You would not want to go up against this man.

The rest of the cast also do a great job of keeping the feel of this movie, though I do think that Radha Mitchell, who plays Jack Halcombe's wife Allie, is much underused.  She's a talented actress, but here she only has a few scenes.

The story is a strong one and needed to be told.  The story does not glorify anything at all and in this case, it works well.  Everything is nitty gritty truth and reality.  No character shines above any of the others; this is not a Nicholas Cage film; it's not a John Cusack film.

I really enjoyed this movie and would watch it again.  If you like true tales of crime and justice this is for you.

I give this a truly entertaining 8.75 out of 10.

The Trailer