Author: Darren Lucas

Big Film fan and general entertainment fan

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Movie Review

Blood for Dust (2023) Movie Review

Blood for Dust – Movie Review

"Blood for Dust" is a conventional thriller about a salesman facing moral dilemmas while entangled in a risky criminal world.

First Reaction – Blood for Dust is a by-the-book thriller.

Where to Watch

On digital 13 January 2025

Director: Rod Blackhurst

Writer: David Ebeltoft, Rod Blackhurst (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Cliff, a traveling salesman drowning under the weight of providing for his family and the myth of the American dream, finds himself on a dangerous path after a chance encounter with Ricky, a colleague from a dark past.

Runtime: 1 Hour 38 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Blood for Dust starts when struggling travelling salesman Cliff (McNairy) is left with a difficult decision. He must provide for his family, but things have become difficult. Cliff bumps into an old colleague Ricky (Harrington) who offers him a chance to return to a shady world.

The job involves moving products which seems easy enough for a travelling salesman. However, the world is filled with dangers and Cliff is left to risk everything to save his loved ones.

Verdict on Blood for Dust

Recap

The movie follows a Salesman who is running out of options and turns to a life of crime. He reluctantly joins an old friend as they look to take on a few risky jobs that could make the money he needs to save his family.

Best Parts

The movie has a great cast that makes us understand the struggles the characters are going through. It proves that people could be forced into jobs they don’t like to make things work in their lives.

Worst Parts

The pace of the movie is a bit slow and it does tend to go in the same direction as most. We know things are going to escalate and get out of hand, and the story struggles to do anything outside the box.

Final Thoughts –Blood for Dust is a late-night-thriller 101.

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Movie Review

Mean Girls (2024) Movie Review

Mean Girls – Movie Review

Discover the iconic teen comedy Mean Girls and its relatable story of high school drama, friendship, and finding your place.

ABC Film Challenge – Catch-Up 2024 – M

Director: Samantha Jayne, Arturo Perez Jr

Writer: Tina Fey (Screenplay)

Writer: Rosalind Wiseman (Book)

Cast

Plot: Cady Heron is a hit with the Plastics, an A-list girl clique at her new school. But everything changes when she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.

Runtime: 1 Hour 52 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Mean Girls starts when Cady (Rice) leaves her Kenyan home to attend a normal American high school. She finds it hard to fit in until Janis (Cravalho) and Damian (Spivey) give her the basics to survive. However, she catches the eye of popular girl clique Regine George (Rapp), who wants to bring her under her wing.

When Cady spends time with Regina, she learns about the darkest personality where she puts everyone down. However, Cady notices Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron (Briney). It leaves Cady in the targeting of her vicious side and she must fight back.

Verdict on Mean Girls

Mean Girls is a musical remake of the popular high school comedy. It follows a student who joins an American high school and faces off against a popular bully girl who controls everyone. She must use what she learnt in the wild to overcome the problem and save the school.

This movie brings the stage version of the movie to life. It is filled with musical numbers that seem mostly out of place. This depends on the high school experience, which most movies have changed and evolved, while this feels like it is still stuck in the early 2000s. The best way to judge this is to see if you enjoyed the original, you would get a kick out of it. However, it doesn’t seem to bring anything new to the table.

Where to Watch

a
JustWatch

Final Thoughts –Mean Girls feels like an early 2000s high school and not in a good way.

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Movie Review

The Atlantis Puzzle (2024) Movie Review

The Atlantis Puzzle – Movie Review

The Atlantis Puzzle explores theories surrounding Atlantis, merging historical research with modern science, but lacks definitive proof for skeptical viewers.

First Reaction – The Atlantis Puzzle poses some interesting theories.

Watch The Atlantis Puzzle on Amazon, Google Play and YouTube Movies.

Director: Jack Kelley

Plot: New research transforms Atlantis myth into reality. Explore continents and centuries, uncovering Plato’s legacy – Ancient Greece, Africa’s story, and climate change’s impact over deep time.

Runtime: 1 Hour 25 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Atlantis Puzzle

Recap

The Atlantis Puzzle follows a new series of research that transforms the mystery behind the city. As experts put the pieces together, they dive into Plato’s legacy and new translations of his work. This guides them to new locations with clues that mix into modern science. It provides a new hunt which could solve one of the greatest mysteries in history.

Best Parts

This is an interesting exploration of the mystery that people have tried to solve for centuries. It uses the information well and dives into one of history’s greatest minds, Plato, and his work. If you love seeing different theories, this is a perfect addition to the selection that dives into history.

Worst Parts

On the opposite side, we are working with theories and no proof, which could leave people wanting more. Like most documentaries, we are left to wonder what could have happened or even if it ever existed.

Final Thoughts –The Atlantis Puzzle presents a strong theory.

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Movie Review

Late Night with the Devil (2023) Movie Review

Late Night with the Devil – Movie Review

Discover the chilling world of 'Late Night with the Devil' in this movie review. Unleash evil into your living room with this suspenseful and thrilling film.

ABC Film Challenge – Catch-Up 2024 – L

Director: Cameron Cairnes, Colin Cairnes

Writer: Colin Cairnes, Cameron Cairnes (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A live television broadcast in 1977 goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms.

Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Late Night with the Devil starts as we learn about Jack Delroy’s (Dastmalchian) struggles for television ratings. He is always popular, but the numbers put pressure on him. Jack is getting desperate, and his latest unseen show will become infamous. The Halloween special sees Jack and his team bring out all the tricks.

Jack kicks off his show with a host of different guests who work in the paranormal. A psychic Christou (Bazzi), hypnotist Carmichael Haig (Bliss), author June Rose-Mitchell (Gordon) and the latest subject of her book Lilly (Torelli). Lilly is the lone survivor of a cult of devil worshipers and the team looks to learn more about her connection to the cult, leading to shocking consequences.  

Verdict on Late Night with the Devil

Late Night with the Devil is a horror film following a desperate talk show host trying to get ratings. He hosts a show on Halloween with paranormal experts, leading to him pushing things too far with a lone survivor of a devil-worshipping cult.

This movie shows us how far people go to try and remain in the spotlight. It follows Jack’s determination to get ratings and how easily things can spiral out of control. The paranormal side of the show uses a mixture of people on either side whether they believe or not well. However, it is the final act which sticks and shows the pure chaos of everything. It also uses real-time ideas to make it feel like we are watching a rerun of the show that shocked the world.

Where to Watch

a
JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Late Night with the Devil is terrifying, surprising and shocking.

Categories
Movie Review

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby (2014) Movie Review

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby – Movie Review

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby explores a couple's struggle to reconnect after a tragedy, showcasing emotional depth and powerful performances.

First Reaction – The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby reflects the pain of a tragedy.

Watch The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby here.

a
JustWatch

Director: Ned Benson

Writer: Ned Benson (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: One couple’s story as they try to reclaim the life and love they once knew and pick up the pieces of a past that may be too far gone.

Runtime: 2 Hours 3 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby starts in the aftermath of a tragic event for married couple Conor (McAvoy) and Eleanor (Chastain). Eleanor has vanished from Conor’s life trying to start fresh and he is left unsure of why and what to do next.

The two try to find what they want in life and are left wondering if their relationship can ever be fixed. However, they hold their emotions against each other, creating a bigger divide between the two.

Verdict on The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby

Recap

The movie follows a couple struggling to decide what happens next after a tragedy. They have looked to start new lives but deep down the call to reunite is there, but the pain of what they lost haunts them.

Best Parts

The movie has excellent performances from Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy. It brings to light a serious subject and addresses how difficult the tragedy is for a couple. This comes together to highlight however much we love someone, some things can never be fixed, even if neither were at fault for what happened.

Worst Parts

The story is interesting but the way it is told can sometimes feel disconnected. This is because the movie was designed as two parts, showing their lives. Combining them takes out a bigger factor, which leaves certain gaps in events, which don’t always connect to the next chapter.

Final Thoughts –The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby is beautifully told.

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Movie Review

Lisa Frankenstein (2024) Movie Review

Lisa Frankenstein – Movie Review

Discover Lisa Frankenstein, a unique and heartwarming coming-of-age love story about a teenager and her resurrected crush.

ABC Film Challenge – Catch-Up 2024 – K (Kathryn Newton)

Director: Zelda Williams

Writer: Diablo Cody (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A coming of RAGE love story about a teenager and her crush, who happens to be a corpse. After a set of horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a journey to find love, happiness – and a few missing body parts.

Runtime: 1 Hour 41 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Lisa Frankenstein starts when troubled teenager Lisa (Newton) finds herself losing control at a party. She turns to her safety area, the local cemetery, and makes a mess. However, she is surprised to learn that she has brought a dead boy (Sprouse) back to life.

Lisa teams up with her new creature to get revenge on anyone who has wronged her. It leads her down a dark path of destruction with a trail of bodies left behind them.

Verdict on Lisa Frankenstein

Lisa Frankenstein is a horror comedy following an outsider teenager who accidently brings a dead boy back to life. However, she starts to have feelings for him and the pair go on a rampage to let their love come true.

This movie builds on the idea that love is ever-lasting and the Mary Shelly story. It uses the idea of an outsider that makes a discover that can restore the dead as the diving force. While also using their love as an excuse for their rampage. It is odd and unusual but has a fun soundtrack. However, it fails to make enough of the situations the characters find themselves fighting through. It never seems to commit to going full wacky, which would have bought even more laughs to the table.

Final Thoughts – Lisa Frankenstein is a weird and wacky movie.

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Movie Review

X-Treme Riders (2025) Movie Review

X-Treme Riders – Movie Review

X-Treme Riders is an action film about siblings battling a ruthless mafia involved in drug trafficking through mixed martial arts competitions, premiering January 14.

First Reaction – X-Treme Riders is a fun action movie.

Where to Watch

ON DIGITAL AND ON DEMAND JANUARY 14

Director: Sor Sangchai

Cast

  • Nichari Chokprajakchat
  • Chaleeda Gilbert
  • Jirayu La-ongmanee
  • Kittiphomm Wongpentak

Plot: Kla and Fun two siblings find themselves involved with a transnational mafia who use mixed martial arts competition for a drug trafficking operation. They become mafia’s tools for a murder plot and they have to fight for survival.

Runtime: 1 Hour 16 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: X-Treme Riders starts when a ruthless mafia group attacks a transport, leaving the drivers dead. Fun turns to her brother Kla to return to help her face the threat head-on. However, their past has strained their relationship, and now it is time to rebuild the bridges.

Meanwhile, they train in combat to handle themselves when they face enemies with they lose control of the cars they are driving. It because a race to survive as the battle gets close to home.

Verdict on X-Treme Riders

Recap

The movie follows a pair of siblings who must put their differences aside to escape the hold of a ruthless Mafia group. They got caught up in their operations and now they want to escape before it is too late.

Best Parts

This has a good mixture of MMA and fast-driving sequences that show the operation from two angles. It uses this to show how they control the competition until someone starts going against their plans. This follows a more traditional story, but it works well and keeps us wanting to see the next chapter of the sibling’s story.

Worst Parts

While it is a more traditional story, it could also be considered safer. More of the standout action movies take bigger risks.

Final Thoughts –X-Treme Riders is a fun late-night action movie.

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Release News

Fight to Live – Release News

Fight to Live – Release News

Bec Rawlings' documentary "Fight to Live" highlights her resilience as a fighter, debuting in the UK on January 27, 2025.

Wild child, mother, abuse survivor, UFC contender, bare-knuckle boxing champion, Hall of Famer. Bec Rawlings is all of these, but above all, she’s a fighter.

Meet the awe-inspiring athlete known in the ring as Bec ‘Rowdy’ Rawlings whose story of resilience and triumph is the beating heart of Fight to Live, the riveting new documentary from filmmaker Tom Haramis that won the Best Inspirational Film at the Cannes World Film Festival 2023.

Set for its UK digital debut on 27 January 2025 courtesy of Bohemia Media, this raw and poignant documentary chronicles the physical and emotional battles of a woman who refuses to be defined by her hardships.

On UK digital 27 January 2025 from Bohemia Media

Categories
Movie Review

Ad Vitam (2025) Movie Review

Ad Vitam – Movie Review

Ad Vitam is a gripping late-night action film about former negotiator Franck Lazareff rescuing his kidnapped wife while confronting his troubled past and dangerous adversaries.

First Reaction – Ad Vitam is an entertaining late-night action movie.

Watch Ad Vitam on Netflix now.

Director: Rodolphe Lauga

Writer: Guillaume Canet, David Corona, Rodolphe Lauga  (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: After escaping an attempted murder, Franck Lazareff must find his wife Leo, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious group of armed men. He is caught up by his past and plunged into a state affair that is beyond him.

Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Ad Vitam starts when former negotiator Franck (Canet) finds his past coming back to haunt him. A ruthless businessman has abducted his pregnant wife Leo (Caillard) demanding he return his property. However, Franck must elude his former co-workers who believe he is dangerous.

Franck must use his training to save his wife and clear his name. However, it puts everything at risk and the race against time is on.

Verdict on Ad Vitam

Recap

The movie follows a former negotiator needing to rescue his wife after she gets abducted. However, his past is connected to why he has been targeted and he must understand why they have been targeted.

Best Parts

The movie has a good core story, with a former authority figure needing to go against everything he believes but knows how to stay ahead of the game. It is a story we see a lot and works well. The action sequences are good with the final one having the most unique approaches to the chase sequence. We also get strong performance which keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout the film.

Worst Parts

The movie uses a time jump which doesn’t help the pacing of the early part of the movie. It recovers for the final third but the meeting and getting to know each other slows the movie down.

Final Thoughts – Ad Vitam is a good late-night action movie.