Tag: 2014

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Movie Review

Devils in Disguise (2014) Movie Review

Devils in Disguise – Movie Review

Devils in Disguise struggles ti give us a strong enough story, despite the sensitive subject matter.

First Reaction – Devils in Disguise struggles ti give us a strong enough story, despite the sensitive subject matter.

Watch Devils in Disguise on Prime.

Director: Guillaume Campanacci

Writer: Guillaume Campanacci (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Two roommates, Leila and Sandy, team up to kill Leila’s sadistic boyfriend. A remake of Henri-Georges Clouzot “Les Diaboliques”.

Runtime: 1 Hour 28 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Devils in Disguise starts as we meet Leila (Mattox) who is involved in an abusive relationship with Alain (Campanacci). She has been struggling to cope, but a new roommate Sandy (Gillis) lets her learn more about herself.  The two become close and make a plan to help Leila escape her world.

It leads them to make a drastic decision, which could have lasting effects for everyone involved. However, it is more about whether they can get away with what they want to do.

Verdict on Devils in Disguise

Recap

The movie follows two roommates who decide to work together to help one escape an abusive relationship. It follows their plan to get away clean, but shows the suffering she has been going through.

Best Parts

The need to speak up and tackle the problems they are facing is shown coming through. It proves people can come into your life for something good. Elsewhere, the performances are good and committed the subject matter at hand.

Worst Parts

The movie thrives on wanting to be more arthouse and struggles to establish a strong enough story. It doesn’t show us enough of how Leila ended up in the relationship in the first place. Elsewhere, it jumps in a strange series of events which don’t always add up. It isn’t as appealing as many other more styled movies telling the similar story.

Final Thoughts – Devils in Disguise struggles to give us a strong enough story.

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Movie Review

10.0 Earthquake (2014) Movie Review

10.0 Earthquake – Movie Review

10.0 Earthquake is a standard disaster film where characters race to prevent a catastrophic quake in Los Angeles, despite predictable effects and flaws.

First Reaction – 10.0 Earthquake is a by-the-book disaster movie.

Watch 10.0 Earthquake on Tubi.

ABC Film Challenge – Disaster Movies – H (Henry Ian Cusick)

Director: David Gidali

Writer: J Greg Abbott, Alex Greenfield, Nancy Leopardi (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Henry Ian Cusick (Hitman)
  • Jeffrey Jones (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)
  • Cameron Richardson (Adrift)
  • Malcolm Barrett (Timeless)
  • Kristen Dalton (The Departed)

Plot: Los Angeles is about to be hit by a devastating earthquake, and time is running out to save the city from imminent danger.

Runtime: 1 Hour 29 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: 10.0 Earthquake starts when an early series of tremors hit LA. Meanwhile, Jack (Cusick) is dealing with his teenage daughter Nicole (Sossaman), who is going on her first trip camping with friends. Elsewhere, Emily’s (Richardson) first day working for Booker (Barrett) throws her into the deep end investigating the shakes.

There is a connection between the earthquakes and the company Jack works for. He must work with Emily to find a solution to the danger they caused before it is too late for the rest of LA.

Verdict on 10.0 Earthquake

Recap

The movie follows a scientist and a fracking company employee racing to prevent a mega earthquake from striking LA. The early tremors are causing damage and the race to prevent larger damage is on.

Best Parts

The disaster elements are interesting, and we get to see how a scientific concept could cause devastating effects. It shows how LA could get ripped apart by a disaster and how small moments could cause ripple effects. This makes for a fun disaster movie, but one where you can enjoy the destruction over anything else.

Worst Parts

We know the effects aren’t going to be the best and most of these are easy to see and come off weaker than they should be, even for the level of movie we are watching.

Final Thoughts –10.0 Earthquake is a fun late-night disaster movie.

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Movie Review

Firequake (2014) Movie Review

Firequake – Movie Review

Read our review of Firequake - a thrilling disaster movie with an unique energy source that causes chaos and destruction.

ABC Film Challenge – Disaster Movies – F

Director: Geoff Browne

Writer: Denise Poole (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: When a revolutionary new energy source begins to seep below the Earth’s crust, the explosive product sets off giant blasts of fire and violent earthquakes. Now the creator of this new technology is the only one who can stop it.

Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Firequake starts when Nikki Carter (Barker) must move to be with her estranged mother Eve (Paul). Dr Eve Carter had given her life to creating a new energy source and her latest one has massive financial backing. However, Eve’s boss Declan (Barber) decides to move forward with a test.

The test goes badly, causing a ripple effect in the area. Eve must try to figure out how to stop the underground fires causing devastation. But more importantly, she must protect her daughter and save the world from devastation.

Verdict on Firequake

Firequake is an action thriller following a scientist who is trying to reconnect with her daughter and also needs to solve a project which goes wrong. She is forced to protect people and think on her feet while being hunted by the ruthless businessman who wants to clear his name from any blame.

When it comes to disaster movies, we know the concept is to create something which could cause mass destruction. This does that well, with a well-intended idea which gets out of control. It does hold back on the destruction, which is mostly to keep the movie within a budget. There is a lot of implied destruction, which is fine as it because a race against time to save the day. It checks off everything you would expect without being as intense as it sets out to be.

Where to Watch

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Final Thoughts – Firequake is the typical TV disaster movie.

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Movie Review

Crystal Skulls (2014) Movie Review

Crystal Skulls – Movie Review

Discover the thrilling movie review of Crystal Skulls: a disaster film with a race against time to save the world from catastrophic events.

ABC Film Challenge – Disaster Movies – C

Director: Todor Chapkanov

Writer: Denise Poole, Rafael Jordan (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: It is 2020 and the apocalypse is inevitable. 12 of 13 Crystal skulls are united causing catastrophic events. Only the 13th Skull can theoretically restore order before the Earth is destroyed from within by their power.

Runtime: 1 Hour 28 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Crystal Skulls starts when Professor John Winston (Burgi) is recruited to help solve the mystery of potential catastrophic event. It has seen a group collect crystal skulls that unlock a power which could destroy the planet. People have released it wanting its power for something else, now things have gone wrong.

Mr Hadden (Rintoul) has kept things secret and turned to John to solve the problem. However, they clash on what is wanted from the power and a race against time to stop a disaster.

Verdict on Crystal Skulls

Crystal Skulls is an action adventure movie following a group of scientists who must race to stop the end of the world. They have to locate an item, that could unlock great power, as the world starts falling apart around them.

This movie plays into the myths, legend and superstitions about the end of the world. It uses this to show the threat which could come humanities way and how they must rush to stop it. The action is tame and doesn’t bring anything new to the table, in fact it holds back from seeing the destruction happening. When it comes to the mission, it seems to simple to get it straight away, but very little investigation is involved.

Where to Watch

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Final Thoughts – Crystal Skulls is the typical low-budget, late-night action movie.

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Movie Review

It Follows (2014) Movie Review

It Follows – Movie Review

First Reaction – It Follows is creepy, terrifying and disturbing.

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ABC Film Challenge – Favourites – Y (Yara)

Director: David Robert Mitchell

Writer: David Robert Mitchell (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A young woman is followed by an unknown supernatural force after a sexual encounter.

Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: It Follow starts when Jay (Monroe) has her first night with a new guy she is dating. However, he quickly informs her he has passed on something to her. She will be followed by something for the rest of her life until she passes it on. Jay believes it was just a traumatising experience.

However, over the next few days, she starts seeing figures following her and turns to her friends and sister for help. They search for a solution as Jay’s paranoia takes over.

Verdict on It Follows

Recap

The movie follows a young woman who has sex with her new partner for the first time. However, he has been hiding a secret which sees a supernatural presence following her everywhere. She must decide whether to pass it on or try to understand what the presence wants from her.

Best Parts

The concept is the biggest factor in making this movie stand out. It shows how something early in dating can have such horrific side effects. This stands out because it was what they both agreed to until the aftermath. The idea that something is constantly following you and can take the shape of anyone adds so much unknown to the fear. We get wonderful performances from the whole cast with Maika Monroe breaking through as a true star. There are also some excellent choices to sometimes show us the presence and other times night, playing into the fear the not knowing.

Final Thoughts – It Follows is an excellent horror and one of the best of the decade.

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Movie Review

Song of the Sea (2014) Movie Review

Song of the Sea – Movie Review

Discover the enchanting story of Song of the Sea, a beautiful animated film that takes you on a magical adventure to save the spirit world.

First Reaction – Song of the Sea is a beautiful animation and story.

Watch Song of the Sea Here

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ABC Film Challenge – Favourites – S

Director: Tomm Moore

Writer: Will Collins (Screenplay)

Cast (Voice Talents)

Plot: Ben, a young Irish boy, and his little sister Saoirse, a girl who can turn into a seal, go on an adventure to free the fairies and save the spirit world.

Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Song of the Sea starts when lighthouse keepers Conor and Bronach have raised their first child Ben. However, tragedy strikes when their second child Saoirse is born. Ben resents Saoirse for taking his mother and spends his days trying to traumatise her, while she only wants to become friends with him. At the same time, Connor closes off from the world too.

When Ben’s latest stunt sends them to the big city, Ben is forced to watch over Saoirse, and the two end up going on a wild adventure to save the fairy kingdom.

Verdict on Song of the Sea

Recap

The movie follows a pair of siblings who don’t get along. Ben, the older brother, doesn’t like having a young sister; to her, he is her world. The pair are sent on an unlikely adventure that helps them build a better relationship and understand the importance of their mother’s tales.

Best Parts

This animation is beautiful and brings a style unlike most that we see. It has a story that goes hand in hand bringing to life the magical story and understanding the importance of life an older brother can be. This is filled with fantasy elements and different fairy tale characters. It has a brilliant message and leaves us in wonder as to how beautiful the story must be.

Final Thoughts –Song of the Sea is beautiful, wonderful and glorious.

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Movie Review

Nightcrawler (2014) Movie Review

Nightcrawler – Movie Review

First Reaction – Nightcrawler is a brilliant thriller.

Watch Nightcrawler Here

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ABC Film Challenge – Favourites – N

Director: Dan Gilroy

Writer: Dan Gilroy (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A petty thief desperate for work muscles into the world of crime journalism and becomes the star of his own story as he blurs the line between observer and participant.

Runtime: 1 Hour 57 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Nightcrawler starts when ambitious petty thief Louis Bloom (Gyllenhaal) learns about crime journalism. He wants to help report from crime scenes and watches Joe Loder (Paxton). Louis hires Rick (Ahmed) to support his process, and he quickly learns to get the ruthless footage.

However, the deeper he gets into the world, the more lines he starts crossing. Slowly this led to him creating the stories for the media to spread.

Verdict on Nightcrawler

Recap

The movie follows a petty thief who gets into crime journalism. He starts learning quickly before getting caught in the middle of observing and creating.

Best Parts

Jake Gyllenhaal gives a career-best performance in what is one of the best thrillers of modern cinema. It shows how desperate people are for graphic stories and how the media outlets are happy to spread fear. There are plenty of disturbing incidents, that start like normal accidents or incidents before following how stories are unfolding. It is more how Louis doesn’t care about anything that happens that creates the uncomfortable environment we are thrown into.

Final Thoughts –Nightcrawler is an outstanding thriller which never backs down.

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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.

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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

Boulevard (2014) Movie Review

Boulevard – Movie Review

Uncover the emotional depth of Boulevard. Follow Nolan as he navigates the complexities of his marriage and embarks on a transformative journey.

Director: Dito Montiel (Empire State)

Writer: Douglas Soesbe (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A devoted husband in a marriage of convenience is forced to confront his secret life.

Runtime: 1 Hour 28 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Boulevard starts when devoted husband and banker Molan Mack (Williams) gets offered a promotion. However, he has always kept his life simple with his wife Joy (Baker) back home. A chance meeting with a male escort Leo (Aguire) opens his eyes to what else could happen in his life.

Once Nolan starts getting closer to Leo, he learns about his tough life. Meanwhile, his personal life starts to unfold around him leading him down a dangerous path and changing his life forever.

Verdict on Boulevard

Boulevard is a drama following an everyday normal man, married and mid-level job role. He has been married for convenience, but his life starts to unfold around him as he decides to explore more of the secret life he wants.

This movie shows that people could have normal lives with bigger secrets. It proves that people might do things to settle, rather than enjoy life. The most important reality is being able to accept who you are and what you want in life. Robin Williams is excellent and the supporting cast is excellent too.

Where to Watch

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Final Thoughts – Boulevard is a wonderful drama exploring what life is worth living for.