Tag: 2018

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Movie Review

Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel (2018) Movie Review

Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel – Movie Review

Read our review of Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel. Dive into the world of demonic terror and supernatural visions as a young woman seeks answers.

ABC Film Challenge – Horror – H

Director: Stephen Cognetti

Writer: Stephen Cognetti (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Two years after escaping from demonic terror, a young woman is still haunted by unnatural visions

Runtime: 1 Hour 23 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel starts when an investigative journalist goes in search of answers in the Abaddon Hotel. Jessica (Geurts) and Molly (Shatz) turn to Mitchell Cavanaugh (Eli), the man who edited the previously released footage.

The team heads to the hotel along with an unlikely team member Brock Davies (Ingleman). Mitchell puts a strict set of rules in place to keep the team safe and they enter the house. However, what they find in the house leads them down a similar nightmare as the many crews before them.

Verdict on Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel

Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel is the horror sequel that continues the investigation into the haunted house. It follows a new team trying to uncover the truth including what happened in the first film. However, the crew discover the house has many more secrets to be revealed.

This movie builds on what was created in the first, diving more into how desperate journalists are for stories. It uses that to create a new team who have got results and go in search of answers. While the formula feels the same with the haunting moments, it still delivers scares when required. The movie puts a lot more focus on what is going on, rather than what had happened, as we learn more about the entities within the walls. In the end, it is a good sequel and one that keeps us wanting to come back for more.

Where to Watch

a
JustWatch

Final Thoughts –Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel is a great world-building sequel.

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Movie Review

Along Came the Devil (2018) Movie Review

Along Came the Devil – Movie Review

Uncover the mystery behind Along Came the Devil. Dive into a world of spirits, connection, and a battle for the soul in this supernatural horror film.

ABC Film Challenge – Horror – A

Director: Jason DeVan

Writer: Jason DeVan, Heather DeVan, Dylan Matlock (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: After a troubled childhood, Ashley searches for a connection, and unknowingly invites in a demonic force, which leaves her loved ones fighting for her soul.

Runtime: 1 Hour 29 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Along Came the Devil starts when Ashley (Sweeney) returns home after years away, staying with her Aunt Tanya (Barth). She gets to catch up with her childhood friend Hannah (Lintz) who leads her into a game connecting to spirits. However, Ashley is already dealing with enough troubles, it only opens the door even more.

Ashley works with Hannah to try and communicate with the spirit around her. However, Ashley’s hopes of contacting her mother became more terrorising when it comes to what they have been communicating with.

Verdict on Along Came the Devil

Along Came the Devil is a horror thriller following a teenager returning to her home town. However, she finds herself dealing with a dark spirit that has become attached to her and wants to finish off what started with her mother.

This movie brings another possession movie to life with it trying to bring a different approach. It uses one where it is more of an attachment to what is happening, rather than an event making it happen. This brings some extra scare to the idea because the battle to release the demon offers new challenges. However, like with many possession movies, it ends up feeling like most things we have seen before. If Sydney Sweeney hadn’t become a bigger name in the industry not many people would go back to check it out.

Final Thoughts – Along Came the Devil is a typical possession movie.

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Movie Review

Eruption LA (2018) Movie Review

Eruption LA – Movie Review

Eruption LA review: Join the action as Angelenos face a volcanic catastrophe. Can they escape the destructive power of an erupting volcano?

ABC Film Challenge – Disaster Movies – E

Director: Sean Cain

Writer: Sean Cain (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: As the earth crumbles under the feet of the unsuspecting Angelenos, and a sea of hot lava is about to boil over, a geology geek and a young disaster-movie diva must avert a nightmare come true. Will the mayor act fast before it’s too late?

Runtime: 1 Hour 26 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Eruption LA starts when screenwriter Josh (Atkinson) is assigned to work with famous scientist Professor Irwin (Van Gorkum). Irwin is a renowned geologist and the producers want the movie’s main character to be based on him. However, an unprecedented geological event hits LA.

The choice for leading lady Kat Rivers (Johnson) joins the team, and they race to find a solution. As the city starts crumbling a massive explosion is on its way and only Josh, Kat and Irwin know the solution.

Verdict on Eruption LA

Eruption LA is an action thriller following the Mayor of LA trying to find the best solution after a geological event. He must trust his experts but nobody knows the best solution and each scientist has a different idea which could save the city.

This movie brings us a big disaster movie with a high concept to prevent the biggest part of the disaster. LA makes for an interesting location for a disaster movie because of the added chaos of the numbers who live there. We previously saw this in Volcano and it shows the stubborn side of scientists. It works for a fun disaster movie, while it’s not the greatest you will see, it certainly isn’t the worst. This understands the big concept behind everything that happens to give us the chaotic environment needed.

Where to Watch

a
JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Eruption LA is a big, fun and entertaining late-night disaster movie.

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Movie Review

Black Wake (2018) Movie Review

Black Wake – Movie Review

Dive into the suspenseful world of Black Wake, a disaster movie that will leave you breathless. Follow the scientists as they uncover a parasitic threat and unravel the ancient mystery behind the deaths.

ABC Film Challenge – Disaster Movies – B

Director: Jeremiah Kipp

Writer: CK Fernandez, Jerry Janda, Jeremiah Kipp (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Specialists gather in a top-secret facility to investigate a series of strange deaths on beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. One of the team’s scientists examines video evidence to uncover a possible parasitic explanation for the fatalities. But when a determined detective sends her the crazed writings of a mysterious homeless man, the scientist slowly learns that the actual threat may be more dangerous — and far older — than anyone ever imagined.

Runtime: 1 Hour 31 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Black Wake starts when an unknown virus has spread worldwide. Dr Luiza Moreira (Gouvea) works with American intelligence to understand what is happening. However, they are following her with a connection to what might be happening. Meanwhile, Dr Frank’s (Roberts) team are working through footage following the spread.

Luiza believes something is coming from the water and must convince the team of the threat. However, it has started spreading too fast and they must search for the source to find a cure.

Verdict on Black Wake

Black Wake is a horror thriller following a scientist trying to understand a deadly outbreak. However, the government know more than they are letting on and she slowly breaks down after learning more stories.

This sci-fi action thriller uses the spread of something from the unknown invading. It uses the concept of the slow spread and a series of short clips to borrow from the concept behind the World War Z book. These chapters help give more simple stories of the spread, rather than a constant run to escape the problem. However, despite the strong concept, it struggles to make as big of an impact as it could. It holds too much back from what has been happening but also doesn’t hold back from a massive threat. The movie struggles with performance, which doesn’t feel convincing in any way.

Where to Watch

a
JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Black Wake is a typical late-night creature feature.

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Movie Review

When Jeff Tried to Save the World (2018) Movie Review

When Jeff Tried to Save the World – Movie Review

Step into the world of When Jeff Tried to Save the World, a delightful comedy about friendship, loyalty, and the power of never giving up.

ABC Film Challenge – Comedy – K (Kendall Goldberg)

Director: Kendall Goldberg

Writer: Rachel Borgo, Kendall Goldberg (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: When the manager of an old-school bowling alley discovers the owner’s plans to sell, saving Winky’s World means pulling himself out of the gutter, too.

Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: When Jeff Tried to Save the World starts when Jeff (Heder) learns his bowling alley is closing down. The owner Sheila (Milo) has no other option but to accept the offer. However, Jeff decides to prove the bowling alley is still important and sets off to save it.

Meanwhile, his sister Lindy (Konkle) and friend Samantha (Erskine) unexpectedly visit him. However, nobody in Jeff’s life knows he works in a bowling alley. As Jeff looks to save the bowling alley, he must also learn to accept his life outside of work.

Verdict on When Jeff Tried to Save the World

When Jeff Tried to Save the World is a comedy following a smart man who works at a bowling alley. He has managed the alley for years and now he faces a questionable future after the owner looks to sell the building.

This movie plays into the daily struggles of small businesses facing closure suddenly. It follows one man who has only ever worked there and sees his world closing in on him as he is about to lose everything he knows. This highlights the danger in the economy where people are moving away from things that are safe instead of taking risks for themselves. While the message is clear and the comedy is restrained, the important side comes through strong.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts – When Jeff Tried to Save the World has a nice story, but struggles to stand out.

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Movie Review

Through the Fire (2018) Movie Recommendation

Through the Fire – Movie Recommendation

Discover 'Through the Fire', a powerful and emotional movie about a Paris fireman's heroic journey. Find out where to watch this incredible film.

ABC Film Challenge – World Cinema – T

Director: Frederic Tellier

Writer: David Oelhoffen, Frederic Tellier (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: The heartbreaking hero’s journey and true story of a Paris fireman, husband and dad.

Runtime: 1 Hour 57 Minutes

Where to Watch

JustWatch
JustWatch
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Movie Review

Hitman Redemption (2018) Movie Review

Hitman Redemption – Movie Review

Read the action-packed movie review of Hitman Redemption. An ageing hitman's last job takes an unexpected turn, leading him on a journey of redemption.

ABC Film Challenge – Action – A (Asher)

Director: Michael Caton-Jones

Writer: Jay Zaretsky (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: An ageing hitman’s last job goes sideways, forcing him to redeem himself.

Runtime: 1 Hour 44 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Hitman Redemption starts when ageing assassin Asher (Perlman) gets given one last set of jobs. However, his health is worsening and catching up with him. He meets a ballet teacher Sophie (Janssen) who gives him a different direction in his life. However, his career continues to make him a popular choice.

On his latest job, Asher finds the younger crew members more difficult to work with. It sees things go wrong and he must deal with the consequences if he is ever going to have a quiet life again.

Verdict on Hitman Redemption

Hitman Redemption is an action thriller following an ageing assassin who finds his life turned upside down. First, he falls in love with a woman, but soon everything comes crashing down, when the latest job goes wrong.

This movie takes us down a path with an assassin wanting out of the world and their boss not wanting to let them leave. It sees them needing to make up for their past and deal with the people they once called friends. This does everything we have seen before and brings very little new to the table. It is still entertaining to watch as Ron Perlman always becomes a must-watch star.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Hitman Redemption is slow in places but still delivers a strong story.

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Movie Review

Never Saw It Coming (2018) Movie Review

Never Saw It Coming – Movie Review

"Never Saw It Coming" is a gripping thriller about a psychic entangled in dark secrets while searching for a missing woman.

First Reaction – Never Saw It Coming keeps you guessing.

Watch Never Saw It Coming on Tubi.

Director: Gail Harvey

Writer: Linwood Barclay (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: An opportunistic psychic who targets the family of a missing woman in a small town must find a way out when she becomes entangled in the dark secrets of the husband and daughter.

Runtime: 1 Hour 23 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Never Saw It Coming starts when psychic consultant Keisha (Hampshire) uses her skills to make extra money. She helps con a wealthy family whose son wants to make some money. However, a new opportunity to pull the same trick on Wendell Garfield (Roberts) who is searching for his wife.

However, the mystery dramatically turns as she learns the truth about her disappearance. It leads to a series of events which could help sort out the other problems she is facing.

Verdict on Never Saw It Coming

Recap

The movie follows a psychic consultant who takes a new job helping locate a missing person. However, it takes a dramatic twist to lead her down a path that could solve all her problems.

Best Parts

The movie does a great job of keeping us guessing and heading in a direction you wouldn’t expect. There is a message about abusive partners and how controlling they can be, as well as showing how easily people take advantage of certain situations. The performances are great and carry the twists and turns involved in the movie.

Worst Parts

The movie does rely too heavily on the twists and some don’t make as much as they should.

Final Thoughts –Never Saw It Coming is an interesting thriller with plenty of twists.

Categories
Movie Review

Tomb Raider (2018) Movie Review

Explore the Island with Lara Croft in Tomb Raider

ABC Film Challenge – Video Game Movies – V (Alicia Vikander)

Explore the Island with Lara Croft in Tomb Raider

Director: Roar Uthaug (Troll, The Wave)

Writer: Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Alastair Siddons (Screenplay)

Writer: Evan Daugherty, Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Story)

Cast

Plot: Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she discovers the island where her father, Lord Richard Croft disappeared.

Runtime: 1 Hour 59 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Tomb Raider starts when Lara Croft (Vikander) must decide whether to accept her father Richard (West) is dead. He went missing on a business trip and she has hoped he would return one day. However, once she starts following some clues he left behind, she sets out on an adventure to find him.

Lara meets Lu Ren (Wu) whose father also went missing with Richard and the two set out on an adventure. However, they wash up on an island run by Mathias Vogel (Goggins) who has waited for the chance for the next clue. Now Lara must stop him from using the power and get closure about her father.

Verdict on Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider is an action-adventure following Lara Croft on her first adventure. It follows her search for answers about her father who went missing. Only for her to end up fighting back against treasure hunters who would bring harm to the world.

This is a reboot of the legendary treasure hunter, with a gritty outing. She must decide whether this world is for her or not. It shows her intelligence and fight, in a more natural way than the original movies. A bit like how the games changed Lara to become more of an everyday person, this unlocks more of the strengths. It would be excellent to see her return for another outing, but it looks unlikely now.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Watch If You Liked: Uncharted

Final Thoughts –Tomb Raider is an excellent first adventure for Lara Croft.