The Divide Movie Review

Director: Xavier Gens

Writers: Karl Mueller, Eron Sheean

In Theaters: January 13, 2012 (USA, Limited), April 20, 2012 (UK, Ireland)

Running Time: 110 minutes

Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Rated: R

Cast: Lauren German, Michael Biehn, Milo Ventimiglia

Synopsis:

After a nuclear attack, a group of survivors find refuge inside a basement of a building. Their fears for their life and the decreasing food supplies would drive them into insanity.

Reaction:

I thought this film is just one of those several doomsday films that tackles about people's great determination and hope to survive. Some of those doomsday films are entertaining and inspiring. However, this one is definitely a big surprise for me. It is like the story of Lord of the Flies, survival of the fittest. It showcases how the minds can go terribly insane when face with great fear and despair. It is no ordinary horror thriller film.

The pacing is all good. I was totally glued to every scene though sometimes I had to turn away since some scenes are not just pleasant to watch. The scenes are quite realistic. It is a horrible, terrifying and disturbing film. It got an R rating for its strong violence, explicit sex and gory scenes. Not recommended for younger audience and for those who can't stomach severe brutality. 

Now, the actors are great especially Milo Ventimiglia and Michael Ecklund. They portrayed their roles perfectly as complete lunatics. The transformation of the characters in this film were shown pretty well. At first, they were just normal people trying to get a grip on their hopes to survive. There were even some funny exchange of conversations among the characters. But eventually, worn and weary with nothing left in them, they would turn against each other.

All in all, this film is quite good since it was able to deliver to the audience the kind of terrifying horror and thrill that they are looking for. You will realize the extent in which the characters throw their morals out of desperation to survive. It is quite unnerving. I would rate this film as 6 out of 10. 

Check out its Official Movie Trailer:

Gone Movie Review

Director: Heitor Dhalia

Writer: Allison Burnett

In Theaters: February 24, 2012 (USA)

Running Time: 94 minutes

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer Carpenter, Wes Bentley

Synopsis:

Jill (Amanda Seyfried) got traumatized after she was kidnapped. However, no one believes her story. Two years later, her sister disappears. She believes the faceless man who was responsible for her kidnapping is back to get her. She is all alone to face this sick criminal.

Reaction:   

I like the  plot of this film. It looks promising. A woman who survived from the hands of her abductor. She continued living with its traumatic memory. I also like the fact that the writer plays with the psycho story which leaves the audience wondering whether Jill is plain crazy or not. It makes the viewers even more curious. However, the plot may be good but it was not developed too well. There are several scenes which have a lot of potential to surprise the audience but they are cut short. The supposed to be intensifying scenes are short-lived. Though I can say, towards the end of the film, it ends good. The heroine got her revenge.

 

Other viewers may find this film quite great but for me it is just plain good, nothing much remarkable. I remember another film with almost the same plot as this film, Kiss the Girls which starred Ashley Judd. That film is way better than this. It has a lot of twists. Still, I can say that it is a decent thriller flick but just do not expect much. It has its suspense thriller moments.

 

Anyway, as for Amanda Seyfried's performance, she is way better here than her roles in Red Riding Hood and Jennifer's Body. Her acting is not overrated and quite believable. The other cast may seem insignificant but they put up some justice to their roles. All in all, this film is much more appealing to younger audience. I think for those who have seen several suspense thrillers in the past, you would agree with me when I say that this is just another entertaining flick. Good to watch for an hour and a half. I would rate this as 4 out of 10.

Check out its Official Movie Trailer:

Movies Showing This Week (March 28 & 30, 2012)

The Island President (March 28, 2012)

Cast: Mohamed Nasheed

Synopsis:

This documentary film aims to provide information and serves as an eye opener to everyone around the world. President Mohamed Nasheed is taking up the biggest fight in his life with his people for their beloved country, Maldives. He fights to protect his country from disappearing. 

Bully (March 30, 2012)

Cast: Alex, Ja'Maya, Kelby

 

Synopsis:

A documentary following the life of five kids and their bullying experiences in school. Witness how the kids and families try to confront bullying.

Dark Tide

Cast: Halle Berry, Olivier Martinez, Ralph Brown

Synopsis: 

Kate, a professional diver and expert with sharks, is still haunted by her disastrous encounter with a white shark.Nine years after that incident, she needs to return back to the deep water to resolve her financial crisis.She must face her nightmare all over again.

Goon

Cast: Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill

Synopsis:

An outcast in his family, a guy made a name for himself in the sports of hockey. He overcomes a lot of things that he encounters along the way. 

Intruders

Cast: Clive Owen, Carice van Houten, Izan Corchero

Synopsis:

A faceless stranger is trying to terrorize two kids living apart from each other. This stranger often visits these kids at nighttime and wants to get hold of them. 

Mirror Mirror

Cast: Lily Collins,Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer

Synopsis:

A princess asks the help of seven rebels to help her against the evil queen who takes control of the kingdom.

Turn Me On, Dammit!

Cast: Helene Bergsholm, Malin Bjorhovde, Henriette Steenstrup

Synopsis:   

A Norwegian comedy film about a 15 y.o. Alma who fantasizes about Arthur and everyone else that she finds quite interesting.

Wrath of the Titans

Cast: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Rosamund Pike

Synopsis:   

Perseus must travel to the underworld to aid Zeus, his powerful father. Ares and Hades captured Zeus so they can wreck havoc to the world by unleashing the ancient Titans.

Leprechaun's Revenge Movie Review

Director: Drew Daywalt

Writer: Anthony C. Ferrante

In Theaters: March 7, 2012 (USA)

Running Time: 86 minutes

Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Thriller

Cast: Billy Zane, William Devane, Courtney Halverson

Synopsis:  

Karen (Courtney Halverson) goes hunting with her grandfather. She wanders further into the woods and sees a red four leafed clover. She picks it up and before she knows it, an evil looking thing shows up. She thinks it is just a big animal. Little did she know that it is an evil leprechaun who would throw a curse on her. The leprechaun would take his revenge to the descendants of those people who imprisoned him. Karen is in big trouble since no one believes her except her grandfather. However, things become so bloody when the evil leprechaun starts to kill the townsfolk almost in time of the St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Reaction:

I have seen a lot of films about leprechaun. Some depicted leprechaun as kind individuals while other films showed them as evil. Now, Leprechaun's Revenge is one horror fantasy film. I cannot say it is a horror genre, it is more like a gory type of film. There are several bloody scenes in which body parts are just easily pulled off. Story wise, any viewer would not have to think much about the entire film. It is easy to understand and there are no twists to it. Acting wise, I would say William Devane is just perfect for his role. As for Billy Zane, he is almost everywhere in the film but nothing much significant of his character. It was a lackluster performance for him. I guess he has starred in a lot of forgettable films lately. Courtney Halverson portrays her role well. Just the right acting and not too much clumsiness on her part which is most common for horror films in which the actors have to tripped down or showing too much of shouting to invoke thrilling scenes. Now, the leprechaun itself looks decent. He is not those typical green skinned leprechauns.

Now, when it comes to the entire film, it has a lot of loopholes about its script and even executing on some scenes. And guess what, almost all of the main characters died except for one. And sometimes, the leprechaun is just acting ridiculously. There are several scenes that just came out of nowhere. It is like I am watching a TV series. I would rate this film as 3 out of 10. It may not be that good but it is still better than other leprechaun films I've seen in the past.

Check out its Movie Trailer:

 

The Vow Movie Review

Director: Michael Sucsy

Writers: Jason Katims, Abby Kohn, Stuart Sender, Marc Silverstein

In Theaters: February 10, 2012 (USA)

Running Time: 104 minutes

Genre: Drama, Romance

Cast: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Sam Neill

Synopsis:  

Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) are happily married couple. However, a tragic car accident would test their love. Paige suffers severe injury. She is in a coma and wakes up one day, losing some parts of her memory. She completely loses her memory of her husband. Leo tries to win her love again. 

Reaction:

This review has long been overdue. I should have posted it back in February after watching the film. Anyway, I watched this film the second time just the other day.  I should say that it lacks much excitement the first time I watched it. Actually, the film is nothing new though it is inspired from a true story. I have seen several films in the past about a husband or a wife suffering from memory lost and the other one has to make extra effort to win back their love for each other. And as usual, the ending is predictable. Still, if you are a fan of romantic drama films, you would enjoy watching this film. It has its shining moments. Rachel McAdams is always a stand out in romantic films. Channing Tatum may not be as good as Rachel but he has shown some signs of improvement in his acting skill.

In addition, I like its unhurried pacing but towards the end, it was kinda dragging. The dialogues, though there are some cheesy moments but they are fine to my taste. This film is good to watch if you do not want to take much of your time pondering about its story. It is entertaining enough. I would rate this as 5 out of 10. 

Check out its Official Movie Trailer:

The Decoy Bride Movie Review

Director: David Brooks

Writers: Sally Philips & Neil Jaworski

In Theaters: March 9, 2012 (USA)

Running Time: 89 minutes

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Cast: Kelly Macdonald, David Tennant, Alice Eve

Synopsis:

A famous Hollywood actress is set to get married but every time her wedding is to take place, she is flocked by paparazzi. All she wanted is to have a very private wedding with the man she loves. Soon, the couple decides to change their wedding plans and this time they will get married in a secluded Scottish island. However, things will go astray as paparazzi start to troop down into the island. The solution is to hire a decoy bride to ward off these paparazzi.

Reaction:

I thought this is another forgettable romantic comedy film. I have seen several of those romantic comedy films lately getting recycled. However, this film proved me wrong. First of all, I enjoy watching those beautiful scenery in Scotland. The film was able to show those remarkable locations which are good for romantic set ups. In additions, the actors may not be those A-Lister Hollywood stars but they were able to deliver their roles well. The dialogues are quite clear and comprehensible. Kelly Macdonald is quite good for comedy roles. Hope to see more of her in the future.

Like all romantic comedy films, the ending is really predictable. The main characters would end up together. There is also nothing extraordinary about the film but I just enjoy watching it for its simplicity and no fuss at all. Not trying hard to develop a romantic comedy script. The story is well written, trying not to infused much cheesy moments. In fact, those romantic scenes just came out naturally with some laughs on the side. One would end up feeling lighthearted and having those smiles on their faces.

I would rate this film as 6 out of 10. Such entertaining to watch with your family and friends.

Check out its Official Movie Trailer:

ATM Movie Review

Director: David Brooks

Writer: Chris Sparling

In Theaters: April 6, 2012 (USA, limited)

Running Time: 90 minutes

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Cast: Alice Eve, Josh Peck, Brian Geraghty

Synopsis:

In one unfortunate night, three co-workers decided to make a stop at an ATM station. They never thought of the great danger that awaits them. A lone stranger is lurking just outside the ATM station waiting for his next victim. This time, he sets his eyes on these three co-workers. 

Reaction:

This film is shot almost entirely inside a secluded ATM station. I find this film as forgettable. Probably, the least interesting film I have watched this year. The opening part of the film showed some sketches of the area where the killer would create some havoc. I thought his character would have been developed more but I was totally misled. There are several pieces that were not presented in the film such as the identity and motivation of the killer to kill anyone. 

In addition, those co-workers are all professionals. In real world, they could have worked together to to attack a lone killer who has nothing with him but a bat or some stuffs to kill his victims. It just does not make any sense why they never thought of that, making them look like idiots. This film is supposed to be a horror thriller genre but I was not even thrilled at all. The thrilling scenes are not convincing enough to even surprise me. I think the writer only put up those scenes to entertain the viewer but ending up in complete failure.

 

I should say this film is plainly silly. It is a plain insult on one's mind. I think the writer does not know where his story would lead. I would rate this film as 1 out of 10. One for the effort of the actors. If you are fond of horror thriller, this movie is not for you. Don't waste your time.

Check out its Official Movie Thriller:

Brake Movie Review

Director: Gabe Torres

Writer: Timothy Mannion

In Theaters: March 23, 2012 (USA)

Running Time: 92 minutes

Genre: Crime, Thriller

Cast: Stephen Dorff, Chyler Leigh, JR Bourne

Synopsis:

A Secret Service Agent battles for his life as he is closeted

inside the trunk of a car by some unknown terrorists. He struggles through difficult mental and physical tortures. He must divulge a vital information before his loved ones will die. However, he is torn between his allegiance to his duty and his love for his family.

Stephen Dorff as Jeremy Reins

Reaction:

I must admit that I am not really fond of watching films with tortures...(No, this is not like those Saw films with extreme tortures and just sickening) The fact that almost the entire film is shot inside the trunk of a car is quite claustrophobic for me. This film reminds me of another film entitled, Buried which starred Ryan Reynolds. However, I would say Brake is much better than Buried. 

I must say that Stephen Dorff is quite good in this film, just good acting and not overrated. For more than an hour of the film, all the scenes are inside the car. However, towards the end, some revealing twists will unfold.

Personally, I almost got bored with this film when it reached around 30 minutes. The single location, claustrophobic tortures and more conversations do not appeal much to me. However, instead of turning it off, I just could not ignore this nagging feeling that there is something more to this film. And my hunch was right. Some twists will be uncovered at the end. I never saw its ending coming. I just enjoyed its ending though it seems weird. Nevertheless, it caught me by surprise. I would rate this film as 5 out of 10. 

Check out its Official Movie Trailer:

Movies Showing This Week (March 23, 2012)

Agent Vinod

Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan

Synopsis:

Agent Vinod is embarking on a mission  to find out about the murder of his colleague. It would take him to several places after some seemingly unconnected events surfaced across the world.

  

 Brake

Cast:Stephen Dorff, Chyler Leigh, JR Bourne
 

Synopsis:

Secret Service Agent Jeremy Reins is confined inside a trunk of a car. He undergoes both physical and mental torture from a group of terrorist who are trying to get a very vital information from him.

 

Musical Chairs 

Cast: Leah Pipes, E.J Bonilla, Priscilla Lopez

Synopsis: 

A tragic accident takes place leaving Mia invalid. Armando, her dance partner persuades her to continue dancing by joining the wheelchair ballroom dance competition.

October Baby

Cast: Rachel Hendrix, Jason Burkey, John Schneider

Synopsis:
Hannah's world turns upside down when she learns that she is adopted and survived from an attempted abortion. Later on, she will go on a journey and discover more things about her hidden past.

The Deep Blue Sea

Cast: Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston, Jolyon Coy

Synopsis:

 A tumultuous love affair between the wife of a British Judge and a young ex Royal Air Force Pilot. Can their love withstand all the problems that come their way?

The Hunger Games

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth

Synopsis:

Each year, the Capitol chooses two young representatives from each twelve districts to join the game of death, The Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen volunteers herself to join the competition to take the place of her younger sister.

The Raid: Redemption

Cast: Iko Uwais, Ananda George,Ray Sahetapy

Synopsis:   

A hot action packed film about a team of SWAT who are trapped inside a run-down apartment. The place is run by a remorseless gangster and his criminal followers.

The Trouble with Bliss

Cast: Sarah Shahi, Michael C. Hall, Lucy Liu

Synopsis:

 A comedy-drama film of a 35 y.o. guy who got into a relationship with an 18 y.o., who happens to be the daughter of a high school classmate. His life will begin to unravel comically.

4:44 Last Day on Earth

Cast: Willem Dafoe, Natasha Lyonne, Paz de la Huerta

Synopsis:

 What would you do if the Earth is coming to an end tomorrow? How would you spend your last remaining time? This film shows how everyone would spend their days when they knew that the world is ending.

Tooth Fairy 2 Movie Review

Director: Alex Zamm

In Theaters: March 6, 2012 (USA)

Running Time: 90 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Cast: Larry the Cable Guy, Erin Beute, David Mackey

Synopsis:

 

Larry Guthrie (Larry the Cable Guy) got his 15 minutes of fame after he won from a Bowling Contest. A year later, he lost his girlfriend, Brooke. She is now engaged to Bo, a rich guy who is running as a Mayor. However, Larry is determined to win his lost love. He volunteers to help Brooke in her after school program. During his usual day at the school, he accidentally informs one of the kids that Tooth Fairy is just a make believe. It is nothing but a fairy tale. Later that night, he is turned into a Tooth Fairy clad in pink tutu.

Reaction:

Tooth Fairy 2  is a decent comedy film for the family. You will not worry leaving your kids watching this film. The story is quite decent and not attempting to put overly hilarious scenes that may seem silly. Acting wise, the whole cast are fine. Larry the Cable Guy is quite funny with his country boy style humor. There are several funny scenes. Definitely this is an entertaining film for everyone.

Now, comparing Tooth Fairy 1 and 2, both are funny in their own way. If you like the first film, then this sequel is also good. It may not be one of the great comedy films for me but if you are looking for entertainment and fun, I would recommend this for the whole family. You will have some good laughs together with your kids. I would rate this film as 5/10.

Check out its Official Movie Trailer:

One for the Money Movie Review

Director: Julie Anne Robinson

Writer: Stacey Sherman, Karen Ray & Lix Brixius (screenplay);Janet Evanovich (novel)

In Theaters: January 27, 2012 (USA)

Running Time: 91 minutes

Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller

Cast: Katherine Heigl, Jason O' Mara, Daniel Sunjata, John Leguizamo

Synopsis:

Fresh from her divorce and in an unemployed state, Stephanie Plum must make a drastic move in order to  survive. She gets a job at her cousin's business. Her first assignment is to chase after Joe Morelli, a guy whom she has a romantic past. Things proved to be very difficult for Stephanie since Joe always escapes every time they encounter each other. Later on, she realizes that Joe is innocent and tries to help him prove his innocence.

 

Reaction:

This film is an adaptation of a book written by Janet Evanovich. I never read the book and I do not know how the book presented the character of Stephanie Plum. Watching the entire film, I supposed Stephanie Plum's character is someone who is a kick-ass woman and is ready to battle the world. There is a vulnerable side to her but she is trying not to show it out of her desperation to find a job and bring back her life again after getting a divorce. 

Katherine Heigl does not live up to my expectations as Stephanie Plum.  It is like the same Katherine Heigl in most of her romantic comedy films. There is nothing remarkable in her role. And the villains, they were not given much exposure. Take the case of Jimmy Alpha played by Joseph Leguizamo. I can only count a number of forgettable scenes from him. The entire film only centers on Stephanie Plum. Even Jason Morelli portrayed by Jason O' Mara should have been an important character in the film but not given much credit.


Finally, it is better to wait for a DVD release of this film than watch it on the big screen. My rating for this is 3 out of 10.

Check out One for the Money's Official Movie Trailer: