the_bloody_awful_poet Reviews

Back in Time (2015)

Disappointing and full of holes

[5/10 · 22 October 2015]

I was looking forward to putting my feet up and watching this bad boy while winding down the October 21st 2015 celebrations. It was to be the icing on the cake. I was saddened by the realization that it was little more than a re-hash of other, better documentaries and simply didn't pack that big a punch.

I was hoping for an in depth look at the trilogy but what I got was a skimmed version of the events that lead up to the production of the film with a few new anecdotes thrown in. They had most of the main players, who were all on top form of course but they didn't get into the nitty gritty. Questions STILL remain unanswered. Also, it would have been great to have included interviews with Eric Stoltz and Crispin Glover, so they could at least give their side of the story. It also irked me that they talked very little about the sequel and glossed over the third film entirely.

The music left me with a sense of melancholy and was, in my opinion, a poor choice. Lastly, there were no titles, which is fine in some instances but I noticed that when names and job titles were shown under the interviewees as they spoke it was via Netflix's subtitles interface - they weren't part of the film itself. The closing credits were missing all together. All you get is two minutes of music on black. This may be limited to the Netflix version but even still, this is a shoddy move.

It's worth a watch if you're new to the mythology surrounding the films but if, like me, you are a fan, give it a miss.

Tusk (I) (2014)

Destined for Cult Status

[6/10 · 4 December 2014]

I'm a fan of Kevin Smith. Some might even say I'm something of a super fan. That being said, I don't love all of his movies. Mallrats didn't speak to me in the same way Clerks did.

I listened to the podcast that inspired the film when it dropped last year and was able to visualize every scene as Smith and his podcasting partner Scott Mosier described it. These scenes remained with me when I sat down to watch it.

I decided to let the film germinate in my subconscious, so that I could be certain of my opinion after the fact. Did I enjoy it? Very much so. It's a strange blend of comedy and horror, which I know some people didn't like. The climactic scene was both horrifyingly disturbing and strangely funny. I'm actually on the verge of laughing just thinking about it. The performances stand out, especially Michael Parks and Johnny Depp. The scene in which both characters meet is hilarious and left me hungry for more.

Some people didn't connect with the source material or the characters, which is understandable since it's such a strange movie. It's also worth noting that it performed poorly at the box office, for one reason or another. Still, I can't help but wonder if it'll simply fade away into obscurity or garner more attention over the years through VOD, blu ray and midnight screenings. After all, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is still one of the weirdest films ever made, flopped during release only to rise from the ashes as a cult mega hit. Watch this space, I don't think this is the end for 'Tusk'.

Mae Day: The Crumbling of a Documentary (1992)

Not bad

[6/10 · 2 August 2013]

As a huge fan of Kevin Smith, and by extension, everyone involved with Smith, I have spent the best part of the last 15 years consuming everything View Askew/SModcast etc. With that being said, I put off watching this, technically Smith's first film, for some unknown reason. After finally getting round to watching, I have to say, it's not that dissimilar to the linear editing projects I created back in 2004. In fact, had this been produced back then, by a fellow class mate, it would have been the strongest flick in the class. I now have faith that someone in my graduating class will go on to become a filmmaker. Investigating, I looked up everyone involved with the doc, most of which have dabbled every now and then but only Kevin and Scott have gone on to become filmmakers. Ability and natural talent is one thing but I think the elements that will aid you in your struggle are love and dedication for the craft. You have to love movie making, you have to be so in love that the idea of doing anything else for the rest of your life makes you feel sick. That's why Smith and Mosier made it. The foundations were in place when they shot this flick but it wouldn't be until 94, that the due truly found their way.

Inventory (2011)

Not a bad film with some great moments

[6/10 · 5 July 2011]

Inventory is one of those indie flicks that actually has something to say, although in saying it the film does border on cheesy. Everyone is on top form but non other than Matt Cardo who plays store owner John Panda. His performance is like no other, dead pan, arrogant and memorable. If you happen across a DVD copy when it's released then have a look at both the out-takes and the extended John Panda commercial, you'll be on your knees laughing. The only character I really disliked was Jackie, she was loud, irritating and unappealing. Nothing against the actress, she played it well enough, I just felt she stood out amongst the rest of the ensemble. Over all, I feel this is a film that has to be seen!

"This grandfather clock is made from real Grandfathers" - John Panda

(Review by Christopher Downie)

Hot Fuzz (2007)

A total adrenaline overdose! FANTASTIC!

[9/10 · 15 February 2007]

As i sat in the crowded, dark theater, i felt a warm feeling creeping up my spine. It was enjoyment! Not only is this the first film in a while that i have really enjoyed it is the first film i have seen to have more peeks than troughs.

I couldn't control the laughter, the excitement or the giddy joy i felt as i watched Simon Pegg and Nick Frost jump through the air, pistols blazing. I felt that it was the best use of time, i'd gladly give up two more hours to watch it again.

If you haven't seen it go see it - If you like Shaun of the Dead, go see it - If you like action films, go see it - If you like FILM go see it - And more importantly, if you like anything at all, be it soft furnishings or frozen yogurt GO AND SEE THIS FILM! C. G. Downie