Oxycute2001 Reviews

Hell Ride (2008)

Why god why?

[2/10 · 12 September 2008]

Once upon a time Quentin Tarantino was a relatively successful filmmaker.

Now, unfortunately, he not only makes terrible films, but puts his names to ones like this.

A supposedly cool retro flashback to biker movies of the 60s and 70s, this plumbs new depths.

Believe you me, I enjoy it when a blouse falls off in a film more than the next man but even I felt kind of sleazy watching this. To use a word I never thought I would, its msysoginistic (you see, I can't even spell it.) The plot (in the vaguest sense of the term) is as incomprehensible as Vinnie Jones' accent, the fact his terrible acting does not stand our particularly is as damning a testament as one can think of.

This is just terrible. Shocking. It almost made me cry. In horror.

The Promotion (2008)

An enchanting tale

[8/10 · 28 August 2008]

Some comedies make you laugh out loud, but this one makes you smile inside.

A languid tale of competition and two guys just trying to get bye in the world, both afraid of failure and willing to hurt the other to make it but each wrapped up in tragedy and common decency.

It will come as a surprise to many that Seann William Scott can actually act and he has real if understated presence in this.

John C Reilly is his usual excellent self but it is the tale that is the real star.

It is easy to make a comedy based on physical slapstick or outrageous language and acts. This one relies on a script and rhythmn and a gentleness of heart.

Without ever threatening to split one's sides, it is a nice film and well worth a watch.

Restraint (2008)

A film with character and characters

[7/10 · 3 August 2008]

This is a good film typified by excellent acting, three interesting characters, a dark ambiance and a twist in the tale.

While there are the usual moans about the typical movie style plot extension - where no-one is ever killed outright, they have to make a meal out of it- it is superior to most modern films in that it relies on the story and acting rather than explosions, explicit violence or other shock tactics.

I had ever seen any of the three stars before but all three are names to watch.

Well worth watching!

Lost Boys: The Tribe (2008 Video)

Completely underwhelming

[3/10 · 20 July 2008]

I am amazed at the number of positive reviews this film is receiving here.

If you saw it without any knowledge of the first one you would think it was a bog standard vampire film with holes in the plot big enough to drive a stake through.

The acting is mediocre, there is little humour, the action scenes lack impact and the script is a simplistic copy of the first.

I suspect those raving about it are like the Star Wars fans who refused to condemn Jar Jar Binks and criticised those who did not like the later Star Wars films because they did not understand the vision - when in reality, they were simply rubbish.

This film is not rubbish but it is without particular merit.

Were it not for the original Lost Boys links, it would be a straight to video affair. I think those who are raving about it need to watch it without bloodtinted spectacles on and wake up and smell the garlic.

Corey Haim's accent is perhaps the humorous highpoint. I don't think it was meant to be funny though....

The Evil Woods (2007)

Oh my word

[1/10 · 18 July 2008]

I am a big movie fan.

I get through four or five a week, from romances to slasher films to Japanese cultural moveis that make me wonder if someone has injected me with crack they make so little sense.

I watch anything.

The most important thing to remember is I have watched some rubbish. And I mean bad.

Films so terrible they should stink when they come out of the box.

I have sat through them for two, three hours. Bizarre Russian films made in the Stalin era, offensive films, films with a budget of $9.99.

You get the picture right......

I lasted, according to my DVD timer, 14.33 seconds before I turned this off and quietly started weeping at just how bad it was.

Prom Night (I) (2008)

Amazingly bad

[1/10 · 6 July 2008]

this adds nothing to the genre whatsoever.

This film has been made a thousand times before and shows no imagination, creativity or thought. The killing scenes are formulaic and entirely predictable and it is astounding studios will allow scripts, direction and acting like this.

The plot has more holes in it than a sieve and it is full of ridiculous moments where a character will say (not a spoiler) "there may be a mass murderer in the house but I am just going to the basement to replace that lightbulb that went out...."

Just astoundingly bad.

Dreadful.