nummy3 Reviews

The Inner Room (2011)

An excellent indie thriller

[10/10 · 27 April 2013]

I'm shocked to see that this film has such a low rating from viewers - it makes me wonder if I watched the same film they did because this is a fantastic film. While certainly made on a small budget, the writing is very good. There were multiple sub-plots constantly being introduced, but the film handles these sub-plots extremely well, making sure the sub-plots don't become confusing but instead add to the tension and intrigue. The effects in the film, while not flashy, were creepy, and I was especially impressed by the co-stars in the film who really added depth to "The Inner Room." If you're one of those people who go into films like this hoping to see a bunch of blood and gore, you'll be disappointed, but if you like to go into these kinds of films wanting to be titillated by an intriguing plot and sub-plots, good writing and fine acting, you won't be disappointed.

Midget Zombie Takeover (2013)

Bizarre but really funny film

[9/10 · 27 April 2013]

This is one strange film (some dirty talk at one point makes reference to asparagus), and while it was obviously made on a small budget (therefore it doesn't have much gore in it which could disappoint some zombie film fans), this is one of the funniest films I've seen in a long time. The film revolves around some college kids who gather together for a hot tub party, then get attacked by little zombies. The way the kids get killed are rather bizarre and hilarious, and I saw things in this film that I've never seen before. For example, there's a "death by ass" - that's all I'll say about that one. And there's a scene where one of the tiny zombies, while feeding on the co-ed he's just killed, gets, let's say, a little frisky with the corpse. Needless to the say, if you're looking for some high-brow indie film or an indie film with tons of blood and gore, this isn't the film for you. But if you're looking to just have a good time watching a film (and maybe incorporate a drinking game while watching - taking a drink every time a character comforts someone with the phrase "There, there" will leave you quite tipsy by the end of the film), then make sure to see this film.

Gerald (I) (2010)

One of the best films I've seen in a while

[10/10 · 27 April 2013]

"Gerald" is one of those rare films that actually gives the viewer credit for having some intelligence, which is a refreshing change. The film is well written, well acted, and overall one of the best films I've seen in a long time. Louis Mandylor does an excellent job playing the naive but not stupid main character. It would have been easy for him to play Gerald as an over-the-top character who bumbles about from one scene to the next, but he deftly handles the role. Of course, much of the credit for this has to go to the script, which is funny when it needs to be funny, serious when that emotion is needed, and intriguing when that's called for. The script also paints Gerald as a fun, interesting character who viewers can't help but pull for. Do yourself a favor and see this film.

Evil Intent (2010)

Excellent thriller

[10/10 · 7 March 2011]

"Evil Intent" is a surprising film in more ways than one. Yes, it is surprising that such an obviously small-budget film would be this good, but it's also surprising in its plot twists.

Without giving away too much of the plot or spoiling the ending of the film, the characters in this film go in directions you probably won't expect, yet their choices and actions are completely believable. The ending comes with a few surprises that keep viewers on their toes and guessing.

The two leads in the film, Libby Baker (who it turns out has appeared in the hit TV show "Modern Family") and Giovanna Leah, both do excellent jobs in being utterly convincing in their roles.

Grown Ups (I) (2010)

Uneven comedy

[4/10 · 5 February 2011]

While there were certainly times during "Grown Ups" where I did laugh, overall it was a bit disappointing.

The biggest drawback to the comedy in this film is that it's based primarily upon put-down jokes (which get old fast) and clichés. The put-down jokes were occasionally amusing, but the constant jokes about people being fat, stupid, or ugly makes it seem as if the script was lazily written. Couple that in with the many clichés, a notable one being that, as always in films, anyone who tries to eat a healthy diet is always freak and a complete mutant of a person, and it made me think all the more that the script was lazily put together.

While you could do worse than choosing "Grown Ups" when renting your next movie, save it for one of those times when you can't find anything else good to watch.

Dinner for Schmucks (2010)

Fantastic performance by Steve Carell

[10/10 · 2 February 2011]

I went into this movie thinking it would be a bizarre farce, but it turned out to be so much more.

While I laughed often during this film, I was shocked by the subtle empathy Steve Carell was able to bring to his character. I find it strange to be characterizing Carell's performance as subtle in a film that has "Schmucks" in the title, but that's what it was. While films like "Grown Ups" bash the viewer over the head with their (sort of) comedy, Carell is much more subtle than that in this film. His character ends up being utterly endearing by film's end.

I also have to comment on director Jay Roach for bringing out this performance in Carell. Never before during the watching of a film did I find myself laughing and crying at the same time, and that is due to the masterful touches imparted by Roach and Carell.

To Die Is Hard (2010)

Fun movie!

[10/10 · 2 February 2011]

There are a number of words that come to mind for me when I think of what it was like to watch "To Die is Hard." Fun, goofy, and hilarious are a few of them. Yes, it's not "Citizen Kane," but then neither are films like "Airplane" and "The Naked Gun," yet those are still fantastic films. "To Die is Hard" is similar to those films in flavor.

It's apparent the film doesn't take itself too seriously. Between the slapping, the goofy fascination the lead character's wife and daughter have for him, and the way the lead character is shown running in slow motion while topless to show off every jiggle of his middle-aged flabbiness, this film is made simply to give the viewer a few laughs and an enjoyable hour and a half. "To Die is Hard" delivers on both accounts.