Toe to Toe depicts the struggles of two girls who go to school, and occasionally play full matches of lacrosse together (when not in the midst of jealous fights). The film as a whole often covers the two teens separately, or hones in on one individual from separate sides of a room. In one particular moment where the girls are at the same 'Go Go Party' (basically a DJ on stage performing), and are jealously glaring at one another, the movie takes an eye-roll worthy turn, as the focus is placed on an impromptu dance-off in the middle of the crowd. Why are these a requirement for every filmed concert scene? Has anyone ever actually witnessed a dance battle that wasn't an elaborate, ironic joke? Also a source of frustration are the racial remarks from all parties involved. These remarks feel so manufactured and like a bad Nineties film crutch, which is completely opposite the strong family interactions that happen to feel both genuine, and realistic. The unflinching focus on reckless, underage sex (which is not played for laughs as you've come to expect from a teen film) is a main focus for the entire film... a quick way to take a serious turn. But while it comes dangerously close to being disgustingly depicted (keyword: underage), it becomes almost heart-wrenching to see the effects it has on choice characters. Sonequa Martin (as Tosha) contributes a great deal to this film. She never once looks like she's acting - a rare commodity for someone of her presumed age. You get so familiar with her as a person, while watching Toe to Toe, that you start to question where else you've seen her before this! Sonequa simply nails the role, and brings weight to the picture that it was desperately lacking. Toe to Toe ultimately improves in time for the end, in part due to the characters universal revelations that they are truly messed up (in more ways than one), as well as their subsequent responsibility taking, in atonement for their mistakes. The conclusion itself makes sense, and isn't forced... not something I've come to expect from an contemporary independent drama.
Reviews
20 Reviews
American Shopper
(2007)
Normal people pulling together for something different.
9 January 2010
The best documentaries about common people are those that pick the kindhearted to focus on. Fifteen minutes into this film, you're completely drawn in to Jonathan Sawyer's plan. He wants to start a sport all about performing in a supermarket with shopping carts - called Aisling. And sure enough, people get behind it, including his town's mayor, and the local grocery chain. The stories of the contestants envelop you one by one, and even the few aislers with "dark sides" are only mildly dark. Though this sport didn't catch on and become professional, or even annual, for this brief moment in time, excited people from all walks of life pulled together to make it special.
Mechanical Love
(2007)
The future of humanoid robotics.
31 December 2009
There's a lot to like about Mechanical Love. For the most part however, the best parts are those NOT featuring the main subject, an engineer named Hiroshi Ishiguro. Ishiguro has made an exact replica of himself, but is still working out the kinks to make it a perfect robot. The lips don't move, but he blinks. He can talk, but only via a computer and microphone. Otherwise, his skin, eyes and hair are creepily realistic. And this seems to be the part that worries everyone around Ishiguro, including his poor daughter (whom he also made a clone robot for), who is scared to touch the geminoid. The problem with Ishiguro, you quickly find, is that he's somehow more lifeless than the robot he's created. The expressive robot hilariously slumps back in the chair and rolls his eyes back when unplugged - just like you'd expect to happen. A poor main subject was chosen for this documentary, because the secondary focus is on needy people who have already been given experimental dolls to keep as pets. These dolls are furry white baby seals. These have been seemingly passed out to certain testers, including nursing home patients. One elderly woman loves the doll dearly, and pets it like a cat. She talks to it so much that her voice is hoarse when it's time for the day's choir rehearsal, leaving her unable to sing with the residents. This particular woman is massively misunderstood. People forget how lonely a nursing home can be for a resident (having a grandmother with Alzheimer's disease will change you very quickly). This woman explains to the camera that she does not care what anyone thinks about her. The doll makes her feel young again, almost as if she were caring for a child. So it's disgusting to see other residents talking about her affection for her only friend. This film is all about these extremes... people who embrace the arrival of lifelike robots, and those who refuse to even acknowledge them.
Barstool Cowboy
(2009)
Bad camera-work holds them back.
29 November 2009
Barstool Cowboy stars Darrel Hammond and Avril Lavigne look-a-likes Tim Woodward and Rachel Lien (As Mick and Arcy, respectively) as two more characters out to find themselves, or their former selves, in the case of Mick.
Mick has just been dumped by his girlfriend in a "cruel way" (as he describes it), and has confined himself - and his briar patch beard - to a stool at the local bar. As he discusses his problem with whomever listens, he confides that he's willing to stay in the stool for three months... seemingly hoping his old girlfriend will come looking for him in that time, so that he may beg for forgiveness.
Shortly into his tenure at the bar, a woman is spotted outside, drawing sketches of the building. The men inside complain about women like her, and how they can be spotted from a mile away simply by spotting their Chuck Taylor's. After Mick blows off the drunk suggestions of the patrons, he goes outside to see what she's up to.
Soon enough, Mick finds himself enamored with Arcy, the fittingly artsy student. They spend several days together, going from place to place, while Arcy unknowingly starts to release Mick from his lull - to his amazement. Unfortunately, around the same time, Arcy begins telling Mick - "Don't fall in love with me".
As we follow this love story, we quickly get wrapped up in the characters of Mick and Arcy - you want to know how their story will end, despite some nagging issues with the film. The actors that portray Mick and Arcy are the two best on screen - this is very evident from as early as the second and third scenes of the movie. When you can clearly see that certain people were picked to star in a movie because they were better than the other eight people that showed up on casting day, you get a sinking feeling.
The camera-work and lighting do not match this story at all. The lighting is often so harsh, and the camera is so consumer grade, that you can't help but think you're watching an extended online video. The best indie movies are those that you don't realize are independent until you read the back of the box. I feel bad for the writer and director, because had it not been for the areas I mentioned that lacked, this movie would've exceeded my expectations.
But as it stands, I cannot overlook the acting of the background actors, the camera-work of a supposed "professional", and the poor planning of the producers, amongst this otherwise great movie.
Mick has just been dumped by his girlfriend in a "cruel way" (as he describes it), and has confined himself - and his briar patch beard - to a stool at the local bar. As he discusses his problem with whomever listens, he confides that he's willing to stay in the stool for three months... seemingly hoping his old girlfriend will come looking for him in that time, so that he may beg for forgiveness.
Shortly into his tenure at the bar, a woman is spotted outside, drawing sketches of the building. The men inside complain about women like her, and how they can be spotted from a mile away simply by spotting their Chuck Taylor's. After Mick blows off the drunk suggestions of the patrons, he goes outside to see what she's up to.
Soon enough, Mick finds himself enamored with Arcy, the fittingly artsy student. They spend several days together, going from place to place, while Arcy unknowingly starts to release Mick from his lull - to his amazement. Unfortunately, around the same time, Arcy begins telling Mick - "Don't fall in love with me".
As we follow this love story, we quickly get wrapped up in the characters of Mick and Arcy - you want to know how their story will end, despite some nagging issues with the film. The actors that portray Mick and Arcy are the two best on screen - this is very evident from as early as the second and third scenes of the movie. When you can clearly see that certain people were picked to star in a movie because they were better than the other eight people that showed up on casting day, you get a sinking feeling.
The camera-work and lighting do not match this story at all. The lighting is often so harsh, and the camera is so consumer grade, that you can't help but think you're watching an extended online video. The best indie movies are those that you don't realize are independent until you read the back of the box. I feel bad for the writer and director, because had it not been for the areas I mentioned that lacked, this movie would've exceeded my expectations.
But as it stands, I cannot overlook the acting of the background actors, the camera-work of a supposed "professional", and the poor planning of the producers, amongst this otherwise great movie.
Official Rejection
(2009)
Changes your opinions about everything!
15 November 2009
Official Rejection is the true story of a group of filmmakers from all parts who are trying to accomplish a single goal: To get their film in a festival. The focused stars of this documentary find themselves quickly rejected by certain big-name fests, despite the effort required to even be considered for them. Disheartened, but not easily broken, the filmmakers keep sending out their films, to smaller screenings across the U.S.
The journey of this film achieves something big that is a rarity in the documentary genre. It's smirk-out-loud funny from beginning to end. With hilarious animated cut-scenes, to the visible struggles of average Joe directors, to astute observations from the front lines and the flashbacks of everyone involved; every piece of this film makes you grin from ear to ear.
So, it's strange that this same film is also one that tells the horrifying story of self-publicizing, penniless movie creators. O.R. is eye-opening, and easily bests all other attempts at revealing an inside view of the movie industry (notably This Film Is Not Yet Rated). It's one of the only films I know of that even mentions the independent film industry in a truthful light.
Painful it may be, but if your head stops shaking at the absurdity of the festival industry long enough to hear the story being presented, it will completely change your opinions on how you absorb and critique films.
The journey of this film achieves something big that is a rarity in the documentary genre. It's smirk-out-loud funny from beginning to end. With hilarious animated cut-scenes, to the visible struggles of average Joe directors, to astute observations from the front lines and the flashbacks of everyone involved; every piece of this film makes you grin from ear to ear.
So, it's strange that this same film is also one that tells the horrifying story of self-publicizing, penniless movie creators. O.R. is eye-opening, and easily bests all other attempts at revealing an inside view of the movie industry (notably This Film Is Not Yet Rated). It's one of the only films I know of that even mentions the independent film industry in a truthful light.
Painful it may be, but if your head stops shaking at the absurdity of the festival industry long enough to hear the story being presented, it will completely change your opinions on how you absorb and critique films.
Cookies & Cream
(2008)
An adult webcam star becomes a woman.
13 November 2009
From the outside, Cookies & Cream may seem similar to another indie film named "One Hour Fantasy Girl". One Hour Fantasy Girl even follows a similar path - that of a girl on a struggle to find herself, while working an odd-job to pay the rent.
However, now I have a better frame of reference, having watched Cookies & Cream; and I can clearly see what is lacking in 1HFG that C&C has in abundance... heart.
Carmen (Jace Nicole) has an 8 year old daughter that she gets to see only three days a week. She has a high-rise apartment, but a lack of a substantial and steady relationship. The only men she sees are those she meets through work on her website. A decidedly adult web page featuring only herself, called Cookiesandcream.com. Every man she works with tries to take it further, but she won't allow it. They often spew pick-up lines out of a book, and Carmen wants a truthful person who will just be himself.
By chance, not too long into her story, Carmen meets a man who seems to fit all of her criteria... and she starts to fall for him. But the guilt hangs over her, as she tries to figure out how to tell her new boyfriend about how she makes a living (only going so far as to say she works with computers).
Jace Nicole is the biggest revelation amongst this cast. She shines in every scene, and just when you expect her to crack under the pressure of an emotional moment, she somehow keeps the conversation real - and believable. The director does a good job of getting into the head of most of the characters in the short span of the movie - rather than glossing over half of them in favor of quickly telling a story.
Perhaps my only real complaints are debatably minor, but I couldn't shake the thoughts of them even after the film ended. Several of the characters smoke cigarettes in plain view, without hesitation - something I thought we were getting away from in films. It really sullies the reputation of the actors to see them take something that's so important (their lives) so lightly.
And one other bother is the way some of the earlier conversations in the film are presented. Characters are filmed in the city streets of New York, and surrounding areas - but the problem is how they are recorded. They are shown from 100 feet away or more - with their voices sounding dubbed in, whether they are or not. When you're watching conversations in a film, you want to pay attention to the faces, the gestures - all things that need to be experienced up close and personal (not from the bushes across the way). When these cannot be seen, ranging from 30 seconds to a minutes worth of staring at their backs, the viewer becomes frustrated.
These moments do make you appreciate how important it is to see your actors when they deliver their lines. If there were many more moments that could not be seen, it could've ruined the film.
However, as it stands, I can easily say that this film presents a modern drama in a new way. If this had turned out to follow the methods of every romantic "comedy", while trying to pass as a drama, I certainly would've considered it horrible. But with the mantra of our main character Carmen being "The show must go on", It definitely does, and without the flaws of a big-budget production. This is the kind of film that can only ever exist in the independent realm, because no major studio would have enough guts to film the story of an adult film star in any way but a comedy.
However, now I have a better frame of reference, having watched Cookies & Cream; and I can clearly see what is lacking in 1HFG that C&C has in abundance... heart.
Carmen (Jace Nicole) has an 8 year old daughter that she gets to see only three days a week. She has a high-rise apartment, but a lack of a substantial and steady relationship. The only men she sees are those she meets through work on her website. A decidedly adult web page featuring only herself, called Cookiesandcream.com. Every man she works with tries to take it further, but she won't allow it. They often spew pick-up lines out of a book, and Carmen wants a truthful person who will just be himself.
By chance, not too long into her story, Carmen meets a man who seems to fit all of her criteria... and she starts to fall for him. But the guilt hangs over her, as she tries to figure out how to tell her new boyfriend about how she makes a living (only going so far as to say she works with computers).
Jace Nicole is the biggest revelation amongst this cast. She shines in every scene, and just when you expect her to crack under the pressure of an emotional moment, she somehow keeps the conversation real - and believable. The director does a good job of getting into the head of most of the characters in the short span of the movie - rather than glossing over half of them in favor of quickly telling a story.
Perhaps my only real complaints are debatably minor, but I couldn't shake the thoughts of them even after the film ended. Several of the characters smoke cigarettes in plain view, without hesitation - something I thought we were getting away from in films. It really sullies the reputation of the actors to see them take something that's so important (their lives) so lightly.
And one other bother is the way some of the earlier conversations in the film are presented. Characters are filmed in the city streets of New York, and surrounding areas - but the problem is how they are recorded. They are shown from 100 feet away or more - with their voices sounding dubbed in, whether they are or not. When you're watching conversations in a film, you want to pay attention to the faces, the gestures - all things that need to be experienced up close and personal (not from the bushes across the way). When these cannot be seen, ranging from 30 seconds to a minutes worth of staring at their backs, the viewer becomes frustrated.
These moments do make you appreciate how important it is to see your actors when they deliver their lines. If there were many more moments that could not be seen, it could've ruined the film.
However, as it stands, I can easily say that this film presents a modern drama in a new way. If this had turned out to follow the methods of every romantic "comedy", while trying to pass as a drama, I certainly would've considered it horrible. But with the mantra of our main character Carmen being "The show must go on", It definitely does, and without the flaws of a big-budget production. This is the kind of film that can only ever exist in the independent realm, because no major studio would have enough guts to film the story of an adult film star in any way but a comedy.
iMurders
(2008)
iLiked it!
16 October 2009
iMurders is a film about a small group of cyber-friends that meet-up once a week for an online chat. In their voice/video/text chats, the host (a special effects artist) chooses a game to play that lasts all month long. The winner of the final round gets a prize from the host's memorabilia collection.
But being iMurders, things obviously go a lot further than that premise. The month's game is supposed to be a Survivor style game, in which chat members are "knocked off" one by one for saying the pre-determined code word. However, the host of this game is very quickly incapacitated, and the self-ordained replacement host decides the new rules of staying alive in this game.
This film struck me with the number of character actors present... it runs the gamut from Tony Todd and Frank Grillo to the wonderful Gabrielle Anwar. However, even though those names get first billing, the spotlight here is placed on the less recognizable actors, such as Terri Colombino (the lead in iMurders).
Ironically, Colombino bears a striking resemblance to Diane Lane, star of the similarly-themed (if much worse film) Untraceable.
So, with all of these familiar actors finally getting their due, does the film do them justice? For the most part, it actually does! The plot is very interesting, and more interweaving than it seems to be in the first hour of the movie. There haven't been many good movies made about the dangers of "cyber-friends" that you've never met in person. And while the line-writing struggles to express any character's knowledge of the internet (multiple characters stiffly insert the word "computer" in front of other technology-based words, just in case you don't know what a chat room or keyboard is), ultimately the plot matters more than the believability.
By the end, you only have so many options for who the chat room killer may be, and the reveal came way out of left field. It doesn't explain everything in the end though, which leaves you hanging with some plot gaps (such as the FBI's immediate knowledge of the chat room... the FBI didn't even know how to stop 9/11 from happening, so you can't tell me they caught on to the chat room the second its visitors started becoming victims), but I can forgive some things ultimately because the rest of the movie makes up for it easily.
But being iMurders, things obviously go a lot further than that premise. The month's game is supposed to be a Survivor style game, in which chat members are "knocked off" one by one for saying the pre-determined code word. However, the host of this game is very quickly incapacitated, and the self-ordained replacement host decides the new rules of staying alive in this game.
This film struck me with the number of character actors present... it runs the gamut from Tony Todd and Frank Grillo to the wonderful Gabrielle Anwar. However, even though those names get first billing, the spotlight here is placed on the less recognizable actors, such as Terri Colombino (the lead in iMurders).
Ironically, Colombino bears a striking resemblance to Diane Lane, star of the similarly-themed (if much worse film) Untraceable.
So, with all of these familiar actors finally getting their due, does the film do them justice? For the most part, it actually does! The plot is very interesting, and more interweaving than it seems to be in the first hour of the movie. There haven't been many good movies made about the dangers of "cyber-friends" that you've never met in person. And while the line-writing struggles to express any character's knowledge of the internet (multiple characters stiffly insert the word "computer" in front of other technology-based words, just in case you don't know what a chat room or keyboard is), ultimately the plot matters more than the believability.
By the end, you only have so many options for who the chat room killer may be, and the reveal came way out of left field. It doesn't explain everything in the end though, which leaves you hanging with some plot gaps (such as the FBI's immediate knowledge of the chat room... the FBI didn't even know how to stop 9/11 from happening, so you can't tell me they caught on to the chat room the second its visitors started becoming victims), but I can forgive some things ultimately because the rest of the movie makes up for it easily.
One Hour Fantasy Girl
(2009)
Life needn't be so depressing.
10 October 2009
One Hour Fantasy Girl, directed by Edgar Michael Bravo, is a film about a young woman named Becky (Kelly-Ann Tursi), a girl with an unusual day job.
Becky earns money as a "clothed escort" via a Fantasy Girl branded website. Her business partner routinely drops her off at a meeting place, and she then proceeds to fulfill men's fantasies... as long as they stay within her guidelines: "no kissing or sex allowed".
Becky was abused as a child, and makes a scapegoat out of that situation, claiming that she had no choice but to take such an unusual career path. As she continues working, the jobs being to get increasingly perverted, until her situation finally boils over. The camera follows Becky like a fly on the wall, and everything is so naturally shot, with realistic lighting, that you could easily confuse this with reality. It's only fitting that this is based on the true stories of real-life call girls.
The acting matches the over-the-shoulder cinematography, and is top notch. The characters rarely smile, and never raise their voices loud enough to wake the neighbors. Fitting for their bizarre circumstances. But there is a point when you have to have to start wondering when the depressive scenarios will come to an end, or at least one character will find what they're looking for. When that does happen, it's too little too late. There's no way around it... you leave it depressed, and even a cherry ending would've felt wrong, given the rest of what you've seen. I can understand a character experiencing tough times, but you can make a better story of that than One Hour Fantasy Girl accomplishes.
Becky earns money as a "clothed escort" via a Fantasy Girl branded website. Her business partner routinely drops her off at a meeting place, and she then proceeds to fulfill men's fantasies... as long as they stay within her guidelines: "no kissing or sex allowed".
Becky was abused as a child, and makes a scapegoat out of that situation, claiming that she had no choice but to take such an unusual career path. As she continues working, the jobs being to get increasingly perverted, until her situation finally boils over. The camera follows Becky like a fly on the wall, and everything is so naturally shot, with realistic lighting, that you could easily confuse this with reality. It's only fitting that this is based on the true stories of real-life call girls.
The acting matches the over-the-shoulder cinematography, and is top notch. The characters rarely smile, and never raise their voices loud enough to wake the neighbors. Fitting for their bizarre circumstances. But there is a point when you have to have to start wondering when the depressive scenarios will come to an end, or at least one character will find what they're looking for. When that does happen, it's too little too late. There's no way around it... you leave it depressed, and even a cherry ending would've felt wrong, given the rest of what you've seen. I can understand a character experiencing tough times, but you can make a better story of that than One Hour Fantasy Girl accomplishes.
The Open Door
(2008)
But I don't WANNA be a pirate!
6 October 2009
In The Open Door, a teenage girl named Anjelica (played by Cathrine Georges) is stuck at home after being grounded... forcing her to miss a party she'd been planning to go to.
As her parents leave to have fun away from home, Anjelica sulks, and decides to listen to the radio. As the night progresses, she finds herself listening to a pirate radio show that runs only once a month - the night of a full moon. Fed up with her putrid, steroid-chugging friends, she decides to call into the station, and speak with the prophet/DJ.
The Oracle, as she calls herself, answers at the station, and asks Anjelica to make a wish for anything she wants. Anjelica is hysterical at the actions of her assumed boyfriend, and hastily wishes for him and everyone around him to leave her alone, among other things. Soon enough she starts hearing and seeing horrible things as a result of her wish. And her friends aren't exactly happy with her wishes.
While watching this, I could certainly tell that the cast was having a ton of fun when they made The Open Door. When the cast is enjoying themselves, the viewer can relax knowing that they're going to be entertained. I wasn't entirely clear on what was happening to Anjelica's friends... at times they looked like zombies, not to mention acting like them. But when I realized what they were really up to, I was pleased with the story turn.
Most horror movies in this vein would take the familiar path of having one guy carrying an over-sized knife, on a path of bloody destruction. I appreciate that The Open Door takes none of the familiar clichéd paths that everyone's grown extremely tired of. The effects are solid... people are flying everywhere, bodies are set on fire, eyes are glossed over. All of this is well done for an independent film.
Perhaps the one fault of the movie is the ending. I know that it's very hard to craft a good ending to go with a great movie - especially hard for a horror/thriller. There's only a handful of ways to end a movie where so many die. The ending is a *flash-crang* scene, if you'll allow me a new term for a scene you'd find in most every scare film out there. Ending a fully original movie with something I've seen before is a slightly disappointing last impression to leave.
As her parents leave to have fun away from home, Anjelica sulks, and decides to listen to the radio. As the night progresses, she finds herself listening to a pirate radio show that runs only once a month - the night of a full moon. Fed up with her putrid, steroid-chugging friends, she decides to call into the station, and speak with the prophet/DJ.
The Oracle, as she calls herself, answers at the station, and asks Anjelica to make a wish for anything she wants. Anjelica is hysterical at the actions of her assumed boyfriend, and hastily wishes for him and everyone around him to leave her alone, among other things. Soon enough she starts hearing and seeing horrible things as a result of her wish. And her friends aren't exactly happy with her wishes.
While watching this, I could certainly tell that the cast was having a ton of fun when they made The Open Door. When the cast is enjoying themselves, the viewer can relax knowing that they're going to be entertained. I wasn't entirely clear on what was happening to Anjelica's friends... at times they looked like zombies, not to mention acting like them. But when I realized what they were really up to, I was pleased with the story turn.
Most horror movies in this vein would take the familiar path of having one guy carrying an over-sized knife, on a path of bloody destruction. I appreciate that The Open Door takes none of the familiar clichéd paths that everyone's grown extremely tired of. The effects are solid... people are flying everywhere, bodies are set on fire, eyes are glossed over. All of this is well done for an independent film.
Perhaps the one fault of the movie is the ending. I know that it's very hard to craft a good ending to go with a great movie - especially hard for a horror/thriller. There's only a handful of ways to end a movie where so many die. The ending is a *flash-crang* scene, if you'll allow me a new term for a scene you'd find in most every scare film out there. Ending a fully original movie with something I've seen before is a slightly disappointing last impression to leave.
The Rock-afire Explosion
(2008)
Can animatronic musicians give you chills?
5 October 2009
The Rock-afire Explosion was an 80's hair band that played most often in Showbiz Pizza Place establishments. The band was fronted completely by animatronic musicians, including bears, a wolf and drunken bird.
Aaron Fechter was the creator of The Rock-afire band, but his first idea to change the world was a gas-saving car! He literally built a car from the ground up... and while it worked, money was an issue holding back production of the vehicle. Fechter toiled with inventions and ideas, before being commissioned to create something new - robotic animals.
Soon enough, Showbiz Pizza and The Rock-afire Explosion were a match made in heaven. Pizza and robots?! What else could one ask for out of a restaurant? Showbiz built a great reputation among families, and kids were drawn by not only "tokens for good grades", but most importantly, the multi-instrumental band that played for patrons, while still having time to crack jokes with one another. Inevitably, all good things come to an end, and this documentary is the story of what happens to the people that loved the franchise and band the most.
At the beginning of this film, I knew only of the wonderful modern online videos of the band, created by dedicated fans. These same people are featured here - namely Chris Thrash. Thrash has spent his life trying to get the band back together, and with the help of Fechter, he just might.
I didn't expect to be moved watching this, but when it comes to the story of this beloved family business, you cannot help but to be. Thrash is such a kind-hearted person, and the only thing he has ever wanted is to see the animal band back in action. Fechter, the creator and sole owner of the remaining sculpted band members, has spent his life focused on the product (even through the decline), but he's proud to have created something people still enjoy today. These characters are real people, and their stories are just as lovingly depicted as the robots that give the film its name. Hopefully thanks to this documentary we will see them for many more years to come.
Aaron Fechter was the creator of The Rock-afire band, but his first idea to change the world was a gas-saving car! He literally built a car from the ground up... and while it worked, money was an issue holding back production of the vehicle. Fechter toiled with inventions and ideas, before being commissioned to create something new - robotic animals.
Soon enough, Showbiz Pizza and The Rock-afire Explosion were a match made in heaven. Pizza and robots?! What else could one ask for out of a restaurant? Showbiz built a great reputation among families, and kids were drawn by not only "tokens for good grades", but most importantly, the multi-instrumental band that played for patrons, while still having time to crack jokes with one another. Inevitably, all good things come to an end, and this documentary is the story of what happens to the people that loved the franchise and band the most.
At the beginning of this film, I knew only of the wonderful modern online videos of the band, created by dedicated fans. These same people are featured here - namely Chris Thrash. Thrash has spent his life trying to get the band back together, and with the help of Fechter, he just might.
I didn't expect to be moved watching this, but when it comes to the story of this beloved family business, you cannot help but to be. Thrash is such a kind-hearted person, and the only thing he has ever wanted is to see the animal band back in action. Fechter, the creator and sole owner of the remaining sculpted band members, has spent his life focused on the product (even through the decline), but he's proud to have created something people still enjoy today. These characters are real people, and their stories are just as lovingly depicted as the robots that give the film its name. Hopefully thanks to this documentary we will see them for many more years to come.
A friendship story.
1 October 2009
I had no idea what to expect from this film. The title throws you off, but as soon as you start watching, you start to figure out what it really means. While the documentary backdrop may be a poor town where Bigfoot hunting is a means to an end... for Wayne and Dallas, it's what brought them together, and made them best friends.
It's hard to not get a lump in your throat while watching, as the rocky relationship plays out, but everything is so tastefully done that you have to commend the filmmaker, Jay Delaney.
I rarely see documentaries worthy of high rating, but the realistic people portrayed here are much more interesting for me to watch than some person so OUT of the ordinary a doc is made about them.
It's hard to not get a lump in your throat while watching, as the rocky relationship plays out, but everything is so tastefully done that you have to commend the filmmaker, Jay Delaney.
I rarely see documentaries worthy of high rating, but the realistic people portrayed here are much more interesting for me to watch than some person so OUT of the ordinary a doc is made about them.
Turbo
(2009)
Making the most of a small budget!
22 September 2009
Director Jarrett Lee Conaway does a lot in a surprisingly small amount of time. Choreographed fight scenes with flurries of special FX shots highlighted within, deceivingly big and futuristic sets, and a young cast you barely get to know, but quickly come to love.
In Turbo, star Hugo Park (acted well by Justin Chon of Twilight fame) gambles his brother Tobias' (Ilram Choi, a professional stuntman) rent away at a local club, playing a virtual reality game called 'Super Turbo Arena 2'. The game requires gloves and special glasses, it which point, the player's movements are tracked on screen. This movie couldn't have been made at a better time, as video consoles have finally reached a point where movement tracking controllers are a reality. Suddenly, the idea of STA2 seems more possible than ever.
This is obviously a movie by a gamer, for gamers, as every minute detail is covered. From the techno music backing the fights, to the announcer's voice, this film is a love letter to "Street Fighter", and many other 3D fighting games.
The only time I found myself disappointed was during key scenes near the end, when a final tournament is held, with a prize take of $50,000. I was looking forward to all of the fights leading up to the final tournament battle, but unfortunately, the only one you really get to see is a part-flashback style fight between the protagonist and his nemesis. I was hoping to be wowed by the action, but cutting what should be an important tournament for ALL of the characters in the film was not the best decision.
Overall, Turbo nails the atmosphere of Martial Arts video games, and by not overstaying its welcome, it succeeds in drawing you in and keeping you interested. Perhaps this is why so many video game films struggle... you can only do so much with a story you ultimately create yourself (In modern games).
In Turbo, star Hugo Park (acted well by Justin Chon of Twilight fame) gambles his brother Tobias' (Ilram Choi, a professional stuntman) rent away at a local club, playing a virtual reality game called 'Super Turbo Arena 2'. The game requires gloves and special glasses, it which point, the player's movements are tracked on screen. This movie couldn't have been made at a better time, as video consoles have finally reached a point where movement tracking controllers are a reality. Suddenly, the idea of STA2 seems more possible than ever.
This is obviously a movie by a gamer, for gamers, as every minute detail is covered. From the techno music backing the fights, to the announcer's voice, this film is a love letter to "Street Fighter", and many other 3D fighting games.
The only time I found myself disappointed was during key scenes near the end, when a final tournament is held, with a prize take of $50,000. I was looking forward to all of the fights leading up to the final tournament battle, but unfortunately, the only one you really get to see is a part-flashback style fight between the protagonist and his nemesis. I was hoping to be wowed by the action, but cutting what should be an important tournament for ALL of the characters in the film was not the best decision.
Overall, Turbo nails the atmosphere of Martial Arts video games, and by not overstaying its welcome, it succeeds in drawing you in and keeping you interested. Perhaps this is why so many video game films struggle... you can only do so much with a story you ultimately create yourself (In modern games).
Gooby
(2009)
Teddy Ruxpin is back, and creepier than ever.
3 August 2009
This is a very odd movie, from beginning to end. From the start, there is a very big disconnect between the voice & the character of Gooby. With Gooby being a man in a suit, how were they unable to get Robbie Coltrane to just climb into the suit? When the voice doesn't match the face, things can only go downhill from there. Matthew Knight happens to be a talented young actor, as the boy who owns Gooby, but I think his talents are wasted in this role.
Gooby is supposed to be the star, and I could not look past the suit to see the character he was portraying - partly because of the way his eyes are painted on in-expressively. The film has a small amount of quirkiness, notably the fact that Gooby retains his "cleaning instructions" tag sewn into his side, but other than that, there's really nothing to recommend. I think kids and adults will be more freaked out by this large stuffed creature than happy to see him.
Gooby is supposed to be the star, and I could not look past the suit to see the character he was portraying - partly because of the way his eyes are painted on in-expressively. The film has a small amount of quirkiness, notably the fact that Gooby retains his "cleaning instructions" tag sewn into his side, but other than that, there's really nothing to recommend. I think kids and adults will be more freaked out by this large stuffed creature than happy to see him.
Yonkers Joe
(2008)
True to life, feel good film.
17 May 2009
This movie is killer. Tom Guiry is spot-on, playing Chazz Palminteri's (Yonkers Joe) mentally challenged son, Joey. The two have been separated for years (With Guiry in a group home), yet he still loves his father all the same. Eventually, Guiry begins acting out at the home, with an explosive temper, and he is forced to move back in with his father. I like movies featuring with big heist themes, as well as films where the "good guys" win. In this film, Yonkers Joe has made a career of swindling people at the card table, and he just needs to roll a few more trick plays to afford a better future for his son. The acting in Yonkers Joe is tremendous, with Tom Guiry easily pulling off his role. His character alone makes the film, and the director doesn't sugarcoat Joey's genetic disease in any way. It's an emotional ride, with a great ending, and I would recommend it to anyone.
Eden Log
(2007)
Would make a better video game than a movie.
17 May 2009
I badly wanted to understand what I was seeing, but the curse of Eden Log is that they don't want you to know what is happening at any time during the film. I was willing to stick around, in hopes that the ending would explain everything, including all of the confusing lead up. However, nothing ever really gets explained. All I know is that people get infected, and turn into mutants in this movie - maybe that's all the viewer is supposed to know. I think the best aspects of this film are it's surrealistic visual style, and it's use of sparse dialogue. The creativity behind some of the projected images, as well as the set design and the CGI tree branches, is amazing... no other word fits it.
As far as the dialogue goes... if you don't tell someone this movie has a French cast, they'd probably never know. The dubbing is nearly perfect (Though the dark settings may help)... by the end, I believed they were speaking English natively. Best dubbing I've seen on a French movie, without a doubt. However, It takes more than dubbing and CGI to make a great movie, and this movie feels more like a knock off of Bioshock or Dead Space (Two excellent, and similarly themed video games) than it does a film. For a first directorial effort, it does show promise.
As far as the dialogue goes... if you don't tell someone this movie has a French cast, they'd probably never know. The dubbing is nearly perfect (Though the dark settings may help)... by the end, I believed they were speaking English natively. Best dubbing I've seen on a French movie, without a doubt. However, It takes more than dubbing and CGI to make a great movie, and this movie feels more like a knock off of Bioshock or Dead Space (Two excellent, and similarly themed video games) than it does a film. For a first directorial effort, it does show promise.
Samurai Girl
(2008)
PG action doesn't mean it's not exciting!
14 May 2009
It is nearly impossible to find something bad to say about this miniseries. For every one silly thing it does, it immediately makes up for it by doing something really awesome. When they manage to pull a training montage (In the vein of Karate Kid) out very early on in the show, you'll probably want to quit it all together, but then they turn it around and poke fun at how so many movies follow this path. The twists and turns of this show are especially well done. In the beginning, the plot doesn't seem all that intricate, but as the series progresses, the story becomes much stronger and takes a lot more chances. What surprised me the most is the sense of humor throughout - it's not all about the crazy stunt work, they really put a lot of clever jokes into this script. You may lament the fact that it is basically a PG movie (Based on a young adult book series), but I found that the subject matter is suitable for the tameness. Also, even though the title has "Girl" in it, anyone could watch this and enjoy it - not just young girls. The only thing it lacks because of the rating is a ton of blood, and I can respect that they clearly wanted to go a different route with Samurai Girl. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, but the humor is top notch, the action is intense and fun, and the cast is tremendously likable - it is nice to see so many fresh faces on screen. Star Jamie Chung definitely has a bright future ahead of her in movies, and hopefully in the possible sequel to this series.
Dollhouse
(2009–2010)
Original and exciting television.
9 May 2009
Dollhouse is the most original idea for a show in the current era of television. DH focuses on a single underground house where living dolls are programmed to meet customer needs, at which point their individual handlers (and the cameras) then follow them on their assignments. The dolls are called "Actives" by those in charge, and Eliza Dushku (Echo) is one of them. The thing that surprised me the most about season 1 of DH is how multiple characters were profiled, and basically given their own episodes.
At the beginning of the season, I was worried, because it felt false to me that Eliza was the focus of all the attention, when you consider the amount of actives inside the house (Presumably 30-40 of them). As the season goes along, Eliza does get tangled up in every scenario, but many of the episodes then place the main focus on lesser characters, such as that of characters Sierra (Dichen Lachman) and Victor (Enver Gjokaj). Those characters stand on their own, and there are also many more to be explored further within the house - many we've yet to meet. The cast for Dollhouse is tremendous, with many familiar faces, and just as many new ones - they're all realistically portrayed, no matter the scenarios they are put in. This show, while hard to categorize, has laughs, thrills and drama, without hitting sour notes. That's a great combination.
At the beginning of the season, I was worried, because it felt false to me that Eliza was the focus of all the attention, when you consider the amount of actives inside the house (Presumably 30-40 of them). As the season goes along, Eliza does get tangled up in every scenario, but many of the episodes then place the main focus on lesser characters, such as that of characters Sierra (Dichen Lachman) and Victor (Enver Gjokaj). Those characters stand on their own, and there are also many more to be explored further within the house - many we've yet to meet. The cast for Dollhouse is tremendous, with many familiar faces, and just as many new ones - they're all realistically portrayed, no matter the scenarios they are put in. This show, while hard to categorize, has laughs, thrills and drama, without hitting sour notes. That's a great combination.
100 Feet
(2008)
A Good ghost story, but not a perfect one.
27 April 2009
In 100 Feet, Famke Janssen plays Marnie - a woman who is finishing out a three year sentence (For killing her ex-husband, Mark, in self defense) by returning to her home. Back at home, Marnie is now confined with an ankle bracelet that gives her a 100 foot radius to move about, and no further (Or the police show up). Bobby Cannavale portrays her husband's former partner in the NYPD. He was very attached to his partner, and holds an extreme grudge against Famke for what he feels was an unjust murder.
Soon after returning home, things get very bad, very quickly, as the apparition of Marnie's dead husband shows up to exact revenge. Plates fly, as does Janssen, and soon, Cannavale is even more attune to the situation, assuming she's up to no good. Where the film goes downhill is mostly due to the computer generated ghost that is Janssen's husband. When CGI is used exclusively to create a character in a live action movie, it can really put a damper on things.
You don't feel as though characters are in danger until blood actually begins flying due to an invisible force. The only real thing left is the fire (Something the director was quick to point out)... and if fire upstages characters in a movie, priorities aren't where they should have been.
Ultimately, this is a good ghost tale with unexpected and surprising gory moments, and it partially makes up for the recent shortage of American ghost stories on screen, but it isn't perfect.
Soon after returning home, things get very bad, very quickly, as the apparition of Marnie's dead husband shows up to exact revenge. Plates fly, as does Janssen, and soon, Cannavale is even more attune to the situation, assuming she's up to no good. Where the film goes downhill is mostly due to the computer generated ghost that is Janssen's husband. When CGI is used exclusively to create a character in a live action movie, it can really put a damper on things.
You don't feel as though characters are in danger until blood actually begins flying due to an invisible force. The only real thing left is the fire (Something the director was quick to point out)... and if fire upstages characters in a movie, priorities aren't where they should have been.
Ultimately, this is a good ghost tale with unexpected and surprising gory moments, and it partially makes up for the recent shortage of American ghost stories on screen, but it isn't perfect.
The Red Room
(2008)
A short you simply don't want to end.
9 April 2009
The Red Room, directed by J.T. Mollner is a surprisingly strong effort. I'll admit, even I shy away from short films, mainly out of ignorance (And the preposition that if it's a short, it's likely experimental and weird). The film opens with two men, Dr. Hadley Prince (Played by Nathan Russell) and Nick Rowe (Mikos Zarros), approaching each other atop a roof in the middle of the night.
The horror fanatic in me is immediately screaming "Walk the OTHER WAY! He's gonna chop your head off!" While that doesn't happen, it quickly becomes clear that something just as weird is going down. The men discuss some type of deal they have planned, though it's not completely clear what. From this opening shot through to the end, the cinematography is obviously well done... the use of slow motion and reverse playback is a worthy technique that only heightens the tension and curiosity about what is to come.
Soon after, Nick arrives at what appears to be the doctor's apartment. They discuss the plan - and the rules, while still not being entirely open to the audience about what is about to happen. Once the rules are disclosed, and a slow motion tracking shot is complete, the camera swoops ahead abruptly, effectively throwing the viewer off guard at the moment that the horrifying payoff is shown.
The acting and the story are the two things that set this movie apart from mainstream fair more than anything. It's straight to the point, the ending is surprising, and you don't feel cheated. Rather, I'd want to see a full-length version of what I've seen here, because I didn't want it to end!
The horror fanatic in me is immediately screaming "Walk the OTHER WAY! He's gonna chop your head off!" While that doesn't happen, it quickly becomes clear that something just as weird is going down. The men discuss some type of deal they have planned, though it's not completely clear what. From this opening shot through to the end, the cinematography is obviously well done... the use of slow motion and reverse playback is a worthy technique that only heightens the tension and curiosity about what is to come.
Soon after, Nick arrives at what appears to be the doctor's apartment. They discuss the plan - and the rules, while still not being entirely open to the audience about what is about to happen. Once the rules are disclosed, and a slow motion tracking shot is complete, the camera swoops ahead abruptly, effectively throwing the viewer off guard at the moment that the horrifying payoff is shown.
The acting and the story are the two things that set this movie apart from mainstream fair more than anything. It's straight to the point, the ending is surprising, and you don't feel cheated. Rather, I'd want to see a full-length version of what I've seen here, because I didn't want it to end!
The WB's Superstar USA
(2004– )
What a funny show this was.
18 June 2006
This show was just so darn funny, but how can anyone expect it to have gotten good ratings on the WB? If the WB HAD taken the time to advertise the show more, it would still be on all the time. Nevertheless, for those who saw Season 1, it is very easy to remember many of the awful singers who auditioned for the judges on this show. Each one was a character in his own right, and the winner of this show was extremely deserving of being called "WB's worst singer ever... I mean, Superstar"! But, at least he and the other contestant's gave it a worthy try. They really wanted to win the talent competition that they thought they were in. Even better was the judges on this show. Whereas, you hate all three American Idol judges more each season, the three judges for this show did an extremely wonderful job just being able not to burst out laughing at the contestants. I must say, this show is one of my favorite shows of all time, and it DESERVE'S a time-slot on the upcoming CW schedule. If you could see just one episode of it, you would no doubt agree with me.
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