jffbittner Reviews

White Angel (1994)

Not bad!

[6/10 · 26 April 2019]

For a budget film, this was surprisingly excellent. Very clever, as well as good acting. Although it isn't an "action packed" movie, working off of a huge budget, I was pleased with the quality of the story, and suspense. Worth checking out if you are a fan of these movies.

The Ninth Configuration (1980)

Amazing!!!!

[10/10 · 30 March 2019]

Stacy Keach is unbelievable as Col. Kane. Scott Wilson remarkable. Jason Miller is solid as always.

This really is an amazing film in my opinion. The concept is original, as well as the story. If you can handle "different" this one is at the top of my list.

Col. Kane (Keach) arrives at a loony bin for troubled Vietnam vets. His objective is simple, to help them, as a doctor. From there, it is a comical, dark, road into the journey of lifes meaning, and mankinds nature.

Raising Jeffrey Dahmer (2006)

Interesting, if you dig Dahmer.

[6/10 · 17 February 2019]

Well, the other reviews are not so good, and I know why. The thing is, I liked this movie because it showed me some answers to my questions regarding Jeff D.

The film had some problems, for sure. The flashbacks throughout the movie, as well as the acting were subpar. But I won't get into specific details about that, because I can overlook the lack of money for the production of the film.

I never read the book by Lionel Dahmer, so I'm not able to compare it to that.

It really made me think about how much Dahmer was on his game, by fooling people to overlook his nasty secret. Such as the locked box Mr. Dahmer found in his sons possession. Smooth!!! I also found it interesting how the father felt after Jeffs secret was revealed.

It's a good film if you are interested in Dahmer, grabbing every bit of information you can on the guy.

Looking for scary? Entertainment? Quality? Probably not a good choice.

Crimson Tide (1995)

Intense

[9/10 · 16 February 2019]

Having spent 8 years in the military, I find this quite unsettling. Crimson Tide is a great movie. It makes you see the possible holes that are possible within the most brutal show of unbelievable power, that is probably uncomprendable for most people. Gene Hackman, and Denzel Washington do a great job as acting as the commander and his acting XO. Although, I felt some of movie was a stretch in many areas, it gets the "what if" across. If you never served in the military, and know nothing about the chain of command, orders, etc...you may not totally get it. But worth watching for sure. HACKMAN WAS RIGHT BTW!!

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

No man is perfect, only perfect intentions.

[8/10 · 12 February 2019]

What can I say? I really dug this movie. Yes, Kosner doesn't sound like Robin Hood, but he plays the part well. (His accent stunk)

The story is very well put together. Interesting throughout the entire movie. Great camera work, great scenery throughout.

Robin (Kosner) escapes from prison with Morgan Freeman and return to Robins homeland only to find his father murdered and his castle burned to the ground by sheriff Nottingham and his henchmen.

Robin, bent on revenge links up with some woodsman to resist Nottinghams power hungry attempt to overthrow King Richard (Sean Connery).

Sniper: Reloaded (2011 Video)

Kind of silly

[4/10 · 10 February 2019]

Just didn't do it for me. Pretty flakey. Not sure if it was just to much like the typical movie where "Joe Stud" gets the Lt. in the sack. Just so typical, and dry. Not much good to say about this one, other than they dont have a series without Tom.

The Night Stalker (1972 TV Movie)

A gem.

[9/10 · 10 February 2019]

This is one of the greatest vampire movies ever. It offers suspense, great acting, gritty, super story, and great special effects without CGI. Darrin McGavin stars as a reporter, Karl Colcheck, digging around trying to find out how people are being murdered, in a suspicious way. Action packed horror film that moves along almost at a perfect pace. Love this classic!!!! Creepy.

The Evil Dead (1981)

The legend begins here!

[10/10 · 8 February 2019]

Judging Evil dead 1981, compared to some of todays movies with their bottomless pockets, endless cgi, hardly seems fair. Let me tell you why this is a 10/10 in my opinion. 1. The character Ash (Bruce Campbell) is so loveable, honest, charming, and funny. This was the foundation of his character that has given me decades of enjoyment watching him evolve into the indestructable, and totally amusing deadite killer that he became. 2. Sam Raimi with his killer camera work is second to none. 3. It is still a cult classic, after 36 years. And I believe that every evil dead follower is just as rabid and loyal as myself. They know what I mean if "they get it" 4. Brilliant writing, stories. 5. I LOVE THE SERIES!!! About the movie? Simply put, four teens go to an old creepy cabin in the woods, wake up demons by reading from the book of the dead, which in turn possess the teens. Ash then, has to deal with crazy demons who are trying to get him to "JOIN THEM". The BEST "B" movie ever made in my opinion. Lots of gore...lots of dumb choices made by the dumb teens, with honest blue collar special effects. Acting, not the greatest, but wouldn't change a thing about the movie.

Army of Darkness (1992)

Shop smart...shop S..mart

[9/10 · 8 February 2019]

Ash (Bruce Campbell) is thrust into midevil times to battle evil with some helping "primitive minds". His boomstick, and chainsaw arm are working overtime in this classic comedy/horror film that was kicked off in the 1981 cult film "Evil Dead." The cameras, facial expressions, and one liners are going full force in Army of Darkness. This is the sequel that Raimi decides to go nearly full nonsense...after dabbling with sillyness in evil dead 2. I am a huge fan of these movies, and Campbell. In short, Ash is training primates (who know nothing about molecular structures) to assist him in fighting countless undead subjects, (lead by his second, evil self). Great stuff!

Evil Dead II (1987)

Love me some Ash!

[9/10 · 8 February 2019]

Okay, it's a 9 star movie, in MY world. The evil dead saga is a different type of movie that attracts "different people" such as myself. Unlike "Evil dead" 1981 version, the following evil deads introduced funny camera work, silly scenes, and funky catchphrases to forever change the horror world. Bruce Campbell takes a serious beating while fighting undead, and just bad luck (and some good luck). The Evil dead series probably needs no introduction, since it is legendary amongst it's followers. If you have not seen evil dead 1981, start there watching this version. You will need it before watching evil dead 2.

The Waking (2001)

It's that bad...

[2/10 · 8 February 2019]

Watched this twice, to make sure it was as bad as I thought. It was. I believe I could do as well with about 5 fog machines, a working vehicle, a 400 dollar camera, and about 8 neighbors. (drunk or sober) It is just to bad to even leave a review on how horrible it was. They couldn't even kill noise that the fog machines made, to make the house look creepy. CHEEEEZE CAPITOL!

Road to Perdition (2002)

Not a Hanks role.

[6/10 · 6 February 2019]

I thought that it was a pretty good adventure film, but far fetched. The only drawback is I just couldn't see Tom Hanks as a cold blooded, calculated goon. (That's what he was). I tried, it just didn't take. Mike Sullivan (Hanks) and a fellow goon, go out to even a score but both of the trained, professional killers overlook Mikes son who is hiding in the car they use to pay the unfortunate man a visit. Well, it's all downhill from there because Mikes son, witnesses the brutal execution and firefight, and of course, the crazed, bloodthirsty partner wants to close the witnesses eyes. Of course, Mike will none of this, and decides to "ante up" the stakes by eliminating the Irish mob, and badgering Capone (by stealing Capones money). Just a bit much, but okay if you can stand Hanks in a total opposite role of Gump. Worth watching, just don't expect "Goodfellas"

The Take (2007)

Impressive action, story.

[7/10 · 29 January 2019]

The Take I feel is very entertaining, more so when I heard how much money the film makers had to work with. I read some other reviews, and I was surprised to read that many thought ill of it. First off, I'll say it is exceptionally great film, with some pretty good actors for $800,000. It's not the type of film that has over the top stunts, CGI effects galore, which to me is refreshing. It tends to focus on the story, struggles with every day life, and cogs in the justice system. It has a gritty style, and I feel it's really worth seeing if you aren't looking for a "tear it up" action/suspense movie. "Good" acting...6 "Great" story....8

Surviving the Game (1994)

A "red meat" guy adventure film

[7/10 · 25 January 2019]

The movie is about a homeless, guilt ridden man, who has been recruited by a few men who love the thrill of hunting a human life through the wilderness, without his knowlwdge until the morning of the hunt. The movie is full of action, adventure, and surprises. The cast is able, and the movie has great scenery. The story is well written, and it moves along pretty well. Although some scenes are far fetched, it is not ridiculously unheard of, like some contain such as this. Very enjoyable.

Rush (1991)

Cool as the other side of my pillow

[8/10 · 19 January 2019]

Based on a true story, that took place in the 1970's, that focuses on 2 undercover cops that infiltrate the drug scene. This is a great story, with plenty of "grit", capturing the 70's era drug life. 2 undercover cops (Jason Patrick and Jennifer Jason Leigh) infiltrate the drug scene, and have only each other to rely on. Of course it gets ugly for the duo, given the nature of their mission, as well as the company that they must keep.

Cons: a bit over acting at times.

Unforgiven (1992)

The duck of death

[9/10 · 19 January 2019]

What a western, what a cast. Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman star in this western with countless quality supporting actors. A once bad man in his younger days decides to saddle up again as an old washed up ex gunslinger. Through the movie Clint realizes that old age really has taken its toll on him as he and Morgan, and a third man go to collect on a reward a few saloon women put out to settle a score. Very well done! No complaints whatsoever.

A Good Marriage (2014)

Average (Highly)

[5/10 · 9 December 2018]

This is a typical 4 or 5 star movie as far as my taste goes. Pros..... 1. Good acting I feel. I liked the characters. Bob was definitely an odd duck. I picture a serial killer to act similiar to that of his character. 2. Cool story. Cons.... 1. Kind of anemic. 2. Flakey ending

The Black Dahlia Haunting (2012)

Attrocious!

[2/10 · 3 October 2018]

This movie just did zero for my taste. I love mysteries having to do with true crimes. And as another bonus, it happened in the 1940's, and it went unsolved. The film could not get my interest. It was nasty acting, low budget, poor sound, corny script. Sorry, not worth my time.

Amityville II: The Possession (1982)

My favorite Amityville picture.

[7/10 · 19 September 2018]

This is quite a bit better than the Amityville original in my opinion, which I feel was pretty lame as far as scares. The special effects showed up in the 'possession" which was nice to see. The demonic force within Sonny was pretty creepy I may add. (Until the last scene when the demonic force was clawing its way out)... This movie also deals with family dysfunction, abuse, and sin that could have left the viewer with the notion that the evil found them as easy targets, given their way of life. The acting is pretty well done, barring a few weak scenes here and there. (Typical for horror movies). For a movie made in 1982, the special effects are solid.

The Book of Eli (2010)

I like it!

[8/10 · 2 August 2018]

Why 8 out of 10? The "Book of Eli" in my opinion is a great movie. Knocking off 2 stars only because I'm a huge "Mad Max" series fan, and this movie came well after that series. So originality, is sacrificed. This is a post apoocolypse film, good vs. evil again, with great acting, and sets/story/costumes. It is well worth seeing, and keeps you guessing.

The Core (2003)

I can usually find a positive..not this time!

[1/10 · 2 August 2018]

What can I say? I just witnessed the worst movie of all times, and I can sit through nearly any movie with the best of them. Never again will I ever be able to say the word "core" without cringing. It is Armageddon, with even more cheese, if you can believe that. But this time...let's go INTO the Earth...rather than away!!! And we will keep the exact same storyline, even the drawing straws scene where it decides who is going to be the one to die! The actors are famous, and able, but one cannot help but think that after this performance, they had to hit the soup lines. The script was insulting to me, pigeons flying into skyscrapers, shattering the structures glass. How thick is glass on a commercial building? And they want us to believe that we can drill to the core of the Earth and fix the flow of the 8000 degree F liquid, is possible? This film indicates we will not ever achieve that, given our level of intellect measured by this shallow, B.S movie. Embarrassment...at it's peak level. From there it just kept getting worse...if you can believe that. I could go on and on, but I couldn't stop bombarding this movie. It's nasty, and whomever was attached with this project, should be ashamed of themselves. Possibly arrested, with prison.

The Core (2003)

Absolutely HORRIBLE!

[1/10 · 2 August 2018]

"The core" is one of, if not THE worst movies I have ever viewed, and I love almost every movie for what it is. It is basically "Armageddon", in the opposite direction, right down to the cast. Terrible acting, writing, and special effects. It is just a total embarrassment in all areas.