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Reviews
Growing Up Thirty (2005)
Nicely done.
'Growing Up Thirty' is a nicely produced look at the transition guys make at or about the time they turn thirty. The theme is familiar and I couldn't help but be reminded of Kevin Smith's films but all in all this micro-budget film delivers. The ensemble cast is likable and the dialogue is real. While I could have used a few less moments where the lead speaks directly to us, the story progresses well in a slice of life way. We're not talking high drama Jack Bauer has to find a bomb here... It's a movie about ordinary people and I found it well directed for a flick that's obviously had a tiny budget. Director Peter Bruno takes the familiar and presents it in a pleasant and poignant way.
A rarity - a low budget flick worth seeing for its merit not its flaws.
Sisters of Sin (1997)
Fun concept but low budget and BAD DIRECTOR
Not typical Troma-fare, true, but the story is better. This is more of a recreation of the old Paul Naschy (Jacinto Molina) films with a hero fighting sexy villianesses. It's just too bad the director has taken cool content and made it look so boring. Most of the women are camping it up and the effects are not good. I will warn anyone looking for lots of Lesbians or blood that they won't find it. The title is just a way for Llyod K to cash in on your fetishes. Sorry. There are also no pickled penises like Tromeo & Julliet and no one from the stock Troma company of stars. This is something they picked up after it was finished. You can decide if that's good or bad. It's a bit hoakie and not Troma-gross but if you don't mind low budget horror, from back when they shot pre-hi def (grainy image here suggests 16mm), it's worth a rental.
Comic Book: The Movie (2004)
Charming.
I was fortunate enough to see an advance screening of Mark Hamill's 'Comic Book: The Movie.' The low budget mockumentary is good natured and features some nice performances (highlighted by Hamill's portrayal of the comic-fan made documentarian that the story revolves around.)
There are many cameos by comic celebs like Stan Lee, Bruce Campbell and Kevin Smith. It also provides a window into the strange annual event known as Comiccon where thousands gather to celebrate fandom. The core story invokes the frustration of fans who suffer when classic properties are bastardized by Hollywood and in this story the fans strike back.
The movie is a bit long and loses its way for a while about an hour in but overall it entertaining and charming. The film is a celebration of comic books and the people who love them. It lacks the razor wit that Christopher Guest's films possess (A Mighty Wind, Best in Show) but this one is more authentic and seems to be a labor of love.
This is a nice little film and I recommend it.
Bad Santa (2003)
Laugh out loud!
Don't believe any bad reviews. This is an adult-crass yet not crude comedy. If you love witty anti-heroes like the ones Danny DeVito used to play, you'll love this movie. An honest laugh out loud comedy in the days of junk like Scary Movie 3.
If you like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Ruthless People and Trading Places... you're smart enough to like Bad Santa.