bahpofficer Reviews

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Good film--but it could have been a whole lot better.

[6/10 · 27 May 2013]

I love Star Trek. Please do not take this the wrong way, but this movie could have been made a whole lot better. The story line is good-- although there are times I was left scratching my head and saying "WTH?" to myself.

There are two villains in here. First you have Benedict Cumberbatch who does an EXCELLENT job of portraying Khan. It is hard to imagine him as Khan if you grew up watching the original series and saw "The Wrath of Khan"...However, he does make that part his own in a sense. One thing the viewer may come away with is a strange sense of empathy for his reasoning because it does have some logic.

This character is not just simply a "madman" hell bent on getting even with Kirk, as portrayed in previous versions. Cumberbatch actually gives Khan a high degree of intelligence, cunning and an ice cold demeanor, whereas in previous versions Khan was much more emotional. A viewer really cannot predict Khan in this one either. Other characters are used for that purpose and that is also a good thing!

Then you have Peter Weller. I have seen a lot of Peter Weller's work and he is usually top notch, but I felt that as Marcus, he was over the top in some of those scenes. This is the character that should have been the "greater villain"/"God Character" but this is role where he came off as "not believable" for lack of a better description. That character was also written to be too predictable. I like being surprised and I was not surprised with that character's actions. I think the fault for this lies with J.J. Abrams. Anytime that happens, it's usually direction that is the cause of it.

As usual, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and the actors portraying those we all grew up watching do an excellent job in this film. They are the main reasons I'll get the DVD. I was really impressed with how Scotty (Simon Pegg) actually ends up being what I call the "God Character" here. His character knows what is best and finds out what is really going on at times--so some of this story line is revealed through him. Writing-wise it is a good strategy to use him for that since the writing with the Marcus character left much to be desired.

The other issue I had with the film is that there is some mirroring of Wrath of Khan with a bit of role reversal. One will know what I mean when they see the film so this is not a spoiler. I felt that the writers should have had a little more restraint with that tactic and more originality. Something needed to be fresh and different than what we know of as viewers in that sense, but I feel that this was a set up for a later film.

While there is non-stop action and a good story going on here, I feel it could have been told without all the references to the other film. I do like how the Klingons were portrayed. They rocked! Get ready for the next sequel. Let us hope that it follows the 2009 version in terms of originality. This film does not ruin the franchise by any stretch because it is good, it is just that it could have been so much better. Maybe next time...

Jack the Giant Killer (2013)

This film is not bad IF YOU GET what they are trying to do here...

[9/10 · 7 May 2013]

Jack the Giant Killer is set in a fantasy world made up of elements of different times. Critics complain about this but the story itself is solid despite the dramatic license taken. True, there are no "giants" but perhaps this is made this way to show that there were no "real giants". However we do know that the prehistoric creatures did exist now, right?

The mixing of elements of different points of History are what makes the movie a timeless fantasy. One reviewer was correct about the story borrowing from elements of other stories such as "Jurassic Park", and "Aliens" but I have no clue where in the bloody hell he got the comparisons to "Roots" and "Brigadoon"...Really? Come now...I had more of a human-like "Dr. Who" comparison come to mind toward the end with that flying castle and such...

This movie is a race against time and evil. It also has other conflicts- -man vs. nature, man vs. man, man vs. evil, etc...When there are more two of the major types of conflict present, then it makes a movie worth watching.

Now let us get to the performances. First I will say that given the fact that this is a timeless fantasy, it cannot be set in a definite year. Not even the music indicates what time period it should be set in and I feel this is to keep the movie from being boxed into a period of time. When done deliberately it is not a flaw but great writing. The critics who said otherwise didn't get it. This viewer did. It is NOT boring to say the least.

There is comic relief from the military characters--especially the general (Steve McTigue). He's hilarious as the bumbling general!

Then there are Jane March (Serena) and Harry Dyer (Newald Kutchins). Evidently Newald is the only human she's had feelings for since her mother. She wants revenge for being kidnapped by giants (she says) but it's obvious that she wants more than that.

Then there is Jack (Jamie Atkins) and Lisa (Vicki Glover). While it is obvious that there are feelings there--strong ones, more interaction comes from the other characters. In fact it is the others characters that are driving the story aside from the Serena plot.

Even though it is called "Jack the Giant Killer", the support characters seem to drive the story to it's climax. For me this is a first. I would expect more interaction between Jack and others but the entire cast worked well together to bring this project home.

Now I will get to what people seem to be waiting for me to make a comment on. Ben Cross as "Agent Hinton". Very good performance. The man always delivers and Hollywood screwed up by not utilizing him more over the years. This is one actor who does NOT short change his fans--PERIOD. And if it makes the lot of you feel better, he says it's a "bad movie". Then again, I'm not an actor, I'm a viewer. An average viewer is going to find this film sort of campy and fun since it can be watched with the kiddies.

This actor got a huge break with the show "Banshee" last year, and if he doesn't finally get the attention he deserves for his work over the past 40 years, then Hollywood is seriously on an acid trip or something of that nature.

One thing I will say for both Ben Cross and Jane March is that their talents are vastly under-utilized. She is one of the first actresses that I have seen in a long time that will allow a character to breathe through her. HELLO Hollywood: Get her on your bloody radar.

As for the movie itself, you will find no sex, guts or gore so the whole family can watch it, which is probably the real reason why critics raised hell over it. Nobody needs to have that in a film to sell it. That is a myth. Despite this, I noticed that the performances were never complained about. They didn't complain about the use of CGI which was also well done.

All in all it is NOT a waste of money if you want a movie the family can watch. Just do not expect a certain time period for it because it really is not meant to have a certain time period. This way the kids can enjoy it and then the grand kids. This is not the first story I've encountered of this nature, either. Get the DVD, grab some popcorn and enjoy it...Movie theater tickets are priced through the roof in a lot of places anyway!

Banshee (2013–2016)

This show is dope!

[10/10 · 8 February 2013]

Quite frankly, I love it. It is packed with different story-lines and such and each character has his/her own plot, agenda or whatever you want to call it. Some complain about the "gratuitous sex scenes" and I don't see why. It IS Cinemax, after all and most know they show that type of programming. While the sex scenes aren't really necessary to drive the show, I can see why they are there--to prove what type of people the characters are--so it gets put in your face, so to speak.

Everyone that can get beyond the nudity will enjoy the roller coaster ride this show offers. In fact Ivana Milicevic compares it a bit to the roller coaster in her interview for another magazine. Ben Cross warned viewers about that prior to its debut on his FB page by saying it would be "intense" and "for adults"--and "It is not a family show"...I think that kind of gave it away, so I guess I'll put a check mark in that spoiler box for those of you who haven't seen it yet. You have been warned.

The acting is intense. The script is well-written. Everyone will pick their favorites on here and will follow those characters into the jaws of Cerebrus. My bets are on the characters of Kai Proctor and Rabbit-- and both actors are very good! Love watching them! Those characters they play are truly twisted. Seriously, but that character Job (played by Hoon Lee) deserves a nod of some sort because that is one cool character in the mix and I LOVE his scenes! They are freaking cool!

The Sign of the Ram (1948)

An Important Film in Movie History

[10/10 · 10 October 2012]

This was not the "chick" flick the other reviewer said it is. This was a very important role for Susan Peters for two reasons. One, the script was crafted especially for her after she was paralyzed in a hunting accident in her 20's. This is the earliest known film (to my knowledge) that was specifically designed for a disabled performer. I only wish Hollywood had kept her working! The other reason this film is important is that she plays a cold and calculating villain to a "T". The viewer really cannot empathize with this villain despite the handicap and that is because the writing of the script was simply brilliant. There is only one performance that topped this and that was the performance of Dame Judith Anderson in "Rebecca"...Think about it.

This was a film definitely ahead of it's time. This villain manipulated all who loved her and we got to watch this woman disintegrate mentally before our eyes. Susan Peters brought her to life in a way no other actress ever will, and she should have gotten award nods for this performance--not to mention an Oscar.

Super Tanker (2011 TV Movie)

You people are kidding me, right?

[9/10 · 11 July 2012]

It is a SYFY movie correct? Did you expect a multi million dollar budget? Hang that! The movie was good. The dialogue was not bad and the acting came off as more believable than a lot of what comes off of that channel.

Ben Cross makes the film shine regardless of what one thinks of the effects and such. It is worth watching for him alone, but the rest of the cast was good with ONE exception--that was the actress playing the press secretary...She came across as flat to me. Thank God her part was small. She batted those eyes like a teenager rather than controlling her facial expressions like an adult. It also seemed as though she looked away off to her right instead of into a camera or an audience her character was addressing. Pathetic. At least Cross handled that podium scene well enough to cover up her snafu.

I am not going to put spoilers in here for those who haven't watched it but while the effects weren't that great, consider the budget. Yes, more could have been done in that respect but given what they had to work with, the cast and crew did well...

Unless you go to theaters, you won't get films with outrageous budgets to tickle your fancy.

Hatfields & McCoys (2012)

Very well done...

[10/10 · 1 June 2012]

I am not going to tell you anything of the History of that feud. If you want to know, simply watch it! The cast did an excellent job and captured the essence of one of the worst feuds in US History. It almost caused another war--literally. It was a joy to see this cast in action--especially Costner, Paxton and Mare Winningham! If this does not get a Golden Globe, People's Choice Award or an Emmy then this nation has a screw loose! I have not seen anything this good in years in the way of Westerns...There was none of that "modernization" or revisionist garbage! This is realistic and it is excellent! Watch it! You will not be wasting your time as it truly does capture the spirit of the era in which this took place.

High (I) (2009)

Christopher Pennock Deserves more work!

[9/10 · 7 March 2012]

This short is entirely thought provoking and well done. The lives of the characters are fractured in different ways--but fractured none the less. You will not be prepared for the ending and it will make you think. I do think Christopher Pennock should be utilized by filmmakers more than he is.

I'd love to see him in more comedy. However, back to this film. It will blow your mind not only how fractured these characters are, but it will shatter your illusion forever that there is such a thing as a "perfect nuclear family".

The writing and directing were spot on in this short film, and I feel that the emotions that Alex had within his family unit, and at school were very well played out. The scene with one of Alex's customers smoking a bowl was thought provoking as well--where he gives Alex a bit of advice about enjoying school while he can...That touch added a bit of irony for me.

I do feel that the actor used to play Alex's older brother was a little over the top in his acting, but the rest of the cast did very well.

Black Forest (2012 TV Movie)

Not the Usual SyFy Fare...

[9/10 · 25 February 2012]

Syfy doesn't always put out the greatest movies, but this one is much better than some give it credit for. It was definitely better than some they've put out in the past five years. I am not giving away the story line, so if you want to know more about the film then watch Ben Cross's interview about it on the Syfy site.

His description about throwing a grenade into the "fairy tale" mix is quite accurate. It is his portrayal of the villain Cazmar that makes it worth watching alone. As usual, he makes any project he puts his name to shine. I love how he used the Irish accent for the character too as he delivered Cazmar's lines.

What I thought was totally disrespectful was the fact that IMDb totally left him off of this cast list and listed him for "The Human Factor" as Creighton--which he does not appear in. I know this for a fact. Shame on you for not fixing this before "Black Forest" was released...

Mad World (2010)

This movie is a must see!

[9/10 · 18 October 2011]

In the beginning, one is not sure what to make of this film but it touched on several issues that need to be addressed--and most of it came through the verbiage of Will (Dylan Vigus) and Cory (Gary Cairns). While Will is the one telling the story, it is Cory that best expresses what is going on in the mind of a tortured young man in a school where, as it often occurs, faculty completely ignores the issues of bullying and doesn't even see (or chooses not to see) the signs of a child who is abused at home.

The character of Jevon (James Lee Martinec) is symbolic of the abused child who fell through the cracks of a failed system that is supposedly designed to protect our children--and often does not. I can relate to this character, but not for what is depicted in the film. I myself had a step mother who loved pointing a pistol at my head and tearing me down psychologically. At other times, she tossed me into walls, cabinets or whatever struck her fancy. Any other abuse I endured was not at the hands of my parents. That is all I will say there, but as I said earlier, if someone who has lived in a situation where they are abused in both environments (home and school) it might be a bit much to watch, so one might want to keep this in mind prior to viewing it.

I grew up in a time where it was one thing to wish the bullies were dead but it was taboo to act on it...The characters in this film were not consumed by video games and such as the far right would like to think. They were consumed by a society that threw them to the gutter and didn't care--and that is how many bullied children perceive the school environment in this day and age--especially when they are going through crap at home.

This writer merely put all the thoughts, the pain and the horrible things that run through the minds of broken souls and put it on celluloid and for that he is to be commended. Cory Cataldo did a great job of that. Now was that sex scene a bit much? Yes. You will know which one when you watch it. There was more than one scene.

Each character was a piece of a puzzle that fit into a whole. You had Cory--who was actually a very intelligent young man and articulate. You had Jevon who was a resident genius and (like myself) viewed school as a refuge--even though he didn't quite fit in...Because he made the school "look good" they took an interest in HIM but then threw him to the wolves when he didn't measure up to what the school's standard of perfection was. This DOES happen a lot.

Then there is Will. His father is an all around jerk and abuses him daily. Will is also articulate, intelligent and fell through the cracks. He also brings some of the humor to the film (along with Cory). Then you have John (Matthew Thompson) which brings another dimension to the film. He is an African American student raised by white, adoptive parents. This character suffered the effects of racism and violence in such a way that he felt he had no other options open to him. His monologue after the worst assault he endures will leave you in tears. It is riveting.

The ones playing teachers and administrators were a joke (and there are people like this in real life who dismiss the bullying as 'kids being kids'). These are the types that will sweep what the athletes and such do under a carpet but if a student sneezes in the wrong direction that is not part of that social circle, like vultures, they will all kick that student to the curb--which is what these characters did. Fortunately, my teachers and administrators were NOT like this. They cared and I knew it. Times have drastically changed because many do not seem to care about much more than their paychecks now. Sorry but that is true and this movie seems to touch on it.

This may be a low-budget indie film, but Gary Cairns and the other cast members made it believable--especially to a viewer who lived in a similar situation. I agree with the viewer that felt that the O'Reilly picture was a bit much. There are plenty of bone-headed school administrators in both major parties. Note: Not all people in the south are conservative and not all support the death penalty. This movie could have driven a huge point home to an audience had the political ideology been left completely out.

I really do not consider this to be a dark comedy as much as an art film. It is beautiful when put in that perspective because it attempts to bring new light to old issues. Cory is the ultimate voice of teen angst, Jevon of the pain of having to remain silent and to conform to standards and expectations that no boy should have to endure, Will is a voice of reason in the film even though his reasoning seems flawed in some respects and then there is John. The quiet kid who marches to his own drum, until forced to toss it aside and become a different creature altogether. Then again, they all 4 became different creatures--just as any child who is repeatedly bullied and abused can.

For those reasons alone--the touching on the issues and the acting itself, I give it a 9.

The House That Mary Bought (1995 TV Movie)

This movie was Brilliant!

[10/10 · 11 September 2011]

Despite the other review, this script was well-written and well executed. Cross and George are marvelous, but the writers deserve credit here. NOBODY can tell what is going to happen until it bloody well does happen! There is suspense and even a little comic relief amid the chaos as Ben Cross is going through the house with a shotgun trying to convince George's character that he can protect her.

This movie has such a diabolical plot that it is so worth watching. I got my copy from Ioffer.com and it's worth it! I love it when you really cannot tell who did WHAT right up until the end! You have intrigue, people trying to get at each other, the finger pointing and the whole tamale, but you will NOT FIGURE out who did what until the end! I'm not going to spoil it but Cross was brilliant!

Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing (2006 Video)

Not my genre but well worth watching!

[8/10 · 11 September 2011]

I'm not into these "open up a can of whoop-ass on the bad guy" flicks, but there is an element of this movie that caused me to use it as training for my officers when I was a sergeant as a prison. It is the very real depiction of an offender who is often abused and used. Ben Cross played that character (Stevie Parker) and did it to perfection. Every expression, every step taken on the recreation yard or in the chow hall was very convincing. That was so well written I gave it a 9.

Then you have more types of conflict than the actual fighting. Man vs. Self...Man vs. man...etc...

This is a film I highly recommend to anyone working in a correctional facility for that reason alone. THAT aspect of the story, as well as the dirty officers and such was handled VERY well by the writers. It also beats those lame-ass state training videos too because it actually depicts what an officer SHOULD be watching for. It is set in another country, but the issues are the same.

I am grateful that I saw it!

Nightlife (1989 TV Movie)

This is FUNNIER than a lot of spoofs out there!

[10/10 · 11 September 2011]

I don't like this movie...I LOVE IT! It (to me) was funnier than "Love At First Bite" and "The Fearless Vampire Killers". This is a well written script that isn't over the top--even though the character of Vlad is in more of a need of a psychiatrist than a bride (sort of like Barnabas Collins--which Ben Cross also played later--but couldn't use wicked humor in that show)!

The housekeeper pumps more life into this movie also! Her interaction with Cross when he's ringing the doorbell repeatedly will leave you in stitches! I won't give the ending and all that away so I really don't consider this a spoiler but I warned you in case you haven't seen it. That scene seriously rocks!

The cast as a whole was a great ensemble. Despite what others rated this as, it was well done, well executed and deserves praise and not too much criticism. This is a movie I'll watch again and again.

She Me and Her (2002)

It isn't Sandra Pires that makes it worth at least a look...

[7/10 · 11 September 2011]

Look, I find it disheartening that the story line between Elfi Eschke and Ben Cross wasn't focused on by these writers just a bit more...THAT was the hilarious part of the movie--not the good twin/bad twin stuff. That was all done before anyway and is old hat.

This movie did show me that Cross needs to do more comedy. He IS funny. I know he gets used for bad guy roles a lot, but he would be an asset to any real comedy show out there...I'd love to see him show up on "Men of a Certain Age" or on SNL. I've seen some of the joking he does and he's a natural at it. This guy has never really had a chance to show his stuff so Hollywood needs to give him a shot. There aren't many like him left. Yes, he's well known for playing Abrams in Chariots of Fire--but I didn't know who this guy was until 2009 and he is way too under- appreciated in my book.

I cannot fault the actors for the job the writer's did with this script. It could have been better, but I suspect that some of the funny scenes with Cross and Eschke ended up on the cutting room floor. These two were good in this picture together--and I am usually finicky about the actresses as much as the actors! And if you want to see him in a hilarious role, I highly recommend "Nightlife".

Dark Shadows (1991)

This one raised the bar too high for anyone to follow...

[10/10 · 6 September 2011]

This 12 episode series had a stellar cast, great writing and directing, etc...Ben Cross was the PERFECT lead for this series. One minute he made women want to take care of him and such and the next minute he pushed Barnabas close enough to the cataract that the audience might have wanted to cuff him one upside the head for it! He portrayed his emotional extremes rather well and made that character his own-PERIOD!

The chemistry with Joanna Going was great, but I think if they went on longer with the actual story line, he'd have sunken into an abyss when she departed Collinsport for good--if the original story line was followed. Lysette Anthony made Angelique the diabolical, psychotic bitch she was supposed to be and I was really hoping to get to see someone with a sense of justice really kick her backside when it was said and done!

I was really angry that the end of the original series had Barnabas actually declaring his "love" for her when in real life, she would have been loathed rather than loved for what she did to that man and his family over time, and I think Curtis would have fixed that story line. I loved Jeanne Simmons and Roy Thinnes! They captured their roles perfectly also.

In the short time this series was aired, Ben Cross showed enough of his mettle that he raised the bar too high for anyone to follow-- including Johnny Depp. The best advice Dan Curtis gave to Ben: "Go ahead,Ben. Do your Hamlet." and it bloody well worked, too! I almost got tossed over the cataract watching some of those scenes. That is exactly how an actor should bring out a character--enough to either make and audience love him or her OR enough to make that audience want to kick his or her backside! Believe me that when I say that there are times when I vacillated between both emotions and it doesn't happen with me very often.

Hollywood REALLY needs to use Cross a bit more. HE can still pull this stuff off no matter what he plays!

After reading the Helena Bonham Carter interview regarding the story line, I am convinced that Tim Burton is going to toy with the fan's too much by monkeying with the story line too much. This version will always be the best there was as far as the remakes go.

When Nietzsche Wept (2007)

This was freaking Brilliant!

[10/10 · 6 September 2011]

I don't care what other reviewers say, Assante and Cross did a great job in this film! The dream sequences were very important to it and I will watch this more because the 2nd time I watched it, I saw or heard something that I missed. I think if you watch this movie after watching "The Shift" with Dr. Wayne Dyer, those viewers who got frustrated with it will have a better grasp of what is actually taking place in the minds of these characters.

This movie is intending to touch on the beginnings of Freudian psychology, but it goes much more than that. It chronicles the lives of two men who are worlds apart emotionally--or are they? It describes a friendship that benefited both for a time--or did it? It's up to the viewer really.

Then the viewer is drawn into one of two things--transcendence or a pulling away when this movie hits is or her comfort zone too hard. It is worth a watch, but as I said, if you have trouble with it--watch "The Shift" first. That clears things up as far as character's motivations go.

Wicked Little Things (2006)

Great for Zombiefest!

[10/10 · 6 September 2011]

This is one film I highly recommend for those "Zombiefest" or "Zombie Apocalypse" parties. You've got killer zombie children--and the reason they became that way is "logical" once you get through the weird and look at the back story. This ensemble did well in this flick but one person stands out in it and that is Ben Cross.

In playing Hanks, Cross delivers a performance that is believable. One is left thinking a guy like that can exist out here! He knows when to hold back and deliberate and he knows when to throw those lines out there like somebody's freaking life depends on it--like when he's trying to start the truck and get the heck out of there!

Hanks also is the "caretaker character". He knows the hows and the whys and does not tamper with what is--he just tries to keep the zombies out of everybody's hair. HE also works very well with kids from what I see here. He was convincing. Chloe Moertz looked scared when he addressed her. I definitely wouldn't want to be on that guy's crap list after watching him here OR in Dark Shadows Resurrected.

I think the gory scenes were overkill at times, but at least this movie spent more time focusing on the real story--the hows and whys rather than the blood, guts and gore.

The Conspirator (2010)

Great Film and Historically Accurate!

[10/10 · 5 September 2011]

I had to do a study of this trial some years ago. Given the documentation I had to look at, I felt that Mary Surrat was a scapegoat to begin with. This movie was well cast and it was brilliantly played out on screen! Robert Redford did a great job with this project and I hope to see many more in the future! For those of you who study History, this is a must see film. There are lessons to be learned from it that are worth taking the time to absorb!

Robin Wright and James McAvoy did very well in this film. If she doesn't get a nod for best actress, I will be shocked because she played Mrs. Surrat with the dignity and grace with which she deserved to be portrayed. I really liked this movie and it gives a new look at the subject of the Lincoln assassination through a different, non-judgmental point of view.

Hero Wanted (2008)

This was definitely different...

[10/10 · 5 September 2011]

This is a movie worth watching simply because of the psychological issues dredged up in it! The dark side of heroism is something that movies like the 'Batman' flicks usually dig up, but this one definitely has a combination of elements that will leave a viewer asking, who was really a hero here? Was anyone? It definitely hits home that there is no black and white when it comes to certain dark areas of our lives. It also drives home that sometimes heroes are anything but depending on which character one is watching closely here.

I will say this though, the character of Cosmo Jackson as played by Ben Cross should have gotten a lot more attention than what was given. Mr. Cross made THAT character real. He has a knack for that. I wish other producers and directors would take the time to give this guy a chance to prove his metal in other films. Until I saw this, I really couldn't picture him playing a Viet Nam War Veteran! This guy is REALLY under-utilized in my opinion.

I also feel that Gary Cairns deserves a pat on the back for his role. He did an excellent job bringing out the emotions of his character also, and I hope to see more of him in the future because he has the ability to make a film shine also.

Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ray Liotta may have gotten top billing for this film and they are great in it, don't get me wrong, but I watch every actor and how they bring out their characters when I see a film and I watched this one twice. All of them did a great job, but I focus on Cairns and Cross because they both have that same knack for bringing out emotions in a realistic fashion and that keeps viewers coming back for more!

Comparing this movie to football, Gooding and Liotta get a lot of attention because they are quarterbacks in the movie industry and they do a great job when they play! I love watching them! However, Cross and Cairns deserve a heck of a lot more respect than the kickers in the game ever get--that's for sure!