stephoch Reviews

Expedition Happiness (2017)

Like a stereotypical hipster - lots of pictures and no soul

[1/10 · 15 May 2017]

This was disappointing. Two young people go on a journey and seem to have no trouble financing everything, but coming up with a coherent story line or a feeling for using imagery to create emotions is impossible for them.

I tried to like this movie, I did so hard. But the scenes were like a random collection of stock footage, lots of somewhat romantic shots of a girl against a landscape, topless guy driving a truck. After I left the cinema I felt completely untouched, bored, almost betrayed. These guys obviously had the funds, the gear, the will to go on such an endeavor, but obviously no idea how good movies are made. Perhaps they are amazing people, but they are certainly not good at creating a movie that will entertain or - God forbid - make an impact on you in any way whatsoever. What a missed opportunity :(

Osombie (2012)

Terribly flat and uninspired

[2/10 · 12 August 2012]

This movie was something I accidentally stumbled upon and had high hopes but was truly disappointed. While I enjoy Zombie and gore movies as much as the other guy, I also appreciate some cinematic finesse thrown in. Unfortunately Osombie tries to survive on a single interesting idea with flat characters and an even flatter story.

The movie itself is quickly summarized, Osama Bin Laden supposedly "alive" as a Zombie, guy goes to kill him, his sister goes after him and meets some soldiers along the way in a zombie- infested Afghanistan. While this might be a lot of fun (think Dead Snow) it is not since the action is poorly dramatized, you never really feel that there is any real threat coming from the zombs. Also none of the characters offer any particularly likable traits why you would root for them.

Overall this movie was uninspired and while it had some nice CGIs and obviously some budget it really failed to create a story arc that would allow me to call this flick entertaining.

Severance (2006)

Fun movie with some nice splatting effects

[7/10 · 6 August 2006]

I have seen this movie at the fantasy filmfest 2006 as the official opener. I must say it was very enjoyable yet somewhat silly at times. Some people claimed it was the weakest opening movie in the history of the fantasy filmfest (which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year).

*Mild spoilers ahead* (I wouldn't call them spoilers, but some could.)

The story is nice but not very new: Teambuilding weekend for the employees of a weapons manufacturer. They come to an eastern europe country, the road is blocked, bus driver refuses to continue driving and form then on they decide to walk by foot and we all know it's no good. So basically you might think it's one of these "Alone in the woods" movies, a group of people out in the wilderness, getting killed one by one. And you're right.

Severence is indeed a party movie, if you liked Braindead or Monster Man you'll most likely enjoy it as well. However it ain't a spectacular movie like you've never seen before, it's like Shawn of the Dead meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre with blood and gore. Not for the faint of heart but enough comedy elements to maybe get your significant other to watch this with you.

Operation Dance Sensation (2003 Video)

A low budget genre mix that's actually quite good

[8/10 · 13 August 2004]

Imagine your average John Travolta disco movie. Quite boring, eh? Now imagine your favorite Rambo movie. Still pretty boring, right? Take these two, stir and shake and you pretty much get Operation Dance Sensation. Be prepared: This is a low budget production with the two Gosejahn brothers playing the main characters. They are not very good actors, but that only adds to the movie in my opinion. There's always this strong notion of fun and lot's of irony.

The story: There are two mercenaries fighting in Vietnam. Things get rough, they get mad at each other, you'll get the idea. 20 Years later one of them is a headhunter and the other works for a corrupt guy who wants to take over a disco at the American-iraquian border (and things get even more bizarre!). But I don't want to give away too much.

The movie itself is very funny but it is also somewhat longish at times. It's still a very good b- movie.

Monster Man (2003)

funny movie that took me by surprise

[8/10 · 13 August 2004]

When I watched this movie together with a friend a while ago it took me by surprise. I had never heard about this film before so I didn't expect too much of it. But then it turned out to be absolutely funny. Not only the plot and the little twists (which aren't all that new and surprising) really made this an enjoyable film, most of all I liked the acting of the two male leads. One of them really reminded me of Jack Black and the other could be a cousin of Lionel from Braindead. Overall a very entertaining movie if you like road movies and b-movie horror flicks this might be just the right film for a movie night. Just don't expect too much