Ok, if you're looking for state of the art special effects, you're going to be disappointed. Unfortunately it was made on a small budget, and it shows. but if you're in the mood for something a little different in the ' crusades ' theme, give this one a go! It reminded me so much of the old Simbad movies, with one obstacle after another coming at them. Watch it for the story. The acting is good, not great, and as I mentioned above, the effects are B grade. After all, is't all about the journey? ;)
Reviews
5 Reviews
The Poughkeepsie Tapes
(2007)
The poor acting was too distracting to enjoy
12 May 2020
The concept of the movie drew me in. and the writing and editing was very good, but who on earth chose this cast?? The girl who played Cheryl did a good job, but the rest of the cast seemed like they flunked in acting class. I wonder if the budget only left $100 to pay the actors. The ridged overacting ruined the thrillride that this movie could have been. It's certainly no Paranormal Activity or Blair Witch.
Nina
(I) (2016)
Unwarranted criticism - Not enough praise.
2 March 2020
I take my hat off to Zoe Saldana for taking on this role.
I watched this movie with an open mind, letting all of the criticism fly over my head.
I'm not sure how many actresses were offered the role, but I'm sure many would have declined, knowing that they probably would have been torn to pieces by critics. The numerous ' black face ' comments disappointed me. Knowing that Zoe was taking on a character role, her appearance had to be adjusted. No one felt the need to comment about the prosthetic nose and heavy makeup that Merryl Streep wore when she took on the role as Margaret Thatcher, but Zoe got roasted for the same.
Admittedly, I was a little disappointed that the movie skipped through her early years, focusing mainly on the last decade of Nina's life. On the other hand, it was good to see the person behind the stage presence, the human behind closed doors.
One thing I did read about before seeing the movie, was the dedication the Zoe went into preparing for the role, spending months practicing the songs, and frankly, I think she did a really good job with the vocals. Did she sound exactly like Nina Simone? Of course not, but she's not Nina... Acting wise, I think someone like Viola Davis would have given a flawless performance, and the critics would have been more approving of her appearance. Perhaps Viola was offered the role, but declined.. We'll never know.
In the end, it was a brave choice, and personally, I enjoyed her performance. Was it fantastic? No, but it was good. And that's good enough for me.
I watched this movie with an open mind, letting all of the criticism fly over my head.
I'm not sure how many actresses were offered the role, but I'm sure many would have declined, knowing that they probably would have been torn to pieces by critics. The numerous ' black face ' comments disappointed me. Knowing that Zoe was taking on a character role, her appearance had to be adjusted. No one felt the need to comment about the prosthetic nose and heavy makeup that Merryl Streep wore when she took on the role as Margaret Thatcher, but Zoe got roasted for the same.
Admittedly, I was a little disappointed that the movie skipped through her early years, focusing mainly on the last decade of Nina's life. On the other hand, it was good to see the person behind the stage presence, the human behind closed doors.
One thing I did read about before seeing the movie, was the dedication the Zoe went into preparing for the role, spending months practicing the songs, and frankly, I think she did a really good job with the vocals. Did she sound exactly like Nina Simone? Of course not, but she's not Nina... Acting wise, I think someone like Viola Davis would have given a flawless performance, and the critics would have been more approving of her appearance. Perhaps Viola was offered the role, but declined.. We'll never know.
In the end, it was a brave choice, and personally, I enjoyed her performance. Was it fantastic? No, but it was good. And that's good enough for me.
The Host
(2013)
Pleasantly Surprised
10 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
With so many Sci Fi movies out there these days that are full things being blown up and mega effects carrying the movie, I thought it nice that this one was different.
Sci Fi with meaning and heart isn't something you generally think of being put together these days, it works well with the right story line and good acting talent like this one has.
It was good to see a movie that shows the aliens perspective when they believe they have come to earth to make it better, until one ends up in a hosts body only to discover that the hosts mind has remained intact.
What follows is a story of getting back to the ones you care about and showing the intruder within that it's worth the fight.
There is teen romance in it, but before you roll your eyes and think that it's going to be gushy, the romance level doesn't overpower the movie at all.
The length of the movie is quite long, being just over 2 hours.I think there are a few scenes that could have been shortened or edited out as they didn't really need to be there, but that's the only negative I have.
If you want big action, big explosions and edge of the seat thrills, you'll be disappointed. But if you would enjoy a movie that I suppose would be classed as "Sci Fi with heart" you wont be disappointed.
If you liked The Abyss and Cocoon then I think you will enjoy this.
Sci Fi with meaning and heart isn't something you generally think of being put together these days, it works well with the right story line and good acting talent like this one has.
It was good to see a movie that shows the aliens perspective when they believe they have come to earth to make it better, until one ends up in a hosts body only to discover that the hosts mind has remained intact.
What follows is a story of getting back to the ones you care about and showing the intruder within that it's worth the fight.
There is teen romance in it, but before you roll your eyes and think that it's going to be gushy, the romance level doesn't overpower the movie at all.
The length of the movie is quite long, being just over 2 hours.I think there are a few scenes that could have been shortened or edited out as they didn't really need to be there, but that's the only negative I have.
If you want big action, big explosions and edge of the seat thrills, you'll be disappointed. But if you would enjoy a movie that I suppose would be classed as "Sci Fi with heart" you wont be disappointed.
If you liked The Abyss and Cocoon then I think you will enjoy this.
The Giant Mechanical Man
(2012)
What a surprise!
10 March 2013
This movie really is a true gem, and as others have said, hasn't received the credit it should have.I really liked that it was more drama than comedy, as so many rom-com's these days come across as being silly and not believable. The characters are genuine and relatable, and it leaves you feeling good without to much "mush". I found that it reminded me of some of the John Hughes classics from the 80's, mainly Valley Girl, which also deals with trying to find your place when you feel like you don't quite fit in to the mold, and how others expectations of you don't help in the struggle..If you loved this movie I can recommend Valley Girl as one to watch. It's another movie that didn't get the credit it deserved and stars a young Nic Cage.. I'll be keeping an eye out for more movies this writer has done. Im sure this one will end up being viewed as a classic in years to come :)
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