btjohnny Reviews

The Nomads (2019)

Underdog Philly Sports film brings the goods.

[8/10 · 24 January 2020]

Joining the team of Philly underdog sports films with Rocky-Invincible-Creed-Pride appeal comes an independent film called 'The Nomads', based on a true story of a North Philly school that faces cutbacks across the board. Sporting teams are cut due to budget restrictions and the students are without hope of grants and scholarships to advance them to college. The idealistic young teacher named Cassie McNamara takes a bold leap to keep her students from dropping out, forms a rugby team with no money. The team consists of the usual characters, a learning disabled young man, the ex-con hothead, the tubby joker, and a lightning fast trickster. Of course it's always setbacks, and melodramatic moments that bring the team together with the moral support of good people. Cliches and formula plot lines are all here to either like or dismiss. I accepted the flaws and went with the premise, a decent sports drama has to brings the goods, 'The Nomands' really does just that.

Tika Sumpter (a regular in the Tyler Perry movies) produced and stars in this small but heartfelt sports drama, and she is a very likable lead. Director Brandon Eric Kamin and writer Tara Miele work with a restricted budget, so this is not the typical high school sports movie. The 'big game' finale doesn't come, but the road to the final act is still engaging. Being a fan of John G. Avildsen films (Karate Kid, Rocky), the characters drive the story and the road to victory is not the fanfare or the cheers from the crowd, it's about friendship and guidance. Like David Anspaugh's 'Rudy' and 'Hoosiers', this movie follows the team to a small victory, a personal triumph for the teacher and the students.

The supporting cast is key to the victory, with fellow Jersey actor Tate Donavan (Argo, Manchester By the Sea) as Cassie's assistant coach and supporter. Philly actor Christopher Mann as our good natured principal sheds the cliche of the antagonistic 'no way' character, making him a guy who wants it all to work out for the students and the school. All in all, the young cast members are pretty good, with Andy Riddle as O'Brien giving a good comic relief performance. I recommend this movie highly! Great use of Philadelphia as a backdrop... Underdogs Rule!

What Death Leaves Behind (2018)

Unpredictable Thriller Delivers

[10/10 · 14 March 2018]

Review: What Death Leaves Behind I have the pleasure to get to view advanced movie premiers on occasion and in the Philadelphia area, this is the heart of indie spirit of groundbreaking small movies; Rocky-M Night-Jesus Son. ''What Death Leaves Behind" presents a blue collar working man with a health problem, suffering kidney disease and in need of a transplant to continue to support his family. Jake Warren (newcomer Khalil McMillan is our Everyman), working at his Uncle Henry's HVAC company, and going in for dialysis treatments hoping to find a donor soon. A quiet man with some family issues, finally is blessed with luck. The operation is a success but... well, he's changing. Bad dreams, ugly thoughts, and an obsession with who the donor could be. This leads Jake down a dark path, with questions about a series of local killings in Chester, PA. The psychological thriller is based on real life "tissue memory" donor recipients, and the film goes deep into the idea of identity loss. The outcome of the story is jarring and heartbreaking in a smart thriller. The casting is key in this very stark thriller, no flashy big names but solid actors in defined roles. McMillan is great as our lead, an imposing strong and ultimately scary dude. Vincent Young as his co-worker defined as a logical caring friend, and Philly iconic actor Christopher Mann as Henry, a father figure. Standout performance by Mann in the final act is a revelation to his outstanding acting ability. Chad Morton story and collaborative script by producer Rachael Ofori, and directors Scott A. Hamilton and Nico Giampietro bring the goods. The film is unpredictable, and reminiscent of M. Night Shyamalan's best early efforts. Low budget but solid indie you will not forget. Bravo!

Dancin': It's on! (2015)

High Energy Dance Movie Delivers The Goods

[8/10 · 1 November 2015]

David Winters has made a full career in showbiz from his start on Broadway and film in the best musical ever made; West Side Story. 60 plus years as a producer/director/choreographer has not stopped him from always delivering the goods. Dancin' - It's On! is his latest and best film of his career.

The movie is a cinematic event that I was hoping to see on the big screen, and my local multiplex just happened to provide me with an hour and a half of pure entertainment. Dancin'-It's On is a confection, a box of candy on screen, sweet and familiar. A schmaltzy storyline that is right out of the 60's, a modern fairytale with the princess and the pauper romance with all the trimmings including a noble footman, a fairy godfather, a hard head king and a beautiful castle filled with clowns and mimes and dancers. Set in Panama City, Florida at a lush resort, let the movie be!

Winters has made an energetic and wildly fun dance picture with beautiful new talent, giving himself a plum role of the saintly godfather who teaches the young and handsome leads to win the big dance off. Action Icon Gary Daniels is the unwilling hotel magnate father who won't stand for it. Clichés are all here, but the fun part of this movie is it's nostalgic charm in a fresh package.

Little things make this movie fun, like a concierge spouting Shakespeare, a doorman named Captain who pops into dance with everyone he greets. A recreation of the "fun day out" sequence from "Viva Las Vegas" (Winters taught Elvis to dance in that), "the angry dance" from Footloose, and a show stopping street dance right out of a Jerome Robbins play. Witney Carson is a cherubic young princess and Chehon Wespi-Tschopp as the dishwasher with all the right moves. Dazzling editing and scenic shots really work well, but the dancing is everything in a musical and this is a great showcase for talented people. Even Winters get to bust a move!

Make time to see it in a theater and have a fun time. Enjoy!

Time (VIII) (2014)

"Time" - a stellar drama

[8/10 · 28 July 2014]

Quick Review of "Time": An indie motion picture called simply, "Time" was screened to the film makers and cast in Ambler today. A wonderfully shot and directed social drama about an everyman named Lenny who ends up in a medical clinic waiting room after a fall. The cast of characters range from a gay author, a church lady, a married couple, a soldier, a hipster art student, a roughneck bigot, and a goth girl. Set-up is much like a Rod Serling/ Playhouse 90 style teleplay from the 50's. As they speak, all of them are challenged from every topic of God, TV, homosexuality, Darwin, war, pizza, Jesus, Old and New Testament logic. You can predict the outcome but I still was totally engrossed with the subjects.

Craig Nachsin wrote and produced this really good small film, with a nod to classics like "12 Angry Men" and "The Twilight Zone". At times the film is purely emotional, with an expert cast to pull off a very challenging script, I was truly moved to the end. Andy Laquintano is perfect as the lead, Lenny. He nails the role of a regular guy who has lost all faith in himself. Jerry Lyden as a wise and likable man of the world, steals the picture. The toughest role is given to Peter Patrikios as a soulful gay man with a saintly spirit. I found the movies revelation to be predictable, but I still kept thinking, "I can't wait to see what happens next". Bravo! — at The Ambler Theater.

Ruth Madoff Occupies Wall Street (2012)

Funny Idea.... cute satire about the super rich

[6/10 · 18 April 2012]

Ruth Madoff is probably laughing at this short comedy written and starring the wonderful Blanche Baker. It's low budget- quick shoot-one set. Ruth Madoff has been cast out of her lush penthouse into a harem-like tent on Wall Street and is interviewed by a large reporter. The gaffes and jokes are like watching a sketch comedy routine on Comedy Central. It works and hope to see the further adventures of Ruthie. Baker is a very good comedic actor here. Funny and timely, with a bit of satire mixed in. The set design and costume is a real eye opener with Ruthie dressed in her minks. The Jeraldo Rivera-like reporter is utterly perplexed by her obnoxiousness. Mre to come I hope..

Game Change (2012 TV Movie)

Moore is Palin!

[11 March 2012]

Review: Game Change (HBO)

"Recount" creator Jay Roach returns to the politico ring with "Game Change" starring Woody Harrelson as Steve Schmidt, the man behind John McCain's 2008 run for the White House. A straight recount of the vetting of Sarah Palin to the VP post and it's compelling to see Julianne Moore be Sarah Palin (I forgot there was an actress playing her shortly into the movie). Ed Harris fills McCain's shoes with a respectful performance with dignity. All the actors are great, but Moore is absolutely stunning in the dramatic scenes. Roach presents some great moments in history as Palin watches Tina Fey doing an impression of her on SNL (surreal to watch an actor as Palin watching Fey doing Palin). I thought the film makers did a great balance, showing Schmidt as a flawed man who made the mistake of choosing an independent minded woman who has a few major flaws of her own (she is as misinformed as most of the right wing base). Great movie and Moore made me forget she was acting, a perfect performance!

Act of Valor (2012)

It's a great movie!!!!!!!

[7/10 · 25 February 2012]

Review: Act of Valor Not since Audie Murphy was honored to play himself in his own autobiographical war story (1955's "To Hell and Back") has Hollywood made the choice to have real life soldiers act as themselves in a war film. "Act of Valor" is a return to the patriotic films of yesteryear that the Dept. of Defense would throw their full support to make. It is pure propaganda, and pure entertainment aimed at the new generation of movie buffs can either love or hate. I loved it! The actors (real life active Navy SEALS) are just what is to expect, non-actors and a stiff delivery. They do well in the action sequences and recreating real fire fight scenarios. The Bandito Brothers are a production team that made Act of Valor, and they know how to make a damn kick-ass film. Good villains make a good movie and they are actually believable bad guys. I was suckered in by the final moments of the movie, corny and totally predictable (right out of the Top Gun play-book) but very moving. Excellent action movie is not really hurt by the wooden acting by leads, and make the movie genuine. Go see it and get your WHOWAAHH. on.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)

Jacked Up "Ghost Rider" is a Nick Cage classic

[7/10 · 19 February 2012]

Bring in the "Crank" director team of Neveldine/Taylor to match up with Nicholas Cage's gonzo acting in a better and crazier "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" for comic book junkies. The script is OK but the execution is done with hyper-drive visual images that rock the theater. Johnny Blaze is back and it's more HULK/BLADE than the previous movie. Good to see Cage is not posing in this movie and is on screen even when Johnny Blaze is in full flame-on screaming skull (he had a stunt guy doing the stand-in for Ghost Rider in the original). The best moments are Cage's 'holding back' the soul-sucking demon within, and I was laughing my head off. There is a better Devil (Irish actor Ciaran Hinds is a fine replacement for stiff Peter Fonda)and a nice cameo by Christopher Lambert as a tattoo headed monk. The road smash-up finale is terrific! Will do well with word of mouth. Welcome back Gonzo Nick!!!!

Pete Kelly's Blues (1955)

Dragnet Style Music Docudrama is an odd treat for fans.

[6/10 · 15 February 2012]

Pete Kelly Blues is pure Jack Webb, stiff as a board and solid storytelling. I love Jack Webb, and I like the movie but it's just good enough for fans. Warners put up a lot of support to Webb, and lavish production design by Walt Disney's best Harper Goff, and a ripping score with Ella Fitzgerald and Peggie Lee (Oscar Nom)make it a near great movie. Shot almost entirely with master shots (except the final act)is Webb's efficient style. Lee Marvin is great as a fellow traveler jazz-man, and Edmond O'Brien is menacing as the main gangster. Sadly enough, the wonderful Janet Leigh is stuck in a very crappy role as a rich flapper love interest. Webb even cast future kiddie show host Andy Devine and a tough lawman, and he is amazingly good. Webb's next film was his classic "The D.I.", a much better film. For fans and music buffs!

The Grand Theft (2011)

Oddball Scewball Indie scores some points, but it's a mess.

[14 October 2011]

"The Grand Theft" is Ken Del Veccio's screwball farce that is a huge mess, part self parody (penned by star Blanche Baker)and that's the best part of the movie. The house players (all have worked on most of Ken's films)know the guy and know just how funny indie movies are made. The first time viewer will no doubt get the joke, but it's all too much after about a half hour. The plot is simple, Barbara Blushe (Baker is a hilarious actor who plays herself in part) wrote a script and pitches it to Mario (Joe Rosario filling in for Del Veccio busy behind the camera). Thomas G Waites (in a rare comic role) is the co-star with family issues. They need money for a movie and decide to rob a jeweler. "The Producers" knockoff (without musical delight)is as close as it gets. The crowd of fans watching this movie had a wonderful time, and were all in on the backhanded jokes. I was pleased with the writing and the runaway pace of the movie. Waites is a remarkable actor and shines above all, and Baker once again proves her chops as a comic actor (and her script is very funny, but too many chefs in the room make it hard to follow). Del Veccio pokes fun at himself with glee. Good effort from the willing cast and crew.

Dirtbags: Evil Never Felt So Good (2009)

Dirtbags is the funniest movie ever made from a couch

[6/10 · 22 August 2010]

Bill Zebub is the bastard cousin of John Waters and Rob Zombie. If you can grab his style, it's his best work yet. I am a fan of some of his work, and hate most of it. "Dirtbags" is easy to laugh at because he knows how to make himself laugh. Fat Slob Druggy moron on a couch masturbates and takes drugs. A minstrel show black-face drug dealer and numb-skull Christian daddy interact as the script becomes didactic with a statement on human behavior. All an excuse to offend those who don't get Bill Z. Like watching a stand-up comic wizz on the guy in the front row who won't crack a smile. Thats the Joke! Go with it, and watch this movie from the back row.

Nacho Mountain (2009)

Eat Me

[10/10 · 20 December 2009]

The Premier of "Nacho Mountain" was in the middle of a blizzard in East Greenville, and a turnout of over 100 people... friends and cast members. Very impressed by the production quality of Mitch Csanadi's comic take on competitive eating. A "Fight Club" parody that works on so many levels, because of casting and fine editing. Shot in Hi-Def in Coopersburg and Allentown PA, this low-brow comedy is a template for most Vince Vaughn/Adam Sandler style comedies of late.

Jay Larson (stand-up Comic actor in his first feature role)is Keefer, a slacker office drone who lost his job, and his home life is worse. His only talent is eating food...and now he has a new mission in life, to shovel massive amounts of garbage into his gut, for money. His sidekick Meegosh (Kevin Interdanato is hilarious) sets up FOODWARS with local dummies to make extra cash.

It's all been done in the past, but Mitch Csanadi's fast paced comedy hits the marks on most levels. Smart alec slackers take on the local establishment douchebags to make some small change. And get some poontang when they can.

Jokes are fast and funny, with Jay Larson doing a good straight-man to the rest of the slobs and freaks around him. A freaky weed dealer, hardcore slobs named "Entree The Giant" and "Sloberati", and a douche-bag Mayor Fingstal (John Charles Hunt channeling Jackie Gleason for full effect)for the finale Battle Royale to see who can pound down the most Perogies and Chicken Wings in record time.

Csanadi and crew of local are in the game. Some raw talent here (better than Broken Lizard duds like "Slammin Salmon" and "Club Dread")with moments of inspired laughs. Sure, the fart-poop-barf moments rule the day, but the attitude is pumping strong. Low Budget/Low Brow perks. Enjoy the moment! Heavy Soundtack Kills. A trailer park "Dodgeball" with enough gags to gag on.

The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone (2009)

A fine little movie from Philly! The Nail is almost perfect.

[29 March 2009]

No Spoilers ahead.... Was on hand to see and enjoy "The Nail:The Story of Joey Nardone" in Philly today and without giving anything away, it hits all the marks as a powerful little character study. Philly's son Tony Luke Jr. has acted in some movies but now he takes lead in a moving tale of a down and out ex-con trying to live his life with dignity and regret. A former Golden Gloves champ who did his eight years of hard time, Joey moves into the old neighborhood (changed into a horrible ghetto) and wants to return the old gym and help out his best friend Pete (Leo Rossi doing a fine turn as the world weary corner man). His next door neighbor is a monster lowbrow who beats his wife and teen son, Jesus. Joey saves Jesus from a scuffle with a nasty trio of local bullies, and they soon make a friendship. Joey finds a reason to grow as a person through teaching his young ward self defense.

"The Nail" is not a boxing movie, but "the sweet science" is a lesson in real life, and Joey is the teacher. He still has a lot to learn, and the audience goes along with the story as if they are hanging on the corner in South Philly, watching the world go by. This movie is as hard edged as any great classic from the 70's like "Mean Streets", no punches pulled. I have to say, the punch of this movie is crossing a sentimental street parable with brutal reality.

Director James Quattrochi from the Bronx brings his street sense to Philadelphia. With a low budget, and a passion for the tone of good film makers like John G. Avidson and Martin Ritt, he makes this an engrossing film on all levels. Producers Luke and Rossi are pouring it all out with casting locals and newcomer Paul Orrantia (a real talent)as Jesus. Tony Danza and Ray 'Boom Boom" Mancini in support to give the movie spice and ring credit. William Forsythe as a good hearted goombah is welcome anywhere he goes. The star of the movie is Tony Luke and he is as real as a cheese steak and cheeze-whiz. It's as much fun as watching Howard Stern play himself in "Private Parts".

The down side is that "The Nail" does not give its audience credit for the story flaws. The bad guy is never punished or questioned by anybody, and why isn't Joey living the life of an ex-con (no parole officer?). But if you can get past the budget and some script issues, you still will walk away satisfied. More to come for this team of professional indie-movie makers (and I hope soon). A technical KO!

An American Carol (2008)

Major Misfire.... Just not funny.

[1/10 · 18 February 2009]

The problem is clear, the movie produced by right wingers for right wingers is just not funny. Watching "An American Carol" would get laughs from the type of person who finds Hannity and Rush to be comic masterminds. If your a fan of David Zucker (I am a major fan)and his brand of pure gut busting humor, it's missing all the things that made him a major player. Maybe getting a help from Pat Proft, Robert K. Weiss, and Jim Abrahms for comic gags might have saved this movie. Instead we are subjected to hack jokes (Michael Moore type is fat and gets slapped.... again and again)and Bill O'Reilly sets the tone for how not to be funny on camera. Add Kevin Farley, doing a hack knock-off of his late brother (I miss Chris Farley) and not having any sympathy at all, ruins Zuckers past films major asset... a likable goof-ball. Guest stars are wasted (Jon Voight as George Washington is sadly used) to promote the devastation of 9/11 as a reason for this movie. The script is just a series of right wing talking points padded with slapstick shots at liberals (who all are dumb and anti-American). The worst sin is a horrible racist attack, with a fantasy wish for the return of slavery featuring David Allen Grier and Gary Coleman doing shuffle and shucking slaves. A failure in fun and good time gags replaced by talking points from the RNC. Pokes at the ACLU and Rosie fall down hard. Sad.

Superhero Movie (2008)

Back in the Saddle for Zucker and Weiss. Entertaining Fluff!

[7/10 · 30 March 2008]

While you watch the Regency spoof series (Meet the Spartans, Epic-Date Movies), you wish they had the spark of The Zucker-Abrams-Zucker classics like 'Naked Gun' and 'High School High' along with the brilliant "Top Secret". "Superhero Movie" has all the right stuff, good writer/director Craig(The Specials)Mazin, great producers (Robert K. Weiss and David Zucker from Kentucky Fried Movie fame).

Casting of great character actors like old ham Leslie Nielson, Marion Ross, and excellent Christopher McDonald make this a very funny spoof that is rushed and at times unfunny. The result is a hit and miss comedy that has more laughs in 5 minutes than all of the Regency spoofs together. A send up of all the comic book movie in the past 7 years, and the set-ups for re staging the scenes from them with a comic twist is damn good. Where the laughs fall flat are the guest stars (Pam Anderson- Tracy Morgan- Regina Hall) in an "X-Men" detour. The older actors and the unknown leads are hilarious. Better than the last 2 'Scary Movies' but not on par with the best of Z-A-Z boys on their weakest films. Loved seeing Robert(Airplane)Hayes back with Zucker again in a great parody of Batman's dads death. Wait for the end credits and a pack of outtakes. PS... The best laughs come from Robert Joy as Stephen Hawkings.... He just sits there and gets huge belly laughs. make a movie just for HIM.

Jersey Justice (2014)

Loved "Jersey Justice"

[10/10 · 9 July 2007]

Local Filmmaker Premieres 'Jersey Justice'

By: LIndsay Warner, The Evening Bulletin

07/25/2007

Currently in limited pre-release screenings to garner interest for a wider release, "Jersey Justice" is a small-budget film created by a movie buff on his first venture behind the camera. But "Jersey Justice" doesn't feel like a low-budget, first-time film, and it seems likely Hunt will get his funding. Revolving around a 24-hour period in which Polly O'Bannon's (Baker) husband is shot and killed in a mix-up between several Philadelphia thugs, the shocked housewife turns to violence to avenge her husband's undeserved death. Collecting weapons and supplies in record time, O'Bannon hits the road looking for her husband's killer, attracting a variety of colorful characters similarly thirsting for revenge - or a good road trip - along the way.

Felix Romeo, played by Maria Soccor, New York model and actress, a rough & ready biker with her own incentive for revenge, strongly flavors the script with her defiant independence, while Irish drunkard Finney (Ed McCool) lends a car and a touch of humor to the mix. John Williams (Johnny Roastbeef in "Goodfellas") also crops up as Big Bill Romeo, the bartender at "Mrs. Jay's," a shady biker bar where the first part of the revenge plan is enacted. Although O'Bannon is on a vengeful killing spree, Baker's portrayal of the character lends a sympathetic tinge to her portrayal - though it seems unlikely that O'Bannon would be able to proceed as far with her plans as she does without police intervention.

Still, the story is entertaining, fast moving and a nice twist on the often-used male revenge thriller. The shady dealings of the gang at the scene of the murder confuse the plot slightly, but Hunt retains a strong connection to O'Bannon throughout, using her humanity to maintain empathy.

The Jimmy Show (2001)

The Jimmy Show...a Jersey classic

[6/10 · 30 November 2006]

The Jimmy Show A real loser-festival, and star/director Frank Whaley (brilliant character actor from a number of Oliver Stone films) made this labor of love/hate to the Garden State. Made in 2001 in the wonderful N. Jersey and Staten Island area, a dreary and understated work about a working stiff named Jimmy O'Brien who marries his high school sweetheart (Carla Gugino is touching) and works a series of sh#t jobs (which he is just not able to do). He cares for his grandmother in a wheelchair and lives in her home with his wife and new born baby girl. Jimmy has the idea to become a stand-up comic by getting an open mike spot.

Frank Whaley's indie film is inspired by the world of Bruce Springsteen's poetic songs (the soundtrack is composed by brother Robert Whaley) and the dead end existence of white working class males. Jimmy's try at stand-up comedy is sad, he rants anger and pain without a laugh. He tells his life story on stage to a hostile and bored audience. His wife is now going to leave him, and his grandma is dying.

One of the most watchable films to come out of Jersey, not for it's boldness but for it's intent to show life as an abandoned car on the side of the road. The ending is surprisingly uplifting and full of hope. Whaley is a rare talent and a good storyteller. Rent it today and feel like sh#t.

A Halfway House Christmas (2005)

Review of "A Halfway House Christmas"

[7/10 · 10 December 2005]

A Halfway House Christmas Is Christmas Fun? Yes! Are recovering addicts Fun. Sometimes! Is Reality TV Fun! Not really, but can be! Mix all three together and it works as a parody. "A Halfway House Chrismas" is a homegrown comedy from Eric Moyer, writer/director that is like watching home movies with @ssh@le relatives and drunken friends. The morning after is the worst part of a good party, and "AHHC" is a sobering look at real togetherness. A rocker (Rod Sellers), a child star cokewh@re (Marisa Kettering), a human weedbag with a beard (Brian Walsh), a hooker (Kelly Kunick) and a young junkie (Charles Moffit) and a cat name Wreather share the love.

The cast of likable locals and a seasoned veteran actor like Robert Romanus (Fast Times at Ridgemont High's wheeler dealer Mike Damone) as the father figure to a batch of losers ready to improve their lives. The real test is having the halfway house as part of a TV series produced by a sh*theal producer named Brett (Allentown DJ, Chris Lane is very smarmy). The middle-aged Daryl (Romanus is very well cast) sees that it's going to be a bad idea from the start. Brett sends in some drug dealers (Jackass stars Ryan Dunn and Rakeyon) to sprinke the house with smack-weed-beer-and coke like demented elves. An OD, a 'feelgood' gay motivator, and a visit from a local pimp dressed like Santa sends the housemates over the edge.

The wrap-up is very moving and pure Christmas cheer with a big party, great tunes and revenge on asshead Brett. Mostly shot in Montgomery County (Comar PA, Hatfield, Souderdon), Moyer and producer Frank Carney add a great soundtrack and narrated by Bobcat Goathwait, 'Halfway House' is a good visit. Sequel Allert!!!!! Merry F*ck!n Christmas!