troyboy6868 Reviews

Fenced Off (2011)

Kinda like an Afterschool Special

[4/10 · 15 December 2015]

I grew up during the 70s and 80s and this movie really reminded me of an ABC Afterschool Special (in a nostalgic way).

The episodes all dealt with socially relevant issues and were educational for children and teens. They also had pretty good music and kinda bad acting (but in a fun way).

I can't full-on recommend this movie for adults because the acting only runs the spectrum from OK in some scenes to dismal in others. Also, the production company may be religious in orientation, not sure, so that may deter some viewers (including me, usually). But I will say that the movie stuck to cultural and racial issues and never preached.

I do think this could be a somewhat useful film for children to view concerning some of the cultural biases they may encounter and how to deal with it a positive and productive manner.

I remember and miss those Afterschool specials, so I am giving this movie a 4/10 for the good times it reminded me of, cheers.

Lost in the Sun (2015)

Never heard of it . . . but pretty good stuff

[7/10 · 7 November 2015]

I watched this one tonight and was pleasantly surprised. As I had never heard of this movie, I didn't expect much . . . but I ended up being moved enough by the film to write a review on this Saturday night.

The movie is about a boy whose mother has just died. He is going to live with his grandparents in New Mexico and a mysterious stranger offers to give him a ride. Of course, he has no idea what he is in for by accepting the offer and a fascinating "road trip/coming of age" story ensues (with a few surprises toward the end).

I hate long reviews, so let's get to it: I grew up in Texas and the locations used by the director are lonesome and add great authenticity to the movie. The directing was above average by Trey Nelson (who appears to be primarily a TV guy until this film) and I thought the acting was excellent by Josh and especially Josh Wiggins as Louis.

This is a pretty good film if you are in the mood for a lonesome road movie. 7/10 cheers

Mother Nature (2013)

Low budget I assume . . . does not "look" low budget

[6/10 · 3 September 2015]

This movie was an unexpected treat and those tend to be the best movie experiences for me, I guess because I watch SO many crappy movies.

I don't know any of the folks involved with this movie, but I love good indie film work, so I decided to spend some of my Thursday evening writing this review. Big budget movies should be good and look good, so there is no surprise factor there, but finding a low budget movie that does not "look" or "entertain" on a low budget level is nice.

The basics: A guy takes his son on a camping trip an unluckily encounters some of the most creepy people in the woods you will ever meet this side of the movie Deliverance. I know what your thinking (So what? Seen this one before) but not really, this movie is pretty quirky in a good way, kept me interested and I watch a lot of films in this genre.

I hate long reviews so let me give you the bottom line: The directing and acting are excellent (Phillip Roebuck really looks like Michael Keaton to me and was solid) and the photography is beautiful. You could do worse on slow night at home. Compared to some of the junk I watch, this was like cold watermelon on a hot day. 6/10 Cheers

Bound to Vengeance (2015)

Nicely surprised

[5/10 · 26 June 2015]

Wow, I was going to give this movie about 5 minutes before turning it off and chalking it up as another dumbed-down "girl-turns-tables-on-psycho" movie, but this was a pretty good film for the budget. Now, you have to get past the obvious view that contacting the police would have probably been a safer play . . . but trust me, just accept the fact that she is on a mission, and enjoy the ride.

Tina really sold this movie playing the part of Eve. I mean, this is one scary and intense girl! And for once in this genre of film, you actually buy the fact that she could control this guy. Watch out for Tina because she can act and she is "stop and stare" beautiful.

Richard was great as the bad guy (good to see him back on screen) and the supporting cast of victims/survivors were all competent in their roles. The directing by Jose Manuel Cravioto in his first English language film (I am assuming) was excellent. Pretty good stuff. 5/10

Elephant Song (2014)

Worth a look on a slow night

[5/10 · 7 June 2015]

Well, this was an interesting movie experience for me because I wasn't expecting anything . . . and ended up being impressed enough during viewing that I wanted it to be better than it was.

The acting was very good. Bruce was on display in his usual state of effortless excellence, he may be one of the most under-rated actors around (loved him in Flight). Carrie-Anne and Catherine were believable in their supporting roles and added depth to the movie.

Xavier is going to get all the attention but he came across as presentational during the first scenes, too much of a jerk during the early parts of the movie (which is easy to play). In my humble opinion, he could have dialed that back and been a bit more subtle in an Anthony Hopkins/Dr. Lecter kind of way and been much more creepy. Xavier did show some great acting chops toward the end of the movie when he became vulnerable (which is tough to play) and began to open up after dropping the "Mr. Sarcasm" persona.

I thought the ending was beautifully done and the music was perfect, good writing and directing makes this movie well worth a view. 5/10

Every Secret Thing (2014)

Not bad . . . and a bit different

[6/10 · 17 May 2015]

I just read some of the longest reviews in history which totally missed the point . . . women are human, and will behave as such, which is fascinating. The only problem for me as a father was the baby being left alone on the front porch, none of my babysitters would have done this even on a bad day. Been looking forward to this one for a while and was a bit disappointed to be honest, it could have been exceptional with a few changes.

I believe this film is worth a view as long as you are not expecting too much. Elizabeth Banks is solid as is Diane Lane and the other actors, directing is decent. OK movie based on good writing. 5/10

The Arroyo (2014)

Politics abound/tried to be No Country for Old Men

[3/10 · 14 May 2015]

This may be the lowest rating that I have ever given a decently directed movie, but this movie is Fox News/Rush/O'Reilly driven stuff. That is fine except that it also tries to rip off No Country for Old Men, one of the best ever in my opinion. As a writer myself, I hate to be critical of others . . . but this is politically driven and as such, not creative.

If you like that sort of news and it entertains you, watch on, you will love this movie. Otherwise, I suggest Frontera with Ed Harris or The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada directed by Tommy Lee Jones to give you a realistic and non-biased idea of the border situation. 3/10

Charlie Victor Romeo (2013)

Aviation creepy

[6/10 · 15 April 2015]

To start, I am not part of the family/friends/crew blitz of reviews and message posts we all have to sort through in our research of movies and docs.

This was really fascinating! I am an aviation nerd and I assure you, it doesn't get more dramatic than in the cockpit of an airplane that is in crisis. I have long been obsessed with cockpit voice recordings and I love the fact that the director(s) used them word for word. The sets are a bit low rent, but the recordings are so intriguing you hardly notice.

If you love shows about airplane accidents or other aviation related media, CVR is well worth a look. 6/10

The Historian (2014)

Pleasantly surprised

[6/10 · 25 March 2015]

I did not expect much from this movie because Jake's Road brought me here, but I have to acknowledge the solid directing, acting (although I wish he would stop looking off to the right so much when the other actors deliver their lines) and writing by Miles Doleac. William Sadler and Leticia Jimenez are also very good in this movie.

I am assuming that Miles and Mike Mayhall are friends, appearing in projects written and directed by the other, but there is no comparison between them as writer/directors. This movie is thoughtful, intelligent and insightful. I was impressed by this film, looking forward to more from Miles. 6/10

Backcountry (I) (2014)

Rating will drop over time

[5/10 · 20 March 2015]

Look, I try to not be negative on the internet, it is too easy to do. But this movie is a 5 at most. The directing and acting were decent, but the writing was all over the place. It ran the spectrum from excellent to really bad.

I may be a victim of too much real-world experience because I am a retired firefighter, but people in crisis or fear (in my experience) never have these ridiculous dialogue exchanges in the heat of the moment. And please do not even mention this movie in the same breath with The Edge (written by the brilliant David Mamet).

Not a bad movie, but let's pump the brakes on the 6.2 rating.