Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

I was quite amazed by the amount of Sherlock stuff I saw when purchasing my Underoos today. Sherlock Holmes is one of my favorite detectives, although I have found it difficult to immerse myself into a book the way I did in my youth. Speaking of my youth, here is a flick that captures Holmes early on: Young Sherlock Holmes from 1985.

Plot/ When assorted people start having inexplicable delusions that lead to their deaths, a teenage Sherlock Holmes decides to investigate.

Young Sherlock Holmes is one of those 1980s flicks that have stood the test of time rather well. Not for anyone who is a Holmes purist, this one does take some liberties with the young detectives life that differ from the source material. However, this one is a rather entertaining trip into the detective story and created an alternate reality for him to grow. The storyline is simple and clichéd, the pacing works, sound track amazing, and incredibly the early CGI effects work better than some of those seen today. Sure, the acting is uneven, the historic aspects unbelievable, and the characters never truly develop, but that does nothing to bring this one down. In the end, this movie is entertaining, interesting, and fun to watch with the family, especially if you want to bring the genius of Holmes to life for a new generation.

Bermuda Tentacles (2014)

I took a couple days away from the blog so I could focus on finishing my college math homework for the week, and I was miserable. To make up for that misery, I ran out to pick up some Captain America Underoos, to help rid my mind of the useless math that I have been suffering through (one week to go). I also got back to some movies, first up is the mindless SyFy Channel original from 2014, Bermuda Tentacles.

Plot/ After Air Force One goes down during a storm over the Bermuda Triangle, the United States Navy is dispatched to find the escape pod holding the President. A giant monster beneath the ocean awakens and attacks the fleet.

It has been a while since I have ventured into the realm of SyFy Channel originals, and now, after suffering through another tremendous effort, the clock will start again. Sure, Bermuda Tentacles is not the worse entry, but that is not saying much. This one had very little going for it, with a few solid performances and a crazy storyline, but even those positives are not enough to make it a blip on the RADAR. The cinematography is all over, the scripting is incoherent, and the CGI created some of the most laughable creatures in some time. In the end, this predictable and clichéd CGI driven SyFy original may not be the worst entry from their catalog, but it rates near the bottom. There are clearly better choices; stay away!

Total Recall (1990)

Yesterday was a long day, as I had to pull a late night at the institute. Yes, it was only a few hours, but that time seemed to drain the life out of me and when I got home, I did not feel like doing anything. Tonight, I decided to get back on track by reviewing another one of the retro flicks I have watched over the past few days, 1990s Total Recall.

Plot/ When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real, or does he?

This was a movie that I recently searched out for many reasons. Based on the Phillip K. Dick short story We Can Remember It For You Wholesale, I decided to venture into this one again to see some of the areas I may have missed when it came out. While what I found was a touch dated, it was definitely worth watching again. The storyline is fantastic, the action scenes were solid, sets interesting, and the performances were actually better than I remember. Sure, some of the effects see out of date and the dialog is all over, but that was somewhat expected from what I had remembered. In the end, this was an entertaining trip into a strange and layered storyline. If you have not watched the original, give it a shot, it is worth it.

Goodbye World (2013)

With the report coming out in the New York Times earlier today that there may be a terrorist plot to detonate a nuclear devise in Chicago, thoughts of Jericho immediately popped into my mind. After watching that series last year, I still get chills when thinking about it, and the way the military industrial complex was realistically portrayed as the enemy. With the apocalypse in my mind, I decided to venture into the rabbit hole, with the post-apocalyptic themed Goodbye World (2013).

Plot/ When a mysterious terrorist attack causes chaos in the cities; a group of friends take refuge in their countryside cabin. But the challenges of living in a post-apocalyptic world soon take their toll on relationships within the group.

This flick was definitely different from my usual entries, as it is more of a character study in a post apocalyptic society, than a true apocalyptic based movie. Yes, there are mentions and allusions to the end times, but those aspects are not central to the story. What is central to the movie is the different ways this type of event will shatter lives and relationships while secluded from populous. The performances are solid, the characterizations believable and the storyline was layered; featuring the subtle intricacies in relationships that can spiral out of control when faced with isolation. Yes, the dialog is uneven, there were some clichéd moments, and some of the movie was too predictable. In the end, this is one of the better (and only) dramas that I have watched in some time. It is entertaining and educational, and a movie that should be taken seriously.

DeepStar Six (1989)

With last weeks, math homework in the rearview and a couple days until my next assignment is due, I decided to just kick back and relax. Of course, it does help that my crusader kicked Diablo’s ass last night and I am now headed to destroy the reaper of souls. With that extra time, I decided to go retro for a couple movies, starting with the 1989 deep-sea flick DeepStar Six.

Plot/ At the bottom of the ocean, the DeepStar Six has just discovered a new and deadly alien menace.

So, I have been in a retro mood this weekend and decided to give this one another shot after quite some time. Honestly, what I found surprised me, as the movie was actually a lot better than I remembered. The acting is solid, the storyline clichéd but interesting, and the mixture of story and action was pretty good. Sure, there were some characterization issues, the creature was absolutely horrid, and some of it felt dated, but it definitely held up better than some of the creature features from the past. In the end, this one is definitely worth revisiting if you have not seen it in some time; it is an entertaining and dark trip to the bottom of the sea that should be seen.

The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)

Have I ever said how much I cannot stand math? Honestly, why do we have to know how to invert equations, solve for x, or plot 27 points on a graph? I for one have absolutely no desire to spend time with fractions or linear equations, and I cannot wait for this class to end. Fortunately, doing this homework has given me a chance to watch some interesting flicks, like this one, The Taking of Deborah Logan from 2014.

Plot/ What starts as a poignant medical documentary about Deborah Logan's descent into Alzheimer's disease and her daughter's struggles as caregiver degenerates into a maddening portrayal of dementia at its most frightening, as hair-raising events begin to plague the family and crew and an unspeakable malevolence threatens to tear the very fabric of sanity from them all.

I had stayed away from this one expecting it to tread into many of the typical areas that seem to pop up around this season every year. That was definitely a bad idea, as this movie was a lot more than I could have imagined. There is so much to like, with an intriguing storyline, outstanding performances, atmosphere, suspense, and enough stimulating material to keep my mind focused on what was taking place. Sure, it is not perfect, as some may not like the supernatural aspects that take over from the realistic symptoms early on, but to me it was nothing close to a problem. In the end, this is an interesting and entertaining movie that would have been perfect for Halloween (unfortunately, I missed that window). If you are looking for something to watch, give this one a shot, you should enjoy it.

Antisocial (2013)

This has been a crazy week. It seems as though I lost a day somehow, as I was convinced that yesterday was Wednesday and not Thursday. Insane… However, I recovered and had another crazy day full of snow, Tesla, and of course, some horror. At least the week is now over, and I can relax. Next, up here on the blog, Antisocial from 2013.

Plot/ Five university friends gather at a house party to ring in the New Year. Unbeknownst to them, an epidemic has erupted outside, causing outbreaks around the world.

Yes, this genre is a touch overplayed, but this one at least takes a subtle different angle. Of course, there are some clichéd moments mixed in with the original parts. Inside the film, there were some interesting fragmented moments that created some chaotic moments, some social commentary, and enough of a storyline to make it somewhat entertaining. Sure, the acting was uneven, there were some pacing issues, and there were some undeveloped aspects of the scripting. In the end, this low budget entry may not have reached its potential, but it is far from the worst of its kind. While I would not specifically search it out, I would check it out if you have not seen it.

Mad Doctor of Blood Island (1968)

If you have read my blog, you would already know that I love classic exploitation cinema. There was something about those and the cheap slashers of the 1980s that just draw me in. Usually, I ensure I watch some heading into Halloween, but this year, I went a different direction and stayed in a more modern realm. However, this week I needed to quench that thirst, and decided to watch the 1968 flick Mad Doctor of Blood Island.

Plot/ A man who loves to travel, travels to an island where a mad doctor is creating zombies.

Personally, I love older exploitation flicks and this one was a blast. Shot in the Philippines, this classic example of vintage drive-in schlock was one of the more entertaining movies I have seen in some time. While there are many technical issues, it was actually a lot better than I imagined before diving into it. The scripting is paced and made sense, the scenery was amazing, the performances were better than most (for the genre and era) and there was enough blood, gore and guts to make me smile (with some boobs as well). Sure, the creatures were not great and there were some questionable cinematography/editing issues when the creature came out, but those are to be expected. In the end, this was a solid example of the awesome horror/exploitation films that made that era great, if you have not seen it give a shot.

Happy Camp (2014)

Many times when I sit down to watch a movie, I allow my mind to steer me blindly into the genre. That was definitely the case with my next selection, as a creature feature seemed to just pop into my mind. Next up for review is the 2014 flick, Happy Camp.

Plot/ In the vast wilderness of the Klamath National Forest lies the small logging community of 'Happy Camp'. With a population consisting of only a few hundred souls, this mysterious mountain town has become world renowned for it is staggeringly high number of Missing Persons Cases.

As I have said many times here at The Ringmaster’s Realm, found footage flicks can definitely be all over the board, and honestly, they are starting to become even more difficult to sit through. In this case, the interesting set-up and storyline were in place to create something outstanding, unfortunately, because of the sub par ending (and some other issues) it never reaches its potential. Sure, there were some positives with a sound grasp of the concepts, decent performances, and some solid scenery, but the cliché scripting, uneven (incoherent) editing, and a total lack of scares or visual effects bring it down. In the end, this one features a short run time (75 minutes) and that may be too long. It may not be the worst movie of this type, but it is far from the best. You have been warned…

Snowpiercer (2013)

As I am sitting here laughing at the excuses being made by democrats as to why they are taking a beating today at the polls, I decided that I needed relax and prepare for tomorrow’s #MillionMaskMarch. While I cannot take off to join in the festivities, I will have my mask on hand all day. Next of for review, the 2013 surrealistic flick Snowpiercer.

Plot/ Set in a future where a failed climate-change experiment kills all life on the planet except for a lucky few who boarded the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe, where a class system emerges.

When I saw this, I honestly expected some type of global warming propaganda piece, and while there were some of those overtones, what I found was much better than I would have expected. This post apocalyptic movie has a lot going for it; some of which I definitely did not see coming. The performances were solid, the cinematography works and there are some atmospheric moments. More importantly, it takes on many of the social issues that often go overlooked in films of this type. Sure, there are some head scratching moments with some plot holes, but within this type of surrealistic environment, those are to be expected. In the end, this is a movie that will either be loved or hated. Personally, I found it an entertaining trip into the post apocalyptic landscape that could be created if these global warming nuts get their way. Give it a shot, you could definitely do a lot worse.

 

Bloodworx (2012)

It is funny; these time changes are really a pain in the butt. I swear, I have struggled all day with the time change, and feel exhausted. Luckily, for me, it has been a relaxing evening watching Genesis in her first performance with the VFW Band, as they played a veterans ceremony at the local Masonic Lodge. As a veteran, it was a proud moment watching my extremely talented daughter play such patriotic music. Now I am home and jumping back into the blog with the 2012 flick Bloodworx (AKA Bloodwork).

Plot/ Best friends Greg and Rob, college roommates, decide to earn a little extra cash by participating in a two-week pharmaceutical test over the Christmas holidays. Locked into a remote hospital facility far out in the isolated countryside, they find themselves part of a bizarre series of tests and question whether they will survive.

It is amazing how many of these government experiment gone awry flicks come out and follow a detailed outline. Honestly, it is like listening to Democrats on Sunday talk shows. While that is again the case with this one (especially toward the end of the film), there are some interesting moments early on and lasting toward the middle of the film. This one is at least entertaining, with decent acting, and it does have a few spots of originality shine through prior to the cliché moments taking control. On a down side, the scripting is uneven and the predictable moments at the end make it impossible for the flick to reach its potential. In the end, more of a thriller than horror flick, this one is hard to place. Yes, there are some entertaining spots that make it worthwhile, but the cliché moments tend to bring it down. Do not run out and buy it, but if you catch it late on a Saturday evening, feel free to give it a shot.

Dragon Day (2013)

With the chatter of the New World Order’s plan for destroying America gaining momentum over the past weeks with the different information/disinformation on Ebola coming out, it is always fun watching movies with an apocalyptic feel. Of course, I feel that Jericho is a more likely scenario, but that is my opinion. Next up for review is the 2013 low budget apocalyptic flick Dragon Day.

Plot/ A family getaway to a mountain town turns deadly when China launches a massive cyber attack against the USA, forcing former NSA engineer Duke Evans to fight to save his wife and daughter in the New World Order.

Teaching electronic communications everyday, I truly believe that the next wave of attacks on the country will be a cyber attack that takes out the electronic necessities in life. I have been looking for a realistic post apocalyptic movie and this one definitely falls into a case of realism. While this one has some believability and an interesting premise, for the most part it was rough in its execution, which prevents it from reaching its potential. The acting is uneven, there were some cinematic flaws, and some of it came across forced and predictable. To me though, the believability factor and the balls to go where Red Dawn would not by implicating the Chinese as the primary culprit in the NWO takeover of America made it an enjoyable watch. In the end, this one is far from perfect, but it is also an interesting take on the end of the republic. Give it a shot; there are worse films out there.

Deliver Us From Evil (2014)

Last night was awesome. Did some trick or treating as an Ebola Response Team member (pictures will be up soon) and went to see SAW at the theater. Honestly, it was a awesome. Unfortunately, it also kept me from the blog, but that is all right. The next review on tap is for the 2014 flick Deliver Us From Evil.

Plot/ New York police officer Ralph Sarchie investigates a series of crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rites of exorcism, to combat the possessions that are terrorizing their city.

The movie is an interesting watch. Based loosely on true events, this one travels into different genres and creates more of a supernatural drama than true horror flick. Unfortunately, it may have also bit off more than it could chew with the varying story elements. Sure, there are some solid performances, a dark and eerie atmosphere, and the always positive good versus evil / religious exorcism narrative that can be fun, but there are also some flaws. Overall, the interesting premise has to battle some cliché moments and predictability and at times struggles to keep up (not to mention the uneven combat cinematography). In the end, this one does have some entertaining moments and was actually more than I expected. Sure, it is not for everyone, but it is better than most of the exorcism driven religious horror that has come out lately.