The Purge: Election Year (2016)

As a primer for last night’s Vice President debates, I decided that I had to find a movie that could serve as a proper introduction. And while my selection may not have been as perfect as something like It or Killer Clowns from Outer Space after watching Tim Kaine’s clown impression, I do believe my selection was somewhat fitting. What was that? It was the 2016 action/horror flick The Purge: Election Year.

Plot/ Years after sparing the man who killed his son, former police sergeant Barnes has become head of security for Senator Charlie Roan, a Presidential candidate targeted for death on Purge night due to her vow to eliminate the Purge.

While there are issues with almost every sequel that exists, there are times where these flaws become very evident and can turn a viewer off. In this one, one of the most visible was the over use of stereotypes within the storyline that did not need to be used to get the point across. Personally, I hate seeing stereotypical behavior because it can take away from the overall message of the film. Like with the first films, the cast is decent with a couple solid performances, there is enough action, the blood and effects come across really well, and the storyline is intriguing (even if the idea and political overtones are polarizing and may not resonate with everyone). Of course, the politics in this movie will definitely turn some viewers off (even though it may skirt around our reality), as it comes across in a way that exploits many of the truths that people across this country (and the globe) want to ignore. As with many action/horror films, the performances are uneven and the dialog is all over, but those aspects do not really bring the movie down. In the end, this one will not be for everyone and it will likely fall into the love/hate spectrum that many horror flicks fall into. For me, I think it was an interesting change in the mythology of the series and a fitting movie for this overwhelmingly surreal election season. Who knows, depending on who wins the election, these movies may become survival guides.  

Jericho Season 3: Civil War

On the Internet there are stories galore published by conspiracy theorists talking about the end of days, or an impending apocalypse. Of course, many of these are deep rooted inside strange interpretations of prophecy and the rise of the antichrist, but there are some stories that are spawned from a deep-rooted fear of the government and the military industrial complex that falls under control of the New World Order.

Incredibly, many similar theories were brought to life in pop culture by the cult television sensation Jericho in 2006. While Jericho was not for everyone and was cancelled due to failed ratings, many of the storylines in this post-apocalyptic series resonated throughout the underworld of conspiracy theorists, especially those who view the military industrial complex and the government as the biggest enemy to the country’s sovereignty. 

Through this remarkable show, viewers were able to see the emotional gambit of surviving a nuclear attack on American soil, and the turmoil that arrives when the country is turned into two nations. As America discovered in the 1800s, two nations is not an optimal situation. Unfortunately, CBS pulled the plug before fans could see the completion of the impending civil war and many were left with too many unanswered questions. 

In 2009, the shows’ creators and writing staff came together with Devil’s Due Publishing to produce Jericho, Season 3: Civil War. This six issue series (and eventual IDW graphic novel) from the minds of Dan Shotz, Jason Burns, Matthew Federman, and Robert Levine and the artwork of Alejandro F. Giraldo, Matt Merhoff, and Michael Stribling gave fans everything they wanted to know about what happened after CBS shut them out. 

This series starts at the exact moment the show ended and transports the reader to the safety of Texas, where antagonists Jake Green and Robert Hawkins present evidence from the initial bombings that destroyed the United States. While there, mastermind John Smith, who needs their help, contacts Jake and Robert and they must decide how to venture into the future. 

There is at least a small flashback for those unfamiliar with the show, which will potentially open their eyes to the layered backstory from the show and the vile depths that a corrupt government would go for power. However, that also shows how comic series and the graphic novels were clearly written for the fans of the original show and filling in the gaps that remained after the cancellation. While the fan base of the classic show continues to grow, because of the material covered inside this series of books, a new reader may not be able to completely relate to what is going on unless they have digested the full backstory of the television series. 

Seeing the storyline evolve from television to comic form is powerful and thought provoking, with each issue acting as an episode of the show, even leaving off as a cliffhanger? From the ease of transitioning between issues, the influence of the shows experienced writing team is apparent. Unfortunately, because of the authentic feel and relationship to the source material, this graphic novel feels like it ended too soon, even if it was not able to truly capture the emotional feel of the show. 

The artwork throughout the series was amazing, and consistently captured the likeness of the characters throughout the season and portrayed the dismal atmosphere of the show surrounding the main antagonists in a believable way. More importantly for fans of the original show, the subtle imagery that was always present inside the town is still present. The only flaw with the artwork surrounds the new cast and characters that were sprinkled in, as they did not have the same detailed feel of the main cast members that came to life on the television. Of course, this could be the fan in me becoming overly critical and those minor elements do not hurt the overall product in any way. 

As a fan and a closet conspiracy theorist, Jericho Season 3: Civil War gave me enough answers to keep me intrigued, and leaving me to find Jericho Season 4 (released as a graphic novel in 2014) to find the answers to the cliffhanger. While this format may not truly capture the full emotional toll and detailed characterizations that helped propel Jericho into the hearts of fans, it is still a great way for the creative team of the landmark show to continue to build a following and keep those like me enthralled by the complex nature of the storyline.

Serenity (2005)

After some debate on what I wanted to watch today, I decided that I needed something that was both thought provoking, yet had enough action to keep my interest. Yes, that can be a difficult combination to find. What did I decide on? Well, that would be the 2005 Joss Whedon classic, Serenity.

Plot/ The crew of the ship Serenity tries to evade an assassin sent to recapture one of their number who is telepathic.

There are times when I need to revisit movies from my past that have provided some influence on who I am today. One of those is Serenity; a movie that I believe was never embraced by the mainstream society. This one has so much to offer featuring a layered storyline, solid effects, and an atmosphere that will appeal to every emotion. Yes, this is likely considered a niche movie (and series), as many did not like the western science fiction overtones, but it is definitely more than that. In the end, this one may not be for everyone (although it should be), and lives on as a cult classic. For me, I believe every Sci-Fi fan should give it a shot; it is an amazing movie that should be seen.

Starship: Rising (2014)

As I wait for my final group project to be placed into the folder for submission by our group leader, I had time to reflect on some of the Sci-Fi flicks I have watched over the past days. Next up for review from that list is the 2014 space movie Starship: Rising.  

Plot/ Starship One - the most powerful warship in the Federation, capable of destroying entire worlds. When the order is given to destroy the Earth, Flight Lieutenant John Worthy mutineers Starship One and takes on the might of the Federation.

I honestly have no idea where I begin with this one. There are some points that are decent, especially for a lower budget / non-mainstream film. One of those is the look, with solid CGI, and an overall skilled appearance. However, there are some issues that I cannot get past such as the uneven scripting, slow pacing, poor characters, and some extremely incoherent moments. In the end, this is a Sci-Fi film that I truly cannot recommend for anyone unless they are true Sci-Fi fanatics. For the casual viewer, this one may not suffice.

Jericho (2006 - 2008)

Everywhere you look, it seems as though the United States as you remember is disappearing. The economy is in the dirt, unemployment at an all-time high, a president more intent on pushing his radical progressive agenda that doing what is right for the country and lawlessness in the government that has left a bad taste in the mouth of many Americans. Government approval is tanking, as even the most hypnotized sheep are starting to wake. Ironically, these same overtones existed on the State Run Media in the form of Jericho, which ran from 2006 to 2008 on CBS.

Plot/ When Jake Green returns to his Kansas small-town home Jericho, where his dad Johnston is mayor, everyone is preoccupied with petty private business and family matters, but that changes drastically after a completely unexpected explosion. It soon becomes clear there has been a nuclear attack, but neither by whom nor on which scale. Suddenly life in Jericho, and as the inhabitants gradually discover all over the disintegrating USA, becomes a more primordial struggle for survival, where unexperienced dangers, primitive as well as technological, have to be weighed against pressing primal needs, such as food, fuel and self-defense against plunderers, invaders and even each-other.

While I do not usually review television series as a whole, in this case, I feel it is my continuing duties. As Veterans Day nears, I have been drawn into this series and could not get enough of it. Over this past week, I have been able to watch all 29 episodes on Netflix, and I can see exactly why it was removed from the air, as it digs into the hearts of Patriots and shows how the United States is being destroyed by rogue elements within the government and military industrial complex. It is so well done, that it addresses reality in a fictional setting better than any documentary can.

Yes, there are some unbelievable moments that take away from the story, and some of the characterizations leave a bit to be desired, but those are not many. If anything, the biggest negative was the fact that many storyline were never able to be fully developed and a lot of loose ends were left dangling. However, what was accomplished in this series is amazing and should be seen, thought about, discussed and appreciated.

The story is thought provoking, the main characters draw you in and the parallels to our society cannot be ignored. Sure, some sheeple will not ever agree that this series is anywhere near reality, and they would be wrong. The rise of the military industrial complex and their influence on America is truly devastating in reality, and they sit at the heart of all of the programs that are destroying the fabric of America. They talk a good game, taxing the rich, redistributing wealth, unified health care, but those are the hallmarks of Communism, ideologies that we military veterans fought against for generations.

Jericho has a huge following and has been transformed into a comic book series, but it deserves even more attention. There has been a push to bring Jericho back, either on CBS or on Netflix and you can count me in the group. This show must be seen, it must be thought about!

Argo (2012)

Now that I am fully recovered from horror and blog overload, I decided to get back into the swing of things with a movie that is a big conversation on Oscar Night. Enjoying thrillers, political dramas and history, I decided to breakdown and watch Argo from 2012.

Plot/ A dramatization of the 1980 joint CIA-Canadian secret operation to extract six fugitive American diplomatic personnel out of revolutionary Iran.

Growing up during this era, I remember the nightly news and all the talk about the hostages. Of course, I also remember when news organizations actually covered the news and not just the new reality story or blindly follow a narrative just because it is the talking points presented. Oh well, those were the days. While I know of the historical inaccuracies, this is a great albeit flawed thriller. There was really a lot to like, the storyline, the acting, the cinematography, the realism and tension. It was truly an interesting take on history. Sure, some of the characterization was off and characters flat, but it is the historical inaccuracies that damage the overall grade of the movie. Yes, those facts do not matter for the majority of viewers, who are blind to these facts caught up in their Hollywood trance, but they do matter. Canada played a huge role in this rescue, one that is virtually overlooked. In the end, if you know nothing about history, you will love this flick. Hell, I liked it a lot even with the flaws. Check it out!

V for Vendetta (2005)

I decided last weekend that it was time for a small vacation from blogging. It seemed as though everything I had been watching had started to run together in my mind. When you couple that with trying to buckle down to finish the scripting for my Operation Paul Revere short, I just needed the break. That being said, it was time to jump back in. My evening selection is the 2005 action classic V for Vendetta.

Plot/ A shadowy freedom fighter known only as "V" uses terrorist tactics to fight against his totalitarian society. Upon rescuing a girl from the secret police, he also finds his best chance at having an ally.

Let me start by saying that watching this today was even better than the first time I watched it. Honestly, there were some elements that seemed more important in the social construct today than years before. Maybe is was the sense of liberty, or maybe the lawless totalitarian oppressive nature of society. This was one of the best action films I have seen, as it had a tremendous script to match the rather intelligent and political storyline. The acting is solid and combined with the tremendous visuals and action, this is a movie that must be watched and enjoyed. In the end, this is a movie that will stand the test of time as a true piece of action history. If you have not seen it, what are you waiting for!