Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)

Ridley Scott's epic of Biblical proportions about Moses and how he rises up against the Pharaoh Ramses and leads his people out of an Egypt desecrated by plagues.

Spectacular stuff and a world away from Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments, Christian Bale's Moses is all action hero in true Gladiator mode but the film never hits home like that film did.

It's fluff but enjoyable fluff all the same.

Sold.

I didn't think about the surprising number of white people in Egypt, didn't try to engage my brain too much and, as such, enjoyed it quite a bit. If I was to think about what was happening while watching the film, it would likely disappoint, but I did like the way it dealt with the seven plagues in a rational way rather than something that can only be explained by divine intervention.

There are pros and cons to Ridley Scott going by the biblical timeline, which is completely out of whack, because there were no Hebrews in Egypt's at the time of Seti I or Ramses II for most historians believe the pyramids were built by skilled labourers, not slaves. However, without the slavery debate in Moses' story, it and, by extension the film, wouldn't be as interesting!

Same here. I put it on my Lovefilm list straight after reading the review. :nod:

Cop car

Two kids come across a cop car in the middle of nowhere, discovering the keys are still in it they decide to nick it and go on an adventure. The cop car belongs to a corrupt sheriff played by Kevin Bacon who has been out in the middle of nowhere disposing of corpses and has a nasty secret in the boot. After a concerned citizen reports sighting two kids driving the cop car down a highway Bacon realises he's got to get the car back quickly and begins pursuing the kids to get the car back.
I don't want to say too much about this as its one worth watching without knowing too much. I do however highly recommend the film to anyone curious. The 'precocious kids' element of the plot was slightly off putting to me but the young actors really sell their roles. Bacon is magnificent, his character avoids becoming a caricature villain and actually comes across as pathetically desperate and destructive. We don't get much in the way of exposition but we get to know enough about this guy through Bacons performance and some terrific writing. Tonally it feels like a dark hybrid of stand by me meets Blue Ruin and really held my attention for its running time. Overall I can't really recommend this minor classic enough.

Sicario

Reviewed this initially on its release so won't go into it too deeply. Have to say it still holds up on the small screen. It's a blistering, surprisingly dark thriller with both great visuals and terrific storytelling. Benicio Del Toro quietly steals every scene he's in and the finale still feels nasty as hell.

The dead hate the living.

Liberally homaging Fulci's The Beyond, this low budgeter has a film crew making a horror movie in an abandoned hospital discover a portal to hell and a bunch of Zombies in the basement. Not a major classic, the film is fun with competent direction and some decent gore effects.

Blood Moon

Another cheapie, expect this to turn up in poundland when October draws near. When it does, pick it up because its pretty decent. I think I really like it as its a weird western and there's not enough horror-westerns out there given the rich possibilities of the idea. As a werewolf movie its pretty fun in its own right with some fairly decent effects. It plays as a siege film, with the survivors holed up in a ghost town saloon. It could use a little tightening up in places but overall its a solid little horror.

HUSH – If the 'home invasion' sub-genre hasn't reached saturation point by now, it soon will. Unlike the bloated monarch of all overpopulated film specialisms, the zombie movie, it has to rely on good filmmaking to sustain itself. How else are you going to make a fundamentally fairly bland set-up work if not by investing it with tension and thrills, cinematic commodities far more difficult to manufacture than the simple gross-out? I'm surprised there aren't more lousy home invasion flicks out there, so maybe I'm wrong and perhaps there is just something intrinsically captivating about a household being ravaged by strangers – it's a theme that chimes with our overly suspicious and inward looking times, as politicians and right wing tabloids know only too well. 'Hush' is something of a surprise as it comes from Mark Flanagan, who made 'Absentia' and 'Oculus', two interesting and slightly left field indie horrors. Whereas 'Absentia' in particular was quite original in its off hand strangeness, 'Hush' is in some ways about as by-the-numbers as it gets. Kate Siegel, who co-wrote it, plays a deaf writer who lives in relative isolation out by some woods, with neighbours presumably a few miles down the road. I mention the neighbours because one of them, running for their life, ends up leading a masked, cross-bow wielding killer to her door – so begins the inevitable game of cat and mouse. It's pretty much a checklist of cliches and unlikely moments – but it's great. I haven't seen a film in quite some time which has affected me so much in terms of sheer fist pumping adrenalin. In a way it brings 'Hallowe'en' to mind, not for any thematic or stylistic reason, but simply because it's so linear, pared down and finely honed, and also for the fact that it's relentless. It's certainly no game-changer, but there is not an ounce of flab about it. It sets things up, introduces the lead character, then gets straight into the suspense and just doesn't flag. There are numerous stock-in-trades and 'erm, hang on a minute' moments at work – how could there not be? But the film is so well pitched that clunky sequences like the one where Siegel takes advice from her 'inner voice' about how best to deal with her assailant don't get a chance to stick. A lot of the tension obviously comes from the main character's deafness, and the excruciating conflict between what the viewer knows and what Siegel can't sense is exploited well - in some ways it reminded me of 'Wait Until Dark', although without that film's endless head games. I often judge the merits of a movie by how often I find myself gancing at my watch – in this case, never once. That's really no mean feat for what's essentially a two hander. I suspect more quibbles than I clocked on first viewing would emerge a second time around, and Siegel's enigmatic smile at the end there irked me a little – what was it saying? Anyway, 'Hush' is just a great example of genre filmmaking at its most concentrated. It's really worth watching, and seems to have debuted on Netflix – if you subscribe to the latter, what are you waiting for?

Sounds good Frankie. I'll keep an eye out for it.

When i saw the title Hush, i thought 'Oh good he's reviewing the excellent British film that i saw again the other night' but i was wrong. :lol:

Different film, but the one you mention is very good too.

Some more recent watches

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Really dug Killer Joe. Haven't watched it since the cinema, but between that, Bug and The Hunted I reckon Friedkin's been on a bit of a roll. Wouldn't call any of them classics, but they've all got a lot going on. (The knife fights in The Hunted are great.)

Recently seen:

The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes: incredible stuff. Wasn't familiar with Brakhage before and a lot of it goes over my head, but this one was magic.

Pieta: Korean crime thriller(ish). Had heard good things, but wasn't feeling it. Some great little scenarios, but none of it added up to it being particularly engaging. Weakened by a bad ending, too. Heard the director's great, so I'll try another one of his anyway.

The House in the Woods (1957)

A couple decide enough's enough when their neighbours in the appartment oposite seem to hold a perpetual party so they decide to look for somewhere more secluded. By chance they find a lovely cottage out in the wilds owned by a widowed artist who wishes to sell the place. Upon meeting the artist the three get on so well he invites them to stay whilst the sale goes through telling them he'll be gone in a few days anyway. Shortly after moving in the couple discover all is not quite as it seems.

More a melodrama than out and out thriller, The House in the Woods is a charming little B-picture that's short and rather sweet. Running at a mere 59 minutes, the film, clearly designed as an opener for a main picture when it hit cinemas has potential to be a decent episode of 70's ITV series Thriller. It's principal cast of Michael Gough, Patricia Roc and Ronald Howard as the artist, do well with a script that's short on action but remains quite gripping once Gough and Roc decide Howard is up to no good.

As for the house of the title. Well it's not really what you might think. Instead of a dark brooding mansion of madness we have a lovely quaint English cottage, and the woods? Well there are some and they hide a macabre secret but the film isn't the Gothic extravaganza you might be hoping for.

All in all The House in the Woods is an edgy, slightly sinister film and i'm pleased to have such an obscurity in my collection of British films.

The Network dvd has print damage on occasions despite it being a new master. The print itself is fine but the cigarette burns do seem quite extreme and the sound is also poor at times. However Network do warn you of these problems on all the publicity for the film.

Mm...so you liked it right?

I bought this a couple of Network sales ago and for some reason, have held off watching it. Might check it out this week based on your review!

The Debt (2010)

In 1965, three Mossad agents cross into East Berlin to apprehend a notorious Nazi war criminal. Thirty years later, the secrets the agents share come back to haunt them.

I think the biggest endorsement i can give to this film is that as the final credits rolled at ten to four in the morning i realized i'd never yawned or looked at the clock once during the 110 minute running time. Thoroughly gripping after a slightly confusing start that all becomes clear in due course, this is one of the more pacy Cold War films with several tense situations throughout.

John Madden, a director best known for Shakespeare in Love and the two Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films may seem an odd choice when it comes to an espionage thriller but he comes up trumps due to a tense script and a great choice of actors as well as knowing how to use them perfectly.

The Debt is a rare film that's both extremely intelligent and compellingly entertaining. Highly recommended.

Did you read the words or just look at the picture? :tongue1:

Can't see the picture thanks to tapatoss. Had to read. Good review Dem but i got the impression you were a little undecided or was it just not what you expected?

It wasn't quite as i expected, but i did enjoy it. :thankingyou:

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Boris Karloff is a dying archaeologist who uses most of his fortune to obtain a rare and expensive artefact that supposedly has the ability the grant eternal life if a ritual is followed at their death. Following his death karloffs lawyer amongst others are after the artefact, Karloff rises friends m the grave to seek it out to complete the ritual, caught up in this are is only two remaining relatives ( one who is a very young Ralph Richardson ). Enjoyable and quite atmospheric in places. The highlights for me had to be the female relatives best friend and Karloff's servant . 6.6/10

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A Bava spy/ mad scientist spoof. The story involves Vincent Price's Dr Goldfoot ( the real star of the show with is wonderful OTT performance) who has a plan to steal the wealth of some of the worlds richest men by using his army of fembots to make them fall in love with them and sign over there wealth. The only people that know of his plans are millionaire Ted Armstrong and inept spy Craig Gamble.
Was enjoyable enough up till the overly long and very unfunny car chase at the end. 6.1/10

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While not as good as the first, there was is still plenty to enjoy and it does have the best story out both film in it (the raft ) 8/10


Next up ( one I've not seen before )

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Mine should turn up in a day or two. At 59mins i stand a good chance of getting it watched soon. Got Dangerous Voyage coming too, that one sounds intriguing.

This one hit home like a sledge-hammer fro me. I watched it for the first time last year and it was one of those experiences that just compelled me to jot some random thought and feelings down about what I'd seen. Powerful stuff.

I quite enjoyed Pieta, although I agree with you about the ending to some degree.

I've seen a few Kim Ki-duk films and would certainly recommend Bad Guy and The Isle. Moebius (his follow-up to Pieta) is also pretty good.

Funnily enough, a friend recommended Hush to me yesterday, so I've just finished watching it. Really enjoyed it too.

Yes. You annoyed me with that one. :nod: :lol:

I'd dismissed it for some reason, you mentioned it so i re-read about it and it did sound rather good.

I've not bought half the stuff I'd have liked from the sale. Bad timing as ever.

Killer Joe certainly has some unforgettable scenes!

Mixed bag again.

Lazer Team (2015, Matt Hullum)
Rag tag bunch of small towners unintentionally interfere with fate. Funnier than Pixels (this is a recommendation? Nooooooooooo.), with which it shareth some DNA. Cheeky Pong bit as well ahaha.

American Ninja (1985, Stan Firstenberg)
Welcome to the wacky world of the Go Go boys, where a GI is put in the glasshouse for fighting insurgents!!?? Dudikoff is about as wooden as you can get without calling Social Services on Gepetto. Can't wait to see the other 2.

The Double (Richard Ayoade, 2013)
Now this I recommend. Yet again, like Ex Machina, something I wish I had watched earlier. Jesse Eisenberg has a crush on a fellow office worker, but is socially awkward. Luckily since this is based on a Doesteovsky story, it is not yr average love story. Visually quite different from Submarine, it does have echoes of Brazil (and Joe Versus The Volcano...underrated film btw). Spiffing cameo from a certain C Morris as well.

The Singer Not The Song (1961, Roy Baker)
Caught this on Spike. Johnny Mills battles bravely with an Oirish accent. Dirk Bogarde is a sneering Mexican bandido. Various Brit stalwarts turn up to do their bit. An odd film by anyone's standards. See also The Spanish Gardener.

The Toxic Avenger (Kaufmann/Herz, 1984)
Gosh, the blu looks rather spiffing. Hard to believe that Ferman savaged this at the time, but not surprising, considering his class bias. Working class stiff turns the tables on the establishment whilst taking no prisoners. Well, that's what I see. Others may just see some silly gore. But they haven't read as much as I have :lol:.

Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse (2015, Chris Landon)
Shaun ripoff. When the camera lingers on a pair of zombie breasts, I wonder to myself "who was this made for?". Not as fun as Zombi 3 (but then, what is?)

I second this emotion.

Other 3 you mean? In fact i gather there's a fifth that apparently is practically unwatchable its bad.

Oooh, is there more:glitter::glitter:. 80s actioners are a new playing field for me. Remember most of the covers etc, but was all about the Italians back then.

A lot of these 80s action b flicks, certainly Dudikoff went past me at the time too. I've yet to pick up American Ninja 3 and 4 but Part 2 is a blast.

Sound then. Ever since I got this PS3, a mate's been round with a heap of stuff. In fact he should be on here, but he "doesn't do forums".

C'est la vie. I'll keep watching them.

This is the only forum I'm on. A lot of them seem to be populated by angry argumentative little twats.

Indeed. I used to frequent Spill.com mainly to wind up know nothing septics ahem. But I'm all better now. ;)

Watched Jason X and Alien Trespass at the weekend. Both looked nice in HD. For me, Jason X isn't one of the better Friday the 13th movies, but it's worth watching, at least once. Cronenberg's cameo and one or two kills were the highlight for me. Alien Trespass I've seen a few times. Now this one, I like. Love the whole '50s vibe. Also watched a Tales from the Crypt episode, called 'What's Cookin'. Loved it.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

I love Jason X, for me its the strongest Jason films I've seen. Though I've not seen many. Never heard of the other movie.

Or not very welcoming to newcomers, And have their own niche circle of friends that if not in that circle then u kinda get ignored or barely answer. Any Q? U do ask and that are answered have snide remarks where as here everyone made to feel at home and Insult anyone and everyone in a friendly way like a nice warm welcoming family like the waltons and not like the angry bitter hatred you have towards youre brother or sister that you cant stand.

****ing hell gag! Have you just compared Cult Labs to The Waltons? :pound:

No their not whats make you think that maybe youre the bitter one :lol:

Im certainly bitter but thats because i hate lager

Strange things do happen from time to time the world is unpredictable and a strange society

Sod of :tongue1:

Talk to me like that again :madgrin: and ill come round :shooter::dirtyharry: raise holy hell :chainsawkill: burn youre house down wirh my :mob: and put a spell on you :spell: so shut ya mauth... How do you spell mouth to sound like a shit cockney accent?

Taught you were trying to sound like a redneck :tongue1: