Release Date: 14/10/13
Publisher: Liongate UK
SYNOPSIS:
Three office workers find themselves trapped by a sadistic psychopath in this horror from director David Brooks. Offering a ride home to his co-worker and love interest, Emily (Alice Eve), after their late night Christmas party, David (Brian Geraghty) feels obliged to help out when another employee, Corey (Josh Peck), asks for a lift to the nearest cash dispenser. But after entering the stand-alone unit, the three soon realise that they are being watched by a threatening hooded figure lurking in the car park. Trapped inside the booth, with their phones left in the car and panic setting in, they are horrified when the figure savagely murders a passing dog walker, setting in motion a terrifying game of cat and mouse.
REVIEW:
OK, so this is a film that you just can’t take seriously. It’s got a cast with the survival instinct of a manically depressed Lemming, has no real script other than lets go on a murder spree with a killer that’s dressed in a Parker that feels about as scary as parp in a spacesuit. And worryingly these are the film highlights.
So why would you rent this? Well to be honest it’s so bad that it’s funny and after a good 20 mins of laughing at the futility of it, we decided to mute it and do our own voice overs. OK, yes this might sound a little silly but for some entertainment, well it was worth having it in the TV. If you haven’t got the inclination to do this, then I’d advise you leave it purely on the shelf, unless of course you want to get vengeance on a relative that constantly gets you bad films in which case this would be the ultimate killer that might teach them a lesson.
Release Date: 24/09/12
SYNOPSIS:
It’s been a bad day for Driver (Mel Gibson) and it’s not getting any better. He just made a big haul of millions that would give him a nice summer vacation on easy street. A good idea that went south – literally.
During a high-speed car chase with the US Border Patrol, and a bleeding body in his back seat, Driver flips his car smashing through the border wall, tumbling violently, coming to a stop … in Mexico. Apprehended by the Mexican authorities, he is sent to a hard-core prison where he enters the strange and dangerous world of “El Pueblito”, the worst prison in all of Mexico. Not an easy place for an outsider such as Driver to survive, unless it’s with the help of someone who knows the ropes - a 10 year-old kid.
REVIEW:
I love a film that’s feels not only different but gives the viewer something to cheer for as well as enjoy. That’s exactly what I got from this latest Mel Gibson title which to be honest I had a lot of fun with. It’s got some great twists, the acting is reasonable and I loved the dodgy anti-hero he played here that really stole the show.
Add to this a solid script backed up with typical Gibson humour purveying throughout and when added to some slick shots, some good editing and a whole host of action really gave me a title that I enjoyed from the beginning opening sequence to the final scene.
Release Date: 19/03/12
SYNOPSIS:
Drug-dealing biker Sam Childers emerges from prison, seemingly intent on returning to his boozy, violent ways. Following a trip to East Africa and after witnessing horrifying violence atrocities, he embarks on a life-changing mission as the machine gun-wielding protector of refugee children in war-torn Sudan leaving his best friend Donnie (Michael Shannon) to take care of his wife and daughter. Sam leads dangerous armed missions deep into enemy territory which has explosive and gripping consequences.
The brutal depiction of war, bloodshed and poverty makes shocking and heart wrenching viewing. MACHINE GUN PREACHER follows the astonishing transformation of one man and provides those who are inspired to make positive changes.
Taking on executive producer duties as well, Gerard Butler delivers a searing performance as vigilante Sam Childers. Alongside an A list cast, MACHINE GUN PREACHER features Souleymane Sy Savane (Goodbye Solo) in a breakout performance as Childers’ right-hand man, Deng.
REVIEW:
If you want a film that is different to the norm then you might want to watch this title staring Gerard Butler. Based on the life story of Sam Childers who after a stint in prison for murder finds religion and goes to Africa, it brings everything that Butler is known for to the screen. Whilst the methods of the lead character are questionable and have been in the main media, the film gives the viewer the chance to see the horrors of the African Warzone as well as the efforts made by those to help the children who suffer due to the wars.
All in, its watchable, with Gerry stealing the show as well as giving the viewer food for thought. Whilst not exactly ground breaking it’s a decent way to spend a couple of hours and a title that gives the guys a film with a “rambo” like character, whilst the ladies can drool at Gerry doing his usual internal struggle where he wars against his own beliefs believing that a little evil is fine provided that it is for the greater good.
Release Date:
SYNOPSIS:
When a powerful force of supernatural evil threatens to destroy Hyboria, legendary Cimmerian warrior Conan (Jason Momoa) raises his sword against mythical monsters and treacherous enemies. Ron Perlman, Rose McGowan, Stephen Lang, and Rachel Nichols co-star in a sweeping fantasy adventure based on the character created by Robert E. Howard, and directed by Marcus Nispel (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, FRIDAY THE 13TH).
REVIEW:
OK, I love a good fantasy film so when I heard about the new Conan I had to see it. I love a film where they rely on few CG’s and whilst this wasn’t the biggest of budgets they did themselves proud with a film that will appeal to fans of not only the Barbarian but combat heavy films.
Jason Momoa works well in the title role and I have to give kudos to Leo Howard (the actor who played Young Conan) for helping to bring it to the audience. Add to this a reasonable plot, and a storyline that felt that it had a lot in common with the source material and I was a very happy movie watcher (although there are places within where it is a little patchy.) Which when added to some decent DVD featurettes and on the whole I was very pleased.
Finally please be aware that this title is full of gore and that it’s 15 for a reason. Yes there’s the odd shot of topless ladies but with the splattering of chopped off body parts it’s definitely something to be aware of, especially if you’re aware of the Conan Cartoon.
Release Date: 03/10/11
SYNOPSIS:
George A. Romero Presents Deadtime Stories, Volume 1 Directed by: Jeff Monahan and Matt Walsh Starring: Nick Mancuso, Kristin Slaysman, Jeff Monahan, Amy Marsalis and Bingo O’Malley Running time: 76 minutes, Rated R Three film shorts presented by the godfather of horror George A. Romero. In “Valley of the Shadow,” a woman gets funding to investigate her husband’s disappearance. “Wet,” a lonely alcoholic fisherman digs up the wrong type of buried treasure. Housecall, a town doctor is called to the home of a boy who is experiencing a change and it’s not puberty.
REVIEW:
As a long time fan of George’s work I thought that this might be something in the vein of Creepshow and was looking forward to the three stories presented. Alas that was not the case as each of the short films had an introduction from the master of the macabre read in the form of a short poem. Whilst it was cleverly done, the production values of the three tales were more handheld than professional camera’s, the stories fell short of what I was expecting and at the end of it all I only really enjoyed one of them (the third by Tom Savini) as it had a decent surprise twist to the mix.
Add to this a poor cast of characters, some poor effects and sadly it is a volume best left on the shelves in the hope to catch it on the TV (which knowing the Horror Channel won’t be that far off.) A great shame all in.
