Straight to DVD Gem: The Killing Room

The Killing Room was another straight to DVD gem that I found in the horror section of Comcast on Demand. The Killing Room which premiered at this years Sundance Festival however is more of a psychological thriller than anything else, one that I would compare it to the original SAW ( minus all the gore) which by the way was actually a pretty groundbreaking “horror” film. Before we see any of the films characters we are met by text that briefly discuss a now defunct covert CIA mind-control/chemical interrogation program called MKULTRA ( this was anactual program, think Manchurian Candidate, but real). The film then begins with the introduction of a human lie detector played by Chloe Sevigny, who is asked by Dr. Phillips played by Peter Stormare ( loved him in Prison Break) to observe a group of 4 “subjects” who are under the impression that they are a part of a voluntary medical testing group ( human lab rats for pay). However the volunteers 3 of which are played by Clea Duvall, Timothy Hutton, and Nick Cannon soon find out that this is far from some simple questionnaire and pill popping session when they are met with a surprisingly violent event. While the film does quickly take a violent turn, I would have to categorize it as moderately violent, not at all gory, and is filled with tension to the very end. The results of what we come to realize is a rebooting of an old CIA program is the most shocking and makes for a great twist of an ending, one very fitting for our current political climate. Just one warning, while there is constant tension the film is slow moving near the middle, but picks up again. An over all a good film.

Worstie: Lars and the Real Girl

Lars and the Real Girl had the potential to be funny and heart warming if it wasn’t so insulting to your intelligence. Lars was a story about a withdrawn, socially awkward man (which was played excellently by Ryan Gosling) and his struggles with his emotions and pain due to a childhood trauma. A trauma that in my opinion would have helped the movie greatly if it was explained and talked about more. The social awkwardness eventually manifest itself in Lars purchasing a Real Doll which he then pretends is alive. I could have dealt with Lars’ dilution but the fact that the entire town choose to participate in it i.e. cutting the dolls hair, giving it a job, talking to it, etc was too much. You’re telling me no one in the entire town was sane? The only highlight of the film were the moments when Lars would take his Real Doll for her weekly doctor appointments ( they were really appointments for him) and the doctor would get Lars to open up about what was going on with him. Eventually Lars comes to his senses complete with a funeral and burial for the Real Doll and finally a real human girlfriend. I understand movies delve into fantasy but this was just too absurd to even be tolerable. I suggest you watch the BBC’s documentary Love Me, Love My Doll about Real Doll’s (which is kind of creepy) instead of his poorly thought out movie.

photo cred: MGM

Bestie: The Wackness

The Wackness is a refreshing change to your typical coming of age story. The Wackness is set in the summer of 1994 and one of its main characters is a spectacular 90’s era hip hop sound track. Actually The Wackness is not just one coming of age story but two one of an upper middle class, pot dealing, recent high school graduate by the name of Luke Shapiro ( played by Josh Peck) and of his well to do pill popping, pot smoking client/psychiatrist Dr. Jeffery Squires played excellently by Ben Kingsley. It is also the story of a unique friendship and bond that builds between Dr. Squires and Luke, which makes for a lot of laughs. This independent gem received some mainstream buzz mostly due to the fact that Mary Kate Olsen has a role in it but as far as the actresses in this film go Miss Olsen was outshined by up and comer Olivia Thirlby who plays Luke’s love interest and Dr. Squires stepdaughter. This filme lingered on my netflix list and I finally ended up watching it OnDemand, so if this film is in your queue I suggest you move this funny, witty, quirky film to the top spot.

photo cred: Sony Pictures Classics

Bestie: The Chaser ( Chungyeogja)

The Chaser (Chugyeogja ) is a solid Korean language thriller which was released in 2008 and got IFC’s seal of film approval shortly after. The film is about an ex detective turned pimp who finds his business falling on hard times with debt, sick/ retiring prostitutes as well as unsatisfied customers. What he doesn’t suspect is that he will turn back to his detective ways, when he finds some of his employees mysteriously vanishing. Like many of the Korean thrillers I have seen this film takes a flawed protagonist and turns him into a unique “hero” a character you hate in many ways, but you feel some compassion and good will towards as well. Unlike your typical thriller the film develops quickly with “payoffs” very early into the film and with this film it doesn’t stop there but becomes a continuous “chase”. This is a must see for Asian film lovers or those who are looking for something different. Oh and just to let you know how good this film is there is already an American robbery ummm I mean version in the works.

photo cred: ShowBox

Bestie: Unknown

Unknown was well one of the better little known tension filled thrillers I have seen in a while. It’s an IFC Film which almost guarantees it will be at the very least interesting. The film boast a cast of great actors who we are use to seeing in smaller/ supporting roles Barry Pepper, Jeremy Sisto, Joe Pantoliano, Greg Kinnear, and Jim Caviezel ( Okay he was Jesus), all putting forth excellent performances. The film is basically about that group of men who wake up to find themselves in a warehouse type building; think Saw minus the gore and with a much better story. They are all mysteriously suffering from amnesia and all look to have been in a fight which makes their ultimate goal to find out who they are, and why they are in the warehouse. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but for those of you who are a little weary the films story does venture outside the walls of the warehouse and into a much bigger story. If you enjoyed The Usual Suspects I think you’ll really enjoy Unknown as well both have a shocking and rewarding ending.

photo cred: IFC First Release

Worstie: The International

I rarely review movies that are still in theaters but, I felt that this one was my duty. The International …zZZZZZzzzzzzZZZ snore, oops I fell asleep just like I almost did throughout this entire film. Not only was the plot simple, it was also a boring and predictable story about a corrupt bank funding war and two law agencies trying to bring down the untouchable entity . On to the acting, I happened to be a Clive Owen fan, but this was one of his worst performances to date (un-honorable mention to Shoot’Em Up) not that he was bad, but like the rest of the film he was boring, and not worth connecting with. Naomi Watt well lets just say there was no wattage in her performance, she was an unnecessary “pretty face” and semi-big name addition that was rather unnecessary. While the stars gave pretty meteoric performances Armin Mueller-Stahl as a communist turned capitalist, and Brian F. O’Bryne as an unlikely hit man turned in screen stealing performances. I can’t even recommend this as a wait for DVD option because if I was nearly nodding off in the theaters it’s no telling what you would do at home on the comfort of your couch!

If you want to see a great film starring Clive Owen watch Inside Man (there is going to be an Inside Man 2).

photo cred: Columbia Pictures

Worstie: Calvaire ( The Ordeal)

I wanted to love Calvaire (The Ordeal), but I just couldn’t. It was touted to have so much of the attributes I tend to like, it’s a foreign film, it’s a little “alternative” and it’s compared to one of the most infamous/popular movies The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Let me tell you this, this movie is nothing like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the violence/blood/gore in comparison to Texas Chainsaw Massacre was minimal( depending on who you are that’s a good thing) . The lead character Marc Stevens ends up being a sniveling, crybaby that you can’t even root for him to overcome the adversity put before him. I would compare Calvaire to Deliverance the setting is the backwoods of Belgium, mostly male cast, farm animals, possible inbreeding you gets the picture. There was some dark humor which was really the only redeeming quality of the film. Overall this predictable film lacked the suspense and thrills that are truly necessary in the horror genre.
photo cred: Tartan Films