We Are Monsters

WE ARE MONSTERS

This Movie was so Low Budget, that I couldn't even find the actual movie poster!  If you haven't heard of this movie don't worry, no one else has either.  There were a lot of things going against this flick starting with the title, the majority of the budget going to fake blood, and a setting of literally 3 rooms of a cabin in the woods.  If you ask me, these were all of the things that made this movie outstanding!  This is one that I feel could turn into a cult hit.  It was graphic, dirty and disgusting with no new plot line and a real gritty old school kind of feel.  Basically, we have a business woman who gets abducted, tortured, raped and beaten in a filthy cabin.  Well its the same old story we have seen before as she escapes not once, not twice, but three times only to be caught each time and again put through more torture.  Well she finally gets her revenge in some pretty gruesome ways.  I liked it but it was pretty bad.  It really had no value other than filling some time with "almost there" shock value.  Give it a shot if you like these types of "B" movies, otherwise give it a pass.

FYI:  There were more than 35 gallons of fake blood used in this movie.

**1/2

Kill the Messenger

Another classic tale of Curiosity killing the Cat!  Now I don't know about you, but I know absolutely no one who loves their job so much, they are willing to risk their family, marriage, and life in order to get answers that really has nothing to do with you.  Okay, maybe the guy working at Ben and Jerry's but no one else!  If you haven't seen this movie yet, you are wrong!  I have secretly titled this movie, "Better than Spotlight" because it was!  I cant believe Spotlight is up for a number of awards and this got snubbed, its probably because Jeremy Renner is black.  Seriously though, this was a far superior film with a number of amazing performances.  This story of Gary Webb who uncovered a story of Americans funneling coke into the ghettos of our country to fund the war on drugs in Nicaragua.  He really gets the shaft, big time.  Apparently the CIA and FBI don't want you snooping around in their work to better America, for the wealthy that is.  This movie really keeps you on the edge of your seat and draws you in like no other.  I have read that there are a number of holes and they gave it a bit of the Hollywood treatment but still loved it.  I have even read that many of the accusations made by Webb were completely false, but I think it was the CIA yelling that from their soap box.  Definitely watch this movie, it was one of the best I have seen this year.

FYI:  The soundtrack features a Pearl Jam song!

****1/2

Bridge of Spies

Admit it, this was one of those movies that you saw previews for and said to yourself, "huh, that looks good", then forgot about it and never made an effort to see it.  I know this because I will watch just about anything and did the same thing!  Well I was wrong, we all were.  This movie was really good.  Not sure how much of it was actual fact but Hanks usually doesn't disappoint.  The crazy part is good ole Tom wasn't even the part of the movie that kept you watching.  It was the supporting actors that really did a great job in drawing you in for more.  The 50's must have been a really weird time, not only for the mindset of normal values in America, but the whole cold war coming into its true fashion and displaying ridiculous amounts of loyalty to anyone.  Hanks plays an insurance attorney that is recruited by the CIA (for some reason) to successfully negotiate the exchange of two Americans in Germany and Russia for an alleged Soviet spy.  Well as you can imagine dealing with foreign affairs, in a foreign country, during war is a difficult task.  Hanks plays the part well but fails to have you really love his character.  None the less, I was still intrigued by this film and was never bored or distracted from start to finish.  Give this one a shot then send your kids to school in the Middle East, they should be fine.

FYI:  Bridge of Spies is an actual bridge that was an exchange place for a number of prisoners.

***1/2

A Girl Like Her

Okay, seriously.  Who is a high school bully anymore?  Really, has any American high school kid ever turned on the news?  There are literally school shootings every other day by some poor kid who is picked on or bullied by the POP kids.  Kids today are either really brave, or incredibly stupid.  Being the father of a teenager, I am gravitating toward stupid.  I actually watched this movie twice and it hit me with the choke ups both times.  I made my 13 year old daughter watch it with me the second time to hear her thoughts on the authenticity of what happens in school today, and she said it was pretty spot on.  Ouch, I always knew kids were mean, but now with the social media and constant contact, they can destroy you in no time!  The story is popular girl decides she doesn't like one of her introverted friends anymore and sets out to make her life a living hell.  So much that the other girl takes drastic measures against herself.  All the while everything is being captured by a hidden camera that the one friend convinces her to wear.  They do a really good job with this movie in exploring both sides of the bully and victim.  It will give you a lot to think about and prompt you to call those people you picked on in high school.  "Boy I sure am glad I called that guy!"

FYI:  Both main characters were on Soap Operas, and nominated for awards.

****

Inside

If any of you expecting mothers out there are looking for an exciting night of movie watching, this is one for you!  As you can tell by the cover, this is a heartwarming tale of pregnancy and the beauty of child birth.  Why are there a pair of household scissors on the cover?  Well, apparently in France they sometimes do things a little different in the medical field.  I searched for this movie for a while hearing a lot of hype and of course I had to see what cant be unseen.  Here you have it, a tale of a 9 month pregnant widow being stalked by a lunatic woman wanting a baby of her own.  The budget of this film was $3 million, and my guess is they spent $2.5 million on fake blood.  This French horror flick didn't disappoint and had all of the gruesome, nasty, disturbing images you would expect.  Some un-answered questions and the local police across the pond are huge idiots, otherwise pretty good acting and crazy upsetting story-line.  Give this one a shot if you don't mind a little dry heaving and cringing.  I would suggest a bloody Mary and some steak while viewing.

FYI:  The address on the main characters door is, wait for it.........666!

***

Legend

London,  you know bad teeth, even worse weather, fish and chips, cup of tea, London!  Apparently according to this movie in order to speak proper English, you first must fill your mouth with a handful of marbles.  Make sure you have the subtitles on for this one cause the Kray twins really suck at talking!  Here we have the true story of the infamous London gangsters of the 60's, Ronnie and Reggie Kray.  These guys were real bruisers, and controlled the night club and money laundering scene out of sheer brute force.  Ron, the schitzo, crazy half, and Reggie, the crazy practical half.  The story revolves around a short period of their life, and from what I have read mostly true.  There is actually a lot of rumors of what really happened to a lot of the dead blokes they were associated with.  The best part is, both parts were played by Tom Hardy, who is arguably one of the best actors of our time.  He nails both roles and makes you think you are really watching two different actors.  There could have been a lot more to the story and would have liked to see more of the iron fist ruling with these guys, but overall pleased.  Give this one a shot, if anything for Tom Hardy as he is phenomenal in just about everything.

FYI:  Hardy also played Charles Bronson, another famous British criminal.  Reggie Kray knew him in prison and called it the most frighting experience he has ever had.

****

Willow Creek

If only they would have brought a Slim Jim.  That should be the tag line for this movie, it would really tie the movie together.  Ready for this one?  New concept, couple goes into the woods in search for the infamous Bigfoot.  All the while they are capturing the events on a hand held camcorder.  If you have read any of my past reviews you know I love found footage films.  I feel like there is an authenticity to it that makes it a little scarier.  This film, although low budget, slow and somewhat boring at times, was enjoyable with nothing unique to offer.  Another directorial by Bobcat Goldthwait, and not to spoil to much but he must have some weird fetish with bestiality.  Good jump scares as well as built up tension scares.  Good characters and creepy atmosphere.  Also, very good job of building up the story with the hidden messages and foreshadowing.  There will be no Oscars given for this film and probably no recognition but worth a good horror movie watch fix.

FYI:  The tent scene was a single one take 21 1/2 minutes long blast!

**1/2