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Review The Superdeep a.k.a. Kolskaya sverhglubokaya (2020): Combination of The Thing and Resident Evil!

genre: science fiction, horror







The Superdeep had been on my radar for a long time, but I couldn't get a hold of the film in the original language. That is why, as an exception to the rule, decided to watch the English dubbed version. Serious films like these need to be shown in their original language, there is absolutely no need to have this dubbed, but I am pretty sure this is done for the American market. Apparently, the majority of Americans don't like subtitles. And why am I mentioning this, because the overall result is that it hurts the film, especially in the more dramatic moments. Not that the dubbing is bad or anything, I mean for what it's worth, it's pretty good. However, you can tell that often the dialogue doesn't line up with how the characters express themselves, and to me that was pretty annoying.


Anyway, I got past it and managed to immerse myself. Not without hiccups. For whatever reason, The Superdeep is very slow at times. I understand what they were going for. Build-up of tension and dread. 
I wished I could say that this was consistent and effective. But the direction in this regard was awful. The actual terror and horror doesn't hit you so hard as it could. Although, this doesn't mean you won't be exposed to some atrocities. You certainly will, it's disgusting and glorious. I have to commend the filmmakers for the use of the special effects. I think it must be a combination of CGI and practical effects. Apparently, the budget for the film was 2 million US dollars. That's peanuts. And yet, they managed to make it look like a big budget film.


While it didn't lessen my viewing experience, I do think the minimal story and characterization could have been done far better. Our lead Anja, for example, a couple of times she is shown to be haunted by nightmares, probably out of guilt. The film makes it seem like this is a big deal and is going to play a role in how she acts. It is true, at times, she does act very cowardly. Only, not of her male team members seem to mind that much. Not once, do they get angry with her. To me, this seemed so surreal. I definitely, would have called her out for her actions especially the events get worse because of them.


Overall, it could have been done better. But still, I had fun with it while it lasted. Did I mention, this film is very Lovecraftian? No? It definitely is! Always a good thing in my opinion.





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Review Qodrat (2022): Entertaining!

genre: horror, drama, action, fantasy





After reading an article, I was a little confused on Qodrat being classified as an action / fantasy film. Yes, one could argue that it's fantasy and has some action in it, but in my opinion this is a horror film.


Before some people get excited, the action is very minimal and merely is to demonstrate the skills Ustads like Qodrat have. They literally are kicking demons into hell. But in Qodrat's case, his conviction is his biggest strength. This being an Indonesian film, it makes sense that Islam is an important factor and I must say, hearing Qodrat utter prayers to fight demons is impressive. It takes him a bit to get into the groove because he is depressed. Who wouldn't be, after failing to exorcize his own son, resulting in his death. But after some other setbacks, is ready to commit to the cause.


The horror elements are decent enough, follows every trope in the rule book. But the true terror comes from a twist that, for me personally, made events far more compelling. It also helps that the actors do a good job of selling the events. None of them are over the top, so you immediately are aware when things aren't exactly right with them. Although, the kid actor did get on my nerves in one scene. His sister told him to calm down a bit when investigating the noises they hear. Instead of letting her, he keeps screaming. If it were me, I would have come back and slapped him in the face. Yes, I understand that he was scared and panicking. A slap in the face usually fixes that.


Overall, I wasn't exactly wowed by the viewing experience. But I wasn't let down either. It was entertaining, and wouldn't mind seeing Qodrat returning (which is very subtly stated at the end) as THE ultimate and totally righteous exorcist!






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Review Killers of the Flower Moon (2023): Tragedy done wrong!

genre: crime, drama, history





Before I divulge my thoughts, I need to explain that I do consider Martin Scorsese to be a master filmmaker. And most of his films are masterpieces. But not all. Especially lately, he has been dropping the ball. Goodfellas and Casino for example gave us insight in world's most normal people don't know of. He went in so deep and pointed out how dirty and vile these worlds and its inhabitants were. So if anybody would be able to tell us the story of the Osage murders, it would be him.


Unfortunately, Scorsese delivers us a badly told story where at the end of it I wasn't even sure who to root for. Of course, I should side with the victims, natives like Mollie Burkhart played by Lily Gladstone and her family members. But, for whatever reason, Scorsese decided to tell the story from the perspective of William Hale and co. One of them is Ernest Burkhart played by Leonardo DiCaprio. It's almost like the film wants us to have sympathy for this character while he is just as bad or even worse since he should have a personal attachment. 


What I really don't understand is, how we never even get to see Lily express really worry or doubt on what is going on. Only in some scenes, the deaths of the tribe members are discussed, but they seem to be completely in the dark. All this time, I was thinking, why are they letting these awful events occur. Surely, they must have some idea? It makes them look stupid. I doubt they were. It seems they were really too trusting of Hale and yes Robert De Niro had me stumped also. Still, after all these deaths, Mollie would carry on life without expressing herself that much. A case could be made for her, since Ernest did seem to inject her with poison. 


Why not show this from the perspective of Tom White, an officer of the law, who was pivotal in solving the first major case of the FBI who put them on the map as the agency we know of today. Seems pretty important to state this, yet the film never does. He comes far too late in the film, at a point I basically already lost interest. All it did was made me angry. For being taken a fool. I keep reading how Scorsese is very respectful of the topic. How exactly? He is almost mocking and even insulting the Osage Indians by not even attempting to give us insight on their thoughts and emotions. I am supposed to believe that all of them were stoic and accepting? Come on!


I really don't understand what Martin Scorsese was going for. Yes, I think more people, including me, are aware of these horrible events. But do we know them well? Well, enough to prevent these events from happening again? No! As for this film being a contender for the Oscars. Perhaps for its camerawork and technical features. Definitely not for its story!









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Review Galaxy of Terror (1981): Definitely worth it!

genre: science fiction, horror





Galaxy of Terror is being typed as an alien rip-off. While there certainly are some similarities, this is not entirely fair since the film does go into a completely different direction. If anything, the film can be seen as the inspiration for Event Horizon. But yes, the film also was an inspiration to Aliens which is no surprise since James Cameron worked on this film as Production Designer and Second Unit Director. And to prove the world is quite small, Bill Paxton worked as a set dresser. The involvement of Robert Englund, and Sid Haig also can't be understated. Did I already mention that this little film was produced by Roger Corman? 


Some article defined Roger Corman as The Master of Low Budget Filmmaking. I definitely agree. I have seen several films of his in my life and always wondered how he managed to do so much with so very little. While at times you could clearly see there wasn't a big budget, at the pivotal moments he delivered the money shots. And boy, Galaxy of Terror has a few of them. Think bloody and gory deaths, a tentacle porn (softcore) and unmistakable Lovecraftian horror to boot. By now you must be thinking to yourself, hang on, tentacle porn? Yes, I was as surprised as you are. Dameia, played by Taaffe O'Connell, has a fear of maggots. I don't think she is the only one regarding those. Anyway, one of these maggots gets transformed into a giant worm with all kinds of arms and tentacles. While at first it seems like she is being crushed under its weight. The movements of the tentacles seem to suggest something else. She is getting raped. One could argue whether this act turned into enjoyment and pleasure for her, and she died of a heart attack, but still, to die like this is quite the WTF moment in the film. Fun fact. This scene was too much for director Bruce D. Clark so Corman himself had to step in and direct this sequence. Of course if you read this you might think that this death is horrible. Well, it is and it isn't. The scene is out there but tasteful and erotic. Think of this what you will, but I will stand by this statement. This coming from someone who doesn't like sex scenes in conventional films. Most of them are awful and meaningless.


I liked that most of the cast took events seriously, except maybe Grace Zabriskie, although in her case it works in the favour of the film, so it's a good thing she didn't play it straight. Of course, there are some silly moments that detract a little from the seriousness they were going for. I mean, Haig plays a character maybe personifying someone from an indigenous culture who states that he will live and die by the crystals. These crystals are weapons which are supposedly to be super strong. I don't think the special effects department got the memo on that since they look like objects that will crumble the moment you touch them. Incredibly goofy, yet I ate it up since I understood the intention.


The ending and the explanation for events is a little weak to be honest, but kudos for taking the effort, since most filmmakers wouldn't even bother. I think the latter would have made it a little better, but it's not that big of a deal, since the overall viewing experience definitely is worth it.





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Review Rush Hour 3 (2007): Worst of the trilogy! The credits with the bloopers are funnier than the whole film.

genre: action, crime, comedy







This third part in the Rush Hour franchise surprised me completely. I wasn't expecting much, but Rush Hour 3 is even worse than I could imagine. 

How is it possible that with great martial artists like Jackie Chan and Hiroyuki Sanada you can't get more out of the action scenes than it did. Chan and Sanada deserve more respect than this! Compare this film with Chan's Rob-B-Hood Also, more of a comedy than action film, which was a very funny. But one scene from that film contained more action than there is in all of RH 3 Even the first two Rush Hour parts had more spunk and action. Brett Ratner again proves that he is among the worst of directors in Hollywood and doesn't give a damn about making good products. He has no idea what Sanada and Chan are capable of! With these two, he could have created a classic and memorable end fight. I mean with considerable help of Chan and Sanada of course. What we get instead is too ridiculous for words.  After violating Xmen 3 I was hoping that he would redeem himself. Well, he didn't. I must admit that Chris Tucker was funny at times.  But part of the charm of the earlier Rush Hour entries was the combination of the funny Chris and ass kicking Jackie. Now it was almost a one-man show starring Chris Tucker.  I like him, but to have Jackie's talent diminished like this is offensive. Hopefully this will be the last in the franchise and if the fourth is coming they should give Jackie Chan the freedom to do what he wants. 

It can be enjoyable if you numb yourself. That means, go beyond intoxication. Because while the first two were average at best, this one is far less entertaining. And that is quite the accomplishment to be honest. Forget this one exists!


Edit 27-02-2024:
This review has been written on 28-08-2007. And while I haven't watched it since, I really don't have the desire to do so. I will stick by these words. Apparently, I am not nearly as harsh as other reviewers have been.






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Review Rush Hour 2 (2001): Servicable but nothing more!

genre: action, martial arts, crime








Rush Hour 2 is a sequel through and through. It continues the story that was established in the original and adds absolutely nothing on top of it. It basically repeats what worked and that is it.


To be fair, the dynamics between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker is gold, so not astounding the focus lies on that. But like in the original, Jackie Chan again doesn't get to display his skills as an actor and as a martial artist. Sure, the combat and stunts are serviceable. Still, anyone familiar with the genius of Jackie Chan, it's almost insulting that they didn't give him more control. Then again, not surprising with Brett Ratner at the helm. He is what you call a plant. He does what the studios ask of him and won't ever fight them on anything. The end result is a familiar product that will satisfy most viewers, but won't really wow people. I can see why Jackie hated making this one even more than the original. None of what is happening is truly challenging for him. Apart from the dialogue. Some jokes aside, they wisely decided for him to have not much of it. I wished, they would have done more with John Lone. He was nothing more than a glorified cameo, while he could and should have been the reason to have Jackie Chan hone into his acting skills. It wouldn't have hurt to have some real compelling drama arc for Lee.


Instead, you have Zhang Ziyi arguably as the main baddie, who has no depth to her character whatsoever.  Why? I mean, she is cool and all. But pretty sure she is in this because of the success of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. A film that is far too overrated. Good, but nearly not as good as people claim it to be. And to add to the female power element, Roselyn Sanchez, is added to the roster as a possible love interest for Lee. Like Zhang Ziyi's character, she has no depth to her and is barely in the film to make a lasting impression.


Even with the fast pace, I think Rush Hour slows down in some parts because there is even less story and intrigue than in the original. How is that even possible? So yes, like I said, Rush Hour is serviceable but nothing more.







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Review Rush Hour (1998): Decent buddy cop film!

genre: action, martial arts, crime






To me, it's silly that people don't know that Jackie Chan is an international star. There is this idea that if you haven't made it in Hollywood, you don't matter. But that's BS. I and even my grandma knew who he was long before he tried to make films in the US. Considering how he always got restricted, it's not that hard to imagine that he isn't fond of making American films. His biggest hurdle is his English. And I have to admit, that is one of the issues I have with him. Apparently, he has tried to improve it, but it takes too much work for him. Still, it hasn't stopped him because I do think he was good as Master Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023).


Jackie Chan has stated he doesn't like the Rush Hour films. While I do think that these films don't do a good job of showing what he is capable of, they aren't bad. I think if you have never seen this before, you will have fun. Especially because Chris Tucker and Chan do have great chemistry together. On multiple viewings, though, Rush Hour doesn't offer enough. For Jackie Chan most of the martial arts and stunt work is of a lower level he is used to. He has stated he wanted to do more and get more freedom but didn't receive it. It's mind-boggling. Since he would have been able to create memorable fight scenes and stunt work. And then perhaps Chan would have been able to like them as well. But too late now.


The film does look slick and at times did give me Lethal Weapon vibes. And that is a good thing. But that film did give us stronger characters. You really got to know them. I wished I could say the same of Lee and Carter. The bragging scene was nice and all. Still, at one point, they were exaggerating so much you possibly couldn't believe the claims were true. For comic relief that is fine, but would it have hurt to add some seriousness in relationship to their father and the job. Carte basically gives Lee a lot of reasons not to be a cop, and yet he still wants to be a cop. What is his motivation? We don't get to know. The same can be said of Lee. Why doesn't he have a family, why does he prefer to be this super cop? 


Overall, Rush Hour is a decent buddy cop film, but it's not nearly as thrilling and exciting as the title suggests.






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Review The Accidental Spy Original title: Dak mo mai sing (2001): Not bad, but not something I can recommend!

genre: espionage, action, adventure, crime






For some reason, I always thought that The Accidental Spy was one of Jackie Chan's American films and had this confused with The Tuxedo. It wasn't uncommon for studios to change up titles for his older work. So never thought that much of it until I read some comments about this film. Apparently he made this in-between Shanghai Noon and Shanghai Knights. And while this should have been better than those two, this doesn't fare that much better.


It's like his heart wasn't in it. It's also too serious for a Jackie Chan film, without giving you the substance to go along with the drama. I mean, there is some, but it's forced and convenient. Vivian Hsu, definitely ramps up the tragedy, only you can sense it doesn't belong in this film. I certainly wasn't having it. But OK, serious Jackie Chan I can live with, however, he also is barely kicking ass like his usual self, this is unforgivable. I get that he already was at an age where a lot of the dangerous stunt work and acrobatics would get harder to do, but Jackie Chan of today has shown he still can do incredible things. So what was going on? It's therefore not surprising that the best moments in the film are the ones where his usual tomfoolery in the action sequences take precedence. I am talking about the scene where Jackie Chan's character flees a Turkish bathhouse and ends up naked.


The final action sequence is Speed like and tonally mesmerizing. What were they thinking? Mind you, I think Jackie Chan of today would be a fantastic choice in a disaster flick but back then? It's not what we wanted from Jackie. To be fair, I did like it. It simply doesn't mesh with the rest of the film or what Jackie Chan usually does. Even in his older films, there was more coherency than what we are exposed to here.


Jackie Chan himself has stated that he considers The Accidental Spy to be better than any of his Rush Hour films. If I had to guess, it's because they did restrict Jackie Chan to do his style of action and his English was so incredibly poor that he probably must have thought the audience would hate him. I understand his sentiment, still, this experience has clouded his judgment.  It's been too long for me to say something definitive on this, but I did enjoy the first two Rush Hour far more than this. I will try to revisit those to see how they hold up. For now, The Accidental Spy is not a total loss of time, but it's not one I can recommend either.




*Sidenote: I refuse to use the International poster where they added a black man and blonde woman. Both aren't even in the film. Very likely, they were trying to make it seem they had another Rush Hour on their hands.




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Review Sewu Dino (2023): Underwhelming and disappointing!

genre: horror, mystery







Three women are asked to do a job for the Atmodjo family, who are very powerful and wealthy but are clouded in mystery and darkness. One of these women is Sri, who desperately needs money so that she can pay her father's expensive hospital bills. Let't just say that these women are going to regret their decision.


The job consists of performing a cleansing ritual for Dela, the granddaughter of Karsa Atmodjo, who apparently has been hexed with a one thousand day curse. Sewu Dino means a thousand days in Javanese, hence the title. From the get go, Dela's condition is horrible, she smells and she looks like her body is dying. And it kinda is, since a demon is slowly trying to get a hold of her. When a part of the ritual goes wrong, Sri and one of the other women get scared and run away. It's here where they find out they can't leave since they are magically fenced. They will collapse and faint, thus making any attempt to escape pointless. The shaman on site comforts them by saying that it's more intended for the evil entity. I don't know why he thinks that would comfort them, I mean, if the entity or demon can't and leave, and they can't either, they are trapped. How is that a good situation to be in? But the woman now understand the gravity of performing the ritual in the right way, and they do their best to do so. Until things don't go as planned.


Sewu Dino asks a lot from the viewer. You need to suspend disbelief a lot of times, and you need to go along with the very little story they give you. You aren't even given an explanation of why Dela was cursed in the first place. It's hinted that the Atmodjo family aren't nice people and have made a lot of enemies, and that they kind of deserve the black magic attacks on them. That might be, it sure would have been nice to give us more background on that. I just realize, that maybe, the Atmodjo family are demons but that after a while, they return to their original form which can only be prevented by the cleansing ritual. Pure speculation on my part since a lot of the story elements are super vague. The end result is that the film ends with an unsatisfying conclusion. The film does bank on some decent jump scares and creepy imagery, but there wasn't a consistent sense of dread and tension. Actually, I have tried watching this film two times in a relative short period and both times I fell asleep at the same exact moment. It could be that this happened because both of these times it was very late at night still, if a film delivers on dread and thrills I usually get energy from that, and I would have stayed awake. The truth of the matter is that Sewu Dino is far too slow and boring for its own good. It easily could have made things creepier and scarier. Or at least have given us a better story on the family who is cursed upon and the curse givers. 


Overall, Sewu Dino, is underwhelming and disappointing, especially compared to Kimo Stamboel's previous works.







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