Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Dark Skies



Surprisingly entertaining: where Poltergeist meets Paranormal
"Dark Skies" (2013 relase; 97 min.) brings the story of the Barrett family. Mom (played by Keri "Felicity" Russell) and dad (played by Josh Hamilton) are stressing because of their precarious financial situation (Dad is in between jobs, mom is barely hanging on to her real easate brokerage). They have two sons, 13 yr. old Jesse and 5 or 6 yr. old Sammy. Then slowly but surely strange things are starting to happen in and around the house, including a strange "remodeling" of the kitchen, then disappearance of pictures, and then hundreds of birds flying head-on into the house for no apparent reason. What is going on here exactly? At this point we're not even half-way into the movie, and things are to get a lot more tense than that still. But to tell you more of a plot-heavy movie like this would ruin your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Several comments: first, I had seen the trailer for this movie a few times in recent weeks, and...

Dark skies is sunny entertainment
I just took my daughter to see this on the big screen because I liked the bird collision with the window when I saw the trailer. The film started with the slow to moderate pacing of witnessing a family in the throes of tension created by the economy---bunker mentalities abound.Then something happened in Sammie's bedroom that made me jump the same way I did with "signs". Then pow. I was in. I immediately thought of the first script version of Close Encounters written by Paul Schrader "Taxi Driver". Spielberg turned it down saying it was mean spirited and didnt want a hostile invasion story. This movie was that draft. This independent piece was a homage to Close Encounters of the third kind, ET, The Birds, Poltergeist, Signs, and Paranormal Activity. Harvey Weinstein greenlit a film which was carried surprizingly well by the acting chops of Keri Russell and Josh Hamilton. I actually cared what happened to these people and thats rare for a scary film to be character and plot driven. The...

I don't understand...
...the hatred for this movie. Then again, I didn't understand the critics dislike of "The Forth Kind" from a few years ago or the dislike of "Fire In The Sky" from many years ago. I seems like whenever a movie comes along that doesn't involve a bike riding alien going over the moon (E.T.) or monsters blowing up the planet (Independence Day)the critics just can't seem to wrap their heads around it.
I've read about this movie being compared to the Paranormal Activity series.
This had NOTHING to do with ghosts. The usage of camcorders is minimal and I wouldn't for a second consider this film part of the "shaky cam" genre.
I knew within the first ten minutes this film was about alien abductions.
You're either a fan of this sort of film or you're not.
As far as your belief in aliens or inter-dimensional beings....I'm agnostic....like religion.
The movie itself?
Brilliant acting.
Amazing direction.
Perfectly cast.
Excellent score.
Many...

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Mugshots: Knoller and Noel - The Attack Dog Scandal



Fascinating Story.
By the time you have finished watching this, you will have a hate on for the dogs' owners. A true life horror story, and the horror lies in the dog owners callous disregard for others, as well as the actual attack.





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Crumbs! / Stay Cool [HD]



Super fun show
The whole family loves watching Kick. We love Gunther! It is so hard to find a cartoon everyone can enjoy but Kick is it. We would recommend this show to anyone who wants a fun, silly, show about two great friends. One down fall Mom and Dad are lame but not as much as on some shows. The boys do have consequences for poor choices which is a very good thing.





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The Black Belle



great film
this is a great indie film... a very original film... a perfect portrait of LA's most dangerous angel and all the men desperately and destructively falling in her path.

Laugh out loud funny!
I love movies that really make me laugh. There is a scene in this film that made me fall off my couch. It's a scene with Bret Roberts and Brian McGuire, who's actually the Director of the film. It's a dark comedy and not for those who are easily offended, but the writing, directing and acting earned my five stars. It's always a joy to find an indie gem like this.

Don't waste your time.
This movie is terrible. The acting sub-par at best. I watched the entire movie hoping for some redeeming quality, unfortunately that never happened. Pick anything else to watch.

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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Moondance Alexander



A Quality Family fFlm
I had the pleasure of seeing this film at its premiere in Salt Lake City, Utah. What a delightful film. It is based on a true story, and is beautifully written. The husband & wife team of Michael & Janeen Damian, did a superb job of writing, producing and directing this magical film. The cast is excellent from darling young actress Kay Panabaker, to veteran TV actors Don Johnson, James Best, & Lori Loughlin. It is a very heartwarming story (I cried 3 times), but is also filled with beautiful cinematography. In my opinion this film should have had a nationwide theatre release. Don't miss adding this excellent family film to your library. It is for all ages from children to senior citizens.

Not just "another horse movie"
I got to see this movie during its premiere weekend in Salt Lake City. At first I didn't think I would like it since I'm not really into the traditional "horse" movie. Much to my surprise the wonderfully-written story deals much more with the relationships of the characters in the story. I thought the performances by Kay Panabaker, Don Johnson and Lori Laughlin were fantastic, believable and relevant. The best thing is that it is a movie that the entire family will enjoy, including the parents!!!
Another note: I agree with past reviewers on the photography, it is fantastically done. I also think the soundtrack is brilliant, featuring some wonderful vocalists doing some great songs.

Uplifting Heartwarming Famliy Film
This film was so great. It is a truly heartwarming family film. Great family movies are so hard to come by now a days, this is the first I have been truly happy to see at a film festival in a long time. I was so moved by the story, it felt as if it was my life story being told up on the screen. My favorite part was that the mother and daughter had a real nice relationship. My props goes to the writer of this film. They should be nominated for an academy award or for family film. I absolutely loved it, and can't wait for it to come out on DVD. I am recommending this film to all my friends and stocking up on christmas presents of this film now. Only 14 more days to go...I can't wait until it arrives!!!!!!!!

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Do-Se-Dos and Do-Se-Don'ts



KIds Love Ruffman
My sons tell me all the time about the science they are learning on "Ruff". They just soak it in. They also laugh a lot during the show. Its a good combination.

LOVE IT! I am 9 years old and it is my favorite show!
Ruff Ruffman is so funny and I like all of the people on the teams. I learn so many things in every episode! And it is funny.

Loved it!
My 6 year old son just loved it. He has learned a lot of new concepts on this show. Thanks Ruff Ruffman

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Brothers Hotchner/The Replicator



Criminal Minds is the best, especially instantly from Amazon!
This was a great episode, I almost didn't recognize Kim Wayans or McKenzie Phillips, they were great. However I miss Emily, The new girl is good, but she's not Emily Prentiss, I love the show because they have strong women that don't have to show skin to get notice or play super cop women, they seem real. I was happy that they brought JJ back. I like agent Hotchter.

Great series!
Love this show! Been watching it since its inception! :) Would recommend to anyone to watch it! They won't be sorry

Excellent series. Full of good information that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Great writing for this series and the actors are all played perfectly. (Although I'm not too sure about Tripplehorn) I'll give it another few episodes before I make any decision about her character.

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