The Quest (1996)

By Greg
Score 5/10

A pleasant surprise after the disaster of a film "Street Fighter" was. This is the film that SF should have been, and even Mortal Kombat could have been. Truly nothing special but it did have humor and fun than the typical kickboxing/martial arts film where winner takes all. At times its almost mocking the genre, which was why it rated higher for me.

Jean-Claude Van Damme play Chris Dubois, a pick-pocket in NYC during the roaring 20's. He is kidnapped by gun smugglers, sold by pirates to the kickboxing underworld. The prates are led by Lord Dobbs (Roger Moore, yes, James Bond himself, a pirate) and his sidekick Harry(Jack McGee) who sell Chris to Khao(Aki Aleong) a master kick boxer who has dealings within the underworld of kickboxing. Now JCVD/Chris must fight for his freedom, the prized "Golden Dragon" and his life. Along the way we meet a prized boxer Maxie(James Remar) and Carrie(Janet Gunn), a reporter following him to tell the tale of the forbidden journey or quest, along with Dobbs and Harry, they give aid to Chris when it comes time to face the variety of combatants from around the world. Uultimately Chris must fight Khan, a Mongolian fighter that is crushing the competition.

The story is weak, but its a kick boxer film and they tend not to have too much substance. The does have a nice mix with a Jackie Chan film with the adventure that James Bond had when Roger Moore was at the helm. It does have humor and differs from the stereotypical guide lined fighter story. The direction is there and was given by the star, Jean-Claude having duel roles of star and director. The typical pitfalls are there, but the around the world fighters for the underground fight to the death, is reminiscent to Street Fighter/Mortal Kombat, they come from all walks of life, wanting to be the one. If only SF/MK broke away from their respective cartoony ways and went a bit darker like The Quest or the many of the other fighting/martial arts films, I would have given them a better rating and they may have made sequels. Ohh.. wait both SF and MK have sequels, but not Quest. Let me ask JCVD about that.

Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Roger Moore, Jack McGee and James Remar
Directed by: Jean-Claude Van Damme
Budget/Gross: $30,000,000 (estimated) / $57,400,547 (Worldwide)
IMDB Rating: 4.9/10
Tomatometer: 14% critics and 42% audience liked it

Lake Mungo (2010)

By Jody

Score: 6/10

After the drowning of their teenage daughter, a family experiences paranormal activity in their home.  The documentary format is used, and the viewer is told that this is a retelling of actual events (not true, but more on that later). This was one of the After Dark Horrorfest IV selections. 

Amid the rising fad of paranormal entity films and television shows, this Australian film sets itself apart by acknowledging the fact that much of the” unexplainable”  is actually very explainable either by science or hoax.  Both sides of the equation are examined, and the film questions the validity of paranormal research, psychics, and the existence of spirits.

Also, all performances were fantastic and really convincing, and the news archive footage and interview footage was extremely effective (for about two-thirds of the movie, but again, more on that later). It was all so real and well-done that waiting for the “This is a work of fiction…” disclaimer at the end credits was necessary to determine/validate its authenticity (which became suspect due to the film’s climax).

This film u-turns too many times, resulting in a serious disconnect with the viewer.  To add insult to injury, these u-turns erode the narrative cohesiveness, resulting in doubt and frustration with the film.   It’s disappointing when a film is doing something cool and different and then backpedals into the mundane. 

While this isn’t necessarily a criticism of the film itself, it was a very out-of-place Horrorfest entry as all of the chills are psychological in nature rather than the standard violence and gore one come to expect from these films.  Ultimately, this Aussie chiller starts very strong and spirals into “pretty good”.

Starring: Rosie Traynor, David Pledger, and Martin Sharpe

Directed by: Joel Anderson

Budget / Gross: $1,490,000 / Festival and Direct-to-Dvd release

IMDB Score: 6.1/10

Tomatometer: 93% critics and 60% audiences liked it

Dread (2010)

By: Jody
Score: 5/10

Finally, we have an After Dark Horrorfest entry based on the work of one of horror's greats as this film is an adaptation of a Clive Barker Book of Blood short story (not much of a Barker fan myself; I much prefer Stephen King). It's nice to give these these films some clout, and hopefully they will continue to get made.

Anyway, this entry features film students whose final project is a documentary on what frightens people. Unfortunately, one of those said students is a psychopath who embarks on a project of his own: locking the subjects away with the things that they fear the most.

This is a well-made film with good performances from the male leads - the dominant psycho Shaun Evans and the submissive and awkward Jackson Rathbone (of "Twilight" fame). If this sounds like I am implying homoerotic subtext, I am - which is par for the course when watching or reading Barker.

Unfortunately, this film is very cruel and unsettling and just downright unpleasant to watch. It is a good fit for the Horrorfest lineup and for hardcore horror fans tired of the standard fare. All others should avoid this film.

Starring: Jackson Rathbone, and Shaun Evans
Directed by: Anthony DiBlasi
Budget/Gross: Info Not Available
IMDB Score: 5.7/10
Tomatometer: N/A critics and 45% audiences liked it

Dying Breed (2009)

By: Jody
Score: 6/10

One of the After Dark Horrorfest III selections, this Aussie chiller is actually semi non-fiction, based on two pieces of actual Tasmanian history and folklore:

In the 1800's, Alexander "The Pieman" Pearce was hung for cannibalism, and the film proposes that his descendants follow the tradition to this day. Also, hunting expeditions for the thought-to-be-extinct Tasmanian tiger still happen to this day.

Many hikers and hunters have gone missing with no remains ever found. Were they eaten by Pearce's great-great grandchildren? Devoured by a ferocious tiger? Either way, it doesn't look good for the film's protagonists who are on an expedition to capture photographs of the elusive kitty while looking for one their sisters who disappeared eight years ago doing the same.

Solid production values, sweeping landscapes, and fast pacing offset predictability and the standard recycled fare of every other horror film on earth featuring in-bred cannibals and obnoxious alpha-male lead characters. The climax borders on hokum, but it is a fun ride getting there.

Starring: Nathan Phillips, Leigh Whannell, and Billie Brown
Directed by: Jody Dwyer
Budget / Gross: $3,185,000 / $557,797
IMDB Score: 5.4/10
Tomatometer: 50% critics and 28% audiences liked it

Street Fighter (1994)

By Greg
Score 2/10
Another failed attempt for Hollywood to make a video game franchise into cinematic gold. The casting was there, but never found a good stronghold. The concept of the video game is simple, fighters around the world, compete against each other until they reach the final boss, M. Bison. Once he's defeated they get the title of champion. Plus they came this game created the fighting game craze in the 90's. (That could be debated) The film doesn't differ much from the video game with character basis, but gave the character's more dimension. Instead of just being a random warrior, they were individuals either good joining sides with good, an army led by Col. Guile (Jean-Claude Van Damme) or bad, in the country Shadaloo led by tyrannical Dictator M. Bison (Raul Julia).
Changes to the character design from video game to film; E. Honda in video game: Sumo wrestler, film: heavy set camera guy for Chun-Li, who is a reporter, not a policewoman as in the video game.
Not much can be said, its frustrating even to write about. It was just sad knowing that this is Raul Julia's last film, so much potential but he amde the best of what was given to him. At least he'll live on as Gomez Addams.
The film is just weak from start to finish. Special effects were meager for the technology available in 1993-94. The make-up for the Blanka character is juvenile and I've seen better in high school musical productions. With the classic good versus evil storyline, with dumb and obvious plot structure. Writer de Souza should have stayed with writing traditional action movies and not try his hand at something doomed to fail.

Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Raul Julia, Ming-Na Wen and Kylie Minogue
Directed by: Steven E. de Souza
Budget/Gross: $35,000,000 (estimated)/ $105,414,729 (Worldwide, 2004)
IMDB Rating: 3.4/10
Tomatometer: 13% critics and 24% audience liked it

Scream of the Banshee (2011)

By Jody. Score: 2/10

In another (and hopefully last) After Dark Horrorfest – SyFy Channel collaboration, an archeology professor and her students are mysteriously sent an ancient gauntlet that is the key opening an ancient box (which they just happen upon behind a rotting wall for no reason) that contains (gasp!) the severed head of a banshee who when screams, all who hear are doomed to be haunted until they themselves scream themselves to death.

No, I am not making any of this up.

In similar fashion to the “51” review, I will say that once again, they hired a competent cinematographer, but in this movie, it does not look like any of the cast are having fun. Lance Henriksen, who should never have agreed to this role, mumbles and looks off-camera, completely disinterested, for his entire performance.  The dialogue and one-liners are unbearable.

Both the CGI and practical/monster effects are film school level at best. The props (including a yard and house filled with named mannequin parts and torsos) are downright silly, except….

The only thing praiseworthy in the film is the banshee head in the box. It was well made and quite frankly looked eerie when its mouth opened. Of course that’s when the scream happens and the head disintegrates along with any hopes of the film even being remotely watchable.

Starring Lauren Holly and Lance Henriksen
Directed by: Steven C. Miller
Budget / Gross: Info Not Available
IMDB Score: 4.0/10
Tomatometer: N/A critics and 17% audiences liked it

51 (2011)

By Jody. Score: 3/10

In this After Dark Horrorfest-SyFy Channel collaboration, two teams of reporters are given limited access to Area 51 after the military buckles under constant political pressure. Meanwhile, sinister aliens hidden away in the secret areas of the base use this as an opportunity to escape.

The best things that can be said about this film is that they hired a competent cinematographer, and that it does not bore. Otherwise, it is standard SyFy Original Feature garbage. The effects are the worst of the worst and cliche.

The dialogue may have been written by a seventh grader who has played too much Xbox. Anything cool from any other alien movie is present here but not done well in the slightest. I am sure the writers' table banter went something like this:

"Hey remember that cool shot in 'Alien' when Harry Dean Stanton looks up at the Xenomorph and the water ran over its teeth before it bit him? Well, let's do that shot in our movie. Ooh I know, let's give them cool heat vision like the Predators have. Yeah and we should also have a scene where everyone has to be tested in the room to figure out which one is the alien like in 'The Thing'."

For what it's worth, the actors seemed to have fun making this movie, but that type of fun in film making should be left on Youtube and out of the theaters and rental stores.

Starring: Rachel Miner, Jason London, Vanessa Branch, and Bruce Boxleitner
Directed By: Jason Connery (son of Sean, I kid you not)
Budget / Gross: $1,000,000 budget / No Gross - Diect-to-Dvd/Cable Release
IMDB Score: 3.5/10
Tomatometer: N/A critics and 38% audiences liked it.

The Beverly Hillbillies (1993)

By Greg
Score: 3/10
Ughhh... a popular theme in the 90's was rehashing television shows from the 50's and 60's. Like how the 80's and 90's are popular now. Television shows that are popular in re-runs, should stay being re-ran, not made into major motion pictures. (Of course if someone asked me to pen a script or produce or even direct a film based of a popular television series, I'd do it)

The ever so popular "Beverly Hillbillies" gets the treatment here. If your not familiar with the story, Jed Clampett (Jim Varney) was shooting after some food, he missed, struck oil and became a billionaire. His kin folk said "Hey Jed move away from here (Arkansas), Cali-fornie is the place you ought a be." So they loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly. Yes indeed, Beverly Hills.

The television show is addicting and fun to watch with the innocence of  period when it was created. It didn't transcend well to 1993. The simplicity of the story didn't fair well. It was more of a caricature of the television show, than a character driven movie. Honestly, these films would do better if they kept it fun, simple and didn't try to impress people. This is just the first of many films that punished beloved TV shows.

In  the film it doesn't take long for the story to get going. The Clampett's move to Cali. and start there life, immediately the socially awkward family is propelled into modern living. The innocence that the TV show had, is lost. Mr. Drysdale (Dabney Coleman) and Miss Hathaway (Lili Tomlin) have the best interest for Jed, but a Junior Executive at the Bank, Woodrow Tyler (Rob Schneider) and his girlfriend Laura Jackson (Lea Thompson) want to embezzle his money. Meanwhile Elly May (Erika Eleniak) and Jethro (Diedrich Bader) want to help Jed find a wife. Doesn't take much to see where the story can go. Tyler and Ms. Jackson plan to get Jed to marry Ms. Jackson so they can get his money. Jethro and Elly May, lost by country bumpkin ignorance let it happen, and only the old and wise Granny (Cloris Leachman) notices something wrong with Ms. Jackson, except she is sent off to a retirement home. It s like a house of cards with half the cards made of tissue paper, there is just no way to make a good structure. It falls on itself and they trip over each other. I felt bad for all the decent actors who fell sucker to be in this film. I loved the old television series and this film was a disaster. I feel dirty for betraying the beloved show with this floozy of a film.

Starring: Jim Varney, Diedrich Bader, Lily Tomlin, Dabney Coleman, Cloris Leachman and Erika Eleniak
Directed by: Penelope Spheeris
Budget/Gross: n/a / $44,029,386 (USA)
IMDB Rating: 4.4/10
Tomatometer: 24% critics and 39% audience liked it

Roadracers (1994)

By Greg
Score: 7/10
 A 50's era film that deals with a young man's struggle with a local Sheriff, rival youth, love, life and his rebellious future. For a great surprise, it was directed and co-written by Robert Rodriguez and with no surprise, its an entertainingly fun ride.

From start to finish the film is fast paced, just as the title is, "Roadracers" races on with a slice of 50's life with Dude (David Arquette) at the wheel. He's a carbon copy image of the greaser, the rebel without a cause, he is dirty and doesn't care. Lubes his hair with so much palmade, that one could slip right off it. He drives a Chevrolet convertible, smokes Lucky Strikes, he is the image of an American rebel. His girlfriend, Donna (Salma Hayek), and best friend Nixer (John Hawkes) are along his rebellious ride against the local Sheriff (William Sadler) who has a grudge against Dude. Not too mention the misguided son of the Sheriff, Teddy Leather,(Jason Wilkes) wants revenge when his girlfriends hair was burnt off in a stray match to the head type accident. Teddy also has two cronies (they don't have names in the film, Crony #1 &#2) to give aid in their pursuit to punish Dude. All the while Dude is living his life fast and hoping not to die faster. He listens to Rock-a-Billy music which he idolizes and eats Hamburgers at a greasy diner with the chef smoking as he prepares the food. The scenery and locales adds to the magic, aside of the diner, there is also the nightclub where the rock n' roll band plays, Dude's home/garage and the local theater where the classic sci-fi film "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is playing and Nixer is obsessed with. The film all comes to head with violence only Rodriguez could dish out.

 This film is the fifties, this film is the dirty version of "American Graffiti" or "Rebel without a Cause" or even "The Outsiders" which depicted the social struggles of greasers v. socials. Rodriguez captures Americana with this film. He truly is an artist and this film shows a side of the fifties that has gained in popularity over the last decade. I plan to not just support this film, but spread the word and Roadracers is the word.

Starring: David Arquette, Salma Hayek, John Hawkes, William Sadler and Jason Wiles
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Budget/Gross: $1,000,000 (estimated)/made-for-television
IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
Tomatometer: n/a critics and 66% audience liked it

Double Dragon (1994)

By Greg
Score: 3/10
Alas, another fun filled video game inspired film. Actually, one thing this film has going for it that other video game inspired films don't have is, it doesn't take itself serious. It honestly looks like they're having fun filming this. That is exactly how the film plays out also, they try to make the VG inspired film fun, but its crap. The acting, special effects, everything seems second or even third rate. Actually a three might be a little high, but its so bad, its good, I did find enjoyment at times.

The story is simple, brothers Jimmy (Mark Dacascos) and Billy Lee (Scott Wolf) have half of an ancient medallion, gang boss Koga Shuko (Robert Patrick) obtains the other half. The Lee brothers being martial arts experts,  raised by a woman named Satori (Julia Nickson) must fight their way for the other medallion. With rival gangs, some good and some bad, all wanting power in this futuristic society, its the Lee brothers that need to keep that way and unite the medallion for ultimate good; its their destiny. At one moment there is a hot pursuit chase against Bo Abobo (Nils Allen Stewart), a mini boss to Shuko's gang. The Lee brothers also cross paths with Marian Delario (Alyssa Milano) a leader to a rebel underground gang fighting against Shuko gang, something like Power Corps. It comes down to a final showdown against the Shadow fighters. Ahhh... I wrote more than what was contained in the script. Good prevails.

My memory is foggy about the game, but I do know that you could either be Billy or Jimmy and also Bo Abobo is a mini boss in the game.  There is a lot of fun fighting, but like the movie I got bored with it after awhile. But the film does have humor and brief cameos from Vanna White, George Hamiliton and Andy Dick.

Starring: Mark Dacascos, Scott Wolf, Robert Patrick and Alyssa Milano
Directed by: James Yukich
Budget/Gross: n/a / $2,341,309 (USA)
IMDB Rating: 3.3/10
Tomatometer: 0% critics and 29% audience liked it

Only The Lonely (1991)

By Greg
Score 6/10
A typical romance-comedy, a pleasant surprise though. First, how can you go wrong with John Candy and second, how can you go wrong with the duo of John Hughes and Christopher Columbus. Its just not possible.
Although, I'd never heard of it until a friend shared a film he saw with his wife that he found highly entertaining. So I told I'd check it out.

"Only the Lonely" is about a street beat cop, Danny Muldoon, (John Candy) who lives with his domineering mother, Rose (Maureen O'Hara). When Danny meets a morticians daughter, Theresa Luna, (Ally Sheedy) at the Luna family funeral parlor, sparks fly and the insults from his strong Irish/Catholic mother, who always tells it like it is. Danny is a typical man with the momma's boy complex. He hides Theresa in his bedroom, at one moment and always daydreams about something horrible happening to his mother, prompting a phone call of concern. With the budding romance, culminating to marriage, will Danny choose Theresa or mother Rose.
It is a delightful film, although it feels more of a filler film for Columbus and Candy. Acting is good, but at times just doesn't feel like a complete thought or could have used one more take to select a better clip from. Refreshing to see films legends, O'Hara and Anthony Quinn, a neighbor constantly pursuing for her attention. Even Culkin brothers Macaulay and Kieran make an appearance as nephews to Danny. Also James Belushi has a small role as Danny's police partner.

 Truthfully, the film had a huge shadow that loomed over it once it was released in 1991. A small film called "Home Alone." That film was released as "Only the Lonely" was being filmed. So with the huge success of Home Alone, this flew under the radar and became second rate. Never the less, it is a decent film that follows the rom-com formula that is still popular today.

Starring: John Candy, Maureen O'Hara, Ally Sheedy and James Belushi
Directed and Written by: Christopher Columbus
Budget/Gross: n/a  / $21,830,957 (USA)
IMDB Rating: 6.2/10
Tomatometer: 62% critics and 45% audience liked it

Fertile Ground (2011)

By Jody. Score: 4/10

In another of the After Dark Horrorfest Year 5 entries, a married couple movie out to a country house (owned by the husband's ancestors) to rebuild their lives and marriage after a devastating miscarriage. Little do they know that the house has a 150 year-old cycle where the husband murders the pregnant wife.

Does the Lifetime network for women run supernatuiral thrillers? Because that's where this film belongs: made-for-cable - NOT as part of a series of films that supposedly are too graphic and disturbing for mainstream audiences.

Also, this film more than borrows many of the same "husband descends into madness, wife becomes frightened of him" elements of "The Shining", but let's be real here: Leisha Hailey is no Shelly Duvall and Gale Harold certainly is no Jack Nicholson.

The film, aesthetically speaking, is well shot and has theatrical quality, but in terms of content, is flat and forgettable.

Starring: Gale Harold and Leisha Hailey
Directed by: Adam Gierasch
Budget/Gross: Info Not Available
IMDB Score: 4.6/10
Tomatometer: N/A critics and 21% audiences liked it

Seconds Apart (2011)

By Jody. Score: 7/10

Jonah and Seth are not your average ordinary twins in this After Dark Horrorfest Year 5 entry. They have the gift of telepathy, which they use wreck havoc on their schoolmates, and the detective who is determined to expose the twins as the psychopaths they truly are.

Using mind control, the twins force their victims into acts of self-mutilation and even suicide, all while documenting it on video.


Real-life twins Edmund and Gary Entin are deliciously creepy, second only in creepiness factor to the little girl twins in "The Shining". Orlando "Make 7-Up Yours" Jones does a fantastic job (reminiscent of Tony Todd) as the detective whose growing obsession with twins threatens his job and his life.

The film fizzles in a few parts, particularly during the sub-plot of the detective's deceased wife, but overall this is a well-done and effective chiller, and easily one of the better After Dark films.

Starring: Edmund Entin, Gary Entin, and Orlando Jones
Directed by Antonio Negret
Budget / Gross: Info Not Avaialable
IMDB Score: 5.6/10
Tomatometer: 66% critics and 41% audiences liked it

Mortal Kombat (1995)

By Greg
Score: 3/10

Oh how excited I was back in 1995 to see this movie. Not because I thought it would be any award winner, but just to see the video game come to life. Ohhh... how I was disappointed. This was horrible, from start to finish and truthfully the film should have been rated "R." The game was known for its violence, especially the whole "Finish Him." The video game pushed the boundaries with mainstream video games, kids wanted it and parents banned it. This film had that chance to do the same, sure "R" rating would have lowered sales, but it sold out, making that quick dollar capitalizing on the game's popularity, like most video game related movies. MK was crap, but it still lingers on.

As it is, the film is based of the video game. Loosely, but does keep all the character, both good and bad. Interweaving a story about how the Outworld Realm needs one more win for total control over the Earthrealm. Lord Rayden (Christopher Lambert, shame on you Highlander) leads three humans; Liu Kang (Robin Shou), Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson), and Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby) against Sorcerer Shang Tsung (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) and his band of villainy; Kano (Trevor Goddard), Sub-Zero (Francois Petit), Scorpion (Chris Casamassa) and Reptile (Keith Cooke). So that the gist of it, good v. evil.

Shang Tsung needs this last win for total domination. He's a soul swallower and a shape shifter, able to assume any of his victims. Of course he has swallowed one too many, and one soul brings extreme vengeance, Liu Kang wants his brother back and Tsung has his soul. So its up to Liu to fight for it. Sonya desires vengeance and prosecution against Kano, a rat in the black market, total scum. Johnny Cage is just vain and wants to prove that his acting isn't just an act and he too can fight like the rest. Rayden is leading those good guys against Tsung's really bad guys, the yin and yang, Sub-Zero and Scorpion. Ice and Fire. Along the way they each learn lessons about themselves and how to work as a team and not give into their individuals weaknesses. Liu is given the duty to be the sole fighter against Shang Tsung, for the obvious reasons I stated earlier. No surprises, the fighting and special effects wear thin. Definite choreographed fight sequences, the viewer can predict five moves ahead of the action. Special effects weren't that special in '95 and now, kindergartners are doing more on an I-Pad. Of course good prevails and even try to hype for the inevitable sequel (to be reviewed at a later date.) Shao Kahn, the Emperor of Outworld appears at the end challenging the good guys.

Of course I saved Goro for the end. He is a man with four arms and looks very hokey. With all the technology available this was the best they could do. He doesn't just look fake, but ridiculous. He's in the game and is quite difficult to defeat. Even in the film the depict him to be this huge challenge, but he's a farce. The best part about it, was that I fell for the urban legend that Arnold Swarzenegger was Goro. Even as I sat in the theatre, I couldn't wait to see Arnold portray this Beast. And then out walks this piece of crap. I laugh hysterically thinking, "Jeez... this is horrible." Both to the theater and back home, my friend and I listened to the soundtrack that my friend bought when the video game came out, with all these techno remixes of "MORTAL KOMBAT" It was addicting, but even those guilty pleasure songs are better than the film.

 

 

Starring: Christopher Lambert, Robin Shou, Bridgette Wilson and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Directed by: Paul W.S. Anderson

Budget/Gross: $18,000,000 (estimated)/$70,454,098 (USA)

IMDB Rating: 5.5/10

Tomatometer: 34% critics and 55% audience liked it

Little Giants (1994)

By Greg
Score: 6/10

Since all of America, okay not all but most foam at the mouth about football and Rudy still fresh in mind, I found another football film to watch.

Little Giants is the bold story of two brothers, Danny (Rick Moranis) and Kevin O'Shea (Ed O'Neill), competing against each other since their childhood mostly with Kevin being a star football player and Danny, keeping the name O'Shea alive in the small town of Urbania, Ohio. (Yes, an Ohio film)

Where Kevin, married with a successful used car lot, and single father Danny has his own towing/garage. Danny has always been overshadowed by the more superior brother, but its O'Shea all the way.

So this sets the stage for the film, Kevin is the coach for the best pee wee football team around, Danny's daughter, Becky "Icehouse" O'Shea (Shawna Waldon) wants to be on the the team and is declined. Danny wants this chance to show his brother that he too knows football.

So he starts his team with Becky as the star player. Knowing that the other kids, that failed to make the team at tryouts would be on his team. So he recruits any and all second banana type kids, quite the rag-tag bunch of misfit kids that fit all the cliched stereotypes; fat kid: check, Asian nerdy kid: check, super skinny small kid with heart of a lion: double check. Now the training commences with several fun filled montages. Kevin and Danny's rift that lasted for years comes to a head. Knowing that there teams will have to compete against each other, will it tear them apart or bring them closer as brothers. There is a fun chase/race for an elite kid, with Danny driving a souped-up go-kart and Kevin in his prestigious Corvette. The training sequences are a delight especially for an child or adult that was awkward (myself) when it came to sports. Inevitably, Becky starts doubting her role as a football player due to the fact she is a girl. Being teased about being "one of the guys" she hangs up her jersey, even sparks a romance with Junior Floyd (Devon Sawa) the star player for Danny's team. So Becky decides she'll be a cheerleader to show her spirit for her dad and uncle. Once the big game commences between Kevin's Cowboys and Danny's Giants, the outcome is pretty much a given highly predictable. Alas, it all unfolds in family film fun style.

It is a light-hearted family film, fun to watch and giggle at the stupid jokes. I plan to share it with my kids when the get a little older, to I hold it close, no. But if its on television or see it on the DVR. We'll watch it and get the necessary laughs from it.

Plus real-life football stars give aid and positivity to the underdogs, even legendary coach and video game star, John Madden makes an appearance.

Starring: Rick Moranis, Ed O'Neill, Shawna Waldon and Devon Sawa

Directed by: Duwayne Dunham

Budget/Gross: N/A /  $19,288,821

IMDB Rating: 5.8/10

Tomatometer: 40% Critics and 62% Audience liked it

Lake Dead (2007)

By Jody. Score: 5/10


In another one of the After Dark Horrorfest Year 2 movies, three sisters inherit a hotel by a lake after the passing of their grandfather. They check it out with a group of friends only to discover sinister and frankly, really disgusting goings on.


Let's be clear up front, this is a bad film, but it is one of the rare instances where bad is good with deliberate tongue-in-cheek goodness. Despite good pacing, solid production values and being well-shot, the dialogue is, well, not awesome. The acting is even less so. 


This movie would have been better with actual Hollywood actors... but... I 'm thinking not too many would want to touch the subject matter (incest doesn't typically come with a high demand).


Overall this film is at best, a solid B-movie.


Starring: Alex A. Quinn, Kelsey Crane, Kelsey Wedeen, and Tara Gerard
Directed By: George Bessudo
Budget / Gross: $2.5 mil / N/A (Festival and Direct-to-DVD Release)
IMDB Score: 4.2/10
Tomatometer: 25% critics and 20% audiences liked it

The Task (2011)

By Jody. Score: 3/10

When a reality TV show has its contestants stay overnight in an abandoned prison, things go awry in this After Dark Horrorfest 5 entry.

Months after auditioning for a reality game show, 6 people are abducted and shackled together and armed only with a flashlight. If they make it though the night and complete their tasks, they will receive $20,000.Not a whole lot to say on this one. It has a very promising start with solid production values, some nice visuals, and an interesting concept that I myself would want to participate in this were it a real reality show or just a good old fashioned haunted house.

This film very accurately captures the elements of reality TV, including confessionals, but it just never gets off the ground - it takes forever for anything to really happen. Then, two plot twists later, it descends into a silly, derivative mess.

Starring: Texas Battle, Alexandra Staden, and Adam Rayner
Directed by: Alex Orwell
Budget / Gross: Info Not Available (Festival and Direct-to-DVD release)
IMDB Score: 4.0/10
Tomatometer: N/A critics and 22% audiences liked it

Rudy (1993)

By Greg
Score 7/10

 Although I am not a fan of football, with all the playoffs in the NFL going on, I felt inspired to write about one of the most inspirational football film of the 90's. Starring Sam Gamgee/ Sean Astin as real life underdog Daniel D. "Rudy" Ruettiger. He did successfully play with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during their final game of the 1975 season.

The film is the harrowing tale of Rudy, a boy with a dream, a dream to play for Notre Dame. Working hard to earn the money and studying so he can make the grades, its an uplifting story of how anyone can achieve their goals.

Although the film is a standard drama, with the actual sports as the underlying guide through the story its how no matter what, Rudy just wants this one goal. Mostly to prove to himself and his family that he can do it. His brother Frank (Scott Benjaminson) is defiant at telling Rudy that he can't will never play for Notre Dame. His father, Daniel Sr. (Ned Beatty) believes his son, but doesn't want him to waste the years chasing a dream. Coming from a Steel town, where his father works along with his best friend Pete, like most men, they idolize Notre Dame. Pete is killed in an accident at the mill and this sparks the interest to leave town before it sucks him in. 

Having rejection from Notre Dame, Rudy goes to Holy Cross a junior college near Notre Dame. Of course this is when we meet the encouraging individuals to aid in Rudy's conquest. First is Father Cavanaugh (Robert Prosky) he meets Rudy at Holy Cross and thinks at first he wants to be a priest, upon finding out the truth he gives Rudy advice to help him reach his goal. Then we meet D-Bob ( Jon Favreau) a graduate student at Notre Dame and a teaching assistant at the junior college. D-Bob notices that Rudy has a way of talking to the girls, he on the other hand in awkward socially. So for a trade of tutoring for aid with the ladies, D-Bob helps Rudy to make the grades necessary for his transition to Notre Dame. Finally and most important is Fortune (Charles S. Dutton) a head of grounds for the University of Notre Dame, most especially the pristine football field. With his hard work attitude, words of advice and giving Rudy a place to sleep/ the grounds building which Rudy sneaks into at night at first only and then given a key. It is Fortune that continues deep down to believe in Rudy despite repeated failure. Although voicing the popular disbelief, deep in his heart he wants what Rudy wants. Rudy only continues to persevere. Although continually having to be rejected and take rejection. Finally, he does get to practice with the team as a walk on. He is a player for the legendary Notre Dame, but it isn't until the final game and the final seconds, after a chant by the team, the fans, his family, D-Bob and even Fortune that he joins the team on field and gets to play.

Its is a harrowing tale of inspiration, if that can't be stressed enough. I too have dreams, not football related, but they are on hold. I'm currently taking care of and fulfilling dreams right now. Even having this blog is another thing that can be check marked. I don't plan on going anywhere, so I still have plenty of time. Rudy was one of those films that I never felt compelled to watch, but over the years I caught moments, i knew the story and finally decided to sit and watch it from start to finish. It really is not that bad, at least not what I thought 19 years ago. Its a worthwhile tale of what one can do when they have a dream and decide to do everything they can until it is achieved. 

As an added note this film, Vince Vaughn has a cameo, its his first film.

Starring: Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, Jon Favreau and Charles S. Dutton

Directed by: David Ansbaugh

Budget/Gross: N/A / $22,750,363

IMDB Rating: 7.3/10

Tomatometer: 83% critics and 88% audience liked it

Solo (1996)

by Greg
Score: 3/10

 With a nice mix of Rambo, Predator and Terminator, you get Solo. To keep it simple you have Solo, a cyborg engineered to perform dangerous military missions without thhe danger of loss of life or the guilt of killing people. Of course, this cyborg begins to experience guilt and remorse on his first mission. Overiding his directive when innocent civilians are present, he begins to disarm bombs set to eliminate the bad guys.
The story already begins to drag and become very cliche, and the credit just finished appearing on the screen. Returning to base, his programmer/best friend/creator Dr. Stewart (Adrien Brody) must figure out why Solo went rogue. General Haynes (Barry Corbin) has the solution, dismantle Solo and start from scratch. Solo escapes, crashes a militray helicopter and is then befriended by the small village he helped to save. Learning compassion from a little boy and a missionary, with other villagers, Solo must prepare himself for battle against the military that created him and now want to destroy him. Only solution send in super soldier, Colonel Madden (William Sadler), doesn't think just acts. Doesn't take folow orders completely lives by his own code. Only General Haynes has some tricks up his sleeve, a new Solo. Who wins? Peebles
It meets action film requirements, cheesy one-liners, rogue military agents, a steroid induced main actor and explosions. Things missing, a good script, a good lead actor, dumb or comedic relief sidekick, a scantitly dressed female lead, any of those would have made this film better. Supporting actors faired well, but needed better direction.
 The film was probaly a vaction write off for some studio execs, it just plain wasn't good. Sorry Mario Van Peebles, you're ripped but not action hero worthy, atleast not as a rogue cyborg.

Starring: Mario Van Peebles, Barry Corbin, William Sadler and Adrien Brody
Directed by: Norberto Barba
Budget/Gross: N/A / $4,932,915
IMDB Rating: 3.7/10
Tomatometer: 4% critics and 25% audience liked it

Prowl (2011)

By Jody. Score: 4/10

A group of small town friends want to party in the big city, but when their car breaks down, accepting a ride in a semi-trailer proves to be a fatal mistake.

I suppose even After Dark couldn't resist jumping on the vampire bandwagon, but this film not only adds nothing to its subgenre, but rips it off shamelessly.

SPOILERS ahead for the rest of the review.

Here is a breakdown of the actual 1 hour 16 minutes of  runtime:

- 25 minutes of people talking and partying.
- 15 minutes for the '30 Days of Night' vampires to kill off everyone except 2 characters
- 25 minutes of the the two survivors hiding and talking
- 10 minutes of "supposed-to-be-shocking-but-isn't-at-all" exposition
- 2 minutes of epilogue

While nothing overtly stands out as bad, too many movies have already done what this movie tries to do, and they did it better.

Starring: Ruta Gedmintas, Joshua Bowman, Courtney Hope, Bruce Payne, and Saxon Trainor
Directed: Patrik Syversen
Budget / Gross: Info Not Available
IMDB Score: 4.7/10
Tomoatometer: N/A critics and 15% audiences liked it

Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)

by Greg
Score: 5/10

The film takes the mockumentary approach to the subject of teen beauty pageants. Its a dark approach, but actually not dark enough. That's where I think the film struggled, the actors are all lovely and enduring, but the girls responsible for the explosion and falling set pieces, should have been more witchy and over the top not as appealing. Its really no secret who's responsible, once the viewer starts watching.
As the story goes, a documentary crew is filming the Sarah Rose Miss Teen America Pageant in Minnesota. What starts off as an innocent pageant among the young ladies of Sarah Rose, leads to murder and mayhem. The main struggle for the crown is between Amber Adkins (Kirsten Dunst) and Rebecca Lehman (Denise Richards). Amber is the rags to riches girl who works two jobs to find income for the trailer park lifestyle she shares with her trashy Mom, Annette, who swears, smokes and drinks worse than most college kids. Rebecca/"Becky" comes from the elite of the small town, her mother Gladys (Kirstie Alley) helps run the pageant and is former winner of 1979-80 circuit. Her father, Lester (Sam McMurray) owns the area furniture store and both parents only want the best for Becky. With a supporting cast of familiar faces it is those characters that really make the film enjoyable to watch. The antics don't cease, but what does is, the story, not much there. Moments are over-cliche'd and the portraits of Americana, just fall apart. The random moments aren't really random, either weakly portrayed or just a feeling of skit-like filler. Funny indeed, but only for that moment.
Stereotype character John Dough (Matt Malloy) the creeper as a pageant judge is fun to watch chain smoke and play off the fact that he is a creeper. Other notable characters fill the roster, Leslie Miller/ the slut high school girl (Amy Adams), Lisa Swinson/NY Broadway wannabe (Brittany Murphy) and former pageant winner/anorexic Mary Johanson (Alexandra Holden). Also Iris Clark (Mindy Sterling) is a great co-pageant director, hardware store owner/pageant judge Harold Vilmes (Michael McShane, classic improv actor) and son Hank (Will Sasso) work well together, especially with Hank begin mentally slow from huffing too much paint. One last standout character was Loretta (Allison Janney) best friend to Annette and Amber Adkins.
With all the girls going at each other and a lot of improv actors giving "A" material, the films does come off as jumbled/ random thinking. The pageant as the backdrop was good, but it got lost with the characters. Next time the director should watch or just call Christopher Guest (director of Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind, which he also acted in. Also he played Nigel from This is Spinal Tap, a King of a film in the art of Mockumentaries) It definitely would have helped.

 Final film tidbit, the character, Jean Kangas the silent third judge is played by the writer of the film Lona Williams, an actual pageant contestant at one time and came up first runner-up.

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards, Ellen Barkin and Kirstie Alley

Directed by: Michael Patrick Jann

Budget/Gross: $10,000,000(estimated)/ $10,561,238

IMDB Rating: 6.3/10

Tomatometer: 45% critics and 66% audience liked it

Skuljt (Hidden) (2010)

By Jody. Score: 4/10

In this Norwegian chiller (also an After Dark Horrorfest 4 selection), an orphaned man returns to his childhood home where he, along with a feral boy from the woods, were apparantly tortured and abused by his sadistic mother. Sinister goings on ensue, and his sanity comes to question.

Excellent cinemtography, landscapes, and set pieces are wasted on a plot that never picks up pace and fails to build suspense. Those who enjoyed this film liken it to the works of David Lynch, but I don't think he'd take it as a compliment. It has too "narrative" for a Lynch movie anyways.

The end gives you a "maybe" twist but lets the viewer draw their own conlcusion. The only problem is the film doesn't give the viewer any real desire to give it any further thought or a second viewing.

Starring: Kristoffer Joner, Cecilie A. Mosli, and Bjarte Hjelmeland
Directed by: Pal Oie
Budget / Gross: Info not available
IMDB Score: 5.8/10
Tomatometer: N/A critics and 33% audiences liked it