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kirk-246's rating
Just yesterday, I attended the Blood on the Beach convention, where I got to meet and talk with several different celebrities who made an impact in the horror genre. I managed to actually meet and speak with actor Michael Biehn, who you may remember as Kyle Reese from "The Terminator". It was at that moment when I found out he had directed his very first film titled "The Victim", which starred Biehn, his wife Jennifer Blanc, and even Danielle Harris. All of them were very nice people in person, and I knew that I had to see this movie for myself at the screening. How was the film itself? Well, I actually enjoyed it! I don't watch independent films that much, but this one, I have to admit, entertained me throughout, and is a damn fine directorial debut for Biehn.
Now there are some things that you need to know before you see it so you know what to expect. It's low budget, it was shot in 12 days, it's not meant to be taken too seriously, and it's played for exploitation. So as long as you don't expect a bigger-than-life, serious, brilliantly acted/written film, I think you will end up enjoying the film. I must admit, for a film that had a small budget and was shot in only 12 days, it's surprisingly well made. For me, no scene in particular felt forced, because whether it was a flashback used to build up on certain characters or a scene that further develops the story, it all came off as natural and I never felt that any scene should have been re-done.
The acting was pretty solid as well. Some of it or even some of the dialogue in particular could have been improved, but it's never quite groan inducing like you would find the acting or writing in other thrillers. Biehn's wife, who is basically the title role of "The Victim", plays her role pretty well and although she isn't particularly great, her character became more and more interesting as the film progressed, so any 'meh' writing given to her character was instantly forgettable. Ryan Honey and Denny Kirkwood are pretty great as the 2 cops who are hunting down Jennifer Blanc's character after she notices a murder of one of her friends committed by them. Danielle Harris, as usual, comes off as great looking eye candy and turns in a nice performance for the screen time that she is given. As for Michael Biehn? Well, he pretty much gives the best performance of the entire film. No surprises there.
As for the overall tone of the film, I gotta say, it doesn't quite play out like you may think it will. While it never takes itself too seriously, it never plays into "B-movie camp" either. Also, the film never reached that point where it really felt like an exploitation flick. The violence itself is not over-the-top and most of it doesn't occur until the last 20 minutes, so if you go in expecting a gore-fest, you will probably be disappointed. The editing itself is also a bit of a mixed bag. Although it is mostly impressive, it sets a tone that makes you feel that the film will play different than it REALLY does. Those things weren't really an issue for me, but I feel that some may not like the film because of them. I thought it would have been nice, however, if some of the driving scenes were cut a little bit, as I thought they went on a little too long.
Overall, despite some small nitpicks, I found myself really enjoying "The Victim". It won't break any new ground nor will it win a lot of awards, but for what it is, it's a fun, well-made, and entertaining independent film that proves that actors can do more than just turn in good performances.
Congrats to Michael Biehn, Jennifer Blanc, Danielle Harris, and the rest of the cast and crew involved for this fun romp!
Now there are some things that you need to know before you see it so you know what to expect. It's low budget, it was shot in 12 days, it's not meant to be taken too seriously, and it's played for exploitation. So as long as you don't expect a bigger-than-life, serious, brilliantly acted/written film, I think you will end up enjoying the film. I must admit, for a film that had a small budget and was shot in only 12 days, it's surprisingly well made. For me, no scene in particular felt forced, because whether it was a flashback used to build up on certain characters or a scene that further develops the story, it all came off as natural and I never felt that any scene should have been re-done.
The acting was pretty solid as well. Some of it or even some of the dialogue in particular could have been improved, but it's never quite groan inducing like you would find the acting or writing in other thrillers. Biehn's wife, who is basically the title role of "The Victim", plays her role pretty well and although she isn't particularly great, her character became more and more interesting as the film progressed, so any 'meh' writing given to her character was instantly forgettable. Ryan Honey and Denny Kirkwood are pretty great as the 2 cops who are hunting down Jennifer Blanc's character after she notices a murder of one of her friends committed by them. Danielle Harris, as usual, comes off as great looking eye candy and turns in a nice performance for the screen time that she is given. As for Michael Biehn? Well, he pretty much gives the best performance of the entire film. No surprises there.
As for the overall tone of the film, I gotta say, it doesn't quite play out like you may think it will. While it never takes itself too seriously, it never plays into "B-movie camp" either. Also, the film never reached that point where it really felt like an exploitation flick. The violence itself is not over-the-top and most of it doesn't occur until the last 20 minutes, so if you go in expecting a gore-fest, you will probably be disappointed. The editing itself is also a bit of a mixed bag. Although it is mostly impressive, it sets a tone that makes you feel that the film will play different than it REALLY does. Those things weren't really an issue for me, but I feel that some may not like the film because of them. I thought it would have been nice, however, if some of the driving scenes were cut a little bit, as I thought they went on a little too long.
Overall, despite some small nitpicks, I found myself really enjoying "The Victim". It won't break any new ground nor will it win a lot of awards, but for what it is, it's a fun, well-made, and entertaining independent film that proves that actors can do more than just turn in good performances.
Congrats to Michael Biehn, Jennifer Blanc, Danielle Harris, and the rest of the cast and crew involved for this fun romp!
All right, I agree with most people when they say 2010's Clash of the Titans was not a great movie, but I didn't hate it. I didn't walk out of the theater with a feeling like "OMG, that movie kicked ass!". It was OK, I thought the film had pacing issues and the 3D was, well... about as bad and pointless as people made it out to be. So is the sequel, Wrath of the Titans, an improvement?
I'm happy to report that yes, Wrath of the Titans is better. It's not a great film by any means, it is flawed, but if you're looking for 99 simple minutes to kill by looking at some pretty darn impressive action sequences, then you are in luck. Also, if you thought the 3D in Clash was bad, that's not the case with Wrath. Don't expect anything along the lines of Avatar, but I gotta say, the 3D was used pretty nicely and didn't come off as a total gimmick.
My biggest issue with the film, however, is one that I had with the previous film. The film sometimes feels a bit slow and that it takes a while to get started, and there's not really much investment in the story or the characters. Some of the characters are mostly there to provide comic relief, but even that is very hit-or-miss. For the most part, Sam Worthington played his role pretty good, a fine example of under-rated acting. It's nothing great, but it's far from abysmal. Liam Neeson was also rather enjoyable to watch, but hey, it's Liam Neeson. Everybody else isn't particularly interesting, but they're not unforgivably boring or useless. There's also a small romance in the film between Worthington and a female side character, but it comes off as pointless and un-needed. I just don't see why the majority of popcorn action flicks require a relationship when we go to see explosions and amazing special effects, it's just not necessary.
Flaws aside, I enjoyed Wrath of the Titans. I am aware of the hate that this movie is receiving and I can understand some of the quibbles that one may have against it, but hey, at least it's better than it's predecessor.
I'm happy to report that yes, Wrath of the Titans is better. It's not a great film by any means, it is flawed, but if you're looking for 99 simple minutes to kill by looking at some pretty darn impressive action sequences, then you are in luck. Also, if you thought the 3D in Clash was bad, that's not the case with Wrath. Don't expect anything along the lines of Avatar, but I gotta say, the 3D was used pretty nicely and didn't come off as a total gimmick.
My biggest issue with the film, however, is one that I had with the previous film. The film sometimes feels a bit slow and that it takes a while to get started, and there's not really much investment in the story or the characters. Some of the characters are mostly there to provide comic relief, but even that is very hit-or-miss. For the most part, Sam Worthington played his role pretty good, a fine example of under-rated acting. It's nothing great, but it's far from abysmal. Liam Neeson was also rather enjoyable to watch, but hey, it's Liam Neeson. Everybody else isn't particularly interesting, but they're not unforgivably boring or useless. There's also a small romance in the film between Worthington and a female side character, but it comes off as pointless and un-needed. I just don't see why the majority of popcorn action flicks require a relationship when we go to see explosions and amazing special effects, it's just not necessary.
Flaws aside, I enjoyed Wrath of the Titans. I am aware of the hate that this movie is receiving and I can understand some of the quibbles that one may have against it, but hey, at least it's better than it's predecessor.
"Act of Valor" was a very anticipated film for me. The thought of using real Navy Seals as characters in a war/action film sounded very intriguing, but then my hopes were slightly lowered when I read reviews regarding their acting and the writing of the film. I never would've thought this movie would receive the negative reception that it's currently getting, and frankly, I was kind of scared when I went to see it. Well, the good news is that I didn't hate it. The bad news is that it could have been so much more than what it already was.
Let me start out on a positive note and say that as an action film, "Act of Valor" is completely watchable. The action sequences are very well staged and given the amount of carnage, it was nice to see some impressive and steady camera work for once. One may argue that the film works more as an action thriller than a war movie with a political message, but it is what it is. Don't expect realism that was seen in, oh, "Saving Private Ryan" or "The Hurt Locker". But hey, I didn't mind that, because on a technical standpoint, the film is well done.
While the action is fun to watch, the same can't be said for the Seals. All of the things you have been reading about the Navy Seals and their acting is sadly true. It's not the worst acting I've ever seen, but it certainly did not impress me either. There are times where it comes off as decent, and there are times where you'll be rolling your eyes. Even the dialog comes off as laughable. With all of the mediocre-at-best acting and writing, there's also not much reason to care for the Seals or even the story for that matter, and it's even worse how the most interesting and compelling character is the villain.
It's sad to say such things about a film that had such potential, but I guess we can't all be winners. While not as bad as some may have said, it's certainly nothing special. If you are looking for an entertaining action film and you don't mind bland acting/dialog and stiff characters, I say take your chance. Otherwise, "Act of Valor" only makes for a forgettable, if not horrendous, piece of entertainment.
Let me start out on a positive note and say that as an action film, "Act of Valor" is completely watchable. The action sequences are very well staged and given the amount of carnage, it was nice to see some impressive and steady camera work for once. One may argue that the film works more as an action thriller than a war movie with a political message, but it is what it is. Don't expect realism that was seen in, oh, "Saving Private Ryan" or "The Hurt Locker". But hey, I didn't mind that, because on a technical standpoint, the film is well done.
While the action is fun to watch, the same can't be said for the Seals. All of the things you have been reading about the Navy Seals and their acting is sadly true. It's not the worst acting I've ever seen, but it certainly did not impress me either. There are times where it comes off as decent, and there are times where you'll be rolling your eyes. Even the dialog comes off as laughable. With all of the mediocre-at-best acting and writing, there's also not much reason to care for the Seals or even the story for that matter, and it's even worse how the most interesting and compelling character is the villain.
It's sad to say such things about a film that had such potential, but I guess we can't all be winners. While not as bad as some may have said, it's certainly nothing special. If you are looking for an entertaining action film and you don't mind bland acting/dialog and stiff characters, I say take your chance. Otherwise, "Act of Valor" only makes for a forgettable, if not horrendous, piece of entertainment.