The Binge Review: A Coming of Age Story With A Lot of Craziness

Release date: August 28, 2020
Running time: 98 minutes
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Skyler Gisondo, Dexter Darden, Eduardo Franco

Set in a time where all drugs and alcohol are illegal, the only day anyone can participate in the "fun" is on Binge day.  Friends Griffin (Gisondo) and Hags (Darden) have been dreaming of their first Binge--which you are allowed to participate in if you are over 18--for years.  Hags has been planning to make this an epic night, the best of their lives.  He also wants the glory of winning "The Gauntlet," an event that takes place at a wild party involving a grueling series of challenges to test the drug tolerance of all involved.  Griffin is also concerned with making sure his future isn't affected by this night, both because of his desire to go to Brown next year, and his desire to ask his longtime crush and friend to prom.  The pair are joined by Andrew (Franco) out of necessity, and the trio start on a long adventure of drugs, escapades, and ridiculousness.

If the premise of this film sounds familiar, it should.  The film is a play on the idea in the Purge, but with decidedly more hilarious and less murderous results.  The concept of a one night alcohol and drug bender is an intriguing one, and one that could lead to all sorts of hilarity.  And this does allow for many wild scenarios throughout the night, as the trio try to make their way to the party of their lives.  The friends are fun to watch and each brings something to the overall adventure.  Griffin is more practical and driven, the consummate voice of reason in the group.  Hags is more focused on the big picture, trying to make sure that they have the time of their lives.  And Andrew is a wild card, doing and saying random things to help or hurt the situation.  And it was also appreciated that the cast itself is a diverse group of friends.  But as entertaining as the cast was, Vince Vaughn is the star of the show.  He is a literal and figurative man among boys, showing his talent for humor throughout the film.  As is his custom, when Vaughn is on screen he elevates everything around him, making the jokes funnier and the situations crazier.  And the whole scenario does allow for some fun and crazy situations throughout this wild night.

However, the Binge is less about the alcohol fueled bender, and more about the journey to get there.  It is similar to a lot of coming of age teenage / young adult stories--such as the phenomenal Booksmart--where the journey itself and not the destination are the thrust of the film.  And although this format does allow for a lot of ridiculousness, it does make you feel like there is a certain amount of time wasting as the trio try and try again to make it to the party.  However, the journey there has plenty of funny moments and there is a very hilarious pivot that occurs towards the end of the movie that is absolutely phenomenal.  In fact, the whole movie picks up towards the end, as some very ridiculous situations occur and several plot threads finally intertwine.  This movie has a strong start, and a phenomenal finish.  And along the way, you get to see a lot of ridiculousness and hilarity, while also relating back to some of your own high school times.  

In the end, The Binge is a fun, ridiculous Purge-like movie with good camaraderie, ridiculous situations, a good group of friends and Vince Vaughn being his Vince Vaughniest. 

Watch it.

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The Stranger Review: A Ride You Will Want to Take

Release date: April 13, 2020
Running time: 100 minutes

Starring: Maika Monroe, Dane DeHaan, Avan Jogia 

An unassuming young rideshare driver is thrown into her worst nightmare when a mysterious Hollywood Hills passenger enters her car.  Clare (Monroe) picks up Carl (DeHaan) from a swanky mansion to be taken to the airport.  However, along the way, something happens that causes Monroe to get caught up in a game of cat and mouse, using technology and the infrastructure designed to keep us safe against her.  

Dane DeHaan is a very underrated actor, and his performance in The Stranger adds to his already strong, but underappreciated resume.  He is so good at switching personas and he goes from charming and relatable to downright twisted very quickly.  And if he doesn't hook you in the first 10 minute "episode," well, I don't know what to say because I was hooked.  Monroe as Clare also puts in a strong performance.  Although she doesn't have to switch personas, she has to display a wide range of emotions and go through a lot of ordeals during this strange uber ride.  And JJ (Jogia), who we meet along the way, is also very relatable and entertaining.  He also gets caught up in this game of cat and mouse, but without fully realizing everything going on.  It is a very strong cast, which is good because the format means that we spend a lot of time with them.  The rest of the supporting cast are dramatic, although sometimes there can be a little too much.  Some lines are delivered in a robotic fashion or in a way that is too emotional.  

Quibi's format is to have short, 10-minute episodes to allow you to watch a movie's worth of content in digestible chunks.  And what this means for The Stranger is that you basically have an episode of 24, where each hour is 10 minutes rather than a full hour.  The benefit of this format is that a lot happens that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  Every 10-minute episode ends with a cliffhanger, so you will constantly be discovering new things or wondering what happened next.  Although I don't love the 10 minute aspect, it is a way to make sure that you are never bored during this.  And aside from these cliffhangers / revelations, the show does have a genuinely good sense of tension.  Because of the nature of the story, Clare is always trying to stay one step ahead, and that can lead to some suspenseful moments.  There are some scenes that will have you holding your breath as you wonder what will happen next.  Overall, this is a good showcase for the Quibi model and a fantastic feature of DeHaan's talents.

The Stranger, with its strong performances, exciting format, and genuine sense of tension, is one ride that you won't want to miss taking.  

Watch it.

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The Shed Director and Co-Writer, Frank Sabatella Interview, New Shudder Exclusive Horror Film

Watch or Pass Interview with Frank Sabatella, the director and co-writer of the all new Shudder exclusive horror film, the Shed. We discuss making the film, what Frank learned from this and previous movies, and his love of music. We also get some hints on a possible sequel (don't worry, spoilers are at the end). So give it a watch and if you haven't already seen the film, it is available on Shudder starting on August 27 (review here). Director: Frank Sabatella Writers: Jason Rice (story by), Frank Sabatella Stars: Jay Jay Warren, Cody Kostro, Sofia Happonen A hunter gets bitten by a vampire and runs into a shed to avoid sunlight. Coincidentally, Stan (Warren), a 17 year old high school student on probation, and his supervisor grandpa live next to it. Stan and his grandpa discover this monster and Stan must make sure to keep his best friend Dommer (Kostro) and an old flame Roxy (Happonen) safe as the monster gets more and more anxious to leave its shaded seclusion. Please subscribe to be updated on the latest videos: https://bit.ly/3ajxSle

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Hard Kill Review: A Solid Team Led By Bruce Willis

Release date: August 21, 2020
Running time: 99 minutes

Starring: Bruce Willis, Jesse Metcalfe, Sergio Rizzuto, Natalie Eva Marie

Billionaire tech CEO Donovan Chalmers (Willis) is in hot water as an old rival decides to to rehash a debt. Hard Kill is the story of a team of mercenaries hired by Chalmers and led by Derek Miller (Metcalfe), tasked to protect a lethal piece of technology.  If this technology fell into the wrong hands, it could have catastrophic consequences.  But this mission takes an even more personal turn as Donovan's daughter is kidnapped and held hostage to be used as collateral in the exchange of this technology, Project 275. Miller and his team are put to the test to save her and protect the fate of humanity before it's to late.

When a film casts a star like Bruce Willis, there is going to be a certain amount of interest generated in the film. And even in a limited role, Bruce finds ways to shine. It also helps when Bruce--the protagonist--is up against Sergio Rizzuto, who does an amazing job as the villain.  And the team that Bruce hires, a group of ex-military individuals, show good camaraderie among each other that give the viewer a layer of authenticity with their background.  This is important because you may ask yourself why this team would even take on this task or any others that are asked of them throughout the night. And although the payday is the main draw for them, their camaraderie helps to fuel the later actions in the film.  

However, Hard Kill felt like an episode of a bigger series.  Despite the initial setup, there just didn't seem to be much depth or urgency in the story even up to the climax.  It also leaves a resolution that is relatively flat and formulaic.  Now the film does have a very suspenseful score which always helps but even the gun fights the action was just average at best. And although the dialogue was good and there was a decent amount of it, I wanted to have more of the pre-mission dialog and banter, rather than some of the more procedural dialog that happened during the mission.  And the other issue with this film is that the story just doesn't bring anything new to the table.  As with the episode analogy, it feels like this movie is just something we have seen before.

Hard Kill was a hard movie to stay excited about with its lack of urgency.  The action sequences were exciting at times, but there needed to be more and a more impactful story to really take this film to the next level.  If a solid group of characters and Bruce Willis getting into gun fights sounds good to you, then check it out.  Otherwise, 

Rent it.

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Happy Happy Joy Joy: The Ren & Stimpy Story Directors Ron Cicero and Kimo Easterwood Interview

Watch or Pass Interview with Ron Cicero and Kimo Easterwood, the directors of the all new Ren & Stimpy documentary, Happy Happy Joy Joy. We discuss the how they were able to get the stories and footage, all the unforeseen difficulties that manifested during the production, and the show itself. We also find out their favorite episodes and characters! So give it a watch and if you haven't already seen the film, it is available to rent or buy on all major digital platforms from Gravitas Ventures (review here). Directed by Ron Cicero, Kimo Easterwood Starring Jim Ballantine, Ed Bell, Robyn Byrd, John Kricfalusi, Lynne Naylor Happy Happy Joy Joy is a documentary that explores the rise and fall of The Ren & Stimpy Show and its controversial creator, John Kricfalusi. Ren & Stimpy was a revelation for many kids who wanted to see something different from animation. It was vulger, out there, and something that just resonated with a lot of people. In the early 90s, the Ren & Stimpy show went on to be a commercial and cultural success before flaring out. However, the genius that created this show was flawed in many ways and this documentary explores that and more. It is fitting that this documentary comes out at the same time that Comedy Central announced a reboot of the show. Although it is doubtful that the reboot will capture the same magic, hopefully it will avoid some of the pitfalls that befell the original series. Please subscribe to be updated on the latest videos: https://bit.ly/3ajxSle 

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The Shed Review: A Stylish Rock-Fueled Anthem to Teenage Angst

Release date: August 27, 2020
Running time: 98 minutes

Starring: Jay Jay Warren, Cody Kostro, Sofia Happonen

A hunter gets bitten by a vampire and runs into a shed to avoid sunlight. Coincidentally, Stan (Warren), a 17 year old high school student on probation, and his supervisor grandpa live next to it.  Stan and his grandpa discover this monster and Stan must make sure to keep his best friend Dommer (Kostro) and an old flame Roxy (Happonen) safe as the monster gets more and more anxious to leave its shaded seclusion.  

The shed has a definite sense of style, with some bold color choices and amazing music.  The colors pop off in certain scenes, from the striking wallpaper in the house (that adds a splash of color to certain scenes), to the flames of a fire in a later scene that dances as if it was alive.  And the music is just fantastic.  The Shed has a soundtrack full of punk and rock songs that will keep you tapping your feet as you avoid vampires.  The music comes on at just the right times and has such a strong sound that you can't help but enjoy it.  I definitely checked out the bands that were featured, something I normally don't do after watching a movie.  The story also contains plenty of teenage angst and drama, as you would expect from any movie set in this time.  It is amplified by the fact that this teen is an outcast in a small town, which, fueled by the fantastic soundtrack, rachets up the angst a level.  It also feels like it has some throwbacks to classic horror, an homage of sort to those styles and their slightly overacted performances.

However, the movie's performances can be hit or miss.  Some characters have exaggerated speaking styles or very dramatic line delivery, which works in some instances but feels forced in others.  And the movie is very slow to start; it feels like the movie is half over by the time we actually get to any meat in the film.  And although the film has an interesting premise, most of the movie takes place in the Shed or just next to the Shed, which also can contribute to the generally slow pace of the film.  And the pivotal showdown seems to be the result of someone just making a very bad decision.  However, this is a movie that gets better as the movie goes on.  I got used to the style of the characters and started appreciating the movie more when that happened.  And again, this film features some really great young actors and gives them a vehicle to show what they can do.  That, in and of itself, is something worth seeing.

The Shed takes fantastic music, bold style, and some great young actors and tells an unconventional monster movie filled with youthful anger and rebellion.  Stream it on Shudder August 27.

Rent it.

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Attack of the Unknown Review: A Modern B Movie

Release date: August 28, 2020
Running time: 103 minutes 

Starring: Tara Reid, Richard Grieco, Robert LaSardo 

A SWAT team transporting a vicious crime syndicate boss must fight their way out of a county detention center during a catastrophic alien invasion. The SWAT team led by Vernon (Grieco) finally tracks down dangerous crime lord Hades (LaSardo).  However, when they are transporting him to his final stay, they unluckily get caught in the middle of an independence day-style invasion.  

Attack of the Unknown is a B movie through and through, from forced delivery, to hit or miss special effects, to the main alien being a person in a suit going slowly.  It feels like an homage to an older type of movie using modern sensibilities.  There are many updates to the normal B movie formula, such as really good camera work.  Seriously, I was taken by surprise at how beautiful Los Angeles looked despite all the other random issues with the film.  The cast itself are fairly diverse, with a mix of people making up both the SWAT team and the criminals.  It was actually kind of nice seeing diverse groups on both sides, despite the criminals leaning slightly on stereotypes (but still offering a diverse cast of characters).  And the characters are generally entertaining, even if they deliver their lines in a forced, B Movie mentality.  One thing to note is that although Tara Reid gets top billing in the film, she is in it for a very brief cameo.  If you are going into this to see a movie featuring one of the most resurgent B Movie actors, then you are going to be disappointed.

And despite being a modern B Movie, Attack of the Unknown will only appeal to a specific type of movie goer.  For someone that misses these types of movies or is hoping for that experience, you will be fulfilled.  But most other people will likely be underwhelmed by Attack of the Unknown.  The effects are hit or miss, with some good effects and some downright head scratchers.  The story provides just enough cover to allow the SWAT team and criminals to meet (along with a few other random people thrown in) and then to fight an alien.  But that being said the story itself feels overly long despite it being the barest of bones.  Additionally, the characters are barely explored.  And the writing is hit or miss, with a certain amount of over delivery on the lines that is characteristic of B Movies but might rub people the wrong way.  And if you wanted any measure of realism, this is not the place for you with questionable fighting tactics and gun play.  But if you are looking for a new type of B Movie with all the positives and negatives that come along with it, then Attack of the Unknown will scratch that itch.

Attack of the Unknown is a B Movie through and through, with all the good and bad that comes from that.  If that sounds enjoyable, then check it out.  

Rent it.

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