SomaQuest Reviews

Summer of 84 (2018)

Not Your Typical Serial Killer Film

[7/10 · 30 October 2018]

First and foremost - this film is not to be compared to Stranger Things and / or It because it was never intended to be compared to those films.

Summer of '84 is a well constructed indie slow-burn film which draws on the neighborhood and suburban vibe which was only realized fully in this country during the 1980's. Harkening back to such classic films as The 'Burbs, Rear Window, When A Stranger Calls Back and other such '80s gems that hone in on the mentality of evil in our midst sight brought about by the Cold War and anti-communist rhetoric of 1950's McCarthyism.

Many of our younger readers will not remember a time when kids actually played outside at night in the neighborhood. Games we all loved such as Kick the Can or War or Flashlight Tag, games that parents secretly worried would expose us to that unknown evil... it is this mindset that Summer of '84 sets itself on.

Not your typical serial killer film, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. I will say I was surprised by the ending as I am cursed with determining the plot too early for most films - this one blindsided me and for that I thank the writers.

Haters of this film either 1) Don't understand that a horror movie doesn't have to be all in-your-face or 2) have no recollection of life during that period so don't see it as realistic. I was that age during the '80s and I vividly remember playing those games, being exposed to nudie mags, doing the neighborhood festivals, hearing about killers and half-wishing something happened in my area so I could play hero.

Well done production crew.

Coco (I) (2017)

A Heartfelt Addition To The Pixar Playlist

[9/10 · 30 October 2018]

Coco is a truly heartfelt and beautifully scripted coming of age film from the minds of the Pixar team. Taking a risk in our current climate with a Latin-based film, Pixar hit the ground running with this one and quite frankly "nailed it."

I must say, I was originally sceptical of this film thinking it was Pixar's answer to The Book Of Love, but I was happily proven wrong. Although both films are partially set in the Land Of The Dead that is where the similarities end.

A beautifully sculpted, written and directed film about the hubris of youth and how meeting ones heroes is never what is expected. I highly recommend this film for anyone with kids, who is a kid, who was a kid, who has a family or is thinking of a family. Quite frankly, I simply recommend this film for all that it brings to the table; culture, soul, redemption, love, loss and laughter.

Watch this with the kids or by yourself, it is worth it on every level.

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

A Rewarding Horror-Comedy

[8/10 · 21 October 2018]

Not many films can construct original, horror-comedy like Cabin In The Woods has done. Seamless story structure is backed by brilliant dark comedy blended with just the right amount of horror ambiance.

Imagine the Truman Show if Cristo's character was Chutulu and you will have a grasp of what you are about to watch. Casting did a spectacular job with all roles, namely that of the external 'office workers.' This well designed and executed blend of college-horror and Office Space works on a host of different levels and has a bit of something for everyone.

Cannot recommend this film highly enough. Films like this come around once in a blue moon and typically are underappreciated in every way; due you due diligence and appreciate the effortlessness of this film for what it is.

The Witch in the Window (2018)

A Slow-Burn "Hallmark Moment" Horror Tale

[5/10 · 21 October 2018]

Written and filmed as a "Hallmark Moment" film with supernatural overtones The Witch In The Window was actually quite well done, but failed to avoid the expected foreshadowing which turned the ending twist into an expected moment.

The member of the production team who deserves the most credit for this picture is the camera operator as his ability to properly line up angles and shots allowed for the subtle and passive introduction of spectral portion of this story. A combination of a made for TV Version of The Shining with a dash of Being John Malcovich and The Others thrown in for good measure.

Please do not get me nor the other reviews wrong; this is a well-made entry-level ghost story that was both well written and acted, a slow-burn that was beautifully enduring in its exposure, however, I just failed to feel rewarded for my patience. A ghost story I would happily suggest for my 12-year old who may be overwhelmed with a more In-Your-Face type film.

I wanted so much to enjoy this movie; after reading countless reviews about how this was an amazing film I am sorry, but I just couldn't get on-board with that mentality. With a relatively short run time of 75+ minutes I recommend you give it a shot yourself as it is basically like watching two television episodes back-to-back in regards to time invested.

Under the Skin (I) (2013)

A Beautiful, Striking & Disturbing Film

[7/10 · 20 October 2018]

Since director Jonathan Glazer's early days directing some of the most arresting music videos of Massive Attack, Radiohead and his masterpiece short for Rabbit In Your Headlights by UNKLE he has shown he has a unique vision of what the medium of film can be. Under The Skin is a culmination of all the skills Glazer honed over the years resulting in an understated visual journey helmed by Johansson in a very daring role.

Equally beautiful and disturbing, Under The Skin is a film shot over a period of ten years with a minimalist script relying on the viewer to utilize the images shown to fill in the blanks. For a reviewer who has seen a great deal of disturbing films ranging from Salò to Sweetie to A Serbian Film, this film contained one of the most disturbing sequences I have ever seen - a very passive view of parenting involving a toddler and a family in crisis, brilliantly shot in long sweeping arcs with brief moments of intimacy that drive it all home.

A very slow-burn film that leaves you stunned in a deep, metaphysical way. Highly recommended for those viewers who appreciate the subtlety of film and the artistic use of the medium as a means of challenging conception and the status quo.

Apostle (2018)

Paradise Lost

[8/10 · 17 October 2018]

Taking the theme of "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" and letting it play out this dark period piece is yet another victory for the Netflix production team. It is a shame that films like this fail to see a theatrical run whereas the constant stream of bubblegum-pop gets mass release.

Set on a reclusive island paradise in the early twentieth century Apostle follows one man's attempt to retrieve his kidnapped sister from the hands of what is perceived to be a cult. An allegorical and metaphorical film for all that is right and wrong with organized religion from conception to destruction this film holds a mirror to humanity and its inherent greed and corruption of that which is at its base beautiful.

Intriguingly dark and beautiful at once with subtle visual effects and sweeping cinematography intertwined with moments of sheer disbelief and awe. This film is not for everyone, but those who find religious ideology, cultism, and the corruption of innocence of interest I would highly recommend this film.

Errementari (2017)

Basque Folklore Visualized

[6/10 · 16 October 2018]

An intriguing visualization of a classic Basque folklore tale representing the hubris of humankind and the question of what is good and evil. Oddly rewarding and disappointing at the same time; rewarding in the sense of a well designed period piece and visualization of a region-specific folktale, but disappointing in the casting choices and acting methods of some of the roles.

I was impressed with the boldness of the religious hypocrisy portrayed in this film as well as the representation of Hell as seen from the 19th century Christian church. I find it interesting how different cultures find similarities in Hell while completely changing other facets of its representation.

Although I would not recommend multiple viewings of this film, and in the end it left me a bit underwhelmed, I would recommend a single watch simply to see a film version of this folktale and how the director and writers viewed their version of Hell.

The Endless (I) (2017)

A Worthy Companion Piece

[8/10 · 15 October 2018]

Written as flash-sideways from their 2012 film "Resolution" this film serves as a very worthy companion piece. For a moderately budgeted indie film this movie was exceptionally well done.

A cerebral and thought-provoking piece in the spirit of the best episodes of "Lost," and envisioned in a way that resonates with current society. Blending characters and occurrences from Resolution this film adds layers and depth to an already intriguing story. Based around the question of if it is better to live in a dream knowing it is, or to live in reality wondering "what if."

Simple set design and subtle use of special effects allow the viewer to focus on the story and the characters while being engrossed in the story-line. Literary nods to Tolkien , C.S. Lewis, H.P. Lovecraft and Philip K. Dick round out a unique vision of the world and the choices we make within the short time we have in it.

Highly recommenced for viewers looking for cerebral science fiction.

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

A Bubblegum Version Of Villainy Doesn't Suit The Series

[4/10 · 14 October 2018]

In my humble opinion this film is at the bottom tier of the Spiderman saga.

Overproduced and overacted this film is a travesty to the darkness that is Venom, not to mention that the story strays so far from the essence of the original that Venom comes across as a teenage boy in heat. Those points being mentioned there are some amusing parts and although overdone the special effects were groundbreaking for 2007.

Spiderman has seen so many incarnations over the years, each trying to outdo its predecessor - although this version broke the bank in terms of budget, it fell short on all perceivable aspects.

Smokin' Aces (2006)

Leave Your Judgement At The Door And Just Enjoy It

[6/10 · 14 October 2018]

Don't expect any Oscars or Palme 'd Or nods from this 2006 ensemble action flick, but it is one of those guilty-pleasure movies that I find turning on from time to time for background noise or just to watch people get messed up.

Told from the perspective of multiple characters involved in a disturbing version of It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World this film is plain old fun. Violent and darkly humorous you find yourself rooting for whichever of the psychos portrayed you most associate with; the skilled assassin, the sociopath, the tag-team, the mayhem trio, etc.

The plot is nothing to write home about (although it oddly spawned a sequel) and the "big twist" can be seen coming about a quarter of the way into the movie due to painfully obvious foreshadowing. The movie does ratchet up to a fun to watch final sequence that incites memories of Reservoir Dogs or The Wild Bunch, but in a high-school production kind of way. Just be advised, the action choreographer would have you believe that ANY bullet wound causes a geyser of blood and hurls the victim twenty feet due to impact velocity.

Give it a chance, go in with low expectations and just enjoy some testosterone fueled carnage.

Au-delà des murs (2016)

French Mini-Series Worth The Viewing

[7/10 · 14 October 2018]

Topping in at a perfectly designed three episodes this French mini-serial is a cerebral circular trip into a dimensional rift in an abandoned mansion inherited by the lead character. Balanced dark and heartfelt storytelling combined with intellectual horror makes for a paced psychodrama.

Subtly directed and shot so as to not blatantly build up the viewer for a jump scare and patiently scored to achieve further of the same. Although not a fast-paced thriller or classic American horror film / series, Beyond The Walls delivers in a way that many local viewers may find boring or slow - not the case at all for those viewers who are more intellectually inclined to understand the horror genre is not only jump scares and slashers.

A recommended binge watch when you have a few hours laid up on the couch or stuck in transit.

The Raid 2 (2014)

Tier One Martial Arts

[8/10 · 14 October 2018]

The Raid: Redemption was a mind-blowing introduction to Indonesian martial arts and action film-making when it was released; The Raid 2 is a worthy successor.

Combining a dark, gritty story-line full of intrigue and betrayals this film is absolutely packed with various forms of martial arts. Acting is well done, albeit a bit choppy at times with supporting cast members trying to hard for their roles. I cannot recommend enough that you watch the Original Language Version instead of the English Dubbed version (although this recommendation stands for every movie if you cannot understand the native tongue).

Part prison flick, part gangland flick, part redemption film - The Raid 2 is definitely worth the watch and will no doubt leave you searching for more films of similar ilk.

Sharknado (2013 TV Movie)

A Must See Camp Masterpiece

[1/10 · 14 October 2018]

This is the only time that I can honestly recommend seeing a 1-star film.

A pathetically brilliant foray into the ultra-bad, super-camp genre of WTF films.

There is not a single aspect of this film; directing, casting, acting, writing, visuals, plot, etc. - that is a redeeming quality However, when each of this singularly un-redeeming qualities are blended together the result is a masterpiece of camp.

A can honestly recommend this movie when the realities of life have moved you to a point where you just want to escape into stupidity. Buckle down, pull a tube and veg-out to the ultimate in craptastic film.

Terrified (2017)

Refreshingly Well Done

[7/10 · 14 October 2018]

This Argentinian addition to the horror genre is a refreshing submission from a fledgling director. Written and directed without the usual hubris that we as humans can solve any supernatural problem by basically willing it away and shot in a way which evokes a feeling of being lost from the beginning. Told in a non-linear format with the vantage point being that of multiple characters, each with their own observations and fears keeping the movie fresh through it relatively short run time.

With a few masterfully and patiently created scares blended seamlessly into a engrossing and thoughtful plot this film is a welcome addition to the currently bland horror movie genre.

Skyscraper (2018)

Over-Budgeted Tripe

[2/10 · 13 October 2018]

A hybrid of a "direct-to-video" version of "Die Hard" and a "Made-For-TV" rendition of "The Towering Inferno." Even the non-stop special effects couldn't save this film from being completely dull and forgettable. The desired green-screen work was sub-par which caused the illusion of the effect to be lost to the knowledge that "yup, this is a green-screen shot."

Cliched to the point of absurdity with a formulaic plot complete with the opening scene of personal loss both emotional and relayed in physical form - cheap. The story-line was so poorly created that upon review I am pretty sure that the criminal element of this film actually spent more on the heist then they could have reaped from the purported "treasure."

Combine these lapses in production oversight with a architectural plan of a building mysteriously designed with no redundancies or fail-safes outside of that controlled remotely by a couple underpaid lackeys who wouldn't have been hired to guard a Slurpee Machine in Delouth, and you have the makings of a seriously over-budgeted, under-edited, poorly directed and visually painful film.

Avoid the viewing. Even the most potent of Sativas can't save this one.

Hotel Artemis (2018)

Reservoir Dogs Checks In For The Night

[5/10 · 13 October 2018]

If you look at this film for what it is you will not be disappointed. A very simple story of criminals feeding off one another in a confined space. Premise is fun and interesting, acting is decent, visually it is an impressive set - that being said, the plot itself was underdeveloped with hints of deeper stories hiding around every corner but never elaborated - this leaves viewers with a lack of closure, hence some of the negative reviews.

This is a film that you must read deep between the lines to gather motivations for characters and fill in the blanks where you can; however, if the blanks were filled in incorrectly you may find yourself with different character development and have a completely different experience from the next viewer.

The writing is a bit hackneyed, characters doing what you would expect with predictability, normality and cliche. In essence I believe that this premise could have been the framework for an amazingly fun film if it was redirected and written by Tarantino or Finch, but it was limp due to the poor screenplay and development.

Recommend the watch, but keep you expectations in check.

The Hunter (IV) (2011)

Human Nature Is The Beast

[6/10 · 10 October 2018]

As a dramatic representation of corporate greed and its lasting impression on all species this film is a somber yet thought provoking look at what we have become. Simple in form, well shot, patiently directed and delicately scored The Hunter is a film you want to recommend but you feel that people may not view it in the way you did.

Slow and steady the film unfolds to its final sequences in a methodical and somewhat predictable way, nevertheless you don't find yourself reaching for the remote. Not necessarily a film to watch often as it leaves you feeling disheartened, but beautiful in its own right. Leaves you thinking about it for some time; an internal debate as to which option you would have selected and countering those thoughts with the idea that there never was an option in the first place.

Worth a viewing; just be sure you are in an environment where you can focus and see it for what it is because the director has placed a great majority of the move "between the lines" and you will miss aspects if you stop to converse midway through.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

The Quintessential '90s Film

[9/10 · 9 October 2018]

I saw this movie nine times in the theater when it came out; it resonated so deeply on a level I couldn't explain at the time. Possibly it was the non-linear timeline of the plot, maybe it was the less-than-desirable content of the plot told in such an approachable way, maybe it was the easily memorable phrases and script or maybe it was the meticulously selected soundtrack that sourced from a host of decades and genres.

The second directorial effort from then fairly unknown Tarantino but it was a brilliant sophomore effort hitting the proper notes on all the main categories; directing, score, cinematography, acting / casting, plot, writing, etc. I cannot suggest this film to everyone; you need a certain sense of humor and a certain means of looking at a plot-line to truly enjoy it, but for those that have those prerequisites this is required viewing.

This film in my top tier and one that can be watched at any time. An extremely well constructed piece of film-making that is worthy of a viewing.

The Mummy (2017)

Turn Off Your Brain & Indulge In Some Special Effects

[4/10 · 9 October 2018]

Take a simple Egyptian legend and juice it up with some special effects and a lead actor 15 years too old for the role and you will have the latest in a long line of Mummy films.

Special effects and set design is enjoyable, but the sub-par acting and cliched writing lend to a film that falls flat over the duration of its runtime. Each sequence leaves you wishing for a bit more. You find yourself wondering if the writer was given a bullet-point list of scenes / actions he was required to include. Therefore the film feels more like a high-priced visual madlib than a coherent picture.

I wanted to like this movie, sometimes we just need more eye-candy films that we can decompress to, however, this one just failed on so many levels that it left a bitter taste of being half-baked but stale at the same time.

Spring (I) (2014)

Don't Share The Ending...

[7/10 · 9 October 2018]

Severely underappreciated film which has been mis-billed as a Gothic horror film. This movie is, quite frankly, in no way, shape or form, a Gothic horror movie. This film is however a beautiful, cerebral, thought-provoking romance which is worthy of more views that it has received.

Watch when you can get it all in with one view as this film will engross you and draw you in from start to finish with it's heartfelt story and intriguing characters. If you enjoy romances along the lines of "Eternal Sunshine" and "Amerie" than this is the next film in that line for you to enjoy.

Death Note (I) (2017)

A Sub-Par Representation of Original

[3/10 · 8 October 2018]

There is nothing salvageable from this film in regards to the concept of "Death Note."

A poorly written story with only the overriding concept of the original in place. I am convinced that the actors in this film came directly from acting school graduation to start filming; and I am very disappointed in Wilem Defoe who signed up for this monstrosity - he obviously owed a gambling debt and needed some quick cash. That being said, he still phoned in this film.

Halfway through the film I found myself wanting to turn it off, but since it was a recommendation from my 12 year old son I gave it a go; It wasn't worth the extra time and effort I wasted - the final quarter of the movie was the most poorly constructed of all.

If you take anything from this review keep this in mind; don't see this version of "Death Note," the original Anime is the suggested route.

Shot Caller (2017)

Poignant Social Commentary Film

[8/10 · 7 October 2018]

A brilliant social commentary film rising from the embers of innocence lost and the darker aspects of human nature fighting for balance. Highlighting a deep inherent need to fit in and protect that which is most precious this poignantly acted film is one of the more underappreciated but well constructed films of 2017.

Disregard the cast list and trust that the casting agents did their due diligence in selecting the actors fore they did just that; each role is brilliantly cast and expertly acted leaving the viewer free to fall deeper into the engrossing story. Part prison film, part coming of age drama this film is a smartly written and carefully directed hidden gem that beckons to be viewed and discussed. Staying with the viewer long after the credits roll Shot Caller begs to be shared with mindful and socially intelligent people and discussed not only for what is seen, but for what is implied and inferred.

A highly recommended film from 2017, one of the best unseen movies in some time.

American Made (2017)

Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction

[7/10 · 7 October 2018]

Put this one in the category of movies to watch when you are disenfranchised with the US Government as it will show you how we happily provide jobs to people of all walks of life through our outreach programs.

I enjoyed the lighthearted direction and tongue-in-cheek retrospective of the US political outreach operations in Central America in the 1980s. A fine addition to the "truth is stranger than fiction" category of "historical" films. Cruise plays his role with a combination of Maverick and blissful ignorance tiptoeing through some of the geopolitical landmines that spotted the late seventies and eighties.

A fun film that doesn't take itself too seriously, well acted, well shot, good production values, a fine watch.

Animal Farm (1954)

Animated Upheaval

[8/10 · 7 October 2018]

I watched this film again recently with my son after he just read the novel for his school and I was reminded of how well constructed this film was. Animation is at par for the time period, writing was strict to the original story, direction was on point and the score / ambiance was reflective of that needed for the story.

A very positive recommendation for this film for anyone wishing to realize Orwell's vision in moving picture form.

Out of Time (I) (2003)

No Likeable Characters To Speak Of

[5/10 · 7 October 2018]

This film is a crime film; established early in the film is that the main character (Washington) is not a straight-arrow cop. When his lapses in judgement lend themselves an opportunity for people to take advantage of him you are supposed to feel for him in terms of rooting for him to get one over on them and come out on top. This anticipated feeling is not felt by this reviewer, in fact I found myself annoyed throughout the vast majority of the movie with why this director and Washington for that fact, would take this project on - the overriding story was poor at best.

Washington is a superb actor, no arguments here, and he did well with what was provided. He acted the heck out of this movie, but bottom line being this; there was nothing to this film, it was shallow in regards to writing and plot structure and therefore that alone killed it for me.