In the ring, Randy Orton is close to being WWE’s most lethal idol. Being a third-generation wrestler gives him the DNA talent that makes him a legend in his own honorable way. “The Viper” is his ring name for the way he can strike like a snake from nowhere. By the token of his talent in the ring, one would think his acting hits the mark as well.
Directed by Roel Reiné, The Condemned 2 is not the ringer WWE fans would like to see. The movie is a sequel to the Steve Austin movie released in 2007. The movie was knocked out before the end of the first round. Surprisingly, WWE Studios never throws in the towel and keeps making modicum movies with its wrestlers.
With the visceral of taking on the bad guys, Orton plays bounty hunter Will Tanner. Tanner and his team are on a mercenary mission to capture a leader, played by Wes Studi. He runs a tournament where challengers are forced to kill one another in televised games. Tanner’s operation hits a glitch right off the bat, and his team misses out on any potential cash they would have been rewarded for the capture of the leader. Similarly, Will is in trouble with the law because they are unhappy with his day job as a bounty hunter.
Tanner turns into more than a wanted man once a newcomer to the games, Raul, played by Steven Michael Quezada, recreates the televised games. Not only does he make Tanner the primary target, but Will is kidnapped not long after. He is hurled into fighting for his life and survival against his former team. A flash of big shots betting on Tanner’s chance of survival is set among a lively cast of warriors and places Tanner up against interesting fighting styles.
Reine seems to do a decent job of directing with the budget available. He can blow things up with cookie-cutter choreography, mapping out a so-so plot. The hodgepodge, dull soldiers take whimsical shots at Tanner through rifle scopes. They even put him through a desert with land mines. Still, nothing seems to work for the movie because so much potential is lost in the acting and budget constraints
Understanding the passion for Christian stories has shaped our existence since the beginning of storytelling. Each biblical story brings an example to us, while the parables offer a lesson, and here we have the Virgin Mary’s account: “It’s not about explaining things. It’s about living….”
Directed and written by Andrew Hyatt, Full of Grace captures the soul of the perfection of our Lord Jesus and his blessed Mother. Even though the movie was produced on an indie budget, it still shines with the Christian influences of heart and soul.
The movie is about the Virgin Mary, played by Bahia Haifi, with pure dignity, gravity, and a keen sense of maternity related to such a heroine. We follow as she deals with the rising church after the Resurrection and Ascension of Our Lord. Mary spends her final days helping the church regain its initial encounter with the Lord.
The movie is awe-inspiring, with a very fitting musical score composed by Sean Johnson. As the film follows Mary, the story speaks from her heart to every angle for each generation. Hyatt wove a masterful message while sharing the love and understanding of a mother, particularly the Holy Mother of God. With that, Hyatt won the Reel Rose Award for Best Feature Length Screenplay at the John Paul II International Film Festival.
The movie is indeed very Christian, encompassing beliefs from Protestants to Catholics and those in between.
I would not be surprised if this movie played at every church social night because it does educate. It does reaffirm the gospel of the Lord Jesus. The story is good to know whether you are a true believer or just an interested bystander, since society has lost its idealism and social graces. We need to be reminded how important religion is to our existence.
The Swamp People TV show is not necessarily for just outdoor people.
Like Duck Dynasty, the series has a quality that appeals to people who are not hunters and fishermen.
Watching the Cajuns speaking Cajun French in this series is rather interesting and unique. That is all the bait I need to watch men wade into the swamp and catch catfish. To say nothing of the alligator hunting, and it is quite a chilling experience.
Yes, it is a reality TV show, but at least they are civil and forego dramatizing their flaws like the Kardashians. Most would say this is one of the best reality shows and the top show on the History Channel. They set a nice example of how to treat others, being pleasant to one another and helping each other.
The show takes a look inside one of the last American frontiers when Troy and the other swampers go on a 30-day alligator hunt, avoiding flood water and outwitting the smartest gators. Swamp hunters fight massive alligators and Mother Nature and journey into previously unknown, hostile areas of the swamp. Shrewd gators try to outwit the hunters’ new methods of capturing their prey. Whether using new indigenous bait, old decoys or employing a primitive alternative to the modern hook, these hunters constantly adjust their tactics to catch and fill their tags.
The series is exciting and nerve-racking while they wrestle with an alligator. The swampers protect people from gigantic gators by going after them in areas where people are in danger. They even assist crayfishers when the gators go after their cages. In light of all that danger, the series embodies a way of life far better than any other reality TV show. All in all, the series is worth watching because it offers a learning experience while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Her directorial debut, Reed Morano’s Meadowland, takes a brave look at two people in deep pain.
They struggle with the darkness, which captivates one’s attention like crazy.
The first scene sets up the story and the movie’s overall tone. We meet a married couple, played brilliantly by Olivia Wilde and Luke Wilson. They are on a family trip and lose their young son. Abduction is what everyone assumes happened to the child. The story follows the aftermath of their loss, one year later. Two people who were once in love are now individually alone. The marriage crumbles from the inside while starting at the edges. The mother wanders to the subway in the middle of the night, her maternal love feeling empty. The father is a New York City cop who turns cold, trying to resolve his issues at a support group but failing even to make that work. They live in the past with only memories barely keeping them awake from the tragedy.
This is a very sad movie, and as a parent, a hard movie to watch. Yet the performances are beautifully executed and capture the melancholy and carelessness that follow the loss of a loved one. The supporting cast, including Elizabeth Moss, Giovanni Ribisi, and John Leguizamo, offers deep, rich colors of despair.
Reed Morano, who is known in the industry as a cinematographer for such notable movies as Frozen River and The Magic of Belle Isle, takes the viewers on an unbelievable and unforgettable journey as she guides these tormented characters.
Meadowland is beautifully shot and an expertly crafted movie, yet it is sad. Your mindset needs to be ready for a downer because the subject matter will turn your stomach inside out with emotion and fear of losing your own children.
Directed by Sara Bordo, we meet a 26-year-old motivational speaker and author, Lizzie Velazquez.
She is diagnosed with a rare congenital disease that prevents her body from gaining weight. Soaking wet, she weighs 58 pounds and can only see out of one eye. To make matters worse, she was subjected to bullying in childhood, and even today, she is bullied by random people.
The best word I can think of is “resilient” because she is powerfully intelligent with an amazing and beguiling sense of humor. Velazquez turned for the best when she was seventeen. While surfing YouTube, she came across a video titled “The World’s Ugliest Woman” that referred to her.
What could she do? Turn the other cheek and continue avoiding the foreseeable looks and caustic backhanded remarks. What would you do if you met her for the first time? Normally, people react and reflect on their reaction and correct themselves, so they can see her beyond her ugliness. Yet, there is a hint of guilt and even shame once they recover their humanity. Under those conditions is exactly the way Velazquez approached her talks and wrote her books. Watching the documentary, one can’t help but admire her rare patience and understanding.
A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velazquez Story follows her transformation from a budding victim to an inspiring personality. Bordo weaves the story of Velasquez’s journey, starting with a series of eloquent and expressive posts on her own YouTube channel, an autobiography, and a presentation at TEDxAustinWomen discussing self-image that circulated quickly in discussions and on the Internet.
Bordo garnishes the documentary with interviews, home videos, and footage of her lectures. We journey with Velasquez as she confronts her health issues, a condition that continued undiagnosed for years, and she proceeds with being directed to never-ending tests and medical exams.
All in all, don’t expect an immediate resolution like a fairy tale. Velazquez still has her plight, though she has notoriety and success. Not all oddities or freaks have such luck. Let’s just love one another, as we are not our bodies but shapeless souls with a common goal – to be happy with who we are and love one another.
Directed by Jared Cohn, Little Dead Rotting Hood maintains the idea that some low-budget horror movies are not worth watching unless you are an avid horror movie junkie who needs a fix.
The storyline works on paper, but the production value needs work. The movie is described as a sinister force lurking in the woods, and the residents of a nearby small town are falling victim to its bloodlust. When the town sheriff discovers that the wolves inhabiting the nearby forest are getting more aggressive and even deadly, he soon uncovers a danger beyond his imagination.
Unlike the description, Little Dead Rotting Hood jumps around with ideas, and the plot rarely coheres. Nothing is clear. The story is murky, even the significant twist near the end is awkward, just hard to make sense out of it all. I don’t want to share the key points because you will see the movie, and it is best for you to decide whether you like it.
The movie is filmed well and captures the idyllic life of living in a small town. The surroundings are lush and stunning, and the overall location feels perfect for the story. The acting works, though, with familiar faces Eric Balfour and Patrick Muldoon.
Laura Beth Love did a marvelous job with the cinematography, and I’d like to see her work on a better movie, where she can really shine with a good plot.
Written and directed by Robert Mearns, Kill Game is your typical low-budget, slasher and whodunit horror movie. Jimmy, played by Nathan Ross Murphy, becomes the first victim.
The story meets a small group of close friends, who attend his funeral. The cast in the small group is Sari Sanchez, Joe Adler, Pierson Fode, Michael Galante, and Laura Ashley Samuels.
They are close because they share a deadly secret that happened five years ago in High School. They played a prank on a student who died from it. Covering their tracks by masking the incident as a drowning accident, the group lives with the horrible crime, never realizing that their actions will soon haunt them, with deadly results.
Shortly after the funeral, they come to terms with the fact that any one of them may also become a victim. The reason they believe they are next is that they not only played a prank that killed the student, but also played some pretty mean pranks on other students and teachers. Yet, they have no idea who the slasher is because they played pranks on so many people. Then Jimmy’s twin brother shows up from out of town, attends the funeral and tries to uncover what happened to his brother. He has no idea about the deadly prank relating to his twin’s murder.
The movie is hard to follow at times because the clues to the murder are scattered. The sequence of discovery is not linear or easy to follow. For example, a mask was found, but how did the group relate it to the killer? The clues just didn’t add up like a good murder mystery.
It is obvious that this is a low-budget horror movie full of clichés and lacking substance. I am sure most horror movie junkies will want to see this movie for what it is worth.
America’s most charming duck-hunting family is with us in Duck Dynasty as we learn the hilarious ins and outs of the Robertson family.
They run Louisiana’s top duck calling business, Duck Commander. They also employ half their neighborhood as the business continues to grow. True to their roots, they’ve never lost their taste for fun and adventure, or their captivating Southern charm. Here is the brief low-down for each season in this 8-disc set.
Season 1
We meet the Robertson family and enjoy their sense of humor, innocence, family bonding, and running a multi-million-dollar company. Some would say this is truly American: Faith in God, Family and hard work, while making sure life is to be enjoyed. Learning the back woods, how to live off the land while wearing a beard, is what the show is all about. I wouldn’t call them rednecks; just good old boys sharing what they do best, including a family of love and respect for others. Lessons are the topic of each episode. Not killing for the fun of it. Kill for what you need to eat, or donate it to your favorite charity for people who need the food.
Season 2
Keeping to the original storyline, these guys are not selling out. Authenticity makes this show worth its weight in Duck Commander and the family of love and respect for each other. Phil Robertson (Papa Phil), the Dynasty Godfather, is one lucky dude, blessed with more charisma than feathers on a duck. The whole dynasty is a joy to watch. We have Uncle Si, Willie, Jase, Jep, and Miss Kay, who is a great cook. Even the employees, such as Martin and Godwin, make the show hilarious.
Season 3
We know now, for sure, this show is funny. Yet, Duck Dynasty still manages to teach us how the environment can be used for survival. We are talking squirrels, frogs, and other mammals, as well as oviparous (birds) species, which are edible and delicious. However, continuity, folks who make sure the show is continuously correct, must have taken a break during this season. The gang blows up Si’s truck, yet it’s seen in a couple of episodes later, being used to propel a device into the swamp. Not much charity and Christian moments in this season, and I haven’t a clue why not.
Season 4
The family and employees are super happy. Phil Robertson shares his story of overcoming tribulation and becoming a real person. Papa Phil is grateful for women of essence, particularly his wife. He offers bighearted advice to his grandsons on finding the right woman, “When you’re talking…pain can come up on you real fast.” Miss Kay is the family’s charming mother and a talented cook. She is a true individual and has a unique connection with her rat terriers. Along came her sons, Willie, Jase, Si, and Jep, and employees Martin and Godwin. Godwin is lucky to have some “ham sammiches,” and his funny voice sounds to me like a bear or a similar creature. We are also graced with Uncle Si dancing and “Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty’s Favorite Uncle.” After viewing this season, I felt motivated to kick back and not worry about a thing.
Season 5
The show is now truly an original piece of work that is beyond anyone’s imagination. The finale is unique, where Jase and Missy’s astonishing, delightful little girl, Mia, born with a split in the roof of her mouth, brought tears to our eyes. What she went through is an inspiration, as is each Robertson. After undergoing multiple surgeries with guts, faith, and family, she amazes everyone. Missy sings a song at the end that is pure magic, if not angelic. The whole season is heartening, nourishing, unconventional fun. Phil inspires us all with his “My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander.”
Season 6
Robertsons offer more of their commitment to serving God, bringing warmth, fun, and entertainment. As Christians, they are not flawless, and they live life with its troubles as they bring glory to God. Uncle Si cracks me up at every turn. He is so funny with his dry wit and humor. It is good, clean humor with a lesson of virtues. Do I sense a chance in the storyline for the coming seasons?
Season 7
Little too much sentimentality for my taste is my first thought about this season. The family knows the series has endured for a long time with great success and is compelled to focus on their faith. They built a house for a friend that is a bit more staged than reality TV. Don’t get me wrong, the family is still funny, and there are good times with plenty of arguing and family values.
Season 8
When I first heard of this show, I could not believe it was true. The family-values theme was never used when my friend described the show. But, it is a key character in the storyline where the family performs a quick prayer of thanks at dinner time. That is one of the show’s unique aspects, because you don’t see that in other shows today. Don’t think they are stupid or idiots, because they are not; they own one of the wealthiest duck-calling companies in the world.
All in all, the 8-disc set features more than just the episodes. The set also includes exclusive footage not seen on TV, Webisodes, behind-the-scenes, and deleted scenes.
For a reality TV show, this is the best family show, with family values, no foul language, and just ordinary people living ordinary lives. Most of all, if you purchase the collector’s set, you get a beard.
Directed and written by Charles Burmeister, Mercury Plains stars Scott Eastwood as Mitch. He is in his twenties, unemployed, and lives in Jerkwater, Texas.
Wedged in the back of a trailer with his mother and stepfather, he lacks ambition and bearing. One day, he decides to go across the Mexican border with a similarly lowlife buddy and find some adventure. At the first sign of danger, his buddy ditches Mitch and leaves him in the throes of trouble. Mitch seems to handle the situation without reservations and grabs the attention of The Captain, played by Nick Chinlund. He is the local paramilitary leader, who observes Mitch’s lack of direction but his ability to think fast on his feet. The Captain recruits him and gives him five thousand dollars if he joins his band of soldiers. The paramilitary group waylays drug gangs and places a nice dent in the drug industry.
The movie is a familiar story about a Captain with a drop-dead gorgeous girlfriend, played by Angela Sarafyan. She hooks up with Mitch, and they fall head over heels for each other. Meanwhile, the paramilitary team is made up of misfits. Most of them are in their late teens or early twenties, while some younger boys in their tweens are also part of the military group. The soldiers raid drug gangs and other dangerous elements, but these moments barely make the movie exciting. Mitch now has a purpose in life, but it doesn’t last long. All is not as it seems. Finally, the Captain confronts Mitch about his interest in his girlfriend. Given these points, the rest of the story is predictable all the way to the end.
Eastwood, Clint Eastwood’s son, is good as Mitch and captivating on screen, but he needs to pick better movies.
Directed by Scottish television and film director Tom Vaughan, the movie follows Richard Haig, played by Pierce Brosnan. Haig teaches the Romantics at Cambridge, where he meets an American student, Kate, played by Jessica Alba. They start a relationship of sorts, and after 6 months, she is having his baby.
Richard is an honorable man and takes his new and young bride to Los Angeles. He meets Kate’s half-sister, played by Salma Hayek. Now, we have a threesome happening here, and Kate has a baby boy.
Haig discovers his wife is leaving him, and his life is crushed. His entire livelihood is focused on his son while he tries to get a new job. His situation twists, and he begins to have lustful and romantic feelings for Olivia. The problem is that his Visa renewal is coming up. At this point, Richard needs to find a job, remain in the US, and find love with Olivia, whom he never wanted to find love with in the first place.
The storyline is nothing new, but it is good to see these actors together. Vaughan has done his fair share of romantic comedies, yet this one misses its mark. The movie is way too predictable and not original, with no surprises. Don’t get me wrong. It is funny and easy to watch, but Vaughan holds back the final punch for the knockout of laughs. The actors do a fine job trying to save the movie from being too cookie-cutter, while the movie holds its own. Some Kind of Beautiful is worth a watch on cable or on a streaming network if you like these actors and can put up with a so-so, funny story. But watch the trailer… you’ll have a good laugh. Fun stuff.
In the ring, Randy Orton is close to being WWE’s most lethal idol. Being a third-generation wrestler gives him the DNA talent that makes him a legend in his own honorable way. “The Viper” is his ring name for the way he can strike like a snake from nowhere. By the token of his talent in the ring, one would think his acting hits the mark as well.
