The Rum Diary Review

--Robert Acosta

Cast:
Johnny Depp as Kemp
Aaron Eckhart as Sanderson
Michael Rispoli as Sala
Amber Heard as Chenault

Plot: Kemp, a freelance writer, ends up in Puerto Rico where he works for a dead end newspaper crumbling to the ground. More importantly, the culture that surrounds the isle of Puerto Rico is what consumes him to be better and gets him in tons of trouble along the way.

Review: In what had a lot of potential to be a great movie, with lots of great actors involved all around, The Rum Diary fell short of being something great. I left the theater with a feeling of sub-par to borderline just OK. With actors like Johnny Depp and Aaron Eckhart (one of my favorites) it's hard to imagine a movie like this falling short but it did.

The acting is great, the characters are great. They're lively, they're memorable. Depp, just like in mostly every movie he's in, leaves an impact. Eckhart very much does the same, though I find him to be much more versatile then Depp because Eckhart plays good guys and bad guys almost equally. Amber Heard does a good job selling the kind of loose, undecided kind of woman caught up in a love triangle. One performance that will be getting much recognition is Michael Rispoli as Sala, the photographer of the newspaper that he and Depp work for and essentially Depps sidekick. Some of the best scenes come from when Depp and Rispoli are together. The acting doesn't fall short.

What kind of does fall short is the story. It's hard to say which aspect of the story was meant to come across more. You had the budding relationship between Depp and Heard that you eventually knew was going to happen, the politics of the time period (being the 1960s), the pending status of the newspaper company, the secret deal between Eckhart and Depp (and many other smaller characters). It almost seemed like too much to really put together, to which I was a bit confused on some parts of the story. The ending didn't do much to help. Terrible ending. I'm not sure if they felt that the movie was dragging on too long that they gave us this half-ass'd ending but they left everything hanging.

The movie itself is witty. The dialogue between Depp and Rispoli, Depp and Eckhart, Depp and Richard Jenkins (The boss of the newspaper company). I mean it's some of the better dialogue i've ever heard this year, especially a lot of what Richard Jenkins was imparting on Depp. One scene with Jenkins and Depp where Jenkins was reading one of Depps articles that eventually lead into a very insightful view of live really, it was gold for me.

The rest of it however rubbed me the wrong way. A lot is left unexplained, and with the movie being about 2 hours along, I can only assume it's because the producers and director thought they were running overtime with their film. Overall, that hurts the film and a lot seems rushed for a 2 hour movie. The Rum Diary may still be worth a watch but I wouldn't go rushing to see it.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Puss in Boots Review

--Robert Acosta

Cast:
Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots
Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaws
Zach Galifianakis as Humpty Dumpty

Plot: An origin story of sorts, Puss in Boots tale does not lack action, love and leche (milk). Follow the beloved feline as he tries to right his wrongs and find true love along the way.

Review: You know this is going to be an interesting review when i'm about to compare the Shrek series with Family Guy. But I am. Out of all the characters in the Shrek series, it wasn't a clear cut choice to give Puss in Boots his own movie, especially since characters like Donkey and even the Gingerbread man may have a little more character. Cleveland from Family Guy probably didn't deserve his own show over Quagmire or Joe, but it happened.

With that in mind, Puss in Boots is a successful spin off with minor hinges. The movie manages to make you forgot that Puss is a Shrek character all while keeping the charm of the Shrek movies. Personally, I think Shrek 2 was the funniest film of the series and Puss in Boots really mirrors that kind of comedy.

What made it so enjoyable was the idea of that the studio, Dreamworks, was going to stick by the same formula that has been laid down over the years for prior movies. Have the story revolve around a few intermingled folktales that everyone know about, like Humpty Dumpty and Jack and Jill, throw in a small amount of satire and a large amount of adult inuendos and that's how it goes. Once again, it works. It may get lost on kids but it works in enough comedy to satisfy all age groups. Of course for adults, you will realize you're watching a kids movie and there are definitely some dry spots along the way, but that doesn't mean it won't entertain you.

Story somewhat matters in these animation movies. I think that so long as the plot has a rhythm to it, it's fine. Animated movies rely a lot on imaginative stories and less on logical stories. You essentially follow Puss through flashbacks of his kittenhood and his close friendship with Humpty Dumpty (yes, the egg) as they try to gain magic beans to live in a whole new world that you climbed a beanstalk to get to (yes, Jack and the beanstalk).

The movie is in 3D, which caught me a bit off guard, I heard nothing about it being in 3D. Some shots look decent with the 3D, but i'm sure you're just as tired of 3D as we are.

Of course we go to see the movie for Puss but there are other characters that blend in nicely with Puss. Kitty Softpaws, played Salma Hayek, is the love interest of Puss and they've got a nice little Mr. and Ms. Smith kind of relationship going on, a tit for tat kind of relationship. Humpty Dumpty is the long lost friend who was once very close to Puss but faded with time. Jack and Jill (yes, the very same Jack and Jill) are the villains, only trying to hold on to the magic beans that everyone covets.

Overall, Puss in Boots is a solid animated comedy/action movie. Fans of the Shrek series will love it, new fans jumping on board will pleased. It's a bit fast paced and at times illogical, it truly is a movie for all ages.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Spot News: First Trailer for Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax

The Spot News: First Trailer for Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax

Universal Pictures has released the first trailer for Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, director Chris Renaud’s 3D CG-animated adaptation of the beloved 1971 children’s environmental tale.

From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the 3D-CG feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, an adaptation of the classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, which features the voices of Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Ed Helms, Taylor Swift, Rob Riggle and Betty White, opens March 2.

The Spot News: First Full Look At the New Three Stooges

The Spot News: First Full Look At the New Three Stooges


The new Three Stooges movie from Bobby and Peter Farrelly, now we get our first look at Curly (Will Sasso), Larry (Sean Hayes) and Moe (Chris Diamantopoulos)

Not sure how I feel. I mean I love the originals so much and here we are with a new movie and obviously some big shoes to fill. I don't hate the look and characters. They do surprisingly look the part of Moe, Larry, and Curly. Now lets see a trailer.

The Howling: Reborn - Horror Spot DVD Review

The Howling: Reborn - Horror Spot DVD Review

By Jose

Plot:

On the eve of his high school graduation, unremarkable Will Kidman finally bonds with the girl he has long yearned for, reclusive Eliana Wynter. But he also discovers a dark secret from his past... that he is about to become a werewolf. Now, in an effort to fight destiny and save their love as well as their lives, they must battle not only Will\'s growing blood lust but an army of fearsome beasts bent on killing them... and then, us all.

Cast:

Landon Liboiron (Will Kidman), Lindsey Shaw (Eliana Wynter), Ivana Milicevic (Kathryn/Kay), Jesse Rath (Sachin)

Review:

A surprisingly good watch. Yes I said it. Howling: Reborn was a good watch. Being a fan and terrified of the original first Howling movie, I knew I was going to pick this movie apart. As i got into the film, I realized that this was actually a decent stand alone movie. It has it’s faults of course. It is the basic tale of a coming of age teen (Will) who realizes he is different. Not just a loner, nerdy kid but a werewolf as well. Through the course of the film we see how he adapts to his new found strengths, all the while, dealing with his impeding graduation and trying to win the girl of his dreams.


The Story progresses at a decent pace, feeding you enough plot points and mythology along the way. The first part of the movie up until we get Will’s mother coming back in the library was a fine and decent movie. After that the film goes downhill. Seems like they got lazy and threw whatever they felt like together at the last moment. It felt rushed and the story even started to make no sense. Up until that point we had a decent teen drama with werewolves thrown in. A is Lindsey a werewolf herself plot, who are the three guys following Will plot, is Will going to turn plot, who killed his mother before Will was born plot. Then it was all scrapped for this “oh look your mom is alive and she wants you to join her in creating more werewolves so she can kill everyone and take over the country” or some nonsense like that. Really? Where did all that come from? The filmmakers should have stayed along the lines of the first half of the film and kept it a teen drama werewolf story.


I am a big fan of the classic werewolf transformation scenes. Made famous by American Werewolf in London. So whenever I see a werewolf movie I look forward to how they address that transformation scene. I felt cheated by this movie. Not only do we get bad looking wolfs out of the minions but the transformations are not done well at all. Some fast CGI morph from human to beast. Although they did redeem themselves with Will’s mother, Will, and Lindsey. Werewolf look wise. The three of them had a somewhat traditional look to them, still cheesy though. Plus side is that they gave them tails!


Final Thoughts:

The Howling: Reborn was a decent attempt in mixing a teen drama with werewolves. And it would have been a job well done if not for the horrible twist halfway through the film that turned the movie upside down and ruined the rest of the film. I still have not seen a werewolf movie that can be held up to American Werewolf in London, Ginger Snaps Trilogy, Dog Soldiers, original Howling, or Silver Bullet. Film makers need to stop pandering to the Twilight vampires and found footage ghost movies and make a badass werewolf movie.

Ratings: 2 out of 5

American Horror Story - Small Screen/Horror Spot Review

American Horror Story - Small Screen/Horror Spot Review

Episode Two - Home Invasion

The opening scene takes place in the past. A college student is murdered by a psycho who forces her to dress up as a nurse.

After meeting with a new patient, Bianca (Mageina Tovah), Ben receives a call from his ex-mistress, Hayden (Kate Mara), who tells him she's pregnant and needs his support to have an abortion. Ben lies to Vivien to resolve his past. Constance brings ipecac syrup-laced cupcakes insisting that they be given to Violet, using them as an apology gift for Adelaide's intrusions into the Harmon's home. She senses that Vivien is pregnant, and Vivien confesses her fears that something about the child is not right. Constance assures her that her baby is fine, but also reveals that Adelaide is one of four children she gave birth to, all deformed in some way with the exception of one, who died.

When Vivien brings the cupcake to Violet, they both get into an argument. Suddenly, a trio of serial killer enthusiasts led by Bianca, break into the house in order to re-enact the brutal murders of a sorority sister, Maria, and the sorority house nurse, Gladys, that happened there on that same night in the 1960s. Violet manages to run into Tate, who tells her that she needs to lure the three into the basement. Violet is recaptured, but convinces the accuracy-obsessed Fiona (Azura Skye) that the original bathtub used in Gladys's drowning was moved to the basement.

The third intruder watches over Vivien while Bianca eats an ipecac cupcake. Tate kills a vomiting Bianca with an axe. In the basement, Fiona loses sight of Violet and encounters Tate standing next to the bathtub with Gladys. Meanwhile, Vivien fights off the third intruder, and manages to flee the house with Violet. The third intruder looks for Fiona in the basement, only to have his throat slashed right next to Fiona. Constance enters the basement alongside Tate and Moira and Tate explains that Gladys and Maria killed the two. The three agree to get rid of the bodies, revealing that they want Ben to continue treating Tate. Upon hearing of what happened, Ben leaves Hayden at the clinic and rushes home. He is shocked that Tate was in the house during the attack with no explanation, only for Violet to tell him that at least he was there. Vivien wants to sell the house.

Coming Soon: Johnny English Reborn

Coming Soon: Johnny English Reborn

Plot: Rowan Atkinson returns to the role of the improbable secret agent who doesn't know fear or danger in the comedy spy-thriller Johnny English Reborn. In his latest adventure, the most unlikely intelligence officer in Her Majesty's Secret Service must stop a group of international assassins before they eliminate a world leader and cause global chaos.

In the years since MI-7's top spy vanished off the grid, he has been honing his unique skills in a remote region of Asia. But when his agency superiors learn of an attempt against the Chinese premier's life, they must hunt down the highly unorthodox agent. Now that the world needs him once again, Johnny English is back in action.

With one shot at redemption, he must employ the latest in hi-tech gadgets to unravel a web of conspiracy that runs throughout the KGB, CIA and even MI-7. With mere days until a heads of state conference, one man must use every trick in his playbook to protect us all. For Johnny English, disaster may be an option, but failure never is.

Cast: Rowan Atkinson , Gillian Anderson , Dominic West , Rosamund Pike , Daniel Kaluuya

Release Date: October, 28th 2011

The Spot News: Horror Trifecta

The Spot News: Horror Trifecta

With the success of Paranormal Activity 3, don’t be too surprised to see a lot more horror-movie announcements in the near future. And the best part? They won’t all be remakes!

Deadline reports that Warner Bros. has picked up a spec script called The End. Written by Aron Eli Coleite, a writer-producer for NBC’s Heroes, the story follows three people from different parts of the globe (London, Michigan and Shanghai) as they all deal with the end of the world.

Meanwhile, Universal’s getting in on the action, too, with a script called Grim Night by Brandon Bestenheider and Allen Bey. While relatively new to writing, The Hollywood Reporter says the duo has been in the business a while working in post-production, and released an online teaser (below) just as Paranormal Activity 3 hit theaters to help build buzz. The premise is that, one night every year mysterious beings attack a city and kill loads of people. As you can see, these attacks aren’t secret, but are still terrifying.

Finally, StudioCanal will bring the horror of the French film Them (originally Ils) to English-speaking audiences by way of commercial director David Alcalde, Variety reports. The original film, which dropped in 2006, follows Clementine and her lover Lucas as a group of hooded figures attacks and terrorizes them one night. This will be Alcalde’s first feature film, but not his first foray into horror, as he won a prize at the 2006 SlamDance Film Festival for his short Happy Birthday To You.

The Hole - Horror Spot DVD Review

The Hole - Horror Spot DVD Review

By Jose

Plot:

A pair of brothers stumble upon a mysterious hole in their basement that leads to the darkest corridors of their fears and nightmares.

Cast:

Chris Massoglia (Dane), Haley Bennett (Julie), Nathan Gamble (Lucas), Terri Polo (Susan), Bruce Dern (Creepy Carl), Chord Overstreet (Adam)

Review:

Susan and her sons Dane and Lucas Thompson move from Brooklyn to Bensonville, in the countryside. Dane is upset with the constant moving. Lucas and Dane befriend their next door neighbor, the gorgeous Julie, and the brothers find a bottomless hole in the basement of their house locked with several padlocks. They take the locks off and soon they are haunted by their darkest fears. Further, they believe that the hole might be a gateway to hell.


The Hole is a good old-fashioned horror movie for the whole family. No gore, no nudity, just good scares! A grumpy teenager and his little brother move with their single mother to a small town. They soon befriend the beautiful girl next door and they happen across a giant, ominous hole in their basement. The hole is seemingly infinite as the boys conduct a series of experiments including lowering a night-vision camcorder down and throwing a handful of nails in. Although the camera catches a creepy eye looking at them. What they don't discover over the course of these experiments is that the hole, once opened, lets loose your greatest fear which then proceeds to stalk and haunt you. A simple setup, but it is used very well, not only for thrills but as a sometimes thought-provoking look at the fears that you don't realize you have.

The very effective creepy and evil clown doll is great for scares and a nice nod to old-school horror of The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits. The other fears are somewhat more cerebral and more along adult lines. Sisters death and almost suicide of Julie at an old roller coaster. And as the film progresses some of the fun tends to get lost in the family issues storyline. However, it is a well-written script and well done film.


The young cast do very well in roles that could have been very annoying and there is an element of class that they give off. Which is odd considering youner talents these days rely on looks and abs instead of actually performing. It is great to see films aimed at kids that refuses to condescend to them. The Hole plays it for scares, and isn't afraid to do just that. Children will be terrified and delighted in equal measure. The 80's gave us kids' adventures that dripped with real danger like The Goonies or Labyrinth, and of course Joe Dante's Gremlins movies. These films were quite nasty, and unlike most of the rubbish kids are dealt these days, they are quite menacing. The Hole is a worthy successor to these films and isn't afraid to push your nerves just that little bit further than you might expect.


From the poster and trailer I expected a tween adventure with a supernatural twist. To my surprise, this was far more enjoyable than just a silly kids film. It is certainly directed towards young teenagers but the great thing about The Hole is that it is actually scary! This film is full of menace but keeps the tone light enough to maintain the element of fun. Dante keeps you on the edge of your seat with constantly mounting tension and silly jumps that make the audience giggle as much as scream.

Final Thoughts:

The 80's gave us kids' adventures that dripped with real danger like The Goonies or Labyrinth, and of course Joe Dante's Gremlins movies. These films were quite nasty, and unlike most of the rubbish kids are dealt these days, they are quite menacing. The Hole is a worthy successor to these films and isn't afraid to push your nerves just that little bit further than you might expect.

Ratings: 4 out of 5

The Walking Dead - Small Screen/Horror Spot Review

The Walking Dead - Small Screen/Horror Spot Review



Episode Two - Bloodletting


Carl has been accidentally shot by a man named Otis (Pruitt Taylor Vince). Shane and Otis follow Rick, who carries Carl to a house where a doctor, Hershel Greene (Scott Wilson), treats Carl's injury. After an emotional scene between Shane and Rick, Rick gives blood to Carl. After attempting to remove the shattered bullet from Carl, it is decided that medical supplies are needed in order to save his life. So Shane and Otis volunteer to find them. While Otis and Shane go to the former FEMA aid station at the high school to gather medical supplies; Lori, Carol, Daryl, Andrea and Glenn continue to search for Sophia in the woods. With no luck and another day coming to an end.



Dale and T-Dog wait at the RV, searching the surrounding cars for supplies. Dale tells T Dog that he takes his time repairing and lies about how difficult it is to fix the RV to keep everyone calm. Because if they knew it was already fixed that the group would fight and try to hurt each other for power. Dale feels that T-Dog has a blood infection and is upset that he cannot find antibiotics. Once the search party return, Daryl reveals that he has had medical supplies and drugs all along and why no one said anything earlier. They also reveal to Dale and T Dog that Lori was taken by Maggie back to the farm because Carl was shot. Also telling them that they need to split up. Glenn heads to the farm with some pain meds, while the others wait with the RV to continue the search for Sophie.



Shane and Otis find the necessary supplies from the FEMA aid station, however they are forced to lock themselves inside the school after becoming surrounded by walkers. With only a flimsy and what looks like a terrible metal gate.

Lots of talking and drama in this episode. Light on the action. Although that ending has me wanting to see what happens next episode.