The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my annual Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies and TV series. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween (and with covid-19 still around, that may be a good idea), here are some films and TV series you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

SQUID GAME

This super popular Netflix Korean drama series features hundreds of contestants competing in children's games for a large sum of cash. But they have to stake their lives to win.

Don't play games with this guy.

This 9-episode show is popular for a reason. It features a layered story with superb acting, memorable characters, and class themes such as those found in movies like Parasite and Snowpiercer. Even the titular squid game can be dissected to represent class struggle. The story leaves enough open for a second season but I honestly feel like the show would still feel complete if that never happens. There are spoilers everywhere online so definitely make this one a priority if you somehow have not yet seen it.

MALIGNANT

A woman named Madison has terrifying visions of grisly murders, but she soon learns that these visions are all too real.

"Hello, police? I'd like to report a murder only I can see in my head.... Hello?"

Directed by one of my favorite horror directors, James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring, Insidious), Malignant is something very different from Wan's previous horror films. It feels more like an homage to B-movies with the frantic violence of a Sam Raimi film like Evil Dead, and this movie gets incredibly violent. There is a big twist that I will not spoil but once you get there, the gory action turns up several notches. The twist is ridiculous, and the movie feels like it was made as a bad movie on purpose, but somehow it still works. My only critique is that since the premise is so bizarre that Wan should have made this more of a horror comedy. It takes itself maybe a little too seriously but Wan is so good that this movie still ends up very entertaining. Give this one a chance.

MIDNIGHT MASS

This Netflix limited series takes place in an isolated town on a small island where a mysterious, charismatic priest arrives, bringing miracles and hope with him. As expected, not all is as it seems.

The priest means well but you know what they say about good intentions.

This show is the latest offering from creator/director Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Gerald's Game, Hush). While not as scary as Flanagan's The Haunting of Hill House, or as emotional as his follow-up The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass instead offers a slow burn that builds up to a horrific climax. It features strong acting and a topical, layered story showing the potential terror resulting from misplaced faith. Another great show from Mike Flanagan.

ALICE IN BORDERLAND

This Netflix series follows an aimless gamer and his friends as they are transported to a strange, empty version of Tokyo, Japan where they are forced to play sadistic games just to survive.

"Does Tokyo sound a little quiet to you guys?"

Based on the manga of the same name, Alice in Borderland is yet another show featuring games with lives on the line but it also stands out for its creativity. It kind of feels like Saw meets Squid Game. Part of the fun is the characters figuring out the rules of the games because they are not always straightforward. Another thing I enjoyed about this show is that it feels like a live acton manga with the kind of tropes and story beats you would expect, especially once the story arc reaches its climax. A second season has been confirmed and I hope they are able to keep the quality of the show up. This might be one of the better manga adaptations around so definitely check this one out.

PSYCHO GOREMAN

Two siblings inadvertently resurrect an ancient alien overlord but then force him to do their childish biddings by using a magical amulet. However, this soon draws the attention of intergalactic assassins from around the universe.

This little girl is almost as big a psycho as Psycho Goreman himself.

Directed by Steven Kostanski (The Void), this film is a campy, gory love letter to 80s horror movies. It feels like a cross between E.T. and The Toxic Avenger. It's cheesy, it's violent, it's absurd, and it's very funny at times. I also love how the film uses so many practical effects. The downside is the little girl is incredibly annoying, and some of the jokes fall flat, but overall this is an entertaining, over-the-top movie that does not take itself seriously at all. This will not be for everyone but if my description caught your attention then this may be for you.

AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

A family wakes up on Christmas Day to find their house surrounded by a mysterious substance, followed by the TV set displaying a simple message: "Stay Indoors and Await Further Instructions". As the TV begins to give orders, the situation escalates. How far will this family go to follow these orders?

Sick nose ring, bro.

This is a great sci-fi horror film reminiscent of The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror. It takes a dark satirical look at topical themes such as xenophobia and media-driven paranoia. Some of these themes may be too on the nose but that does not detract too much from the film. Give this a watch if you are a fan of science fiction style parables.

CANDYMAN (2021)

An artist looking for inspiration explores the history of the Candyman, but his sanity soon begins to unravel as he unwittingly unleashes a deluge of violence.

Be his victim.... Wait, who the hell is that?!

Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, and DaCosta, this reboot/sequel is a followup to the old movies but also expands on the mythos with some mixed results that I think mostly works. It is difficult to outdo the original film's slow burn and psychological terror, so they went in a different direction. For example, the racial undertones of the original film are replaced with overt racial themes. Moreover, the Candyman's motivations in the original film are more mysterious, which is part of what makes it so scary. Without giving anything away, Candyman's purpose is much clearer in this film, although the film contradicts this purpose at least once. This clearer purpose also makes this sequel less scary. Despite that, I still enjoyed this film and it has an important message to tell. Some may not like the new direction but overall the new film is a worthy sequel.

BATTLE ROYALE

In near-future Japan, the government passes the BR Act to curb rising juvenile delinquency. A class of 9th graders learns what that means when they are captured and forced to fight to the death on an island in the annual Battle Royale.

There are no winners in the Battle Royale. Only survivors.

I would be remiss if I talked about Squid Game and Alice in Borderland without also talking about their source of inspiration. Battle Royale is a highly influential film based on the novel of the same name. It has been a while since I had seen this film but it still holds up incredibly well. In fact, I think my appreciation for it has only grown over time. The interesting characters, the horrors of the situation, and the question of "What would you do?" really pull the viewer in. This is a film that has often been imitated but it is still one of the best around. Definitely give new shows like Squid Game a watch but go out of your way to watch this classic.

That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. Thank you for reading! I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Just maybe don't play any games with strangers in the subways, OK? Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!


THE CONJURING 2

This is the sequel to the film that introduced us to the possessed doll Annabelle, which got its own spinoff. Like the first film, the story revolves around real-life paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren. This time they try to help a family in London who believe they are haunted by malicious spirits.

Hey, I didn't know Marilyn Manson was in this!

The film is masterfully directed by James Wan, who also directed The Conjuring, Saw, and Insidious. Wan has a way of building up tension and scaring his audience even when it is obvious something is going to happen. Basically, if James Wan is attached to direct a horror movie, I would make it a point to watch it. This is a must-see for horror fans.


THE WITCH

This gem is a period piece based in 1630 New England. The story follows a family that is plagued by witchcraft, causing a rift within the family as the members begin to blame each other.

"That'll learn 'em to bust my tomater."

This one is a slow burn, so some people may not have the patience to sit through this to get to the payoff. But if you do, you will be treated to some amazing acting and some standout cinematography. This is a thought-provoking film and well worth a shot. Writer/director Robert Eggers made an impressive debut with this one. Give it a watch.


HUSH

This is a home invasion film with the twist that the protagonist is a deaf mute. This adds an extra challenge to the heroine since she can't hear the masked man stalking her. It also shows how great the film is to be able to be so engaging with so little dialogue throughout.

"Oh, a guest? He looks nice!"

The film is directed by Mike Flanagan who also worked on Oculus, a great psychological horror film I recommended in the past. He also directed Ouija: Origin of Evil, a film I have yet to see but is getting a lot of great buzz. Mike Flanagan is clearly leaving his mark in the horror genre. Give this one a look.


HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH

I am a big fan of the original Hellraiser, and the sequel was a worthy but flawed followup. This film is not quite as good those two films.

Could be worse. You could...... nah this is as bad as it gets. Enjoy eternal suffering!

This sequel sees Pinhead released on Earth to cause havoc. It's up to an investigative reporter to send Pinhead and his minions back to Hell. Unfortunately, some of the new Cenobites are a little lame.

Meet Camerahead!..... Let's just pretend he never existed.

There is a scene where Pinhead lets loose and kills a bunch of people in a bar. It is kind of cool if you like wanton destruction. But it does feel a little small-scale considering the film is called Hell on Earth. The movie should feel bigger, but never gets there.

If you really want more Pinhead, this is harmless enough. Otherwise, it's pretty skippable.


THE ABCs of DEATH

This is a horror comedy anthology that takes us through the alphabet. There are 26 tales all shown in alphabetical order including A is for Apocalypse, B is for Bigfoot, and so on and so forth. Unfortunately the quality of these shorts are very uneven. There are some truly bad shorts such as F is for Fart.

I'm not.

The film is made up of shorts from directors all over the world who were given complete creative control. Maybe too much creative control because the good is far outweighed by the tasteless and disgusting. Some shorts will leave you wondering what the director was thinking.

What am I even watching?!

If you like movies made in bad taste, maybe you will enjoy this. A lot of it is difficult to watch, and downright embarrassing at times. For most of you, I cannot recommend this. There are far better anthology films to watch.


TRICK 'r TREAT

Now this is a horror comedy anthology I can get behind. Unlike most anthologies, this film follows several characters in a little town whose lives are all intertwined. The film also introduces us to my favorite new horror mascot, Sam.

"I just want some candy..... honest!"

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty, the film excels mostly because it is the focused creative vision of one person. The stories are interwoven and play off each other in a smart manner. This is a fun film for sure. Make this a priority if you want to watch a good horror flick.


THE INVITATION

This is another slow build but it is an easier watch for most people compared to The Witch. The story follows a man who is invited to attend a dinner party by his ex-wife and her new husband. Soon, he begins to suspect that everyone in attendance is in grave danger.

"I'm not worried... I just suffer from resting suspicious face."

I won't spoil the ending, but the film gets incredibly intense once it reaches its climax. The payoff is well worth the buildup. Definitely put this on your to-do list.


HOUSEBOUND

This is a New Zealand horror comedy that revolves around a woman under house arrest at her estranged mother's house. Hilarity and spiritual hijinks ensue. One of the funnier elements in the film is Amos the security guard who is also an amateur parapsychologist.

"Let me handle this. I've read some books!"

The best thing about this film is that it somehow manages to balance the comedy and horror elements so well, which is very difficult to do. The film is tense when it needs to be, but somehow manages to make you laugh the next moment, and vice versa. It is masterfully done. This is one to watch if you want some levity with your horror.


GHOSTBUSTERS (2016)

I decided to give this one a chance since I love the original movie so much. How does it stack up? I was pleasantly surprised how entertaining this film is. The dialogue is incredibly funny at times.

I was crying from laughter at this scene.

However, as funny as it is, I couldn't help but feel this didn't have to be a Ghostbusters movie. The best comedy almost always came from scenes that had nothing to do with busting ghosts. The fight scenes near the climax were silly and, unlike the original, the film never feels scary.

Furthermore, the main villain is lame. And while the ghosts are well designed, they look too cartoony. This is partly because all the ghosts have so much bright, colorful halos surrounding their bodies.

Cool ghost design. Maybe just dial back the bright blue a little bit.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining film. It might not be as good as the original, but it is better than the sequel and worth a look if you can get past any preconceived notions. Give it a chance when you're ready.


That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.


THE BABADOOK

This Australian gem focuses on a widow struggling to take care of her hyperactive son. Things take a turn for the worse when they discover a creepy children's book featuring a creature called The Babadook, a creature that soon seems all too real.

I hope your children don't like to sleep. You might want to forget about it too.

The film stands out because it is genuinely creepy, does not rely on cheap jump scares, and features an amazing performance by Essie Davis. She really carries the movie, showing a wide range of emotions as she slowly loses her sanity. On the other hand, prepare to be annoyed by her son.

"Leave me alone!...... Maybe take my son? But then leave me alone!"

The ending was a little over the top, and might be confusing to some. However, (this is a bit of a SPOILER) if you look at the film as a metaphor for the widow's struggles with her own dark thoughts, then it actually makes a lot of sense. The more I thought about it, the more I liked it. Either way, this is definitely a must-watch for horror fans.


TUCKER & DALE vs. EVIL

Now this is a fun one to watch. Tucker and Dale are just two good ol' boys on vacation in the backwoods when a group of college kids mistake them for murderous hillbillies.

This isn't what it looks like. It really isn't.

Hilarity ensues, and often at the expense of the stupid college kids. You can't help but root for their demise as they hilariously kill themselves.

Oh, those silly college kids. Always throwing themselves into wood chippers.

If you are looking for a great horror comedy, this is one to watch. Turning the killer hillbilly trope on its head, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is a fun film throughout.


STARRY EYES

This is one disturbing film, with a star-making performance by Alexandra Essoe. The story revolves around a waitress/aspiring actress just trying to make it in Hollywood. But how far will she go to become a star? Very far.

"I'm ready for my close-up!"

This is another great horror film that does not rely on cheap jump scares. It is a character study that builds slowly and does not pull punches. It can be hard to watch at times, but that is part of what makes it stand out. Give it a look if you think you can handle it.


IT FOLLOWS

This one has a very unique idea. The story revolves around a teenage girl who has sex with her boyfriend, but soon learns that in doing so, he passed a fatal curse to her.  That's right... a sexually transmitted curse! Now she is being followed by a supernatural force that only she can see. It is an entity that can look like a friend, family member, or stranger. While it is slow-moving, it is relentless in its pursuit.

Is that a sweet old lady walking ever so sloooowly towards you? RUN!!

This film also features one of the best soundtracks I have heard for a horror movie in a long time. It has an 80s feel to it, which might make you feel like you are watching an older film if not for the presence of some modern accoutrements.

This is an intense movie. Yet another terrific film on this list that does not rely on jump scares. Make this a priority on your horror movie to-do list.


DEAD SNOW: RED vs. DEAD

Another great horror comedy. This is the sequel to 2009's Dead Snow, a low-budget but fun Norwegian zombie flick.

"Do you know why I pulled you over?"

The sequel begins where the last film left off. The sole survivor of the previous movie, Martin, is suspected of killing his friends, since the police don't buy the Nazi zombie army story. Things are looking bad for our hero, but at least the doctors were able to reattach the arm that he lost in the first film..... except that it's not his arm. It's the arm of the Nazi zombie leader, Herzog. This arm has a mind of its own, which leads to some hilariously dark comedy, but it also has some nice perks.

"This ought to even the odds!....."

As funny as it is, the film is also full of gore and fast-paced action reminiscent of a Sam Raimi film. In fact, the movie feels like a love letter to Sam Raimi in all the best ways. There is also the presence of Daniel, a war museum employee who is definitely not gay, the Zombie Squad, a "professional" group of zombie hunters who make dead things.... deader, and a zombie sidekick who just can't seem to catch a break. There is just a lot to love.

"......maybe not."

If you like Evil Dead and Army of Darkness, this one is a no-brainer. Even if you don't, this is one of the better horror comedies out there. Watch it now!


That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and be safe. Happy Halloween!

Ant-Man - First Full Trailer

Marvel has released a humorous but action-packed new trailer for Ant-Man..... set atop a toy train.

Now this looks like a fun movie. The cast is great, and there is plenty of action, but the film doesn't appear to take itself too seriously, which is a definite plus when the story revolves around a man who shrinks and controls ants.

Directed by Peyton Reed, the film stars Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, and Corey Stoll.

Here is a short synopsis:

"Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world."

Ant-Man will arrive in US theaters on July 17th.

Entourage - Official Main Trailer

Warner Bros. has finally released the first full trailer for Entourage.

Directed by series creator Doug Ellin, the film stars Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Dillon, and Jeremy Piven.

Here is a short synopsis:

"Movie star Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), together with his boys, Eric (Kevin Connolly), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and Johnny (Kevin Dillon), are back...and back in business with super-agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven). Some of their ambitions have changed, but the bond between them remains strong as they navigate the capricious and often cutthroat world of Hollywood."

Entourage is scheduled to arrive in US theaters on June 5th.

Inside Out - Second Official Trailer

Disney and Pixar have released an emotional new trailer for Inside Out! This is going to be good. It's more than a feeling.

The trailer gets points just for that Boston song. The film looks like it is going to be fun for the whole family, while also including some emotional resonance.

The movie has a great cast with Amy Poehler as Joy, Bill Hader as Fear, Lewis Black as Anger, Mindy Kaling as Disgust, and Phyllis Smith as Sadness.

Here is a short story summary:

"Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it's no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley's main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school."

Inside Out will arrive in US theaters on June 19th.

Ant-Man - First Full-Sized Teaser Trailer

Marvel has finally released the full-sized teaser trailer for Ant-Man!

Not a lot to go off of yet, but a god introduction to the character. The film definitely has potential with such a great cast. Directed by Peyton Reed, the film stars Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, and Corey Stoll.

Here is a short synopsis:

"Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world."

Ant-Man will release in US theaters on July 17.

Entourage - Official Teaser Trailer

Vince and the guys are back for the first teaser trailer for the Entourage movie!

Very entertaining teaser, and Ronda Rousey came off really funny. Fans of the show should love the movie.

Directed by Doug Ellin, the film stars Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Dillon, and Jeremy Piven.

Entourage opens in US theaters on June 5, 2015.

The Peanuts Movie - First Official Trailer

Charlie Brown and Snoopy go 3D in the charming first official trailer for The Peanuts Movie. Good grief!

Definitely retains the classic feel of the humor and characters, which can only be a good thing. Not everything needs to be modernized. Hopefully this will turn out to be a fun family film.

Directed by Steve Martino (Ice Age: Continental Drift, Horton Hears a Who!), the film was partly written by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz's sons, Bryan and Craig Schulz. This will be the first feature film based on the comic strip in 35 years.

The Peanuts Movie will arrive in US theaters on November 6, 2015.

Inside Out - First Teaser Trailer

Disney and Pixar have released the first teaser trailer for Inside Out! Soon to be a major emotion picture.

While the teaser is made up of scenes from multiple Pixar movies, it does a great job setting up the theme of the new film.

Here is a plot summary courtesy of IMDb:

"Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it's no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley's main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school."

The film stars Amy Poehler as Joy, Bill Hader as Fear, Lewis Black as Anger, Mindy Kaling as Disgust, and Phyllis Smith as Sadness.

Inside Out is scheduled to release in US theaters on June 19, 2015.

Big Hero 6 - First Full Trailer

Check out the first full trailer for Disney and Marvel's Big Hero 6!

The film definitely looks like a lot of fun. Baymax on low battery comes off like he is a funny drunk. The trailer also briefly introduces us to the other members of Big Hero 6, as well as the kabuki-masked antagonist. Let's hope that Disney continues to utilize appropriate Marvel properties for future animated films like this one.

Make sure to take a look at the official website for more on the film such as character info and a picture gallery.

Big Hero 6 will hit US theaters on November 7th.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For - Trailer 2

Check out the newest trailer for Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller's long-awaited Sin City: A Dame to Kill For!

The trailer looks fantastic with the same great black and white visuals that mimic the art style of the graphic novel.

The film boasts a large but excellent cast with the likes of Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, and Powers Boothe in returning roles. Newcomers include Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Josh Brolin, Dennis Haysbert, Eva Green, and Lady Gaga.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For will be released in US theaters on August 22nd.

Sony and Sega Team up for SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Feature Film

With the huge E3 Expo going on this week, there is no better time for Sony to announce their plans for a feature film based on the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.

Sony is teaming up with Japan-based animation company Marza Animation Planet to create the hybrid live-action/computer-animated movie based on Sega's billion-dollar brand.

The film is being produced by Neal H. Moritz (22 Jump Street) along with Takeshi Ito and Mie Onishi from Marza Animation Planet. The script is being penned by Upright Citizens Brigade alums Evan Susser and Van Robichaux.

No official release date has been announced.

Hercules - Trailer 2

Check out the second trailer for Brett Ratner's Hercules, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson!

The film appears to adhere to the story of Hercules quite closely, with the titular character being a reluctant hero. The special effects look great, and the trailer seems to promise fun action scenes with some incredibly monstrous creatures. It might come off a bit cheesy, but if the director embraces that, then the film could still end up highly entertaining.

Hercules is scheduled to release in US theaters on July 25th.

Big Hero 6 - Teaser Trailer

Check out the teaser trailer for Disney and Marvel's Big Hero 6!

That was actually really funny. The story is inspired by Marvel's comic book of the same name. The main character is Hiro Hamada, a 14-year-old who attempts to turn his huggable bot buddy, Baymax, into a crime-fighting warrior. They will join other inexperienced heroes in keeping the streets of San Fransokyo safe. If the rest of the film is as entertaining as the teaser, then this is one to keep an eye on.

Big Hero 6 is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 7th.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Trailer 2

It has been a few months since the last one, but here is the newest trailer for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes!

I was pleasantly surprised at how good Rise of the Planet of the Apes was, so I am definitely looking forward to the sequel. If the trailer is any indication, I think we can safely assume the quality is up to par.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes will be released in theaters on July 11th.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For Trailer

After 9 years, we finally get the first trailer for the anticipated follow-up to Sin City.

I really enjoyed the first film back in 2005. I sincerely hope this new film lives up to that standard. The cast certainly looks stellar.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For will be released in theaters on August 22.

Green Lantern Movie Review

by Dr. C-LOS

Marvel has had a lot of success with their movie franchises, even with their lesser known properties. DC, however, has been content to use only their big two, Superman and Batman. That was true until now. Green Lantern, one of DC's biggest properties in comics today, finally hits the big screen. But does the film live up to the potential that the graphic novel iterations seem to imply?

For those not in the know, Green Lantern follows Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds), an ace test pilot with the ability to overcome great fear. This ability is recognized by a dying alien and thus bestows onto Jordan a ring that is controlled by the green power of will. This ring can manifest green-colored constructs, limited only by the user's willpower and creativity.

Green Lantern's ring in action.

Jordan then joins an intergalactic group of aliens also chosen to be ring bearers. This group is called the Green Lantern Corps. Their biggest threat is an entity known as Parallax, a parasitic monster that feeds on the yellow power of fear.

This might sound a bit cheesy but this is based on a comic book after all. Green Lantern doesn't take itself too seriously except when needed, and has quite a sense of humor. My favorite gag being when Reynolds does his best impression of Christian Bale as Batman.

"Carol, I have a confession. I'm a green space cop."
"...................
Be serious Hal."

Overall, Reynolds does a great job as Hal Jordan though he may come off a bit more goofy than his comic book counterpart. Blake Lively, however, was not a great choice as fellow pilot Carol Ferris, but at least she is nice to look at. The best performances are by Peter Sarsgaard as Hector Hammond and Mark Strong as Sinestro. Unfortunately, Tim Robbins was chosen as Hammond's father, which is unbelievable considering how close in age they look. Angela Bassett as Amanda Waller was a great choice but her scenes are short-lived. And Sinestro is underutilized, along with other interesting Green Lantern Corps members. Furthermore, some characters could have been better fleshed out, leading to a feeling that the story is being rushed through so they can just get to the sequel. 

As for the special effects, they were very well done and are one of the film's best assets. Thankfully, the film was shot in 3D as opposed to being converted. It really shows as the 3D effects look great. The planet Oa, where the Green Lantern Corps reside, looks marvelous. It is too bad then that we don't see much of it or its inhabitants.

Wish we could have seen more of this.

One of Green Lantern's biggest downfalls, however, is that the story has way too much going on. There just isn't enough time to cover Jordan's background. We learn enough about his father to care, but there is more behind the relationship between Jordan and Carol Ferris. There just wasn't enough time to explore that relationship within the film. Furthermore, Sinestro could have been fleshed out a lot better. Showing his dark side develop would have made a great story arc. The story is there but it's only touched upon enough to make way for a sequel. And the film goes just a little longer than it had to. It's not that I got bored from it being too long, it's just that they tried to cram too much into it. If they had focused on just one villain, and hadn't been so adamant about getting everything out of the way for the sequel, the story could have been tighter and more enjoyable.

Despite the flaws, Green Lantern still ends up being very entertaining. The special effects, action, and sense of humor add up to a very good, though not great film. Green Lantern doesn't quite live up to the lofty goals of Dark Knight or Iron Man 1, but it ends up about on par with Thor or better. It might help to be a Green Lantern comics fan so you can understand a lot of the smaller details, but it does not hurt the film otherwise. And now that they have the origin out of the way, I can see the sequel being much more focused, and having more time to tell a better story. In the meantime, Green Lantern is an enjoyable but bumpy ride.

Movie Reviews for Moon and Public Enemies

Welcome once again to The Doctor's Prognosis!

One word of advice before moving on to the reviews: Never answer a jury summons..... Oh wait! I can't say that can I? OK then, please make sure to do jury duty. It's a right and a privilege or some other such nonsense. Oh wait! That was the same thing wasn't it?
>.>
<.<
/runs away

Public Enemies Review
Public Enemies was an odd experience because here I had actors I admire. I like Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, and Giovanni Ribisi makes an appearance. And the movie even starts with a jail breakout. So it sounds like a fun way to start the film. Yet for some reason, I never fully felt engaged with this film.

I thought Johnny Depp did a decent job as John Dillinger, and Christian Bale really didn't have much of a character to work with. It was just alright.

"I should have been in a better film."

Many times I felt like I should have been more enthralled by the gun fights, and some of them worked pretty well, but overall the film still felt dull.

Also working against the film were the myriad cliches. You will feel like you saw this film before and done better.

Public Enemies did get better as it went along. However, it never fully engaged me. I felt the same way about the trailer, but I was hoping that it would be good with the people involved. Unfortunately, it was just alright and just not worth watching with all the better movies available. Michael Mann should be ashamed. He can do better than this. Thumbs down.


Moon Review



This was a film I wanted to see since watching the trailer earlier this year. Starring Sam Rockwell as an astronaut that made a deal to work alone on the Moon for 3 years, this thriller harkens back to the style of sci-fi filmmaking we saw in the 60's and 70's. Moon eschews big CGI special effects for a story that's delves into the psyche.

One cannot talk about this film without talking about what an amazing job Sam Rockwell does with his acting. Sam Rockwell's character, Sam Bell, finds himself face to face with a clone that claims he was sent with the same contract to fulfill for 3 years. This leads to Rockwell acting with himself throughout the film. And to convince the audience that he is indeed two different people (albeit with the same DNA) is no easy feat.
Kevin Spacey also does a great job voicing Gerty, Sam's robotic buddy in the film.

Moon reminded me of something more akin to a Twilight Zone episode. Growing up watching and loving those kind of stories made Moon really shine. It took that kind of cerebral storytelling and made it modern again. I hope this means that more films of this kind could be on the horizon.

Director Duncan Jones should be proud of his work here. Jones has only one other directing credit under his name but his talent here should help propel him to more great work. I highly recommend anyone to watch this film if you like some old school sci-fi in your film. Big thumbs up.


Hope you enjoyed my reviews. If you're interested in watching the trailer to Moon, check it out here.
If you want to see what will surely be the best movie of the summer, click here.
If you're interested in Public Enemies, go get professional help.

Thanks for stopping by.
See you next time!