Tag Archives: movie reviews

Haunting of Cellblock 11 Released on DVD with Bonus Features

11 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by in Horror Movies, Movie Reviews, Prisons

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Haunting of Cellblock 11

Haunting of Cellblock 11

Haunting of Cellblock 11 Released on DVD with Bonus Features

Bonus features trump the ease of Video on Demand (VOD) purchases. And the Haunting of Cellblock 11 raises the stakes. Released last week, the Andrew P. Jones film includes two additional segments: the History of the Missouri State Penitentiary and a Director’s Commentary. Even though I purchased the digital copy, I have ordered the DVD just to get the bonus features.

The movie was filmed on location at the now closed Missouri State Penitentiary. Known as “the bloodiest 47 acres in America,” the prison operated from March 1836 to September 15, 2004. The prison housed male and female prisoners. Its history included riots, executions, and prison breaks. In addition, visitors have experienced unexplained paranormal phenomena. Visit the official Website, http://www.missouripentours.com/, for more information.

Also included in the DVD package is an on-going Commentary with Andrew and some of the actors. Andrew assures viewers that it is not the stuffy commentary feature other movies include. I cannot wait to view!

On a side note, this movie is NOT a “found footage” film. Found footage is a sub-genre of movie making where raw, unedited footage is assembled as the movie. Examples may be documentary films or collage films. It can be fictional or non-fictional. Basically the director uses film footage as a “found” object. Andrew did not use found footage for this movie. Further, all of the footage in the Haunting of Cellblock 11 was unique to the movie. This movie was filmed based on a script, which Andrew wrote.

I thoroughly enjoyed Haunting of Cellblock 11. It is a great horror movie. View it for what it is: an independent film shot on a low-budget. To review the movie otherwise does the film a disservice and reduces the writer’s credibility. Order your copy and make sure to watch the added features. I will!

Tammy. Melissa McCarthy’s Best Yet

09 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by in Movies

≈ Comments Off on Tammy. Melissa McCarthy’s Best Yet

Tags

, , , ,

Susan Sarandon Melissa McCarthy

Susan Sarandon and Melissa McCarthy from Tammy

The API Gals had a cancellation. Deciding on a change of pace, Jenn, 1L, and 2L opted to screen Melissa McCarthy’s new movie Tammy. Although not a horror or paranormal themed movie, it still cast light on people’s behaviors. Out of her last three movies (Identity Thief, Heat, and Tammy), Tammy was by far the most entertaining. It was packed with some of the best comedians working in the industry today. Gratuitous in-your-face sex screens were minimized as was the excessive profanity usually spewing from the star’s mouth.

Susan Sarandon’s role as main character Tammy’s grandmother was a feat of suspended belief. In real life they are only 24 years apart. If Tippi Hedron and Jessica Tandy could accomplish it in The Birds (1963), why not Sarandon? The wardrobe department must have had a field day locating the stereotypical fashion favorites of women approaching 80. The clothing was spot-on.

Earlier reviews claim that McCarthy “saved” the movie. I disagree. Saradon’s performance was stellar—not Oscar worthy, but this isn’t an Oscar-burdened film. Dan Aykroyd’s part was too small; however, he left a lasting impression. Kathy Bates and Sandra Oh shined. Allison Janney seemed too calm, though. I missed the peppery delivery from prior films. Ultimately the comedic chemistry between McCarthy and real-life husband Ben Falcone set the tone and made the audience wonder if they truly are a “Hollywood” couple. They’re just so darn adorable! Let me assure you. Not only are they a popular couple, they are a refreshing change from the other so-called Hollywood couples. They’re almost the anti-Hollywood couple. They only appear for comedic tension, never as lovers. That will carry them farther than most modern screen couples. Audiences dig them. They’re the American couple!

Go see this movie.