Movie Review: Midnight Special

So, the other day I had the opportunity to see an early screening of Midnight Special. I jumped at the chance, having been rather intrigued by the trailer. I was also intrigued to see what writer/director Jeff Nichols would do with a science fiction film, following a couple really good dramas in Mud and Take Shelter. Not to mention Michael Shannon is an excellent actor. On top of seeing the film, there was the added bonus of a Mondo 7” vinyl containing a couple of tracks from the soundtrack. So, how did it turn out? Well, good and bad, leaving the experience decidedly in the middle of the road with its ultimate fate yet to be decided.

Movie Review: Random Acts of Violence

Shot in 2010, this low budget black comedy/thriller played the festival circuit under the name Charm. At some point it was retitled Malcolm before settling on Random Acts of Violence. I am not sure what title I actually prefer. It's current moniker does not seem quite right and while I like the idea of Charm as the title, that doesn't fit too well either. As for Malcolm, well, that puts it too close to Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Not that I have any better ideas. The film itself is not bad, although it owes a huge debt to Remy Belvaux's Man Bites Dog. If you haven't seen that, stop reading this and go watch that. It's all right, with a small amount of luck this will still be here should you choose to come back.

Movie Review: The Crow - Salvation

Here is an interesting movie. It is one that you have to question its existence, at least from a studio suit standpoint. If you look at The Crow: City of Angels and is paltry $17 million take at the box office and is disappearing after just stow weeks, or have to wonder why anyone would want to bother making another one. You would have to think it would be a losing situation. Still, someone thought it was worth exploring, the end result being The Crow: Salvation, which was released straight to video after poor test screenings. Sounds like a winner right?