“Only the Brave” – rough ending to watch, but a damn fine story

Posted on October 20, 2017 by Denise

Nutshell: An ensemble cast delivers a dramatic retelling of the heartbreaking Yarnell Hill Fire, breathing life into the Granite Mountain Hotshots, their family and friends.  What starts out as a story about a rowdy gang of underdogs you grow to love turns into a devastating look at those who put their lives on the line to make sure we don’t lose ours.  Grade: A

“If this ain’t the greatest job in the world, I don’t know what is.”

Story: A wildfire “mop-up” crew in Prescott, AZ tries to make it to the prestigious Hotshot level, something no municipal fire team had ever done.  Well, they did it.  But enjoy that happiness while you can, because a big fire’s a’comin’.  Grab your kleenex y’all. Continue reading →

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#31in31 2017 – ” Don’t Kill It”

Posted on October 20, 2017 by Denise

“What the hell’sa matter with you?”

Story: Jebediah Woodley is a demon hunter with years of experience. When a demon hits the small town of Chicory Creek, Mississippi, Woodley, along with an FBI agent and the local police, try to stop the carnage. Good luck with that.

Scares: Some gotchas.

Splat factor: Hilariously over the top bloody kills, and tons of the red stuff. Gotta respect the old school tube & syrup.

Closing scene “shocker”?: Yeah, but it’s a fun one. Continue reading →

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#31in31 2017 – “Cult of Chucky”

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Denise

“He’ll be back. He always comes back.”

Story: Looks like Chucky, the doll that won’t quit, is still chasing after survivor Nica. But while Chucky hunts her in her institution, Andy – the now grownup kid from the original film – tries to make it there before it’s too late.

Scares: A few fun but mild gotchas.

Splat factor: The usual middling Chucky/Child’s Play blood and gore throughout, with a few big bangs at the climax. Oh, and dolly insides. Didn’t think dolls had blood and guts? Surprise! Continue reading →

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#31in31 2017 – “Halloween H20: 20 Years Later”

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Denise

“We’re through with that, really.”

Story: It’s been 20 years since Michael Meyers went all stabby in Haddonfield. Laurie Strode, now a headmistress of a “posh private school” and living under an assumed name, still has nightmares. But not for long, because Big Mike has found her…and her little (okay, teen) son too. Good thing Laurie’s son is away on a weekend long field trip. OR IS HE?

Scares: Lots of dark places where Michael can hide, and the requisite “he’s right behind me, isn’t he” moments that MM adores. Continue reading →

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#31in31 2017 – “little evil”

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Denise

“We’re working on our manners.”

Story: Gary and Samantha just got married – Mazel! And now Gary not only has a beautiful wife, but a sweet 5-year-old boy as his stepson. Well, maybe not so sweet. In fact, the kid might actually be the Antichrist.

Scares: Not really. “Omen”-esque stuff, but all played for laughs.

Splat factor: Very little, but there is a death with the requisite horror movie blood. Continue reading →

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TrailerWatch: BLACK PANTHER – new trailer *and* poster!

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Denise

Y’all know that there are three comic book characters that I absolutely go crazy about: Harley Quinn, Aquaman…and everybody’s favorite clawed superhero, Black Panther.  So I absolutely had to share the new trailer and poster, bum index finger be-damned! Synopsis!

T’Challa, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king.

And ain’t this new poster amazing? I’m really digging the high-tech art deco vibe.  (Click it for the full large-and-in-charge image.) Wakanda comes to your multiplex February 16th, 2018.

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: “Thank You for Your Service”!

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Denise

That trailer/Shania Twain song combo is amazing, so I’m glad I’ve got passes for Thank You for Your Service. I’d type more, but as I argued with a belt sander yesterday (spoiler: my right index finger lost), why not just get to it? Synopsis!

DreamWorks Pictures’ Thank You for Your Service follows a group of U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq who struggle to integrate back into family and civilian life, while living with the memory of a war that threatens to destroy them long after they’ve left the battlefield.

So let’s gear up for Awards Season Onslaught shall we?   Continue reading →

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: “Only the Brave”!

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Denise

This looks like an amazing film, and the screening is TOMORROW. So? Synopsis!

It’s not what stands in front of you… it’s who stands beside you. Only the Brave, based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, is the heroic story of one unit of local firefighters that through hope, determination, sacrifice, and the drive to protect families, communities, and our country become one of the most elite firefighting teams in the nation.  As most of us run from danger, they run toward it – they watch over our lives, our homes, everything we hold dear, as they forge a unique brotherhood that comes into focus with one fateful fire.

Ready to bring all the kleenex? C’mon!

Continue reading →

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#31in31 2017: “The Nightmare”

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Denise

“This is the story of eight people and what waits for them in the darkness.”

Story: Sleep paralysis. Yeah, I thought it was being trapped in bed. You too? The reality is much worse…because it’s not just the inability to move. It’s the inability to move and seeing terrifying beings coming into your room. This documentary interviews eight people with this condition, letting you inside their terrors.

Scares: A few chills as the real-life interviewees describe what they see during their episodes.

Continue reading →

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TrailerWatch: “The New Mutants” shows Marvel’s spooky side

Posted on October 15, 2017 by Denise

“This isn’t a hospital.  It’s a haunted house!”

Marvel’s new trailer for The New Mutants has got me all sorts of twitterpated.  First off, the cast includes Arya Stark Masie Williams as Wolfsbane, and Split‘s Final Girl Anya Taylor-Joy as Magik.  Then there’s the rest of the mutant crew; Mirage, Cannonball, Sunspot…and a creepy as hell hospital.  Then there’s the premise, which has me dying to find out more. Synopsis!

Five young mutants, just discovering their abilities while held in a secret facility against their will, fight to escape their past sins and save themselves.

This is a damn impressive trailer, and I can’t wait to see what the full film has in store. The New Mutants hits theaters April 13th, 2018!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu9e410C__I

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