Ed's Review Dot Com

Grindstone Entertainment Group, Emmett/Furla Films, Cheetah Vision,

Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, Vanessa Hudgens, Radha Mitchell, 50 Cent, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, Dean Norris

Jack Halcombe (Nicholas Cage) is an Alaskan Policeman who is ready to move to a desk job to get out of the cold, when he runs across a young runaway stripper Cindy Paulson (Vanessa Hudgens) who managed to get away from a man who tried to rape, torture, and kill her. But the Anchorage police are not interested to follow up the case because of who/what she is, and the fact the the subject she named, Robert Hansen (John Cusack) is a respected religious man. But Jack stumbles across an old case that is so similar, that he suspects Hansen may be responsible for the deaths and disappearances of dozens of girls in this crime thriller that is based on the real events that happened in the 1970’s and 80’s.

This movie caught me by surprise. It sounded like an interesting story, but not one that would stand out by any means. I was really surprised at the performances given by all the leads in this story. One of the strongest characters is the Alaskan wilderness which was stunning. But the intensity that Nick Cage brought to this work was really good. John Cusack was perfect as this dual person who has obvious problems. Vanessa is the weakest of the three, but she is supposed to be a confused kid with a very difficult past that has never done anything but run away from her problems, and she pulled that off pretty well too. The story is the kicker, as it’s very suspenseful, and the fact that it’s a true story is even better. In the closing credits they show the real victims and characters in this story. It’s one of those amazing stories.

If you’re a fan of a good crime novel, this is a great one. I was very impressed with the job they did with this film, and it’s hard to find anything to criticize. All aspects of the story are very well done, and it’s an edge of your seat experience watching this one. Newly released on DVD, I recommend it for those who would care for a story of a real serial killer.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Steel Mill Pictures, Coolmore Productions, Egoli Tossell Film,

Terence Stamp, Gemma Arterton, Christopher Eccleston, Vanessa Redgrave, Anne Reid, Ram John Holder, Bill Thomas, Orla Hill

Arthur (Terence Stamp) is a grumpy old guy taking care of his wife who is very ill. His wife, Marion (Vanessa Regrave) is ill, but very determined to enjoy what’s left of her life. She loves to sing, and is a member of the choir at her church. She wants to sing her solo and insists on going out to practice despite her husbands disdain for the choir and her risking herself. Arthur hides outside and listens to the choir and later begins to mend the relationship with his estranged son and to find some joy in his life once again through music.

This is a touching story, but lacking in the charm of other films. Dolly Parton did it much better in Joyful Noise. This story is a lot like On Golden Pond but without the great acting and without the charming story. Terence’s Arthur is a miserable old cuss, but he’s not funny, and when he has his epiphany and Scrooge-like redemption, is still not likeable at all. Vanessa Redgrave is a great actress, but has nothing to work with here, as the script is very dry. The son is so dreadful, I didn’t even look up to see who he is. All in all, the film was pretty dull, and not really worth the time watching it. I can’t really recommend this one.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Movie Rentals Releasing Tuesday October 1, 2013

• The Croods
• Dead Before Dawn
• Fright Night 2:New Blood
• The Frozen Ground
• Morning
• This is the End