Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Season of the Witch (2011)



Director: Dominic Sena
Writer: Bragi F. Schut

A 14th century Crusader returns to a homeland devastated by the Black Plague. A beleaguered church, deeming sorcery the culprit of the plague, commands the two knights to transport an accused witch to a remote abbey, where monks will perform a ritual in hopes of ending the pestilence. A priest, a grieving knight, a disgraced itinerant and a headstrong youth who can only dream of becoming a knight join a mission troubled by mythically hostile wilderness and fierce contention over the fate of the girl. When the embattled party arrives at the abbey, a horrific discovery jeopardises the knight's pledge to ensure the girl fair treatment, and pits them against an inexplicably powerful and destructive force.



If I actually had more than one or two people respond to my posts here, I'd probably get alot of shit for what I am about to say.  1. I really like this movie. and 2. I like Nicolas Cage.  So, there you go.


No, this is not a fantastic film.  But, I was quite entertained here.  The movie looks great, the acting is good (yes, I said that), and it was alot of fun.  Besides, as I've said before, Ron Perlman makes any movie better for me.


What you get here is a good fantasy movie, with a good amount of action.  As rare as theatrically released fantasy movies are these days, I say take it and enjoy it.  Just make some popcorn, sit down, and turn off your brain.


Verdict: Recommended

The Cast


Nicolas Cage ... Behmen von Bleibruk


Ron Perlman ... Felson


Claire Foy ... The Girl


Stephen Campbell Moore ... Debelzaq


Robert Sheehan ... Kay von Wollenbarth


Christopher Lee ... Cardinal D'Ambroise


Ulrich Thomsen ... Johann Eckhart


Stephen Graham ... Hagmar


Brían F. O'Byrne ... Grandmaster




Nicholas Sidi ... Priest


Rebekah Kennedy ... Peasant Turk Girl


Róbert Bánlaki ... Livery Boy

























Sunday, June 3, 2012

Blood of Beasts (2005)


Director: David Lister
Writer: Paul Anthony

Timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast set in the period of the Vikings. Freya, a warrior and the beautiful daughter of a Viking king, is held prisoner on an island castle by a Beast whom has been cursed by his god Odin.




The story is basically Beauty and the Beast.  The cover makes it look like Lord of the Rings.  The trailer makes it look pretty cool.  Unfortunately, none of these are correct.  This movie is pretty bad.


I'll give one thing, Jane March still looks great.  She's not a fantastic actress, but I think she's pretty good.  This movie also stars Justin Whalin whom most of you will remember for the unfortunate Dungeons & Dragons movie in 2000.  We also have William Gregory Lee who normally is a pretty good actor, but just seems terrible in this.


So for my quick little review.  The acting here is pretty bad overall, the action is terrible, the story is boring, the effects are ridiculous, and I frankly didn't care.


Not even Ms. March could have saved this for me, although a little skin could have gone a long way to that.

Verdict: Avoid



The Cast




Justin Whalin ... Eric


Jane March ... Freya


Candice Hillebrand ... Ingrid


Greg Melvill-Smith ... Thorsson


David Dukas ... Beast/Agnar


Marcel Van Heerden ... Kogla


Russel Savadier ... Olaf