- 0
'The Island' (2018) Review
Huang Bo's comedy-drama is probably about 60% of what you're expecting and 40% unique. Humanity is capable of sinister things when faced with desperation. Survival instincts kick in as morality is replaced with sheer desire and greed.
- 0
'Summer of 84' Review
Summer of 84 is a horror film that doesn't know how to provide the horror. There's an insane amount of character development and teenage hijinks, but a conclusion with a knife, a few slices, and a pep talk don't make up for 90-minutes of buildup and no scares.
- 0
'BlacKkKlansman' (2018) Review
Spike Lee's retelling of Ron Stallworth's 1979 infiltration into the KKK is intriguing from start to finish and leaves plenty to contemplate in how it relates to the events of today.
- 0
'Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days' Review
The sequel to Kim Yong-hwa's South Korean action fantasy drama lacks the emotional wallop of the original film, but still provides a fascinating look at what awaits us after we die.
- 0
Blu-Ray Review: 'Isle of Dogs' (2018)
With its home release on July 17, 2018, Isle of Dogs is so good as an animated film. It's just a shame the bonus features are so brief. At least the film looks great in high-definition.
- 0
'Hot Summer Nights' (2018) Review
Elijah Bynum's writing and directorial debut is part Scarface, part Saved by the Bell, and part The Social Network but it does little to establish any sort of identity of its own. At least Timothée Chalamet got to raid Steve from Blue's Clues closet before filming began.
- 0
'Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot' (2018) Review
Director Gus Van Sant's first film in three years is based on the life and tribulations of a quadriplegic alcoholic and cartoonist named John Callahan. Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Jack Black, and Rooney Mara help make this one of the most powerful and moving films of the year.
- 0
'The Equalizer 2' (2018) Review
Four years after the first film, Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington are back featuring a Robert McCall that gives back to the community, spends a significant amount of time encouraging a drug dealer to paint over his problems, and is in desperate need of a five star rating on Lyft.
- 0
'Sorry to Bother You' (2018) Review
Boots Riley has delivered one of the most original comedies of the year. Starring Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, and Jermaine Fowler, Sorry to Bother You is an unusually brilliant comedy that is unlike anything you've ever seen.
- 0
Review Recollection: 'The Midnight Meat Train' (2008)
A Clive Barker adaptation by Versus director Ryuhei Kitamura starring Bradley Cooper, Leslie Bibb, and Vinnie Jones. The horror film is incredibly faithful to Barker's short story of the same name and it has some fantastic kills.
- 0
'Boundaries' (2018) Review
They should have Bring Your Dog Screenings of this like they did with Isle of Dogs. Grab yourself a helping of candy corn casserole and a huge glimpse of Christopher Lloyd's butt double, Boundaries tries to be meaningful but is mostly candy coated desperation.
- 0
The First Purge (2018) Review
The fourth entry in The Purge franchise is a prequel that makes you care even less about a franchise that probably should have ended two years ago. Starring a bunch of nobodies other than a stale Marisa Tomei, The First Purge is an annoying way to celebrate our independence.
- 0
Review Recollection: 'The Machine Girl' (2008)
Noboru Iguchi makes some outrageously violent yet absurd films. The craziness in The Machine Girl is so ridiculous that it reaches its own unique levels of entertainment. Like ninjas and blood geysers? Decapitations and chainsaws? The Machine Girl has got you covered.
- 1
Review Recollection: 'Lars and the Real Girl' (2007)
Back in 2007, Ryan Gosling made weird and unusual captivating and delightful in one of Craig Gillespie's first films as a director. Sometimes all you need to overcome your introverted personality is a sex doll with a heart of gold.
- 1
Review Recollection: 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' (2005)
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang has Shane Black in the director's chair for the first time combining noir and comedy like no one else can. With memorable and hysterical performances from both Robert Downey Jr and Val Kilmer, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang has not only aged well but is still one of Black's best films.
- 0
Review Recollection: 'Harsh Times' (2005)
The first film David Ayer ever wrote, directed, and produced is a crime film starring Christian Bale and Freddy Rodriguez. It's not Ayer's best and Bale's performance is the best part, but it's a decent watch that deserves to have a better reputation.
- 0
Review Recollection: 'Electric Dragon 80,000 V' (2001)
One of the weirdest, loudest, craziest, and most amazing 55-minute Japanese films to ever be released. Tadanobu Asano is pretty great in general, but give him an electric guitar and a lizard infatuation and he's even more awesome.
- 1
Review Recollection: 'Doomsday' (2008)
Neil Marshall's sci-fi extravaganza clutters itself by feeling like three different films in one. Maybe it's because it basically rips off Mad Max or that Marshall brings the horror vibe from his previous films directly into this misshapen world, but Doomsday is silly and amusing for what it is.
- 0
Review Recollection: 'Dance of the Dead' (2008)
If you've ever wondered how painfully bad the zombie genre could get, look no further than Dance of the Dead. The absolute best thing about this film is Lucas Till's brief cameo as one of the rockers.
- 0
Review Recollection - Batman: Gotham Knight (2008)
Before Batman Ninja, Batman: Gotham Knight was the only Batman anime out there. Six stories mostly unrelated to each other awesomely animated by four different production studios. At 76-minutes, Gotham Knight is smooth and creamy animation that's easy to digest.
- 1
Review Recollection: 'Batman Begins' (2005)
The first film in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and Christian Bale's debut as The Dark Knight. Long before the Martha thing was relevant, Batman received the reboot he deserved.
- 0
Review Recollection: 'B.T.K.' (2008)
Michael Feifer's underwhelming representation of the B.T.K. murders is made watchable due to Kane Hodder's strong screen presence. The intense kills are surprisingly creative in their execution, as well.
- 0
Review Recollection: 'Antibodies' (2005)
Ever wanted a German ripoff of The Silence of the Lambs? Christian Alvart has you covered. Norman Reedus has been taking some German lessons and wants to show the handful of phrases he's mastered for a pro bono role.
- 0
Review Recollection - 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' (2004)
Adam McKay's idiotic comedy starring Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Karell, David Koechner is just as dumb as it was when it hit theaters 14 years ago, but its one-liners are also just as epic. It's like Dumb and Dumber, but with more Sex Panther.
- 0
Review Recollection: 'All the Boys Love Mandy Lane' (2008)
From the director of 50/50 and the actress from John Carpenter's last directed film that everyone hated comes the slasher film that sat on the shelf for seven freakin' years.
- 2
Review Recollection: A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Stanley Kubrick's ultraviolent classic holds up insanely well for its age and Malcolm McDowell is extraordinary in his first big on-screen role.
- 0
Review Recollection - 13: Game of Death (2008)
A Thai horror comedy that redefines the desperation an average man faces when faced with the opportunity of becoming wealthy in an instant. Can one be pushed too far? Is any one task too revolting and too gruesome to complete?
- 0
Comicpalooza X Recap
A recap of the first two days of Comicpalooza X, which took place during Memorial Day weekend in Houston, TX.
- 0
'Lu Over the Wall' (2018) Review
Anime director and master of warping animation Masaaki Yuasa returns with the Adobe Flash animated film, "Lu Over the Wall." Mermaids dance, sharks give advice on fish, and dogs take to the sea. The film is total bizarre bliss.
- 0
'Tully' (2018) Review
Director Jason Reitman, writer Diablo Cody, and actress Charlize Theron reunite for a comedy-drama about motherhood that is scary, real, and hilarious.
- 4
'Avengers: Infinity War' (2018) Review
After ten years and nearly 20 films, the entire MCU culminates in the brilliant and devastating "Avengers: Infinity War." Directed by the Russo brothers and starring nearly everyone from every Marvel Studios film.
- 0
'Hearts Beat Loud' (2018) Review
Hearts Beat Loud had its premiere at Sundance back in January of 2018 and played again at SXSW in March. It is currently set for a limited June 8, 2018 release in New York and Los Angeles. It played in Houston as part of Movie Hullabaloo at Alamo Drafthouse Mason Park on Saturday, April 14.
- 5
From Houston to Whistler: A Buffoon's Pilgrimmage
I traveled to Whistler, British Columbia, Canada in April of 2018. Here's a detailed rundown of the things I saw, the people I encountered, and the activities I partook in over the course of three days filled with outrageous beauty and disturbingly mesmerizing wilderness.
- 0
'Ready Player One' (2018) Review
Now playing in 3D, RealD, IMAX 3D, and conventional movie theaters across the country. Steven Spielberg introduces the world to a future overflowing with a gut punch directly to everything you loved as a child.
- 0
'Flower' (2018) Review
The Max Winkler directed R-rated comedic drama stars Zoey Deutch and is now playing in theaters. The film also stars Dylan Gelula, Maya Eshet, Joey Morgan, Kathryn Hahn, Tim Heidecker, Adam Scott, and Eric Edelstein.
- 0
'Isle of Dogs' (2018) Review
Now playing in Houston. Wes Anderson's latest venture into stop-motion animation is a fantastically detailed visual wonderland with a whimsical score. Don't miss this wonderfully imaginative film.
- 2
'7 Guardians of the Tomb' (2018) Review
Dropping on DVD and Blu-ray April 24, 2018, 7 Guardians of the Tomb is a bad movie that knows it's bad and it feels like it's kind of ashamed of it.
- 0
'Operation Red Sea' (2018) Review
The sort-of, not-really sequel to Operation Mekong has Dante Lam returning to write and direct and Zhang Hanyu comes back to not do much of anything.
- 0
'Happy End' (2018) Review
Michael Haneke's Austrian drama starring Isabelle Huppert and Jean Louis-Trintignant finally gets its theatrical release in Houston two months after the fact.
- 3
'Black Panther' (2018) Review
Don't hate the panther. Hate the (ancestral) plane. Ryan Coogler's "Black Panther" starring Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, and Michael B. Jordan is now playing in theaters everywhere.
- 1
Early Man (2018) Review
It's a sad day when a film that is stop-motion animated feels like just another cookie cutter piece of animated fluff, but that's exactly what you get with Early Man.
- 0
Remothered: Tormented Fathers (2018) Review
Currently available on Steam for $14.99 or you could bundle the game with the soundtrack and/or artbook for a few extra bucks.
- 0
Fifty Shades Freed (2018) Review
Bound, gagged, and thank the almighty French tickler in the sky this franchise is finally over. Fifty Shades Freed ruins your romantic escapades this Valentine's Day.
- 0
12 Strong (2018) Review
If you go out of your way to watch predictable patriotic puke, then this war drama is now playing in theaters for you to throw your hard earned American currency at.
- 0
Mom and Dad (2017) Review
If we've learned anything from this film, it's never to have kids, keep the power tools away from your parents, and always have a box of Froot Loops on standby in case Nicolas Cage drops in.
- 0
The Commuter (2018) Review
If you insist on willingly throwing yourself in front of this wobbly train, the Liam Neeson/Jaume Collet-Serra clackety fourquel is now playing in theaters.
- 2
Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017) Review
Writer and director Kim Yong-hwa's fantasy drama is a sentimental expedition stuffed with impeccable acting, creative cinematography, and gorgeous special effects.
- 0
Top 25 Films of 2017 Part II
The second half of my favorite films of 2017. Films shown at Fantastic Fest are included. Enjoy.
- 0
Top 25 Films of 2017 Part I
Out of the many films seen over the course of the year, here are my personal favorite from 2017. This is the first half; 25-16. Includes films from Fantastic Fest. Enjoy.
- 1
I, Tonya (2017) Review
Did you ever think you'd be laughing out loud and feeling sympathetic towards Tonya Harding 23 years later? I, Tonya does just that and it should be playing in most theaters now.
- 0
Bright (2017) Review
Available on Netflix now. David Ayer, Max Landis, and Will Smith spend $90 million to a somewhat satisfying extent.
- 0
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) Review
Rian Johnson arrives with what is the best Star Wars film since The Empire Strikes Back and what is quite possibly the best Star Wars film to date.
- 0
Thor: Ragnarok (2017) Review
If you start a revolution, be sure to bring enough pamphlets. Taika Waititi's superhero sequel starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, and Cate Blanchett hits theaters November 3.
- 0
All I See Is You (2017) Review
A car crash made me blind and all I learned was how to be a sleazy scumbug in four different countries. Starring Ryan Reynolds' wife and the guy that was John Connor in the worst Terminator ever.
- 0
Creep 2 (2017) Review
The horror sequel is now available on digital and video on demand services. Stars Mark Duplass, Desiree Akhavan, and Karan Soni. Directed by Patrick Brice.
- 1
The Foreigner (2017) Review: Snake in the Grass
Jackie Chan combines Breaking Bad and Taken for an unforgettable performance in Martin Campbell's "The Foreigner."
- 0
The New Mutants Trailer Speculation
Josh Boone's film adaptation of Marvel's "The New Mutants" comes to theaters April 13, 2018. There's nothing to fear, but a demonic bear that mauls your face in your sleep.
- 0
Fantastic Fest Review: "Downsizing" (2017)
Alexander Payne's comedic drama starring Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Hong Chau, Udo Kier, and Kristen Wiig will be released December 22, 2017.
- 0
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Review
The Denis Villeneuve directed sequel hits theaters October 6 with special screenings held the night before in some areas. Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford star.
- 0
How I Survived My First Fantastic Fest
Fantastic Fest 2017 was officially the first time I'd attended any film festival and it is something I will cherish and remember forever.
- 0
Fantastic Fest Review: "The Endless" (2017)
The latest film from "Spring" directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead has been acquired by Well Go USA, but currently doesn't have a release date.
- 0
Fantastic Fest Review: "Brawl in Cell Block 99" (2017)
S. Craig Zahler's action thriller starring Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Carpenter has a theatrical release of October 6 and will be on digital HD and video on demand October 13.
- 0
Fantastic Fest Review: "Mary and the Witch's Flower" (2017)
Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Studio Ponoc's first full-length animated feature will have a North American release sometime in Winter 2017.
- 0
Fantastic Fest Review: "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" (2017)
Yorgos Lanthimos' psychological horror thriller starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, and Barry Keoghan hits US theaters October 27th.
- 0
The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) Review
Deadpool and Nick Fury team up to yell at explosions, whine at gunfire, and scoff at lengthy car chases all while their hateful forced chemistry boils over into your eyeballs.
- 0
Dave Made a Maze (2017) Review
Bill Watterson's quirky, fantastic, and incredible adventure comedy is now available on VOD. If you feel like cinema has been lacking in creativity as of late, this is the type of film to turn to.
- 0
Broken Mile (2017) Review
Justin McConnell's latest film comes to DVD and Blu-ray on August 15. It's loaded with special features.
- 2
Logan Lucky (2017) Review
Steven Soderbergh's triumphant return to feature film directing is set in the country and throws a group of hillbillies into a bank vault heist during a Nascar race. That's right, America!
- 0
A Taxi Driver (2017) Review
A South Korean drama centered around the Gwangju Democratization Movement of 1980. Song Kang-ho stars.
- 0
The Dark Tower (2017) Review
Load up on your painkillers and your sugar. The Dark Tower is sloppy sci-fi action mixed with disjointed storytelling, but is somehow accidentally entertaining.
- 1
Detroit (2017) Review
Detroit is an excruciating two and a half hours, but John Boyega, Will Poulter, and Algee Smith make the experience worthwhile.
- 0
Atomic Blonde (2017) Review
A battered and bloodied Charlize Theron bashes in countless faces in Atomic Blonde and has one of the most memorable action sequences of 2017 submerged in a vodka soaked ice bath.
- 4
First Kill (2017) Review
Hayden Christensen and Bruce Willis duke it out to find out whose worrisome forehead wrinkles are more profound in an "action thriller" that has no idea what those two words mean.
- 1
Baby Driver (2017) Review
Edgar Wright's British-American action crime comedy starring Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Eiza Gonzalez, Jon Hamm, and Jamie Fox races into theaters June 28.
- 0
Okja (2017) Review
With a limited one-day theatrical release and a Netflix release Wednesday, June 28th, Bong Joon-ho's latest is a heartfelt masterpiece that shouldn't be missed.
- 2
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) Review
The third entry in the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy (and possibly beyond) directed by Matt Reeves starring Andy Serkis and Woody Harrleson barrels into theaters July 14.
- 3
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) Review
If you like CGI diarrhea along with terrible dialogue, atrocious acting, and explosion fetishes, then The Last Knight will surely make you want to punch yourself in the face while Michael Bay laughs.
- 1
It Comes at Night (2017) Review
Trey Edward Shults is back with a meaningful film that leaves one hell of an impact, but whether or not it's filled with terror is completely up to the viewer. Joel Edgerton stars.
- 1
The Book of Henry (2017) Review
If you've seen Colin Trevorrow's previous films and you've thought that you desired more of a giant sweaty bowl of dog turds, then look no further than The Book of Henry.
- 1
Baywatch (2017) Review
Baywatch returns after a nearly three decade absence. Not even Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron trying to out-beefcake one another can save this decomposing beached whale of a film.
- 2
Wonder Woman (2017) Review
The Patty Jenkins directed superhero film starring Gal Gadot overflowing with Zack Snyder-isms including the overuse of slow-mo, poorly developed characters, and weak story elements.
- 0
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) Review
The sequel to 2014's most popular superhero film involving the biggest a-holes in the galaxy is finally upon us. Prepare to praise the hell out of Michael Rooker in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
- 1
Your Name (2016) Review
Japan's #1 film of 2016 has finally hit theaters. Your Name is currently playing at five theaters in Houston including Alamo Drafthouse and AMC Gulf Pointe 30.
- 1
The Prison (2017) Review
Kim Rae-won and Han Seok-kyu star in Na Hyun's crime drama now playing in select cities.
- 1
Ghost in the Shell (2017) Review
Rupert Sanders reimagines Masamune Shirow's "Ghost in the Show" as a live action film starring a very American yet somehow still Japanese Scarlett Johansson.
- 1
The Wolverine (2013) Review
Director James Mangold's first Wolverine film and Hugh Jackman's sixth time portraying Wolverine. With Mangold and Jackman reuniting for Logan, The Wolverine is their first time working together.
- 3
John Wick: Chapter 2 Review
Keanu Reeves returns with more headshots, more action, and more grunting than the original 2014 film.
- 0
Railroad Tigers (2016) Review
The third collaboration between Ding Sheng and Jackie Chan had a limited theatrical run in the United States starting on January 6th. It's currently still playing in some areas.
- 0
Solace (2016) Review
Ever wanted Se7en, 12 Monkeys, The X-Files, and Frailty slapped together into one film? Solace has you covered.
- 2
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Review
Gareth Edwards has delivered the best Star Wars film since The Empire Strikes Back. This is everything The Force Awakens should have been.
- 3
Sword Master (2016) Review
Poorly written and weakly developed, the best part about this Derek Yee/Tsui Hark collaboration is the production stills.
- 4
La La Land (2016) Review
La La Land has this passion for music that bleeds from every frame. It has this classic feel in a modern world that allows the film to introduce something considered vintage to the people of today.
- 0
Sky on Fire (2016) Review
Inadequate acting. A storyline that doesn't go anywhere. Low quality special effects. Cancer's only hope is a notebook, some stem cells, and intensely pointing your index finger at everyone you meet.
- 1
Girls und Panzer der Film (2016) Review
Operation Punchy Punch is a go! Drink tea and fire your tank cannons on the count of 3! 1...2...and...nevermind. Whining, crying, and being unbelievably irritating instead will totally suffice.
- 0
Loving (2016) Review
What could have been a very basic film about love and fortitude is an unusually timid story that embraces subtlety and makes louder statements with what’s not being said rather than what actually is.
- 1
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) Review
The Harry Potter franchise takes a silly and unnecessary turn that is sure to be exploited for as many friggin' sequels as possible.
- 0
The Edge of Seventeen (2016) Review
While Nadine is attempting to find her place in life as the film unfolds, the character becomes more and more hypocritical and obnoxious.
- 0
The Vessel (2016) review
Even with Martin Sheen’s impressive Chris Cringle facial hair, The Vessel annoys and irritates more than anything else.
- 0
Miss Hokusai (2016) review
For the imaginative and the admirers of the fantastical, Miss Hokusai is purely and spectacularly a work of art.
- 0
Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016) review
Keeping Up with the Joneses is like a mentally challenged man who manages to stumble into the broom closet and miraculously emerges on a unicycle while juggling chainsaws.
- 1
Shin Godzilla (2016) review
The one downside is that Godzilla somehow got stuck with googly eyes, which is a humorous choice but entertaining nevertheless.
- 0
Phantom of the Theatre (2016) review
Apparitions in film have never been so boring, but Phantom of the Theatre does leave you with the question of, “Do ghost farts smell like garlic?”
- 0
The Birth of a Nation (2016) review
Nat Turner was a slave, preacher, and leader of a bloody uprising in 1831. The Birth of a Nation is based on Turner's tale and directed and starring Nate Parker in the title role.
- 3
Deepwater Horizon (2016) review
Based on the oil rig explosion in 2010 that is considered to be the largest oil spill in history. The second collaboration between director Peter Berg and actor Mark Wahlberg.
- 0
Operation Mekong (2016) review
Director Dante Lam's Chinese action film based on the Mekong River massacre. Theatrical showtimes can be found here: http://www.wellgousa.com/theatrical/operation-mekong
- 0
The Magnificent Seven (2016) review
Antoine Fuqua's remake of a remake starring Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Lee Byung-hun, Vincent D'Onofrio, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Martin Sensmeier is now playing in theaters.
- 1
Blu-ray Review - The Transformers: The Movie 30th Anniversary Edition
Baa weep grahna weep ninny bong! The 30th Anniversary Edition of The Transformers: The Movie is available on Blu-ray now!
- 3
Blair Witch (2016) review
A direct sequel to the original film from 1999. Director Adam Wingard and writor Simon Barrett offer a fresh spin on a familiar tale of terror.
- 0
The Bodyguard (2016) review
Sammo Hung is back in his first directorial gig in almost two decades!
- 0
Morgan (2016) review
The horror film Morgan, which is the directorial debut of Ridley Scott's son Luke Scott, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Kate Mara is now playing in theaters.
- 1
Don't Breathe (2016) review
The Fede Alvarez directed horror film "Don't Breathe" starring Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto, and Stephen Lang is now playing in theaters.
- 2
Mechanic: Resurrection (2016) review
The sequel to the 2011 remake of "The Mechanic" entitled "Mechanic: Resurrection" starring Jason Statham, Jessica Alba, Michelle Yeoh, and Tommy Lee Jones is now playing in theaters.
- 0
Tunnel (2016) review
The South Korean action thriller "Tunnel" starring Ha Jung-woo, Doona Bae, and Oh Dal-su is currently playing in a limited theatrical run across the country. http://www.wellgousa.com/theatrical/tunnel
- 0
The Tiger (2016) review
A South Korean period drama taking place in 1925. Directed by Park Hoon-jung (New World) and starring Choi Min-sik (Oldboy, Lucy). Distributed by Well Go USA.
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Former Houston Movie Examiner for Examiner.com. Currently a film critic in the Houston, TX area. Member of the Houston Film Critics Society. Former writer for JMG Magazine. Contributing writer for GodHatesGeeks.com and Slickster Magazine. Cosplayer. Convention-attender. Film lover. Comic book reader. Anime admirer.
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