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AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

It's easy to pass Fight for Your Life off as 'Last House on the Left' inspired racist garbage, but this movie approaches it's subject matter in an assured and straight-up manner, and while it often gets uncomfortable to watch; it's hard to deny that the movie provokes a reaction in the viewer - and that is the most important thing about a movie like this. It definitely takes influence from Wes Craven's pioneering shocker, as well as the rest of the 'rape and revenge' genre, but by adding racist themes into the mix. The plot follows 3 inmates that escape from prison. While on the run from the cops, they decide to hole up in a house in the woods, inhabited by a family of black people. These convicts aren't very nice anyway, but their leader also happens to be an astute racist; and so decides to take out his frustrations on the captive family in the most brutal and humiliating ways possible. The movie benefits from some surprisingly good production values, and a host of well worked and convincing performances. Most of the characters are a little OTT, but it's easy to believe them and the situation that the movie presents. There isn't quite as much brutality in this movie as there has been in many similar ones made before or after this one, but the way that the director puts the focus on the things that the characters say increases the tension ten-fold. Overall, this won't be everyone's cup of tea; but I found it to be an excellent slice of exploitation and comes recommended to all the right people.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 6 items to their collection

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

Originally this wasn't anything to do with the 'House' horror franchise so I've read. It seems the same crew made this movie but it was an independent horror flick, I'm not really sure why they gave it the title 'House III', confusing and odd state of affairs. Anyway this movie doesn't revolve around a haunted house but mainly a serial killer who comes back from the dead after being executed in the electric chair. This is a straight horror thriller. Its not terrifying or particularly original as it came out in the same year as Wes Craven's Shocker (same plot). The movie is totally saved by Brion James as the killer Jenke and Lance Henriksen as the cop, if it wasn't for these actors the movie would be pants. James hams it up hugely but does come across as menacing despite his annoying laugh, while Henriksen's lean greyhound like physic and face always seems to fit any role. This feels like a TV movie of sorts for some reason, doesn't have that true film like quality if that makes any sense. Worth a watch if you've got nothing else to see.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan rated The Invisible Man vs The Human Fly

 The Invisible Man vs The Human Fly 6/10

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

This is a rare Japanese movie about a series of mysterious stabbing deaths that take place in post war Tokyo. The only thing linking them all is a buzzing sound. A cop investigating the deaths makes himself invisible using a ray gun that's being developed. It sets up a clash between a man that can shrink himself in size and the invisible cop. This is a great movie played straight despite the ridiculous storyline. It has good acting, audio and video quality. Even the fake cosmic ray lab is realistic. But it is all lost when you see the tiny shrunken man flying around in his business suit, without wings making buzzing sounds. It is so completely unbelievable that it's hilarious. Those that want to see a rare Japanese movie go and check it out.

8 years, 3 months ago

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8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Mandroid

 Mandroid 4/10

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

A lame movie in which two scientists build a android that they can control with a helmet and hand controls because they are working on super toxic mushrooms and need this Mandroid to handle the mushrooms. One scientist is trying to save the world and the other wants to make Mandroid into military units. A lot of talking and only a couple of sets to film on, it gets pretty boring until the end where you are rewarded with some decent action. It's a fairly laughable B-grade effort in the end and not really worth bothering with.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

During the 2nd World War, a soldier is sentenced to death and eventually recruited to a spy agency. He's given the alias Jiro Kato after intensive training and sent to recover a crucial piece of information named The Black Note from the British intelligence. A very enjoyable spy action romp. It's got great cinematography, exciting and flowing chases, explosive action, and decent plot which keeps you interested. If you're coming in expecting amazing character development with a complex plot then this is not the movie for you. I felt at times it was like a wartime version of Lupin III what with the two-timing femme fatale who manages to outwit Jiro with her wily ways. The cast led by KAT-TUN boy band member Kazuya Kamenashi and the stunning Kyoko Fukada are more than adequate in their roles. At the end of the day, if you're after a fun, fast paced spy actioner then this movie should satisfy you.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

A prequel to the 2014 hit supernatural horror flick. The story is set in a 1967 suburban home, in Los Angeles; where a widow, Alice Zander, cons grieving customers out of their money, by running a staged seance. She has help from her two daughters. When the youngest starts using a ouija board, strange things begin to take place which escalates when an evil presence possess her. The script is fairly by the numbers but has a certain freshness to it. Yes, its a story we have seen many times before but this time around we get some genuinely likable characters as well some natural and realistic interactions between the leads. The director manages to build some real sequences of tension and suspense without heading too far into jump scare territory. The origin story for the demon seemed a little forced and rushed towards the end but overall I really enjoyed this chilling horror movie.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Under the Shadow

 Under the Shadow 7/10

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

The first ever horror movie from Iran and what a belter it is too. A woman and her young child live alone in an apartment in Tehran during the latter years of the Iran-Iraq War when the Iraqi regime were systematically firing missiles into the middle of large populated urban areas. Before long the bombs come crashing around them and just as this starts happening a strange malevolent supernatural force enters their home and begins to terrorise them also. It's a wonderful claustrophobic apartment based horror. The supernatural horror material escalates as the story progresses and there are some genuine jump moments and some nicely sinister imagery. It never overplays its hand though and does not descend into over-the-top shenanigans, which ultimately is to the movie's overall benefit. The cast are excellent. Narges Rashidi is extremely compelling as the mother, while Avin Manshadi puts in a very strong performance as her young daughter. A very impressive debut from director Babak Anvari. Don't miss out on this movie.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Assassination Classroom

 Assassination Classroom 6/10

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

A strange Japanese comedy drama about an alien octopus that has already destroyed 70% of the Moon who becomes a teacher at a school. The class he teaches has 1 year until graduation to kill him. Based on a manga, this odd movie has a weird vibe to it. A story that involves pupils wielding weapons such as guns to class to shoot their alien teacher would you think be dark but it isn't. It's got a light-hearted feel to it and only turns serious during the final 45 mins as the Japanese government decide that they will take out the alien octopus once and for all. I liked the story and all that but it drags on for too long and there's too much melodrama (a common staple in Japanese movies). The big draw here is the alien octopus itself with his smiley face that looks like what was associated with the acid house culture during the early 90's. The human characters are your usual high school generic students and not worth bothering about if I'm being honest. It's an entirely forgettable movie at the end of the day and the only ones who will really enjoy this more than the casual viewer will be manga fans. Give this movie a shot but I can't guarantee that everybody will like it.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

Keisuke is a nerdy teacher during the day at a girls school but at night he becomes Rapeman who "rights wrong through penetration"! In the 3rd installment, Keisuke investigates a young girl in his class who is found dead and finds himself uncovering bent coppers and a rape porn ring. Far from being a smutty and exploitative movie, this is a fine drama with a good plot. It does though have a couple of soft porn interludes as Rapeman does his dirty deed on a couple of naughty women. Naturally it's a very un-politicially correct movie but it's still very entertaining. If you're not offended by this kind of drama then I'm sure you'll grow to like it as well.

8 years, 3 months ago

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8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

The spinoff movie from the popular late 60's/early 70's UK sitcom centering around a brother and sister who run a pickling factory. Most UK sitcom movies that was churned out around this time were fairly mediocre and this one whilst not a comedy classic by any means it does have it's share of laughs. The regular cast get to go out on location instead of filming in a studio to visit where Northerners liked to go on holiday in the 70's - sunny Blackpool!! Except they didn't go there - stock film footage of Blackpool was used and instead the cast filmed down in Southend On Sea. It's obvious if you've been to Blackpool that what was supposed to be the Pleasure Beach arcades looks nothing like it! Hylda Baker and Jimmy Jewel are mostly on top form though the plot descends into utter farce for the last 15 mins which spoils the movie as it isn't that funny. Another big difference between the series and the movie is the references to sex and the use of big breasted young women for cheap gags! All in all, there are some funny lines and the movie will certainly hold some nostalgic interest for fans of the series and of the 70's in general.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

A very low budget action movie set in Thailand and London revolving around a man Alex that's on the run who tries to figure out via some time loops who he is and why there are people after him. The story is a mess, the dubbing on the Thai actors is awful and the acting by all the cast is atrocious BUT the martial art fights manages to keep your interest. They're fast, exciting and good to watch and without this the movie would be a total dive. You've also got a beautiful eye-candy in Selina Lo to make you carry on watching too. Don't expect much from this movie - it's far from being an action classic. It's strictly something to see once which you can then forget about.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan posted a image

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

During the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 30's, a young girl Ju-ran is transferred to a school out in the countryside where she is supposed to recuperate from an illness. When some of her classmates start disappearing, Ju-ran discovers the deadly secret that the school is hiding from it's pupils. This was an enjoyable mystery drama. I was hooked from the beginning and whilst some viewers may find the plot to be slightly predictable, it was handled in a refreshing way. The characters were endearing especially the lead character. I liked how the plot unfolded with hints being dropped here and there as to what is really going on. It does get a bit far fetched in the second half which is a shame as I preferred the dark and brooding first half so much better. Still, this is a nice Korean mystery movie which shouldn't be passed up.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Doctor Strange

 Doctor Strange 7/10

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

Marvel seems to have another winner on their hands with Doctor Strange though I've never read any of the comics featuring him. First off, I was blown away by the visuals, and the way cross dimensional scenarios were portrayed as if a comic book page came to life. It's your typical Marvel character introduction movie. Pretty much explained in the trailers, after surviving a near fatal car accident, he eventually goes to Kamar Taj for healing, thus begins his journey as the Sorcerer Supreme. Benedict Cumberbatch is excellent as Stephen Strange. Mads Mikkelsen is weak though as the villain Kaecilius. He just isn't menacing enough. The action is great with good fighting scenes and the SFX of city landscapes being changed by the mystical powers is amazing. Overall it's another fantastic addition to the MCU and bodes well for a sequel in the future.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Akumu Chan the Movie

 Akumu Chan the Movie 6/10

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

This is the spin-off movie from the successful Japanese drama that was broadcast in 2012 which revolves around a young girl Yuiko whose dreams are able to predict terrible events of the future. She sees her teacher Ayami in her dreams as the saviour of the world so Ayami reluctantly gets dragged into helping Yuiko change the terrible fate of the people around them. In this movie Yuiko has a nightmare in which a new transfer student to her class is about to do horrific things. Ayami and Yuiko must try and stop this from happening. You can't say the Japanese can't come up trumps for originality in this movie! It's fun (at times it does get a bit dark), fresh, has engaging young characters you like and a great lead in Keiko Kitagawa as the class teacher. Although the movie does outstay it's welcome by a good 20-25 mins, I enjoyed this movie and the story kept my interest. I do regret not watching the drama series first but I'll do that in the future. A great little movie.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan rated The Girl on the Train

 The Girl on the Train 4/10

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

I have never read this blockbuster novel so did not know what to expect at all. At first, it seemed like an interesting mystery compounded by the black-out memories of the main character and I was anxious to see how it would carry on. As it progressed it became apparent that she was truly off kilter due to mainly drinking so it was very confusing. Without revealing the end, it should be noted that this is a story filled with dysfunctional people all selfishly pursuing their libidinous desires. Each one cares not for the rights or feelings of others so multiple people get irrevocably hurt. I became increasingly bored from about half way through the movie so I'm not sure how I managed to stay awake till the end. The only highlight of the movie is Emily Blunt's acting. I didn't feel it was worth anybody's time to be honest.

8 years, 3 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

Tom Cruise is back as Jack Reacher - a one-man wrecking crew who leaves a trail of broken bodies. The movie begins, continues and ends with action and intrigue. In this outing Reacher has to uncover a government conspiracy to clear his name and that of a colleague. A complicated plot entwines itself around the characters and it takes a little concentration not to get lost. There is however a rather refreshing chase scene that doesn't involve a single car. Highly watchable but not as good as the first movie. Always easy to watch Tom Cruise when he's strutting his stuff, whatever the plot.

8 years, 3 months ago