Film Reviews
Riddick
One Race Productions
In Theaters: 09.06
It’s hard to believe it’s been 13 years since director David Twohy’s film Pitch Black gained a cult-like following and turned a then-unknown Vin Diesel into a household Hollywood name. Even though the 2004 sequel only squeaked by, making just above its production budget, Twohy and Diesel felt the urge to bring back the murderous anti-hero who can see in the dark one more time. In this adventure, Riddick finds himself abandoned and left for dead on an inhospitable planet that is only hours away from total annihilation. In order to form some type of escape, a distress signal is activated and two teams of bounty hunters come looking for our silver-eyed menace. What starts out as an elongated tale between Riddick and an alien space-dog (yes, you get to see the pup learn cutesy tricks) quickly launches into a gruesome manhunt where no one is safe, and this then spirals into an intense alien attack. While the majority of the film captures more of the style, tone and grittiness of the original story, a large portion of the first act could be removed in order to get the storyline moving into the more likeable moments. Unlike the asinine release of You’re Next in August, Twohy appears to be successfully channeling the style of John Carpenter’s Assault on Precinct 13 and Ghosts of Mars, which makes for a entertaining, violence-fueled thriller. –Jimmy Martin
Rockin’ Reverend
Director: Scot Michael Walker
Following the misadventures of Robert Brown—an agnostic, failing actor with an ex-wife, a girlfriend and a son who adores him regardless of his mistakes—Rockin’ Reverend explores the facets of religion as Robert makes the decision to start up his own “church” using his acting skills to pass as a preacher and just one motto: Don’t be a douche. The production values are low and a few of the performances are lacking, but the big problem with this film is its failure to learn from its own motto. The main character, Robert, spirals into exactly the type of person he preaches against on stage—a douche—and, just when you think he’s going to learn from his mistakes and change for the better, he doesn’t. Rockin’ Reverend holds many fun, comedic moments, especially for those who might lean towards not taking religion seriously but, in the end, it misses its own point. –John Ford
Rush
Cross Creek Pictures
In Theaters: 09.27
There’s nothing in this world more motivating than a personal rivalry. Sure, your parents can encourage you and your significant other can support you, but when another individual in your line of profession threatens your position, it’s game on. Now, to be clear, that doesn’t immediately translate into hatred for one another, and such is not the case with the competitive nature between Formula One racecar drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl). Director Ron Howard transports us back to the 1970s, as a calculating Lauda uses statistics and percentages to secure the top spot, while a wildcard Hunt uses instinct and puts his life on the line to take the advantages others are too scared to take. They represent the polar opposites of the sport. After a horrific incident, the opposition is tested, and the chase for the world championship is anyone’s game. Howard has not offered something this intense since 2008’s Frost/Nixon, and it’s a pleasure to see him back at top speed. Hemsworth, who cloaks the entire marketing campaign, is superb as he brings his charm and playboy manner with a hint of desperation to succeed, but it’s the lesser-known Brühl who steals the spotlight with his socially inept demeanor and comes across as a pompous perfectionist who cares more about the numbers on the page than the people in front of him. Rush is a heart-pounding sports drama that’s as thrilling as it is inspiring. –Jimmy Martin
