Tag Archives: thriller

Movie Podcast Weekly Ep. 109 – Halloween Edition: John Wick (2014) and Annabelle (2014) and Open Windows (2014) and The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014)

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Episode 109

Welcome to the Movie Podcast Weekly Halloween Edition! This is Episode 109. For this show, Jason and Josh bring back special guest ChrisExcess, a Terror Trooper who hails from Mexico City, Mexico. We bring you four Feature Reviews of John Wick and Annabelle and Open Windows and The Town That Dreaded Sundown. We’ve also prepared a special section for Halloween, with all types of creepy movie recommendations for viewers with a variety of sensitivity and sensibilities…

And as a follow-up to Josh’s review of “The Book of Life” in our previous episode, ChrisExcess gives us some cultural insights into Dia de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”), which is a Mexican holiday that takes place between October 31st and November 2nd, where observers remember friends and family members who have passed away.

If you’re new to our show… Movie Podcast Weekly typically features three hosts—Jason, Josh, and Andy—along with frequent guests. We give you our verdicts on at least one new movie release from the current year that’s currently playing in theaters or on VOD, as well as several mini reviews of whatever we’ve been watching lately. And we usually provide specialized genre recommendations. New episodes release every single Tuesday. Join us! Continue reading →

Written Review: Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)

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by Jason Pyles
Movie Podcast Weekly.com

Note to readers who haven’t seen any “Paranormal Activity” films: It’s not absolutely necessary to see the three preceding films of this franchise in order to watch this fourth one. The set-up for this movie picks up where the second installment left off, and the prerequisite highlights from “Paranormal Activity 2” are shown to us at the beginning of this fourth movie, anyway. But my recommendation to anyone who hasn’t seen any of this franchise is to simply watch the first movie and then call it quits on the franchise.

Premise: When a suburban family babysits a neighbor boy for a few days while his mother is hospitalized, bizarre and inexplicable occurrences start happening in their house. Continue reading →

Written Review: Argo (2012)

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by Jason Pyles
Movie Podcast Weekly.com

Premise: Based on historical events, “Argo” depicts the rescue attempt of six U.S. embassy personnel who were holed up at a Canadian ambassador’s house during the Iran hostage crisis, which took place between 1979 and 1981.

Review: While watching “Argo,” I couldn’t help but wonder how this story hadn’t been adapted to the silver screen sooner. The full story wasn’t revealed until 1997, but I’m surprised we didn’t have a movie version at least by 1998. Truly, it’s one of those instances of “truth is stranger than fiction.” It’s also one of those “It’s so crazy, it just might work” kind of plans. I’ll describe the overview of said plan in broad strokes, without spoiling what happens, in case you haven’t seen the movie and aren’t familiar with the history. Continue reading →

Written Review: Taken 2 (2012)

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by Jason Pyles
Movie Podcast Weekly.com

Premise: A retired CIA agent who killed several men while rescuing his kidnapped daughter is now pursued by the vengeful family members of his victims.

Review: It’s this simple: If you liked “Taken,” then you will also like “Taken 2.” It’s the same movie, in almost every respect, story beats and all, except this time, his ex-wife is also thrown into the threatened family member mix. This same story, (slightly) different title isn’t necessarily a criticism, because I loved the first movie; I’ve seen “Taken” three times since its release, and I’d rate “Taken” 8.5 out of 10, and I’d recommend buying it.

I have read and heard a lot of attacks on “Taken 2,” where its critics are calling this sequel far-fetched and predictable. Those characteristics are inherent in its predecessor, and are a necessity in order for this story to work as it does. “Taken” and “Taken 2” are male-validation fantasies, where a father and husband is smart enough and strong enough to rescue the women he loves. Films like this are specifically designed to appeal to male viewers’ need to feel powerful and masculine and female viewers’ need to feel safe and protected. Continue reading →

Written Review: Looper (2012)

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by Jason Pyles
Movie Podcast Weekly.com

Premise: In the year 2044, hitmen called “loopers” are hired to execute any unwanted individuals who cross the criminal organizations of 30 years into the future. Time travel exists circa 2074, so victims are sent back in time to present-day 2044, to be disposed of by loopers.

Review: I have known about (and have been mildly anticipating) “Looper” since writer-director Rian Johnson described it during a guest appearance on The /Filmcast a couple of years ago. “Looper” is Johnson’s third feature film — and though I’m in the minority of people who didn’t love “Brick” (2005) or “The Brothers Bloom” (2008), I appreciated the craft evident in those movies. I suspected this talented filmmaker would one day make a film that dazzled me, and I’m happy to report that the day has come. Continue reading →