Quickie Video Reviews: Here are some of this week’s video releases that I had an opportunity to view.
APARTMENT TROUBLES, Not Rated contains language, DVD, 1 hr. 18 min., Comedy, Drama
If you think you have troubles then here’s a look at a set of problems that just may set you free. The film is called Apartment Troubles and has an interesting cast and a fast paced story directed and written by its two main stars Jennifer Prediger and Jess Weixler.
Two down and out roommates Nicole (Wexler) and Olivia (Prediger) find themselves evicted from their apartment in New York City and on their way to Los Angeles to try and cut their losses. Arriving at LAX they find out that they may be worse off, yet have aspirations that the pickings are better. They meet an Adderall popping man (Will Forte) at the airport who gives them a ride to their destination, well almost since they jump out at a red light when he falls asleep at the wheel. They finally arrive at Nicole’s parent’s house and are greeted by Aunt Kimberly (Megan Mullally), an openly fancier of same sex relationships. After the girls settle in and start checking out their options they realize that there’s more to life than running away from their troubles.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The script looks like they put it through a shredder before bringing it to the screen. (C )
UNEXPECTED, Rated R for language, Blu-ray/DVD, 1 hr. 35 min., Inspirational Drama
Looking for a happy tears film that has a few twists on life? Check out Unexpected a light drama that involves life choices and challenges. The acting does have some strength that makes for a good afternoon pastime if there’s nothing good on TV. The storyline may be a bit soppy and clichéd, but it does point out some important family values.
High School Science teacher Samantha (Cobie Smulders) awakens one morning with morning sickness and the test for pregnancy shows positive. Her live in boyfriend John (Anders Holm) is delighted and proposes marriage. But for the time being she’s got a lot on her mind with her school being shut down and the loss of her job after the end of the year just a few months away. When she finds out one of her better students Jasmine (Gail Bean), an inner city girl living with her grandmother is also pregnant, Samantha tries to help her make difficult choices that end up affecting them both.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good after school film for tweens to adults. (C+)
THERESA IS A MOTHER, Not Rated contains language, sexual situations, DVD, 1 hr. 41 min., Drama, Comedy
Here is a little independent film that I highly recommend. It has a very good heartfelt storyline that adds comedy at all the right moments. The cast knows how to act and puts on a fun show for the nearly two compelling hours. It’s one of those films that doesn’t come around that often, but makes a long lasting impression on the audience.
Not doing too well with providing for her three girls in the big city, single mother Theresa McDermott (C. Fraiser Press) packs up her belongings and takes the kids back to her home town. There she moves in with her parents Roy (Richard Poe) and Cloris (Edie McClurg). Now in her late 30’s she left the homestead when she graduated High School and has been estranged from them ever since, except for an occasional phone call for some money. It’s a small town and as she starts to establish herself once again, old memories begin to get in her way.
The film is filled with a lot of sight gags, funny situations and a lot of heart. C. Fraiser Press who directed the film with her husband Darren Press even uses her three real children Schuyler, Maeve and Amaya making the film a family affair. The cast is awesome with McClurg playing the hapless mother who can’t seem to get her daughter to know how much she loves her.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An outstanding film that tugs at the heartstrings and your funny bone. (A)
ZIPPER, Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, language and drugs, Blu-ray/DVD, 1 hr. 43 min., Drama, Thriller
This steamy sordid thriller Zipper takes you on a journey into a self-made hell with excellent performances by a very good cast that includes Patrick Wilson, Lena Headley, Richard Dreyfus, Ray Winstone and Alexandra Brekenridge. It’s one of the better acted movies for 2015, but the August theatrical release found the little film in the midst of a battle against blockbusters and lost its way. It may not be as sexy as 50 Shades of Grey, but it sure has enough sex to challenge it for most in a mainstream film.
Prominent Assistant US Attorney Sam Ellis (Patrick Wilson) has the tiger by the tail prosecuting a case that may put Mayor Jonas Stiegel (Phil Austin) out of office. It’s a high profile case that would get him a nomination for Senator or possibly Attorney General. Either way his career will explode putting him on top of the food chain. His wife Jeannie (Lena Headley) has been a strong advocate of Sam’s push for high office and uses her influence to get backing by big money. But Sam has a problem with his sexual desires and therein lies the rub.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good movie that tantalizes and captivates to the very end. (B)
WILL TO LOVE, Not Rated, DVD, 1 hr. 23 min., Romance, Comedy
This little film has some energy, but its low TV budget puts it on a level with soap operas. That said, I do like the acting by the entire cast and the direction by Chris Stokes how brought You Got Served to the big screen. He keeps his film fast paced and fun to watch so there’s never a dull moment. If you like films that get a little complicated to add some suspense then this DVD should fill the bill.
Jamal Hawkins a successful businessman has been picked as one of the most eligible bachelors and gracing the cover of Spirit Magazine. He is confident that he will be made CEO of his grandfather’s company and his best friend Danny has his back. With his grandfather ill and hasn’t long to live, he summons his grandchildren to the reading of the will in advance of his death. Jamal finds out in order to get his estate, which includes the business, he has to get married before his grandfather dies. His granddaughter Monica will get 500 shares of the business, but if Jamal fails to complete the task set out for him it will all revert to her. Greedy Monica wants Jamal to fail so she can sell the company for $200 million. Can she sink his ship and get it all?
FINAL ANALYSIS: A nicely made film that entertains. (C+)
Disney’s DEAR SOFIA: A ROYAL COLLECTION, Rated G, DVD, 1 hr. 54 min. with 6 adventures
Disney’s at it again with developing new characters that appeal to youngsters and with Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection the girls and boys will love the adventures. The animated rated G Disney Junior film takes kids on a journey to a faraway land and teaches them the meaning of friendship and family values. The DVD has six adventures with characters like Mulan, Jasmine, Belle and Tiana joining the cast.
In the first called “The Amulet and the Anthem” we find Sofia being chosen to sing the Anthem of Enchantia, but when she gets a curse from her amulet, she panics. Who will help her find the answer to the curse before the day of the big event? The second episode is called “Princesses to the Rescue” and we find Sofia entering the Emerald Valley where she meets with Mulan. Her brother Jin and Prince James find a map to a treasure of the Jade Jaguar and the fun begins. Episode three is called “Winter’s Gift” where we find Princess Sofia looking for the special Wassailia gift for Cedric. She goes to the Icicle Forest where she consults with a faun called Winter who’s touch turns everything into ice.
The next one is called “Two to Tangu” where Princess Sofia meets with Aladdin and he invites her to a party. Flying carpets are the mode of transportation and Princess Sofia gets to ride with Amber on a wild trip into the sky, but they get lost. In “Minimus is Missing”, Princess Sofia’s flying horse has to wait while she goes to lunch. Minimus meets up with the horse Saffron and they chat. When Minimus turns up missing Princess Sofia has to go look for him. You’ll find the final adventure called “Cool Hand Fluke” in the bonus features. In the episode we find Fluke, a “merboy” who lives in the sea. He’s a champion in the game Capture the Conch and everyone likes him. Sofia decides to go to the bottom of the see and visit her friends the mermaids. She gets introduced to Fluke and they find themselves on an adventure together.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Perfect for the youngsters in the family with some good lessons and values to learn. (A)
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
