Rondo

Director - Drew Barnhardt (Murder Loves Killers Too, Pure Bliss)

Starring - Brenna Otts (Westworld, Scandal), Luke Sorge (Galaxy of Horrors, Feral 2), and Gena Shaw (Creepshow, Not Another Teen Movie)

Release Date - 2018

Genre - Thriller/Crime

Tagline - "Sex. Murder. Revenge."

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Watching Onward with my family put me in a movie mood.  I wanted to watch something a little more violent and up to my speed but I wasn't really feeling horror at the moment.  I went to my review stack and started looking through it when I found the perfect movie to spin. A few months back Artsploitation Films released the crime thriller Rondo on DVD.  The trailer looked insanely fun and I couldn't wait to watch it.  Wife seems to always get away from me so I was sitting on this one too long but it was well worth the wait.  Thanks again Artsploitation Films for sending this one my way!

     The film follows a veteran who is struggling with alcohol addiction.  He starts seeing a drug counselor who suggests he speak with a man named Rondo who can hook him up with a high end escort.  He reluctantly agrees and finds himself in a small apartment with three other men.  Rondo and his assistants take the men one at a time in a room with a woman and they have their way.  However, the young man spots Rondo and his henchmen killing one of the other men and flees.  He rushes home to tell his sister who doesn't believe him.  Not long after her apartment is raided by Rondo and his goons and her brother is murdered.  She reaches out to her father and the two try to track down who is responsible for his death but there is a much bigger conspiracy at play here than an escort scam. 

     I went into this one expecting a Tarantino inspired modern day grindhouse type flick.  The artwork and poster gave me that vibe but the film was not like that at all.  In fact, the trailer painted a completely different picture but I'm glad it wasn't what I was expecting.  It caught me off guard somewhat and kept me intrigued from scene to scene.  The acting in this one really surprised me.  The entire cast was on their A game.  There was no weak links to be seen and the cast work phenomenally well together.  I really liked the characters and the cast did one hell of a job in each and every scene bringing them to life.  The story for this one does keep you on your toes and it's not one that is easy to predict.  In fact, the twist and turns really surprised me.  I really enjoyed the thriller aspect of the film and the characters, dialogue, and setting really worked in the film's favor.  With that being said, the second leg of the film does drag a bit.  The film could end at any time but we still follow the characters down the conspiracy rabbit hole.  Finally, the film does have a few brutal kills and some blood but no gore.  The kills we get really fit the style of film and we get a decent amount of blood with effects that work.  Nothing that memorable but they work for the scene.  Overall, Rondo does have a few issues but it is still well worth your time.  Th characters really sell the film and the story works for the most part.  Check it out whenever you get the chance because you will not be disappointed.  

Onward

Director - Dan Scanlon (Monster University, Tracy)

Starring - Tom Holland (Spies in Disguise, Spider-Man: Homecoming), Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Seinfeld, The Fairly Odd Parents)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Adventure/Comedy/Fantasy

Tagline - "Cometh soon"
Format - Streaming (Disney+)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm not a Disney fan in the traditional sense.  I am a fan of Marvel and Star Wars but I typically don't watch most of the animated Disney movies unless my kids are.  My wife is home now because of this whole pandemic.  She's a teacher and with schools closed for the year she's been home with our little ones while I've been at work.  One evening last week the kids wanted to have a movie night and my daughter wanted to watch something from Disney+.  When we were searching for something to watch Onward caught my eye.  It was one of the films I was interested in checking out back before the outbreak.  It looked like your typical Disney flick but the characters looked way more interesting.  I'm glad I checked it out because I enjoyed it way more than my kids did.

     The film follows two elvish brothers, Barley (Pratt) and his little brother Ian (Holland), who live in modern day world that was once a magical kingdom.  Their father died when they were both very little and on Ian's 16th birthday he is gifted a magical staff from their mother that was meant for them. Ian works with the staff for sometime and eventually is able to resurrect the bottom half of his father.  In order to completely bring him back for a limited time they must go on an adventure together before 24 hours is up.

      I wasn't expecting a bad movie but I wasn't expecting to like this movie as much as I did.  The story really had me thinking about it days later and I couldn't wait to give it another spin.  Since my first viewing I've seen the movie 3 times now while my kids show no more interest in it.  The voice acting I this one is absolutely perfect.  Tom Holland is fantastic as the film's lead.  His character is very grounded and brings some much needed stability to the film.  A much different role than the wise cracking Spider-Man we typically see him as.  Chris Pratt delivers an awesome performance as well.  His metal loving, D n' D playing, van driving character is what made me so interested in the film.  He delivers and that character is one I will not be forgetting any time soon.  The supporting cast is fun as well.  Some of the characters do stand out more than others but they are all very consistent.  The story for this one hits pretty hard as a father.  I couldn't imagine a doctor telling my family and I that I would only have so much time to spend with my family before I pass.  That aspect of the film really hit hard for me.  Not seeing my children grow up would be the worst part of it all.  We then get the highly entertaining characters, and the fantasy inspired adventure added to it really brought the film home for me.  The humor does fall flat at times but it did get a few chuckles out of my little ones.  Finally, the animation for this one looks great.  If you have seen any Pixar films in the last few years then you know what to expect with this film.  I really enjoyed how the creatures and characters looked and the action sequences were extremely fun to watch.  Overall, Onward is the animated movie that parents can enjoy with their kids.  The story is heartbreaking at times but ends, as to be expected, with a heartwarming moment.  The adventure is fun and the cast is damn near perfect.  Check this one out when you get the chance.  Make it a movie night with your family because you will not be disappointed.  

The Allins

Director - Sami Saif (The UFO War, American Short)

Starring - Merle Allin (Tromeo and Juliet), Arleta Baird, and GG Allin (Affliction, Hated: GG Allin and the Murder Junkies)

Release Date - 2017

Genre - Documentary

Tagline - "One hell of a family"

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm a metal head.  I grew up in family that was obsessed with country.  In the mid-90s, when I was just a kid, my brother introduced me to Black Sabbath and Motorhead.  It was at this point in my life that I realized I was not like my father and cousins.  All things rock was where my life was headed and I fully embraced it.  I may not be the biggest fan or a scholar of the late, great GG Allin but I do know enough to know that he was a legend.  No one could put on a show like this front man and his untimely death shook the underground rock community.  A little while back the fine folks over at MVD were kind enough to send over a documentary about GG's family.  Thanks again for sending this one over!

     The film follows GG's mother Arleta and brother/bandmate Merle as they cope with his death.  GG died in 1993 from an overdose and his mother struggles to remember the GG that wasn't drug addled and doing his antics on stage while Merle keeps his brother's stage presence alive by touring with their band and selling memorabilia.  

     I was very curious how this documentary was going to play out but once it started rolling I couldn't look away.  At times we see the train wreck that was GG Allin before moving into the family side of the "Allins."  I knew some about GG and the Murder Junkies but this documentary does a fantastic job at showing another side of GG that many don't see or hear about.  The interviews in this one mostly consists of GG's mother and brother.  Merle speaks of his brother almost like he was a mythical creature.  He truly loves GG and really wants new generations of rock fans to remember him and his antics.  However, his mother was never fond of those particular memories of GG and tries to remember him as the loving son with a passion for music.  I really enjoyed the opposite disposition they have on the same person but it would have been amazing to have interviews from others that new him well.  I know the film is called The Allins but it would be cool to get a little more insight on GG from those close to him but not family.  The film follows the two as they go on their daily lives 20 some years after GG's death.  Throughout the film we learn more about GG, his abusive childhood, his love for music and art, the dark path he followed with drug use, and his untimely demise.  Scattered throughout this learning experience we see how they both struggle with his memory.  Finally, the film is edited together very smoothly and done with great care.  I've seen several documentary filmmakers tackle topics because they know they have a following and there is money to be had.  This is not the case.  Saif is a clearly a fan or, in the least, respects GG as a music legend.  He took great care with this and placed it together perfectly.  Overall, The Allins is a fantastic watch about two figures that typically go unnoticed.  GG Allin was a legend that left behind a legacy but rock fans never mention his brother and bandmate Merle in the same sentence.  I highly suggest this film for any rock fans or someone looking for a fun documentary to check out.  If you don't care for GG and his music you can still appreciate this film.  

Reigo, King of the Sea-Monsters

Director - Shinpei Hayashiya (Gamera 4, Raiga: God of the Monsters)

Starring - Yukijiro Hotaru (Sexy Battle Girls, Samurai Gangsters), Miyu Oriyama (Amazing Grace, The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0: The Beginning), and Mao Urata (Kamen Rider Zi-O, Control: Hanzai Shinri Sousa)

Release Date - 2005

Genre - Horror/Sci-Fi

Tagline - "The deep sea monster vs the battleship Yamato"

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I grew up on a healthy dose of Godzilla, Mothra, and Gamera.  My grandmother was a huge Sci-Fi Channel fan and I would spend hours in front of the ol boob tube watching these kaiju flicks.  For a little while during my teenage years I could say I was a bit obsessed with them.  I love cheesy kaiju flicks and when they take a serious turn I often find myself not enjoying them as much.  Sure, there is some exceptions to the rule with films like Pacific Rim and so on but I generally enjoy the campy kaiju more than the serious ones.  A few weeks back I received the DVD release of the 2005 kaiju film Reigo, King of the Sea-Monsters.  SRS Cinema recently released the film here in the U.S. and the folks over at MVD was kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows the battleship Yamato when they come across something strange in the water.  Their policy of shooting first and asking questions later when they kill the creature.  Moments later the creature's mother, Reigo, arrives and the siege of Yomato is underway.  

     I went into this one expecting to really enjoy myself with some serious kaiju fun.  Sadly, the film was anything but that.  I'm not too hard on indie or low budget flick but I tend to love low to no budget takes on kaiju but this one fell flat in almost every aspect.  The acting in this one is decent but leaves plenty of room for improvement.  I love the campy and cheesy acting you can find in most kaiju flicks because they reflect the atmosphere the film is bringing to life.  However, the acting in this film is extremely over-dramatic which makes it hard for the cast to sell the scene.  The characters are not that likable and the cast struggles with their scenes.  The story for this one would work for an amazing kaiju flick but the serious tone, the lack of atmosphere, and dark lighting makes this one miss it's mark.  We get the perfect set up for a kaiju film but the kaiju rides the backseat while we sit through what almost feels like a war drama.  This does not translate to a creature feature very well.  Also, the pacing in this one is all off.  We sometimes go from action sequence to action sequence then hit with several painfully drab scenes of uninteresting dialogue.  Finally, if you want a great looking kaiju and some blood you will be disappointed.  The kaiju Reigo, when we do see it, is not impressive.  I like the design but the computer effects are painfully dated and does not translate well on this DVD release.  Also, this one is not a bloody mess like most of you sick fucks enjoy.  Instead, it flows more like a drama with a CGI monster scattered here and there.  Overall, Reigo was not the kaiju fix I was looking for.  No campy monster mayhem.  In fact, we don't get that much kaiju mayhem at all.  If you like war flicks you may enjoy it but the typical kaiju fan will want to skip over it.  

Atelophobia: Chapter 2

Director - Joe Lujan (The Immortal Wars, Rust)

Starring - Corey Taylor (Slumber Tales, The Summoning),  Brittany Enos (Rust 2, Atelophobia), and Taylor Kilgore (Project M, Hex)

Release Date - 2018

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Beauty will never die"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     My Joe Lujan marathon is coming to an end.  This journey has been a wild ride full of ups and downs.  Sadly, we are ending on the biggest down out of the four films.  Rust proved to be a film with some fun moments and huge potential but the repetitiveness broke me down.  The follow up, Ru2t, was a much better film.  After those two it was time for Lujan's 2015 film Atelophobia.  I was worried this one would not be for me but I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed it.  I couldn't wait to toss in the 2018 sequel but once I started I quickly realized that this film was a huge miss for me.  I still want to thank Lujan for sending this one my way and I'm sorry I didn't care for this follow up.

     The film follows the cast and crew of the horror film Atelophobia as they celebrate the film's release.  Things start out fun with some drinking and laughs but take a dark turn when everyone at the party starts to slur their words before passing out.  Soon they find themselves reliving the scenes they portrayed in the film by fans who are obsessed with Meredith.  

     I was excited for this one but it was quickly evident that this film wasn't going to give me something new.  In fact, we get the same film with the same characters going through the same torment they went through in the first film with the only exception is that there is a bit of a plot hole that makes this one leave you scratching your head.  The acting in this one is not as impressive as the first film.  We get the same cast, now playing themselves and not the characters from the film, as they go through the same scenario as previously seen.  The impact of their performances is not the same after seeing how amazing they were in the first film.  In addition, we once again get people that look like fans of Bile and Ministry delivering some cheesy dialogue that takes away from the scene.  The story for this one is unoriginal and is just another rehashing of the first film.  We get a little different angle in which the film happens but not enough to warrant a second film.  I really enjoyed the first film but this almost felt like I stopped it and just started it all over again.  Another complaint I have about the film is how "fans" are committing these crimes but I'm almost certain they were being abducted during the film's premier.  I may have misunderstood what was going on but if this was the film's premier how does the film have fans already?  Finally, the film tries to deliver some of the brutal torture scenes as the first film but the heart just isn't there.  We get some decent practical effects but the longevity and impact of the effects are nowhere near the first film.  Overall, Atelophobia: Chapter II is not a movie that I can recommend.  I can recommend the first film, and I do, but just stop with that film.    

Atelophobia

Director - Joe Lujan (Rust, The Immortal Wars)

Starring - Corey Taylor (Rust, White Trash Smash), Brittany Enos (Last Day of School, Rust 2), and Taylor Kilgore (Rust, The Immortal Wars)

Release Date - 2015

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Beauty has a price"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

  

The last few days I set my sights on two indie horror films from director Joe Lujan.  The first was his horror short Rust followed by the sequel Rust 2, stylized as Ru2t.  The first film in the series was a bit of a let down and I found myself becoming severely bored with it.  I had little hopes for the sequel but found myself really enjoying it.  I don't see myself tossing it in any time soon but I definitely enjoyed it.  When Joe sent me these two films on blu to review he also sent over two other films to check out.  I was riding the high of Rust 2 and decided to hurry onto his next film.  The next one on the chopping block is his 2015 horror film Atelophobia.  

     The film follows a group of mean spirited pageant contestants who are often belittling and degrading a young woman who wants nothing more than to fit in.  After suffering years of abuse she snaps and abducts these beautiful yet evil women to torture and disfigure.  Robbing them of the thing they love most...their beauty.  

     I was looking forward to viewing this film but I did have some doubts.  First off, I had to look up Atelophobia because I had no idea what the fuck it meant.  The other reason I had doubts was because it centered around a group of pageant contestants.  I was almost certain that the characters and scenario would turn me off but I actually really enjoyed what Lujan delivered.  The acting in this one starts out a little mediocre before we really get into the solid performances.  The snobby beautiful women really get under your skin which is a true testament to their performance.  They were written to hate and they do a tremendous job at pulling that emotion out of the viewer.  They then switch it up and turn from bitch to helpless victim delivering yet another solid performance.  The captors and their leader, Meredith I believe her name was, are a little on the cheesy side.  They look and act like characters in a late 90s industrial music video which does take the tone away from the movie somewhat.  The dark and gritty look of the torture scenes do receive a few unintentional laughs as a result.  The story for this one works for what it is and the title, though not that appealing, perfectly fits the film.  Some people, like myself, will see the title Atelophobia and skip on it because they do not know what that means prior to viewing.  However, if you look beyond the title you will find a very grounded torture flick that is a little more than torture porn.  It has some slight social commentary and solid pacing which works.  Normal torture porn turns me off to a horror film but this one works with the characters you start out hating.  Finally, the film has some impressive practical effects that fit the them of the film.  We watch several beautiful woman as they are disfigured.  The effects work and they stick with you long after you turn the film off.  Overall, Atelophobia is a surprisingly hard hitting film.  Some people will look at the artwork and title for this one and look over it but I highly recommend checking this one out.  You may be surprised as well.  

Rust 2

Director - Joe Lujan (Atelophobia, The Immortal Wars)
Starring - Corey Taylor (Survive, Hot Tub Party Massacre), Taylor Kilgore (Ghoul, Scare Me), and Morlon Greenwood (Scare Me, TNA Impact Wrestling)
Release Date - 2016
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Return to Hell"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5): 

     I hate when I get a movie in to review from the director and I find myself not liking it.  It always makes me feel like an asshole that does not appreciate all their hard work.  That's far from the case.  Just because I dislike something doesn't mean it's bad.  Hell, reviews are subjective and no one should take what I say as definitive.  I just reviewed the horror short Rust from director Joe Lujan and it had a few entertaining moments but at the end of the day it just fell flat with me.  Honestly, I was not looking forward to the sequel but I couldn't leave it with the first one and decided to toss it in.  

      The film picks up after the events of the first film with the final girl visiting the abandoned attractions with a police detective and the relative of one of the victims of the first film.  When they arrive they discover that the killer is no longer along and has been expecting them.

   


     I went into this one expecting a mediocre genre flick that would fall under what I like to call Wal-Mart horror.  The first film falls painfully into mediocrity but the follow up has a little more heart.  Not a lot more but just enough to notice the different between the two.  The fact that it was longer made me hesitant at first but I found myself surprisingly enjoy this one somewhat. The acting in this one is a little more enjoyable than the first film.  The characters seem to have a more tolerable personality and the constant screaming is not as annoying as the first film.  The story for this one is literally more of the same but we get a little more added to it so it doesn't feel as boring.  It is predictable but you enjoy the ride you take.   The torturing doesn't feel like the main focus of this film like it was with the previous one.  We get more character development that builds in very well with the story.  In fact, the film really reminded me a lot of the mid-2000s Brain Damage releases which I really enjoy.  Finally, this one relies heavily on the dark environment.  We do get some blood but far from the most I've seen with an indie production.  The effects works for the kills we get but they are not something you will remember when you toss in another flick.  Overall, Rust 2 is a well improved follow up to Joe Lujan's horror short.  Everything is improved upon from acting, story, and kills.  The first film has some fun moments but this one is well worth the watch.  Check it out.  

     

Rust

Director - Joe Lujan (The Immortal Wars, Atelophobia)

Starring  - Corey Taylor (Heidi, The Summoning), Taylor Kilgore (Drug Z, Immortal Legends), and Morlon Greenwood (TNA Impact Wrestling, Rust 2)

Release Date - 2015

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Prepare to meet evil himself"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I spent the better part of a week taking a break away from horror before making the return to my beloved genre.  After watching When a Stranger Calls I decided to venture back into my realm of horror and toss in a few indie productions.  Several weeks back Wild Eye sent me some gems to review and among them was the 2015 film Rust from director Joe Lujan.  I shared an image on social media and a few days later the director reached out to me to review a few of his films.  He was kind enough to send me a blu with his first two Rust films on it.  Thank you Wild Eye and Joe Lujan for sending those my way!

     The film follows a group of twenty-somethings that meet up at an old haunted attraction for a night of fun.  What they don't know is that the abandoned attraction is now home to a demented serial killer with a taste for torture.  

     I'll be completely honest with the few of you that read my reviews.  I was excited to check this one out.  The artwork for Wild Eyes release, along as the blu sent my way by Joe, really peaked my interests.  I wasn't expecting a life  changing experience but I was hoping for a bloody good time.  The acting in this one is so so.  Some of the cast really gets into their roles while others were a little underwhelming.  The characters were painfully cliched but fun for the film.  Honestly, none of the cast stands out but given the way the film was written I'm sure they were only acting as their scenes were written.  The story for this one has some fun moments but a lot of build up and even more repetitiveness.  The abandoned haunted attraction was a bit of a turn off for me but once the film picked up I found myself enjoying it more than I thought I would.  However, the movie does plateau fairly early and the torture scenes just take forever to watch.  This film does not use it's time wisely.  Finally, if you like dark films with brooding atmosphere this one is for you.  We get effects that fit the film and plenty of torture.  I know some of you will be turned off by this but fans of extreme horror and torture porn will enjoy this one.  Overall, Rust has some moments and is worth a watch but this is one I doubt I will toss back in again anytime soon.  The story could have been so much more but what we are given is a flick that recycles itself through the 30 plus minutes of run time.  

When a Stranger Calls

Director - Fred Walton (When a Stranger Calls Back, The Sitter)
Starring - Carol Kane (The Princess Bride, Addams Family Values), Rutanya Alda (The Dark Half, Amityville II: The Possession), and Carmen Argenziano (The Last Ninja, Sudden Impact)
Release Date - 1979
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Every babysitter's nightmare becomes real..."
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm an avid horror fan but I'm also the first to admit that I dodge fan favorites to check out the more weirder side of the genre.  I have a different taste in films and often catch hell for liking movies that many would dub as horrible.  I refuse to change the way I am and just grew thick skin so these comments don't affect me.  Over the years I've taken time away from my bizarre films to watch these classic genre flicks.  For years now I've heard people talk about how much fun, yet dated, the horror thriller When a Stranger Calls is.  I've owned this film on blu for several years and never watched it but that changed recently when Mill Creek re-released the film on blu as part of their VHS slip line.  

     The film follows babysitter Jill (Kane) who is working on her school work while the children she is tasked with watching over sleep upstairs.  Over time she receives several phone calls that leave her worried instructing her to check on the children.  She speaks with the police and they trace the call from within the home.  They arrive to find a man in their room and the children were ripped apart.  He is arrested and several years passes and he escapes from lock up and begins terrorizing her again.

     Extreme horror fans and fans of underground horror never mention this film but I do hear it praised on occasion from pop horror fans.  Most tend to love it but do make note of how dated it is due to it's heavy use of the home phone.  Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the film had an atmosphere and tone that really worked well for the story.  The acting in this one doesn't have me sold on the cast but the story is compelling enough to make up for the lack of enthusiasm.  Honestly, I have a difficult time liking the characters but the scenarios that we find them in makes the film worth a watch.  Kane has delivered some seriously fun performances in the past but I just wasn't feeling her in this one.  Her character is rather annoying and then during her time or stress and horror we get her ungodly shriek that was painful to listen to.  I don't mind screaming but hers is just so forced.  The story for this one is really what made the film so enjoyable to me.  The deranged man in the house prank calling the babysitter was played out when I was growing up in the late 80s and 90s.  However, it really fits in with the time during the late 70s.  Maybe that's why I enjoyed the John Carpenter made for television film Someone's Watching Me! which has a similar basis and was releases a year prior.  It's very 70s in my opinion and works.  I also loved how effective just mentioning the brutal murder of the children was when compared to actually seeing it.  The dialogue and detail was gruesome and really sold it.  Finally, this one doesn't have the blood and gore that most modern horror flicks have but we do get a story that draws you in.  The atmosphere and tension works in the film's favor as well making it a great late night horror watch.  Overall, When a Stranger Calls may not deliver anything new, especially in a modern era, but it still gives the viewer a solid watch.  The blu looks solid but the lack of special features is a bit of a turn off.  I do enjoy the VHS inspired slip but aside from that there is nothing special about the release.  

Vibes

Director - Ken Kwapis (Eerie, Indiana, Freaks and Geeks)
Starring - Cyndi Lauper (The Goonies, Off and Running), Jeff Goldblum (The Fly, Jurassic Park), and Peter Falk (Columbo, The Princess Bride)
Release Date - 1988
Genre - Comedy/Romance/Adventure
Tagline - "Put your hand on our hands and feel the...vibes"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I had spent the last few days watching some cheesy 80s action when not working.  I wanted to keep the movies going but I was a little burned out on the action flicks by this point.  When I went to my collection I decided to keep the Mill Creek Entertainment going so I looked through the sci-fi, horror and comedies waiting to be reviewed when one stuck out to me.  It was time for me to check out the 1988 romantic comedy Vibes starring Cyndi Lauper and Jeff Goldblum.  If this was half as entertaining as the Andy Sidaris films then I was in for a good time.  Thanks again Mill Creek for sending this one over.
     The film follows a psychic Nick  (Goldblum) and a medium Sylvia (Lauper) who are part of a study and excel in their results.  Soon they part ways and go back to their normal lives when he discovers that his longtime girlfriend has cheated on him.  He is then approached by Sylvia to go to Ecuador to help a man find his lost son.  However, they soon realize that they were duped into going their and their powers to be used to unleash an ancient psychic weapon.
     This is one of the many Mill Creek Entertainment releases that I had never heard of before prior to the release which is strange considering it stars Jeff Goldblum and Cyndi Lauper.  I assumed that it was going to be a cheesy treat but something in the back of my mind kept saying that if this was a film never mentioned then it must be a stinker.  The thought in the back of my mind was correct for the most part.  The film is painfully forgettable but does have a few chuckles along the way.  The acting in this one is not what I was expecting.  Goldblum delivers a decent performance here and there but in some of the scenes he just comes across as uninterested.  Peter Falk is entertaining as always but he is severely underutilized.  His character has very little to do with the story and he rarely gets to shine in the scene.  My biggest complaint actually comes from Cyndi Lauper.  I'm an 80s dude through and through.  I respect Lauper's music career and what she has contributed to 80s pop culture but acting is not her thing.  The story for this one has some funny moments but the sense of adventure and action is lost in the way the characters handle their scenes.  You never feel like the characters are in danger because they never really show the emotions you would associate with those terrifying situations.  Because of the cast we get a story that is not that effective.  Finally, if you are looking for blood and guts you will be very disappointed.  However, if you want some cheap computer generated images and unenthused acting then you are in luck.  Overall, Vibes is not the cheesy 80s flick I had hoped for.  It misses it's mark in almost every way possible.  It does have some laughs but it is a film you will easily forget.  The VHS slip is nice for collectors and the blu transfer looks good but this is still a hard film to recommend to movie fans.