When an explosion in the Norwegian mountains awakens an ancient troll, national officials appoint a fearless paleontologist to put an end to its devastating and deadly havoc. “TROLL” (2022): Norse legend leaps to life Film Review by John Smistad Norwegians, including we of familial descent, are big on trolls. Big trolls. … [Read More]
After being released on parole, a burglar (Dustin Hoffman) attempts to go straight, get a regular job, and “play by the rules”. He soon finds himself back in jail at the hands of a power-hungry parole officer. When he is released again, he assaults the parole officer, steals his car, … [Read More]
The Stranger tells the story of an Australian undercover cop who develops an intense, intimate relationship with a child murder suspect while trying to earn his trust and elicit a confession. It takes a heavy toll. “The Stranger” (2022): Investigating the depths of evil Film Review by John Smistad The Australian … [Read More]
It’s Pete’s birthday. The old gang from college is throwing him a party at a mansion out in the English countryside. During what’s fully intended to be a joyful weekend reunion, Pete finds himself increasingly unnerved by his friends inside jokes and sardonic comments. As the atmosphere morphs from merely … [Read More]
A woman struggles to get home to her child alive after being violently attacked then hunted following a blind date. “RUN SWEETHEART RUN” (2022) is amazon bolting COMPLETELY off the Rails Film Review by John Smistad What in the hell Amazon??!! Amazon Studio’s “Run Sweetheart Run” is sickening. On every level. White men … [Read More]
The 2014 horror mystery “It Follows” is one of the most unsettling movie experiences of my life. What is It? And why does it Follow? These questions are never definitively answered. And in it’s truly creepy and weird wake “It Follows” leaves us with a chilling feeling of uncertainty. Dispensing a Double Dose of MAIKA: … [Read More]
“Welcome to Wrexham” is an American sports documentary series that premiered on August 24 of this year on FX. The series documents the events of Welsh association football club Wrexham AFC as told by the club’s top-tier celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. “Welcome to Wrexham” (2022): Superstars as … [Read More]
“Dashcam” is viewed entirely though an abrasive musician’s livestream while her night takes a terrifying turn after agreeing to help transport a frail, elderly woman out of town. “DASHCAM” (2022): Rash, man Film Review by John Smistad Two things you absolutely must do if you plan to extract any entertainment value whatsoever from the rip … [Read More]
JERRY & MARGE GO LARGE (2022): Gaming the Game Film Review by John Smistad JERRY & MARGE GO LARGE is Based on the true story, long-married couple Jerry and Marge Selbee win the lottery (a lot) and then use the money to revive their struggling small town starring Bryan Cranston and … [Read More]
TRAPPED: Those Icelanders can be Cold ones, man Streaming Series Review by John Smistad Trapped Synopsis: The Icelandic mystery thriller series “Trapped” is the brainchild of wildly creative acclaimed filmmaker and producer Baltasar Kormákur. Over two series police in a remote town in Iceland work both to solve the mystery … [Read More]
“OSKAR’S AMERICA”: Red, White & Blue as Idyllic Image Film review by JOHN SMISTAD Synopsis: When 10-year-old Oskar’s mom leave him with his grandpa to go to America, he sets up a nutty plan to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a rowboat with his new friend Levi and … [Read More]
The annual Valley Film Festival is running August 3-7 in North Hollywood, California. I was lucky enough to score advance screenings and interviews for two of the featured flicks. Two Dash One One Mackenzie Breeden and Allie Leonard stun in “Two Dash One One” as April and Marnie, two young … [Read More]