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Greenland (2020)
Greenland (2020)
2020 | Action, Thriller
It Doesn't Work
While surfing through my various streaming services looking for something to get swallowed up into my couch while watching, I encountered GREENLAND a film about a “planet killing” comet hurtling towards Earth starring that noted thespian Gerard Butler.

“Great”, I thought, “a disaster flick starring the guy from another cheesy disaster flick GEOSTORM, this should be fun, mindless entertainment”.

It wasn’t mindless and it wasn’t - most definitely - fun.

GREENLAND takes a “realistic” approach to the “what would happen if a killer comet starts barreling towards the Earth”. Because of this “realistic” approach, the mood throughout the film is pretty somber while the characters stand around and talk about the implications/consequences of this event.

There are 3 BIG issues with this film and it’s approach

1). The “realism” of what happens only occurs in service to the plot, when our heroes need to get from “Point A” to “Point B”, the freeways and roadways are, magically, empty - and a vehicle (completely full of gas) is conveniently awaiting them.

2). Gerard Butler is not even close enough of a good actor to carry the dialogue-heavy scenes.

3). Butler and his estranged wife (is there any other type of couple in these types of films) played by the “good enough” Morena Baccarin (DEADPOOL) are saddled with one of the most annoying, whiny kids (badly acted by Roger Dale Floyd) in the history of movies. At one point the child disappears from the plot (it would be a spoiler to explain why), I was really hoping that this character would not come back.

About the only thing that works in this film is a brief, extended cameo by Scott Glenn as Baccarin’s father, it lifts the middle of this sagging film at a time that it desperately needed it, giving me hope for the last 1/2 of the movie - a hope that was not realized.

I’m not sure I can lay all the blame of this failed film on Director Ric Roman Waugh (Angel Has Fallen), but he didn’t help himself here, either. He lingers way to long on events, dialogue and scenes, with the standard “light piano” underscore that emphasizes the importance of what is going on.

I blame the Producers of this film who, originally, had Neill Blomkamp (DISTRICT 9) lined up to Direct and Chris Evans to star in his first post-Avengers role. Both ended up dropping out and I can only imagine that the Producers cut the Director, Casting and Special Effects budgets, but kept the seriousness and realism of the tone.

It didn’t work.

Skip GREENLAND. If you want to check out “comets hitting the Earth” films, I would steer you towards the 1990’s duo of ARMAGEDDON and DEEP IMPACT.

Letter Grade: C

4 Stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(OfMarquis)
  
Unmatched: Deadpool Expansion
Unmatched: Deadpool Expansion
2021 | Card Game, Fantasy, Fighting, Miniatures
In the expansion review series, we take a look at a game expansion to discuss whether it is a necessary purchase/addition to one’s collection.

This breakdown is for the expansion for the hit game, and Golden Feather Award-winning, Unmatched system entitled Unmatched: Deadpool.

This expansion adds the amazing Marvel character Deadpool to the game system, to expand any standalone set. It ships with a great DP mini, his HP dial, and a deck of 31 hilarious and ridiculous cards. It cannot be played without a base set, and I have used him with both Cobble & Fog as well as the Battle of Legends, Volume 1 sets.


DISCLAIMER: We were provided a prototype copy of this game expansion for the purposes of this review. You are invited to pre-order from the Mondo website or purchase from any retailers stocking it once released. -T
Does this expansion add a lot to the gameplay of original Unmatched? I very much think so. If you have yet to play any version of Unmatched, please do yourself a favor and remedy this at once. When you have played it, come back to finish the review.

What Deadpool lacks in full game components, it sure makes up for in uniqueness of character play. No more will the player need to strategize and synergize throughout the game. In fact, the Deadpool player now has access to so many crazy cards that really break the rules and make him so much harder to overcome. Deadpool has several healing cards in his deck, but also has a special healing ability that triggers every turn he attacks. I suppose now I realize why DP has an HP dial with a max HP of 10. I really do not want to spoil too much about what can be found in the Deadpool deck, but just know there are many chimichangas, many healing, and many rulebreaking possibilities.

Is it absolutely necessary to invest in the Deadpool expansion to enjoy Unmatched? No, but if you are a fan of Marvel or the character, it is a must-buy. However, if you (or the people with whom you play) are prudish sticks in the mud, then totally pass on it. That leaves more for the rest of us.

Official recommendation: I cannot say enough great things about Unmatched and every character I have played with it. Each character is certainly unique, but I will venture to say that you will be hard pressed to find a character even more unique than Deadpool. He offers such hilarity that I want to use him nearly every game. Now, knowing all the cards that come in his deck can tempt his players to manipulate the environment before starting the game, so do take care if you attempt to play AGAINST a Deadpool player. That’s the warning I will give, but I officially (and highly) recommend all fans of Marvel, Deadpool, and the Unmatched system to grab a copy of this small expansion.
  
Tales From the Crypt (1972)
Tales From the Crypt (1972)
1972 | Horror
7
7.8 (9 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Characters – Where this film is an anthology we don’t get too much time with each character, Joanne is a married woman with her own desires for life, showing a darker side after killer her husband on Christmas Eve. Carl Maitland is a married man that is planning on leaving his wife and children, he is involved in an accident which brings into a new lease of horror. Grimsdyke is an older man, he has lived with his wife in one home, with her passed away he wants to die in this house and must deal with the snotty neighbours that is trying to force him out. Jason is a businessman that has spent more than he has earnt forcing him to face bankruptcy for his actions. Rogers is the final story as a manager of home, he comes in with his strict ideas struggle to connect with the people he is meant to be caring for.

Performances – By being an anthology the stars only get limited time, Joan Collins gets the ball rolling as is good in her role with us believing how calculated her actions are. Ian Hendry is solid in his role, he is behind the camera for the most part making it hard to believe everything. Peter Cushing shines as the kindly old man that is getting pushed out of town. Richard Greene is solid enough without getting too much time to show us what makes his character unique. Nigel Patrick does make this character one of the more unlikable with ease.

Story – The story here takes us down the horror anthology line, we get to see five stories of five characters deaths, this does give us something different in each side of the horror scale, we know some are shorter than others with Blind Alleys and Poetic Justice being the stand out of the five stories. There is a big twist in the connection to the stories, but if you do know the TV show you will know the outcome. For a horror anthology this is everything you need without being to the extremes they go nowadays. Each short could easily become a longer film which is always positive.

Horror – When it comes to horror we sometimes get to best moments in shorts, anthologies give us a chance to experience different types of horror which will offer something for all horror fans.

Settings – Each film takes us to the world where the character comes from which shows us how the normal lives they live have the darker secrets.

Special Effects – The effects in the film are good through the film they show us what is capable with good practical effects.


Scene of the Movie – Blind Alleys when the door opens.

That Moment That Annoyed Me – Some stories are too short.

Final Thoughts – This is a good anthology for horror, it gets the best moments correct and keeps us guessing to what will happen to the characters involved.

 

Overall: Simple anthology.
  
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