Category Archives: Suspense

2009, Acceptable Trash, FilmReview, Mayhem, Occasional gore, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Vampire, Violent

Daybreakers (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Earth’s population is up against a vicious plague that’s transforming everyone into vampires and draining the world of an increasingly precious resource: blood. As the human race count nears zero, could science hold the key to a solution?

Do you remember Ethan Hawke in Gattaca? Here also he stars in an intelligent, better than average sci-fi plus vampire theme film. However this particular film is very violent, or (to make a bad pun) should I say very bloody. As the villain in the plot Sam Neill again plays a smarmy, soft-spoken and unscrupulous blood merchant.

Be warned, some scenes are ugly: humans are farmed for their blood; bodies tend to explode in the sun; blood-starved vampires feed on humans; the fun never stops.

Toward the end of the film the plot confused me a bit. Even the Wikipedia article is a little vague about the final scene with the soldiers.

No, this is not an adult film. But for those of us who love trash, it could be entertaining.

2012, Based on a Book, Bootlegging, Crude Talk, Disturbing Image, DO NOT MISS, Drama, FBI, Gangs, Gay theme, Grim, Love Story, Nudity, Rape, Revenge, Sadism, Suspense, Violent, Vulgar, Wonderful acting

Lawless (2012)

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From NetFlix:

This true-to-life action saga profiles Virginia’s bootlegging Bondurant gang, whose exploits during the Prohibition era made them outlaw heroes. The three Bondurant brothers tussle with the law and each other as they try to survive changing times.

Despite the unrelenting violence from start to finish, every other aspect is so well done that this film about bootlegging is strongly compelling. Much attention was paid to reproducing rural Virginia during the Prohibition era.

As far as acting is concerned Tom Hardy (age 35), Jason Clarke (age 43), and Shia LaBeouf (age 26) create a fascinating trio of Bondurant brothers, each with his own unique personality. “Chameleon” is a word I like to apply to an actor who loses himself in a part to such an extent that you almost do not recognize him. Here we have at least two “chameleons”: Tom Hardy took an light and fun part playing against Chris Pine in the film “This Means War” whereas in “Lawless” he has transformed himself into an almost silent, soft-spoken but menacing Forest Bondurant. Make no mistake: you WILL take Forest seriously or else. Guy Pearce (age 45) is the other “chameleon”. Because of his scary portray of Charlie Rakes as a violent psychopath, I am willing to finally give Guy Pearce his due. Many of his earlier films were often mediocre fluff. However, who could forget (or stop conjecturing about the plot of) “Momento”. Both Tom Hardy and Guy Pearce are British so we have to add accent skills to their credits.

For more background on the Bondurant family see the Wikipedia article about Matt Bondurant and his book “The Wettest County in the World”. Matt was the grandson of one of the three brothers.

Despite the violence, I would have to say DO NOT MISS THIS FILM!

2012, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Violent

Prometheus (2012)

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From NetFlix:

When scientific explorers unearth an artifact that points to the origins of humankind, they’re pulled into the unexpected adventure of a lifetime. But if they falter, the very future of their species is at stake.

At the very least the wonderful special effects eye candy is worth the trip to this zoo. Most of the zoo creatures are slimy, crawling, nasty beasts with lots of tentacles. Moreover, most of those monsters arrive on scene by bursting through some poor soul’s stomach. That scene from “Aliens” is destined to be repeated ad nauseam. In fact, don’t miss the final tribute to “Aliens”.

Story is almost secondary, although there is a good guys versus bad guys theme. Still, don’t expect an original plot.

It took me awhile to recognize Guy Pearce as the old and nearly dead Peter Weyland. Michael Fassbender plays a cool and calculating android who does some suspicious things that were never really explained. Just whose side was he on ?

The Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland was used in the film’s opening scene showing an “Engineer” creating life. By “Engineer” we mean the albino giant at the film’s start. In case you wonder what he was supposed to be doing, the following is a quote from the Wikipedia article:

The creation of life from the disintegration of an Engineer in the film’s opening scene was created by WETA Digital. The scene was difficult to produce because it had to convey the story of the Engineer’s DNA breaking apart, reforming and recombining into Earth DNA in a limited span of time.

Was that “Engineer” a real person or some digital effect ?

Expect nothing but great digital effects and you will not be disappointed.

2009, Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer, Suspense, Violent

The Stepfather (2009)

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From NetFlix:

In this spine-tingling remake of the 1987 thriller, a series of mysterious events leads teenager Michael Harding to suspect that his mother’s new boyfriend may be a dangerous serial killer known for preying on families.

Ever since I watched Dylan Walsh as Dr. Sean McNamara in the TV series “Nip/Tuck”, I have hoped to see his career advance. At the very least he succeeds in this film in playing a cleverly creepy serial killer. This is no spoiler because you know from the very beginning that his “hobby” is inserting himself as a new stepfather in a family whose parents have recently divorced and when things don’t work out then killing the entire family. In this film you watch him try again. Tension consists in watching Michael, the oldest son in the new family, little by little coming to suspect that something is wrong. Along the way quite a few people are murdered. You will recognize the first husband Jay as the actor Jon Tenney who plays the husband of “The Closer” on TV. Finally at the very end of the film an actress has a brief cameo appearance as a mom with two boys in a big box store. That actress also played in many episodes of “Nip/Tuck”.

Just sit back (you can’t relax during this film) and hold on tight.

2012, Acceptable Trash, Imperfect, Psychic Phenomena, Suspense, Violent

Red Lights (2012)

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From NetFlix:

Professor Margaret Matheson and her assistant, Tom Buckley, set out to debunk claims of paranormal activity. During their investigation, a legendary psychic comes out of retirement, and Buckley becomes obsessed with proving he’s a fraud.

Give this almost-dud a B minus. Sprinkled here and there in the midst of all the psychobabble claptrap are some fun moments.

Why does Cillian (pronounced “Killian”) Murphy usually play weird parts? Is it because of his unusual eyes? This time his character Tom Buckley is more obsessed and desperate than strange. Sigourney Weaver is adequate as Margaret Matheson.

Initially the story introduces the professor and her assistant in a series of almost boring episodes in which the pair debunk so-called psychics. Only when Robert De Niro enters as the blind psychic Simon Silver does the plot thicken and take on a sinister feel.

To avoid spoiling the film (if that is possible), I can only tell you to expect some real surprises. If you do guess how the film ends, just drop me a comment.

1993, British Mystery Series, Detective, Explicit sexual discussion, Gritty, Marital Infidelity, Murder Investigation, Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer, Suspense, Violent

Cracker (1993)

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From NetFlix:

Eddie “Fitz” Fitzgerald smokes, drinks, gambles and cheats on his wife. He’s also a brilliant criminal psychologist, or “cracker.” When not evading his personal demons, he uses his particular genius to track down Manchester’s worst criminals.

Be prepared to intensely dislike the “cracker” Eddie Fitzgerald. Arrogant stubbornness is his chief characteristic. For example, despite the fact that gambling is one of his many faults which have contributed to his marriage problems, he defiantly refuses to stop gambling. At least half the story time revolves around his personal failings. What on earth does his wife see in him? Possibly she values his often very clever sarcastic comments.

Nonetheless, the mystery plots are well-written. Each full story requires several episodes. Kathy and I watch the series using NetFlix streaming in order to get subtitles. Unfortunately, the DVD versions do not carry subtitles. In fact, many offerings from NetFlix are subtitled only in the streaming version.

Not all stories are about serial killers. Today’s detective series seem more often than not to center around a serial killer. However, as usual, the stories are violent. If you want “non-violent” then try Pie in the Sky.

Acting is excellent and unusual. For example, the second full story has as its culprit a murderous couple in which the man is a stutterer who can only speak when he is furious (which is most of the time).

Different and well worth your time.

2002, Clever Plot, Detective, Murder Investigation, Small Town, Suspense, Violent

Insomnia (2002)

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From NetFlix:

Sent to investigate the murder of a teenage girl in a small Alaska town, police detective Will Dormer (Al Pacino) accidentally shoots his partner, Hap (Martin Donovan), while trying to apprehend a suspect (Robin Williams). But in spite of his guilt, he’s still determined to solve the case. Hilary Swank co-stars as a local detective who hampers Dormer’s efforts based on her suspicions about the circumstances of Hap’s death.

Although the film starts out seeming very ordinary, it soon picks up with an intriguing and original plot. Both Al Pacino and Robin Williams have secrets to hide and how they scheme to use and ensnare each other is a well-planned scenario. Hillary Swank plays well as a new member of the force, one who admires almost reverently the older experienced Al Pacino. Al Pacino usually plays Al Pacino and to a certain extant that is still true here. But his portrayal of a trapped man who goes for something like 6 days without sleep is perfect. Robin Williams comes across as a somewhat eerie smooth talker.

Martin Donovan has one of those faces you know you have seen somewhere (Ezra Stone in the TV series “Boss”).

In addition to a well-crafted detective suspense film, the Alaskan scenery is breathtaking.

2002, British Mystery Series, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Detective, Disturbing Image, DO NOT MISS, FilmReview, Grim, Gritty, Murder Investigation, Occasional gore, Police Story, Sadism, Serial Killer, Stalker, Suspense, Torture, Transexual Theme, Violent

Wire in the Blood (2002)

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CHANGE OF STREAMING SOURCE:

Now you can stream 6 episodes NOT from Netflix but now from Acorn TV, which makes sense because Acorn TV shows only entertainment from the worldwide British empire.

The review below is still valid and a warning. However in Season 4 and forward, Herminone Norris is no longer in the episodes.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:

From NetFlix:

This tense British crime series follows the work of Dr. Tony Hill (Robson Green), a psychologist with a peculiar talent for understanding how serial killers think and for using that knowledge to help law enforcement apprehend them. Partnered with a detective from the local police department’s Major Incident Team, Hill finds himself on the trail of killers ranging from vigilantes and snipers to rapist-murderers, twisted suicide cults and more.

Through NetFlix streaming or DVDs you can see this British detective TV series.

Some of the episodes are ugly. You might even want to skip the very first episode because it shows sadistic torture. Later episodes refer back only slightly to preceding episodes, but that is not important.

Why watch the series at all? With each British detective series that I watch I find that the stories are tensely engaging, well written, and well acted but also usually very grim and explicit. One exception that comes to mind is Pie in the Sky in which there is never a murder. Also the crimes in Midsomer Murders are never hard to watch.

Two actors carry the series:

  • Robson Green appears exclusively in (zillions of) British TV series. If you are a British TV fan you will recognize him immediately. His character, Dr. Tony Hill, seems a little too smart to be true.
  • Hermione Norris (DCI Carol Jordan) appeared in a great many episodes of MI-5.

You have been warned that certain scenes are brutal. Other than that, this is another great British detective TV series.

2011, Car Chase, Clever Plot, Complicated, Conspiracy, Crime, Frenetic, Love Story, Norwegian, Nudity, Occasional gore, Plot Twist, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Suspense, Violent

Headhunters (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Living way beyond his means, corporate recruiter Roger Brown steals rare artwork to maintain his lavish lifestyle. But when he plans to boost an especially valuable painting, he targets a man who has headhunting skills of a different variety.

Hold onto your seats because this plot twists and turns like an angry alligator. From one minute to the next you will be surprised by all the unexpected, and usually violent, events.

In Norwegian with subtitles, even though the actors are Norwegian, still there is a surprise in store. Just how the names of the actors are pronounced is beyond me. Aksel Hennie as Roger Brown and Synnøve Macody Lund as his drop-dead beautiful wife Diana were excellent actors that I have never seen before. However, I kept staring at Nikolaj Coster-Waldau who plays the villain Clas Greve and wondering where had I ever seen this Norwegian actor. Surprise … he played Jaime Lannister in the TV series “Game of Thrones” (which you should NOT miss!) where he seemed to speak perfect English.

Much of the plot has Roger Brown running for his life from one horrible experience to another. But his ingenuity is remarkable.

Expect an incredibly satisfying ending. But you have to also expect unending suspense.

2005, Conspiracy, Frenetic, Mediocre, Suspense, Violent

Red Eye (2005)

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From NetFlix:

On a red-eye flight bound for Miami, Lisa learns that a fellow passenger has plans to murder the deputy secretary of Homeland Security — and that he wants to use her as part of the plot.

Cillian Murphy (his first name is pronounced “Killian” with a hard “K”) has those cold steel grey eyes that make him a perfect candidate to play a sociopath on a mission. Rachel McAdams is our Super Woman: beautiful, intelligent, friendly, determined, and a real fighter. Watching nasty Cillian ensnare our Rachel, especially as she understands bit by bit what is happening, is well-done. In fact, for me the best part of the film was that first part in the airplane in which the two play a game of one-upmanship. After she flees the airplane the rest of the plot is something that you have already seen in other films. Still, as in most suspense films, you have to see how it all turns out.

Give it a B. Not a total waste of time.