Cirque du Freak: The Vampires Assistant

So, John C. Riley as a vampire. Well, he is no Edward Cullen, but then again, this isn't Twilight. I was pretty skeptical when I saw the previews for this show - let's be honest, John C. Riley as a vampire. I thought he only did comedy.

With all those doubts plaguing my mind, I popped in the DVD and gave it a shot. Sure enough, there was John C. Riley as a vampire, taking refuge in a traveling freak show. It was a comedy - but not a normal slap your knee, talk about it the next day with your friends comedy. It was definitely more of a dark comedy; well, maybe a really dark gray comedy.

I was actually pleasantly surprised with this film. I did have my doubts, but like a vampire in sunlight, those doubts turned to ash and blew away. The cast and supporting cast was actually surprising to me. I was wondering what ever happened to Orlando Jones. Now I know.


The Other Critic Writes Again

Edge of Darkness

So, Mel Gibson's back. In this gritty police detective drama, Mel is no spring chicken—like in the Lethal Weapon series—but don't hold that against him.

Edge of Darkness is gritty. It's dark and full of emotion. The action, in between the talking parts, was extreme and well done; very realistic and down to earth. I enjoyed the conspiracy theories intertwined with the story, very well done, in my opinion.

Gritty and dark, but very well done with an ending that leaves you with a small, warm fuzzy.

Couples Retreat

I just finished watching Vince Vaugn in Couples Retreat. I was pleasantly surprised. I knew it was going to be funny (I can't actually think of a movie that he's done that wasn't funny). The story was just as good as the message. There were a few parts that were definitely PG-13, but all-in-all it was good. I would not recommend this for children, or even pre-teens. It is definitely for couples.

The best part of the whole movie is the beginning. If you are fortunate enough to have children, you'll be able to relate.

The Other Critic Writes Again

The Book of Eli

I had the chance to see this in the theaters last Saturday night with a good friend of mine. We were originally going to see the new Mel Gibson movie or Legion. I still have interest to see both of those movies, even with the poor reviews Legion is getting., but we compromised and saw The Book of Eli.

Let me say this about the movie: if I had three thumbs, they'd all be up in favor of this movie. It was amazing, in an odd sort of a way. Granted, it wasn't non-stop action from the beginning, but when there was action, it was solid. The story and concept for the movie were equally impressive. Very well thought through, with just the right amount of twists to really make it interesting. And the ending. Wow. I never saw that coming, but once it was there, it really drove home how much we take everyday things for granted.

Definitely worth the time, definitely worth the price. Great movie.