Disappointing. That would be one way to put this film. Not that it's terrible or anything, but
well, ahhh hell. Just read on
This film stars the legendary Bruce Campbelllegendary for his classic underground, cult, and, *ahem* "B-movies." Well, hell, I love the guy. A lot of people do. His films are entertaining, he's entertaining. So why wouldn't a film starring the guy, written by him, and directed by him be good? It turns out there's a lot of reasons, but here's the quickie story:
Capitalist American businessman (Bruce Campbell, of course) travels to former "Red" Socialist Bulgaria on business. Well, crap happens and suddenly he's dead. When next he's alive, well holy hell, he has half another man's brain in his cranium. A communist man's brain! Well, following this, some craziness ensues and Bruce and his "dead" wife, and his half-Commie brain hunt for the gypsy woman that done killed 'em all. Sounds pretty good so far
Here's the breakdown:
The Good:
--The acting, for the most part, is much better than I would have expectedespecially from Stacy Keach and Ted Raimi.
--Bruce Campbell beating himself upalways entertaining.
--Bizarre storyalways good.
--Some really good humor.
--Wacky throw-back to bad 50's Science Fiction films with adequate cheesiness.
Didn't Hurt It, Didn't Help:
--The special effects are kind of poor, but entertaining nonetheless.
--Over-all somewhat lackluster writing.
--Decent action.
The Bad:
--Some pretty tedious parts, unfortunately.
--Poor atmosphere. I personally wish Bruce had enlisted Don Coscarelli to Direct.
--Capitalist brain melded with a Socialist brain? Seems like there should've been some more depth in those two extremes fighting each other. Pity.
The Ugly:
--Bruce is a great actor, and a funny and entertaining guyand really cool. Know what he really isn't? A director.
--Again, for those like meBruce Campbell fansthis film is kind of a disappointment. Here's why: It was a long time coming, it was written, directed, and starring Bruce Campbell. And after the brilliant Bubba Ho-Tep (helmed by Phantasm's Don Coscarelli), the Evil Dead Trilogy, and many of Bruce's other successeswell, for fans, there's a lot of hype in preparing for this one. Also, the idea that it was kind of Bruce's "pet-project" and one he'd been planning and working on for years gave this film some added heft when it comes to "getting one's hopes up."
Memorable Scene:
--When Bruce is first running around and battling the idea of having two brains.
This is not a bad film, but it's not exactly great. And after the hype going into it, and after seeing how talented Bruce Campbell really is (Bubba Ho-Tep), this film just feels rather weak.
Acting: 8/10 Story: 8/10 Atmosphere: 4/10 Cinematography: 6/10 Character Development: 6/10 Special Effects/Make-up: 5/10 Nudity/Sexuality: 0/10 Violence/Gore: 7/10 (not much of either, but decent quality for it) Dialogue: 7/10 Music: 6/10 Direction: 6/10
Cheesiness: 5/10 Crappiness: 1/10
Overall: 6/10
This one is for general Science Fiction fans and Bruce Campbell fans. But don't get your hopes up too high. Like, watch it if you forgot a lot of his previous work, or haven't seen it at all. Not bad, not great, and don't get your hopes too high. (Also, it should be noted that I'm being awfully generous in this review...)
www.ResidentHazard.com
This film stars the legendary Bruce Campbelllegendary for his classic underground, cult, and, *ahem* "B-movies." Well, hell, I love the guy. A lot of people do. His films are entertaining, he's entertaining. So why wouldn't a film starring the guy, written by him, and directed by him be good? It turns out there's a lot of reasons, but here's the quickie story:
Capitalist American businessman (Bruce Campbell, of course) travels to former "Red" Socialist Bulgaria on business. Well, crap happens and suddenly he's dead. When next he's alive, well holy hell, he has half another man's brain in his cranium. A communist man's brain! Well, following this, some craziness ensues and Bruce and his "dead" wife, and his half-Commie brain hunt for the gypsy woman that done killed 'em all. Sounds pretty good so far
Here's the breakdown:
The Good:
--The acting, for the most part, is much better than I would have expectedespecially from Stacy Keach and Ted Raimi.
--Bruce Campbell beating himself upalways entertaining.
--Bizarre storyalways good.
--Some really good humor.
--Wacky throw-back to bad 50's Science Fiction films with adequate cheesiness.
Didn't Hurt It, Didn't Help:
--The special effects are kind of poor, but entertaining nonetheless.
--Over-all somewhat lackluster writing.
--Decent action.
The Bad:
--Some pretty tedious parts, unfortunately.
--Poor atmosphere. I personally wish Bruce had enlisted Don Coscarelli to Direct.
--Capitalist brain melded with a Socialist brain? Seems like there should've been some more depth in those two extremes fighting each other. Pity.
The Ugly:
--Bruce is a great actor, and a funny and entertaining guyand really cool. Know what he really isn't? A director.
--Again, for those like meBruce Campbell fansthis film is kind of a disappointment. Here's why: It was a long time coming, it was written, directed, and starring Bruce Campbell. And after the brilliant Bubba Ho-Tep (helmed by Phantasm's Don Coscarelli), the Evil Dead Trilogy, and many of Bruce's other successeswell, for fans, there's a lot of hype in preparing for this one. Also, the idea that it was kind of Bruce's "pet-project" and one he'd been planning and working on for years gave this film some added heft when it comes to "getting one's hopes up."
Memorable Scene:
--When Bruce is first running around and battling the idea of having two brains.
This is not a bad film, but it's not exactly great. And after the hype going into it, and after seeing how talented Bruce Campbell really is (Bubba Ho-Tep), this film just feels rather weak.
Acting: 8/10 Story: 8/10 Atmosphere: 4/10 Cinematography: 6/10 Character Development: 6/10 Special Effects/Make-up: 5/10 Nudity/Sexuality: 0/10 Violence/Gore: 7/10 (not much of either, but decent quality for it) Dialogue: 7/10 Music: 6/10 Direction: 6/10
Cheesiness: 5/10 Crappiness: 1/10
Overall: 6/10
This one is for general Science Fiction fans and Bruce Campbell fans. But don't get your hopes up too high. Like, watch it if you forgot a lot of his previous work, or haven't seen it at all. Not bad, not great, and don't get your hopes too high. (Also, it should be noted that I'm being awfully generous in this review...)
www.ResidentHazard.com