michaelobrienfilm Reviews

Sleepaway Camp (1983)

Blood, boats, and short shorts.

[6/10 · 15 February 2015]

'Sleepaway Camp' is horror insanity that could've only been made in the 80s. The summer camp is overrun with pedophile staff, unusually aggressive kids (played by actors ranging from 12 years old to 35 years old, it seems), and multiple gruesome deaths that go largely unnoticed.

The plot is copied straight from the slasher films of the era, with slews of victims being brutally murdered by a faceless killer (from their POV) for no good reason. Wooden acting, goofy death scenes, horny teenagers, bad special effects, hilarious costumes (see the unbelievably short shorts worn by the oddly muscular camp counselor) - all these things add to the overall charm of 'Sleepaway Camp'. Don't put on this film and expect to be scared, but be prepared to be amused and captivated by it's weirdness.

I'd recommend this film to anyone with an interest in older horror films, particularly the slasher genre. Or to anyone who loves watching a so-bad-it's-good movie with their buddies and some beers. 'Sleepaway Camp' is worth a watch just for the insane ending, which, if you haven't read up on this movie, you won't expect - but it will stay with you.

Sex Ed (2014)

Good premise but doesn't deliver on story or laughs.

[5/10 · 10 December 2014]

'Sex Ed' has a solid comedic premise: Eddie, a sexually inexperienced 23-year-old teacher, struggles to teach a sex-ed class to middle school kids. Beyond that, there's not much else going on.

Fine direction from Isaac Feder and good performances from the whole cast, especially Haley Joel Osment, whose boyish charm carries the movie. Unfortunately, the story is paper thin and there aren't many big laughs.

The secondary characters are all underwritten. Retta's character exists only to offer Eddie corny motivational speeches from behind the bar, and Lorenza Izzo is used exclusively as a prop for Eddie's sexual desires - why she is immediately attracted to his awkward speech and creepy stares, I have no idea. These characters - along with Eddie's roommate and his girlfriend - flit in and out of the movie when the plot requires them and have no depth or stories of their own.

While there is a lot of potential and talent involved in the film, it just isn't funny or interesting enough to hold your attention for 90 minutes.

Half in the Bag (2011– )

Have a beer with Half in the Bag. Hilarious, fun, and genuinely insightful.

[9/10 · 23 May 2014]

The guys at Red Letter Media know two things: movies - from David Lynch to Michael Bay - and comedy. Half in the Bag, one of RLM's several media ventures, is a movie review show that features comedy skits, great homemade sets, and simple - but effective! - special effects. Mike Stoklasa and Jay Bauman are the hosts of Half in the Bag, two Milwaukee natives with a shared love of beer and movies. They are often joined by their jovial friend with the crazy laugh, Rich Evans, and host of colourful side characters (such as the Emperor from Star Wars).

Half in the Bag takes place in a weird reality where aliens, ghosts and sex robots are not uncommon. Mike and Jay play VCR repairmen who barely work and love taking advantage of their elderly client, Mr. Plinkett (Rich Evans). They exploit old man Plinkett for his house, money, booze, and medication. When they're not in their VCR repair shop or being pursued by government agents, the guys film Half in the Bag in Plinkett's living room. They usually review two current movies per episode, though some movies occasionally require their own episode (see The Dark Knight Rises, Prometheus).

The show is defined by it's fantastic wit, insane humour (ranging from dry to completely bizarre), and genuinely insightful views on movies and the film business. Whether discussing an indie film or the latest comic book blockbuster, Mike and Jay always have something intelligent to offer. Episodes such as '#40: Sinister and Paranormal Activity' and '#21 Jack and Jill' are prime examples of the hard work that goes in to the production of Half in the Bag; wacky plot lines, legitimate actors, sets, special effects - these guys go above and beyond to deliver a great review and an entertaining show.

I'd recommend Half in the Bag to anyone who loves movies, unusual comedy, and drinking beers with their friends. If you're an alien and you don't like any of these things, there's always Rich Evans' laugh.