kyleshabet Reviews

Divine (II) (2020)

Charming Rom Com

[7/10 · 25 February 2024]

A sweet romcom which feels like a love letter not only to Italy, but also to similar movies from the 2000's.

The plot follows video journalist Gregory Spring who is sent to Italy to cover the upcoming selection of a new pope. While there, he is immediately smitten by Maria, who is set to become a nun in just a matter of day. As their chemistry heats up, Gregory experiences strange "coincidences" that threaten to put a stop to their romance.

It features a charming performance by Callum Turner, who shares sizzling chemistry with Matilda De Angelis, and that's what the main selling point is here. The cliches and predictability of it all bares no impact when you have a pair of fantastic leads like this.

It has plenty of laughs as well as many moments that will give you those romantic butterflies. A perfect lazy Sunday afternoon watch.

Killer Movie (2008)

Expected Better

[4/10 · 26 January 2022]

What had the potential to be a self-aware, campy fun slasher movie unfortunately is none of those things. Killer Movie has a good cast and premise with potential that could have been a spiritual relative to 'Scream', however it completely misses the mark.

It's not entirely awful or even unwatchable but the kills hidden behind actual shaky camera or obscured from view, minimising and scary potential. It could have been funny, but the jokes don't land and aren't as witty as they probably think they are.

What's the most disappointing is the unremarkable and entirely predictable end reveal.

Cherry Falls (1999)

Fun Slasher Romp

[6/10 · 23 January 2022]

A spiritual sister movie to 'Scream', Cherry Falls tells the story of Jody (Brittany Murphy) who becomes aware that a serial killer targeting virgins is on the loose .. and she may be next.

Cherry Falls offers dumb humour and decent thrills that's part of a quintessential slew of teen horror releases from the 90's. While lacking in actual scares, the movie does a good job at building tension and a deeper story amongst the senseless violence.

Overall, don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. Cherry Falls doesn't necessarily break the mould or offer something new, but it makes for a fun watch.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island of Misfit Toys (2001 Video)

Feelgood Holiday Movie

[6/10 · 25 December 2021]

It's become an instant classic in my home ever since it came out. With a wholesome story, fun cast and catchy musical numbers, Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys has everything you need to entertain the kids.

Love Hard (2021)

An Instant Holiday Classic

[8/10 · 18 December 2021]

What could have started off as a cliched, by the numbers holiday romcom actually blossoms into a refreshing romantic affair with a hefty sprinkle of Christmas cheer.

Columnist Natalie (Nina Dobrev) cannot seem to find the one, swipe after swipe and no luck, until a mutual online connection with the adventurous, sweet and exceptionally handsome Josh (.....). Natalie boards a plan and decides to finally meet her perfect man until she realises that she's been catfishes and the real Josh (Jimmy O. Yang) is an awkward fraud.

Love Hard manages to keep consistent laughs throughout with great use of slapstick comedy and smart jokes, as well as running gags that don't ever feel forced or overused. Everything has a pay off. Nina and Jimmy have really great chemistry, which is perhaps the highlight of the movie, that and the way Love Hard manages to flip romcom tropes on its head to deliver a special movie that's unexpectedly deep and meaningful.

Please watch this!

Father Christmas Is Back (2021)

Dysfunctional Movie

[5/10 · 15 December 2021]

With an impressive cast I was looking forward to checking out this festive film and while there are moments of joy, ultimately it falls flat.

Prim and proper Caroline Christmas-Hope (Nathalie Cox) welcomes her dysfunctional family of feuding sisters to the family for the holidays - the glamorous snob Joanna (Elizabeth Hurley), awkward Paulina (Naomi Frederick) and wild child Vicky (Tallah Riley). What starts off as a disaster gets even worse when their absentee father (Kelsey Grammer) shows up on her doorstep.

The film relies on cheap, predictable laughs most of the time and while a lot of the jokes miss, the ones that do hit are enjoyable. The story is somewhat entertaining to a degree and the conclusion is pleasantly paid off. However, some storylines and sisterly feuds aren't resolved which was annoying.

Overall it's a by the numbers British comedy movie that is ultimately forgettable, but decent enough to past the time.

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)

Fun, Exciting Adventure

[7/10 · 5 December 2021]

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas stars the titular hero as he embarks on a quest to retrieve the Book of Peace from the cunning Goddess of Discord.

This animation starts off with swashbuckling thrills and from there on it's a steady pace of action, enjoyment and even heartwarming moments.

The voice cast did a great job and each of them fit into their roles nicely, especially Michelle Pfeiffer as the seductive Eris, who certainly had fun with the role.

I think it's a great action animation movie both for kids and adults, with plenty to keep them entertaining and for you to enjoy a good story development.

When the Streetlights Go On (2017–2020)

Tense Start, Lacklustre Finish

[5/10 · 2 December 2021]

Another one of Quibi's short form series, When the Streetlights Go On gives the audience a possibility of being something great but isn't suited to the format we're given.

A small town is rocked by the murder of girl next door Becky Monroe (Kristine Froseth) and as one student (Chosen Jacobs) tries to piece together what happened, the tragedy ripples through Becky's family and friends.

It's a dark start to the show and from there the story does get interesting as we begin to explore the murder and Becky's sister, who begins to spiral. Unfortunately the series veers off course after just a few episodes into pure teen drama territory instead of really getting into the thriller and mystery that we were promised.

As others have stated, the climax to the crime story is brushed off in a 60 second monologue, which I could forgive if it wasn't so ridiculous and ill thought out.

Mapleworth Murders (2020)

Ridiculously Fun!

[8/10 · 1 December 2021]

Abigail Mapleworth (Paula Pell) is a murder-mystery writer with a knack for solving murders in her quaint little town. She's visiting by her millennial niece Heidi (Hayley Magnus) and together take on more wacky mysteries.

I was surprised at how hilarious this show was. From the outset it had laugh-out-loud jokes, great comedic timing from star Paula Pell and just an overall zany thrill ride.

It's pure camp comedy that isn't for everyone but for me it definitely was a standout show and it's a shame there won't be more of it.

Wicked (1998)

Wickedly Brilliant

[8/10 · 3 May 2021]

'Rebellious 14 year old Ellie (Julia Stiles) hates her mother and adores her father, (William R. Moses). But when she turns up dead, Ellie begins to unnaturally attempt to take her place in the household .. with sinister results '

Wicked is darkly delicious thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously, which is refreshing for a movie with this subject matter.

Stiles commands every scene with her expressive face and excellent delivery, you really feel the emotions she feels .. even if you're not sure whether to buy them or not.

Moses as her father is also great on screen. He plays the confused and fragile father so well without feeling too 'clownish'.

The story weaves a mysterious web at every turn until you yourself are quite stuck on what to believe. The film appears to be clear cut with it story .. but when you look deeper. It's not as it seems.

Beautiful (I) (2009)

Beautiful? Yes. Flawless? No.

[7/10 · 3 May 2021]

'In the quiet suburban area of Sunshine Hills, hides dark secrets and missing teenage girls. This leads the beautiful Suzy (Tahyna Tozzi) to enlist the help of Danny (Sebastian Gregory) to stalk the town and uncover the truth of what happened.'

It's worth starting off by saying first time director Dean O'Flaherty does a great job at providing the perfect 'feel' for this Stepford-style suburb with an even darker undertone. The film from start to finish is visually stunning and definitely incorporates beautiful scenes that are more like a work of art.

The acting is also something to boast about. The younger performers pack a punch while Peta Wilson is a force on screen in her dramatic role that requires a lot of nuance.

The storyline here is definitely engaging and pulls you into it's glossy web, but unfortunately it doesn't manage to lead anywhere worthwhile. The ending sadly doesn't feel resolved and not in a smart way. Motivations are never revealed and it feels lazy.

Overall I think the film is excellent despite disappointments.

The Quiet (2005)

Quiet but Powerful

[8/10 · 3 May 2021]

'After the sudden death of her father, the deaf and mute Dot (Camilla Belle) goes to live with her Godparents (played by Edie Falco and Martin Donovan) and their bratty daughter Nina (Elisha Cuthbert) however, Dot begins to realise the dark secrets that plague the family.'

Without spoiling much, the story is a tough pill to swallow with many dramatic themes and dark dark tones that really are unsettling to see played out. I think this is why the poor reviews.

However, the subject was so raw and haunting and the finish project is a truly memorable film with powerful acting from a stellar cast.

The script falters at time with some of dialogue that comes off more humorous than its intended, and that is a sometimes recurring problem of this otherwise fantastic movie.

Pepper Dennis (2006)

Breaking News: It's a Great Show!

[8/10 · 20 February 2021]

Starring supermodel and funny woman Rebecca Romijn in the title role, Pepper Dennis is a headstrong and dedicated news journalist who takes her work very seriously. But when she inadvertently has a one-night stand with the handsome Charli Babcock (Josh Hopkins) who she later discovers is her co-worker, she soon finds that her career and her heart begin to unravel.

It was a great show that was gone too soon. Romijn is excellent in the lead role, despite her character being cold and serious, she brings such a warmth and relatability to the role and knows just when it's time to bring the funny but also embrace the sad nuance of the character. Her on-screen chemistry is of course flawless with Hopkins, and they deservedly become the central focus.

Lindsay Price is great as hilarious best friend and makeup artist, Kimmy Kim while Brooke Burns gives a wholesome portrayal (with wonderful development) as Pepper's needy sister Kathy. Brett Cullen is a scene stealer on the show, as recurring character Jack Bell, the hilariously angry station manage.

Pepper Dennis has beautiful touching moments, with laugh out loud comedy scenes which fit perfectly together without becoming a distraction. Each episode has wonderful story development and plenty of heart.

While undeservedly short-lived, this show has a solid 13 episodes that manages to (mostly) wrap things up despite an abrupt cancellation.

The Rhythm Section (2020)

Simple, Flawed but Satisfying

[7/10 · 14 April 2020]

Don't think too hard into it and you'll find yourself enjoying the movie for what it is. A simple revenge thriller.

A few years after her parents and siblings died I a plane crash, Stephanie (Blake Lively) is living as a prostitute, tormented from the deaths. She's discovered by a journalist (Raza Jaffrey) who reveals that the crash wasn't an accident. This leads her directly into a global crusade of vengeance, with the help of a former M16 Agent (Jude Law).

First off, the execution is great. Reed Morano directs gritty scenes with an indie flair and an intense realism to them. Her style uses a lot of darkness and silhouettes to set the scene, refraining from the urge to light up the place just to make it seem more slick. One car chase in particular stood out as a one-take like shot that was really impressive.

Blake Lively commands the leading role. She portrays the broken Stephanie so perfectly and it's refreshing seeing an action lead fall flat on her face so much. It's never easy for the character during the fight scenes. Her chemistry with Law is also really great to watch.

The story is by the numbers with twists and turns that don't really gain an emotional response or a surprising one. But I can let that slide since the lead character is so compelling.

If you're looking for a decent thriller that's gritty and straight-forward simple, then give this a try. Not every movie has to be overly complex.

Avalon High (2010 TV Movie)

Slow but Enjoyable

[6/10 · 25 March 2020]

I haven't read the book but from what I have researched into it the movie actually brought surprises and switched it up compared to the book. So I appreciate that.

The overall plot is very slow and what promises a "fantasy" genre story isn't the case until the last 20 minutes. Before that it's full of teen melodrama that is stretched so thin that you really don't care for any characters.

After the Dark (2013)

Thought Provoking Fun

[7/10 · 1 March 2020]

I see there's a lot of bad reviews and I'll admit this is not for everyone. It's a movie that isn't as clever as it thinks it is, but it still poses some excellent thinking-points that you as a viewer will question.

Synopsis: As a class of bright philosophy students sit through their final lesson, their teacher puts forth one last thought experiment that tests loyalties, pushes boundaries and reveals hidden truths.

Consider 'After the Dark' if you're into more thought-orientated movies (it's certainly not a tense thriller like the trailers suggest).

Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong (2015)

A Hong Kong Minute

[7/10 · 15 June 2017]

About: When toy designer Ruby (Jamie Chung) meets aspiring writer and expat Josh (Bryan Greenberg) at a bar, a walk through Hong Kong turns out to be the start of something special.

Review: First time feature director Emily Ting beautifully directs this love letter to Hong Kong, which examines the everyday sights of the bustling city alongside the budding romance between two very different characters. The two leads have sizzling chemistry, which isn't surprising since they're a couple in real life, but that kind of energy shines through the screen - which is aided by the natural dialogue that ensues. Which brings me to the flaws. The film doesn't quite have the intellectual spark or the intrigue within the conversations as it's similar premised Before Sunrise trilogy, there's some complications to their meeting but the dialogue stays strictly mundane.

I enjoyed the sweetness of the movie, the way the characters interacted and the way the movie pointed out the different perspectives that a foreigner might have on the place. I just get the story could have been enhanced more.

Rosewood Lane (2011)

Decent Made for TV style movie.

[6/10 · 12 June 2017]

When radio psychiatrist Sonny Blake (Rose McGowan) moves into the old house where her father died, she finds herself harassed by the mysterious paper boy Derek (Daniel Ross Owens) which turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Directed by Jeepers Creepers helmet Victor Salva, the film does indeed contain some of his signature creep-factor style. Which is the highlight here. The film does a great job at keeping you on edge and making you feel as creeped out as possible. McGowan is fine in the lead role in which she successfully conveys the tragedy and paranoia of Sonny. Daniel Ross Owens also gives a haunting performance even if the Directions of his character can feel very campy.

And those are the only good points. The biggest distraction was the films score, it didn't fit well with the tone at all, it was too whimsical and felt like something from a comedy which did take away from the horror/thriller elements of the story. The final twist and reveal is something I did predict early on purely as a joke but when it ended up to be true, it had me laughing at whether or not it's genius or makes no sense at all.

Overall, it feels like one of those guilty pleasure made for TV lifetime movies that does a good job at passing the time but is nonetheless utterly forgettable.