Phil sees TRAINWRECK from Universal Pictures-December 29, 2015

Let me first start this review off by making this very important statement: I love Amy Schumer. Seriously I love Amy Schumer. I think she's funny, sassy, and smoking hot. She has the sexiest legs I have ever seen. And those eyes; they look so sultry but yet tough and independent. She has more balls than most of her male comedian peers. She's fearless when it comes to her stand-up performances. And those legs. Good grief I love this woman! I love you Amy!! OK, sorry about that people. I just had to get that off my chest. Now all of this leads up to today's review of her film TRAINWRECK which I finally saw.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Since she was a little girl, it's been drilled into Amy's (Amy Schumer) head by her rascal of a dad Gordon (Colin Quinn) that monogamy isn't realistic. Now a magazine writer, Amy lives by that credo - enjoying what she feels is an uninhibited life free from stifling, boring romantic commitment - but in actuality, she's kind of in a rut. When she finds herself starting to fall for the subject of the new article she's writing, a charming and successful sports doctor named Aaron Conners (Bill Hader), Amy starts to wonder if other grown-ups, including this guy who really seems to like her, might be on to something.

Also appearing in the film are Brie Larson (Kim), Vanessa Bayer (Nikki), Tilda Swinton (Dianna), Dave Attell (Noam ), WWE wrestler John Cena (Steven), Norman Lloyd (Norman) and LeBron James as LeBron James with cameos by Daniel Radcliffe and Marisa Tomei.

Amy Schumer is just laugh-out-loud hilarious in the film. Her performance as the swearing, drinking, pot smoking, rude, unapologetic, promiscuous, does whatever she feels like is so refreshing, honest and real. Now not only is she a really funny comedian and a talented actress but she also wrote the film as well! Her script is spot-on accurate with today's women who are just as rude, crude and sexist as their male counterparts. I had no problem laughing at the film. I think we need to see more female characters like Amy in today's films. We also get to see her grow as a person when she's caught off guard and falls in love with Bill Hader's character Aaron. It was interesting to see Bill play the straight guy cause usually he's the comic relief. When these two are on the screen together, there's magic right there. Their on-screen chemistry is perfect and we, the audience, fall in love with these crazy kids and we want them to be together. Truly, they are the perfect couple we can all relate to because they are us and vise versa.

Another aspect I thoroughly enjoyed were the funny, eccentric and diverse supporting cast. Quinn's Gordon is a misogynistic, racist, inconsiderate douchebag father we all love to hate, but we really do love guy. Swinton's Dianna is pretty much just as bad as Amy but only with a sexy British accent. Lovable Norm is a lovable guy that we wish was our grandfather. Dave Attell is Noam, who is one funny bum that I would like to have drink and piss with in the back of an alley. But the biggest surprise is wrestling superstar John Cena has the big, buff, homoerotic bodybuilder who seems very gay. I only say this based on the freaking hysterical dialogue he says in the film, especially during the sex scene and again in the movie theater. Trust me when I say that it is some funny ass shit!

The film was directed by the very talented Judd Apatow, the man responsible for making THE 40 YEAR-OLD-VIRGIN, KNOCKED UP and FUNNY PEOPLE and produced  PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, BRIDESMAIDS and the ANCHORMAN films. Amy actually wrote the script with having Apatow directing it in mind so this was a match made in heaven. Great set-ups, awesome shots of New York and just overall an awesome and incredible director.

TRAINWRECK is my absolute favorite, laugh-out-loud, so funny my balls hurt, raunchy, vulgar, feel good, romantic comedy of the year!! So for all you ladies and couples out there who are tired of seeing the same old, boring, predictable rom-coms, then this film is for you! And don't forget to bring your box wine! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

TRAINWRECK is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. The movie is also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees ANT-MAN from Walt Disney Studios-December 24, 2015

There's nothing Marvel Studios can't do. Sure, they can make film adaptions of their biggest and most popular characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Avengers. But then Marvel took a huge gamble when they made GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, an obscure comic book to adapt for the big screen. However, with James Gunn at the helm, it became one of their biggest and most popular films, transforming Groot and Rocket into household names. Now, those crazy kids are at it again, adapting one of their oldest characters and a founding member of the original Avengers in the comics. So let's get down to the small talk and discuss their newest film in their Phase Three plan entitled ANT-MAN.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

The film also stars Evangeline Lilly (Hope van Dyne), Corey Stoll (Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket), Judy Greer (Maggie Lang), Michael Peña (Luis), David Dastmalchian (Kurt), Tip 'T.I.' Harris (Dave), Bobby Cannavale (Paxton), Abby Ryder Fortson (Cassie Lang), Martin Donovan (Mitchell Carson) and Marvel regulars Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson aka Falcon) and the beautiful Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter).

Once again Marvel's gamble has paid off both handsomely and financially. Casting Paul Rudd as our lead and hero was surprising to me initially but the man pulled it off fantastically. His portrayal of Scott as our everyday, down on his luck, trying to get a head, average guy who just so happens to be our only hope of saving the day works. His comedic timing is perfect and he gets to kick some ass as well. What's great about having Rudd as our hero is that you believe him. He feel sorry for him and we are right with him when he's playing hero. 

I never thought I'd see a Hollywood legend like Michael Douglas in a Marvel Studios movie. The man is an icon! The son of Kirk Douglas! He's starred in films like ROMANCING THE STONE, WALL STREET, BASIC INSTINCT, THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT, TRAFFIC  and indie films such as KING OF CALIFORNIA, SOLITARY MAN and BEYOND THE REACH. But he is great as scientist/former superhero Dr. Hank Pym. Smart, tough and he has some of the best lines in the movie. Together, he and Rudd have great on-screen chemistry. We get a mentor/student and father/son relationship and we see this grow throughout the film. They play off on another and it looks like they had a lot of fun making this movie.

Director Peyton Reed has a long list of credits to his name. From directing films like BRING IT ON, DOWN WITH LOVE and YES MAN to television shows like New Girl,The Weird Al Show, and Upright Citizens Brigade, this guy is very talented and also vercified. He can direct a romantic comedy and then turn around and make this funny action superhero film. He does an excellent job of capturing the humor and the edge-of-your-seat action that Marvel is known for. The film was originally going to be directed by Edgar Wright, the man who bought us SHAWN OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ and THE WORLD'S END but left the project citing creative differences with Marvel. However, they still used some of his ideas for the film.

So once again San Francisco is our backdrop for the film. Now let me count how many films the city has been in this year alone: it's been in TERMINATOR: GENISYS, INSIDE OUT, SAN ANDREAS, VACATION, this film and it was also on the poster of PIXELS. Wow, things are getting crazy out here! But at least the filmmakers didn't do the whole "destroy the Golden Gate Bridge" thing again cause that shtick is getting really old fast.

Overall ANT-MAN is another worthy entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that fans will have fun watching! And it'll also be fun as to how he'll be interacting with the other actors in the upcoming CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR film. So we haven't seen the last of our super small superhero. So all you comic book fans out there, this is a must-see film!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommend!!

ANT-MAN is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. The movie is also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS in 3D from Walt Disney Studios-December 21, 2015

When George Lucas sold his company LucasFilm to the Walt Disney Company back in October 2012, Disney wasted no time in announcing that they were going to make the next trilogy installments to the STAR WARS saga. The legendary episodes VII, VIII, and IX were finally going to be made after all. At first I was kinda hesitant. Lucas had created this universe that has been loved and cherished my millions of fans spanning generations. It seemed very odd to think of seeing a STAR WARS film that he wasn't involved in. However, the prequels that he released between 1999-2005 didn't exactly live up to audiences' expectations. So maybe it was a good thing that he sold his company and walked away. Now a new generation of filmmakers who grew up watching the original trilogy will be able to continue to tell the story that took place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. The first to take on this task was J.J. Abrams, the man who relaunched the STAR TREK franchise, would be the man who would direct the highly anticipated next chapter of the STAR WARS saga. For the past three years fans have been waiting impatiently for the movie to hit theaters. And now, the moment has arrived. This past weekend, I took my family to our local theater to finally see STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS in 3D.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: The Galactic Empire was defeated thirty years ago. The Galaxy is now facing a new threat: a new faction named the First Order. Their main mission is to rule the Galaxy and destroy all who oppose them. Their commander is a ruthless, mysterious, powerful Sith, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Kylo has an ambition to find and kill the last Jedi who is able to restore order and revive the Jedi ways, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Luke's unknown location is also a main concern for Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), a General from the Resistance that now trying to find him too. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) meet some new companions: Finn (John Boyega), a defective First Order Stormtrooper, and Ray (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger from the Jakku planet who acquired Luke's location through a BB-8 rolling droid. This unexpected team is forced not only to fight and resist the First Order, but also to find Luke Skywalker.

Also appearing in the film are original trilogy cast members Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and new cast members Max von Sydow (Lor San Tekka), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), Lupita Nyong'o (Maz Kanata), Greg Grunberg (Snap Wexley), Bill Hader (BB-8) and special guest appearances from Simon Pegg, Judah Friedlander, Daniel Craig and voices from Frank Oz and Ewan McGregor.

First let me state that this is a SPOILER FREE REVIEW!! I will not reveal any part of the story or any of the surprises if you haven't seen the film yet (which begs the question why are you reading this and not going out to see the movie?). So now that I've made that announcement, let me take you all on a trip back in time for a bit. I will return to my review of the film after this important message.

When I was a small child in May of 1977, the world that I was growing up in was, how do I put it, still in a state of chaos. Nixon, Watergate, and the Vietnam War was still fresh in the minds of the American public. The gas crisis crippled this country for a bit, and the Jonestown Massacre shocked people into a state of disbelief and sadness. The United States, at that time, looked like it was about to spiral out of control. It was during this period of disenchantment that a little, low-budget, sci-fi film caught my eye and took me on an imaginary ride that forever changed my life for the better. Little did I realize, that same film would also inspire other people from all walks of life to shake off the shackles of responsibility, and for about two hours, let them feel like a child once again, to experience the wonders of the imagination. That film was STAR WARS, and it gave people the chance to feel free, and to feel inspired to create a whole new world for themselves. The STAR WARS saga defined a whole generation of people, and helped create a bona fide pop culture phenomenon that will last for as long as mankind exists. For myself, that night in 1977 forever ingrained that sense of wonder and hope.

Now I am older, wiser, and have responsibilities. Work, bills, the usual adult baggage that most of us have. A lot of my friends have children, and this new generation's world is in a sorrow state as well. The September 11 attacks, global warming, cutbacks on public schools while higher tuition costs for college students. Most recently, the Paris bombings and the unbelievable lack of gun control in this country has lead to an unfathomable amount of gun related violence and deaths. It seems that history does repeat itself, which is where this generation's imagination and hope resurfaced in a big way.

After the forgettable prequels left a bad taste in our mouths, J.J. Abrams came on board to do something to the STAR WARS franchise that hasn't been done in a long time: he brought back the magic, the imagination, and the wonderment that we needed so desperately. He made STAR WARS fun again. By telling a simply story of good versus evil but layering it with mythology, family issues, amazing characters, epic space fights and the power of the Force. And the use of real sets, practical effects combined with some CGI made it feel and look more like a real movie. That part I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing again. Suddenly, it was fun to go to the cinemas and be transported to another world in a galaxy far, far away. Watching this movie was like reliving my childhood of watching the very first film.

This now brings me to my review for the last film in the series. All I'm gonna say to all of you is this: STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is one of the best films of 2015, and in the end, will be loved by audiences everywhere! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS in now playing in 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide. Check your local theater to see if it's playing near you.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees MINIONS from Universal Pictures-December 14, 2015

I saw DESPICABLE ME when it first came out back in 2010. It wasn't my favorite film but I did fall in love with those cute, little yellow minions. Apparently so did the rest of the world. Then DESPICABLE ME 2 came out and then the minion fandom really took off. There were toys, games, posters, rides, even a kids cereal! Soon it became clear that eventually Universal Pictures were going to release a minion movie to cash in on the popularity. And wouldn't you know it? They did release a minion movie entitled MINIONS. And it was a cute movie to watch too.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Ever since the dawn of time, the Minions have lived to serve the most despicable of masters. From T. Rex to Napoleon, the easily distracted tribe has helped the biggest and the baddest of villains. Now, join protective leader Kevin, teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob on a global road trip where they'll earn a shot to work for a new boss-the world's first female super-villain-and try to save all of Minionkind...from annihilation.

As with most kids movies, the plot is pretty straight forward and predicable but you know what? Who bloody cares! Why do I say this? Because it was a cute, sweet and funny movie that tickled my funny bone and me forget about life's problems for a while. Being an adult and parent, I have a lot to worry about stress over. There's work, bills that need to be paid, rent, car issues, groceries, laundry, etc. But when was the last time you indulged your inner child? Whenever I see a family film, I always like to stress that idea. Go ahead and just have fun watching a film that will make you laugh out loud with joy and care-free delight. After all, that's what being a child is all about.

The movie was directed by the combo of Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin, the later directed the DESPICABLE ME films. They keep the film light on its feet, the laughs frequent and the fun at full throttle. The script was written by one Brian Lynch, the man who wrote PUSS IN BOOTS, HOP and the upcoming Illumination Entertainment/Universal Pictures release THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS. Granted this isn't the best written story, but for the kids, they will eat it up. And I wouldn't be surprised if you and your family started quoting the movie as well. Plus, since the film takes place in 1968 (yup, this is a prequel), there's a lot of far out catchphrases to quote man.

Actress Sandra Bullock finally makes her villain debut as the infamous Scarlet Overkill who, along with her ultra groovy husband Herb (Jon Hamm),is in need of some henchmen to help her take over England. Bullock's portrayal of Scarlet is evil, nasty and hilariously entertaining to watch. She's just simply a cold-blooded monster that we get to laugh at. So she's a despicable villain that you'll love to hate. The great Michael Keaton and Allison Janney play funny villain couple Walter and Madge Nelson respectively, who pick-up our hitchhiking yellow friends and take them along to the super cool Villain-Con where they meet their new master.

Co-director Coffin provides the voices to out three favorite minions: Bob, Kevin and Stewart. They're cute, yellow, funny and lovable and are so mass marketed now that I'll make you sick. Seriously these guys are freaking everywhere. But that's OK cause that's Hollywood for you. But in all honesty, I really did enjoy the movie and all the wacky, crazy schenanigans these three get into. Kevin is the brave leader who must keep them together and focused on their mission of locating a super villain to work for. Stewart is the guitar playing, smooth talking ladies man who might love his bananas more. And then there's Bob. Yeah, I love Bob. He's my favorite minion just because he's so damn adorable! I just wanna pinch those fat cheeks of his and give him a whole barrel of bananas!! 

Overall MINIONS gets my vote for Best Family Film of the Year!! It'll warm your heart while make you laugh out loud with action and adventure that only a minion could have! So grab the family together and see this movie! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

MINIONS is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. The movie is also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees AMERICAN ULTRA from Lionsgate-December 8, 2015

So, today's film has been receiving a lot of mixed reviews. Some have praised the film saying it's an action packed dark comedy that it'll entertain the hell out of you from start to finish, while others complained saying it wasn't at all funny and it's a BOURNE IDENTITY spoof. Regardless of these, when I saw the trailer for the film, I knew that I wanted to see it. Which leads me to today's review of the film AMERICAN ULTRA.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Small-town stoner Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) spends most of his time getting high and writing a graphic novel about a superhero monkey. What Mike doesn't know is that he was trained by the CIA to be a lethal killing machine. When the agency targets him for termination, his former handler Victoria Lasseter (Connie Britton) activates his latent skills, turning the mild-mannered slacker into a deadly weapon. Now, the utterly surprised Mike must use his newfound abilities to save himself and his girlfriend Phoebe Larson (Kristen Stewart) from getting wasted.

I can see why the film had received mixed reviews. The trailer doesn't do the film justice. This is funny film with lots of cool action, great characters and dark humor that will tickle your warped and twisted funny bone. This is not your Hollywood film by any means. Usually the only films that are like this are usually from the Coen Brothers. So viewing this film was a delight. It's so offbeat and not like those other action films. Think Quentin Tarantino film meets Cheech and Chong and you'll get the idea of what I'm talking about.

Director Nima Nourizadeh made his big screen debut with the 2012 film PROJECT X. Here he goes in a different direction; replacing teen shenanigans with off-the-wall action and comedy that propels the movie to another stratosphere. Nima keeps the film moving forward while giving us laughs, action and fun characters to root for. And there is a lot of cool action scenes that so bloody and violent that fans of the genre will love it.

As for the cast, the one that really stands out is Kristen Stewart. Yes I know, her acting in those awful TWILIGHT movies were just mind-numbingly bad, but since then her acting has become rather good. Here, her character is actually two different people: the sweet, funny naive girlfriend Phoebe and the bad ass, take charge, shoot 'me up FBI agent Pheobe. Her performance is great and she's doing most of her own stunts. So big props goes out to Miss Stewart. Love to see where her career goes now.

For some stupid reason, Lionsgate just dumped the film out to theaters without a lot of press or any kind of promotions. So it didn't even make its budget back. The film took in about $15 million total but it cost $28 million to make, so I don't understand Lionsgate's logic. But then, that's Hollywood for you. I guess they were too busy promoting some other film rather than give this on some love and attention it so rightly deserves.

So AMERICAN ULTRA is one helluva crazy, blood soaked, guns blazing, action packed dark comedy that will sure give you something to smile about! So if you're in the mood to see something rather different' then this movie is righ up our alley. 4 put of 5 stars!! Definitely worth viewing!!

AMERICAN ULTRA is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. The movie is also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE MARTIAN from Twentieth Century Fox-December 6, 2015

Can someone please explain to me why this country (and Hollywood) keeps spending millions of dollars on saving Matt Damon? He was first saved by Tom Hanks and his platoon in 1998 Steven Spielberg film SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. Then he had to rescued again in that other film a couple of years ago. Now in 2015, Damon must be resumed again, but this time he's stranded on the red planet of Mars. And thanks to the legendary director Ridley Scott, THE MARTIAN is now one of my favorite films of this year.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring "the Martian" home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney's safe return.

Based on the 2011 Andy Weir novel of the same name and adapted into a screenplay by Drew Goddard (THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, CLOVERFIELD, WORLD WAR Z), the film is a true testament of the power of film. It connects us on a basic human spirit. It can take us anywhere in time and space. Lastly,  film is universal. It tells us stories that we can all relate to. Plus having Ridley Scott, one f the most prolific and important directors of all time, in the directing chair, one can see how he incorporates all these aspects beautifully in each and every single frame. There is no shot wasted; every single scene is a word that tells the story of the human spirit overcoming adversity, taking whatever life throws at you and never giving up on yourself.

Matt Damon is phenomenal in the film, but I loved about the film were all the supporting characters that made the story move forward. Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig, Benedict Wong, and the rest of the cast help propel the film forward by providing fun, interesting and sometimes eccentric characters that make the film come together.

Seeing as how this is a science fiction film and this particular genre requires special effects and CGI, I am proud to say that it looks amazing! Having bad CGI can ruin a film and it takes me out of it (TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN is a perfect example of this). Now the film is being screened in both 3D as well as 2D. My fiancee and I along with our friends saw the 2D version, which was fine by us. Some people I've spoken with loved the 3D effects but, to me, the whole 3D experience is kinda played out. Now it feels more like a marketing ploy to help sell their film. It doesn't matter to me much. The film has an all-star cast, one the best directors in the world and a great story. What more do you need?

THE MARTIAN is one of the best films of 2015 and I cannot recommend this film enough. It truly is an outstanding piece of cinema that you all need to see on the big screen. Because of the fast turn over of movies being released on Blu-Ray and DVD, this film won't be in theaters for very much longer so go see this movie now! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE MARTIAN is currently playing in theaters nationwide. Check your local listings and theater to see if it's playing near you!

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Horror Watch: DEAD RISING: WATCHTOWER (2015) from Sony Pictures-December 1, 2015

DEAD RISING: WATCHTOWER DVD (2015)

DEAD RISING: WATCHTOWER

Starring: Jesse Metcalfe, Meghan Ory, Virginia Madsen, Keegan Connor Tracy, Aleks Paunovic, Dennis Haysbert, Carrie Genzel, Rob Riggle, Julia Benson, Peter Benson, Harley Morenstein

Written by Tim Carter

Cinematography by Mahlon Todd Williams
Edited by Mike Jackson
Produced by Tim Carter & Tomas Harlan

Directed by Zach Lipovsky
Production Company: Legendary Digital Media, Contradiction Films, Dead Rising Productions

Distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment

The majority of movies based on popular video games have been, shall we say, disposable train wrecks that almost ruin the game it's based on (remember MARIO BROTHERS and STREET FIGHTER). When the RESIDENT EVIL films came out, it seemed like the new trend in Hollywood was the game adaptations. Soon others followed like the HALO direct-to-video films and the atrocious HOUSE OF THE DEAD series plus those FINAL FANTASIES movies that people didn't like. Now there's a new game adaptation on the block making its debut and, to my surprise, is really awesome and very entertaining. So let's dive right into my review of DEAD RISING:WATCHTOWER.

The film's official synopsis: Set between the events of Dead Rising 2 and Dead Rising 3, The story follows online reporter Chase Carter (Jesse Metcalfe) and his camerawoman Jordan (Keegan Connor Tracy) as they cover the stories of the people inside of the walled-in quarantined area in Oregon, as the government (running an organization called FEZA—Federal Emergency Zombie Authority) attempts to contain a viral outbreak that turns people into ravenous zombies. An anti-viral drug called Zombrex, that keeps the virus at bay, is being administered to those infected. When it becomes clear that the drug is no longer effective and a zombie outbreak purges the town and infects its inhabitants, Chase, Jordan, grieving mother Maggie (Virginia Madsen), and survivor Crystal (Meghan Ory) battle their way out of the city before it gets firebombed. But Crystal has a dark secret, and the army has a hidden agenda.

Promotional Movie Poster (2015)

Unlike most films based on video games, this one is jammed packed with awesome action, cool characters, fun story, great directing, and very scary looking zombies. What I liked was that the film stated very faithful to the game, which is a rarity these days. Plus I liked that it fits into the game's continuity, which fans of the franchise will get a big kick out of. It's a long movie, which I found very satisfying because most films are really rushed and the filmmakers try to cram so much into their film. For some reason, filmmakers feel as if they need to tell it all in just 90 minutes. Where is that written in stone? Take the time to make a good movie and don't worry about the film's length. If the film's entertaining, the audience will go with you.

Director Zach Lipovsky does a great job of constructing some excellent set-ups, pans and clean narratives that keep the story moving forward. He builds tensions and scares with precise execution while giving the characters breathing room so we can get to know them better. And the action scenes with the zombies is spot-on; it looks like it was ripped from the video game. Every scene serves a purpose and it looks spectacular, especially the amazing bus scene where Chase is being chased by zombies in and around a school bus. That was an excellent scene!! That blew my mind away!! Great directing on the part of Mr. Lipovsky!!

The cast as a whole deserves nods from the horror community as well as from the game world. Jesse Metcalfe's Chase is the asshole you love to hate, but then cheer for at the end.
Meghan Ory pours on the mystery, the sexy, and the ass kicking as her character Chrystal is freaking awesome! And you can't help feel the sorrow of Virginia Madsen's character Maggie. No matter what role she plays, Madsen is one of the most underated actresses in Hollywood. Believe it or not I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Monsterpalooza convention back in 2013. She was such a sweet person that I found myself falling for her. Kind, considerate and very appreciative of her fans. She shows respect to her fans and that's why she is loved withing the horror community. One of the nicest women I have ever met! 

This was the first digital film developed by Legendary Digital Media, a division of Legendary Pictures. The movie premiered on Crackle, an online distributor of movies and television shows. Since then it's been released on DVD by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. It was announced recently that the sequel will premiere on Crackle in the spring of 2016.

DEAD RISING: WATCHTOWER is a worthy entry to the game's franchise as well as in horror fans' libraries. It's a bad-ass, zombie infested, blood stained, thrill-ride-of-a-flick that will definitely keep you entertained through the film's duration! So grab your self a bag a popcorn, some cold sodas and set back and watch this awesome movie! 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended viewing!! 

DEAD RISING: WATCHTOWER is currently available on DVD by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Visit your local retailer and pick up your copy today. It can also be seen online on the Crackle website.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!