Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts

Friday, July 22, 2016

Film Review: Lights Out

By Grant Mayotte
© Warner Brothers / New Line Cinema

New Line Cinema’s latest summer offering for horror fans, ‘Lights Out’ will get your heart rate pulsing at moments, but don’t expect much more.

The opening scene of ‘Lights Out’ borrows some of it originality from Wes Craven’s ‘Scream’. There is even a mobile phone involved although we have evolved from the 1996 model. Unfortunately for ‘Lights Out’, ‘Scream’ is still more terrifying 20 years later. What makes ‘Scream’ a superior film is the uncertainty of who will be claimed as the next victim whereas ‘Lights Out’ has very specific targets. ‘Lights Out’ is more about unresolved drama than it is about unexpected terror.

The film follows young Martin (Gabriel Bateman), a boy lives at home with his parents Sophie (Maria Bello) and Paul (Billy Burke). Martin notices that his mom, Sophie, continues to display strange behavior, conversing with an invisible person. When Martin alerts his father, Paul, of his mom’s mental state, the warning comes too late for him to act. Martin comes face to face with his mother’s conversation partner, a shadowed demon named Diana. This encounter forces Martin into a state of insomnia prompting his sister, Rebecca (Teresa Palmer), to retrieve him at school when he can no longer stay awake in class. Rebecca has unresolved drama with her mother who suffers from depression and mental illness. Rebecca maintains her distance from the family, claiming her independence and keeps her friend with benefits, Brett (Alexander DiPersia), at arm’s length. Brett, would very much like to be more significant in Rebecca’s life and is willing to go to the distance to prove his commitment to her even if it means standing in harm's way. Martin mentions to his sister that their mom talks to this friend Diana, which causes Rebecca to flashback to a traumatic childhood memory. Rebecca slowly begins piecing the whole story together and resigns herself to investigating the threat that Diana causes her family. Diana obviously has something to say about that.

The film works best in the scenes where the darkness creates discomfort and the outcome is unpredictable. Diana can only terrorize in the dark so the threat that the characters will lose lighting looms large throughout the whole film. The jump scares, although they are few, are effective and certainly elicited vocal reactions en masse from the audience. Watching ‘Lights Out’ with an audience is perhaps the only way to watch this movie. In my screening, the cries, shrieks, applause and laughter made the viewing experience worthwhile. Without an audience, this could be a tedious watch even with a short 81 minute runtime. The final scene takes a mildly disturbing turn, which is not the least bit satisfying turn in order to wrap things up. Even still, ‘Lights Out’ has enough thrill to it to satisfy those who seek it out.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

MileHighGaymer Reviews

Wildstar - Beta as of 4-6-2014
PC - Out June 3rd - Developed by Carbine Studios - Produced by NCSoft

By Jason Anderson and Greg Dinkelman
Edited by Greg Dinkelman


So have you been needing a good MMORPG?

World of Warcraft getting ya down?

Is Guild Wars 2 just not doin it for you?

...and possibly none of your friends want to play Final Fantasy XIIII.

Well maybe it’s time to try something different.

Hello folks and once again welcome to MileHighGaymer where we brings you games you should and shouldn’t be playing. This week we’re bringing you Wildstar, as well as bring in my editor Greg to help review this Wild West Space MMORPG, cause when ya play an MMO you always need more than one perspective.

*Please be aware this is a beta so screenshots and gameplay may change in the final version

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

MileHighGaymer Reviews

Bravely Default
Where the Fairy Flies
For 3DS - Developed by SquareEnix and Silicon Studio
By Jason Anderson
Edited by Greg Dinkelman
Meet the Cast (From Left to Right)
Agnes, Tiz, Edea, Ringabell


So have you been missing your classic RPGs? Have you been searching for the classic Turn Base game that you became familiar with in the early 90s? Well do we have a game for you!

Welcome to this weeks Mile High Gaymer review, where we bring you games that you should and shouldn’t be playing. This week we’re bringing you Bravely Default, while an interesting choice for a name, you’ll fully understand once ya jump in.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Theatre Review: The House of Blue Leaves is a Black Comedy Every Theatre Fan Should See

By Philip Doyle

My appreciation for all things theatre runs deep. While I openly gush on about my love of musicals, sometimes I yearn for a play. Well, actually I'm always up for a play. A piece of thoughtful, well crafted playwriting that draws me in fulfills a creative space in my soul that a musical, television show, or summer blockbuster cannot. The Edge Theatre Company's The House of Blue Leaves satisfied my creative hunger.

Fans of live theatre in Colorado should thank their lucky stars for the Edge Theatre. While I am consistently impressed with their level of acting and directing talent, what impresses me the most are the plays they bring to their stage. Upcoming shows include the Denver and regional premiere of Rajiv Joseph's inspired The Bengal Tiger at the Bagdad Zoo, followed by the Tennessee Williams' classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. They finish up their current season with Gifted, which is brand spanking new, and the winner of the 2012 On The Edge Festival of New Plays. Artistic Director Rick Yaconis, and everyone at The Edge have earned my enthusiastic applause for serving up plays that have yet to be seen, and classics that deserve to be seen by new generations of theatre goers.

John Guare's The House of Blue Leaves won the 1971 Drama Critics Circle award and the Obie Award for Best American Play. It is a black comedy that every patron of live theatre should see. Weaving intermittent dramatic moments with over the top presentational farce, characters breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging the audience's presence, and a story line that includes guest appearances from a trio of nuns in full habit, and Hollywood big shots, Blue Leaves teeters on the brink of schizophrenic chaos. In this production director Scott Bellot somehow guides these desperate elements together to a purposeful and poignant end.

The House of Blue Leaves takes place on the day the Pope is visiting New York City. The action is set in the Queens apartment of Artie Shaugnessy, a zookeeper and aspiring (and delusional) songwriter. He has big dreams, including getting hitched with his over-the-top neighbor/ mistress, Bunny, who is working her female wiles to within an inch of her life. But Artie is still married, and his wife, Bananas is a woman who is mentally broken to a point of desperate hopelessness. Artie also has a son, Ronnie, an army soldier who is hell bent on killing the Pope.

Now part of the fun of Blue Leaves is the metaphorical roller coaster ride that the audience takes. It is amusing and witty, and it is painful and cruel. There are plot twists and character cameos that are best left not described. But that is what makes this play worth seeing.

Blue Leaves has the kind of characters that have actors chomping at the bit to play. Tom Auclair has the daunting task of playing Artie. Auclair has the ability to be a lovable jerk. That is an enviable skill for any actor to possess. (Plus anyone who has the chutzpah to sit down at a piano and atonally knock out a few lounge songs, throwing a playful glance at the audience, is a hero in my book.)

Bunny is played by Kelly Uhlenhopp, and she is a forced to be reckoned with. She gives Bunny a powerful presence, and elevates the part to a new level. From the moment she walks onto the stage, Uhlenhopp grabs the audience's focus with dogged determination.

The part of Bananas is a tricky one. Some truly great actresses, including Katherine Helmond, Swoosie Kurtz, and Edie Falco, have given the role depth and a sympathetic soul. In this production Missy Moore sustains a level of insanity that at times exquisitely exposes the characters longing for connection. As Bananas, Moore wanders and floats like a ghost amidst chaos on stage, appearing only when she wants to.

The Edge Theatre continues to impress. I was delighted to check out their new theatre location. But if "the plays the thing," it's the productions that The Edge is offering that makes this company a gem.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Theater Review: Southern Baptist Sissies


By Philip Doyle

My fellow brothers and sisters… before I commence, give me the opportunity to drag my old soapbox out of the closet…  Allow me the opportunity to regale you with some high praise for two of our community’s essential institutions:

First, let us praise ELEMENT, Denver’s Gay Men’s Wellness Initiative.  The efforts of the good people of ELEMENT strengthen our community by inspiring all of us to lead healthy lives.  Through programs that include The Mile High Meth Project, Boyfriend University and the Volunteer Outreach Touch Team, they have empowered us with the tools to grow as a community and to love ourselves. 

Second, there has been a resurrection of gay theatre in Denver.  Guided by the divine hand of Steven Tangedal, we can all look to a future that celebrates our artistic diversity by the Theatre Out Denver production company. 
Let us raise our hands to your computer screen and recognize their love.  It is time to rise up and embrace their noble efforts and show our support for this worthy cause.  For goodness sake, go bare witness to Southern Baptist Sissies.

Southern Baptist Sissies written by Del Shores explores the emerging sexual awareness of four gay young men living in the zealous center of the Bible belt. Fans of Del Shores may remember his play “Sordid Lives” that was followed by a LOGO television series of the same name.  

The young men in Southern Baptist Sissies follow a path of inspired comedy and heart breaking sorrow.  The play is presented within two diametrically opposed settings of a Baptist church and the local gay bar, one representing religious structure and the other sexual freedom.  We watch the characters journeying both worlds, searching for love and acceptance.

The conflicted and inevitable journeys of the four male leads are presented with a respectful emotional conviction under Steven Tangedal’s competent direction.

James O’Hagan-Murphy, Brock Benson, Preston Lee Britton, and Stefin Woolever, are perfectly cast as the plays four conflicted and likable heroes.  O’Hagan-Murphy never misses a beat and provides the momentum of the show.  Stefin Woolever, delivers a character with a beautifully honest innocence that impressed me.

Todd Black as the preacher approaches his character with a subdued realness, a wise choice for a character that could otherwise be an overbearing caricature.  Linda Suttle portrays a misguided and conflicted parent.

David Ballew and Samara Bridwell provide a welcome laugh as drunken gay bar pals.  They are exaggerated, boisterous and catty cliché’s that we all can relate to. 

Did I mention the hot strippers? Oh yes, there are cameos by Cisco Yocisco and Bobby Lindsay from Boylesque. 

So, my brothers, my sisters … as I step down off my soapbox let me remind you of this:  There are times in our lives, especially during the election year, when we are confronted with judgmental deprecating righteousness.  So, it is time to rise above!  Testify!  Love yourselves and each other.  

 Show your support and go see Southern Baptist Sissies!  Amen.

Southern Baptist Sissies is presented by ELEMENT and Theatre Out Denver. All proceeds will benefit The Denver ELEMENT that provides HIV education, prevention and outreach efforts to Denver's gay/bi male community.

Southern Baptists Sissies plays Friday and Saturday evenings between Feb. 24 – Mar. 24 at 8pm at Crossroads Theater, 2590 Washington at Welton in Five Points. For tickets visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/218171.