...The Future of Media...

The Invisible

Authorslegacy — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:13:02 GMT

The Invisible - 2007

Runtime 102 minutes - Hollywood Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment

Featuring Justin Chatwin and Margarita Levieva

A story of friendship...of family...of betrayal. This film tugs at the heartstrings of every parent...every friend...I found myself in tears less than halfway into it. Nick Powell is a highly gifted writer still in high school. His future looks bright and his dreams reachable. It all changes for him after his mother learns he plans on leaving the country to pursue his ambitions. Unable to board his flight...to escape...Nick finds himself the only witness to his own murder. Unwillingly betrayed by his best friend, Nick is beaten horribly and left for dead in the forest...the only one that can save him is the person responsible. The world of the living and dead is intertwined throughout this entire film. It leaves you asking if it's possible...if the dead can speak...if the living can hear them.

It brings the supernatural...the possibilities...to all new highs. Nick's soul wanders the streets unaware that his body is dying. The race against time has started...and Annie is the only one that can hear him. She must face her own personal demons before she can do the right thing. She must admit to herself - to everyone - that she's the reason Nick is almost dead. The only love this girl has is her little brother...she is his only security. Walking down the wrong side of the law is the lifestyle that Annie is good at...it's her ultimate high. When Annie wants something, she gets it...one way or another. Betrayed by her lover, she quickly places the blame on the wrong man...on Nick. His fate is a result of her ruthless rage.

The passion and emotion shown by Justin Chatwin in this role is absolutely amazing. His character's desire to live...to be found...makes us all wonder how powerful the world of the unknown can be. Personally, I feel this film can be compared with so many great ones. It was brought to life by the same producers as The Sixth Sense - that's apparent by the story lines...by the believability. When entering the world of the supernatural, there are different things to take into consideration...an openess to accept the unseen...to believe the unbelievable...

Nick Powell is the only witness to his own murder...and who better to solve this crime than the victim himself. The only obstacle standing in the way of life is his mother...and she doesn't even know it. It's up to Annie alone to make her believe...to allow her to help Nick. Betrayal may have gotten the best of Nick...but it's that betrayal which can save him.

As his soul lingers...watches over...Nick can't help but wonder if it's too late...

Rest Stop

Authorslegacy — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:28:16 GMT

Rest Stop - 2006

Runtime 86 minutes - Warner Home Video and Raw Feed

Featuring Jaimie Alexander and Joey Mendicino

The first film released under the Raw Feed logo proved to be a success. Rest Stop kept you on the edge of your seat...waiting to see what was coming next. Jaimie Alexander did an amazing job at playing the role of Nicole, a young Texas girl running away from home. Heading west with her boyfriend Jess, they ended up getting lost and pulled into a rest stop. It just happened to be one that wasn't on any map...or any documented road...

The abandoned rest stop has hidden secrets of it's own...as Nicole is soon to learn all about it. As Jess disappears, she frantically tries to find him...find anyone. Being stuck at the rest stop with no transportation or ability to call for help, Nicole begins to panic. She carries herself as a prissy girl on her way to Hollywood...left alone in the middle of the wilderness. Visions of what could or could not be real quickly start to plague her...a girl in the restroom closet...an officer of the law...a killer on the loose. Nicole's ultimate desire is to get away...any way she can. She finds shelter in a Game Commission building. Inside, Nicole radios for help...a cry that was heard by a trucker...or was it. When she thinks help is on the way, a yellow pickup truck emerges...Jess's car returns...but he's nowhere in sight. It turns into a cat and mouse game of survival. As the killer toys with her, Nicole is determined to outsmart him...to get away.

This is a film full of action and fear...the bloodshed and horror reached all new levels. It will keep you wanting more through every scene. John Shiban did an amazing job at directing this feature film - his cast proved just as worthy.

It was enough to make every viewer think twice before pulling into a rest stop...it's never known if you'll get out alive...

American History X

Authorslegacy — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:20:42 GMT

American History X - 2004

Runtime 119 minutes - New Line Cinema

Featuring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong

Reviewing one of the best written movies of all time is difficult to do. American History X brings the reality of racism to a level unseen since Gene Hackman's Mississippi Burning debuted. It's a movie that can be understood, respected, and appreciated by all races...by whites and blacks alike. Edward Norton plays the role of Derek Vinyard (the leader of a group of young white supremacists) in the most believeable way...the evil in his eyes...the hate in his voice. Derek grew up the son of a police officer who was tragically killed. He ultimately became the man of the house and through his hatred of others, his mother's new boyfriend didn't stick around long. The racially degrading and violent tone portrayed by Norton was a role for the ages. He brought to life what is more than real...a hidden group of white men and women whose beliefs on the superior race are worth fighting for. Derek Vinyard found himself incarcerated for 3 years after a late night incident in front of his house. He shot a black man and curbed another...dropped to his knees in the middle of the street...the swastica glistened is the streetlights as he was handcuffed and led away. While locked up, he experienced the 'real world' where no superior race exists...where you broker and deal with each other to establish dominance...where the Nazis barter with the Latinos. He was disgusted because like many other white supremicists, Derek took his beliefs seriously...no matter what.

Derek learned his lesson the hard way...after being gang raped in the shower...and befriending the 'black man' in the laundry room. He formed friendships with the least expected...partnerships with the minorities...he accepted the error of his ways and was determined to become a better man. When he returned home from prison, Derek found that his younger brother Danny fell into the life that he left behind. He was completely absorbed by it all...desiring to become as reputable as his brother. The character of Danny was played by Edward Furlong...a high school kid who revels in the same hatred possessed by Derek. Now that he's free, it's up to Derek to save his younger brother...to show him that anger fueled his hatred...that what he believed was right was ultimately wrong. It becomes a race against time in this passion fueled drama about deep seeded racism within a family...a family divided.

For those who have never seen this film - you're missing out on the most well scripted storyline ever. American History X tells a story...it feeds off the division of the races...it has an ending you would never expect. I will not ruin that ending for you. Rent it today and sit back for the ride...it may prove to educate you in the least expected way. Edward Norton will prove to captivate you...

After all...hate is baggage...