Category Archives: Octavia Spencer

2009 Films, Adriana Barraza, Alison Lohman, Horror, Justin Long, Octavia Spencer, Sam Raimi

Drag Me To Hell-2009

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Drag Me To Hell-2009

Director Sam Raimi

Starring Alison Lohman, Justin Long

Scott’s Review #591

Reviewed January 7, 2017

Grade: B

Drag Me To Hell (2009) is a fairly predictable, modern-day horror film, with some supernatural elements and special effects that make it slightly above average.

Directed by Sam Raimi (of Spiderman fame) one can see his stamp on it, as he has a way of horror camp. 1983’s cult classic, Evil Dead, directed by Raimi is evidence of this.

Young Loan Officer, Christine Brown, played by Alison Lohman, is bucking for a promotion and intent on impressing her boss by being a stickler for the rules. She chooses the wrong day to do this as an elderly woman, desperately needing a loan, is denied one by Christine.

The angry woman places a curse on Christine, causing her life to spin out of control. She has a mere three days to remove the curse before her soul is “dragged to hell”.

As with most horror films involving a curse, the plot is completely unrealistic and filled with holes. The film also tries to be both serious and comical at times- sometimes succeeding, sometimes not.

In a few scenes I was not sure if the intention was to be comical or if it was unintended, but periodically the acting was over the top.

With all that said, if one is interested in a fun horror film that has a few scares and is not too gory (it is rated PG-13 after all), one will enjoy Drag Me To Hell (2009).

2012 Films, Aaron Paul, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, James Ponsoldt, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Mary Kay Place, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, Octavia Spencer, Romantic Drama

Smashed-2012

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Smashed-2012

Director James Ponsoldt

Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul

Scott’s Review #139

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Reviewed July 28, 2014

Grade: B

Smashed is an independent film made in 2012, as a showcase for Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who impressed me enormously as an actress.

She gives a fantastic portrayal of a twenty-something elementary school teacher who is an alcoholic.

Known for either crappy or supporting roles (or both) in bombs like The Thing (2011) and Live Free or Die Hard (2007), Winstead comes into her own with her performance and is the main reason to see the film.

I am always amazed when an actor who previously has not been given great material that allows them to shine, finally goes indie and takes a risk.

Aaron Paul plays her husband, who is also an alcoholic. They both love music and partying. When she decides to sober up, conflict emerges in their marriage.

Despite the subject matter of alcoholism, the film is not a downer. It borders on romantic comedy with drama thrown in and is not depressing.

My one criticism would be the side effects of alcoholism are glossed over. There is not much grittiness in the film-she becomes an alcoholic, struggles a bit, and recovers, almost television movie-like.

The true, horrific battles are not shown.

Octavia Spencer and Megan Mullally appear in small roles.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Mary Elizabeth Winstead

2013 Films, Drama, Forest Whitaker, Independent, Independent Drama, Melonie Diaz, Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Ryan Coogler

Fruitvale Station-2013

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Fruitvale Station-2013

Director Ryan Coogler

Starring Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer

Scott’s Review #64

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Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: B+

Not knowing all of the details of this incident, but only taking into account the details the film presents, Fruitvale Station (2013) is a good film.

Most of the film is in the lead-up to the big incident.

While not perfect, the victim is presented as a good guy, who helps strangers, and stray dogs, loves his daughter, and has a great heart.

He lives a tough life, has been in and out of prison, and is forced to sell drugs to make a living.

But he has a strong family unit (mother, grandmother, girlfriend, friends) so he lives a decent life.

The cops in question are presented very negatively (intense, racist, and brutal).

Again, I don’t know what happened, but obviously, the filmmakers are on the victim’s side (as they should be). The police reasons are revealed at the end of the film.

It’s a heartfelt, good, solid portrayal.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Male Lead-Michael B. Jordan, Best Supporting Female-Melonie Diaz, Best First Feature (won)