#103. The Client - Review

The Client film posterUgh. I don’t even want to write about this film. Everything from the generic John Grisham plot to the horrendous accent employed by Tommy Lee Jones is stale and trite. The set-up is simple: When teenager Mark Sway (Brad Renfro) unwillingly holds a deathbed confessional for the attorney of a local mafia-family, the lawyer divulges the whereabouts of the corpse of a senator his client recently killed. Sway’s world falls apart in a clichéd melodramatic shit-storm when both sides of the law try to get a hold of the young witness for their own gain. Every aspect of this film is silly and banal, strife with over acting, plot-holes, and nothing even resembling engaging twists or action. There isn’t a single likable character in the entire film. Renfro’s protagonist is annoying and bothersome; constantly making stupid decisions that should be overtly obvious to anyone, even a child. Jones’ district attorney is given the same over-the-top personality that gave his Two-Face such lasting charm, and Susan Sarandon looks as bored throughout the film as I was.  What could have been a super slick crime thriller never amounts to more than what should be a TNT drama series starring Kyra Sedgewick and Joe Don Baker.

If you actually liked this hackneyed POS than please let me know why. Like always, leave any comments on the film that you may have, and PLEASE click the “share” button below and give others the chance to be part of the conversation.

#102. Darkon - Review

Darkon film banner / poster

This is more of a glimpse than a documentary. Chronicling the many adventures of the players in the Darkon Wargaming Club, these would be warriors dabble in a little exercise called LARPing (Live Action Role Playing). Although the premise is interesting, the directors never fully dive into the psyche of the men and women dressed-up like knights and squires. Which is unfortunate considering the how (some might say delusional) invested the members of Darkon seem. Single mothers, investment bankers, teenagers, un-employed, and even grandparents leave the real world at home, pick up their Styrofoam swords and armor, and excitedly meet for battle.  The “why” is interesting but remains unexamined. Perhaps the directors were unable to ask pressing questions because they were too busy suppressing their sneers and giggles? Maybe; but either way this burgeoning hobby isn’t going anywhere, and hopefully someone with more of an interest in sociology and less of an interest in laughing at nerds can take advantage of the ripe material offered in the world of LARPing. 

Darkon film

As always, let me know what you thought of the flick in the comments section, and please click the "share" button below and give Controller Unplugged a plug so others can get in on the conversation.

HOLY CRAP!!! Joseph Mazzello Is All Growed-up!

Check out Joseph Mazzello looking all grown-up! Timmy moved on from shitty dinosaur jokes in the biggest movie of the 1990's to non-speaking parts in The Social Network. He deserves better! His performance in The Cure where he was a child with the AIDS virus was amazing (at least in my nostalgic head it was), and I am kind of disappointed this is what he has been left with. Glad to see him back on screen though. 

Do-You-Think-He-Saurus?

*from www.slashfilm.com