Dean reviews Stone Cold Steve Austin
The studios occasionally put out a film without letting the critics see it ahead of time; almost always, a sure sign of trash. This week, there are three films that the studios didn't want us to tell you about.
First, the one I did see this week...and a surprisingly good one, from Stone Cold Steve Austin., “The Condemned.” It’s an high powered action film about a live TV reality show. Ten convicted murderers turned lose on a desert island...kill or be killed, the last one standing wins and gets released.
I guess I was expecting the worst from the former WWE wrestling star, since few wrestlers turn into quality actors, but Stone Cold isn't bad.
Now, I’m not saying that it's "Citizen Kane" or that the Texas Rattlesnake is going to win an Oscar...but it's more than just a former wrestler and lots of explosions. The movie is that...but it's also got a thoughtful message.
Brutal? Bloody? Over the top and sometimes with questionable acting? Yes. It is, what it is., But the statement that "The Condemned" makes about the "anything goes" mentality of reality TV is smart and speaks volumes.
It’s rated "R" for good reason, but I liked it. A dean's list "B."
The ones not screened for critics includes Nicolas Cage's "Next." It’s described as a supernatural thriller. Cage is a Las Vegas showman asked by the cops to help stop a terrorist threat with his incredible talent to see a few minutes into the future. Nicolas Cage, apparently, is unable to see into his "career" future.
There’s also "The Invisible", also described as a supernatural thriller about a high school student trapped in between the world of the living and dead after a beating. He can only save himself by finding his killers.
The worst of bunch "also not screened", "Kicking It Old Skool", with Jamie Kennedy as a guy who wakes up from a 20 year coma after a near fatal break dancing accident. Two decades later, all he wants to do is dance and get back his girl, now engaged to his high school nemesis.
Thanks to the studio for sparing me potentially 6 hours of pain!