I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978) **1/2

DIR: Robert Zemeckis
CAST: Nancy Allen, Bobby DiCicco, Susan Kendall Newman, Theresa Saldana, Wendie Jo Sperber
MPAA Rating: PG Running Time: 104 mins.

January 1964. The Beatles are about to appear on the Ed Sullivan show which is taped in New York City. A group of friends from New Jersey make their way to the Big Apple and go to great lengths to see the Fab Four any way possible.

Robert Zemeckis' first feature film is a fairly entertaining little comedy that finds itself a bit off the mark from time to time. The humor comes off as a bit hackneyed probably because this sort of comedy has been done so many times since. There are moments that simply weren't that funny because the characters were just too annoying or irritating that I really couldn't enjoy myself. Whenever they appeared, the movie stopped for me. However the parts that do work are very enjoyable, namely Nancy Allen, Theresa Saldana and Marc McClure. For me these three were the heart of the film and I would have enjoyed it more if it just focused on them. Their story arcs felt more genuine and not too sitcom like.

I know the point of the film was meant for the viewer to just have a fun nostalgic time but instead I found myself longing to watch other films like "A Hard Days Night" instead.

Repulsion (1965) *****

DIR: Roman Polanski
CAST: Catherine Deneuve, Ian Hendry, Yvonne Furneaux
Rating: UNRATED Running Time: 105 mins.

To her friends and family Carol seems aloof and distracted. Some think she may just be ill. Some think it's relationship problems. Others just brush it aside thinking it's nothing more than just the way she behaves. When her sister leaves her home alone for an extended period, Carol begins to descend into something far more disturbing with shocking consequences.

This is one outstanding thriller. Well written, tautly directed and brilliantly acted. What I truly loved most was that they didn't dumb down the premise by feeling the need to provide exposition to help the viewer understand what's going on. There isn't a therapist scene, there wasn't some throw away scene alluding to what may or may not be affecting our heroine. It trusts and respects the audience enough to be able to keep up.

There are countless moments that stick with you. However the one thing you will never forget is Catherine Deneuve. She deserved a nomination for her performance but alas wasn't. She effectively conveys Carol's fragile state that you not only sympathize for her but fear her as well. She underlays that look of innocence and beauty with a hint that there is something bubbling just beneath the surface.

There's not much more to say other than go see it...now.

Trek Nation (2010) **1/2

DIR: Scott Colthorp
Rating: UNRATED
Running Time: 88 mins.

In 1991 at the young age of 17, Eugene Roddenberry lost his father, Gene Roddenberry, to a heart attack. Young Gene knew his father created "Star Trek" but as the years passed he began to realize he never knew a lot about his father and his creation. He sets out to speak with the people who knew him, the fans and others who can help him understand just who his father was and what he meant to so many.

This well intentioned documentary features some interesting interviews with countless luminaries from not only Trek but other franchises and brands as well. For fans of the series, much of what is said is pretty well documented so about the only thing this doc really has going for it is its premise which is a son seeking to know his father after he has died. The best sequences feature interviews with Stan Lee, George Lucas and J.J. Abrams.

In the end does he find the answers he was seeking? I'm not really sure, at the risk of sounding insensitive many of the emotional moments felt like they were being played for the camera and Rod's narration throughout is always at the same level so I suppose the answer is "I hope so."

If you don't know who Gene Roddenberry was then this will be an enlightening viewing. As for fans, it's hit or miss.

Hobo with a Shotgun (2011) **

DIR: Jason Eisener
CAST: Rutger Hauer, Molly Dunsworth, Brian Downey, Nick Bateman, Drew O'Hara
RATED: R
RUNNING TIME: 86 mins.

After witnessing too much violence and filth, a homeless drifter snaps and takes the law into his own hands. Armed with a shotgun he begins to clean up the streets one criminal at a time.

This homage to '70s exploitation films works for the most part. There are some entertaining bits here and there but the core of the film, and the only thing worth seeing in it, is Rutger Hauer. Chewing up the scenery and clearing having a blast, he kinda elevates the film. However, when he's not on screen the film screeches to a halt.

When looking back at the films they seek to emulate, one significant problem they all share is pacing. If they aren't entertaining they really start to drag. Obviously these films can't be taken seriously so hopefully they'll be amusing in some way, intentional or not. Based on a faux trailer, the thin thread of an idea wears off pretty quickly and you are left wading through plenty of dull spots interspersed between the good ones. This would be better as a highlight reel.

Raw Force (1982) **

DIR: Edward Murphy

CAST: Cameron Mitchell, Jillian Kessner, John Dresden, Jennifer Holmes

RATING: R
RUNNING TIME: 86mins

A group of martial arts students on a cruise to a mysterious island soon find themselves facing a Hitler look-a-like, cannibalistic monks, pirates and martial arts zombies.

Well what more can be said except this is just pure unadulterated B exploitation. Gratuitous nudity, nonsensical plot, plenty of gunfights, hand-to-hand combat and zombies for good measure.

As a movie this was pretty bad. The acting was terrible, direction non-existent, don't even get me started on how outrageous the plot was. However as a "So bad but good" movie it does fill that bill despite the fact it does get a bit dull from time-to-time. So if you are going to sit down and watch this as a feature be warned but if you're going to watch it for the fun of it then it could be an entertaining 90 minutes.

Mama (2013) *1/2

DIR: Andres Muschietti.
CAST: Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Megan Chapentier, Isabelle Nilisse.
RATED: PG-13 RUNNING TIME: 100mins.

After several years in the wilderness, presumably lost and alone, two children are found and brought back to civilization where they are taken in by their uncle and his girlfriend. However the couple soon discovers that the children weren't in fact alone and whatever it is has come with them.

This could have been a decent little ghost story. It really could have. It wasn't really scary but at least had an engaging mystery. Who is Mama? Unfortunately she is a stereotypical CGI creation. For most of the film you are left guessing but once it is revealed who she is and what she's doing it all makes sense and you say okay let's see how this one ends. Wrong.

The third act does irreparable harm to what came before it. As I mentioned once you know the mystery you want to see how it ends. However, the filmmakers apparently felt they didn't want to go the obvious route and tried something different. It didn't work at all. As the final act begins, one illogical plot point after another occurs. Once the finale reaches what I'm sure was meant to be a shocking and sad conclusion it comes off as so corny, unintentionally funny and dumb that it damages the entire film.

About the only thing worth noting about this one are the performances by the children, yup they were better than Jessica Chastain.

The Last Stand (2013) **1/2

DIR: Jee-woon Kim
CAST: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Johnny Knoxville, Eduardo Noriega, Forest Whitaker
RATED: R
RUNNING TIME: 107mins.

After the leader of a Mexican drug cartel makes a brazen escape from the FBI, the only thing that stands in his way is a small police force in a quiet border town.

Korean director Kim, he made the outstanding "I Saw the Devil" makes his first English feature that also marks Schwarzenegger's first feature role since leaving politics. There's nothing new or original here but it feels very much like something Stallone or Norris would have done in the '90s which isn't a bad thing. Unlike typical Schwarzenegger action fests, this one takes its time to build up to the inevitable confrontation which involves shoot-outs, car chases and hand-to-hand combat. Tonally it has more in common with "Collateral Damage" then say "Eraser."

Arnold is fine as the Sheriff. He's not as physical but still looks great firing a gun. As for the rest of the cast, well outside of an unexpected appearance by Harry Dean Stanton, nothing special.

It was great seeing Arnold back in action which is the main reason why I kinda like this one. If it were another actor not so much.