2016 Films: #9. 13 Cameras

May 27th in Chicago, on On Demand viewing. My wife and I were looking for a horror/thriller film to watch on a Friday night and we came across this little gem. It's not much but it's a nice little thriller or bloodless horror film from writer/director by Victor Zarcoff. Claire and Ryan are a young couple expecting their first child and moving into a new rental property. Gerald the landlord, is a creepy dude to say the least and he seems to take a shine to new tenants. So much show that he installs cameras around the house to watch them, Claire mostly. Gerald gets to see their lives unfold and takes physical pleasure in doing so, especially when Ryan brings home his blonde, nubile assistant for some off-site pleasantries. Things start to unravel and Gerald has to take care of things.

The picture received a 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and has a run time of 87 minutes. It goes by quickly and doesn't drag anything out. There are some plot holes for sure but not enough to get into a twist over. 

2016 Films: #7. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny

May 6th in Chicago: This sequel is a Netflix original. The film takes place 18 years after it's groundbreaking predecessor and the only returning character is Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh). This film received an 18% Rotten Tomatoes rating and with good reason. It's not good at all. It has nothing of the original. It might have been a passable martial arts film if it did not claim to be a sequel. It was more like a reboot. Very similar characters doing very similar things. Take a pass.

2016 Films: #8. Captain America: Civil War

May 19th in Topeka, KS: To date this film has grossed nearly $400 million domestically and received a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is has some roots from a 7 issue limited series from nearly 10 years ago. Here's he problem with The Avengers as it pertains to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are no villains that can match up with them so they have to fight each other. This time we get a battle royal with multiple combatants instead of a one on one match up.

The film is good but 90% seems to high. I was very excited for the appearance of the Black Panther (it was cool!) but the Spider-Man cameo was neither hot nor cold for me. Quite frankly, I just don't really care much for the whole Winter Soldier arc either. I get it, Cap and Bucky are friends but the guy is an assassin. He's not your pal anymore. Bring him to justice for crying out loud. There are a lot of plot holes that are convenient for the script but this is still a fun film. Be advised, we are getting diminished returns on these films.