The Shack, Dude Bro Party Massacre III, Pork Pie

(Some quick looks are more recent movies)

The Shack (2009) – The adaptation of an interesting and controversial book about God and our relationship with the Divine.  Very slow at the start but improves as it goes along.  While obviously based in a Christian theological POV, it manages to avoid being overly heavy-handed.  An uneven tearjerker with some ideas to consider as well.  There is such a good core here but it leaves a bit to be desired in the end.

Rating – *** Worth A Look

Dude Bro Party Massacre III (2015) – Comedy for people with room temperature IQs.  Seriously awful movie.  No, doing really bad comedy, gore and a few semi-naked women does not mean that you have created either a parody or a satire of slasher films.  Lacking in storytelling, intelligence, humor, scariness or even titillation.  Hard Pass.

Rating – * Don’t Bother


Pork Pie (2017) – This movie is everything the previous two aren’t.  Funny, intelligent, warm, well told, a complete movie package.  A remake of a New Zealand iconic film (Goodbye, Pork Pie) by the son of the original director, this is a really wonderful movie.  Three strangers on the run from their own issues join forces for a cross-country wild ride of rebellion, a bit of crime, a dash of romance and plenty of “buddy movie” self-discovery.  Some “Thelma and Louise”, some “Smokey and the Bandit” and just a dash of “The Italian Job”.  Dean O’Gorman brings a kiwi flavored Kevin Kline to his role.  James Rollestin and Ashleigh Cummings are perfect as his companions on the road. 

Rating – **** Recommended