#DVD #Review ~ Decisions

Decisions

Running Time:  87 minutes
Genre:  Action, Crime, Drama
Year:  2011
Rated:  R for violence, pervasive language, some drug use and sexual content
Production Company:  Zenon Kesik Productions, Zrk1 Pictures
Budget:  $1.5 million

SYNOPSIS:

When a group of friends decide to pull a bank heist to get out from underneath their money troubles they quickly discover that things can unravel in a hurry~!!

A compromised LAPD Dectective (Corey Haim) on the take with a crime syndicate figure (Anthony Vitale) want the money back and will got to any lengths to get it~!!

Things go wrong quickly as bullets start to fly and the group finds that one thing affects another and discover the voice of reason is not always what it appears to be.

CAST & CREW:

Corey Haim ~ Det. Lou Andreas
Anthony Vitale ~ Frankie
Matt Medrano ~ Dave
Yeniffer Behrens ~ Serena
Mike Foy ~ AD
George Cantreras ~ DJ Johnny
Anthony Fitzgerald ~ Kiwi
Joseph Medrano ~ Chino
Desmond Phillips ~ Mike
Cisco Reyes ~ Halo Manchester
Senyo Amoaku ~ Smoke

My Thoughts:

The story sets off interesting enough, you are introduced who you assume are going to be the main characters and begin to build a rapport with them.  You watch the scene being set up and you begin to get the uncanny sensation that you have seen this same scene in dozens of films and truthfully, the whole premise was nothing but one huge cliché after another.

After the shooting, things begin to get confusing as the viewer isn't quite sure who are the victims and who are the "bad" guys as character building is left on the wayside in order to bring a mindless and drifting plot that doesn't really capture the viewers imagination nor their attention.

I thought Corey Haim was over~rated in his role of Det. Lou Andreas, his portrayal of a "on~the~take" detective was not only trite in his depiction, but grossly over~acted in almost every scene.  "Decisions" is being classified as Haim's "last movie" that he shall be appearing in and after the likes of his performance in this movie, I cannot say as I am going to miss him much.

I thought the musical score was improperly tuned to the film as at times the quality was lacking and the volume had to be turned up and down with there being no happy flow to the listening levels.  I thought the music was fitting for the movie and set the tone nicely however and was one of the few aspects of the movie that was enjoyable.

I thought the dialogue was lacking in some areas and almost seemed ad libbed in others.  Often times it was hard to follow as there was no clear and concise measure to the characters words.  Most of the time it was a lot of incessant shouting matches between testosterone humped up men who are looking for an "easy" way out of their life situations.

I would give Decisions a two out of five stars.  I just didn't find this movie appealing, though it did have some moments of brief clarity, for the most part, the director needs to hire themselves a better writer if they wish to continue working in the movie industry.  There were some nice cinemagraphics but not enough to keep the movie interesting.

**  Reviewed by me...as I see it~!!  I didn't receive any monetary compensation for this review, other than a movie in which to review~!!  **

Absolute Obsession by C. Elizabeth

Absolute Obsession is a Romantic Drama.

Rose Gerbaldi obsesses about certain aspects of her life and when this occurs she cannot think about anything else.  After reading a book she becomes obsessed with the main character and believes that they are meant to fall madly in love.

Rose's husband, Jim is very accepting of his wife's behaviour.  He accepts when she zones out and leaves her loved ones behind until she can wrap up her obsessive feelings and move on with her life.

After Jim encourages Rose to watch the movie version of the book she is obsessed about, Rose writes the actor and tells him that he is a great actor and not just a pretty face.  Drawn to her words, Michael Terrance calls Rose and the two begin a friendship.

Rose, who is absolutely wrapped up into this love story that is appearing before her must decide what is reality and what is make believe.  She must come to realize her inner self in order to choose the right decision for her future.

This was an okay read, I thought the plight of Rose was a believable in that many people suffer from such thoughts and mental instabilities.  Her thought ramblings were often interesting and her depth of realization of how wrong her actions were was equally enjoyable to read.

I found that the back story characters didn't get enough play in the story.  I'm not sure if the author had meant to have the main characters appear as the main attraction but I would've loved to have seen some more insight from her friends and family.  To me, it felt like they were only in the book to serve Rose and Michael's plight.

I really felt for the husband, Jim, I don't know how he managed to suffer his wife's mental infidelities.  I found him to be a reasonable and encouraging spouse who truly didn't deserve to be ignored by his wife.

I found the ending to be predictable and I would've loved to have seen Rose gain insight through her friends and family instead of her own accord.  It was almost like her loved ones were always secondary in her life and as long as Rose was happy...

I would give Absolute Obsession a three out of five stars.  I didn't find much drama involved, other than Rose's mental machinations and I found the romance to be unbearable, as I could not condone Rose's thoughts about other men while she has a perfectly wonderful husband at home.  However, if you like a light romance without much drama that can be easily read in one afternoon, then you will enjoy this.

Absolute Obsession

SYNOPSIS:
Triggering an intervention of fate, 42 year old Rose Gerbaldi, discovers her heart and soul has been forever united with beautiful, 30 year old, British movie star, Michael Terrance. A discovery that compels her reality to firmly reclaim her – consequently devastating the very lives fate had so lovingly entwined.

Forsaken by a woman he’s never met, unable to control the debilitating agony, Michael seeks solace on the darker side of Hollywood. Meanwhile in Western Canada, having been doubly devastated, Rose relinquishes to a life of loneliness. Both are certain they’ll never again find that for which they long for – each other.

Foolish people – fate is infallible.

 ** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **

Just A Few Seconds by Nemo James

Just A Few Seconds:  A Story From The Hidden World Of Music And Beyond is one man's memoir.

Derek Newark dreamt of being a professional musician.  His first taste of the limelight was while performing in a talent contest, in his youth, which turned out disastrous.  His friends had faith in his goals; however, along the way, a person must survive and sometimes life throws you curves you had no idea were coming.

The story begins with Derek, a.k.a. Nemo James, and his struggles to find a band that not only played his kind of music, but one that had as much drive for success as he, himself, did.  Grazing from one band to another, from one music genre to the next, Derek follows his dream while finding his niche.

Derek has traveled the world to follow his dream, sharpening his strengths and his skills to the point where he could almost play with anybody.  From country to classical, Derek has taken his talent to the homes of the rich to the lowliest dives on the planet.

The reader is shown the choices that Derek makes on his life's journey and groan when you realize he has made the wrong one, as in the instance of Peter Gabriel from Genesis wanting to talk to him and because, at that time, Peter was unknown, Derek choose to go off with another band who he had heard of.  However, just going on the name of that particular band, I'm sure I would've chosen to introduce myself to Peter, as we all know what became of Genesis!!

I thought this was an interesting book, however, I found it to be dry in places.  The dialogue came across as being forced and sometimes the direction of the story was confusing and distractive.

I thought the perserverence of Derek and his goals was astonishing and commendable.  His passion and his focus as a musician was remarkable to read and you could feel the heart of the man who is determined to find his way through the musical world.  It is not easy to break into music, the world is full of talented artists and you come to realize its all about being at the right place at the right time, for Derek, he seemed to have a huge hit and miss ratio that would've made the average person give up and settle for another way of life.

I would give Just A Few Seconds a three out of five stars.  I enjoyed the stroll down Derek's memory lane but I felt there were times that failed to get the desired emotion out of me as I read his story.  I found the book lacked wit, which would've make it an outstanding read, however, if you enjoy memoirs, especially those on struggling artists, then you will be sure to enjoy Just A Few Seconds.

Nemo James

SYNOPSIS:
A Story From The Hidden World of Music and Beyond Derek dreamt of becoming a professional musician from the first time he picked up a guitar following a talent contest disaster. Thought of by his friends as being the person most likely to make the big time he turned professional but was continually side tracked by the need to earn a living from music. His journey takes him all over the world from private gigs for the rich and famous to the roughest pubs. Starting in the late sixties when heavy rock was born, through to the 1980's and 90's when discos and electronics decimated live music in dance halls. An amusing and heartrending story of perseverance showing how the road to success can lead us down the strangest of paths.

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **

The Illusion Of Certainty by Greg Messel

The Illusion Of Certainty is a Romance Drama Fiction.

Marc Wilson is happily married; a CEO of an influential sports fitness company; has two beautiful and loving children; his childhood best friend and family still in his life and a gorgeous wife whom he adores.  Marc believes his life is idyllic until he begins to notice small changes in his wife's behaviour.

Aimee is a nurse who loves competition and being in control.  She works nights as the supervisor at the local hospital, where Marc's best friend, John is a successful surgeon.  John's wife Tina, is a real estate agent and the two couples are inseparable, their children all growing up around each other.

When Marc finds out about Aimee's secret, his world comes crashing down around him and his illusions of life are shattered.  Leaving his hometown and beginning a new job, he begins to pick up the pieces of his life and move on.

After surviving living life from hotels for a few years, Marc is dealt another surprise in life and decides to take a trip to England to look at his life from another perspective.  When he meets Alexandra Mattson, an attorney, who has just lost her fiance, Sean, in a bicycling accident, Marc feels that maybe there could be hope and begins to trust in his future. 

I honestly felt that this wasn't a bad read, it had some interesting human aspects and emotions.  I found the character of Marc to be likeable, if a bit of a wimp when it comes to standing up for himself.  I did not like Aimee and how she destroyed her family; I found her to be extremely narcissistic. 

I felt the parallel story lines between Marc and Alexandra to be confusing, sometimes I didn't realize that the story plots had changed and I had to backtrack.  This often pulled me out of the story in order to understand what the author was trying to portray or describe.

I feel that much of this story was editorial issues which left a blend of poor grammar along with bad punctuation.  As well, there were a few instances were the author told me what was going on in the setting and I like to be able to find my own setting, I like to be "shown" what is in the paragraph and allow my imaginings take over. 

I would give this a three out of five stars, there is potential in author, Greg Messel's work, with some more tightening of his dialogue and descriptives, I am certain we will be able to watch him grow into a renowned author.  This book is about one man's struggle in life just when he thought he had everything going for him.  If you enjoy books where fate gives you a kick, then you will enjoy reading The Illusion of Certainty.

SYNOPSIS:
"The Illusion of Certainty" follows two parallel storylines. Marc is a successful businessman who seems to have everything-a great job, a beautiful wife, a house in an upscale neighborhood of Portland, Oregon and two great kids who are preparing for college. But something is not right. Marc is unsettled by the sudden change in his wife, Aimee, who seems distant and unhappy. What is going on with her? The second storyline involves a successful young attorney Alexandra Mattson. Alex, as she is called by her friends, meets a handsome young cop, Sean, during an unexpected crisis in her neighborhood. Sean and Alex seem made for each other and begin to merge their futures in a world of uncertainty. The only certainty in life is that we will face uncertainty. Despite all of the technology and controls available in the modern world, sometimes the only comfort comes from the human touch.

 

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **

Glorify Each Day by John Banks

Glorify Each Day is a fictional drama.

Tommy "Teach" Morrison works as a part-time teacher at the Toxononomonee Community College.  He teaches the GED, or General Equivalency Diploma, to a wide range of people both young and old.

Upon his first day of classes, he asks his students for their meaning of what GED stands for.  They are each asked to write an essay explaining the acronym GED as it applies to their own lives.  Each student hands in their accounts, some are horrifying accounts of life; others speak of the reasons why they are where they are in life and others are a mix of hodge-podge and nonsense.

Each of the students essays are shared as we explore the human nature of each of the individuals.  As well, we are privy to the inner thoughts and emotions of Teach, who has begun to see a therapist on the bequest of his girlfriend, Cheryl.

Teach has many past issues with an old girlfriend from his college days, Cait.  The reader is shown in retrospect, the love that is shared between the two and gives insight as to why Teach is unable to let go of his past.  We learn of his weird sexual quirks and the reason he cries so much and at the oddest times. 

When something tragic occurs at school and Teach is deemed a "hero", he must come to terms with the man he has become.  The aftermath of the event tears into him, changing his perspectives on life.

I thought for the most part this book was delivered in an interesting and witty way.  I liked the character of Teach and found him to be human in his approach.  As well, some of the students found their way into your heart as you read the dilemmas they have to face daily.

I wasn't all that impressed with the Cait back story and how it was shared.  Sometimes I felt like there were three or four stories in this one and it was confusing on the direction the author wished to strive for.  I didn't feel like the whimisical romantic thoughts added anything to the overall story, other then to give the reader a sense that he truly is unable to let go.

I found the plot could have been much more interesting and provoking had Teach not been extremely centered on the Cait issue.  I wasn't given any justification on why I should feel for Teach in his caring of his ex-girlfriend and found it to be almost sinister.  In this, one can really feel for the character of Cheryl, who has no idea the man she has come to love.  In her heart she knows there is someone from his past and its hard to live up to a ghost.  Teach treated her very unfairly by not explaining his past to her before his commitment to their love.

I would give this three out of five stars.  I enjoyed the wit of Teach and how he handled his situations, but sometimes he came off as too flamboyant and I felt it strayed off character.  If you enjoy dramatic fiction with some comedy thrown in and a cast of misfit characters, then I am sure you will enjoy this book!

SYNOPSIS:
Tommy "Teach" Morrison - teacher, raconteur and alleged devil worshiper - can't stop crying over the loss of Cait, the love of his life, a loss caused by a violent nature that he struggles to understand and control. Can Tommy come to grips with his grief about his past deeds, a past that includes more than one horrible secret? He has many people in his life who could help - including several of his students, whose essays have important lessons for Teach, if he will only listen. Glorify Each Day is a remarkable novel depicting the consequences of violence. However, it is not a dark, brooding novel, as you will quickly realize as you turn its pages. John Banks is a masterful storyteller, full of humor both outrageous and wry, but with a compassion for his characters that always shines through.

 

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **