​I don't envy the folks that are tasked with crafting a sequel to an extremely successful film, simply because of the fact that it is up to them to make sure that the magic of the first film is found in the second one, all while finding a way to advance the story and the characters in new and exciting ways, otherwise they face the ire of the fans.

We all know how it goes when filmmakers fail at that task, but more often than not we are treated to adequate if not stellar sequels that get the job done. But once in a great while, a sequel comes along that accomplishes all the goals we've discussed thus far, and also manages to take the franchise in a wild and bold direction... as was the case with RoboCop 2. 

Now granted, the film doesn't start off making that bold new direction evident, because everything we loved about the original is present early on in spades. Alex Murphy is still a tough as nails cyborg who doesn't take any crap from anybody and all the familiar faces from the first motion picture pop up to satisfy the fans as well. But shortly after we reacquaint ourselves with this world, the film takes quite the left turn, shedding the hallmarks of science fiction and social commentary that were staples of the first film as it quickly evolves into an angry dystopian nightmare.

​Case and point, the film's focus on extreme violence and the sheer disregard for human life. In the last film, Murphy and his past mattered and there are hints of that here, but all of that is quickly replaced with the stop at nothing hunt for Cain and the violence that goes into that quest is utterly breathtaking. Whereas in the first film the violence was utilized to lighten the mood and remind us it's all a silly motion picture, the constant juicy headshots and pulpy flesh on display here are to remind us that OCP never had any intention of making this world better, they simply bought Detroit to bolster their profit margin and because of that their disregard for humanity has allowed for the worst parts of our psyche to run rampant on the streets. It's the wild west, set far in the future and quite frankly... it's outright brilliant.

Because more or less, RoboCop 2 plays everything straight. The over the top notion of a guy turned into a cyborg is no longer a running joke, and despite a few moments of levity in this film, he is a being whose only purpose in life now is to constantly combat a never ending stream of crime and that's where this film takes the franchise into a bold new direction, because by playing it straight, by robbing the film of its humanity it gives us a frightening vision of the future where right and wrong don't exist for the elite and where everyday citizens are forced to take a side and stick with it in order to survive and perhaps my only lament when it comes to this motion picture... is that they didn't explore this kind of dystopia in depth, opting instead to make the violence the focus over all things.  

While all of that may sound bleak and unappealing to watch, the no holds barred presentation of this world that the film presents us with actually ends up drawing you in rather than repelling you and this is the kind of motion picture that you watch several times over to try and absorb all the little details to help your mind understand how a world filled with technological wonders that should make life better for everyone instead became such an awful place. Either way, this film took one hell of a risk in altering the direction of this franchise and it's one that in my opinion paid off, meaning that RoboCop 2 is a motion picture that should be celebrated, because it is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

​Science Fiction is a truly incredible genre. Because not only has it allowed our imagination to take us places, we never knew were possible, it is also a genre that stays with us and has in many ways changed the course of human history. It’s influenced technology, allowing for inventors to figure out ways to give life to an idea this genre posed ages ago because science fiction truly allows us to ask and answer the question… what if?
 
But its impact on our society goes far beyond simply making our lives easier, since science fiction has also been known to be a great predictor of the future, in ironic fashion. I say that, because we aren’t cognizant to what exactly it predicted until we experience that prophetic moment and it is that kind of ‘future reflection’ if you will that struck me when I sat down to once again watch a modern classic from the genre, 1987’s RoboCop.
 
The plot to this one we all know and love, Detective Alex Murphy is gunned down in the line of duty only to be transformed into the world’s first cyborg law enforcement officer in RoboCop and well, I distinctly recall that when this film was released back then it was viewed as nothing more than a fun and silly over the top romp, but as the years have progressed I see now that this film is extremely relevant to the times and I’m sure no one had any idea that this film would turn out to be so prophetic on so many levels.

A few fine examples of that, are the film’s take on the power of corporations and the disparity of wealth. Omni Consumer Products (OCP) is the personification of these elements in the film since well… they own everything, even the city of Detroit. They have privatized the police force and their overreaching and unchecked power mirrors our current fears in America, that those without riches have no power and that a corporation’s interests will take precedence over anything else and well… whether you believe that there is truth to these issues in modern America or not, it’s amazing that this film was able to put forth a disturbing notion that would become relevant thirty years after its release.
 
But the wild parallels don’t end there, RoboCop is the personification of our current obsession with technology. He stands as a symbol over the fact that we prefer that technology solve all of our problems. There are obviously bigger issues as to why the City of Detroit is a crime riddled nightmare, but rather than address those, OCP’s focus is to build a machine to fix the issue instead and for the most part…it works, just as technology does for us on a regular basis. But alas, the film tends to gravitate away from that particular thematic concept and any consequences that come with it as the plot rolls on and that’s okay, because while these parallels to our current world are fascinating to say the least, this is still at its core a sci-fi/action flick and it also delivers the action in spades.
 
In fact we are treated to some thrilling visuals when it comes to said action, since every gunfight in this film is done in over the top fashion to the point where one might call the violence excessive, but considering the fact that the notion of an ass kicking cyborg is already over the top as is, it helps this film work on every level and when you throw in the vast amounts of humor present in this motion picture, you’re left with what the movie was viewed as in the first place… an outright fun ride that doesn’t deliver its social commentary in heavy handed fashion, allowing for anyone to pop it in and enjoy it for what it is, or you can let these concepts linger in your mind long after the credits have faded to black. Either way, it’s a modern classic through and through and one that needs to be experienced if by chance you haven’t done so yet.   

Caution: This article contains some spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Agent Revelation’.

It is definitely safe to say, that our world can be quite the sour place. Because day in and day out, we hear heartbreaking stories on the six o'clock news, the kind that revolve around how far some people are willing to go in order to instill fear and control in others and that kind of news, definitely gets overwhelming. For it really does make the world appear to be a rotten place, one that isn't worth saving. But regardless of how often we hear about the ills of the world and how bad men continue to work with impunity, hope still exists on this tiny little blue ball, simply because we know that deep down mankind can be better, in fact we've proven that's the case.

Because when disaster strikes and people are desperately in need, we band together and do the right thing and seeing that in action always inspires us and leaves our spirits soaring. But ironically, there is quite the quandary that comes with our ability to unify in the face of adversity. In that, it never lasts. For once the crisis has passed, or those in need are safe and sound... we simply revert back to our old ways like nothing happened. Which leaves one to wonder, what exactly it will take for lasting change to happen in our world, the kind that will allow for us to finally abandon cruelty. And that woefully complex question is so difficult and insurmountable that not even the creative community is willing to tackle it on a consistent basis. But once in a while, you run into a story that is outright eager to ponder upon a potential cure for the world's woes, such as the recently released Sci-Fi film, Agent Revelation. 
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Now in this particular film, we are introduced to an everyman named Jim who finds himself in quite the unique predicament. For a strange encounter with a meteor that blasted dust into the air, not only transformed his friends into outright monsters, but it gave Jim odd abilities. The kind that allows for him to heal and respond quicker than anyone else, and this utter surprise has brought him to a secret facility buried deep within the Earth. One run by an organization that is eager to learn why he is the only person to not be transformed into a bloodthirsty killer after an encounter with this meteor, and whether or not he might be able to join them in quite the fight. For it turns out that there is a war going on between a violent alien species and mankind, and his newfound abilities might allow for him save the Earth and all of humanity from this unseen and powerful threat. 

So, at first glance, it really seems as though this particular motion picture isn’t going to feature a whole lot in regard to the notions, we just discussed a moment ago. Because this movie really does go heavy on the science fiction/action concepts right out of the gate and that means we are treated to a great deal of action sequences and bravado. Leaving one to believe that perhaps this movie is going to be nothing more than an explosive ride with some flashy special effects. But once Jim spends time with the mysterious leader/funder of this organization, a man named Alastair (played brilliantly by Sci-Fi legend Michael Dorn); we quickly come to see that this motion picture wants to offer up some unique commentary on how to make the world a better place.
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Which in the eyes of this film… revolves around having every last person on the planet embrace kindness and gentleness and make that the norm over anything else. Which is a notion that likely will make some viewers roll their eyes, since it might seem odd and contradictory for a movie filled with phaser guns and roundhouse kicks to even try to preach kindness, as a cure for what ails the world. But truth be told, this movie deserves some serious credit for putting this notion forth, simply because, it's an answer. Maybe not the one that some are hoping for, but in this angry and virulent time, a little kindness might actually go a long way, and it really is refreshing to run into a film that tries to offer up a simple solution to world’s problems instead of trying to reinvent the wheel.

But if that sounds like a concept that might take you out of the experience of watching this one, have no fear, because there are plenty of action sequences to entertain and enjoy. Plus, there is a grand mystery to be solved as well, one that truly takes you off guard as the story rolls along and really in the end, this is simply a fun film. One that definitely offers something for Sci-Fi fans everywhere. After all, it’s got action and adventure, cool gadgets, mean aliens and a little depth if you’d like and of course… Michael Dorn. And you definitely cannot go wrong with a movie that features the legendary CHiPs and Star Trek alum and tries to offer a little depth and positivity, in an era where Sci-Fi flicks are expected to be gritty and violent.

‘Agent Revelation’ is available to stream right now On Demand. To learn more about this film, and hear what others are saying about it, visit the film's official website and reviews section! 

One collective belief that a great deal of us share in, is that starting over in life, is quite the easy task. After all, we live in a world filled to the brim with endless opportunities. So, if by chance, we come to realize that a certain aspect of our day to day lives is no longer providing us with what we need emotionally or financially, then we are quick to hit the reset button on our current path… and go out and get what will nurture our wallets and our souls. Sure, it will be tough starting over in say, a new job or a new relationship, but we feel up to the task because sometimes a fresh start is exactly what we need in life to put us on the right path. But while that is definitely an inspirational and bold way to view everyday life, the fact of the matter is… that particular worldview and mantra is narrow and simplistic and privileged in nature.
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Because those particular problems, the kind that we put a great deal of emphasis on, are easy to solve. Which means that the vast majority of us are quite lucky. Since our biggest problems in life can be conquered no problem and we should be quite grateful for that. Because there are in fact, people out there who see starting over as quite the monumental task. For they have lost everything in life and have no choice but to claw and fight to find a shred of the happiness that the rest of us enjoy and that’s why it is important to sit down and pay attention to stories about people who aren’t as fortunate as we are. In part so we can indeed appreciate the opportunity and privileges we’ve been afforded. But also, so we can have a better worldview and understanding of what truly matters in life, and it just so happens that AppleTV+ is releasing a movie on Friday that explores what it really means to start over and what it takes to find true happiness in Palmer.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a man named Eddie Palmer who is heading home after spending twelve years in prison and all that he is hoping for at this point, is a genuine fresh start in life. For he has done his time and is ready to move forward and sadly, it doesn’t take long for Eddie, who prefers to be called Palmer; to discover that starting over can be supremely difficult when you’re a felon. For the stigma that surrounds that title limits his opportunities. But eventually, Palmer lands a gig as a janitor at the local school and just when it seems as though he is finally on track to properly start over in life, the universe throws a few more surprises his way, putting him at quite a crossroads. For the loss of his grandmother and the fact that he needs to watch over a young boy named Sam who has in essence, been abandoned by his mother, leaves Palmer wondering if he will ever know what a true fresh start looks like since the hits keep coming. But soon he comes to learn, that sometimes, the tough moments that come our way are actually blessings in disguise, since Sam’s arrival in his life is about to provide Palmer with the second chance, he’s been waiting for, in the most unique way imaginable.

So, make no mistake about it, this is a supremely bleak and devastating film. One that holds nothing back in its exploration of what it truly means to start over in life. Because Palmer is outright destitute when we catch up with him in the story, and it is heartbreaking to watch him lose what little he earns and can cling to. And seeing him suffer and seeing him struggle, really does make for a visceral viewing experience. One that opens the viewer’s eyes as to how good so many of us have it, since we’ve never had to struggle with something as simple as finding a job or figuring out where we are going to live and while that does bring the viewer down a bit and leave them uncomfortable at times, this is all part of a grander plan. One that is designed to help the viewer truly understand what it means to start from scratch when the universe has dealt you a bad hand and it also helps us to learn exactly what we should genuinely cherish in life, a feat that is accomplished by way of Palmer and Sam’s unexpected friendship.

Because being put in a position to be a caretaker and having to figure out how to raise a kid that isn’t his own, forces Palmer to open up and realize that he’s not the only one to be dealt a rough hand. For Sam’s mother really is about as awful as they come and really has done a poor job of giving her son any semblance of guidance and direction. Which gives Palmer the chance to do something good in this world and do right by Sam and that’s when this movie makes it one hundred percent clear, that truly what matters most in life, are the people that are closest to us, especially the ones that look up to us and support us. Because they are a true treasure and when we have them at our side, things get a little clearer since they see things that we simply cannot, and that really is a subtle and beautiful message to find within this film. 

But of course, in order for that message and these elements to be a success, a strong cast is an outright necessity and thankfully, this movie features that as well. Because Justin Timberlake is simply electric as Palmer and is able to provide the audience with a nuanced performance that makes you care about him immediately and he is anchored by equally as powerful performances from Ryder Allen, who plays Sam, and Juno Temple, who plays Shelly, Sam’s mother. Since they bring innocence and empathy to the story with their earnest portrayal of a kid who is outright desperate for acceptance and guidance and an outright broken human being, respectively, and really in the end, all of these elements come together to create an absolutely incredible motion picture. One that really does offer up a unique perspective on life and redemption and how hard a fresh start can truly be when you don’t have a foundation to stand upon, and this is one that you should absolutely see since it will move you and remind you to cherish the wonderful souls that believe in us.

‘Palmer’ will be available to stream on AppleTV+ on January 29, 2021.

I've seen a lot of movies in my day. I have Friday nights to thank for that. I've made mention of it before here on Nerds That Geek how during my youth my family and I would head over to the video store after my dad got off of work and we'd load up on movies and games.  

We would pick the family movie for Friday night first, and then my siblings and I would go hog wild and pick whatever we could find. My brother and I usually made our way to the Science Fiction or Horror section and put our hands on whatever looked awesome at the time. We would usually base our decision on the awesomeness of the cover of the movie, and we learned that and sometimes the cover is a lie, and the movie is terrible, sometimes it’s as good as advertised and sometimes the cover helps you discover a film so wild and out there that you simply have to rent it again and again to appreciate it’s outlandish awesomeness, as was the case when we stumbled upon one of the most incredible B movies I’ve ever seen… Robot Jox. 

Years in the future, the planet is putting the pieces back together after World War III. Following the spoils of this ugly war, mankind has discovered a new way to handle its disputes. War has been outlawed, instead two men settle it all, including the control of territories, by way of a good old fashioned fist fight, orchestrated within the confines of giant robots. These Robot Jox are heroes to their people and following an ugly battle for Alaska that ends in a draw, one of the finest fighters in the sport, Achilles, steps away from the matches by announcing his retirement. But with his arch nemesis Alexander preparing to destroy a new generation of fighters that are simply not ready, Achilles is forced to step into the robot ring... one more time.  

​If that seems like a pretty convoluted plot, well it is. For there are many themes and sub plots that pour through Robot Jox because it is one wild B movie. Granted, the action is indeed epic, but all of that is overshadowed by well... the cheese. Because the acting is rough, the film is filled to the brim with horrendous stereotypes that you leave you shaking your head in surprise and the special effects go from awesome to straight up silly at times. But while one would think that such issues would make this movie damn near unwatchable, that’s simply not the case, because this film magically sucks you in.

It accomplishes that, in part by way of the acting believe it or not. Sure, the performances are often over the top and laughable but here's the thing, every single actor in this film plays it straight to the best of their abilities and that strange authenticity lends a sense of gravitas to the film, and immediately captures your attention, and your curiosity is only further enhanced by that jam packed plot. Because you're suddenly dying to learn more about this world and the people that inhabit it and the next thing you know, you're on the edge of your seat, rooting for Achilles to save the day and beat Alexander, which brings us to the final reason this movie manages to captivate you... the robots.  

Because all things aside, the title and the poster promise the audience one particular thing... giant robots kicking the crap out of one another and baby, this movie is like Dominos, it delivers. Cheesy special effects here and there are easily forgiven when it comes to the fact that you get giant robots kicking ass and taking names and those thrilling moments alone are worth the price of admission. Either way, this is just a fun film through and through and its one that quite frankly you need to see if you haven't yet simply because of the fact it's a great way to simply escape with a bowl of popcorn for an hour and a half and it's so wild and off the wall that it stays with you long after the credits have faded to black, due to the fact you'll be talking about and recommending this one to friends and family for quite some time.

I would say for the most part, each and every one of us out there do our best to live our lives to the fullest and do everything we can to be a normal functioning member of modern society. But despite our best efforts to be that shining symbol of American life, trauma will always get in the way.  

Be it the loss of a loved one, or something else as equally as terrifying, at some point we all have to face it and while it will often bring us to our knees, we often rise to the occasion and recover, becoming stronger for having gone through hell. But some folks are lost in the mix, their trauma is never healed or dealt with, but they manage to move on. These people sometimes get by, and sometimes, their past comes bubbling up to the present and that latter example is front and center in the outstanding film, One Hour Photo. 

Seymour 'Sy' Parrish leads a simple life. He runs the one-hour photo booth at SavMart and believes in what he does. He feels that photos are precious memories and should be treated as such. But while it seems like Sy is a noble and everyday man...he is anything but. He is a man lost in solitude without friends or family, but more importantly, there is a secret that Sy is hiding, one that is disturbing to say the least. For this man without a family has discovered a way to enjoy family life, by printing a second set of one particular customer's photos and treating them like they were his own. But as his 'surrogate' family deals with trouble at home, the idyllic lifestyle they seem to lead comes crashing down, bringing Sy's world with it, forcing him to set things right whether the Yorkin family likes it or not. 

So, let's start off with the best part of this movie, the late Robin Williams. He is a complete and utter chameleon here, only resembling the man we have loved in cinema physically since he truly transforms psychologically into the disturbed and shattered Sy Parrish. This is a man truly lost in this world, and as the film unfolds his sad and tragic story unfolds with it and that's the magic of his performance. At first Sy is simply a lost soul, then suddenly he becomes this obsessed stalker, out to change lives in ways that may or may not be violent and it is only in the finale of the story, that we discover exactly what trauma and pain he has gone through to make him such a shattered man. 

But aside from that amazing performance, one that is terrifying at times, the film makes us question a great many things. It makes us question how we deal with trauma, especially since we see the mask that the Yorkin family puts on when it comes to the lovely memories they create in photographs. It makes us ponder on how we should approach the people we meet differently sometimes, not with judgment and fear but understanding and compassion because we never quite know what they have been through or how close to the breaking point they truly are. Something that is showcased late in the film with some scenes that will certainly unsettle you. 

Either way, this is a film that looks at a tough slice of life, of a man broken by his past and grasping at anything to lead a normal life. It's a true tragedy through and through, and a brilliant one at that. If you haven't seen One Hour Photo, I certainly encourage you to do so. If only to see the incredible performance that Robin Williams puts forth and to enjoy a raw and visceral film that takes us through the eyes of a man with nothing to lose and who is desperate to gain even a few moments of happiness. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Happy Face’.
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Something that is truly fascinating about stories that revolve around trauma and loss, is that they often present the road to recovery from life changing events and unfortunate realities, in supremely black and white and downright simplistic terms, and it is understandable as to why. Because by watering down the recovery process into a ‘suffering’ phase and a ‘bold recovery’ phase, the storyteller in question is able to present their audience with an inspiring tale. One that reminds them that they can overcome anything when they put their minds to it. And while that does indeed make for uplifting storytelling, the kind that can give us solace in the midst of difficult times, the problem inherent with that particular storytelling decision, is that it is supremely unrealistic.
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Because in the real world, recovering from our troubles isn’t easy in the slightest. In fact, for some people, getting back to sunshine and rainbows is seemingly impossible. For the pain that courses through their veins is powerful to say the least, and it might take them a lifetime to remove themselves from what ails them, and this too lends credence as to why stories tend to portray the road back in a positive manner. After all, audiences and readers flock to stories to escape the troubles of everyday life. But it is okay from time to time to present a story to an audience that holds nothing back in its examination of the difficulties of recovering from some kind of trauma or life changing event. Because audiences are smart and they’re okay with a dose of truth here and there and recently, this reviewer had the distinct pleasure of watching a film that does indeed present the road to recovery in a dynamic and bold light in Happy Face.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a young man named Stan who is at quite the crossroads in his life. For his beloved mother, whom he adores, is going through a difficult time. Because she’s been diagnosed with cancer and seemingly cannot shake its grasp, and that also means that she is going to go through some tough surgeries. The kind that will change her appearance and that motivates Stan to do something quite bold and join a support group for facially different people, in order to prepare himself for his mother’s return home from the hospital. But in order to be a part of this group, Stan is going to have to disguise himself, which is a risky decision for certain. Because it is only a matter of time before the group realizes that Stan is not what he seems, and when that day comes, he will have to figure out a way to offer some kind of contribution to the group and what he has floating about in the back of his mind in regard to that… might cause more harm than good. 

So, make no mistake about it, this is a raw and angry and visceral film. One that genuinely shows us how hard it is to come back from major life changing events and trauma, since everyone in Stan’s group, struggles to let go of their past and the stigma surrounding their respective differences and that allows for some powerful and uncomfortable storytelling to take place. The kind that acknowledges how cruel people can be when they see someone different out in public and also how desperate we are to escape our pain when it is overwhelming. Something that is handled by Stan’s journey in this tale and really, this movie deserves all kinds of praise for presenting all of these elements in such a bold manner. Because it really does offer up a slice a life, and for a brief moment there, a sense of hopelessness. Since it appears as though none of these characters are going to overcome their troubles in the slightest.
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But that is what makes this movie so incredibly worth your while. Because by being plunged into the lives of these characters and seeing that they are capable of more, you’re rooting for them every step of the way and that’s when the movie surprises the audience with some uplifting and realistic lessons on how we should deal with our trauma. Because Stan’s bold plan for everyone to face their fears and concerns and pain in a brutally honest manner, reminds us that we have to look at our problems objectively. So that we see the root causes of our issues and when we do that, we can properly tackle them and confront them and eventually overcome them. Which leads to some wonderful moments as we watch this group begin to do just that, and finally start to move forward in life. But truly, the finest message that this movie sends our way… is that also reminds us to be kind and support one another whenever we get the chance. 

Because we simply don’t understand other people’s struggles, and how hard it is to go through tough times alone. But if we take a moment to treat people with respect and kindness and offer a helping hand in any capacity, that too can help people to overcome their struggles. Because such an act reminds us that we are a part of something special, and that we don’t have to do this alone and really, in the end, all of these elements make this a brilliant and magnificent motion picture. Because it really is bold and brave in its presentation of trauma and pain and it holds nothing back, and that makes for a refreshing story for certain. One that stays with the viewer long after the film has come to an end, simply because this movie really does prompt the viewer to reflect upon their own life experiences and ponder upon whether or not they’ve done enough to let their own dark passengers go.

'Happy Face’ is available to watch now, On Demand.