• GOOD TOUGH KID
  • ARCHIVES
  • M. James McDonald
Menu

True Myth Media

  • GOOD TOUGH KID
  • ARCHIVES
  • M. James McDonald

Search the Archives…

Contact Us/ Request a REview
MV5BM2E4ZjgwYjAtZmY0MS00OGFlLTlhZjgtMjU2OWY4NWNmZjg3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg

Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter (1974)

Directed by: Brian Clemens

Starring: Horst Janson, John Carson, Caroline Munro, Shane Briant, Wanda Ventham

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 31 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, World Building, Fun

WEAKNESSES: Melodramatic, Cheesy

Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter (1974)

October 18, 2020

A master swordsman and his hunchback assistant attempt to hunt a vampire that has been plaguing a town, with the help of one of its citizens.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Drama, Horror, Thriller Tags Brian Clemens, Horst Janson, John Carson, Caroline Munro, Shane Briant, Wanda Ventham, R
Comment
MV5BYmM0YjFkNjktZjdjNC00N2Y3LWFlN2YtNTBkOGI3ZjJkNzEzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDUxNjc5NjY@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,726,1000_AL_.jpg

Dark Waters (1993)

Directed by: Mariano Baino

Starring: Louise Salter, Venera Simmons, Mariya Kapnist

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 34 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Production Design, Atmosphere, Story

WEAKNESSES: Slightly Schmaltzy Climax, Mild Pacing in First Act

Dark Waters (1993)

October 13, 2020

After the death of her father, a young girl travels to a remote convent on an island to find out why her father funded it for years.  

Read More
In Adventure, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Louise Salter, Venera Simmons, Mariya Kapnist, Mariano Baino, R, 4.5 Stars
Comment
MV5BZTczZWEyOTktODNmMC00NDgzLTk3NTktYjllN2Y4MWMxOGViXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTMxODk2OTU@._V1_.jpg

Cargo (2017)

Directed by: Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke

Starring: Martin Freeman, Susie Porter, Simone Landers

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Some Graphic Violence and Language)

Running Time: 1 h 45 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Themes, General Execution

WEAKNESSES: Well Worn Territory, Pacing 

Cargo (2017)

October 12, 2020

In zombie-ridden Australia, a father searches for someone to protect his infant daughter. 

Read More
In Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller Tags Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke, Martin Freeman, Susie Porter, Simone Landers, NR
Comment
MV5BODNhNTk4ZjAtYmFhNy00YzhkLTk1OTktMjQ3NTZlOWQxNjFkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTM2NjIwOA@@._V1_SY999_CR0,0,680,999_AL_.jpg

The Circle (2017)

Directed by: Peter Callow

Starring: Eva-Marie Kung, Ross Noble, Colin Burnicle, Griffin Stevens, Sesselia Olafs, Edward Baker-Duly

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Some Violence Including Disturbing Images and for Language)

Running Time: 1 h 33 m

TMM Score: 2 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Atmosphere, Concept, World Building

WEAKNESSES: Effects, Acting, Unlikeable Characters

The Circle (2017)

October 7, 2020

A group of archaeology students travel to a remote Scottish island where they stumble upon a mysterious site, and soon, unusual phenomenon begin. 

Read More
In Adventure, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags Eva-Marie Kung, Ross Noble, Colin Burnicle, Griffin Stevens, Sesselia Olafs, Edward Baker-Duly, Peter Callow, 2017, 2 Stars
1 Comment
the-hobbit-3.jpg

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (Extended Edition) (2014)

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, John Callen, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Christopher Lee, Ian Holm, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry

Rated: R for Some Violence

Running Time: 2 h 44 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Production Design, Some Action

WEAKNESSES: Thin Story, Battle Fatigue, Abundance of CGI, Pacing 

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (Extended Edition) (2014)

April 15, 2020

The concluding chapter in The Hobbit Trilogy.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Epic, Fantasy, War Tags Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, John Callen, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Christopher Lee, Ian Holm, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Peter Jackson, R, 3 Stars
Comment
MV5BMzU0NDY0NDEzNV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwOTIxNDU1MDE@._V1_.jpg

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Extended Edition) (2013)

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, John Callen, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry

Rated: PG-13 for Extended Sequences of Intense Fantasy Action Violence, and Frightening Images

Running Time: 3 h 7 m

TMM Score: 3.5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Action, Cinematography, Score, Smaug

WEAKNESSES: Tauriel and Legolas, Convoluted Side Plots, Overlong, Too Much CGI

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Extended Edition) (2013)

April 14, 2020

Bilbo Baggins and the Dwarves of Erebor continue their journey.

Read More
In Adventure, Action, Fantasy Tags Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, John Callen, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, 2013, 3.5 Stars
Comment
the-hobbit-an-unexpected-journey-5235952c78ff5.jpg

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Extended Cut) (2012)

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Ian Holm, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Christopher Lee, Lee Pace

Rated: PG-13 for Extended Sequences of Intense Fantasy Violence, Frightening Images, and Fleeting Nudity

Running Time: 3 h 2 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Production Design, Some Action, Overall Story

WEAKNESSES: Length, Pacing, Unnecessary Subplots

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Extended Cut) (2012)

April 13, 2020

Bilbo Baggins is recruited for an adventure that will send him galivanting across Middle Earth.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Epic, War Tags Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Ian Holm, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Christopher Lee, Lee Pace, Peter Jackson, 2012, PG-13, 3 Stars
Comment
MV5BZDNkMjY1YzUtNjEyYi00Y2U0LTlhZmYtY2M5M2U3YjAyYTRjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDgyODgxNjE@._V1_.jpg

Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

Directed by: Ken Annakin

Starring: John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Janet Munro, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Sessue Hayakawa

Rated: G

Running Time: 2 h 6 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, Fun, Production Design, Some Themes

WEAKNESSES: Kevin Corcoran, Length, Practicality, Some Dated Ideas and Themes

Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

March 23, 2020

A Swiss family is shipwrecked on a tropical island where they struggle to survive.

Read More
In Adventure, Action Tags John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Janet Munro, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Sessue Hayakawa, Ken Annakin, G, 4 Stars
Comment
MV5BNzE4YWZkOWMtOWZlNS00NzU4LTk5MDQtZjZkNDllMjM1NGI1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,674,1000_AL_.jpg

A River Runs Through It (1992)

Directed by: Robert Redford

Starring: Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Rated: PG for Momentary Nudity, and Some Language in a Family Drama

Running Time: 2 h 3 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Acting, Cinematography

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Length

A River Runs Through It (1992)

March 18, 2020

The two sons of a minister in Montana come of age, while also learning the secrets of fly-fishing.

Read More
In Adventure, Drama, Coming of Age, Romance Tags Robert Redford, Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Comment
MV5BOTE0ZWY5N2UtZTlmMy00NGIwLTg4MGItMzkzYTY5OTYyOWIyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg

Titus (1999)

Directed by: Julie Taymor

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange, Osheen Jones, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Matthew Rhys

Rated: R for Strong Violent and Sexual Images

Running Time: 2 h 42 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Production Design

WEAKNESSES: Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Matthew Rhys

Titus (1999)

March 13, 2020

Titus returns from war victorious, only to offend enemies that will cause him greater turmoil. 

Read More
In Adventure, Action, Crime, Drama, Epic, Fantasy, War, Thriller Tags Julie Taymor, Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange, Osheen Jones, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Matthew Rhys
Comment
ComeToDaddyPoster.jpg

Come to Daddy (2019)

Directed by: Ant Timpson

Starring: Elijah Wood, Stephen McHattie, Martin Donovan, Michael Smiley, Ona Grauer 

Rated: R for Strong Violence, Language Throughout, Sexual Content and Graphic Nudity

Running Time: 1 h 36 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Unpredictable, Tonal Shifts, Acting, Writing

WEAKNESSES: Some Pacing in First Half of Second Act

Come to Daddy (2019)

March 9, 2020

A man in his thirties travels to a remote cabin to connect with the father he never knew.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller Tags Elijah Wood, Stephen McHattie, Martin Donovan, Michael Smiley, Ona Grauer, Ant Timpson, 4 Stars, R
Comment
MV5BOTdjM2NmZTgtYTFlMS00ZWE1LWExNzItZWEyZGE3NjE3OWQ5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTIzOTk5ODM@._V1_.jpg

Snowpiercer (2013)

Directed by: Bong Joon Ho

Starring: Chris Evans, Kang-ho Song, Jamie Bell, Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris, John Hurt, Octavia Spencer, Ewen Bremner, Alison Pill

Rated: R for Violence, Language and Drug Content

Running Time: 2 h 6 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: World Building, Directing, Story, Themes, Fun, Pacing

WEAKNESSES: Sort of Messy

Snowpiercer (2013)

March 4, 2020

In a frozen post-apocalyptic world, the only survivors of humanity ride a train that travels around the world in an endless cycle.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags Bong Joon-Ho, Chris Evans, Kang-ho Song, Jamie Bell, Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris, John Hurt, Octavia Spencer, Ewen Bremner, Alison Pill, R, 4 Stars
Comment
MV5BMTE3N2IwNmMtOGE0Ny00NWFlLTliNmUtNjY3ODExYjgxNmUyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTMxODk2OTU@._V1_SY1000_SX675_AL_.jpg

The Host (2006)

Directed by: Bong Joon Ho

Starring: Kang-ho Song, Hee-Bong Byun, Hae-il Park

Rated: R for Creature Violence and Language

Running Time: 2 h

TMM Score: 4 Stars

STRENGTHS: Characters, Themes, Entertainment

WEAKNESSES: Stumbles a Bit Towards the End

The Host (2006)

March 3, 2020

A monster from the Han River attacks Seoul while a father races to rescue his daughter.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Foreign Film, Monster Film Tags Kang-ho Song, Hee-Bong Byun, Hae-il Park, Bong Joon-Ho, 4 Stars
Comment
straight-story.jpg

The Straight Story (1999)

Directed by: David Lynch

Starring: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton, Dan Flannery

Rated: G

Running Time: 1 h 52 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Acting, Themes

WEAKNESSES: Sissy Spacek

The Straight Story (1999)

February 28, 2020

An elderly man decides to drive across several states on a lawnmower to see his estranged brother who has just had a stroke.

Read More
In Adventure, Drama, Biographical, Comedy Tags Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton, Dan Flannery, David Lynch, G, 4.5 Stars
Comment
MV5BZWM2N2FiZWUtN2VkNS00Y2VhLTg1NGEtNGM0YzZjMmI2NTI0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTAyODkwOQ@@._V1_.jpg

Wild at Heart (1990)

Directed by: David Lynch

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, Crispin Glover, Isabella Rossellini, Harry Dean Stanton, Dianne Ladd, Jack Nance, Sherilyn Fenn

Rated: R

Running Time: 2 h 5 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Style, Story, Weirdness, Acting

WEAKNESSES: Lynch-lite, Somewhat Silly at Times

Wild at Heart (1990)

February 27, 2020

Young lovers Sailor and Lula go on the run after Lula’s mother tries to keep them apart by any means necessary.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Crime, Coming of Age, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, Crispin Glover, Isabella Rossellini, Harry Dean Stanton, Dianne Ladd, Jack Nance, Sherilyn Fenn, David Lynch, 1990, 3.5 Stars, R
Comment
o 1.jpeg

Okja (2017)

Directed By: Bong Joon-ho

Starring: Seo-hyun Ahn, Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, Giancarlo Esposito, Jake Gyllenhaal, Steven Yeun, Lily Collins, Shirley Henderson

Rated: TV-MA

Run Time: 2h

TMM Score: 4 Stars

Strengths: Characters, Themes, World Building

Weakness: Pacing, Wildly Uneven Tone

Okja (2017)

February 27, 2020

When international food conglomerate, Mirando, genetically engineers a food source called Super Pigs, one little peasant girl is given one as part of a publicity stunt. Ten years later Mirando wants it back but Mija isn’t giving up on her friend, without a fight.

Read More
In Adventure, Epic, Fantasy, Political, Sci Fi Tags Michael McDonald, Okja, 2017, Bong Joon-ho, Seo-hyun Ahn, Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, Giancarlo Esposito, Jake Gyllenhaal, Steven Yeun, Lily Collins, Shirley Henderson, TV-MA, 4 Stars
Comment
MV5BZThhNWMyMjQtYTRiYi00ZmFjLTlkZTItYjE4ZDBmYjMxYzg0L2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTAyODkwOQ@@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,652,1000_AL_.jpg

A Boy and His Dog (1975)

Directed by: L.Q. Jones

Starring: Don Johnson, Susanne Benton, Jason Robards, Tim McIntire (Voice)

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 31 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Unique Story, Characters, Bizarre World, Some Style

WEAKNESSES: Rough Themes, Some Dated Scenes

A Boy and His Dog (1975)

February 21, 2020

In the post-apocalyptic year of 2024, a boy and his telepathic dog travel across a wasteland in search of food, shelter, and sex. 

Read More
In Adventure, Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci Fi, Political, Thriller Tags L.Q. Jones, Don Johnson, Susanne Benton, Jason Robards, Tim McIntire, R, 3.5 Stars
Comment
MV5BNzBkNWMxMTItNDhkNy00MDJmLTk3YTEtYTdmY2JmM2U2MTY3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg

Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701's Grudge Song (1973)

Directed by: Yasuharu Hasebe

Starring: Meiko Kaji, Masakazu Tamura, Yumi Kanei

Rated: NR

Running Time: 1 h 29 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Fun, Style, Pacing, Meiko Kaji

WEAKNESSES: A Bit Superfluous

Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701's Grudge Song (1973)

February 20, 2020

The final chapter in the Female Prisoner Scorpion series.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Exploitation, Foreign Film, Thriller Tags Yasuharu Hasebe, Meiko Kaji, Masakazu Tamura, Yumi Kanei, 1973, NR, 3.5 Stars
Comment
918VSOuI0qL._RI_.jpg

Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable (1973)

Directed by: Shun’ya Ito

Starring: Meiko Kaji, Mikio Narita, Reisen Ri, Yayoi Wantanabe

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Graphic and Disturbing Violence and Nudity)

Running Time: 1 h 27 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Style, Story

WEAKNESSES: Not As Much Fun as Previous Entries

Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable (1973)

February 19, 2020

Matsu the Scorpion is sheltered by a woman whom is being abused, while an old prison mate, the police, and a cop whose arm she hacked off hunt her. 

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Exploitation, Foreign Film, Thriller Tags Shun'ya Ito, Meiko Kaji, Mikio Narita, Reisen Ri, Yayoi Wantanabe
Comment
MV5BNDJjOWE3NjAtYjMyYS00NzI3LWI1NzktNjg1YmY5MjI0NjU2L2ltYWdlL2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNzc5MjA3OA@@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,711,1000_AL_.jpg

Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41 (1972)

Directed by: Shun’ya Ito

Starring: Meiko Kaji, Fumio Wantanabe, Yukie Kagawa, FUdeko Tanaka

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Graphic Violence and Nudity)

Running Time: 1 h 30 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Style, Direction, Story, Action, Fun

WEAKNESSES: Sleazy/ Exploitative (?)

Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41 (1972)

February 18, 2020

The second entry in the Female Prisoner Scorpion series. After being locked in solitary confinement for a year, Matsu the Scorpion escapes with a van full of prisoners and flees across a surreal landscape. 

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Crime, Fantasy, Foreign Film, Mystery, Exploitation, Thriller Tags Meiko Kaji, Fumio Wantanabe, Yukie Kagawa, FUdeko Tanaka, Shun'ya Ito, 1972, NR, 4 Stars
Comment
Older Posts →

Powered by Squarespace