fredmeier-43394

Cinderella's Hot Night, directed by Dean McKendrick, dares to venture into the world of adult comedy, intertwining itself with the well-known story of Cinderella. This film, starring Karlie Montana as Cinderella (Cindy), Beverly Lynne as the Wicked Stepmother, and Penny Pax and Blair Williams as the stepsisters, attempts to add an erotic twist to the beloved fairy tale. But does it succeed?

It follows the typical Skinemax format with soft core sex scenes spread out every 10 minutes or so, interspersed with poorly written and badly acted dialogue. Compared to that library of films, this one rates slightly better than average. Compared to a normal movie, it's still bottom of the barrel.

The cinematography and set design in Cinderella's Hot Night are visually pleasing, with bold colors and a sense of grandeur that befits the fairy tale setting. However, these elements fail to compensate for the film's shallow narrative, which relies heavily on cheap gags and predictable twists. Moreover, the movie tends to overemphasize its adult themes, resulting in scenes that come across as gratuitous rather than genuinely provocative.

One of the critical aspects of a successful retelling is the ability to bring something new to the story while maintaining its essence. Cinderella's Hot Night attempts to break free from the confines of the traditional tale, but it does so without a clear vision or purpose. Instead of enriching the original story, the film's sexualization feels forced, leaving little room for genuine emotional connections between the characters.

In conclusion, Cinderella's Hot Night is a daring but ultimately flawed attempt at reimagining a classic fairy tale. Despite its ambitious approach, it has few standout performances and the film falls short in delivering a satisfying and cohesive story. While it may have been intended as a playful, adult-oriented spin on a beloved tale, the result is an uneven and forgettable experience.

I give this film 2 stars out of 10.

In the shadowy realm of crime thrillers, "Sweet Karma" (2009) emerges as a brutal, yet intriguing exploration of vengeance and the human spirit. Directed by Andrew Thomas Hunt and starring the enigmatic Shera Bechard as the titular character, the film weaves a dark and gritty tale of retribution in the seedy underbelly of Toronto's criminal world.

Karma, a mute woman of striking beauty, embarks on a merciless crusade to avenge her sister's death at the hands of a ruthless Russian sex trafficking ring. Bechard delivers a haunting performance as the stoic Karma, her silence amplifying the intensity of her actions. Through her eyes, we witness the pain and determination that drive her forward.

The film's visual style is reminiscent of the neo-noir aesthetic, with its desaturated colors and high contrast lighting, effectively setting the stage for this grim tale. Hunt's direction is unapologetically bold, presenting the gruesome reality of the sex trafficking industry and its associated violence without flinching.

However, "Sweet Karma" is not without its flaws. The lack of character development, particularly among the antagonists, can leave the audience feeling somewhat disconnected from the film's emotional core. This, coupled with an occasionally uneven pacing, detracts from the overall experience.

Yet, despite its shortcomings, "Sweet Karma" offers a compelling narrative that commands attention. The film's relentless brutality and Bechard's captivating performance ultimately overshadow its imperfections, leaving viewers with a memorable and visceral cinematic experience.

In the end, "Sweet Karma" stands as a testament to the power of raw, unyielding determination in the face of unspeakable cruelty. Though it may not appeal to everyone, fans of the revenge thriller genre will find a harrowing and satisfying journey into the heart of darkness. As the old adage goes, "revenge is a dish best served cold," and in "Sweet Karma," it's a dish served with a chilling, ruthless precision.

6 out of 10 stars.

"The Resident," directed by Antti Jokinen, and starring the talented Hilary Swank alongside Jeffrey Dean Morgan, is a thriller that takes viewers on a suspenseful journey through the complexities of privacy, obsession, and vulnerability.

Swank plays Dr. Juliet Devereau, a young emergency room surgeon in search of a new home after a breakup. She finds what seems like the perfect Brooklyn apartment, managed by the affable Max (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). However, beneath the charming exterior lies a sinister secret, as Max harbors an unhealthy fixation on Juliet. The movie unravels Max's unsettling obsession, as he spies on Juliet through hidden cameras and secret passageways.

Jokinen's direction aims to maintain tension throughout the film, but "The Resident" falls short in achieving the heights of other psychological thrillers. The script, written by Antti Jokinen and Robert Orr, doesn't quite delve deep enough into the characters, leaving the audience desiring a more substantial exploration of their motivations and inner turmoil.

Despite the film's weaknesses, the performances by the lead actors are commendable. Swank delivers a solid portrayal of a woman struggling with vulnerability while trying to regain her footing after a difficult breakup. Morgan is effectively creepy as Max, the landlord with a twisted infatuation. Though their performances are noteworthy, one can't help but feel that they are somewhat constrained by the limitations of the script.

"The Resident" offers a few genuine thrills and chills, but it ultimately falls short of its potential. As a psychological thriller, it lacks the depth and insight that would elevate it above the ordinary. The movie is, however, a watchable exploration of dark obsessions and serves as a reminder of the talented actors involved. If you're in the mood for a suspenseful thriller that doesn't quite hit the mark, "The Resident" might be worth a watch.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.