"Pot Shots"—Film reviews by Phillip Brugalette, the Son of Celluloid

Swedish director Mikael Hafstrom (2005's Derailed, plus a long list of Swedish films) brings Stephen King's short story to the screen and leaves us with a gem. Mike Enslin (John Cusack) turned cynic after the death (we assume from an incurable disease) of his young daughter, Katie (Jasmine Anthony), has separated from his wife, Lily (Mary McCormack). Enslin has moved to the West Coast to write books about haunted places—motels, B&Bs, graveyards, farms, and hotels—mostly to debunk the idea that ghosts exist.

Spanish director, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (with limited credits to his name), took on the directing and shared the writing credits with Rowan Joffe (also with limited credits) to bring us a follow-up to the popular 2002 28 Days Later. As you may recall, in 28 Days, the people of England are succumbing to the "rage virus," which immediately turns the infected into biting, tearing, raving lunatics. Unlike zombies, who need a shot to the head, these creatures can be killed more easily, except for the fact that there are so many and the virus spreads so quickly.

If you enjoy Frank Miller's work, you'll enjoy seeing his graphic novel 300 brought to the screen. The story is based on a fantasy version of the Battle of Thermopylae, when in 480 B.C.E., 300 Spartan soldiers, along with a handful of Greeks, held back King Xerxes' entire 100,000+ Persian army for three days. In true fantasy style, expect giant rhinos, giant elephants, and even a few giant mutant soldiers. On the plus side, this film is true to Frank Miller's graphic novel with its sweeping comic book style panoramas. Only here, they are moving.