brooksphillip1 Reviews

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

This is not a lesser Tarantino film....

[9/10 · 4 January 2024]

I love almost all of Tarantino's movies. I don't understand the semi-positive reviews claiming this isn't on par with his other works. It was nominated for best picture.

I think this is one of the most rewatchable movies he made. And the cast is amazing.

Pitt and DiCaprio are great. Both were nominated but only Pitt won the Oscar. DiCaprio's performance was incredible.

Anyway, Tarantino provides a Hollywood fairytale that is so good I once watched it 2 times in a row. I don't think I've done that before.

It's amazing how well QT captures Hollywood of 1969, the older generation (Pitt/DiCaprio) and their contempt for the hippies, the Manson family story. I couldn't recommend this more.

Keep Breathing (2022)

I powered through

[6/10 · 5 January 2023]

I'm not sure whose journey was more difficult: Liv's or mine (the viewer). But I powered through....

I would give this a 5.5 if I could, and I rated it like a movie, not a show. Essentially it's a 3+ hour movie. I think limited series or episodic tv ratings are typically inflated because you develop an emotional tie to their characters. This movie did its best to make you dislike the hero. She was genuinely mean to the people who cared about her. But I powered through and found myself rooting for her at the end.

The filmmakers seem to think the audience is dumb: lingering too long on an item or action that would become important later.

Many reviewers rightfully complained about the flashbacks. The flashbacks weren't all bad and could have been effective if the filmmakers were able to better illustrate the emotional journey (the flashbacks) that paralleled the present time survival journey. The main character was not only fighting for her life in a harsh, desolate environment, she was fighting in an internal, emotional battle that would ultimately make her life worth living.

The scenery, survival theme, and acting were positives. The emotional journey was just difficult sometimes. It was pretty heavy handed.

Could have been a very watchable 2/2.5 hour movie.

The Terminal List (2022– )

Great show

[8/10 · 3 August 2022]

I've seen some reviews that have baffled me. One critic essentially called this jingoistic garbage. I'm not sure that reviewer saw this and fully understands the meaning of jingoism.

This is a revenge show - vigilantism with a skilled protagonist. If you're not into that sort of thing, maybe this isn't for you. If Death Wish meets First Blood, with some psychological thriller elements, appeals to you - you should watch this.

I like this cast, too. And contrary to some reviewers, I like the pacing too.

I just hope they produce more shows like this at Amazon.

The Man from Toronto (2022)

If you have absolutely nothing to do and you've seen everything else...

[5/10 · 26 June 2022]

It's not bad under the above circumstances.

I like Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson, but they might have phoned this one in. Not that they had much to work with.

This is a mindless comedy that's very light on the comedy.

But I watched it all and it certainly wasn't the worst thing I've seen. Sometimes these trite movies surprise you with some good laughs. This one just didn't really deliver.

I'm Your Woman (2020)

Humanity...

[7/10 · 16 December 2020]

I understand why many people have reviewed this film negatively. It's not for everyone. If it were meant to be for everyone, the producers would have dug up another comic book character and we'd have another steaming piece of Marvel to stare at for 2 hours. With great production value, I'm sure.

This is a slow burn. I like that. I want to care about the characters before I know (or I am left to determine) their fate. I want to see Jean's transformation-especially since she is simply Eddie's woman for the first part of the story. She starts off purposeless. Maybe a pretty face he didn't marry for her cooking.

Anyway, the plot moves soon enough and we are presented with a crime movie not dissimilar from most crime movies. Except for the transformation of Jean. And the humanity. The kindness of strangers along the way. The touch of a stranger at a laundromat. Some good people.

There are a couple of events in the film that cannot be overlooked. Maybe these events will cause some viewers to find one or two of the heroes irredeemable. (I'm being vague to avoid spoilers.) But at least it gives you something to think about as you watch it.

Also, I love the two Aretha songs (covers) in this film: Natural Woman and The Weight. (Sorry, I had to throw that in.)

If you like independent films, I think you'll like this one. Personally, I am glad I watched it and enjoyed seeing Jean's arc.

Run (I) (2020)

Impressive Leads

[7/10 · 12 December 2020]

I really enjoyed this movie. The most effective suspenseful elements in this movie are within each scene: the anticipation and build up of what's going to happen. I don't really think the trailer diminishes anything, contrary to what others have said, because you would know what was going on within the first 10 minutes of the movie anyway. That is, if you've seen more than a handful of thrillers in your life.

The movie is good but the actors are great. They are why I rated this movie a 7. You'll get what you'd expect from Sarah Paulson: excellence. But this was my first time seeing Kiera Allen, and I thought she was great as well.

If you like jump scares (or at least the anticipation of them), and suspenseful psychological horror films, check this movie out. It's dark and creepy, without gore, and the lead actors will not disappoint.

Community (2009–2015)

Probably my favorite sitcom ever

[9/10 · 12 August 2019]

This is on par with Arrested Development (pre-Netflix) and the first 3 seasons of 30 Rock. In fact, I prefer this show over any sitcom I've seen. Surprisingly they were able to maintain the show's quality for some time without a significant drop off in quality. It's like a smarter version of The Office.

If you feel like you've earned a PhD in pop culture, film and television (no judgment here) then this is the show for you.

Zero Effect (1998)

The world's best detective is hired to find the blackmailer of a wealthy businessman.

[9/10 · 14 April 2006]

Excellent story and dialog. Certainly underrated. The film has great performances by Bill Pullman and Kim Dickens, as well as Ben Stiller. This one seems to have gone unnoticed by most people, but it was clever and entertaining. The plot moves and has plenty of twists, but the plot twists are not what makes the film great. The characters and their development are what make this movie unique. Daryl Zero is one of the most memorable private detectives I have ever seen and his relationship with Gloria Sullivan (Kim Dickens) is well developed. Daryl's sidekick, Ben Stiller, is interesting too as his loyalties are tested throughout the film. At first it is difficult to determine how astute Daryl is--is he really the "most observant" person in the world? Or is he a bumbling fake? As the story develops, you see how adept Daryl Zero is. Even the soundtrack is good with a great song by Nick Cave.